Times of Oman - December 7, 2015 by Muscat Media Group

44 243

6 085010 120010 FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

On the occasion of the 28th National Day

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ Intense co-operation between the Government, the private sector and the Citizen in the training, qualifying and employment of the national workforce is undoubtedly one of the most important factors in the realisation of the basic goals of our development plans, which aim at building the human being, and improving his capabilities and experience, in order to provide society with prosperity and stability.

MONDAY, December 7, 2015 / 25 Safar 1437 AH

timesofoman.com

wtimesofoman.com

facebook.com/timesofoman

twitter.com/timesofoman

blog.timesofoman.com

ISO 9001:2008 Certiﬁed Company

Jobs warning from construction bosses The CEO of the Oman Society of Contractors (OSC), however, said achievement of 30 per cent Omanisation at this moment is not a workable target. “The target means that 166,521 skilled and competent Omani workforce should join the sector today. How is that possible when there are 142,000 active and nonactive job seekers in the country, including 129,100 secondary school graduates and below? Of these, 87,200 are women,” the CEO of OSC said. “We should work to reach the Omanisation levels, starting with 12 per cent in 2016 and increase it to 15 per cent by 2020,” the CEO added.

The CEO of the Oman Society of Contractors has called for rules on expatriate workers to be relaxed, and warns jobs of Omanis could be at risk

REJIMON K TARIQ AL HAREMI

reji@timesofoman.com tarqih@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Calls for a fresh rethink of the Sultanate’s visa system for expat workers have been fuelled by the CEO of the Oman Society of Contractors (OSC), who has warned that 55,000 Omani workers in the construction sector face an uncertain future. Shahswar Al Balushi, the Chief Executive Officer of OSC, said that challenging conditions in the construction sector, made worse by the global price of oil, meant that businesses needed more ﬂexibility to employ expatriate contractors, including easy transfer of employment visas inside Oman, and less demanding Omanisation targets. “Out of the 200,000 Omanis working in the private sector, 26

DIFFICULT TIMES: There is a demand for local transfer of Omani and expatriate workers.

per cent are in the construction sector. If the current conditions prevail, they will be losing their jobs,” Al Balushi said. “How can construction companies continue to run if they are not getting workers? The sector is in a free fall. This is a worrying situation. While some companies are getting workers, many are unable to. It is affecting the projects. Long-drawn delays, at times for years on end, are having a drastic impact on the companies’ proﬁta-

bility and cash ﬂow. Smaller companies cannot resist prolonged payment delays and they end up going bust,” the official noted. However, a top official at the Ministry of Manpower said that contrary to belief, the construction sector is active. “The construction sector is active and the rate of Omanisation was decided years ago. We cannot backtrack from that,” Said Salem Al Saadi, the advisor to the Minister of Manpower, told the Times of Oman.

MASTERING THE ART

Visually-impaired Omani crafts beautiful wooden sculptures

TALENTED: Waleed Al Hashmi has mastered wood crafting skill.

HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

hassan@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Waleed Al Hashmi’s talent is a tale of vision without sight. The 31-year-old lost the ability to see when he was only 15, a challenge he calls ‘a gift.’ For years, Waleed was not able to study or work. After suffering for a long time, he was introduced to a Japanese wood crafting machine which he instantly fell in love with. The visually-impaired Omani

started training ﬁve years ago to master wood crafting skill. He is now able to make candle holders, salt and pepper shakers and pens made of pine wood. It takes Waleed 45 minutes to craft a pen which he sells for OMR15. He recently made a special edition of pens in white, green and red colours to resemble Oman’s ﬂag on the occasion of the 45th National Day. With an iPhone supported with Arabic language text and voice, Al

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

OMAN

Expats’ earnings rise in Oman: HSBC survey

Almost three-quarters of expats in Oman saw an increase in their disposable income as a result of moving into the Sultanate, an HSBC survey reveals. According to the survey, one in four say living in Oman made it possible for them to own additional property. >A2

REGION

SPORTS

Aden governor killed in car bomb blast

Oman to host America’s Cup World Series

The governor of Aden was killed by a car bomb on Sunday in Yemen’s southern port city. >A7

Oman Sail has won the right to host an America’s Cup World Series event in 2016 in the country. >C1

Hashmi communicates with the outside world easily, like anybody else. Advanced technology has deﬁnitely helped him to continue to lead a normal life, but what stands out is his strong will and dedication. “Talent and dedication are the main factors in anyone’s success,” said Waleed, adding that Oman is full of talented disabled people who need the society’s support and faith. Waleed hopes he can participate in more exhibitions in the near future.

Omanisation rate However, the minister’s advisor said the contractors are not obliged to achieve the Omanisation rate, but they are encouraged to do so. “Some companies and SMEs have achieved it already. We aim to achieve that rate but the construction sector is deﬁnitely not disabled,” the advisor noted. According to the OSC official, they had put up a proposal last April itself to restructure the visa system and save the market. “Local transfer of Omani and expatriate workers should be allowed. If some company does not have a project and workers are stranded, the companies which have projects should be allowed to hire them. The procedures should be simpliﬁed,” the OSC official said, adding that they still have not received any reply from the ministry. >A6

Sayyid Fahd discusses minutes of meeting

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

$15m gift for road safety campaign, autism centre Times News Service MUSCAT: A national centre for autism and a major initiative to promote road safety will be funded by a multimillion dollar ‘Gift to the Nation’ from Oman LNG. The ﬁrst project will involve the construction of a National Centre for Autism in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD). The centre, to be set up in Muscat, will be dedicated to serve the entire Sultanate. The second project will look after traffic safety and will be aimed at curtailing road accidents through a futuristic Road Safety Institute in Sur, South Sharqiyah Governorate, home to the Oman’ ﬂagship LNG entity. Over the past several months, Oman LNG has been conducting studies and analysis into various

social, environmental and health phenomena through deploying cutting-edge initiatives. After extensive examinations that involved many stakeholders, debating various considerations regarding innovation, sustainability and the objectives of the proposed projects for the community, Oman LNG’s Board of Directors endorsed two projects to be set up at an approximate cost of $15 million. Both the initiatives reﬂect Oman LNG’s ambitious drive to realise His Majesty’s directives on improving social welfare and traffic safety across Oman. Additionally, the projects complement the ﬁrm’s rigorous Corporate Social Responsibility portfolio related to social care and safety initiatives, bolstered through the recently established LNG Development Foundation. >A6

MONDAY, D E CEMBER 7, 2 015

OMAN

Authorities will not hesitate to adopt utmost ﬁrmness against such irresponsible behaviours, urging everyone to verify and make sure before embarking on the publication or circulation of any data or messages Royal Oman Police

ROP ACTION

SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS

Insta8oman showcases Omani artists Citizen detained for spreading rumours

Staff reporter

MUSCAT: Continuing with its efforts, Insta8oman has showcased eight talented Omani artists in a fresh event in the capital. The event—running straight for the eighth time–was organised at Bait Al Zubair museum on Tuesday where eight Omani emerging artists shared their experience about how to successfully build a career using social media tools. Insta8 is a public speaking platform, where eight motivators are selected to speak for eight minutes on their art, usually images, videos and paintings, which are promoted on Instagram. Fahmi Al Maawali, the man be-

hind Insta8oman, said his concept showed how people use Instagram in innovative ways “or to promote their businesses or community organisations.” He said his idea of promoting eight inspirational speakers, who speak on eight Instagram images for eight minutes, could be easily adopted anywhere. Ibrahim Gailani (gailaniart), Farah Asqul (Faroochie), Taimr AlBusaidia (taimr_arts), Yusuf Al Hinai (i_motions), Mahmood albattashi (m.albattashi), Ali Al Sharji (brilliantmindzphotography), Issa alnaamani (issawy93), Buthaina Al Rahbi Bathoon (3bdallah) were the eight participants for the event.

MUSCAT: A citizen was detained for spreading rumours about the issuance of a royal decree on cabinet reshuffle, a source at the Royal Oman Police (ROP) said. The rumour has been circulating on social networking sites and smart phone apps. The citizen was referred to the competent authorities to decide on his case as determined by the laws.

COMMON CAUSE: The speakers shared tips on how to promote creativity among art lovers through social media. – OK Mohammed Ali

W E E K LY R E P O R T

494 workers held for labour law violations Times News Service MUSCAT: A total of 494 workers were held for violating the labour law between November 22 and November 28, according to the weekly report of the joint inspection team at the Ministry of Manpower. They included 408 commercial workers, 37 farm workers and 49 housemaids or their equivalents. The inspection teams caught 476 workers, including 225 absconding workers, 204 astray workers and 47 workers guilty of having committed other violations. The Governorate of Muscat witnessed the largest number of workers at 175 violating the law, followed by the Governorate of North Al Batinah with 144. The competent authorities at the Ministry of Manpower are initiating legal procedures against these workers.

Addressing the rumours The move is part of the Government’s efforts to curb the rumours and put an end to any impudence on the state’s insti-

tutions and the exploitation of such means to broadcast negative messages contrary to the values of society and public order. Utmost ﬁrmness The official source affirmed that the authorities will not hesitate to adopt utmost ﬁrmness against such irresponsible behaviours, urging everyone to verify and make sure before embarking on the publication or circulation of any data or messages via those means and applications due to the negative impact resulting from such rumours and incorrect news on the society. -ONA

Expats are able to save more in Oman: Survey Around 72 per cent of expats saw an increase in their disposable income after moving to Oman. It also helped boost their long-term plans, with 76 per cent being able to save more, according to the survey

Times News Service MUSCAT: Almost three-quarters of expats in Oman saw an increase in their disposable income as a result of moving to the Sultanate, a survey by the HSBC reveals. “Around 72 per cent of expats in Oman saw an increase in their disposable income as a result of moving. It also helped boost their long-term plans, with 76 per cent being able to save more,” the Expat Explorer survey, commissioned by HSBC Expat and conducted by YouGov, says. According to the survey, one in four say living in Oman made it possible for them to own additional property. Qatar and Saudi Arabia also shine, as 76 per cent and 68 per cent of the expats, respectively, say they enjoy greater disposable income than they did in

their home country. According to the survey, expats in the Middle East enjoy the highest standard of living globally. “The region is also home to the second largest group of expats with annual income of over $200,000 (16 per cent, behind Asia Pacific at 19 per cent),” the survey adds. “With a low tax environment, countries in the Middle East offer this group an unrivalled opportunity to simplify their finances. Only 13 per cent of expats in Oman and 16 per cent in Bahrain saw their financial situation becoming tougher to manage as a result of moving,” the survey adds. Middle Eastern destinations are also appealing to younger expats (aged 18 to 34) from a financial point of view. According to the survey, three out of five (60 per cent of expats under 35 years of age) increased

their earnings after moving to Oman, while 65 per cent receive an accommodation allowance from their employer. Qatar is the best place for young expats to step on to the property ladder as almost a third (31 per cent) of them bought their first home while living in the country. Oman is close behind, with almost a quarter (22 per cent) of young expats in the country able to afford their first property. “Managing your finances is a key part of living abroad, whether it is sending money back home, saving for the future or, for longterm expats, getting a foot on the housing ladder. As an expat, you often need to navigate these financial issues in not one, but two or more countries. That can be difficult but shouldn’t be impossible – no matter where your expat journey takes you, detailed planning and professional advice can help you to prosper abroad,” says Dean Blackburn, Head of HSBC Expat. “Many destinations offer financial rewards too. Earning potential can be higher and living costs lower, for instance. That can mean building your savings while still enjoying more of the finer things in life. “With the right financial planning, you will spend less time worrying about money and more time enjoying the expat experience,” the HSBC expat adds.

M ONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

Share your world with us on Instagram

OMAN

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY SHARE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS

Crime rate falls by 22 per cent in the Sultanate number of crimes committed by Omanis is double than those committed by expatriates. CRIME IN OMAN, 2014 The

Musandam and Al Wusta governorates registered the lowest

Crime type

Expats Omanis

Homicide Aggravated assault Robbery

24 + 19 1,455

2,066

1,426

1,368

2,794

56 352

0 2

56 354

6,973

602

3,684

the total crimes

Drug use

in the Sultanate

Bribery and corruption

MUSCAT: A 22 per cent decrease in crime has been recorded in Oman in 2014 compared to 2013, according to a report issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). The report further reveals that the number of arrested offenders dropped by 4.2 per cent to stand at 10,572. There are three criminals out of each 1,000 people in Oman, according to the report. “Crimes against people, which include murder, theft, assault and rape, made up some 65.5 per cent of total crimes. Thefts made up 80 per cent of crimes against people,” the report says. Victimless crimes accounted for 26 per cent of total crimes, of which 96.6 per cent were drug-related crimes and 3.1 per cent prostitution, while gambling made up 0.3 per cent. In 2014, crimes involving private property reached 5 per cent of total crimes. Car thefts led the category with 80.4 per cent, followed by arson at 19.6 per cent.

Expatriates

3,599

Gambling Prostitution

Staff Reporter

Total number of offenders by nationality

133 142 71

only 1 per cent of

Fraud

Number of offenders by crime type

121 107 54

12 35 17

Embezzlement

611

Rape Vehicle theft Arson

rate of crimes, with

Total

412

118

Omanis

4,286 92 5 530

Source: NCSI

Two-thirds of crimes and criminals were reported in Muscat, North Al Batinah and Dhofar

The Royal Oman Police (ROP) recorded a number of white-collar crimes, which comprised 4 per cent of total crimes. Forgery was 90 per cent of total white collar crimes, followed by bribery and corruption at 8.4 per cent. Juveniles offenders between nine and 17 years old were reported as only 2.5 per cent of all offenders, according to the report, while adults between 18 -29 years old accounted for

Total number of offenders in 2014

10,572 Graphics

49 per cent of total criminals. One-third of criminals in Oman are expatriates, while Omanis make up 66 per cent of offenders, with 97 per cent of them being males. However, female offenders account for 16 per cent of total crimes committed by expatriates. The recent study showed that arrests of Omanis account for the highest number in all crime categories, except for white collar crimes. Moreover, the report also revealed that half of those accused in crimes against people were Omanis. Two-thirds of crimes and criminals were reported in Muscat, North Al Batinah and Dhofar, while the crime rate witnessed growth in Al Buraimi, with ﬁve offenders and six crimes for each 1,000 per capita. Meanwhile, Musandam and Al Wusta governorates registered the lowest rate of crimes, with only 1 per cent of total crimes in the Sultanate.

MONDAY, D E CEMBER 7, 2 015

OMAN

300

is the number of people who have died in the massive ﬂooding, of Chennai so far

Expats come to aid of Chennai flood victims

CONCERN

Two expats from Tamil Nadu in Oman SEEKING WARMTH: Cats often seek shelter under car engines and tyres to escape cold weather in the winter. – Times of Oman

showed the way

Watch out for a cat under your car, say animal activists

them to help those

HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

hassan@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Winter is just around the corner, which is the time of year when cats seek shelter under car engines and tyres to escape cold weather. Animal activists in Oman are calling upon motorists to bang on the hoods of their cars before running their engines to avoid injuring or killing cats. “Drivers should also wait for any noise or movement before starting the engine,” said Nada Al Moosa, head of Omani Paws. While Oman is not as cold as many places, it is still chilly for many animals. “A car is a source of heat and protection, especially if it is driven regularly,”said Dr Emily Shotter, a member of the Omani Paws group. Simple tips There are a few simple tips motorists can follow to help save a cat from being harmed. “A simple slap on the bonnet of the car before entering, a couple of sharp taps and then wait around 10 seconds for any snoozing or hiding animal to wake up and come out of the engine,” says Shotter. People can also provide alternative shelters for cats. “Bring a large cardboard box, stuffed with some shredded newspaper or hay,” she advised. “Make sure the box is large enough for one or two adult cats, seal up the box and cut a hole just big enough for them to enter in one side. Place it in a sheltered, safe

space and it is more likely cats will use it, rather than your engine,” Shotter added. “The other thing is to just walk around the car quickly and take a close look at the concealed areas to make sure there is no cat or dog resting on top of a tyre,” Shotter added. “If you discovered a cat in your engine housing, stop the car and try to coax the cat out by putting food near the car. If that doesn’t work, it is sometimes necessary to check from the bonnet area and underneath the car to see if it can be removed safely,” Shotter advised. “Hopefully the cat will come out, after being tempted by the food,” she added. “Cats seek warmth and they can ﬁnd it in car engines and tyres,” said Al Moosa. According to Nada, the scenario is not uncommon and her team has received reports from different locations in Oman where cats squeezed themselves inside car engines. “Not all are that lucky; most of them die in the process,” she noted. Nada said that a few weeks ago, her friend reported a kitten in the Royal Opera House Muscat car park. “We went there and the kitten was alone. Upon asking around, we learned that there were no other cats there, so we thought the kitten came from a different location while concealed in someone’s vehicle engine,” said Nada, while adding that last year she rescued a kitten that was trapped in a 4X4 car in Shatti Al Qurum.

and others followed suffering in Chennai following the heavy rains there

Staff Reporter MUSCAT: As Chennai, the capital city of the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu suffered ravaging spells of rains, the Indian community hailing from the state in Oman proved that the city is not alone. Two residents from Tamil Nadu in Oman showed the way and the rest followed them to help those suffering due to the rain affecting Chennai. KrithikaSivakumar and Yasodha Ananthram from Tamil Nadu took the initiative to collect clothes for the people of Chennai. They started to collect garments from their friends initially, but later, many others contributed to the initiative. “Many contributed to make this into a huge success. Initially, the Tamil Sangam of the Indian Social Club helped us collect clothes,” Krithika Sivakumar told the Times of Oman. Community effort “We only took the initiative but many others helped, so it is not a single person’s work,” she added. According to Krithika, people collected clothes from their friends and from neighbours while some forwarded messages in social media like Whatsapp, Facebook, etc and made this charity a success. “We received help from everybody, not just from Tamil people, but also from the North Indians and Keralites,” Krithika said. “I don’t even know many people personally but everybody showed

HELPING THE NEEDY: Expatriates collected clothes from their friends and from neighbours while some forwarded messages on social media like WhatsApp, Facebook, etc and made this charity a success. – Times of Oman

love and care for the people in Chennai,” she added. The massive flooding, believed to be the worst in a century, saw more than 300 persons dying in the natural disaster so far. The Tamil Nadu government on Sunday said 14,32,924 people rescued from the flood affected areas are housed in relief camps. Four districts in Tamil Nadu — Chennai, Kanchipuram, Thiruvallur and Cuddalore — have been badly affected by floods due to heavy rains for the past one month. The relief material will be sorted into items for new born, children, women, men and warm clothes and handed over to Oman Air Cargo at 4pm. Thiruvadi Seva Social Welfare Trust and Seva Bharathi whose volunteers have been in constant communication to supervise the collection, will receive the material for distribution among the needy among the flood-hit. Meanwhile, intermittent rains on Sunday and a forecast of more lashing the region over the next two days kept people in Chennai, its suburbs and coastal districts on their toes even as normal life appeared to be returning to the

ﬂood-ravaged areas. All ﬂight operations, domestic and international, and train services from both Chennai Central and Egmore are to resume tomorrow as water levels in the Adyar and Cooum rivers receded, enabling authorities to restore tracks this afternoon. Throughout Sunday, intermittent rains continued, which were at times heavy, in Chennai, its suburbs, Kanchipuram, Thiruvallur and Cuddalore districts. The weatherman has predicted more rains in the next 48 hours. More rain expected Rain-battered Cuddalore is likely to receive heavy to very heavy showers, the meteorological department said, adding that Sunday’s showers were due to a twin weather system, including formation of a new trough of low pressure over Bay of Bengal along the Tamil Nadu coast. Power supply has been restored in several areas, while it continued to be disconnected in many others, where water has not receded, as a measure of precaution. Ravaged by heavy rains last week which crippled services,

several private and public sector banks operated on Sunday. A large number of private and public sector banks functioned to clear the backlog caused by the rains which had paralysed ATM services. Precautionary measure As a precautionary measure, the state government has declared holidays for schools and colleges tomorrow in the districts, including in Chennai, Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur. All domestic and international flights from Chennai, both day and night, will resume from tomorrow morning after partial day-time services operated on Sunday. “Availability of Chennai airport for all weather, day and night operations for all flights for domestic and international terminals will be there from 6 am of 7.12.2015,” an Airport Authority of India statement said late this evening. This followed an inspection by the DGCA to check out the feasibility of resuming night operations, an AAI spokesman said. The airport was shut down last Tuesday night after heavy downpour flooded the runway and all other operating areas.

EVENT

Muscat zone wins Risala Study Circle’s art festival

ZONAL ART FESTIVAL: This was the ﬁrst zonal art festival organised by Risala Study Circle in

Oman. –Supplied photo

Times News Service SAHAM: Activities of the Risala Study Circle (RSC) in the ﬁeld of art is a model for many, Indra Mani Pandey, the Indian Ambassador to the Sultanate, said. “Art should not die. By holding such art festivals, the RSC is doing a social service to the expat students and youngsters,” the ambassador said while attending the RSC’s National Art Festival in Saham. This was the ﬁrst zonal art festivals organised by RSC in Oman. Muscat zone emerged as the overall champion in the festival. There were 30 items in which contestants competed.

Mohammed Nisan from the Muscat zone was the individual champion

Seeb zone won the second position while the Sohar zone came third in the festival. More than 100 participants from nine zones competed in the RSC art festival. Mohammed Nisan from the Muscat zone was the individual

champion. Prizes were distributed to the winners of the book test and the online essay competition, held as part of the art festival. As part of the closing ceremony of the festival, many entertainment items were presented. Majilis Al Shura council member Mohammed bin Khamis Al Badi, Director of Islamic Publishing Bureau (IPB) Sadhiq Saqaﬁ Perinthotiri, Ishaq Mattannoor, Umar Haji Matra, the Gulf Council of the College Convenor Feroz Abdurahman, Manoj Kumar, Mecca Hyper Market Managing Director Mammootty, Yusuf Salim and local leaders attended the inaugural ceremony of the RSC art festival.

M ONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH TWITTER PAGE

Tweet all about it

A safer holiday weekend this time A Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance official said there were no major incidents or road accidents during the National Day holidays, apart from the drowning of an 18-year-old Jordanian in Dhofar

TARIQ AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Greater awareness of dangers coupled with due carefulness seem to have had an impact on the number of accidents during holidays in Oman. An official from the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA) said there were no major incidents or road accidents during the National Day holidays, apart from the drowning of an 18-year-old Jordanian teenager in Dhofar. It is all a matter of awareness, the official said. This, while the number of people taking advantage of short holidays, venturing out to enjoy

the Sultanate’s many natural attractions and create their own adventure experiences, has risen. “Before the holiday, we had sent guidelines and warnings and we thank the citizens for their compliance,” said the PACDA official while praising them for staying safe and aware. Holidays are often marked with unfortunate incidents and accidents which result in either injury to people or deaths. Negligence seems to be the most common trigger for untimely deaths and injuries among tourists, citizens and residents alike. Past record While people tend to enjoy holidays, some are negligent about their own safety, at times the results being fatal. Several people drowned during the Eid holidays earlier this year while many died in road accidents. The infamous Haima bus crash carrying Lulu staff and their families for a holiday in Salalah claimed the lives of seven people, leaving about 30 others injured. According to a report released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), accidents have gone down by 14.3 percent with 4,828 accidents reported until the end of October 2015, compared to 5,633 recorded during the same period last year. “I believe the citizens were aware of the situation. Additionally, certain weather conditions do not help, such as a rough sea,” said the official explaining that the ocean is rough on certain occasions, besides chilly air or cold water.

OMAN

SCIENTIFIC COLLEGES

GRADUATION CEREMONY: The total number of graduate students from all colleges totalled 2,930 including 2,505 with bachelor degrees, 298 students with master degrees, 18 students with PhD degrees and 109 with Doctor of Medicine degrees. – ONA

2,930 students get degrees from SQU MUSCAT: It was a dream come true for many students as Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) celebrated on Sunday evening the graduation of its 26th batch in the scientiﬁc colleges, namely the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, the Nursing College, the College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences and the College of Engineering, in addition to the College of Sciences. The ceremony was held under the auspices of Sayyid Mohammed bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Minister of State and Governor of Dhofar. The total number of graduate students from all colleges totalled 2,930 of whom 2,505 with bachelor

degree, 298 students with master degree, 18 students with PhD degree and 109 with Doctor of Medicine degree. One hundred and ﬁfty-ﬁve students graduated from the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, including 29 students with bachelor degree, 109 students with MD degree, 14 students with master degree and 3 students with doctoral degree. Seventy-two students graduated from the College of Nursing with bachelor degree. Five hundred ten students graduated from the College of Engineering of whom 476 students with bachelor degree, 30 students with

master degree and 4 students with doctoral degree. Four hundred and forty-three students graduated from the College of Sciences of whom 411 students with bachelor degree, 27 students with master degree, and 5 students with doctoral degree. Dr. Ali bin Saud Al Bimani, Vice Chancellor of SQU delivered a speech at the beginning of the graduation ceremony during which he congratulated the graduates and wished them success in their working lives and actively contribute to the Renaissance of the nation and the development of its institutions. He added that the university is

witnessing the graduation of the 7th batch of doctoral degree holders, and the 20th batch of master degree holders and the 26th batch of bachelor degree holders. Mohammed bin Mansour Al Riyami from the College of Sciences delivered a speech on behalf of the graduates. Ibrahim bin Khamis Al Abri, from the College of Engineering delivered a poem entitled On Crown of Glory. At the end of the graduation ceremony, Sayyid Mohammed bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Minister of State and Governor of Dhofar handed over the graduation certiﬁcates to the graduates. -ONA

G R A D UAT I O N

SQU medical, nursing graduates take oath Times News Service MUSCAT: Oath taking ceremony for 109 medical and 72 nursing graduates of Sultan Qaboos University was held on Sunday under the patronage of Dr Mohammed bin Saif Al Hosni, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Health. Dr. Muna Ahmed Al Saadon, Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs,

College of Medicine & Health Sciences, administered the oath to 109 medical graduates, of which 75 were women. Oath administered Salma Juma Al Mukhaini, Lecturer, Department of Adult Health & Critical Care, administered the oath to 72 nursing graduates from the college, including 63 women.

Prof. Omar Awad Al Rawas, Dean of the College of Medicine & Health Sciences, and Dr. Esra Al Khasawneh, Dean of the College of Nursing, congratulated the graduates on the occasion and wished them success in their future careers. The Deans called upon the graduates to practice their profession with honesty and integrity. Ahmed bin Ashraf Naaim and

Khoula Al Khanbashi from the College of Medicine & Health Sciences, and the College of Nursing, respectively, spoke on behalf of the graduates. They expressed their gratitude to their respective colleges and the university, and promised to pursue their professions with utmost sincerity and integrity to ensure the health and well-being of the people.

MONDAY, D E CEMBER 7, 2 015

OMAN

The lights are automatically switched on in the evening or when the skies are cloudy Ahmed Al Kamzari Assistant director of Daba Municipality

Solar lights to illuminate park in Musandam roads,” said Al Kamzari. He added that the municipality is working on utilising more environment-friendly methods in the wilayat. It recently completed work on the ﬁrst phase of upgrading the water sewage system. “We aim at dispensing with the water metering system in parks and gardens through rationalising expenditure and ﬁnding alternative sources,” Al Kamzari concluded. The amount of solar energy available in Oman is one of the highest in the world, according to the Public Authority for Electricity and Water website.

The amount of solar energy available in Oman is one of the highest in the world, according to the Public Authority for Electricity and Water

HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

hassan@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A new set of solarpowered lights will be fully operational around the Daba Public Park by the end of this week, according to Ahmed Al Kamzari, assistant director of Daba Municipality. The ﬁrst energy-saving light pole was installed on Sunday. Nineteen more poles will be put in place by Thursday in the public park in the Musandam governorate. Costing around OMR8,000 for the entire project, Al Kamzari said the municipality adopted the idea after seeing the success of solarpowered lights in other countries. Explaining how the lights function, Al Kamzari said the Chinese made poles collect sunlight energy throughout the day and provide light later when the skies get darker.

RENEWABLE ENERGY: The ﬁrst energy-saving light pole was installed at Daba Public Park on Sunday. Photo-Supplied

“The lights are automatically switched on in the evening or when the skies are cloudy,” Al Kamzari explained. “Each pole is 3.5 metres high and the battery life-span is three years. We have future plans to install energy-saving devices in other parts of the wilayat, including the main

CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

Solar project Experts believe the contribution of renewable energy in total energy production is negligible in Oman and if the solar project becomes successful, focus will shift to setting up more and more solar energy projects in the coming years. Earlier this year, four solar power projects were proposed by the Rural Areas Electricity Company (Raeco) in a move to efficiently utilise renewable energy, thus reducing use of fossil fuels. These four pilot projects are planned in different parts of the country — one each in Ibri (2,000 kilowatt), Sharqiyah (2,000 kilowatt), Mudhaibi (2,000 kilowatt) and Dhofar (500 kilowatt). A licence for the Sultanate’s ﬁrst solar power plant was also issued to BahwanAstonﬁeld Solar Energy Company by the Authority for Electricity Regulation (AER) in June 2015.

HIGH-LEVEL MEETING

Photo: Mohamed Al Rashdi

Fahd discusses minutes of meeting scheduled in Saudi MUSCAT: His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Conferences, presided over the meeting on Sunday. Within the framework of the attention being accorded by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to support the Gulf Cooperation march (GCC), the Higher Committee for Conferences reviewed the recommendations of the Ministerial Committees to be raised at the upcoming 36th meeting of

GCC leaders, scheduled to be held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) this month. The Committee discussed the means of activating the GCC economic cooperation through implementing relevant resolutions taken earlier and accelerating performance in the joint projects for realising the sustainability of the GCC comprehensive development. The Committee also addressed issues studied by the Consultative Authority as delegated by the GCC Supreme Council that aims

for joint action and support the Gulf citizenship. On the negotiations and the Gulf strategic dialogues with countries, major economies and international organisations, the Committee discussed ﬁelds of activating cooperation with them, as well as requirements of the current stage of the GCC march. The Committee stressed the importance of increasing cooperation among the GCC countries to fulﬁl requirements of people in the region and their aspirations towards better future. -ONA

CRIME

Human smuggling bid foiled Times News Service MUSCAT: An attempt of human trafficking was foiled by police officers stationed at Al Saar’a border in Al Buraimi. A Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) national tried to smuggle

three Asian nationals who were hiding in the boot of his vehicle. He tried to drive into the Sultanate via Al Saar’a border in Al Buraimi before officers discovered the Asian nationals. All four have been arrested and legal procedures were initiated.

An Asian national attempted to smuggle Clonazepam tablets, an illegal drug, into the Sultanate of Oman before customs officers foiled the attempt in cooperation with the Directorate of Narcotics Control at the Muscat International Airport.

S TAY H E A LT H Y

Manpower rules 10,000 take part in walkathon to beat diabetes A1 need a relook, says OCCI official PHOTO GALLERY < FROM

HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

hassan@timesofoman.com

Meanwhile, one of the top ofﬁcials at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) said considering the current economic conditions, the government should have a relook at the current manpower regulations. “Industry is struggling, especially at a time when the oil price is down. The government should have a relook at the current practices in issuing work visas,” Mohammed Hassan Al Ansi, vice-chairman of the Committee of Logistics and Transportation Affairs at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), said. Two-year visa ban Even though the OCCI official was reluctant to comment on the twoyear visa ban for expatriate workers, the CEO at the OSC said he was wondering what prompted the government authorities to impose the two-year visa ban. However, the minister’s advisor said the ministry does not have any say on this ban rule and the issue goes back to the DG of Passport and Residence, adding that they have their own goals. Meanwhile, officials of the companies in Muscat said they are struggling to cope with the current situation. “Projects’ expenditure is going up due to various reasons. In addition to this, oil price is slipping. We are neither getting affordable labour, nor receiving enough clearances. We are struggling,” Ahmed Hamoud Al Shabibi, man-

aging director of Al Shabibi Global LLC, told the Times of Oman. Another company official also voiced the same opinion. “Projects are getting delayed due lack of workers. Recent raids to catch irregular workers are a factor that is also stopping us from recruiting them. It is quite difficult to deliver the projects on time,” an official from a construction company said. The OSC has proposed setting up of a new company which would serve as a hub to train and lease multi-skilled Omani manpower to construction companies. A proposal sent to the Ministry of Manpower (MoM) by the OSC to create this new company, tasked with training and supplying Omani manpower in the construction sector, has been welcomed by the ministry and is being looked into. Losing battle The construction sector, while trying to achieve the required level of 30 per cent Omanisation, is ﬁghting a losing battle since Omanis prefer to take up jobs elsewhere rather than in this sector, which they do not see as attractive for young Omani job seekers, largely due to the environment and the nature of the job.

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

MUSCAT: Around 10,000 people turned out for a walk on Thursday in Al Qurum Natural Park, to raise awareness about diabetes, under the auspices of His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Busaidi, advisor to the Minister of Health. The walk, sponsored by the Ministry of Health, Oman Diabetes Association and Landmark Group, started at 8am. Before braving the baking sun, participants received blue shirts and caps with ‘I am walking to beat diabetes’ written on them. Those taking part underwent free blood glucose tests and medical checkups at booths near the park’s fountain. As walkers were trudging through the park, volunteers dis-

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N .C O M

14.49 per cent of the adult population in Oman (as per 2014 IDF ﬁgures).

BEAT THE DIABETES: The walk, sponsored by the Ministry of Health, Oman Diabetes Association and Landmark Group, started at 8am. Photo– Purusothaman K

tributed water to keep them hydrated. Children also enjoyed a number of activities, music, aerobics sessions and playful mascots. The event was also sponsored

by a number of local businesses and media houses, including the Times of Oman, Shell Oman and Horizon Fitness. Diabetes affects more than

‘ G I FT T O T H E NAT I O N ’

PERSONALITY OF YEAR

Oman LNG strives to boost A1 social welfare services < FROM

“It is a proud moment for Oman LNG to work with our distinguished partners in excellence— the Ministry of Social Development and the Royal Oman Police (ROP)—to further improve social welfare services and road safety. The initiatives streamline Oman LNG’s contribution to the socioeconomic fabric of the Sultanate. This, by itself, is a very noble goal and both the initiatives are a matter of national priority and touch us deeply,” said Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad Al Rumhy, Minister of Oil and Gas and Chairman of Oman LNG. In an address delivered by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, during his Royal ‘Meet the People Tour’ in Sohar in 2009, he had emphasised that traffic safety remained a joint effort of the government, the private sector and concerned individuals in order to make the Omani society better by fostering abilities and knowledge to ensure safer roads and better regulated traffic. His Majesty urged the government and society to put an end to the alarming number of road accidents and reckless driving. Since then, measures have

Death from diabetes The World Health Organisation (WHO) has predicted that diabetes will be the seventh leading cause of death by 2030. Moreover, a study reported in July 2015 in the Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, that examined two decades of diabetes research across the Sultanate, predicted that by the year 2050, there will be 350,000 individuals in the Sultanate living with type 2 diabetes.

been taken to improve traffic safety that have clearly resulted in success as shown by the recently published statistics of the ROP. These statistics showed a 50 per cent reduction in fatalities caused by road accidents over the last few years. Traffic safety institutes That said, the continuous worrying number of traffic statistics underlines the need for more trafﬁc safety institutes in Oman. Towards this end, Oman LNG will fund the construction and equipping of a modern Traffic Safety Institute in Sur to serve both, South and North Sharqiyah Governorates. According to the Royal Oman Police, the institute will provide a conducive training environment for traffic officers, road users, driving instructors and examiners. It will further hold special programmes, courses and workshops to help nurture a strong culture of traffic safety. Courses for road users will also cover defensive driving and road traffic rules. Habitual violators of road rules and traffic safety will undergo special qualiﬁcation

courses. Comprehensive training under experts’ tutelage about defensive driving, traffic rules, first aid and general road and traffic safety information will also be available for the benefit of public transportation drivers. Quest to improve safety This is the second ‘Gift to the Nation,’ addressing safety, the first being a $2.5 million project in 2010 to purchase and equip 26 ambulances to enhance the response rate across the nation. These donations further build on the company’s relentless efforts in improving traffic safety through enhancing awareness, improving training as well as improving road infrastructure. The second project will see Oman LNG funding the first ever National Autism Centre in Muscat. Autism has been a growing concern as the number of recorded cases continues to rise. Children are diagnosed with autism if they demonstrate symptoms such as problems in communicating, difficulties in interaction, signs that indicate restricted, deficient or repetitive behaviour.

Ithraa chief gets award in Morocco MUSCAT: Dr. Salim bin Nasser Al Isma’eeli, Chairman of the Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (Ithraa), won the Personality of the Year Award for Promoting Economic Policies in the Arab World. Marrakesh City The chairman of the Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development got the award at the First Arab Liberty Festival, which was held from November 24 to December 6 in Marrakesh City in the Kingdom of Morocco. The festival was organised by the Arab Center for Scientiﬁc Research and Humane Studies (ACSRHS), in partnership with Friedrich Naumann Foundation, Atlas web, students, academics, head of the Strategic research centres and experts. The festival aimed at enhancing freedom values and supporting the free initiative in the Arab world, as well as highlighting the major challenges facing liberty, economy and prosperity in the Arab World. -ONA

M ONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

REGION

General Jaafar Mohammed Saad had been a general in the army of the former southern Yemen before the Marxist state merged with northern Yemen in 1990. He was appointed governor in October.

Aden governor killed by car bomb civil war in Yemen, emerging as a forceful rival to Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), the main militant group in the country in recent years. In October, four suicide bombers detonated car bombs at a temporary Yemeni government headquarters and two Arab coalition outposts, killing more than a dozen people. “Foot-dragging in implementing security measures paves the way for hardliners to carry out such attacks,” said Ashraf Ali Mahmoud, a local activist.

At least six members of General Jaafar Mohammed Saad’s entourage also died in the attack

ADEN: The governor of Aden was killed by a car bomb on Sunday in Yemen’s southern port city, in an attack that IS militant group claimed responsibility for. A local official and residents said at least six members of General Jaafar Mohammed Saad’s entourage also died in the attack, which targeted the governor on his way to work. Several other people were wounded. The attack came in the Tawahi district of Aden, where President Abdrabbo Mansour Hadi has returned to oversee a war against Houthis. IS, in a statement

WRECKAGE: People gather at the site of a car bomb attack that killed the governor of Yemen’s southern port city of Aden Jaafar Mohammed Saad and six others on Sunday. – Reuters

posted on a messaging service, said it detonated a car laden with explosives as Saad’s convoy passed by. The group promised more operations against “the heads of apostasy in Yemen”.

The group also posted what it said were photos of the boobytrapped vehicle as a white van carrying Saad drove past, then two other photos of a huge ball of ﬁre which it said were taken as the

bomb exploded. A local official and residents said earlier on Sunday a suicide bomber rammed his vehicle into the governor’s car. IS’s local branch has stepped up operations since the outbreak of

CIVIL CONFLICT

Libyan lawmakers sign peace declaration TRIPOLI: Lawmakers from Libya’s two rival parliaments have signed a declaration of principles aimed at ending the North African country’s civil conﬂict. The proposal was signed late on Saturday by two groups from the Libyan parliament and the rival General National Congress. The initiative is separate from United Nations-sponsored talks between the country’s two competing governments and parliaments to form a united administration.

PROPOSAL DEAL: Awad Mohammed Abdul Sadiq, left, the ﬁrst

deputy head of the Tripoli-based General National Congress (GNC), and Ibrahim Fethi Amish from the internationally recognised House of Representatives exchange signed documents following a meeting in the Tunisian town of Gammarth, on the outskirts of Tunis, on Sunday. – AFP

Turmoil Four years after the fall of Muammar Gaddaﬁ, Libya is in turmoil. Tripoli has been controlled since last year by an armed faction called Libya Dawn, forcing the internationally recognised govern-

CONFERENCE IN SAUDI ARABIA

Syria opposition to meet on Dec. 8 BEIRUT: A conference to try to unify Syria’s disparate opposition groups will open on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia, according to a powerful rebel group invited to the meetings, weeks before proposed international peace talks begin. The Saudi conference marks an attempt to bring together groups whose disunity has been a long-standing obstacle in seeking a peaceful solution to the near-

ly five-year conflict. The rebel group, Islam Army, said in a statement late on Saturday that it had “received an invitation to attend the Riyadh conference which has been decided to be held between (December) 8-10”. The statement did not say whether the group planned to attend. Representatives of two other rebel groups confirmed they had received invitations dated Decem-

ber 8-10. Riyadh has not yet given an official date for the meeting. 65 representatives It is also not clear whether the conference would be held in the capital or elsewhere in Saudi Arabia. Members of Syria’s exiled political opposition have said the meeting would bring together at least 65 representatives of political and armed groups. — Reuters

ment and elected parliament to work in the east. Lawmakers said the declaration calls for forming a 10-person committee — ﬁve members from each parliament — that would be charged with naming an interim prime minister and two deputies. Legislative elections would be held within two years. Delegates from the elected House of Representatives and the General National Congress said it was too early to decide on the proposal, which would have to be put to both houses for a vote. Western governments are pushing for the UN-backed agreement to form a government of national unity as the only way to end the chaos in Libya, where IS militants have gained ground. — Reuters

Powerful explosion Sunday’s explosion could be heard about 10 km (seven miles) away, residents said. Photos posted by local news websites showed a car in ﬂames with a plume of smoke rising from it. The victims were taken to the Jumhouriya Hospital, the main state medical facility in Aden which Saad had re-opened in a ceremony two days earlier. Medics said the body of Saad and the others who were killed were burned beyond recognition. Security had been a main con-

cern for Hadi and his Arab allies since he returned to Aden last month to oversee an offensive by his forces and Arab allies to drive the Houthis from the strategic city of Taiz. In October, the government of Prime Minister Khaled Bahah was forced to relocate to Saudi Arabia after four coordinated suicide bombings by IS killed at least 15 people, including four Emirati soldiers. Saad had been a general in the army of the former southern Yemen before the Marxist state merged with northern Yemen in 1990. He was appointed governor in October. Local officials said Saad, who fought in the 1994 civil war for southern forces against the northerners, had lived in exile in Egypt and Britain before he returned earlier this year at Hadi’s request. In a separate incident, residents said a ﬁeld commander of a local militia group that had helped drive the Houthis out of Aden in July was shot and killed by unknown assailants in the west of the city on Sunday. — Reuters

MONDAY, D E CEMBER 7, 2 015

INDIA

There is no difficulty in this. I think this is the bare minimum which we can do T. S. Thakur, Chief Justice of India

DELHI

Chief Justice supports Kejriwal’s even-odd car scheme NEW DELHI: Chief Justice of India T. S. Thakur on Sunday virtually endorsed the AAP government’s odd-even scheme for plying of private vehicles in Delhi, saying it can be followed if it helps in reducing the problem, a statement which was welcomed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Commenting on the ambitious move which was announced in the wake of alarming levels of air quality in the city, Justice said the problem was grave and drastic measures are needed to curb pollution. Asked whether the apex court judges would follow the policy and sacriﬁce by resorting to car pooling to reach the court, he said, “we would love to do so if it helps reduce pollution”. “There is no difficulty in this. I think this is the bare minimum which we can do. People call it sacSURVEY

India is second most ignorant nation in the world: Survey LONDON: India has the ‘dubious honour’ of being the second most ignorant nation in the world after Mexico, according to a survey which posed questions on issues like inequality, non-religious population, female employment and internet access. The survey conducted by Ipsos MORI, a London-based market research firm, polled 25,000 people from 33 countries and found that while people ‘over-estimate what we worry about’, a lot of major issues are underestimated. “Mexico and India receive the dubious honour of being the most inaccurate in their perceptions on these issues, while South Koreans are the most accurate, followed by the Irish,” the survey said. The rankings of the nations were based on the ‘Index of Ignorance’ which was determined by questions about wealth that the top one per cent own, obesity, non-religious population, immigration, living with parents, female employment, rural living and internet access. Country’s wealth Most Indians ‘underestimate’ how much of their country’s wealth is concentrated in the hands of the top 1 per cent, the survey said, adding that the top 1 per cent actually own an ‘incredible’ 70 per cent of all wealth. The survey also revelaed that most Indians “hugely overestimate” the proportions of non-religious people in the country to be 33 per cent when the true figure is under 1 per cent. While Israel significantly underestimates the proportion of female employment (by 29 percentage points), people in countries like India, Mexico, South Africa and Chile all think of more women in work than really are, it said. India fell in the list of nations which overestimate representation by women in politics. - PTI

CURBING POLLUTION

Outlining the contours of its ambitious plan to curb pollution through odd-even number plate formula, Delhi government said oddnumbered cars will be allowed to ply on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while evennumbered vehicles will run on the other days — Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

rifice. This not a sacrifice, this is symbolic to show that judges are doing it,” the Chief Justice of India said in an interaction with journalists here. In response to a specific query as to how the Chief Justice

of India will follow it, Justice Thakur also said he could share the car with his next door neighbour judge Justice A. K. Sikri. Reacting to the Chief Justice’s views, Kejriwal said in a tweet,

“Chief Justice of India’s support 2 odd even formula is welcome n huge encouragement. Supreme Court judges pooling cars would inspire millions 2 follow.” “The way he (CJI) has extended

his support, Delhi Government and the public is extremely thankful and will feel encouraged. If Supreme Court judges can resort to car pooling, it will be inspirational for others too,” the chief minister later told reporters. During his interaction, the CJI had recalled his experience of ﬂying from Jammu to Delhi and said there was a huge smoke cover over Punjab due to burning of crops by farmers there. In a radical step, the Kejriwal government has announced that private vehicles bearing odd and even registration numbers will be allowed to ply only on alternate days starting January 1 next year. Outlining the contours of its ambitious plan to curb pollution through odd-even number plate formula, Delhi government said odd-numbered cars will be allowed

to ply on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while even-numbered vehicles will run on the other days Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Delhi Home Minister Satyendra Jain said the government will only allow emergency vehicles like PCR van, ﬁre tenders, ambulances on the roads of the national capital. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the government would discontinue the move after 10 to 15 days if people faced problems. “On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, odd numbered vehicles will be allowed on roads in a week. “Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday will have even numbered vehicles on roads, and we don’t care about which cars belonged to whom,” Jain said. The minister said that the government will only allow emergency vehicles. - PTI

Inclusive India will fulfill Ambedkar’s dream: Modi The prime minister released two commemorative coins of Rs125 and Rs10 denomination as part of the 125th birth anniversary year celebrations of the architect of India’s Constitution

NEW DELHI: Contending that B. R, Ambedkar’s economic thought and vision has not been fully understood, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the government is leaving no stone unturned to fulﬁl his vision and dreams to create a prosperous and inclusive India. Releasing two commemorative coins of Rs125 and Rs10 denomination at his residence as part of the 125th birth anniversary year celebrations of the architect of the Constitution, he said Ambedkar was a visionary and a profound thinker whose economic thought and vision is still not fully understood and needs to be appreciated, even though his contribution towards social justice have been recognised. “Our government is leaving no stone unturned to fulﬁl the vision and dreams of Dr Ambedkar to create a prosperous and inclusive India,” Modi said in a series of tweets after the function in which Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Social Justice and Empower-

TRIBUTE: President Pranab Mukherjee pays tributes to Bhim Rao Ambedkar,at Parliament House Lawns, in New Delhi, on Sunday. – PTI

ment Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot were also present. The prime minister also highlighted Ambedkar’s vision on women empowerment, federalism, economy and its relevance today. “We are aware of Dr Ambedkar’s contributions towards social justice but Babasaheb’s thoughts on economic issues are equally enlightening. ... Dr Ambedkar will always be remembered as an original and profound thinker. His views on inclusiveness and harmony continue to inspire us,” he said. The prime minister said

Ambedkar had faced lot of humiliation, yet his patriotism reﬂected in his work. Referring to the recent two-day sitting in Parliament on Ambedkar, he said there was good discussion in both the Houses of Parliament. The members reviewed the present situation in the context of Ambedkar’s perspective, he said. There were people who asked why November 26 was being observed, the prime minister said, adding “I do not feel that somebody who understands Babasaheb Ambedkar would ask these questions.”

COMMEMORATIVE COINS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, right, and Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information and Broadcasting Arun Jaitley, release the commemorative coins on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, in New Delhi. – PTI

Rich tributes were paid to Ambedkar, in various parts of the country on Sunday. In the Parliament House complex here, President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, the prime minister and other leaders remembered Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar on his 60th death anniversary, which is being observed as ‘Mahaparinirvan Diwas’. Mukherjee, Ansari and Modi offered ﬂoral tributes at the Dalit icon’s statue in the Parliament House lawns. In Mumbai, the capital of Ma-

harashra, glowing tributes were paid to Ambedkar at his memorial ‘Chaityabhoomi’ in the Dadar area, as thousands of his followers gathered there. Maharashtra Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were among those who paid tributes to the Dalit icon. - PTI

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

JAWA H A R L A L N E H RU U N I V E R S I T Y

New sexual harassment policy notiﬁed at university in Delhi NEW DELHI: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), which received maximum number of sexual harassment complaints by any educational institution in Delhi in the last two years, has notiﬁed a revamped sexual harassment policy that also includes penalty provisions for false complaints. According to a Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) report, 101 cases of sexual harassment were reported from various universities in Delhi, barring the Delhi University, since 2013. Of these, about 50 per cent were reported in JNU. The Delhi University had not submitted the list of such cases. JNU has Gender Sensitisation Committee Against Sexual Harassment (GSCASH), a central body which deals with complaints of this nature from across the university departments. The panel had submitted a draft of the revised rules and procedures in accordance with the 2013 guidelines of the Supreme

Court to Vice Chancellor S. K. Sopory in September this year which has been approved by the varsity’s Executive Council (EC). One of the major amendments in the policy is introduction of a provision for protection from victimisation of the complainant as well as witnesses besides a penalty provision for false complaints. Revamped policy The revamped policy also has different clauses for “Sexual Harassment at workplace” and “Sexual harassment in Academic Spheres” and for re-appealing if the complainant is dissatisfied with GSCASH’s decision. According to the notified policy, “If the committee finds that a complaint registered by a person is false, he or she will be served a show-cause notice to detail the reasons behind doing so.” “In the event of no, insufficient, or unconvincing explanation, GSCASH shall forward its findings to theappropriate university au-

thority for further action which might include a restraint order, change in hostel or a disciplinary action,” it says. The university will also ensure that the defendant does not evaluate the examination or supervise the research of the complainant and vice versa to ensure there is no victimisation. GSCASH was instituted by the university in 1999 under the Vishaka guidelines of the Supreme Court. The panel has representatives from JNU Students Union (JNUSU), JNU Officers’ Association (JNUOA), hostel wardens, faculty and administrative staff. The body has three major functions: gender sensitisation and orientation, crisis management and mediation, and formal enquiry and redressal. Installation of sanitary pad dispensers, identiﬁcation of third gender in the university admission forms are among the many key changes brought in recent years by the GSCASH. - PTI

M ONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

Love us on Facebook

BRIEFS

11-year-old girl in Britain gets top score in IQ test LONDON: A 11-year-old Indian-origin girl in the UK has achieved the top possible score of 162 on a IQ test of Mensa, becoming one of the brainiest students in the country. Anushka Binoy has joined the one per cent of all entrants to attain the highest mark in the Cattell III B paper supervised by Mensa, the society for people with high IQs. Binoy scored 162 to gain membership of the exclusive society, where entry is reserved for Britain’s brainiest 2 per cent. Proud father Binoy Joseph, Keralaborn IT consultant, said he always knew his daughter was smart but hadn’t realised quite how remarkable.

Selfie with train costs man his life in Madhya Pradesh INDORE: A young man’s desire to click a selfie with a moving train proved fatal for him in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore district. Jayesh, 18, lost his life late on Saturday after being hit by a train while he was posing for a selfie with it at Mangliya village of the district, police said on Sunday. “Jayesh, along with his two friends -- Ajay and Amit -- went near the railway tracks to click pictures. Jayesh met with the accident while he was posing for the selfie,” a police official said. He was immediately taken to hospital where doctors pronounced him dead. In October, a youth fell to death in a dam while trying to click a selfie here.

Government proposes to ease procedures for pilots NEW DELHI: Government has proposed extending the validity of the medical fitness assessment of pilots to one year till they attain the age of 60 from six months, in a bid to ease the procedural norms for pilots. The proposal of the Civil Aviation Ministry would come as a relief for pilots above the age of 40 years who are now required to undergo medical fitness assessment every six months to validate their flying licences. As of now, the validity of medical fitness assessment is one year for holders of airline transport pilot licence and for senior commercial pilots till they attain the age of 40 years.

CBI asked to hand over Chhota Rajan’s medicines NEW DELHI: A Delhi court has directed CBI to hand over a bag containing medicines, which was found in possession of underworld don Chhota Rajan when he was arrested in Indonesia, to the superintendent of Tihar Jail where he is currently lodged under judicial custody. The court’s order came after Rajan’s counsel ﬁled a plea seeking direction to CBI’s investigating officer to hand over the medicines to his client. In its response to the plea, CBI said after being deported from Indonesia, Rajan was handed over to it by Interpol along with his belongings, including the bag of medicines, which was found in his possession at the time of his arrest on October 25. - Agencies

The National Security Advisors met for four hours in Bangkok on Sunday and discussed terrorism, Jammu and Kashmir, and other bilateral issues

FRIENDLY GESTURE: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval with his Pakistani counterpart Nasser Khan at a meeting in Bangkok, Thailand on Sunday. – PTI

NEW DELHI: In a sudden breakthrough in the stalled India-Pakistan dialogue, the National Security Advisors (NSA) of the two countries met for four hours in Bangkok on Sunday and discussed terrorism, Jammu and Kashmir, and other bilateral issues and agreed to take forward the ‘constructive’ engagement. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and his Pakistani counterpart Nasir Janjua, their foreign secretaries S. Jaishankar and Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry held their marathon meeting in the Thai capital, barely six days after their Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif held a brief meeting in Paris obviously with a view to revive the stalled dialogue process. A joint statement, issued after the meeting said, “Pursuant to the meeting of the prime ministers of India and Pakistan in Paris, the NSAs, accompanied by the foreign secretaries, met in Bang-

kok on Sunday. “Discussions were held in a candid, cordial and constructive atmosphere. They were guided by the vision of the two leaders for a peaceful, stable and prosperous South Asia. “Discussions covered peace and security, terrorism, Jammu and Kashmir, and other issues, including tranquility along the line of control (LoC). It was agreed to carry forward the constructive engagement.” The choice of a neutral third country venue for the NSAs meeting may have been prompted by a desire to avoid a repeat of the events that led to the cancellation of a visit by the then NSA Sartaj Aziz to New Delhi for talks. Pakistan had called-off the visit after New Delhi had made it clear that Aziz would not be allowed to meet Kashmiri separatist leaders in the Indian capital. For the record, Indian sources said Bangkok had been chosen

MONSOON FURY: Two aircraft drifted away into neighbouring forests after the heavy rainfall that led to waterlogging of airport in Chennai, on Sunday. – PTI

Chennai airport to resume full operations from today CHENNAI: All domestic and international flights from Chennai, both day and night, will resume from Monday morning after partial daytime services operated on Sunday. “Availability of Chennai airport for all weather day and night operations for all flights for which domestic and international terminals will be available from 6am of December 7,” an Airport Authority of India statement said here late on Sunday evening. This followed an inspection by Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for night operations, an AAI spokesman said. On the other hand, defence forces have called off aerial sorties for rescue operations in the flood-hit south Indian city Chennai which is limping back to normalcy as water levels have started going down. “The water level in the city has gone down considerably after initial days of flooding. Since last evening all aerial rescue and relief operations have been called off. There are no further communications from either Tamil Nadu government or federal government to carry them out as the city is slowly returning to normalcy,” a top IAF official said on Sunday.

In the past few days, through a coordinated team of defence forces and NDRF, the IAF airlifted nearly 1,500 people to safety. Nearly 400 persons including students were flown to Delhi and Hyderabad in a C-17 and a civilian airliner from the Arakkonam Naval base, 70 km west of here. Rescue and relief The Tambaram Air base, nearly 30km south of the city, and the Arakkonnam base were two critical defence assets in carrying out the rescue and relief operations. IAF units from different places had joined the rescue operations at Tambaram, which served as the nodal point for executing the operations, besides the INS Rajali base at Arakkonam. “Now, all the IAF units are returning to their parent bases, as the sorties have been called off,” the top IAF official said. At Arakkonam, only a civilian flight flew about 50 people to Hyderabad this morning, a senior naval official said. The C-17 was flying out from the Naval base while the Air base ferried rescued people to Arakkonam in smaller aircraft like Mi-14 and AN-32. Partial air and train services

INDIA

In a headway, India, Pakistan NSAs hold talks

FLOOD-HIT

resumed here on Sunday after days of disruption but intermittent rains added to the misery of a city reeling under the impact of unprecedented rains and floods. Chennai appeared to be split into two: one (mostly northern parts) and suburbs still under flood water and without power, and another where water levels have receded and electricity supply has been restored. The situation appeared to be no different in the other three Tamil Nadu districts Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram and Cuddalore where the heaviest rains in almost 100 years and floods have claimed around 325 lives. Adding further worries to Chennai is the prediction of more heavy rains following low pressure over the Bay of Bengal. Much to the relief of passengers stuck here due to cancelled flights and trains, the Chennai airport began operating flights on the domestic routes in day time. - PTI

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

because of the “convenience” of both the sides. As foreign secretary was already in Tokyo in connection with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to India and Pakistani side was also travelling, it was decided to meet in Bangkok due to the ‘convenience’. The Bangkok meeting also paves the way for a visit by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to Islamabad this week to attend a multilateral conference on Afghanistan. Congress condemns Congress on Sunday termed the secret meeting of National Security Advisors of India and Pakistan in Bangkok as a “grand betrayal” of the Modi government and reflection of “flip-flops” over its Pakistan policy. “It’s a grand betrayal. It’s a betrayal of everything that this government has ostensibly, publicly espoused,” Congress leader Manish Tewari said. - PTI

GOOD NEWS

Quick issue of income tax refunds ordered NEW DELHI: In good news for millions of taxpayers awaiting their Income Tax refunds, the government has directed the taxman to ‘expeditiously’ settle claims involving less than Rs50,000. According to government data, over Rs 54 billion is locked in pending refunds, which has become a major grievance for taxpayers. Officials said instructions in this regard were issued early this week after a review meeting was held by Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia with senior Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) officials as part of Finance Ministry’s drive to ensure a taxpayer-friendly regime following a call by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for steps to address their grievances and cut down on complaints. The directive issued by the CBDT, the apex policy-making body of the Income Tax department, to all Principal Chief Commissioners asks them to direct the assessing officers to expedite the process and issue refunds of less than Rs50,000 and not facing scrutiny ‘as early as possible’. As per the order, as of November 1, refunds have to be made on 2,07,000 income tax returns involving Rs6.59 billion for Assessment Year (AY) 2013-14 and another set of 12,90,000 returns pertaining to Rs48. 37 billion for AY 2014-15 which are pending. The total amount involved is Rs 54.96 billion and a large number of refunds are for less than Rs50,000 and constitute about 70-80 per cent of the total kitty of pending refunds for the two AYs, a senior official said. “An I-T refund is not only the right of the taxpayer but is also cherished by them very dearly. The CBDT gets to see the maximum number of grievances from taxpayers on this front and hence it has been desired by the Finance Ministry that these refunds be issued to their rightful.” - PTI

A 10

MONDAY, D E CEMBER 7, 2 015

PAKISTAN G L O B A L T R AV E L L E R

Germany to Pakistan: A 10,000km journey on bicycle KARACHI: It all started as a dream. A dream you may have had too when you were flying high on a passenger plane, wishing you could traverse the land thousands of metres below you. “I was looking out from the window of the plane and thought how great it would be to visit all these places on a bicycle. To see them closely,” says Kamran Ali recalling his first-ever flight experience. While in the sky, all he could think of was being on the ground and on his bicycle. “Even when I was in Pakistan, I used to travel on a bike a lot. Sometimes I would go from Layyah to Multan, then Multan to Lahore.” It was that moment in 2002 when Ali, who hails from Layyah in Punjab, decided he would one day embark on a voyage to do just that. At the time, Ali was on his way to Germany to pursue higher studies. He didn’t realise how fast he would be sucked into the life of daily routines. When he finally answered his calling, it was 2011 and the journey didn’t go as planned. “I set off from Rostock (GerRS1.65 TRILLION TRAIN

Lahore metro train project on the right track LAHORE: Adviser to Chief Minister Khwaja Ahmed Hassaan has said the provincial government had put in much effort to secure China’s cooperation for the Lahore Orange Line Train project. He was brieﬁng a civil society forum on the project. “We have worked hard to keep down the project’s cost,” he said. He said the Rs1.65 trillion train would be routed through busy city areas. It will serve more than 250,000 citizens. He said the best available technical expertise had been acquired to avoid damage to historical sites along the route. “Members of civil society and the architects, commenting on the project design, should keep in view the resource constraints we have to complete the project. They should understand the need for the metro train and cooperate with the authorities for the project’s completion,” the adviser said. He said work on other development projects would also be carried out in the light of their suggestions and proposals. Hassaan said work on the project had been started after proper homework. “We have assigned importance to the citizens’ needs. The train will help resolve transport problems in Lahore,” he said. Lahore Development Authority chief engineer Israr Saeed said the project had been designed in such a way that it should affect the least number of people. Senator Aitezaz Ahsan, Pervaiz Malik, Punjab government’s spokesman Syed Zaeem Qadri, information secretary Momin Agha, archives secretary Humayun Mazhar, commissioner Abdullah Sumbal, DCO Muhammad Usman and architect Nayyar Ali Dada were also present. – Express Tribune

ADVENTURE: Kamran Ali set off from Germany and in about two months, he reached Sivas in Turkey after visiting Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria –Express Tribune

many) and in about two months I reached Sivas in Turkey after visiting Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria,” he recalls. But his ﬁrst attempt would be cut short by tragedy. “I had to abandon my trip when I got news

from home that mother was seriously ill. I left everything and ﬂew back to be with my mom.” Kamran’s mother passed away shortly after he moved back to spend time with her. “It took me four years to pick up where I had left off. To realise my unfulﬁlled

dream.” In March 2015, Ali packed his bags once again. This time, it was longer and harder. It took him almost six months to reach Pakistan from Sivas in Turkey. From Turkey, Ali departed for Iran where he took the old Silk Route to move through Turkmeni-

stan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and China to ﬁnally reach Pakistan. It took him 176 days in total to complete his journey from Germany to Pakistan; 52 days in 2011 and 124 in 2015. One of the biggest issues Ali faced throughout his travels was one that many Pakistani are quite familiar with: getting visas. “Visas for the Central Asian states were hardest to obtain,” says Ali, adding how he only had to obtain visas for Turkey and Bulgaria only during his ﬁrst leg since he had an European Union visa back in 2011.

So did Ali also face the usual discrimination faced by travelling Pakistanis? Not at all. In fact, he found people being generous, friendly and extremely helpful. “Especially the Turks. They like Pakistanis a lot,” Ali adds. Another thing Ali had going for him was his bicycle. “If you’re travelling on a bike you can’t be seen as a bad person,” he says, in an amusingly wise observation.The other thing he learnt over his travels was to keep his story to himself. “I have a motto: just do what you are doing, and don’t tell anyone.”

Kebab diet When it came to food, Ali tried his best to eat at restaurants that just came along the way. “The best food experience was in Turkey,” said Ali, who was genuinely amazed with the numerous varieties of the Kebab. “The kebabs I can still taste are the ones I had in Dogubayazit near the Turkey-Iran border. There was another family-run restaurant in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, which makes amazing food.”

Travelling alone While some people prefer travelling in pairs or with friends, Ali believes you should travel alone if you really wish to experience and explore the world. “At times you do get lonely, but its fun to travel alone, you can stop where you want and for as long as you want. When you travel with someone you have to take his or her conveniences into consideration but you aren’t bound when you are alone.” – Express Tribune

Ordinance for privatisation of PIA under IMF terms issued Promulgation of the ordinance marks the second time in less than a week that the government has bypassed parliament in order to save the two-year-old $6.2 billion IMF bailout

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain has promulgated the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Corporation Conversion Ordinance, paving way for the privatisation of the national ﬂag carrier under a condition of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan programme. The government chose to issue the ordinance on a day when all eyes were on the ﬁnal phase of local government elections in Punjab and Sindh, hushing up the controversial decision using the same tactic it used while introducing the Rs40 billion new tax measures. The mini-budget was introduced when the second phase of those polls was being conducted. Through the PIA Corporation Conversion Ordinance, the government has repealed the PIA Act of 1956 – which remained a legal hindrance for the airline’s priva-

PRIVATISATION: There are about 18,000 employees of the PIA and many of them are on contract. The PIA is overstaffed by at least 5,000 employees. – Bloomberg News

26% of shares will be sold as per the government’s written assurance to the IMF but an official said some prospective buyers have shown interest in acquiring a majority stake

tisation – and converted PIA Corporation into PIA Company Limited with immediate effect. The promulgation of the ordinance marks the second time in less than a week that the government has bypassed parliament in order to save the two-year-old $6.2 billion IMF bailout. The de-

cree was issued just 48 hours before the new National Assembly session was scheduled to begin. Ordinances are traditionally issued in cases of emergency, but there was no such urgency in this situation as the government has known since February that it has to amend the PIA Act to privatise the airline. The affairs of the company will now be out of the domain of the federal government, giving greater freedom to the buyer in taking decisions regarding the company including those pertaining to employees, a Finance Ministry official said. Although the government has protected PIA employees’ beneﬁts for the time being, the wording of the ordinance suggests that the terms governing the employees could be changed in future, if needed. There are about 18,000 employees of the PIA and many of them

are on contract. The PIA has one of the highest aircraft-to-staff ratio, hovering over 500 per plane against the industry average of 150. The PIA is overstaffed by at least 5,000 employees. Salaries of employees “Salaries of those employees of the corporation who upon conversion become employees of the company shall not be changed to their disadvantage, unless such change is in accordance with applicable law,” reads Clause 6(ii) of the ordinance. “The employees will continue to enjoy all the benefits,” said Privatisation Commission chairman Mohammad Zubair. He said the financial adviser hired for PIA’s privatisation will now finalise the privatisation structure, which will be taken to the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation for ap-

proval within two weeks. Under a condition of the IMF loan, Pakistan is bound to invite investors to participate in PIA’s privatisation through media advertisements before the end of this month and to sell off the carrier by June next year. The government has given a written assurance to the IMF that it will sell at least 26 per cent of shares but an official said some prospective buyers have shown interest in acquiring a majority stake. A consortium belonging to Punjab and a Gulf country is said to be interested in acquiring the airlines. In the second phase, the government will divide PIA Limited into two entities, separating the airline’s liabilities so that they are not transferred to the new buyer. As of March this year, PIA’s liabilities have ballooned to Rs297 billion, Rs248 million of which is debt. By the end of March, PIA owed Rs65 billion in long-term financing and Rs54.5 billion in shortterm debt. In addition to this, PIA owed over Rs104 billion in trade and other payables, Rs19.6 billion in term of finance certificates and sukuk, and Rs5 billion in running finance facility. According to Clause 4 of the ordinance, the federal government may issue orders providing for the transfer of specified assets to a relevant entity substantially on terms set forth in the relevant arrangement. – Express Tribune

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

HEART OF ASIA MEET

Islamabad to push for dialogue to resolve key regional issues ISLAMABAD: A civil-military huddle has decided to hold meetings with Indian and Afghan representatives on the sidelines of this week’s regional conference on Afghanistan to resume dialogue and discuss pressing issues. According to his office, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chaired a meeting on Saturday to ﬁnalise preparations for the two-day ministerial meeting of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process that begins on Tuesday in Islamabad. Issues of regional and national security were also discussed. Among the attendees were prime minister’s foreign affairs adviser Sartaj Aziz, National Security Adviser Lieutenant General (Retired) Nasir Janjua, Inter-Services Intelligence chief General Rizwan Akhtar, prime minister’s special assistant on foreign affairs Tariq Fatemi and other senior officials. In the absence of Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, the civil and military leadership dis-

cussed ways of making the most of the upcoming conference to resume dialogue with the two countries, said a source. Pakistan will talk to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani about the pressing issues, including resumption of dialogue with the Afghan Taleban. Although the conference is about infrastructure development of Afghanistan among other things, Pakistan would use the forum as an opportunity to resume dialogue with Afghanistan. Future communications The source said Foreign Office representatives informed the huddle that Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj was very likely to attend the conference. Aziz will hold a detailed round of talks with her to resume the Pakistan-India dialogue, he added. Nawaz has asked Aziz to be prepared if Sushma attends the forum, so the two countries could devise a framework for future

communications. The COAS might call on the premier before the conference kicks off to ﬁnalise a strategy for dealing with the Afghan and Indian representatives in the meetings. Last month, Pakistan had invited the top Indian diplomat for the ministerial meeting of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process. Senior officials from 27 countries, including the United States, Russia, Iran, Turkey and China, will attend the conference to be inaugurated jointly by Ghani and Nawaz. Earlier on Saturday, Janjua called on Nawaz Sharif and the two discussed national and regional security issues. A source said Janjua and Nawaz also discussed the Murree power-sharing agreement and the possible political change in Balochistan. Under the Murree deal, Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik is supposed to complete half of the ﬁve-year constitutional term and make way for another chief minister from ruling party. – Express Tribune

A12

TIMES O F O MAN

MONDAY, D E CEMBER 7, 2 015

#TRENDING ONLINE HOT PICKS MOST READ

MOST SHARED

TIMESOFOMAN.COM

FACEBOOK.COM/TIMESOFOMAN

TOTAL VIEWS

TOTAL PAGE LIKES

36,862,848

269,864

1 UAE’s e-visa returns to

1 Oman to host Louis Vuitton

haunt air passengers from Oman

America’s Cup World Series bit.ly/omantohostlvacws

bit.ly/uaeonlinevisa

2 PDO launches review of

welfare of 30,000 contractor staff bit.ly/pdocontractorswelfare

3 How dangerous is your

Founder: Essa bin Mohammed Al Zedjali Chairman / Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Deputy Editor-in-Chief: Anees bin Essa Al Zedjali Chief Executive Officer: Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali EDITORIAL Telephone: 24726666 Fax: 24813153 E-mail: editor@timesofoman.com ADVERTISING Telephone: 24726666 Fax: 24812624 E-mail: advertising@timesofoman.com CIRCULATION Telephone: 24726666 Fax: 24818270 E-mail: circulation@timesofoman.com

smartphone? bit.ly/smartphonedangers

2 Volatile week may set stocks

for year-end rally

4 Traffic safety and autism to

get $15 million boost from Oman LNG

bit.ly/stocksmarketyearend

3 Oman Air advises Chennai

bit.ly/trafficsafetylngfund

passengers to travel via Bengaluru

5 Local colleges, universities

bit.ly/omanairbengaluru

Printed and published by: Muscat Media Group Post Box: 770 Postal Code: 112

in Oman must embrace changing global norms

4 Flood-hit Chennai airport to

bit.ly/omancollegeuniv

be shut until December 8 bit.ly/chennaiairportﬂood

5 Oman reports trade surplus

TIMESOFOMAN.COM/OPINION

despite slump in export revenue bit.ly/omantradesurplus

STEPHEN GROFF MOST POPULAR VIDEO

TIMESOFOMAN.COM/VIDEOS

Tax administration needs overhauling M.Ziauddin

A montage taken from 14 days of shooting in Oman for a tourism campaign in Australia & New Zealand.

Every year, forest fires ravage Indonesia, causing massive environmental, social, and economic devastation. This year’s fires are the largest in nearly 20 years, destroying three million hectares of land and causing an estimated $14 billion loss. bit.ly/indonesiaforestfires

TWEET WE LIKE @Actor_Siddharth: Food is not the priority. Water is receding. Life is returning to normal. Donate bedsheets, candles, insect repellent, water. #chennaimicro

INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY

JUTTA KILL

INSTAGRAM.COM/TIMESOFOMAN

REDD+ was created as part of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the agreement governing its implementation is expected to be ﬁnalized during the United Nations Conference on Climate Change in Paris. bit.ly/deforestationTFAC

SHARE THIS!

Location: Yeti beach /Photo: Reneesh Francis

READERS’ FORUM Chennai flooding should serve as an eye-opener for urban planners and decision makers The severe flooding in Chennai caused by torrential rains is a result of climate change and should be an eye opener for urban planners. While officials of the India Meteorological Department have said the exceptionally strong El Niño, along with a rare “coincidence of various factors”, has resulted in the heavy rain, there’s no denying that Chennai has failed in maintaining an effective storm water drainage system. I read that Cooum River, Adyar River and Buckingham Canal, which serve as the Scan this QR code main rain water drain for the city, have to send letters to the all seen encroachments due to rapid urReaders’ Forum, banisation. In fact, only in September this containing not more than 200 words with year, the Madras High Court threatened full name, address to summon the state’s chief secretary over and telephone differences in opinion between the governnumber, may be sent ment’s own departments. A Public Interest by mail (Times of Oman, P.O. Box 770, Litigation (PIL) was filed by the Kasturba P.C. 112, Ruwi). Nagar and Indira Nagar Residents Welfare Forum, seeking the removal of encroachments on the Canal Bank Road along the Buckingham Canal. In their petition, they said that the encroachments were not slum dwellings but concrete structures directly affecting the flow of the canal. Had the government authorities acted then, this area of the city could perhaps have been spared of such severe flooding. - Karthika Thara, Wadi Kabir

JOSH ROGIN

The United States Treasury Department is preparing to make it easier for American companies to do business through a port in Myanmar that is owned by a sanctioned company whose reclusive owner has close ties to the ruling military junta. bit.ly/usttrademyanmar

alf-way through one financial year, the government of the day was confronted with a very heavy shortfall in tax revenue collection. Projections for the second half were also very disappointing. It was, therefore, decided to overcome the shortage by enhancing import duties on ‘non-essentials’. This had happened during the second stint of the late prime minister Benazir Bhutto. And Pakistan at that time was, as usual, going through one of the so-called customary IMF structural programmes. But at the end of the fiscal year, while the imports had grown significantly in value and volume terms, the collection from this head had seriously stagnated. After the ritual of the post-budget press conference, a small group of journalists were invited by the then prime minister for a more detailed discussion on the proposed budgetary measures for the incoming year. During the course of the discussion, the prime minister was asked why collection under the import duty head did not show any improvement for the outgoing year despite the enhancement of import duties half-way through the fiscal year and that too when imports had increased considerably, both in volume and value terms. The prime minister was gracious enough to concede that she too was puzzled and would like to find out why. Then she proposed that three of us (she proposed the names) should call on the chairman of the Central Board of Revenue (CBR) — the earlier version of FBR — to find out the answer. So we called on the then CBR chief and kept on calling on him every other day for almost a month without getting a satisfactory answer. Finally, one day, perhaps fed up with our pestering, he said: “Actually, the increase in import was due to items that we do not show on the books and which carry no duties.” Being patriotic Pakistanis we meekly accepted the explanation without a question and never went back to the CBR to complete the prime minister’s assignment. Perhaps the new tax measures announced the other day by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar — ostensibly under duress from the IMF to collect Rs40 billion of tax revenue to bridge the esti-

mated gap between the target fixed in the annual budget and expected collection by the end of the current financial year — would, one hopes, not meet the same fate. However, such measures in the past have been known to have only given a fresh fillip to smuggling, depriving the exchequer of even that amount which it would have otherwise collected, had the government not enhanced the import duties. It is, indeed, so easy to make wishful plans rather than take the bull by the horns. And this is what successive governments in this country, both military and civilians, have been doing all these years. Perhaps no gaps would have occurred in the first place, between what was proposed in the budget and what was estimated to be collected by the end of the year, if only the audit aspect of the tax system had been reformed. Tax audit is the core function of any revenue authority and should have received the maximum focus and attention. But the prevailing structure of the Audit Wing and its field formation are not geared to undertake the required task. The staff of the wing numbers about 650. This means a workload of about 400 audits/assessments per officer, per year. Therefore, it is not surprising that an overwhelming number of tax audits are conducted in haste and are perfunctory creating space for tax evasion and avoidance. The system needs a complete overhaul to cater to the complexities and diversities of tax audit. Modern-day tax audit requires resources in auditing, accounting and information technology, together with specialised sectorial knowledge. For example, transfer pricing, sale and purchase of properties, benami accounts and undeclared assets held outside the country and so on, are all very lucrative sources of direct taxes. But unless the tax administration is geared to probe these fields, the vast resources covered by these activities would always remain out of the tax net. In addition, the audit function should be completely separated from rest of the FBR. A separate audit division needs to be created, to plan and execute the work of audit. Experts have suggested formation of a semigovernment, autonomous body, hiring accounting and audit professionals instead of Civil Service Academy-trained CSP officers. - Express Tribune

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES DECEMBER 2000

PICTOGRAPH PUBLIC TELEVISION TRANSMISSION HOURS (2014)

OCCI business committee meets MUSCAT: The contracting and business committee of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry discussed at a regular meeting yesterday classifying the contracting sector. The committee also reviewed the possibility of setting regulations for joining the contracting sector and submitting bids to the tender board by new companies. The meeting discussed a draft decision the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Environment plan to issue a regular and monitor buildings.

TODAY IN HISTORY

Cultural

2,150

Development

2,082 2,000

News

NEW INDIA ASSURANCE

“Insure with New India and be secure”

Tel: 24838800 | Fax: 24838899 | Email: niamct@omantel.net.om | Website: www.newindiaoman.com I never think of the future - it comes soon enough.

ALBERT EINSTEIN

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

1941: Japanese planes raid Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in a surprise attack, bringing the US into WWII.

Recreational and art

1,540 665

Children

1972: The crew of Apollo 17, the last manned mission to the moon, lifts off at Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Youth and sports

200

1995: Galileo spacecraft arrives at Jupiter after a 6-year journey.

Programme and announcement

2006: An earthquake in Armenia kills around 100,000 people.

Source: National Centre for Statistics and Information

122

M ONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

A13

SPECIAL

Combating online terror tactics

FIGHTING ONLINE PROPAGANDA: A man poses in front of a display showing a Facebook logo and the word ‘cyber’ in binary code, in this picture illustration taken in Zenica on December 27, 2014. Facebook, Google and Twitter are stepping up efforts to combat online propaganda and recruiting by militants. – Reuters ﬁles

Internet companies ban certain types of content in accordance with their own terms of service, and require court orders to remove or block anything beyond that

SAN FRANCISCO: Facebook, Google and Twitter are stepping up efforts to combat online propaganda and recruiting by militants, but the Internet companies are doing it quietly to avoid the perception that they are helping the authorities police the Web. On Friday, Facebook Inc said it took down a proﬁle that the company believed belonged to San Bernardino shooter Tashfeen Malik, who with her husband is accused of killing 14 people in a mass shooting that the FBI is investigating as an “act of terrorism”. The French prime minister and European Commission officials met separately with Facebook, Google, Twitter Inc and other companies to demand faster action on what the commission called “online terrorism incitement and hate speech”. The Internet companies described their policies as straightforward: they ban certain types of content in accordance with their own terms of service, and require court orders to remove or block anything beyond that. Anyone can report, or ﬂag, content for review and possible removal. Subtle truth But the truth is far more subtle and complicated. According to former employees, Facebook, Google and Twitter all worry that if they are public about their true level of cooperation with Western law enforcement agencies, they will face endless demands for similar action from countries around the world. They also fret about being perceived by consumers as being tools of the government. Worse, if the companies spell out exactly how their screening works, they run the risk that technologically savvy militants will learn more about how to beat their systems.

CONTAINING CYBER CRIME: A logo of Twitter is pictured next to the logo of Facebook in this September 23, 2014 illustration photo in Sarajevo. – Reuters ﬁles

“If they knew what magic sauce went into pushing content into the newsfeed, spammers or whomever would take advantage of that,” said a security expert who had worked at both Facebook and Twitter, who asked not to be identiﬁed because of the sensitivity of the issue. One of the most signiﬁcant yet least understood aspects of the propaganda issue is the range of ways in which social media companies deal with government officials. Facebook, Google and Twitter say they do not treat government complaints differently from citizen complaints, unless the government obtains a court order. The trio are among a growing number that publish regular transparency reports summarising the number of formal requests from officials about content on their sites. But there are workarounds, according to former employees, activists and government officials. A key one is for officials or their allies to complain that a threat, hate speech or celebration of violence violates the company’s terms of service, rather than any law. Such content can be taken down within hours or minutes, and without the paper trail that would go with a court order. “It is com-

monplace for federal authorities to directly contact Twitter and ask for assistance, rather than going through formal channels,” said an activist who has helped get numerous accounts disabled. In the San Bernardino case, Facebook said it took down Malik’s proﬁle, established under an alias, for violating its community standards, which prohibit praise or promotion of “acts of terror”. The spokesman said there was pro-IS content on the page but declined to elaborate. Online activists Some well-organised online activists have also had success getting social media sites to remove content. A French-speaking activist using the Twitter alias NageAnon said he helped get rid of thousands of YouTube videos by spreading links of clear cases of policy violations and enlisting other volunteers to report them. “The more it gets reported, the more it will get reviewed quickly and treated as an urgent case,” he said in a Twitter message to Reuters. A person familiar with YouTube’s operations said that company officials tend to quickly review videos that generate a high

number of complaints relative to the number of views. Relying on numbers can lead to other kinds of problems. Facebook suspended or restricted the accounts of many pro-Western Ukrainians after they were accused of hate speech by multiple Russian-speaking users in what appeared to be a coordinated campaign, said former Facebook security staffer Nick Bilogorskiy, a Ukrainian immigrant who helped some of those accounts win appeals. He said the complaints have leveled off. A similar campaign attributed to Vietnamese officials at least temporarily blocked content by government critics, activists said. Facebook declined to discuss these cases. What law enforcement, politicians and some activists would really like is for Internet companies to stop banned content from being shared in the ﬁrst place. But that would pose a tremendous technological challenge, as well as an enormous policy shift, former executives said. Some cases can be blocked because the technology companies have access to a database that identiﬁes previously known images. A similar type of system is in

place for copyrighted music. There is no database for videos of violent acts, and the same footage that might violate a social network’s terms of service if uploaded by an anonymous militant might pass if it were part of a news broadcast. Nicole Wong, who previously served as the White House’s deputy chief technology officer, said tech companies would be reluctant to create a database of militants’ videos, even if it could be kept current enough to be relevant, for fear that repressive governments would demand such set-ups to pre-screen any content they do not like. Rightfully cautious “Technology companies are rightfully cautious because they are global players, and if they build it for one purpose they don’t get to say it can’t be used for anything else,” said Wong, a former Twitter and Google legal executive. “If you build it, they will come it will also be used in China to stop dissidents.” There have been some formal policy changes. Twitter revised its abuse policy to ban indirect threats of violence, in addition to direct threats, and has dramatical-

ly improved its speed for handling abuse requests, a spokesman said. “Across the board we respond to requests more quickly, and it’s safe to say government requests are in that bunch,” the spokesman said. Banning content Facebook said it banned this year any content praising terrorists. Google’s YouTube has expanded a little-known “Trusted Flagger” programme, allowing groups ranging from a British anti-terror police unit to the Simon Wiesenthal Center, a human rights organisation, to flag large numbers of videos as problematic and get immediate action. A Google spokeswoman declined to say how many trusted flaggers there were, but said the vast majority were individuals chosen based on their past accuracy in identifying content that violated YouTube’s policies. No US government agencies were part of the programme, though some nonprofit US entities have joined in the past year, she said. “There’s no Wizard of Oz syndrome. We send stuff in and we get an answer,” said Rabbi Abraham Cooper, head of the Wiesenthal Center’s Digital Terrorism and Hate project. — Reuters

A 14

MONDAY, D E CEMBER 7, 2 015

GLOBAL EYE

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

PHOTO GALLERY W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N .C O M

GERMANY: Runners dressed up as ‘Father Christmas’ participate in the Nikolaus Lauf (Santa Claus Run) in the east German town of Michendorf, southwest of Berlin, Germany, on Sunday. – Reuters

LEBANON: Workers set up a giant Christmas tree opposite Moham-

med Al Amin Mosque in Lebanon’s capital Beirut on Sunday. – AFP

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: A picture taken in the early hours of Sunday shows hot air balloons ﬂying over Dubai, United Arab Emirates, buildings as part of the ‘Dubai International Balloon Fiesta’ event. – AFP

SWITZERLAND: A man, dressed as Santa Claus, takes a curve in the alpine ski resort of Verbier, Switzerland, on Sunday. – Reuters

CHINA: Michael Read, Director of Flight Operations from New Zealand-based Martin Aircraft Company, ﬂies on a Martin Jetpack during a demonstration over a water park in Shenzhen, China, on Sunday. – Reuters

CHINA: Men ﬁsh during snowfall on a bank of the Yenisei River outside Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk, Russia, on Sunday. – Reuters

THE PHILIPPINES: Cosplayers dressed as characters from the Star Wars movie series visit patients during a charity event organised by non-proﬁt group 501st Legion, at East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon city, metro Manila, the Philippines, on Sunday. – Reuters

UNITED STATES: Donner Lake is pictured after fresh snowfall near Truckee, California, United States, on Thursday. An El Nino is forecast for California, and regular precipitation has been welcomed after years of drought. – Reuters

M ONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015 Water was waist high at points along the road and had ﬂooded local businesses including a car dealership and a convenience store. Emergency services had been evacuating homes by boat and helicopter Mark Walker, A local teacher

A15

WORLD

Rain, ﬂoods hit northwest England British Prime Minister David Cameron said on Twitter that the army had been mobilised to help those affected

LONDON: Britain’s emergency response committee met on Sunday after prolonged heavy rain caused widespread ﬂooding in northwest England and forced emergency services to evacuate residents from their homes. The meeting was called after storms battered the country overnight, killing one man and leaving hundreds of homes ﬂooded and without power. Police declared a major incident and coastguards were called in to rescue stranded residents. Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said the govern-

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

PHOTOS W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N .C O M

ment committee had been called to “urgently assess the scale of the ﬂoods and ensure the response remains coordinated, effective and gets help to those affected as quickly as possible.” Police said they believed one man was killed in London, which also experienced high winds, af-

ter he was blown into the side of a moving bus. There were no other reports of deaths or injuries. Britain has suffered several heavy ﬂoods in recent years. In 2014 thousands of acres of farm-

land in the south of the country were submerged for weeks and the northwest region was badly ﬂooded in both 2009 and 2005. British Prime Minister David Cameron said on Twitter that the

army had been mobilised to help those affected. “Looking down the main street where I am now I can’t tell where the river starts and where it ends... it’s dirty brown water. It’s a real mess,” Mark Walker, a local teacher, told Reuters by telephone from the badly-affected city of Carlisle. He said the water was waist high at points along the road and had ﬂooded local businesses including a car dealership and a convenience store. Emergency services had been evacuating homes by boat and helicopter, he said. — Reuters

A 16

MONDAY, D E CEMBER 7, 2 015

WORLD

Attacker slashes man at metro station in London An eyewitness quoted by The Guardian and other British newspapers said the attacker appeared to claim that he was retaliating for Western air strikes on militants in Syria SCENE OF ATTACK: A police officer drives past Leytonstone Underground station in east London,

Britain on Sunday. - Reuters

LONDON: A knife attacker slashed a man at an east London metro station, reportedly screaming “this is for Syria”, in what police described as a terrorist incident, prompting the government to urge Britons on Sunday not to be intimidated by the attack. A pool of blood near the ticket barriers at the Leytonstone Underground station, about six miles (10km) east of central London, could be seen in footage posted on Twitter that also showed the suspect confronting police officers on Saturday evening. Police said initial reports indicated the man, believed to be aged 29, had also threatened other bystanders. One 56-year-old man suffered serious but not lifethreatening injuries. Two other people had minor injuries, police said. “We are treating this as a terrorist incident,” Richard Walton, who leads the Counter Terrorism Command at London’s Metropolitan Police, said in a statement. The man was arrested after police discharged a Taser which stuns suspects.

An eyewitness quoted by The Guardian and other British newspapers said the attacker appeared to claim that he was retaliating for Western air strikes on militants in Syria. Police declined to comment on those reports and it was not immediately possible to verify them independently. British war planes joined the strikes on targets in Syria for the ﬁrst time on Thursday, a few hours after parliament had approved the involvement. Senior government minister Iain Duncan Smith said whatever the circumstances, Britons must not let the Leytonstone incident affect their behaviour. “We cannot let these sort of people, terrorists et cetera, actu-

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY ADD IN GOOGLE+

Tablet lovers add dd us on Google +

ally dominate our space,” he told the BBC. “The way we defeat them at the end of the day is with our values, our freedom of expression, our freedom of belief ... our ability to take our children, our families out at Christmas. None of that must be curtailed.” Nevertheless, the attack will draw parallels with the May 2013 murder of British army soldier Lee Rigby, who was hacked to death just south of the Thames River by two converts. Britain is on its second-highest alert level of “severe”, meaning a militant attack is considered highly likely, mainly because of the threat posed by IS militants in Syria and Iraq who are encouraging supporters to attack the West.

Prime Minister David Cameron won parliamentary approval to bomb the IS group in Syria after the group claimed responsibility for the attacks on Paris last month that killed 130 people. In an interview with the Sunday Times newspaper, Syrian President Bashar Al Assad mocked Cameron’s strategy in the region, saying it would make the situation worse, not better. Cameron said air strikes would not increase the chances of an attack on Britain, since militants already viewed the country as a top target with seven plots foiled over the past year. An eyewitness to the knife attack was quoted as saying the attacker had screamed about Syria. “As he was coming out this is what he said: ‘This is what happens when you .... with mother Syria, all of your blood will be spilled’,” the Guardian quoted an eyewitness as saying. Britain’s worst militant attack was in July 2005, when 52 people were killed by suicide bombs on underground trains and a bus. - Reuters

TRAGEDY

29 feared dead in Azerbaijan oil platform fire BAKU: Azeri state energy company SOCAR said on Sunday 29 workers missing after an oil platform in the Caspian Sea caught fire on Friday were feared dead, and President Ilham Aliyev declared a day of national mourning. SOCAR said one worker had been killed and 33 rescued, out of the 62 who were on the oil rig when the fire started. “We continue the search-andrescue operation... We regard those whom we have not found so far as missing... We believe that God will help them, although it’s probably impossible,” Khoshbakh Usifzade, SOCAR first vice-president, told a news conference. Usifzade added rescuers were also searching for three more workers who had been swept into the sea in an accident on another oil platform on Friday. He said the fire was not completely extinguished yet but hoped it would be by the end of the day. Daily production on the plat-

MISHAP: A still image from a video footage shows an oil platform on ﬁre in the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, on Saturday. - Reuters/ MEYDAN TV

form was 920 tonnes of oil and 1.08 million cubic metres of gas. “These ﬁgures are our production losses so far,” he said. Usifzade said the company would review its safety measures on its platforms, many of which were built in Soviet times. - Reuters

C R A C K D O W N O N M I L I TA N T S

Bangladesh detains three members of banned group DHAKA: Bangladesh detained three suspected members of a banned militant group, police said on Sunday, as security forces step up a hunt for extremists behind a spate of recent attacks. Bangladesh has suffered from a wave of extremist violence, with two foreigners, four secular writers and a publisher killed this year. Some of the attacks have been claimed by IS. The three men, who were active members of the banned Jamaatul-Mujahideen, were caught in an overnight raid in the capital, Dha-

ka, Monirul Islam, a police joint commissioner, told reporters, as the handcuffed men were paraded before the media. A mobile phone network jammer and books were found in their possession, Islam said. Preliminary investigation showed the jammer was used during meetings to avoid leaking information, he said. The group was believed to be behind a series of recent attacks, including bombings of a shrine and the killing of a policemen, police said. - Reuters

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM M ON DAY, DEC EM BER 7, 2015

MARKE

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH THE VIDEO

DIGEST VIDEO Top stories in one minute with our new daily Digest

Sultanate’s ﬁrst venture capital ﬁrm to fund high-risk projects ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com

Announcement to form Oman Venture Capital Company (Ethmar) was made at the Oman Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy. — Picture by OK Mohammad Ali/Times of Oman

Conference 2015

OIL SUPPLIES

Why Opec has no other choice but to continue pumping more crude oil NEW YORK: On Friday, Paris was full of people trying to change the world and Vienna was full of people trying to cope with a changing world. This is not a coincidence. As the latest round of global climate talks were drawing toward the end of their first week, Opec’s ministers were talking about what to do about $40 oil. The truth is there’s precious little they can do right now — which is why they effectively did nothing on Friday. But if delegates in Paris cheer at Opec’s impotence, they aren’t considering all the implications. Opec’s world has been turned upside down. Its power as a group derives from the notion that it holds the lion’s share of a finite set of an essential commodity, oil, as well as most of the world’s swing capacity. Both those assumptions can no longer be taken for granted. Oil’s finite nature has proven remarkably slippery. Peak Oil theories dictate that there can only be so many barrels beneath the ground, and at some point the world will have pumped more than half of them, and it’s all downhill from there. But how many barrels are available is a function of money as well as rocks: If you make it cheaper to get at barrels, then more of them “exist.” Consider that since 1980, the world has produced just under 900 billion barrels of oil — and its proved reserves actually went up by just over one trillion barrels in that time. Are some countries overstating their proved reserves? Probably. Yet there’s a recent example of new oil reserves suddenly showing up that is hard to overlook: Advances in technology, financing (particularly the use of hedging to raise capital), and operational efficiency have made a mockery of the notion that US oil production is in terminal decline. At the very least, this offers tangible evidence that, with enough effort, supposed geological truths about who has access to oil and who doesn’t can be overturned. The shale boom brings its own problems, of course, most notably the risk of environmental

– Bloomberg ﬁle picture

damage and an impending crash in high-yield debt as over-levered exploration and production firms struggle amid low oil prices. Environmental concerns Opec can’t count on those issues to solve its problem, though. Environmental concerns could conceivably halt shale exploitation; but the record to date suggests that regulations will tighten, but not to the point that fracking halts completely. History also shows that the bursting of financial bubbles certainly shakes out industries, but doesn’t necessarily destroy them — as anyone who uses the railroad, the internet, solar panels or, yes, oil can tell you. So Opec now lives in a world where the value of its barrels in the ground won’t necessarily just go up over time as everyone else’s reserves run out. Worse, it has watched as rival producers have worked hard to push down the cost of their production. Instead of being a monopolistic group holding supply off the market in order to extract higher prices from addicted consumers, Opec is in a more competitive environment where it must fight for market share. If it cut output now, it would merely create room for others to fill. By standing firm, Saudi Arabia in particular can at least hope that low prices will squeeze some investment out of the global oil industry and thereby help it regain some market share and set up the next upswing in prices. Yet such hopes must also be tempered by the knowledge that, because oil doesn’t look so finite anymore, any upswing will likely be capped as higher prices bring rival barrels back into the market. — Bloomberg News

MUSCAT: Oman’s ﬁrst venture capital company called ‘Ethmar,’ with an initial fund of OMR10 million, will provide a new source of funding for high-risk projects that have the potential to deliver high returns. The announcement about the decision to form Oman Venture Capital Company (Ethmar) was made at a ﬁrst-of-its-kind Oman Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Conference 2015, which began on Sunday and closes on Monday.

The ﬁrst day activities of the conference were held under the patronage of Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Minister of Commerce and Industry, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. A number of presentations were delivered by experienced speakers and several panel discussions were held. The event has been organised by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Iskan Oman Investment Company, the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Riyada) and Al Raffd Fund. The other co-organisers of the conference are KPMG, Trowers & Hamlins, Institute of Cost and

Management Accounting and 1Pulse Oman LLC. In a speech at the conference, the minister said the venture capital company will provide mentorship and an alternative source of funding for entrepreneurs and will share proﬁt or loss. According to him, Ethmar will help support innovative ideas of those who are not able to avail loans due to the high risk that their projects involve. Speaking to reporters, Al Sunaidy said entrepreneurs who have obtained initial ﬁnancial support, for instance from Al Raffd Fund, have to take a lot of loans in

later stages in order to grow their business, which they may not be able to do. So a mechanism like a venture capital fund will help support them, he said, adding that such initiatives have been successfully implemented in various countries, including the United States, India and European countries. The minister said the current laws and regulations can sustain such initiatives and encouraged companies even from outside Oman to set up venture capital companies in the Sultanate, either as standalone or in partnership with companies in Oman. > B2

MONDAY, D E CEMBER 7, 2 015

MARKET V E N T U R E C A P I TA L C O M PA N Y

< FROM

MIDDLE EAST REGION

Ethmar set up with initial fund of OMR10m

He also noted that private banks and Al Raffd Fund would be happy to see more of these funds because it would allow them to deal with a young entrepreneur and a partner, instead of just an entrepreneur. “I think it is not the money that we are after; it is the management capabilities that the fund usually brings to the table,” Al Sunaidy said. Speaking to reporters, Rashid Al Balushi, managing director at

Iskan Oman Investment Company, said Ethmar has been established with an initial fund of OMR10 million. On the second day of the conference, three projects will be selected and announced as being eligible to receive initial funding from the company, he noted. Al Balushi said apart from the seed fund, a venture capital company would give many ideas to the entrepreneur to help him

manage and develop his innovative project. Options According to him, after the startup reaches a certain level of maturity, the entrepreneur will have the option to buy back the shares of the investing company or continue to partner with it. He noted that this initiative will help contribute towards economic diversiﬁcation, job crea-

Chinese mobile crane supplier appoints dealer

tion and the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). Asked how many projects will be supported in the very ﬁrst year, Al Balushi said that would depend on the business plan of Ethmar. Private sector According to the organisers, unlike the government funding of start-up projects, the venture capital will be completely promoted by the private sector. As

the ﬁrst private sector fund, the investment will be mainly in highgrowth potential Omani start-ups. Any Omani start-up with a required paid up capital of at least OMR100,000 will be eligible to access the fund. More details about Ethmar will be announced on the second day of the conference and a number of technical sessions will be held on various subjects related to entrepreneurship.

P E I E I N I T I AT I V E

one of the largest

MAKING A POINT: The programme highlighted pressure experienced at workplaces and its causes and types. - Supplied picture

construction Times News Service

machinery – Supplied picture

manufacturers in the world, with factories and R&D centres in Germany, USA, Brazil and India

Times News Service MUSCAT: Al Misfat Equipment Company has been designated as the authorised dealer in the Sultanate of Oman for SANY mobile cranes, becoming the ﬁrst company to officially introduce SANY products and services in the Sultanate. An official ceremony was recently held to announce the partnership between Al Misfat Equipment Company LLC and China-based SANY Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. The evening was graced by Sheikh Mohamed Bin Marhoun

Bin Ali Al Maamari, Advisor to the State; Yu Fulong, Ambassador of China to Oman; and E Houssam Diab, Ambassador of Lebanon to the Sultanate of Oman. “We are pleased to be the designated authorised dealers for SANY mobile crane products in the Sultanate of Oman. Samir Chalhoub & Partner Company already supplies a comprehensive range of high-quality, versatile hydraulic mobile cranes across the spectrum of Oman’s industrial sector, which includes construction, oil and gas, infrastructure, energy and more. Today, we add to this existing portfolio by partnering with SANY Heavy Industry Company. We will do our best to take care of SANY cranes and keep our customers satisﬁed,” said Mr. Samir Chalhoub – Chairman of the groupand partner. “Al Misfat, in collaboration with SANY Heavy, will strive to do their best and work towards the success of the company by providing the

best facilities in the mobile crane division for the region,” added Mohamed Salim Al Zefeiti, chairman and partner. The SANY Group is one of the largest construction machinery manufacturers in the world, with factories and R&D centres in Germany, USA, Brazil and India,” said Sun Xinliang, general manager of SANY Automobile Hoisting Machinery Co., the crane division of SANY Heavy Industry Co. According to the agreement, Al Misfat Equipment Company will be a one-stop portal for SANY mobile cranes, providing customers in Oman with spare parts, service and maintenance of machinery, technical support and other services. SANY mobile crane product range includes a line-up of cranes, such as the truck, all-terrain, rough-terrain, loader crane, crawler, tower crane and special purpose crane – each designed for a vast array of industrial applications.

Chief economist of BP meets key officials from government Times News Service

Key forum focuses on work pressure

SANY Group is

Spencer Dale. — Supplied picture

MUSCAT: A programme on productivity in the industrial sector, work pressure and ways to deal with it was organised recently by the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE), represented by its Human Resources Development Centre. Delivered by Alaa Al Husseini and Khamis Al Muniri, the programme touched upon the concept and importance of productivity, measurement methods, and factors leading to the advancement of the industrial sector’s productivity. Economic consequences The programme also highlighted pressure experienced at workplaces, its causes, types, levels, and its psychological, physical and economic consequences on individuals and institutions. Around 32 human resources and training representatives of various factories and companies in the industrial estates attended the programme. Participants de-

scribed the programmeof being rich of information and an unforgettable experience. Zahra Al Shaibani, director of human resources at Abu Yasin Trading & Marketing at Rusayl Industrial Estate, said, “We have learnt that creating an apt work environment requires several factors including positive thinking and behaviour, conﬁdence, humbleness, group work, communication with others among other factors. In fact, the series of programmes that are organised by PEIE give an opportunity for the participants to gain experience from expert lecturers and co-workers.” Ali Al Shuraiqi of Target Industrial Services which is based at Nizwa Industrial Estate, pointed out that PEIE is doing great efforts in highlighting topics of interest to the Omani youth in the industry like work pressure and productivity. PEIE aspires that this programme contributes to generate further awareness on the importance of productivity and its positive impact in advancing the national economy.

MUSCAT: Spencer Dale, BP Group Chief Economist, has visited Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia and met with senior government dignitaries and business partners in the region. During the meetings, they discussed the oil market outlook, key economic trends, and energy dynamics in the Middle East and across the world. Commenting on the visit, Spencer Dale said, “The Middle East is a key contributor to global energy supplies and will continue to be well into the future. Governments across the Middle East are facing a fiscal challenge with the drop in government revenues from the lower oil prices, but all are taking steps to address this issue.” BP has been present in the Middle East for more than 100 years, working in both downstream and upstream businesses. Khazzan project Today, in Oman, BP is operating the Khazzan project, one of the biggest tight gas projects in the Middle East. The project is on budget, on schedule and will increase Oman’s total daily gas supply by a third. In Iraq, BP is working to develop the supergiant Rumaila oil field. In the UAE, BP manages upstream activities in Abu Dhabi and a downstream business in Dubai. In Abu Dhabi, BP has had a partnership over many decades bringing together BP’s global technology capability and ADMA’s local expertise. In Kuwait, BP is supporting the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) through the deployment of BP experts into KOC to assist in enhancing production efficiency and reserves growth. During his meetings in the Middle East, Dale presented BP’s Statistical Review and Energy Outlook to government officials and business partners. For over 60 years, the BP Statistical Review of World Energy has been one of the most authoritative and highly regarded publications on the energy industry and its influence on world economics.

M ONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

MARKET Middle East cargo growth volumes remain resilient Saudi Arabia and the UAE, among others in the region, have seen slowdowns in non-oil sectors, but growth rates remain robust enough to sustain solid demand for air cargo, IATA said in a report

Times News Service MUSCAT: Middle Eastern carriers saw demand expand by 8.3 per cent, and capacity rise 11.6 per cent. Recent air cargo growth in the region continues to trend well below the rates seen for the ﬁrst half of the year, according to a recent report. Saudi Arabia and the UAE, among others in the region, have seen slowdowns in non-oil sectors, but growth rates remain robust enough to sustain solid demand for air cargo, International Air Transport Association (IATA), said in the report. Data for global air freight markets shows that air cargo volumes measured by freight tonne kilometres rose just 0.5 per cent

ROBUST DEMAND: Recent air cargo growth in the region continues to trend well below the rates seen for the ﬁrst half of the year, according to a recent report. — Bloomberg ﬁle picture

in October compared to a year ago. Year-over-year expansion fell back from September’s faster growth rate, and total cargo volumes in October stand 1.1 per cent lower than the peak of the uptrend at the end of 2014. European carriers have driven recent improvements in air cargo growth, but they ran out of steam in October with a rise of just 0.2 per cent. Other regions also underlined the weak October trend. The most signiﬁcant decline in cargo activity was experienced

WAT E R S U M M I T

by North American carriers, who reported a 2.4 per cent fall in volumes. Latin America (-8.1 per cent) and Africa (-1.1 per cent) are smaller markets and also declined. Asia-Paciﬁc was up, little more than Europe with a rise of 0.3 per cent. Growth in the Middle East, although a robust 8.3 per cent, was some 4.3 percentage points down on the average performance for the year to date. “The outlook for air cargo continues to be very difficult. While

there was some optimism from third quarter growth it has all but disappeared as the industry basically ﬂat-lined. Cargo capacity has grown largely in lock-step with the continued robust demand for passenger travel. As a result, freight load factors have sunk to the 44 per cent range—a level not seen since 2009. Early signs of improvement in export orders may bode well for trade and air cargo but this is unlikely to prevent air cargo ﬁnishing 2015 on a low note,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s

Director General and CEO. Asia-Paciﬁc carriers saw a slight rise in FTKs of 0.3 per cent in October compared to October 2014, and capacity expanded 2.9 per cent. Trade growth in China and other key export economies remains disappointing. Chinese export orders, however, spiked in October, which could result in better demand for air freight in the next 2-3 months. European carriers reported a rise in demand in October of just 0.2 per cent compared to a year ago and capacity rose 5.6 per cent. Although this is a weaker performance than in recent months, improvements in the Eurozone are expected to continue, especially trade activity to/from Central and Eastern Europe. North American airlines experienced a decline of 2.4 per cent year-on-year and capacity grew 6.0 per cent. There are mixed signals from this market. Recent month-to-month results appeared to indicate a return to growth, but the latest manufacturing and export reports are poor. Strong demand for air freight in the coming months appears unlikely. Latin American airlines reported a decline in demand of 8.1 per cent year-on-year, and capacity expanded 5.0 per cent. Yearto-date performance for Latin American air cargo is the worst of any region by some margin, contracting by 5.9 per cent. Air cargo demand appears to be mirroring weakening consumer sentiment in key regional economies.

3D SECURE SERVICE

ahlibank enhances card security for online transactions Times News Service MUSCAT: ahlibank announced that it has successfully implemented 3D Secure service for Visa cards, enhancing security on their credit cards for their customers. The higher level of security offers cardholders enhanced protection for their online transactions and safeguards their cards against misuse while making purchases over the internet. The 3D Secure Service enables card holders to identify themselves when making online payments. Identiﬁcation process The identiﬁcation process is simple and fast, as well as safe; and goes a step ahead of the existing card authentication systems by adding an extra layer of security. By ensuring that each transaction is only successful upon entering username and password, the service prevents any unauthorized usage of the customer’s card. Commenting on the service, Lloyd Maddock, CEO of ahlibank said: “Convenience and security go hand in hand. Online security, hence, remains a top priority and we strive to constantly align with the latest technological advancements with international best practices. The new layer of security for our credit cards will enable our customers to experience a safer and a more secure online shopping experience than ever before, giving them more control over their transactions.”

ECONOMY

Experts to focus Investors in US look ahead nervously for on water demand clues as decision on interest rate looms and supply gap in Middle East Times News Service MUSCAT: Impending water demand and supply gap in the Middle East and the challenges and opportunities to ensuring water sustainability in the region will be on focus at the International Water Summit (IWS)2016. Countries in the GCC have the highest per capita consumption of domestic water in the world, reaching 1600 litres per day per person, according to a recent study by Frost and Sullivan commissioned by the IWS. Limited availability of freshwater and renewable resources, coupled with their large-scale inefficient use, is further widening the demandsupply gap, according to the 2015 report. A separate study by the World Bank shows that as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s population continues to grow, and is projected to double over the next 40 years, per capita water availability is expected to fall by more than 50 per cent by 2050. The summit is set attract is set to attract global experts, decision makers, and business innovators to address the impending water demand and supply gap in the Middle East. The event isd held under the patronage of General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and hosted by Masdar as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, IWS offers industry stakeholders a knowledge-sharing platform for exploring and accelerating the development of new sustainable strategies and technologies. Connecting decision makers with solid opportunities for industry development is key to making the prospect of water sustainability a reality, say experts. “Projections of signiﬁcant population growth in the region is making it critical that water demand is met with sustainable regulatory strategies that not only promote efficiency, but also safeguard quality and maximise

Countries in the GCC have the highest per capita consumption of domestic water in the world, reaching 1600 litres per day per person, according to a recent study

the potential of this vital resource within the water-energy nexus,” said Saif Al Qubaisi, Acting Director General at the Regulation & Supervision Bureau – Abu Dhabi. “Stakeholder collaboration and developments in technology play a fundamental role in making this possible. IWS enables industry progress and innovation by bringing experts, investors, and decision makers under one roof to exchange new ideas and share best practice,” Al Qubaisi added. Coming back for its second year as IWS’ ﬂagship business generating programme for the water sector, Innovate@IWS will enable innovators and clean technologists to connect with investors, partners and end users in the quest for sustainable water in arid regions. The IWS Conference Programme will bring together 90 thought-leading speakers to the stage to discuss imminent issues facing potable water production, from the Middle East’s future desalination projects and energy efficiency in water production, to sustainability’s role in business, and a country spotlight on the region’s largest investor in water projects — Saudi Arabia. The 2016 edition of IWS is expected to welcome 180 exhibiting companies from 35 countries, and around 10,000 attendees from more than 70 countries.

LONDON: The calm before the storm? Here comes the “dead week” before the US Federal Reserve raises interest rates for the first time since June 2006 — 9 1/2 years ago. It will be a week of last-minute positioning by financial markets before the expected hike on Dec. 16 and scrutiny of various global data releases to see what risks there are to the move. But first, let’s put it in historical perspective. The last time the Fed raised its fed funds rate, Barack Obama was a freshman senator, Angela Merkel was barely half a year into her job as German chancellor, Twitter had yet to be launched and — unintentionally hinting at the financial turmoil to come — a top film was “Ice Age: The Meltdown”. Even more remarkable, perhaps, is that all these years later the Fed is an outlier in its move to tighten. A total of 43 central banks have eased monetary policy this year,

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

including the European Central Bank, which cut its deposit rate deeper into negative territory in the past week.

Emerging market Some emerging market central banks, such as Brazil’s, have been forced to tighten to protect their currencies, and some policy-makers, such as those in the Bank of England, are itching to end their ultra-easy money regimes. But the global economy — slow, uneven and with barely any inﬂation in many places — has been putting a lid on what some economists like to call policy normalisation. This should be underlined on Thursday when the Bank of England makes a decision on its Bank Rate. No one in a Reuters poll expected any change from the record low 0.5 percent that has been in place since March 2009. The Bank of England’s last rate increase was in July 2007.

Markets, in the meantime, have become addicted to cheap, plentiful cash — part of reason there was a negative reaction to the ECB’s move when it did not loosen as much as some had expected.

China looms With this as a backdrop, the main data in the coming week may well be from China, where the economy has been struggling and having a wide spill-over effect because of the country’s import/export might. “The manufacturing ... reading for November portrayed continued weak activity, prompting us to put our (fourth- quarter) GDP growth forecast of 7.0 per cent under review for a downgrade,” ING said in a note. “We expect nothing in next week’s data - trade, inﬂation and monetary aggregates are due - to alter the picture.” Reuters polls for the trade data, due on Tuesday, suggest both exports and imports will have continued to decline on a year-on-year

basis, albeit at a slower pace. China’s wobble and scant inﬂation in economic powerhouses such as the euro zone, Japan and Britain are the main economic risks weighing on normalisation. They should not, however, deter the Fed — at least initially. Emerging markets, in the meantime, have had plenty of time to digest the idea of higher Fed rates, which can draw money away from them. Widespread crisis So the Fed move after the coming week is not likely to cause any kind of widespread crisis. Capital Economics, however, reckons some countries are more vulnerable to others. Venezuela, China, Argentina, Ukraine, Thailand, Turkey and Colombia top the ﬁrm’s list of countries where the economies may get into difficulty. Everyone has a week to think about it. — Reuters

MONDAY, D E CEMBER 7, 2 015

MARKET OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................5,559.10 ...............5,541.98 ................... 5,541.98 ....................5,557.73.................-15.75 .................. -0.28 Financial Index .................................... 6,692.50 ...............6,674.55 ................... 6,674.55 ................... 6,695.31................-20.76 .................. -0.31 Industrial Index ................................... 6,893.06 .............. 6,845.99 ................... 6,847.38 ...................6,893.06................-45.68 .................. -0.66 Services Index .......................................3,135.87 ...............3,132.79 ....................3,135.78 ................... 3,134.36.................... 1.42 ................... 0.05 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................876.60 ..................872.90 ...................... 872.90 ...................... 876.45.................. -3.55 .................. -0.41 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 13,277,573 ...................2,530,721 .....................616 ................14,669,156,341 .................. 5 ......................14 ....................24 .........................43

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR SUNDAY, DECEMBER 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

SELLING PRESSURE: A total number of 616 trades were executed on Sunday, generating a turnover of OMR2.5 million with 13.2 million shares changing hands. - Times ﬁle picture

REGULAR MARKET ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ........................... 9,623 ................1,361........................3 ............0.142 ........... 0.142 ...........0.141 ............0.141 ............. 0.136............ 0.005............. 3.676 ................0.142..............0.134...................0.142...................13,400,640 .........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ....................................... 5,250 .................. 305........................1 ........... 0.058 ...........0.058 ...........0.058........... 0.058 .............0.057 ............0.001 ............. 1.754.................0.058..............0.056...................0.058................... 12,014,780 .........0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ..................................................... 29,071 .............12,187......................15 ............0.416 ...........0.420 ...........0.416 ........... 0.420 ............. 0.416............ 0.004.............0.962 ................0.418 .............. 0.416...................0.420 ..................25,410,000 .........0.100

MSM index ends lower

OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 258,282 .........399,846..................... 36 ............1.550 ........... 1.550 ...........1.545 ............1.550 ............. 1.545............ 0.005.............0.324 ................1.550 ..............1.540...................1.550................1,162,500,000 ......0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS ...............................................................5,000 ...............1,560........................2 ............0.312 ........... 0.312 ...........0.312 ........... 0.312 .............0.312............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.312 ............. 0.300...................0.326 ..................15,600,000 .........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 308,150 ........... 33,280.....................20 ............0.108 ........... 0.108 ...........0.108........... 0.108 .............0.108 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.108..............0.106...................0.108.................. 216,033,781 ........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 153,974............ 25,503......................17 ............0.166 ........... 0.166 ...........0.164............0.166 ............. 0.166............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.164 ..............0.164...................0.165 ...................33,200,000 ........0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST ........................................................................3,444 ................1,515........................1 ........... 0.440...........0.440 ...........0.440 .......... 0.440 .............0.440 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.440..............0.420...................0.440 .................243,259,122........0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT ............................................................10,000 .............. 4,500........................1 ........... 0.450 ...........0.450 ...........0.450........... 0.450 .............0.450 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.450..............0.450...................0.000 .................148,892,720........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 1,318,763 .......220,562..................... 64 ............0.167 ........... 0.169 ...........0.166 ............0.167 ............. 0.167............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.166 ..............0.166...................0.168...................25,062,525.........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK ............................................................................126 .....................24........................1 ............0.194 ........... 0.194 ...........0.194............0.195 ............. 0.195............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.194..............0.180...................0.194..................277,882,048........0.100 OM0000002275 ...........SHELL OMAN MARKETING ...................................10,000 ............20,000........................1 ........... 2.000...........2.000 ...........2.000 .......... 2.000 .............2.000 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.000 .............1.900...................2.000 ................ 190,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE .......................................................53,900 ...............6,049........................5 ............0.112 ........... 0.113............0.112 ............0.112 ............. 0.112............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.112 .............. 0.110................... 0.112 ...................34,805,673.........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ...............4,000 .................. 412........................1 ............0.103 ........... 0.103 ...........0.103........... 0.105 .............0.105............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.103 ..............0.102...................0.103....................9,450,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................ 396,513............ 86,263..................... 10 ............0.218 ........... 0.218 ...........0.216 ........... 0.218 .............0.218............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.216 .............. 0.215...................0.225 .................336,750,823........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 155,000 ............14,518........................7 ........... 0.094 ...........0.094 ...........0.093........... 0.094 .............0.094 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.093..............0.093...................0.094 ................... 5,531,262 ..........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 184,744............ 30,483........................5 ............0.165 ........... 0.165 ...........0.165 ............0.165 ............. 0.165............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.165 ..............0.160...................0.165 ..................237,837,600 ........0.100

Sunday’s top gainer was Oman Fisheries, up

OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER..............................................................16,000 ...............5,632........................4 ........... 0.352 ...........0.352 ...........0.352........... 0.352 .............0.352 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.352..............0.352...................0.370................... 77,795,520 .........0.100

by 3.70 per cent, while Al Jazeera Steel, down

OM0000004669 ...........SHARQIYAH DESALINATION ......................................650 ...............2,925........................1 ........... 4.500...........4.500 ...........4.500 .......... 4.500 .............4.500 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................4.500 ............ 4.400...................4.940 ..................44,010,972.........1.000

by 7.81 per cent, was the day's top loser

OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER...........................................................15 ....................... 3........................1 ............0.201 ........... 0.201 ...........0.201........... 0.201 .............0.201 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.201............. 0.000...................0.201..................135,652,373 ........0.100

OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 176,053...........128,167..................... 32 ............0.728 ........... 0.728 ...........0.728........... 0.728 .............0.728............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.728 ..............0.724...................0.728..................473,887,399........0.100

OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL............................................. 115,200...............9,228........................6 ............0.081 ...........0.082 ...........0.079........... 0.080 .............0.080 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.079..............0.079...................0.081...................14,000,000.........0.100

OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .............................................................51 .....................10........................1 ............0.201 ........... 0.201 ...........0.201........... 0.201 .............0.201 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.201............. 0.000...................0.201..................143,595,674 ........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS .................................................... 6,895 ...............2,877........................2 ............0.414 ........... 0.418 ...........0.414 ............0.418 ............. 0.418............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.418 ..............0.408...................0.418...................21,945,000.........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 639,971........... 317,114..................... 29 ........... 0.498 ...........0.498 ...........0.486........... 0.496 .............0.498 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.402 ...............0.486..............0.486...................0.496................ 1,136,744,008 ......0.100

MUSCAT: Selling in banks and industrial stocks pressured the MSM30 Index to fall to 5,541.98 points, down by 0.28 per cent. The Shariah Index retreated 0.41 per cent to close at 872.90 points. Al Jazeera Steel was the most active in terms of volume and turnover. Sunday’s top gainer was Oman Fisheries, up by 3.70 per cent while Al Jazeera Steel, down by 7.81 per cent was top loser. A total number of 616 trades were executed on Sunday, generating turnover of OMR2.5 million with 13.2 million shares changing hands. Out of 43 traded securities, ﬁve advanced, 14 declined and 24 remained unchanged. At the session close, GCC & Arab Investors remained net buyers for OMR95,000 while Omani investors switched to net sellers for OMR89,000 followed by Foreign investors for OMR6,000 worth of shares. Financial Index closed negatively at 6,674.55 points, a loss of 0.31 per cent. Al Madina In-

vestments gained 1.75 per cent to close at OMR0.058. Global Financial Investment, Al Izz Bank, Bank Nizwa, NBO and Bank Muscat declined 2.91 per cent, 2.90 per cent, 1.33 per cent, 1.05 per cent and 0.40 per cent respectively. Industrial Index suffered strong decline of 0.66 per cent to ﬁnish at 6,847.38 points. Oman Fisheries and Voltamp Energy increased 3.70 per cent and 0.96 per cent respectively. Al Jazeera Steel, Construction Materials, Al Anwar Ceramics, Oman Cables and Galfar Engineering declined 7.81 per cent, 3.03 per cent, 2.47 per cent, 1.83 per cent and 1.32 per cent respectively. Services Index closed at 3,135.78 points with marginal gain of 0.05 per cent. Port Services and Omantel gained 3.68 per cent and 0.32 per cent respectively. Phoenix Power and Renaissance Services declined 0.69 per cent and 0.61 per cent respectively. — United Securities

OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ........................................................ 50,518 .............51,667..................... 10 ............1.030 ........... 1.030 ...........1.010 ............1.025 .............1.030............-0.005 ........... -0.485 ...............1.015 ...............1.015................... 1.150 ................. 205,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 169,934 ........... 27,922..................... 10 ............0.162 ........... 0.165 ...........0.162 ........... 0.164 ............. 0.165............-0.001 ........... -0.606 ...............0.165 .............. 0.165...................0.167................... 47,666,767 .........0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................. 243,000............68,555........................8 ........... 0.285 ...........0.285 ...........0.280 .......... 0.282 .............0.285 ...........-0.003 ............-1.053................0.280............. 0.280...................0.285..................378,080,291........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................... 97,493 ............... 7,357......................11 ........... 0.074 ........... 0.076 ...........0.074........... 0.075 .............0.076 ...........-0.001 ............-1.316................0.076..............0.074...................0.076...................21,748,548 .........0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY..................................... 26,000 ............48,800........................6 ........... 1.900 ........... 1.900 ...........1.860............1.875 ............. 1.910............-0.035 ........... -1.832................1.875 ..............1.820...................1.860..................168,187,500 ........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ................................ 20,000 ...............6,320........................3 ............0.316 ........... 0.316 ...........0.316 ............0.316 .............0.324 ...........-0.008 ........... -2.469 ...............0.316 ............. 0.304...................0.316...................93,603,524.........0.100 OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ................ 353,544 ........... 35,454.....................22 ............0.101 ........... 0.101............0.100........... 0.100 .............0.103............-0.003 ........... -2.913 ...............0.100..............0.100...................0.101 .................. 20,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ........................ 3,767,736 .......446,122...................180 ............0.128 ........... 0.128 ...........0.116 ............0.118 .............0.128............-0.010 ............-7.813 ................0.116 ............. 0.000................... 0.116 ................... 14,737,959 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 8,588,900 ..2,016,521................... 516 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......33........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

PARALLEL MARKET ................................................................................................................................................................................. OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ....................................................... 10,100 ...................561........................2 ........... 0.056 ...........0.056 ...........0.055........... 0.056 .............0.054 ........... 0.002............. 3.704 ................0.055..............0.055...................0.058....................7,000,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001301 ............DHOFAR CATTLE FEED .............................................. 2,189 ..................449........................1 ........... 0.205 ...........0.205 ...........0.205........... 0.212 .............0.212 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.205..............0.205...................0.000 ..................16,324,000.........0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING......................................5,000 .................. 375........................1 ............0.075 ........... 0.075 ...........0.075........... 0.074 .............0.074 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.075..............0.074...................0.081.................... 5,565,392 ..........0.100 OM0000001053 ............OMAN TEXTILE HOLDING .......................................8,400 ...............3,106........................8 ........... 0.372 ........... 0.372 ...........0.368........... 0.370 .............0.372 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.538 ...............0.368..............0.366...................0.368....................2,220,000..........1.000 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 2,410,804......345,074..................... 35 ............0.144 ........... 0.144 ...........0.142........... 0.143 .............0.144 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.694 ...............0.144..............0.143...................0.144..................209,152,009........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 2,144,343....... 158,711..................... 43 ........... 0.074 ........... 0.075 ...........0.074........... 0.074 .............0.075 ...........-0.001 ............-1.333................0.074..............0.073...................0.074..................111,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK................................................67,204 ...............4,503........................2 ........... 0.067 ...........0.067 ...........0.067........... 0.067 .............0.069 ...........-0.002 ........... -2.899 ...............0.067..............0.067...................0.068...................67,000,000.........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. ....................39,000 ...............1,248........................6 ........... 0.032 ...........0.032 ...........0.032........... 0.032 .............0.033 ...........-0.001 ........... -3.030 ...............0.032.............. 0.031...................0.034 ...................2,720,000 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 4,687,040...... 514,027..................... 98 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 8........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BONDS AND SUKUK MARKET ...................................................................................................................................................................... OM0000004602 ...........BANK MUSCAT CONV. BONDS 4.5 ...........................1,154 .................. 129........................1 ............0.112 ........... 0.112............0.112 ............0.112 ............. 0.112............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.112 .............. 0.112...................0.000 ..................33,907,900.........0.100 OM0000005971 ............B.MUSCAT COMPL. CONVR. B.B.3.5 ...........................479 .....................45........................1 ........... 0.093 ...........0.093 ...........0.093........... 0.093 .............0.093 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.093..............0.093...................0.000 ..................30,147,030 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .......................................................................................1,633 ...................174........................2 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........2........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

E U R O M O N E Y Q ATA R

GCC STOCK MARKETS

Opec’s decision spooks Gulf equities decline DUBAI: Dubai stocks headed for a three-week low, leading declines in most Middle Eastern markets, after Opec decided to forgo an output reduction that might have propped up oil prices and eased the pressure on the region’s export revenues. Abu Dhabi equities dropped the most in a week. Shares in the Middle East are catching up with Friday’s losses across emerging markets after the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) set a production target of 31.5 million barrels a day, in line with current output. That means the glut in global oil supply will remain, clouding the outlook for prices and reducing investor appetite for assets in energy- exporting nations. The DFM General Index retreated 1.3 per cent to 3,162.27 at 12:49pm local time. Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), which holds the second-largest weighting on the gauge, was poised for the biggest decline since August. The ADX General Index fell one per cent. The deterioration in sentiment after the Opec move will push

stocks to extend losses, said Saleem Khokhar, who manages $2.5 billion of equities at the assetmanagement unit of National Bank of Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s biggest lender. Brent crude, a pricing benchmark for half the world’s oil, dropped near a six-year low on Friday as the new output implied that the earliest Opec can consider a reduction in the target is June. A gauge of 200 Gulf stocks has declined 11 per cent this year as oil’s slump continues and expectations for an interest-rate increase by Federal Reserve next week spooks emerging markets. Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index slipped 0.1 per cent. Stocks in Kuwait dropped 0.3 per cent, while Qatar’s QE Index added 0.1 per cent. Iranian stocks retreated 0.2 per cent and Egypt’s EGX 30 Index was little changed. Bahrain stocks rose 0.1 per cent. Fitch Ratings downgraded UNCERTAIN TIMES: DFM General Index retreated 1.3 per cent to 3,162.27 at 12:49pm local time. the outlook on the island country Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), which holds the second-largest weighting on the gauge, was poised for to negative. — Bloomberg News the biggest decline since August. — Bloomberg ﬁle picture

Key forum to focus on Qatar capital market Times News Service MUSCAT: Qatar’s capital markets have undergone a tumultuous time in 2015, with the Qatar Stock Exchange beginning the year as the fastest-growing market in the region, but seeing sharp falls in the following months as energy price pressures weighed on the wider economy. The future direction of Qatar’s capital markets, as well as the strength of the country’s institutions, will be examined at the forthcoming Euromoney Qatar Conference, set to run from December 9-10, at the Ritz-Carlton in Doha. The speakers in the panel discussion, ‘Finance and Capital Markets in Qatar’, will include: Afa Boran, Head of Asset Management, Amwal; Sami Boujelben, Chief Adviser, Chief Executive’s Office, Qatar Financial Markets Authority; and Iain Stewart-Linnhe, a Global Regulatory and Compliance Specialist.

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M M ON DAY, D EC EM BER 7, 2015

SECTION

SLOW DOWN ENJOY THE RIDE

E-

IMES TECH STUFF

YAHOO ROLLS OUT MESSAGING APP Yahoo is rolling out a revamped version of its Messenger app for smartphones and e-mail and a new version for the Web, according to Jeff Bonforte, senior vice-president of communication products at Yahoo. The updates aim to help users easily create groups, share multiple photos and use GIF graphics through a partnership with the Tumblr property. — Bloomberg News

T E C H U P D AT E S

eBay grants US workers 12 weeks of parental leave eBay said it will give its US employees 12 weeks of parental leave and will enhance maternity and disability benefits, following other prominent technology companies as they seek to attract and retain talent. “Changes in the workforce and demographics in the US have made it increasingly important to provide workers with the flexibility and support they need to care for children or aging parents,” eBay said in a statement on Friday. The San Jose, California-based company also will provide two weeks of paid time off for new parents in some foreign countries where benefits aren’t already available. eBay didn’t specify where. Most other big technology companies have either initiated or expanded parental leave as the debate grows over work-life balance. Only 12 per cent of US private-sector employees have access to any paid family leave through their jobs, according to the US Department of Labour. The US is the only nation in the developed world that doesn’t mandate maternity leave with pay. — Bloomberg News

IBM sets $1 billion internal revenue goal for SoftLayer

Dave McClure, founding general partner at 500 Startups. — Bloomberg ﬁle picture

500 Startups creates Middle East tech fund 500 Startups plans to make initial investments of about $75,000 each in nascent companies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) that is poorly understood by other tech investors

AVE McClure wants to dispel some stereotypes about his venture capital ﬁrm’s latest stomping ground: “The popular image of what’s going on in the Middle East is either Isis or sheikhs with a bunch of oil, but the reality is there are millions of people who aren’t rich or poor,” said McClure, the Silicon Valley-based founding partner of 500 Startups. The venture ﬁrm, which invests small amounts of money in hundreds of young technology companies around the world, said on Thursday that it’s establishing a $30 million fund in the Middle East and North Africa. 500 Startups plans to make initial investments of about

Dave McClure said the area’s large concentration of people under the age of 26, their high smartphone adoption rates, and the low penetration of Western tech companies makes the market attractive

amount for the region since 2008 but still a paltry sum compared with other places, such as the Nordics, let alone Silicon Valley.

Dave McClure, founding partner at 500 Startups. — Bloomberg ﬁle picture

$75,000 each in nascent companies in a region that McClure said is poorly understood by other tech investors. Smartphone adoption McClure said the area’s large concentration of people under the age of 26, their high smartphone adoption rates, and the low penetration of Western tech companies makes the market attractive. “I’ve been there ﬁve times a year for the past three years,” he said. “These are vibrant and growing economies, and as much as there are challenges there, there are opportunities.” The new fund joins a string of similar geographic-focused microfunds started by the ﬁrm during the

past few years. 500 Startups said it doubled the size of its Southeast Asia fund in October and is also seeking to invest in Nigerian startups. Additionally, the ﬁrm has standalone funds for startups in Mexico and Latin America, South Korea, Thailand, Japan, Turkey, and Nordic countries. Its main global fund, which closed in September, manages $85 million. Although there are other tech investors in the Middle East, including accelerators Oasis500 in Jordan and Flat6Labs in Egypt, the numbers are small. Venture investors put $205 million into 33 area startups last year, according to a 2014 report by trade group MENA Private Equity Association. It’s the highest

300 companies Hasan Haider, a former investment banker, serves as venture partner for the new 500 Startups fund in the Middle East and North Africa. He said the fund, which has so far gotten investor commitments for half of the $30 million goal, will back as many as 300 companies. Haider’s ideal investment is a mobile and social media startup, with simple business models that aren’t costly to build. He also sees opportunities in e-commerce. “Amazon and EBay don’t operate here,” he said. One such company is ShopGo, which Syrian entrepreneur Moe Ghashim created to help retailers develop an online presence. Building his business in Syria had different challenges from starting up in, say, a garage in Palo Alto, Calif. “The government started to cut electricity and Internet very randomly, which made it very difficult to work,” Ghashim said. Ghashim moved from Aleppo, Syria, to Jordan in late 2011. Since joining the Oasis500 accelerator there and raising $3.2 million from investors, including 500 Startups, ShopGo said it has grown to a total of 32 employees and more than 300 customers. While the company now has reliable electricity, Ghashim said he faces a challenge familiar to many upstarts in a country not commonly known as a tech hub: “The next step is ﬁguring out how to capture a bigger market.” — Bloomberg News

IBM has set an internal revenue goal for SoftLayer, its cloud-infrastructure business, of $1 billion in 2016, a person with knowledge of the matter said. That’s an increase of about a quarter from the $700 million to $800 million in revenue the unit is expected to take in this year, said the person, who asked not to be identiﬁed because the ﬁnancial information is still private. SoftLayer, which IBM acquired in 2013, had $335 million in sales the year before the acquisition. The ambitious goal underscores the urgency of wringing growth from the cloud business — where software and services are delivered over the Internet — as customers shun other products from the 104-year-old company. IBM, a latecomer to selling cloud technology, has posted 14 straight quarters of declining revenue during its transition. The company’s private and public cloud revenue reached $9.4 billion in the 12 months that ended Sept. 30. “This puts IBM at the forefront of the cloud market,” said Ian Colley, a spokesman at IBM, declining to comment on SoftLayer’s revenue. Of the company’s $92.8 billion in revenue for 2014, $7 billion came from cloud services and software. It’s unclear whether SoftLayer’s revenue includes just infrastructure-as-aservice, or if there are additional software and services included. SoftLayer sales grew at a percentage in the double digits in the third quarter, IBM Chief Financial Officer Martin Schroeter said on an October conference call. — Bloomberg News

Motorola agrees to acquire UK’s Airwave for $1.2 billion Motorola Solutions agreed to buy Airwave Solutions, a UK communication services provider, for about $1.2 billion to help build out its software and services business. Motorola expects to make a net cash payment of 700 million pounds ($1 billion) at closing, based on purchase price adjustments and cash in the business, according to a statement on Thursday. A deferred cash payment of 64 million pounds will be made in November 2018, the Schaumburg, Illinois-based company said. Airwave, based in Slough, England, provides a communications network for the UK’s emergency fire, police and ambulance services, according to its website. Yet that network’s technology “could be obsolete in the next 10 years assuming UK wants to move” to newer wireless technology, said Keith Housum, an analyst at Northcoast Research Holdings, in an interview. Airwave’s is a “dying business worldwide,” added Roger Entner, an analyst at Recon Analytics. In August, Motorola Solutions announced a $1 billion investment from Silver Lake Management, saying the private-equity firm would help it with strategic partnerships and acquisitions. The communications equipment maker failed to find a buyer earlier this year after trying to drum up interest from private-equity funds and large industrial companies, people with knowledge of the matter said in April. Airwave was controlled by Macquarie Group, whose funds agreed to buy Airwave in 2007 for 1.9 billion pounds. “With 99 percent coverage of Great Britain’s landmass, Airwave offers a proven service delivery platform for us to build on as we continue providing innovative, leading mission- critical communications solutions for our customers today and into the future,” Kurt Ebenhoch, a Motorola Solutions spokesman, said in an e-mailed statement Thursday. — Bloomberg News

MONDAY, D E CEMBER 7, 2 015

ROUND-UP SPAR Oman to open 21 new stores by 2017 Retailer promises to deliver world-class fresh concepts

MUSCAT: SPAR Oman plans to open 21 new stores in the Sultanate by the end of 2017 in its continuous endeavour to bring in worldclass fresh concepts across the country, says a press release. Dr Gordon R. Campbell, managing director, SPAR International, said: “KR as the franchise partner will give us the unique advantage of reaching out to customers across the length and breath of Oman, owing to their strong local market knowledge and strong distribution network. Our partnership will also bring in the international expertise and know-how in retailing, formats of the stores, layouts and design, merchandising operations and training.

“While SPAR International operates across different formats, in Oman our chief goal is to bring the supermarket concept closer to people’s homes. We will build more neighbourhood stores to bring value shopping to local customers,” Campbell said. The concept, he added, will replicate the country’s modern shopping experience to bring it closer to home, giving customers the same quality and choice of products as can be expected of any super-mart or mega mall. SPAR serves over 10 million

consumers worldwide every day and has recently opened its third store in Oman, a 1,200 square metres SPAR supermarket in Madinat Sultan Qaboos in addition to its ﬁrst 700 square metres supermarket in Al Khuwair and second express store in Al Ghubra. Sridhar M., CEO, SPAR Oman, said: “As a cooperative, SPAR has always focused on service to the community – an ethos that resonates with Khimji Ramdas.” He also emphasised the brand’s commitment to empowering Oman’s burgeoning youth, calling

SPAR a ‘school of retail’ that provides lucrative employment opportunities for those interested in a retail career. “In the next three years, SPAR Oman will keenly look into sub-franchising with individual SMEs, giving them the thrust to scale up their enterprise into an international retail store,” he said. On the customer engagement front, Devendra Kumar, head Retail Division SPAR Oman, said: “SPAR has brought in world class shopping experience for Omani shoppers through its core values – freshness, value, choice and service. SPAR International trainers have imparted training in customer service, category management and operational excellence. All of these have shown encouraging results which are motivating us to open more stores.” Some of the Khimji’s Mart outlets will be re-branded as SPAR supermarkets, offering customers a unique and distinctive choice of products from all over the world. The stores will be recognised for their fresh produce as well as for promoting local products.

COOKING COMPETITION

Ready, set, grill at ‘A’Saffa Barbecue Challenge 2’ MUSCAT: The second edition of Oman’s most prestigious barbecue cooking competition – ‘A’Saffa BBQ Challenge 2’ – will be held on December 19, and see 25 families and teams battle it out at the Civil Aviation Club, Azaiba, Muscat. The teams will be judged by Oman’s celebrated Master Chef Issa Al Lamki and his team of chefs who will also declare the winner, 1st runners-up and 2nd runners-up, says a press release. Three fully-dressed chickens will be provided to each team by A’Saffa at the competition. For their own convenience, participants have been asked to bring their own barbecue sets, coal, fuel, skewers, spices and culinary-ware. The families will receive points based on: Taste, recipe innovation, recipe originality, cooking hygiene and preparation, and presentation. Special events for kids The event will also provide a special A’Saffa food fair for kids. Special events for the kids, such as a magic show, games and DJ have also been planned.

“A terriﬁc opportunity to showcase one’s barbecue culinary skills for a truly appetising family barbecue getaway, everyone coming to the ‘A’Saffa BBQ Challenge 2’ know it’s just as much about having fun, as it is about the intense competition. “Not only has the event appealed to families in Muscat, but we also have competitors and visitors from all over the Sultanate who will come to Muscat to be part of the competition, and enjoy one of the main things Oman is known for during this time of the year - barbecue,” said Sidhartha Lenka, head of Marketing and Sales, A’Saffa Foods. “All eyes in the barbecue circuit will be on our second ‘A’Saffa BBQ Challenge’ and we, as a leading poultry and allied products producer, believe this is the best on-ground event to promote our range of fresh, halal, healthy, tasty and 100 per cent natural chickens. “Our brand is all about fostering healthy eating habits and having fun with the family, and this event is a step in the very same direction,” he added.

S U B - C O M PAC T S U V

Hyundai launches Creta in Africa and Middle East

DUBAI: Hyundai Motor Company has announced the launch of Creta, its new sub-compact SUV, in Africa and the Middle East. This addition to the Korean manufacturer’s car lineup marks the brand’s debut in this fast-growing segment and is set to appeal to buyers looking for an affordable SUV in a stylish, high quality package, says a press release. Starting at $13,500, dependant on market and speciﬁcation, the Creta combines a classy ‘Modern Premium’ interior and exterior with a robust body structure and

impressive performance and handling. On the road this dynamic SUV makes a strong visual statement thanks to Hyundai Motor’s acclaimed ‘Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 Design philosophy’. Jin (James) Kim, vice-president and head of Operations for Hyundai Motor Company Africa and Middle East, said: “This is an SUV that has been designed for a new generation of customers who are looking for vehicles which demonstrate forward thinking design and world-class quality at an affordable price. The Creta is a true expres-

sion of the future of our brand and is perfectly equipped to perform strongly within the highly competitive sub-compact SUV segment.” At the front the Creta’s elegant and distinctive character is illustrated by the triple slat chrome front grille, smoothly creased hood, LED-integrated headlamps, stylish skid plate and dual tone front bumper. The vehicle’s dynamic look is accentuated from the side by the rising belt line and sloping rooﬂine while split type tail lamps with chrome edges, a sporty bumper and a stylish shark

E N T E R TA I N M E N T S H O W

ﬁn antenna complete the modern look at the rear. In line with Hyundai Motor Company’s Modern Premium brand direction, the interior of the Creta delivers class-leading levels of comfort and convenience. With plenty of space for ﬁve passengers, the use of high-grade materials is complemented by bestin-class noise, vibration and harshness performance thanks to the combination of enhanced sound absorption materials and advanced engineering design, all ensuring an exceptional travel experience.

Affordable, yet impressively well-equipped, the Creta offers a number of advanced features more usually found on more expensive cars. Highlights include a smart key and push button start, a rear parking assist system and a rear view camera linked to the ﬁveinch central display unit. A central cluster ioniser and mood bar is also available. The Creta is driven by a choice of reﬁned, powerful and efficient engines, available depending on market. The petrol option is a123ps 1.6 MPI unit while diesel options

include a 90psU2 1.4 CRDi power plant and 128ps 1.6 CRDi VGT offering. These are mated to 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions depending on engine. Creta occupants can rest assured that they are inside the safest car in the segment thanks to its unique, ‘Hive structure’ body shell which has been developed using advanced engineering techniques and which uses ultra-high tensile steel for more body rigidity and structural strength. The Creta can also be speciﬁed with ABS, ESP, VSM, and six airbags.

PA R T N E R S I N P R O G R E S S

Samsung Gulf Electronics’ head visits Taiseer’s Ruwi showroom

Mega show to bid 2015 goodbye MUSCAT: The South Indian community in Muscat has an exciting musical, dance and comedy treat lined up on Thursday, December 10 to bid 2015 goodbye and ring in 2016 in style. Aptly titled ‘Adieu 2015’, this show, which will be held in Le Grande Hall of Al Falaj hotel, promises to produce high-voltage entertainment for the audience. The entertainment extravaganza, which is brought to Oman by Muscat Unique Diamond Entertainment (MUDE), will begin at 7.30pm. Gates will open at 6pm, says a press release. Music, dance and comedy lovers in the community can join some of the highly popular young movie stars and singing sensations to bid this year a ﬁtting farewell and welcome a brand new year at an evening packed with highly entertaining music, thrilling dance and rib-tickling fun,

event organisers enthused. “High on the list is the gorgeous Remya Nambeesan, a popular Malayalam ﬁlm star, dancer and songstress who will be singing her super hit numbers and performing exciting dances. We also have Vidhu Pratap, a versatile and most sought after playback singer who is at ease singing Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada and Telugu songs and all set to rock the stage,” Jijin Jith, event manager and Muraleedharan M, event coordinator, said. All set to tickle the funny bone and ready to leave the audience in splits will be Saju Navodaya, a leading comedy artist. Saju, also known as ‘Pashanam Shaji’, will be supported by two equally talented comedians, Rajesh Paravoor and Kollam Sudhi. Adding a distinct female humour element to this comedy trio will be Veena Nair, an upcoming actress, Jijin and Mu-

raleedharan added. “Remya will perform some of the dance numbers with the young dancers of White Roses Dance Company (WRDC),” Jijin, who is also one of the dance teachers of WRDC, noted. “Rest assured that this will be one event where we can happily bid 2015 goodbye and ring in an exciting 2016,” Jijin and Muraleedharan said. Both of them stressed that the event was possible thanks to the support of top sponsors, which include Areej Vegetable Oils and Derivatives, Asia Express Exchange, Al Seer Group, Malabar Gold, Crystal Aluminium, SMC Infra, Al Fajar Al Alamia Co and Cochin Gold. Crystal Suites is the hospitality partner, Mezoon Travel is the travel partner and Times of Oman, the media partner. Entry is by invitation only. More information can be had at 97439985, 92878855.

MUSCAT: Ismail Yoon, president, Samsung Gulf Electronics, along with Shanker, GM of Sarco, and other officials from Samsung Gulf Electronics, visited Taiseer Electronics in Ruwi. Yoon appreciated and congratulated Jitu Tanna, director, Taiseer Electronics, for the tremendous efforts put in by Taiseer Electronics in promoting Samsung brand through their outlets in Ruwi, Seeb, Mabelah and Al Khoud. It is also looking forward to Taiseer Electronics’ upcom-

ing showroom in Barka. He also said that their single greatest advantage over Samsung competition is their product support and close customer relationship, says a press release. Source of information Shanker said Taiseer Electronics can serve as a source of market information and intelligence, as proxies for customers, as consultants and as problem solver. Jitu Tanna also visited IFA, the world’s biggest electronics fare at

Berlin, Germany as a special invitee of Ismail Yoon. Also it was mutually agreed that Taiseer Electronics can be much more than a channel partner and they can play an important role in providing customers with a wide range of services before and after the sale. The visit ended on a positive note that the quality of the relationship between Taiseer Electronics and Samsung is much more important than the contractual agreements.

M ONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

ROUND-UP Dar Al Atta’a funds training programme The training will cover child observation and assessment and child growth and development in this critical age

MUSCAT: The Ministry of Social Development, represented by the Directorate-General for Family Development (the Department of Children’s Affairs), organised a training programme for workers of pre-school educational institutes in association with the University of Nizwa (Learning for Life institute) and Dar Al Atta’a. The training programme that will complete in three months aims to rehabilitate and improve the efficiency and expertise of 28 ladies working in the ﬁeld of caring for pre-schoolers in kindergartens

and day care centres. The training will cover child observation and assessment and child growth and development in this critical age and train the educators on the

proper planning of programmes to meet the needs of the child and reﬁne his skills, says a press release. Dar Al Atta’a Association contributed to this programme by par-

tially funding it with an amount of OMR5,000. The agreement was signed recently in Nizwa University in the presence of Dr Yahya Ma`awali, deputy of the Ministry of Social Development and Dr Ahmed Rawahi, president of Nizwa University. Maryam Al Zadjali, chairperson, Dar Al Atta’a, said: “The aim of this programme falls in line with the goals of the empowerment programme that is sponsored by the association, which is an important process of development and growth to beneﬁt the participants.”

Dar Al Atta’a charity association is a non-proﬁt organisation that caters to the less fortunate in Oman. It was established in 2002 and certiﬁed by the ministerial decree 76/2006 from the Ministry of Social Development. To date the charity has helped improve the lives of over 1700,000 families from different parts of the Sultanate through its various outreach programmes. The association relies on donations by individuals and companies, whether cash or in kind, to fund the charity programmes.

RECRUIT CAREER COACH

Top tips on how to ace your online video job interview AS more employers embrace video and web-based technologies to conduct screening interviews with prospective job candidates, it becomes increasingly important for you to be prepared as you begin your job search. This article covers tips on how to prepare for your interview, how to succeed in your interview, and what to do after the interview. Before your video/web interview: 1. Determine the best hardware to use. If you’re lucky enough to have multiple devices (such as a computer, tablet, smart phone), choose the one you are most comfortable with — and the one with the most reliable technology. 2. Select the proper location for the interview. The ideal scenario for your interview location is a secluded room in which you can shut out distractions (and noises), control the lighting, and display a generic background. You should also have a location in which you can be seen on camera from about the waist up — not just your face. 3. Test all the technology. Test your connection. Test your camera. Test your lighting. Test your sound. Test the video programme. Make sure you understand how it all works. 4. Schedule at least one mock interview. Under as close to identical circumstances as possible, schedule an interview with a friend, colleague, or family member. Practice both your interviewing skills, as well as the technology. 5. Plan for glitches. Have a backup plan if something goes wrong the day of the interview. 6. Complete full interview preparations. Don’t skimp on your interview prep. Day of the interview 1. Test all equipment prior to interview time. Do a runthrough at least an hour before your interview time. 2. Dress professionally. Remember, nothing too ﬂashy. If unsure, view yourself in the monitor. 3. Turn off before interview starts. Remember to turn off all apps and programs that might interrupt the interview. 4. Go Under. Go to your interview location and shut out all distractions. 5. Remember your nonverbals. Make solid eye contact and smile at appropriate times. Have good posture and even lean in a bit. Use hand gestures to make your point. 6. Look directly into the camera. You might be tempted to look at the monitor or yourself, but focus on making eye contact via the camera. 7. Have a conversation. Speak in a conversational voice, just as you would in an actual interview situation. 8. Notes if you need them. Unlike other interview situations, you can have some notes in front of you (off camera) to remind you of critical issues you want to highlight. 9. Take a second. When responding to questions from the interviewer, nod, but take a second before responding in case the connection is weak — so that you don’t end up talking over the interviewer. After the interview 1. Write a Thank-You Note. 2. Follow-up on progress. - Randall S. Hansen/www.quintcareers.com

QUOTES Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. — Steve Jobs

SEND US YOUR VIEWS AND COMMENTS www.facebook.com/timesofoman

MONDAY, D E CEMBER 7, 2 015

ROUND-UP

Love us on Facebook

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

New Kia Optima launched in Oman

SPECIAL CEREMONY: Kim Daesik, Ambassador of Korea, and Homer Kim, deputy GM, Kia Motors addressing the gathering. Right, Daesik and top officials with the new Optima. Below, customers view the new Kia as Korean dancers perform. — Supplied photos

The all-new Optima is truly a car of tomorrow with a whole host of advanced features and fascinating performance

MUSCAT: The all-new Kia Optima was formally launched in Oman at a specially organised event. Kim Daesik, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, attended the occasion as the chief guest, says a press release. Addressing the distinguished guests on behalf of the chairman, a representative of Reliable International Automotive (RIA), said: “I

have great pleasure in welcoming you all to the launch of the all-new Kia Optima and an entertaining Korean traditional dance performance.” Dwelling on the success of Kia in Oman, he remarked: “Reliable International Automotive has invested extensively in infrastructure, manpower and customer satisfaction initiatives. Kia Mo-

tors has backed these efforts with extraordinary models. “Thanks to this singular focus given to customer satisfaction, Kia has gained steadily in popularity across the country.” Expressing his gratitude to the customers and Kia Motors, he added: “I thank every one of you for your loyalty and seek your continued patronage. I also take this opportunity to convey our sincere thanks to Kia Motors and the entire team for their constant guidance, support and encouragement to achieve our mutual objectives.” Kim expressed his enthusiasm at the launch of the next generation Optima in Oman. “Let me ﬁrst offer my sincere congratulations to Reliable International Automotive for this meaningful launching of

SECOND EDITION

the new model of Kia. I am happy to say that I have enjoyed special ties with Reliable International Automotive and personally with Chairman Sheikh Mohammed Saud Bahwan. I was very happy to ﬁnd that the chairman is not a person simply focusing his attention and energy only on the business. He has also great interest and care in the development and welfare of his community and country. He is a man of big heart and wide arms!” Underscoring the deep bonds between Oman and Korea, Kim remarked: “I understand that most of you are important customers of Reliable International Automotive, which means that you are good friends of Korea, too. Whenever I see you sitting in Kia cars on the road, I mentally appreci-

ate your “very wise choice” of Kia cars. The result of your choice is, I am sure, your great satisfaction in terms of the price, quality and aftersales service. “Let me, as ambassador, say that your love of Kia cars naturally contributes a lot to promoting the cooperation and friendship between our two countries.” Drawing attention to the spectacular rise of Kia across the world, Homer Kim, deputy general manager, Kia Motors, said: “Kia today is ranked amongst the top eight automotive brands in the world, having sold more than 3 million vehicles in 2014.” Commenting on the Kia product lineup, Kim remarked: “With the release of the fourth generation Optima, Kia has continued to

revolutionise and provide an advanced line-up of luxurious midsize sedans. I am conﬁdent that our discerning customers in Oman will appreciate the advances in this new model and reward us with higher customer satisfaction.” Kim highlighted RIA’s customer care initiatives as one of the core factors for Kia’s popularity, “Our distributor Reliable International Automotive continues to make large investments to ensure a world-class experience for Kia customers in Oman. The unmatched support of sales and service centres and easily accessible parts outlets ensure absolute customer satisfaction.” The all-new Optima is truly a car of tomorrow with a whole host of advanced features and fascinating performance.

O M A N G E O S PAT I A L F O RU M

Bank Muscat set to host ‘Technology Evolutions’ conference on December 8 MUSCAT: Drawing on the success of the Technology Evolutions conference series launched in 2014, Bank Muscat, the ﬂagship ﬁnancial services provider in the Sultanate, is hosting the second edition of the conference on December 8 under the auspices of Dr Hamad bin Salem Al Rawahi, executive president of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), at the bank’s head office. The conference to be held on the theme ‘Technology Evolutions & Leadership’ comes as part of efforts by the bank aimed at familiarising and sharing insights on the latest technologies shaping the future leadership in industry and business, says a press release. Technology and leadership experts will address the conference, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the complementary role of technology and leadership in charting successful business ventures.

Technology and leadership experts will address the conference, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the complementary role of technology and leadership in charting successful business ventures

The conference will also spotlight the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector, which opens a world of opportunity for the youth to embark on enterprising entrepreneurial ventures and thereby prove their leadership skills. The modern workplace is another area to focus on the technological advancements helping organisations to achieve greater scale of economies. As the ﬂagship bank in Oman, Bank Muscat continues to rede-

ﬁne the banking culture in Oman by new and innovative initiatives. Focused on the future, the bank is committed to the country’s youth. Offering the right mix of traditional and electronic banking channels, Bank Muscat enjoys an edge in hi-tech products and services, notably electronic payment and web-based services. The driving force of the bank to sustain banking service excellence is the ‘Let’s Do More’ vision and corporate values.

Bahwan Projects & Telecoms claims ‘Best Exhibitor Award’ MUSCAT: Bahwan Projects & Telecoms (BPT), one of the ﬂagship companies of Suhail Bahwan Group, won the ‘Best Exhibitor Award’ at the recently concluded Oman Geospatial Forum held at Sultan Qaboos University. The award was given for the best stall design and for showcasing two of its major technologies in the ﬁeld of geospatial and navigation brands BPT represents in the Sultanate of Oman. In a custom-designed stall at the expo, Bahwan P&T displayed the latest, specialised surveysolutions equipment products from Leica Geosystems, Switzerland, and innovative GPS/navigation technology products from Garmin, USA, says a press release. Air Commodore Yaqoob bin Saud Al Toobi, head of National Survey Authority (NSA), Oman, along with Dr Ali Said Al Balushi, head of Geography Department, Sultan Qaboos University and Saleem Al Hashmi, director of Geospatial Information, NSA visited the BPT booth, where Yasser Mohammed Kheir, general manager, Bahwan Projects & Telecoms received the guests and explained the various products and

solutions from Leica and Garmin on display. Yasser Mohammed Kheir said, “Geospatial technology has become an important part of several sectors today and is being applied in most developmental projects across the Sultanate. As a pioneering and leading supplier of Geospatial systems and solutions in the Sultanate, Bahwan Projects and Telecoms has acquired a wealth of experience and expertise in executing turnkey projects. We are proud to have earned a solid customer base that includes government departments, contractors and consultants.” The products on display from Leica Geosystems included Leica Nova MS60 Multi Station, Leica CS35 Captivate, Leica scan Station P40, Leica Viva GNSS Receivers, Leica Zeno 20 GIS Receivers, Leica Flexline TS06 plus Total Station. Leica Geosystems creates complete solutions for professionals across the planet. Known for premium products and innovative solution development, professionals in a diverse mix of industries, such as aerospace and defence, safety and security, construction, and manu-

facturing, trust Leica Geosystems for all their geospatial needs. With precise and accurate instruments, sophisticated software, and dependable services, Leica Geosystems delivers value every day to those shaping the future of our world. Products from Garmin on display included Garmin GPS with Camera Garmin Nuvicam, Garmin Nuvi 65, Garmin GPS MAP64S, Garmin Montana 680 and Fitness Segment included Garmin Vivoactive Fitness Smart Watch, Garmin Fenix 3 Fitness Watches. Garmin manufactures and supplies navigational/ GPS products worldwide for automotive, aviation, marine, outdoor and ﬁtness markets. Representatives from oil and gas companies, various ministries, defence establishments, power and telecom companies, survey agencies, highways and transport authorities, national remote sensing agencies, survey authorities and cartographic centres, civil aviation authorities and geological and metrological departments visited the BPT stall and keenly watched the product demonstration.

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM M ON DAY, DEC EM BER 7, 2015

SECTION

SOUTH AFRICA STONEWALL AT KOTLA AFTER RAHANE TON

SPOR YOUR GAME

INSIDE LIFESTYLE

DEBUNKING THE MEGAPIXEL MYTH >C7

>C3

America’s Cup World Series to make Middle East debut in Oman SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

It will be a truly

PHOTO GALLERY W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N .C O M

historic event when America’s Cup World Series, a ‘competition for the oldest sports trophy in the international sport’, comes to Oman in February next year

A. SESHAGIRI RAO

raoas@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman Sail has ﬁnally revealed their best kept secret — the Sultanate winning the right to host an America’s Cup World Series event in 2016. After successfully keeping the media and the sailing enthusiasts guessing for more than a fortnight, the Oman Sail has made an official announcement of the ‘competition for the oldest sports trophy in the international sport’ and the world’s most prestigious sailing

race making a stop in Oman for the Middle East debut. Speaking at an impressive ceremony, which also saw the presentation of the America’s Cup trophy in front of the regional media, at The Chedi Muscat Hotel on Sunday, Oman Sail CEO David Graham, said: “The fact that America’s Cup World Series is coming to Oman in early 2016 is an accomplishment for not only Oman Sail but the Sultanate as a whole.” Speaking in the presence of America’s Cup Commercial Commissioner Dr Harvey Schiller, Ministry of Tourism’s Director General of Tourism Promotion Salim Al Mamari and Oman Air CEO Paul Gregorowitschm, David Graham said: “From the beginning it has been Oman Sail’s endeavour to link the maritime past of the Oman to the future sailing, to promote the country and to provide opportunities for the local talents to learn and excel in sailing. “In the past we have hosted several international events, whose success proved we are on the right path to achieve our goals. “But this event (America’s Cup) we are going to host in February

CRICKET

Commitment to PCB has put BCCI in a fix NEW DELHI: It was a letter of April 2014 sent by the then BCCI President N. Srinivasan to Pakistan Cricket Board which bound India to a commitment to play Pakistan this month, leading to the present dilemma in the establishment here. The BCCI had given the commitment to play two Test matches, five ODIs and two Twenty20s with Pakistan at “UAE or mutually-agreed venue” in December 2015, according to the letter in possession of PTI. The commitment by BCCI in its April 9 letter was given in the context of resolutions placed at the ICC Executive Board meeting on February 8, 2014 relating to “a new financial model and governance structure for the ICC”. The reference to the new “governance structure for the ICC” was seen to include Srinivasan’s bid for the world sporting body’s Chairmanship for which he needed support from the Asian bloc, including PCB. “Further to our meetings and discussions over the past few weeks regarding the bi-lateral tours between India and Pakistan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) hereby agree that the senior men’s cricket teams of India and Pakistan will play each other as per the schedule...,” said the letter from Sanjay Patel, the then BCCI Secretary to Najam Sethi, the then Chairman of the PCB and now a senior functionary of that board.

The dilemma for the Indian government on allowing the series is because of the chill in IndiaPakistan relations The BCCI had also said then that it will make “all efforts to engage in a limited-overs format short tour to Pakistan in November 2014 based on the availability of possible dates”.This commitment has created the dilemma for the BCCI as well the Narendra Modi government right now. For BCCI, non-fulfillment of the commitment could lead to adverse legal ramifications as Future Tours and Programmes (FTP) is binding on both the nations. The dilemma for the government on allowing the series is because of the chill in India-Pakistan relations. To seek a view from the government, BCCI Secretary Anurag Thakur has written to Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar. The government is weighing all options before taking a decision. Significantly, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is likely to travel to Pakistan next week for an international conference on Afghanistan, a trip that is seen with much expectation as far as breaking the ice in the bilateral ties is concerned. - PTI

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE

BCCI to announce two new IPL teams NEW DELHI: Two new teams of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be announced after a meeting of the tournament’s governing council (GC) here on Tuesday. “The IPL Governing Council will decide on the two new teams that will play in the IPL for the next two years,” said a statement on Sunday.

The meeting will be followed by a press conference which will be presided over by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Shashank Manohar. BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur, IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla and the owners of the two new teams for 2016 and 2017 will attend. - IANS

next year is going to be completely on a different level from what we have hosted in the past. This is the most prestigious event and one of the oldest, even 45 years pre-dating the Modern Olympics.” Describing the event, scheduled to be held on February 27 and 28 right here in the capital city of Muscat, as ‘huge’, the Oman Sail CEO added: “The impact will be immense. It will be a huge draw — world’s top sailors, the fans and tremendous following and coverage in the world media, all focussing on Oman.” Next level While thanking the America’s Cup, the Ministry of Tourism and sponsors Oman Air, he said: “We are going to next level as far as the promotion of Oman as a sporting destination is concerned. “It will be (like sprinkling) a special magic dust that will beneﬁt Oman both economically and as a sporting nation. “The America’s Cup brand is incredibly powerful so this will be a monumental opportunity for us to showcase Oman and to celebrate a landmark moment in the history of Oman Sail.” Oman event will be the ﬁrst round of 2016 Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series, which is a point-scoring event for the 2017 America’s Cup. >C2

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: From left, Oman Sail CEO David Graham, Amerca’s Cup Commercial Commissioner Dr. Harvey Schiller, Ministry of Tourism’s Director General of Tourism Promotion Salim Al Mamari and Oman Air CEO Paul Gregorowitschm pose with the America’s Cup trophy at The Chedi Muscat Hotel on Sunday. – JUN ESTRADA / Times of Oman

MONDAY, D E CEMBER 7, 2 015

SPORTS

Document could help prove Platini’s innocence: lawyers A French newspaper published a 23page memo which it said was presented to UEFA executive committee members

STILL HOPEFUL: Michel Platini.

in November 1998 and mentioned that Platini was being paid one million Swiss francs a year for work he was doing for FIFA

BERNE: European soccer chief Michel Platini’s legal team believes a 23-page memo published by a French newspaper on Sunday could help clear him of wrongdoing and allow him back into the FIFA presidential race.

Platini, until recently seen as the man to lead soccer’s governing body FIFA out of its worst ever graft crisis, has been suspended for 90 days by FIFA’s ethics committee while it investigates his conduct. The ﬁnal verdict is expected by the end of the month and Platini’s lawyers have already said that ethics investigators had recommended a lifelong ban for the Frenchman. FIFA will hold an election to ﬁnd a replacement for its president Sepp Blatter, also suspended, on February 26, and Platini, who has registered as a candidate, cannot run while he is banned, although he might be allowed to take part if he is cleared. The investigation centres on a two million Swiss franc ($2 million) payment from

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY INSTALL WHATSNEWS

Stay ahead of the curve with WhatsNews

FIFA to Platini, a former France team captain and coach who has been UEFA president since 2002, in 2011 for work he completed between 1998 and 2002. Blatter has said there was a verbal agreement between the two while Platini says the payment was delayed only because of ﬁnancial problems at FIFA. On Sunday, French newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche published a 23-page memo which it said was presented to UEFA executive committee members in November 1998 and mentioned that Platini was being paid one million Swiss francs a year for work he was doing for FIFA. The newspaper said the memo was presented at a meeting in Stockholm, chaired by Lennart

Johansson who was UEFA president at the time. “From the moment that we have proof of an agreement between FIFA and Mr Platini, and of knowledge of this agreement by officials of UEFA, then this (ethics committee) inquiry falls down,” Thomas Clay, one of Platini’s lawyers, said by telephone. “For us, it’s very important evidence that Mr Platini has always been telling the truth.” Clay said he had seen the document although he did not know how the newspaper had obtained it and why it had taken so long to appear. The newspaper could not be immediately contacted for comment, while the ethics committee declined to comment. “It shows that the contract did not have any sort of secret character and that many people, including those in UEFA and FIFA, have known about it since 1998,” said Clay. The Swiss attorney general’s office has opened a criminal investigation against Blatter over the payment, which it describes as “disloyal”. Platini was described by attorney general Michael Lauber as being somewhere “between a witness and an accused person” in the case. FIFA has been buffeted by a wave of scandals and as the sport faces criminal investigations in Switzerland and the United States. - Reuters

CRICKET

Umesh predicts dour Proteas will crumble NEW DELHI: Paceman Umesh Yadav admitted India were surprised by South Africa’s relentless blocking on Sunday but had no doubts that the hosts will return on Monday to claim the remaining eight wickets to seal a 3-0 win in the four-match series. Set a 481-run victory target in a series where they have not gone beyond 185 in an innings, South Africa responded with an extraordinary stonewalling at a run-an-over scoring rate to ﬁnish the fourth day on 72 for two. Skipper Hashim Amla led by example, taking 46 balls to get off the mark, and remaining unbeaten after making 23 painstaking runs from 207 balls, the slowest innings of 200 balls or more in Test cricket. His partner AB de Villiers, who has scored the fastest 50, 100 and 150 in One-day International cricket, showed another side to his otherwise 360-degree batting. The right-hander took 33 balls to get off the mark and remained

not out on 11 off 91 balls, a knock of exemplary grit. “It was a surprise. We did not expect them to play like this,” Yadav told reporters. “The way they defended, it was truly a surprise. They were not playing shots and defending every ball, even the ones that could be scored of.” Their dogged defensive approach on a slow pitch made life difficult for the Indian bowlers, Yadav said. “It becomes more challenging when batsman is not looking to play his shots. It reduces wickettaking chances. “This type of cricket gets boring. You send down ball after ball, and nothing happens. They are under pressure and they are naturally blocking to play as long as possible.” Yadav said he and pace colleague Ishant Sharma bowled over the wicket trying to create rough patches for the Indian spinners but that did not click. - Reuters

C O M M E N TA RY

After Rahane heroics and South African blockathon, what still remains possible

magine a football match where one team swear not to move past their penalty box and roll the ball among them, always backpassing it to the goalkeeper at the slightest sign of threat. And this, right from the start of play. Disgusting, from a fan’s point of view. The South African second innings yesterday looked like a game of defensive football for 72 overs, which was almost a full day’s play, with a complete day still remaining to win back some honours. Chasing a target of 481 in the fourth innings is never easy. Doing that by a team that failed to stand up to the challenge in their six previous innings is difficult. But it was neither hopeless nor impossible for the South Africans to give the Indians a hint of threat and take the fight into the fifth day with some interest still left in the game. The South Africans were behind 409 runs at the close of play yesterday, having played out 72 overs for 72 runs. That’s a fair indication of what’s going to unfold today, and anyone who hopes that the visitors will work their magic on the fifth day is someone who plans to climb Everest at the peak of winter wearing nothing but a pair of shorts—unless, of course, you are Wim Hof. It must have been foolish on the part of AB de Villiers, the best striker of the ball at the moment, to launch a fight as soon as he walked into the middle at the fall of the second wicket in the 43rd over, with just 49 on the board for the loss of two wickets, but seeing him block-block-block till the end of play was not amusing. He took 33 balls to get off the mark, which was a single off Ravindra Jadeja, and faced 58 more to score 10 more runs, to take his total to 11 from 91 balls. You expect that sort of dour defence from Hashim Amla, who scored his first runs off the 46th ball he had faced, which was an inside edge, and went on to score 23 runs off 207 balls. Nothing wrong with such a defensive mindset, especially when it offers a chance to avoid defeat, but coming as it did—against the backdrop of two Test defeats which meant a series loss—the fourth Test at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground on a pitch that was

The delightful part of the day for the Indians was Ajinkya Rahane’s century in both innings, something that was done previously by just four of his compatriots

sporting was the best opportunity for the South Africans to show the world, and the ICC, too, that it was all thanks to the doctored pitches. The delightful part of the day for the Indians was Ajinkya Rahane’s century in both innings of a Test match, something that was done previously by just four of his compatriots. When he became the fifth Indian to join the select club turning a single towards square-leg, Ravi Shastri, Virat Kohli and the rest of the team stood up to cheer the unassuming hero. The big smile spread in the dressing room was the moment of the series for the Indian team. From that point of view, it doesn’t really matter for the Indians if the South Africans manage to block and tackle a Kohli push for a win on the fifth day. On the other hand, if Amla and De Villiers shift gears after a few overs in the morning, and take the fight to the Indian camp, it’s going to be a great fifth day’s fun for cricket fans. That’s something really nice, not impossible, to hope for. The writer is a freelance contributor based in India. All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not reflect those of Times of Oman

SAILING

C1 Oman to host America’s Cup World Series < FROM

Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series event consists of four fleet races. Scores accumulate within each event, to determine podium finishers, and across the entire 2015-16 series to determine an overall winner at the conclusion of racing in 2016. The top teams from the full schedule of Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series events will be awarded bonus points to carry forward into the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Qualifiers in 2017, which will be followed by Challenger Play-offs and finally the 35th America’s Cup to be held in Bermuda in June 2017. Speaking on the occasion, Harvey Schiller, America’s Cup Commercial Commissioner, said: “Oman is an ideal place for us to

open the 2016 racing calendar. It’s exciting to be bringing America’s Cup racing to this part of the world for the ﬁrst time. We all look forward to adding to the success of Oman Sail with this historic event.” Asked why Oman is preferred as the one of the venues of 2016 series and whether there was any bidding process, he said: “There is no official bidding for the events. But there have been many options, with a lot of nations showing interest in hosting the events. I think we picked the best.” “The main reason for us to choose Oman is the support Oman Sail has been receiving from the government and the sponsors. I would like to thank Oman Sail and Oman Air as well as the Ministry of Tourism... without them this

historic and a truly global event will be not happening here. We are looking forward to a very, very special sailing event in February,” he added. Paul Gregorowitsch, CEO of Oman Air, in his comments said: “America’s Cup gives the national career a huge opportunity to support a new sport that will in turn support the country’s economy and tourism, and promote the country globally.” Salim Al Mamari, of Ministry of Tourism, said: “We are delighted to announce that we will be hosting the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Oman here in Muscat for the ﬁrst time and we are very proud and excited to welcome the America’s Cup community and its massive

following to the Sultanate.” Oman participation Meanwhile, David Graham replying to a query on possibility of Omanis participation in the event, said: “This is a competition for the world’s best sailors and teams. So it’s a big no if you ask me about Oman’s participation. After just seven years we cannot jump straight to America’s Cup. But in the long run we can deﬁnitely hope for Oman participation.” “We have a proved Omani team who are now experienced in organising high level events. And this event will deﬁnitely be another learning experience for those Omani youths who have proved their organisational abilities in the past events.”

M ONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

SPORTS South Africa stonewall at Kotla after Rahane’s superb twin ton SCOREBOARD

India 1st innings: 334 (A. Rahane 127, R. Ashwin 56; K. Abbott 5-40, D. Piedt 4-117) South Africa 1st innings: 121 (R. Jadeja 5-30)

Skipper Hashim Amla led South Africa’s extraordinarily dour

India 2nd innings: M. Vijay c Vilas b M. Morkel 3 S. Dhawan b M. Morkel 21 R. Sharma b M. Morkel 0 C. Pujara b Tahir 28 V. Kohli lbw b Abbott 88 A. Rahane not out 100 W. Saha not out 23 Extras (lb-2, nb-2) 4 Total (for 5 wickets decl., 100.1 overs) 267 Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-8, 3-53, 4-57, 5-211 Did not bat: R. Jadeja, R. Ashwin, U. Yadav, I. Sharma Bowling: M. Morkel 21-6-51-3 (nb-1); K. Abbott 22-9-47-1; D. Piedt 18-1-53-0; I. Tahir 26.1-4-74-1 (nb-1); D. Elgar 13-1-40-0

reply, taking 46 balls to get off the mark as the visitors crawled to 72-2 at stumps after 72 overs of relentless blocking over two dot balllittered sessions

NEW DELHI: South Africa resorted to dogged stonewalling in their pursuit of an improbable 481run victory target after Ajinkya Rahane stroked his second century of the match to tighten India’s grip on the fourth and final Test on Sunday. The hosts declared their second innings on 267-5 half an hour before the lunch break as soon as Rahane (100) became the fifth Indian to score centuries in each innings of a Test match on the penultimate day at the Ferozeshah Kotla stadium. Skipper Hashim Amla led South Africa’s extraordinarily dour reply, taking 46 balls to get off the mark as the visitors crawled to 72-2 at stumps after 72 overs of relentless blocking over two dot ball-littered sessions. Amla was unbeaten after making 23 painstaking runs from 207 balls while AB de Villiers managed 11 off 91 with South Africa still 409 behind the victory target. The visitors lost Dean Elgar cheaply before Amla and Temba Bavuma (34) started blocking balls after balls in a desperate bid to take the match into the fifth and final day. Even after Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Bavuma, the score moved at a funereal pace as de Villiers too curbed his natural aggression, needing 33 balls to get off the mark. Despite the presence of contemporary cricket’s most destructive batsman in de Villiers and one of

South Africa 2nd innings: D. Elgar c Rahane b Ashwin 4 T. Bavuma b Ashwin 34 H. Amla not out 23 A. de Villiers not out 11 Total (for 2 wickets, 72 overs) 72 Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-49 Did not bat: F. du Plessis, J. Duminy, D. Vilas, D. Piedt, K. Abbott, M. Morkel, I. Tahir Bowling: I. Sharma 12-7-16-0; R. Ashwin 23-13-29-2; R. Jadeja 23-16-10-0; U. Yadav 9-6-6-0; S. Dhawan 3-1-9-0; M. Vijay 2-0-2-0 Umpires: K. Dharmasena & B. Oxenford TV umpire: CK Nandan Match referee: Jeff Crowe

TWIN TON: India’s Ajinkya Rahane plays a shot against South Africa during 4th day of the fourth Test match at Ferozshah Kotla Stadium

in New Delhi. – PTI

the most fluent scorers in Amla, the first 10 overs of their partnership did not yield a single run and things did not improve later either. “We have managed to hold them back and hopefully tomorrow, we can carry on with the same,” Bavuma told reporters, confident his team can bat out three sessions on Monday to eke out a draw. “It’s a tough ask to bat out the 90 overs. It will be day five, so you expect the wicket to deteriorate even

more. But we have the experience, we have the skill and whatever happens, we will be going down ﬁghting. “Deﬁnitely we will carry on the spirit tomorrow and try our best to salvage a draw out of this game.” Rahane’s second In a low-scoring series in which no other batsman from either side managed a single hundred, Rahane took 206 balls to bring up his second of the match and the sixth

of his Test career with the help of eight boundaries and three sixes. After India resumed on 190-4, Rahane played a couple of uppish drives before bending his knees for an upper-cut, chipping a Morne Morkel delivery over third man in an uncharacteristic show of aggression. At the other end, captain Virat Kohli (88) added ﬁve runs to his overnight score before a low Kyle Abbott delivery trapped him leg before to end the series-high

154-run ﬁfth wicket partnership. Rahane could not be denied his hundred, though. The 27-year-old slog-swept Imran Tahir over midwicket for his second six of the innings and stepped out against Elgar for his third to storm into the 90s. Rahane then took a quick single off leg-spinner Tahir to join an elite league of Indians that also included Vijay Hazare, Sunil Gavaskar (thrice), Rahul Dravid (twice) and Kohli.

Vijay fined Murali Vijay has been fined 30 percent of his match fee for showing dissent after being given out in the ongoing fourth and final Test against South Africa, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Sunday. Vijay was given out caught behind off Morne Morkel in India’s second innings on Saturday and the surprised opener pointed at his arm guard before walking off shaking his head. “Vijay was fined 30 per cent of his match fee by (match referee) Jeff Crowe,” ICC said in a statement. India captain Virat Kohli also risks inviting the match referee’s wrath for glaring at the umpire after he was given caught out off the bowling of Imran Tahir before it was adjudged a no-ball. - Reuters

MONDAY, D E CEMBER 7, 2 015

SPORTS Soccer schools and boardroom deals

CHINA’S PLAY FOR GLORY

TARGET WORLD CUP: A statue resembling the World Cup trophy is seen outside the main gate in front of the Evergrande soccer academy in Qingyuan, southern China. – Reuters

China is training an army of young players it hopes will help the nation shake off its lowly place in the world’s football ladder: 84th out of 209 countries, just above Qatar and below teams like Jordan, Montenegro and Gabon

HONG KONG/SHANGHAI: Wang Shijie, 11, is a rising star among the nearly 3,000 students at Guangzhou Evergrande’s huge soccer academy in south China. He wants to join the national team and help achieve President Xi Jinping’s dream of winning the World Cup. In schools like this around the country, China is training an army of young players it hopes will help the nation shake off its lowly place in the world’s football ladder: 84th out of 209 countries, just above Qatar and below teams like Jordan, Montenegro and Gabon. “When I join the national team, I will do my best to help China

STARS OF THE FUTURE: Students warm up before a training session at Evergrande soccer academy in Qingyuan, southern China. – Reuters

become World Cup champions,” Wang, wearing golden-coloured boots and a yellow jersey, told Reuters during a break in training at the school that has 50 full-size pitches and coaches ﬂown in from European giant Real Madrid. Led by Xi, an avid fan, China has clearly made it a goal to become a soccer superpower. A consortium led by state-backed China Media Capital took a $400 million stake last week in the owner of English Premier League champions Manchester City — Beijing’s biggest investment in the sport overseas. The tie-up will help Abu Dhabiowned City tap the fast-growing sports and entertainment market in the world’s most populous nation, and at the same time give China international soccer knowhow, on the ﬁeld and off. “The Chinese government

wanted to make a statement,” said Alexander Jarvis, chairman of Blackbridge Cross Borders, which brokers deals between Chinese investors and European teams. Jarvis said he was currently working on six deals with Chinese ﬁrms looking to buy into clubs in Europe — including in England, Germany and Spain — and that there would be even bigger Chinese investment in 2016, usually with a China-based soccer school or training base thrown in. “Pretty much every football club which has some type of deal with the Chinese will have an academy. It’s very much Xi’s long-term dream of World Cup glory, and building the infrastructure on the ground is exactly what they want.” Guangzhou Evergrande, coached by World Cup-winning Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari, are

current Asian club champions but China’s national team has a long way to go to World Cup glory. Even in Asia, fierce rivals Japan and South Korea have a far stronger reputation in the game. The only time China qualified for the finals of the World Cup was in 2002, when the tournament was jointly hosted by South Korea and Japan. China was dismissed at the group stage without scoring a goal and conceding nine. Its hopes of qualifying for the 2018 finals have been dealt a blow after a goalless draw with tiny Hong Kong last month. There is no evidence that investing in football clubs overseas has contributed to any Asian soccer team’s prowess. Businessmen from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, India and China all have stakes in European clubs.

Ambitious goals But if the investments help improve China’s soccer infrastructure, it could lead the way to a successful bid to host the World Cup finals, sports executives say. The home nation automatically qualifies for the tournament. For the clubs, China is a huge, still untapped market for fans, merchandise sales and TV audiences. The country aims to grow its sports market to 5 trillion yuan ($782 billion) by 2025, around a five-fold leap from its current size, and football will play a big part. That’s good news for franchises tapping into local media distribution rights, sponsorship and merchandising. It’s also a boon for sports-focused companies such as adidas AG and Nike Inc. “The willingness to pay for sports isn’t limited to watching

them; membership at sports clubs is up, as is the amount people are willing to spend on sporting equipment,” said Liu Yue, a former national football player and now a commentator. Increasingly, the way into China’s football market is made easier by promoting the local game. Germany’s adidas and former Brazil star Ronaldo have launched academies and England’s David Beckham is an “ambassador” for Chinese football. Premier League and other European clubs regularly visit China in their summer off-season, drawing huge crowds. Chinese authorities are squarely behind the drive to develop local football, providing the vital political support to the move. Local governments have helped subsidise television licence fees to support local teams, while the recent Manchester City deal was led by a state-backed firm. Xi himself visited City’s academy last month during a trip to Britain, where he posed for a selfie with Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero and British Prime Minister David Cameron. However, corruption and player quality remain serious hurdles in Chinese football. A crackdown to clean up the game has seen at least nine officials, four judges, 13 footballers or coaches and 17 club workers jailed or punished since 2009. “A short-term goal for China is to gain a leading role in Asia,” said Fernando Sanchez Cipitria, technical director at the academy in Guangdong and a former midfielder for Spain. “For China to win the World Cup it could be a long journey.” - Reuters

ISM BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL TEAMS TO TAKE PART IN CBSE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS IN INDIA Indian School Muscat (ISM) girls basketball team as well as the boys and girls volleyball squads will be travelling to India to take part in the CBSE National Championships. The three teams have booked their berths in the Nationals after winning the Oman Cluster tournaments. The CBSE Basketball Nationals will be hosted by South Point Public School in Sonepat, Haryana from January 6 to 11, 2016 while the Volleyball Nationals are scheduled to be organised at V. S. St John’s Higher Secondary School in Gannavaram in Andhra Pradesh from December 9 to 13. — Supplied photo

M ONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

Love us on Facebook

D DIVISION: Carillion Alawi after their victory over Mott MacDonald. – Supplied photo

SPORTS

E DIVISION: Sayarti celebrate after defeating Al Fairuz. – Supplied photo

Future Oilfield, Carillion Alawi win Brief scores: Colour & Design 136 in 16 overs (Shiraz Shabir 40; Pranav 3/30) lost to RAHRC 140 for 7 in 17 overs (Sajjad 48; Sajid 2/18). Points: RAHRC – 2, Colour & Design - 0.

Batting ﬁrst, Future Oilﬁeld managed

ISWK beat Al Hail B In an I Division match, Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir (ISWK) recorded a 14-run win over Al Hail B. Batting ﬁrst, ISWK scored 151 for seven in 20 overs with Prathyush and Jeril contributing 41 and 36 runs respectively. Khalid Al Balushi claimed two wickets for Hail B. In reply, Al Hail B managed to score 137 for nine in 20 overs. Waheed Al Raisi scored 50. Brijesh claimed three wickets for ISWK.

to score 189 for the loss of nine wickets in 20 overs. In reply, Landscape were bowled out for 108 in 18.1 overs H DIVISION: RAHRC who defeated Colour & Design. – Supplied photos

MUSCAT: Future Oilfield recorded an easy 81-run victory over Landscape Architecture in an Enhance-sponsored D Division match at the Municipality Ground I. Batting first, Future Oilfield managed to score 189 for the loss of nine wickets in 20 overs, largely thanks to the efforts of Imran Ali and Syed Ali, who contributed 70 and 51 runs respectively. Prasad Peruli and Darwish Ellickal claimed two wickets each for Landscape. In reply, Landscape were bowled out for 108 in 18.1 overs. Imran Ali claimed three wickets for Future Oilfield to seal a bonus point victory. Brief scores: Future Oilfield 189 for 9 in 20 overs (Imran Ali 70, Syed Ali 51; Prasad Peruli 2/17, Darwish Ellickal 2/24) bt Landscape 108 in 18.1 overs (Imran Ali 3/22). Points: Future Oilfield – 3, Landscape Architecture - 0.

FOOTBALL

HM’s Cup draw on Wednesday MUSCAT: The Oman Football Association will organise the draw of His Majesty’s Cup Football Championship at the Sultan Qaboos University on Wednesday. His Highness Sayyid Nabigh bin Talal bin Tariq Al Said, will preside over the ceremony. Fourteen teams each from the Omantel Professional League (OPL) and First Division league as well as four qualifiers from the second division for the 32team draw. The 14 OPL team are defending champions Al Arouba, Fanja, Sur, Al Nasr, Dhofar, Al Khaboura, Al Nahda, Al Musanna, Saham, Al Shabab, Al Suwaiq, Sohar, Muscat and Salalah. The First Division teams that are included in the draw are Rustaq, Nizwa, Al Tale’ea, Al Mudhaibi, Ahli-Sidab, Oman, Al Wuhda, Mirbat, Al Kamil Wa Al Wafi, Al Ittihad, Bahla, Jaalan, Bausher and Seeb. The four qualified teams are Al Salam, Bidiya, Al Bashayir and Diba. - ONA

Mott MacDonald beaten In another D Division match, Carillion Alawi outlasted Mott MacDonald for a ﬁve-wicket victory at the Municipality Ground II. Batting ﬁrst, Carillion scored 147 for nine in 20 overs. Gurmit Ram top scored with 34 runs. Tausif and Sagar claimed two wickets each for Mott MacDonald. In reply, Mott scored 142 for nine in 20, falling just short of the target. Sagar Ingle top scored with 37 runs. Arun Kumar claimed three wickets for Carillion. Brief scores: Carillion Alawi 147 for 9 in 20 overs (Gurmit Ram 34; Tausif 2/23, Sagar 2/23) lost to Mott Macdonald 142 for 9 in 20 overs (Arun Kumar 3/29). Points: Carillion Alawi – 2, Mott Macdonald - 0.

Sayarti defeat Al Fairuz In an E Division match, Sayarti de-

feated Al Fairuz by six wickets at the Municipality Ground III. Batting ﬁrst, Al Fairuz were bowled out for 131 in 20 overs with Satham Hussain top scoring with 40 runs. Achintha and Parthiban claimed four and three wickets respectively for Sayarti. In reply, Sayarti scored 133 for four in 11.2 overs for a bonus point win. Sunil and Ruwan top scored with 50 not out and 31 respectively. Brief scores: Al Fairuz 131 in 20 overs (Satham Hussain 40; Achintha 4/18) lost to Sayarti 133 for 4 in 11.2 overs (Sunil Kumar 50 n.o., Ruwan 31). Points: Sayarti – 3, Al Fairuz - 0.

Easy for OUA Travel In an F Division match, Muscat Cricket Coaching Centre (MCCC) defeated OUA Travel by 29 runs. Batting ﬁrst, OUA piled up 172 without losing any wickets in 20

J DIVISION: Hydrotech after their win over Techno Elevators.

overs. Jayson and Rafeeq remained unbeaten on 69 and 88 respectively. OUA then restricted MCCC to 143 for nine in 20 overs. Mohammed Moshin top scored with 49 for MCCC. Aneesh claimed three wickets. Arun Dev and Raj Kumar claimed two wickets each. Brief scores: OUA Travel 172 for 0 in 20 overs (Jayson 69 n.o., Rafeeq 88 n.o) bt MCCC 143 for 9 in 20 overs (Mohammed Moshin 49; Annesh V 3/32). Points: OUA Travel – 2, MCCC - 0.

Trust Oilfield win In a thrilling G Division match, Trust Oilfield edged OCT Mabellah for a solitary run victory. Batting first, Trust Oilfield scored 168 for nine in 20 overs with Wajid Akram top scoring with 44. Warith Khalid claimed four wickets for Mabellah.

In reply, Mabellah scored 167 for six in 20 overs with Salim Ismail top scoring with 41. Shamsudeen and Mushir claimed two wickets each for Oilfield. Brief scores: Trust Oilfield 168 for 9 in 20 overs (Wajid Akram 44; Warith Khalid 4/15) bt OCT Mabellah 167 for 6 in 20 overs (Salim Ismail 41; Mushir Nazir 2/20). Points: Trust Oilfield – 2; Mabellah - 0.

RAHRC down C&D In an H Division match, RAHRC defeated Colour & Design (C&D) by three wickets. Batting ﬁrst, C&D were bowled out for 136 in 16 overs. Shiraz Shabir top scored with 40. Pranav claimed three wickets for RAHRC. In reply, RAHRC scored 140 for seven in 17 overs with Sajjad top scoring with 48. Moshin, Umair and Sajid claimed two wickets apiece for C&D.

Brief scores: ISWK 151 for 7 in 20 overs (Prathyush 41, Jeril 36; Khalid Al Balushi 2/24) bt Al Hail B 137 for 9 in 20 overs (Brijesh Gandhi 3/29). Points: ISWK – 2, Al Hail B - 0.

Hydrotech win In a J Division match, Hydrotech defeated Techno Elevators by six wickets. Batting ﬁrst, Techno Elevators were bowled out for 124 in 19.1 overs. Henry Samuel top scored with 45 runs. Mohammed Asjad claimed four wickets for Hydrotech. In reply, Hydrotech scored 125 for the loss of four wickets in 17.3 overs with Taimur Khan top scoring with an unbeaten 67. Mohammed Eliyas claimed two wickets for Techno Elevators. Brief scores: Techno Elevators 124 in 19.1 overs (Henry Samuel 45; Mohammed Asjad 4/24) lost to Hydrotech 125 for 4 in 17.3 overs (Taimur Khan 67 n.o.; Mohammed Eliyas 2/28). Points: Hydrotech – 2, Techno Elevators - 0.

MONDAY, D E CEMBER 7, 2 015

SPORTS ISL

Goa claim top spot after 3-2 win over Dynamos NEW DELHI: Three second-half goals helped FC Goa snatch a dramatic come-from-behind 3-2 win against Delhi Dynamos and become the top side after the group phase in what was effectively a precursor to an Indian Super League (ISL) semifinal match-up between the two sides here on Sunday. Forwards Reinaldo Greene and Adil Nabi put Dynamos 2-0 ahead at the break. But midfielder Romeo Fernandes, who was introduced in place of defender Debabrato Roy on 56 minutes, scored in the 68th and 69th to bring his team level. Spanish midfielder Joffre Mateu sensationally scored the winner in the 90th to propel his team to the

Tweet all about it

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH TWITTER PAGE

Australia defeat Belgium for title, India bag bronze

top of the standings. Goa finished their league commitments with 25 points from 14 matches, two more than second-placed Atletico de Kolkata and three more than Chennaiyin and Dynamos. Chennaiyin are in third place due to their superior goal difference than Dynamos. The two teams had already qualified to the play-offs and the standings ensured whoever wins the match clinches the top spot with the vanquished side finishing in fourth in standings. Goa will take on Dynamos in the first semifinal while Atletico will face Chennaiyin in the second last-four contest. - IANS

In the ﬁnal, Jeremy Hayward (16th minute) and Matthew Dawson (37th) scored for Australia. Simon Gognard pulled one back for Belgium in the 60th minute

RAIPUR: World champions Australia lived up to their reputation as they beat Belgium 2-1 in the ﬁnal to become the champions of the Hero Hockey World League (HWL) Final at the Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel International Stadium here on Sunday. Jeremy Hayward (16th minute) and Matthew Dawson (37th) scored for Australia, who shrugged off an average performance in the group stage. Simon Gognard pulled one back for Belgium in the 60th minute. Australia controlled the game in every department. They looked hungry from the beginning.Aus-

tralia threatened early with Glenn Turner and Simon Orchard pressing hard for the first blood. They did earn two back-to-back penalty corners but the effort of Jeremy Hayward was not up to the mark. Australia started the second quarter with a fiery onslaught as Hayward made amends for the set-piece misses and fired a blinder that ripped the roof of the net for the first goal in the 16th minute. Belgium too could have equalised when Sebastian Dockier had only goalkeeper Tyler Lovell to beat but the hit it wide. Australia, playing a fast game, had another opportunity when

Turner crossed for Kieran Govers from the left but the latter was not quick enough to reach for it at the far post as the scorline remained 1-0 a the half-time. Australia doubled the lead in the 37th minute as Turned played to the foot of a defender and earned a penalty corner that was successfully converted by young Dawson. Australia pressed further and almost got the third goal but for a goal-line save from Emmanuel Stockbroekx for minutes from the close of the third and penultimate quarter. Belgium got a opportunity to pull one back but Australian goalkeeper Lovell denied a brilliant flick from Loick Lupayert to help his side maintain the two-goal advantage. Later, Belgium threw everything at the Australian defence but the latter’s experienced defenders -- Mark Knowles (275 caps), Fergus Kavanagh (216 caps) -- were alert enough. Hayward also played a crucial role. Belgium were desperate for the first goal and they did in the final play of the match. Gougnard

converted a penalty corner in the 60th minute but it hardly dimmed Australia’s show. India pip the Dutch Earlier, India recorded a 3-2 (55) penalty shootout win against the Netherlands to clinch the bronze medal. Mirco Pruijser (9th minute), Nicolas van der Schoot (25th) made it 2-0 for the visitors but Ramandeep Singh (39th) and Rupinderpal Singh (47th) brought India on level terms. Ramandeep scored again in the 51st minute to make it 3-2 before Mink van der Weerden scored the third goal for the Dutch. Rupinder (55th) scored from a penalty stroke and later Akashdeep Singh increased India’s lead after which van der Weerden scored twice to force the issue to the penalty shootout. In the shootout, Billy Bakker, Seve van Ass scored while Jeroen Hertzberger, Pruijser and Valentine Verga failed. For India, Birendra Lakra, Sardar Singh and Rupinder were successful, while Danish Mujtaba and Muhammad Amir Khan failed. - IANS

CRICKET

GCC Blue win National Day Junior Cup

MUSCAT: Gulf Cricket Centre (GCC) Blue defeated GCC Red to lift the title at the the 45th National Day Junior Cup cricket tournament organised by Gulf Cricket Centre. In the 10 overs-a-side match, GCC Blue after deciding to bat ﬁrst scored 76 runs. Divyansh Karwani top scored with 15 runs and Gyan contributed 13 runs. In reply, GCC Red managed

to score 69 runs. Arjun was the top scorer with 12 runs. For GCC Blue, Divyansh claimed two wickets and he also won the man of the match award. Chief guest Ahmed Al Yahmadi of Ministry of Sports Affairs presided over the prizegiving ceremony and handed over the trophies. Kishore Sampat, Managing Director of Intesar Corporation LLC, Sanjay Tiwary,

GM of National Stone LLC, Latha Ramakrishnan, Mohammad Nawaz, Attaulah Niazi and Khalid Jadoon were guests of honour. The tournament was sponsored by Intesar Corporation LLC, Al Nafeesa Jewellery, Oasis Water, Al Hosani Group of Companies, National Stone LLC, Al Faisal and Purushottam Kanji Exchange LLC.

SECTION

LIFESTYLE

Gear WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

G N I K N L U E B ED EGAPIX M E HT H T Y M ry Sto

im Na d me ham o M sal i a F

With the camera brands indulged in megapixel wars; one claiming superiority over the other by the count of its pixels, megapixel seems to have become the dominating factor in the camera market. But does it really mean anything? Does having more megapixels amount to better images, or is it more of a marketing hype? Read on to know...

M O N DAY, D EC EM B ER 7, 2 0 1 5

MONDAY, D E CEMBER 7, 2 015

LIFESTYLE

very time you see a new camera, what feature catches your attention ﬁrst and foremost? We bet it is the megapixel count. As the world of cameras gets better by the day, megapixel count seems to have become the most ultimate parameter of judging them, at least for us laymen. Camera makers are always bragging about the next model with even more megapixels than the one that came before it. The new numbers make your current model seem obsolete. If you bought a camera with twelve megapixels a few years ago, you wish you could get a new one that gets twenty. But is it really true? Does only a higher megapixel count really makes a camera better than the one with a lower count? The answer is a big ‘NO’. Megapixels are not at all the only or even the principle criterion for better image quality of a camera. There are other more important factors to take note of like the camera sensor, ISO, optics, aperture, and so on. You might be thinking, why then camera makers keep coming up with cameras having more and more megapixels every year? Well simply because they need to stay in business, and they need to boost their sales in a highly saturated market. They need an easy point to convince the buyers that the new models are a big upgrade from the one they have now, luring them to make a purchase. Megapixels serve the purpose pretty well for them. It is a number game after all, simply projected as ‘Bigger the better’. The other factors, and which in fact matter more in image enhancement, are complex mechanisms not to be easily interpreted by buyers. And that’s why the sellers made the megapixel their scoring point. Whether it’s your ﬁrst one or you’re upgrading, it is important to know what specs matter. Let’s break it down for you and see what is really important to your photography needs and what’s a given already. The Megapixel Mystery So what are megapixels, and how do they relate to image quality? Simply put, a single megapixel amounts to exactly one million pixels in an image captured by the camera. Up to certain point megapixels matter, but never as much as they are projected. Like calories, megapixels are a measure of quantity, not quality. You need a certain number of megapixels depending on the way to want to share a photo. But just as the number of calories in a meal doesn’t say much about how nutritious it is, the number of pixels in a camera doesn’t say much about the quality of the image they can capture. You would probably not believe, but it is still true that for online image sharing, you really only need a 1 megapixel camera. That is because your computer monitor is usually about 1000×1000 pixels = 1 megapixel. When you print your images, you will need more megapixels. If your megapixel count isn’t enough for the size of image you print, your images won’t look sharp. But even for that you only really need a max 7 megapixel camera – even for huge 30×40 posters. These days, almost all cameras have double digits of megapixels, making this spec basically irrelevant when it comes to image quality. Some would even argue that a high megapixel rating on a small camera is not such a great idea because if a camera has too many megapixels packed into it, the images can get a noisy (grainy) because there is too much information being captured and stored in a small space – a good reason not to rely on a camera’s megapixel rating.

IMAG E PRO CESS OR

A camera’s image processor can affect quality in a few ways. Many cameras can ﬁx lighting issues and adjust various other settings that can make your images look really nice. A good image processor makes it possible for the camera to handle these operations. A fast processor also makes it possible for a camera to capture images in quick succession. Camera speed is important, and a fast processor can allow a camera to compensate for less-thanideal lighting conditions.

R O S N SE THE L ENS

Last, but certainly not the least, a good lens can make all the difference in the world in a photograph. The lens is the eye of your camera, and if it can’t see well, it definitely won’t show well. The quality of the lens very much reflects in the quality of the image produced. In the case of point-and-shoot cameras, the optics is limited in quality for two reasons; it is limited in size, and fixed to the camera, unlike a DSLR, where the lens is changeable according to the situation. The prospects are even grimmer in case of cellphones having a real tiny lens-eye. When looking at DSLRs, consider what the maximum aperture is, or how wide the lens opens. Wider the aperture, more the light is let in, resulting in better images in low light situations. When shopping for any lens, take note of its f-stop. The f-stop is a measurement of the diameter of the aperture, expressed as a fraction (f/1.4, f/3.5, and so on). Higher the f-stop

number, lower will be the lens’ aperture opening, which means a lens with a lower f-stop number will have wider aperture opening and will be a better option, among the lenses with same focal length and zoom. Got a picture now of what it is actually all about? Megapixels are great; they revolutionised the world of photography, enabling photographers to produce digital images that compare to ﬁlm images. But megapixel count is no reason to upgrade your current camera. Instead, focus on the kind of photography you are indulged in and accordingly consider the limitations of your current model. You might need a different lens or a camera body that takes a quicker continuous stream of photos. If you are upgrading, do it for better reason(s) than just getting more megapixels.

Ever wondered why even a 40 megapixel smartphone camera couldn’t match the results of a 6 megapixel DSLR camera? The key to the mystery lies in the sensor size of the devices. The senor is exposed to and captures the available light when you click an image. It is the most important component in capturing and storing the images. Larger sensors capture more light, which means they produce a more shallow depth of field. Today, there are numerous camera sensors available on the market. ‘Advanced Photo Systems’ or ‘APS-C’ sensor is the most commonly used in DSLR cameras. The sensor is significantly larger than what’s available in a pointand-shoot camera or a cellphone. While smaller sensors struggle with capturing enough light, the APS-C sensors are able to accommodate lower light situations, and have better control of depth of field. With a larger sensor, you can more readily render an out-of-focus background behind your subject too.

Even bigger are the ‘Full frame’ sensors, often considered to be the digital equivalents of 35mm film. You’ll find these sensors on highend DSLRs such as Canon’s 5D series. The most desirable benefit of the full frame sensor is that there is no crop factor. Crop factor refers to the degree of magnification of a lens when attached to a camera. Subjects are zoomed in a little bit more when using an APS-C-based camera. With full frame camera, the lens won’t be magnified at all: a 28mm lens will give you a 28mm image. You can guess by now that it is the full frame cameras that have the ability to produce the highest quality images. In a nutshell, larger the camera sensor, higher will be its image quality, and that explains why you don’t often capture a cellphone image that can compete with a DSLR, no matter how high its megapixel count. —faisal@timesofoman.com

N NDS O E P E D NEEDIMAGES U O Y S UR ed PIXELO USE YO ixels Need A G E T p ANYRME GOING On Megaegapixels M W HO YOU A Viewing e 1-3 m pixels Onlin 2 mega ls H OW e itor / ts on pix ter M 6×4 prin 5 mega els s int apix ch pr r 7 meg n i 8 10× or large ts h prin 1× 1 inc

u Comp

M ONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

LIFESTYLE Two of the elite gaming

Looks

headsets are the Astro

Both look simply awesome. The Astro comes in different versions, such as the Halo and Xbox One version, so you have a few options to suit your taste and match your gaming set up. Both come with very impressive stands and look worthy of their hefty price tags, still when it comes to choosing one, the ﬁnish on the Elite 800 is slightly better. The A50 has an external mic, whereas the Elite 800 are built in. The Elite 800s seem to suit a PS4 setup owing to its consistent colour scheme. Both look lovely when not in use on their respective stands.

A50, and Turtle Beach Elite 800. As the gaming world gets more and more advanced, the multi-dimensional battleﬁelds capture the imagination not just visually, but with immersive sound experience as well.

Astro A50:

And while any conventional headphone might

Turtle Beach Elite 800:

still do the job for the ordinary, die-hard gamers swear only by either of

Battery Life

these two. Priced within

This one is again a tie. Both give roughly 10 hours of use but this really varies depending on whether the Bluetooth (on Turtle Beach) and active noise cancellation is at work. However, the Astro A50 lacks a battery indicator which is an ill thought omission.

the same bracket, and having a lot in common, we put the headsets headto-head to see which has still got more muscle to it among the two

Features and Functionality The Astro A50 looks amazing, works amazing. The microphone on the left cup pulls down and up activating and deactivating it in style. The left ear cup has a standard 2.5mm jack port and micro USB to charge. The right ear cup has the main volume, power button and the EQ preset buttons. It has twistable ear cups for comfort around the neck when not in use or for when you travel or need to store them. The construct of the headset itself is really good quality and it comes with a nice stand – a mix amp which features the opt in and out ports, USB ports and aux port ﬁnished with the Dolby button and power button. The Elite 800 has a whole raft of features too, but its best feature is the complete wireless solution it offers to the gamers. The headphone works both via the Bluetooth connectivity as well as wireless connectivity which means you could also connect your smartphone to it to answer calls during gaming, with the headset cleverly dimming the game sound while attending the call, and spikes back up the moment the call is ﬁnished. In the right ear cup the Elite 800 has chat volume and toggle preset buttons and on the left, game volume, power button and Bluetooth button. The Turtle Beach has a multitude of preset options as well. Within each main preset mode such as music or gaming, there are a number of sub options as well which allow you to tailor your experience in accordance with the media being consumed. It comes with a well designed base which, when placed within, charges the headset too, which means you don’t have to struggle with cables even to charge the headset. The Base station has two micro-USB opt in/out ports, Aux, and is magnetic; charging the headset automatically. However, while the Astro A50 works on both Xbox One and PS4, the Turtle Beach are designed only for the PS4, and require the Microsoft Chat Adapter, to work with the Xbox One. Astro A50: Turtle Beach Elite 800:

THE HEADSET GAME S T O R Y

F A I S A L

M O H A M M E D

Astro A50:

Turtle Beach Elite 800:

N A I M

Astro A50 vs Turtle Beach Elite 800

Sound and Microphone Both offer superb top notch audio, and comes down to individual preference, than any technical reasons, when deciding on this one. Both headsets deliver excellent Digital surround sound audio with the Astro adopting Dolby Digital Surround Sound technology and Turtle Beach using the DTS: X 7.1 Surround Sound. The Elite 800 has got a slight edge here too however, mainly because of its Bluetooth functionality and solid base range. But the Astro scores over Turtle Beach in mic sound – there’s just a little more deﬁnition and clarity. Astro A50:

Turtle Beach Elite 800:

CONCLUSION When it comes to the real stuff – the sound; the Astro A50 is an excellent headset too, and none is ahead of the other. The Turtle Beach Elite 800 comes with many more features than the Astro A50. The stand apart feature of Elite 800 is that it is purely wireless, whereas the A50 depends on a wire to the controller. TOO Verdict: The Turtle Beach Elite 800 While the Astro A50 is more than sufficient; the Elite 800 has got even more. faisal@timesofoman.com

MONDAY, D E CEMBER 7, 2 015

C10

PRAYER TIMINGS

FIND-IT-ALL CINEMA SCHEDULE

@SHATTI

@AZAIBA

Krampus (Horror | Fantasy) (12+) Cast: Adam Scott, Toni Collette 4:30, 10:15 PM Tamasha( Hindi) (Drama) (PG12) Cast: Ranbir kapoor, Deepika Padukone 6:45 PM Pathemari ( Malayalam) (Drama) ( PG12) Cast: Mammootty, Joy Mathew, Srinivasan 11:00 PM

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68 www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI In the Heart of the Sea (3D) (Action | Adventure | Biography) (PG12) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy 2:15, 5:00, 6:45, 9:15, 11:45 PM Bridge of Spies (Biography | Drama) (PG) Cast: Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Alan Alda 8:45, 11:30 PM Bus 657 (Action | Crime | Thriller) (12+) Cast: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Dave Bautista 2:45, 9:30 PM Mortadelo and Filemon: Mission Implausible (3D) (Animation | Comedy) (PG) Voice Overs: Karra Elejalde, Janfri Topera 3:00 PM The Hunger Games: Mockingjay-2 (3D) (Adventure | Sci-Fi) (PG12) Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson 6:15 PM Victor Frankenstein (Horror | Sci-Fi) (12+) Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, James McAvoy 4:30, 7:15, 11:30 PM Arbaa A Kotchina (Arabic) (PG) CP# Cast: Oka, Ortega 4:30 PM MUSCAT GRAND MALL In The Heart of The Sea (Action)(3D)(PG12) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy, Brendan 11:45AM, 6:30, 9:00 & 11:30PM Gold Class : 3:30, 8:30 & 11:00PM Bus 657 (Action | Crime | Thriller) (12+) Cast: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Dave Bautista 2:00 & 11:45PM Creed (Drama | Sport) 15+ Cast : Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone 4:00 & 9:15PM Gold Class :6:00PM The Hunger Games: Mockingjay-2 : 3D (Adventure/Sci-Fi) PG12

Victor Frankenstein (Drama)(2D)(12+) Cast : Daniel Radcliffe, James McAvoy, Jessica Brown Timings : 7:15 , 11:45 pm

Bus 657 (Action | Crime) (12+) CP# Cast: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Dave Bautista, Robert De Niro Timing: 2:45, 9:30 PM

1:45PM & 6:45PM Mortadelo and Filemon: Mission Implausible (3D) (Animation | Comedy) (PG) 12:00PM A Second Chance (Roamance / Drama) PG12 Cast : Bea Alonzo, John Lloyd Cruz 4:15PM

2:30, 4:45, 6:45 pm Bridge Of Spies (Drama)(2D)(PG) Cast : Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Alan Alda 11:30 pm Victor Frankenstein (Drama)(2D)(12+) Cast : Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Alan Alda 7:15, 11:45 pm

PANORAMA MALL In The Heart of The Sea (Action)(3D)(PG12) Cast : Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy, Brendan 5:00, 9:15, 11:30 pm In The Heart of The Sea (Action, Adventure) (MX4D)(PG12) 2:45, 5:45, 8:30, 11.30 PM In The Heart of The Sea (Action, Adventure) (3D)(PG12)- VIP LOUNGE 3:45, 6:30, 8:45, 11:00 PM Hunger Games: Mockingjay part 2 (3D) Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson 2:30, 7:15 pm (Action, Adventure) (PG12) Bus 657 (Action, Crime)(2D)(12+) Cast: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Dave Bautista 2:30, 9:45 pm Creed (Drama, Sport)(2D)(15+) Cast : Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone

AZAIBA In the Heart of the Sea (3D) (Action) (PG12) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy 12:00, 4:45, 9:15, 11:30 PM Hate Story-3 (Hindi) (Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Zarine Khan, Sharman Joshi, Daisy Shah 2:00, 4:20, 6:40, 9:05, 11:45 PM Tamasha (Hindi) (Romance | Comedy) (PG) Cast: Deepika Padukone, Ranbir Kapoor 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:15, 11:30 PM Pathemari (Mal) (Drama) (PG) Cast: Mammootty, Joy Mathew, Srinivasan 11:50 AM, 7:00, 9:30 PM Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (Hindi) (Romance) 2:45, 6:00 PM (PG) The Hunger Games: Mockingjay-2 (3D) (Adventure | Sci-Fi) (PG12) 2:15, 11:45 PM

SOHAR Bridge of Spies - 2D (PG) Drama | History Cast: Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Alan Alda 4:15, 11:45 PM Tamasha - 2D (PG12) Romance| Drama Cast: Deepika Padukone, Ranbir Kapoor 6:30 PM Creed - 2D (15+) Drama | Sport Cast : Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson 2:45, 9:15 PM In the Heart of the Sea - 3D (PG12) Action Cast : Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy 2:30, 9:30, 11:45 PM In the Heart of the Sea - 2D (PG12) Action Cast : Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy 7:00 PM Victor Frankenstein - 2D (12+) Drama Cast : Daniel Radcliffe, James McAvoy 4:45, 6:45, 11:45 PM Pathemari - 2D (M) (PG12) Drama Cast: Mammootty, Joy Mathew, Srinivasan 9:15 PM Mortadelo and Filemon - 2D (PG) Cast : Voice (Karra Elejalde, Janfri Topera 2:45 PM Arbaa A Kotchina - 2D (Arb) (PG) Cast : Bea Alonzo, John Lloyd Cruz; 4:30 PM Bus 657 - 2D (12+) Action| Crime | Thriller Cast: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Dave Bautista 2:30, 11:30 PM The Keeping Room - 2D (15+) Drama Cast : Brit Marling, Hailee Steinfeld 5:15 PM Hate Story 3 - 2D (PG12) Thriller Cast : Zarine Khan, Sharman Joshi, Daisy Shah, Karan Singh Grover 7:00, 9:00 PM

Pathemari (Mal) (Drama) (PG) CP# Cast: Mammootty, Joy Mathew, Srinivasan, Jewel Mary Timing: 11:50 AM, 7:00, 9:30 PM

RUWI Screen 1 Hate Story 3 (Thriller) – PG12 Cast : Zarine Khan, Sharman Joshi, Karan Singh Grover 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM Screen 2 Tamasha (Romance/Drama) – PG12 3.45, 9.45 PM Pathemari (Drama) – Tamil – PG Cast : Mammootty, Jewel Mary 6.45 PM Screen 3 Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (Family) – PG Cast : Salman Khan, Sonam Kapoor 3.45, 9.45 PM Tamasha (Romance/Drama) – PG12 6.45 PM SUR In the Heart of the Sea 3D (Action) (PG12) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy 4:30, 8:00, 11:55 PM Bus 657 (Action | Crime | Thriller ) (12+) Cast: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Dave Bautista 6:15, 9:15 PM

BURAIMI In the Heart of the Sea– 3D (Action) (PG12) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy 6:45, 9:00, 11:30PM

Bus 657 – 2D (Action, Crime, Thriller) (12+) Cast: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Dave Bautista 4:45, 10:00, 11:45PM The Keeping Room– 2D (Drama) (15+) Cast: Brit Marling, Hailee Steinfeld 5:30, 7:15PM Krampus – 2D (Comedy, Fantasy) (12+) Cast: Adam Scott, Toni Collette 5:15, 11:15PM Tamasha– 2D (Romance, Drama) (PG12) Cast: Deepika Padukone, Ranbir Kapoor 7:30PM Pathemari– 2D (Romance, Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Mammootty, Joy Mathew, Srinivasan 9:00PM

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

08:50 Daily 11:00 Daily 14:30 Daily via Ibri 15:45 Daily 17:40 Daily 18.35 Daily 20:20 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

28 20

07:00

Ruwi

10:25

Daily

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

Fahud Yibal

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Daily Daily

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

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

JESSICA FRANCIS December 7, 2006

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

55-85% 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

LISTINGS

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

15:00

Salalah

Daily

07:00

Daily

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

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

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

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)

07:00

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

10:45 19:00

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

Ruwi Ruwi

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100) Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

06:00 14:30

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Programmes are subject to change

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) Sur Sur

Pathemari (Mal) (Rom/Drama) Cast: Mammootty, Jewel Mary, Joy Mathew, Srinivasn 3-30, 6-30 & 9-30 Pm Main Cinema Anarkali (Mal Rom/Drama) Cast: Prithviraj, Biju Menon & Priya Glor 6-45 Pm Cinema -3 Amar Akbar Anthony (Mal) (Act/Drama) Cast: Prithviraj & Jaya Surya 3-45 & 9-45 Pm At Cinema -3 Inji Iduppazhagi (Tamil) Cast: Arya & Anushka Shetty 3-30, 6-30 & 9-30 Pm Cinema -2 Shankara Bharanam (Telugu) Cast : Nikhil Siddharth and Nanditha 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 Pm Cinema-4

ROYAL OMAN POLICE 07:30 14:30

Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

Minimum

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

STAR CINEMA

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 20:50

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

In the Heart of the Sea (Action / Adventure) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy, Brendan 3.30, 7.30, 9.45 & 11.55 p.m. CP No : 3031 (PG12) Krampus (Comedy / Fantasy / Horror) Cast: Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner 4.00, 8.00 & 11.55 pm CP No: 3032 (12+) Bus 657 (Action / Crime / Thriller) Cast: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Robert De Niro 2.15, 6.00 & 10.00 pm CP No : 3033 (12+) The Keeping Room (Drama) Cast: Brit Marling, Hailee Steinfeld 1.45 & 5.45 pm; CP No : 3033 (15+) Hunting the Phantom (Action / Adventure) Cast: Kristanna Loken, Armand Assante 11.45 a.m; CP No : 3027 (12+) Creed (Sports / Drama) Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone 12.00 p.m; CP No : 3026 (15+)

WEATHER

15:00 15:00 15:00

16:30 18:00 19:30

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

WITH LOVE

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

BAHJA CINEMA

SALALAH In the Heart of the Sea (3D) (PG12) (Action Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy 1:45, 6:35, 11:30PM In the Heart of the Sea (2D) (PG12) (Action Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy 10:30AM Bridge of Spies (2D) (PG) (Biography Cast: Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Alan Alda 11:15AM, 4:00, 8:55PM Bus 657 (2D) (12+) (Action| Crime | Thriller) Cast: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Dave Bautista 12:00, 3:15, 11:55PM Creed (2D) (15+) (Drama | Sport) Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, 12:45, 5:00, 11:45PM Krampus (12+) (Comedy | Fantasy | Horror) Cast: Adam Scott, Toni Collette 7:35PM Mortadelo and Filemon: (3D) (PG) (Animation |Comedy) Voice Overs: Karra Elejalde, Janfri Topera 10:15AM, 2:00PM Tamasha (2D) (PG12) (Romance| Drama) Cast: Deepika Padukone, Ranbir Kapoor, Javed Sheikh 6:30PM Hate Story 3 (2D) (PG12) (Thriller) Cast: Zarine Khan, Sharman Joshi, Daisy Shah, 9:00PM Rangi Taranga (2D) (PG12) (Kanada) Cast: Nirup Bhandari, Radhika Chetan, 3:45PM Pathemari (2D) (PG12) (Malayalam) (Romance / Thriller) Cast: Mammootty, Joy Mathew, Srinivasan 9:30PM

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) Destination

12.03pm 3.05pm 5.25pm 6.40pm 5.16am

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

@PANORAMA MALL

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

24698 791/4 24605 593 24 605 074/133 24 698 660 24640100 24 603533 24 696782 24 699815 24 600 982/411 24681 800 24835000 24684500 2469 1050 24 696 944/7 24603642 24693727 24 601 028 24692760/1/3 24 692418 24 697664 24 691490 24 699628

Lebanon Libya Malaysia Morocco Nepal Netherlands Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tunisia Turkey UAE United Kingdom United States Yemen

24 693208 24603466 24698329/643 24696152/3 24696177 24603706 24603439 24601312 24605335 24 691 153/2/4 24602894 24601705 24694139 24697977 24647300 24691101 24697841/2 24697875 24603267 24697904 24601 174 24 602684/5 24603486 24697050/1/2 24400000 24609000 24643400 24600815

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

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 Polyclinc LLC 22004000 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

M ONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

C11

LIFESTYLE

Evolution of the Camera Start

End

1500 – Camera Obscura Used a pinhole to project an inverse image when light passed through the aperture

2000 – Sharp J-SHO4 The ﬁrst camera phone

1839 – Daguerreotype First publicly announced photographic process and the ﬁrst to come into widespread use

1991 – Kodak DCS SLR First professional digital camera for sale in the US for $13,000

1844 – The Megaskop First camera to take a panoramic image

Steven J. Sasson is an American electrical engineer and the inventor of the digital camera.

1900 – Raisecamera The ﬁrst light-weight portable camera

1925 – The Leica I First compact camera to use 35mm ﬁlm

1975 – Kodak Digital Camera Recorded black and white images on a cassette tape

1947 – Polaroid Model 95 The Polaroid photography is invented

1947 – The Duaﬂex First compact SLR with adapted eye level viewﬁnder

Source: best-infographics.com

1900 – Kodak Brownie Popularised low-cost photography and introduced the concept of the snapshot

1986 – The Quicksnap The disposable camera invented by Fuji

C1 2

MONDAY, D E CEMBER 7, 2 015

LIFESTYLE

TAKE IT FROM A RIDER

BRIEFS

Facebook rolls out live video streaming test for all users Facebook has rolled out a live video streaming test for all its users, four months after introducing the feature for celebrities and other high-proﬁle users, a media report said. Following a small test on Thursday, Facebook users will be able to use a redesigned status menu to select “live video”, The Verge reported.

S T O R Y FA I S A L M O H A M M E D N A I M

If you go out riding, or ever had the chance to go pillion with one (pity you don’t have

a biker’s licence), you must have deﬁnitely noticed the respect motorbike riders give to each other on the road.

he way they raise their hand while passing each other, even if they are unfamiliar (a norm among riders) – a gesture acknowledging the sharing of a passion, reflects the admiration, harmony, and respect for each other among the riding fraternity. There are lessons to be learned from it for many car drivers, always seemingly in a hurry on the road (even if the idea of waving to fellow drivers doesn’t sound so good). To start with, a biker always adheres to the rules; quite rare would you find one switching lanes without signalling; or trying to outrun you while you are about to enter a merging lane. A rider always accommodates the other, with ‘you first’ attitude, instead of pushing himself or others to the limit. Just the converse of it, many car drivers are devoid of the virtue of pa-

tience, or show too much of it. While some would constantly try outrunning others on road (as if some race was on), many others seem to be driving in a slumber, maintaining an easy pace of 50 knots in the main lane, and no matter how much you use the dipper, or even honk the horn, they continue unaffected. Then there are those who just love changing lanes in the blink of an eye, without any indication, at their whim. Also there are the King-Size SUV drivers, who, assuming they have the supreme authority on the road, turn dominators – out on a mission to tame the smaller cars, which submissively keep trying to stay out of the jumbo’s way. For bikers, no matter what bike you ride, respect is there. Manager or delivery boy – a rider is a rider, and all are treated worthy of being on the road, and always accommodated. A rider enjoys being on the road,

and that is what helps keep him saner. But the car drivers are just commuting – rarely are they out on the road for the love of it. Still being patient a little bit would harm nobody’s prospects: the car guys need to learn this. Slowing down for a second, to give way to someone trying to change a lane or take a turn at a quick intersection,won’t make you reach late to your destination. It could in fact save you a nasty incident and days of agony, which that momentary suddenness could spur upon you. And before you even begin to harbour the feeling; “what absolute trash all this was,” I would like to clarify that I am talking about proper riders here; the majority – those who have their riding licence, wear proper riding gear while riding, and are members of motorcycle clubs mostly. That over-speeding hooligan you recently came across on a wild bike screaming its throat out, with probably no plates on it, was surely an illegal, with no licence as well as riding sense. Spare me the rod; I don’t even consider them riders. And anyways their numbers are dwindling pretty fast, as authorities tighten the noose. If you are thinking how I could be so sure about all this, well for starters, I do ride myself – a lot. Take heed. More next time. faisal@timesofoman.com

Young drivers using phones despite knowing dangers Teenagers do understand the dangers of using cellphones while driving — but they still use them, new research has found. Car crashes kill more teens each year than anything else, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Teenagers think about what they do behind the wheel in very different ways than we think about teenagers behind the wheel,” said Marilyn Sommers, professor at University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing. For the study, the researchers got 30 teenagers engaged in conversations on distracted driving. Across the board, the teenagers said they understood the dangers of texting while driving, but they still engaged in the behaviour. -IANS

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M M O N DAY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 1 5

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

VACANCY

CARGO

FOR RENT NEAR AL FALAJ HOTELDELUXE 1 BHK,SPLIT A/C. BUILT IN WARDROBE & 2 BATHROOM. WITH & WITHOUT FURNISHING.

CONTACT : 990 49 722

M O N D AY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classiﬁeds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE FOR RENT

*Tourist visa arranged

NEW Flats & Showrooms for Rent 1/2/3 BHK Flats & Showrooms at Muttrah, near Oman flour mills, 10 min. from corniche. equipped with split/ cassette unit ACs, internet points, freeto-air dish connection, CCTV monitored, basement parking. Rent RO.250/350/450 (Negotiable) per month.

Contact : 99229263; 93221054; 95215289

FOR RENT

SHARED OFFICE SPACE

2BHK, 3 washroom Flat with Split Air Conditioners Near Lulu Darsait

AVAILABLE SHARED FULLY FURNISHED OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT WITH SEPARATE ENTRANCE PRIME LOCATION IN AZAIBA. TOTAL AREA 201sq.m.

CONTACT :

93202733 1 bed room ﬂat in CBD along with all household items. Available from 15 Dec. Items- OMR 400. Call 97261565

We have open space offices in Ghala new building. Contact: 93329476/99208033

3 Room ﬂat in North Ghubra, 18 November Street with three toilets. For residential or commercial use. RO. 315/- Contact 94477222.

We have coffee shop for rent or sale in Al Khuwair. Contact: 93782735/99208033

We have 3BHK villa fully furnished in Ghobrah 18th November. Contact: 93782735/99208033 One & two bed room apartments available for rent, opposite the new Panorama Mall at south Ghobrah close to Muscat Grand Mall, next to Diwan office. Contact: 99833747 Flat in Wadi Kabir, 3 BHK rent 280/- R.O. Contact: 99330810 An industrial land 1400SQM in industrial Bausher (Muscat) in front of Oman cement located on the main road for further details. Contact: 99719973 /95858928 2 Bed rooms ﬂat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat Municipality. Contact: 92584715/ 24700120

We have 200sqm Basmat in Al Khuwair. Contact: 93329476/ 99208033 1BHK Nr Oman house & Kmj H.O Muttrah. Contact 99233116

FOR RENT

Urgent apartment for rent: First Floor, Purpose built one bedroom, bath, Kitchen with balcony and a drawing & dinning. 2 Minutes walk from Indian School Muscat. Contact 99346265

2BHK near Oman house behind Khimji H.O R.O 200/-. # 95865686

2BHK Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti mosque. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232

We have fully furnished offices in Ghala new building good price. Contact: 93782735 / 99208033

2 BHK Flats for rent Muttrah near Oman house. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 One room and one BHK for rent in AL Khuwair near Ibis hotel. Contact: 95724975

Shop / office Nr Oman house & Kmj H.O Muttrah. Contact: 99233116

1000 SQMTRS industrial land for rent in Ghala suitable for warehouse workshop etc. Contact 24700120 /92584715

House for rent at Seeb Souq two bedroom, majlis, sitting room, kitchen & 2 bathroom. Contact: 99700908

1 BHK available at Al Khoud in Baskin Robbins building. RO 200/Contact: 97261418, 99478492, 98181649

House for rent in Hamriya of 2 ﬂoors, ﬂats vacant with 4 rooms, balcony 3 toilets, 1 kitchen R.O 300/- per month , Omani families only. Contact: 96266768

One ﬂats for rent 2 bedroom all with bath al gubrah north near indian school (hot pargur restaurant) Tel: 99766103

1 Bed room in Al hail south R.O 130/- Monthly. Contact: 93993354

Flat for rent 3 bedrooms, kitchen & bathroom in Wadi Kabir for 260/- RO. Contact- 97771444

We have 2 BHK ﬂats in Ghobrah, Ghala, Azaiba. Contact: 93782735/99208033

Villa for rent four spacious bath attached bedroom private swimming pool, Gymnasium (common) with electrical equipment and free maintenance secured compound at Madinat Al Illam. Contact: 98027975

Flats and shops for rent in Ruwi Honda road Mumtaz area. Contact: 97293708 /92433127

4 Bedroom Twin Villa for rent in Al Hail South, easy access to Sultan Qaboos Highway Contact 98080822

7 Bedrooms villa in Ghobrah North. Contact - 96420432

Brand new 2 Bedroom apartment with maid room for rent in Rimal Bausher with private parking Contact 98080822 One ﬂats for rent 2 bedroom all with bath al Ghobrah north near Indian school (hot burger restaurant) tell 9976610 Store available in Honda road Ruwi. Contact 99481931 1BHK ﬂat near Star Cinema 220/-. Contact 99358589 /95570288

Flats for rent in Wadi Kabeer. Contact: 99388994

Flats for rent in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99376454 600 SQT commercial flat for rent opposite Oman flourmill Darsait more details. Contact: 91214849/ 99364735 Studio in souk Al Khoud behind of Al Ahali bank with 2 BR toilet+ kitchen in 2 floor 160RO. Contact 99738881 Villa with 5 rooms, two sitting rooms, 5 toilets and kitchen at Al Hail North. Contact: 91130875

FOR FUTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT ON

95621492/96554579 We have office in Ghobrah main road Prime location. Contact: 93782735/99208033 We have 2BHK flat in Ghala. Contact: 93329476/99208033 2 BHK in Al Meera MKT building in Al Khuwair available. Rent RO420. Contact 94047434 Flat for Rent 1/2 BHK Flat at Muttrah, near Oman flour mills, 10 min. from Corniche.Equipped with split unit ACs, internet points, free-to-air dish connection, CCTV monitored, basement parking. Rent RO.250/350 per month. Contact: 99229263; 93221054; 95215289 For Rent Flats in Ghala Heights 94051789-97201688 Single BHK flat available in Honda road Ruwi. Contact 24833972/ 24833974/99367448 For Rent Flats in Wadi Kabir 94051789-97201688 For Rent flats in MuttrahContact – 94051789-97201688

M O N DAY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE HOME THEATER & KARAOKE

TRANSPORTATION

BRING HOME - LIVE MUSIC & CINEMA

7 Ton/ 10 Ton- Trailer Local transportMCT- UAE

GENERAL ELECTRONICS SERVICES LLC CONTACT: 99627299 / 93327841

Contact – 96609857 Amir Ali

FOR HIRE WITH OPERATORS

1. Back Hoe Loaders (Shovels): 5 Nos 2. 10 Tons Vibratory Roller Compactor: 1 No. 3. 42 Mtrs. Concrete Pump Putzmeister: 1 No. 4. 45 Cbm Tippers: 2 Nos 5. 50 M height, 50 Boom tower cranes: 5 Nos.

Please contact – Mr. Ravi on 96529679 Email – ravi@alliedoman.com / narayan@alliedoman.com

Running furniture showroom for urgent sale. Ladies beauty parlor sale at Muttrah.

Contact - 91135930 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 Available office space in Prime location on 18th November Street, Azaiba Kindly. Contact: 99288664

MV SALE

WANTED Required commercial villa from Azaiba to Al Khoud area adjacent to main Roads. Contact: 92640246/91395738

FOR RENT

FOR SALE Running barber shop for sale in Ruwi with all equipments. Contact: 99343735

Honda Accord 2012, 60,000 km, good condition, RO 5600, expat leaving Oman. Contact 99577462.

60,000 Sq Mtrs Agriculture Land in Misfah, can be changed to Industrial Land. OMR 29 Per Square Meter. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Prado 2010 expat driven good condition. Contact: 91396589 /91396776

Rental car. Contact: 92516090 For Rent Flats in Darsait 94051789-97201688 For Rent Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35) 94051789-97201688 For Rent Mini Furnished Apartment in Qurum- 9405178997201688 Offices for Rent GalaContact –94051789-97201688 For Rent Duplex villa in Qurum 29- 94051789-97201688 For Rent offices in Qurum opposite city center- 9405178997201688 For Rent Offices & Showrooms in Al Khoud-Contact 9405178997201688 For Rent Flats in Mawalah south-94051789-97201688 For Rent brand new villas in Al Ansab- Contact 9405178997201688 For Rent Offices & Showrooms in Muttrah -Contact - 9405178997201688

Mitsubishi Pajero 380CC full option 2008 model 137,000 km Expat driven white maintained Mitsubishi workshop. Contact: 99513510

5 plots of fertile agriculture lands in Misfah East totaling 4,532 sq mtrs having date trees and using falaj water for irrigation. OMR 158 Thousand for all 5 plots. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 400 sq mtrs Commercial/Residential land in Maabela Phase 5 Block 2. OMR 155 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 2,688 sq mtrs commercial land in MBD North. OMR 1.39 Million. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Immediate sale of well running pharmacy at prime location. Contact- 99627621, 99516236 Porta cabin for sale. Contact: 99883502/95398929 We have complete office furniture for sale very nice like new rare use. Contact: 93782735 93329476 Beauty Salon for urgent sale in Azaiba prime location behind Al Fardan building. With sponsor and 1 staff and 1 ready visa clearance. Call: 95318629 / 95169411

MAZDA 626, 2001, VGC, full service history, expat single user RO 1100, Contact: 99296768/ 93033072 FOR SALE or rent Tata Dawoo Truck 12 ton 2014 Model. Contact: 92719681 Chaverlet Epica 2004 model RO -700, for sale. Contact 92194205 BMW 318/ 2003 for sale. Contact 96364990 Ford focus, automatic, 2010 model, silver colour, expat driven, 58000 kms, dealer serviced, registration till sep 2016, price ro 2750. Contact- 93207590

FOR SALE Sale house & office furniture & electronic items. Contact : 99834373/ 96642500/22010080 For Sale Luxury Apartments in Bousher (35) -Contact 9505680897201688

Ladies saloon with 2 staff for sale in Mawalah. Contact 94197589

For sale Fully Furnished apartments in Bousher (35) Contact- 95056808-97201688

For sale villas in Al Khoud 95056808-97201688

Beauty parlor for sale Muttrah. Contact: 93142676

ACC. AVAILABLE Furnished sharing accommodation in ruwi near O.K. Center for non-cooking indian bachelor. Gsm 9880-5474 Spacious separate room with A/c and Bed, for non-cooking Asian bachelor, behind Shell filling station, Ghobrah round about. Contact: 94263390 Spacious separate room with A/c and Bed, for non-cooking Asian bachelor, behind Shell filling station, Ghoubra round about. Contact: 94263390 2BHK Hamriya round about main road rent R.O 170/- PM. Contact: 99513510 Sharing accommodation at Wattayah, behind Wattayah Mosque. Contact: 92578966 Attached room at Hamriya near Hamriya flyover Supermarket. Contact: 98985763 Furnished room in new building for working Muslim lady/ Muslim couple only. Location AINT, Darsait. Contact - 99008069 Full furnished 1BHK flat at OMR 260/- available for 4 months. Contact: 92148699 location Ghala 1 Bedroom with attached Bath, fully furnished, separate entrance at Mabela for ladies only. Contact: 99634841 Single bed room with attached bath, separate entrance, Honda road near NBO for ex bachelors. Contact: 91410434 Big room available near Hamriya R/A for Muslim couple / small family / Executive bachelor rent 150/per month including W+ E. Contact : 99495131 1 Bedroom with bathroom available for rent. Only Indian female. Contact - 92394614

FOR HIRE Car with driver available for rent. Contact: 93015630

NRI royal castles

vakathanam, kottayam Luxurious villas in a Gated community with all the modern facili es at Vakathanam By-Pass (MC road-NH 220) Web: www.royalcastles.in email: info@royalcastles.in +968 92855909, +91 9961 11 9988

Plot for sale Shadnagar Municipality, Mahboob Nagar District, walk able distance to existing colonies, national highway and basic amenities at reasonable price. Contact – 0091 8686631669 Fancy villa for sale at pathanamthitta, kerala. Visit kenindi.Wix. Com/house for details. Contact 94533975 Plot, propeties for sale in prime location in pune 95272138,(+918390982975)

MATRIMONIAL

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sitting room, Kitchen & store including utilities bills at Al hail. Contact 92817777

27 years Kerala boy, Hindu Ezhava (Atham) diploma holder working in Oman seeking suitable alliance. Contact: 95606132

Single room bathroom in Darsait R.O 140/-. Contact: 93289652

Ezhava divorcee, 37, 5.3”, pharmacist in Muscat. Contact - +919961176066 suryakv2010@gmail.com

Single room for expat Indian bachelors near Al Aktham restaurant Al khuwair for RO 120. Water and electricity included. Contact : 98803261

ACC. WANTED Sharing Accommodation Required for Non cooking Executive Lady in Darsait /Ruwi/Wadikabir. Contact 99360615

TRANSPORTATION Muttrah to Bausher. Contact: 99022790/24712088 Transportation. Contact: 95190627 Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba. Contact: 91103909

GOOD NEWS Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage steambath, obesity, Spondylitis, Ideal Care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street Azaiba. Contact: 99639695 / 98342990 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 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

FOR LADIES Home service for ladies only facial, waxing, body massage, (if you not waxing menicure pedicure) only 20 Riyal, Contact 9243 0239

LOST

Indian male christian 40yrs.working in muscat.looking for life partner. divorced or single. Contact :91429811

Dorzadeh Ramok Eishvark has lost Iranian Passport No. Z 26756100. Finder please handover to ROP

Keralite R.C. Boy, 30yrs, 161cm, MBA (Finance) Working in Oman seeking suitable alliance. Contact: 92290247 / 97302978

Adnan Mohammed Akhtar Tanwar has lost Indian Passport No. L 9527675. Finder please handover to ROP.

M O N D AY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classiﬁeds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT We are looking for a Business Development Manager

URGENTLY REQUIRED

SITUATION WANTED

We are looking for a

RECEPTIONIST

SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE For ELV Systems with Oman Market Sales track record in the field of CCTV, Security, Access Control Systems, Age around 30 years with at least 3 years of successful Sales Career in the Security field. Should have excellent communication skills + able to scope client requirements + prepare Tender Responses. Oman D/L and NOC required.

Pls Send your CV to jobs@bishara.com or Fax : 24794807

• Omanis Only (preferably female) • Must speak English fluently • Ability to handle Oﬃce/Admin works • Good knowledge of computers Interested candidates please send CV to: hilalproperties@hilalprp.com.om or contact 24600688/ Fax: 24600683

URGENTLY REQUIRED

REQUIRED

With Oman market experience in Scientific Laboratory Equipment / Digital Signage / New Business development and sales. Age around 35 years with at least 3 years of proven track record in one of the above fields. Should have excellent communication skills. Oman D/L and NOC required.

Sales Executive - Ladies (Omani/ Expat) With oman D/L 2 years of Experience in the same Field.

Gym Instructor - Ladies (Omani/ Expat)

Waitress - Ladies Massage Lady For a reputed four star hotel Please send CV at

hoteljbs@gmail.com, Fax -24593277

A reputed Dairy Company in Oman is looking for following Vacancies.

for a Contracting Co.

Freelance Civil Engineer / QS Required for preparation of BAR BENDING SCHEDULE for completed project of approx. area 10,463 Sq. M, GF only.

Contact – 97257060

WANTED

Van Salesman:

Civil Engineer (Building Construction) 2 Nos

3 Year experience with NOC

Qualification: BE in Civil Engineering

Drivers – Omani National Only:

Electro Mechanical Engineer (Building Services)1 No.

2 year experience with Valid Omani D/L

Debt collector: Omani National with 4 years experience with Valid Omani D/L Please forward your CV’s to

vacancy097@gmail.com

REQUIRED for a Contracting Co.

- Civil Engineer / Buildings (with not less than 5 years experience).

Qualification: BE in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Send detailed resume to sskpvr@gmail.com

ENGLISH TEACHERS WANTED IMMEDIATELY

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Experienced Omani female required as Accountant Cum Secretary. Send CV to s.safar@celarwater.com We are looking for Chief Financial Officer, Male 40- 45 years old, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy with 5 - 15 yrs. of experience. Contact: +968 24702133 Email: admin-dept@daud.om

BEAUTY Branded salon in Muscat requires a beautician with skills of: Manicure, Pedicure, Nails techniques, Massage, Facial and waxing. Contact- 98500222

DRIVER Wanted heavy driver. Contact 91770195 Wanted driver. Contact 91025698

DESIGNER Media company need Graphic Designer Male - Female no need experience, need to have experience on Graphic Design Programs. magicﬁngerprint1@gmail.com

DOMESTIC HELP Small Omani family in Muscat requires an educated House maid. Contact – 98500222

DRAUGHTSMAN Urgently required a leading construction company requires AutoCAD draughtsman (Electrical) 5-10 years Gulf experience in industrial, multistoried, ministries building construction. Interested candidates who are willing to join immediately may send their CV to hrdarabianmktg@gmail.com

Pls Send your CV to

For a restaurant in Muscat. The candidate must have 3 to 5 years of experience in this field. A valid Omani driving licence. Fluency in spoken English.

jobs@bishara.com or Fax : 24794807

CONTACT - 91170489

VACANCY

FOR BUSINESS EXECUTIVES A leading company in Oman looking for aggressive Business executives, graduate Male 2-3 years of experience, having arabic knowledge will be an advantage. Email your CV to

hrinformsolution@gmail.com

Looking for Executive Sales and Sales Engineers with experience in earthmoving equipments, cruchers, quarry & mining industry. Email:

applyinggchr@gmail.com

A Leading Marble Manufacturing Company in Sultanate of Oman having a vacancy for the post of

Electrical Engineer The candidate must be an university qualified engineer or a higher degree diploma holder with a minimum industry experience of 3 years. Fluent in written & spoken English, knowledge about power, CPU, inverters & electrical panels isrequired. Suitable candidates may submit their complete CV with certificates to:

em-o@nassarstone.com or seniorpro@nassarstone.com Or Fax –on: 24446049 Nationality – Indian or Philippines (better if available in Oman)

VACANCY 1. Service Administrator:

A qualified Electro/Automobile/Electric Diploma holder with minimum 2 years’ experience on deskjobs such as preparing quotation, supplier correspondence, warranty claims etc. Age between 25 – 30.

92325542 | 93657915 | 91321880 engominst@gmail.com

A qualified B.Com/M.Com/C.A. Inter accountant with minimum 4 years’

ENGINEER

Candidates with NOC or on visit visa can apply, please drop your CV at

- Mechanical Engineer Email: haldun.yildirim@icc-oman.com

REQUIRE AN OUTDOOR CATERING SUPERVISOR

Urgently required senior purchaser civil expats candidate, must have at least 10 years of experience in similar ﬁeld. Email: samtrading@altaher.com address P.O. Box 1413, PC 112, Ruwi

LAWYER Arab lawyer fluent in English with five years experience for law firm. Contact: 92424593

MEDICAL Required General Physician, Gynecology, Lab Technician & Pharmacists. Contact: 95133572 Email: kunoozghala@gmail.com Required a male Pharmacist with MOH license for a medical center in Azaiba Muscat, excellent English and valid Omani driving license. Interested candidates please send your CV to mdcjobs2015@gmail.com Required a Philippino or Indian female cleaner for a medical center in Azaiba , Muscat. Interested candidates please send your CV to: mdcjobs2015@gmail.com Wanted Dentist with license for leave vacancy for 2 months Jan 15 to March 15. Contact: 92520054 GP, Pediatrics, Gynecologist doctors, Nurses urgently need to work in Polyclinic in Sur, with MOH/Prometric pass also can apply. Dr. Raji: GSM : 99567864 Lab Technician Wanted A Polytechnic in Sohar is looking for a lab technician with or without MOH license Contact 93828382 or sajapharmacy@gmail.com Wanted Staff Nurses (female) for a polyclinic with or without MOH license. Excellent salary & accommodation. Contact – 99006915 / dxbclinic@yahoo.com

experience in accounting with banking knowledge. Age between 25-30. Attractive Salary and terms Offered

MEDICAL

SALES / MARKETING

Wanted a female staff Nurse with MOH license to work in a polyclinic good salary offered. Contact: 97121359/96493058 (2 to 4 pm)

Required a female marketing executive with valid Omani driving license for a reputed restaurant and catering Services Company. She should able to communicate in Arabic. Contact: 95892831

Wanted Lab Technician with MOH license for Ibra clinic. Contact – 99373493/ Email: jmjmedicare@gmail.com Wanted GP Doctor with MOH license, job location in muscat with good salary and beniﬁts. Drop ur cv at careerhr1972@gmail.com. Urgently required Philipina Nurse with MOH license at prometric parsed. Contact: 99724013

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Wanted Business Development Exe/ Sr.Exe with customs clearance & shipping exp. Contact: 91204131 Email: daralhamael@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Urgently required for a reputed company in Oman (Tyre, Battery & Lubricant division) Sr. Executives/Executive-5 nos (Sohar, Nizwa & Muscat), Techno Commercial Professional-5nos, Driver (Omani)-1no. Required minimum 3-5 yrs experience in the same ﬁeld with market exposure holding valid Omani driving license or GCC. Kindly fwd your CV’s to ashwin@taasintl.org Contact: (+968)93891700 Urgently require two caretakers for a building in capital area. Contact: 93888666/99228454/ 24493666 Instrumentation & controls Technician with 2-3 years experience preferably in water sector and having valid driving license Send CV to shiju@spec-link.com or call Ph:+968 99450811

Kitchen cabinet manufacturing company is looking sales person, most have Oman D/L and must know any kitchen designed software and two years experience. Contact: 93326636

SECT. /OFFICE Personal Assistant, 5yrs experience in Oman or GCC. MBA or equivalent. Part-time preferred. Call 95364625.

TECHNICIAN /MECH. Urgently required cold room refrigeration Technician must know up to commissioning gulf experience preferred .Pls forward CV to nasmatmasirah@gmail.com Contact: 97982623/ 95183616 Instrumentation & controls Technician with 2-3 years experience preferably in water sector and having valid driving license call Ph:+968 99450811 Send CV to shiju@spec-link.com

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ARCHITECT /AUTOCAD AutoCAD D/man Experienced. Contact : 93837973 Interior Designer Experienced knows 3D max Photoshop: Contact 93837973 Architect (B. Arch) 5 years experience seeking job. Contact 96146645 Email: anjuovil@gmail.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

ENGINEER Experienced Civil Foreman with driving license. Visa available. Contact: 99169512 Civil Site Supervisor for telecom tower projects across Oman. Send CV to fyjo@spec-link.com or call +968 9946 7227

Required for urgent appointment with MOH license and valid NOC against the following vacancy in a polyclinic in Muladdah (Musanah) radiologist cum sinologist, Gynecologist & obstetrician & pediatrician & Lab Technician. Contact: 99110254

Chartered Accountant with ICWA Inter having 5 years experience in Finance, Accounts, Costing, Budgeting, Insurance, Treasury & Banking operations - NOC Available + Oman Driving License Contact : 97881548 Email-financecost2@gmail.com Accountant Experienced Indian B. Com looking for suitable positions please call 91422074 CA (Inter), MBA, 25 yrs exp. in Accounts, Sales, Marketing & Administration in poultry industry seeks suitable placement immediately. Contact 91 9704075855, +968 96500893, Email : sanaullah.sheikh@rediffmail.com Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ finance field. On visit visa. Immediately available. Contact – 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com CA Final (Group I), Indian Female, Accountant, 5+ year’s exp, in A/ Cs, Audit, Tally, ERPs. Available in Muscat & looking job in A/Cs. Ph:94704800 email id: vinithsavith@gmail.com 25 years (20 years in Oman & 5 years in Indian) well experienced finance controller seeking for suitable position, with valid Oman driving license. Contact: 99756765 Indian male 29yrs M.com (finance) MBA (Finance & HR) ICWA (pursuing) 5 yrs experience in accounts, tally sage sap on visiting visa looking for suitable job. Contact: 92840519/98450609 Indian female, MBA HR & Finance, having 1 year experience, seeking suitable placement. Currently in Oman. Contact: 96052366.

2. Accountant:

careerhr1972@gmail.com Engineering consultancy ﬁrm in Sur looking for graduate Civil Engineers. Interested candidates apply to babupj@ gmail.com or call 99318205

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

SALES / MARKETING Sales man / Interior Designer wanted for prestigious interior design and office furniture Supply Company. Experience and drivers license needed excellent remuneration package. Email: tony@materials-plus.com

12 years of Oman experienced chief accountant looking for suitable position. Contact: 99513082 Accountant job wanted 8 years experience, 5 years in India, 3 years in Oman knowledge of tally ERP 9 NOC available. Contact: 91162503

Chief Accountant 25 years experienced, for the last 7 years working as Chief Accountant seeks immediate placement. Contact: 95598477/98803439 Indian male B.Com Accountant 10 yrs in Oman exp in accounts, knowledge of sales, purchase, admin, hr, tally ERP & focus RT. Having NOC & D/L, looking for suitable job. Contact - 93086105 Senior Accounts Admin Manager B.com M.com 25 years experience accounts up to ﬁnalization holding light duty license seeks suitable placement. Contact: 93064975 Accountant Bachelor of commerce English, 2 years experience visit visa. Contact: 98584398/ 95539923 Male Indian with 7 years experience in accounting & 6 years experience in sales and marketing very good knowledge of tally currently in Muscat on a visit visa. Contact: 96148427 Email: jijokurianp@gamil.com Indian lady, bachelor degree in Preparatory Programme (BPP) and Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), completed training course in MS Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook from KTI looking for full time / part time job opportunity in Oman. Contact 92437568, 96795853, Email: linda_navs@yahoo.com Accountant with more than 30 years experience in construction (experience in accounting/administration/HR/material management) and with own car seeks part time or full time assignment preferably in construction either in Oman or UAE. Contact 94674031 Accountant Indian female 23 years M.com graduate 2 and half years of experience as accountant in Indian, now on visit visa seeks suitable placement. Contact: 91358654 Email: rizwanagul92@gmail.com Indian female accountant 5 years of experience in accounting tally,sales coordination, and admin, currently on visit visa seeking suitable placement Contact :95684179 28/ male MBA – ﬁnance /B.com – accountant with 4 years of Dubai / India experience looking for a suitable placement. Contact: 90187483 Email: shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com ACCA affiliate, fresher, Indian male, valid driving license, looking for full time employment in Accounting and Finance, also open to other opportunities, Contact +968 91291520, Email: shahidazeez5@gmail.com

Accountant Indian 10 years experience in Oman, capable for handling all accounting functions and finalization good knowledge of tally ERP9 NOC / release available with immediately joining. Contact: 94134085 Email: muscatoman95@yahoo.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, with 13yrs experience, 6 yrs Oman in manufacturing, trading & contracting Cos, capable of handling all accounting, finance, banking, L/C, import, export & finalization seeks placement. NOC Available. Call+968-98932752, mail:jjohnmuscat@hotmail.com

ADMIN Senior HR , professional MBA , 12 yr GCC experience at managerial recruitment, administration , policy formulator working with a leading construction co (4000 plus employees) looking for a immediate change over , NOC available. Contact: 94017306 Email: saneesh9181@gmail.com 10 years Gulf & 4 years Oman experience in HR / Admin & logistics ﬂuent in Arabic / English with D/L looking for suitable position. Contact 95824598 Indian male 27Yrs, having total 7+ yrs of experience in HR/ Admin looking for suitable position. Contact 91507099 29 male MCA qualiﬁed 4.6 years experienced skilled in system administration and basic networking, seeking job in IT Admin iteration now on visiting visa. Contact: +96892805363 Email: anukkuttan1986@gmail.com Indian female, Masters in HR, having 4 + years Oman experience in media management and HR, looking for openings in HR, Education, Admin, Corporate communications. Contact 98252030 Indian male MBA- UK 18 yrs Gulf exp in Administration/ HR & Public relationship. Fluent in Arabic/ English with D/L. Looking for suitable position. Contact - 99897280 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 26 yrs male, MBA, 3+ years experience in Administration in MNC, seeks suitable placement. Contact 95041201 Email: noyel55@gmail.com

CATERING Cooks (Arabic Indian) gulf exp looking job. Contact: 99531802

DRIVER Experienced Light Duty Driver, Fluent in English, Arabic Well knowledge of Oman Areas Seeking Suitable placement 97950869 Looking for driver job. Contact: 98219182 3 years driving experience in Muscat languages known English, Arabic, Hindi and Bengali. Contact 97462781 11yrs exp light duty driver looking for job. Contact: 94554450 2 years exp Light driver. Contact: 97132269 Light driver personal driving, office boy, driver visa required 10 yrs exp N.O.C ready. Contact: 96693290 Light duty driver looking for job. Contact: 98356230 Looking for driving job. Contact 98219182 Driver looking for job. Contact 91354803 Light driver, looking for job. Contact: 98372745/99090362 Light driver. Contact: 95084826 Looking for Job driving. Contact: 97418036 Driving with car, looking for job. Contact: 97095200 Driver with new car looking for job.contact: 95873286

M O N DAY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED

ACCOUNTANT with 8 years of experience (working in Oman since Jan 2013) is looking for a change. Experienced in all aspect of accounting up to finalization of accounts. NOC will be available

A result oriented professional B.E.(Mech), 30+ years experience in Oil & Gas Projects, Fabrication, R & M and Services. Seeking job as GM, CEO, Country Head. NOC & immediate availability.

Phone : +91 9773828663, Email : jvp291367@yahoo.com

Well experienced team available to provide feasibility reports & business solutions, product development, risk management methods for startups, progressive, defunct operations. Creating of ERP modules. Contact - 93343251 Email: profitoman@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR MBA (marketing) with 17 years experience in freight forwarding/ logistics industry in GCC & Oman. Presently working as branch manager in Muscat. Looking for a suitable position. Release and NOC available. Contact: 99856331

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

MISCELLANEOUS

Indian male 24, B.E. Civil Eng’g with 2 years experience as Structural Engineer looking for suitable job in Muscat. 97355352

Indian female , M.com gradate , 7 years of experience in Oman in accounts administration , secretarial and sales coordination with valid Omani driving license, looking for a suitable placement. Gsm 95134495

Contact: 95503646 DRIVER Heavy duty driver (Exp 3years) seeking suitable job. Contact: 91372623 Driver (light & heavy duty) valid gulf /Indian) looking job. Contact: 95175192

DOMESTIC HELP House maid looking for job. Contact: 98257659

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN Indian designer from India with 7 yrs of experience having good knowledge of AutoCAD, 3D Max seeking suitable placement. Contact: 94016391 Email: dsinerjack84@gmail.com Civil Draughtsman with 12 yrs experience 9 yrs Gulf exp. Contact: 93528255 Email: bijumudackamannil@gmail.com 25 years male BA. English , Qualiﬁed as mast in digital animation having 5 yrs ex in character animation specialized Auto Desk mago and motion building software knowledge, seeking suitable placement. Contact: 97917357 Professional architect 3ds max (interior, exterior) looking for private work. Contact: 96041201

EDUCATION American female Master’s TESOL 12 yrs teaching exp. EFL Curriculum Developer & Teacher Trainer. Professional Development Specialist & Educational Activity Coordinator. Available February 1st 2016. Email: dellacorte.esl@gmail.com Contact: 99630244 Indian female M.SC B.Ed, 3 years experience looking for suitable placement. Contact: 94420033 Email: binitathanki@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Indian male 27yrs, mechanical engineer (energy engineering M.Tech & HVAC diploma) with 4 yrs experience on visit visa, seeking suitable placement. Contact: 98791735 Email: anilengandiyur@gmail.com Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects. Contact – 90164912 Sudanese female Electrical Engineer graduated with distinction excellent knowledge and interested in protection. Contact: 98133281 B.E Biomedical Engineer 5 years experience in the subfield (hospital / company) looking for suitable placement. Contact 92084807 Email: bonnygeorge1005@gmail.com Electrical Engineer Indian male 29 years, having 5 years of experience in industrial automation and utility maintenance in India (MRF Tyres) seeking suitable placement. Contact: 92789995 Email: akhilabrahmlktr@gamil.com Telecommunication Engineer looking to obtain a job in the specified field, Sudanese nationality with a valid residence. Contact 95000024 Indian female civil engineer B.Tech having 3 years experience sound knowledge of software, REVIT STAD PRO structural detailing currently on family visa seeks suitable placement. Contact: 95345591 Civil Engineer (BE) having total 5 years experience in building construction looking for a suitable placement. D/L available Contact# 94450270 Chemical Engineer, valid Oman driving license, Indian 2 years of exp in industrial production, seeking suitable placement Contact: 91247222

Indian male 24 yrs bachelor mechanical 2 yr experience looking for job. Contact: 95179021 /96974981 Email: atharhussain54@gmail.com

M.Tech Civil, certiﬁcate attested, Indian, 18.8 year experience seeks suitable position. Contact: 98327311 Email: sen.pangode@gmail.com

Bldg . Const site Supervisor since MAR 2010 working in Oman, with Omani D/L, looking for suitable placement. Contact 93061107

Civil Engineer 11 years experience in construction, having driving license & NOC. Contact: 94194399 Email: shiblyrock@gmail.com

B.Tech Computer Science and Engineering female 2 years experience in teaching ﬁeld and management skills seeks suitable placement on visit. Contact 93371834 / 97378922

Mechanic Tractor Diesel Engines & Hydraulic, 25 years Experience in Multinational Companies. Contact - 91685048

Indian male (B.Tech Mechanical) 1 year, experience in planning, drawing, inspection, administration looking for suitable job. Contact: 94112207 Email: sabir49@gmail.com Civil maintenance painting, tile works decor works, plumbing, electric, shop furnishing carpentary works and all other maintenance. Contact 97897831, 92112094 (Indian, Keralite) Mechanical Engineer (BE) 25 years, Indian male with NDT level2, 2 years above experience (as QC Engineer and Site Engineer) seeking suitable placement. Contact: 90249803 / 00919446048596 Email: naveenbasheer@gmail.com 29 yrs Indian male B.E (ECE) with more than 5 yrs experience in Oman with valid D/L. Contact 96652145 Indian male, B.Tech Engineer, 6.5 years exp, PHP Developer working in UAE seeking a relevant post. Email: jibycj@gmail.com Contact: + 971563801785 Indian male, 24 years, M.tech in Electronics and Communication CCNA Certiﬁed , currently on visit visa seeking a relevant job. (Certiﬁcates attested). Contact: 93814376 Email: robinplakezhil@gmail.com Mechanic Diesel Engines & Hydraulic , 25 years experience in Multinational Companies. M Arshad 91685048

Civil Engineer 6 yrs Exp in Oman with license. Contact: 98975518 Civil Engineer B.E , 06 years experience in Oman having D/L seeking for a suitable position . Contact 95961336 Email: eyousuf04@yahoo.com Indian male, 29 years electrical engineer, having 5+ years of experience in oil / gas and construction field (GCC) having valid GCC license too, looking for a preferable job. Contact: 00968-98052942 Email: azamjeelani@gmail.com Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad). Looking for a Suitable position. Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa. Contact: 92835952. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com Structural Draughtsman having 10 years experience in engineering consultancies N.O.C available. Contact: 00968 97612846 Indian male diploma civil engineer 13 years of professional experience in projects and operations, seeking suitable placement NOC available. Contact: 96328643/96234670 Civil Site Supervisor for telecom tower projects across Oman. Send CV to fyjo@spec-link.com or call +968 9946 7227 7Yrs Exp. PM in Mech. Engg in the field of Building Const. Oil & Gas Seeking Job.94625598

B. E Mech, MBA project & design management around 2 years experience seeks suitable position in automobile oil & gas, any other industries. Contact: 93360821

Electrical Engineer, B-Tech, with 4 Yrs experience in India, 3 YEARS IN MRF and one year in KSEB. Available in Visit Visa looking for suitable Placement as an Engineer. Contact: 94741401 Email:sobinthomask05@gmail.com.

Sr. Electrical Engineer (MEP) having 18 years of experience (10 years in Gulf) seeks suitable placement in the ﬁeld of Building Construction and HV/LV/Cable Installations. NOC available for contact GSM :92203584, email: sajisivan@gmail.com

B.E .Mechanical & Production, Indian male with (QA / QC mechanical) 6 months exp as sales engineer, seeking suitable placement on visit visa. Contact: 94818333 / 99789512/ Email: fred61l@gmail.com

B. Tech Safety Engineer, 10 years exp, NOC available, seeking suitable placement. Mob: 97061817, Email: jayanammu1977@gmail.com Sr. Civil Engineer, Indian male with 22 yrs of experience in building construction, pipeline work specialist in tendering, billing, quantity surveying with Gulf experience. Email : raﬁksimna@gmail.com BE civil Engineer (4 years exp) Indian male looking for job (site Engineer, planning estimation, QS, job (primavera, Ms excel) available in Oman for interview. Contac: 97214512 /92822310 Email: sreeragsgk@gmail.com (expected CTC 350 Rial) 16 years experienced civil Engineer B.Tech including 8 yr experience in Oman with D/L seeking suitable placement. Contact: 99802579 Project Engineer 6 years experience in Oman, ﬂuent in Arabic, English & good Hindi also. NOC available. Contact - 97858589 Bachelor Civil Engineer 6 Years in Oman experience Valid Driving License seeks suitable placement Phone 97619722 Email – golamrob@yahoo.com Mechanical Engineer M.Tech 2 years experience as HVAC design engineer rev IT M.E.P AutoCAD. Contact: 91050913 Email: rahmanmechengg@yahoo.com

BSc Civil Engineer having 3 years experience with Construction Company seeking suitable placement. GSM-97409350. Male, Electrical Engineer, ages 53 yrs, working since 8 years in Oman. With a consultant, exp in drawing / MAS work inspections, post contract activities, with NOC & valid Oman D/L, seeking suitable placement. Contact: 968 96243401 Email: sathyugk@yahoo.com B.E civil Engineer, 07 years experience in Oman having D/L, N.O.C available looking for a suitable position. Contact 95961336/93523507 Email: eyousuf04@yahoo.com B.E Electrical Engg with 5 yrs exp in Oman with D/L. Contact: 98425155 Email: rajeevkalaivanan@yahoo.com Hygiene Officer/QC, B.Tech Bio tech. HACCP LVL. 2 &3.Experienced in Food & water industry. 92940218 GIS Certiﬁed Pipeline Engineer with 3 years experience in diesel power plants and heavy industry. Contact: 93504812 B.E civil Engineer having 11 years experience with NOC looking for job. Contact: 95690780 Email: sadiq.asrar81@gmail.com Sri Lankan Engineer (27 Years old) – B.Sc Engineering (Hon) Mining / Geotechnical Presently in Muscat, 1.5 years experience.91295802 / acmfaslan123@gmail.com

HOSPITALITY Dutch male qualiﬁed commercial pilot (Faa-ME-IR certiﬁed) is looking for job openings in middle east. rutjestom@outlook.com

IT Indian male IT, CCNA, RHCE, MCITP, 3 years experience have GCC driving license seeking suitable position on visit visa (until 27th Dec). Contact: 93311963 Email: sajal035@gmail.com Indian male 20 plus years experience intonation resource customer management IT business development transformation D / license NOC transfer seeks senior dost reputed company. Contact: 91719892 Email: mmjoman@gmail.com CCNA MCITP network support /network technician with 2 years experience Indian male having bachelors degree on visit visa. Contact : 93080871 sean.f.peters@outlook.com Indian male, MA, IATA, 7 years experience as a cargo assistant, storekeeper & dangerous goods acceptance staff, seeking suitable placement currently in Oman. Contact: 93407974 Indian female 29, BCA, MCA, ASP. Net certified SAP - ABAP certified having 1.5 yrs of experience, seeking placement. Contact: 99109121 Email: ashamaryphilip@gmail.com Female 26, B.E in computer science, having 4 years MNC experience as software developer, seeking suitable position in Muscat. Contact: 96784320 Email: preethasathya@yahoo.com Age 28 years experience 2years & 8 month in IT accounting technical skill, java, J.S.P tally Peachtree M.S excel, SQL ,Working java programmer India , accountant , Dubai ,Qualification MCA, B.C.A mathematic visit visa. Contact: 95673451 Indian male MC.A 2 years experience in software knowledge of Java ASP Net, network in techno park Kerala. Contact: 99210940 Male 31 Years, IT 6 year’s online marketing experience in India seeks suitable placement. Contact-91175265

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: construction(Very strong and qualified to bringing business for civil work Or any type of the construction work for many million per year with a good experience in pricing and collect payment and cash management of the company & marketing projects & investments& tenders & real estate. Contact: - 92385033 The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: tenders& real estate& construction & marketing projects& investments& transportation & Marine services& companies management& develop business. Contact :- 92385033 Hospitality/Hotel/ Restaurants Dynamic result oriented hospitality professional with 20 years of international exp. MBA in Hotel Management, specializing in Hotel/ Restaurant start ups, concepts & Franchise development with proven records. Seeking for Challenging positions in reputed groups as GM/ COO/CEO/Business Head. (NOC available) Contact: 96059470 Indian male 25 yrs of exp in construction field Oman. Good knowledge in same field worked as foreman + 15 yrs of driving exp looking for job, with visa. Contact: 93718164

Candidate with communication & analytical skills. Contact 90187827 Indian male 30 yrs, 6 years experience in Oman, Oman driving license, BSc, food technology (food sciences) and M.B.A. Contact 93405643

SALES / MARKETING Indian male 22 years B.Com Graduate residing in Oman on family visa with a valid Oman driving license, looking for a job in sales / marketing. Contact: 98504698 Indian male with more than 14 yrs of experience in business development / marketing valid Omani D/L , looking for Managerial position in business development / marketing. Contact : 93400177 Indian male having 5 years Oman experience in coordination level seeking any suitable post. NOC available and can join immediately as the visa issued. Contact: 92889617 24 years, Graduate on visit visa with diploma in advertising ﬁlm making from Zee Institute Mumbai and with two years work experience in digital marketing social media & event management seeks suitable placement. Contact: 98257207 / 99747481

Purchase Officer with 8 years exp in Oman having D/L & NOC looking for urgently placement. Contact 96174564 email: azhar_5012@yahoo.co.in

Indian male sales marketing with G.C.C license 7 years exp. Contact: 98097459 Email: shl_kami@yahoo.com

Graduate, computer literate, experienced in sales, credit control, accounts, omani d/l , seeks suitable placement. Gsm 9880-5474

Manager Post of Family Visa, MBA 14 years Experience (2 Years in Oman) in Multinational Groups in Sales & Marketing. M.Z. 96220975

24 years Indian female MSC Biotechnology 1 year exp.in clinical microbiology, worked in icrisat for project work as Trainee, looking for suitable job. Contact: 92619048 Email: anusreeg1991@gmail.com

Indian male 38 yrs, 11 yrs exp Oman worked as a Sales & MKT in Medical consumables items, looking for any suitable job D/L Oman NOC available. Contact: 99501046

Indian female, 26, M.sc biotechnology now in family visa seeks suitable placement. Contact: 95210498/ 99850321/93093466 Omani national with bachelor in management looking for suitable placement please call: 91908052 or Email: saidoburndi257@yahoo.com

MEDICAL Indian female , Masters in Nursing Specialized in Medical & Surgical with 1.3 years of nursing tutor experience after MSC & 1.5 years of clinical experience after BSC seeks suitable vacancy near Sohar. Currently in Oman on family joining visa. Contact 93217746 ; Email: thomasalexander1983@gmail.com Experienced parametric cleared Indian female dentist seeks suitable placement in Muscat. Contact: 94673720 /92880267 An experienced Sudanese female Dentist with MOH license looking for job. Contact: 96436517 /97396088 Palestinian dentist looking for job in Muscat privet hospitals , polyclinics or dental centers – 15 yrs experience out Muscat at privet hospitals or polyclinics. Contact: 96951750 Male Nurse, Experienced, Pass Prometric (Oman) 93837973

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Indian lady with release paper. searching for admin or accounts asst or showroom sales job. Contact 94417080

SKILLED / UNSKILLED 26 yrs Indian Male - fluent in Eng/ Arabic, qualified network technician seeks job: 98675047 / 98138750 Indian male, having 15 yrs of exp in site supervising, telephone line, supervising with valid D/L, looking for job. Contact: 93931162 8 years exp body fitter and electric welder. Contact: 93015630 Mason, SH / carpenter, steel fitter gulf & Indian exp looking job. Contact: 95175192 Electrician, plumber (exp gulf / Indian) looking job. Contact 95175192

Purchase officer with 8 years exp in Oman having D/L & NOC looking for urgently placement. Contact: 96174564 email: azhar_5012@yahoo.co.in Indian male MBA 7 yrs ex in sales & marketing with Omani D/L N.O.C available. Contact: 93431039 Indian male 40 yrs MBA marketing having 18 years of experience sales filed 11 years in Oman with a leading tyre trading company having Oman driving license seeking suitable placement. Contact: 94743828 Email: barretjohnr@gmail.com Indian male MBA holder one year experience looking for job sales & marketing & any office related with. Contact: 97138592 Email: mohammedathish24@gmail.com Indian male MBA with 15 years experience in sales / customer care, looking for suitable position currently Oman on visit visa. Contact 98144691/93891423 Email: satishvelage@gmail.com Indian Male 32, MBA (Marketing & Finance) with 10 years experience in Marketing of Banking Products & Insurance Industry. Seeking for a Job in Oman. Contact: 93576980, 97750460 Email: senthil.cbe83@gmail.com Indian male, MBA 25 yrs. 1 year experience in auditing and 10 month in sales. Currently on visit visa seeking suitable placement. Contact: 92054304 Indian male, 24, MB Marketing and HR, I year experience. On visit visa. Looking for suitable job. Contact 94014073 Indian male MBA marketing 2 years Oman experience with valid Oman driving license looking for a suitable position NOC available. #91202335 Email: mrishad90@yahoo.com 10 yrs exp in Oman in logistics/ purchase-have Oman D/L-looking for suitable placementcontact 96410767 email: harishkts@yahoo.com 12 years of experience in Oman; marketing strategies & operations, logistics, government tenders, public relations & dealing with international companies -4 years of experience in UK, engineering CNC & industrial areas, have dual nationality, fluent in English & Arabic speaking and writing , (I can travel abroad easily without visa, for finalizing business or any other purpose). Contact: 94123939

SALES / MARKETING Sales Engineer 5 years experience looking for a placement. Contact: 91411043 Sales Manager having 12 years experience M.B.A in sales & marketing having valid GCC driving license seeking suitable placement, NOC available. Contact: 98125226 Marketing Executive/Merchandiser, Omani License, BA 8 years Experience in Multinational Groups. Contact 97601343

Indian male 25 age, MBA marketing (fresher) PGDM (HR) ﬂuency in English, Arabic, Hindi looking for suitable job currently in Oman on visit visa. Contact: 97127799 Email: vijnvijioo@gmail.com

TOURS & TRAVELS Indian female 24 yrs, Bachelor in Travel & Tourism and 2 year exp in Oman as ticketing executive. GDS-Sabre, Amdeus, Galilio. seeking suitable job.contact- 95883404

M O N D AY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classiﬁeds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

GREETINGS

SIT. WANTED MISCELLANEOUS Sudanese Manager and Accountant, master degree in Economics Diploma(Development and Planning).Egypt. More than 15 years Experience in Government Accounts..and Banking. Speaking arabic and English, skill full in M.S office, seeks suitable placement. Contact 97396088 Indian male 23 yr BA TTM (Travel and Tourism Management) with Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Logisitics and Shipping Management, exp in Logisitics (Customs Clearance) seeking in suitable placement, currently on visit visa(Oman) contact;90291092 email:iyas.adhur@gmail.com Btech graduate, 26yr male, 4 years experience as system and network engineer. Looking for suitable placement. Mob : 93125669, Email : amritrajsasidharan@gmail. com. Indian Male 23 years B.Tech Civil having 2 years experience in quantity survey and site management looking for suitable placement contact:- 95042656 Indian male, MBA, ﬁnance, having MNC 2 year experience in accounts and audit, skilled in sap, seeking suitable position. Contact : 96930855 Indian male, 26 years, With 7 years of experience in Sales ﬁeld in shipping company in “Dubai” , looking for suitable placement. Experienced working in safety Marine equipment and well versed with MS Office. Contact: 90182494, manojmallya999@gmail.com Indian male having 14years of experience in HR, Purchase Dept and Sales having Oman driving license looking for a suitable position at Salalah. Noc available. Mail. Madhuvtk@ gmail.com 32 years Indian Male MSC,MBAHR having 8yrs Exp(HR /Payroll/ Admin) with Oman valid DL. Seeking suitable opening in Human Resource, Payroll & Admin/backend jobs. Contact :00968-99322978 Indian male 23yr BA TTM(Travel and Tourism Management) with Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Logistics and Shipping Management, exp in Logistics(CHA) seeking in suitable placement. Currently on visit visa (Oman) contact; 90291092 email:iyas.adhur@gmail.com Indian male auto cad draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience .seeking for job in Dubai & Qatar. Contact - 00968-99070584 (Mct):0091-9895061474 (India) email: remluvp@gmail.com Indian Female Accountant 5 Years of Experience in Accounting Tally, Office coordination, And Admin, Currently on Visit Visa Seeking Suitable Placement. Contact: 95684179 Indian male B.Eng. in IT, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 Indian male, 11 years exp. in accounting, knowledge in tally also. Looking for a part time job. Contact. 98983122 Manager / Working Partner. Indian M.Com with 20 years Dubai experience in media advertising industry, client service, marketing, production, gifts trading, branding with D/L. Contact -93031168 Indian male BE Electrical & electronics and pg in power systems (transmission & distribution) on visit, Seeking placement. Contact – 94669679 Email prsabarish@gmail.Com Sales & Marketing executive MBA with 3 years of experience looking for suitable placement. #91345727

SITUATION WANTED Indian male 42, 20 years experience building material sales man sales manager seeks suitable placement NOC available. Contact: 97457331 Indian homeopathic doctor, 34 years, 8 years experience in medical industry, seeking job as insurance medical officer / heath care. Contact: 92428547 Email: ushus3@gmail.com Indian 32 years completed M.A. English, having three years experience in teaching filed searching for the suitable job.# 99869535 Email: sahadkeyi33@gmail.com Accountant Indian male B.Com 15 years (8 years I Oman with valid Oman driving license) experience in accounts up to finalization NOC available. Contact: 94117616/ 91238272 Indian lady, B.com M.com (not completed) with tally and ms office skills, with 8 years experience in Oman in accounts up to finalization seeks suitable position. Contact: 93185841 Civil Engineer 2 years experience, major experience in Road work, Culverts and structure. #97427701 BE electronics & instrumentation engineer, with one year of experience. Looking for suitable positions. On visit visa. Contact-99339306, e-mail: kannanr101@gmail.com Indian male be electrical and pg in power systems (transmission & distribution) with one year experience on visit. Seeking placement contact – 94669679/ email prsabarish@gmail.com Looking for a part time accounting & admin job. Contact 99196621. Indian (Kerala) Male, 32yrs, looking for a job as Accounts Assistant/ Cashier/ Salesman (indoor), having 5 yrs experience in Oman. Currently on Visit Visa. Contact-94410485, Email: visanthvijay@gmail.com Indian male B.Eng. in IT, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/ Server support. Contact 92607532 Indian Male 33 yrs, BCA ,10 years experience(India & Oman) IT Support, System administrator/ supervisor looking for suitable Job. #95448561. Indian female accountant 5 years of experience in accounting tally, office coordination,And admin, currently on visit visa. seeking suitable placement Contact: 95684179

Indian male 23yr BA TTM (travel and tourism management) with advanced diploma in supply chain logistics and shipping management, exp in logistics (cha) seeking in suitable placement. currently on visit visa(oman) Contact;90291092 email: iyas.adhur@gmail.com Marketing or Business development-BSC in marketing 5 years of experience looking for suitable position. Contact (99522233) Indian male, 19 years oman exp. in purchase, material coordinator in building/pipe line 9yrs & factory production field 10yrs.good computer skills & D/L & with NOC. looking for suitable placement. mr.victor2015@hotmail.com Contact: 99008101 Indian male B.Eng. in IT, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 Indian Males 32 years, Dip. In Hardware & Networking with 10 years of hands-on experience. Currently on visit visa seeking immediate placement in IT Support or relevant jobs. Good knowledge of Hardware & Networking. Contact: 9416 9341 / haripulikal@gmail.com Indian male, 19 years experience in purchase, material coordinator in building construction & factory production field, have good computer skills & driving license and NOC. Looking for a suitable placement. Contact: 99008101 Indian male accountant, 12 years experience, looking for a full time or part time job. Experience in tally also. Contact-98983122 Male Accountant Indian, B.com, 2 Year experience currently working in Oman. NOC available, doing accounts in Tally and Excel searching for suitable Job. Email: contactanand31@gmail.com / 91894487, 98789958 Electronics/Electrical/Instrumentation Design Engineer with 2+ years of experience, having a Bachelors Degree in Instrumentation Technology. Seeking for a job, currently on visit visa. Contact- 90142166 / Mail: aksafwan@gmail.com Indian Mechanical Engineer (16 Yrs Exp), Knowledgeable in Monitoring of workshop setup, Workshop run, Business Development, ISO certification, Quotation, Tender, Account verification, Sohar Area, Mb. 94215208’

SITUATION WANTED Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant, doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available. Contact 98803439 Indian male, 27 BSC nurse 4.5 years experience in India. Pro metric passed with 61% Data ﬂow processing, ACLS, BLS passed. Now on visit visa. Mob: 98926621, 94361049 e-mail: shemeermk@gmail.com Electrical Engineer, B-Tech, with 4 Yrs experience in India, 3 YEARS IN MRF and one year in KSEB. Available on Visit Visa. #94741401 Email:sobinthomask05@gmail.com. Sudanese male...telecom engineer 11 yrs. exp in IT support, Networking, Security systems, Server support, IT sales and marketing, management .Seeking suitable placement. Contact 91182027 31 years, Indian male PG in HR , with 5 yrs Professional experience in HR in Construction Oil & Gas Oman seeking for a suitable placement(NOC Available). Contact me on 93488914, emailKaarthickshankar@gmail.com FEMALE SYRIAN ARCHITECT ,new graduate have good experience in architect programs, autocad 3d max ,sketch up , Photoshop ,sketch up, searching for a job full time or part time, for#97482871 Purchase & Stores In charge – Having continues 13 years experience in a single ﬁrm, looking for a placement.# 99627427, 96154564 Indian male 23 years old graduate with one year experience in Sales & Marketing with valid Oman driving license seeking suitable opportunities.(NOC available) Contact: +968 98240510 Gmail: affanahamed0@gmail.com Marketing Coordinator, Indian, Advertising Agency experienced person with D/L seeks good opening. Contact 93031168 Indian male, 29 years, B. Tech Electronics & Communication Eng. with 7 year’s experience seeking for a suitable placement, currently in UAE visit visa.# 00971 552513735 Email: rahul.rn198@gmail.com

Sri Lankan male – 3.5 years experience as a site supervisor & Administration executive in Oman / 2 years experience as an HR executive with Oman driving license. (English/Arabic/Urdu)/ NOC available 97281617 Sales & Marketing/ Business Development Executive: - B.Tech. (Electrical & Electronics) MBA in marketing having 9 years of experience seeking a suitable position. Contact (97043494) The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: tenders& real estate& construction & marketing projects& investments& transportation & Marine services& companies management& develop business. Contact 92385033 Sri Lankan male BSc (Physics) – 5 years experience as a site supervisor & Administration executive with Oman driving license. (English/Arabic/Urdu)/ NOC available 93214717

Indian Electrical Engineer B. Tech, female 24 seeking job. presently in oman having 2 year experience in design and estimation of Ht &Lt projects. Contact 96897436557, Mail id : sibinanoop1@gmail.com B.Tech (Electrical & Electronic) with MBA in marketing having 9 years of experience seeking a suitable position as Sales & Marketing/ Business Development executive. Contact-(97043494)

MANPOWER

MANPOWER Tile Masons, Masons, Electricians, Plumbers, False Ceiling / Gypsum Works and Carpenters required immediately on Labor supply basis. Interested parties please contact

GSM: 96775023 / 96775024

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT: Indian male, Graduate & CA Article ship completed. 18 Years of experience. Currently on visiting visa. seeks suitable placement. Contact: 97498809, 98569025, Email: hilariankj@gmail.com Indian female dentist prometric cleared seeking suitable openings in Muscat.# 95585807, 92880267

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

Male 25 years, B.E. Mechanical with CSWIP 3.1 and ASNT level 2, 3 yrs. of experience in QC in oil and gas industry. Currently working in Oman, NOC available. #91262792. vignesh1503@yahoo.com Indian male, B.E. mechanical, 16 yrs experience, for Quotation, Tender, Accounts, Business development, Sohar Area, Part Time. Mb. 94215208 Indian male 23yr BA TTM(Travel and Tourism Management) with Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Logisitics and Shipping Management, exp in Logisitics (CHA) seeking in suitable placement, currently on visit visa(Oman) Contact;90291092 email:iyas.adhur@gmail.com

We will register LLX trade license for foreign investors and do all actions. Contact: 92833566

M O N DAY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

RENT A CAR

CLASSES

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

• Learn in two months • Satisfaction guaranteed

Tel: 95244310

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

IELTS & TOEFL Academic / General Target Band 8 TQT Institute. Ph # 24480800 / 99347202

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

Rental car. Contact: 92516090

SITUATION WANTSERVICES COMPUTER

WEBSITE

DRIVING

Learn driving with professional. Contact: 94022250

SITUATION WANTSERVICES A/C maintenance, installation spilt A.C and maintenance window A/C and ducted and package the reunites. Contact: Asad Abbas 98667326

SERVICES We Provide Cleaners, Oﬃce boys, Cleaning Contracts, General cleaning etc. Al Mudakhir National Est. LLC Contact : 94277020

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 Cleaning Sofa shampoo carpet shampoo house. Contact: 92179395 Debt collection services your money we collect value commercial services. Fax: 0096824783669 Contact: 009682479815 /00968- 24701422 /00968- 94665476 Email: salim@valuedbtcollection.com WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price. Contact: http//webviewoman

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

Window & split unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080 Split & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact: 96236476

Water prooﬁng ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807

House shifting & transporting. Contact 92490422

Window & split unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517

Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 / 94285064

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722

Split & window A/c servicing & maintenance. #: 93769089 / 95323517 Cleaning & Carpet Shampooing, Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723 Pest Control Treatments. Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723 House shifting. Contact: 99657644/98518013

M O N D AY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classiﬁeds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

TOURS

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours contact 98029602, 92808636

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

ABDULHAKIM AL BIMANI TRADING & CONTRACTOR Expert in Shipping cargo by sea & air to Zanzibar, Pemba, Dar es Salam in Tanzania, Burundi, The Philippines, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. Reasonable price.

Contact: 97440625/95416662 Email: abdulhakimalbimani@hotmail.com

*Classiﬁed Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability