Times Of Oman - March 8, 2015

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SUNDAY, March 8, 2015 /17 Jumada Al Ula 1436 AH

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Times News Service MUSCAT: Dusty conditions prevailed over many governorates of Oman on Saturday leading to reduced visibility and even delaying of flights at Muscat International airport for a few hours.

The Director General of Meteorology and Air Navigation (DGMAN), on Saturday, tweeted that the “horizontal visibility at the Muscat International Airport ranged from 200 to 500 metres due to the dusty weather.”

The dusty cover was due to “fresh north-east winds blowing over the coasts of Oman,” explained DGMAN. For the next 48 hours, the meteorology office has predicted slight reduction in temperatures and chances of dust rising over deserts and open areas.

It also predicted clear to partly cloudy skies over most of the Sultanate and chance of late night to early morning low level clouds or fog patches along the governorates of South Al Sharqiya, Al Wusta and Dhofar.

Passengers travelling to different destinations were relieved once flights normalised. “I was greatly relieved to hear that flights had resumed,” said a passenger heading to Mumbai.

“Operations at Muscat International Airport is back to normal after delaying of some flights due to bad weather,” tweeted Oman Airports Authority Company Meanwhile, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) advised motorists to be cautious while driving in conditions of reduced visibility.

On February 21, low visibility

CAUTION ADVISED: Dusty conditions drastically reduced visibility in Muscat on Saturday. For the next 48 hours, the meteorology office has predicted slight reduction in temperatures and chances of dust rising over deserts and open areas. – Cio Datan/ TIMES OF OMAN

caused by dust storms had resulted in a pile-up involving eight vehicles in the Bahjat Al Andar area of Sohar wilayat.

“Avoid driving during a severe dust storm. In case of an emergency, if you need to go out, please keep a safe distance between vehicles. It makes sense to pull off the road and park in case the road ahead is not visible,” said an ROP official.

The Public Authority for Civil Aviation urged fishermen to exercise caution and avoid going out to sea during this period until they were sure that the situation was normal.

The authority also urged motorists to be careful, especially while driving on desert roads.

Residents and citizens have been asked to follow the weather

bulletin. Dr Basheer, internist in Badr Al Samaa Ruwi, urged residents with respiratory and asthmatic problems to stay indoors.

“Going out in this kind of weather can worsen the situation. Put on a mask if you must go out,” he said.

Places affected by dust and sand storms included Buraimi, Muscat, Rustaq and Ibra apart from Madha, Qarn Alam, Yaaloni and Thum-

rait. Other areas affected were Khasab Airport, Port, Sohar and Saiq in addition to Samail, Bahla, Qalhat and Masirah.

Marmul, Qairoon Hairiti, Dibba and Ibri apart from Nizwa, Qaboos Port, Adam and Salalah were among the areas affected by dust and sand storms.

Dust storms also covered Suwaiq, Mudhebi, Haima, Mhout,

Salalah Port and Halaniyat in addition to Sunaynah, Ras Hadd, Al Amerat, Duqm Airport and Bidiya.

The other areas which experienced dust and sand storms were Sadah, Yanqual, Baushar and Quriyat in addition to Bidbid, Muqshin, Shinas and Saham.

In Dhalkut Fahud, Taqah, Mirbat and Shalim, there was reduced visibility.

Rubbernecking puts lives of others at risk As drivers slow down or stop to have a look at an accident, they are likely to collide with other vehicles since they are distracted.

Rubbernecking is a violation for which drivers can be fined, warned the police

TARIQ AL HAREMI FAHAD AL GHADANI

fahadnews@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Motorists who are guilty of rubbernecking are putting other people’s life at risk, Royal Oman Police (ROP) has said.

“These curious drivers often block ambulance and police cars from reaching the accident spot,” an ROP official said.

Rubbernecking — the act of slowing down or stopping to have a look at an accident — often causes delay in help reaching the victims, the official said.

Urging motorists to be more sensitive, the official said, “Put others and your own safety above your inquisitiveness.”

“Inquisitive” drivers not only slow down traffic movement at

accident spots, but are likely to collide with other vehicles since they are distracted, police and road safety experts have warned.

The police official also reminded the motorists that rubbernecking sometimes puts the lives of medics and cleaners in jeopardy as well.

Daryle Hardie, CEO Safety First said, “I cannot tell you how many times I have personally experienced this. It is a classic case of the driver of another vehicle almost coming to a halt, just to see what has happened and not taking into consideration that other drivers are keeping the flow of traffic (as they should) going giving more reason for an unwanted accident.”

He noted, “It is a habit and not always thought through. Simply staying alert while driving and continuing to keep the flow of

traffic is the key. Realising that other drivers do not always know what you are thinking, may help with you and your family getting home safely.”

Common sight Ahmed Al Busaidi, a Majlis Shura member, agreed that rubbernecking is common sight in Muscat. “It is natural to be curious, but during accidents it is most important to watch the road ahead and be cautious. It is important to move on,” he explained.

Despite the ROP handling the

situation of unblocking the street by shifting the damaged vehicles to the side of the highway, and trying to get the traffic moving along, some people continue to ignore the empty street ahead of them and focus on the accident.

The ROP official reminded motorists that blocking the road, rubbernecking and clicking pictures of accidents “are violations and can be fined”.

The official said that traffic police try their best to ensuring that motorists not involved in a crash continue with the journey safely.

“We understand that traffic jams following incidents increase frustration and the risk of low speed collisions,” he said.

Apart from the usual morning traffic that most locals and residents face while heading towards work and back, many face a dilemma when they are stuck on the road due to an accident. Pointing out that slow moving traffic due to accidents is a rising problem for people who need to reach their destinations in time, whether it is work, an important appointment or a prearranged social event, Rumaitha Al Busaidi said, “Many people are unwittingly forced to slow down and get delayed. Whatever may be the cause, fatal or light, some people tend to help the victims of an accident. >A6

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

OMAN

OMAN

Kuwait Airways plans more Muscat flights

HIV-infected people 8th plan investment need to be supported outlay at OMR12b

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As Kuwait Airways undergoes a major restructuring exercise, that will see it increase frequencies and expand services to new destinations, top executives see Oman as an important destination. >A2

In Oman, people don’t want to be associated with members of the families who have HIV, but removing the stigma of the deadly virus will help control the spread and improve the lives of many sufferers. >A3

MARKET

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Oman government’s financial allocations for various projects, during the eighth five-year plan, stood at more than OMR12 billion.

These projects are under different stages of planning and completion. >B1

Hadi: Aden is Yemen capital

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ECONOMY

Bright year ahead for Oman tourism industry: Report REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: New tourism anchors will enable the hotel industry to grow in Oman, says a regional hotel forecast report.

“Growing competition from sister markets in Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah is adding pressure on key performance indicators of the Oman hotel industry. However, new tourism anchors will bring in growth in the middle of the year,” says a Middle East and North Africa (Mena) forecast from Colliers International. In its threemonth rolling forecast from February to April, the occupancy rate in Oman hotels will be 76 per cent and the average daily rate (ADR) will be US$255.

Peak season The hotel occupancy percentage is calculated as occupied room nights divided by available room nights and ADR is calculated as total room revenue divided by available room nights.

165.9

million Omani riyals was the revenues of Oman’s star hotels in 2013, according to the latest data released by the government

“The peak season for the hotel industry in Oman is from January to March. So far, this season has witnessed a good start. We hope this positive trend will continue in the coming months,” Manuel Levonian, general manager at Crowne Plaza in Salalah, told the Times of Oman.

The revenue of hotels has gone up with the government’s emphasis on promoting the Sultanate as the best tourist destination in the region. >A6

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SU N DAY, MARCH 8, 2015

OMAN NAT I O NA L E C O N O M Y

Strategic plans set to enhance growth MUSCAT: Supreme Council for Planning (SCP) is following up the efforts made to ensure sustainable growth of the national economy through a number of promising strategic plans.

The strategic objectives and policies of the strategic plan, Vision 2020-2040, will focus on diversifying sources of the national economy, supporting the private sector’s production and service establishments and companies, as well as developing the utilisation of oil and gas traditional resources.

The SCP delegated the World Bank with the task of assessing the growth of the private sector.

The assessment, which will pro-

vide valuable data and analysis, includes identifying the avenues for economic diversification in the non-oil sectors and developing policies that help in drafting the 9th Five-Year Plan.

The financial allocations for the new, completed and underway projects at the 8th Five-Year Plan in the Sultanate stood at more than OMR12 billion ($33.3 billion). The plan targets achieving not less than a 3% growth at fixed rates and 6% at current rates. It also targets achieving about 4% inflation rate and to increase the total value of investments to OMR30 billion; a growth by 113% compared to the 8th five-year plan.– ONA

In the next three years, you will see the emergence of a new Kuwait Airways. As we get more aircraft, we will increase our frequencies to existing destinations Abdullah Alsarhan, CEO Kuwait Airways

Kuwait Airways to add more flights to Muscat With Kuwait Airways’ restructuring plan, Muscat is likely to become an important destination to give convenient connections to the

Kuwait Airways Chief Commercial Officer Philip Saunders, and right, Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Alsarhan.

Indian sub-continent and Far East

AMITABH JHA amitabhjha@timesofoman.com KUWAIT CITY: As Kuwait Airways undergoes a major restructuring exercise, that will see it increase frequencies and expand services to new destinations, top executives see Oman as an important destination.

The number of flights from Kuwait to Muscat will be raised to four weekly. These will give convenient connections beyond Kuwait to the Indian sub-continent and Far East. The airline, which currently operates two flights a week between Kuwait and Oman on Tuesdays and Fridays, will from August 29, introduce two more flights on Friday and Monday. These two flights will be fly non-stop from Kuwait to Muscat and back.

The Kuwaiti national carrier, a corporation now, which is in the process of turning itself into a company, already has as many as 37 Airbus and 10 Boeing aircraft on order for lease or purchase during the current year and beyond with the first few leased aircraft already having been delivered.

Abdullah Alsarhan, the airline’s chief executive officer says, “in the next three years, you will see the emergence of a new Kuwait Airways. As we get more aircraft, we will increase our frequencies to existing destinations and then expand to newer destinations as well.”

Though he declined to go into details of the rebranding at this point of time, he said that for the passengers it would mean improved facilities, including new lounges, one of which has already been opened at the carrier’s Kuwait hub.

Echoing the CEO’s comment, Kuwait Airways Chief Commercial Officer Philip Saunders said that the airline is working hard to establish itself as a leader, a position he believes rightfully belongs to the airlines which has more than 60 years of operational experience and a great past reputation to look back upon.

“Kuwait Airways is one of the original carriers, an emblem of the region,” he said.

On the airlines’ plan for Oman, he said that the Sultanate offers tourists more than anyone else and in keeping with the airline’s avowed intention of becoming the number one carrier from Kuwait to all major Gulf Cooperation Council destinations, it plans to

increase its market share of the Kuwait-Oman traffic.

“Muscat is one of the places where we want to increase the number of flights,” he said.

Purchase plans As part of its agreement with Airbus to lease 12 aircraft, including five are Airbus A330 and seven A320, followed by a purchase of another 25 aircraft, Kuwait Airways has received two Airbus A320ceo Aircraft in December 2014 and another two last month. The delivery of the remaining leased aircraft will be made during 2015.

The carrier has also ordered a fleet of 10 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft from Boeing. According to Kuwait airways website “…2016 would witness the continuation of the phase in terms of bringing in the new Boeing aircraft B777300 ER to the company’s fleet.”

Asked about the company’s business, Saunders conceded that the airlines has returned losses in recent times, adding, “We are working on a complete turnaround with the objective of becoming profitable.”

Fleet modernisation will not only help improve passenger experience but coupled with staff reduction through “voluntary redundancy”, it will also help bring

down the company’s expenses, he said. The airline is also working on attracting more passengers through competitive pricing, encouraging earlier booking of tickets and providing extra services.

In the last category, the airline intends to become the leader over time, he said.

He said that the big investments being deployed in a responsible manner over the next three to five years will gradually help the airline return to sustainable profits.

He also said that the company would leverage its other strengths to turn in profits. As an example he cited the airlines’ engineering centre located in Dubai which provides its services to more than 100 airlines.

“It is a jewel of the Middle East very few know about,” he said.

For now Kuwait Airways has no intention of following some of the regional airlines into the big league, he said adding that the plan is to focus on the smaller picture.

“Rather than growing a huge network, I think we are going to concentrate on making sure that our flows work better and that our product is extremely reliable in terms of on-time performance,” Saunders revealed. He also said that the airline will remain true to its roots while making efforts to increase its market share.

On the impact of increased competition in the aviation and tourism industry in the Middle East, he said that there is a distinct shift in the aviation industry towards the Middle East.

The global aviation industry should accept this fact because this development is powered by the strategic location of the Middle East between the population centres of the west and east.

He further said that while growth is good for the Middle East aviation industry in general, each airline must work out its own business model for sustainable long-term viability.

S U N DAY, MAR C H 8, 2 0 1 5

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C O M M E N TA RY

Society need to support HIV sufferers and not stigmatise them

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obody wants to talk about HIV in Oman and this is the reason why many victims continue to suffer in silence which makes it difficult for health authorities to compile accurate data of how many people need immediate help.

Removing the stigma of the deadly virus will help control the spread and improve the lives of many sufferers. In Oman, people don’t want to be associated with members of the families who have HIV. Those who get to know that they have the virus keep quiet and never go back to hospitals to get treatment. What many people in the country do not realise is that sexual contact is not the only cause of HIV. There is not enough awareness to tell the nation that

C U LT U R A L D I P L O M A C Y

Japanese embassy screens five short films Times News Service MUSCAT: Japanese embassy hosted a screening of ‘Japanese Short Films’ at the Oman Film Society (OFS) and the Scientific College of Design respectively recently.

Both events were attended by George Hisaeda, ambassador of Japan. Around 100 students from different faculties attended the event at the Scientific College of Design.

Five Japanese short films were shown with an introductory lecture by Japanese director Seigo Tono, who came especially for the event from Japan.

Tono is a founding member and festival director of the ‘Short Shorts Film Festival Asia’, which is the largest film festival in Asia.

Tono has also worked on two Hollywood productions.

Ambassador Hisaeda said: “My favourite role as ambassador of Japan is to bring Japanese culture to the friendly people of Oman. Since being posted here, I have strived to present contemporary Japan and its vibrant pop culture in addition to traditional, ancient Japan.”

He went on to reflect, “These short films explore universal values such as family, friendship and love, which we can all relate to as global citizens, while also depicting everyday life in Japan.”

During Tono’s lecture, the Japanese director presented the short film environment and modern techniques in Japan, citing the example of one of the films screened, titled Frog in the Well which is a sequence of thousands of still photographs.

The lecture also covered commercial angles, such as the growing trend in Japan for corporate usage of short films as an effective form of advertising, such as In the Tree House by Tobu Group, which the audience later enjoyed.

many sufferers get it from blood transfusion and sharing hypodermic needles.

As a result, HIV patients, once diagnosed, do not tell their families because they know they will be treated as sinners for having illegal relationships with unmarried partners even though they knew nothing about it when they got infected. The pressure, in some cases, leads to suicide. Young people who know they cannot get accepted by their families choose what they think the easiest way out by taking their lives. For them, what really ends their lives prematurely is not the disease but the stigma. To fight the stigma in a country that is fiercely controlled by a culture that avoids shame to the families, is not easy. But it is never too late to start now. It is also not against

SUNDAY BEAT

SALEH AL SHAIBANY Islamic virtues to talk about HIV or provide help. Islam is a very compassionate religion and it is a misconception for HIV sufferers to be treated as outcasts.

In the end, it does not matter how they get infected. They all need help and de-stigmatising HIV must be a top priority. There must be a national campaign to create awareness that people with HIV pose no threat to the public.

The campaign must also be

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directed outside Muscat where information dissemination is mostly needed.

Current statistics show less than 2,000 people are infected with HIV in Oman but doctors know the number is much bigger than that. Many people don’t know they have it because they have not got themselves checked-up. They spread it after marriage and tragically the babies are born with the virus passed on from parents.

With new medical breakthrough and medications, HIV is now considered a chronic disease

and not a killer. However, since the first victim was reported in 1984 in Oman, the country has not yet managed to conduct successful campaigns to combat the disease in an effective way.

For thirty years since then, we still put the problem under wraps.

Doctors have to pronounce previously unknown HIV patients dead knowing that if they had a test much earlier their death could have been prevented. Unicef reports in its website (www.unicef. org/infobycountry/oman_29866. html) of two Omani sisters who got diagnosed very early on.

They got it from blood transfusion when they were five and four-years-old.

Now in their mid-thirties, they live problem free because they got the help they needed very early on. Though they live a good

life, thanks to excellent medical care, they now find they have to fight the battle of stigma. They cannot find suitors for marriage.

Obviously, it is worse for women than men. HIV-infected Omani men marry non-Omanis and they get on with their lives. Women in similar situations are destined for a life of spinsterhood.

But it is not only a social problem. It is a professional one as well. HIV-infected people find it hard to find jobs in the Sultanate.

When the medical check reveals the virus, they get rejected. A national awareness campaign of HIV and AIDS is needed from grass roots, in every school, college and university, as also posters on the roads and shopping malls.

Victims of HIV are not monsters and need to be treated with compassion and understanding.

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SU N DAY, MARCH 8, 2015

OMAN C L A S S I C A L T R E AT

ROHM to host Arab musical bonanza for jazz aficionados Times News Service MUSCAT: Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) will host a unique concert of Arab jazz featuring two internationally renowned Arab musicians, Syrian clarinettist Kinan Azmeh and Tunisian violinist Yasmine Azaiez, on Tuesday.

The concert brings together the best of Arab and jazz traditions as both artists draw on their roots as well as their Western musical training. Kinan combines classical music with jazz and Syrian music with his famous ensemble Kinan Azmeh’s City Band.

The Yasmine Azaiez Band brings together Arab, jazz and Gypsy music, and they will play a set of original compositions by

Yasmine Azaiez, as well as traditional pieces rearranged with a modern, colourful sound.

ROHM’s Artistic Director Umberto Fanni said of the musicians: “They are both incredibly gifted musicians who bring their own musical cultures into their passion for jazz, uniting the best of both genres. They are both wonderfully talented improvisers and their music fulfils the vision of this opera house to foster cultural dialogue.”

Kinan Azmeh was born in Damascus in 1976. He studied at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. He was the first Arab to win the premier prize at the 1997 Nicolai Rubinstein International Competition, Moscow. In 2006 he formed the Kinan

ARAB FUSION: Kinan Azmeh and Yasmine Azaiez and their bands

will play for one night only on Tuesday.–ROHM

WORKSHOP

ITA’s focus on smart cities Times News Service MUSCAT: Information Technology Authority (ITA) represented by the Government eTransformation plan team organised a one-day workshop in its premises in the Knowledge Oasis Muscat, in partnership with information technology research and advisory company, Gartner.

The workshop focused on

Smart Cities in line with the eTransformation Plan.

Attended by a number of representatives from various government entities, the workshop was conducted by Gratner’s Research Vice President for Environmental Sustainability, Bettina Tratz-Ryan.

She discussed the concept of smart cities towards an improved citizen services and sat-

isfaction by creating easy and efficient transport, health, energy and many more solutions for the entire society.

“Critical Guidance is a must on how we actually construct and modulate smart city from a framework perspective but then how to also create citizen value from the collaboration between the government entities as well as citizens and business,” Bettina said.

Azmeh’s City Band in New York City. He has a PhD in Music from the City University of New York.

His notable appearances include the Opera Bastille in Paris, at the Tchaikovsky Grand Hall in Moscow, the Carnegie Hall in New York and the Royal Albert Hall in London, in addition to the Kennedy Centre in Washington DC. He was last seen at the Royal Opera House Muscat as part of the famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble. He returns to present his unique style of Arab jazz.

Tunisia’s Yasmine Azaiez started playing the violin when she was four years old. At 17, she competed in the Sevenoaks violin playing competition, where she impressed the jury of professors from the Royal College of Music in Lon-

don and was named ‘Young Musician of the Year.’ She has played at renowned venues such as the Royal Albert Hall under the baton of Mistlav Rostropovich, Jazz a Carthage, the Hammamet Festival with Naseer Shamma, and the Mawazzine Festival of Morocco. Her diverse musical background has allowed her to combine her knowledge of classical music, Maghrebian background and jazz studies to generate a modern new style of which she describes as “Fusion.”

Kinan Azmeh and Yasmine Azaiez and their bands will play for one night only on Tuesday.

For more information, tickets, and frequently asked questions, please visit the website at www. rohmuscat.org.om.

Khalife revives old memories

The legendary Lebanese singer, composer and oud player made his ROHM debut with a two-part concert, the first featuring the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra (ROSO) SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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SARAH MACDONALD sarah@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: It was a night of classic Marcel Khalife at the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) on Thursday, as even his newest symphony sampled his own familiar melodies.

The Lebanese singer, composer and oud player made his ROHM debut with a two-part concert, the first featuring the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra (ROSO), under the baton of ArmenianLebanese maestro Harout Fazlian, premiering Khalife’s newest work Symphony of Return, and the second featuring Khalife himself with his ensemble singing a number of his popular songs.

Symphony of Return is a beautiful four-movement piece that blends Western classical orchestral music with Khalife’s Arabian melodies. It is both old and modern, fresh and nostalgic. In Khalife’s own words, he has “tried to instill a new spirit in Eastern music and lift it up to the level of universal art, but without detaching it from its indigenous spirit.”

There were a couple of especially lovely sections with pronounced percussion and a sensual, smooth clarinet solo by guest artist Ismail Lumanovski.

ROSO seemed completely at ease with the music and played very well. Maybe it was because they had spent a lot of time rehearsing with maestro Fazlian, or perhaps, they were simply exciting to be premiering a new piece of music.

Whatever the case, every musician seemed to be performing to the very best of their abilities and

CLASS APART: Marcel Khalife made his ROHM debut under the baton of Armenian-Lebanese maestro Harout Fazlian, premiering his latest work Symphony of Return.– Photos Khalid Al Busaidi, ROHM

they were most deserving of the loud, long applause.

For the second half of the concert the audience was treated to a long and moving performance

by Khalife and his Mayadine Quintet, which includes Khalife himself on oud and vocals, Rami Khalife on piano, Julien Labro on accordion, Ismail Lumanovski on clarinet, and Bachar Khalife on percussion. Though they were only scheduled to play for an hour, they stretched their seven songs into an hour and half.

The highlights included a number of songs Khalife wrote using the poetry of Mahmoud Darwish for the lyrics. There was the well-known Rita, in which Khalife has most of the audience

singing along, the moving Ommi (Mother), which Darwish wrote from prison, and Jawaz El Safar (Passport).

Though Khalife is nearly 65 and has been performing for well over 40 years, he certainly hasn’t lost his charisma or his voice, which is still strong, emotional and moving. There were also a couple of highly enthusiastic and noteworthy performances by Lumanovski on clarinet and Rami Khalife on the piano during Jawaz El Safar.

Marcel Khalife has been longawaited at the ROHM and his concert definitely lived up to expectations, from the great ROSO performance of his new music to his old favourites which the audience clearly loved.

S U N DAY, MAR C H 8, 2 0 1 5

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Explore Oman’s beauty at photo meet, contest competition invites quality images of landscapes, unique architecture, culture and heritage, and is open to all citizens, residents, and visitors in Oman.

Two international photographers will provide technical inputs to the seminar and show

Times News Service

Backbone of tourism He added, “Photography is the backbone of tourism and its development. We are very glad that there are so many brilliant and amazing world class photographers. Local photography clubs and the Photographic Society of Oman are really encouraging amateur photographers, directly assisting enthusiasts and indirectly developing the tourism sector of the country.”

The seminar will also allow citizens and residents to meet the two photography experts, Raymond Gehman and Dr Constance Avery-Clark.

As a National Geographic photographer, Gehman has 25 years of experience in the subject. His passion for natural world, extraordinary landscapes and fine arts is reflected in his featured piece in National Geographic magazine

ADVENTURE

Kilimanjaro climb to mark National Day Times News Service MUSCAT: In June this year, Outward Bound Oman/Tahaddi, a personality development organisation, will lead a team of adventurers from Oman to the summit of Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, to kick off the 45th National Day celebrations.

Alongside local guides, Outward Bound Oman instructors will lead the expedition along the popular Machame Route, hiking an average eight hours a day for seven days to reach the summit of the biggest freestanding mountain in the world at 19,340 feet above sea level, where they will hoist the Omani flag.

The team welcomes determined individuals looking for a personal challenge. It also provides a unique opportunity for companies to develop their emerging talent and to see their company flag flying high next to the flag of Oman on the highest point of Africa.

One adventurous Omani who successfully reached the summit of Kilimanjaro with Outward Bound recently was Salim Al Sudhairi from Yanqul. He described the challenge and the feeling of reaching the summit after climbing for several long days as “an experience beyond words, and an opportunity to learn lessons from life

The photography

MUSCAT: Those who love photography are invited to take part in a competition-cum-seminar that will showcase the beauty and rich culture of Oman to the outside world through brilliant imagery.

Organised by XCite Tour, the competition invites high-quality images of stunning landscapes, unique architecture, culture and heritage, and is open to all citizens, residents, and visitors in Oman.

Mohammed Sharief, general manager XCite Tour, which is known to be one of the bestknown tour operators in Oman, said that they are also organising a seminar on “how to see and shoot like a National Geographic photographer”, at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Muscat on March 13 and 14.

“If you have a passion for photography and have your SLR camera, maybe you have a dream of becoming a professional photographer. But what strategies and approaches should you use to make your dream a reality... and by the way, how do you boost your photography skills to the level of a National Geographic photographer?” he asked.

“These and other fundamental questions will be answered in this two-day National Geographic seminar designed to show what the composition of a great shot is, how to photograph like a professional, and how photography is related to people’s day-to-day life,” said Sharief.

including ‘The Vanishing Prairie Dog’, ‘Tales of Twin Cities’ and ‘Rocky Times for Banff’.

He has been awarded three National Geographic cover photographs and earned the honour of being a National Geographic Explorer in Residence. He is the author of several National Geographic books and has his fine art photographs exhibited in Virginia, Texas, and Washington DC in the United States (US). Apart from his publishing work, he has extensive experience in teaching photography and conducting workshops around the world, taking students on a field trip in the USA, Canada, Italy, India and Iceland. He is currently an artist in Residence at the Palm Beach Photographic Centre in Florida (US), where he offers a variety of photography classes throughout the year.

Dr Constance Avery-Clark is an amateur photographer and an active member of Palm Beach Photographic Centre and an expert in photo composition. She is an expert in “how People Relate to Photography and Photographic in a Psychological Manner” and teaches people photography by the heart and understanding the importance of having fun while shooting.

Learning skills Learn the skills to connect your photograph with people, capture images that reflect a vivid character, as well as make your photography work reflect human emotions and spirit in a most authentic way, is how she looks at photography.

The seminar and exhibition is being sponsored by SKT photography equipment and Nikon from

LENS EYES: The competition-cum-seminar will provide an

opportunity to citizens and residents to meet the two photography experts, Raymond Gehman and Dr Constance Avery-Clark. –Supplied photo

Khimji’s Life Style.

“Enter your images for a chance to win a studio kit, photography accessories, and a Nikon DSLR camera. It is a unique competition where every participant will receive a certificate signed by Gehman to ac-

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knowledge their effort and photography skill,” added Sharief.

Photographs have to be submitted by March 10 and the winner will be announced on March 14.

Entry forms and seminar enrolment form are available at http:// xcitetour.com

TESTING TIMES: Determined

individuals looking for a personal challenge can join the adventure to Mt Kiliminjaro.

that cannot be learnt elsewhere.”

The following year, Salim successfully reached the trekking summit of Mt Kenya, with a small team of Omanis led by Outward Bound. Further details and information can be provided by Salwa Al Balushi at Outward Bound Oman, who can be contacted on 24539788, and admin@outwardboundoman.com. Once the team is in place, a series of briefing and training sessions will be held by Outward Bound in Muscat.

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SU N DAY, MARCH 8, 2015

OMAN

The Cobra collection is highly relevant to the art scene in Oman since the visual arts in Oman are relatively young with many self-taught artists who have not had the benefit of studies in a local or overseas college of art Nienke van der Wal, Project manager CoBrA Museum, in the Netherlands

Bait Al Zubair to bring modern art from Netherlands to Oman It will be very interesting to get to know this European Avant Garde Art movement by coming to this show, and it will give a good sense of what was happening in Europe and beyond post World War II. The art itself is very accessible and beautiful to look at.

For the first time, highlights of the international CoBrA

Are you going to display a key selection of highlights from the original CoBrA movement?

Twee Vogels/Two Birds by the Dutch artists Constant for instance is one of the key works that will be on display at Bait al Zubair.

art movement will be presented in Oman, from March 11 to May 7, 2015, at Bait Al Zubair

Times News Service MUSCAT: Bait Al Zubair has been busy this week working with the curator of the CoBrA Museum for Modern Art from the Netherlands to install what can only be called a ground breaking exhibition of modern art in Oman.

For the first time, highlights of the international CoBrA art movement will be presented in Oman, from March 11 to May 7, 2015, at Bait Al Zubair. Bait Al Zubair, in partnership with the Netherlands embassy, has been working with the CoBrA Museum of Modern Art near Amsterdam for the past six months to develop an exhibition of vivid colour and curiosity that showcases one of the most dynamic European art movements of the twentieth century.

Cobra was founded in Paris (France) in 1948 and lasted until 1951. CoBrA is an acronym for the three capital cities where the artists lived and worked - Copenhagen (Denmark), Brussels (Belgium) and Amsterdam (the Netherlands).

In an interview, Nienke van der Wal, project manager of the CoBrA Museum, in the Netherlands talks of the upcoming exhibition.

FOR THE CAUSE OF ART: CoBrA Museum for Modern Art Director Els Ottenhof, with Project Manager Nienke van der Wal. – Supplied photo

How did you come up with the idea for this exhibition?

The exhibition is part of Cobra Global, the international programme of the Cobra Museum in the Amsterdam region. It is part of our mission to secure the legacy of CoBrA and raise awareness and appreciation for the works of the movement. We first brought CoBrA to the Sakip Sebanci Museum in Istanbul, Turkey, which was very well received. The next step for us was to explore the interest in the Gulf region, and Oman felt like a good fit. The Cobra collection is highly relevant to the art scene in Oman since the visual arts in Oman are relatively young with many self-taught artists who have not had the benefit of studies in a local or overseas college of art.

Could you please explain the context of holding the showcase in a reputed Museum as

Bait Al Zubair?

Bait Al Zubair’s international ambitions are a good match for us.

Their dedication to the local art scene as well as their focus on art education is something that resonates in our mission as a museum.

And of course, the museum is very beautiful and attracts a very diverse audience, including Omanis, tourists and expatriates.

What do you see as the visual and conceptual strengths of the artworks to be displayed?

CoBrA art is very colourful and playful. The artists were literally inspired by the spontaneous art of children, as well as folk art and tribal art. It was their goal to liberate the creativity of mankind. The CoBrA artists looked to unleash their own unfettered imagination and experimentation by impulsive and spontaneous expression. They wanted to create art that tran-

scends national, cultural, and intellectual boundaries that embraces people rather than excludes them, in effect, a new folk art for and by everyone. Painting was not the only art discipline in CoBrA. The brush and the pen were closely aligned.

They were also interested in all sorts of disciplines that allowed them to experiment with materials, such as ceramics. You will see examples of that as well at the exhibition.

What are the benefits and challenges of being involved in an exercise such as this?

For the Cobra Museum, it is extremely interesting to see how other art professionals view our collection, and it is very beneficial to our artistic staff to be able to have this dialogue. Luckily, the only challenges have been practical, since the distance between the countries sometimes makes it difficult.

Were there themes or requirements part of your selection process? If yes, what were these?

We wanted to show many CoBrA artists in all their diversity, and the idea was to let all these works together tell the story of this innovative art movement. We are bringing some of the key works of the movement.

Are the artworks to be displayed related in any particular way with each other?

Absolutely! CoBrA only existed for three years so all of the works relate to each other. We have created a timeline, a visual guide, to explain these relations.

What according to you are the important aspects of this exhibition that would make it accessible and engaging to the general public in Oman?

TRAFFIC

Does the museum offer facilities like exchange programmes, lectures and discourses when visiting other countries? Could you mention a few of these?

It depends on the needs and wants of the museum abroad. We can always provide lectures and discourses. For this exhibition, we have developed three workshoptype programmes, one for visiting families and two for school children of different age groups.

How does CoBrA influence art theory and expression today?

CoBrA caused a breakthrough in the modern art. The way that CoBrA changed how to think about art is still an inspiration to artists and scholars. Recently, there has been renewed interest in CoBrA on other levels as well. The substantial travelling exhibition ‘Klee and CoBra: A Child’s Play (20112012)’, for example, attracted more than 250.000 visitors, while the Guggenheim Museum in New York devoted a new presentation from its permanent collection to CoBrA, tachisme and Art informel during the summer of 2012. Works

by CoBrA artists have recently been breaking auction records on the international market.

Questions compiled

by Bubbly Choudhry TOURISM

Accident on one side, Positive A1 gridlock on the other A1 results < FROM

< FROM

expected

“However, most others prefer to slow down and assess the damage, even if it is not worthy of an audience, which backs up traffic miles from the actual site. And even though the accident investigation shifts to the side of the street, it does not stop residents from sneaking a peek.”

Sneaking a peek In some cases, there are accidents that occur on one side of the Sultan Qaboos Highway where traffic is the norm, but unfortunately, and for no apparent reason, the accident-free side of the street becomes congested.

“On a good traffic-free day, my commute to work takes 40 minutes. Add traffic to it and it would take up to an hour, which is usually something I do not complain about until one realises that the main reason behind reaching one’s destination late is an accident on the other side of the road,” said Rumaitha Al Busaidi.

“Most of the time the police

are on the scene and everyone waits with their brake lights on trying to decipher how the accident occurred even if it is a minor one.

Basic question “Why can’t people just look away and respect the fact that there are others being delayed because of them slowing down,” she asked.

A total of 5,768 accidents were registered by the end of December 2014 with 816 fatalities, which is a 26.3 per cent decrease when compared to 2013. That is a 10.6 per cent decrease compared to 2013.

Global norms “Please, do not speed, refrain from using your mobile phone while driving and wear your seatbelt at all times (passengers and children included). These are the basic rules considered globally, as the key factors to reducing accidents and fatalities on the roads,” said Daryle.

The latest data released by the government shows that the revenues of Oman’s star hotels grew 10.3 per cent in 2014, to OMR165.9 million from OMR150.4 million in 2013.

The occupancy rate in this segment recorded a 2.7 per cent growth last year, reaching 59.9 per cent from the 2013 figure of 58 per cent, buoyed by a 26 per cent rise in the number of guests up from 622,805 in 2013 to 785,612 in 2014.

The last quarter of November 2014, witnessed the highest occupancy rate touching 70.8 per cent while December logged the lowest at 62.9 per cent.

“As the government is focussing more on the tourism industry, we can expect growth.

Airport expansions and setting up of new convention centres and branded hotels will bring in positive results,” said a travel agent.

Vigorous growth Passenger traffic at Oman’s airports has witnessed vigorous growth last year, with Salalah Airport logging a significant 13 per cent rise in passenger volumes, including both domestic and international, compared with yearbefore figures.

Meanwhile, the Muscat International Airport recorded an almost 5 per cent increase in passenger movement during the period, including transit travellers.

The Muscat International Airport received more than 8.7 million passengers (arrivals and departures) last year against 8.3 million in 2013, while 841,970 passenger arrivals and departures were logged at Salalah airport in 2014 up from 745,372 the year before.

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S U N DAY, MAR C H 8, 2 0 1 5

A7

REGION

Mass death sentences are fast losing Egypt’s judiciary whatever reputation for independence it once had Sarah Leah Whitson, HRW Middle East and North Africa director

SPEEDY MASS TRIALS

Egypt carries out first execution over pro-Morsi violence CAIRO: Egypt carried out Saturday the first death sentence handed down over the violence that erupted after the army overthrew president Mohammed Morsi in 2013, the interior ministry said.

Hundreds of Morsi supporters have been sentenced to death after speedy mass trials, which the United Nations has described as “unprecedented in recent history”.

Mahmoud Ramadan, who was hanged at 7am, was the “first to be executed of those involved in violent clashes,” ministry spokesman Hani Abdel Latif said.

A court in Egypt’s second city Alexandria sentenced Ramadan to death in 2014 after convicting him of throwing youths off an apart-

ment block, killing one of them. He was among dozens of people tried over deadly violence in the city’s Sidi Gaber neighbourhood on July 5, 2013, two days after Morsi’s ouster by then army chief and now President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi.

“The prison authority carried out the hanging of Mahmoud Ramadan, accused of throwing children from the roof of a building in Alexandria during violent clashes organised by the Muslim Brotherhood,” the interior ministry said on its Facebook page.

The unrest on that day came as Morsi supporters and opponents held rival demonstrations across the city. Amateur video footage of the protests had gone viral on

A government crackdown on Morsi’s supporters killed hundreds, with thousands more arrested and tried.

The ousted president is himself facing multiple trials on charges that carry the death penalty

the Internet, with prosecutors using it as evidence in the case involving Ramadan.

In one scene, a bearded Ramadan in a white vest and black trousers is walking on the roof of a building.

Hadi: Aden is Yemen capital Hadi’s claim is purely symbolic, as moving the capital would require a change to the constitution, but it reflects

SOLIDARITY: People march during an anti-Houthi demonstration

the president’s

in Yemen’s central city of Ibb on Saturday. Yemen has plunged deeper into turmoil since the Houthi group seized control of the capital in September last year. - Reuters

determination to hold out against Houthi efforts to extend their sway

ADEN: Beleaguered Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, who fled to Aden after escaping from Houthis militia controlling Sanaa, considers the southern port city the country’s capital, an aide said on Saturday.

Meanwhile, tensions were high in the city, as special forces suspected of links to the militia, known as Houthis, readied defences against an anticipated as-

sault by Hadi loyalists. “Aden became the capital of Yemen as soon as the Houthis occupied Sanaa,” the aide quoted Hadi as saying in reference to their takeover of the city several months ago.

Purely symbolic Hadi’s claim is purely symbolic, as moving the capital would require a change to the constitution, but it reflects the president’s determination to hold out against Houthi efforts to extend their sway.

Several Gulf states, led by Saudi Arabia, have already moved their embassies to Aden after an exodus of foreign diplomats from Sanaa in February over security concerns. But the United States,

the first to close its mission in Sanaa, has said it will not do so.

The southern city, the country’s second largest, was capital of a once independent south Yemen.

The Gulf Cooperation Council continues to support Hadi, as does Washington.

Presidential council The Houthis named a “presidential council” after Hadi and Prime Minister Khalid Bahah tendered their resignations in January in protest at what critics branded an attempted coup.

Hadi fled house arrest in Sanaa and resurfaced in Aden, where he retracted his resignation. Bahah remains trapped in the capital. -AFP

Four youths are seen cowering on top of a structure there that appears to be a water tank as the man identified as Ramadan and others throw stones at them.

Minutes later two youngsters fall off the structure onto the roof.

In separate footage, aired by a private television channel after his alleged confession, Ramadan says: “When I appear before the prosecution, I will demand to be executed.”

A government crackdown on Morsi’s supporters killed hundreds, with thousands more arrested and tried.

The ousted president is himself facing multiple trials on charges that carry the death penalty.

The leader of Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood movement, Mohamed Badie, has already been tried and handed down four life sentences in separate cases, while one death verdict was overturned on appeal.

Many of the prosecutions have been in mass trials, which then UN human rights chief Navi Pillay described last June as “obscene and a complete travesty of justice.”

Rights groups and activists too have criticised the authorities, accusing them of using the judiciary as a tool of repression to crack down on Morsi supporters or on any kind of dissent.

“Mass death sentences are fast losing Egypt’s judiciary whatever reputation for independence it once had,” Sarah Leah Whitson, Human Rights Watch’s Middle East and North Africa director, said in December after a court sentenced 188 Morsi supporters over the killing of 13 policemen. - AFP

A8

SU N DAY, MARCH 8, 2015 When the previous government gave permission for the film, it should have checked what are the parameters, the script and what they were making. There should have been some control but it failed to do it Najma Heptullah, Union minister

INDIA

Swaraj takes up fishermen issue with Sri Lankan PM Asked how he views the Lankan prime minister’s statement, the moderate Tamil leader said protecting sovereignty was every country’s right.

Wickramasinghe’s remarks in an

If someone tries to break into my house, I can shoot. If he gets killed...Law allows me to do that

interview to a Tamil channel in which he alleged that Indian fishermen were taking away the livelihood of Northern Lanka fishermen,

Ranil Wickramasinghe CRUCIAL MEETING: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj meeting

Sri Lankan prime minister

Sri Lanka’s PM Ranil Wickramasinghe in Colombo on Saturday. - PTI

stoked a controversy

COLOMBO: India on Saturday took up with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe the “humanitarian” issue of fishermen’s rights as controversy raged over his remarks that Indian fishermen may be shot if they intruded into Sri Lankan waters.

On a two-day trip ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit here next week, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also made it clear to him that there was no comparison between the issues of Italian sailors and the fishermen.

“In the discussion with Prime

Minister of Sri Lanka, she (Swaraj) raised the matter regarding issues related to Indian fishermen. She explained our view that issues of fishermen is a humanitarian issue. It is an issue of livelihood,” MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin told reporters, hours after Wickramasinghe’s remarks in an interview to a Tamil channel stoked a controversy.

Wickramasinghe alleged that Indian fishermen were taking away the livelihood of Northern Lanka fishermen.

“If someone tries to break into my house, I can shoot. If he gets killed...Law allows me to do that,” he had said.

Wickramasinghe also linked the right to take coercive action to the issue of Italian sailors being arrested, saying that if India is friendly with Italy, it should show the “same magnanimity to Italy that you want us to show.”

Different issues Asked about Lanka’s attempt to link the two, Akbaruddin said, “Absolutely no. These are two different issues”. He explained that there are different aspects even if one views it either from a humanitarian perspective or legal perspective.

“And the External Affairs Minister forthrightly explained to Sri

Lanka Prime Minister our perspective on this. Our understanding is that he does understand what the nuances and differences are and agreed to take this conversation forward,”he said.

The issue of Indian fishermen also figured in the talks that Tamil National Alliance (TNA) had with Swaraj.

This is the first time that TNA has raised the issue of fishermen with the Indian government, analysts here said.

Emerging from the meeting, TNA leader R. Sampanthan said a solution needs to be found as the livelihood of Lankan Tamil fishermen is being affected.

Dialogue “But I am not sure if the prime minister will really follow it up with action. This issue needs to be resolved through dialogue. Let better sense prevail,” he said.

Akbaruddin said the fishermen issue was a difficult and both sides understand that it cannot be resolved immediately.

“What we are looking at interim solutions until the bigger problem is addressed.

“The bigger problem can be addressed through deep sea fishing.

“The thinking is that the fishermen bodies on both sides could meet, we understand they can’t meet before prime minister’s visit, so we are now targeting dates just after PM’s visit,” he said.

Swaraj, who is here to pave the way for Modi’s trip on March 13-14, met with top officials here besides holding delegation-level talks with her counterpart.

Akbaruddin said the meeting with Lanka Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera focussed on the Modi’s upcoming visit and the arrangements and agreements that are likely to be signed.

Swaraj also met with leaders of Indian-origin Tamils, Ceylon Workers Congress and Sri Lankan Muslim Congress . - PTI

FUNCTION

Modi making no headway in Delhi: Mistry AHMEDABAD: Congress general secretary Madhusudan Mistry on Saturday said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi may have been “king” in Gujarat but he was not making any “headway” in Delhi.

“Bhai (Narendra Modi) is not able to make any headway in Delhi.

He might have been king in Gujarat but in Delhi things are different. Only his partymen listen to him but others are not following him,” Mistry said here.

“He is afraid of being in Rajya Sabha. He was not ready to take questions after his speech in the Rajya Sabha after which the united opposition’s amendment to the motion of thanks on President’s speech was passed by majority vote,” Mistry said.

Mistry was speaking at a function here where the new Gujarat Congress chief Bharatsinh Solanki took charge.

Mistry lost the Lok Sabha election against Modi from Vadodara in 2014.

Another Congress general secretary and Gujarat in-charge of the party, Gurudas Kamat, said in the nine months people had come to know the reality of Modi government.

Budget “The recent budget had nothing for the poor and the middle class which supported Modi...only relief they have given is to the corporate world, by reducing corporate tax by five per cent,” Kamat said. - PTI

CONTROVERSIAL FILM

Heptullah slams UPA government for BBC documentary permission NEW DELHI: Union Minister Najma Heptullah on Saturday slammed the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for allowing to make the controversial British Broadcasting Corporation documentary (India’s Daughter) on the 2012 Delhi gangrape incident, saying it did not check the parameters, script or nature of the documentary being made.

“When the previous government gave permission for the film, it should have checked what are the parameters, the script and what they were making. There

should have been some control but it failed to do it,” she told reporters here, strongly supporting Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh’s stand on the issue.

“The action taken by the Home Minister I think is a strong step... whatever steps the government takes keeping various things in mind, it will be right,” she said.

Filmmakers coming from outside, she contended, make films from their own perspectives.

They do not present the films from the Indian context nor keep local issues in mind while making a film, she said.

“It is the question of the prestige of the nation and its sentiments. If we make a movie which is derogatory and controversial, would not they feel hurt. There is a protocol to care about each others sentiments,” she said.

BBC, which has telecast the documentary earlier this week, has been served a legal notice by the government even as the Home Minister has ordered an investigation into how the permission was granted to interview rape accused Mukesh Singh, in July 2013 and also to fix the responsibility.

Home Ministry had also asked

BBC, External Affairs and Information and Broadcasting Ministries and Department of Information Technology to ensure it is not broadcast anywhere.

Show-cause notice Bar Council of India has in the meanwhile issued show cause notices to two lawyers who had appeared for the accused for allegedly making derogatory antiwomen remarks.

“We have issued the show cause notices to M. L. Sharma and A. P. Singh for their alleged remarks made in the (BBC) documentary,”

BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra said. He said the remarks of the two lawyers, who had appeared for the accused in the trial court, prima facie appeared to be objectionable and was a misconduct on the lawyers’ part.

Mishra said they would have to see “whether it is misconduct simple or professional misconduct” and then a decision would be taken on the future course of action.

The notices have been issued under a provision of the Advocates Act and their licences to practice may be cancelled if the BCI is not satisfied with their response. - PTI

PROTEST: Activists of All India Democratic Students Organisation take out a protest rally demanding the hanging of December 16 rapist Mukesh Singh, in Kolkata on Wednesday. -PTI

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A9

INDIA

‘Central forces failed to stop lynching’ Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi urged Governor P. B. Acharya, who is also the Nagaland Governor, to take necessary action to ensure that the guilty were booked and punished

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Saturday said that the security at Dimapur Central Jail, from where a rape accused was dragged out and lynched by a mob, was under central security forces who failed to stop the lynching.

“The security in the jail was under central security forces who failed to stop the lynching. It is the Centre who is responsible for ensuring the security of the inmates,” the Chief Minister said here.

Gogoi said he has written to his Nagaland counterpart T R Zeliang to ensure the safety and security of Assamese people in the neighbouring state.

The accused Syed Farid Khan hailed from Bosla village in Badar-

pur of Karimganj district of Assam.

Zeliang has assured that all measures would be taken to provide security to their lives and property, the Assam CM said.

Gogoi has also written to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to ensure that proper action was taken against those responsible for the lynching of the rape accused.

The chief minister further urged Governor P. B. Acharya, who is also the Nagaland Governor, to take necessary action to ensure that the guilty were booked and punished.

“The suspension of the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police by the Nagaland government was itself an admission of the fact that there was lapse on the part of the administration,” he said.

M U LT I - O R G A N FA I L U R E

Kerala speaker G. Karthikeyan passes away BENGALURU: Kerala’s Assembly Speaker and senior Congress party leader G Karthikeyan, who was undergoing treatment for liver cancer at a hospital here, passed away on Saturday due to multi-organ failure.

Karthikeyan’s condition deteriorated due to multi-organ failure and he passed away at 10.30am, HCG Cancer Centre Director Dinesh Madhavan said in Bengaluru.

NO PROSECUTION

Official dismisses reports on black money NEW DELHI: Indian Government on Saturday dismissed reports that there will be no prosecution of black money holders if they come forward and make a declaration of their overseas accounts before 2017.

Maintaining that he has been misquoted in his speech made at a chamber of commerce on Thursday, Indian Revenue Secretary Shaktikanta Das said he had only said that a one-time compliance window for a limited and short period of time will be given.

“The duration of the short period will be worked out and specified in the due course of time,” he said, in a clarification of his remarks.

Das also referred to his Thursday speech and said he had made it clear that the G20 action plan on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting is expected to be finalised this year. - PTI

Karthikeyan (66) is survived by his wife and two sons. Karthikeyan was taken to the US for treatment last year after which he was shifted to the hospital in Bengaluru. A six-time MLA, he represented Thiruvananthapuram North, Aryanad and Aruvikkara constituencies. A former AICC member, he also served as General Secretary of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee. - PTI

G. Karthikeyan

The chief minister said that no one could take law unto their hands, however condemnable the crime of the accused maybe and stern action must be taken against those involved in the “heinous crime”.

The Assam chief minister said the family members of the rape accused wanted the body to be brought home and efforts were being made to do so.

“Whatever the family wants, we will abide by it and the body is expected to arrive in Badarpur this evening,” he said.

Meanwhile, the body was handed over by the Nagaland authorities to Dimapur Muslim Council at Chumukedima in Nagaland.

Karimganj Deputy Commis-

sioner Sanjib Gohain Boruah had visited Khan’s residence last evening and assured his mother of all possible help.

Protests Protests against the lynching were reported from different parts of the state, including Karimganj, and a strict vigil was being maintained to prevent any untoward incident.

Syed Farid Khan had been arrested on suspicion of raping a woman in Dimapur on February 24 and remanded to judicial custody in Dimapur Central Jail the following day.

On March 5, a mob broke into the jail, dragged him out, stripped him naked, beat him up, pelted him with stones and dragged him to-

wards the centre of Dimapur town, seven kilometres away.

On the way he succumbed to his injuries after which the mob dragged the body to a clock tower and displayed it.

Amnesty International India on Saturday demanded that the incident of lynching of the rape accused in the north-eastern state of Nagaland must be investigated and members of the mob should be brought to justice.

“This is a serious lapse in the criminal justice system and the Nagaland government must ensure that every person who was part of the mob is brought to justice,” Amnesty International India Programmes Director Shemeer Babu said. - PTI

A10

SU N DAY, MARCH 8, 2015

PAKISTAN

Usually, all liver transplant patients are advised to arrange 10 units of blood in case of any eventuality. But being from Pakistan, the family did not have any donors. The noble act of blood donation by these students really touched us all Dr KR Vasudevan, Indian liver transplant surgeon

LIVER SURGERY

BACK TO SCHOOL

Pakistani students attend class at a re-opened school that had been destroyed by militants in Lower Dir district, some 100 kilometres from the once Talibaninfested Swat Valley, on Saturday. Taliban and other militants opposed to girls’ education and secular schooling have bombed or torched hundreds of schools in northwest Pakistan. — AFP

Dozen Indian pupils donate blood to save Pakistani man KARACHI: Humanity knows no boundaries. This was proven by 12 Indian students who donated blood to a Pakistani liver patient, saving his life.

Aman Lal Makhija, a 40-yearold Pakistani man from Sindh, traveled to New Delhi for a liver transplant after being advised by doctors to seek help across the border, according to Daily Mail.

Makhija was accompanied by his donor and brother-in-law Dilshad Ali. However, Makhija’s liver started failing and there was urgent need for blood. Responding to Dilshad’s pamphlets requesting blood donations, 12 students came forward to donate blood.

The doctors who operated on the patient, Dr KR Vasudevan and Dr Abhideep Chaudhary, said that owing to the timely contribution of blood, the team was able to successfully perform a complicated liver transplant surgery on February 27.

“Usually, all liver transplant patients are advised to arrange 10 units of blood in case of any eventuality. But being from Pakistan, the family did not have any donors.

The noble act of blood donation by these students really touched us all,” said Dr Vasudevan, a liver transplant surgeon.

Makhija, who runs a store in Pakistan, said, “This rebirth is the best Holi gift to me by Indian doctors and students.” — Express Tribune

INSURGENCY

Court indicts three over Karachi airport attack KARACHI: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Saturday indicted three suspects involved in carrying out the Karachi airport attack in 2014, Express News reported.

On June 8, at least 37 people, including 10 terrorists, were killed after an all-night battle with militants who besieged Karachi airport’s old terminal. The outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for what was the first large-scale terrorist attack at the country’s largest airport in years.

The arrested suspects – Asif Zaheer, Nadeem, Sarmad Siddiqui – were brought to the court, under tight security, where the case was heard. The ATC adjourned the case till March 14 and summoned the convicts to the court.

On March 4, ATC had sent the illicit weapon cases of two of the suspects connected with the attack to be tried in a sessions court.

The suspects pleaded the judge of ATC-I to transfer their cases to regular courts. Their counsel claimed that the court had no jurisdiction to try these cases as they did not fall under the AntiTerrorism Act. — Express Tribune

Balochistan’s chief minister warns of oil exploration halt Under the 18th Amendment [of constitution], 50 per cent share should be given to Balochistan from Oil and Gas Development Company Limited, Pakistan Petroleum Limited and all other companies, said Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik

Dr Abdul Malik’s warning came during a debate on a resolution advanced by a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz lawmaker to shift the head office of Sui Southern Gas from Karachi to Quetta

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik on Friday threatened to pull the plug on oil exploration work if his province is not handed its due shares, as guaranteed by the 18th amendment of the constitution.

“Under the 18th Amendment [of constitution], 50 per cent

share should be given to Balochistan from Oil and Gas Development Company Limited, Pakistan Petroleum Limited and all other companies,” the chief minister said on the floor of the Balochistan Assembly.

Dr Abdul Malik’s warning came during a debate on a resolution advanced by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker Samina Khan to shift the head office of Sui Southern Gas from Karachi to Quetta.

Dr Malik said the failure to follow the 18th Amendment is tantamount to rejection of the Constitution.

While presenting the resolu-

tion, Samina Khan said large reservoirs of gas have been discovered in Balochistan and this gas was being delivered to every corner of the country from the western province, yet the administrative set-up of the company, including its head office, is in Karachi.

According to her, the location of the gas company’s head office is creating problems for the people of Balochistan as they have to travel to Karachi to redress several complaints, draining them economically and wasting their precious time.

She recommended that the provincial authorities formally

request the federal government to shift the head office of the Sui Sothern Gas to Quetta. Her resolution was unanimously adopted by the house.

Speaking on the resolution, Dr Malik lamented that the conduct of gas companies, including OGDCL and PPL, does not even match the behaviour adopted by Britain’s East India Company towards the Asian subcontinent.

“I have explicitly told the gas companies that they are [mainly] responsible for the political fire that flares up in Balochistan,” he said, adding that the same companies involved Nawab Akbar Bugti in unnecessary disputes.

“I have asked the companies to give Balochistan its due share as per the Constitution or else they won’t be allowed any further exploration,” the chief minister warned.

Dr Malik also congratulated all the newly elected senators of Balochistan after they were elected peacefully.

The chief minister said he would take up the issue of not allowing Baloch activists Mama Qadir and Farzana Majeed to board a New York bound flight from Jinnah International Airport.

The issue was raised by Balochistan National Party Chief Sardar Mengal on a point of order during Friday’s session. Mengal said it is beyond comprehension how the names of the chairman and vice chairman of Baloch Missing Persons Mama Qadir and Farzana Majeed were put on the Exit Control List. — Express Tribune

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S U N DAY, MAR C H 8, 2 0 1 5

WORLD

It is frankly up to Iran that wants this programme... that asserts that they have a peaceful programme to show the world that it is indeed exactly what they say John Kerry, US Secretary of State

Iran must prove its nuclear ambitions peaceful: Kerry France has privately expressed concern that Washington could be rushing into a deal without ensuring iron-clad guarantees are in place to stop Tehran from acquiring a nuclear bomb

PARIS: Iran has yet to prove to the world it wants a peaceful nuclear programme, top US diplomat John Kerry said on Saturday, warning with his French counterpart that gaps still had to be overcome to clinch a deal.

“Critical weeks” lie ahead as a March 31 deadline looms to seal a political framework on reining in Iran’s suspect atomic pro-

STRATEGIC TALKS: French Foreign Affairs Minister Laurent Fabius,

right, and US Secretary of State John Kerry speak at a meeting at the French Foreign Affairs Ministry in Paris, on Saturday. The US and France sought on Saturday to play down any disagreements over nuclear talks with Iran, saying they both agreed the accord now under discussion needed to be strengthened. - Reuters

gramme, Kerry said after meeting with French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius.

“We want an agreement that’s solid,” Kerry told reporters ahead of four-way talks to also include German Foreign Minister FrankWalter Steinmeier and their British counterpart Philip Hammond.

“We want an agreement that will

guarantee that we are holding any kind of programme that continues in Iran accountable to the highest standards so that we know in fact that it is a peaceful programme.”

The US secretary of state flew in from London on the last stop of a week-long trip to brief his European counterparts on the state of the negotiations.

S U I C I D E AT TA C K

Three bombings blamed on Boko Haram kill 58 in Nigeria

PIECING TOGETHER: A man tries to gather traces of the blasts in Maiduguri on Saturday. Three bombings in northeast Nigeria’s largest city of Maiduguri killed 58 people and wounded 139 others, the area police chief said. - AFP

MAIDUGURI (Nigeria): Three bombings, including one by a female suicide attacker, killed at least 58 people in northeast Nigeria’s largest city of Maiduguri on Saturday, in the latest violence blamed on Boko Haram.

Many children were among the dead and at least 50 others were wounded in the explosions that hit two crowded markets and a busy bus station.

The Nigerian militants have relentlessly attacked Maiduguri throughout their six-year uprising, which has cost more than 13,000 lives and security forces in the city have struggled to contain the bloodshed.

Nigeria has since last month claimed key victories over Boko Haram in an offensive being waged in cooperation with forces from neighbouring Cameroon, Chad and Niger.

Several towns and villages in the northeast previously captured by the insurgents have reportedly been taken back by government troops and experts have said that in response Boko Haram was likely to increase attacks on civilian targets in major cities.

A woman with explosives strapped to her body blew herself up at roughly 11.20am (1020 GMT) when she got out of a motorised rickshaw at Maiduguri’s Baga fish market, said the head of the fisherman’s union, Abubakar Gamandi, who was at the scene.

“The bomb was devastating because it occurred at a crowded area,” said Jamuna Jarmi, a grocery seller.

Boko Haram has deployed women and even girls as young as seven as human bombs in attacks across northern Nigeria in recent months, prompting global condemnation, including from other extremist groups.

About an hour later another blast rocked the popular Monday Market, causing chaos as locals voiced anger at security forces who struggled to control the scene. Just after 1pm a third blast hit a used car lot which is attached to the busy Borno Express bus terminal. There were indications that the second and thirds blasts were also carried out by suicide bombers but details were not immediately clear.

Closure of business Gamandi, who spoke to AFP from the Maiduguri General Hospital where he was helping coordinate rescue efforts gave the toll of 58 dead and 139 wounded for the three blasts.

His figures were confirmed by a nurse at Maiduguri General and a vigilante leader in Borno, Danlami Ajaokuta, whose civilian fighters have been working with military across the northeast in fighting Boko Haram.

Ajaokuta said the security forces had ordered the closure of all businesses across the city given the apparently coordinated nature of the bombings and the fear that more could be coming.

Borno State’s Justice Commissioner Kaka Shehu confirmed all three attacks but declined to discuss casualty figures.

He immediately blamed Boko Haram, saying the latest bloodshed was in response to the defeats suffered by the insurgents in recent weeks.

“The terrorists are angry with the way they were sacked from towns and villages and are now venting their anger,” Shehu said.

Elections looming Nigeria postponed its elections initially scheduled for February to March 28 after security chiefs said they needed more time to weaken Boko Haram.

While reported victories in the remote northeast may enable polling in areas previously controlled by the insurgents, rising unrest in Maiduguri is likely to raise fear as election day approaches.

Boko Haram’s leader Abubakar Shekau has vowed to disrupt the vote and widespread unrest, especially near polling stations, could prove disastrous.

Hundreds of thousands of people displaced by the conflict are living in Maiduguri, swelling the city’s population to well over two million.

Maiduguri residents have voiced overwhelming support for opposition leader and former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari, who is thought to be running neck-and-neck with President Goodluck Jonathan.

But Jonathan is still expected to win widespread support in the south of the country and analysts have said the likely result is still to close to call. - AFP

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France has privately expressed concern that Washington could be rushing into a deal without ensuring iron-clad guarantees are in place to stop Tehran acquiring a nuclear bomb.

But in a show of unity, Kerry said he had “the same assessment” as Fabius.

“We have made progress, but there remain gaps, divergences as he (Fabius) said, and we need to close those gaps,” Kerry insisted.

“And that is our goal over the course of the next days. We have a critical couple of weeks ahead of us.”

Fabius also highlighted that progress had been made in months of talks since an interim deal reached on November 2013, but stressed “differences still remain” which had to be “overcome” and “there is still work to do.”

Kerry spent three days in Switzerland earlier this week huddled with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in the latest round of intense negotiations seeking to hammer out a deal as the deadline looms.

Fabius on Friday had appeared sceptical about the state of the negotiations saying “as regards the numbers, controls and the length of the agreement, the situation is still not sufficient.”

He refused to go into specifics on Saturday.

But key issues in the talks which began in late 2013 include the level of uranium enrichment that Iran should be allowed, the degree of international oversight of its programme and how long an accord should last.

“It is frankly up to Iran that wants this programme... that asserts that they have a peaceful programme to show the world that it is indeed exactly what they say,” said Kerry.

Iran has long denied seeking to arm itself with an atomic bomb, insisting its nuclear programme is for peaceful civilian purposes.

Iran’s nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi, who met this week with the US Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, insisted “we have overcome the stalemate over technical issues.”

The unfinished plutonium reactor at Arak as well as the uranium enrichment site of Fordo had both figured high in these week’s discussions, he said.

US-Iran bilateral talks are due to resume on March 15, most likely in Geneva. Further talks between the group known as the P5+1 — Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States — and Tehran are also expected. - AFP

EXTREMIST VIOLENCE

Five killed in attack on Mali nightclub BAMAKO: Five people including two Europeans and a Malian police officer were killed in an assault on a Bamako nightclub on Saturday, in the first suspected attack targeting Westerners in a city braced for extremist violence since 2012.

At least one masked gunman entered the club in an area of the Malian capital popular with expatriates around 1am and sprayed the venue with automatic gunfire and threw grenades, witnesses said.

No group claimed responsibility for the attack, although suspicion is likely to focus on rebels operating in Mali’s vast desert north, which has struggled for stability since a coup three years ago.

Customers of La Terrasse, in Bamako’s lively Hippodrome district, described how the masked assailant arrived in a black four-wheel drive and headed to the upstairs restaurant and bar area to begin shooting.

As he left he lobbed two grenades at a security patrol and one went off, killing a policeman, witnesses said.

“The killer came here because there were foreigners. He wanted to kill foreigners, that’s for sure,” a waiter at the venue said.- AFP

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SUN DAY, MARCH 8, 2015

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Radicalisation on the rise in Bangladesh

I

t was a twofer. That’s effectively what the Bangladeshi militant radical group Ansar Bangla 7 wrote on Twitter after the murder of Avijit Roy, who was hacked to death in Dhaka recently: “The target was an American citizen. 2 in 1.” Two for one because the author and blogger Avijit Roy was an avowed atheist and an American citizen. “#Revenge + #Punishment,” the Tweet concluded. In the twisted minds of the militants, cleaving a writer’s head with a machete is fitting punishment for expressing views they do not like, and killing an American citizen is some kind of sick revenge for the United States’ actions in Afghanistan and Syria. In 2013, the blogger Rajib Haider was hacked to death on a Dhaka street. Just as Roy did, Haider supported the death penalty for individuals convicted of committing war crimes during the Bangladesh war in 1971, including many members of the radical Jamaat-e-Islami party.

Bangladesh’s laws do not help. The secular government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has arrested and tried bloggers for blasphemy under Section 57 of the country’s 2006 Information and Communication Technology Act, which bars disseminating any information that “causes to hurt or may hurt religious belief or instigate against any person or organisation.” Political polarisation between Hasina’s Awami League government and the Bangladesh National Party’s leader, Khaleda Zia, is also contributing to the crisis. Alarmed, the United Nations has called for dialogue between the opposing parties, and diplomats from nine countries, including the United States, called for an end to the violence.

This time, the government has reacted quickly. Bangladeshi authorities have arrested a suspect, Shafiur Rahman Farabi, in Roy’s death. Farabi apparently posted images of the crime scene shortly after the attack.

Bangladesh has also accepted an offer by the United States to assist the investigation. This is appropriate given that Roy was apparently killed, in part, simply because he was an American citizen. Last year, Farabi allegedly posted this ominous message on Facebook: “Avijit Roy lives in America. So, it’s not possible to kill him now. When he returns home, he will be killed then.” Bangladesh’s government needs to do far more to protect writers and to send a clear message that it will not allow free speech to be silenced by murder. - The New York Times News Service

MATTER OF FACT

Women’s Day: Time to challenge hypocrisies

T

A class apart

T

here are unfortunately too many people in politics who just don’t get it; who just don’t understand what life on benefits would be like, Lord O’Donnell, the former head of the Civil Service, has warned. The factual assumption behind this lament cannot be denied. The biographical backgrounds of today’s professional politicians are not representative of the public at large, and the number who have had any direct experience of life at the bottom of the social pile is indeed very small. The problem is that the only way to reach the top now seems to be to enter politics straight out of university and never look outside to earn a living. David Cameron and George Osborne both found their first full-time jobs in the Conservative research department. Ed Miliband was employed as a Labour researcher within a year of leaving university. Ed Balls went to work for Gordon Brown when he was 27. At the same age, Nick Clegg landed a job with the European Commission. There are many others in the middle ranks of politics with similar career paths.

Success in any highly competitive profession can depend as much on making the right contacts as on being able to do the job, giving an advantage to those who enter early and stay. Lord O’Donnell is himself an example. But the social make-up of the Civil Service is less of a problem than if Parliament is dominated by people with almost no direct experience of life outside professional politics. Civil servants are expected to do a professional job carrying out decisions made by politicians. MPs are supposed to be the people who can interpret and enforce the will of the public. Yet, increasingly, they talk a language of their own, and live in a closed world of shared assumptions which leaves anyone coming in from the outside struggling to play a useful part.

The political leaders do vaguely recognise that they have a problem. In principle, they are committed to drawing more women, more people from the ethnic minorities, and more people with ordinary jobs, into the Commons. But actual selection of future MPs is made by local party organisations which mirror the Commons in that they are dominated by people who are engrossed in politics, giving the candidate who has made politics his or her life the natural advantage. The most effective solution was pioneered by the Conservatives when they opened up the selection contest in two safe seats to every voter in the constituencies. Sarah Wollaston, a GP for 16 years and now the chair of the Commons Health Select Committee, entered politics this way. Labour will choose its candidate for London’s mayor by a variant of this. But open primaries are expensive, risk upsetting local party members, and are likely to produce MPs who do not do what the whips tell them to, so naturally party managers are not keen.

- The Independent

It’s time for Oman to fix 60 as the retirement age now

The move taken by Majlis certainly deserves support

This refers to the news story, Majlis targets expats working past 60 (March 5). I fully support Majlis Al Shura in its latest move. I think people working past 60 are committing a social crime as they are preventing creation of job opportunities for fresh graduates. It is not possible for the public sector to create employment for all in Oman. The private sector must play a role in this matter. It is a moral duty of the private sector in Oman to offer superannuation to all employees who are past 60 years of age and facilitate the entry of young aspirants in job market. It is time for Oman to have a clear retirement policy.

Nadeem Khan Al Ghubra

This refers to the news story, Majlis targets expats working past 60 (March 5). This law has been in place in one of the neighbouring countries for a long time now and it is applicable to all sectors and all types of employees, including domestic maids. In a way I would say yes to the move by Majlis Al Shura because you need to make space for younger the generation.

However, this rule should apply to all including Omanis and in the government sector too.

Aziza Al Busaidy Dubai

DEBASISH MITRA

For long, patriarchy of Indian society has been sledge hammering women, vilifying nearly one half of our demography and mortifying our women in manners which will put even the cavemen to shame

here was something really cataclysmic in what Mukesh Singh, Nirbhaya’s rapist and murderer, said in an interview to the BBC. India felt aghast but the beast spoke the truth. Singh, who has been convicted along with five others of rape, murder, kidnapping, robbery and assault and faces death penalty, has bared open India’s essential attitude towards women — its daughters, sisters and mothers. In essence and deep down to its core, India is still a virulent misogynist and patriarchal. Its celebration of Women’s Day, therefore, is only a sham — a pretext to show the world that women are equal partners in society.

To Leslee Udwin, maker of, India’s Daughter — a BBC documentary on the gang rape and murder of a female student that happened in Delhi in 2012, the beast said Nirbhaya could have lived unhurt had she allowed herself to be raped and succumbed to the felony willingly. And if this isn’t enough to show what men in India think about their daughters and sisters what one of Singh’s lawyers, an educated man and a representative of India’s flourishing upper middle class, said on camera to Udwin is even appalling.

“If my daughter or sister engaged in premarital activities and disgraced herself and allowed herself to lose face and character by doing such things, I would most certainly take this sort of sister or daughter to my farmhouse, and in front of my entire family, I would put petrol on her and set her alight.”

Yet, India celebrates the International Women’s Day on March 8 year after year.

We called her Nirbhaya (brave heart) and we said that the young paramedical student, savagely gang raped and murdered inside a running bus in India’s capital city in 2012, the daughter of the nation. We exploded in outrage against rape and vilification of our women; we demanded capital punishment for Nirbhaya’s rapists and murderers and with fanfare we launched dozens of anti-rape forums, promised to work for upholding dignity of women, sang paeans for our daughters, sisters and mothers.

Yet, phallocentrism continues to define the core of our (Indian) society; degradation of our daughters, sisters and mothers as consumable objects of pleasure remains; vilification of our women has turned more terrifying. One woman still gets raped every 20 minutes in India; we still blame our daughters for getting raped; we still regret birth of a girl child; we still don’t want to see our women except in kitchens; we still hold our women primarily responsible for not able to give birth to a male child.

And India still celebrates International Women’s Day with fanfare.

Let us be honest and it is time for us Indians to admit that ours is a country not for women. Ours is a society which does not want to admit that our women have been equal partners, if not the major

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Many people retain fitness to work even at 60 years

If you can’t be funny, be interesting

This refers to the news story,

HAROLD ROSS

one, in our growth and prosperity. The rot of our patriarchal society has turned our democracy into what my mentor, Jug Suraiya, says ‘male-ocracy’ where men call the shots.

“Ours is perhaps the only so-called liberal democracy in the world, which has successfully institutionalised misogyny — which is then defended for a whole host of shameful reasons”.

We have been witnessing the ugliest manifestation of Indian ‘male-ocracy’ in myriad forms.

An Al Jazeera article, estimated at least 60 million women are ‘missing’ from India’s population.

“That’s more women than the total population of a small European country.” Paloma Sharma says, Sex-selection, female infanticide, malnutrition and violence against women are responsible for the ‘missing’ women.

For long, patriarchy of Indian society has been sledge hammering women, vilifying nearly one half of our demography and mortifying our women in manners which will put even the cavemen to shame. But the disparagement of the past several years has made manifestation of India’s ‘male-ocracy’ horrific and medieval.

In India, we have never really tried to empower our women and never accepted them as equal to our men. Instead, men — the fathers, the husbands, the brothers and the sons — have become “custodians” of the safety of our women. And this has been not only dangerous but also “perversely patronising”.

Deep down, Indian society is sick; its collective mindset is afflicted with incurable malady which is not confined only among the illiterates and poor. Our educated and wealthy are equally contaminated.

And in India we still celebrate the International Women’s Day and perhaps with more fanfare than elsewhere in the world. Because, we have a lot to hide, we have a lot to subterfuge and we have a dirty skeleton to shove inside our closets.

Denigration of women is endemic in Indian society; it is mortifying. We may have had a woman as our prime minister, we have women chief ministers, women governors and scores of women managing directors, chief executive officers and other who’s who. Yet, our social norms and practices are still governed by patriarchal creeds. And, most regrettably, these creeds are still playing out the most defining roles in shaping the position of women in our society.

And still we must celebrate the International Women’s Day; the show must go on; the pretension must not rip off.

The author is the Opinion Editor of Times of Oman.

All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not reflect those of Times of Oman. He can be reached at opinioneditor@ timesofoman.com

Majlis targets expats working past 60 (March 5). It will be unfortunate if Oman forces the expatriate workers to retire at 60. In fact, 60 is the new 40 in today’s world.

People at 60 still retain significant strength to work for at least eight to 10 years more. So how can Oman make these people retire when they are still able to do their jobs well?

Wendy Midd Muscat

It will be better if Oman fixes retirement age at 65 This refers to the news story, Majlis targets expats working past 60 (March 5). I think retirement age should be 65 and not 60. Most people have a lot of energy left at age 60. Some professional people have to study or take certifications right

until their mid life so they have a lot to contribute until the age of 70.

However, we can settle to 65.

Arjun Nath New York

A direct flight from Muscat to Kolkata is long overdue It was indeed wonderful to read that Oman Air is increasing its operation in south east Asia.

However, for the upcoming Dhaka flight plan, it would have been ideal for Oman Air to make a stopover to Kolkata and then proceed to Dhaka. There are thousands of passenger seats sold for the Kolkata flights from all across the Middle East. I am sure that a direct flight to Kolkata from Muscat will be very viable.

Bimal Sarkhel Muscat

Letters, containing not more than 200 words with full name, address and telephone number, may be sent by mail (Times of Oman, P.O. Box 770, P.C. 112, Ruwi), by fax (24813153) or by e-mail (times@omantel.net.om)

T I M E S OF OM A N

S U N DAY, MAR C H 8, 2 0 1 5

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PERSPEC IVE Senate poll in Pakistan Realising the reinforces the cynicism Indian dream P

KAMRAN REHMAT

For well over a fortnight, Pakistanis watched with some disdain how members/ wannabe members of the ‘august’ house were allegedly bought and sold with no dearth of reports about who — or which party — was up to what in order to swell the Senate count

roject Democracy saw another milestone this week following the election of 48 members to the Senate — the upper house of Pakistan’s bicameral legislature.

Election for four Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) seats has been postponed over a controversial presidential ordinance to which I will return later in the piece.

How fruitful the Senate run has been in terms of consolidating democracy however, is open to question thanks to dirty political wheeling dealing that would have done little to inspire an increasingly disenchanted nation.

For well over a fortnight, Pakistanis watched with some disdain how members/wannabe members of the ‘august’ house were allegedly bought and sold with no dearth of reports about who — or which party — was up to what in order to swell the Senate count.

For the uninitiated, political talk shows in Pakistan — itself often the subject of questionable conduct for their slant and selection of guests, mostly MPs — are a staple prime time diet. The viewers have these shows rammed down their throats every night at least five times a week whether they consider the fare ‘entertainment’ or not!

To revert to the subject, the Electoral College comprises the Federation and four provincial assemblies, including Fata. While elected members of these houses are expected to vote for the candidate/s along party lines (other than independents), that does not always happen.

The reason? Secret balloting, where voting MPs, strictly speaking, cannot be held to account for their choices.

This obvious chink has allowed candidates/ parties/groups to buy votes regardless of their representation, or lack thereof, in the National Assembly — the lower house of the parliament.

In other words, it is not just down to political maneuvering, but also financial muscle that is at heart of this Machiavellian design. It is estimated that billions of rupees may have changed hands to mount the power horse this time as well.

It was evident in who the parties nominated and from where — in some cases, the nominees had no local domicile and, in others, the parties did not even have the numbers to elect them going by their legislative strength!

Asif Zardari, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-Chairperson and former president, for instance, showed his famed political acumen in how he pipped the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in snaring the maximum number of seats despite getting a right royal drubbing in the last general elections.

Fearing this very outcome, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ’s PML-N even flirted with its arch-rival of the last three years, Imran Khan’s

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), to try and bring a constitutional amendment that would stop the alleged horse-trading, before realpolitik set in.

This belated bid fell through with Sharif forced to deal with in-house dissension as a mini revolt arose in the Balochistan province, and as subsequent results showed, not everyone in the party voted for the nominees in even his own Punjab province — currently, a subject of some heartburn, and investigation.

More importantly, a nervous ruling party also watched the ground slip beneath its feet as the PPP found willing allies, who deemed they were better off sharing spoils with Zardari’s party than finding themselves at the short end of Sharif ’s infamous stinginess!

Self-preservation became the immediate goal as Sharif ’s aides failed to woo even Jamiat Ulema Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the wily old fox with an uncanny record of gravitating to where the spoils are — even if it means having opposite political partners simultaneously!

What brought the PML-N and PTI together for a brief while was the present and clear danger surrounding a potential buy-out of their respective MPs. This was particularly true of the PTI, whose chairman even threatened to dissolve the provincial legislature if he found his nominees had sold out.

In the end, the PTI staved off the embarrassment but not before a commotion over how the voting was conducted, and which, led to a pandemonium and a four-hour delay past the deadline.

The opposition alleged that the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa ruling party members took their ballots out of the assembly hall premises which served as polling booths to stamp them under the watch of their chief minister at the CM House!

In a bid to get a handle on the score, President Mamnoon Hussain issued a controversial late-night decree on the eve of polling day that restricted members — four in number — from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) to just one vote each. Under the existing statute, they had four each.

These agitated members — favourably placed to make hay at this time — refused to vote and mounted a legal challenge, forcing the Election Commission to postpone their votes.

The PPP, with 27 elected members, and PMLN with 26, will now vie for the coveted chairman and deputy chairman’s slots, which is almost certain to see a fresh merry-go-round, the like of which has already disillusioned the electorate, prompting calls for direct election to the upper house as well.

The author is a senior journalist based in Islamabad.

All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely his and not of Times of Oman.

They are the two faces of the same coin SOPHIA CANNON

Y

ou might not have seen the new BBC documentary India’s Daughter yet. But it’s likely you will have heard of the shocking interview that the bus driver Mukesh Singh gives in it.

Singh, who’s awaiting the death penalty, talks frankly about his involvement in the brutal gang rape and murder of a young undergraduate on his Delhi bus in 2012. His justification for what he did is completely mind boggling.

“A decent girl won’t roam around at nine o’clock at night.

A girl is far more responsible for rape than a boy,” he says. “When being raped, she shouldn’t fight back. She should just be silent and allow the rape. Then they’d have dropped her off after ‘doing her’, and only hit the boy.”

And according to Singh, “The death penalty will make things even more dangerous for girls.

Now when they rape, they won’t

leave the girl like we did.

They will kill her. Before, they would rape and say, ‘Leave her, she won’t tell anyone.’ Now when they rape, especially the criminal types, they will just kill the girl. Death.”

You don’t need me to tell you how shocking this is. But what’s also shocking is that similar attitudes can be found in Western culture too.

If you want proof of this, then just read the latest report on the gang rape of young girls in Oxford. Yes, Oxford. Prestigious, leafy, wealthy Oxford.

The last place you’d expect 300 school girls to be systematically groomed, drugged and brutalised — and then victim blamed.

If the situation wasn’t tragic enough, this response makes it all even more depressing.

The case review, produced by Dr Alan Bedford, found that children as young as 12 were treated

by police as “wayward girls”, complicit in their own abuse, despite being groomed by adults who had ensnared them through drink, drugs and menace.

Women and girls should know their place, and if found in the wrong place, at the wrong place, at the wrong time, then assault, rape even death — is to be expected; the victim is culpable.

On the other hand, the perpetrator is a helpless being chained to his primeval but rational urges.

They’ve been provoked by the wiles of young girls.

These are the hideous narratives that the views of both Singh and Oxford’s police reinforce.

As Freda Adler wrote in 1975, “Rape is the only crime in which the victim becomes the accused”.

Whether it’s in Oxford or Delhi, I hate living in a world where this is still the case. No-one should ever be guilty of being raped.

JIM O’NEILL

I

t is not often that I get to wear two hats at once. But that is exactly what happened earlier this month, when I spent a few days in New Delhi.

I was in India primarily as part of my current role as Chairman of a review for the British prime minister on anti-microbial resistance (AMR).

But my visit coincided with the presentation of India’s 2015-2016 budget, the first under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Given some of my other interests and experiences, I found what was presented to be very interesting.

Following recent revisions to its GDP figures, India’s economy has recently grown — in real terms — slightly faster than China’s. A key feature of my research into the BRIC economies (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) more than ten years ago was that at some point during this decade, India would start to grow faster than China and continue to do so for dozens of years.

The reasoning is straightforward. India’s demographics are considerably better than China’s, and the size and growth rate of a country’s workforce is one of the two key factors that drive long-term economic performance — the other being productivity.

Between now and 2030, the growth rate of India’s workforce will add as much to the existing stock of labour as continental Europe’s four largest economies put together. India is less urbanised than China, and it is in the early stages of benefiting from the virtuous forces that normally accompany that process.

But there is a catch. When it comes to productivity, India has been a laggard. Unless it finds a way to improve, the country’s demographic profile could become a burden rather than a benefit.

In this regard, Modi’s first full budget did not include anything dramatic. But if a number of initiatives are successfully implemented, the economy should receive a real boost.

Indeed, the budget’s main feature is its commitment to investments in public-sector infrastructure, even at the expense of raising next year’s deficit from 3.6 per cent to 3.9 per cent of GDP.

I have argued for several years that India should emphasise investment spending, so I welcome this shift.

The budget also includes a number of other helpful measures, such as the reduction of the corporate-tax rate and efforts to improve the business environment.

My visits as chairman of the AMR review also allowed me to witness some encouraging signs. In my book The Growth Map, I describe my unforgettable first visit to Gurgaon, a municipality near Delhi that serves as a regional financial and industrial hub.

Gurgaon is home to a lot of high-flying technology firms, and on this trip I visited one of India’s leading diagnostics companies, SRL Diagnostic, which is developing tools that could improve the use of antibiotics.

The last time I made the trip from the Oberoi hotel in New Delhi to Gurgaon, it took well over 2.5 hours to travel the 30 kilometres. Though a new freeway was under construction, the building site was full of cars and animals. As a result, traffic was in a state of chaos, and it was impossible for any roadwork to be done.

I had always promised myself that the next time I took the trip, I would somehow repeat the exact journey. I am pleased to say that the drive now takes less than an hour and the experience was much less dramatic.

Moreover, the hotel car that made the journey provided free Wi-Fi — the first time I have come across this anywhere in the world.

It is probably too early to say with certainty that India will soon take its place as the world’s third largest economy, behind China and the United States. But, given that India’s investment climate seems to be improving, that moment might not be too far away.

By 2017, India could surpass Italy and Brazil to become the world’s seventh largest economy; by 2020, there is a reasonable chance that it will overtake France and the United Kingdom to become the fifth largest.

Overtaking Germany and Japan, however, will require bolder steps, especially regarding education, health, and economic policy.

India will need to improve its education system dramatically, both at the secondary and tertiary level, and make similarly large advances in basic sanitation (not to mention implementing my review’s recommendations for combating AMR).

These developments, along with a more stable framework for monetary and fiscal policy, could lead to the type of double-digit growth that China has enjoyed for the past three decades. It is up to India’s policymakers to realise this ambition. - Project Syndicate

- The Independent

IS militants “bulldoze” ancient Iraq city NIMRUD HISTORY 1,250 BC: Nimrud, known by ancient name of Kalhu, built by King Shalmaneser I during Middle Assyrian Empire 875 BC: King Ashurnasirpal II makes Kalhu capital of Neo Assyrian Empire – world’s most powerful state at that time. City had population of up to 100,000 people, and contained lush gardens and parks 612 BC: City largely abandoned after Assyria’s destruction by Medes (Iranian people) and Babylonians 1840s: First major excavations by European archaeologists unearth range of treasures including royal palaces, statues and smaller artifacts 20th century: Fresh excavations begin in 1949. Discovery of hundreds of treasure items in Nimrud’s royal tombs during late 1980s regarded as one of century’s most significant archaeological finds

Archaeological site SYRIA

Baghdad Nineveh

Iraq 300km Tepe Gawra

Mosul Tell al-Rimah

Tell Billa

Johann Kepler discovers the third Law of Planetary Motion.

1702

Queen Ann becomes the monarch of England upon the death of William III.

1855

The first train crosses Niagara Falls on a suspension bridge.

Hatra 100km

Ashur

Kirkuk I R A Q

1908 The House of Commons, London,

turns down the women’s suffrage bill.

1921

Ashurnasirpal palace gate: Many surviving monuments – including huge winged-bull statues known as lamassu – were removed years ago by archaeologists, but ruins of city remain. Extent of IS damage not known Source: Wire agencies

1618

Irbil

Nimrud

1941

Graphic News /

Graphics

OPINION POLL

TODAY IN HISTORY

Spanish Premier Eduardo Dato is assassinated while leaving Parliament in Madrid.

Martial law is proclaimed in Holland in order to extinguish any anti-Nazi protests.

HISTORYNET.COM

FROM OUR ARCHIVES MACKI TO OPEN HIGHER EDUCATION SYMPOSIUM

MUSCAT: Educational Research Centre, an affiliate of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), will organise tomorrow a symposium on higher education and the requirements of the national economy under the auspices of Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki, minister of national economy and deputy chairman of financial affairs and energy resources council. Participants at the two-day forum will try to identify the public and private sectors, requirements of highly qualified labour, on job training at SQU.

Are expat workers past 60 years blocking entry of the younger job aspirants in Oman?

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LAST POLL RESULT Yes

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SU N DAY, MARCH 8, 2015

GLOBAL EYE

Soldiers gesture in front of La Terrasse restaurant where militants killed five people, including a French citizen and a Belgian citizen, in a gun attack in Bamako on Saturday. One of the five people killed was a Belgian security officer with the European Union delegation in Mali, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said on Saturday. — Reuters

CROATIA: A man takes a picture of a ship that ran aground after a storm near the Adriatic city of Split on Friday. Winds in the Croatian coastal city of Split roared at a speed of 240 kilometres an hour, forcing

the suspension of most ferry lines between the port and the islands. — AFP/STR

GREECE: A pedestrian holding an umbrella walks through Monastiraki square during rainfall in Athens, Greece, on Saturday. — Reuters

CHILE: A helicopter throws water over a forest fire in Quilmo, Chillan, UNITED STATES: Brody Wilson of the US performs a jump on his motorcycle during the freestyle motocross show ‘Red Bull X Fighters’

in Mexico City, on Friday. — Reuters

RUSSIA: A woman holds-up a placard during a protest rally against American international policy in front of US Embassy in central Moscow, on Saturday. EU foreign ministers on Friday, down played the threat of new sanctions against Russia but warned they remain on the table if Moscow undermined the latest Ukraine ceasefire accord. The concern in Brussels is that if the accord falls apart like its September predecessor, that would bolster calls in Washington for much tougher action, including possibly arming Kiev to combat the pro-Russian rebels. — AFP

some 380 km south of Santiago, on Friday. Some 14,700 hectares have been affected by forest fires caused by the intense drought in southern Chile, authorities said. — AFP

FRANCE: Almond trees blossom in a field announcing the start of spring, as snows remain on Mount Canigou, in the Pyrenees of southern France, on Saturday. — AFP

S U N DAY, MAR C H 8, 2 0 1 5 Instability, violence and extremism have taken root in the region in recent years, and we consider unity and cohesion among Islamic countries and dialogue with our Iranian brothers on regional matters to be necessary Nasser Judeh, Jordan Foreign Minister

Obama’s trip delayed after explosion scare The security alert happened just moments before the US president and his family had been due to board a helicopter from the presidential mansion’s South Lawn for Andrews Air Force Base

WASHINGTON: A security lockdown at the White House triggered by a loud bang just as President Barack Obama was due to leave was caused by a food vendor cart catching fire on a nearby street, the Secret Service said on Saturday.

The security alert happened just moments before Obama and his family had been due to board a helicopter from the presidential mansion’s South Lawn for Andrews Air Force Base.

Secret Service spokesman Brian Leary said the fire had now been contained and that a vehicle near the White House was being investigated after a bomb-sniffing dog detected something on it.

Security personnel shut down access to the White House, roping off Lafayette Park on the White House’s northern side.

“As pool and other press gathered outside near the South Lawn for the departure of President Obama and the First Family on the way to Selma, Alabama, for a historic 50th anniversary march, a loud noise was heard,” a pool report said.

“The Secret Service then moved press back into the briefing room and locked the doors,” it added.

Subsequent pool reports said the presidential motorcade left the White House and at 11:36 am Obama, Michelle, their daughters Malia and Sasha and Michelle’s mother, Marian Robinson, departed for Selma aboard Air Force One. Delayed by an hour Obama and his family left the White House by motorcade instead of helicopter an hour later and boarded Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base.

B L O C K E D PA L E S T I N I A N S

Egypt to open Rafah crossing for two days CAIRO: Egypt will reopen its Rafah border crossing with Gaza for two days from Monday, for the fourth time since it was closed after a suicide bombing, security officials said.

The terminal was shut after the bombing in the Sinai Peninsula in October killed 30 soldiers, and has since been reopened three times.

The only access point to the Gaza Strip not controlled by Israel will reopen on Monday and Tuesday to allow Palestinians stranded on both sides to cross.

Palestinians who travel through Rafah are mostly students heading to universities in Egypt or beyond, and those seeking medical treatment.

October’s attack also led to a state of emergency and curfew being imposed in some parts of North Sinai where security forces are battling an extremist insurgency.

The army has also created a wide buffer zone along the border with Gaza aimed at preventing infiltration by rebels.

Ansar Beit Al Maqdis, an extremist movement affiliated to the IS group that has seized territory in Syria and Iraq, has claimed most of the attacks in North Sinai, including those in October and January. — AFP

ALL WELL: U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama walk up the ramp with Michelle Obama’s mother Marian Robinson and their daughters Sasha and Malia as they board Air Force One for departure from Joint Base Andrews, Maryland for a day trip to Selma, Alabama, on Saturday. — Reuters

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WORLD TURMOIL

Libyan extremist leader backs talks mediated by UN TRIPOLI: An influential extremist supporter of Libya’s self-declared government said United Nations talks were the only way to end the country’s conflict, but signalled a deal would be hard while a rival government works with a former ally of Muammar Gaddafi.

The remarks from Abdul Hakeem Belhadj illustrate how support for UN sponsored negotiations may be complicated by divisions within the two loose alliances of Libyan forces now competing for power.

Four years after the civil war that ousted Gaddafi, the North African country is caught up in conflict between two rival governments and their armed forces fighting to secure control over the OPEC member’s oil wealth.

“Unfortunately the current crisis, the division between the two parliaments, governments and also two groups of army, could be only ended through consensus and serious dialogue,” Belhadj told Reuters in an interview.

Now a leading Libyan political figure with the conservative Al Watan party, Belhadj fought in Afghanistan, fought to overthrow Gaddafi in 1990s and then joined the 2011 uprising against the former leader.

Libyan Prime Minister Abdullah Al Thinni’s internationallyrecognized government and elected parliament operate out of the east since a rival armed faction called Libya Dawn took over the capital Tripoli in the summer and set up its own government.

Both factions are backed by

The remarks from Abdul Hakeem Belhadj illustrate how support for UN sponsored negotiations may be complicated by divisions within the two loose alliances of Libyan forces now competing for power

loose alliances of former rebels who once fought together against Gaddafi but turned on each other in a scramble for political control.

Thinni is backed by forces from the western town of Zintan, as well as the Qaaqaa and Al Sawaq brigades including some of Gaddafi’s former special forces. His government has also named former Gaddafi ally Khalifa Haftar as army chief.

Haftar, a former general who helped Gaddafi to power before falling out with him in 1990s, last year began his own campaign against extremist militants in Benghazi, joining forces with elements of the army. But critics say he is a war criminal. — Reuters

REGIONAL CRISIS

CHANGE OF PLANS: A uniformed Secret Service officer radios as a motorcade vehicle prepares

to take US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama to Joint Base Andrews for departure from the White House in Washington after a White House lockdown triggered by a loud noise on Saturday morning. — Reuters

Obama was expected to call on Americans to carry forward the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement during the visit at the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of a march that sparked the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Obama, was to deliver remarks at the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where police and state troopers beat and used tear gas against peaceful marchers who were advocating against racial discrimination at the voting booth.

The event became known as

“Bloody Sunday” and prompted a follow-up march led by civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. During a trip to South Carolina on Friday, Obama said he planned to focus on the future in his speech.

“Selma is not just about commemorating the past. It’s about honoring the legends who helped change this country through your actions today, in the here and now,” he told a town hall-style meeting.

“Selma is now. Selma is about

the courage of ordinary people doing extraordinary things because they believe they can change the country, that they can shape our nation’s destiny.

Selma is about each of us asking ourselves what we can do to make America better.”

Several lockdowns Over the past few months, the White House has come under several lockdowns, mostly caused by intruders jumping the fence. — Agencies

Iran, Jordan agree to cooperate in IS fight TEHRAN: Iran is ready to cooperate with other regional powers in the battle against extremism and terrorism, its foreign minister said on Saturday during a meeting with his visiting Jordanian counterpart.

There is a “need to pursue dialogue and cooperation with the countries of the region to fight extremism and terrorism,” Mohammad Javad Zarif was quoted by the official IRNA news agency as saying in remarks that focused on the IS group.

For his part, Jordan’s Nasser Judeh called for dialogue between Iran and the Arab League.

“Instability, violence and extremism have taken root in the region in recent years, and we consider unity and cohesion among Islamic countries and dialogue with our Iranian brothers on regional matters to be necessary,” he said.

In his remarks, Zarif pointed to the “savage terrorist acts” by IS in its burning alive earlier this year of a captured Jordanian fighter pilot who had been participating in attacks on IS targets by a US-led coalition. Such acts, he said, “are unacceptable and aimed at tarnishing the image of Islam and... creating divisions among us”. — AFP

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SU N DAY, MARCH 8, 2015

WORLD

Under the terms of the European-brokered truce signed in the Belarussian capital Minsk on February 12, both sides to Ukraine’s fratricidal 11-month conflict must move their artillery back far enough to create a buffer zone of between 50 and 140 kilometres, depending on the weapons’ range

KREMLIN CRITIC

PALESTINIAN WOMEN HIT BY ISRAELI TEARGAS

A Palestinian woman reacts after she was hit by a tear gas canister during clashes with Israeli security forces at the Qalandia checkpoint, between the cities of occupied Jerusalem and Ramallah, on Saturday, following a rally to mark International Women’s Day and against Israel’s controversial separation barrier. Also on Saturday, a Palestinian fisherman was shot dead

by Israeli forces off the coast of the Gaza Strip, a spokesman for the Palestinian health services said. The 32-year-old died in hospital in Gaza City after he and two other fishermen in the same boat were fired upon by the Israeli navy. — AFP

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Russia arrests two suspects in Nemtsov assassination MOSCOW: Two suspects have been detained over the killing of Boris Nemtsov, Russian officials said, a week after he was shot dead near the Kremlin in the most highprofile killing of an opposition figure in years.

The Investigative Committee, the state body leading the investigation, named the two men as Anzor Gubashev and Zaur Dadayev.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had been informed of the detentions, officials said.

“The individuals detained are, according to our investigation, involved in the organisation and execution of the killing of Boris Nemtsov,” the committee said in a statement.

From the Caucasus Russian state-controlled media reported the two were from the Caucasus, a violent and impoverished region on Russia’s southern flank.

They were expected to be formally arrested at a court hearing in Moscow on Sunday, the reports said.

Since Nemtsov was shot dead on the night of February 27 as he walked home near Red Square, his friends have said they suspect the Kremlin of involvement. Russian officials deny it.

Associates of the 55-year-old Nemtsov said they would only be satisfied when whoever masterminded the killing was behind bars, not just the people who carried it out. — Reuters

D E AT H C O N F I R M E D

Syrian army airstrike kills top IS rebel BEIRUT: The Syrian army has killed an IS commander in an airstrike in central Syria that killed more than two dozen members of the ultra-hardline group, a monitoring group said on Saturday.

The IS commander was identified as one of the group’s selfdeclared provincial governors

by Syrian state media and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which tracks the war using sources on the ground.

IS supporters circulated a statement on Twitter announcing the death of the commander, Deeb Hedijan Al Otaibi, together with photos showing him dead and alive.

Otaibi was also identified as Abi Ammar Al Jazrawi, likely to be his nom de guerre.

The Observatory said a total of 26 IS militants were killed in the airstrike near the town of Hamadi Omar, some 50 km (30 miles) southwest of the city of Hama.

Syrian state media said a convoy of dozens of military vehicles had also been destroyed in the air strike.

Rami Abdulrahman, who runs the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said it was not clear if the airstrike had been launched on Friday or Saturday.

Meanwhile, IS launched an assault on Saturday in a bid to gain control of a strategic town in Syria’s northeastern Hasakeh province, the observatory said.

The IS offensive on the Hasakeh town of Tal Tamr “has advanced in several surrounding areas,” Rahman said.

“Kurdish fighters supported

by Assyrian militia have fought them off in Tal Nasri,” just south of Tal Tamr, killing at least eight IS fighters, he said. — Agencies

IS militants destroy Iraq’s UNESCO heritage site Hatra UAE bombs oil fields held by IS

A week ago the extremists released a video showing them smashing statues and carvings in the city’s museum, home to priceless Assyrian and Hellenistic artefacts dating back 3,000 years

BAGHDAD/ARBIL (IRAQ): IS militants have destroyed ancient remains of the 2,000-year-old city of Hatra in northern Iraq, the tourism and antiquities ministry said on Saturday.

An official told Reuters that the ministry had received reports from its employees in the northern city of Mosul, which is under the control of the extremist group, that the site at Hatra had been demolished on Saturday.

The official said it was difficult to confirm the reports and the ministry had not received any pictures showing the extent of the damage at Hatra, which was named a world heritage site in 1987.

But a resident in the area told Reuters he heard a powerful explosion early on Saturday and said that other people nearby had reported that IS militants had destroyed some of the larger buildings in Hatra and were bulldozing

ALERT: A member of the Kurdish Peshmerga forces stands guard at a security point on Bashiqa

mountain, overlooking IS-held territories of Mosul, 12km northeast of Mosul City, on Saturday. — Reuters

other parts. Hatra lies about 110 km (70 miles) south of Mosul, the largest city under IS control. A week ago the militants released a video showing them smashing statues and carvings in the city’s museum, home to priceless Assyrian and Hellenistic artefacts dating back 3,000 years.

On Thursday they attacked the remains of the Assyrian city of Nimrud, south of Mosul, with bulldozers. The United Nations cultural agency UNESCO condemned the actions as “cultural cleansing” and said they amounted to war crimes.

Hatra dates back 2,000 years to the Seleucid empire which con-

trolled a large part of the ancient world conquered by Alexander the Great. It is famous for its striking pillared temple at the centre of a sprawling archaeological site.

Saeed Mamuzini, spokesman for the Mosul branch of the Kurdish Democratic Party, said the militants had used explosives to blow up buildings at Hatra and were also bulldozing it.

The antiquities ministry said the lack of tough global response to earlier IS attacks on Iraq’s historic sites had encouraged the group to continue its campaign.

“The delay in international support for Iraq has encouraged terrorists to commit another crime

of stealing and demolishing the remains of the city of Hatra,” it said.

Archaeologists have compared the assault on Iraq’s cultural history to the Taliban’s destruction of the Bamyan Buddhas in 2001. But the damage wreaked by IS, not just on ancient monuments but also on Muslim places of worship, has been swift, relentless and more wide-ranging.

Last week’s video showed them toppling statues and carvings from plinths in the Mosul museum and smashing them with sledge hammers and drills. It also showed damage to a huge statue of a bull at the Nergal Gate into the city of Nineveh. — Reuters

ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates said Saturday its warplanes had carried out raids against oil installations held by the IS group, which controls large swathes of Iraq and Syria.

The state news agency WAM did not say where the raids struck, only that UAE fighter jets took off overnight Friday from their base in Jordan, another partner in the US-led coalition against the extremists.

“UAE Air Force F-16 squadron deployed to an airbase in Jordan conducted fresh air strikes last night against the terrorist organisation (IS),” WAM said.

The planes hit several IS “operation and extraction points along crude oil pipelines in order to dry up the terror group’s sources of funding”, it said, adding they all returned safely.

It was the second reported air strikes by UAE aircraft since February 16 when warplanes from UAE also took off from Jordan and hit oil refineries held by IS. — AFP

CONFLICT

Ukraine rebels say heavy weapons pullback complete SNIZHNE (UKRAINE): ProRussian rebels in eastern Ukraine claimed on Saturday to have completed their end of a February deal with government forces to withdraw heavy weapons from the frontline as part of a truce.

“Today is the last day of the weapons withdrawal,” Eduard Basurin, one of the rebel leaders told reporters in the town of Snizhne, where the separatists

presented eight 120mm mortars that had been moved back from their positions.

Watched by six international monitors, the separatists towed the arms to a disused brick factory serving as an arms depot, about 90 kilometres (55 miles) from the rebel hub of Donetsk.

Basurin said the separatists were withdrawing a total of 26 mortars. “They will be stored with

the rest of the military hardware,” he said. An eyewitness saw four other artillery pieces inside the Snizhne depot.

Under the terms of the European-brokered truce signed in the Belarussian capital Minsk on February 12, both sides to Ukraine’s fratricidal 11-month conflict must move their artillery back far enough to create a buffer zone of between 50 and 140 kilometres,

depending on the weapons’ range.

Alexander Zakharchenko, the head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, accused Ukraine’s government of failing to live up to its side of the agreement.

“We have fully removed heavy weapons from the line of contact. Ukraine has not yet done it,” he told the separatist news agency DAN.

Zakharchenko threatened to return the arms to their positions if Kiev did not match the deescalation.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, which is monitoring the truce and weapons withdrawal, has recorded movements on both sides over the past two weeks but said that without full access to the rivals’ inventories it cannot confirm how many

arms remain on the battlefield.

Speaking in the Latvian capital Riga where he was attending an EU foreign ministers meeting, OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier told AFP there were still areas that the monitors “simply can’t reach”.

Russia and Germany have called for the OSCE mission to be more than doubled in strength, from its current tally of 452 to 1,000. — AFP

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Eighth plan investment outlay touches OMR12b Eighth five-year plan (between 2011 and 2015), is expected to provide between 200,000 and 275,000 new job opportunities, which is around 40,000 new jobs each year

MUSCAT: Oman government’s financial allocations for various projects, which are under different stages of planning and completion, during the 8th five-year plan, stood at more than OMR12 billion.

The plan (between 2011 and 2015) attached special focus on providing national manpower by creating new job opportunities.

It is expected to provide between 200,000-275,000 new job opportunities (which is around 40,000 new job opportunities each year).

The plan targets achieving not

less than a three per cent growth at fixed rates and six per cent at current rates. It also targets achieving about four per cent annual inflation rate and to increase the total value of investments to OMR30 billion; a growth by 113 per cent compared to the 7th five-year plan.

The plan focused on human resources development. This is very clear from the allocations for expenditure on this aspect. The gross expenditure during the five years of the plan is expected to grow by 52 per cent and 88 per cent respectively compared to the expenditure during the 8th five-year plan.

The oil revenues were estimated on the assumption that the average daily production will increase to 900,000 barrels. The other government annual revenues were estimated at about OMR8 billion and the government expenditure during the plan estimated at about OMR8.5 billion per year.

The plan seeks to expedite the rate of economic diversification and focuses on the development of tourism, industry, agriculture and fisheries sectors by building a package of sectoral aims, policies and mechanisms. The growth of the non-oil sectors during the plan is expected to be about 10 per cent in average in current prices and about six per cent in fixed prices.

In light of the international eco-

nomic developments, the national economy will deal with the developments in oil markets in a realistic way. The analysis of oil market experts affirm that prices will go up within months of 2015 and the next five years. The financial revenues of the Sultanate’s oil exports will thus meet the needs of the general expenditure at the state next five budgets (2016 – 2020).

The main achievements of the 8th five-year plan included pumping more than OMR1.5 billion worth investments by the private sector and more than OMR500 million worth investments by the Public Authority for Electricity and Water (PAEW) to enhance the electricity and water networks to meet the growth in demand for electricity and water.

Over the 8th five-year development plan, the industry sector has achieved a remarkable growth in the added value, GDP and the value of exports. This, in turn, increased the number of industrial projects and Omanis working for the sector.

The average annual growth rate of the manufacturing sector during the 8th five-year plan stood at 18.4 per cent compared to 23.2 per cent by the refined oil products sector, 20.2 per cent by the basic chemical materials sector; the highest growth rates compared to other sectors in the Sultanate. — ONA

Diversification is long-term strategic plan of ninth plan MUSCAT: Oman’s ninth five year plan and its long-term strategic plan will focus on diversifying sources of national economy, enhance social benefits, welfare of citizens and enhance contribution of private sector in the GDP. The Supreme Council for Planning (SCP), which met last week, discussed the strategic objectives and policies of the strategic plan, (Vision 2020-2040), which takes into consideration the economic and financial developments of the Sultanate, will focus on diversifying sources of the national economy, supporting the private sector’s production and service establishments and companies, as well as developing the utilisation of oil and gas traditional resources to achieve balanced investments, sustainable growth

and affirming the social and human resources development policies.

The SCP continues organising a number of seminars and conducting studies to finalise the chapters of the ninth five-year plan (2016-2020). To this end, it reviewed the lessons learnt from the (Vision 2020) and the effects of the same on the preparation of the 9th five-year plan (2016-2020) and (Vision 2020-2040). It also assesses the Sultanate’s performance based on the international competiveness indicators and the opportunities for economic diversification, as well as the Sultanate’s competitive edges.

While developing the strategic plans, the SCP also takes into consideration analysis of the economic changes including the current oil prices slump. — ONA

O P W P I N I T I AT I V E

Tender floated to manage solar monitoring sites Times News Service MUSCAT: A tender to appoint a firm to render operations and maintenance services at two solar monitoring sites has been floated

by Oman Power and Water Company (OPWP). These two sites are close to Adam city and Manah city and OPWP is currently responsible for ensuring consistent and accurate data collection from these two sites.

“The solar data is made freely available to the public, and is intended to qualify Oman’s availability of solar resources,” said a tender notification. The last date for submitting the tender is April 9.

Government was planning to build a large scale grid-connected solar power project with an envisaged capacity to generate 200MW power in one of the locations few years ago, but did not proceed with the plan. Two locations — Adam and Manah — were identified as preferred sites for locating the project. The criteria for choosing the site included availability of land, proximity to transmission lines for evacuating power, topography and site access and water supply.

A detailed feasibility study conducted by the authority earlier found that there is a significant potential for developing solar energy sources in the country. However, in order to facilitate large-scale projects, Oman needs clear policies.

S U N DAY, MAR C H 8, 2 0 1 5

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MARKET Electricity and water output up Power production in Oman rose by 9.6% in 2014 compared to 2013. Production of water rose by 13.2% MUSCAT: Total production of electricity and water in Oman recorded a significant rise at the end of 2014 compared to 2013.

Electricity production increased to more than 28.7 thousand GW, logging a 9.6 per cent increase compared to the production recorded in 2013. Water production rose to more than 323.1 million cubic metres, showing an increase of 13.2 per cent compared to the production in 2013.

The latest National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) statistics indicated that the Sultanate’s electricity production till the end of December 2014 reached 28755.8 GW per hour compared to the production recorded in 2013; which reached

26240.4 GW per hour, with an increase rate of 9.6 production.

Electricity production in the Governorates of North and South Al Batinah, in addition to Al Dhahirah Governorate reached 15326.1 GW per hour. It is the highest percentage recorded at the governorates’ level, logging an increase of 10.6 per cent compared to 2013, during which these governorates produced 13855.7 GW per hour.

The Governorates of North and South Al Sharqiya recorded the highest production level increase compared to the levels recorded in 2013. The production level increase in these two governorates reached 63.9 per cent. The total production of the previous year reached 2859.7 GW per hour compared to the production recorded in 2013 during which the production of the two governorates reached 1744.6 GW per hour.

Governorate of Muscat The total electricity production in the Governorate of Muscat reached 5930 GW per hour with a decrease rate of 4 per cent compared to the production recorded in 2013, which witnessed the production of 6174.3 GW per hour.

In the Governorate of Dhofar,

the total electricity production last year reached 2934.7 GW per hour with a 7.9 per cent increase compared to the production recorded in 2013, which reached 2721.1 GW per hour.

Water production On the other hand, the Sultanate’s production of water last year reached 323,149,000 cubic metres with an increase of 13.2 per cent compared to the water production recorded in 2013, which reached 285,501,600 cubic metres.

The water production in the Governorate of Muscat increased with 26.2 per cent to reach 87,823,400 cubic metres compared to the production recorded in 2013, which reached 69,613,800 cubic metres.

The water production in the Governorate of Dhofar also recorded an increase of 19.4 per cent reaching 39,706,500 cubic metres compared to 2013, which witnessed a production of 33,266,400 cubic metres. - ONA

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2015-16

Seminar on Indian budget Times News Service MUSCAT: Muscat Chapter of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), in association with Modern Exchange, will host a seminar on the Indian budget 2015-16 on March 9 at Hotel Muscat Holiday.

J. S. Mukul, Indian ambassador to the Sultanate, will be the chief guest. Umesh Kumar, chairman of the chapter, informed that H. R. Khan, the deputy governor of Indian central bank, has been invited to speak at the seminar.

Tax expert Homi Ranina will also make a technical presentation at the event.

BRIEFS

Seminar on redefining SMEs in Oman on Sunday MUSCAT: Public Authority for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises will organise a seminar on redefining small and medium enterprises (SMEs) at Grand Hormuz Muscat Hotel on Sunday. Three working papers will be presented at the seminar touching on reasons that require reviewing the current definition, basis and criteria that should be taken into consideration to prepare the definition, alternatives and proposals related to the new definition for SMEs.

CDs worth OMR321.5m issued MUSCAT: Certificates of deposit tender was held at the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) this week. The total amount allotted for issue No. 907 was OMR321.5 million. The bulletin issued by the CBO stated that the average interest rate of these certificates was 0.12 per cent whilst the maximum accepted interest rate was 0.13 per cent. The tenor of these certificates is 28 days. The maturity date is April 1. - ONA

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SU N DAY, MARCH 8, 2015

MARKET FULL YEAR 2014

TELECOM

Ooredoo reaches 100m customer milestone Times News Service MUSCAT: Ooredoo customer base has exceeded 100 million people across its footprint in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia.

Ooredoo achieved this milestone in the fourth quarter of 2014 according to figures, following a year that saw the company grow its customer base in key markets like Qatar, Algeria and Oman, as well as launch operations in new markets like Myanmar.

Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani, chairman Ooredoo Group, said: “Ooredoo has always had a clear vision for growth, supported by our pru-

dent investment and development strategy. Reaching this milestone of 100 million customers reminds us how far we have travelled over the past decade, and reinforces the incredible impact that Ooredoo services are having around the world.”

Ooredoo operates in markets with an addressable population of more than 700 million people, and sees strong potential for growth across its footprint.

Its newest market, Myanmar, has a population of around 53 million people and a relatively low mobile penetration rate of 27 per cent, according to the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology. Within

its first month of commercial operations in 2014, Ooredoo reached more than one million customers in the country. Ooredoo also achieved key milestones in a number of its core markets in 2014, growing its customer base in Qatar to over 3 million and reaching more than 3.5 million 3G customers in Algeria within one year of the launch of 3G services.

Smart technologies Ooredoo is showcasing a range of smart technologies — including smart education, smart city and M2M solutions — at the Ooredoo pavilion at Mobile World Congress, in addition to highlighting some of its activities that support

human growth across its footprint.

“We are confident that Ooredoo’s investment in these solutions, as well as bigger, faster networks across our global footprint, will enable the company to sustain its on-going growth and better serve its customers,” added Sheikh Abdulla.

Greg Young, chief executive officer of Ooredoo in Oman commented, “we are very proud to be part of a vibrant, globally aligned group. In Oman, this gives us increased scope for development, not only technologically and financially, but in delivering the best customer experience and leveraging real value and benefits for our customers in Oman.”

NBO building new head office Contract has been awarded to Al Turki Enterprises, a 100% Omani company Times News Service

bank. It will be an impressive and appropriate landmark for the bank.

MUSCAT: National Bank of Oman (NBO) has awarded a contract to construct its new state-of-the-art head office to Al Turki Enterprises, a 100 per cent Omani-owned construction company.

Expected to be completed in 2017, the new head office will be based in the strategic location of Al Athaiba and is anticipated to be the prestigious home of the

Nine floors Inspired by country’s worldfamous landscape while showcasing the key cultural elements which define Oman, the building will comprise nine floors, including two basements levels, ground, mezzanine and five upper floors, providing high-quality office space together with a range of supporting facilities.

The total build -up area of

the premises will be 50,000 square metres with the three key influences of nature, the Omani landscape and stunning architecture prevalent throughout.

Al Turki Enterprises was awarded the contract following a bidding process, during which reputed local and international construction companies contested for one of Oman’s most prominent construction projects.

National Bank of Oman was the Sultanate’s first local bank when it was founded in 1973.

Today, the bank is one of the largest institutions in Oman offering financial solutions to fulfil the needs of its customers. The bank is also committed to community investment through its corporate social responsibility activities with emphasis on five focus areas including health and human services, arts and culture, education, environment and women and youth.

Insurance sector in the Sultanate fares well MUSCAT: Total insurance premiums in 2014 grew by 10 per cent (or OMR36.37 million) to touch OMR400.4 million, from OMR364 million in the previous year.

Ahmed bin Ali Al Ma’amari, director general supervising the Insurance Sector at the Capital Market Authority (CMA), said that the insurance sector in the Sultanate has achieved growth in terms of total value of premiums in 2014 compared to 2013.

He explained that despite the uneven growth rates, however, all branches of insurance have recorded good growth through 2014, except insurance branch on the property and other insurance, as both fell by three per cent and six per cent respectively.

Health insurance branch recorded the highest growth rate with a 31 per cent increase, followed by transport insurance with 21 per cent.

Reinsurers On the total net premiums for 2014, Al Ma’amari explained that growth rates achieved by the sector in net written premiums for 2014 reflected positively on the total net premiums, which are the premiums held by the insurance company after deducting what is re-insured by the reinsurers.

He pointed out that the total value of net direct premiums rose by 13 per cent in 2014, compared to the same period in 2013 as health insurance and other insurance achieved the highest growth rates, compared to the other types of insurance, which rose by 69 per cent and 17 per cent respectively compared to 2013.

As for the total operation results for insurance companies in 2014, Al Ma’amari noted that the value of the premiums in 2014 rose by 11 per cent compared to 2013 as the total value of premiums amounted to OMR213 million in 2014 compared to OMR191 million. - ONA

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PA R T N E R S H I P

Duqm Refinery, Outward Bound Oman sign pact MUSCAT: Duqm Refinery announced a partnership with The Patrons Company, an exclusive group of companies in Oman investing in developing the nation’s human resource through partnering with Outward Bound Oman/Tahaddi.

His Highness Sayyid Faisal bin Turki, Patron of Outward Bound Oman signed the MoU on behalf of Outward Bound Oman, and the Project Director, Jacobus Nieuwenhuijze represented Duqm Refinery, with the attendance of officials from both parties, says a press release.

During 2015, Duqm Refinery’s support will enable up to 90 young people from government schools in Al Wusta Governorate age between 15-17 to enhance their employability through participation in Outward Bound Oman courses. The programme offers challenging outdoor experiences through courses whereby young people can raise self-esteem and realise their full potential, better preparing themselves for the world of employment.

Working in close partnership with the National Careers Guidance Centre at the Ministry

of Education, Outward Bound courses give young people the opportunity to learn lessons that cannot be learnt in a classroom, and provide exposure to the key skills sought by leading employers in Oman.

Empowering youth “We believe in the youth’s capabilities and their potential to contribute towards the development of their communities,” Nas-ha Al Fallahi, general manager of Corporate Affairs at Duqm Refinery, said. “We see Outward Bound as one of the vehicles through which we can help to unlock the youth’s potentials, as well as empowering them with specific skills such leadership and problem solving.”

Sayyid Faisal said, “I believe Outward Bound Oman in its own way makes a significant contribution to the development of our young people in Oman. The Patrons Company is a concept that brings together leading companies who believe that the best use of corporate social responsibility is to invest in young people, and I thank Duqm Refinery for taking active, leading role in this initiative.”

ROUND-UP

Lexus LS wins ‘Best Resale Value’ award The latest award won by the Lexus LS was in the Best High-End Luxury Car Segment of kbb. com’s ‘2015 Best Resale Value’ Award

MUSCAT: Lexus’ flagship luxury sedan — LS is renowned to be one of the finest luxury sedans in the world. Engineered to be truly rewarding in all aspects like luxury, power, driving dynamics and more, the LS has rapidly made its mark not only in the hearts of its enthusiasts but in hearts of judges at major automotive shows too.

The latest award won by the Lexus LS was in the Best HighEnd Luxury Car Segment of kbb. com’s ‘2015 Best Resale Value’ Award, says a press release.

The 2015 Best Resale Value Awards are based not on a feeling

or a guess or a simple calculation, but instead on what we consider to be the best research and analysis process in the industry. kbb.com’s resale value projections take into account current vehicle data, sales data, market conditions for each vehicle, competition within vehicle segments, expectations of the future economy and the combined experience of Kelley Blue Book’s team of market and pricing analysts.

LS is complemented with many exceptional improvements including three world firsts, no less than 15 Lexus first, and a host of technical innovations and features. The LS flagship model accentuates the passion and relentless push to exceed the boundaries of design, technology and craftsmanship in creating the ultimate car for customers across the world. The

A L M U M AYA Z S AV I N G S C H E M E

Bank Sohar conducts weekly draws MUSCAT: With more chances, more winners and more prizes, Bank Sohar continues conducting its successful OMR5,000 weekly draw and OMR1,000 branch dedicated weekly draw under the Al Mumayaz Saving Scheme in its branches across the Sultanate.

Hosting the fifth edition of the weekly draw at its Barka Branch, Bank Sohar announced G. M. S. Al Balushi from its MBD Branch as the OMR5,000 winner and Talib Saleh Al Balushi from Barka Branch as the OMR1,000 Branch Dedicated Weekly winner. The previous week also witnessed the bank conduct its fourth weekly draw at its Ruwi branch that saw K. K. from Al Khaboura Branch as the OMR5,000 winner, while F. S. A. won the OMR1,000 Branch Dedicated Weekly Prize.

The fifth prize draw event that was held in Barka branch was under the auspices of Shaikh Ali bin Sultan bin Ali Al Mubaihsi, one of Bank Sohar’s HNI customers, and was attended by Saud Saif Al Hadhrami, Acting Barka Branch Manager, Thuraiya Al Hashmi, representing the Retail Liabilities Team, Bank Sohar senior staff and HNIs customers. The event

was inaugurated with a welcome speech by Saud Saif Al Hadhrami. This was followed with an overview of the 2015 Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme by Thuraiya Al Hashmi. Following the presentation, the chief guest drew the names of the two winners and the event concluded with the handover of a token of appreciation to Shaikh Ali bin Sultan bin Ali Al Mubaihsi on behalf of the bank.

The mentioned event was following the previously held weekly draw at the bank’s Ruwi branch on February 19, which was held under the auspices of Isaac Al Rahabi, another VIP customer from the bank’s customer base. The event in Ruwi branch was inau-

gurated with a welcome speech

by Khalid Al Balushi, Manager of Bank Sohar’s Ruwi branch. This was followed with an overview of the 2015 Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme by Thuraiya Al Hashmi.

Following the presentation, the chief guest drew the names of the two winners and the event concluded with the handover of a token of appreciation to Isaac Al Rahabi on behalf of the bank.

“The recently launched Al Mumayaz Saving Scheme 2015 gives customers even more opportunities to be rewarded for their savings. This is especially so with the addition of the newly introduced dedicated branch weekly and year end draws, offering our

customers more prizes and subsequently more chances to win.

Over the past few weeks we have received very good feedback from customers who have greatly appreciated the addition of the dedicated branch draws to our unique Al Mumayaz Prize Draw Scheme.

They also commended Bank Sohar for the flexibility of products and consistently improving customer service and facilities,” said R. Narasimhan. “On behalf of Bank Sohar, we would also like to congratulate the winners and wish all our other customers good luck for the rest of the draws to be held throughout the year, especially the upcoming monthly draw for the month of February 2015.”

READING PROJECT

‘Kids Read’ focuses on value of money MUSCAT: HSBC Bank Oman and the British Council have partnered once again to teach children about the value of money through the magic of reading and arts and crafts. ‘Kids Read’ — a reading project sponsored

by HSBC and run by the British Council — held a school community day at Al Gubairaa School in Samail and were joined by the Samail School to help promote financial education to children, says a press release.

In a world where paying with plastic and taking out loans is the norm, there is a danger that the real value of money is often not fully understood by children today. The interactive ‘Kids Read’ community event aimed to help children understand the value of money through storytelling, books and arts and crafts.

Whether it’s about the importance of saving money or spending wisely, the community event, offered opportunities for children and parents to be engaged in reading with a community message. Parents also took part in workshops helping them to bond with children through the love of reading and the enjoyment of good books.

Dr Madiha Al Shaibani, Minister of Education and patron of the ‘Kids Read’ project in Oman said, “It is very appropriate in this current economic climate that the theme of the value of money

is approached by the ‘Kids Read’ project in the second community event this year. Through the joy of reading wonderful stories, important messages are often conveyed.

And what better way to help children understand the importance of spending and saving money and that it can bring about positive change in their lives.”

It is often said that the nation that reads, leads and succeeds!

Reading feeds the imagination, teaches crucial problem-solving skills and helps children to make better sense of the world. ‘Kids Read’ aims to reach out to children through the use of books to encourage them to think about important social issues such as the value of money. Subsequent community events will each adopt a different theme throughout the year.

Andrew Long, CEO of HSBC

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Bank Oman said, “We are delighted to continue our support to the ‘Kids Read’ programme in Oman, which is helping to foster a reading culture among school children. A key pillar of our corporate sustainability activity is focused on promoting educational initiatives and we are particularly pleased that the latest theme is around ‘Value of Money’, a topic of significant importance, perhaps more so today than in recent times.”

‘Kids Read’, sponsored exclusively by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, has been developed by the British Council to give as many primary school-aged children as possible the opportunity to read and to make reading enjoyable and accessible. In the three years since its launch, the British Council’s ever-expanding ‘Kids Read’ programme has reached

35,000 children across the Mena region. Community events have become a popular feature in the calendar with each one highlighting a different world issue and bringing the extended community into the participating schools.

Paul Hilder, Director for the British Council in Oman said; “This event is a fantastic way to show children that reading is fun and to get them excited about books. Reading is a key part of a child’s development process — it is an essential skill which will benefit them for the rest of their lives. We worked with HSBC and the Ministry of Education to choose stories that explore the theme of money as it is vital to teach children the value of money from a young age.”

HSBC volunteers, experienced in delivering reading sessions at ‘Kids Read’ community events over the past three years, read interactive stories to the kids to highlight the value of money.

These included two popular children’s stories: ‘The Great Pet Sale’

by Mick Inkpen and ‘Happy Birthday Jamela’ by Niki Daly. These stories encouraged the children to think about issues related to money, including choosing how to spend it, and whether it can really buy happiness. The kids then took part in activities decorating ceramic money boxes which they were able to take home and start their savings programme.

LS line-up includes the LS460, LS460L and the world’s most powerful hybrid V8 – the LS600hL. The LS Hybrid is available with a full-time AWD system. All the models also come with 8-speed automatic transmission.

The entire LS line-up is refined with dynamic, fresh styling that reflects the new face of Lexus. The aggressive spindle grille gives the new LS a greater road presence and stronger brand identity while heralding a significant improvement in driving dynamics, responsiveness and handling. The new LS thus carries forward the legacy of Lexus in terms of fusing the most advanced technology with refined Japanese aesthetics.

Making its first-ever appearance in the F Sport performancebased category, the All-New LS460 F SPORT combines a more

aggressive exterior with a unique sport interior featuring F SPORT seats with larger bolsters, a leather steering wheel with paddle shifters and genuine aluminium trim.

With a sport tuned air suspension that has been lowered 0.4 inches, a Torsen limited slip rear differential (RWD model), Brembo six-piston calliper brakes, and 19” forged wheels with summer or all-season tires, the LS F SPORT promises to be the most engaging LS ever.

The LS range features a new Drive Mode Select system, which when adopted provides integrated control of multiple systems delivering the ultimate driving experience. Increased body rigidity enhances stability, and allows for a more comfortable ride. Pitch and bounce control has been enhanced by adopting new frequency dependent shock absorbers, resulting in an even flatter, road-hugging ride. Revised steering offers improvements in accuracy and turnin response.

In Oman, every Lexus vehicle comes with special benefits and privileges such as six years unlimited extended mileage protection and Lexus Prestige Club Card that offers 24 hours on-road assistance from AAA.

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SUN DAY, MARCH 8, 2015

ROUND-UP Nissan Pathfinder 3.5L offers enhanced driving performance The Pathfinder now enters the Nissan range at a time when demand for SUVs in Oman continues to show considerable growth

MUSCAT: The Nissan Pathfinder 3.5L from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles is set to define what the next generation SUV should offer: perfect off-road capability (i-Auto 4WD system), dynamic design, class-leading com-

fort, thoughtful technology, and a rewarding driving experience.

With the introduction of the allnew fourth generation, not only does Pathfinder provide capability with spacious seating for seven, and an intuitive 4 Wheel Drive System, but it also resets the standard for the segment with an unprecedented level of premium style, comfort, fuel economy and thoughtful technology, says a press release.

The Pathfinder now enters the Nissan range at a time when demand for SUVs in Oman continues to show considerable growth.

With the feature-packed all-new Pathfinder, Nissan is confident of capitalising on this growth and strengthening its position in the off-road segment.

Dynamic design Along with reduced weight, Pathfinder’s new unibody platform provided the designers an

the design of the EZ Flex Seating System, giving 5.5 inches of sliding second row seating travel while additionally providing exceptional third row access even with a child safety seat remaining securely in place (on the passenger curb side).

opportunity to create the more aerodynamic exterior without compromising headroom or cargo capacity. Moving upscale in appearance, the new exterior styling presents a smart fusion of signature Nissan styling cues and dynamic strength. The look is adventure-ready with wheeloriented muscular fenders and a strong, stable stance. The upper body features an open cabin with

large windows which can be complemented with an available Dual Panoramic Moonroof, to enhance the new Pathfinder’s open, airy interior environment.

Class-leading comfort The new Pathfinder offers the comfort of a larger SUV with its flat floor enhancing interior packaging flexibility. The Pathfinder’s unique versatility is exemplified in

Thoughtful technology Thoughtful technology is also found throughout the Pathfinder interior, starting with Nissan’s advanced, class-exclusive Around View Monitor, which provides the driver a virtual 360-degree image of the area around the vehicle.

The instrument panel includes Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display (standard on every model), features a 4.0-inch LCD colour display, and utilises 3D-effect graphics to relay key information right in front of the driver. The instrument panel includes a large multifunction center IT display, available Nissan Navigation System, Streaming Audio via

Bluetooth and Rear View Monitor.

Driving experience Addressing buyers’ desire for more efficiency in every aspect of their lives, the Pathfinder’s engine and CVT combination develops 13% better acceleration than the previous generation while returning 30% better fuel efficiency. Featuring a 3.5-litre DOHC V6 engine mated to a next-generation Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission) the ideal rpm for the driving conditions are always maintained. All-New Pathfinder is the only vehicle in class with selectable 2WD, Auto or 4WD Lock modes for its available intuitive ALL-MODE 4x4-i system.

SBA is largely committed to supporting Nissan’s growth in the Sultanate through major emphasis on customer satisfaction and by providing world-class after-sales services in Oman.

‘BRAND IMMERSION’

Bentley staff attend training course in UK MUSCAT: Bentley Oman has always had a reputation for offering a first class workplace environment with high quality training and development opportunities to its employees.

In keeping with this, Bentley Oman had recently flown Faisal Nawaz, Marketing Manager, and Fahad Al Wahaibi, Brand Manager from Wattayah Motors, the official dealership for Bentley in Oman for a specialised two-day training course on ‘Brand Immersion’. The training was held at the Bentley academy in Crewe, UK by acclaimed brand specialist and was attended by Bentley dealers from around the world, says a press release.

Fahad Al Wahaibi said, “Whilst serving as the perfect platform

to exchange thoughts and ideas with Bentley dealers from different parts of the world, the course provided comprehensive training on ‘Brand Immersion’, enabling attendees to become brand advocates for the future and represent the brand on a higher level. The highly interactive course sessions included topics such as Bentley

Marque Pillars, Brand Values, Lineage, Product insights, etc to name a few. We were also given a guided tour of the Crewe facility and witnessed first-hand the world-class craftsmanship and engineering perfection required to create a Bentley motor car. It was breath-taking to see how one crafts a grand tourer by hand,

APPOINTMENT

T I M E LY S U P P O R T

New dental surgeon joins Badr Al Samaa MUSCAT: Badr Al Samaa Al Khuwair announced the joining of Dr Remitha Ramakrishnan, dental surgeon and oral implantologist in Al Khuwair branch.

She completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery and Post Graduation in Oral Implantology (BDS and PGCOI) from Dr MGR University, Chennai, India, says a press release.

“Dental implants can be placed in most adults who are in good to moderate health.

Certain uncontrolled medical conditions may decrease the effectiveness of implant treatment, so be sure to discuss your full medical history with your doctor before beginning the treatment. Every patient is different and patient results may vary. Only a trained dentist can determine the best treatment plan,” said Dr Remitha.

Dental implant (also known as an endosseous implant or fixture) is a surgical component that interfaces with the bone of the jaw or skull to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, denture, facial prosthesis or to act as an orthodontic anchor. Treatment options for replacement of missing teeth are bridge and full or partial dentures, although they address the short-term cosmetic problem of the missing teeth, they do

and how a personal guide will tailor every detail of a customer’s visit to their time, tastes and interests, right down to selecting the colour of thread used to cross-stitch the interior.”

Faisal Nawaz elaborated, “Employees can be your most powerful brand proof points, reinforcing your brand’s promise every time they interact with a customer, shareholder or even another employee. ‘Brand Immersion’ training has become a critical resource in furthering an employees’ understanding of the Bentley brand.

The more people Bentley can train, the faster we are able to accelerate the pace of change across our facilities and continue to deliver measurable results in all of our operations.”

nothing to stop the bone loss in the area of missing teeth. Bridge requires two or more healthy teeth to be reduced in size to serve as pillars (abutments), leaving them at a much greater risk for cavities and root canal treatment. With implants, the healthy teeth are not ground and they transmit the chewing forces to the jaw thereby halting bone loss. Dental implant treatment is the replacement of missing tooth roots with supportive posts. It is usually made of titanium and can be used to replace single tooth, several teeth or for the complete reconstruction of a collapsed mouth.

Titanium is the most biocompatible material and once placed, it fuses with the jaw bone in a period of 3-6 months.

Badr Al Samaa welcomed Dr Remitha to the group and wished the very best in her practice. She is available on all working days from 8am to 4pm.

PAEW lauds Al Hassan’s efforts during recent water supply crisis MUSCAT: The water supply in many areas of Muscat got affected between from February 12 to 14 as Public Authority for Electricity and Water (PAEW) embarked on the installation of a new water transmission pipeline in the capital. The recent shutdown was of particular significance for PAEW as it had never planned a long duration combined shutdown of this scale before.

The shutdown also included Al Hassan Engineering Company’s (AHEC) Emergency Water Reservoir Project’s (EWR) five Tie-in Connections, three at the Qurum site and two at the Ruwi site to connect with PAEWs system.

PAEW has in particular appreciated AHEC’s arrangements, support, quality and timely completion of the shutdown activities, says a press release.

The team led by Muzammil Naqvi of Al Hassan started work at the designated sites on February 12 at 11:30am and were able to complete all its 5 Tie-ins on the same day and the associated civil works on early morning of February 13, that is well before its allocated time and to the entire satisfaction of PAEW and consultants Sogreah.

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LU X U RY WAT C H

RJ-Romain unveils Steampunk Auto 46 MUSCAT: RJ-Romain Jerome has enriched its existing Steampunk collection with a totally new, refreshing and contemporary design, featuring a smaller case and a sporty, energised look!

RJ-Romain Jerome has created a new legend characterised by its creative design and sophisticated mechanics. Inspired by the ocean liners of the 20th Century, the new Steampunk Auto 46 is a true testimony to the industrial revolution and to the artistic movement that followed. Housed in a new 46 mm black PVD-coated steel, steel or red gold case, this new collection embraces a new aesthetic sharing the brand’s bold and hedonistic spirit, says a press release.

“Creating masterpieces out of inspirations, RJ Romain Jerome’s has once again hit the headlines with the launch of their Steampunk Auto. Mistal holds great pride in housing the legendary RJ Romain Jerome timepieces and is the sole dealer of this esteemed label in Oman. The latest addition to their awe-inspiring collection, the Steampunk Auto is a truly mesmerising timepiece that has been crafted to utmost perfection like every other unique creation

by RJ. With only a limited number in stores, the Steampunk Auto can be made available for the aristocratic discerning buyers by a booking arrangement facilitated

ROUND-UP

Ford to deliver 12 new performance vehicles Ford remains committed to innovation through performance, said Raj Nair, Group Vice

through any of our Mistal stores,” said Dharmesh A. Khimji, Managing Director of Mistal.

RJ-Romain Jerome’s new timepiece showcases geometrical clean lines providing the dial with an incredulous sense of depth due to its layers. The dial has been created to highlight the sturdy, circular graining and rigorously beadblasted blackened bridges which recall the raw energy emanating from a coal blackened engine room.

The RJ logo has been delicately engraved at 3o’clock whilst the crown recalls the material of each case: steel, red gold or black PVD-coated steel.

Furthermore, the calf brown or black leather straps highlight the modern and provocative bezel of each timepiece. Limited to 999 pieces per model, the Steampunk Auto 46 is a reinterpretation of an iconic timepiece.

F U N D AY

OSC organises family day MUSCAT: Oman Shipping Company (OSC) organised its annual Family Day recently at InterContinental Muscat.

The event had various programmes such as sport activities, entertainments and team building activities, in addition to a section of games for the children.

The day was a great opportunity for employees to spend a casual and funny day with their families and it allowed high level of internal communication and engagements, says a press release.

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President, Global Product Development

MUSCAT: Ford will deliver more than 12 new performance vehicles for global enthusiasts through 2020, as the company announced its new global Ford Performance team.

The vehicles include an all-new Focus RS that will be available to customers in major markets around the world for the first time.

It is part of Ford’s plan to deliver even more performance vehicles, parts and accessories for customers around the world more quickly, says a press release.

“Ford is bringing more global performance vehicles to customers worldwide; more than 12 new performance vehicles through 2020 – including Focus RS – to be available globally,” remarked an enthusiast.

“Ford is uniting regional performance engineering and racing teams as one global team under Ford Performance, delivering more new vehicles and parts, more quickly,” he added.

“Ford remains committed to innovation through performance,” said Raj Nair, Group Vice President, Global Product Development. “Our new global Ford Performance team ties together racing, performance vehicles and parts.

It will allow us to more quickly introduce products and accessories that meet the needs of customers around the world on-road and on the track,” he explained.

Focus RS, which builds on a

pedigree of driving excellence dating to the first Ford RS in 1968, was last introduced in 2009.

“To earn the RS badge, the vehicle has to be a no-compromise driver’s car that can deliver exceptional performance on the track when required while providing excellent every day driving,” said Nair.

Focus RS will join Ford’s existing performance lineup, including Fiesta ST, Focus ST, Shelby GT350 Mustang and F-150 Raptor. In addition to pleasing enthusiasts, these vehicles help deliver the company’s One Ford plan for profitable growth, product excellence and innovation in every part of its business. Performance vehicle sales are growing around the world – with sales up 70 per cent in the United States and 14 per cent in Europe since 2009.

Ford’s ST lineup, for example, is attracting younger buyers who love to drive. In the United States, more than 65 per cent of ST customers come from outside the Ford brand, and more than 50 per cent of Ford performance vehicle owners’ next vehicle purchase is a Ford. Millennials are purchasing ST vehicles at a rate twice that of other Ford-branded vehicles.

Fun to drive Powering performance vehicles, such as Fiesta ST and Focus ST, is Ford’s award-winning EcoBoost engine range.

“EcoBoost is a strong example of how we are migrating technology and engineering across our lineup, ensuring our vehicles are fun to drive – not just our Ford Performance lineup. From our most

nimble Fiesta to our hard-working full-size pickups and racing vehicles, our lineup benefits from the innovations we deliver at the track and at the limit,” added Raj. For instance, the 3.5-litre EcoBoost engine in the IMSA TUDOR Championship series powers a record-setting Daytona racing prototype sports car, as well as Ford cars, trucks and utility vehicles.

Another example of this technology transfer can be found in the recently revealed Shelby GT350 Mustang, which goes on sale next year in the United States and Canada. Aerodynamic innovations developed through Ford’s investment in racing were applied to the front end of the new Shelby GT350 Mustang, helping improve downforce in the car as well as cooling.

New organisation The new Ford Performance organisation unifies Ford SVT, Team RS and Ford Racing globally, serving as an innovation laboratory and test bed to create unique performance vehicles, parts, accessories and experiences for customers. This includes developing innovations and technologies in aerodynamics, light-weighting, electronics, powertrain performance and fuel efficiency that can be applied more broadly to Ford’s product portfolio.

In addition to using racetracks around the world, the team will develop new vehicles and technologies at Ford’s engineering centres globally and at the new technical centre in Charlotte, North Carolina. This state-of-the-art facility will help the team deliver racing

innovations, as well as advance tools for use in performance vehicles and daily drivers alike.

The Ford Performance organisation is led by Dave Pericak, who has been appointed director, Global Ford Performance. Heritage of performance innovation Performance and racing are deeply embedded in Ford’s DNA, dating back 113 years when Henry Ford won the Sweepstakes Race against Alexander Winton, then America’s greatest racer.

Following Henry Ford’s remarkable upset victory in front of Detroit’s elite businessmen, some immediately came forward to back whatever automotive venture he had in mind. Ford Motor Company opened 18 months later.

“Ford still races for the same reasons Henry Ford did in 1901 – to prove out our products and technologies against the very best in the world. The Ford Performance team will continue to pursue performance innovation, ensuring we can deliver even more coveted performance cars, utilities and trucks to customers around the world,” said Raj. Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 189,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.

Ford vehicles are known the world over for their exceptional safety, luxury and unsurpassed technological superiority.

Ford ploughs in millions of dollars into R& D each year to ensure that every Ford offers maximum safety and motoring pleasure for its customers. Ford vehicles are also thoroughly tested in the tough Middle East conditions to withstand climatic extremes and terrain of the region.

In Oman, Ford vehicles are brought to you by Arabian Car Marketing Co. LLC, a part of the renowned Saud Bahwan Group.

I M P L A N TA B L E L O O P R E C O R D E R

Al Hayat introduces innovative, new heart monitoring device MUSCAT: Al Hayat International Hospital, the leading private sector healthcare provider in the Sultanate of Oman, took a revolutionary step in providing innovative healthcare by introducing the Implantable Loop Recorder (ILR) procedure, a new technique of heart disease monitoring for patients suffering from palpitations, unexplained giddiness or dizziness, and for patients who are at high risk of developing irregular heart rhythm after heart attack or heart failure.

The procedure was carried out

by Al Hayat’s Electrophysiology Cardiologist Dr Najib Al Rawahi

recently on an Omani patient who was suffering from recurrent palpitations. Dr Rawahi is an American and Canadian Board certified Omani Cardiologist, who specialises in treating heart rhythm disorders with radiofrequency ablation and specialised pacemakers.

First in private healthcare According to Dr K. P. Raman, Chairman and Senior Consultant Cardiologist, “We are the first in the private healthcare sector in Oman to introduce this procedure.

The Implantable Loop Recorder (ILR) is a device which records the ECG automatically when a

patient’s heart beats become either very slow or very fast or when heart beats become irregular. ILRs are recommended for patients who experience symptoms such as syncope (fainting), seizures, recurrent palpitations, light headedness, or dizziness. Under local anaesthesia or mild sedation, the electrophysiologist surgically implants the device into a small pocket created under the skin in the left chest region, without any wires being inserted into the heart.

The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures and patients can go home the same day or next day of the procedure with almost no

restrictions on activity or work.

“The device, which is activated according to heart rate ranges set by the physician, automatically starts to record if the heart rate drops below the lowest value or rises over the highest value set. A ‘patient activator’ button helps a patient trigger a recording on the activator when symptoms such as skipped beats, lightheadedness or dizziness is experienced, with the recording getting stored in the ILR itself, for subsequent review by the doctor.

The ILR is completely safe under the skin for more than the life of the battery without any adverse

effects to the patient’s health or well being. ”The excellent cardiology department of Al Hayat, staffed by five experienced cardiologists, offers facilities such as 24 hours open chest pain clinic and CCU, Treadmill, Holter, ABPM, Stress Echo, Trans-esophageal Echo, Non-invasive CT Coronary Angio, Pacemaker Implantation and ICD/CRT Implantation. The advanced Cardiac Catheter Laboratory (Cath Lab) of Al Hayat is expected to be commissioned shortly. This will enable interventional cardiologist to perform angioplasty and stent insertion for patients with blocks in heart arteries.

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SU N DAY, MARCH 8, 2015

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Cool, laid back and sublime BMW 2 Series Convertible arrives in Oman With its overall dimensions increased over those of its predecessor, the BMW 2 Series Convertible combines the sporting and athletic shape of the BMW 2 Series with the elegance and aesthetics of an open-top BMW

MUSCAT: Al Jenaibi International Automobiles, the official BMW Group importer in Oman, has announced the arrival of the most emotive, classy and agile car in its segment – the BMW 2 Series Convertible. Taking driving pleasure into a new dimension for a droptop model in this class, the fourseater is the successor to the BMW 1 Series Convertible and builds on the strengths of the most successful premium car in its class, says a press release.

The third car in the all-new BMW 2 Series line-up, the Con-

vertible joins the Coupé and Active Tourer models at the importer’s showroom in Qurum.

With its overall dimensions increased over those of its predecessor, the BMW 2 Series Convertible combines the sporting and athletic shape of the BMW 2 Series with the elegance and aesthetics of an open-top BMW. Commenting on the arrival of the BMW 2 Series Convertible, Divyendu Kumar, Managing Director of Al Jenaibi International Automobiles, said: “The BMW 2 Series convertible reflects outstanding

agility, impressive comfort and is refreshingly dynamic. It is the epitome of premium and offers all the qualities that our customers ask for in a car.”

Eye-catching, graceful design and a low waistline, which emphasises the car’s “boat deck” character with the roof down, serve up a distinctive appearance and a refreshing brand of open-air driving pleasure. The electrically operated soft-top roof can be opened or closed in 20 seconds when travelling at a speed up to 50 km/h. A new folding mechanism and re-

M O T H E R ’ S D AY

MUSCAT: Award winning jewellery retailer and the only World Diamond Mark certified retailer in the GCC, Pure Gold Jewellers has launched three special edition Mother’s Day diamond pendants that express heartfelt love for a mother’s unwavering love and support, says a press release.

“We believe in creating memories with our jewellery designs.

A mother is the most important person in our lives and Mother’s Day reminds us of her unfailing love and kindness. Our special edition diamond pendants with their unique designs and reference to one’s Mum, are an ideal gift to show appreciation for the pillar of love and support that a mother always is,” according to Karim Merchant, CEO & MD of Pure Gold Jewellers,

The collection includes a diamond pendant with the word ‘Mum’ engraved on it and is available for OMR149. There is also a floral diamond pendant embedded with coloured stones with the word ‘Ummi’ meaning ‘My Mother’ written in Arabic, and is available for OMR279. Additionally, there is a diamond key shaped pendant with entwined hearts priced at OMR169.

Customers also have the option of personalising the gift with a message of love engraved for their mother.

“Personalised mother’s jewellery makes the perfect mother’s gift as it creates a lasting loving memory. If you want to show your Mum how much you care, then a personalised gift is a great choice,” added Merchant.

ACADEMICS

has an output of 184hp and top speed of 231 km/h. Meanwhile, the BMW 228i Convertible 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine with 245hp has a top speed of 250km/h.

The sportiest and most powerful model variant comes in the shape of the BMW M235i Convertible M Performance featuring a 3.0l BMW M Performance TwinPower Turbo straight-six engine. With an output of 326 hp to deliver 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds and a specially tuned M suspension, it delivers characteristic M dynamism and power.

Special gym offer at Park Inn Muscat MUSCAT: Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries (Orpic), under the auspices of Hamed bin Khamis Al Amri, undersecretary of Ministry of Manpower, celebrated the graduation of 104 Omani trainees forming the second batch of Orpic training programme.

Orpic also welcomed during the same ceremony a new batch of 100 Omani graduates covering different disciplines. The ceremony was attended by a number of senior government officials, dignitaries, Orpic CEO and executive team, says a press release.

Orpic training programme for Omani graduates aims at qualifying more than 850 new graduates over the next five years to provide Orpic with a competent national cadre to operate the current and upcoming plants, says a press release.

“Orpic has an ambitious plan to expand its business through its investments in Sohar Refinery Improvement Project, Liwa Plastics Industries Complex, Al Jifnain Filling Station Terminal and Muscat Sohar Product Pipeline project with a total cost of

ITA presentation boosts software development skill of CAS students MUSCAT: Information Technology Authority (ITA) recently conducted a presentation for IT students in Rustaq- College of Applied Sciences (CAS).

The objective of this initiative was to encourage innovation, boost software development talent and skills and create the necessary resources and infrastructure to increase commercialisation and industry adoption using Open Source Software, says a press release.

The event was initiated by Professor Robert Craig, Programme Director -IT, Dr Qassim Al Maamri, Assistant Programme Director –IT. ITA team members (presenters) were Arif Al Zadjali, Khalil Al Maawli, Khalid Al Shaili and Khalid Al Balushi, Hamed Al Kuaiti. The presentation was inaugurated by Dr Basim Al Sham-

mary, Assistant Dean, Rustaq College of Applied Sciences, on behalf of the College Dean, Dr Humood Al Wardi and the college administration. Dr Basim welcomed the ITA members, appreciated their interest to promote such seminars for students, and requested to continue their support in future to plan more such kind of events in Rustaq College of Applied Sciences.

The event was attended by

PD-IT, Assistant PD-IT, Dr Talib, Head of IT Department, IT managers from various local companies, faculty members from IT department and students. The local community and students welcomed this initiative by ITA; they actively participated in the event and had informative question and answer session with members.

The event concluded by expressing gratitude to ITA team by Dr Bassim and Craig.

SPORTS MEET

Orpic celebrates graduation of 104 Omani trainees

MUSCAT: Enjoy a special gym offer at Park Inn by Radisson Muscat’s Sky Club when you enrol for 3 or 6 months membership and get free additional 3 or 6 months membership.

Save, get fit and enjoy the use of recreational facilities at Park Inn

by Radisson Muscat’s Sky Club.

The offer is valid for both new as well as memberships that are being renewed; this is one value for money super deal. Members can avail of the use of the fully equipped health club, controlled temperature rooftop swimming pool, steam and sauna facilities.

In addition, a free personal trainer is available to monitor and assist in your work out on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1pm to 10pm, says a press release.

The offer has some added cool benefits such as 15% off on food as well as beverage at the hotel’s in-house outlets RBG Grill and the Palm Restaurant. In addition members can pamper themselves with a haircut and related services from in-house salon all at 10% discount. To avail of the discounts, members must present their cards before they avail any service. The offer is valid until April 30 and terms and conditions apply.

Drive features, the BMW 2 Series Convertible includes an exclusive new addition — it is the first model to offer the new-generation Navigation System Professional, which allows navigation data to be updated “over the air” via the embedded SIM card.

The BMW 2 Series Convertible will be available on launch with a choice of three engine variants, all members of the latest BMW Efficient Dynamics generation and with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The BMW 220i Convertible 2.0l four-cylinder engine

I N F O R M AT I V E S E S S I O N

Pure Gold launches special edition diamond pendants

S TAY F I T

vised headliner ensure a considerably more elegant, high-quality look from inside and out. Noise insulation has also been significantly improved.

The BMW 2 Series Convertible also offers innovative equipment features as well as increased space, comfort and functionality and a more premium character for the interior; a combination of contemporary aesthetics and sportiness with convertible-specific functionality, high-quality materials and exceptional workmanship. In addition to a multitude of BMW Connected-

$7 billion which will be commissioned over the next three years,” said Musab Al Mahruqi, Chief Executive Officer of Orpic.

Orpic launched various external and internal initiatives in human resources development.

One of the internal initiatives is Arryiada programme which aims to develop leadership skills of managers and team leaders; 110 employees participated in this programme.

Additionally, the skills development initiative (ItQan), which is an internal programme that targets around 870 of the company’s employees in the technical functions of MAF and Sohar Refineries, and Aromatics and Polypropylene plants. The programme aims to establish and activate a system to develop the skills of engineers, operators and technicians who work in different locations. In addition to these programmes, the company has launched the educational development programme, which aims to aid employees in completing their studies and gaining new skills and contacts in their different fields.

Annual athletic meet held at ISD MUSCAT: The 22nd Annual Athletic Meet of Indian School Darsait was held at Sultan Qaboos Stadium, Bausher recently, says a press release.

The Chief Guest Saif Hilal Al Hosni, Chairman, Oman Athletic Association and Vice President, Oman Olympic Committee declared the meet open in the presence of Guest of Honour, Jihad Abdullah Al Shaikh, Secretary General, Oman Athletic Association and Board Member, Oman Athletic Committee, Abdul Rahim Kassim, President, SMC, Members of School Management Committee, Dr Sridevi P. Thashnath, Principal, Vice Principals, Assistant Vice Principals, a huge gathering of parents, staff, students and well wishers.

The chief guest received the salute of honour from the march past contingents belonging to four houses namely, Vivekananda, Bapu, CV Raman and Tagore whose exhilarating performance like spirited sentinels of Indian army mesmerised the spectators.

The highlights of the day were the scintillating inter- house finals of the track events. The bud-

ding athletes put up a breath taking show which gave the audience moments of great joy and cheer.

The winners were honoured with medals and certificates by the chief guest, guest of honour and other dignitaries. Vivekananda House won the championship trophy with 536 points while CV Raman House lifted the runner up trophy with 368 points. Moreover, the trophy for March Past was retained by Vivekananda house while CV Raman House mustered the second slot.

It was followed by a colourful mass drill displayed by the students of Classes IV and V and it was indeed a wonderful spectacle to behold while ‘pyramid forma-

tion’ by the girls of Classes VI to IX was a feast to the eyes and it was a testimony to their exuberance and hard work.

On the whole the meet was a great success and it was well appreciated by all. Earlier Devika Dinesh, Head Girl had extended a cordial welcome to everyone while Balabhaskar Ashok Kumar, Head Boy proposed vote of thanks to one and all for the thrilling triumph of the meet. Sridevi congratulated the winners and shared her happiness with the teachers especially the Department of Physical Education, HoD, Co-scholastic, non teaching staff, students and parents for making the day a memorable one.

C E L E B R AT I O N

Modern International School hosts annual day MUSCAT: The annual day celebration of Modern International school, Oman was held on February 25 and 26 on the school premises. Fatma Noorani, the Director General of Private Schools, Ministry of Education was the Chief Guest of the function on February 25 and Dr Ali bin Saud Al Bimani, Vice Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University was the Chief Guest on February 26, says a press release.

‘The Snow White’ and ‘Tarzan’

play, sand art show, short film by students, puppet show, choirs, etc. were the highlights of the show. Fatma Noorani appreciated the courage and confidence of the students’ performance on the stage. She said that all the students lived the character when they perform.

Al Bimani spoke about the role and responsibilities of teachers and parents in shaping the future of young children.

Dr Keshav Mandadi, school director, expressed his gratitude to both the dignitaries who attended the occasion. He also thanked all the parent community for their cooperation to the school. School Principal, Krishna Bangera gave a brief report of the school activities and achievements in the current academic year. The programme was thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated by all the invitees and the parents of the school.

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PAKISTAN WIN THRILLER AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA Pakistan’s trio of left-arm pacemen bowled their team to a thrilling 29-run win over South Africa on the Duckworth/Lewis method as they revived their bid for a World Cup quarterfinal place in Auckland on Saturday. >C3

GCC Women’s Games opens today Dr. Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shaibani, the Minister of Education, will officially declare the 11-day Games open at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex

MUSCAT: ‘Oman: Love and peace’ will form the main theme as the fourth edition of the GCC Women’s Games are set to be inaugurated with a colourful opening ceremony at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex (SQSC) on Sunday night.

Dr. Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shaibani, the Minister of Education, will officially declare the 11-day Games open at around 8 p.m. at the main indoor stadium of the SQSC in the presence of Sheikha Naeema Al Sabah, head of the GCC Women’s Sports Organising Committee and chairperson of the Kuwait Women’s Sports Committee.

A number of dignitaries from Oman and four other participating nations — Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain, will also grace the proceedings.

The opening ceremony is scheduled to begin with a welcome address by Oman Women’s Sports Committee chief and vice-chairperson of the Games Organising Committee Sayyida Sana bint Hamad Al Busaidy.

That will be followed by a cultur-

PEP TALK: GCC Women’s Games Organising Committee chief Rashad Al Hinai, third from left, speaks to members of an Omani team at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on

Saturday. Schoolchildren, right photo, undergo rehearsals for the opening ceremony of the Games. – Supplied photos

al programme with love and peace as main theme and a parade of the participating teams. Then Omani athlete and Olympian Buthaina Al Yaqoobi will take oath on behalf all GCC athletes, after which chief guest Dr. Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shaibani will officially declare the Games open.

Games objective The Games are aimed at strengthening the relations between the GCC nations and their sports bodies and promote fairplay among the athletes.

The current Games are also a great opportunity to promote the Sultanate as a tourist destination in addition to showcase the country’s sporting arenas and or-

ganisational abilities. The Games, held under the umbrella of the GCC Women’s Sports Organising Committee, have grown in stature since the inaugural edition held in Kuwait in 2008. What started as a small event has now grown into a multi-sport championships with the Sultanate now ready to host 10 sports, including two disciplines handball and tennis.

The other sports on the list are bowling, basketball, volleyball, taekwondo, tennis, shooting, equestrian (endurance races) and athletics and athletics for physically challenged.

Sheikh Rashad meets teams While the Sultanate are all set to host a successful Games, the Oma-

nis teams are gearing up for the challenge with confidence.

Sheikh Rashad bin Ahmed Al Hinai, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Sports Affairs and Chairman of the Games Organising Committee, met the Omani national teams in the presence of Sayyida Sana Al Busaidi and managers of the participating teams.

In his remarks, Rashad Al Hinai said: “It’s a great honour to be hosting these Games. The Games are an opportunity for not just competing in the field of play but to share and understand each others’ cultures, and show respect and love to each other.”

He lauded the efforts put in by all those involved in preparations, leading to the Sultanate’s complete

readiness to host the Games.

He also said: “We have been following the training of our national teams and individual athletes. Be it the domestic training sessions or external camps, the athletes have shown good discipline and keenness to represent the Sultanate. I wish all the teams great success.”

While speaking to the managers of the various teams, he said: “We do not want see any kind of pressure on the athletes to perform.

But we want the teams to utilise these Games to improve their level of performance and try to compete for the top places. The team managers and officials can later discuss and review the teams’ performance and come up with the suggestions for further improvements.”

Sayyida Sana Al Busaidi, meanwhile, said: “The fact that we will be hosting ten sports during the Games is a great achievement in itself. It augurs well for sports in the Sultanate and the entire GCC region.”

She also declared that all facilities have been refurbished and ready to host the competitions while thanking Oman Equestrian Federation, Oman Shooting Association and other sports bodies as well as the officials of the Ministry of Sports Affairs and Oman Olympic Committee for their efforts in the run up to the Games.

The opening day action will see Oman basketball team beginning their campaign against Kuwait, followed by the match between Bahrain and the UAE.

H E AT E D A R G U M E N T S

BAUSHER OUTPLAY SUWAIQ

Bausher outplayed Suwaiq in an Omantel Professional League match played at the Seeb Sports Stadium on Saturday. In a battle between two teams that are languishing at the bottom of the table, Bausher handed 2012-13 champions Suwaiq a 3-1 defeat. Bausher took their tally to 15 points while Suwaiq stay rooted to the bottom with 12 points. In other matches, Sur beat Sohar 2-1, Al Musannah blanked Seeb 2-0 while Saham played out a 1-1 draw with Al Khabourah. — ISMAIL AL FARSI / Times of Oman

Oman Football Association board holds consultative meeting with sports clubs

MUSCAT: The Oman Football Association (OFA) board members, under the chairmanship of Sayyid Khalid bin Hamad Al Busaidi, on Saturday held a consultative meeting with 36 clubs.

Some of the clubs have called for an Extraordinary General Assembly (EGM) with the aim of introducing a ‘no-confidence motion’ against the OFA board. But Saturday’s meeting has been turned into

a consultative meeting following a communication from the world soccer body, Fifa informing that there was no need for an EGM as per the rules of the board.

In his opening remarks, OFA chief Sayyid Khalid said Fifa letter made it clear, after withdrawal demand for an EGM by Al Hamra and Al Salam clubs, the EGM does not meet the quorum required to hold such a meeting and that

there was no clear clause in the OFA constitution for ‘withdrawal of confidence against board’.

He said that articles 28 and 36 of the OFA constitution on which the clubs relied have nothing to do with withdrawal of confidence.

He also read out a letter from Bausher Club to the Fifa as well as the response from the Fifa which stated that ‘it does not interfere in such issues as they are internal

affairs’ and being an international federation, the Fifa communicates only with local federations.

Meanwhile, Jalan Club chief Sheikh Mohsin al Masroory invited the clubs to hold an emergency meting in 30 days time, on April 7, with eight clubs welcoming the demand.

However, Al Talee’a, Al Arouba, Sur, Al Nasr and Oman clubs opposed the call for the said meeting and supported the OFA board.

W O R L D T R I AT H L O N S E R I E S

Jorgensen begins season with stunning show in Abu Dhabi ABU DHABI: The 2015 World Triathlon Series started exactly where it left off last year, when reigning ITU World Champion Gwen Jorgensen proved that she will again be the woman to beat with a stunning performance in Abu Dhabi’s season opener on Saturday.

Jorgensen left the water 35 seconds down on the leaders, and then stepped onto the run course around one minute down.

But in an incredible burst of speed, the Threadneedle No.1 cut 45 seconds of that deficit in the first 2.5km lap.

She took the lead from Bermuda’s Flora Duffy with about 1.5km to go and pushed further ahead to win comfortably, in a time of 58 minutes and 58 seconds.

Her run split was 15 minutes and 57 seconds.

“I was shocked by how fast I

ran,” Jorgensen said straight after the race. “...I’ve had some good run sessions but I didn’t know I was running that well…you can’t give up until the finish line, that’s something I’ve learned.”

Behind her Katie Zaferes, finally broke her bad streak of World Triathlon Series luck.

While a multiple World Cup winner, Zaferes had struggled to transfer that to series races, with mechanical issues and injuries the main culprits, but did so in fine form in Abu Dhabi.

“This has been my goal since I have started triathlon so to finally achieve it I’m pretty stoked,” she said.

Behind her Bermuda’s Duffy broke through for her first World Triathlon Series medal.

Earlier the 2015 season started with a bang in the clear blue waters

WINNERS: The top three women pose on the podium. – Supplied photo

of Abu Dhabi, which was making its debut on the World Triathlon Series circuit. Spain’s Carolina Routier picked up right where she left off, rocking through the one-

lap Gulf swim to lead the ladies into transition with a 10 second advantage.

Last year’s runner-up in the Threadneedle Rankings, Sarah

True tucked herself into strong position with the lead swim pack.

Together, a small group of 11 women took off for the four-lap bike with a small but important distance from a dangerous chase that contained reigning World Champion Jorgensen and third-ranked Andrea Hewitt.

Despite the likes of Haug and Hewitt pulling the chase, with strong cyclists Duffy and Lisa Norden at the helm of lead bike pack, there was little opportunity for the chase to decrease their deficit. Though it initially appeared like they had, the gap to the chase pack was just 14 seconds after the first 5km lap, but it didn’t remain that way.

Just after the halfway point Norden, Duffy and Lucy Hall decided to make a break off the front.

That pushed the pace of those

immediately behind them, as Jerdonek and Zaferes bridged up to join them. By the 15km mark the pressure piled on by this group meant the large chase group was pushed back to 40 seconds again, and just over a minute at the second transition.

But Jorgensen immediately started cutting through the field.

While Duffy strode to the front and stayed there for most of the run, even she couldn’t hold off the force that is Jorgensen in full flight.

The title is her third World Triathlon Series sprint title. Of eight WTS sprint distance races, Jorgensen is the only woman to have won more than one. Overall, it is Jorgensen’s ninth World Triathlon Series win, and continuing on a streak that started last year, her sixth World Triathlon Series win in a row.

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OAA to host 24-hour endurance race venue, the association has planned plenty of activities to keep them engaged for 24 hours.

“We expect many motorsports enthusiasts during the entire duration of the competition. So we have planned many leisure activities besides opening up the coffee shops for 24 hours,” he said.

Those who cannot turn up at the venue, however, can catch the action live on OAA website (http:// omanauto.org/) and its Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ OmanAutomobileAssociation) during the race days.

“The live streaming will help motorsports enthusiasts, who could not attend the event, follow the action live. Besides we expect a film crew from Bahrain to shoot the race. It augurs well for Muscat Speedway,” Suleiman said.

As many as 15 teams are expected to vie for top honours in one of the toughest karting competitions - the 24-hour Endurance Race to be hosted

by OAA at Muscat Speedway

MUSCAT: Drivers are gearing up for one of the toughest karting competitions in their career — the 24-hour Endurance Race — to be held at the Muscat Speedway at the Oman Automobile Association (OAA) on Friday and Saturday.

As many as 15 teams are expected to vie for top honours in the competition, which will be flagged off at 4 p.m. on Friday. The character, skill, stamina and endurance of the drivers will put to test, as

TOUGH COMPETITION: The karting drivers are gearing up for the 24-hour endurance race. – Supplied photo

they try to best their rivals for 24 continuous hours.

The competition rules do not specify the number of drivers to be included in each team. So the teams vary in size with the biggest side in the fray has eight drivers in its ranks while the smallest team has the service of just two drivers.

FOOTBALL

region. However, we are leaving no stone unturned to make the event a grand success,” Suleiman Al Rawahi, Managing Director of OAA, said.

According to Suleiman, drivers will be the biggest beneficiaries of the race. “Driving continuously for 24 hours is no mean task. Drivers

have to device specific strategies and work like a well-knit team to achieve the best results. Each member should stick to the team plan and try to avoid penalties. It is all about team effort, and drivers will be the ultimate beneficiaries,” he said.

With plenty of motorsports aficionados expecting to throng the

OMAN CRICKET

Reading take Bradford to FA Cup replay LONDON: Giant-killers Bradford City’s progress in the FA Cup was suspended at the quarterfinal stage on Saturday after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Championship side Reading.

Third-tier Bradford memorably came from 2-0 down to win 4-2 at

Meanwhile, the OAA has made elaborate arrangements for the success of the event.

“Of course, it is a challenge to oraganise the 24-hour race. But we have proved our ability by organising various events. Besides, the Muscat Speedway has already carved a niche for itself in the

Corporate support Suleiman believes that the corporate support for the competing teams will go a long way in promoting motorsports in the country.

“We have received three entries from Omantel. Besides, all the teams have got sponsorships from various business organisations. It augurs well for motorsports in the Sultanate, which has no dearth of talents,” he opined.

Chelsea in the fourth round before eliminating Sunderland in round five, but they were taken to a replay by Reading on a muddy Valley Parade pitch. Bradford are attempting to reach the semifinals for the first time since they won the trophy in 1911. - AFP

Sarco stay in contention for top honours MUSCAT: Sarco recorded a fivewicket win against Oman Engineering to stay in contention for top honours in the Enhance-sponsored E Division T20 competition.

Deciding to bat first, a 10-man Oman Engineering were bowled out for 133 in 19.1 overs with valuable contributions coming from No. 3 batsman Qamar Nazir (47) and opening batsman Irteza Ahmed (30).

Jeethesh Shridhara picked up four wickets. Sarco in reply got to their target scoring 136 for the loss of five wickets in 14.4 overs.

Brief Scores: Oman Engineering 133 in 19.1 overs (Qamar Nazir 47, Irteza Ahmed 30; Jeethesh Shridhara 4/25, Shakkir Puzhakkal 2/31) lost to Sarco 136 for 5 in 14.4 overs (Tosim Khan 27, Mohammed Saeed Khan 24 n.o., Akshath Castelino 21, Gireesha Thingalaya 20; Muhammed Raza 3/24). Points: Sarco -2 (6 games, 10 pts), Oman Engineering Nil (6 games, 7 pts).

Khalsa Utd down Starcare In a J Division T20 match, Khalsa United thumped Starcare Hospital by 57 runs to spoil the team’s chances for top honours.

Opting to bat first, Khalsa United thanks to an opening partnership of 79 runs in eight overs between Sushil Khadam (60) and Prashant Barua (50) piled up 187 runs for the loss of five wickets in 20 overs. Arvind Singh chipped in with 47 valuable runs.

Starcare Hospital were bowled out for 130 in 17.3 overs. Jestin Augustin scored 33. Harminder Singh took four wickets.

Brief scores: Khalsa United 187 for 5 in 20 overs (Sushil Kadam 60, Prashant Barua 50, Arvind Singh 47) bt Starcare

Seven-star Ajay inspires Al Turki NMC MUSCAT: Man of the match Ajay Lalcheta claimed seven wickets, including a hat-trick, in 5.4 overs to help Al Turki NMC record an easy 79-run win against the National Youth Development Team (NYDT) in a Muscat Pharmacy & Stores-sponsored A Division 50 overs-a-side league match.

Invited to bat first, Al Turki NMC, after an opening part-

Hospital 130 in 17.3 overs (Jestin Augustin 33, Joshy Benedict 25, Franklin 22; Harminder Singh 4/20, Mohammed Yasar 2/11). Points: Khalsa United - 2 (8 games, 9 pts), Starcare Hospital – Nil (8 games, 12 pts).

Landscape Architecture win In Enhance-sponsored E Division T20 match, Landscape Architecture trounced Ibrahim Al Kishri by 68 runs.

Electing to bat first, Landscape Architecture, thanks to contributions from opening batsman Muhammed Mudassar (78) and No.3 batsman Prasad Peruli (72) scored 216 for the loss of six wickets in 20 overs.

Anshul Jangid picked up three wickets. Ibrahim Al Kishri in reply were restricted to 148 for eight wickets in 20 overs.

Brief scores: Landscape Architec-

nership of 50 runs in 8.3 overs between Ajay Lalcheta (37) and Yogesh Patel (30), slumped to 163 all out in 37.3 overs.

Shivpalsinh Rana chipped in with a useful 24 runs. Young Mohammed Ali Akbar Al Balushi took four wickets.

NYDT in reply lost wickets at regular intervals and were bundled out for 84 in 29.4 overs. Shuaib Ismail Al Balushi top scored with 32 runs.

ture 216 for 6 in 20 overs (M. Mudassar 78, Prasad Peruli 72, Sajeev Sathanandam 31, Honoz Iqbal Ahmed 25; Anshul Jangid 3/17) bt Ibrahim Al Kishri 148 for 8 in 20 overs (Mohammed Shakil 31, Naqeeb Khan 27 n.o., Vishal Vinod Soni 24, Wasif Bakkar 24; Laiju Jose 3/6, Muhammed Mudassar 2/27). Points: Landscape Architecture - 2 (6 games, 8 pts), Ibrahim Al Kishri - Nil (6 games, 2 pts).

RAY beat R.K. Group Rukun Al Yaqeen (RAY) defeated R.K. Group by five wickets in an H Division T20 match. Batting first R.K. Group scored 142 for the loss of nine wickets in 20 overs.

RAY, playing with 10-men, reached their target scoring 146 for five in 18.3 overs, Ragunath M. top scored with an unbeaten 61.

Brief scores: R.K. Group 142 for 9 in 20 overs (Abhishek Kalla 29, Satish Sitaram 27, Vishal Bhupendra 24,

Jay Odedra picked up two wickets.

Brief scores: Al Turki NMC 163 in 37.3 overs (Ajay Lalcheta 37, Yogesh Patel 30, Shivpalsinh Rana 24; Mohammed Ali Akbar Al Balushi 4/49, Sufyan Mahmood 3/27, Kunal Pandya 2/29) bt NYDT 84 in 29.4 overs (Shuaib Ismail Al Balushi 32; Ajay Lalcheta 7/12, Jay Odedra 2/17). Points: Al Turki NMC - 5 (7 games, 20 pts), NYDT - Nil (8 games, 5 pts).

Muneer Ahammad 22; Sugesh Ragavan 3/15, Vinu Narayanan Nair 3/25) lost to RAY 146 for 5 in 18.3 overs (Ragunath M. 61 n.o., Mifas Mohammed 36 n.o., Rajesh Ayyavu 22; Abhishek Kalla 2/29).

Points: RAY - 2 (7 games, 2 pts); R.K. Group - Nil (8 games, 6 pts).

Sunil slams ton Opening batsman Sunil Kumar slammed a brilliant 116 off 62 balls, to steer RAHRC to a 52-run win against Bank Sohar in a I Division T20 match. Bank Sohar, in reply, were bowled out for 146 in 18.4 overs.

Brief scores: RAHRC 198 for 6 in 20 overs (Sunil Kumar 116, Madan Nivrutti 56) bt Bank Sohar 146 in 18.4 overs (Rashid Mohammed 31, Suren S. 25 n.o.; Manoj V. 2/14, Jassim Hassan 2/14, Rajesh Arumugam 2/20). Points: RAHRC - 2 (8 games, 7 pts), Bank Sohar - Nil (8 games, 8 pts).

ALL-ENGLAND BADMINTON

Chen vs Jorgense, Nehwal vs Marin BIRMINGHAM: World champion Chen Long outmuscled fellow Chinese Lin Dan 21-13, 21-12 in a one-way semifinal at the AllEngland Championships on Saturday to confirm a shift in power in men’s badminton.

Chen, who has remained in Lin’s shadow as he has advanced to the top of the rankings, rubberstamped his status with a superb all-round performance. The world

champion simply played a far tighter game with better interchanges as Lin looked bereft of ideas.

“The important phase was coming from behind in the second,” said Chen. Chen will play Jan O Jorgensen, Denmark’s world No. 2, in the final as he looks to regain the title he first won in 2013.

Jorgensen became the first European to reach the men’s final since Peter Gade in 2004 with a

crushing 21-11 21-12 victory over Japan’s Sho Sasaki. The women’s final will be contested by India’s Saina Nehwal and world champion Carolina Marin of Spain, the second time no Chinese player has reached the final in three years.

Nehwal, a former semifinalist, defeated Sun Yu of China 21-13, 21-13, while an ever vocal Marin saw off young Chinese Taipei tyro Tai Tzu Ying 21-18 21-11. - Reuters

C3

S U N DAY, MAR C H 8, 2 0 1 5

TODAY’S POOL A: NEW ZEALAND V AFGHANISTAN (2:00AM OMAN TIME) MATCHES POOL A: AUSTRALIA V SRI LANKA (7:30AM OMAN TIME)

Pakistan stun Proteas to revive quarterfinal bid Rahat Ali grabbed a career-best three for 40, while Mohammed Irfan (three for 52) and Wahab Riaz (three for 45) were also in the wickets as South Africa, chasing a revised target of 232 in 47 overs, were dismissed for 202 in 33.3 overs

AUCKLAND: Pakistan’s trio of left-arm pacemen bowled their team to a thrilling 29-run win over South Africa on the Duckworth/ Lewis method as they revived their bid for a World Cup quarterfinal place in Auckland on Saturday.

Rahat Ali grabbed a career-best three for 40, while Mohammed Irfan (three for 52) and Wahab Riaz (three for 45) were also in the wickets as South Africa, chasing a revised target of 232 in 47 overs, were dismissed for 202 in 33.3 overs.

South Africa captain AB de Villiers hit a brilliant 58-ball 77 with five sixes and seven boundaries but failed to stop Pakistan from registering their third win in five matches — and their first victory over the Proteas in all World Cups.

Pakistan were all out in 46.4 overs after two rain interruptions which reduced the match to 47-over-a-side. Skipper Misbahul-Haq scored 56 while Sarfraz Ahmed made run-a-ball 49.

De Villiers, who completed 1000 World Cup runs, was dismissed

by Sohail Khan in the 33rd over for wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed’s sixth catch in the match — equalling the world record for most catches behind the stumps in a One-day International.

South Africa were off to a disas-

PAKISTAN Sarfraz Ahmed run out 49 Ahmed Shehzad c Steyn b Abbott 18 Younis Khan c Rossouw b De Villiers 37 Misbah-ul-Haq c Morkel b Steyn 56 Sohaib Maqsood c Rossouw b Abbott 8 Umar Akmal c de Villiers b Morkel 13 Shahid Afridi c Duminy b Steyn 22 Wahab Riaz lbw b Tahir 0 Sohail Khan c Duminy b Morkel 3 Rahat Ali c Tahir b Steyn 1 Mohammed Irfan not out 1 Extras: (lb-7, nb-1, w-6) 14 Total (all out, 46.4 overs) 222 Fall of wickets: 1-30 (Shehzad), 2-92 (Ahmed), 3-132 (Younis), 4-156 (Maqsood), 5-175 (Akmal), 6-212 (Afridi), 7-212 (Riaz),

EXCITED: Pakistan players celebrate after Rahat Ali claimed David Miller’s wicket. – AFP

trous start as opener Quinton de Kock was dismissed in Irfan’s first over of the innings.

Hashim Amla, who hit nine boundaries in his 38, steadied the innings during his 67-run second wicket stand with Faf du Plessis before Pakistan hit back.

Ali removed Du Plessis and David Miller (nought) while Riaz dismissed Amla and Rilee Rossouw (six) as South Africa lost four wickets for just 10 runs in the space of 39 balls.

Irfan returned for his second spell to dismiss JP Duminy for 12 as South Africa, who would have been in the quarterfinals had they won this match, were left reeling at 102 for six.

De Villiers took the fight to the Pakistani bowlers adding 36 with Dale Steyn (16) and another invaluable 33 for the eighth with Kyle Abbott who made 12.

He hit two sixes in one Shahid Afridi over to reach his fifty off just 45 balls before Pakistan staged a

8-218 (Misbah), 9-221 (Ali), 10-222 (Sohail) Bowling: Steyn 10-3-30-3 (1w); Abbott 9-045-2 (1w); Morkel 9.4-0-25-2 (1nb); Tahir 9-1-38-1; De Villiers 6-0-43-1 (1w); Duminy 3-0-34-0 (3w) SOUTH AFRICA (Revised target 232 in 47 overs D/L method) Q. de Kock c Ahmed b Irfan 0 Hashim Amla c Ahmed b Riaz 38 Faf du Plessis c Ahmed b Ali 27 R. Rossouw c Khan b Riaz 6 AB de Villiers c Ahmed b Khan 77 D. Miller lbw b Ali 0 JP Duminy c Riaz b Irfan 12 D. Steyn c Ahmed b Irfan 16 K. Abbott c Younis b Ali 12 M. Morkel not out 6

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

late comeback.

It was Misbah who steadied Pakistan’s innings with a determined 86-ball knock — his fourth half-century in five World Cup matches.

The Pakistan captain also completed 5,000 One-day International runs when on seven in his 160th match.

He was the 12th Pakistani to reach the landmark but the first from any country to do so without scoring an individual hundred.

Misbah hit four boundaries before he holed out at third man off fast bowler Steyn who finished with three for 30.

Afridi made a 15-ball 22 with two sixes and a boundary as he went to 8,000 ODI runs.

Ahmed put on a confident 30-

Imran Tahir c Ahmed b Riaz 0 Extras: (lb-1, w-7) 8 Total: (all out, 33.3 overs) 202 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (de Kock), 2-67 (Du Plessis), 3-67 (Amla), 4-74 (Rossouw), 5-77 (Miller), 6-102 (Duminy), 7-138 (Steyn), 8-172 (Abbott), 9-200 (De Villiers) Bowling: Irfan 8-0-52-3; Khan 5-0-36-1 (4w); Ali 8-1-40-3 (1w); Afridi 5-0-28-0; Riaz 7.3-0-45-3 (2w) Result: Pakistan won by 29 runs Man of the match: Sarfaraz Ahmed Toss: South Africa Umpires: Richard Kettleborough (ENG) and Bruce Oxenford (AUS) TV umpire: Chris Gaffaney (NZ) Match referee: Chris Broad (ENG)

run opening stand with Ahmed Shehzad (18) — the best opening stand for Pakistan in this tournament — before Steyn held a smart diving catch to give South Africa the breakthrough.

Shehzad hit Abbott towards long-on where Steyn, on the run, held a low chance.

Ahmed, who did not play in Pakistan’s first four pool matches, hit three sixes in one Duminy over before he ran himself out while taking a second run in a bid to reach his fifty.

He also hit five boundaries in his run-a-ball knock.

Younis Khan, dropped after poor run of scores in the first three matches, made an attractive 44ball 37 with four boundaries before falling to soft dismissal off the part-time bowling of de Villiers.

But South Africa’s lack of a genuine fifth bowler proved costly, with de Villiers and Duminy conceding 77 runs between them in a combined nine overs. - AFP

MAN OF THE MATCH: Pakistan wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed

celebrates triumph over South Africa by lightning up the wickets.

Sarfaraz impressed everyone with his solid batting as opener and also by claiming six catches behind the wickets. – AFP S TA N D I N G S POOL A

Teams New Zealand Sri Lanka Australia Bangladesh England Afghanistan Scotland

M 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

W 4 3 2 2 1 1 0

L 0 1 1 1 3 3 4

T 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

N/R 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

Pts 8 6 5 5 2 2 0

Net RR +3.589 +0.128 +1.804 +0.182 -1.201 -1.953 -1.423

4 5 5 4 5 5 4

4 3 3 3 2 1 0

0 2 2 1 3 4 4

0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0

8 6 6 6 4 2 0

+2.246 +1.462 -0.194 -0.820 -0.511 -0.595 -1.691

POOL B

India South Africa Pakistan Ireland West Indies Zimbabwe UAE

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SU N DAY, MARCH 8, 2015

C O M M E N TA RY

The man of the day for me was Sarfaraz Ahmed

T

he Pakistan-South Africa game was just what this World Cup needed after the run fests that have dominated the last few days.

A match that turned out to be one of the fairest contests between bat and ball that we’ve seen in this edition so far.

South Africa were rightly considered as favourites heading into the game, and that tag looked more than justified at the halfway point after their bowlers did a fantastic job of bundling Pakistan out for just 222.

By the way, I still can’t get my head around how a side that gets dismissed for 222 ends up with a generous gift of an additional 10 runs courtesy Duckworth-Lewis, but perhaps that’s a story for another day.

The story at Eden Park yesterday was Pakistan silencing their critics with a rousing performance.

It takes a special effort to defend a modest target, and skipper Misbah Ul-Haq got a much needed one from his team. Whether it’s the hint of swing on offer, I’m not totally sure, but Eden Park is clearly turning into a happy-hunting ground for left-arm seamers.

Exactly a week ago, Mitchell Starc and Trent Boult were the stars of the show and that must have encouraged the Pakistani trio of Mohammad Irfan, Wahab Riaz and Rahat Ali who finished with three South African wickets apiece yesterday.

Still, the man of the day for me was the man of the match, Sarfraz Ahmed who scored a run-a-ball 49 that got Pakistan off to a good start and then claimed six dismissals behind the stumps – the most for a

Pakistani wicketkeeper in an ODI. Out of those six, the low diving effort that got Amla was easily the pick of the lot judging by how dangerous the South-African opener was looking at that point.

In a nutshell, Ahmed delivered the performance that made you ask just what were the team management thinking by not playing him from game one?

I said earlier that from what I’d seen of him against Australia in the UAE last year, if I had to pick Pakistan’s best eleven, his would have been one of the first names down.

It’s going to be really interesting to see how this surprise result affects the final standings in this group.

Today’s huge clash between Australia and Sri Lanka is effectively a battle for the number two spot in Pool A. But now you’ve got to wonder how sought after a position is it, if Pakistan’s win eventually causes South Africa to slip to number three in pool B. Eitherway, I’m expecting Australia to ride on the home support and come out on top at the SCG today.

The Lankans are certainly not a side to be taken lightly and will carry confidence from their resounding win over England, but so will the Aussies who, albeit against Afghanistan, would have been mighty pleased to have seen their batsmen and bowlers all get a decent workout in that game. — PMG

CAUTION IN THE AIR: Afghanistan team which had a bad day against Australia still earns respect from New Zealand.

Black Caps to keep focus against ‘tricky’ Afghans FA C T B O X

Black Caps paceman Tim Southee said the New Zealanders were intent on maintaining momentum against Afghanistan, who slumped to a record 275-defeat against Australia in Perth

NAPIER: After being flattened by an Australian “freight train” this week, Afghanistan face the unenviable task of picking themselves up to face New Zealand’s World Cup juggernaut at McLean Park on Sunday.

Black Caps paceman Tim Southee said the New Zealanders were intent on maintaining momentum against Afghanistan, who slumped to a tournament record 275-defeat against Australia in Perth on Wednesday.

He said the Afghans should expect no mercy as New Zealand seek to extend their perfect 4-0 winning record at this year’s tournament.

“The minnows have performed strongly at times in this tourna-

NEW ZEALAND Captain: Bendon McCullum Coach: Mike Hesson Squad: Brendon McCullum (captain), Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, Grant Elliott, Corey Anderson, Daniel Vettori, Luke Ronchi, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Trent Boult, Mitchell McClenaghan Results so far at 2015 World Cup: Beat Sri Lanka by 98 runs Beat Scotland by three wickets Beat England by eight wickets Beat Australia by one wicket Remaining fixtures: March 13 v Bangladesh, Hamilton Best performers: McCullum (207 runs), Williamson (149 runs); Southee (13 wickets), Boult (10 wickets)

ment and you can’t afford to ease off because they’re not a more recognised opponent,” Southee told reporters.

“We’ve still got to stick to our game plan and our brand of cricket, so nothing changes from our point of view.”

New Zealand have already qualified for the quarterfinals and wrap up their Pool A matches against Afghanistan and then Bangladesh (in Hamilton on March 13).

“These two games are important to try to win because it takes us to the top of the pool to give ourselves, hopefully, a better run into the final,” all rounder Corey Anderson said.

Anderson has likened New Zealand’s campaign to a juggernaut, while Afghanistan coach Andy Moles said his side “ran into a

AFGHANISTAN Captain: Mohammed Nabi Coach: Andy Moles Squad: Mohammed Nabi, Nawroz Mangal, Asghar Stanikzai, Samiullah Shenwari, Afsar Zazai, Najibullah Zadran, Nasir Jamal, Gulbadin Naib, Hamid Hassan, Shapoor Zadran, Dawlat Zadran, Aftab Alam, Javed Ahmadi, Usman Ghani, Shafiqullah Shafiq Results so far at 2015 World Cup: Lost to Bangladesh by 105 runs Lost to Sri Lanka by four wickets Beat Scotland by one wicket Lost to Australia by 275 runs Remaining fixtures: March 13 v England, Sydney Best performers: Shenwari (193 runs); Shapoor (nine wickets), Hassan (seven wickets)

freight train” against Australia.

“I’ll be doing my best to make sure they don’t go into their shells,” said Englishman Moles, who is familiar with New Zealand conditions after a brief stint coaching the Black Caps in 2008-09.

“I’ll keep telling them to express themselves and play with the freedom Afghanistan cricket has been known for.”

Afghanistan may have stumbled against Australia, but the non-Test playing nation has enjoyed a successful debut at the World Cup after just six years playing One-day Internationals (ODIs).

They defeated fellow minnows Scotland and came close to an upset against Sri Lanka before a Mahela Jayawardene century spared the former world champions’ blushes.

New Zealand and Afghanistan have never played an ODI and Black Caps coach Mike Hesson said he would not be underestimating Moles team.

Its a mantra repeated every time a Test-nation plays an associate but has a ring of truth coming from Hesson, who saw Afghanistan’s pace attack firsthand when he coached Kenya in 2011-12.

“They have three guys who bowl over 140km/h and they can swing it,” he said of quicks Shapoor Zadran, Dawlat Zadran and Hamid Hassan.

“Generally, their batsmen don’t die wondering. It should be a good contest. We have to show them due respect and make sure we put in a good performance.”

Hesson said in-form skipper Brendon McCullum was fit to play after a nasty knock from a Mitchell Johnson delivery against Australia resulted in his forearm swelling up like “Popeye”.

New Zealand have fielded the same team for all of their four wins do far leaving remaining squad players, Tom Latham, Nathan McCullum, Mitchell McClenaghan and Kyle Mills, kicking their heels.

The Afghanistan match would appear an ideal opportunity to give them some game time but Hesson was cagey about whether he plans to rotate his squad, saying his first-choice team was well rested.

“When you have a week between games, if you leave out some of your key players, it can be two weeks before they play again, which is a long time,” he said. - AFP

S U N DAY, MAR C H 8, 2 0 1 5

Waqar sees spirit of 1992 in reborn team The victory gave Pakistan six points

We played aggressive cricket which I think Pakistan is known for, we have started finding the right combination and the players have started to trust their abilities and that’s the key. I am very thrilled but it’s a long way to go

from five matches and revived their chances of a quarterfinal place from Pool B while South Africa are also on six points from five games

AUCKLAND: Pakistan coach Waqar Younis senses his team are developing the same belief which propelled Imran Khan’s “cornered tigers” to the World Cup in 1992 after their thrilling victory over South Africa.

Pakistan pulled off a sensational 29-run win on the DuckworthLewis method after the match was reduced to a 47-over-a-side contest due to rain at Eden Park in Auckland.

Pakistan, whose innings was twice interrupted by rain, were bowled out for 222 in 46.4 overs with skipper Misbah-ul Haq hitting 56 and recalled wicket-keeper/batsman Sarfraz Ahmed scoring a run-a-ball 49.

Pakistan’s left-arm pace trio of Rahat Ali (3-40), Wahab Riaz (3-45) and Mohammad Irfan (352) then bowled with venom to bundle South Africa out for 202 in 33.3 overs.

AB de Villiers smashed an impressive 58-ball 77 with five sixes and seven boundaries but his dismissal ninth man down sealed a third win in a row for Pakistan.

The victory gave Pakistan six points from five matches and revived their chances of a quarterfinal place from Pool B while South Africa are also on six points from five games.

Waqar said the team is gaining the same spirit of 1992 after defeats in their first two matches.

“I hope it turns out to be the same,” said Waqar of the 1992 triumph which was also sealed in Australia and New Zealand.

“The World Cup means pressure games and in 1992 the team handled the pressure very well.

“They lost early games but then came back strongly, they had the belief and (captain) Imran Khan had serious belief and I am hopeful that the same belief is coming into our dressing room. We are going to get better and better.”

Waqar was not part of that 1992 team, withdrawn a fortnight before the tournament started with a back problem.

“We are gaining that belief that we can deliver. I am not going to think that far but, of course, we are heading in the right direction.

“We still need to win the last game to reach the quarterfinal,” said Waqar of Pakistan’s last match against a dangerous Ireland in Adelaide on March 15.

The coach said he was thrilled with the win which was sealed by his bowlers after his batsmen had squandered a promising start to lose their last five wickets for 25 runs.

“We played aggressive cricket which I think Pakistan is known for, we have started finding the right combination and the players have started to trust their abilities and that’s the key.

“I am very thrilled but it’s a long way to go.”

“We bowled extremely well and we were right on top,” said Waqar

Waqar Younis Pakistan coach

We were stuck in second gear, says De Villiers AUCKLAND: South Africa captain AB de Villiers took responsibility for the shock 29-run World Cup loss to Pakistan on Saturday, blasting his team for being stuck in “second or third gear”.

De Villiers fought a lone hand in South Africa’s 202 in 33.3 overs with a brilliant 58ball 77 including five sixes and seven boundaries.

“I’m not blaming anyone.

I’m not saying anyone didn’t have the energy. I just didn’t feel any electric vibe at the warm-up,” said de Villiers.

“That is normally a bit of an alarm bell going off for me.

It is my responsibility to try to get the guys going, which I couldn’t, so maybe I should take responsibility for that.

“I just could feel that nothing was really happening at a hundred percent. It was almost like a car that’s stuck in second or third gear, and that’s not going to win you cricket games, especially not under pressure and in big tournaments like this.

“So we need to have a chat about what maybe went wrong tonight and try to get to fifth gear again against the UAE,” said De Villiers, of their concluding pool game in Wellington on Thursday.

De Villiers described the loss as “disappointing.”

“Once again we seemed to not get enough partnerships in pressure situations. We’ve done it in the past, but unfortunately tonight we couldn’t do that, so it’s a very disappointing loss,” he admitted.

“I felt that Pakistan wanted it more than us. There’s nothing wrong with the batting. It’s just a matter of urgency and being prepared to fight it out.”.

The South African captain was full of admiration for Pa-

of his attack which he described as the “best in the tournament” a few days ago.

“Our bowlers bowled with gas and real purpose and pace.”

EFFORT IN VAIN: South African skipper AB de Villiers tried his best to save his team. – Reuters

kistan’s bowling. “They bowled pretty well tonight. They were geared up and really wanted to win the game. You could see that from a mile away.”

South Africa were well set at 67 for before Pakistan took four wickets off 39 balls for the addition of just ten runs to leave them struggling at 102-6.

De Villiers put on 32 with Dale Steyn (16) for the seventh wicket and another 34 with Kyle Abbott (12) for the next.

But Sohail Khan had de Villiers caught behind by Sarfraz Ahmed for a world record

Waqar also saluted Sarfraz for his innings — his first of the competition — and six catches behind the stumps, equalling the world record for most one-day catches

equalling sixth catch -- the most by a keeper in a One-day International.

“Every time we lost a wicket it was was a turning point.

It was all about us not losing wickets and them picking up wickets,” said the captain.

De Villiers said he retained full faith in his team who are still on course for a last-eight place. “I’ve got full faith in the ability of the players around me. That’s why they’re all here. I know I can’t win this World Cup alone. I need my team-mates.” - AFP

by a wicketkeeper.

“I never doubted his ability, we always knew how good he is but regarding his opening, he is a makeshift opener.” - AFP

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C O M M E N TA RY

Applause for Pakistan, but Proteas still look vulnerable under pressure

E

ven though Pakistan floundered a bit in the batting department, they exhibited their prowess in bowling and fielding to come out trumps and stay afloat.

Waqar Younis has lent out a victory cry saying the ‘Spirit of 1992’ is back, but analytically they still are way behind the outfit which was led by the charismatic Imran Khan.

Nevertheless, the win over South Africa appeared similar to the match which we all witnessed on the bouncy Waca track in Perth. There Captain Cool (Mahendra Singh Dhoni) was composed to steer home India but at the Eden Park, Mr. Matrix (Abraham Benjamin de Villiers) tried his best but failed to curb his aggressive intent to finally surrender his quest.

The South African performance once again proved that they are still vulnerable under pressure and if this trend continues it will be difficult to erase the famous ‘chokers’ tag.

This I say without taking anything away from the spirited team effort from Pakistan, who bowled with intent and also had the catches pouched with élan. Well the difference was indeed Sarfaraz Ahmed, who did justice as an opener and also snapped six catches behind the stumps, equalling the world record for most ODI catches by a wicketkeeper.

With applause to Pakistan and Misbah-ul Haq’s attacking intentions, I would like to churn the history once again, which may not be happy reading for the South African fans.

The Proteas have always been the team billed to win the world pennant and have always faltered at crucial junctures.

This AB-led team also stood on top of the favourites list before the 2015 edition unfolded and gradually they are now slipping down as failures under pressure are dogging them.

Against India, they surrendered cheaply when MCG bled blue, and against Pakistan the story was no different when Eden Park bled green.

One failed to understand, why the South Africans couldn’t curb their aggressive instincts when even two to three runs per over could have taken them past the line.

Shocking heartbreaks

have been the South African story since the 1992 World Cup, where they were denied progress by rain. Thereafter, the Proteas have always succumbed to pressure and the worst was a semifinal exit in 1999.

South Africa were poised to win the game, needing one to win off four balls and a wicket in hand but a major mix-up between Lance Klusener and Allan Donald cost them dear.

If one would gauge their performance this time too, things don’t differ and the Proteas continue to happily live up to their ‘tag’.

Meanwhile at Hobart, the Irish fire continued to burn in a high-scoring encounter against Zimbabwe. The hardearned win has kept three slots off the four in Pool B wide open with India only making the cut.

The three teams — South Africa, Pakistan, Ireland — still have to finalise their positions, though the African team looks good to cement the second place having only the UAE to play. Pakistan, who are third at present by virtue of their run rate vis-à-vis Ireland, will wind up the league phase of this edition with a ‘unpredictable’ encounter on March 15.

Ireland have always proven to be giant killers and Pakistan will be compelled to take them seriously. But before they meet, Ireland will have a test run against India at Hamilton.

How can also rule out the West Indies. The Caribbeans still have an outside chance to sneak in as they play UAE on the same day Ireland face-off with Pakistan. What the Caribbeans have to do is beat UAE with a big margin and wait for the outcome of the PakistanIreland match, hoping that India douses the Irish fire.

Pool A is also becoming interesting with Australia and Sri Lanka fighting for the second spot and Bangladesh holding a chance of shutting out England, which if happens will be the surprise of the tournament.

— sportseditor@timesofoman.com

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SU N DAY, MARCH 8, 2015

Our tournament not over, insists Morgan Morgan’s side, who have just one win in four Pool A matches, must defeat both Bangladesh in Adelaide on Monday and minnows Afghanistan in Sydney on March 13 to remain in contention for a quarterfinal place

ADELAIDE: England captain Eoin Morgan is confident his beleaguered team are good enough to revive a faltering World Cup campaign, saying they are under no pressure despite facing two mustwin games.

Morgan’s side, who have just one win in four Pool A matches, must defeat both Bangladesh in Adelaide on Monday and minnows Afghanistan in Sydney on March 13 to remain in contention for a quarterfinal place But even that may not be enough if Bangladesh, who have five points to England’s two, upset co-hosts New Zealand in Hamilton on March 13 to squeak through to the last eight.

Morgan rubbished suggestions England had not been ruthless -- or nasty -- enough and insisted the hurdles in front of them can be cleared if they play good cricket.

“When a side loses, a thousand theories come up so the best thing for us moving forward is to concentrate on what we can do,” Morgan said Saturday.

“If we start winning games, being nasty or not nasty does not matter. We need to be ourselves.

The answers are within us.

“We have to play our style of cricket. We have to be ruthless enough to do the simple things con-

CONFIDENT: England captain Eoin Morgan is confident his beleaguered team are good enough to revive a faltering World Cup campaign.

sistently well. We have not done that, that’s why we have struggled.”

‘Quite relaxed’ England’s lone win has been against minnows Scotland, but their most embarrassing moment came last Sunday when Sri Lanka chased down what seemed a reasonably challenging target of 310 with nine wickets and 16 deliveries to spare.

Morgan said England had moved on from that loss and looked forward to their two remaining group games.

“The guys are quite relaxed,” he said. “The week’s break has given us time to reflect and analyse what happened during the Sri Lanka game.

“There were a few positives in that game too. Scoring 300 was one. Joe Root’s century was outstanding and we were brilliant in

the last 10 to 12 overs with the bat,” the former Ireland batsman added.

“But our bowling was a bit of a concern. We bowled some bad balls and were less attacking with the ball then we usually would have been.

England have lost only two of their 15 one-day internationals against Bangladesh, but Morgan said he did not expect an easy game. “We certainly are not taking a win for granted,” he said.

“They have come a long way in the last 10 years and we have played a lot against them. But a lot of focus going forward is going to be on us.

“If we play well, I have every confidence we can win this game.

The illusion of making it a bigger game than it is, is probably the wrong thing to do.”

Morgan refused to confirm speculation that hard-hitting batsman Alex Hales will replace the

struggling Gary Ballance to lend solidity to the top order.

“There is not very much to choose between Gary and Hales,” he said. “A lot of time a player can be twice the player he is when he is not playing, particularly when someone is not doing well.

“It’s a big decision to change anyone in the side, so it won’t be made quickly.”

Morgan said he expected his two pace spearheads, James Anderson and Stuart Broad, to come good after managing just four wickets between them in four matches.

“They are exceptional bowlers but in tandem they have not been consistent enough to put the ball in the right areas,” he said. “The guys are training really, really hard to do it. “But they have not managed to take wickets early enough.

They are not at their best at the moment.” - AFP

READY FOR SRI LANKA

Clarke puts his spin on SCG pitch SYDNEY: Michael Clarke expects spin to play a role in Australia’s World Cup showdown with Sri Lanka on a dry Sydney Cricket Ground pitch on Sunday.

The 1996 champions, Sri Lanka lead the four-time champion Aussies by one point in the Pool A standings and a win would likely leave them second in the group behind current leaders New Zealand.

But a defeat for either nation would increase the possibility of finishing third in the group and thereby the chances of encountering South Africa in the quarterfinals. The SCG is Australia captain Clarke’s home ground and he believes Sunday’s pitch will play differently to the one on which South Africa smashed 408 for five against the West Indies on February 27.

“It looks like spin is going to play a part. It looks quite dry and certainly hasn’t got as much grass on it as I’ve seen in past one-day matches at the SCG,” Clarke told reporters on Saturday.

“In saying that, that’s today, so a day of sun, a bit of rolling, I think it might harden up. The SCG in general, a change of pace has always been a weapon. Generally spin plays a part, and it’s a pretty big ground, as well. I think you’ll see a pretty good wicket.

“Conditions are very different to what we’ve just seen in Perth (against Afghanistan) and I think it’s a little bit different to what South Africa played on here.”

The Australians may call up designated spinner Xavier Doherty for his first match of the tournament and can also call on Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith and Clarke to share the spin duties.

Clarke said the Australians were deeply respectful of the Sri Lankans, who bat very deep and are the most experienced team at the tournament. “Sri Lanka have had a lot of success in World Cups and in big tournaments,” he said.

“They’ve got a lot of experience. They’ve got some worldclass players.” — AFP

C O M M E N TA RY

Dhoni’s moment of imperfection

I

f approximation to the idea of perfection could make people perfect, MS Dhoni could beat hands down all other captains hoping to get the best out of the boys under their command with a simple adjustment that could get the cricket world to heap praise on the skipper who just led India to the eighth World Cup win in a row.

Respected by captains and players of opposite teams for his mild manners and no-nonsense attitude on the field, and hailed by the media as the Captain Cool, the adjustment MS needs to do to being closer to perfection is just a matter of keeping his cool when his batting partner fails to respond to a call for two runs. The ethical, critical question here concerns not whether he should — or if he should, how he could — but whether his ridiculous failure to understand the limitations of the guy he bats with could cost the team dear.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s sensible batting in the company of his skipper was just as important as the sense of purpose and discipline displayed by the Indian fast bowlers earlier in the day, but it could have been a sorry story if he lost his concentration after what looked like a silly, exaggerated and out-ofplace reaction from Dhoni when Ashwin didn’t respond to a call for two.

Victory was only 29 runs away and there were 16.3 overs left, but another wicket would have piled the pressure on Dhoni that would have required him to do stupid, complex things. The West Indies were charged up with Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja walking back to the dressing room. Viewed against the bitter reality of the recent times when Dhoni’s hardest-looking hits failed to connect the way he wanted and sail towards the rope, the Indian captain’s rare display of frustration after pushing a delivery from Marlon Samuels in the 34th over to long-on and after Ashwin turning down the call for a second, potentially dangerous run (considering the fact that Ashwin is not a specialist batsman gifted with a natural pair of quick feet) looked unwarranted, especially as it came from a man who carried a reputation for his flawless composure on the field.

Nothing could take credit away from Dhoni for the way he handled his bowlers or the manner he adjusted himself to the situation and his recent limitations when it seemed India were falling apart. It’s no secret that MS is not in the best of form. Look at the way he finished it off. It was in the 39th over that Dhoni posted his second four, after which India needed just 4 runs. Dhoni of the pat used to get that in helicopter style, but MS of late has been a different man, so he took a single from the last ball of the over with a push to long leg. Of course, it was a boundary that ended the contest, but an apologetic one as the thick outside edge sailed through the slips to the rope. Not surprisingly, the only six he hit too came off a top-edge, and that summed up his struggle.

It’s the failure of Dhoni and Jadeja that restricted India from converting the good

Ashwin’s sensible batting in the company of his skipper was just as important as the sense of purpose and discipline displayed by the Indian fast bowlers earlier in the day, but it could have been a sorry story if he lost his concentration after what looked like a silly, exaggerated and out-of-place reaction from Dhoni when Ashwin didn’t respond to a call for two

starts against Pakistan and South Africa into solid, 350plus totals. Top teams such as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa didn’t let such chances slip by, and all the three scored 400-plus when they got their goings good. That’s one area India need to improve.

The Indians bowled out the opposition four times in a row, and only a sick mind would view it as a matter of luck, but it’s too early to expect them to repeat it match after match, especially against teams like Australia.

The Indian batsmen looked in good form, but even the most optimistic would agree that if it had been Australia, and if India had been 107 for five, the writing on the wall would have been utterly-bitterly disappointing.

The good thing for now is that India need not worry about the pace and bounce of the Waca kind for the rest of the World Cup. With New Zealand facing the fourthplaced team in Group B at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington on March 21, India will be playing the quarterfinal match in the familiar, not-sobouncy Australian pitches, either in Sydney, Adelaide or Melbourne. And in the semifinal, it’s not the venue but the occasion that matters.

At the moment, India and Australia are the two teams that play big matches better than the rest.

The ‘wewontgiveitback’ plot is getting delightfully simple for Indian fans.

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

S U N DAY, MAR C H 8, 2 0 1 5

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Ireland hold nerve to deny Zimbabwe Victory left Ireland as one of three teams in Pool B on six points behind already qualified leaders India, the defending champions

HOBART: Ireland just did enough to see off Zimbabwe by five runs in a thrilling World Cup clash in Hobart on Saturday that kept them on course for the quarterfinals.

Zimbabwe chasing a huge 332 to win, were all but beaten at 74 for four after a top-order collapse.

But stand-in captain Brendan Taylor’s superb 121 and a fifthwicket stand of 149 with Sean Williams (96) gave Zimbabwe hope.

However, a see-saw match turned back the non-Test nation’s way when Williams was given out caught right on the boundary by John Mooney. There was a suggestion that Mooney may have touched the rope in completing the catch, which would have been a six to Zimbabwe. But while the umpires’ review was in progress, Williams — whose runs came from 83 balls with seven fours and two sixes — walked off the field, effectively making the decision for the officials and Zimbabwe were 300 for seven.

Big-hitting from tailender Tawanda Mupawira got the target down to seven off the last six balls with two wickets standing.

However, seamer Alex Cusack had Regis Chakabva playing on with the first ball of the 50th over and, two deliveries later, Mupawira holed out to Ireland captain William Porterfield in the deep as the Irish won with three balls to spare.

Cusack finished with fine figures of four for 32 in 9.3 overs as Zimbabwe, who tied a World Cup match with Ireland in 2007, saw

BIG EFFORT IN VAIN: Zimbabwe batsmen Sean Williams, left, and century maker Brendan Taylor

MAN OF THE MATCH: Ireland batsman Ed Joyce was the main

appeared set to take the team past Ireland’s huge total but fell short by five runs. – AFP

architect of Ireland setting a huge target for Zimbabwe. – AFP SCOREBOARD

JUBILANT: Ireland players rejoice after winning the match. – AFP

their bid for a last eight place come to a dramatic end. Victory left Ireland as one of three teams in Pool B on six points behind already qualified leaders India.

Earlier, Ireland veteran Ed Joyce’s 112 was the centrepiece of an imposing total of 331 for eight.

Joyce made Zimbabwe pay for dropping him early in his innings by going on to 112 while Andrew Balbirnie struck a quickfire 97 after Ireland lost the toss. The pair put on 138 for the third wicket at Bellerive.

Taylor, leading the side in place of the injured Elton Chigumbura, opted to bowl first in overcast conditions after winning the toss.

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Zimbabwe had an early success when Paul Stirling (10) guided Tinashe Panyangara to Williams at backward point. Joyce should have been out when, on 34, he saw Mupariwa drop a skyed caught and bowled chance. The left-hander came out of his shell and went on to a 96-ball hundred with eight fours and two sixes. He was dropped again, on 105, by Craig Ervine before the same fielder held an easy chance at

CRYING FOUL

PLEADING FOR A CHANCE

Test nations talking with Afghanistan for more ties NAPIER: Afghanistan cricket officials are in talks with four or five test-status nations about playing more fixtures against the country after the World Cup, coach Andy Moles said on Saturday.

Afghanistan, who only played their first officially recognised One-day fixture in 2009, and Ireland had been granted permission about a month ago by the International Cricket Council to directly approach Test nations about incorporating games into the Future Tours programme, he added.

“We are currently talking to four or five countries who have shown interest but obviously talking about it and getting it done is the hard thing,” Moles said in Napier on Saturday, the day before his side’s Pool A clash with New Zealand.

“We are realistic we are not going to get standalone tours but it would be nice if we could be added onto a series and make it a triseries where we could pick up opportunities to compete against the better sides. “So yes, we are talking to four or five countries who have shown a desire to help us improve, so that is very encouraging.”

Since their first ODI against Scotland in Benoni in April 2009, Afghanistan have played 49 official matches.

Prior to the current World

short midwicket to dismiss him.

Meanwhile Balbirnie, who gave a tough caught and bowled chance to Williams early on, scored his second successive fifty following his gutsy 58 in the 201-run thrashing by South Africa.

He faced just 79 balls, with seven fours and four sixes, before falling agonisingly short of what would have been a maiden ODI century when run out in the final over of Ireland’s innings.

Zimbabwe were left needing to set a new record score by a team batting second to win a World Cup match, surpassing Ireland’s 329 for seven against England in

Since their first ODI against Scotland in Benoni in April 2009, Afghanistan have played 49 official matches.

Only Pakistan and Australia have played one-off matches against Afghanistan, whose performances at the World Cup have captured the fans’ imagination and shown their players are not totally out of their depth at international level

Cup they had played 10 matches against Test nations, four of those in the Asia Cup in 2014, while four more were against Zimbabwe in their only series against a test side in July 2014.

Only Pakistan and Australia have played one-off matches against Afghanistan, whose performances at the World Cup have captured the fans’ imagination and shown their players are not totally out of their depth at international level.

Due to the security situation in Afghanistan, the side play their ‘home’ matches in Sharjah and Moles said it would be ideal for Test nations to include games

against his team when they were in United Arab Emirates for series against Pakistan.

“We are trying to say, ‘well use us for your warm-up games’ as that gives us the best opportunity to play the best teams and gives the full member nations the chance to get used to the conditions ahead of the Pakistan series,” he said.

“So when we package it up in that way, it makes it more attractive than, ‘right, we are going to go play Afghanistan’.

“That would be excellent for us and would be of huge benefit to the teams getting ready to play in the UAE.” - Reuters

Zimbabwe fume over controversial Mooney catch HOBART: Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor insisted his team had been victims of a World Cup miscarriage of justice on Saturday when Ireland fielder John Mooney held a crucial catch despite indications he had touched the boundary with his foot.

With Zimbabwe needing 32 to win off 20 balls and with four wickets left, Sean Williams, on 96, launched a huge hook off Kevin O’Brien towards deep midwicket where Mooney reached high to grab the ball.

But as he claimed the catch, the big Irishman appeared to slightly touch the boundary cushion with his foot which should have resulted in a six.

As the decision was examined, Williams left the Bellerive Oval pitch and the catch stood.

“You’ve got to take his (Mooney’s) word for it. They zoomed in, and I thought it was pretty clear. But you’ve got to take the fielder’s word,” said Taylor who hit a blistering 121 with 11 fours and four sixes as his team chased what would have been a record score.

Ireland captain William Porterfield tried to downplay the controversy. — AFP

IRELAND W. Porterfield c Masakadza b Williams 29 P. Stirling c Williams b Panyangara 10 E. Joyce c Ervine b Chatara 112 A. Balbirnie run out (Chakabva/Taylor) 97 K. O’Brien c Chakabva b Chatara 24 G. Wilson c Chakabva b Williams 25 J. Mooney b Williams 10 N. O’Brien c Panyangara b Chatara 2 G. Dockrell not out 5 A. Cusack not out 2 Extras (lb-4, w-8, nb-3) 15 Total (8 wkts, 50 overs) 331 Did not bat: A McBrine Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Stirling), 2-79 (Porterfield), 3-217 (Joyce), 4-276 (K O’Brien), 5-308 (Wilson), 6-319 (Mooney), 7-322 (N O’Brien), 8-326 (Balbirnie) Bowling: Panyangara 9-0-69-1 (1nb, 1w); Chatara 10-0-61-3 (1nb, 4w); Mupariwa 10-0-56-0 (1w); Raza 9-0-51-0; Williams 9-072-3 (1nb, 2w); Masakadza 3-0-18-0; ZIMBABWE C. Chibhabha c Porterfield b Cusack 18 Sikandar Raza c Stirling b Mooney 12 S. Mire c Cusack b Dockrell 11

Bangalore four years ago. However, their top-order failed to make an impact before Taylor and Williams repaired the early damage.

Taylor was especially impressive with a 79-ball hundred — the fastest by a Zimbabwe batsman — including 10 fours and two sixes.

H. Masakadza c Wilson b K O’Brien 5 B. Taylor c K O’Brien b Cusack 121 S. Williams c Mooney b K O’Brien 96 C. Ervine c N O’Brien b McBrine 11 R. Chakabva b Cusack 17 T. Panyangara c Porterfield b Mooney 5 T. Mupawira c Porterfield b Cusack 18 T. Chatara not out 1 Extras (lb-8, w-2, nb-1) 11 Total (all out, 49.3 overs) 326 Fall of wickets: 1-32 (Raza), 2-32 (Chibhabha), 3-41 (Masakadza), 4-74 (Mire), 5-223 (Taylor), 6-259 (Ervine), 7-300 (Williams), 8-305 (Panyangara), 9-325 (Chakabva), 10326 (Mupawira) Bowling: Cusack 9.3-2-32-4 (1w); Mooney 10-0-58-2 (1w); K O’Brien 10-0-90-2; Dockrell 10-0-56-1; McBrine 8-0-56-1; Stirling 2-0-26-0 (1nb); Result: Ireland won by five runs Man of the match: Ed Joyce Toss: Zimbabwe Umpires: Paul Reiffel (AUS), Ruchira Palliyaguru (SRI) TV umpire: Joel Wilson (WIS) Match referee: Roshan Mahanama (SRI)

It was Zimbabwe’s first century of this World Cup and the 29-yearold Taylor’s seventh in 166 ODIs. Taylor struck two sixes in one over from left-arm spinner George Dockrell before he was deceived by Cusack’s slower ball and skyed a catch to Kevin O’Brien. - AFP

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SU N DAY, MARCH 8, 2015

Aussies, Sri Lankans out to avoid knockout collision with Proteas FA C T B O X

The 1996 winners Sri Lanka lead the Aussies by one point in the group standings and a win would clinch second spot in the pool behind leaders New Zealand

SYDNEY: Australia and Sri Lanka will be angling to avoid a potential World Cup quarterfinal collision with South Africa as they face off in a crucial Pool A showdown on Sunday.

The 1996 winners Sri Lanka lead the Aussies by one point in the group standings and a win would clinch second spot in the pool behind leaders New Zealand.

But a defeat for either nation at the Sydney Cricket Ground would increase the possibility of finishing third in the group and thereby the likelihood of encountering the AB de Villiers-charged Proteas in the knockout round.

The heat is on Michael Clarke’s Australians to defuse Sri Lanka’s batting arsenal after going down by one wicket to New Zealand last weekend.

TRAINING SESSION: ri Lanka players play football as the team trains ahead of their 2015 Cricket World

Cup Group A match against Australia, in Sydney. – AFP

“A side that has won every one of their games, maybe they don’t have to worry too much,” Sri Lanka’s batting leviathan Kumar Sangakkara said.

“But when you’re not in that situation, you might start thinking about who you’ll face in the quarterfinals and whether these wins have any bearing on what happens there. “For us as well as Australia, it’ll be a very important game.”

Australia, coming off a record 275-run thrashing of Afghanistan in Perth on Wednesday, will be favourites at the SCG to extend their World Cup dominance over Sri Lanka.

The Australians have beaten Sri

Lanka six times in eight matches, including victory in the 2007 final in Barbados, while the Sri Lankans beat them in the 1996 tournament decider in Lahore.

“I think Sri Lanka are going to be a really tough team to beat,” Clarke said.

“They like the SCG and they’re playing some really good cricket.

They’ve got experience and I think that’s always an important part of a good team in major tournaments.”

Sri Lanka smashed the thirdhighest run chase in tournament history to clinch a nine-wicket win over England in Wellington last Sunday.

Centuries by Sangakkara and

Lahiru Thirimanne ensured Sri Lanka reeled in the 310-run target, scoring 312-1 with 16 balls to spare. Sangakkara’s 117 was his second successive century and his 23rd century in 401 one-day internationals. He will bid farewell to limited-overs cricket after the World Cup. Australia, vying to win their fifth World Cup, dropped out-of-form veteran Shane Watson for returning all-rounder James Faulkner, promoted Steve Smith to No.3 and hit the highest World Cup score of 417-6 against the hapless Afghans.

“They’re one of the top teams in the tournament ... we will play as the underdogs,” Kumar Sangak-

AUSTRALIA Captain: Michael Clarke Coach: Darren Lehmann Squad: Michael Clarke, Aaron Finch, David Warner, Shane Watson, George Bailey, Pat Cummins, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Brad Haddin, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.

Results so far at 2015 World Cup: Beat England by 111 runs Match abandoned against Bangladesh Lost to New Zealand by one wicket Beat Afghanistan by 275 runs Remaining Pool A matches: Scotland (March 14) Top performers: David Warner (234 runs); Mitchell Starc (10 wickets) *** SRI LANKA Captain: Angelo Mathews Coach: Marvan Atapattu Squad: Angelo Mathews, Tillakaratne

kara admitted.

“They had a poor game against New Zealand, but bounced back strongly. Every side has got weaknesses and strengths, but Australia are a very strong side.”

Australia have a strong record at the SCG, but Sri Lanka have beaten them four times in 13 encounters at the famous ground and possess the formidable batting of Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Angelo Mathews and Thirimanne to trouble any bowling attack.

Sri Lanka have confirmed spinner Rangana Herath will miss the game with a finger injury while batsman Dimuth Karunaratne suf-

Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne, Thisara Perera, Upul Tharanga, Sachithra Senanayake, Rangana Herath, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekara, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera, Seekkuge Prasanna.

Results so far at 2015 World Cup: Lost to New Zealand by 98 runs Beat Afghanistan by four wickets Beat Bangladesh by 92 runs Beat England by nine wickets Remaining Pool A matches: Scotland (March 11) Top performers: Kumar Sangakkara (268 runs); Lasith Malinga and Suranga Lakmal (seven wickets) *** Head-to-head Total played: 90 Australia won 55, Sri Lanka won 31 Last match: June 13, 2013 - Sri Lanka won by 20 runs at The Oval, London

fered a tournament-ending broken finger batting in the nets.

Legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, who worked as a spin consultant for Australia last year, said Sri Lanka have nothing to fear from Australia.

“The team has had a full week to rest up and prepare for the match against Australia while, for Michael Clarke’s side, it will be a third game in nine days,” he said.

“Sri Lanka have three wins in a row, two of them with outstanding batting displays, should make the dressing room a good place to be and once again Sri Lanka are set to be a threat at the business end of a major event.” - AFP

GETTING BACK TO THE GROOVE

Malinga feels rhythm, not blues after surgery SYDNEY: Sri Lanka paceman Lasith Malinga believes his bowling rhythm is returning at the World Cup after undergoing ankle surgery in September.

The sling-arm fast bowler has relied on pain killing injections to make it through his matches at the tournament but says he is feeling more comfortable on the field.

The 31-year-old, the only bowler in history to claim three hat-tricks in one-day internationals, said he doesn’t expect to play pain-free but wants to be a part of Sri Lanka’s bid to win a second World Cup after losing in the last two finals.

“I really struggled after my surgery in Melbourne,” Malinga told the Australian Associated Press on Saturday.

“There’s still pain in my ankle, but I had to get used to it. Because I wanted to play in this World Cup, whether that meant injections or whatever.

“It’s getting there. I don’t think I will be pain-free, but I want to get my rhythm back to perfect.”

Malinga endured a tough start to the World Cup, going

There’s still pain in my ankle, but I had to get used to it. Because I wanted to play in this World Cup, whether that meant injections Lasith Malinga Sri Lanka paceman

wicket-less for 84 runs off his 10 overs in his team’s 98-run loss to New Zealand.

But he has since picked up seven wickets as Sri Lanka have won their last three matches against Afghanistan, Bangladesh

and England.

On Sunday, he will be key when Sri Lanka face Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground where the winners will likely avoid in-form South Africa in the quarter-finals.

Former skipper Mahela Jaya-

wardene is confident Malinga will be back to 100 percent in no time.

“He’s definitely improved,” Jayawardene said of Malinga’s progress over the past three weeks in Australia and New Zealand.

“His variations are coming good; his pace has picked up. It’s about him having the confidence to put weight on that ankle. In the last two to three weeks, he’s got that confidence back, so the pace has built up.”

Malinga, who has taken 278 wickets in 181 ODIs, said there was plenty he could call on when coming up with plans for Australia at the SCG. “We can watch all the video in the world, but the really important thing we have to be concerned with is our strengths,” Malinga said.

“That’s how we’ll win the game.

We’re not looking too much over their weaknesses.

“All their batsmen are really good players and in good form, but they’ve all been dismissed.

“Our bowlers just have to bowl good deliveries. We can match it with them.” - AFP

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LIFE & STYLE

SECTION

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM S U N DAY, MAR C H 8, 2 0 1 5

As we celebrate the International Women’s Day, let us know how to promote gender equality

T

he World Economic Forum predicts that we’ll have to wait another 80 years for the global gender gap to close. That’s an entire lifetime spent missing out on the full potential of billions of women. It also means that unless there are huge advances in medical science, the vast majority of us won’t ever know what equality looks and feels like.

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is Make It Happen. And the good news is that the WEF prediction is based on the current pace of change, and there is certainly room for us to pull our socks up. Here are few ideas to speed up equality.

Take a good look at society “The patriarchy is like the Matrix,” says Caroline Criado-Perez, writer and activist of women-on-banknotes-fame. “You have to have it shown to you, before you see it,

and then you see it everywhere!”

Awareness is always the first step towards change. Stereotypes form part of our habitually flawed logic, and they perpetuate inequality. For example, the assumption that men are more rational than women. “The majority of violent crime is committed by one sex, and somehow it’s the other sex that we think of as irrational, over-emotional and unstable,” says Caroline.

It’s not only women who suffer the consequences of stereotypes, says Dr Sam Collins, female leadership expert. “Men are meant to be superman, and that’s a huge amount of pressure.” She believes a more realistic view of the genders would benefit everyone. “I think men are going to breathe a sigh of relief and say: I can be myself too, I can be nurturing.”

The best way to break the mould is by starting young. One little girl set a brilliant example by telling Lego that their “boy toys have all the fun,” leading to the first female scientist set.

Be open to a different way Even with awareness, change can seem daunting, especially when times are tough (say, hypothetically speaking, during a financial crisis). “You want to go with what you know,” says Caroline.

“What people know is the old way of doing things, with men running things in their male way.” Possibly no coincidence then, that three times as many women as men became long-term unemployed in recent austere times.

“It doesn’t make any sense, logically, because the reason we keep having these crashes is because we don’t change the way we’re doing things,” believes Caroline.

Tell women’s stories Of the eight Oscar nominated movies for Best Picture, not a single one told a woman’s story. As an actor, I despair at how many times a day I read a casting breakdown where the female role has no name and is instead referred to as “Brian’s wife”, “The girlfriend”, or “Mother”.

This isn’t just a problem for the careers of female actors and writers, but it also reinforces our belief that women don’t do much worth telling on a world stage. It leaves us all with a lack of inspiring female heroes, and specifically leaves girls and women without role models. That’s a huge shame, because role models have a powerful effect on women’s achievements, according to Caroline (and science). “Having pictures of Angela Merkel and Hilary Clinton hung at the back of a room where women are giving speeches makes them give longer and better speeches”.

Fight the fear Unsurprisingly, considering the barriers anyone faces when they go against their gender role, women suffer from lower selfesteem within the workplace than men do.

This “confidence gap” means we let opportunities slide.

“Really move towards and through those fears,” encourages Sam, “and do that by connecting with likeminded people

who are going to raise you higher.”

Gosia Gorna is a coach who helps people overcome “expansive fears”, such as “I’m not good enough”. “You learn how to turn it into success,” she explains. “Everything you want is on the other side of fear.”

Be the change “We need more people involved,” Caroline says. “That’s the only way to speed it up.

We need people who are in every sector of society to be caring about [equality] and be doing something about it.”

This doesn’t mean that everyone has to start campaigning. According to Sam, every action you take that is countercultural is an activist move. “To go into your organisation and ask: How much are other people getting paid? Or if everyone stays until nine o’clock but you say at six: “I’m going to go home,” you’re leading organisational change. You have to be brave and assess the risk, but that’s how change starts to happen.”

- Elisa Criado/The Independent

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SUN DAY, MARCH 8, 2015

PRAYER TIMINGS

FIND-IT-ALL Y O U R B I R T H D AY

BORN today, you are not likely to live a life that is in any way conventional or routine. Indeed, from your earliest childhood, you will have a sense that you are meant for something unconventional, and you will find yourself following a path that leads to one unusual self-discovery after another. Then one day, suddenly, you will realise just who you are — or, rather, who you have become — and you will be able to step out onto the world stage with confidence and strength, eager to take your place among those known for risk-taking and accomplishment. Indeed, the truth is that only you may know exactly what you are destined for in life — and you may, for quite some time, keep it a closely guarded secret.

You may be unusually messy and disorganised on the home front, with nothing ever put in the same place twice. Indeed, the “system” you establish at home is really no system at all, but the result of your inability to put things back where they belong!

Some daily tasks may therefore become much more difficult than they have to be.

Also born on this date are: Aidan Quinn, actor; Micky Dolenz, actor and musician; Freddie Prinze Jr., actor; Alan Hale Jr., actor; Cyd Charisse, actress and dancer; Jim Rice, baseball player; Camryn Manheim, actress; Lynn Redgrave, actress.

W E AT H E R

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WORLD

Max 30 Min 17 Max 6 Min 1

[March 21-APRIL 19]

TAURUS [APRIL 20-MAY 20] You may awaken to discover that much you had counted on is not likely to happen. This can be a good thing, however; the sky’s the limit!

GEMINI [MAY 21-JUNE 20] Someone close to you may insist that this is a bad time, but you know that this is, in fact, the only time. You mustn’t miss out.

CANCER [JUNE 21-JULY 22] Success depends on a single turn of events, but you may not be able to anticipate just when or where it will come to pass.

LEO [JULY 23-AUG. 22] You can demonstrate a new skill, winning the praise and support of someone who has had his or her doubts about you in the past.

Max 16 Min 8

Max 28 Min 18

[AUG. 23-SEPT. 22] You know how to take better care of yourself, but you may be thinking there are more important matters to worry about. You’re wrong!

LIBRA L [[SEPT. [S S 23-OCT. 22] You’ll benefit from a trip that allows you to enjoy all that a new venue has to offer. You’ll be home, safe and sound, by nightfall.

SCORPIO S [[OCT. 23-NOV. 21] You’ve been saying you can’t do this or that for far too long. There’s no reason not to try what you claim is impossible.

SAGITTARIUS S [[NOV. 22-DEC. 21] You will want to be sure that someone in your care is perfectly safe before you call it a day. Check credentials by making a call or two.

CAPRICORN [DEC. 22-JAN 19] There is more going on than meets the eye — or the ear. Try to observe your surroundings in a more intuitive way.

AQUARIUS [JAN. 20-FEB. 18] You keep trying to cut short the time you spend with another when, in fact, continued contact would enable you to finish a job.

Max 4 Min -2

Max 31 Min 14

Max 31 Min 18

Max 32 Min 16

Max 27 Min 14

Max 29 Min 13

Max 31 Min 22

Max 27 Min 12

Max 33 Min 21 Max 31 Min 21

-www.met.gov.om

Min

GULF Abu Dhabi Doha Dubai Kuwait Manama Riyadh

28 25 32 29 24 29

18 17 17 16 17 16

WORLD Athens Baghdad Beijing Berlin Boston Cairo Colombo Frankfurt Hong Kong Istanbul Johannesburg Kuala Lumpur Lisbon Paris Perth Singapore Tokyo Toronto

12 28 13 16 4 29 32 15 22 9 28 34 22 18 30 34 12 2

9 16 -4 4 -3 14 24 2 17 6 14 24 10 6 18 26 6 -3

L O N G D I S TA N C E B U S T I M I N G S ( O M A N N AT I O N A L T R A N S P O R T C O M PA N Y S A O C ) * S U B J E C T T O C H A N G E

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (Route 36) Dept Destination Arrival Time Time 15:00 Quriyat 16:30 15:00 Sur 18:00 15:00 Jaalan 19:30 TO AL BURAIMI (Route 41) 06:30 Sohar 06:30 Buraimi 08:00 Buraimi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Buraimi 16.00 Sohar 16.00 Buraimi TO SINAW (Route 52) 17:30 Sinaw

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Operating Days Daily Daily Daily

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (Route 36) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 05:30 Sur 06:45 Daily 05:30 Quriyat 08:30 Daily 05:30 Ruwi 10:00 Daily

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

Daily Daily Daily via Ibri Daily Daily Daily Daily

20:50

Daily

TO AL BURAIMI (Route 41) 07:00 Sohar 07:00 Ruwi 13:30 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 17:00 Ruwi TO SINAW (Route 52) 07:00 Ruwi

To Yanqul (Route 54) 14:30 Nizwa 14:30 Yanqul

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (Route 54) 08:00 Nizwa 08:00 Al Araqi

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (Route 55) 07:30 Sur 14:30 Sur TO FAHUD - YIBAL (Route 62) 06:30 Fahud 06:30 Yibal

08:55 11:40 20:20 14:55 17:40 19:20 22:15

Daily Daily Daily via Ibri Daily Daily Daily Daily

10:25

Daily

To Yanqul (Route 54) 06:00 Nizwa 06:00 Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

Daily Daily

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (Route 54) 15:40 Nizwa 15:40 Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

TO SUR (Route 55) 06:00 Ruwi 14:30 Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

10:30 11:15

Daily Daily

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (Route 62) 12:30 Fahud 12:30 Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (Route 100) 07:00 Salalah 20:00 10:00 Marmul 20:30 10:00 Salalah 23:30 19:00 Salalah 07:40

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (Route 100) 07:00 Ruwi 19:50 10:00 Marmul 13:15 10:00 Ruwi 22:30 19:00 Ruwi 07:30

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101) 06:00 Marmul

Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101) 06:00 Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (Route 102) 15:00 Salalah 07:00

Daily

16:50

SALALAH TO DUBAI (Route 102) 15:00 Dubai 07:00

VIRGO

Max 27 Min 14

Max 27 Min 18

[Feb. 19-March 20]

It may be more difficult for some to keep up with you than others, of course, but you’ll be more likely to support slower associates.

Sunset Sunrise (Tomorrow) High tide Low tide

10:28am 4.37pm

6:12pm 6:23am 10:47pm 5:04am

wave height of 3.5 meters and moderate to rough along the rest of Oman’s coast with maximum wave height of 2.5 meters.

HORIZONTAL VISIBILITY: Moderate over most of the sultanate becoming poor during dust rising winds and fog patches.

THE NEXT 48 HOURS OUTLOOK: Gradual clearance of dust and improvement in horizontal visibility. Mainly clear skies with chance of late night to early morning low level clouds or fog patches over Governorates of southern al-Sharqiya and al-Wusta.

Max

OMAN

ARIES

12.23pm 3.46pm 6.18pm 7.28pm 5.08am

AIRLINES

lear to partly cloudy skies over most of the Sultanate with chance of gradual dust advection and notable reduction in horizontal visibility over Governorates of Muscat, Musandam, southern and northern al-Batinah, southern and northern al-Sharqiya, al-Dhahira, al-Buraimi and al-Dakhiliah.

EXPECTED WINDS: Winds will be northeasterly to northerly moderate occasionally fresh over most of the sultanate becoming southwesterly light along Oman Sea coast during night.

SEA STATE: Rough along Arabian Sea coast with maximum

PISCES You may want to make new arrangements in order to accommodate a new arrival, but the overall game plan should remain the same.

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

TO DUBAI (Route 201) 06:00 Sohar 06:00 Dubai 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Dubai 15:00 Sohar 15:00 Dubai

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

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (Route 204) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 07:00 Fujairah 11.45 Daily 07:00 Sharjah 13.30 Daily 07:00 Dubai 14.00 Daily

TO DUBAI (Route 201) 07:30 Sohar 07:30 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Ruwi 15:30 Sohar 15:30 Ruwi

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

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (Route 204) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 16:00 Sharjah 16:30 Daily 16.00 Fujairah 18.15 Daily 16.00 Ruwi 23.00 Daily

LISTINGS

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi: 24783334; Appolo Medical Centre, Hamriya: 24782666; Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi: 24702542, Salalah: 23291635; Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra: 24503585 Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya. Tel: 24787766 Muscat, A Seeb Market. Tel: 24421691 Muscat, Al Khuwair. Tel: 24485740 Muscat, Al Hail South. Tel: 24537080 Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah.

Tel: 23291635 HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre: 24485052 Atlas Hospital: Ruwi: 24811743/ Ghubra: 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic: 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi: 24563641, Azaiba: 24499269, Sohar: 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital: 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory: 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre: 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya: 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic: 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi: 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb: 24420740 Ceregem National Raak: 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic: 24563217 Elixir Health Centre: 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre: 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre: 24472274 Hamdan Hospital: 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC: 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital: 24760100

24 Hrs Emergency: 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar: 26751128, MBD: 24799077, Al Khuwair: 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital: 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital: 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair: 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC: 22004000 ROYAL OMAN POLICE Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence: 24569603 Directorate General of Customs: 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries: 24510228 Public Relations Admin: 24560099 ACCOMMODATION Al Bahjah Hotel: 24424400 Al Bustan Palace: 24764000 Al Khuwair Hotel Apartments: 24478171 Al Madina Holiday Inn: 24596400 Al Maha International Hotel: 24494949 Al Fanar Hotel: 24712385 Al Falaj Hotel: 24702311 Al Qurum Resort: 24605945 Azaiba Hotel Apartments: 24490979 Beach Hotel: 24696601 Bowshar Hotel: 24491105 Coral Hotel Muscat: 24692121 Crowne Plaza Muscat: 24660660 Crystal Suites: 24826100 Golden Tulip Seeb: 24510300 Grand Hyatt Muscat: 24641234 Haffa House Hotel: 24707207 Hotel Muscat Holiday: 24487123 InterContinental Muscat: 24680000 Majan Continental Hotel: 24592900 Marina Hotel: 24711711 Midan Hotel Suites: 24499565 Mina Hotel: 24711828 Muttrah Hotel: 24798401

Nuzha Hotel Apartments: 24789199 Oman Dive Centre: 24824240 Park Inn: 24507888 Qurum Beach House Hotel: 24564070 Radisson Blu Hotel: 24487777 Ramee Dream Resort Seeb: 24453399 Ramee Guestline Hotel: 24564443 Ruwi Hotel: 24704244 Safeer Hotel Suites: 24691200 Sheraton Oman Hotel: 24772772 Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa: 24776666 The Chedi Muscat: 24524400 The Treasurebox Muscat Hotel: 24502570 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, Turkish Airlines: 24703033 MUSEUMS Bait Al Baranda: Corniche (seafront opp fish market), Open from Saturday to Thursday 9am to 1pm and 4 to 6pm Natural History Museum: Al Khuwair, Tel: 24604957, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm; Thursday: 9am to 1pm Museum of Omani Heritage: (former Omani Museum), Madinat Al Alam, Sat-Wed 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday 9am to 1pm, Tel: 24600946 Armed Forces Museum: Bait Al Falaj, Tel: 24312651, Open from Sat to Wed: 8am to 1:30pm; Thurs 9-12pm and 3-6pm; Fri 9-11am and 3-6pm. Al Hoota Caves 24498258; Turtle Beach 96550606/96550707 Children’s Science Museum: Shatti Al Qurum, Tel: 24605368, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday: 9am to 1pm Oman-French Museum: near Muscat Police Station, Tel: 24736613, Open from Sat to Wed: 8am to 1:30pm, Thurs: 9am to 1pm Bait Al Zubair, Muscat: Tel: 24736688, Al Saidiya St., Muscat museum@baitalzubairmuseum.com Open from Sat to Thurs: 9:30am to 6pm.

National Museum Ruwi: Tel: 24701289, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday: 9am to 1pm Sohar Fort Museum: Tel: 26844758, Open from Saturday to Wed: 8 to 1:30pm Thurs: 9am to 1pm Muscat Gate Museum: at Al Bahri Road, Muscat open from Sat to Wed 8am to 2pm

SUNDAY

MONDAY FLT NO

ARRIVALS FROM

CAIRO 0005 RIYADH 0005 JEDDAH 0005 KUWAIT 0010 BANGKOK 0015 SALALAH 0030 SALALAH 0125 SIALKOT 0200 KARACHI 0210 ISTANBUL-BAHRAIN 0255 DOHA 0345 ADDIS ABABA 0350 DUBAI 0355 BAHRAIN 0405 ABU DHABI 0405 DUBAI 0415 FRANKFURT 0630 LUXORE 0635 BAHRAIN 0640 JEDDAH 0645 ABU DHABI 0650 SALALAH 0655 RIYADH 0700 KARACHI 0700 MALPENSA 0720 ZURICH 0720 DAMMAM 0725 JEDDAH 0730 KUWAIT 0735 DOHA 0735 PARIS 0800 DUBAI 0805 SOHAR 0815 BOMBAY 0815 LONDON HEATHROW 0820 DUBAI 0850 JAIPUR 0855 LAHORE 0900 SHARJAH 0915 LAHORE 0920 HYDERABAD 0920 DELHI 0920 COCHIN 0930 TRIVANDRUM 0940 MADRAS 0940 DUBAI 0940 BANGALORE 1000 DOHA 1010 ABU DHABI 1015 TRIVANDRUM 1020 DUQUM OMAN 1045 MUKHAIZNA 1045 DUBAI 1110 KHASAB 1115 RAS AL KHAIMA 1120 DUBAI 1200 MALE 1205 CALICUT 1210 SALALAH 1215 BANGKOK 1305 DUBAI 1330 SALALAH 1445 KHASAB 1445 KHASAB 1445 ABU DHABI 1530 DUBAI 1555 DOHA 1600 ISLAM ABBAD 1625 BOMBAY 1710 CALICUT 1720 DUBAI 1730 DELHI 1730 LUCKNOW 1735 HYDERABAD 1740 DOHA 1745 DUBAI 1750 BAHRAIN 1810 MUKHAIZNA 1845 KUALA LUMPUR 1910 SHARJAH 1915 MADRAS 1920 KUWAIT 1925 BANGKOK-KARACHI 1935 TEHRAN 1940 DUBAI 1945 KATHMANDU 2010 DUBAI 2030 JAKARTA 2055 MUNICH 2105 MALE 2110 AMSTERDAM-DOHA 2120 DELHI 2125 DUBAI 2125 BOMBAY 2130 COLOMBO 2140 CHITTAGONG 2140 DUBAI 2145 MADRAS 2200 AMMAN 2205 DOHA 2210 2225 COLOMBO BAHRAIN 2240 MEDINA 2250 MEDINA 2250 ABU DHABI 2250 KARACHI 2255 LONDON HEATHROW-ABU DHABI 2255 SALALAH 2305 AHMEDABAD-BOMBAY 2310 DOHA 2315 ZURICH-DUBAI 2320 BOMBAY 2325 FRANKFURT-ABU DHABI 2330 DUBAI 2335 DUBAI 2335 BAHRAIN 2340 DAMMAM 2350 DAMMAM 2350 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 2355

WY682 WY406 WY636 WY648 WY816 WY910 BG021 4H583 WY3916 PK229 TK776 QR1132 EK866 EY384 GF560 FZ041 WY114 WY658 WY638 WY902 WY154 WY144 WY674 WY668 WY644 WY602 WY202 WY102 FZ043 WY272 G9114 WY342 WY242 WY236 WY346 WY226 WY212 EK862 WY252 WY282 QR1128 EY382 9W530 WY604 WY844 WY918 GF562 WY372 FZ037 WY384 IX337 WY902 PA450 WY716 WY3302 WY324 WY818 WY606 WY906 WY920 WY632 FZ045 WY204 WY292 WY3304 WY610 WY246 WY264 WY284 WY232 WY664 QR1126 EK864 WY3922 GF564 WY822 WY694 WY684 G9116 WY254 WY646 WY434 FZ047 WY338 WY614 WY848 WY124 AI977 4H561 KL441 WY624 AI973 6.00E+81 WY312 WY914 9W534 FZ049 AI907 WY414 QR1134 WY928 GF566 BA073 EY388 WY326 SG061 WY908 AI985 WY662 LX242 9W540 LH618 WY612 WY654 WY696

RIYADH 0005 CAIRO 0005 ABU DHABI 0005 KUWAIT 0010 BANGKOK 0015 SALALAH 0030 DACCA-CHITTAGONG 0100 DACCA 0145 SALALAH 0205 LAHORE 0215 ISTANBUL-BAHRAIN 0255 DOHA 0345 DUBAI 0355 ABU DHABI 0405 BAHRAIN 0405 DUBAI 0415 FRANKFURT 0610 BAHRAIN 0640 ABU DHABI 0650 SALALAH 0655 ZURICH 0720 MALPENSA 0720 JEDDAH 0730 DOHA 0735 KUWAIT 0735 DUBAI 0805 BOMBAY 0815 LONDON HEATHROW 0820 DUBAI 0850 JAIPUR 0855 SHARJAH 0915 LAHORE 0920 DELHI 0920 HYDERABAD 0920 ISLAM ABBAD 0930 COCHIN 0930 TRIVANDRUM 0940 DUBAI 0940 MADRAS 0940 BANGALORE 1000 DOHA 1010 ABU DHABI 1015 TRIVANDRUM 1035 DUBAI 1110 MANILA 1110 KHASAB 1115 BAHRAIN 1130 COLOMBO 1140 DUBAI 1200 MALE 1205 CALICUT 1210 SALALAH 1215 LAHORE 1215 ZANZIBAR 1225 MUKHAIZNA 1230 KARACHI 1230 BANGKOK 1305 DUBAI 1330 SALALAH 1445 KHASAB 1445 ABU DHABI 1530 DUBAI 1555 BOMBAY 1710 CALICUT 1720 MUKHAIZNA 1730 DUBAI 1730 DELHI 1730 LUCKNOW 1735 BANGALORE 1740 HYDERABAD 1740 DOHA 1745 DOHA 1745 DUBAI 1750 DUQUM OMAN 1755 BAHRAIN 1810 KUALA LUMPUR 1910 DAMMAM 1910 RIYADH 1910 SHARJAH 1915 MADRAS 1920 KUWAIT 1925 TEHRAN 1940 DUBAI 1945 KATHMANDU 2010 DUBAI 2030 JAKARTA 2055 MUNICH 2105 BANGALORE-HYDERABAD 2105 DACCA 2115 AMSTERDAM-DOHA 2120 DUBAI 2125 DELHI 2125 BOMBAY 2130 CHITTAGONG 2140 SALALAH 2140 COCHIN 2140 DUBAI 2145 MADRAS 2200 AMMAN 2205 DOHA 2210 SALALAH 2220 BAHRAIN 2240 LONDON HEATHROW-ABU DHABI 2250 ABU DHABI 2250 KARACHI 2255 AHMEDABAD 2300 SALALAH 2305 AHMEDABAD-BOMBAY 2310 DOHA 2315 ZURICH-DUBAI 2320 BOMBAY 2325 FRANKFURT-ABU DHABI 2330 DUBAI 2335 BAHRAIN 2340 DAMMAM 2350

FLT NO

DEPARTURES TO

FLT NO

DEPARTURES TO

AI986 LX243 9W539 BA072 LH619 WY685 WY211 WY251 WY201 WY225 WY235 WY341 WY281 WY601 WY241 WY271 WY643 WY637 WY821 WY657 WY123 WY667 WY323 WY691 WY383 WY901 WY847 PK260 NL772 TK777 ET625 EK867 FZ042 QR1133 EY385 WY3931 WY3301 WY3921 4H562 GF561 WY903 WY603 CV732 WY917 WY291 WY263 WY347 FZ044 WY385 WY231 WY245 WY843 G9115 WY815 NL769 WY905 WY203 WY605 WY373 WY253 WY337 WY717 EK863 WY311 EY383 IX554 QR1129 WY3303 WY919 WY663 G9842 WY631 IX350 FZ038 WY433 WY113 WY101 WY413 WY645 WY153 WY143 WY927 WY609 WY405 WY3305 WY671 WY675 WY613 FZ046 WY913 WY623 WY325 QR1127 WY681 WY907 GF565 WY647 WY661 EK865 WY695 G9117 WY909 WY611 WY635 FZ048 TG508 WY915 FZ050 KL442 WY817 6.00E+82 AI908 AI974 QR1135 GF567 UL206 EY381

BOMBAY 0005 DUBAI-ZURICH 0020 BOMBAY 0025 ABU DHABI-LONDON HEATHROW 0025 ABU DHABI-FRANKFURT 0050 RIYADH 0105 TRIVANDRUM 0110 MADRAS 0110 BOMBAY 0120 COCHIN 0125 HYDERABAD 0135 LAHORE 0150 BANGALORE 0150 DUBAI 0150 DELHI 0155 JAIPUR 0200 KUWAIT 0200 ABU DHABI 0205 KUALA LUMPUR 0205 BAHRAIN 0205 MUNICH 0210 DOHA 0225 KARACHI 0225 DAMMAM 0235 MALE 0235 SALALAH 0240 JAKARTA 0245 PESHAWAR 0310 PESHAWAR 0330 BAHRAIN-ISTANBUL 0350 ADDIS ABABA 0450 DUBAI 0455 DUBAI 0510 DOHA 0520 ABU DHABI 0525 SOHAR 0600 MUKHAIZNA 0715 DUQUM OMAN 0745 DACCA 0745 BAHRAIN 0745 SALALAH 0800 DUBAI 0800 HONG KONG 0805 KHASAB 0815 CALICUT 0920 LUCKNOW 0920 ISLAM ABBAD 0920 DUBAI 0935 MALE 0940 HYDERABAD 0955 DELHI 0955 MANILA 1000 SHARJAH 1005 BANGKOK 1010 LAHORE 1030 SALALAH 1030 BOMBAY 1030 DUBAI 1030 COLOMBO 1040 MADRAS 1040 KATHMANDU 1040 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 1045 DUBAI 1055 CHITTAGONG 1100 ABU DHABI 1105 TRIVANDRUM 1110 DOHA 1115 MUKHAIZNA 1115 KHASAB 1145 DOHA 1145 RAS AL KHAIMA 1210 ABU DHABI 1220 CALICUT 1310 DUBAI 1315 TEHRAN 1330 FRANKFURT 1400 LONDON HEATHROW 1400 AMMAN 1405 KUWAIT 1405 ZURICH 1405 MALPENSA 1415 SALALAH 1415 DUBAI 1420 CAIRO 1430 MUKHAIZNA 1515 MEDINA 1535 JEDDAH 1630 DUBAI 1700 DUBAI 1700 SALALAH 1810 DUBAI 1820 KARACHI 1830 DOHA 1845 RIYADH 1845 SALALAH 1850 BAHRAIN 1855 KUWAIT 1900 DOHA 1900 DUBAI 1905 DAMMAM 1910 SHARJAH 2005 SALALAH 2015 DUBAI 2025 ABU DHABI 2040 DUBAI 2040 KARACHI-BANGKOK 2040 SALALAH 2110 DUBAI 2225 DOHA-AMSTERDAM 2230 BANGKOK 2235 BOMBAY 2245 MADRAS 2300 DELHI 2310 DOHA 2320 BAHRAIN 2325 COLOMBO 2335 ABU DHABI 2350

AI986 LX243 9W539 BA072 WY715 LH619 WY211 WY251 WY201 WY225 WY235 WY601 WY281 WY345 WY341 WY241 WY271 WY643 WY637 WY657 WY821 WY123 WY371 WY667 WY383 WY901 WY847 4H584 BG022 PK230 TK777 EK867 FZ042 QR1133 EY385 GF561 WY603 WY3301 WY903 WY323 WY917 WY263 WY291 FZ044 WY283 WY245 WY231 G9115 WY815 WY203 WY905 WY605 WY337 WY253 EK863 WY311 EY383 QR1129 9W533 WY919 GF563 WY631 IX350 FZ038 PA451 WY683 WY3303 WY433 WY663 WY113 WY101 WY645 WY413 WY153 WY143 WY131 WY609 WY405 WY693 WY3921 WY675 WY613 FZ046 WY913 WY623 WY325 QR1127 WY681 WY907 GF565 WY647 WY661 EK865 WY695 WY653 WY653 G9117 WY909 WY611 FZ048 WY635 WY915 AI978 4H561 FZ050 KL442 WY817 9W529 WY411 6.00E+82 AI908 AI974 WY677 QR1135 GF567 WY673 EY381

BOMBAY 0005 DUBAI-ZURICH 0020 BOMBAY 0025 ABU DHABI-LONDON HEATHROW 0025 ZANZIBAR 0040 ABU DHABI-FRANKFURT 0050 TRIVANDRUM 0110 MADRAS 0110 BOMBAY 0120 COCHIN 0125 HYDERABAD 0135 DUBAI 0150 BANGALORE 0150 ISLAM ABBAD 0150 LAHORE 0150 DELHI 0155 JAIPUR 0200 KUWAIT 0200 ABU DHABI 0205 BAHRAIN 0205 KUALA LUMPUR 0205 MUNICH 0210 COLOMBO 0210 DOHA 0225 MALE 0235 SALALAH 0240 JAKARTA 0245 DACCA 0245 CHITTAGONG-DACCA 0250 LAHORE 0315 BAHRAIN-ISTANBUL 0350 DUBAI 0455 DUBAI 0510 DOHA 0520 ABU DHABI 0525 BAHRAIN 0745 DUBAI 0800 MUKHAIZNA 0800 SALALAH 0800 KARACHI 0800 KHASAB 0815 LUCKNOW 0920 CALICUT 0920 DUBAI 0935 BANGALORE 0940 DELHI 0955 HYDERABAD 0955 SHARJAH 1005 BANGKOK 1010 BOMBAY 1030 SALALAH 1030 DUBAI 1030 KATHMANDU 1040 MADRAS 1040 DUBAI 1055 CHITTAGONG 1100 ABU DHABI 1105 DOHA 1115 COCHIN 1135 KHASAB 1145 BAHRAIN 1215 ABU DHABI 1220 CALICUT 1310 DUBAI 1315 LAHORE 1315 RIYADH 1320 MUKHAIZNA 1330 TEHRAN 1330 DOHA 1330 FRANKFURT 1400 LONDON HEATHROW 1400 KUWAIT 1405 AMMAN 1405 ZURICH 1405 MALPENSA 1415 PARIS 1420 DUBAI 1420 CAIRO 1430 DAMMAM 1430 DUQUM OMAN 1455 JEDDAH 1630 DUBAI 1700 DUBAI 1700 SALALAH 1735 DUBAI 1820 KARACHI 1830 DOHA 1845 RIYADH 1845 SALALAH 1850 BAHRAIN 1855 KUWAIT 1900 DOHA 1900 DUBAI 1905 DAMMAM 1910 BAHRAIN 1920 BAHRAIN 1920 SHARJAH 2005 SALALAH 2015 DUBAI 2025 DUBAI 2040 ABU DHABI 2040 SALALAH 2110 HYDERABAD-BANGALORE 2200 JEDDAH 2215 DUBAI 2225 DOHA-AMSTERDAM 2230 BANGKOK 2235 TRIVANDRUM 2240 AMMAN 2240 BOMBAY 2245 MADRAS 2300 DELHI 2310 MEDINA 2310 DOHA 2320 BAHRAIN 2325 JEDDAH 2350 ABU DHABI 2350

FLT NO

ARRIVALS FROM

WY406 WY682 WY676 WY648 WY816 WY910 WY916 NL669 PK225 TK776 QR1132 ET624 EK866 GF560 EY384 FZ041 WY114 CV732 WY658 4H562 WY638 WY902 WY686 WY324 WY144 WY154 WY692 WY674 WY644 WY668 WY132 WY602 WY3932 WY202 WY102 FZ043 WY272 NL768 G9114 WY342 WY236 WY242 WY226 WY212 WY252 EK862 WY282 QR1128 EY382 IX549 WY3922 WY3302 WY604 WY918 G9841 FZ037 WY384 IX337 WY904 WY818 WY606 WY906 WY920 WY920 WY632 FZ045 WY664 WY348 WY204 WY292 WY610 WY246 WY264 WY232 QR1126 EK864 GF564 WY3306 WY822 G9116 WY254 WY646 TG507 WY434 FZ047 WY338 WY614 WY848 WY124 WY386 KL441 AI973 WY624 6.00E+81 WY374 WY312 FZ049 AI907 WY414 QR1134 UL205 GF566 WY672 WY672 EY388 WY326 BA073 WY908 AI985 WY662 LX242 9W540 LH618 WY612 WY612 WY654 WY696 WY696 WY717

ETA

ETD

ETA

ETD

S U N DAY, MAR C H 8, 2 0 1 5

C11

ENTERTAINMENT CINEMA SCHEDULE

BAHJA CINEMA Outcast (2D) (Act/ Adventure) (15+) Cast: Nicolas Cage, Hayden Christensen, Andy On 9:30, 11:30 PM American Heist (2D) (Act/Adv) (15+) Cast: Adrien Brody, HaydenChristensen 9:45, 11:45 PM Chappie (2D) (Action / Sci Fi) (12+) Cast: Dev Patel, Hugh Jackman 3:00, 5:15 PM The Protector 2 (2D) (Action) (15+) Cast: Tony Jaa, RZA, 7:30 PM Project Almanac (2D) (Sci Fi)(PG12) Cast: Amy Landecker, Sofia BlackD’Elia, 3:45, 5:45 PM Still Alice (2D) (Drama) (PG) Cast: Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin, Kristen Stewart, 5:30 PM Asterix (2D) (Animation) (PG) Cast: Roger Carel, Lorànt Deutsch 2:00 PM Kidnapping Mr. Heineken (2D) (Action/ Crime) (12+) Cast: Sam Worthington, Anthony Hopkins, 9:45, 11:45 PM Life After Beth (2D) (Com/Dr) (15+) Cast: Aubrey Plaza; 7:45 PM Focus (2D) (Comedy | Crime) (18+) Cast: Will Smith, Margot Robbie 3:15, 7:30 PM

Focus (2D) (Comedy/Crime) (18+) 6:00 PM, Gold Class: 9:00 PM The Protector (2D) (Action) (15+) Cast: Tony Jaa, RZA, 12:15 & 4:00 PM Gold Class: 3:00 PM The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out Of Water (2D)(Animation) (PG)

SCREEN 3 Badlapur – (Action | Drama) (15+) 3.45, 6.45 pm Enakkul Oruvan– Tamil (Thriller ) – PG12 Cast: Siddharth, Deepa Sannidhi, Srushti Dange; 9.45 PM

12:00 & 4:00 PM American Heist (2D)(Action) (12+) Cast: Hayden Christensen, Adrien Brody, 2:15, 10:00 & 11:45 PM Gold Class: 1:00, 7:00 & 11:15 PM Kidnapping Mr. Heniken (2D) (Thriller) (12+) Cast: Anthony Hopkins; 8:15 PM Asterix (2D)(Animation) (PG) 10:15 AM & 2:00 PM Chappie (2D) (Action/Sci Fi) (12+) Cast: Sharlto Copely, Dev Patel, Watkin Tudor Jones; 5:45 PM Project Almanac (2D) (Act) (12+) Cast: Jonny Weston, Sofia Black D’Elia 8:00 PM Life After Beth (2D) (Hor/Com) (15+) Cast: Aubrey Plaza, Dane Dehaan 10:00 PM Outcast (2D) (Act/Adevnture) (15+) Cast: Nicolas Cage, Hayden; 11:45 PM Still Alice (2D) (Drama) (PG) Cast: Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin Gold Class: 5:00 PM

Still Alice – 2D (PG) (Drama) Cast: Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin, Kristen Stewart; 5:00 PM Dirty Politics – 2D (15+) (Drama) Cast: Jackie Shroff, Om Puri 8:45 PM

Chappie – 2D (12+) (Act | Sci-Fi) Cast: Sharlto Copley, Dev Patel 3:15, 7:45, 11:45 PM American Heist– 2D (15+) (Action) Cast: Adrien Brody, Hayden Christensen, Jordana Brewster 2:45, 5:30, 8:00, 10:00, 11:45 PM Outcast (I)– 3D (15+) (Act | Adv) Cast: Hayden Christensen, Nicolas Cage; 4:30, 6:15, 9:45 PM Kidnapping Mr.Heineken – 2D (12+) (Action | Crime |Drama) Cast: Sam Worthington, Anthony Hopkins, Jim Sturgess 3:45, 9:45 PM

SCREEN 1 Dirty Politics – Hindi (Drama) (15+) Cast: Jackie Shroff, Anupam Kher, Om Puri, Nassaruddin Shah, Mallika Sherawat 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM

Life After Beth – 2D (15+) (Com |Hor) Cast: Aubrey Plaza, Dane DeHaan 5:30, 11:30 PM Enakkul Oruvan – 2D (T) (PG12) (Thriller) Cast: Siddharth, Deepa Sannidhi 7:15 PM

SCREEN 2 Enakkul Oruvan– Tamil (Thriller ) – PG12 Cast: Siddharth, Deepa Sannidhi, Srushti Dange; 3.45, 6:45 PM Badlapur – (Action | Drama) (15+) Cast: Varun Dhawan, Huma Qureshi, Yami Gautam; 9.45 pm

Project Almanac – 2D (PG12) (Science Fiction) Cast: Jonny Weston, Sofia Black D’Elia 3:00, 6:45, 11:15 PM

American Heist – 2D (15+) (Act/Adv) Cast: Adrien Brody 4:45, 6:30, 10:00, 11:45 PM Life After Beth – 2D (15+) (Com/ Hor) Cast: Dane DeHaan, John C. Reilly, Molly Shannon 4:45, 8:15, 10:00 PM Clash of Empires: Bloodlines - 2D (12+) (Action/Adventure) Cast: StephenRahman Hughes, Gavin Stenhouse, Jing Lusi, Rahim Razali, Ummi Nazeera 2:50, 6:15, 11:45PM Kidnapping Mr. Heineken – 2D (12+) (Drama/Act) Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Jim Sturgess, Sam Worthington, Ryan Kwanten 3:00, 5:15, 8:15 PM Chappie – 2D (12+) (Action/Adventure) 3:00, 7:00, 9:15, 11:30 PM

Clash of Empires: Bloodlines (Action | Adventure) (12+) Cast: Stephen Rahman Hughes, Gavin Stenhouse, Jing Lusi 4:30, 11:45 PM

Life After Beth (Comedy)(15+) Cast: Aubrey Plaza, Dane DeHaan, John C. Reilly 6:30, 8:15 PM American Heist (Action) (15+) Cast: Adrian Brody, Hayden Christensen, Jordana Brewster 4:30, 8:00. 9:45 PM Kidnapping Mr. Heineken-3 (Action | Crime | Drama) (12+) Cast: William Brookefield, Anthony Hopkins, Jim Sturgess 6:15, 10:00, 11:30 PM

Focus (2D) (18+) (Com | Crime ) Cast: Will Smith, Margot Robbie 12:45, 2:00 PM American Heist (2D) (15+) (Action) Cast: Adrien Brody, Hayden Christensen; 12:30, 4:15, 9:30, 11:15PM Outcast (2D)(15+) (Act/Adventure) 11:00AM, 9:45, 11:45 PM Chappie (2D)(12+) (Act| Sci-Fi) Cast: Sharlto Copley, Dev Patel, Hugh Jackman; 10:30AM, 2:15, 11:45 PM Kidnapping Mr. Heineken (2D)(12+) (Action| Crime | Drama) 2:30, 6:00, 7:45 PM Project Almanac (2D)(PG12)(Thr) Abkarian; 10:45AM, 4:15 PM Life After Beth(2D)(15+) (Com |Hor) 12:30, 4:45, 6:00 PM Enakkul Oruvan (2D)(PG12) (Thr) Cast: Siddharth; 6:30 PM Dirty Politics (2D)(15+) (Drama) Cast: Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah 9:00 PM Youm Maloush Lazmah (2D)(12+) (Com) Cast: Noah Taylor, Jacki Weaver 7:30 PM

American Heist (Action) Cast: Andrien Brody, Hyden Christense, Jordana Brewster 2.00, 8.00, 10.00 & 11.55 pm CP No: 598 (PG 12) Project Almanac (Thr)(PG12) Cast: Jonny Weston, Sofia Black 2.00, 8.00 & 10.00 pm, CP No: 600 Life After Beth (Horror) Cast: Aubrey Plaza, Dany DeHan, John C.Reilly 6.00 & 11.55 pm, CP No: 601 (15+) Still Alice (Drama) Cast: Julianna Moore, Alec Baldwin, Kristen Stewart 6.00 pm, CP No: 599 (PG) Asterix (Animation) Cast: Rogger Carel, Lorant Deutsch 4.00 pm, CP No: 602 (PG) Focus (Comedy/Thriller) Cast: Will Smith, Margot Robbie 4.00pm, CP No:559 (18+)

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

STARS CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Fireman (Mal) (Act/ Thriller) Cast: Mammootty, Nyla Usha 3:30 & 9:30pm at Cinema Main 6:30pm at Cinema -2 Kakki Sattai (Tamil) (Com/Rom) Cast: Shiva Karthikeyan, Sri Diya 3:30 & 9:30pm at Cinema-2 , 6:30pm at Cinema Main Ennakul Oruvan (Tamil) (Com/Rom) Cast: Sidarth and Deepa Sannidi 3.45, 6.45 & 9.45pm at Cinema 3 Temper -Telugu (Act) Cast: Jr Ntr, Kajal Agarwal; 3:45 & 6:45pm at Cinema 4 Badlapur (Hindi) (Act) Cast: Varun Dhawan and Yami Gauthami 9:45pm at Cinema-4

For More Information 24789032, 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

ACES ON BRIDGE

What is the key to communication?

SUDOKU

5

8 2 7

3 9 4 1 5

9

8

6 8 1 2 4 2 3 7 9 8 6 1 7 1 4 6 5 7 9 3

5 8

HOW TO PLAY Fill the empty cells with the numbers 1 to 9, so that each number appears once in each row, column and area.

— Seven Galaxies

2 7 4 9 6 8 5 1 3 6 1 3 7 2 5 8 9 4 8 9 5 4 1 3 6 2 7

4 7

3 4 1 6 5 9 2 7 8 7 5 2 8 4 1 3 6 9 9 8 6 3 7 2 1 4 5

MARMADUKE

CROSSWORD

B I G NAT E

44 46 50 54 55 56 57 58 59 60

Tibetan ox Hold your horses?

Whirl around Stretchy bandage Household appliance Second-to-last word in a fairy tale 1040 org.

Take care of Skin an apple Groove

DOWN 1 Walks softly 2 At the summit 3 Gross!

4 Kiwi language 5 Surfeits 6 Dry, as champagne 7 Grad 8 Join forces (2 wds.)

9 Motel of yore 10 Banned bug spray 11 Dangerous curve 17 Place for a pint 19 NASA excursion 22 Patronage 24 Sphinx locale

25 26 27 28 29 31 37 39 41 43

Nonsense writer Rim Exec. aide Provo’s state Be a parent Sparkling Past Gamble — de cologne Steel plow

45 47 48 49 50 51 52 53

inventor Stay fresh Narrow margin Pale brown Take a break Cherry seed Anger L. — Hubbard Water-power org.

Answer to previous puzzle

ACROSS 1 Make a check out to 4 Oater backdrop 8 Ocean motion 12 Dined on 13 Eddie’s cop character 14 Comes to a stop 15 Sleepy’s bespectacled pal 16 Those in possession of an apartment 18 Geometric figure 20 Fall flower 21 Tourist’s need 23 Military horn 27 Mystique 30 Continent divider 32 Dappled 33 Sault — Marie 34 Omelet ingredient 35 Zig’s opposite 36 Auto import 38 RSVP word 39 Leafless 40 Fates tally 42 White, in chess, say

ISHANYA RAJA March 8, 2009

MOHD FARAZ MAHMUD March 8, 2004

MOHD REHAN ANSAR March 7, 2013

4 3 7 2 8 6 9 5 1 1 6 9 5 3 7 4 8 2 5 2 8 1 9 4 7 3 6

Previous puzzle Solution

JOSEPH Priestley, an English chemist, political theorist and clergyman who some believe discovered oxygen, said, “The more elaborate our means of communication, the less we communicate.”

Priestly died in 1804, but that is still true today if we append “face to face.”

Communication in bridge is twofold. During the bidding, each player is trying to describe his hand to his partner. In the play, it is the ability to get from one hand to another.

How does South communicate to make three no-trump in today’s deal after West leads the spade queen and East signals enthusiastically with his seven? (Given that declarer is known not to have four spades, there is a strong case for East’s playing his king at trick one.)

Declarer has only six top tricks: one spade, one diamond and four clubs. If he plays on hearts, here he will lose four spades and one heart. Instead, South should try to gain four diamond tricks. This requires not only finding East with the diamond king, but also perhaps having to take that finesse three times. If so, what are the three dummy entries?

After winning the first or second spade trick, declarer should cash his club ace, then lead the club seven over to dummy’s queen. On the board for the first time, South takes a diamond finesse. Next, since the clubs broke 3-2, declarer must overtake his club jack with dummy’s king and repeat the diamond finesse. Finally, he leads his carefully conserved club two to dummy’s four and takes the third diamond finesse to bring home the contract.

Phillip Alder

WITH LOVE

BORN LOSER

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KIDSPOT

H E A LT H C A P S U L E

C12

SU N DAY, MARCH 8, 2015

EXTRA BRIEFS

Genetically modified soybean oil ‘unhealthy’ If you thought that genetically modified (GM) soybean oil is any better than the normal soybean oil, you might be disappointed.

A study on mice by an Indian American researcher shows that genetically modified (GM) soybean oil is as unhealthy as conventional soybean oil.

The study found that GM soybean oil too induces obesity, diabetes and fatty liver.

“The GM soybean oil has zero grams trans fat and more of the monounsaturated fats that are considered heart healthy,” said lead researcher Poonamjot Deol of the University of California-Riverside. “But it had not been tested for long term metabolic effects until our current study,” Deol noted.

GM soybean oil, however, does not cause insulin resistance — the inability to efficiently use the hormone insulin. The researchers compared the effects of both oils in experiments done in the lab on mice. The study was presented at Endocrine Society’s 97th annual meeting in San Diego.

Breathing exercises are helpful for obese women

Many people have this liver disease but do not know Heavy drinking is often the cause of liver failure. But much of the increase in serious liver disease these days is found among those who rarely or never drink

N

onalcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, is caused by a buildup of fat in the liver; it can lead to cirrhosis, late-stage scarring or liver failure, just as alcoholism can. If you’re overweight, obese, suffer from sleep apnoea or have Type 2 diabetes along with several other conditions, you’re at increased risk of NAFLD. But it’s unclear what causes the disease.

“Patients usually come to the clinic because their liver blood tests are elevated or fatty liver has shown up” on imaging scans, said Rohit Loomba, a professor at the University of California at San Diego School of Medicine who is an expert on the disease.

But all other possible causes of liver disease have to be ruled out before a diagnosis of NAFLD is made.

Your liver is your body’s largest internal organ, about the size of a football and located in the upper right portion of your abdomen, above your stomach.

It processes everything you eat and drink, and it removes toxic substances from the body.

NAFLD causes a buildup of too much fat in liver cells; over time, this can cause the liver to swell and severely damage the organ.

According to the American Liver Foundation, about 25 per cent of the US population has the disease.

Loomba says it may be even higher, with as many as 100 million people affected.

Yet most people have no idea, and have no symptoms until it is well advanced.

As obesity rises, says Rohit Satoskar, medical director of liver transplantation at MedStar Georgetown University Medical Centre Transplant Institute, so does the incidence of NAFLD. According to Loomba, the disease is expected to affect more than 40 per cent of the adult US population by 2030.

About a fifth of those diagnosed with NAFLD will eventually develop the most serious, progressive form of the disease (called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH), which can cause cirrhosis and liver failure and is now one of the leading reasons for liver transplantation.

Loomba says there are approximately 6,000 liver transplants a year in this country, and as many as 2,000 of them are related to NAFLD or a cirrhosis related to it.

People with this most severe form generally show few symptoms until very late in the disease’s progression, when fatigue, weakness, abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice and mental confusion can appear.

Ben Goodman, who lives in Washington, is only 25 years old,

40%

of the adult US population are expected to be affected by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by 2030

but he may be at risk of getting the fatty liver disease. When he was a teenager, his father, who never drank alcohol, died of liver disease. His father’s father also died of liver disease. Given that background, Goodman’s doctor advised him when he was 15 to get a liver biopsy despite his apparent good health.

That biopsy showed elevated levels of liver enzymes, a condition that can precede NAFLD. Goodman says he was shocked when he got the results and has been determined to stay as healthy as he can in an effort to keep the disease at bay.

Jay H. Hoofnagle, director of the liver disease research branch at the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, believes that while obesity appears to be a risk factor, there is probably a genetic component that makes obesity more harm-

ful to some people’s livers than to others. He said Asians, Hispanics and Native Americans appear to be more prone to developing the more severe form of the disease, whites less so and African Americans the least. (Goodman is white.) Loomba says there are no accurate tests to tell whether a case of NAFLD will develop into NASH. And because the disease is mostly asymptomatic for decades, many people get treatment only after beginning to feel unwell.

The only therapies that can stave off or reverse liver damage caused by early-stage NAFLD are weight loss, eating a healthful diet and getting exercise.

Although the disease is not caused by alcohol consumption, drinking does stress the liver, and doctors often recommend that those with .

“We have to deal with the underlying problems, which are lack of physical exercise and poor eating habits,” says Hoofnagle.

Goodman, who is 5-foot-6 and weighs 160 pounds, makes sure to exercise at least three times a week, stays away from fried foods and foods with too much sugar, and eats a lot of fruit, vegetables and lean meat. He has lost 30 pounds over the past three years.

“It’s a constant battle to stay healthy,” he says

Breathing exercises could help obese women reduce stress and blood glucose levels, new research has found. Develop by University of Massachusetts’ Medical School researcher Jon Kabat-Zinn, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) treatment has been found to decrease fasting glucose and improve quality of life in overweight and obese women. The practice of MBSR involves paying attention to one’s thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations in the present moment in a non-judgmental and non-reactive manner through mindfulness exercises such as breathing awareness.

“MBSR significantly reduces fasting glucose and improves quality of life without changing body weight or insulin resistance,” said Nazia Raja-Khan, assistant professor of medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology at the Penn State College of Medicine in the US. Increased mindfulness and reduced stress may lead to physiological changes in the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal (HPA) axis and/or sympathetic nervous system that result in lower glucose levels, she added.

“In overweight and obese women, stress may contribute to increased diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” Raja-Khan said. The researchers conducted a pilot, randomised controlled trial of 86 overweight or obese women who were similar in age and body mass index. The results were presented at ENDO 2015, the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society in San Diego.

Losing 30 minutes of sleep daily triggers weight gain Losing as little as half an hour of sleep per day on weekdays can have long-term consequences for body weight and metabolism, new research has found. The findings suggest that people who accumulate sleep debt during weekdays and make up for lost sleep over the weekend may risk metabolic disruption, which may promote the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

“While previous studies have shown that short sleep duration is associated with obesity and diabetes, we found that as little as 30 minutes a day sleep debt can have significant effects on obesity and insulin resistance at follow up,” said lead study author Shahrad Taheri, professor of medicine at the Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Doha.

“This reinforces earlier observations that sleep loss is additive and can have metabolic consequences,” Taheri noted.

The researchers recruited 522 patients with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Early Activity in Diabetes trial and randomised them into one of three groups: usual care, physical activity intervention, or diet and physical activity intervention.- IANS

-Barbara Sadick/The Washington Post

Inspiring mum sets up charity for terminally ill children GAIL O’SHEA and her husband Jason founded the charity Wipe Away Those Tears, in order to grant wishes to seriously or terminally ill children in their home county of Essex.

The couple have four healthy children, but recognised not every parent is as lucky and wanted to give something back to other families in their community.

Gail said: “We wanted to start something up where we could help families who have to struggle, who have got children with terrible, life-threatening or lifelimiting illnesses.

“We knew we’d never be able to cure them but just to make life easier for them. Just to bring a bit of happiness into their lives.”

The 48-year-old mum, from Brentwood, who set up the charity in 2007, now helps an average of 200 families a year by raising money to make their dreams come true.

She recently made it possible

for a seriously ill child to swim with dolphins and often supplies families with equipment to make their sick children’s lives easier.

They get asked for everything from holidays to iPads. But one of the most common requests is for specialised trikes – which help children with increased mobility and independence.

Gail said: “They’re all individually made so a representative goes out and measures the child up so everything is sort of bespoke for that child.

“They can choose their own colour and it’s amazing what independence those trikes give these children.

“They want to be able to ride on their own. It gives them exercise, it gives them independence, everything, so it’s quite amazing but they’re so expensive. They start from about £1500.”

The inspirational couple also do all the admin themselves, so there are absolutely no overhead costs.

This means that every single penny people donate goes straight to the children in need. The caring pair carefully read through every story and reply within 24-48 hours to say if they can help them or not. Gail said: “It can be really upsetting and sometimes you can’t please everyone.

“But we try and help as many people as we can. “It’s fulfilling to know that you’ve helped someone whose not having such a good time as you are.

“And it’s just nice to be able to think ‘I’ve done something worthwhile’ for someone less fortunate.”

But Gail, who is mum to Courtney, 19, Chloé, 17, Harrison, 13, and 11-year-old Cameron, admits that the work can be extremely distressing at times. “I do get upset.

When you read some of the heartbreaking stories you can’t help but get upset,” she said.

The mum used to meet every single family personally, but ad-

mits it was too emotionally draining. She now replies to all requests by email and tries to help as many families as physically possible.

Gail said: “When I first started the charity, I was going out to meet all of them and it became really, really difficult because I started to get so involved.

“It was too distressing and one of my friends rightly said to me ‘people that work for charities have proper counsellors that help them, you’re doing this on your own.’

“I do cry very easily so I wasn’t a lot of help because I was crying all the time. So I decided I could be more of benefit if I read the stories, checked where they live and then had all the equipment delivered to their address instead.”

The couple have now helped thousands of families through generous donations and charity balls, but they would love some celebrity endorsement to help.

—Laura Mitchell/Daily Express

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M S U N DAY, M A R C H 8 , 2 0 1 5

SECTION

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D2

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D7

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S U N DAY, M A R C H 8 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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FOR RENT

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Contact 94057023

500 SqM Built up Area well divided with 85(SqM) Office space ACP cladding front, 85 SqM Covered Workshop/Store space, compound and gated. Partly construct Labor accommodation, ample open space available for rent at Misfah opposite Al Maha Fuel Station.

Call: 93850385 or 96060699 Flat at Darsait. Contact 99326879 Bachelor villa at Ansab.

Contact 98458542 1BR/BTR, kitchen for Indian family ladies near Ruwi church.

Contact 99746379 Room for rent Al Khuwair.

Contact 99743569/97004265 2 Bedrooms flat in Al Ghobrah near Oman oil 18 November Street.

OMR 330. Monthly. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 85 SQM shops in Ruwi only on 350/- OMR. Contact – 95122188 / 96441499 Spacious 2 BHK flats in Ruwi MBD area only on 350/- OMR.Contact – 95122188 / 96441499 Beautiful office space available in Ruwi MBD area only on 2/- OMR per sqm.Contact – 95122188 / 96441499

We have all kind of crockery items for rent. Items include: tables, buffet tables, chair, buffet, plates, glasses, spoons, table clothes, carpets.

Call 97180999 Villa for rent with 4 bedroom at Al Khodh, Rent 750/-RO. Contact 92888115 Fully furnished 1 bedroom penthouse Wadi Kabir behind Sana Hassan, monthly RO 300/-.

Contact 99349990 Prim location, nice finishing villa for RENT. 2 big bedrooms . Main large sitting room. Small maid room. Kitchen and 3 bathrooms.

At Alkhuwair. near Holiday Inn & Oman Club. 99426662, PDC only.

For families & college girls.

If require flats for rent in Wadi Kabir please send messages through Whatsapp or call – 99376454 1B/R available for Bachelors in REX ROAD, Ruwi.

Contact 99889590 Flats/villas owned by ROP pension fund available for rent in Muscat.

Contact 99349526

WANTED Clinic required, One Established new Clinic in Muscat, with Valid License & Clearance is required to purchase interested Parties can contact 91283188 or send your inquiries to mohamedsfarah@hotmail.com

AVAILABLE

1 / 3 BHK Flat Ghobrah, close to ISG Way 4041, building 4390.

Contact 99319880

Established Restaurant for rent with sponsorship.

Contact 97628242

Villa Al Khuwair, 8 bedroom, 7 bathroom, 3kittchen. 950/-.

Contact 99358589/ 5121126/95570288

Party & Wedding equipment rentals. Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. www.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

6 bedroom villa for rent at Al Mawalah near City Center Seeb.

Contact 99654252 2BHK flat Al Khuwair with split A/C. 350/- Contact 95121126/99358589/97079146 1BHK flat available at Darsait near medical. Contact 24705742/24705639 Family flats and villas at Ansab.

Contact 98458542 Industrial Land in Misfah.

Contact 93009999

BUYING/SELLING Looking for purchase of Used Portable Compressor (350 CFM, 7 Bar Pressure) powered with Diesel run Generator.

Kindly Contact 99014686 or operation@khancogroup.com

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DAILY GUIDE

FOR SALE Commercial kitchen equipment for sale. cont; 99024519 We are dealing with sale of all beauty salon equipments, furnitures & cosmetics. #942888 61 / 942888 63 Brand new highly finished luxury twin villa for sale in Mawaleh Phase -1 land area for each villa 300,00 m2 builtup area for each villa 433.50 sqm both villas with separate krooki. Contact 99164959

FOR SALE Coffee shop for sale a well running coffee shop for at Wadi Kabir Sanaya.

Contact 94159356/91039293 Shop for sale or rent in Ruwi.

Contact 99103077

3 floor building in Muttrah behind Police. Generating income of OMR 18 Thousand annually. Neat and well maintained. Built on 197 sq mtrs land. 2 tailor shops on ground floor and 6 flats. OMR 207 Thousand.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Single room with attached bathroom, kitchen near Muscat Palace family or bachelor OMR 90/-.

Contact 95094028 Flats in Darsait of 1 room, hall, 2 toilets and kitchen.

Contact 99357586 / 97500025 Gubrah furnished room, attached bath dish TV, WIFI, kitchen available for Executive single person, couple.

Contact 99658689

RO-130, big room in Darsait for family / ladies with Kerala family.

Contact 95323562 Furnished room with attached bath for non-cooking bachelor in Ruwi, R.O 150/-. Contact 92478852 Rooms for bachelors with A/C bed near CBD/ ONTC, Ruwi R.O 100/-.

Contact 96585123

Port cabins – New & refurnished Porta cabin for sale and rent.

Contact 96723468

Want Company engaged in selling food to sell coolers non repairable (scrap) quantity: 192 pieces.

Contact 93650084 Offices: 24614874

Shop for sale Honda road.

Contact 94053366 / 97605342

Dental Clinic with license for sale in Sohar. Contact 92816015

Room in CBD area for non cooking Executive bachelors free WIFI, Advance deposit. Contact 95934642

Fully furnished at W. Kabir.

Contact 99325387

Fuel tanker, fork lift.

Contact 99199374

Commercial registration with excellent name Grade A for business software for sale. Contact 92959251

Separate room with toilet available at Ruwi near Badar Al Sama hospital.

Contact after 5 pm 99504291

Room for executive bachelors (no Kitchen) including W/E. 125 RO. Contact 98949724

Shop for sale prime location at Al Khoud Souq Tejari. Contact 99083308

Furnished single room with attached bathroom and split A/C available for executive bachelors opposite Mars hyper market Barka.

Contact 92973534

Ladies parlour for sales at Al Ansab.

Contact 98281849 5 Flats of 1 bedroom for Sale in Boushar: OMR 35 Thousand each.

Monthly income OMR 270 Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Supermarket shelving and tube light fitting. Contact 99386170 Well running multi – cuisine restaurant in AL Khuwair for sale only serious buyers May. Contact 98519517 Clinic For Sale One Established new Clinic in Muscat, with Valid License & Clearance, for sale ASAP interested Parties can contact 91283188 or send your inquiries to mohamedsfarah@hotmail.com A Reputed & profitable restaurant located strategically in Mabela in industrial state road no 6 is available for immediate sale interested parties may. Contact Mr. .Faisal Khan at phone 99059013 for details & visit.

2 Prime Movers Man 2008 with 40 ton petrol tank each working at the moment in Al Maha. Price OMR 35 Thousand each. Tel: 97000155 or 92688692 23,886 Sq Mtrs Agriculture land with water well in Al Salwa, Barka.

OMR 260 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Shop for sale at Ruwi.

Contact 99103077

ACC. AVAILABLE

Single room, separate bathroom for working girls/couple behind Al Nahdha hospital. Contact 95871148 (after 4 pm)

Room for SRI LANKAN Executive at Al Khuwair. Contact 96536307.

Sharing accommodation available in Al Khoudh. Contact 98292798

Sharing accommodation available near Walja School for Indian bachelor. Contact 99459121

Single room MBD Ruwi.

Contact 95698714

Spacious 3 BR long hall, 3 bathrooms new spit A/Cs - Qurum (PDO Road) Direct owner.

Contact 99431708/ 24571963 Furnished single /sharing room for EXE. Bachelor at Rex Road (Kannada, Telugu, Tamil).Contact 92873832

Bachelor Accommodation Available in Bausher area with Free Wi-Fi, Split AC & Bed, Car parking, close to Spar Express. 80 Rials only. Contact: JP 94267848 / Ahmed - 98333093 3 Bedrooms flat in Al HailContact 92817777

Sharing family flat near Indian School Wadi Kabir. Contact 99335057

ACC. WANTED Wanted a 2 bedroom flat in around Ruwi area. Gsm 99761216

Dodge Nitro 4.0 ltr engine 2007 model 130000 kms, red colour, registration valid for one year. RO.2700/-.

Contact - 91251966

Car sale Land Rover L.R 3 & model 2008 K.M 140000, company maintenance. Single person Use (doctor). Contact 99372860

Prado 2009. Contact 99336093

Toyota Camry white 2011 km -51000 R.O 4800/-. Contact 99561562

Sunny 2009, 100k km, R.O 2500/-.

Contact 93289652 Mazda 323 2001 model.

Contact 92582523

NRI

Trucks & cars for sale quantity: 16 vehicles. Contact 96724225 / 99513419 office: 24614949

LOST Mohammad Kamal has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AD 5714077.

Finder please handover to ROP

MATRIMONIAL

NOTICE Keralite Syrian Christian Parents seeking alliance from any Syrian Christian Denominations Graduated working girls preferably in Oman or UAE for their son MBA 29/175-born brought up in Muscat working in a reputed organization. # 97226324 email: m4proposal@yahoo.com Kerala Jacobite, 28 yrs / male Nurse working in private hospital in Muscat, inviting proposals from employed girls in Muscat.

Contact 99206413

Room for rent at Al Ansab.

Contact 98806430

Sharing bed room with ac near Hamriya R about main road Ruwi.

Contact 93677898.

Furnished rooms for Indian bachelor in Al Falaj Ruwi & lady in Wadi Kabir. Contact 95941515.

Furnished 1 bed room available near Indian School, Seeb for small family.

Contact 91354846

Muslim boy age 27 height 5,6 B.Tech petroleum engineering , working in Oman parents , residing in Qatar, looking for beautiful professional girls preference , GCC settled family, Ernakulam / Thrissur/ Malapuram Dist. Contact +974 33446790, 968 91256474

Room available at Honda road.

Contact 99366591

Accommodation available for South Indian family, one bedroom with attached toilet, kitchen, hall in a villa, Al Ghubrah.

Contact 99209160

Indian Sunni family with Omani nationality seeking proposals from Indians with Omani nationality for their daughter aged 23.

Contact 99641047

Single furnished room in Ruwi.

Contact 24833609

M.V. FOR SALE

ACC. AVAILABLE

Spacious, 2BHK flat for sale at Hebbal Bangalore.

Contact 96263157 Attractive, savings, investments and insurance plans from SBI life (A Group Co of State Bank of India) Contact Mr. John Moras (95778431)

GOOD NEWS Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).

Contact 24475280 / 95371554 / 92504980 , www.siddhayur.com

Red Cherry Ice Cream & Juices L. L. C Company which is recorded under the commercial register in directorate general for trade industry number 1175907 is going to change its name to Red Cherry for Juices L. L. C company.

This is to inform anybody who concerns about that.

GOOD NEWS Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis massage, steam bath, obesity, spondylitis IDEAL , CARE Ayurvedic Clinic 18 November street, Azaiba.Contact 99639695 / 99117987 FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 96050000, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133.

For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit: www.islamfact.com

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DAILY GUIDE

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

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

ADMIN Urgently Required: Purchaser, Administration and Accountant with NOC and immediately join.

Apply, fax 00968–24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com.

BEAUTICIAN

22 years of experience in Multinational Companies & reputed firms in Financial Management, Project Management, Budgeting and Cost control, seeking a strategic Financial/Management Accounting role in a dynamic organization . Please contact Mob. +971-506178139, Email.georg_vargis01@yahoo.com

Urgently requited Indian experience Beautician in location Al Hail near Al Khamis Shoes.

Visa available Good salary + food + accommodation.

Contact 92284899/ 92139922

MBA finance graduate Indian male on visit visa one year’s internship experience in financing/marketing looking suitable marketing /finance position. Contact 95394938 safeer. buzz@gmail.com Internal Auditor MBA (fin) Indian male having 8 years Oman experience with valid Omani D/L & Noc available. Contact 92274373 E mail: willy316@gmail.com

CATERING Wanted experienced Indian Chef for reputed house in Qurum.

Knowledge & experience in Indian, Continental and Chinese food is must. Contact 99466062

Part time Accountant with 15 years exp in Accounts, finance, audit tax management. Contact 95857199

DRIVER

Accountant (B.Com, MBA pursuing) Indian male 25 years, 2 years experience in India, seeking better placement on visit visa.

Contact 97709327

Expatriate heavy duty drivers / crane operators and forklift operators with PDO license and Noc. Contact 99465358/99348352

Indian male 27 yrs MBA HR & marketing 1 yr exp in HR supporting looking for suitable job.

Contact 97484159

Looking for a House Driver with at least 3 years experience.

Contact : 92807807

Indian Practising CA from Mumbai on visit Enquiry, advice & follow up of all Indian taxes, filing returns, investments, project finance, housing loan, company formation ref www.ca-nka.com Email: aminnaveen7@gmail.com Ph:+968 97246270 (Oman) +91 9820457219 (India)

Wanted driver. Contact 95112461 Required a private driver from India. Contact 92345861

DOMESTIC HELPER Required Housemaid for Indian family, Visa will be provided.

Contact: 94291473

Young Indian graduate, experience in Logistics and Accounting/ Sales and Marketing seeks placement.

Immediate availability.

Call: 97374480

Wanted urgently an Indian House Driver and a Part Time cook for an Omani family. Kindly send your cv to alraid@alraidgroup.com or contact on 24567070

SALES / MARKETING

Require House maid in Mabela.

Contact. 95200180

ENGI./ELECT./TECH..

Required Salesman cum Hardware Engineer for computer shop at Ruwi with minimum 2 years experience.

Contact 98825805 / 98825806 Email:strns1@gmail.com Urgent requirement Civil Engineers 8 nos for Supervision 5 yrs experience.

Contact: 99244481 Email: secons.engineers@gmail.com Wanted Computer Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Communication Engineer & Commercial Manager 10 yrs experience salary for each RO 1500.

Email:lulubd2012@gmail.com Urgently Required: Civil Engineer experience in building construction with NOC and immediately join. Apply, fax 00968–24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com.

A Fast Growing Construction Company Requires, Site Engineer (1no) (Diploma)- 3 to 5 yrs Oman exp, Civil Foreman (1no) 6 to 8 yrs Oman Exp, Light duty Expatriate Driver (1no), Omani Driver (3Ton) - 1no. Those are having Oman driving license & NOC / Release can apply Contact # 96920919 and send your CV to builtinsharp@gmail.com A/C Mechanic, Electrician plumber, computer hardware etc.

Contact 99447257 / 97014234 mansur75@hotmail.co.uk A leading MEP Contracting Company urgently requires the following with minimum 3-4 yrs experience. 1) HVAC Estimation Engineer. Those who are interested may contact on 99221471, Email : Kevin@airmechoman.com , fax 24447061 Wanted Civil Engineer, Email: almoosaengineering@gmail.com Required Sales Engineer for the sale of building Material, with 3-5 years experience in Oman, holding a valid Omani driving license. Qualified candidates mail in your CV to migc.vacancies@gmail.com Leading metal fabrication group requires Sales Engineer, minimum 2 yrs exp. with valid Oman D/L. Contact: 99102383 Email: hr@khancogroup.com

IT Urgently required Omani IT software professional fluent in Arabic and English with 2 years experience Email: mhca@mhabibgroup.com fax: 24564459 IT Sales Executive GCC Experience - 2+ Years Valid Driving license Graduate in IT With MBA or Marketing back ground in IT field.

E mail : towershr70@gmail.com, info@towersinternationalgroups.com Required IT Technician for computer shop. Send your CV at khalid@rayyancomputer.com

MEDICAL Urgently required a female nurse with MOH license to work permanent or leave vacancy for a reputed clinic. Salary Negotiable. Contact 94618483 Urgently required an Orthodontist with MOH to work at a reputed Dental Center in Muscat.

Contact 968 99694723, Email : dr.bdohc@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Urgently required Omani national Sales Executives (indoor & outdoor) for marble & granite company in Muscat. Please send your CV to nimmu.n@gmail.com or Contact 94552924 Urgently IT Marketing Eng. 2 years experience in Oman. Driving License.

Email - darr_al_maan@yahoo.com GSM 99058770 Urgently needed sales and marketing personal with logistic experience in the Sultanate of Oman pls. sent your c.v. to kttoman@omantel.net.om or P. O. Box. 505, P.C114, Jibroo, S. Of Oman tel. : 24711071/fax :24711064 We Al Mayar Co LLC are seeking talented experienced Sales Executive for the FMCG, Electrical and Electronics sale. The interested persons can send their CV s to ultrasales@almayarllc.com and pnoman@gmail.com Marketing Executive for digital printing company. Contact 94356769/ 96936564

Wanted Salesman with driving licence and car. Gsm : 98805474 or email id: jobssales2015@gmail.com Marketing Executive minimum 5 years experience with D/L. Email your CV to info@omannc.com

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Shawarma/BBQ/ Tandoor / helpers wanted. Contact 95529970 Urgently required experienced store keeper who can look after store and logistics for a reputed company in Muscat. Pls forward your CV to accounts@ies-oman.com Required Electrician for Maintenance Company.

Contact 97205114 For a reputed contracting company urgently required, tiles Mansons, general Mansons, furniture carpenters, painters, carpentry foremen, civil foreman with license, accountant, and electrician cum plumber. Contact: - 99889450/99343461, fax no: 24619716. E mail:goldenrayconstruction@gmail.com

TOURS Require female Nurse with MOH License urgently for Clinic in Ruwi.

Contact (99013455) Wanted Pharmacist (B Pharm), Staff Nurses (female) with or without MOH license for a polyclinic near Sohar. Excellent salary package. Contact 99006915, email : alhinaee.clinic@yahoo.com Urgently required Pharmacist.

Contact 94200385/ 95206905/ 97433142 Email: anitho@gmail. com Hala Medical Center, Sinaw require G.P, Gynecologist, Pediatrician, Staff Nurse, Lab Technician Radiographer & Lady Receptionist. Contact 99795113 Email: halamedicalgroup@gmail.com Wanted Doctor with or without MOH license for a Polyclinic.

Excellent salary with accommodation and commission. Contact: 97091664.

Email: mmcmuscat@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Looking for an experienced sales man for building materials and electrical shop in Amerat, candidate should be fluent in speaking Arabic & Hindi. Contact 92418044

Required Salesman.

Contact 96964767 Our company CHABROS LLC is seeking for Indian salesman.

Have an experienced in building materials. Please send CV to chabros@omantel.net.om Wanted part time Marketing Executive to sell beautiful property project to NRI’s. Attractive terms offered. Contact 97445835 Required Business Development Executive for a clearing and forwarding company. Please mail CV to wisal.international@gmail.com Urgently required SALES EXECUTIVES for a reputed company dealing in TRUCK SPARE PARTS. Fresh graduates are also welcome.

Attractive salary packages. Send CV: Jibalmansur@gmail.com 97988908/ 95415900 Urgently required out door sales executive for furnishing company with valid Oman license and minimum 3 years experience in furniture field. Contact 93231403 or mail: rainbowfurnishing156@gmail.com Urgently required an excellent grade construction firm based in Muscat has immediate vacancy for

Sales Manager for luxury yacht in Muscat. Experience in Oman market preferred. Email cv and photo: alibadawy@gmail.com.

Wanted experience candidate for tours and rent a car.

Email: almoosarentacar@gmail. com, Fax: 24796040 Temporary boatman wanted for month of April and May 2015.

Contact 99466062

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian Male, MBA 2 yrs experience in Accounts, Admin & HR on visit visa. Contact 92045306 Accounting up to finalization, auditing & contact for tally ERP software Contact– 91720465 Male, total 17 years experience in India & Oman - India - 9 years & Oman - 8 years In the field of procurement, material controller and accountancy - Local release available (Noc) Cont no. 91680124 , 98606546

Indian male, B.COM, currently in Oman on Visit Visa, Urgent seeking suitable Job Accountant / Administrative/ HR dept. have 6y. UAE experience, Valid Driving License, Knowledge of Internet ,Tally ERP9, Microsoft Office. MS EXCEL, immediately available.

Contract +968-92718733 , Email : sahashankar@gmail.com Indian female, M. Com with 6 years experience in finance, HR & Administration with Oman D/L .

On family joining visa.

Contact 99864846 Email: b_ralitha@yahoo.com Part Time Accounting, Accounts Finalization, Audit Preparation, Internal Audit, Onsite Tally Training, Inventory Management Contact : 96975454, email : ibfcoman@hotmail.com Indian male 22 yrs B. Com Graduate 1 year exp in Accounts, currently on visit visa. Looking for suitable job.

Contact – 94341848 / Email – mohdhaji7272@gmail.com Indian M.Com Finance exp 1 year now in visiting visa.

Contact 96970734 B.Com India. Languages : English, Hindi & Malayalam.

Contact 92954613 FCCA- Qualified from UK with 9 years of experience in Big 4 & Top 30 UK firms. Currently working as Manager Finance & Accounts for more than 2years. NOC available, please contact 9259 3748.

Indian female B.com CA Inter 3 years internship completed 2 years accounting experience currently on visit visa seeking for suitable job . Contact 94682798/95736496 Email: giby2605@gmail.com Indian male with one years experience in logistics, cargo operation and accounts seeks suitable placement. Contact 97826180 Email: nihalsiddheeque@gmail.com India Accountant: Male, M com, 7 Yrs experience in Accounts up to finalization, having knowledge of ERP, Tally, seeks suitable placement. Contact:93950138 Email: lijinrajan123@gmail.com Accountant / Purchase manager (Release Available) 29yrs Indian male having 7yrs experience in Oman seeking suitable placement Mob:95325041,email:vijayapalanbinu.aniyan@gmail.com Indian B.Com Graduate having 7 years of experience in logistics in Dubai and 2 years of Oman experience in accounts with valid D/L is looking for a suitable placement.

Contact 00968 91234320

ACCA finalist and BSc from Oxford Brookes University UK, having 18 months working experience, currently in Muscat on visit, seeking immediate and suitable position.

Contact : 95375282 A Fresh ACCA Affiliate, Pakistani male, 24 yrs, open for positions of Accounts, Audit and finance.

Contact 94541539 email: wasiqnasir_3@yahoo.com Indian male (34), B. Com with computer application , 3 years experience in Muscat as Accountant . Having valid Oman D/L, looking for a part time job.

Contact 91586632 Finance Manager, CPA, with more than 15 yrs. of experience in GCC. Fully knowledgeable in Finance, General & Management Accounting .

NOC available. Contact 96209331 MBA HR&FINANCE Indian Female with 2 years work experience in leading MNC looking for suitable placement in HR / FINANCE, Contact: 99791008 / 93888576 Part time Accountant, up to finalization, looking for job after 5 pm (location prefer - Qurum to Al Khoudh). Contact 92917574 Looking for part time job as accountant having experience up-to finalization. Contact. 99002390 Indian 34 yrs B.Com CA Inter pass 12 yrs exp in Audit A/C, Finance on visit seeks suitable placement.

Contact 95585069 Indian male, 25 yrs,MBA (Finance) 3 years experience as Accountant immediately available.

Contact 968 99485943, Email : hyd.mushu@gmail.com Accountant B.Com CIMA finalist 8 yrs experience. Contact 95522109 Pakistani male, 25 yrs, MBA Finance, 1.6 yrs exp in Accounts seeking placement in Accounts, Administration or Business Management. # 92651927 / 94250149 Accountant with bachelor degree in Business Administration & Accounting from Majan College with 1 year experience in Oman.

Contact 96132149 MBA Finance (Indian) with 3 years experience in Accounts & Finance field. Looking for suitable position.

Contact- 94276956/ irshadbhk@gmail.com MBA (finance & accounts) having 3 years working experience as accountant possessing good skills in tally , ERP seeks suitable placement currently available on visit visa.

Contact 97095686 Indian male B.com professional looking for suitable job, 2 years experience finance and marketing.

Contact 95983091 Email: akhil.mathew556@gmail.com Indian male 26 years, with 4 years experience in accounts and administration looking for suitable placement. Contact 93008891 Female with MBA finance, financial and tax professional four and half years of experience seeks suitable opportunities in reputed organizations. Contact- 99792457 Email: msparveen1@gmail.com Indian male, B.Com, Accountant – 6yrs exp in Oman, NOC availableReady to join.contact: 98162671 ; email: prasanths3@gmail.com Indian Male, 25 yrs currently in Oman on visit looking for suitable vacancies in accounts, B.Com completed 1 yr experience. Contact 92024380 B.com doing CA Accounts/ office job male now working in Oman Noc, release available. Contact 92715465 Email: alsabathehm@gmail.com Indian male- B.Com/B.Ed/15 years Exp – 5 in Oman, seeks job in Accts/Sales/Logistics have NOC and Oman D/L with car.

Contact – 92919625/93511425/ 93424828; Emailseshadricpioman@gmail.com Indian male, 32 years, M. Com. 7 out of 9 years experience in Oman in Accounts/finance. Having NOC and valid Oman D/L. Contact 98277143, Email: anzarks@gmail.com

ADMIN/HR B.Sc Graduate with 6 yrs of exp in HR & Administration looking for suitable positions. #91507099

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED ADMIN/HR

INFORMATION TECH

Indian male MBA 32 yrs having 10 yrs of exp seeking suitable placement in Admin/ HR/ Operations/ Coordination/ Logistics etc. Holding valid Oman D/L .Contact - 99054786

Looking for job Tunisian Bachelor with experience 5 years in Network/IT. Cont.:91368102

Indian, male, 30 Years, B.Com, 8 Years’ Experience as HR / Administration in Oman, seeks suitable placement, NOC Available, Contact No. 00968 94652591 Indian, Male, 30 Years, B.COM, 8 Years’ Experience as HR / Administration in Oman, seeks suitable placement, NOC Available, Contact No. 00968 94652591 Over 14 years of gulf experience in Admin /HR /Logistic fluent in Arabic & English with D/L , looking for suitable position. Contact 95824598 Indian female with excellent communication skills, confident, dedicated to work and enthusiastic.

Knowledge about ms office. Has 6 years of experience in customer service, telecommunication, HR.Looking for immediate placement. Contact # 97348819 Young Indian male with 5 years Muscat experience in admin, purchase & Masters from UK seeks placement. Possess driving license.

Contact 94400671 Indian male MBA 35 years having 12 years of experience in Oman seeking placement in Admin /HR operations /accounts holding valid Oman D/L. Contact 96055815 Noc available can join immediately Email: shaiks111@gmail.com

ARCHI./ DRAUGHTSMAN Indian Architect, 6 years experience in handling multidisciplinary projects including international ones, looking for immediate placement.

Contact No: 98219498 Indian Female Architect with 3.5 years experience looking for suitable job (1.5 years experience in Oman) B. Arch. Contact 96146645 Email: anjuovil@gmail.com AutoCAD operator, Indian male 3 yrs experience in Auto CAD 2D & 3Ds Civil Draftsman, MAX and Photo shop, presently on visit visa seek suitable placement.

Contact 91764358 Email: mohdsiraj02@yahoo.com Auotcad knows 3D,REVIT, MAX Ph : 97103168

CATERING Indian cook, Tandoori cook, male, 32 yrs, having 4 yrs of experience in Muscat in India, looking for a cook job in Hotel. Contact 93753523 / 98744307 / 92175119.

DESIGNER 3D designer Indian male, good experience with 3 omax photo shop 1llustratori. Contact 93909636 /98461278 Keralite Bachelor professional building designer with AutoCAD, 3D Max & Accounts.

Contact 96535497, email : bhaviwky90@gmail.com Indian female, 25yrs BscFASHION DESIGNING, 3yers experience in designing field and teaching. looking for a sutable placement. Contact: 98785310.

Email: vinaya.m.nair@gmail.com

DRIVER Looking for job LVD experience, 2 years in Oman.

Contact 96534239 Light duty driver with 2 yrs exp seeks job. Contact 97311715 Light driver having only visa looking for job as driver. Contact 93308178 Driver available 5 years experience Oman driving light. #92505581 With car driver available and only driver. Contact 96771598 Light driver looking for job.

Contact 92791678

DRIVER Light Driver having own visa looking for job as driver.Contact 92303692 Tower crane operator having visa NOC. Contact Atthar har 97377834 Light duty Driver wanted.

Contact 95667138 Experienced driver Indian with 4 wheel driver landcruiser.

Contact 91690870

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Indian male 24 years, Mechanical Engineer,pdms.1 yr experience in pipeline,16years in oman seeking immediate placement # 95775742 BE Civil Engineer looking for suitable placement.

Please contact - 98478376 Chemical Engineer B.Tech Indian male 2+ years of experience seeking suitable placement.

Contact 92545630 Email: vkarun77@gmail.com MS in Engg Management (UK), B. Tech in CS, 5+ years of exp in project management /sales /business development, MOB: 92798469 BE Mechanical 3 years experience in maintenance of ship, boiler & desalination unit. Contact 99795073, Email : sankarvijayan.mace@gmail. com Indian male B-Tech Civil having 2 year experience in Visit visa seeks suitable position. Contact 92609893 Computer Engineer holding bachelors degree in Computer Science with 7 years of total experience with 2 years in UAE, looking for a suitable job in Oman. Contact 92076362 Chartered Electrical Engineer 5 yrs experience with core strength in design, installation, commissioning and testing effective skills in preparation of BOQ. Estimations, switchgears substations commercial and residential buildings Contact 94638744/ 96473165 Email : ceng.shaz@gmail.com Elet.Engr 9+ yrs exp Noc available can join immediately.

Contact 99148940 Email: jobluk.om@gmail.com M.Tech Manger /Civil Engineer with PMP, Indian male, 18 yrs experience (including 4 yrs in Dubai and 3yrs in Oman) in construction field for multi million projects like five star hotels , waterfront, properties , high rise buildings, luxurious villas and ROP projects seeking placement , Noc available , ready to join .

Contact 91158903 / tuminousmercury@gmail.com Civil Site Supervisor, 3 yrs Diploma, Certificate attested, Experienced, Knows 3D, Autocad, Revit Ph : 99506977 Civil Engineer (Diploma) 23 yrs, Indian male 1 yr exp. Contact +919645285855 / 97050267 mail id: unnikrishnan1334@gmail.com HVAC Engineer (heating ventilating air conditioner) qualification B.E (Mechanical Engineer) 3 years experience (India) presently family visa. Contact +968 94271486 Indian female, 25 yrs, M.Sc Software Engineering having 2 yrs experience in IT & Admin, on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact 96985150, Email : anucherian@gmail.com Indian male with 5 yrs experience in CCTV, (AV technician) and 4 yrs experience as Supervisor / billing section on visit visa. Contact 93570126 Indian male 27, B.A Economics, Diploma in fire & safety engineering, NEBOSH, IOSH, OSHA, certification, 4 years experience as Safety Officer in India on visit visa. Contact 91092826

Light driver looking for job.

Contact 91376612

Qualified Chemical Engineer over twenty years experience in water and waste water with Oman driving license and Noc available for suitable job. Contact 94479435

LV Driver- 2 yrs Exp-know English- Contact 95292064

B.E /B.Tech civil 2-3 years.

Contact 93850875/95283064

Light duty driver looking for job, 2 yrs exp. Contact 98356230

MCA, MBA, CCNA, MCSE, Indian male with 10 years of experience, holding Oman driving license on visit visa seeks any suitable placement. Contact 92716116 / 91266535 Email: sijuayur@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Civil Engineer B Tech, Site Engineer Experienced, Drafting on Visit Visa Ph : 91642050 Project Manager BSC Civil Engineering with MBA have Oman experience with 9+ years.

Contact 97046565 Quality Assurance Design, BTech Elec, MBA (TQM) , IT Infrastructure(WLAN , TETRA) Security systems(CCTV AACS),Project control Engineering, Document Control / CAD Managing /Change management, Exp in Major projects, NOC available Ph : 99506977 Civil Engineer having 4 and Half years experience in building construction looking for suitable placement valid D/L available.

Contact 92153392 Diploma in Architect 2.5 years experience in Oman having driving.

Contact 92967404 Civil Engineer (Diploma) 3 yrs exp seeking for placement.

Contact 95200650 Project Engineer Indian male 3yrs dip12 yrs experience all kind mechanical civil, interiors decoration job Oman driving license.

Contact 93260559 Mechanical Engineer 30 years experience fabrication erection production on visit visa. Contact 93663121 Electrical Engineer B.E Engineer, 6 years experience in Dubai, Bahrain with G.C.C. professional licenses holding GCC driving license.

Contact 98063081 Email: imran.engr08@gmail.com Mechanical engineer (B.Tech in Mechanical) with certified quality controller –NDT level 2 qualified as per ASNT – SNT - TC - IA having experience in sales and marketing in India, presently on visiting visa seeks suitable placement. Contact 92417032 Email: joel.aries@gmail.com Project Engineer, civil engineer BSC, Building Construction 5 Years Exp in Oman fluent Arabic, English and good Indian .Contact - 97858589 Sudanese Mechanical Engineer 6 yrs. exp (generators, solar, A/C sales, control) 5 months (HVAC) Omani D/L. Noc vehicle.

Contact 97452159 Email: mohamedkarrar.mk@gmail.com Procurement Engineer Indian male, 6 years exp in oil & gas sector in Oman & Bahrain currently on visit visa looking for suitable placement .Contact 92967443 Civil site Engineer diploma holder 9 am want job my exp, 8 years Oman & Dubai. Contact 95714327 B.Tech Mechanical Engineer (Automobile)&Diploma in QC with 2yrs experience in oil & gas company seek suitable placement job currently on Visit Visa. Contact no.96071081, 99214308 , Email: rahulvarikkat@gmail.com Sudanese male, Architect 3 years experience in Oman as an Architectural designer and Site Supervisor, designing software known (Auto CAD, 3D Max, revit, ArchiCAD, photo shop and primavera. Contact 92327536 Email: ahmedstar89@hotmail.com Indian male, 28 diploma in fire and safety Engineering computer hardware net working 1 yr customer service experience trouble shooting technical support on visit visa.

Contact 91025050 / 98856803 Email: purujith8797@gmail.com BE/EEE Electrical Engineer Indian male 25 years having 2.5 years experience currently on visit visa looking for suitable placement.

Contact 00968-96522624 / 92770316 contact India +91- 9994024477 / 9597539520 Electrical Engineer Indian male 29 years, having 5 years of experience in Industrial Automation & utility maintenance in India (MRF Tyres) seeking suitable placement. #92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Sudanese Mechanical Engineer 11 years exp in oil & gas industry.

Contact - 95928035

B.E Mechanical Engineer, Indian male, 4 yrs experience in sales, Seeking suitable job on visit visa.

Contact 96137079 , 93095565, Email : elangovivek@yahoo.co.in Looking Part time Job in HVACContact - 93198128 Quantity Surveyor (Civil Building) looking for Part time job Contact no:-94391712 E-mail addressinayathhussain@yahoo.com Indian B.Tech Mechanical Engineer, 26 yrs, 4 yrs experience in HVAC/ MEP. Contact 94669629, rajeevhpd15@yahoo.com Electrical Engineer experience 2008-2015 in Oman and experience 2004- 2008 outside Oman, 34 years.

Contact 96968275 / 97445304 Email: alsada_1981@yahoo.com Bachelor in Telecommunication Engineering from CCE ,CCNA certificate IELTS, score 7 experience certificate from Central Bank of Oman.

Contact 95331455 / 92210958 Indian Male, 5 yrs exp.

Hardware & net working Engineer on short visit requires suitable placement. Contact 92458622 B.Tech Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, female with approximately 2 years in medical field is seeking any job position.

Contact 94652908 mail id: aswathiraviraj@gmail.com Telecom Engineer with 4.5 years Oman experience looking for a suitable opportunity, interested even in Marketing also. Possess valid Oman driving license. Contact 94145460 BE 2 yrs exp electrical projects AutoCAD design/ commission available attested. Contact 97835922 Email: anascadd11@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECHNICAL B.Sc Electrical Engineer, more than 16 years experience, 3 years in Oman experience in EPC contract, power plant – grid station – primary substation – SCADA system – test and commissioning engineer – DCRP approval. Contact 96964917 Muscat Arabic and English / Oman driving license

EDUCATION Indian Female, BE (Electrical and Electronics), M.Tech (VLSI Design and Embedded Systems) with 3.5 yrs experience in teaching/education field, seeking suitable teaching/ non-teaching job in Muscat.

Contact 93686493 Email: n.akshatha12@gmail.com Indian Female (M.Com, B.ED) 2Yrs Experience in teaching seeks suitable placement . Specialization in ( Accounting, Business studies, Human resource management, Economics). Presently in Visit Visa Status. Contact:97342709, Email: sininair27@gmail.com Indian female 25 years MSC polymer chemistry holder seeking suitable placement. Currently on visit visa. Contact 96128290 Email ID: najeeb27@gmail.com

INFORMATION TECH

DAE (Civil) having 3.5 years Experience 2 years from Oman with driving licences, seeking for suitable position in Construction field NOC and release available . Contact 96968554 Email: mehranahmad26@yahoo.com

BSc. Computer Engineer having skills in IT Support, Networking and Technical Sales. Looking for a job opportunity. Mobile: 9127 9617, Email: Javaid_iqbal1@hotmail.com

Aircraft Maintenance Technician with one year experience seeks suitable placement. Contact amaljohn2002@gmail.com Diploma of Associate Civil Engineering, Diploma of AutoCad, having 3.5 yrs experience, 2 yrs experience of Oman in Building Construction, valid transferrable ID Card.

Contact 94378581 Experienced female Electrical Engineer. Contact 93800906 Civil Engineer with 12 years Experience Looking For Job. Contact 98162295

Philipino male 27 on visit visa is looking for suitable job.

Contact 98588717 Store keeper 26 yrs, 6 yrs experience 4 yrs in Oman NOC/release available. Contact 97657823 Indian male M. Sc Graduate with telecom AV experience for 6 years looking for suitable position. Contact 00971-557041574 / 95135218 email: nazid83@gmail.com Logistics Officer, Experience in Store keeping. Contact : 99505934

19years UAE experience in management sales and business development, additional Indian experience valid UAE D/L, on express visa.

Contact 91602809 Email: thomasalexander210@gmail.com

Omani citizen searching a job in the field of computer Especially in data base professional in operating oracle SQL , PL/ SQL , form6i , Report 6i .

Contact 96977368 Email: talaloml@yahoo.com

Generator maintenance in charge with 4 yrs experience with Cummins, caterpillar, kirloskar and voltas. Contact - email: shibinmundakkal@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS

1 year experience in teaching all subject to KG classes, currently working as a teacher in Oman, seeking suitable placement, Family visa.

Contact 92178304 / 99036256

Electronics & Communication Engineer with 4 years Oman experience in telecom field looking for a suitable opportunity. Interested in marketing also. Possess valid Oman driving license. Contact 94145460

Mechanical Engineer, Gulf Exp in Design and Manufacturing Ph: 97097688

IT Prof, MCA having 6+ yrs exp, seeks suitable position.

Contact 94543668

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR

28 years male M. Sc, 7+ years experience in WEB developer and designer currently working at Microsoft India seeking suitable placement. Contact 93936878

Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp.

Email: mohd.ateeq.khan@gmail.com

B.Tech IT Professional, Indian Male with 3 yrs of Exp. In System Admin, IT Support, Networking, Installing Active Directory, DHCP, DNS,RAS, configuring maintaining and managing servers, configuring cisco routers, Exp in handling SQL database, With Valid Driving Licence. Contact - 968 98863507

Experienced Librarian seeks suitable position. Contact 92887119

M. Sc Mechanical Engineer 5 years experience in crusher plants production manufacturing release visa CAD/CAM. Contact 92156387 / 97838220

24 years Indian female diploma in computer science and engineering now on visit visa seek suitable placement. Contact 96314974/99107369

B.Tech IT Engineer, Indian male with 3yrs of exp. as System administrator, IT support, Networking, installing active directory, DHCP, DNS, RAS, exp. in handling SQL database, currently in Oman on visit visa, with valid Qatar driving license and immediate available. Contact: 93925281

Seeking IT job (on contract basis) having 8 yrs exp , with ( COT NET, SQL SERVER, ORACLE , BO reporting , application maintenance, IT support , ERP support & development) valid IT visa up to 11-07 2016 and D/L Oman.

Contact 92064496 India, Male BCA, IT Engineer, hardware, networking MCSA, CCNA, ITIL, Office administration, Accounts Email: e.mustafa@live.com Required suitable possistion for the experinced B Tech (hard ware) Engineer. Contact: - 99343461/ email: msureshbabumct@g mail.Com ERP Software professional, Indian male, 20 yrs (5 yrs Oman) experienced. Interested in ERP/ CRM, Development, Implementation, support position. Contact 93501977 Email: go4nadeem@gmail.com Indian Female, MCA, 2 years experience in Oman seeks suitable placement in IT or Admin, contact no: 95094154, 99436069, Email: ramanrami@rediffmail.com Indian male 25 B.Tech (IT) Engineer 2.5 yrs exp in hardware networking.

Currently on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact – 94359564

Indian male, looking for a senior management position, 25 years of experience in GCC with multinational consulting firms, currently working as contracts/project manager, seeks immediate placement.

Contact 99376691 Emails: 1962jobs@gmail.com Indian male Graduate with 20+ years of Administration, Operations & Management experience in IT, Oil & Gas & Hospitality Industry. 12 years in Oman with vast contacts, very strong management, operational, communication and interpersonal skills, can handle any size of business and projects whether it’s in initial stage or established. Can join immediately.

Local release available on request.

Contact: 9906 4589 10 years experience in Supermarket as a Manager. Fluent in English, Arabic, Bengali & Hindi presently on visit visa, looking for an opening in the similar field. Contact 91747258 Projects/ contracts Manager total 31 yrs (26 yrs in Oman) experienced in managing & coordination of multi-million R.O projects of government & private sector, post Graduate Structural Engineer with structural & QS Background looking for senior position.

Contact +00968-91400599 Indian female with nine years of experience in 5 Star hotels as Assistant Food & Beverage Manager looking for a suitable placement in a reputed Star hotel. Contact: 91219787 Qualified Manager: (12+ yrs. Oman Exp.) Vast knowledge in A/c & Admin, Costing, Banking, Credit Control, Insurance, International Purchase/Logistics & Finance, With D/L looking for suitable position.

Gsm: 93826090 Email: jskanchan01@gmail.com

MEDICAL

Indian Male, IT Support Engineer, 2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experience. Contact 97311847

SAP BO/BODS consultant 6 years experience with EMBA (IT) B. Tech (IT) OCP, OCA, ITIL & AIX qualified seeks suitable posting.

Contact 92532996 / 95740250 Email: elango2840@gmail.com

Female Dentist Indian, 28 years Dental Surgeon, 3 years of experience, Oman prometric passed with 64%, looking for a suitable placement in Muscat region.

Contact 91377681 Email: hashmisarwat@gmail.com

Indian male, 26 yrs B-Tech (ECE) with MBA in Marketing / HR looking for a suitable placement. Currently on visit visa valid up to 30 January 2015. Contact 93754428, email : shijosirius709@gmail.com

Hardware specialist B.Tech M.Tech electronics with 10 years experience seeks suitable opportunities in reputed organizations.

Contact 91289459 Email: shrn.shrf@gmail.com

33 years, Indian Dentist with 7 years of experience in India and passed prometric exam seeking for suitable placement in Oman.

Contact 91022744 Email: praveengp_82@yahoo.com

D6

S U N DAY, M A R C H 8 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

SITUATION WANTED MEDICAL

SALES / MARKETING

24 years old Indian BSC Nursing, 2years experience, looking for a job as a staff nurse. Contact 94035637 /95068075

Indian male, graduate with 7 years experience in hospitality industry, sales & marketing .M.B.A in human resource management. # 92115860

Medical- Indian female, 27 yrs, masters in hospital administration, fellowship in HTA studied in a super specialty medical sciences and research center in India and done project in an established hospital in sultanate of Oman.

Contact 93200827, 91026506

Indian Male, 34, 9+ years extensive experience in digital / online marketing, strategies for top corporate houses and brands in India. Also 9 months experience in Oman. NOC Available. Looking for a senior management position. Immediate Joining. Contact: 93137300

Indian male Pharmacist (B.Pharma) 5 1/2 years experience in Oman seeking suitable placement in Muscat. NOC from the present employer available.

Contact +968 98525100

MBA (marketing & operations) with 2 years experience in marketing & operations looking for suitable placement, presently on visit visa.

Contact 97920125 Email: hareeshg111@gmail.com

Lab Technician, Civil (8yrs Gulf experience) looking for a suitable job (NOC available) Contact-93344378

Purchase Manager with 14 years experience in construction industry with valid D/L & NOC. #92884811, Email : bati.rajesh@gmail.com

Female pharmacist with 3 years experience and MOH license currently in Oman, CONTACT 92455124

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Welder, 3G, 6G, TIG, Exp in Fabrication , Gulf Exp Ph : 97103168 Care taker, Gulf Exp knows Hindi, Arabic Ph: 94238840

SECRETARIAL/OFFICE Indian Male more than 10 years gulf experience in Office / Sales Coordinator, Admin (employees visa processes), Secretarial and purchase with good computer skills. Having Driving license and NOC available.

Looking for suitable placement.

Contact 99709336 Indian female with 10 yrs of experience in HR/Banking/Operations seeks a suitable placement. Can be contacted on 98919015 or sherianne.coelho@gmail.com Indian female, well experienced in secretarial, administration, customer care & supervisory jobs.

5 years experience in Muscat.

Immediately available for joining.

Contact: 92139298 Tunisian women looking for job, knows english, frensh, Italian and arabic. Contact: 91171838

SALES / MARKETING Indian male, graduate with 7 years experience in hospitality industry, sales & marketing .M.B.A in human resource management. # 92115860

10 years experience in medicine & surgical equipment sales. Fluent in English, Arabic, Bengali & Hindi .

Presently on visit visa, looking for an opening in the similar field.

Contact 91747258 Indian male, with 3.5 years Oman experience in Sales looking for a suitable placement NOC available.

Contact 99142951 Indian male Graduate with 7 years of experience in Hospitality industry, Sales & Marketing good communication skill looking for a placement in any field. Contact +968- 92115860 Indian male, with 8 yrs exp in Sales Operations & accounts handling, expert in SAP & ERP applications seeks job. Contact 93345990 10 years experience in sales & customer service having Oman D/L seeking suitable position.

Contact 94480533 Experience in sales seeking suitable placement N.O.C & D/L available.

Contact 91269031 Experience in sales seeking suitable placement D/L and NOC available.

Contact 99196353 Indian male Graduate 4 years experience in Sales & marketing in Oman, with Oman D/L holder seeking suitable placement. Contact 92878855 Indian male with MBA in international management and BSC in hotel management & diploma in event management with, 4 years experience in this field looking for job.

Contact 96146645 Mail: sarathmcc549@gmail.com

Well experienced restaurant Manager with Ample knowledge of sales and operations seeking suitable placement Noc available.

Contact 92953199 Indian male , 38 years , 15 years of Oman experience and proven track record as sales & marketing manager ( electrical /lighting / security systems ) with valid Oman D/L Noc –letter looking for a senior level suitable placement in a reputed organization .

Contact 92208744 Email: abpadmakumar@gmail.com Indian male, MBA in Marketing, 10 years experience with UAE driving license looking for suitable placement. Contact 98125226 Email: jobapplication1199@gmail.com Indian Male 31 Yrs M.B.A having 9 years experience 5 yrs in India and 4 yrs in Oman Having knowledge in Group Marketing/Sales/Media/ Advertising with valid Oman driving license seeking suitable placement .Contact 92016431 Young female, having experience of working in Oman with expertise in the field of Event Management, Advertising, Marketing and Hotel Management. Currently on a visit visa. Seeking for a suitable Job. Contact 96153578 Indian male 29 yrs having two yrs exp in sales seeking suitable replacement in sales store keeper back office support, warehouse assistant admin.

NOC available. Contact 94142747 Email: oasis0987@outlook.com Indian female 7 yrs experience in Admin /Sales Coordination in Oman with valid Oman driving license urgently seeks suitable placement.

Contact 94176308 Indian male, B.Com, 20 yrs experience in Sales & Marketing having UAE light D/L looking for suitable post. Contact +91 9946699062, email : sajim40@gmail.com Indian male 22, holding BCA, seeking jobs in Desktop Supporting, data cable termination, cum Office Asst now on visit. Contact 95110487 Indian Male, 7 yrs experience in building materials trading having Oman D/L, immediate release available. Contact 98676713 Indian Male having 7 yrs in experience in Oman Sales & Marketing Office Automation Printer, Copier, MFP, IT products & Stationery. Looking for Suitable Placement NOC Available Contact :97384748

MISCELLANEOUS 6 years Oman experience in Sales seeking suitable placement. NOC available. Contact 99669137

MISCELLANEOUS Part- Time Accountant, well versed with all accounting, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact : 98803439 Indian Male 28yr age having 6year gulf+ Indian experience in HR field, looking for suitable placement. Contact:97914340,Email: rajkv3086@gmail.com Female Executive Assistant/ Executive Secretary with 27+ experience, worked with top management/Board in financial services with shorthand skills & Omani driving license, seeks suitable placement. Call 95941515 Indian male, 11 years exp.

In accounting, knowledge in tally also. Looking for a part time job.

Contact . 98983122 Senior Accounts Professional, Indian Male, 35 years, M.Com, MBA (Fin) 8 years in Oman, with valid Oman DL and NOC available.

Capable to handle accounts up to finalization. Contact 9602 3965.

Indian female, Graduate, Certified in IATA, with 8 months experience in Travel and 2 and half years experience in Operations and HR looking for job in Field of Travel/ Office Management. Contact -92816803/ 92459686. Emailvijetadevilishangel@gmail.com MBA (international business) with 2.5 years experience in sales and also experience in vehicle spare parts (in-charge) looking for a suitable job presently on visit visa. Contact 93539456, 95765868, E mail: mathewsantony936@gmail.com INDIAN FEMALE ,Graduate, Certified in IATA, with 2 and half years experience in Admin/ Accounts and Office coordinator looking for job in Field of Travel/Office Management. Contact -92459686/ 92816803, Emailkrupa_patel1984@yahoo.com Indian female, B.Com. knowledge of Ms .Office & Tally, 4yrs experience in A/Cing & admin dept .looking for good placement in any field.

Contact.98928220 Part Time Accounting Job Complete Data Entry, Reporting and Finalization. Any Time Available.

Location Ruwi to Bharka. Please Contact- +968-92049215 Email:- aiafe.oman@gmail.com Accountant , Indian Male,24 years , 3+ years experience in Finance and Accounts, M.com Finance , Exposure in SAP & Tally ERP 9 , Good communication skill, on visit Visa.

Contact 95366407 CAT (UK) , ACCA (UK) , 3 year experience. (including one year experience in EY world 3rd largest audit firm) looking for reputed company for a job of Internal Audit, Finance and Accounting.

Contact no: 00923008833525

Indian female, 24yrs, M.COM (Accounts) having 3yrs experience in Accounts, HR, Administration, Customer Service. Good Computer Proficiency seeking Suitable Position. Visa Transfer/NOC Available.

Contact: 99654913 Job seeker with ten years of experience in management, banking, and marketing. Muscat, mobile number: 91262609 Diploma in Fire and Safety Engineering, 3.5 year experience as a Safety Advisor in Carillion Alawi 27 year Indian male also having valid Omani driving license, looking for job Email:govindansreejit@gmail.com, Contact 968 9808527, 968 96176872 Experienced, male 25, hardworking, looking for permanent job in Accounting, Finance and Auditing field, ACCA UK and B.Sc in applied accounting (OBU-UK). 2-years of practical experience with an audit firm in Pakistan. Email: AliRiazMughal@Outlook.com, Gsm:+968-95459936 B.Tech Mechanical Engineer (Automobile) & Diploma in QC with 2yrs experience in oil & gas company seek suitable placement job currently on Visit Visa. Contact no.96071081, 99214308 Email: rahulvarikkat@gmail.com Diploma in Fire and Safety Engineering, Completed IOSH, have PDO Passport.3.5 year experience as a Safety Advisor in Carillion Alawi 27 year Indian male also having valid Omani driving license, looking for job. Email:govindansreejit@ gmail.com Contact: 9689808527,96896176872 Sudanese/Bsc IT/ 2 years experience/ excellent English-Arabic speaking/ Omani driving license/ Contact: 96387227, henrykarrar@gmail.com Indian female, 24yrs, M.Com (Accounts) having 3 yrs experience in Accounts, HR, Administration, Customer Service. Good Computer Proficiency seeks suitable Position.

Visa Transfer/NOC Available.

Contact: 99654913 Indian Female, B.tech bio-technology graduate. Knowledgeable in food processing techniques, having 2 yrs experieince as associate research analyst(media monitoring) in Nasdaq Omx, seeking for growth oriented job. Contact 92044603, angeline.babithac@gmail.com.

Female, MSc Chemistry, BEd, with 1.5yrs of experience as research officer in a chemical manufacturing company in India.

Ph: 95243584 37 years Indian Male with 10 years PDO experience Store Keeper seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 95849804 Omani Citizen Mechanical Engineer with 1 yr exp looking for job.

Contact:95993315 email:eaz-s@hotmail.com

Indian female B.Com Graduate, 4yrs experience in accounts, admin dept looking for placement in any field 98928220

Accountant , Indian Male,24 years , 3+ years experience in Finance and Accounts, M.com Finance , Exposure in SAP & Tally ERP 9 , Good communication skill, on visit Visa.

Contact ( 95366407 ,96921443)

Indian Female, 24 yrs MS. Software Engg. Currently on family visa, 1 year experience in SAP WM & IT seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 95490105

IT support 6 yrs experience, male, Filipino Desktop Support, Backup administrator, Wireless Networking, server admin, laptop support, DB admin. Contact +96896126502

Indian male 28 years, 4year exp in Oman .now on free visa looking for job as freelancer. Any field Contact 95642297 Indian Male, 31 years of Rich Oman experience in Multifunctional Management, Admistration, Business Development, Purchase & Operations. Seeking suitable Manager/ Supervisory Position. Visa transfer/ NOC Available. GSM: 95036410 Indian male, 31 years of Rich Oman experience in Multifunctional Management, Administration, Business Development, Purchase & Operations seeking suitable Manager/ Supervisory Position. Visa transfer/ NOC Available. GSM: 95036410 Young Indian with 8 years experience in Multi faceted exposure in various ITES domains is looking for job in IT client/sales/delivery relationship manager. Immediate availability 98885188, fahad079@gmail.com Accountant, Indian male, 24 years. Presently working in Oman as Accountant. 2 years experience in Accounts with Oman Driving license. NOC available seeks suitable opportunity.GSM: 93409315 MBA graduate having more than 2 years of experience in event management company as event coordinator. Looking for a suitable job in your esteemed organization which will commensurate with my qualifications#+96894560161, Email- qaisebukhari@gmail.com Male 24, looking for permanent job in Computer, IT, or Communication field ,BSC in Computer and Communication Engineering.

Have some experience in Telecom field. 4-month Practical training in Hayyat Communication company (subcontractor of ooredoo).

Email:adilbutt102@gmail.com.

Gsm:+968-92328726.

Indian male executive secretary having vast experience in admin, logistics & procurement well versed with computer .seek suitable placement. #99514286, email: azimmohd@yahoo.co.in Indian male graduate with 9 years of experience in Procurement / Contract Management SAP/ARIBA on a visit visa seeking position.

Contact: 98483858.

ELECTRICIAN : Indian male, 24 years old, a well experienced, ITI qualified, holding wireman license, 4 years experience in India, presently working in India, looking for a job in Oman. Ready to join immediately. Contact :99087175 Indian Female, as an Accountant. having +5 years experience in Oman till Nov 2014. Seeking suitable placement.NOC available. Currently in family visa. #98447045 email:anilavandika@ gmail.com PLANNING ENGINEER, 7 years of Experience in project planning and control in oil and gas, PDO & QP Approved Planner,PRIMAVERA6,B.Tech in Mechanical engineering from CUSAT. CONTACT- mail: ullasprabhakaran@yahoo.co.in, ph-00974 70230223 Srilankan male, 23 yrs, CIMA part qualified (completed Management level), 3 yrs experience in an American Company as an Internal Auditor/ management Trainee seeks suitable placement in Oman, good command of English in written & spoken. Contact 94633968

S U N DAY, M A R C H 8 , 2 0 1 5

D7

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

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

TOURS

RENT A CAR

RENT A CAR

RENT A CAR

D8

S U N DAY, M A R C H 8 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

WEBSITE

MANPOWER

COMPUTER

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

DRIVING

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

FOR HIRE

BUSINESS

CLASSES

TRUCK FOR HIRE

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807 Cheapest prices all types window, curtains and Blinds.

Contact 99539521

Isuzu 10 ton cargo body truck (2012 FVR) with UAE experienced driver available for long term / short term rent.

Carpet & sofa shampooing. Ocean Centre LLC. Contact 99884591 / 92682970

Contact: 95346950

Cleaning services, carpet & sofa shampooing, marble restoration (grinding) and polishing, pest control, fogging service. Contact 99448057, 95401996

Running truck wash for rent in Ouhi Sunia Sohar. Serious people can. Contact on 97864747 50 seater bus with PDO specification for rent or lease.

Contact 99839898

Cheapest Prices, all types window, curtains and blind.

Contact 99539521

TRANSPORTATION

Computer service/ AMC/ Networking. Contact 91339882

Transportation. Contact 93405941 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

Transportation. Contact 99664703 Transportation. Contact 98518979 Transport to ISWK. #93172589

For All Your Maintenance Solutions, A/c Servicing & Fixing, Painting, Cleaning, Electric.Contact 99002390

Transportation available.

Contact 98425762 Ruwi to Ghala Gulfar . # 99562527 Transportation . Contact 98178135

Wanted Finance Partner for frozen fish shop around RO 6000/-.

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