Times Of Oman - March 9, 2015

44 13

6 085010 120010 SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH THE VIDEO

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

MONDAY, March 9, 2015 /18 Jumada Al Ula 1436 AH

DECISIONS

HM issues 3 Royal Decrees MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has issued three Royal Decrees as follows: Royal Decree No. 5/2015 Ratifying the Arab Convention on Combating Information Technology Offences signed by the Sultanate on February 15th, 2012. Article One: Ratifies the aforesaid convention as per the attached text. Article Two: The Decree comes into force from its date of issue.

Royal Decree No. 6/2015 Ratifying the Arab Convention against Transnational Organised Crime signed by the Sultanate on February 15th, 2012. Article One: Ratifies the aforesaid agreement as per the attached text. Article Two: The Decree comes into force from its date of issue.

Royal Decree No. 7/2015 Ratifying the agreement between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the Government of the Republic of Korea about mutual exemption of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, official, special and service passports, signed in Seoul on December 24th, 2014. Article One: Ratifies the aforesaid agreement as per the attached text. Article Two: The Decree comes into force from its date of issue. - ONA

timesofoman.com

wtimesofoman.com

facebook.com/timesofoman

twitter.com/timesofoman

blog.timesofoman.com

ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company

Safety equipment must for public school buses Road safety experts have urged the ministry to implement the rules for all school buses and not just the government schools

SAFETY FIRST: The ministry has stressed that school buses should have front and back sensors installed to avoid accidents.

FAHAD AL GHADANI

fahadnews@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Cameras, sensors, fire extinguishers, seat belt cutters and first aid boxes, are to be fitted to all existing government school buses, said a source, as the Ministry of Education mulls which new buses to acquire.

Welcoming the move, road safety experts have urged the ministry to implement the rules for all school buses and not just

the government schools.

Hamed Al Wahaibi, founder of Safety First, an organisation engaged in creating awareness and improving road safety, said, “It is a great move that will ensure the safety of the students in the bus. These rules are being implemented in government schools because they outnumber private schools. But I am sure these rules will become mandatory for private schools too.”

The department at the Ministry of Education dealing with buses, issued guidelines on March 5 regarding standards that government school buses must meet.

New measures To reduce the risk of students being run over, the ministry has now demanded that school buses should have front and back sensors installed to avoid such accidents.

“The drivers often do not notice students standing in front or at the rear of the buses. This in some cases had led to accidents that left children with severe injuries,” said the source.

He explained that the ministry came out with the norm for sensors and cameras to avoid such accidents.

“Many accidents also take place when school students cross the road after getting off their buses.

Therefore, the ministry has decided install stop signs on the left side of the bus,” said the source.

Alert sign He added that this sign will alert other motorists to slow down and drive cautiously.

Besides all the buses should be painted yellow (colour number WA-524784) so that all school buses in the Sultanate have a uniform look. >A6

S AU D I , K U WA I T

HM sends condolences MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of condolences to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) on the death of Prince Saud bin Sultan bin Saud bin Abdullah Al Saud. In his cable, His Majesty expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, praying to Allah the Almighty to rest the deceased’s soul in peace and grant his family patience.

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has also sent a cable of condolences to Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jabir Al Sabah, Emir of Kuwait, on death of Sheikh Badr Abdullah Al Mohammed Al Salman Al Sabah. In his cable, His Majesty expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy to Sheikh Sabah, praying to Allah the Almighty to rest the deceased’s soul in peace and grant his family patience. -ONA

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

OMAN

Sandstorms ease

Solar Impulse coming NOC and replacement

1

2

Sandstorms started easing on Sunday afternoon, bringing in cooler winds, according to the DGMAN which monitors weather. >A2

Fierce fighting erupts near Tikrit in Iraq

A7

H E A LT H A N D H Y G I E N E

Salons in Muscat asked to use disposable razors only being used on multiple clients without being sterilised.

“We want to cut down on health risks. There is a risk of contracting blood-borne viral infections such as Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV),” he said.

Some hair dressers use unlicensed, duplicate blades, a big threat to the safety and health of consumers, added the official.

FAHAD AL MUKRASHI

fahad@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Hairdressing salons for men in Muscat have been instructed to use only disposable razors that can be discarded after use for every individual customer.

In a move to step up a campaign to enhance hygiene at salons, Mohsin bin Mohammed Sheikh, chairman of Muscat Municipality, issued an administrative circular numbered 38/2015, asking barber shops to use “only single use disposal barber tools.”

While the first Article stipulates that all barber shops must use single use disposal razors for each customer, the second Article clarifies that in case of violations, barber shops will be fined a sum of OMR250 with the fine being doubled in case of repetition.

The new rule will take effect within three months of the issuance of the regulations.

Referring to the regulations, owner of a barber shop said, “There will be an increase in charges from 50 to 100 baiza.”

Hair dressing salons are being monitored to ensure use of disposable tools such as blades for some time now.

More than 1,000 campaigns were carried out by inspectors of the Muscat Municipality in 2014

OMAN

In case of violations, barber shops will be fined a sum of OMR250 with the fine being doubled in case of repetition

against hair cutting salons not using disposable tools and fines were levied in more than a hundred cases.

A recent study has revealed that there is a greater risk of infections due to blades and razors

Coping with risk Until now, disposable and singleuse blades were available only in posh salons in hotels and VIP areas, said the official.

Many customers bring their own haircutting tools to the shop as they believe them to be safer and these are disinfected more often than the tools at the shop.

Juma Al Hatmi, a government employee, told the Times of Oman that he feels safe when he brings his own implements to the shop as he has no intention of using razors and scissors already shared by others.

“I bring my own tools, as some years ago the barber used a bloodstained razor before he started to shave me. I stopped him immediately and then decided to never use such shared implements anymore,” he said. >A2

The globe-trotting Solar Impulse 2 (Si2) plane is all set to land at the Muscat International Airport this evening. >A2

OMAN

3

Giving NOC to staff who exited Oman to join another firm doesn’t affect previous employer’s chances of replacement clearance. >A3

A2

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2 015 Vacancy status will be updated after the first lot of admission procedures, and waitlisted applicants will be considered for the second draw which will be held in the first week of April Indian School press release

OMAN ADMISSIONS

Sandstorms ease as mercury dips

SOLAR-POWERED FLIGHT

Draw for Indian schools set for mid-March Times News Service MUSCAT: First random draw for admissions to Indian schools will be held in mid-March, a press release issued by the office of the Board of Directors (BoD) said.

The Centralised Admission System with online registration introduced by the BoD has facilitated the entire admission process, making it convenient for parents and schools to take care of the rush for admissions.

“Parents will be informed about school allotment and admission dates. Vacancy status will be updated after the first lot of admission procedures, and waitlisted applicants will be considered for the second draw which will be held in the first week of April,” said the release.

Due to a large number of parents seeking admission for their children in Indian schools, the demand generally outstrips the total number of available seats in all schools in the capital. The total number of students in all Indian Schools stands at a staggering 44,000.

The demand for seats is more in lower classes from KG I to Std II. The BoD is doing everything possible to augment the infrastructure. The website related to admission, www.indianschoolsoman.com, will have updated information and answers to all likely questions.

There is a possibility GLOBAL TOUR: The landing will mark the completion of the

first leg of the global circumnavigation. -ONA

Solar Impulse to land in Muscat Times News Service MUSCAT: Globe-trotting Solar Impulse 2 (Si2) is set to land at the Muscat International Airport this evening, following a planned 12-hour flight from Abu Dhabi.

The landing will mark the completion of the first leg of the global circumnavigation for the innovative solar-powered aircraft. Piloted in turns by Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, the Solar Impulse is designed to fly continuously day and night powered only by sunlight collected by solar cells and stored as electricity in onboard lithium batteries.

The ground-breaking aircraft will travel to 12 countries in a

historic attempt to fly around the world without using a drop of fuel, travelling approximately 35,000 kilometres over the course of its journey.

The Solar Impulse co-pilots, are set to be welcomed to Muscat with a VIP welcoming reception presided over by His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, Advisor to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and Dr Mohammed bin Nasser Al Zaabi, CEO of the Public Authority of Civil Aviation (PACA).

The Solar Impulse 2 has 17,248 solar cells built into its wings and fuselage, which supply four electric motors with enough energy for the machine to remain airborne 24 hours a day.

of rain with thunder in some parts of Oman

Times News Service MUSCAT: Sandstorms started dissipating on Sunday afternoon, bringing in cooler winds, according to the Directorate General of Meteorology and Air Navigation (DGMAN), which monitors weather conditions in Oman.

No showers are expected but there is a possibility of rain with thunder in some parts of Oman. “(There are) chances of late night to early morning low level clouds or fog patches along the Governorate of South Al Sharqiya, Al Wusta and Dhofar,” the official said.

Meanwhile, dust continues to cover northern parts of Oman though visibility is better as compared to Saturday. “The worst hit was Masirah on Sunday where the visibility was reduced to 1,500 metres,” the official said.

Masirah was followed by Muscat (2,000 metres), Khasab (2,500 metres), Sur (4,500 metres) and Ni-

WEATHER WOES: Dust continues to cover northern parts of Oman though visibility has improved since Saturday.–Jun Estrada/TIMES OF OMAN

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VIEW

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

zwa and Ibri (both 5,000 metres).

The official also said that compared to Saturday, the visibility in Muscat improved by 1,500 metres. “The horizontal visibility at the Muscat International Airport ranged from 200 to 500 metres due to the dusty weather on Saturday but on Sunday, it improved to 2,000 metres. So, the flights were disrupted on Sunday,” he said.

He also said that the northeasterly winds from Iran caused the dust storm.

“This is a normal annual phenomenon. It usually brings rain.

But it hasn’t rained this year to control the dust. The dust has started settling down as we are having fresh winds from the sea,” he said.

Meanwhile, the DGMAN has asked motorists to be cautious while driving. “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 in case the road ahead is not visible,” he said.

In its 48 hours outlook, the official said there will be gradual improvement in horizontal visibility.

“There are chances of dust winds rising over deserts and open areas with early morning low level clouds or fog patches along the Governorate of South Al Sharqiyah, Al-Wusta and Dhofar,” it said.

S A F E T Y R E G U L AT I O N S

A1 ‘Risk of infection if salon owners do not follow rules’ < FROM

Another customer, Mohamed Al Hashmi, said there was a potential risk of infection, especially in remote areas where some salon owners do not follow the rules as they are away from the vigilant eyes of inspectors.

“In one of the salons, the barber poured a disinfectant in a glass and used it to clean the same blade for dozens of customers,” said Al

Hashmi, while urging authorities to keep a close eye on these salons, especially in the remote areas.

Ahmed Al Balushi believed that many of the hair dressing salons in the capital are clean as a result of regular visits by officials of the municipality as well as competition among the shops.

“I go to a different salon every time and many of them offer good

service as well as a comfortable place to relax as you wait for your turn,” he said.

Mohammed Noor Al Deen, who works in one such salon in Ruwi, told the Times of Oman that he washes the towels and disinfects the blades and combs every day. He also uses new blades to maintain the reputation of his shop to ensure that he gets more customers.

Another hair dresser, Nizal Al Rahman, working in a Wadi Kabir salon, said that many of his customers bring their own tools to the shop for reasons of safety.

Jamal Mustafa, a specialist working in a private health institution, said that using a disinfectant to clean blades is not enough to kill germs, and the authorities concerned have to force salons to

use disposal tools. “A blade is the reason for many skin diseases being transferred, as well as bloodrelated infections spreading from one customer to another,” said Jamal.

Ali Al Mashari, a municipal council member, said that the council, along with the municipality, had long been wanting to ask hair dressing salons to use

disposable, single-use blades and combs without raising the prices.

He wanted authorities to intensify their visits to salons for the safety of everyone.

Meanwhile, the PACP is monitoring the fixed prices listed in all salons in Oman.

Very few complaints from consumers regarding an increase in prices have been registered.

M ONDAY, MARCH 9, 2015 SCAN THIS TO DOWNLOAD OUR FREE WHATSNEWS APP

Stay ahead of the curve with WhatsNews

OMAN

C O M M E N TA RY

L E G I S L AT U R E

Giving NOC to employee doesn’t affect chances of getting replacement visa If an employer gives NOC to an employee to re-enter Oman to join another company on employment visa, will it affect the current employer’s chance to get a replacement visa because of this reason? If an employer gives NOC and release/sponsorship change to an employee to join another employer on employment visa without exiting the county, will it affect the current employer’s chance to get a replacement visa? Many small and medium enterprises owners are not willing to give NOC or release to their staff assuming their existing visa clearance for the particular profession

employer to the new employer.

Any existing employer issuing a release letter to an employee without exiting the country may be construed as an act by the employer (who issues the release) who is no more in need of the said profession or employee in his/her entity. No such conditionality will be applicable to issuing of NOC.

Times of Oman, in association with Khalifa Al Hinai Legal Consultants, will answer the legal queries of readers every Monday. Questions can be sent to readersclub@timesofoman.com SCAN HERE TO EMAIL YOUR QUERIES

will be cancelled and they won’t be able to get a replacement clearance for the same profession.

Giving a No Objection Letter (NOC) to an employee who

has exited the country to join another employer of his choice will not jeopardise the previous employer in any manner and it will not in any way affect his/her chances of getting a replacement

clearance. However, if the employer issues a release (instead of the NOC), this may affect the chances of getting a replacement clearance since with the release, the clearance also gets transferred from the previous

C I V I C I N I T I AT I V E

Trash bins to keep Muscat clean Staff Reporter MUSCAT: More than 2,500 new trash bins will be installed at homes in 2015 as part of the Muscat Municipality’s plan to expand the system of direct transport of waste from residential neighbourhoods in the Muscat Governorate.

The health affairs committee at the Muscat Municipality said that it aims to ensure the city remains clean. The total number of trash bins distributed in 2013 and 2014 is 4,500.

The plan is to distribute 7,000 trash bins by the end of 2015 .

In the second stage of the project, waste will be sorted at the source itself and will also be prepared for recycling, said officials at the Muscat Municipality.

The first phase of the project covered some residential areas of Seeb and Athaiba.

The current phase will cover North Hail, Mabala, some Qurayat areas, Darsait, Riyam, Twyan of Muttrah, Yiti, Qurum beach, Madinat Sultan Qaboos and some areas of Amerat.

The system relies on transferring waste from homes directly to waste collection vehicles and then disposed of at allocated dumps in order to involve the community in the municipal work.

Waste collection will thus be a shared responsibility, collecting it from homes and throwing it in properly tight containers that have numbers of each house.

The aim is to check the spread of diseases caused by insects , rodents and accumulated waste and thus contribute towards keeping the city clean and healthy .

Waste transport vehicles will transport and unload the waste on a daily basis, starting from midnight till dawn, collecting household garbage from each residential unit. It will minimise the duration for which the waste remains in the container, which results in stinky disturbing smell and proliferation of insects.

For transfer of solid waste such as gadgets, furniture etc, the Muscat Municipality has allocated Saturday and Tuesday of each week.

WASTE MANAGEMENT: The plan is to distribute 7,000 trash bins by the end of 2015. Waste transport vehicles will transport and unload the waste on a daily basis.

Women hail pay parity in Oman When it comes to treatment of women in the workplace, women professionals in MENA region believe that they are mostly on par with men

Times News Service MUSCAT: Women professionals say there is a greater pay parity between genders in the Sultanate when compared to most of the GCC countries where 43 per cent of the working women believe they are paid less than their male counterparts.

This comes after ‘The Bayt.com Status of Working Women in the Middle East’ released its survey with 51 per cent of the respondents claiming they are being treated equally at work.

Reacting to the survey, Manar Ahmed, a private firm employee, said that women and men have the same salary in Oman unlike in many GCC countries. “Apart from salaries, they also get promotions and bonus,” she said.

Echoing similar thoughts, Assel Al Amni, a student of a private college, said, “Even in the private sector here, your performance determines your career and job position and not your gender.”

The survey also said that in today’s workplace, 72 per cent of women across the MENA region work in mixed-gender environments, compared to 15 per cent who work in offices where men and women are segregated, and 13 per cent who have only female employees. “While the trend

A3

GENDER PARITY: Majority of working women in the MENA say they currently work for a male manager though they have no preference when it comes to working for a man or a woman.

across the region is for the majority of women to be employed in a mixed workplace, the split in KSA is relatively even; 36 per cent of women work in female-only environments, 33 per cent work in a segregated environment, and 31 per cent share their workplace with men,” the report said.

Seven in 10 women are comfortable with working in a mixed environment – four in 10 claim to be ‘extremely’ comfortable.

The majority of working women in the MENA (77 per cent) state that they currently work for a male manager though they have no preference when it comes to working for a man or a woman (66 per cent), and that there are more men than women in their workplace (58 per cent).

When it comes to treatment of women versus men in the workplace, women believe that they are mostly on par with men when it comes to working hours, opportunities for training and development, advice and support, and in terms of recruitment

and selection for roles. However, women believe they are treated less favourably when it comes to benefits (27 per cent for less favourably; 49 per cent for equal treatment), salary (31 per cent for less favourably; 46 per cent for equal treatment), and career progression opportunities (33 per cent feel women are discriminated against; 42 per cent state opportunities are equal).

Salary, in particular, elicits a split opinion; while 39 per cent of women state that they feel they receive the same pay as their male counterparts, 43 per cent believe they earn less. Only three per cent state they earn more than men in a similar role.

Most women who completed the survey state they earn $200500 per month (21 per cent), US$501-1,000 per month (19 per cent), or $1,001-2000 per month (20 per cent).Women working in GCC countries tend to earn more, although 68 per cent of women in Lebanon claim to earn upwards of $1,001 per month.

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in this column are for general guidance purposes only. They are based on facts presented to us and are not substitute for expert legal advice. Readers are advised to seek legal assistance for specific legal issues. Times of Oman and Khalifa Al Hinai Advocates & Legal Consultancy do not assume any responsibility towards anyone on this matter.

Oman, Saudi Shura chiefs praise ties MUSCAT: Khalid bin Hilal Al Ma’awali, chairman of Majlis Al Shura, on Sunday received Sheikh Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Sheikh, chairman of the Majlis Al Shura of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and his accompanying delegation.

Al Ma’awali hailed the Shura relations and cooperation between the two countries. He also stressed the importance of enhancing the joint cooperation to serve the joint interests of the two countries and peoples, in addition to a briefing on Shura’s march in Oman.–ONA

A4

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2 015

OMAN TRAFFIC WEEK KICKS OFF The GCC Traffic Week, kicked off on Sunday under the theme ‘Your Decision Determines Your Fate’. A traffic exhibition is being organised by the Directorate General of Traffic at Muscat City Center in Seeb. -ONA

What matters is the human beings, our human race, beyond borders, countries, nations, colours, or languages Amir Hossein Dehshid, Global carpet creator

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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

Carpet globe ties 154 nationalities Warps and wefts of this carpet designed as a globe represent the connection between human beings despite the artificial barriers

SARAH MACDONALD sarah@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: After four years in the making and with the help of people from 154 countries, a giant globe-shaped Persian carpet has finally been completed, much to the delight of the man behind the project, Amir Hossein Dehshid.

With approximately four million knots tied by about 750 people from countries as diverse as Tajikistan, Papua New Guinea, Mongolia and Surinam, the shining blue and gold silk carpet globe, the first of its kind in the world, is now on display in Al Besat Persian Carpets, Dehshid’s shop in Al Khuwair.

“The idea is to show the connection between us. The warps and wefts of this carpet are representing the connection between us and the knots are representing us,” Dehshid told Times of Oman, explaining that the warps and wefts are the threads on which the knots are tied.

The goal of the project, which he cleverly called ‘Why Knot?’, was to show how people can positively affect each other, whether directly or indirectly. He thought the project was a way to bring many different people together to create something good.

“I’m so excited. I’m blessed that I could accomplish this project.

We had so many challenges but luckily we could make it,” he said.

Dehshid said this is the first time such a carpet has been made, so it took a few tries to create a round loom upon which the carpet, which is all one piece, could be woven. In early 2011 work on the carpet began, and in October of 2011 Dehshid opened it to the

UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD: The globe represents continents and bodies of water, but it doesn’t show any borders separating countries. –Photos, videos: Shabin E./TIMES OF OMAN

public, seeking people from as many nationalities as possible to contribute to it.

He said it was fairly easy to get Western Europeans, Arabs, and Asians, and the first 100 countries came fairly easily, but after that it was quite a challenge, since not all countries are represented in Oman. “We tried our level best and this is what we could achieve,” he said of the 154 nationalities represented in the ‘Why Knot?’ project.

The globe represents continents and bodies of water, but it doesn’t show any borders separating countries. Dehshid said practically speaking it was difficult to include them and because borders also change over time, he didn’t want to emphasise them.

“We are not entitled to make borders. When I (first) thought about this the borders were different. What matters is the human beings, our human race, beyond borders, countries, nations, colours, or languages,” Dehshid commented.

Mohammad Shamsian, a Muscat-based Iranian artist who specialised in marquetry, is now building a beautiful base for the globe. It will be made of steel covered with different types and shades of wood, carved and inlaid with Mother-of-Pearl and other shells.

Shamsian said he was happy to support the initiative since it presents a message of world peace in unique way with a carpet, an item used and admired in many countries around the world.

“He is my friend for a long time.

He wants to send a message to

the world. He’s just reminding the people ‘why not?’ Why not to have a globe surrounded by the people hand in hand? We are the members of the same family,” Shamsian said.

Dehshid added the project couldn’t have been possible with the support and participation of his friend Cerus Rahmanian, from Cerus Steel, the company which helped build the special loom for the carpet and will help Shamsian with the base, which will be equipped with an electrical mechanism that lets the globe spin.

Gerdia Bezuidenhout, a South African who lives in Oman, was the 75th person to tie a knot in the globe when the project started.

Admiring the globe in Hossein’s shop on Thursday, she said it was wonderful to be a part of the unique carpet which brought together so many cultures.

“It’s beautiful. I think it’s a wonderful idea. I remember when I came. It was a blue one. It was the first time I had tied a knot so it was difficult, but the lady showed me and I did it,” she said.

Dehshid plans on have a grand unveiling of the ‘Why Knot?’ project in about three months, once Shamsian has finished the ornate holder for it. In the meantime it will be on display until mid-March in his shop, which is located behind Centrepoint in Al Khuwair, for people who want a sneak peak.

“For those who tied knots it’s so exciting. They feel it’s part of them and they are part of this,” he said.

M ONDAY, MARCH 9, 2015

Tweet all about it

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH TWITTER PAGE

H E A LT H I S S U E S

SQU bioethics conference to focus on moral issues Times News Service MUSCAT: Offering a platform for exchange of information and knowledge about bioethics and for networking, the First International Bioethics Conference, organised by the Oman National Bioethics Committee, in collaboration with Sultan Qaboos University, the Research Council (TRC), and Unesco, commenced on Sunday at the SQU. The three-day conference will address various topics related to bioethics including ethical perspective of womb transplant, embryonic and stem cell research; present challenges facing Islamic bioethics and its future perspectives; end of life and related issues; challenges of premarital medical examination; and, Islamic jurisprudence ruling related to Ebola outbreak.

The conference will also discuss challenges faced by the National Bioethics Committee in AV I AT I O N

flydubai adds five new cities to Iran flights Times News Service MUSCAT: flydubai has announced the launch of flights to Shiraz, Ahwaz, Hamadan, Esfahan and Tabriz in Iran. flydubai’s Iranian network will now grow to seven destinations, adding to the launch of flights to Tehran and Mashhad in 2014. Flights to Shiraz, Esfahan and Ahwaz will commence on March 8, 11 and 14, respectively. Hamadan and Tabriz will join the flydubai network on March 16. flydubai operates 41 flights a week from Muscat to Dubai and connects to more than 85 destinations across the world including Middle East, North Africa, East Africa the Indian subcontinent, Asia and Eastern Europe.

Last year, flydubai launched 23 new destinations. The airline now operates more than 1,400 weekly flights to an expanding network of 94 destinations within a six-hour flying radius from Dubai.

establishing rules and drawing up legislation in the Sultanate.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ali bin Saud Al Bimani, the Vice Chancellor of SQU, and Chairman of the National Bioethics Committee, Oman, said that developments in science and technology have made profound changes in biomedical research as well as health care that have contributed positively to humankind.

Emerging advances “However, the emerging advances in medical and health care, science and technology have created new challenges for health workers and biomedical researchers.

The conference will promote the exchange of knowledge and experience, training opportunities and research activities among regional and international bioethics professionals,” he said.

Prof. Stefano Semplici, Chairperson of the Bureau of the International Bioethics Committee,

said that though bioethics is obviously about science, it encompasses several dimensions which provide human life with its fundamental goals and meaning.

“We deal with crucial aspects and opportunities of the unprecedented pace of scientific development. At the same time, we consider them not only through technical perspectives, but also as a challenge for our values, lifestyles, the values of our traditions and the universal normative framework of human rights. This is where the specific role of ethics, together with education and culture, comes into consideration,” he observed.

Congratulating the conference organisers, Prof. Stefano Semplici said, “By deciding to bring together experts from different regions and cultures of the world, the Oman National Committee of Bioethics offers a striking example of how to develop bioethics at the global level.”

OMAN

A5

A6

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2 015

OMAN TRANSPORT

A1 Safety devices to < FROM

reduce accidents

At present, there is no single prescribed colour for government and private school buses to make them distinct from other similar vehicles. “Once this is done, motorists will be more careful while driving next to the buses, especially when loading or off-loading students from these buses,” he said.

Equipment like seat belt cutters and hammers will have to be handy in case of accident, and should be kept close to the driver.

He added that the first aid boxes will enable drivers to administer immediate help in case of any student sustaining light injuries.

“All the buses will have to be air conditioned and all windows must be secured with steel bars apart from glass panes,” said the source. He explained that school buses must have a number of additional requirements.

“The buses will be equipped with LED screens in the front and the back of the buses to enable the driver to see the students getting on and off the vehicle,” said the source. He added that such screens will ensure that the driver is exactly aware whether the students have properly boarded or gotten off the bus.

“Different signs are required to be installed in the school buses, alerting other motorists about

the pedestrians and frequent stoppage warnings,” said the source. All the buses should also state clearly that it is a school students’ bus.

Road safety experts have been calling to introduce a comprehensive programme for proper zoning and implementing international standards around schools. A Royal Oman Police official lauded the Ministry of Education’s move saying that such regulation will help better protect students from accidents.

“Installing of safety devices will definitely reduce the chance of run over and other fatal accidents involving school students.

I feel that the ministry should apply such rules to all school buses including the private ones,” said the source.

A Majlis Al Shura member said, “It will save more lives.

He added that the ministry should also get the private school buses to implement these regulations as they have already recorded a number of fatal accidents.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education source added that the ministry is considering buying new school buses from a globally known automobile company “We are looking at what new they have to offer,” he said.

It was so exciting how a year ago I was contacted to do the Arabic jazz night because before I used to play a lot of classical music but since then I’ve been doing a lot of jazz and Arabic music fusion… touring all over the world playing this Yasmine Azaiez, Tunisian musician

Muscat to experience Arabian-jazz fusion SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VIEW

VIDEO

Improvisation is a

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

key element in both Arab music and jazz, says Tunisian musician Yasmine Azaiez, who takes to the stage at the Royal Opera House Muscat on Tuesday to bring together four rarely combined elements

SARAH MACDONALD

sarah@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: When Tunisian musician Yasmine Azaiez takes to the stage at the Royal Opera House Muscat on Tuesday hers will be a concert that brings together four rarely combined elements: a female jazz musician at the forefront, a violin as the main instrument, Arabian music and jazz.

“I know that it’s rare for a female instrumentalist to be owning the stage with her band.

“There are so many singers, who are incredible, but [jazz] violin players are really rare. I want to send the message that the violin doesn’t have to be put in the context of just classical music. I hope to inspire females to do the same,” Azaiez told Times of Oman.

Azaiez, who was born in Tunis in 1988, has performed in Oman before with the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra, but that was before the ROHM opened, and it was a classical concert. This time she is thrilled to be back to play at the prestigious venue, where she will be able to introduce her own unique blend of Arab and jazz music to the audience, accompanied by her band which includes an Arab percussionist, a jazz drummer, an electric bass player, a pianist and a guitar player.

Exciting “It was so exciting how a year ago I was contacted to do the Arabic jazz night because before I used to play a lot of classical music but since then I’ve been doing a lot of jazz and Arabic music fusion… touring all over the world playing

INSPIRING WOMEN: Azaiez, who was born in Tunis in 1988, has performed in Oman before with the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra, but that was before the ROHM opened, and it was a classical concert. – Photos and video Cio Datan/TIMES OF OMAN

this,” she said. From the age of 4, when she began playing the violin, Azaiez was trained as a classical violinist, but when she was about 15 years old she began improvising as she played on stage during a concert in Tunis.

“I was using my Western techniques mixed with my love and roots of Arabic music which I grew up listening to. To be able to improvise and express yourself on stage, while you decide what notes you’re going to play, your phrasing, your gestures, just seems much richer to me. It came so naturally to me,” she said. Pursuing her love of experimenting and improvising, Azaiez got a Bachelor of Music with a focus on improvisation

at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, USA. In both Arab music and jazz improvisation is a key element, so it didn’t take long for Azaiez to move into jazz, too, and blend it with her Arabian roots as she studied in Boston. She says the two genres, Arabian music and jazz, complement each other very well.

“They really, really meld together. What I love to bring together are the rhythms. There’s the aspect that Arabic music is based on modes, and the chords don’t really change that much. But what I’ve done, which is totally different, is I’m changing all the chords so they’re more jazz. I’ve changed the tonality but I’m always keeping

that Arab sense of scale or modes,” she explained, describing her approach to the music.

She has also taken some jazz standards and put an Arabian twist on them, she added, noting she wanted to explore the two genres and see what she could do with them.

“I like to fuse all these things together because I guess I could never decide. People say you can only do one thing or the other, but I completely disagree,” Azaiez said.

There are many musicians, artists and composers from a variety of genres who have influenced and inspired Azaiez. She mentions Arab artists Lotfi Bushnaq, Marcel Khalife and Naseer Shamma, jazz icons Chick Corea, Miles Davis, and John McLaughlin, and classical composers Shostakovich, Mahler, and Stravinsky as some of those she most admires.

“I want to do something that’s really inspiring as well,” she said, adding that she isn’t afraid to bring something different to jazz, whether it’s as an Arab, a woman, and a violinist. When she isn’t busy on tour, Azaiez also likes raising money for charity with her music. She has performed a number of charity concerts in Tunisia to raise money for those less fortunate and even raised money to build a well in a poor village where the women used to walk over a mile to get water.

“I’m really passionate about going to see exactly what happened so I decided to go and visit after it was done and I also played a concert at an orphanage. I discovered after – it was heartbreaking – that some of the children had walked five miles to come see me play,” she explained, her eyes filling with tears at the memory.

Another performer Azaiez won’t be the only Arabian jazz musician performing on Tuesday evening. The program also includes Syrian clarinetist Kinan Azmeh whose repertoire combines classical, jazz and Syrian music. Azaiez says though both she and Azmeh have similar influences, their music sounds quite different since hers is quite lively and his is more restrained. “[Azmeh’s music] is so modern, yet fuses the old with the new. His music is absolutely unbelievable and very meaningful and calm and deep. It’s going to be quite different and I think it will complement each other,” she commented.

M ONDAY, MARCH 9, 2015

A7

REGION

IS snipers are still targeting our troops from some of the high buildings. We should be able to take them out with helicopter attacks this evening Ahmed Al Yasiri, Hashid Shaabi leader in Al Dour town

Fierce fighting erupts near Tikrit SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

ARTICLE, PHOTOS

Iraqi security

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

forces and militia fighting the IS militants succeeded in recapturing the central area of Al Dour where government headquarters are located TAKING CONTROL;: Iraqi militia fighters, members of Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation units backing the government, cheer as they prepare a Howitzer Cannon on Saturday. – AFP

BAGHDAD: Iraqi security forces and militia fighting the IS group militants took control of the centre of a town on the southern outskirts of former leader Saddam Hussein’s home city Tikrit on Sunday,

security officials said.

Sending in more troops and fighting fierce clashes, the army and militiamen were still struggling to drive out IS militants

entrenched in buildings in the western section of the town of Al Dour, officials said. Military commanders said the army and militia, known as Hashid Shaabi (Popular

INTERNAL STRIFE

Yemen’s defence minister escapes Houthi-controlled Sanaa for Aden ADEN: Yemen’s defence minister has fled Houthi-controlled Sanaa for Aden, officials said on Sunday, in a move expected to bolster President Abdrabbu Mansour Hadi in his power struggle with the group.

Stand-off Yemen is caught in a stand-off between the president and Houthi clan, now the country’s de facto rulers. The group seized the presidential palace in Sanaa in January and confined the president to his private residence.

Hadi managed to escape from the Houthis two weeks ago.

Officials said the defence EGYPT

Al Jazeera journalists trial postponed CAIRO: An Egyptian court on Sunday adjourned until March 19 the trial of two Al Jazeera television journalists.

Also on Sunday, a bomb blast outside a French supermarket giant Carrefour killed one person and wound six in Alexandria, police said. A court last month released Mohamed Fahmy, a naturalised Canadian who gave up his Egyptian citizenship, and Egyptian Baher Mohamed, on bail after over a year in detention.

In Sunday’s attack, a bomb went off only metres (yards) away from the Carrefour supermarket in the northern city, killing one person. — Agencies

minister, General Mahmoud Al Subaihi, escaped in a convoy on Saturday night, arriving in the southern port city of Aden early on Sunday.

They said the Houthis shot and killed four of Subaihi’s security guards in the western province of Hodeida where they attacked a convoy in their search for the minister.

Presidency Hadi, who resigned after the fighters of the Houthi movement seized the presidential palace, has since re-claimed the presidency and is seeking to set up a rival power centre in the south with

loyalist army units and tribes.

The Houthis control much of the north while several embassies of the Gulf countries have said they would operate from Aden in the south after Hadi’s escape.

Russian Ambassador Vladimir Dedushkin met with Hadi on Sunday and affirmed his country’s support, the first time a Russian official has expressed a position in the conflict in Yemen since the power struggle between the president and the Houthi militia started.

Dedushkin told reporters after the meeting that his country had no doubt about Hadi’s legitimacy, the Yemen news agency. — Reuters

Mobilisation) units, launched another offensive late on Saturday to break into the centre of Al Dour.

By Sunday they had succeeded in recapturing the central area

where government headquarters are located, but IS militants were still holding positions in the west.

“IS snipers are still targeting our troops from some of the high buildings. We should be able to take them out with helicopter attacks this evening,” said Ahmed Al Yasiri, a Hashid Shaabi leader fighting in Al Dour.

Officials said security forces and militia fighters had also captured about third of the village of Albu Ajil south of Tikrit. Some Albu Ajil residents were accused by authorities and militia groups of taking part in the killing of soldiers from the nearby Speicher army camp when IS militants overran Tikrit and northern Iraq last June.

Militia fighters have described the advance on Albu Ajil as revenge for the Speicher killings, although militia leaders say all civilians in

the region will be well treated.

The campaign to retake Tikrit is the biggest offensive so far against IS militants. If successful, it would be the first time the army and militia have recaptured a major city from the militants.

Progress in the offensive, which was launched a week ago, could also affect the timing and strategy for a wider offensive later this year to retake Mosul, the largest city under IS control.

Elsewhere in Iraq, a bomb exploded near a busy street in Baghdad, killing at least four people in Talbiya neighbourhood in the east of the capital, police and medical sources said.

In the district of Hussainiya in the northern outskirts of Baghdad, a bomb went off near a restaurant, killing three people. Another bomb hit a busy street and killed two passers-by in Madaen, a town 30km (20 miles) southeast of Baghdad.

A parked car bomb exploded in Mahmoudiya, a town south of Baghdad, killing three civilians and wounding 17, police and medical sources said. — Reuters

A8

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2 015

INDIA

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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

Equality, dignity women’s sacred right President Pranab Mukherjee underlined that violence against women continues to threaten their safety, well being and potential across the country

NEW DELHI: President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday said women’s empowerment, their dignity and equality should not be made a “distant goal or fond aspiration” but should be bestowed on them as one of their “sacred” rights.

While awarding some select women achievers of the country on the occasion of International Women’s Day at Rashtrapati Bhavan here, Pranab said it was time for a “collective introspection” for changing those “societal perceptions” and attitudes that pose a hurdle in the development of women in the society and also vis-a-vis their status in country’s economy.

“I take this opportunity to convey my heartfelt appreciation of the countless women who are the silent

backbone of our economy...as professionals they are second to none in their achievements and their services as doctors and nurses, as space and nuclear scientists and in government offices and politics are invaluable in forging a path of progress and growth for our people.

“Therefore, it is only appropriate that we should remind ourselves that the empowerment of women and their equality, liberty and dignity are not a distant goal or fond aspiration of the women of our country.

“It is one of their sacred rights. It is not a privilege that they should seek,” the president said.

“There are, nevertheless, enduring societal perceptions and attitudes which inhibit the pace of

improvement in the condition and position of Indian women in our society and economy. These call for urgent individual as well as collective introspection. We must identify these weaknesses and their root cause,” he said.

Pranab underlined that violence against women continues to threaten their safety, well being and potential across the country.

In a separate statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Our heads hang in shame when we hear of instances of crime against women.”

The prime minister said he “salutes the indomitable courage and stellar achievements of women. We must walk shoulder-to-shoulder to end all forms of discrimination or injustice against women”. - PTI

FELICITATION: President Pranab Mukherjee, presenting Stree Shakti Puraskar 2014 to Ginny Shrivastava, who received it on the behalf of Aastha NGO, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Sunday. -PTI

ACCIDENT

Four children burnt to death in Ghaziabad car blast GHAZIABAD: Four children were burnt to death in Ghaziabad on Sunday afternoon when fire crackers kept inside a car in which they were sitting exploded, police said.

Police said the explosion took

place in the car in which fire crackers were kept to be taken to a wedding.

Car owner Mohammad Rizwan — who has a business of manufacturing fire crackers— had allowed five children from his family and

neighbours to listen to music in the car. When one of the children switched on the music system, a blast took place in which four children died on the spot and another sustained critical burn injuries. - IANS

M ONDAY, MARCH 9, 2015 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

Love us on Facebook

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

Veteran journalist Vinod Mehta dies NEW DELHI: Vinod Mehta, distinguished editor and commentator who successfully launched a number of newspapers and magazines, passed away here on Sunday after prolonged illness.

He was 73. Mehta, who was Editorial Chairman of Outlook magazine which he had founded, had been ailing for several months and was hospitalised at AIIMS. He was suffering from severe lung infection and was on life support. He died of multiple organ failure, AIIMS spokesperson Amit Gupta said.

Mehta, who wrote the best selling autobiography Lucknow Boy in 2011, was a popular face in TV debates. He recently published another book Editor Unplugged but could not attend its launch in December last because of his illness.

Mehta was a dog lover and had adopted a street dog whom he had named Editor. The dog often figured in his columns in Outlook magazine. Born in Rawalpindi (now in Pakistan) in 1942, Mehta was known for his bold journalism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his death.

“Frank & direct in his opinions, Vinod Mehta will be remembered as a fine journalist & writer. Condolences to his family on his demise,” Modi tweeted.

Mehta was a distinguished Ed-

INDIA

BJP slams PDP decision to free separatist leader State BJP chief Kishore Sharma said his party was not even consulted before the decision was taken over the release of separatist leader Masarat Alam

Vinod Mehta

itor who successfully launched a number of successful publications such as the Sunday Observer, Indian Post, The Independent, The Pioneer (Delhi edition) and, finally, Outlook.

Mehta was three years old when he migrated to India along with his family after partition.

The family settled down in Lucknow where he did his schooling and got BA degree.

Leaving home with a BA third class degree, he experimented with a string of jobs, including that of a factory hand in suburban Britain, before accepting an offer to edit Debonair in 1974.

He was married to Sumita Paul, a journalist who worked for the Pioneer and the Sunday Times of India. The couple do not have any children. - PTI

A9

JAMMU/SRINAGAR: Strains showed up on Sunday in the weekold PDP-BJP coalition government over the release of hardline separatist leader Masarat Alam, with the saffron party slamming the “unilateral” decision and warning that such things would not be tolerated.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said the decision was not a part of Common Minimum Programme (CMP) on the basis of which the alliance government is being run in Jammu and Kashmir but PDP differed, insisting that it is in tune with the CMP. State BJP chief and Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma said his party was not even consulted before the decision was taken.

Senior state BJP leaders met here on Sunday to discuss the is-

sue, he said, adding his party will convey its “displeasure” to PDP leadership and ask it to follow the “coalition dharma”.

BJP has taken “very seriously” the “unilateral” decision of the state’s Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and the party is “deeply hurt”, he said about the release of the hardline separatist leader which has kicked up a major controversy. He said Sayeed did not take its coalition partner BJP into confidence before taking the decision to release Alam. “We had no prior information or knowledge on his release. This is not our decision and we had not given our consent on this,” he told reporters.

“We are not going to tolerate any such statement or any such decision which is not as per the Common Minimum Programme that

we had agreed upon. We have decided to convey our displeasure to our partner so that such things do not happen in future,” he said.

He underlined that this issue does not figure in the CMP. People’s Democratic Party (PDP) spokesman and Education Minister Naeem Akhtar, on the other hand, said the decision was in line with the CMP which talks about engaging all stakeholders for establishing peace in Jammu and Kashmir. “This (the release of Alam) has to be seen in proper perspective. It is an important part of our Common Minimum Programme to involve all stakeholders in the state, and across the Line of Control, for reconciliation and peace in the state,” Akhtar said.

“If you want to have a dialogue with all stakeholders, which includes these leaders, you cannot engage them by keeping them in jail without anything substantial against them,” he added.

Court order Meanwhile, a PDP minister in Jammu and Kashmir government on Sunday said it only implemented the court ruling ordering Alam’s release, and BJP was with his party in implementing it.

“I don’t understand what the

problem in that is. He was released by the court and we just implemented the court order,” Minister for Science and Technology and Youth Services and Sports, Imran Ansari told reporters here.

Ansari said the state government respects the courts of the country and has to abide by their rulings. “We all respect the courts of the country and they are supreme to us. They gave us the orders and we implemented those orders. We are just abiding by the orders of the court,” he said.

Ansari also said that his party and the BJP run a coalition in the state and it was not genuine to make an issue of the release.

“I don’t think BJP has any apprehensions, they are with us. We have a coalition government. I don’t think it is a genuine thing to make any point of that. The courts have released him (Alam) and the Home Ministry implemented that order,” he said. The minister said the previous National Conference and Congress government in the state had “demonized” Alam and created fear among the people.

“Alam was demonized by the previous government. They had created a fear in the hearts and minds of the people about him,” he said. - PTI

I T C O N S U LTA N T

Indian woman stabbed to death in Australia MELBOURNE: A 41-year-old Indian IT consultant was brutally stabbed to death in Australia, just 300m from her home, police said on Sunday as they launched a probe into the horrific attack.

Prabha Arun Kumar was on the phone to a member of her family when the “horrific” attack happened yesterday in Westmead, a suburb in Sydney.

Prabha told the relative, “I think

I’ve been stabbed” in the lane way that runs through the park close to her Westmead home.

The mother of one was found stabbed in Parramatta Park last night. The police described it as a “horrific attack”. She was found by a man lying in a large pool of blood.

Superintendent Wayne Cox from Parramatta police said earlier that the woman left the station, walked along Argyle Street and

onto Park Parade before being attacked in Parramatta Park.

“At this point she has taken a lane way connected up to Amos St in Westmead, and during this journey she has been attacked by a person or unknown persons,” he said. She suffered a life threatening injury.

She was transported to Westmead Hospital where she was pronounced dead. - PTI

A 10

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2 015

PAKISTAN

I can’t say if I come into power all these issues will be resolved immediately Pervez Musharraf, Former military ruler

Bid to rope in wealthy tax-dodgers SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

ARTICLE, PHOTOS

Revenue authorities

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

say they have identified about a quarter of a million new taxpayers who would add around $140 million to government coffers SHOPPING TIME: Pakistani residents shopping at Pakistan’s biggest mall, in Islamabad, on Friday. — AFP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has begun chasing wealthy tax-dodgers who enjoy lives of extravagance and luxury, but revenue officials face huge challenges in trying to force the very richest — and most influential — to pay up.

Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio of 9.5 per cent is among the lowest in the world and the government

is under pressure from foreign donors and lenders, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to increase collection to boost the struggling economy.

Revenue authorities say they have identified about a quarter of a million new taxpayers who they project will add around Rs14

billion ($140 million) to government coffers.

Broadening the tax base and improving the economy after years of drift and sluggish growth under the last government was a key pledge in Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s 2013 election campaign, when he was swept to power for

a third time. Currently less than one per cent of Pakistanis pay income tax and the government collected just $8 billion in total income tax in the 2013-14 fiscal year — barely enough to cover just the country’s defence expenditure of $7 billion.

The finance ministry is aiming to boost the tax-to-GDP ratio to 15 per cent in the current fiscal year ending June 30.

As part of those efforts, the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) is compiling lifestyle and vehicle data to try to trace unregistered taxpayers, including wealthy landlords and businessmen zipping between their luxury homes in imported Mercedes.

“We are collecting information from the vehicle registration authority, car manufacturers, utility companies, telecom companies and property registration offices

and tracing people who are not paying any tax,” FBR spokesman Shahid Hussain told AFP. The data is used to generate profiles of potential taxpayers, after which demands are issued for them to pay income tax.

“FBR has already issued notices to 261,250 potential tax payers,” Hussain said, adding that that new taxpayers have paid Rs570 million since the crackdown started.

Annual tax statements It is not just dodgy businessmen who have been caught -- several lawmakers have been found paying either no tax or very little and not filing their mandatory annual tax statements.

The FBR has taken punitive measures against some “chronic defaulters”, freezing nearly 300 bank accounts, seizing more than 100 vehicles, putting 78 properties up for sale and issuing arrest warrants in 40 cases.

“Employing information technology, the FBR is creating a central database which would contain information about all taxpayers

and nobody will be left undetected,” Hussain said.

A new FBR department tasked with broadening the task net started working in July 2013 and within one year it started showing results, he added.

But Pakistan is a country where wealth and political influence go hand in hand.

For generations, landowners and industrialists have given patronage to political parties and scant attention has been paid to their assets by the taxman.

Changing this privileged arrangement is a tricky proposition.

Umar Cheema, an investigative journalist for Pakistani daily The News who has done several major exposes on tax-dodgers, says the FBR’s commitment is encouraging, but he does not expect them to net any big fish.

“FBR is after those who can’t influence them,” Cheema told AFP, citing several well-known tycoons considered among Pakistan’s richest whose names were missing from a list of the country’s top 100 taxpayers. — AFP

B L A M E S U N F R I E N D LY P O W E R S

Musharraf calls for strong government to tackle problems ISLAMABAD: Crisis-hit Pakistan needs a powerful government to tackle the multiple problems it has been facing, former military ruler Pervez Musharraf has said while blaming “unfriendly powers” for creating chaos to set the country on a path of destruction.

“There is a need of having a powerful government because the country is currently engulfed in multiple crisis,” Musharraf was quoted as saying by the Dawn.

The former president said that “unfriendly powers” create chaos and panic in “the ranks of a country to set it on a path of destruction.”

He accused politicians of causing harm to the country in the name of saving the constitution.

Army presence He, however, said that “as long as Pakistan army is present no one can cause harm of any sort to the country.”

Musharraf, who has been trying to revive his political career,

said, “I can’t say if I come into power all these issues will be resolved immediately”.

Baseless allegations Musharraf, who has been facing several court cases, termed all the allegations levelled against him as “totally baseless”.

“Those who wish to try me under Article 6 for impeachment should first look at themselves under the same light,” the former president challenged.

The former military dictator fully supported the establishment of military courts.

“During my tenure as the army chief I armed the military with latest weapons and gears,” said Musharraf, adding that there is a dire need to strengthen the security condition of the country.

Musharraf grabbed powers by toppling Nawaz Sharif in 1999 and ruled Pakistan till 2008 when he was forced to resign.

He is facing treason case for abrogating the constitution and has been barred to contest elections or leave the country. — PTI

C E L E B R AT I O N O F 5 5 0 T H B I R T H D AY O F G U R U N A N A K D E V

Minister endorses green projects at two Sikh shrines WASHINGTON: Pakistan has endorsed a plan to explore green projects at Kartarpur and Nankana Sahib as part of the celebration of 550th birthday of Guru Nanak Dev in 2019.

This was informed by EcoSikh, a US-based Sikh group, whose president Rajwant Singh was recently invited by first Sikh member of Pakistan’s Punjab Assembly Ramesh Singh Arora.

In his meetings with government officials, Singh proposed that the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak be celebrated in a unique manner.

During his meeting with the Federal Minister of Planning Development and Reform, Ahsan Iqbal (of Narowal city in Pakistan), he discussed the possibilities of far-reaching environmental plans, a media release from the group said. Iqbal gave a positive response of forming a committee to formulate master plans.

Plans include solar panels, creating organic farmland for food, dedicating forest areas, and creating an ethos of care for thousands of pilgrims who visit the holy destinations of Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur every year.

He also had detailed discussions with the Environment and Home Minister of Punjab Colonel Shuja Kharzada, Commissioner of Gujranwala Shumail Ahmad and Deputy Commissioner of Narowal Najaf Iqbal, the release said.

“We have also asked the en-

Plans include solar panels, creating organic farmland for food, dedicating forest areas, and creating an ethos of care for thousands of pilgrims who visit the holy destinations of Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur every year

vironment ministry to share an environment assessment plan of the two areas to create a master sustainability projects,” Singh added.

Evacuee Trust Property Board’s (Auqaaf ) Secretary Khalid Ali also expressed his support to bring development under a green master plan. Solar energy plans were also part of the discussion for Nankana Sahib.

Nankana Sahib has thousands of acres of land associated with the shrine and is managed by the trust. — PTI

M ONDAY, MARCH 9, 2015 W With its own army, Europe could react more credibly to the threat to peace in a member state or in a neighbouring state. One wouldn’t have a European army m tto deploy it immediately. But a common European army would convey a clear message to Russia that we are serious about defending our European values m Jean-Claude Juncker, European Union Commission President J

DEBT CRISIS

Greece ups stakes with call for referendum

MYSTERY: This photo taken on Tuesday shows Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik creating a sand sculpture of the missing Malaysian airliner MH370 on Puri beach in India. — AFP

One year on, MH370 mystery unsolved Prime Minister Najib Razak said his nation remained committed to the search for the Malaysia Airlines jet, believed to have crashed in the southern Indian Ocean, and was hopeful it would be found

KUALA LUMPUR: Emotional families marked the first anniversary of the disappearance of flight MH370 Sunday as a new report said the battery on its black box locator beacon had expired, but shed no new light on the cause of the disaster.

Prime Minister Najib Razak said his nation remained committed to the search for the Malaysia Airlines jet, believed to have crashed in the southern Indian Ocean, and was hopeful it would be found.

Where is the plane?

Next of kin, many of whom have criticised Malaysia’s handling of the disaster, held ceremonies in Kuala Lumpur and Beijing to remember the missing and urge authorities to never abandon the expensive and arduous search.

“The only answer I want is where is the plane, then only will we know,” said Jacquita Gonzales, wife of the flight’s cabin crew supervisor Patrick Gomes.

“The whole world has heard what he (Najib) has said, so they can’t go back on their word.”

Expired in December 2012 A report by an international investigative team released Sunday raised no red flags relating to the crew or the aircraft’s condition to indicate any cause for the disappearance. But it said the 30-day battery powering the underwater locator beacon on the flight data recorder was due to expire in December 2012.

Although the battery on the plane’s cockpit voice recorder was up-to-date, this could have contributed to the failure to find the plane, said Gerry Soejat-

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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

man, a Jakarta-based aviation consultant.

“My major worry is that (search vessels) may have gone over the aircraft but not heard the pings because of this,” said Soejatman, who added that the report otherwise largely restated what is already known about MH370.

Year-long hunt A year-long hunt in the deep ocean far off Australia’s west coast, where satellite data indicate the Boeing 777 crashed, has yielded nothing yet.

“Together with our international partners, we have followed the little evidence that exists,” Najib said in a statement. “Malaysia remains committed to the search, and hopeful that MH370 will be found.”

The plane inexplicably veered from its Kuala Lumpur-Beijing route on March 8 of last year with 239 passengers and crew aboard.

Relatives and friends of the missing held an emotional public remembrance in Kuala Lumpur that included prayers and live video links with other next of kin around the world.

Never give up hope A temporary wall erected for the occasion contained scrawled messages such as “Never give up hope” and “I miss you so much brother and sister, please come back.” — AFP

RU S S I A N T H R E AT

Juncker calls for European army BERLIN: The European Union needs its own army to face up to Russia and other threats as well as restore the bloc’s foreign policy standing around the world, EU Commission President JeanClaude Juncker told a German newspaper on Sunday.

Arguing that NATO was not enough because not all members of the transatlantic defence alliance are in the EU, Juncker said a common EU army would also send important signals to the world.

“A joint EU army would show the world that there would never again be a war between EU countries,” Juncker told the Welt am

Sonntag newspaper. “Such an army would also help us to form common foreign and security policies and allow Europe to take on responsibility in the world.”

Juncker said a common EU army could serve as a deterrent and would have been useful during the Ukraine crisis.

“With its own army, Europe could react more credibly to the threat to peace in a member state or in a neighbouring state. One wouldn’t have a European army to deploy it immediately. But a common European army would convey a clear message to Russia that we are serious about defending our European values.” — Reuters

ATHENS: Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis upped the stakes sharply ahead of Monday’s crucial Eurogroup meeting in Brussels by raising the prospect of Greece holding new elections or even a referendum on any debt deal.

If eurozone ministers fail to accept seven major reforms Greece has put forward to unlock the next tranche of its much-needed bailout, “there could be problems”, Varoufakis warned in an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera on Sunday.

“We can go back to elections.

Call a referendum,” he told the daily. “But, as my prime minister told me, we are not glued to our seats yet.”

The last time Greece threatened a referendum on its bailout in November 2011, it sent global markets into panic, infuriated its European partners and led to the fall of then prime minister George Papandreou.

Willful attempts Varoufakis later slammed reports he was calling for a vote on whether to stay in the euro, claiming they were a part of “willful attempts to undermine the good course” of the Greek government’s discussions with its partners. A source in the Greek government also denounced what it termed a media “deconstruction of Varoufakis”.

The finance chief has been criticised in Greece for his media omnipresence, with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras telling him and other ministers to give fewer interviews, urging “fewer words and more action”.

The thinly veiled referendum warning was echoed by Panos Kammenos, the leader of the radical leftist Syriza government’s coalition allies, the Independent Greeks. — AFP

WORLD

A11

A12

TIMES O F O MAN

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2 015

COMMEN ARY ISO 9001:2008

Certified Company

Founder: Essa bin Mohammed Al Zedjali Chairman and Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Deputy Editor-in-Chief: Anees bin Essa Al Zedjali Chief Executive Officer: Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali Editorial: 24726666, Fax: 24813153; E-mail: editor@timesofoman.com Advertising: 24726666, Fax: 24812624 Circulation: 24726600, Fax: 24818270; E-mail: circulation@timesofoman.com Printed and published by: Muscat Media Group P.O. Box 770, Ruwi, Postal Code: 112, Sultanate of Oman.

Subscription: RO70 per year.

Celebrating International Women’s Day in Pakistan

THE INDEPENDENT

S

unday, March 8, 2015 saw the celebration of International Women’s Day around the world — but the reality is that there was little to celebrate in Pakistan. The picture for women in Pakistan, across all social strata and in every corner of their lives, is bleak. The emancipation of women in the Western countries was accelerated by two world wars and a socio-cultural revolution in the 1960s and the 1970s that continues today, but the battle for women equality is far from over anywhere in the world. The Nordic/Scandinavian countries have come the furthest in terms of institutionalising the rights of women, but the rest of the world trails considerably behind.

For the woman of the subcontinent change has been slow to come, and strongly resisted by cultures that are profoundly patriarchal and highly resistant to change. The numbers of women and girls murdered in the name of ‘honour’ in Pakistan every year is steadily rising rather than falling. Rape is on the rise as well, and the passing of legislation making it easier to prosecute rapists in Pakistan will take years to be universally applied and accepted. Malala Yousufzai was the co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, a remarkable event by any measure, yet she is viewed with ambivalence at best and outright hostility at worst in her country of birth — no matter that she is lauded globally. Malala symbolises the fight for education for all, and not just for women and girls, and there are others who have a lower profile but are no less vital change-agents in a country where education and literacy levels for women are abysmally low.

Violence against women remains endemic and even where legislation exists to protect the women of Pakistan it is poorly implemented.

There have been recent positive steps — the legislation to protect the property rights of women enacted in Punjab for instance but they are a rarity. Forced marriage remains an issue in every province and despite calls by civil society activists, the sale of acid remains largely unregulated and a direct contributor to the rising trend of acid-throwing — invariably but not exclusively against the faces of women.

Harassment of women in the workplace, and the practice of socalled ‘eve teasing’ of female students at universities and teenage girl schoolchildren remain rife. The list of ways in which women are rendered as second-class citizens is endless, but there are pinpoints of hope in the prevailing gloom. Whilst it is a struggle to find any woman in the peace-building and shaping processes, women are now present at the forefront of educational reform in some places — but as activists rather than policy-makers or budget holders. Similarly, in health and health education, women are finding a place — but very rarely as senior managers. Education for women is the key to the future — and it is not only for women but for all of us. - The Express Tribune

BANGLADESH

Where secularism is a restricted word now LIPIKA PELHAM

Punishing the scapegoats

T

he governing strategy of President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela increasingly relies on blaming and punishing scapegoats for his own failings. He took that approach to a ludicrous level over the weekend, announcing that the United States Embassy in Caracas would have to shrink its staff from more than 100 to 17 and that American citizens would henceforth need visas to travel to Venezuela. In an apparent response to the Obama administration’s recent decision to ban certain Venezuelan officials suspected of human rights violations from traveling to the United States, Maduro unveiled a no-fly list of his own, declaring former President George W. Bush; former Vice President Dick Cheney; and George Tenet, a former director of the CIA, personae non gratae. For good measure, Maduro warned that the American diplomats who remained in Venezuela must clear any meetings, presumably with anyone, with his government. The moves are meant to combat “imperialist aggression,” he told a throng of supporters during a rambling, effusive speech.

Maduro’s theatrics came as anti-government demonstrators took to the streets in the western city of San Cristóbal to denounce the death of a 14-year-old who was fatally shot last week during a protest.

Vilifying Americans during a time of growing unrest and a deepening economic crisis might galvanise his base in the short term, but over the long haul it can only damage his government. And history is likely to record it as yet another self-inflicted wound by a leader whose relatively short time in power has been characterized by impulsive, erratic and vengeful behaviour. Requiring that Americans obtain visas to enter Venezuela would become yet another disincentive for citizens of Venezuela’s largest trading partner to do business there. Gutting the diplomatic staff at the American Embassy in Caracas, the capital, would likewise make it more laborious for Venezuelans to travel to, and do business in, the United States. As Maduro locks up and expels more scapegoats, his own shortcomings will inevitably come into sharper focus. - The New York Times News Service

Authorities must try to put an end to rubbernecking

Even the parking habits of people are atrocious

This refers to the news story, Rubbernecking puts lives of others at risk (March 8). Stopping securely off the road to help and inform authorities about an accident is a civil duty. But just gathering up to chit chat and look at any accident is a problem. I have seen numerous accidents in and around of Muscat.

Traffic gets congested for hours as curious onlookers simply soar in number to look at what has happened and how the accident has happened. Often, snarls caused by such onlookers continue long after the vehicles caught in accidents are removed and victims shifted to hospitals. Such acts of rubbernecking has to be discouraged stopped, Saba Damon Salvatore Muscat

This refers to the news story, Rubbernecking puts lives of others at risk (March 8). I have noticed that this habit of rubbernecking is rampant in Oman. In the neighbouring country people are afraid to do such things. The fact is that the driving habits of people, irrespective of their nationality, are atrocious in Oman. I have seen people parking their cars in most haphazard manner oblivious of the fact that their parking may cause serious problems to others.

They do not even leave their phone numbers. Once a person parked his car without his number in front of mine in a parking. He came sweetly after 30 minutes and I missed my meeting.

Indranil Goswami Muscat

Many secularists were prompted to distance themselves from the faith. They were in turn accused of blasphemy.

The poet and author Taslima Nasrin went into exile in 1994 to flee death threats from the radicals

C

overed in blood, she stands over the body of her husband lying on a sidewalk on the Dhaka University campus. Onlookers, their faces stunned and fearful, circle the protagonists in what looks like a macabre scene from a village opera. Except this is not a play. The dead man is Avijit Roy, the Bangladeshi-American blogger known for his staunch atheism, and he has just been butchered with machetes. Extremists are suspected in the attack.

Some 25 years ago, I discussed the same issues Roy wrote about in his blog, Mukto-mona (Free Mind) and his recent book, The Virus of Faith. We students openly proclaimed our atheism. We probably provoked some strong reactions, but we did not fear for our lives. We were proud of the Bengali tradition of secularism, unique to the Indian Subcontinent. Bangladesh has changed. The expansion of the garment industry and the rise of microfinance and community development banks put an end to the stereotype of Bangladesh as a “basket case.” But economic empowerment also brought mass access to information. Today the disenfranchised and disgruntled can identify themselves with extremists anywhere in the world. What is their common identity? Religion.

When India was divided in 1947, East Bengal became part of Muslim Pakistan purely on the basis of its religious majority. A year later, Urdu was imposed as the national language.

The Bengali language has always been linked with secular Bengali nationalism. Protests followed, and on February 21, 1952, the Pakistani police fired on students at Dhaka University.

That day — perhaps the beginning of the conflicts that culminated in the 1971 war of independence — is remembered every year in Bangladesh and in the Indian state of West Bengal, and the monthlong book fair is one of the commemorative events.

When I tried to visit the fair just a few days before Roy was killed, I couldn’t make it through the crowds at the entrance to the university campus. I had gone back to Bangladesh with two of my children so they could experience the sounds and colours that I grew up with. The first sign that things had changed was at Heathrow, when an attendant at the Bangladeshi airline desk said that we would not be allowed to enter the country because of the Israeli stamps on our British passports.

I explained that I had visited with the same passport before, and we entered Dhaka without any

READERS’ FORUM NEW INDIA ASSURANCE New India offers a wide range of HEALTH INSURANCE COVERS to you/family/employee.

hiccups. My confidence in Bengali liberal-mindedness thus restored, the children and I got in a motorized rickshaw, headed for the port of Sadarghat.

On the way, my 13-year-old daughter observed, “I thought it would be much more colourful.”

I remembered that stretch as being one of the most colourful streets, with shop fronts spilling over with spices and trinkets, men and women loudly bargaining to get the best deal. Even in Dhaka’s swanky areas, I was dismayed to find stores filled with hijabs and full-face coverings, with signs on the front windows reading “For True Muslim Women.”

Were the Muslim women of my childhood, who simply flung the ends of their saris over their heads, not “true” enough?

Thinking of Roy’s book, The Virus of Faith, I asked my Bengali friends: How did this virus find such a welcome platform? How did it spread so far that secularism has become a restricted word?

“Unfortunately, over the past decade or so, all the attacks on secular thinkers — who include people from all religious backgrounds — were committed by self-styled defenders of Islam,” Jibanananda Jayanta, a Dhaka-based social activist, told me.

This prompted many secularists from Muslim backgrounds to distance themselves from the faith. They were in turn accused of blasphemy. The poet and author Taslima Nasrin went into exile in 1994 to flee death threats from radicals. But what were then threats or fatwas became in more recent years coldblooded killings on crowded streets.

Some friends described the murder of Roy as “copycat violence,” imitating similar attacks by fanatics elsewhere — part of the globalisation of faith. In 2004, another writer, Humayun Azad, was severely injured during an attack that also occurred at the annual book fair. And in 2013, Ahmed Rajib Haider, an atheist blogger, was killed by machete-wielding radicals.

In both of those cases, the attackers demanded that the government pass a law against blasphemy, similar to the one that exists in Pakistan.

Although the current government has strongly opposed such a law, it has nonetheless catered to religious political parties by harassing and arresting many secular bloggers.

It has also used the existing law against hurting “religious sentiment” to punish dissenters. After Avijit Roy’s murder, mourners placed a banner at the temporary memorial near the site of the attack. Its words could not be more true: “If Avijit is beaten, so is Bangladesh.” - The New York Times News Service

It’s time to get real on issues related to women This refers to the article, Women’s Day: Time to challenge hypocrisies (March 8). It is time to uncover the truth. I hope that on Women’s Day the emphasis will be on the plight of women from the Third World countries. Feminists, world leaders, men, and everyone must speak out loudly and repeatedly against female genital mutilation, punishing rape victims, honour killings, enslaving women and child marriage.

Michael Skinner Dallas, Texas

website: www.newindiaoman.com

It will now be tough to beat Pakistan in ICC World Cup

Adventure is just bad planning ROALD AMUNDSEN

I think it’s senseless when people expect history to repeat itself.

That rarely happens. The fact

is, Pakistani cricket team has bounced back unexpectedly. Even after so much of controversies, half of the best players being banned or dropped, the team is definitely emerging as a tough competitor in the next rounds.

Amal N. Hamidi Muscat

Pakistan cricket team has now got its form back This refers to article, Applause for Pakistan, but Proteas still look vulnerable under pressure (March 8).

It now looks certain that the Pakistani cricket team is coming back to form. The way the team played against South Africans shows that the team will pose a threat to all in the quarter final round.

Hashim Umar Ruwi

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 OMAN

M O NDAY, MARCH 9, 2015

A13

PERSPEC IVE India is in denial about its rape culture, so is Britain T

he Indian government is up in arms.

It has banned a documentary, India’s Daughter, which includes a reconstruction of the notorious gang rape and murder of a young woman on a bus in Delhi. Ministers can’t stop Leslee Udwin’s film being shown elsewhere — you might have seen it on BBC Four last week but they would like it to be consigned to oblivion. It reflects badly on India.

Last month, government in India shelved a plan drawn up after the Delhi gang rape to set up 660 rape crisis centres across India; the figure has been slashed to 36 because the Prime Minister believes that the Indian police are “sensitive enough” to deal with rape cases.

His confidence in the authorities isn’t universally shared, leading to a dreadful incident in north-east India last month when a suspected rapist was dragged from jail and lynched.

According to some estimates, a rape takes place in India every 20 minutes. The documentary explains why the figure is so high: the quiet dignity of the victim’s parents contrasts with the chilly detachment of Mukesh Singh, who drove the bus and shows not a shred of remorse for the sexual torture and murder of their daughter.

The Minister for Parliamentary Affairs believes that the film is an “international conspiracy to defame India”, but what it really does is expose the profoundly misogynist culture that creates men such as Singh. The fact that ministers are more concerned about the country’s reputation than the safety of half the population does the same. “Honour” is at the heart of this problem, whether it’s that of a country or an individual woman. According to the driver, the student shouldn’t have been out at night with a male friend; once the rape started, she shouldn’t have struggled with her attackers.

“A girl is far more responsible for rape than a boy,” he declares in the film. One of the defence lawyers backs him up, making the astounding claim that he would burn his own daughter alive if she “disgraced herself” by going out at night.

India is not the only country with a rape problem. In South Africa, some estimates have suggested that there could be half a

JOAN SMITH

India is not the only country with a rape problem. In South Africa, some estimates have suggested that there could be half a million rapes each year, many of them by multiple perpetrators and characterised by extreme violence. In Mexico, rates of rape and murder involving female victims are so high that they have been officially described by the UN as a “femicide”

million rapes each year, many of them by multiple perpetrators and characterised by extreme violence.

In Mexico, rates of rape and murder involving female victims are so high that they have been officially described by the UN as a “femicide”.

Similar attitudes can be found in all these countries, proposing that it’s up to women to modify their behaviour if they want to avoid being attacked.

Singh claims in the film that a “decent” girl wouldn’t be out at nine o’clock at night.

It’s easy to dismiss such views as pre-modern, a relic from a period of history before gender equality emerged as one of the most basic rights.

Only last week, a serious case review was published into the sexual abuse of hundreds of girls in Oxfordshire in Britain.

It’s clear that the perpetrators, who were from an Asian background, thought they could do what they liked because no one would listen to their victims.

They were right: the authorities repeatedly failed to recognise that they were dealing with serial rape. Almost exactly the same thing happened in Rotherham, where at least 1,400 girls were abused.

Then there’s the Ched Evans case. The footballer has been convicted of rape by a jury and hasn’t even finished serving his sentence. (He was released from prison last year after serving half of his five-year tariff and remains on licence.)

None of this has discouraged a vile campaign by some of his supporters, who have broken the law by identifying the victim and vilifying her on social media.

It’s a classic piece of victim-blaming: she was inebriated, she went back to his mate’s hotel room, what did she expect?

Rapists have always tried to come up with “excuses” for their crimes, just as Singh does in India’s Daughter. It’s sickening to listen to, but a salutary reminder that a punitive focus on the behaviour of victims is at the core of rape culture.

Education is the key to ending it and it needs to go like this. First, stop blaming girls and women for behaving normally.

Second, bring up every boy to understand that the responsibility for not committing rape lies squarely with him. - The Independent

Women are simply amazing! Aren’t they?

I

t is quite often on a spring day like today that I get to thinking: “Aren’t women amazing!”.

I thought it recently during a reunion with some brilliant old pals from New Hall, a women’s college at Cambridge whose symbol is a dolphin because they are friendly and hang out in schools.

I remember thinking it when I visited Uganda with the charity Emerge Poverty Free, and heard girls talking about the new and previously unimaginable privilege of going to school.

I think it every year at the Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction, where female authors from all over the world chat and support and admire each other, not a literary feud in sight.

And I thought it again recently when I went to the screening of a short film starring Catherine Spencer — an evening that skilfully combined adventure, charity, music and beer.

Spencer is best known — though not nearly well known enough — as a former captain of the England women’s rugby team,

KATY GUEST

who was capped for her country 63 times. When I interviewed her for this paper in 2010, she said: “Often other countries we play (she means beat) will say, ‘You know, you’re all professionals’.

Well actually, we’re not professionals, but I quite like it that people think we are. We play with a professional outlook. We’re just not paid.” In the same way that Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels, you see, the women’s team did everything the men did but more successfully and while working full-time. Like I said, women are amazing.

Since Spencer retired in 2011, she has been a rugby pundit on television and in print, set up her own company called Inspiring Women, which provides companies with inspirational speakers, mentors and ambassadors, and recently climbed two mountains higher than 4,000 metres in less than 48 hours. Then she had breakfast….

Actually, she climbed the mountains with the adventure

lifestyle company Endure, 10 per cent of whose profits support a charity foundation with six beneficiaries each year.

One of this year’s is a collective of female farmers in Nepal.

(They’re amazing, of course.) Endure also makes beer, and its new IPA is proving very popular with women, I’m told. Its label, which isn’t pink, says, “Achieved by greatness; earned by heroes”, and I definitely felt more heroic while drinking it. A trailer of Valeur — An Endure Motion Picture is on YouTube.

Today, I will go for a run around my neighbourhood: past the local curry place, which I first found when it was managed by a brilliant and inspiring woman; on to the local park, where other women will be celebrating our amazing bodies that can run, play football, fly a kite…; and then under a mimosa tree in flower, the symbol in some countries for International Women’s Day, which is today. Happy day, women everywhere. I hope you spend yours being amazing. - The Independent

Winds of war blowing in Gaza NICHOLAS KRISTOF

I

t is winter in Gaza, in every wretched sense of the word. Six months after the latest war, the world has moved on, but tens of thousands remain homeless — sometimes crammed into the rubble of bombed-out buildings. Children are dying of the cold, according to the United Nations..

Rabah, an 8-year-old boy who dreams of being a doctor, walked barefoot in near-freezing temperatures with his friends through the rubble of one neighbourhood. The United Nations handed out shoes, but he saves them for school.

For the first time in his life, he said, he and several friends have no shoes for daily life.

Nearly everyone I spoke to said conditions in Gaza are more miserable than they have ever been — exacerbated by pessimism that yet another war may be looming.

Lacking other toys, boys like Rabah sometimes play with the remains of Israeli rockets that destroyed their homes.

Gaza has long been compared to an open-air prison, and, in the years I’ve been coming here, that has never felt more true, partly because so many Gazans are now literally left in the open air.

But people joke wryly that at least prisons have reliable electricity.

The suffering here has multiple causes. Israel sustains a siege that amounts to economic warfare on an entire population.

Hamas squanders resources and is brutal and oppressive in its own right. Egypt has closed smuggling tunnels that used to relieve the stranglehold, and it mostly keeps its border with Gaza closed.

The 1.8 million Gazans are on their own, and one step forward should be international pressure on Israel and Egypt to ease the blockade.

Israel should understand clearly that its bombings put some on the path to becoming fighters. A 14-year-old boy, Ahmed Jundiya, aspires to grow up and fight against Israelis.

“War made us feel we will die anyway, so why not die with dignity,” Ahmed told me.

“I want to be a fighter.”

Some of that is teen bravado, and some may reflect the unfortunate reality that, if you’re a teenage boy, one of the few career paths available is as a fighter.

Ahmed’s father is an unemployed construction worker, the boy explains with a hint of distaste.

Over all, my sense is that the suffering has left some Gazans more disenchanted with fighting, and others yearning for revenge. It’s difficult to be sure how those forces balance out.

Israel and Egypt both have security concerns in Gaza but the Israeli human rights or-

ganisation Gisha notes that it’s ridiculous for Israel to insist that the ongoing economic stranglehold is essential for security.

Gisha introduced me to Aya Abit, 24, who is married to a Palestinian man in the West Bank.

They have a 5-month-old baby whom the father has never seen because Israel won’t allow Abit to leave Gaza.

“I cry every day,” she says. “I don’t know what to do.”

Likewise, Israel prevents some Gazan students accepted at American or other foreign universities from leaving to study.

That’s counterproductive: More Western-educated Gazans might be a moderating presence, but the point seems to be to make all Gazans suffer.

Senior Israeli officials understand that the economic blockade has undermined the independent business community that could counter Hamas.

So Israeli officials have been saying the right things recently about easing the blockade, but not much has changed.

On a visit to Gaza in 2010, I visited a cookie factory in Gaza run by Mohammed Telbani, a prominent businessman. I returned on this visit, and I found that Israel had bombed Telbani’s factory repeatedly during the war.

Telbani has restored part of the factory, but Israel won’t allow three European technicians into Gaza to set up Danish machinery that is sitting idle.

And a packaging machine has been out of operation for months because he needs a spare part that Israel won’t allow in. Israel pretty much seals off Gaza — journalists are a rare exception — and isolation and despair mark Gaza today.

This blockade isn’t as dramatic as the bombings, but, in the long run, it’s soul-destroying. Businesses can’t sell their goods; students can’t go to West Bank universities; a wife can’t join her husband.

May be, Hamas’ rule is central to the problem, but we don’t have influence over Hamas; we do have influence over Israel.

The US and other global powers should call more forcefully on both Israel and Egypt to ease this siege of Gaza.

Mohammed Telbani is a pragmatic businessman, a fluent Hebrew speaker whose aim is to sell cookies, hire workers and make money. He sounded far more bitter toward Israelis on this visit than before, and I told him so.

“They burned $22 million for no reason,” he replied indignantly. “What I created in 45 years, they destroyed in less than two hours. What should I tell them? ‘Thank you’?

“This is the worst time ever,” he added.

“People have nothing to lose. So I expect another war.” - The New York Times News Service

Vladimir Putin’s new art of war The conflict in Ukraine is described as hybrid warfare.

A broad range of hostile tactics – of which traditional military force is only a part – are being choreographed to achieve political and strategic goals rw

No

President Vladimir Putin Views break-up of Soviet Union as retrograde step exploited by Russia’s adversaries

Under rebel control

DONETSK REGION

Mariupol

Finland

Poland

Ukraine border: Russian troops estimated at 55,800 RUSSIA

SEA OF AZOV 50km

Source: IHS Jane’s, IISS, Potomac Institute for Policy Studies

1617

The Treaty of Stolbovo ends the occupation of Northern Russia by Swedish troops.

1734

The Russians take Danzig (Gdansk) in Poland.

1796

Napoleon Bonaparte marries Josephine de Beauharnais in Paris, France.

St Petersburg

Moscow

Kaliningrad Belarus

Luhansk

TODAY IN HISTORY

Estonia Latvia Lithuania

LUHANSK REGION

Debaltseve Jul 17, 2014: Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 shot Donetsk down killing all 281 people on board

UKRAINE

Zapad-2013: Six day exercise in Russia, Belarus and Kaliningrad involves 96,300 troops in Sep 2013.

Sweden

Valery Gerasimov Chief of Russia’s general staff since 2012.

“Conflict now involves the broad use of political, economic, informational, humanitarian and other non-military measures” – 2013

DONBAS AREA Eastern Ukraine: 29,300 pro-Russian separatists backed by some 14,400 Russian troops

NATO members ay

Kiev UKRAINE

RUSSIA

Detail

ia Slovak Hungary Romania

1841

BLACK SEA Bulgaria Crimea: Annexed by Russia in March 2014.

Albania Russian troops estimated at 29,400 Cyprus: Kremlin strikes deal with EU member to use port and air base

Graphic News /

600kms

Graphics

1939

The rebel slaves who seized a Spanish slave ship, the Amistad, in 1839 are freed by the Supreme Court despite Spanish demands for extradition.

Czech President Emil Hacha ousts pro-German Joseph Tiso as the Premier of Slovakia in order to preserve Czech unity.

HISTORYNET.COM

OPINION POLL FROM OUR ARCHIVES COUNCIL OF STATE OFFICE MEETS

MUSCAT: The Council of State office held a meeting yesterday, under the chairmanship of Sheikh Hamoud bin Abdullah Al Harthy, president of the council. The meeting approved the minutes of the last meeting and reviewed implementation of the earlier decisions of the office. The office also reviewed performance during the council’s first regular session in the third year, which concluded on January 30, and followed up implementation of the decisions and recommendations endorsed by the council during its current session.

Do you think people commit a crime against society by hiding infectious and dangerous diseases like AIDS? Visit timesofoman.com to cast your vote

LAST POLL RESULT Yes

44.1%

No

Can't say

53.3%

2.6 %

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

A 14

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2 015

WORLD

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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

Desert outings draw Dubai expats SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

ARTICLE, PHOTOS

The city attracts

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

droves of tourists with its luxury resorts and grandiose malls, but many expatriates opt instead for the tranquility of the vast sands in desert

SWAIHAN (UAE): Mohammed Iqsaan runs a real estate company in Dubai but off-roading over desert dunes on weekends is his escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The glitzy Gulf emirate’s skyline is dominated by skyscrapers, topped by the world’s tallest tower, while the emptiness of the Arabian desert lies only a short drive away.

MAJOR ATTRACTION: A file picture taken on December 19, 2014 shows expatriates gathering at night around a fire during an off-road trip in the desert of Swaihan, east of the United Arab Emirates. Scores of expatriates spend their weekends in the desert away from the hustle and bustle of Dubai. – AFP

Different charm And as the city-state attracts droves of tourists with its luxury resorts and grandiose malls, many expats opt instead for the tranquility of the vast sands.

“The desert has a different

charm,” said Iqsaan, a South African, standing at a camping spot after a day of driving near Swaihan, in the east of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of which Dubai is a member.

Iqsaan reached Swaihan in a convoy of all-terrain vehicles that are a must to navigate in the soft sands.

Fans of desert driving go through a briefing: places are assigned for

vehicles within the convoy, tyres deflated to gain traction and seat belts must be worn at all times.

Sinking in the sand is not a problem, recovery is part of the weekend fun. If shovels fail to dig the

vehicle out, another car comes to the rescue with a strap. The desert outings are a “getaway from the hustle and bustle, the life of the city and traffic”, said Anthony Alan, a US aircraft engineer.

“It’s just a great place to be,” he said, setting up a barbeque.

Autumn and winter are the best seasons for desert trips in the UAE, when the temperature drops to pleasant levels.

For Liudmyla Pykhtina, the temperatures are perfect compared with the freezing winters of her native Ukraine.

“I like the weather,” she said, sporting a thin fleece on a chilly pitch-black evening.

“You can see the stars,” she said, compared with the light pollution in the city where the skies are often hazy.

Several companies organise dune-bashing desert safaris for tourists, while expats prefer to join off-road clubs, keeping updated on excursions through social media.

“Our website brings us all together,” said Islam Mantawy, co-founder of an Abu Dhabi club which organises driving and camping trips.

Mantawy is a vice-president at a local bank.

At weekends, he drops the suit and tie to don the black-and-orange outfit of a desert marshall and lead novice off-roaders on desert trips.

“The desert is beautiful... calm,” he said, adding that his club boasts now 5,000 members who make regular trips across the UAE. His convoys motor through the desert in search of a quiet spot, then set up camp. At night, families gather around a crackling log fire as the mercury falls.

Such trips can however pose an environmental threat to the ecosystem of the desert, just like any off-road activities.

According to the US-based website “Defenders of Wildlife”, offroad vehicles, as well as military activities, cause “extensive, lasting damage to the fragile desert cover”.

Leaving rubbish in desert areas after camping trips and picnics endangers grazing camels, who can choke to death from swallowing plastic bags.

“We avoid driving over grown grass that is grazed by animals and carry away our leftovers,” said Hadeel Balbissi, a woman off-roader and human resources head at a local firm.

Iqsaan highlighted the draw of off-roading for expats.

In the desert, “all the noise pollution is left behind in the city. It just resets your whole biological clock. You get back to work revitalised,” the realtor said. — AFP

U N C E R TA I N F U T U R E

Britain’s Parliament building crumbling, overrun with mice LONDON: Behind the neoGothic splendour of Big Ben, Britain’s Houses of Parliament is crumbling and overrun with mice, prompting its top official to warn the building may have to be “abandoned” without urgent renovations.

Leaking roofs mean members of parliament have to use waste paper baskets to catch drips when it rains and the ornate stonework has been eroded by air pollution.

Asbestos is a constant hazard and even the famous clock tower snapped by tourists from around the world leans 46 centimetres (18 inches) off the vertical.

Then there are the mice. Rodents are frequently spotted scurrying around the members’ tea room and a mouse hotline was even set up so politicians could report sightings. One lawmaker, Anne McIntosh — who has also seen mice in the House of Commons library late at night — wants parliament to adopt a cat from a nearby animal shelter to chase them away. “For some reason, my idea of having a cat wasn’t accepted,” McIntosh said. “There are also reported to be rats — it’s so close to the river and they say you’re never more than six yards away from a rat in London.”

Also on the list of Members of Parliament (MPs) complaints are often cramped working areas and faulty heating. Commons Speaker John Bercow flagged up the scale of the problems in a speech Tuesday, saying the final bill for repairs could be £3 billion (4.2 billion euros, $4.5 billion).

Warning He warned that lawmakers could have to move out of parliament for good within 20 years unless major renovations take place in the next decade. The Houses of Parliament, designed by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin, was finished in 1870 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Although a fire in 1834 destroyed most of the old Palace of Westminster and parts of the Commons had to be rebuilt after World War II due to bomb damage, there are still some areas which date back to the 11th century. Despite such an illustrious history, the building faces an uncertain future. Parliamentary authorities have commissioned a group of experts to tell them what exactly needs to be done and how much it will cost. It is thought work is unlikely to start before 2021 and could take from several years to up to a decade, depending on how it is conducted.

John Thurso, a lawmaker who sits on the House of Commons Commission which oversees maintenance of the Palace of

LEAKING ROOFS: Palace of Westminster, with the Great Westminster Clock, more commonly known as ‘Big Ben’, in central London. Behind the neo-Gothic splendour of Big Ben, Britain’s Houses of Parliament is crumbling and overrun with mice, prompting its top official to warn it may have to be ‘abandoned’ without urgent renovations. – AFP file photograph

Westminster, said the work had been put off for too long and was now at a critical point.

“There will come a moment when something major will happen — it could be the collapse of a bit of the building, it could be a fire — any range of serious, catastrophic events,” he said.

“We have reached the point where, in pass the parcel terms, the music has stopped and it has to be dealt with.”

MPs are already talking about whether they should move out of the Palace of Westminster while the works take place or stay, even though this could significantly increase the bill. Many are lobbying for parliament to move to their own constituencies for the duration of the works to address claims that British politics is too London-centric. It is thought more likely that lawmakers would relocate to a nearby spot such as the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, an unglamorous 1980s venue a stone’s throw from parliament.

Whatever happens, the British taxpayer will have to foot the huge bill for renovations at a time when many are disillusioned with politicians after a string of scandals, including over MPs taking second jobs and submitting improper expense claims.

Some commentators suggest that the authorities should use the crisis to restore both the Palace of Westminster and politicians’ crumbling reputations by creating a parliament more suited to the 21st century. “Parliament has often been in bad public odour but its unfitness for purpose today is glaring,” Simon Jenkins wrote in the Guardian newspaper this week. “(It) should become a modern estate of the realm, standing effective against the executive, not its poodle.” — AFP

M ONDAY, MARCH 9, 2015 Zaur Dadayev served for a decade in the ‘Sever’ police battalion, part of the interior ministry in Chechnya, Russian news agencies reported. They cited Albert Barakhayev, a senior security official in the neighbouring region of Ingushetia, where several of the men were detained

‘US to end nuclear talks if Iran fails to ink deal’ “And if we have unprecedented transparency in that system, if we are able to verify that in fact they are not developing weapons systems, then there’s a deal to be had, but that’s going to require them to accept the kind of verification and constraints on their program that so far, at least, they have not been willing to say yes to.”

Obama made the comments Saturday as US Secretary of State John Kerry was in Paris to smooth over differences with France, which has pressed for greater guarantees that an agreement will stop Iran from gaining a

If there is no deal then we walk away. If we cannot verify that they are not going to obtain a nuclear weapon, that there’s a breakout period so that even if they cheated we would be able to have enough time to take action -- if we don’t have that kind of deal, then we’re not going to take it

nuclear weapon

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama assured in a taped television interview Sunday that the United States was prepared to “walk away” from nuclear talks with Iran if a verifiable deal cannot be reached with Tehran.

Obama made the comments Saturday as US Secretary of State John Kerry was in Paris to smooth over differences with France, which has pressed for greater guarantees that an agreement will stop Iran from gaining a nuclear weapon, and a bruising speech to Congress earlier in the week by Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“If there is no deal then we walk away,” Obama said in the interview, which aired on “CBS News Sunday Morning” and in expanded form on the network’s “Face the Nation” show.

“If we cannot verify that they are not going to obtain a nuclear weapon, that there’s a breakout pe-

Barack Obama US President

riod so that even if they cheated we would be able to have enough time to take action -- if we don’t have that kind of deal, then we’re not going to take it,” he said.

Netanyahu, who charged in an impassioned speech to Congress Tuesday that a nuclear deal would pave the way for an Iranian bomb, showed no sign of budging in an interview on the same “Face the Nation.”

Obama said the Iranians have negotiated seriously and progress has been made “in narrowing the gaps, but those gaps still exist.

“And I would say that over the next month or so, we’re going to be able to determine whether or not their system is able to accept what would be an extraordinarily reasonable deal, if in fact, as they say, they are only interested in peaceful nuclear programmes.

K R E M L I N A S S A S S I NAT I O N P R O B E

Nemtsov killing accused include Chechen officer MOSCOW: Russian authorities said on Sunday they were holding five men over the killing of Kremlin critic Boris Nemtsov, one of whom served in a police unit in the Russian region of Chechnya, according to a law enforcement official.

The five men were frogmarched into a Moscow courtroom on Sunday, forced by masked security officers gripping their bound arms to walk doubled over, a Reuters reporter at the court said. They stood in metal cages in the courtroom as television crews were ushered in to film them.

A judge ruled that all five should be held in custody and said that one of them, Zaur Dadayev, had admitted his involvement in the killing when questioned by investigators.

Dadayev served for a decade in the “Sever” police battalion, part of the interior ministry in Chechnya, Russian news agencies reported. They cited Albert Barakhayev, a senior security official in the neighbouring region of Ingushetia, where several of the men were detained.

Nemtsov was shot dead on the night of February 27 within sight of the Kremlin walls, in the most high-profile killing of an opposition figure in the 15 years that President Vladimir Putin has been in office.

Some associates of Nemtsov, a 55-year-old former deputy prime minister who became a Putin critic, say the Kremlin stands to gain from his death. Russian officials deny involvement and Putin has condemned the killing.

The court hearings on Sunday were given extensive coverage on state-controlled media, and presented as proof the authorities are conducting a thorough investigation - not the cover-up some of Nemtsov’s friends say they anticipate.

But associates of Nemtsov say they will not be satisfied unless prosecutors track down whoever orchestrated the killing, rather than just the people who pulled the trigger.

IN THE DOCK: Zaur Dadayev, centre, charged with involvement in the murder of Russian opposition figure Boris Nemtsov, is escorted in a court building in Moscow, on Sunday. — Reuters

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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

There was no word from investigators on who the suspects were alleged to have been working for. The judge presiding over the hearings said investigators were still looking for others they believe were involved in the killing.

Russian media reports said most of those detained were from Chechnya or other parts of the North Caucasus, a poor and often violent area on Russia’s southern flank. Several other high-profile killings in Russia, including the 2006 shooting of journalist Anna Politkovskaya, have been attributed to gunmen from the North Caucasus, while those who ordered the crimes were never firmly identified.

Judge Natalia Mushnikova told Dadayev’s hearing at Moscow’s Basmanny court: “Dadayev’s involvement in committing this crime is confirmed by, apart from his own confession, the totality of evidence gathered as part of this criminal case.”

Apart from Dadayev, investigators are holding two brothers, An-

zor and Shagid Gubashev, and two others, Ramzan Bakhayev and Tamerlan Eskerkhanov. Previously, investigators said they only had two suspects in custody.

Two of the men, Dadayev and Anzor Gubashev, have been charged with involvement in the murder, while the other three are being treated as suspects.

Chechnya, a mainly Muslim region, has seen violent separatist insurgencies over the past two decades. It is now firmly under the control of its leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, a former rebel who changed sides and pledges loyalty to Putin. There was no immediate confirmation from the Chechen authorities that Dadayev served in the “Sever” battalion, and it was not clear if Dadayev was still a serving member of it.

There have been cases in the past where employees of Russian law enforcement agencies have been prosecuted after moonlighting for organised crime groups.

Russia’s Interfax news agency, quoting a Chechen law enforcement source, said a man killed in a standoff with police in the Chechen capital late on Saturday was wanted by police in connection with Nemtsov’s killing. — Reuters

Greater urgency Obama said the negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme were gaining “greater urgency because we have been negotiating for over a year.”

“And the good news is during this period Iran has abided by the terms of (an interim) agreement.

We know what is happening on the ground in Iran.

“They have not advanced their nuclear programme.

“So we’re not losing anything through these talks. On the other hand, you get to a point in negotiations where it is not a matter of technical issues any more, it is a matter of political will.”

In Paris, Kerry also agreed with the French that there were still gaps to overcome in the “critical weeks” ahead.

“We want an agreement that’s solid,” Kerry told reporters after meeting with French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius.

Fabius had expressed his concerns over the deal on Friday, saying “as regards the numbers, controls and the length of the agreement, the situation is still not sufficient.”

Iran has long denied seeking to arm itself with an atomic bomb, insisting its nuclear program is for energy production and other civilian purposes. — AFP

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

A15

WORLD E S C A L AT I N G C O N F L I C T

Unidentified gunmen kill 12 IS rebels in Syria BEIRUT: Unidentified gunmen attacked IS militants in the eastern Syrian town of Al Mayadin overnight, killing more than 12, the latest in a series of guerrilla attacks on the ultra-hardline group in areas it controls near the Iraqi border.

The attacks in Deir Al Zor province were carried out by two separate groups of gunmen, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported. IS, which seized nearly all of Deir Al Zor province last year, has faced a wave of hitand-run attacks by unidentified gunmen in the area.

No immediate claim There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attacks.

Syrian state media attributed similar attacks in January to “popular resistance” to IS, which has brutally suppressed any opposition to its control.

The first group of assailants opened fire on a group of IS rebels, killing 12 gunmen, before attacking IS rebels who were guarding a courthouse. They were riding

at least two motor bikes.

A second group of gunmen meanwhile attacked an IS checkpoint in the same town, killing and injuring an unknown number of the IS militants, the Observatory reported.

Al Mayadin is located about 60 km from the border with Iraq.

While it has lost control of most of Deir Al Zor province to IS, the Syrian government still controls part of the Deir Al Zor city.

Kurd, IS clashes Meanwhile, at least 40 Kurdish fighters and IS extremists have been killed in clashes for control of a strategic town in north Syria, the observatory said.

It also reported that 11 civilians were killed in a government air raid on the rebel-held town of Irbin northeast of Damascus.

The clashes that erupted on Saturday as IS launched an offensive aimed at seizing Tal Tamr in Hasakeh province from Kurdish forces have killed 40 fighters on both sides, it said. — Agencies

WEST AFRICAN INSURGENCY

Chad, Niger in joint Boko Haram assault N’DJAMENA/NIAMEY: Chad and Niger launched a joint army operation against Boko Haram militants in Nigeria on Sunday, military sources said, intensifying a regional push to try to defeat the extremist group that has killed thousands in a six-year insurgency.

Boko Haram has expanded cross-border raids into Cameroon, Chad and Niger in recent months, spurring Nigeria’s neighbours to retaliate, although cooperation between them and the government in Abuja has been limited and at times strained.

Sunday’s strike marks Niger’s first incursion deep into Nigerian territory; the country’s troops had until now only fought Boko Haram in the border area.

Allegiance to IS In a symbolic move on Saturday, the group pledged allegiance to IS. The pledge led Nigeria’s government to appeal for greater international help in combatting the insurgency, which Nigeria’s electoral commission cited as the reason for its six week postponement of presidential elections to March 28. — Reuters

B

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM M ON DAY, M ARC H 9, 2 015

MARKE

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH THE VIDEO

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

C O N TA C T - L E S S S Y S T E M S

Cash may be king, but mobiles seek to rule at the register

HIGH-TECH: Apple’s initiative has pushed its competitors to move forward. — Bloomberg News

BARCELONA: Using your smartphone to make payments in shops or public transport should become more widespread this year, but its supremacy will depend on how successful retailers are in enticing people to keep their cards or cash in their pockets.

The stakes are high for phone manufacturers and operators, not to mention banks, as the success of contact-less systems where consumers sweep their smartphone over a reader could shake up the lucrative retail payments market.

But the chief executive of Ingenico, a leading manufacturer of payment card terminals as well as new contact-less systems, doesn’t see people as ready to give up their debit cards just yet.

“Smartphones will be a small

part of the market but the main payment mechanism will remain the traditional (card) terminal which will continue to see growth,” said Philippe Lazare, whose company manufactures more than one in three payment terminals in use worldwide. That view didn’t stop Ingenico from announcing this past week at the Mobile World Congress trade show in Barcelona a contact-less payments system compatible with Apple Pay. Apple of retailer’s eye?

Apple’s adoption last year of NFC, or the near field communication standard, was a major step towards this becoming the dominant technology. Google has had a similar service, Google Wallet, available for a couple years.

Omantel to seek nod for OMR50m sukuk issue

NFC allows smartphones or other devices to communicate with one another within a distance of several centimetres (inches).

This means consumers can quickly sweep their phones over readers rather than having to pull out a card, insert it into a terminal and wait to punch in a code.

“It was a decisive step towards the creation of an ecosystem but that may not be sufficient as several solutions are available,” said Anne Bouverot, head of the GSMA trade association for mobile operators that organises the Barcelona event.

She said that it is also important to get people accustomed to using their phones for making payments by using them elsewhere, such as with public transportation systems that have adopted contactMSM FILING

Bank Sohar, Taageer Finance to cut dividend Times News Service

A E JAMES

Company seeks approval for a OMR50m sukuk issue at an extra ordinary general meeting scheduled on March 22

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Majority state-owned Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) is seeking an approval from shareholders for a planned OMR50 million Islamic debt instrument or sukuk issue.

EGM on March 22 The company plans to seek approval for the sukuk issue at an extra ordinary general meeting (EGM) scheduled to be held on March 22. The telecommunica-

G P C A I N N O VAT I O N S U RV E Y

GCC petrochemicals industry moving towards adopting innovation strategy Times News Service MUSCAT: Nearly 80 per cent of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region’s major petrochemical and chemical producers have made innovation strategy a key business priority, indicating that the advancement, improvement and modernisation of the sector is a top priority, according to a new survey by the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA).

According to the GPCA Innovation Survey 2015, the number of companies that have formulated an explicit innovation strategy has doubled from 21 per cent in 2010 to 41 per cent in 2015.

Additionally, 38 per cent of surveyed companies in the Arabian Gulf’s chemical industry are seriously considering implementing an innovation strategy and expect it to remain a priority over the next ten years.

“Over the last four decades, the GCC’s petrochemicals industry has evolved from humble beginnings into a multi-billion dollar industry, which has a more than 140 million tonne capacity that has applications in host of sectors,” said Dr Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun,

Secretary General, GPCA. “And as growth forecasts indicate stable progress, the latest GPCA Innovation Survey shows that the region’s petrochemical producers are increasingly looking towards applying a meaningful innovation mandate to stay relevant in the face of rising market competition,” he added.

Now in its second edition, the GPCA Innovation Survey tracks the perceptions and priorities of the region’s top petrochemical producers. This year, the survey spoke to 24 manager level or above executives in the Arabian Gulf, representing 70 per cent of GPCA full member companies.

In terms of investment, the GCC’s chemical industry invested an estimated $367 million on R&D in 2013, a figure that is around 0.8 per cent of global R&D investment.

The GPCA Innovation Survey 2015 will be unveiled at the Research & Innovation Summit in Dubai, from March 16-18. It will host executives from petrochemical industry’s foremost companies, academia and research institutions to share insights on “Mastering the Research and Innovation Challenges”.

tion firm is working with its bankers to structure the sukuk, which include tenure of the issue.

A large number of local investors are interested in investing money in sukuk instrument.

A vibrant sukuk market in Oman will help Islamic banks to invest their excess funds in an effective manner. Both capital market debt instruments like sukuk and Islamic banks should grow side by side.

Traditionally, sukuk issues have a maturity of five years as investors look for long term tenure issues.

A special purpose vehicle (SPV)

is also needed for raising funds by way of sukuk issue, which is asset backed. In Oman, Al Madina Financial and Investment Services was the first company to come out with a sukuk issue, which was for funding Muscat Grand Mall expansion (developed by Tilal Development Company).

Bank Muscat is another institution, which is planning a sukuk issue now. Also, Oman government has been talking about issuing a sovereign sukuk of OMR200 million this year for meeting budget deficit.

less technology like in London or Paris. In launching Apple Pay, the US tech giant was again demonstrating its longstanding role as a trendsetter, rather than responding to consumer demand. It has yet to be rolled out anywhere except in the United States.

But Apple’s initiative has pushed its competitors to also move forward.

All high-end smartphones are now coming equipped with NFC. Some are coming with added security features, like the new Samsung Galaxy S6 unveiled at Barcelona that has a fingerprint scanner.

Google last month bought Softcard, a rival to its Google Wallet cofounded by US mobile operators AT&T, T-Mobile USA and Verizon in 2011. — AFP

MUSCAT: Bank Sohar and Taageer Finance Company plan to reduce dividend payments based on the advice of the Central Bank of Oman (CBO), the companies announced in separate filings on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) website.

“Based on the advice of the Central Bank of Oman, the board of directors of Bank Sohar has revised the proposed cash dividend to 4 per cent, i.e., 4 baisas per share and the proposed stock dividend to 6 per cent, i.e., 6 shares per every 100 shares held, instead

of the 6 per cent cash dividend and 4 per cent stock dividend proposed earlier for the year 2014,” said Bank Sohar.

The proposed dividends are subject to approval of the shareholders of the bank.

Also, Mohammed Redha A Jawad, chief executive officer of Taageer Finance Company, said in a disclosure statement that the CBO has advised the Taageer Finance Company to change the cash dividend from 15 per cent to 10 per cent, while approving the financial statements of the company for the year ended December 31, 2014.

B2

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2 015

MARKET Apple smartwatch to make debut The company announced its plans for Apple Watch last year to much fanfare and has said it would begin shipping in April

SAN FRANCISCO: Apple’s hotlyanticipated smartwatch is expected to debut on Monday as the trendsetting firm sets out to make stylish wrist-worn computers must-have accessories for modern lifestyles.

Industry trackers say Apple Watch will star at a media event be-

ing held at the same San Francisco theatre where the California tech giant introduced the iPad. Apple’s chief executive Tim Cook has revealed little about the sophisticated wrist wear, but has said that he ‘can’t live without it’.

The company announced its

plans for Apple Watch last year to much fanfare and has said it would begin shipping in April. It will mark Apple’s first new product type since the iPad in 2010.

Apple has indicated that the entry price would be $349 in the United States, and that two different sizes would be available in three collections, including the ‘Apple Watch Edition’, featuring 18-karat gold cases in yellow or rose, sapphire crystal and finely crafted bands and closures.

The Apple device will connect with the iPhone, and also have a range of apps and sensors, notably for health and fitness. The watch is also expected to include map

software that guides people to destinations with gentle ‘taps’ on the wrist. Fitness apps on the Apple Watch and its rivals could spell trouble for makers of fitness bands from companies like Jawbone, Fitbit and Nike.

Health tracking “Apple is poised to once again show how computing platforms are won or lost on the one-two punch of eager consumers and hungry ecosystem partners,” said Forrester Research analyst James McQuivey.

Apple reportedly had to scale back health tracking features on the watch after some sensors didn’t rise to the challenges.

It remains unclear whether Apple — a latecomer to the wearables segment — would do for smartwatches what the iPod did for MP3 players and the iPad did for tablet computers. Apple enters a segment crowded with vendors ranging from South Korean giants Samsung and LG, to Japan’s Sony and startups such as Pebble.

Motorola, acquired by Chinese giant Lenovo last year, also produces a smartwatch, and China’s Huawei introduced its version at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this month.

Pebble, which burst on the scene with a crowd-funded smartwatch in 2012, this month broke the re-

cord on the Kickstarter platform with more than $16 million raised.

Research firm Strategy Analytics predicts Apple will set fire to the market from the outset, projecting sales of 15.4 million units worldwide in 2015, to give Apple a 55 per cent market share.

“The watch is the catalyst to ignite the global smartwatch market,” said Strategy Analytics executive director Neil Mawston. - AFP

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

M ONDAY, MARCH 9, 2015

B3

MARKET GLOBAL NORMS

BankDhofar’s Basel III workshop seeks to raise standards Times News Service MUSCAT: A Basel III workshop was recently held by BankDhofar for key members of its staff as part of the company’s efforts to adopt best international practices and follow global banking standards.

Basel III is a comprehensive set of reform measures, developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, to strengthen regula-

tions, supervision and risk management in the banking sector.

These measures aim to improve the banking sector’s ability to absorb shocks arising from financial and economic stress, improve risk management and governance, and strengthen transparency and disclosures in the banking industry.

The four-day programme was conducted in collaboration with John Hurlock, Euromoney’s in-

ternational trainer, at BankDhofar training centre from March 1 to 4 and was attended by 19 participants from risk management, compliance, finance, treasury, wholesale banking, audit, policies and procedure departments.

The training gave participants insights into Basel III regulations and to further assist in implementing the plan’s guidelines.

Over the years, BankDhofar has

Spanish-Omani consortium wins road contract Consortium won a contract to supervise the dualisation work of 34-km Ibri-Yanqul highway

A. E. JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A consortium made up of Euroconsult Engineering Group and Artistry Omani Engineering Consultancy won a contract to supervise the widening of the 34-km Ibri-Yanqul highway.

The value of the contract for consultancy services for the second stage of construction was set at $548,105.

As per the agreement, Euroconsult Group, along with its Omani joint venture partner Artistry Omani Engineering Consultancy, will provide supervision to refur-

bish dualisation of the highway.

The main contractor, a consortium of Turkey’s Yuksel Construction and Abu Hatim, has prepared equipment and other resources for the work. “Stage two is for developing 34km of main road and some service roads,” Elazio Segura, general manager of Artistry Omani Engineering Consultancy, told Times of Oman.

The stage two design contractor is National Engineering Services of Pakistan.

Connection to UAE Once completed, the highway will create a smooth connection to the UAE, thus shortening the sections and duration of the trip, said the company in a statement.

One of the top ten engineering firms in Spain, Euroconsult, said the project not only provides a boost to its activity in Oman, but also the entire Middle East region, which is currently the third most important international market for the company, behind Latin America and Europe.

Other countries in the region in which the company operates include the UAE, Qatar and Saudi

Arabia. Euroconsult said it has also submitted bids for two new contracts for design and supervision of roads tendered by the Ministry of Transport and Communication of Oman and has promising prospects in other bids that are currently under consideration.

Further, Segura said his company won another design and supervision contract for developing Al Bat road.

Oman’s Ministry of Transport and Communications is overseeing the implementation of this road improvement, which will improve over-land transport links between the rapidly developing Batinah North and South governorates, as well as the commercially promising Dhahirah Governorate in the west of the country.

With the closure of Muscat’s Port Sultan Qaboos to commercial traffic, Sohar Port has now become the key gateway for, among other goods, heavy project cargo destined for oil fields in the northern half of Oman. Improved connectivity between Sohar and Ibri (via Yanqul) is seen as key to assisting such cargo flows into the far west of the country.

ANNUAL MEET

DCRP seeking to support SMEs by awarding electricity tenders Times News Service MUSCAT: Distribution Code Review Panel (DCRP) is seeking to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the electricity sector by awarding them some of the projects that they can implement, said Engineer Hamad bin Salim Al Maghdari, chief executive officer of the Rural Areas Electricity Company.

He pointed out said DCRP was also considering the mechanism of work development in the electricity sector, identifying laws and standards applicable in registration of the companies as well

as informing its suppliers of the devices and equipment that are used and approved in the electricity distribution companies.

To achieve this, Al Maghdari said, DCRP has chalked out plan to meet on an annual basis with the contractors and suppliers operating in the sector, wherein views and opinions are exchanged to find solutions to various obstacles in the implementation of their projects.

The second annual gathering for such companies (contractors and suppliers) will take place on Monday. The meeting will be organised by the Distribution Code

Review Panel at Intercontinental Muscat Hotel under the theme ‘Sustainability of Performance …

Quality and Standards’, under the auspices of Omar bin Khalfan Al Wahaibi, chief executive officer of the Electricity Holding Company Group (EHG).

Al Maghdari said that such meetings were important to develop services and work quality, with an aim to accelerate the implementation of projects with quality and high efficiency.

He also pointed out that the first meeting held last year resulted in many recommendations and proposals that DCRP adopted.

been seeking to apply global standards, as it believes that its strength as an organisation comes from its commitment to follow highest international standards in the banking sector, according to bank officials. Additionally, learning and development among its staff is one of the key pillars for BankDhofar’s operational strategy.

The bank was awarded a number of local and international recBRIEFS

Galfar proposes stock dividend of 10 per cent MUSCAT: Board of directors of Galfar Engineering & Contracting at its board meeting on Saturday proposed stock dividend of 10 per cent (1 share for every 10 shares held), subject to approval at the shareholders’ annual general meeting on March 25.

The board sanctioned the audited financial statements for the year ended December 2014.

alizz Islamic bank COO resigns MUSCAT: Management of alizz Islamic bank announced that Saif bin Sulaiman Al Yarubi, the chief operating officer (COO), has tendered his resignation for personal reasons.

The resignation has been accepted and the bank will take appropriate action to find a suitable replacement at the earliest.

Lending rules for Chinese firms SHANGHAI: Some banks are adopting stricter lending criteria for China’s state-owned enterprises, demanding collateral from some companies they used to deem as safe as government debt, as Beijing tries to reform its bloated firms.

- Times News Service/Agencies

ognitions during 2014, including ‘Best Managed Advisory Service’ and ‘Best Mobile Banking App’ by Banker Middle East Awards 2014, ‘Best Islamic Community Support Bank 2014’ and ‘Best Evolved Brand Award, 2014’ by Global Financial Market Review, ‘Best Bank in the Sultanate 2014’ by CPI Financial, ‘2nd Prize Best Banks in Oman 2014’ by Business Today, ‘The Sultan Qaboos Award for Ex-

cellence in e-Government 2014’ for ‘Best Mobile Service 2014’, and ‘The Customer Delight Award 2014’ MENA, Oman, by The British Institute of Sales & Marketing Management. Seeking to become the leading bank in the Sultanate and the wider Gulf area, Bank Dhofar is committed to providing customers with the best banking experience through a diverse range of unique products and services.

B4

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2 015

MARKET Index falls Gulf International Chemicals was the most active in terms of volume and turnover

MUSCAT: Amid weak trading volumes, the MSM 30 Index ended on a flat note at 6,525.73 points, down by 0.01 per cent. The MSM Shariah Index ended at 994.22 points, down by 0.04 per cent.

Gulf International Chemicals was the most active in terms of volume as well as turnover. Al Batinah Development and Investment Holding, up by 8.33 per cent was the top gainer, while Global

Financial Investment, down by 3.64 per cent, lost the most.

Altogether 942 trades were executed in the session generating a turnover of OMR2.98 million with more than 11.9 million shares changing hands. Out of 41 traded stocks, 8 advanced, 12 declined and 21 remained unchanged. At the close of the session, GCC & Arab investors remained net buyers. - United Securities

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................6,527.97 .............. 6,525.36 ....................6,525.73 ...................6,526.45.................. -0.72 .................. -0.01 Financial Index .....................................8,141.48 ...............8,124.21 ....................8,124.21 ...................8,132.42.................. -8.21 .................. -0.10 Industrial Index ................................... 8,642.10 ...............8,628.61 ...................8,636.22 ...................8,635.25....................0.97 ................... 0.01 Services Index ...................................... 3,542.55 ...............3,533.14 ................... 3,541.82 ................... 3,533.14....................8.68 ...................0.25 MSM SHARIAH INDEX...................... 994.22 ..................993.62 ...................... 994.22 ...................... 994.59.................. -0.37 .................. -0.04 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 11,912,066 .................. 2,980,918 .................... 942 ............... 15,083,954,616 .................. 8 ......................12 .................... 21 .........................41

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR SUNDAY, MARCH 8 ISIN ..................................................SECURITY NAME ...............................................................................................VOLUME ..............TURNOVER...................TRADES ...........OPEN PRICE............. HIGH....................LOW...............CLOSE PR. ..........PREV. CLOSE..........DIFF (RO) .................DIFF %......................LAST PR...............LAST BID.....................LAST OFFER .................MARKET CAP ........PAR VALUE

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

OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............ 2,899,475 ......735,249...................209 ........... 0.248 ...........0.258 ...........0.248........... 0.254 .............0.235 ............0.019 ............. 8.085 ................0.258..............0.258...................0.000 ...................5,334,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS ........................................................... 116,413 .............54,772..................... 45 ........... 0.456 ........... 0.474 ...........0.456........... 0.470 .............0.444 ........... 0.026............. 5.856 ................0.470..............0.470...................0.474................... 21,413,865 .........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT .....................................38,680 ............... 2,719........................6 ........... 0.070 ........... 0.071 ...........0.070........... 0.070 .............0.067 ........... 0.003............. 4.478 ................0.070..............0.067...................0.070...................14,500,597 .........0.100 OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER..............................................................24,780 ............... 9,416........................4 ........... 0.380 ...........0.380 ...........0.380........... 0.380 .............0.372 ........... 0.008..............2.151.................0.380..............0.380...................0.390 ..................83,983,800.........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ........... 421,656 ............76,431......................71 ............0.180 ........... 0.185 ...........0.180............0.181 ............. 0.179............ 0.002..............1.117 .................0.180.............. 0.179...................0.180................... 15,660,120 .........0.100 OM0000003141 ............ACWA POWER BARKA ...............................................10,000 ...............8,280........................1 ........... 0.828 ...........0.828 ...........0.828........... 0.828 .............0.820 ........... 0.008............. 0.976 ................0.828..............0.828...................0.900 .................132,480,000 .......0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 258,090 ......... 152,052..................... 28 ........... 0.590 ...........0.592 ...........0.588........... 0.590 .............0.588 ........... 0.002.............0.340 ................0.590..............0.590...................0.594.................1,287,786,031 ......0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ...........................3,500 ............... 1,036........................2 ........... 0.296 ...........0.296 ...........0.296........... 0.300 .............0.300 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.296..............0.272...................0.300 ..................28,512,000.........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ........................................................57,384 ...........100,135.....................20 ............1.745 ........... 1.745............ 1.745 ............1.745 ............. 1.745 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................ 1.745 ..............1.600................... 1.745 ................. 349,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT .......................................................... 150,000 ........... 77,400........................2 ............0.516 ........... 0.516 ...........0.516 ............0.516 ............. 0.516............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.516 ............. 0.000...................0.516 .................. 170,730,318 ........0.100 OM0000001822............UNITED POWER ..............................................................1,569 ............... 3,138........................4 ........... 2.000...........2.000 ...........2.000 .......... 2.000 .............2.000 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.000 .............1.800...................2.000 ...................4,000,000..........1.000 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ............................... 206,191.......... 102,585......................18 ........... 0.494 ...........0.498 ...........0.494........... 0.498 .............0.498 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.498..............0.494...................0.498..................122,928,678........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ..........................14,000 .............. 4,900........................3 ........... 0.350 ...........0.350 ...........0.350........... 0.350 .............0.350 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.350..............0.330...................0.350...................43,714,286 .........0.100 OM0000002572 ...........OMAN OIL MARKETING ................................................829 ...............1,849........................1 ........... 2.230...........2.230 ...........2.230 .......... 2.230 .............2.230 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.230..............2.230...................2.240 .................136,643,250........0.100 OM0000002614............ONIC. HOLDING ........................................................... 92,900 ............ 38,089..................... 10 ............0.410 ........... 0.410 ...........0.410........... 0.410 .............0.410............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.410 ..............0.410...................0.420 .................. 71,103,533 .........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ......................... 28,500 ............ 49,875........................6 ............1.750 ........... 1.750............1.750 ............1.750 ............. 1.750............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.750 .............. 1.750...................1.760 ................1,312,500,000 ......0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES .......................................45,410 .............19,593......................21 ........... 0.432 ...........0.434 ...........0.430........... 0.432 .............0.432 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.430..............0.430...................0.432..................121,864,804........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 1,185,845 ...... 247,863..................... 10 ........... 0.209........... 0.210 ...........0.209 .......... 0.209 .............0.209 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.209............. 0.209...................0.213................. 239,096,000 .......0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 106,402 ........... 76,609........................7 ............0.720 ........... 0.720 ...........0.720........... 0.720 .............0.720 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.720.............. 0.716...................0.720..................468,679,846 .......0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 1,440,812 ...... 403,721.....................90 ........... 0.282 ...........0.283 ...........0.278........... 0.280 .............0.281............-0.001 ........... -0.356 ...............0.278..............0.278...................0.279...................36,540,000.........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 500,545 ........... 81,244.....................40 ............0.162 ........... 0.165 ...........0.160........... 0.162 ............. 0.163............-0.001 ............-0.613................0.163 .............. 0.159...................0.163.................... 9,532,601 ..........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 586,423 ............87,818..................... 74 ............0.149 ........... 0.152 ...........0.148 ........... 0.150 ............. 0.151 ............-0.001 ........... -0.662 ...............0.149 ..............0.149...................0.150...................39,542,814 .........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 546,446 ........... 76,600..................... 35 ............0.140 ........... 0.141............0.139 ........... 0.140 ............. 0.141............-0.001 ........... -0.709 ...............0.139 .............. 0.139................... 0.141 ...................17,062,500 .........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE .................................10,000 ...............3,500........................1 ........... 0.350 ...........0.350 ...........0.350........... 0.350 .............0.354 ...........-0.004 ............-1.130................0.350............. 0.340...................0.350...................35,000,000.........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 285,000 ............65,916..................... 39 ........... 0.234 ...........0.234 ...........0.229............0.231 .............0.234 ...........-0.003 ........... -1.282 ...............0.229..............0.228...................0.229 ................. 46,200,000 ........0.100 OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE ..................................................... 274,500 ............39,612..................... 10 ............0.145 ........... 0.146 ...........0.144........... 0.144 .............0.146............-0.002 ........... -1.370................0.146 ..............0.144...................0.146...................39,601,904 .........0.100 OM0000003281............TAAGEER FINANCE ................................................. 336,865 ........... 54,389........................9 ............0.164 ........... 0.164 ...........0.156 ............0.161 .............0.164............-0.003 ........... -1.829 ...............0.156 ..............0.148...................0.159...................40,827,990.........0.100 OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ................ 124,240 ............ 13,189........................7 ............0.107 ........... 0.107 ...........0.106........... 0.106 ............. 0.110............-0.004 ........... -3.636 ...............0.106..............0.106...................0.110 ...................21,200,000.........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 9,766,455 ...2,587,981...................773 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......28........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ...................... 1,686,479 ......306,532..................... 98 ............0.170 ........... 0.184 ...........0.170 ........... 0.182 ............. 0.168.............0.014 ............. 8.333 ................0.184..............0.184...................0.000 ...................5,460,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. .................... 19,636 .................. 727........................4 ........... 0.037 ........... 0.037 ...........0.037........... 0.037 .............0.037 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.037..............0.037...................0.038.................... 3,145,000 ..........0.100 OM0000003075 ...........DHOFAR UNIVERSITY.................................................... 500 .................. 723........................1 ............1.445 ........... 1.445 ...........1.445 ............1.465 ............. 1.465............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.445 ............. 0.000...................1.450...................20,510,000.........1.000 OM0000004669 ...........SHARQIYAH DESALINATION .................................. 1,000 ...............3,300........................1 ........... 3.300 ...........3.300 ...........3.300........... 3.300 .............3.300 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................3.300..............3.300...................3.450................... 32,274,713 .........1.000 OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH.................................................. 1,000 ...............2,310........................1 ............2.310 ........... 2.310 ...........2.310........... 2.310 .............2.310 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.310..............2.310...................2.390 .................220,506,120 .......1.000 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL.................................................... 500 .....................43........................1 ........... 0.086 ...........0.086 ...........0.086........... 0.088 .............0.088 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.086..............0.087...................0.088...................15,400,000.........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER................................................. 92,520 .............16,746..................... 10 ............0.181 ........... 0.181............0.181 ............0.181 ............. 0.181............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.181 .............. 0.181...................0.182..................122,154,625 ........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER ....................................................94,436 .............17,093..................... 10 ............0.181 ........... 0.181............0.181 ............0.181 ............. 0.181............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.181 .............. 0.181...................0.182..................129,307,548 ........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ..................................................41,052 ............ 24,675.....................22 ........... 0.600 ...........0.608 ...........0.600........... 0.600 .............0.604 ...........-0.004 ........... -0.662 ...............0.608..............0.608...................0.612...................30,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 141,677 .............12,610......................12 ........... 0.089 ...........0.090 ...........0.089........... 0.089 .............0.090 ...........-0.001 ............-1.111 ................0.090..............0.089...................0.090 .................133,500,000........0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING....................................56,970 ............... 7,142........................6 ............0.127 ........... 0.127 ...........0.125 ............0.125 .............0.129............-0.004 ............-3.101................0.125 ..............0.122...................0.125....................9,401,000 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 2,135,770 ......391,900................... 166 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ...... 11........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BONDS MARKET .................................................................................................................................................................................

OM0000004628 ...........BANK SOHAR BONDS 4.5 ................................................928 .....................93........................2 ........... 0.100 ........... 0.100 ...........0.100............0.101 ............. 0.101............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.100..............0.100...................0.000 ................... 7,221,500 ..........0.100 OM0000004867 ...........BANK MUSCAT C C B 4.5 ..............................................8,913 .................. 945........................1 ............0.106 ........... 0.106 ...........0.106........... 0.106 .............0.106 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.106..............0.106...................0.108...................33,882,124 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .......................................................................................9,841 ............... 1,038........................3 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........2........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

REGIONAL MARKETS

Kuwait bourse leads Gulf market fall DUBAI: Kuwait stocks led the majority of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets lower after the price of Brent crude fell the most in almost two months last week. Dubai’s shares declined.

Kuwait’s SE Price Index retreated 0.4 per cent to 6,513.90, the lowest since January 8. The volume of shares traded dropped to about 85 million, the weakest since July. Dubai’s DFM General Index slid 0.2 per cent on less

than half the 12-month daily average traded volume.

The six-nation GCC, which includes the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, is home to about a third of the world’s proven oil reserves. Crude has lost 45 per cent in 12 months.

The Kuwait gauge’s 14-day relative strength index declined to about 33, the lowest since December 18. A level below 30 indicates to some analysts the measure is

oversold and poised to rebound.

Bahrain’s BB All Share Index and Qatar’s QE Index ended little changed. Abu Dhabi’s ADX General Index was up 0.1 per cent.

Emaar Properties, the builder of the Burj Khalifa, fell 0.4 per cent in Dubai on less than half its three-month daily average traded volume to Dh7.10, the lowest since February 2. Arabtec dropped.The Tadawul All Share Index was up 0.5 per cent. - Bloomberg News

B

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M M ON DAY, M ARC H 9, 2015

SECTION

E-

IMES TECH STUFF

Today, there are

MANAGING THE CHARMS BAR IN WINDOWS 8.1 If you find the Charms bar in Windows 8.1 annoying, you can stop it from happening. Just open the Charms bar, select the Settings icon and then “Change PC Settings.” In the panel on the left side of the screen, choose “PC and Devices” and then “Corners and Edges.” In the Corner Navigation area, turn off the button next to “When I point to the upper-right corner, show the charms.” Later, if you ever need to use one of the icons in the Charms bar, just press the Windows and C keys to summon it manually.

APP SMART

Help on the way for indecisive as options abound

smart notebooks thatt can s

KIT EATON

turn drawings into digital concepts, new types of

camera gear that can work a

ade smartphone and keyboards made f the multitasker. Best of all, l, for as technology has improved, the tools h tist and writers for photographers, artists have become more affordable

F

or a budding artist, a simple pen and paper may seem a bit old-fashioned in the age of iPad animation tools. Today, there are smart notebooks that can turn drawings into digital concepts, new types of camera gear that can work a smartphone and keyboards made for the multitasker. Best of all, as technology has improved, the tools for photographers, artists and writers have become more affordable.

Take, for example, the Pencil.

The $60 Pencil stylus from FiftyThree is popular because of its expressiveness and versatility.

Resembling a carpenter’s pencil, the stylus has a tapered tip that allows for angled drawing without changing settings.

When used with FiftyThree’s free Paper sketching app for the iPad, Pencil offers a few extras, including palm rejection technology, which recognises the difference between the Pencil and your hand, and a colour blending feature. And there’s no need to switch tools to fix a mistake; just flip the stylus and start erasing. A new Pencil Gold is the third in a line that includes Graphite and Walnut finish-

es. Another way to take drawings digital is the Moleskine Smart Notebook.

Moleskine notebooks are practical to keep on hand because inspiration can strike at any time. Teaming up with the software maker Adobe, Moleskine has created a $33 notebook that bridges the gap between analogue and digital, allowing users to capture a spark of imagination on the go, then follow up in the studio.

Sketches drawn on the pages of the Moleskine Smart Notebook can be captured via a free companion app for iOS devices and then synced to the Adobe Creative Cloud. The sketches can be opened and edited later in Photoshop CC or Illustrator CC. For photographers who want to do more with the cameras on their smartphones, there is the Olloclip 4-in-1 Lens.

Anyone with a smartphone can be an amateur photographer these days.

For those looking to go beyond selfies and app filters, Olloclip offers a range of possibilities. The company’s most popular product, the 4-in-1 Lens, was recently redesigned to fit both the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.

As its name states, the 4-in-1 offers four quick-change lenses — fisheye, wide-angle and two macro op-

tions — in a compact package for $80.

The lens clips on and off easily and can be stored in a supplied pouch or worn as a pendant. Sizes for iPads and Samsung Galaxy S phones are also available. Another tool available to smartphone photographers is the GripTight GorillaPod. With flexible, ball-jointed legs that rotate 360 degrees, the GripTight GorillaPod tripod, which costs $30, allows photographers to get great shots from unusual angles. The GorillaPod’s mount expands to hold any phone securely, even when turned sideways, keeping the camera lens steady and the subject in focus. The durable GorillaPod has a quick-release clip and folds up for easy storage. For those looking to step up to the next level, the GripTight GorillaPod Hybrid costs $50 and features a bubble level and pan-and-tilt knob.

Writers whose work tends to spread out to more than one screen no longer have to be tech wizards to use several machines at once, thanks to the Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480.

The K480 was designed for those who multi-task on multiple screens: computers, tablets and smart-

phones. The $50 keyboard can be synced via Bluetooth to three devices at once, regardless of platform.

With a turn of the keyboard’s knob, users can move seamlessly from computer to mobile device. The K480’s full-size keyboard with raised keys makes typing feel more natural, and a slot holds phones and tablets. Logitech says the keyboard is intended for desktop use, but I found it sturdy enough to toss in my backpack and take to a cafe. And if you’re trying to

do all that creative work in noisy, shared space, consider the RHA T10i. Headphones help provide a little seclusion in a noisy world, but choosing a pair with the right sound and fit can be daunting. With the T10i in-ear headphones from the British headphone maker RHA, users can customise both.

The $200 headphones’ drivers produce clear, detailed sound, and three interchangeable tuning filters allow users to adjust the bass or treble. Moldable ear hooks are designed to keep the headphones in place, and a selection of 10 silicone and memory foam ear tips provide a secure, comfortable fit. — GREGORY SCHMIDT/ The New York Times News Service

F

or the indecisive among us, help is on the way. A new generation of apps meant to help with day-to-day decision making is here. Assuming you can decide which to use, these apps may help bring some order to your life.

Perhaps the smartest decision-making app I’ve used is ChoiceMap, because it’s both really easy to use and it makes it feel as if your decision has been intelligently considered by the app’s algorithms.

ChoiceMap, which is free for iOS, tries to make the process as smooth as possible.

To start, you describe a choice to make or use one of the app’s many templates on diverse topics, like choosing baby names or which phone carrier to use.

Once you have described the decision to be made, and typed in all the outcomes that could result, the app lets you explain all the factors that influence your thinking. If you’re trying to decide where to go for a vacation, for example, cost may be the biggest factor.

Slider positions Next, you dial through each possible outcome — Las Vegas, Los Angeles or maybe Europe?

— and rate it against the influence factors by sliding markers up and down. This interface and the slider positions you can choose help to make the app feel more meaningful than if you merely had to choose among a handful of fixed options.

When you’ve addressed the possible outcomes, the app will tell you which it has calculated to be the best and show you all the results as simple bar graphs.

You can share your results in a number of ways, including via email and Twitter. The app is simple and useful for organising thoughts about a particular decision. Despite its simplicity, I still found its menus to be a little bewildering at times.

The Decision Buddy Decision Maker app, also free for Android phones, is similar to ChoiceMap, but with some neat extras, like being able to help with group decision making. This app has a similar text-based interface, but it’s less about grading the different options and more about choosing between outcomes without over-thinking.

Like ChoiceMap, Decision Buddy also has templates, or you can enter your own. Once you’ve entered the title of your decision and the criteria that could influence it, you tap your way through options, and the app will tell you which outcome to choose.

It is easy to use, and the real strength of this app is in making difficult group decisions. You can enter in the names of several people, and the app, after being

passed around the group, will provide the final decision.

FYI Decision, which is free for iOS, is a great alternative to ChoiceMap and Decision Buddy. The app works in similar ways, using a slider system for rating how much each of the influencing factors should weigh into the decision. But this app’s strength is that it displays the results more visually, with charts that show how your ratings affected the recommended outcome.

If you’re choosing a car to buy, for example, you can see how your concern about price would affect the available models. I love this app’s simplicity, but it’s worth pointing out that it is supported by advertising, and the pop-up ads can be annoying.

It costs $3 to upgrade to remove the ads. The upgrade also allows it to output results as a PDF. Sometimes, of course, you want an app to make the decision for you without any of your input.

That’s where Decide Now, $1 on iOS, is great. Think of it like a wheel of fortune. You spin the on-screen wheel that’s labeled with different options and go with the one that’s selected by the marker when the wheel finally stops spinning. The app has many wheel options preloaded — like your options for a night on the town — or you can enter them.

Decision Maker by Jonathan Chow is a similar, free Android app, although it’s not as attractive. But remember: The app doesn’t have to live with the consequences of your decision.

Quick call Lumific is an intelligent photo gallery app that’s just hit Google’s Android app store after being in testing for a while.

The app promises to organize your messy smartphone photo archive for you, including automatically choosing what it thinks is the best photo from a group of similar ones and even straightening up images you’ve snapped that are askew. It’s free — so give it a spin.

— The New York Times News Service

B6

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2 015

ROUND-UP Meethaq to launch unique social forum Majlis Meethaq evening will be held every month in which a well-known economic, social, religious or cultural personality having influence on Omani society, from the Sultanate or abroad, will be hosted

MUSCAT: Meethaq, the pioneer of Islamic banking in Oman from Bank Muscat, is launching a unique social forum aimed at facilitating interaction with prominent personalities sharing inspirational aspects of their life and career as well as perspective on economy and important social and cultural

issues in the country. The first of the series of Majlis Meethaq gathering will be addressed by Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, undersecretary at the Ministry of Oil and Gas, on Wednesday March 11 at Bank Muscat head office. Salim Al Aufi will talk about interesting aspects of his personal life, career and share views on important issues in the country, says a press release.

Majlis Meethaq evening will be held every month in which a wellknown economic, social, religious or cultural persona having influence on Omani society from the Sultanate or abroad will be hosted.

The interaction between the guest and the audience will primarily focus on aspects of the presenter’s personal life, success in career and views on issues facing the country and community.

“Meethaq is proud to introduce Majlis evening aimed at presenting successful role models to community and highlighting their achievements to motivate and inspire citizens, especially youth, to attain success in life. The discussions are aimed at enlightening the audience to take cues from the challenges and obstacles faced by the guest in making crucial decisions and important turns in life

which led to success. Meethaq aims to develop Majlis as an ideal platform to interact with prominent personalities and learn from their experiences in achieving success in life,” said, Sulaiman Al Harthy, Group general manager – Islamic Banking.

“Meethaq is focused on developing as a benchmark Islamic financial institution on both the local and regional level. In just over two years of operations, Meethaq has attained the leading position in the Islamic banking industry in Oman in terms of financing receivables, branch network, products and services, IT infrastructure development and human resources.

Meethaq not only provides benchmark Islamic financial solutions but also plays a key role in raising

CHARITY TREASURE HUNT

awareness and educating people on key aspects of Islamic banking and finance,” Al Harthy added.

Meethaq has adopted the best practices in Islamic banking and finance worldwide to combine a robust model which protects customers and complements the Islamic banking industry. Every Meethaq product goes through the process of Shari’a compliance certification by the Shari’a Supervisory Board and is created in line with the guidelines of the Central Bank of Oman.

As the pioneer of Islamic banking in Oman, Meethaq stands out for its independent Shari’a Supervisory Board, separate capital allocation from shareholders’ money, unique risk management tools, complete fund segregation, separate books of account, core banking system which supports Islamic banking operations, stand-alone Islamic banking branches and proper profit distribution mechanism among investment account holders/depositors.

The adoption of AAOIFI standards (Accounting & Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions) distinguishes Meethaq Islamic banking practices in terms of standardisation of products and services.

PA R T N E R S H I P

IHE adds Kobelco excavators to its dealership portfolio MUSCAT: International Heavy Equipment (IHE), a part of the Zubair Group, is the dealer of the much acclaimed Kobelco Construction Machinery Crawler Excavator products and reintroduces the famous and original brand into Oman.

John Boyd, general manager of Kobelco MEA said they were absolutely delighted to partner with IHE, Oman’s leading provider of construction equipment, says a press release.

Kobelco has used its 80 years of industry experience to serve the construction sector across the world. With the original bluegreen logo of the trusted equipment partner, Kobelco excavators will now be making a distinct presence in the Oman market too.

“With the country progressing

in leaps and bounds and numerous construction projects in full swing of operation and others in the near pipeline, the sector is one that is booming. The equipment and machineries demanded by the industry need to be dependable, high on the safety quotient and economical whilst increasing productivity; Kobelco hits all these checks boxes absolutely impeccably, said Ram Mohan, GM, IHE. IHE, the sole dealer of the Kobelco excavators in the Sultanate, has three main after-sales facilities in Muscat, Salalah, and Sohar in addition to other generic facilities across the country where the excavators can also be serviced.

The centres are either managed directly by the parent company or through their group companies under Zubair Automotive group.

S TA F F E N G A G E M E N T

KR supports Dar Al Atta’a event ahlibank hosts retreat for MUSCAT: The KR Group participated in the third Annual Charity Treasure Hunt conducted by Dar Al Atta’a as part of its efforts to support the local community. Chief among the objectives for the event was a partial scholarship covering transportation and housing expenses for underprivileged college students, says a press release.

“We have always focused on providing community support to NGOs and other organisations engaged in social development. This partnership aims to empower societies by building a strong foundation for education. The Khimji Ramdas Group has been involved with Dar Al Atta’a on various projects that target improvement of local communities,” said Malvika Khimji, Director, Khimji Ramdas.

Shatha Abbas, a Board member from Dar Al Atta’a expressed gratitude towards the KR Group for its consistent support, which sets a precedent of engaging corporate Oman in nation building activities such as this. “We would like

commercial banking staff

to thank the KR Group for their unconditional and full support of all our initiatives. The company has been one of our strongest supporters and we appreciate their involvement in events that help build better societies,” said Shatha.

Apart from contributing to financial support, the KR Group also ensured active participation from its employees, once again re-

iterating its widespread commitment to social initiatives.

The Dar Al Atta’a Annual Charity Treasure Hunt is designed to develop team work and team spirit through a range of exciting activities. This year participants demonstrated their skills and physical prowess in fun games such as kayaking, tent building, a 10-minute cook-off, painting and much more.

E X PA N S I O N

SPECIAL OFFERS

Al Hashar Electronics opens new showrooms of elegance MUSCAT: Discerning the feelings and demand of their existing and potential customers, Al Hashar Electronics Group has opened new showrooms especially at vantage points across the length and breadth of the Sultanate. The new and renovated showrooms embrace a new concept and boasts of various latest electronic products for purchase, says a press release.

According to its General Manager Rajeev Sharma, opening of a few more new showrooms with uniformity in style, design and ambience across the country is on the anvil. These showrooms serve as a platform wherein unique and elegant products of international standards are being showcased.

The design elements in the showrooms make the most of the visual impact of the materials chosen with fittings and fixtures creating mood and ambience. All ranges of different brands are displayed separately to facilitate selection of any in the easiest way and the navigation is also being made easy and comfortable.

The showrooms ensure an ultra modern shopping ambience by integrating all conceivable needs of the customers for domestic, engineering and business solution appliances under one roof. It has become the most preferred shopping destination in Oman. The showrooms are adorned with a plethora of top world class brands viz. Rinnai, Atiston, Daytek, Ferre, Mitsubishi Electric, Diqua, Voltas, Desertcool, Master-

MUSCAT: In continuation of ahlibank’s commitment towards staff engagement, a two-day retreat was organised for the commercial banking staff at the Millennium Resort in Musannah.

The retreat was geared towards instilling a sense of belonging, enhancing team spirit and promoting positive communication among the bank’s employees outside the workplace, says a press release.

“Our employees are at the core of our operations and are an integral part of our success. This retreat allowed us to come together as a family to discuss the next phase of ahlibank’s growth.

Furthermore, such occasions are a great way of keeping our employees abreast of the latest updates and developments, and is an ideal opportunity for us to recognise the staff ’s unwavering commitment which is critical to the success of the bank,” commented

The showrooms ensure an ultra modern shopping ambience by integrating all conceivable needs of the customers for domestic, engineering and business solution appliances under one roof gas, Frigor and Eko Music Group, Kardex, etc.

When a customer steps into the newly designed show rooms on Ruwi-Darsait road, Ruwi High Street or Sohar, he will be surrounded by the latest styles in kitchen and other home appliances brought out by reputed companies. Different range of products

under Al Hashar Electronics Group finds very good response from satisfied customers who give importance to quality, performance and value for money.

Al Hashar Electronics Group came into existence to fulfil the long cherished desire of their founder late Sheikh Saeed bin Nasser Al Hashar.

“The show rooms signify the basic vision and direction of the Al Hashar Group, one of the pioneering business houses and one of the most progressive and diversified conglomerates in Oman,” said Sharma who has been spearheading the operations of Al Hashar Electronics Group.

The showrooms have the largest collection of refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, air conditioners, microwave ovens, etc. Unlike anything else in the country, this showroom allows the prospective customers to fully experience how today technology will enhance their home and their lives.

Lloyd Maddock, CEO of ahlibank.

The retreat focused on ahlibank’s overall strategy for the upcoming year, which is aimed at growing its operations, in addition to providing technologically advanced products and services for commercial clients. Participating employees from across various departments shared ideas and suggestions on how to further enhance the bank’s standing as the most secure and innovative banking service provider in Oman at the retreat. The retreat also

shed light onto the programmes and projects ahlibank is scheduled to launch during 2015, all of which seek to provide customers with new and innovative banking solutions.

Congratulating the entire commercial banking team for their impressive performance over the last seven years, CB Ganesh, Dy CEO – Banking Group, called upon them to be proactive in their marketing approach and think of innovative solutions to compete successfully in the market.

SUPPORT

KIMS marks Women’s Day with exclusive packages MUSCAT: Celebrating the International Women’s Day, KIMS Oman Hospital (KOH) is offering attractive packages with special offers on the gynaecology consultations and procedures at the gynaecology department which took effect from March 1.

KIMS Oman’s special offers will be held throughout the month of March, including gynaecology consultations as well as gynaecological procedures, says a press release.

“At KIMS Oman Hospital, we would like to convey our best wishes and greeting to each and every woman on this special occasion with the keenness to provide them with the special care they deserve.

We also encourage every woman who needs any medical consultation at obstetrics and gynaecology department to visit us and benefit from our professional medical team and enjoy the exclusive offers,” said Dr Hussam Akoum, Chief Operating Officer of KOH. Professional specialists “All our medical procedures are provided by medical and surgical professional specialists who have particular expertise in pregnancy, childbirth, and infertility disorders and many more expertise,” he concluded.

KIMS Oman Hospital is committed to provide world-class health care services with care, compassion and courtesy to its patients at an affordable price.

FRiENDi sponsors Esakhelvi concert MUSCAT: FRiENDi mobile was the sponsor of the sensational ‘Ataullah Esakhelvi Live in Concert’ event held at Al Falaj Hotel recently. The concert witnessed a roaring response as the crowd cheered to his mesmerising voice, says a press release.

Ataullah Esakhelvi, a popular folk and Sufi singer has received numerous accolades including the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by Queen Elizabeth II herself. A much appreciated and thoroughly delightful event, FRiENDi mobile believes in going the extra mile to spice up its events calendar with such close associations with worldrenowned names from the entertainment industry. It provides an avenue for FRiENDi mobile to connect on a much deeper level with their customers; providing more than just great deals, they bring to their clients something that is enjoyable and can be reminisced even years down the line.

The event also featured an exclusive offer from FRiENDi mobile wherein attendees to the concert could buy a FRiENDi

mobile starter pack with 2GB included Internet usage. Always showered with the privileges of being a prized FRiENDi mobile customer, they also had a chance to win a Prestigio tablet.

“The music of Ataullah Esakhelvi has been enthralling people all the way from Pakistan to UK,” said Adnan Al Alawi, COO, FRiENDi mobile. “His live performance in Oman has received an overwhelming response and just seeing the excitement surge through our customers makes all our efforts worthwhile.”

With plans for yet more glamour-clad events destined to capture the limelight, FRiENDi mobile endeavours to reach out to its customers in new and innovative ways. Treating each segment exclusively, they try to understand each sector’s requirement, customising deals that best suit the demands. “As event sponsors, we look forward to more such associations. We take this as an opportunity to give back to our customers for their endless patronage and faith in our services,” said Adnan.

M ONDAY, MARCH 9, 2015 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

Love us on Facebook

ROUND-UP

Bank Sohar enhances its Internet banking services Internet banking customers now have the added convenience of transferring funds to local banks within Oman as well as conduct online bill payments

MUSCAT: In its efforts to consistently enhance the portfolio of products and services provided, Bank Sohar has introduced new features to their already popular Internet banking services.

Internet banking customers now have the added convenience of transferring funds to local banks within Oman as well as conduct online bill payment; both of which significantly enhance the comprehensive range of Internet banking services offered by the bank as well as overall customer convenience, says a press release.

Commenting on the introduction of these new services, Rashad Ali Al Musafir, Acting CEO of Bank

Sohar said, “At Bank Sohar we are committed towards making banking easy and convenient for our customers, regardless of it being done in person, or online.

Growing popularity “With a focused approach towards our customer’s requirements and paying close attention to the growing popularity of online banking in the Sultanate, we decided to add new facilities to our Internet banking service. This will bolster our online services with an additional layer of convenience and offer our customers a more complete and satisfying Internet banking experience.”

B R E A K FA S T D AY

Mujahid Saeed Al Zadjali, Sr. AGM and Head of Information Technology and Alternate Channels, said that the newly introduced Fund Transfer facility allows the bank’s customers to transfer money between their accounts in Bank Sohar to any other local bank.

“The facility also features sameday local transfers to other banks in Oman, which are guaranteed to be received on the same day provided the Bank Sohar customer meets the cut-off time of 12 noon.

The Fund Transfer facility also allows for either a one-time transfer to the beneficiary or standing instructions for a recurring transfer at a specified frequency.

The online bill payment facility, on the other hand, allows customers to pay major service providers in the Sultanate in a fraction of the time. Payments can be made free of any additional charges towards water, electricity, mobile, Internet, and landline bills.

In addition, the feature also provides customers with the freedom to make either one time payments or on a recurring basis as per their

preference. Further benefits of using the online bill payment facility include alerts for successful transactions, ability to view past transactions, set minimum payment instruction, and benefit from the bank’s built in online banking security measures.

Bouquet of services The addition of these two new features further enhances Bank Sohar’s already comprehensive online banking service that offers customers real time access to their accounts through the Internet portal.

Apart from providing real time account balances, there are a bouquet of services being offered including Intra-Bank transfers, account statement downloads in multiple formats, instant transfers to a leading bank in India, and many more other features that allow for total freedom in managing money anytime and anywhere.

Furthermore, it is a simple yet secure way to bank, offering high level security system to ensure data privacy and security of all transactions.

PA R T I C I PAT I O N

Alargan Towell receives overwhelming response at Global Property Show MUSCAT: Alargan Towell, the Sultanate’s leading affordable housing solutions provider, successfully took part in the inaugural edition of the Global Property Show, says a press release.

The property show brought together the best of the world’s property investment opportunities to the residents of Oman. By setting up a well-designed stall at the venue, the company showcased all its leading projects including Al Waha, Telal al Qurm and Beyout Alfaye which are in various stages of completion. Each project targets a different customer segment, and therefore visitors got the opportunity to choose the investment option that suited them best.

M U S C AT D E N T I S T S P E C I A L I S T C L I N I C

McDonald’s to give 1,000 free Egg McMuffins MUSCAT: McDonald’s Oman is giving away over 10,000 free Egg McMuffins today as part of the brand’s third annual National Breakfast Day. Each McDonald’s restaurant serving breakfast in Oman will be giving away 1,000 free Egg McMuffins on a first come- first serve basis, from 6am to 10am, says a press release.

Ali K. Daud, Development Licensee and President of McD, said: “We at McDonald’s recognise the value of a nourishing morning meal, and we are proud to serve our high quality breakfast menu daily. Offering a range of products, McDonald’s breakfast caters to a wide variety of customers looking for balanced choices.”

ceived a call from Dr Badar Moni rwith whom I had the pleasure of working years ago. In the past we had a great working relation and got alone just great, so when he asked me to join his team at Muscat Dental Specialists, I accepted gladly. I thoroughly enjoy living

and working in Oman, it is such a lovely, peaceful, stable country and the Omani people are just wonderful,” Dr Alex, further, added.

“I really enjoy cosmetic and restorative dentistry-composite fillings, inlays, crowns, veneers and bonding. I enjoy a great deal meeting people and doing comprehensive oral examinations, diagnosis, treatment planning and explaining options for my patients. Last year I got involved with sleep medicine.

“The clinic I worked with in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada, opened a sleep medicine clinic where we were able to test for sleep patterns — mild, moderate or severe sleep apnea, snoring, etc. This is a new and very exciting area of dentistry. There are several types of appliances that can

RECRUIT WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW.

DON’T WASTE A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY LIKE OMAN.

Plastic takes 1,000 years or more to break down

QUOTES The fact is, that to do anything in the world worth doing, we must not stand back shivering and thinking of the cold and danger, but jump in and scramble through as well as we can.

— Robert Cushing

“The first edition of the Global Property Show was a tremendous success for us as well as other exhibitors. We received numerous enquiries from visitors and this only reinforces our belief that Oman is the right market for practical housing solutions at affordable prices. Such exhibitions are a great channel for us to interact with customers from all walks of life. Our real estate advisers present at the stall, helped many customers to arrive at the right housing option and also delivered sound advice as to how investors can make the most out of the stable market in Oman,” said, Tony Safarian, GM, Alargan Towell Investment Company.

HONOURING TEACHERS

MDS appoints new specialist dentist MUSCAT: Muscat Dentist Specialist Clinic (MDS) has supported its multinational high qualified team of specialists by recruiting Dr Alex; a more-than 38 year experience dentist, who has graduated from the Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie University in Canada, says a press release.

“I have been very fortunate to be practicing dentistry for the last 38 years. I do it because it is what I love. I have had the great opportunity to work in great places as Sydney and Toronto, Canada for many years. I have also had the pleasure of working in the Dental Department of Zayed Military Hospital, UAE, Drs. Nicolas + Asp Medical/Dental Center in Dubai, UAE, and now Muscat Dental Specialists,” he says.

“While working in Canada I re-

B7

be made to help with these medical conditions.” Commenting on the Omani assistants and doctors he works with, Dr Alex said: “Our team at MDS consists of many nationalities, all with whom I have a great working relation. I also have the great pleasure and honour to work with Omani doctors, assistants and receptionists. The doctors are well educated, very caring and are excellent practitioners.

The assistants are so eager to learn and improve their skills and treat their patients very well.

MDS, which specialises in providing all patients access to latest technology for the best results and maximum comfort, operates according a strategy that is built in its strong belief that a visit to the dentist should be as comfortable as possible.

Ibn Khaldoun celebrates Teacher’s Day MUSCAT: To pay tribute to teachers, Teacher’s Day was celebrated with great pomp and splendour at the Ibn Khaldoun Private School, recently.

Students delivered speeches in praises of their mentors and presented a variety of musical and dance performances. Teachers were honoured with certificates and gifts by the management, says a press release.

The school also held its second parent-teacher meeting recently to discuss the progress of the students. The parents were highly grateful to the management and teachers for the excellent results of their wards.

B8

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2 015

ROUND-UP

Love us on Facebook

Toyota Hiace: Designed to be tough and durable Ruggedly built for years of reliable service, the Toyota Hiace has proved itself on roads around the world

MUSCAT: Toyota Hiace is perhaps the ‘most-seen-on-the-road’ range of buses, vans and taxis.

Stylish, dependable and comfortable the Hiace range is distinguished by its square body design and its professional stance, says a press release.

“Design is crucial to performance. In the Hiace, we see that radiator and engine are positioned to optimise interior room and the small bonnet allows easy access,” the spokesperson explains, “This unique design allows for a large

cargo capacity,” he adds.

The Hiace Van has a wide body and high roof resulting in classleading cargo volume capacity.

In addition, its thoughtful design makes it easy to load and unload a wide range of bulky and odd shaped items. The ergonomic dashboard is equipped with tilt steering and a new audio system.

Offering contoured seating for 14, the Hiace Bus and High Roof Bus delivers exceptional driver and passenger comfort. Individual bucket seats and two seater bench seats are installed throughout the bus. The front passenger and driver seats also feature slide ad-

justments apart from ample head, leg, shoulder and hip room. What’s more, the fifth row of seats folds up, giving extra luggage space at the rear.

“Whether I am carrying passengers or my own family members,” remarks an owner, “The Hiace High Roof Bus provides comfortable seating for everyone. High quality materials add to the sense of spaciousness, refinement and comfort,” he adds with obvious pride.

Ruggedly built for years of reliable service, the Toyota Hiace has proved itself on roads around the world. Designed to be tough and

H I G H E S T S TA N D A R D S

durable, its dependability is exceptional. Whatever types of roads it is driven on, Hiace always is up to the challenge.

All Hiace models come standard with an MP3 compatible CD player with AM/FM radio, as well as USB audio input.

Hiace also features front power windows, power door locking, contemporary dash and instrument panel, modern trims and fabrics, double wishbone type front suspension with leaf and rack/pinion power tilt steering.

In the area of safety, the Hiace offers driver and passenger airbags in addition to Anti-skid Braking System (ABS) in most of the models.

All specifications listed above are standard Toyota equipment.

Safety kit (fire extinguisher, warning triangle, tyre pressure gauge and first aid kit) is a dealer installed non Toyota item provided on Toyota models as standard equipment. The vehicle specifications may change without prior notice. (The above disclaimer is applicable only to 2015 YM / 2015 production vehicles).

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

P R O M O T I N G H E A LT H Y L I V I N G

Ooredoo teams up with Horizon Fitness MUSCAT: Ooredoo has announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with Horizon Fitness as part of its commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and creating awareness about the importance of health in overall personal success.

From today onwards, Ooredoo customers, who opt in, can receive an exclusive offer from Horizon Fitness, one of the Sultanate’s most well-known fitness chains, with the aiming of providing a boost to their health and wellbeing, says a press release.

“In this first-ever collaboration between a network operator and the health and fitness industry in Oman, we want to live out one of our values of ‘caring’ by giving customers something positive for their health. One of our corporate social responsibility focus areas is to foster human growth through healthy active lifestyles,” said Feras Al Shaikh, Director of Consumer Sales at Ooredoo. “Horizon Fitness is a perfect partner that shares this value and together we look to support the local communities’ health conscious approach by increasing access specialised fa-

cilities across Oman.” Customers just need to send a SMS for free to 1500, quoting “Horizon” and will receive a unique message, which they need to show to a company representative at one of the 23 Horizon Fitness clubs located across the Sultanate.

This message activates an offer which will include discounted membership and free personal training sessions to those who become members. By putting its customers at the heart of its business, Ooredoo’s new partnership marks the latest in a host of activities and events that demonstrate its passion and understanding toward the importance of choosing a healthy lifestyle.

U N I QU E F E AT U R E S

A’Saffa’s transparent packing Mitsubishi launches ‘Diamond Approved Used Cars’ website guarantees fresh chicken MUSCAT: Packaging maintains the benefits of food processing after the process is complete, enabling foods to travel safely for long distances from their point of origin and still be wholesome at the time of consumption.

Oman’s, leading and largest home-grown brand A’Saffa, pioneers in fully integrated poultry farms, scientific farm management systems and food production, maintains top safety standards when it comes to packaging their chicken or poultry products.

They allow customers to buy products with peace of mind and confidence as it is always an advantage for customers to see what they are buying. The brand’s transparent packaging helps customers to check for quality, colour, damages, and discolouration, says a press release.

“Wilful tampering with food products has resulted in special packaging features designed to reduce or eliminate the risk of tampering and adulteration. A’Saffa Foods transparent packaging will help customers to see the products in their best condition,” says, Sidhartha Lenka, Head of Sales & Marketing at A’Saffa Foods.

The transparent packaging used

by A’Saffa on its chicken products is just the final phase of a fully hygienic and carefully managed production process that implements international standards to guarantee that consumers are provided with the healthiest, tastiest and

The brand’s transparent packaging helps customers to check for quality, colour, damages, and discolouration freshest chicken products.

“The techniques that we use are verified to the highest international standards making sure that the product is as fresh and healthy as possible and we ensure that no unwanted element can enter the packaging,” added Lenka.

A package is the face of a product and often is the only product exposure consumers experience prior to purchase. Consequently, distinctive or innovative packaging can boost sales in a competitive environment. The package may be designed to enhance the convenience features such as ease of access, handling, and disposal; product visibility and resealability; greatly influence package innovation, something that A’Saffa Foods believes in doing to keep up with competitors.

“We are immensely proud of the world class quality and systems that we have in place to ensure that our food processing is of the highest quality and can ensure that consumers across Oman can buy our chicken and other prod-

ucts with full confidence. When it comes to buying food for the family, it is essential for our customers to know they can buy our products in the knowledge that it has been produced in conditions that can match any in the world – with the added benefits of its 100 per cent pure Halal production and great taste thanks to our systems and natural feed we give our chicken,” Lenka said.

One of the reasons for the remote desert location of the farm facility near Thumrait in the Dhofar Governorate is to ensure the most stringent ‘biosecurity’ measures are in place at the A’Saffa farms and processing facilities.

Placing the farms far away from human habitation, migratory bird routes and from other developments enables the company to minimise any potential risk of contamination.

MUSCAT: General Automotive Company (GAC), the official dealers of Mitsubishi Motors in Oman, announced the launch of their new Diamond Approved Used Cars website, www.diamondusedcars.com.

The website was launched to complement Mitsubishi’s dedicated used vehicles division, offering visitors a comprehensive and convenient vehicle locator offering several unique features, says a press release.

Following the theme of the well-received Mitsubishi Oman website, www.mitsubishioman. com, the Diamond Approved Used Cars website offers a similar user-friendly design and intuitive features. Most key links are directly available on the homepage without being cluttered. Through these links customers can access the vehicle locator, obtain comprehensive information on each of the benefits offered by Diamond Approved Used Cars, receive direct links to hot deals, information on any special promotions, or catch up on the latest news.

The intuitive vehicle locator, which can also be accessed directly from home page, allows visitors to browse through the entire used car inventory through a simplified three-click search process. Once the desired search results are obtained, they can be further refined using various parameters such as price, mileage, body style, fuel type, transmission or even the colour. The vehicle lo-

cator can also sort results based on price or date added. For added convenience the prices for each vehicle can be displayed in OMR, AED, EUR, USD and GBP. All cars listed offer detailed images of the interior and exterior together with all key information applicable to the vehicle and also offers visitors the option to share individual results with their friends via social media. Once a vehicle has been chosen, customers can request for a call back or can contact the sales team via the readily displayed contact number.

Commenting on the launch, Rajesh Sharma, National Marketing Manager of GAC said, “We designed the Diamond Approved Used Car programme in such a way as to ensure customer a unique pre-owned Mitsubishi ownership experience that is backed by the knowledge and confidence that every pre-owned vehicle is sold to Mitsubishi standards. Our new website is a perfect complement to this concept, offering visitors rapid access to information on every vehicle

we have in stock and a comprehensive yet simplified search refinement system to ensure our customers can easily find exactly what they are looking for.”

Launched in 2013, the ‘Diamond Approved Used Cars’ service ensures that every Mitsubishi taken into the ‘Diamond Approved’ stock will have been regularly serviced since sold new.

In addition, every vehicle will undergo a comprehensive bumper-to-bumper 100-point qualification check. As a value added service, every vehicle sold will also come packaged with a Mitsubishi Approved Warranty, complimentary roadside assistance and a complementary 5,000km service package.

“Through our Diamond Approved Used Cars division, we offer our customers a class-leading used car proposition with lots of added value, excellent service, and exceptionally high retail standards, thereby ensuring that they enjoy the peace of mind they deserve from a reliable global brand,” concluded Rajesh.

C E L E B R AT I O N

Annual Day held at Indian School Rustaq MUSCAT: Indian School Rustaq celebrated its 21st Annual Day recently at the auditorium of College of Applied Sciences, Rustaq.

Dr Yahya bin Badr Al Mawali, undersecretary, Ministry of Social Development, was the chief guest and Wilson V. George, chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman was the guest of honour, says a press release.

Cdr. Mathew Abraham, educational adviser, Alex C. Joseph, assistant educational adviser, Indian Schools in Oman also attended the occasion.

The programme was also attended by Juma Al Hatali, Director of Finance and Administration, College of Applied Sciences, Rustaq, Mohammed Al Amri, official from Ministry of Education, Principal and SMC members of Indian School Muladha.

Al Mawali addressed the gathering and released the newsletter of the school Rainbow. In his speech, the chief guest mentioned the importance of good education. Wilson spoke on the role of education to equip the fu-

ture generation to face the competitions in life. He stressed in his speech that the educational system should be promoting human values in growing children.

Reshmi Anilkumar was honoured for completing 10 years’ of loyal and distinguished service as teacher in Indian School Rustaq.

Kousar Ibrahim of Class VII was given the Excellence Award sponsored by Kanak Khimji and Board Of Directors for his best performance. Anupama Ashok of Class V was honoured for her wonderful performance and achievements in various competitive examinations.

C

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM M ON DAY, M ARC H 9, 2 015

SECTION

SPOR YOUR GAME

S

‘BIG SHOW’ MAXWELL UPSTAGES SANGAKKARA Australia supplanted Sri Lanka in second spot in World Cup Pool A propelled by a ‘big show’ ton from Glenn Maxwell before they weathered Kumar Sangakkara’s third consecutive century in Sydney on Sunday. >C3

GCC Women’s Games off to a colourful start The fourth edition of the Gulf women’s premier multi-sport event, which lasts till March 18, was officially declared open by Minister of Education Dr. Madiha Al Shaibani

MUSCAT: The GCC Women’s Games got off to colourful start with a glittering programme themed ‘Oman: Love and Peace’ highlighting the inaugural ceremony at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher on Sunday.

The fourth edition of the Gulf women’s premier multi-sport event, which lasts till March 18, was officially declared open by Dr. Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shaibani, the Minister of Education, in the presence Minister of Sports Affairs Sheikh Saad bin Mohammed Al Mardouf Al Saadi and Minister of Information Dr. Abdulmunim bin Mansour bin Said al Hasani.

Sheikh Rashad bin Ahmed Al Hinai, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Sports Affairs and Chairman of the Games Organising Committee, chief of GCC Wom-

en’s Sports Organising Committee and Kuwait Women’s Sports Committee Sheikha Naeema Al Sabah, and several dignitaries from all five participating nations graced the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Oman Women’s Sports Committee Chairperson Sayyida Sana Al Busaidi welcomed all the athletes and their accompanying delegations.

Sheikha Naeema Al Sabah, in her speech, spoke about the growth of GCC Women’s Games since the inaugural edition held in Kuwait in 2008 and the growing importance of the event among the GCC nations.

After a parade of the participating teams, Oman’s star athlete and Olympian Buthaina Al Yaqoobi took the oath on behalf of all participating athletes.

Over thousand athletes and officials from all GCC nations, with

BADMINTON

Kuwait cagers win On the inaugural day, Kuwait basketball team tasted success when they defeated hosts Oman 43-20.

The basketball action continues on Monday when Qatar take on the UAE while Kuwait face Bahrain.

The shooting competitions will also begin at Ghala Shooting Range on Sunday and continue for three days.

Oman shooting team comprises

Siham bint Nasser Said Al Hassani, Khadija bint Salmeen Al Jahafi, Amina bint Ibrahim Al Dhahuri, Faiza bint Nasir Al Balushi, Manal bint Ibrahim Al Wahaibi and Marwa bint Said Al Jalboobi.

The tennis competition will also begin on Monday at the SQSC courts at 9 a.m. with team competitions and the individual events set to begin in the evening.

Oman’s challenge will be led by star player Fatma Al Nabhani, who is expected to excel and win laurels for the country.

Meanwhile, the handball teams from other participating nations started arriving on Sunday. The UAE handball team reached Muscat after their training camp in Tunisia. The equestrian action, which mainly comprises endurance races, will also begin on Monday starting with the medical checks of the horses.

GRAND OPENING: From top, Dr. Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shaibani, the Minister of Education, declared the Games open. Oman Women’s Sports Committee chief Sayyida Sana Al Busaidi delivers a speech.

Oman’s Buthaina Al Yaqoobi takes oath on behalf of all participating athletes. – ISMAIL AL FARSI/Times of Oman

U LT I M AT U M

Chen wins, Saina misses out BIRMINGHAM: World No. 1 Chen Long hopes to emulate his legendary compatriot Lin Dan after regaining an All-England Open men’s singles title which some doubted he could capture a second time.

The 26-year-old repelled a brave challenge from Jan Jorgensen, the world No. 2 from Denmark, 15-21, 21-17, 21-15, and spoke after Sunday’s win of trying to reach the five titles which Lin, the Olympic champion, has won in Birmingham.

Earlier Carolina Marin, the

the exception of Saudi Arabia, will be enjoying the Omani hospitality while their respective teams and individuals will be vying for top honours in 10 disciplines during the 11-day Games. The list of sports includes The others sports include athletics, bowling, basketball, handball, taekwondo, tennis, volleyball, shooting, endurance horse racing and athletics for physically challenged.

21-year-old Andalucian who created one of badminton’s biggest sensations last year, created another by becoming the first Spaniard ever to win an All-England title.

Marin did that with a 16-21, 21-14, 21-7 women’s singles win over Saina Nehwal, the world No. 3 from India. It was a remarkable result for someone from a country where little badminton was played till recently, and it followed her stunning capture of the world title in Copenhagen last year. - AFP

Oman Football Association suspends 11 clubs MUSCAT: The Oman Football Association (OFA) passed a resolution to suspend 11 clubs who violated the provisions of the association statutes while calling for an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) without obtaining the proper approval. The clubs sent out official letters setting a date for the EGM on March 17 which amounted to a clear violation for the Article 28-2 and 28-3 of OFA laws.

According to a press release issued by the OFA on Sunday,

the association sent letters to the eleven clubs - Seeb, Dhofar, Bausher, Al Musanna, Al Kamil Wa Al Wafi, Al Ittifaq, Jalaan, Ibri, Nizwa, Ahli-Sidab and Fanja, informing of their membership suspension. The OFA has also given the said clubs till Tuesday to withdraw their demand for the EGM. Beach soccer team Meanwhile, the OFA also informed that the national beach football team will gather for a do-

mestic camp as part of their preparations for the AFC Asian Beach Soccer Championship and the second GCC Beach Games, both to be hosted by Qatar.

Coach Talib Hilal Al Thanawi has called up the following players for the four-day camp: Haitham Hareb, Mahmood Al Khaduri, Abdullah Masood, Jalal Al Sinani, Yahya Al Araimi, Khalid Al Rajhi, Abdullah Saleh, Khalid Al Rajhi, Hani Al Dhabit, Yaqoob Al Rabee’a, Munther Al Araimi, Ishaq Al Qasimi, Ghaith

Al Alawi and Faisal Al Nasri.

The team will also train in Dubai from March 15 during which they are scheduled to play three friendly matches Azerbaijan, Hungary and Ahli Club of the UAE. The team returning home for further training before leaving for Doha to participate in the March 23-28 AFC Asian Beach Soccer Championship.

The second GCC Beach Games are scheduled to be organised from April 3 to 16.

C2

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2 015

SPORTS

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY INSTALL WHATSNEWS

Stay ahead of the curve with WhatsNews

NBO A emerge champions despite defeat to Z-Axis

C DIVISION CHAMPIONS: National Bank of Oman A. – Supplied photo

Despite the defeat, NBO A clinched the C Division title while Z-Axis settled for runners-up spot

MUSCAT: Z-Axis Media handed National Bank of Oman A (NBO A) their first defeat in the Al Ansari Group of Companies-sponsored C Division T20 tournament.

Despite the defeat, NBO A clinched the title while Z-Axis settled for runners-up spot.

Opting to bat first, Z-Axis Media scored 157 for nine in 20 overs thanks to an 84-run second wicket partnership between Melwin Mathew (58) and Vikeesh C. Velunni (46). Maanas Kapoor claimed four wickets while Ramesh V. bagged three.

C DIVISION RUNNERS-UP: Z-Axis Media. – Supplied photo

Muscat CT rout OCT Muscat A Muscat: Muscat CT recorded a massive 179-run run win against OCT Muscat A in a Muscat Pharmacy & Storessponsored A Division 50 overs-a-side league match.

After being asked to bat first, Muscat CT made a solid start with opening batsman Sudeep Chavan (93) and Aaqib Ilyas (83) putting on 127 runs in 18 overs. At the end of their quota of 50 overs, Muscat scored 338 for the loss of six wickets.

In reply, NBO A were bowled out for 126 in 18.2 overs. Kimberley Bentick claimed four wickets while skipper Nowfal Raymarakar and Sunil Baby took two wickets each.

Brief scores: Z-Axis Media 157 for 9 in 20 overs (Melwin Mathew 58, Vijeesh

Shakeel Mahmood claimed three wickets in six overs.

In reply, OCT Muscat A were bowled out for 159 in 32.2 overs. Rajesh Ranpura claimed five wickets.

Brief scores: Muscat CT 338 for 6 in 50 overs (Sudeep Chavan 93, Aaqib Ilyas 83, Ganesh Narusumaiyya 52, Adnan Ilyas 40) bt OCT Muscat A 159 in 32.2 overs (Shuaib Ismail Al Balushi 52, Rafiq Mohammed 20; R. Ranpura 5/31, Badal Singh 3/47).

Points: Muscat - 5 (8 games, 29 pts), OCT Muscat A - Nil (8 games, Nil).

C. Velunni 46; Maanas Kapoor 4/12, Ramesh V. 3/26) bt NBO A 126 in 18.2 overs (Azhar Munir 32, Zaheer Abbas 31; Kimberley Bentick 4/22, Nowfal Raymarakar 2/5, Sunil Baby 2/13). Points: Z-Axis Media - 2 (8 games, 12 pts), NBO A - Nil (8 games, 14 pts).

CRICKET

RC Cup in April MUSCAT: Royal Challengers Muscat will organise the fourth RC Cup cricket tournament from April 3 to April 17 at Al Maha Recreation Club ground in Bausher.

The entries will be accepted on first-come-first-serve basis.

Players from Oman Cricket A and B Divisions teams are not eligible to participate in the tournament. For further details contact Hancy (99756088).

CRICKET

MCCC tourney MUSCAT: Muscat Cricket Coaching Centre (MCCC) will organise Maxtalent Global Sport-MCCC Challenge Cup from March 24.

The four-day tournament will comprise three age group competitions — under-11, under-13 and under-16. The entry fee is OMR. 50 and interested teams may contact the organisers at hmhemtej@gmail.com or Ph: 92007576/97700374.

OCT Seeb down PDORC In another C Division T20 match, OCT Seeb recorded an exciting last ball win against PDORC. Batting first, PDORC were bowled out for 140 off 19.3 overs. Donald Vincent top scored with 43 runs. Osman Al Zadjali claimed three wickets.

OCT Seeb reached their target losing six wickets off the last delivery of the 20th over thanks to a brilliant 50 from Issa Rahim Al Balushi.

Brief scores: PDORC 140 in 19.3 overs (Donald Vincent 43, Abdul Majeed 23; Osman Al Zadjali 3/21, Yousuf Rahim Bakhsh 2/6, Younis Murad 2/26, Issa Rahim Al Balushi 2/37) lost to OCT Seeb 141 for 6 in 20 overs (Issa Rahim Al Balushi 50, Dhiyab Hussain 33 n.o., Osman Al Zadjali 21; Abdul Majeed 2/16).

Points: OCT Seeb - 2 (7 games, 4 pts), PDORC - Nil (7 games, 6 pts).

NBO B eye title National Bank of Oman B (NBO B) recorded an easy 82-run win against Cameron in a J Division T20 match to remain in contention for top honours.

Electing to bat first, NBO B scored 188 for six wickets in 20

NBO B: Homeshwar Ratre.

overs with a top score of 72 from opening batsman Homeshwar Ratre. Cameron in reply were bowled out for 106 in 16.4 overs.

Brief scores: NBO B 188 for 6 in 20 overs (Homeshwar Ratre 72, Ismail Al Balushi 36, Rohit Gupta 26, Siddharth Oza 25; Jais Paul 2/22) bt Cameron 106 in 16.4 overs (Jais Paul 36, Anoop Kumar 25; Homeshwar Ratre 2/13, Khalid Manzoor 2/20, Vinod Ratan 2/21). Points: NBO B - 2 (7 games, 12 pts), Cameron - Nil (7 games, 6 pts).

Al Rehwan win In an H Division T20 match, Al Rehwan trounced Prime Trading easily by 7 wickets. Batting first Prime Trading were bundled out for 75 off 13.2 overs. Nithin claimed four wickets and Asif Rahman took two.

Al Rehwan raced to their target scoring 80 for the loss of three wickets in 9.5 overs.

Brief scores: Prime Trading 75 in 13.2 overs (Nithin 4/15, Arun 3/23, Asif Rahman 2/9) lost to Al Rehwan 80 for 3 in 9.5 overs (Arun 36, Salih Ismail 32; Renju R. Pillai 2/20). Points: Al Rehwan - 2 (8 games, 8 pts), Prime Trading - Nil (8 games, 5 pts).

LA LIGA

Messi’s record hat-trick sends Barcelona top BARCELONA: Lionel Messi broke a Spanish hat-trick record and Luis Suarez struck twice as a rampant Barcelona took over top spot in La Liga with a 6-1 hammering of Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

Messi came alive after halftime at the Nou Camp to net his 32nd treble for Barca in all competitions in the space of just 12 minutes.

It meant he eclipsed the record of the most hat-tricks ever recorded in Spanish football that he had shared with Athletic Bilbao striker Telmo Zarra.

The Argentine’s second half tour de force against a side reduced to 10 men with the dismissal of Tito — Barca themselves had Dani Alves sent off late in the game — included a goal scored from a retaken penalty after he had seen the first saved.

It helped put Barca back in control at the head of La Liga, after an equal amount of games played, for the first time since the start of November.

They moved on to 62 points, a point clear of Real Madrid, who were beaten by Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, and are now in pole position two weeks ahead of Madrid’s visit to their Nou Camp fortress in El Clasico.

“Being leaders is not something that we are concentrating on much at the moment as there is still a long way to go in the league,” defender Gerard Pique told reporters.

“We started the season well, then we had a drop in form and it looks like we are playing well again now.”

Barca coach Luis Enrique said: “Our objective is to be leaders at the end of the championship.

There are areas where we need to improve.” - Reuters

24-HOUR ENDURANCE RACE

Al Nimer’s Omani drivers hope to gain from home race ahead of world event MUSCAT: Ali Moosa is busy formulating strategies these days.

For he is doubling up as a manager and a driver for Team Al Nimer, one of the strong contenders for title at the 24-hour Endurance Race, to be oganised by Oman Automobile Association (OAA) at the Muscat Speedway on Friday and Saturday.

With many domestic and international titles under his belt, Ali is undoubtedly one of the experienced karting drivers in the region. But even he feels that endurance race is something different and strategies play crucial roles deciding the podium.

“Endurance race is altogether different proposition. Strong drivers will not ensure you the title.

Instead, a good team strategy can work wonders for you,” he said.

Al Nimer have got three talented Omani drivers - Ali Moosa, Faisal Al Zubair and Haitham Al Zadjali - in their ranks. Besides, they will be assisted by top driver from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Hussain Ummid Ali making the side a

strong contender for the title. That is not all. All the three Omani drivers have qualified for the World Endurance Race final to be held in France from June 5.

“So next week’s race will give us the much-needed practice before we head to France. We want to make our country proud in the world championship,” Ali said.

The youngster believes that the lessons he learnt from regional level competitions will come handy in the upcoming competitions.

“I participated in a 48-hour Endurance Race in Saudi Arabia last week. I was part of a different team where we covered 4,352 kilometres. I met a lot of experts during the event and they gave me valuable insights about team strategy. Now, I will try to educate my teammates in Oman,” he said.

“I never realised the importance of sleep until the Saudi event. When I got a good rest during the race, my performance improved a lot. It was a good learning experience. Now, I will insist my colleagues in Oman to take

breaks during the race,” he said.

Ali, who participated in all endurance races at Muscat Speedway, feels that the competition will be tough this time thanks to the participation of corporate teams. “The support of corporate houses for the endurance race is a good advertisement for the sport.

I am sure youngsters will benefit from it,” he said. ‘We are ready’ Meanwhile, OAA Events co-ordinator Mommin Al Rawahi said the track is ready to host the big event. “We have refurbished the track, giving due importance for safety aspects. I am sure the drivers will enjoy the 24-hour event,” he said.

Mommin also said that his team has already devised plans to conduct the race even during adverse climatic conditions. “We have the wherewithal to resume the competition even during bad weather conditions,” he said.

Team Al Nimer Tourism: Ali Moosa (manager & driver), Hussain Ummid Ali (UAE), Faisal Al Zubair, Haitham Al Zadjali (both Oman).

HITACHI POWER TOOLS LIFT CHALLENGERS CUP Hitachi Power Tools defeated Hitach Challengers 3-0 in the final to lift the title at the Challengers Cup football ball tournament organised at the Rumais Club. Khalid Said, Chairman of Rumais Club, handed over the prizes. Shahul of AIG Anjum won the best goalkeeper award. Sandeep Nath of Hitachi Power Tools won the top scorer award while Shabeer Akara emerged the best player of the tournament. — Supplied photo

M ONDAY, MARCH 9, 2015

TODAY’S MATCH POOL A: ENGLAND V BANGLADESH (7:30AM OMAN TIME)

Sangakkara’s latest ton eclipsed by

THE BIG SHOW The Australians, aiming for a fifth World Cup triumph, amassed 376 for nine,

GLENN ‘THE BIG SHOW’ MAXWELL

102 runs from 53 balls 10 fours, 4 sixes

Maxwell lighting up the Sydney Cricket Ground with 102 off 53 balls and then restricted Sri Lanka to 312 for nine to win by 64 runs

SYDNEY: Australia supplanted Sri Lanka in second spot in World Cup Pool A propelled by a ‘big show’ ton from Glenn Maxwell before they weathered Kumar Sangakkara’s third consecutive century in Sydney on Sunday.

The Australians, aiming for a fifth World Cup triumph, amassed 376 for nine, Maxwell lighting up the Sydney Cricket Ground with 102 off 53 balls and then restricted Sri Lanka to 312 for nine to win by 64 runs.

It was a crucial win by the cohosts, leapfrogging Sri Lanka into second spot behind New Zealand with one more group match to play. Victory secured Australia’s place in the last eight and made a quarterfinal against South Africa less likely.

In a high-scoring match before almost 40,000 fans, plenty of them Sri Lankans, Maxwell produced one of his famed ‘big shows’ with a pulsating maiden One-day International century off 51 balls to leave Sri Lanka with a massive run chase.

No side batting second have made more to win a World Cup match than Ireland’s 329 for seven against England in Bangalore four years ago.

The mighty Sangakkara gave it a big shake, raising his third consecutive ton at the tournament off 100 balls and his 24th century in his 402nd ODI. But the Australians breathed easier when he holed out to James Faulkner for 104 giving Aaron Finch a running catch to end his otherwise chanceless knock.

Maxwell thrilled the SCG full house with his audacious reverse sweeps, flicks and powerful hitting in an innings he has threatened to unleash in his previous 44 ODIs. ‘The Big Show’, as he is known, blasted his half-century off 26 balls with a pulled six off Thisara Perera and was particularly brutal with Seekkuge Prasanna, hoisting the leg-spinner for 34 off just 12 balls.

Maxwell and Shane Watson, back in the side after being dropped in Australia’s previous match against Afghanistan for repeated failures with the bat, plundered 160 runs off 13.4 overs.

The Sri Lankans were at their wits’ end trying to find ways to stop the run riot as Maxwell and Watson took the bowlers apart.

Maxwell reprieve Maxwell had a life on 93 when he top-edged Mathews and wicketkeeper Sangakkara scurried back and made his ground only to drop the catch, but he was out soon afterwards when caught by Lasith Malinga at mid-on.

Maxwell narrowly missed out on equalling the 50-ball record for the fastest World Cup hundred

AUSTRALIA D. Warner c Prasanna b Malinga A. Finch st Sangakkara b Prasanna S. Smith c Perera b Dilshan M. Clarke b Malinga G. Maxwell c Malinga b Perera S. Watson c Chandimal b Perera J. Faulkner run out (Mathews) B. Haddin c Perera b Mathews M. Johnson not out M. Starc run out (Perera/Mathews) X. Doherty not out Extras: (b-1, lb-1, w-4) Total (9 wkts, 50 overs)

9 24 72 68 102 67 0 25 3 0 0 6 376

set by Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien against England in 2011.

In a solid effort by Australia’s batsmen, Watson struck 67 off 41 balls, Steve Smith hit 72 off 88 balls and skipper Michael Clarke chipped in with a run-a-ball 68.

The 1996 World Cup champions lost Lahiru Thirimanne for one in the second over, snapped up behind by Brad Haddin off Mitchell Johnson.

But the experienced pair of Tillakaratne Dilshan and Sangakkara set about taking on the

Fall of wickets: 1-19, 2-41, 3-175, 4-177, 5-337, 6-338, 7-368, 8-373, 9-374 Bowling: Malinga 10-0-59-2 (1w); Senanayake 9-0-59-0; Mathews 7-0-59-1 (2w); Prasanna 100-77-1; Perera 9-0-87-2 (1w); Dilshan 5-0-33-1 SRI LANKA L. Thirimanne c Haddin b Johnson 1 T. Dilshan lbw b Faulkner 62 K. Sangakkara c Finch b Faulkner 104 M. Jayawardene run out (Clarke) 19 A. Mathews c Haddin b Watson 35 D. Chandimal retired hurt 52 T. Perera c Doherty b Johnson 8 U. Tharanga c Warner b Faulkner 4

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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

challenge, with Dilshan defiantly smacking Johnson for six fours off one over.

Clarke dropped Dilshan on 46 in a running two-handed chance as the pair raced along with home fans clapping dot balls.

But Dilshan fell leg before to James Faulkner’s slower ball for

S. Prasanna b Starc 9 S. Senanayake c Doherty b Starc 7 L. Malinga not out 0 Extras (b-2, lb-5, w-4) 11 Total (9 wkts, 46.2 overs) 312 Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-135, 3-188, 4-201, 5-283, 6-293, 7-305, 8-307, 9-312 Bowling: Starc 8.2-0-29-2 (1w); Johnson 9-062-2 (2w); Watson 7-0-71-1; Doherty 7-0-600; Maxwell 6-0-35-0; Faulkner 9-0-48-3 (1w) Man of the match: Glenn Maxwell Result: Australia won by 64 runs Toss: Australia Umpires: Ian Gould (ENG), Aleem Dar (PAK)

62 off 60 balls after putting on 130 with Sangakkara.

Mahela Jayawardene threw away his wicket on 19 attempting a risky single only to caught short of his ground by Clarke’s throw from mid-off.

Sri Lanka kept fighting until the end with Dinesh Chandimal cracking 52 off 24 balls before retiring hurt with hamstring trouble and skipper Angelo Mathews gloved Watson to Brad Haddin for 35. Faulkner finished with an impressive three for 48. - AFP

LANDMARK NIGHT Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara became the first batsman to score three consecutive World Cup hundreds when he made a brilliant run-a-ball century against Australia in Sydney.

The 37-year-old left-hander’s 24th ton in his 402nd match at this level also saw him equal the overall ODI record for consecutive hundreds held jointly by the Pakistan pair of Zaheer Abbas and Saeed Anwar, the South African trio of Herschelle Gibbs, AB de Villiers and Quinton de Kock and New Zealand’s Ross Taylor. Sangakkara also became only the second batsman after Sachin Tendulkar to score 14,000 ODI runs. — AFP

C3

C4

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2 015

C O M M E N TA RY

The monkey is off magical Maxi’s back Maxwell’s blistering century, his first in 43 ODI innings, came off just 51 balls — the second-fastest in World Cup history behind Kevin O’Brien’s 50-ball assault for Ireland against England in Bangalore four years ago

SYDNEY: Glenn Maxwell said he felt he’d got a “monkey off the back” after his maiden one-day international hundred powered Australia to a 64-run win over Sri Lanka in their World Cup Pool A clash in Sydney on Sunday.

Maxwell’s blistering century, his first in 43 ODI innings, came off just 51 balls — the second-fastest in World Cup history behind Kevin O’Brien’s 50-ball assault for Ireland against England in Bangalore four years ago.

Maxwell and recalled allrounder Shane Watson (67) put on 160 in a commanding total of 376 for nine.

“It was nice to get the monkey off the back,” said Maxwell. “I have scored a few 90s so to finally hit the hundred was a relief.

“The top order set it up beautifully for me and Shane to go berserk at the end.

“I didn’t know about the record World Cup century but I knew about the Australian record (57 balls) because James Faulkner doesn’t shut up about it,” said Maxwell.

Faced with a mammoth chase, Sri Lanka responded in style as Kumar Sangakkara became the first batsman to score hundreds in three consecutive World Cup matches, while Tillakaratne Dilshan and Dinesh Chandi-

I have scored a few 90s so to finally hit the hundred was a relief.

It was nice to get the monkey off the back Glenn Maxwell Australia

mal, who had to retire hurt, both weighed in with fifties. However, the task proved beyond them as they finished on 312 for nine.

“Credit to the boys for the way they battled — Maxwell scoring his first ODI hundred, we needed his runs today,” said Australia captain Michael Clarke.

“If we can hold our nerve like that we give ourselves a chance.

Watching players around the world scoring so quickly and freely, teams can chase any score now.”

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews had no doubt about where the match was won and lost.

“We conceded 200 runs in the

last 16 overs and it was way too much,” he said. “We’ve got to improve in our bowling and fielding.

If we can keep the opposition to 300, we can chase it down.”

As for the 37-year-old Sangakkara’s latest century, Mathews added: “He’s brilliant. He’s ageing and he’s getting better and better.” - AFP

Sri Lanka missed the services of Herath badly

T

he good news for Ireland is they’ve done incredibly well to win three out of their first four matches. The bad news is their last two games are against world champions India and a Pakistan team that looks to have rediscovered its spark.

India would be thankful in some ways for the wakeup call they were given by the West Indies in Perth.

Small chases can be a lot harder than they look, as we’ve already witnessed in this World Cup when Australia faced New Zealand and the other night when South Africa were stunned

by Pakistan. Complacency has a knack of complicating your task, even though it would be unfair to say it was the lone factor in unnerving the Indian dressing room possibly for the first time in this competition.

The Windies had just the kind of bowlers to capitalise on the extra bounce you come to expect at the WACA and it yielded a couple of wickets. But skipper MS Dhoni lived up to his well earned reputation as one of the game’s best finishers, as he and Ravi Ashwin eventually made it seem like an easy finish for India. Dhoni hadn’t got much of an opportunity in the middle prior to that game, so the fact that he spent valuable time at the wicket is another positive for India as their march continues.

With runs under his belt, Dhoni will now be hoping he calls correctly against the Irish as luck with the coin seems to have eluded him on the last two occasions.

Whether the toss goes India’s way or not, they’ll surely be looking to notch up another dominant win.

The Australia-Sri Lanka contest was once again dominated by the batsmen.

Once Australia got 376, I always felt it would prove beyond the reach of the Lankans despite Kumar Sangakkara, Tillakaratne Dilshan and Dinesh Chandimal leading a spirited

Once Australia got 376, I always felt it would prove beyond the reach of the Lankans despite Kumar Sangakkara, Tillakaratne Dilshan and Dinesh Chandimal leading a spirited reply Lankan reply. I must admit the slow-turning wicket caught me by surprise. It seemed to suit the tastes of Sri Lanka more than our boys, but I thought our batsmen did a splendid job when you consider Australia were 86 for two by the 20th over.

Promoting Steve Smith to three was a wise move as he’s been Australia’s inform batsman all summer.

The reshuffle led to Shane Watson batting lower down and I was pleased to see Watto make a valuable contribution. If Watson continues to feature in Australia’s eleven, I reckon it may be in the player and the team’s best interests if he continues to bat at either five or six.

Sri Lanka look a formidable force with the bat, but it’s a strikingly different story with the ball.

Besides the class of Lasith Malinga, there really isn’t much else to worry teams.

This was evident during the partnership between Smith and Clarke as well as the one between Maxwell and Watson later when the Lankan bowlers looked bereft of ideas. Undoubtedly, Rangana Herath was badly missed in this match considering the wicket. - PMG

GAINING IN EXPERIENCE

Afghan pacemen get another wake-up call NAPIER: Afghanistan’s impressive pace bowling trio were given a second lesson in the step up required to face a Test-playing nation when New Zealand beat them by six wickets in their World Cup Pool A clash on Sunday.

Dawlat Zadran, left-armer Shapoor Zadran and Hamid Hassan have all impressed with their World Cup performances and are undoubtedly the pick of the associate nations pace bowlers.

Shapoor, whose long approach to the wicket bears an uncanny resemblance to Pakistan’s former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, has taken 10 wickets, while Hassan has taken seven and Dawlat six.

In their last match against Australia in Perth, however, they were IMPRESSIVE: Afghanistan’s Shapoor Zadran, left, celebrates disbrought back to earth when they missing New Zealand’s Kane Williamson. – Reuters were flayed all around the WACA and conceded 260 runs in their 30 While they generated some overs as Michael Clarke’s side ran hammed Nabi. After an initial period of consolidating following good pace in excess of 140kmph up 417 for six.

On Sunday, they were ham- the dismissal of McCullum, Kane and got some bounce, they were mered around McLean Park by Williamson and Martin Guptill unable to consistently put the ball Brendon McCullum, conceding got back into their work, taking in testing areas for New Zealand’s 41 runs in the opening five overs 25 runs from the 10th to the 12th batsmen.

It was something that coach before the New Zealand captain overs before Nabi came back into Andy Moles had said prior to the was bowled by off-spinner Mo- the attack.

game that he was working on as they looked to improve their world standing. “They are very exciting the three of them,” Moles said when asked about the trio.

“We have three different bowlers who complement each other very well. “In the associate world they are bullies.

“They’re fast, they’re nasty but with the full members they’re not bullies. There are plenty of bowlers in the full members who are around 150 (kmph).

“So they have to understand the level they’re at and while they have got high skill, they need to apply themselves for longer rather than think they’re going to blast people out.”

While Moles was pleased with the development of his quick bowlers during the World Cup, the injury to Mirwais Ashraf had upset the balance of their attack.

“Mirwais is a huge cog in our wheel. When things get a bit tough, the ball goes to him and he bowls consistently line and length, change of pace,” said Moles. “He is someone we miss massively in the balance of our side.” - Reuters

M O NDAY, MARCH 9, 2015

Veteran Vettori shines as Kiwis crush Afghans

C5

S TA N D I N G S POOL A

Teams New Zealand Australia Sri Lanka Bangladesh England Afghanistan Scotland

M 5 5 5 4 4 5 4

W 5 3 3 2 1 1 0

L 0 1 2 1 3 4 4

T 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

N/R 0 1 0 1 0 0 0

Pts 10 7 6 5 2 2 0

Net RR +3.090 +1.597 -0.151 +0.182 -1.201 -1.881 -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

Left-arm spinner Vettori scythed through the Afghanistan top

M A N O F T H E M AT C H V I E W S

Tourney proper starts in quarters: Vettori

order, using his guile on a pitch producing no turn, to finish with the remarkable figures of four for 18 in 10 overs as Afghanistan were dismissed for 186

NAPIER: Daniel Vettori became the first New Zealand bowler to take 300 One-day International wickets as the Black Caps made short work of Afghanistan to remain unbeaten after five World Cup matches on Sunday.

Left-arm spinner Vettori scythed through the Afghanistan top order, using his guile on a pitch producing no turn, to finish with the remarkable figures of four for 18 in 10 overs as Afghanistan were dismissed for 186.

Along the way he became the 12th player, and only the fifth spinner, to take 300 ODI wickets.

On a run-laden McLean Park pitch in Napier, New Zealand needed only 36.1 overs to overhaul Afghanistan’s total.

New Zealand, who had already qualified for the quarter-finals, have yet to be taken the distance in the field and the 47.4 overs bowled to Afghanistan is the most they have sent down in any match in the tournament.

But the result was never in doubt when Brendon McCullum, with his trademark aggressive approach, blazed away at the top of the New Zealand innings slamming 42 off 19 deliveries to get the chase off to a rollicking start.

When he was bowled by Mohammad Nabi, trying to belt his opposing captain out of the ground, New Zealand were already a quarter of the way to their target after fewer than six overs.

The pace slowed from nine to 5.19 runs an over after McCullum’s dismissal as New Zealand coasted to victory with their middle-tolower order not getting the lengthy time at the crease they wanted before the knockout phase.

Kane Williamson, in his understated manner, contributed 33, Martin Guptill reached 57, his highest score of the campaign, and Grant Elliott made 19. Guptill and Elliott were both needlessly run out when time and runs were not an issue, leaving Ross Taylor (24 not out) and Corey Anderson (seven not out) to see New Zealand home.

It was never going to be easy for Afghanistan who were already jet-lagged having crossed the Tasman Sea twice in the week to meet their gruelling World Cup schedule ahead of this game.

They won the toss, elected to bat, and then had few answers to the menacing attack that greeted them. Trent Boult dismissed Javed Ahmadi in the second over, Vettori removed Usman Ghani at the start of the third and by the time the 20th over was completed they were 59 for six. Nawroz Mangal was bowled for 27 to become Vettori’s milestone dismissal and four overs later Mohammad Nabi and Afsar Zazai went in succes-

DANIEL VETTORI

4 wickets for 18

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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

sive balls to give the spinner have four wickets for five runs.

Najibullah Zadran avoided the hat-trick as he joined Samiullah Shenwari to rescue the innings with an Afghanistan record seventh-wicket partnership of 86.

The 22-year-old Najibullah reached 56, the second-highest score of his fledgling 15-match career, before he was caught on the boundary by man-of-themoment Vettori at third man.

Afghanistan’s leading batsmen at the World Cup, Shenwari added 54 and was on track to get his side past 200 until he played a rash shot. For New Zealand, Trent Boult joined Vettori in the impressive bowling stakes with three for 34 off his 10 overs. - AFP

SCOREBOARD

AFGHANISTAN Javed Ahmadi lbw b Boult 1 Usman Ghani b Vettori 0 Nawroz Mangal b Vettori 27 Asghar Stanikzai c Guptill b Boult 9 Samiullah Shenwari c Taylor b Anderson 54 Mohammad Nabi c Taylor b Vettori 6 Afsar Zazai lbw b Vettori 0 Najibullah Zadran c Vettori b Milne 56 Dawlat Zadran c Ronchi b Boult 1 Hamid Hassan c Milne b Anderson 16 Shapoor Zadran not out 2 Extras (lb-5, w-9) 14 Total (all out, 47.4 overs) 186 Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Javed Ahmadi), 2-6 (Usman Ghani), 3-24 (Asghar Stanikzai), 4-49 (Nawroz Mangal), 5-59 (Mohammad Nabi), 6-59 (Afsar Zazai), 7-145 (Najibullah Zadran), 8-151 (Dawlat Zadran), 9-166 (Shenwari), 10-186 (Hassan).

Bowling: Southee 10-0-43-0; Boult 10-2-34-3 (2w); Vettori 10-4-18-4; Milne 10-0-38-1 (4w); Anderson 6.4-0-38-2 (3w); Elliott 1-0-10-0.

NEW ZEALAND M. Guptill run out (Shenwari) 57 B. McCullum b Nabi 42 K. Williamson c Shenwari b Shapoor 33 R. Taylor not out 24 G. Elliott run out (Nabi) 19 C. Anderson not out 7 Extras (lb-2, w-4) 6 Total (4 wkts, 36.1 overs) 188 Did not bat: L Ronchi, D Vettori, A Milne, T Southee, T Boult Fall of wickets: 1-53 (McCullum), 2-111 (Williamson), 3-143 (Guptill), 4-175 (Guptill).

Bowling: Dawlat 9-0-51-0 (3w); Shapoor 10-2-45-1; Hamid 7-1-36-0; Nabi 7.1-0-39-1 (1w); Shenwari 3-0-15-0.

Man of the match: Daniel Vettori Result: New Zealand won by six wickets Toss: Afghanistan Umpires: Johan Cloete (RSA), Marais Erasmus (RSA) TV umpire: Steve Davis (AUS) Match referee: David Boon (AUS)

NAPIER: New Zealand completed their fifth straight win in the World Cup when they swept aside Afghanistan Sunday but felt the tournament has yet to properly begin, according to team veteran Daniel Vettori.

In all five games, including against Australia and England, New Zealand have bowled out the opposition inside 50 overs with an aggressive attack blending Vettori’s spin with swing bowlers Tim Southee and Trent Boult.

Vettori, who racked up another milestone in his stellar career when he took his 300th ODI wicket at McLean Park on Sunday — returning figures of four for 18 — said the focus was what lies ahead for the team rather than individual feats.

“It’s purely about winning games, and that’s what we’ve been able to do so far, and we can hopefully continue in the important knockout stages,” he said.

The quarter-finals “is where it really starts”, and form through the pool stages could not be a consideration, he said dismissing South Africa’s shock 29-run loss on Saturday to Pakistan.

“All the teams that eventually make it (to the play-offs) have got match winners. So you can’t sit back and say a team’s not in form or haven’t played well because you go into it thinking that a

team’s going to play their best.

“Anyone you would come up against in that quarter-final is going to be a tough opposition. We look at it through I suppose a positive prism that they’ve got good players. There is no real thought that they’re out of form or not playing well.”

The 36-year-old Vettori is New Zealand’s most accomplished ODI bowler and on Sunday became the 12th player and first New Zealander to reach the 300 wicket milestone.

He finished his 291st ODI with 302 wickets, at an average 31.62, and such was the comprehensive nature of New Zealand’s win that he did not have a chance to add to his 2,213 ODI runs.

Vettori returned to regular appearances in the New Zealand team late last year after being sidelined by injury for much of the previous three years and went into the World Cup not thinking he would be a central wicket taker.

“I suppose I went into the World Cup not really thinking about that that much,” he said.

“I think we are caught up in the middle of the World Cup. There is an important game on Friday (Bangladesh), and probably the most important game of our careers the following Saturday” in the quarterfinals. - AFP

C6

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2 015

England on edge in last chance saloon FA C T B O X

ENGLAND Captain: Eoin Morgan Coach: Peter Moores Squad: Eoin Morgan, Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Gary Balance, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Steven Finn, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Joe Root, James Taylor, James Tredwell, Chris Woakes Results so far at 2015 World Cup: Lost to Australia by 111 runs, Lost to New Zealand by eight wickets, Beat Scotland by 119 runs, Lost to Sri Lanka by nine wickets Top performers: Moeen Ali (173 runs), Joe Root (173 runs); Steve Finn (eight wickets), Chris Woakes (five wickets) Remaining match: v Afghanistan (March 13)

There will, however, be no second chance this time as England, with one win in four matches, must beat both Bangladesh at the Adelaide Oval and Afghanistan in Sydney on March 13 to stay in contention for the last eight

ADELAIDE: England face a potential banana skin when Eoin Morgan’s beleaguered side play Bangladesh in a make-or-break World Cup clash in Adelaide on Monday.

England lost to Bangladesh by two wickets in the last World Cup in 2011 — a match in which Morgan made 63 — but still survived the shock defeat to qualify for the quarterfinals.

There will, however, be no second chance this time as England, with one win in four matches, must beat both Bangladesh at the Adelaide Oval and Afghanistan in Sydney on March 13 to stay in contention for the last eight.

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

STAYING FOCUSSED: Bangladesh players busy in warm-up exercises during a training session ahead of their 2015 Cricket World Cup Pool A match against England at Adelaide Oval. – AFP

quarterfinals from Pool A. Morgan will be expected to lead from the front but the gifted lefthander had scored just two halfcenturies in 16 World Cup matches so far, nine of them playing for Ireland in 2007.

England have been defeated by Bangladesh just twice in 15 oneday internationals, but a woeful World Cup record over the last 20 years will have even their most optimistic supporters worried.

England lost every game against a Test-playing nation in 1996, were dumped out in the first round at home in 1999 and again in 2003, and failed to make the semi-finals in the last two editions in 2007 and 2011.

Anderson anguish England’s lone win this time 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.

In 2011, England had all but wrapped up the match in Chittagong when Bangladesh’s ninthwicket pair of Mohammad Mahmudullah and Shafiul Islam put on 58 off 56 balls to seal victory with six balls remaining. There has been a hundred each in the current tournament from Moeen Ali against Scotland and Joe Root in a losing cause against Sri Lanka, but

just two other England batsmen have scored half-centuries.

Morgan himself has managed just 90 runs at an average of 22.50, but his biggest worry will be the ineffectiveness of his two pace spearheads James Anderson and Stuart Broad. Anderson’s two wickets so far have come at an unusually high average of 91, while Broad averages 92 for his two wickets.

“We certainly are not taking a win for granted,” said Morgan of Monday’s game. “Bangladesh have come a long way in the last 10 years. 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.”

Bangladesh, meanwhile, have ensured that sharing points with co-hosts Australia in the rainedoff match in Brisbane has not been wasted. Having beaten Afghanistan before losing to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh came up with what skipper Mashrafe Mortaza described as their “best” run chase when they overhauled Scotland’s 318 for eight with 11 balls to spare for the lost of just four wickets.

It was the second-best winning chase in World Cup history following Ireland’s 329 to defeat England in a Bangalore thriller four years ago.

Bangladesh will be without batsman Anamul Haque, who was ruled out for the rest of the tournament due to a dislocated shoulder

BANGLADESH Captain: Mashrafe Mortaza Coach: Chandika Hathurusingha Squad: Mashrafe Mortaza, Imrul Kayes, Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudullah, Arafat Sunny, Mominul Haq, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Nasir Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Soumya Sarkar, Taskin Ahmed, Taijul Islam, Shafiul Islam Results so far at 2015 World Cup: Beat Afghanistan by 105 runs, Match abandoned v Australia, Lost to Sri Lanka by 92 runs, Beat Scotland by six wickets Top performers: Mushfiqur Rahim (167 runs), Shakib Al Hasan (161 runs); Mashrafe Mortaza (four wickets) Remaining match: v New Zealand (March 13) Head-to-head Total played: 15 England won 13, Bangladesh won 2 Last match: March 11, 2011 -- Bangladesh won by two wickets in Chittagong

and has been replaced by the experienced Imrul Kayes.

Mortaza said the Tigers, who have made it past the first round just once in the World Cup, are keyed up for Monday’s day/night game. - AFP

DO OR DIE

England are out to prove a point, says coach Moores ADELAIDE: England coach Peter Moores is confident his beleaguered team will rise to the occasion in Monday’s must-win World Cup clash against Bangladesh, saying the players were “excited” by the challenge ahead.

Eoin Morgan’s side, with just one win in four matches, must beat both Bangladesh at the Adelaide Oval and Afghanistan in Sydney on March 13 to stay in contention for the last eight.

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 quarter-finals from Pool A. Moores admitted it was a pressure game which his team was ready to handle and prove critics wrong by making their way to the quarterfinals. “There is certainly pressure on us as a team because we have not played as well as we would have liked to have done,” Moores said Sunday.

“We know we’ve got to win the game. The ability to be able to handle pressure and play under pressure is part of the job of being an international player. So that will be the challenge for the players tomorrow,” the under-pressure coach added. “We’re very aware of it, and I think we are up for that challenge.”

Moores said the World Cup campaign had been a good learning experience for the younger players, who now had to prove they belong at the highest level of the game. “International cricket is played by tough men,” he said.

“There is no compromising that.

We’ve got senior players whose responsibility is to help the others.

“Some of our younger players have been through some pretty tough experiences and they have to adapt to them, and they have to be able to then come back with something. “Yes, it’s a pressure game. But I only see a lot of people very excited to play and they

feel they’ve got a point to prove and they want to go out and start proving that.

“The only place to do that is on the cricket field.”

England lost to Bangladesh by two wickets in the previous World Cup in 2011. Moores, asked if this was a revenge match, said what happened four years ago did not matter anymore.

“We have a different group of players who are very focused on how we are going to play tomorrow and how we are going to play the best game we can. That is the most important thing for us.”

Moores said the playing XI had been picked, but refused to reveal, increasing speculation whether hard-hitting Alex Hales will get his first game. “We’re pretty clear on what that XI is now but we will announce that at the toss,” he said. “You’ve obviously got to get the best XI out to win a game and we know we have got a really big game tomorrow.” - AFP

M O NDAY, MARCH 9, 2015

C7

HAPPY MAN

Pakistan’s Sarfraz elated at equalling Gilchrist record

‘Pocket dynamo’ Mushfiqur is key The 167 runs Mushfiqur scored from three innings with a 121-plus strike rate to establish himself as Bangladesh’s top scorer suggests the 26-year-old is equally central to his team’s fortunes

ADELAIDE: Mushfiqur Rahim may not be in the same league as the leading stumper-batsmen at the World Cup such as Brendon McCullum and Kumar Sangakkara but the diminutive Bangladesh glovesman has proved he is no less crucial to his team’s progress.

New Zealand’s success depends to some extent on the kind of start McCullum provides while Sangakkara’s role for Sri Lanka is more nuanced, a combination of protector and punisher who must rescue as well as rampage according to match situations.

The 167 runs Mushfiqur scored from three innings with a 121plus strike rate to establish himself as Bangladesh’s top scorer in the tournament suggests the 26-year-old is equally central to his team’s fortunes.

The right-handed batsman top scored for his team in their tournament opener against Afghanistan and walked away with the man-of-the-match prize after the 105-run win at Canberra and played a key role in the team’s second victory in the tournament against Scotland on Thursday.

Even in the defeat by Sri Lanka, a match where his glovework was sloppy, Mushfiqur contributed 36 quick runs in his team’s unsuccessful chase.

Endowed with a strong work ethic, Mushfiqur has undergone a major transformation with the bat, evolving from a dour lower

Mortaza wary of England backlash ADELAIDE: Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza cautioned his team against taking struggling England lightly in Monday’s World Cup clash at the Adelaide Oval, saying it was tough to predict the outcome of a “pressure match”.

Mashrafe Mortaza.

A win for the Tigers will see them knock Eoin how to deal with pressure Morgan’s side out of the games like these. tournament and move into “I am not thinking of the the second round for only quarterfinals yet. The focus the second time since their is to bat, bowl and field well World Cup debut in 1999. so that we can trouble EngEngland, with one win in four matches, must beat both land. We should just think about our cricket and not Bangladesh and Afghanistan worry about what England in Sydney on March 13 to stay in contention for the last have been doing.”

Mortaza said his team’s eight. Even that may not be ability to chase down a 300enough if Bangladesh, who plus target in the last match have five points to England’s two, upset co-hosts New Zea- against Scotland had given them confidence to tackle land in Hamilton on March England. “It was a good win 13 to squeak through to the and has given the boys a lot quarterfinals from Pool A. of confidence,” he said, addMortaza acknowledged ing it did not matter that the beating England will be chase was achieved against one of the biggest wins for Bangladesh, but expected the a winless non-Test playing nation. rivals to come hard in what Mortaza said the aim bewill be good batting condifore the tournament was to tions on the drop-in pitch. defeat one of the top teams “We are not taking Engin the pool and the opporland lightly at all,” the skiptunity had arrived to realise per said. “They are a very the dream. - AFP experienced side and know

order batsman to a smooth-scoring middle order asset.

“The last two or three years have gone well for me, but that is in the past,” the former Bangladesh captain said before the World Cup, which he saw as a giltedged opportunity to prove the team can perform well outside their home comforts.

“If we can do well, it will send a message to others that Bangladesh can play well in such conditions,” said Mushfiqur, who forms the core of the team with opener Tamim Iqbal and all-rounder Shakib-Al Hasan.

Bangladesh, who shared the points with Australia after a washout in Brisbane, are fourth in

Pool A, just above England, who they face in their next match on Monday. Mashrafe Mortaza’s side will fancy their chances at the Adelaide Oval against a stuttering England before taking on tournament co-hosts New Zealand in their final pool match on Friday.

The Kiwis are looking in ominous form but the tournament has seen several upsets in the past, a couple of them pulled off

by Bangladesh themselves.

Another giant-killing act would go a long way to securing a quarterfinal berth and the chances of pulling it off may lie with Mushfiqur and how he performs both in front and behind the stumps. - Reuters

AUCKLAND: Recalled Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfraz Ahmed said Sunday he was excited at being bracketed with Australia great Adam Gilchrist after equalling the record for most catches behind the stumps in a one-day international innings.

The 27-year-old, who did not feature in Pakistan’s first four matches of the World Cup, marked his debut at this tournament in style with a run-a-ball 49 before holding six catches in Pakistan’s 29-run Pool B victory over South Africa in Auckland on Saturday that gave his side a chance of a quarterfinal spot.

“It’s a great honour,” Ahmed told AFP. “I didn’t know about the record but after the match someone told me that I have equalled Gilchrist’s record and that made me proud.”

Gilchrist became the first of seven keepers to take six catches behind the stumps when he achieved the feat against South Africa at Cape Town in 2000.

He repeated the feat four times, while Alec Stewart (England), Mark Boucher (South Africa), Matt Prior (England), Jos Buttler (England), Matthew Cross (Scotland) and now Sarfraz have all since equalled the now retired Australian’s achievenment.

Ahmed said his catch to dismiss South African master blaster AB de Villiers was the most important of all his dismissals on Saturday.

“AB is the most destructive batsman of all and he was threatening to take the game away,” said Ahmed of the South Africa skipper, who smashed a 58-ball 77 with five sixes and seven boundaries.

FEELING PROUD: Pakitan’s new-found hero Sarfraz Ahmed scalped six catches behind the wickets to equal Adam Gilchrist’s record.

But once de Villiers was caught behind off paceman Sohail Khan, Pakistan sealed the match by defending a revised 232-run target after rain twice interrupted their innings. The left-arm pace trio of Rahat Ali (three for 40), Wahab Riaz (three for 45) and Mohammad Irfan (three for 52) reduced the Proteas to 202 all out.

Earlier, opening batsman Ahmed launched Pakistan’s innings in style before running himself out. Ahmed said the key to his impressive knock was that he bat-

ted with a plan. “The coach (Waqar Younis) and captain (Misbah-ulHaq) told me to bat in my style and after the first ball I realised that I have to play out of my crease to negate the swing and that worked for me,” said Ahmed.

“I didn’t look at who was bowling because South Africa have great bolwers. I only saw the ball and hit through the line and I am happy to score valuable runs.”

The top four from each of the two pools of seven will qualify for the last eight. - AFP

C8

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2 015

Ireland expects no favours from India the tournament with a win over the West Indies, next face India in Hamilton on Tuesday

‘Freshen up’ Asked if he always thought that was what it would take to reach the quarter-finals, Porterfield replied: “It’s very hard to say when you come in at the start of such a long tournament, what you will need, what you won’t need, whatever.

Team India will do well not to let their guard down against Ireland

I

Ireland, who started

HOBART: Ireland captain William Porterfield believes there will be no let-up from India when his side go in search of another win over a Test nation at this World Cup. Defending champions India have already qualified for the quarterfinals while Ireland’s thrilling five-run win over Zimbabwe on Saturday left them among several sides vying for one of the three remaining last eight places in Pool B. Ireland, who started this tournament with a win over the West Indies, next face India in Hamilton on Tuesday. “No, I don’t think their guard will ever be down,” said Porterfield of India. “They’re a squad of 15, so whatever they decide to do, they decide to do.

“It’s a long tournament, and they’re not going to look to lose any momentum from their point of view. Whatever they decide to do is out of our control.

“Whoever they decide to play, it doesn’t really bother me. We’ve just got to keep all the momentum going and keep on improving at the little things we want to and keep taking things forward Ireland, the leading Associate or non-Test nation, have now beaten at least one member of the elite at three successive World Cups.

But defeating three in the pool phase would be a real feather in their cap and add further weight to Irish efforts to be granted Test status themselves.

C O M M E N TA RY

LOOKING FOR MOMENTUM: Ireland skipper William Porterfield is not bothered about the match against Pool leaders India, but vowed to do their best.

Taylor pulls no punches SYDNEY: Zimbabwe’s elimination from quarterfinal contention at the World Cup after defeat to Ireland on Saturday illustrated their continuing struggle to compete at the top level of cricket in recent years.

For brutal honesty in defeat, though, stand-in captain Brendan Taylor has shown himself to be in a league of his own at the tournament.

Taylor had already fired a volley at the side, talking of “mental flaws” after they blew a strong position to come up 21 runs short of beating Pakistan.

And there was no pulling of punches on Saturday after they went into the final over against Ireland needing seven runs to win only to lose two wickets in the first three balls

We just tried to break it down really and take each game as it comes, and whatever we need coming down to the last game, we need, but as I said, we just take this India game now and that’s all we can look forward to.

“We’ve managed to deal with

and fall to a five-run defeat.

Those results combined with defeats to South Africa and West Indies, along with their solitary win over United Arab Emirates, made Zimbabwe the first Test playing nation to be eliminated. “We’ve been very disappointing, there’s no doubt about that,” Taylor said. “There’s been positions against South Africa, against West Indies, against Pakistan, where we could have got over the line if we’d been smarter as batters. Hold our catches, put our bodies on the line when we field. And at times we’ve been very sloppy and that’s come back to haunt us.

“We’ve played some excellent cricket for 80 percent of the time we’ve been here but that 20 percent is why we’re not going to progress.” — Reuters

the West Indies game and the UAE game and not look past them, and there’s so many things that can happen in all our games and so many things have happened.”

Ireland’s latest World Cup victory was a tense affair at Hobart’s Bellerive Oval. They made 331 for

eight on the back of Ed Joyce’s 112 and Andrew Balbirnie’s 97 before reducing Zimbabwe to 74 for four.

But from a dire position, Zimbabwe stand-in captain Brendan Taylor’s superb 121 and his fifthwicket stand of 149 with Sean Williams (96) brought the Test side back into the match.

However, a see-saw match turned back Ireland’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 walked off the field, effectively making the decision for the officials.

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 struck twice in the last over as Ireland won with three balls to spare.

“I thought it was a fantastic catch,” said Porterfield of Mooney’s effort. “It showed great skill under pressure. It was close to the line. I haven’t actually seen it since we’ve come off.

“We saw a couple replays on the big screen, which is obviously pretty inconclusive from there.

But it’s very difficult to tell when you’re a fielder on the rope and especially under pressure and the way he took the catch was a great skill.” - AFP

ndia have qualified for the quarterfinals of the World Cup with their win over former champions West Indies at Perth. That win was not without its hiccups, as batsmen struggled to cope with the extra bounce that is a feature of the pitch there. It was left to the ice cool temperament of Mahendra Singh Dhoni and sensible batting by Ashwin to ensure that there was no upset, but some of the shot selection of the top order batsmen will have caused some concern in the dressing room.

India’s bowlers have been superb and have enjoyed bowling on the pitches that have given them some extra bounce. In New Zealand, they will get some more movement in the air and off the pitch too, though maybe not the same kind of bounce as in Australia and so line and length will be crucial.

Shami has been running in hard and bowling at good speed. Yadav too has been quick, and when he gets the line right then he is a handful. There is a tendency to look a little lost when he comes back for a new spell, and he strays from the line and puts pressure on himself. It’s almost as if he was not mentally ready when called upon for a new spell. If he can keep himself ready to bowl any time the skipper calls on him, then he will keep getting wickets like he does at the start of the innings.

The one bowler that may have surprised many people is Mohit Sharma who has not only bowled superbly but lifted the fielding standards too with his energy and enthusiasm. He is the kind of whole hearted cricketer every captain loves to have in the team. Ashwin also has made a major contribution with his crafty bowling.

According to experts like Shane Warne, he has slowed down his speed just enough to make use of the

The way big hitting Dhoni adjusted his approach to bat according to the situation should be a lesson for Jadeja to get his batting right

breeze and get the ball to drift away from the righthanders, and his line has been pretty much impeccable.

Dhoni made a point of mentioning that he expects more from Jadeja with the bat, and hopefully the left-hander will take that on board, for he has the talent but has not really fulfilled it. If he has a look at how the big hitting Dhoni has adjusted his approach to bat according to the situation, then Jadeja also will be able to make a contribution with the bat. He bats at number seven where he is expected to score runs and bulk up the final score.

Ireland have shown in the tournament that they are a dangerous team and have the batting depth too. They have twice scored over 300 runs, and one of that was successfully chasing the West Indies’ score, so India will do well not to let their guard down against a team brimming with confidence and eager to show that they belong in this company. - PMG

EXPERT OPINION

Younis wants more balance between bat and ball in ODIs KARACHI: Pakistan coach Waqar Younis has urged the International Cricket Council and its member boards to sit down and have a rethink on balancing the 50-over format for the good of the game. In an interview to Reuters from Australia, the former test captain said he had no doubts that bowlers are suffering in Oneday International cricket due to the change in laws.

Improvement in skills, better bats and fielding restrictions have all contributed to making it a nightmare for bowlers, according to the 43-year-old former Pakistan fast bowler. He has no qualms about the shortest Twenty20 format which according to him was a “three-hour cinema”.

“But for real cricket which is one-day cricket there is a need to balance the game,” Younis said.

“Bowlers are suffering as pitches have gone very flat around the world. Bowlers just have an opportunity in first six to seven overs than it is a batsmen’s game.

Waqar Younis.

We are seeing that in this World Cup. Cricket has changed since our times but there is a real need to balance it and the administrators need to start thinking again.”

The former captain felt cricket in Pakistan also needed to catch up with changing times.

Younis and captain Misbahul Haq have come under fire for not playing wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed in the first four games of

the World Cup with allegations of nepotism and favoritism in the dressing room. Younis said he was used to such flak.

“There is nothing new and we are used to these sort of things,” he added. “I know it is an emotional time for the country and I guess everyone can’t be happy.

“We are trying to do our best and people who understand the game will appreciate that.

“I am a patriotic Pakistani and I will never do any harm to my country or team and we are trying to do everything to make our people feel proud of us.”

Pakistan have bounced back at the World Cup with wins over Zimbabwe, United Arab Emirates and South Africa after losing their first two games to India and West Indies by big margins.

But he advised his countrymen to temper their hopes.

“I don’t want to give big hopes to anyone although I am hopeful for good things to come,” Younis said. — Reuters

C

SECTION

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

LIFE & STYLE

M O N DAY, M A R C H 9, 2 0 1 5

THE MAN WHO CHANGED HOW WE LOOK AT THE WORLD Gerard Mercator also coined the term Atlas in reference to a collection of maps. His famous 1569 map is one of the most influential in the world although it isn’t entirely accurate

G

oogle celebrated the birthday of Gerard Mercator, a 16th century cartographer, with a Doodle on its homepage. The Flemish map-maker is behind one of the most influential depictions of the globe ever created. His 1569 Mercator projection became the standard map projection for nautical purposes.

It accurately depicts the shapes and directions of landmasses, which made the map very useful for sailors before the invention of complex navigation systems.

Parallels and meridians are rendered as straight lines spaced, so as to produce at any point an accurate ratio of latitude to longitude.

This enabled seamen to precisely plot a course from one place to another, as well as see where the coasts meandered in and out.

And the map is still commonly used today. In fact, there was probably a version of it on your classroom wall and even Google Maps uses a close variant of the Mercator projection. However, a few problems with the model have been raised over the centuries: It distorts the size of countries and continents The distortion increases as you move further away from the equator on the map, making landmasses nearer the poles appear larger.

For example, Greenland appears the same size as Africa, while Europe looks as though it is only slightly smaller than South America.

In fact, as Business Insider pointed out in a series of graphics, Greenland can fit in Africa

around 14 times, while South America is roughly three times the size of Europe.

It props up a specific world view Due to the above inaccuracies, Mercator’s map makes Europe and North America seem far larger than they are, which critics have said reinforces the colonialist view that they are superior.

The Gall-Peters projection An alternative map, the Gall-Peters projection, shows the truer size of countries in relation to one another, thereby making Europe seem less significant. It was originally presented by clergyman James Gall in 1855, but became widely known when represented by Arno Peters in 1973 as a replacement for the Mercator projection.

The North is at the top It is only convention that places the northern hemisphere at the top of the map. This practice has again been said to support the idea that countries that side of the equator are in some way better.

Blue Marble In 1972, a photograph taken by the crew of the Apollo 17 spacecraft, entitled Blue Marble, showed the South Pole at the top, rather than the bottom, of the world. However, Nasa rotated the image 180 degrees to keep in line with the standard map design.

-Antonia Molloy/The Independent

C1 0

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2 015

FIND-IT-ALL Y O U R B I R T H D AY

BORN today, you are as curious as you are industrious, and this is sure to give you a tremendous advantage in life — especially as you begin to make your way in the highly competitive world of professional endeavour. You are driven to learn as much as you can about the world around you — what makes it turn, what makes the people in it tick, what opportunities there may be for you, how you may be able to take advantage of those opportunities, and most importantly how all of these essentials are intertwined and affect each other on a daily basis. You are observant and studious, and you have been endowed with a fine memory for even the tiniest of details; once a thing is learned, it stays learned.

The ebb and flow of life is a source of constant fascination to you, and you never miss a trick. You are entertained by the antics of others.

While those around you may be distressed by the machinations of their fellow man, you know how to smile at the inevitable and take the high road.

Also born on this date are: Brittany Snow, actress; Matthew Gray Gubler, actor; Amerigo Vespucci, explorer; Yuri Gagarin, cosmonaut; Raul Julia, actor; Bobby Fischer, chess player; Emmanuel Lewis, actor; Juliette Binoche, actress; Will Geer, actor; Mickey Spillane, author; Samuel Barber, composer.

W E AT H E R

D

WORLD

Max 29 Min 17 Max 11 Min 2

Max 23 Min 10

Max 30 Min 22 Max 0 Min -6

Max 29 Min 19

Max 9 Min 3

Max 31 Min 16

Max 32 Min 16

Max 33 Min 14

Max 31 Min 16

Max 31 Min 17

[Feb. 19-March 20]

No one can tell you what will happen tomorrow, but someone in particular can show you how to let yourself be guided by yesterday.

TAURUS [APRIL 20-MAY 20] Simplicity is the key. Don’t let things get so complicated that you can’t take it all in at once. Avoid naysayers at all costs.

GEMINI [MAY 21-JUNE 20] You may think that certain matters have little or nothing to do with you, but the fact is that you are likely to play a central role.

CANCER [JUNE 21-JULY 22] You’re likely to encounter someone who raises the level of intensity in all things. It’s not clear whether this is a good thing or not.

LEO [JULY 23-AUG. 22] You mustn’t let your emotions get in the way of clear thinking. At the same time, you must allow yourself to feel what you feel.

Max 28 Min 21

Max 23 Min 12

Max 32 Min 21 Max 30 Min 22

—www.met.gov.om

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

GULF Abu Dhabi Doha Dubai Kuwait Manama Riyadh

29 25 28 23 26 31

19 18 16 16 19 16

WORLD Athens Baghdad Beijing Berlin Boston Cairo Colombo Frankfurt Hong Kong Istanbul Johannesburg Kuala Lumpur Lisbon Paris Perth Singapore Tokyo Toronto

14 27 4 11 4 27 34 14 24 8 25 31 22 12 32 30 12 3

8 10 -7 6 -4 15 23 2 15 6 14 24 9 9 18 24 8 -3

[AUG. 23-SEPT. 22] You’ll be aware of many patterns that seem to intertwine throughout the day. Similarly, your affairs connect you to another.

LIBRA L [[SEPT. [S S 23-OCT. 22] You don’t want to bore yourself with the same old routine endeavours. Get chores done early so you can explore options freely.

SCORPIO S [[OCT. 23-NOV. 21] Not everyone is able to do what you are able to do, but you may have your doubts about your own capabilities.

Not for long!

SAGITTARIUS S [[NOV. 22-DEC. 21] You’ll have a chance to follow someone down a path that can offer a good deal of adventure. First, you must equip yourself appropriately.

CAPRICORN [DEC. 22-JAN 19] You may not understand all that goes on around you, but you are aware of how you are being affected — which is what really counts.

AQUARIUS [JAN. 20-FEB. 18] The sooner you tend to an unusual issue at work, the sooner you can return your focus to a domestic issue that demands your full attention.

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

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

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

To Yanqul (Route 54) 14:30 Nizwa 14:30 Yanqul

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

To Yanqul (Route 54) 06:00 Nizwa 06:00 Ruwi

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (Route 54) 08:00 Nizwa 08:00 Al Araqi

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (Route 54) 15:40 Nizwa 15:40 Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

TO SUR (Route 55) 07:30 Sur 14:30 Sur

12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

TO SUR (Route 55) 06:00 Ruwi 14:30 Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (Route 62) 06:30 Fahud 06:30 Yibal

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

Sunset Sunrise (Tomorrow)

6:13pm 6.22am

High tide Low tide

11:37am 5:35am

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; Ruwi 24811715 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:

MONDAY

Min

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

[March 21-APRIL 19]

12.23pm 3.46pm 6.18pm 7.28pm 5.07am

11:11pm 5:04pm

rest of the coasts with maximum wave height of 1.25 metres.

HORIZONTAL VISIBILITY: Poor to moderate over most of the Sultanate.

THE NEXT 48 HOURS OUTLOOK: Gradual improvement in horizontal visibility. Chances of dust rising winds over deserts and open areas. Chance of late night to early morning low level clouds or fog patches along the Governorate of South Al Sharqiyah, Al-Wusta and Dhofar.

Max

OMAN

ARIES

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

AIRLINES

usty weather with low horizontal visibility over the most of the Sultanate with chance of blowing dust over deserts and open areas.

EXPECTED WINDS: Along Oman Sea wind will be northeasterly light to moderate during day becoming light variable at night, while it will be southeasterly light to moderate occasionally fresh over rest of the Sultanate.

SEA STATE: Moderate to rough along Arabian Sea coasts with maximum wave height of 2.5 metres and slight along the

PISCES You’ll be asking yourself “what if” all day long. If you’re willing to experiment, you’ll uncover all the answers you need.

PRAYER TIMINGS

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

TUESDAY FLT NO

ARRIVALS FROM

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

WY636 WY406 WY682 WY676 WY648 WY816 WY910 WY916 NL768 PK281 PK225 TK774 QR1132 ET624 EK866 EY384 GF560 FZ041 WY658 4H562 WY638 WY902 WY678 WY686 WY412 WY114 WY144 WY154 WY692 WY674 WY668 WY132 WY602 WY202 WY432 WY102 FZ043 WY272 G9114 WY236 WY242 WY346 WY252 EK862 QR1128 EY382 WY3302 QR8550 WY604 WY918 G9841 GF562 WY424 WY372 FZ037 IX337 WY904 WY818 PK191 WY606 BG023 WY324 IX817 WY920 WY906 WY3304 KU677 WY632 FZ045 G9119 WY328 WY204 WY292 WY246 WY610 WY264 WY232 WY216 QR1126 WY664 EK864 GF564 WY3306 SV534 WY822 G9116 WY646 TG507 FZ047 WY338 WY614 WY224 WY124 WY386 4H561 AI973 WY624 6.00E+81 WY374 WY312 WY914 FZ049 WY254 AI907 QR1134 WY928 UL205 GF566 BA073 EY388 WY672 WY908 AI985 WY662 LX242 9W540 LH618 WY612 WY654 WY696 WY717

ABU DHABI 0005 CAIRO 0005 RIYADH 0005 JEDDAH 0005 KUWAIT 0010 BANGKOK 0015 SALALAH 0030 SALALAH 0125 LAHORE 0130 ISLAM ABBAD-SIALKOT 0200 KARACHI 0215 ISTANBUL 0215 DOHA 0345 ADDIS ABABA 0350 DUBAI 0355 ABU DHABI 0405 BAHRAIN 0405 DUBAI 0415 BAHRAIN 0640 JEDDAH 0645 ABU DHABI 0650 SALALAH 0655 MEDINA 0700 RIYADH 0700 AMMAN 0705 FRANKFURT 0715 MALPENSA 0720 ZURICH 0720 DAMMAM 0725 JEDDAH 0730 DOHA 0735 PARIS 0800 DUBAI 0805 BOMBAY 0815 TEHRAN 0815 LONDON HEATHROW 0820 DUBAI 0850 JAIPUR 0855 SHARJAH 0915 HYDERABAD 0920 DELHI 0920 ISLAM ABBAD 0930 MADRAS 0940 DUBAI 0940 DOHA 1010 ABU DHABI 1015 MUKHAIZNA 1045 DOHA 1050 DUBAI 1110 KHASAB 1115 RAS AL KHAIMA 1120 BAHRAIN 1130 BEIRUT 1130 COLOMBO 1140 DUBAI 1200 CALICUT 1210 SALALAH 1215 BANGKOK 1305 GWADUR 1320 DUBAI 1330 CHITTAGONG 1345 KARACHI 1355 MANGALORE-ABU DHABI 1440 KHASAB 1445 SALALAH 1445 MUKHAIZNA 1445 KUWAIT 1525 ABU DHABI 1530 DUBAI 1555 SHARJAH 1555 LAHORE 1600 BOMBAY 1710 CALICUT 1720 DELHI 1730 DUBAI 1730 LUCKNOW 1735 HYDERABAD 1740 TRIVANDRUM 1740 DOHA 1745 DOHA 1745 DUBAI 1750 BAHRAIN 1810 MUKHAIZNA 1845 RIYADH 1900 KUALA LUMPUR 1910 SHARJAH 1915 KUWAIT 1925 BANGKOK-KARACHI 1935 DUBAI 1945 KATHMANDU 2010 DUBAI 2030 COCHIN 2045 MUNICH 2105 MALE 2110 DACCA 2115 DELHI 2125 DUBAI 2125 BOMBAY 2130 COLOMBO 2140 CHITTAGONG 2140 SALALAH 2140 DUBAI 2145 MADRAS 2155 MADRAS 2200 DOHA 2210 SALALAH 2220 COLOMBO 2225 BAHRAIN 2240 LONDON HEATHROW-ABU DHABI 2240 ABU DHABI 2250 MEDINA 2250 SALALAH 2305 AHMEDABAD-BOMBAY 2310 DOHA 2315 ZURICH-DUBAI 2320 BOMBAY 2325 FRANKFURT-ABU DHABI 2330 DUBAI 2335 BAHRAIN 2340 DAMMAM 2350 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 2355

FLT NO

DEPARTURES TO

FLT NO

DEPARTURES TO

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

AI986 LX243 9W539 BA072 SG062 LH619 WY685 WY251 WY423 WY201 WY235 WY601 WY345 WY241 WY431 WY271 WY657 WY821 WY637 WY123 WY371 WY667 NL769 WY691 WY901 PK282 TK775 PK226 ET625 EK867 FZ042 QR1133 EY385 WY3301 4H562 GF561 WY903 WY603 WY917 WY323 WY263 WY215 WY291 WY327 FZ044 WY385 WY245 WY231 G9115 WY815 WY203 WY905 WY605 WY373 WY337 WY717 EK863 WY311 EY383 WY3303 QR1129 WY919 G9842 GF563 QR8551 WY927 WY631 WY223 IX350 WY253 FZ038 WY663 WY101 WY113 WY645 PK192 WY143 WY131 WY609 WY405 BG024 WY3305 IX818 WY671 KU678 WY675 G9110 WY613 FZ046 WY913 WY623 QR1127 WY681 WY907 GF565 WY661 WY647 EK865 WY695 WY653 SV535 G9117 WY909 WY611 WY635 TG508 FZ048 WY915 4H561 FZ050 WY817 6.00E+82 AI908 AI974 QR1135 GF567 UL206 WY673 EY381

BOMBAY 0005 DUBAI-ZURICH 0020 BOMBAY 0025 ABU DHABI-LONDON HEATHROW 0025 AHMEDABAD 0030 ABU DHABI-FRANKFURT 0050 RIYADH 0105 MADRAS 0110 BEIRUT 0115 BOMBAY 0120 HYDERABAD 0135 DUBAI 0150 ISLAM ABBAD 0150 DELHI 0155 TEHRAN 0155 JAIPUR 0200 BAHRAIN 0205 KUALA LUMPUR 0205 ABU DHABI 0205 MUNICH 0210 COLOMBO 0210 DOHA 0225 LAHORE 0230 DAMMAM 0235 SALALAH 0240 SIALKOT 0300 ISTANBUL 0315 KARACHI 0315 ADDIS ABABA 0450 DUBAI 0455 DUBAI 0510 DOHA 0520 ABU DHABI 0525 MUKHAIZNA 0715 DACCA 0745 BAHRAIN 0745 SALALAH 0800 DUBAI 0800 KHASAB 0815 KARACHI 0920 LUCKNOW 0920 TRIVANDRUM 0920 CALICUT 0920 LAHORE 0930 DUBAI 0935 MALE 0940 DELHI 0955 HYDERABAD 0955 SHARJAH 1005 BANGKOK 1010 BOMBAY 1030 SALALAH 1030 DUBAI 1030 COLOMBO 1040 KATHMANDU 1040 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 1045 DUBAI 1055 CHITTAGONG 1100 ABU DHABI 1105 MUKHAIZNA 1115 DOHA 1115 KHASAB 1145 RAS AL KHAIMA 1210 BAHRAIN 1215 DUBAI WORLD CENTRE-DOHA 1220 SALALAH 1220 ABU DHABI 1220 COCHIN 1235 CALICUT 1310 MADRAS 1315 DUBAI 1315 DOHA 1330 LONDON HEATHROW 1400 FRANKFURT 1400 KUWAIT 1405 GWADUR-TURBAT 1405 MALPENSA 1415 PARIS 1420 DUBAI 1420 CAIRO 1430 CHITTAGONG 1500 MUKHAIZNA 1515 MANGALORE 1530 MEDINA 1535 ABU DHABI-KUWAIT 1625 JEDDAH 1630 SHARJAH 1645 DUBAI 1700 DUBAI 1700 SALALAH 1735 DUBAI 1820 DOHA 1845 RIYADH 1845 SALALAH 1850 BAHRAIN 1855 DOHA 1900 KUWAIT 1900 DUBAI 1905 DAMMAM 1910 BAHRAIN 1920 RIYADH 2000 SHARJAH 2005 SALALAH 2015 DUBAI 2025 ABU DHABI 2040 KARACHI-BANGKOK 2040 DUBAI 2040 SALALAH 2110 JEDDAH 2215 DUBAI 2225 BANGKOK 2235 BOMBAY 2245 MADRAS 2300 DELHI 2310 DOHA 2320 BAHRAIN 2325 COLOMBO 2335 JEDDAH 2350 ABU DHABI 2350

FLT NO

ARRIVALS FROM

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

ETA

ETD

ETA

ETD

M O NDAY, MARCH 9, 2015

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

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

Enakkul Oruvan– Tamil (Thriller ) – PG12

Dirty Politics – 2D (15+) (Drama) Cast: Jackie Shroff, Om Puri 8:45 PM

Cast: Siddharth, Deepa Sannidhi, Srushti Dange, Aadukalam Naren 3:45, 6:45, 9.45 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

Life After Beth – 2D (15+) (Com |Hor) Cast: Aubrey Plaza, Dane DeHaan 5:30, 11:30 PM

Dirty Politics – Hindi (Drama) (15+) Cast: Jackie Shroff, Anupam Kher, Om Puri, Nassaruddin Shah, Mallika Sherawat 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 pm SCREEN 2

Enakkul Oruvan – 2D (T) (PG12) (Thriller) Cast: Siddharth, Deepa Sannidhi 7:15 PM

Badlapur – (Action | Drama) (15+) Cast: Varun Dhawan, Huma Qureshi, Yami Gauthami 3:45, 6:45, 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

Keep your eyes peeled for problems

SUDOKU

2 9 8 7

5 7 6 3 1 9 8

2 9 3

7 1

4 6

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

9

6 5 9

3 7 1

3 8 5 6 1 8

7 6 8

2

5 9 8 6 2 7 1 3 4 1 2 3 9 4 8 6 7 5 4 7 6 1 5 3 9 2 8

8 5 2 4 7 9 3 1 6 9 6 7 5 3 1 4 8 2 3 4 1 8 6 2 7 5 9

MARMADUKE

CROSSWORD

B I G NAT E

1 Like redwoods 5 Peat source 8 Insect drawn to candles 12 Trickle 13 It’s south of Eur. 14 Verdi number 15 Connery of “Dr. No” 16 Kind of track 18 Possible fire cause 20 Rock’s Fleetwood — 21 Humbug!

23 Gift of the garrulous 26 Took a powder 29 Bliss 31 Vast 32 Old curse word 33 Singer — Adams 34 Sweet 36 Hombre’s abode 37 Go — — diet 38 Inner self, to Jung 40 Sturm — Drang 41 Traffic no-no (hyph.)

45 Junk jewellery 49 Consult a book

51 Bavaria-based automaker 52 Unhatched fish 53 “Fernando” band 54 Frontier, at one time 55 Instant lawn 56 Mascara target DOWN 1 NFL scores 2 Square footage 3 Pinocchio, famously 4 Some hosp. staffers 5 Silo companions 6 Two — — kind 7 Make a face 8 Antony the Roman 9 Galleon cargo 10 — Maria (coffee liqueur) 11 Came down with 17 Regulations 19 Decide on 22 Swiss miss 23 Traipses about 24 Where Hong Kong is 25 Casual farewell 26 Androcles’ pal

27 28 30 31 32 35 36

Ms. Ferber Service charge Herbal soother Sci-fi Doctor Auto parts Tug sharply Garfield or Heathcliff, in the funnies 39 Pondered

40 42 43 44 45 46 47

Gram or mile Siberian river “Fancy” singer Grabs Prize marble Be sorry about Dog tags, in the army 48 In addition 50 Morse syllable

BORN LOSER

Answer to previous puzzle

ACROSS

ASHTON GABRIEL S. HOLIPAZ March 9

6 8 9 3 1 5 2 4 7 2 3 5 7 9 4 8 6 1 7 1 4 2 8 6 5 9 3

Previous puzzle Solution

ACTRESS Kristen Stewart said, “I have a bunch of fruit trees in my backyard. My loquat tree sprouted, and I like making loquat pie.

Loquats are really hard to peel and it took me forever, but they make the best pies.”

Bridge players who keep their eyes peeled will play better than those who are less attentive.

In this deal, South is in three notrump. After West leads the spade queen to dummy’s bare ace, what should declarer do?

In the auction, South’s two-notrump response showed a balanced hand with 10-12 points and denied a four-card major; it was gameinvitational. (With 13-15 points, South would have responded three no-trump. This has been standard in the tournament world for some time.) North had a borderline raise, but he hoped he was contributing six tricks to the cause and that partner could find three more from somewhere.

South seems to have nine easy tricks: two spades, one heart, one diamond and five clubs. However, there is a danger that the club suit will become blocked. If, when South cashes dummy’s club ace, he carelessly plays his three under it, he will have to win the fourth round of clubs in his hand. He will not have a dummy entry to reach the fifth club, and will end with only eight tricks.

As you will have noticed, declarer must peel away his club six, eight and nine under dummy’s three honours, so that on the fourth round of the suit, dummy’s four will squash South’s three, allowing the club two to be cashed.

— By Phillip Alder

WITH LOVE

Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 16 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to extra@timesofoman.com

KIDSPOT

H E A LT H C A P S U L E

C1 2

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2 015

EXTRA

WHAT DO YOU FIDGET WITH AT YOUR DESK? Researchers are trying to pin down what makes us fidget, the ways we do it, and what toys are the best for helping us maintain our focus

A

n engineer wants to help you find the perfect object to facilitate your office fidgeting — but he needs your help.

Are you a pen clicker, a finger drummer, or a squiggle doodler?

Or maybe your tastes are more... singular. Maybe your desk toy of choice is unlike any other: A necklace you slide around on its chain, a souvenir from trips to far away lands that you tap with your pencil, or even some random piece of hardware you’ve taken to playing with in the office, far from any pretense of its intended use, appearances be damned.

Whatever your vice of choice, the odds are pretty good that you’ve fidgeted with something while trying to focus. Now re-

searchers are trying to pin down what makes us fidget, the ways we do it, and what toys are the best for helping us maintain our focus. To do that, they ’re asking for pictures and descriptions of the objects that people busy their hands with.

Michael Karlesky, a Ph.D student at NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering, studies human computer interaction at the school’s Game Innovation Lab. One day during class, he noticed a woman using her keyboard for something other than typing.

“During a lull in the class, I noticed that she was absentmindedly sort of bouncing the arrow key on her keyboard, moving the cursor back and forth,” he said.

“It struck me that, well, I’ve done that, she’s doing that, but there’s no function on the computer that

makes it make any sense. There’s some kind of impulse there.”

Along with his adviser, associate professor Katherine Isbister, he’s trying to pinpoint how these interactions with the objects around us — digital and analog alike — can be finetuned to better our lives.

“When I started to talk to people about the things they played with, it turned out it wasn’t the trivial question I thought it was,” Karlesky said. “People had very specific interests and desires about the kind of experience they’d have when playing with these objects. Some people carried specific things with them just for this purpose.”

“I think that we’ve evolved to use our bodies as well as our minds,” Isbister said. Her lab fo-

The kinds of things we’ve evolved to do all day are very different from what we actually do. Fidgeting is a way for you to adjust your energy level in a way you might not need to if you were, say, farming instead of typing

cuses on the way people interact with technology, and she thinks Karlesky’s research is an important part of that. When people spend all day in front of a computer, she said, there are bound to be focus issues. “The kinds of things we’ve evolved to do all day are very different from what we actually do. Fidgeting is a way for you to adjust your energy level in a way you might not need to if you were, say, farming instead of typing.”

In addition to surveys and a few experiments — including, Karlesky says, a day he’ll spend wired up and on camera to record every instance of fidgeting in himself — the lab is using a Web site to collect data from people around the world.

“We want to see what the

shapes and sensations and feelings of these things are,” Karlesky said. “We want to see if there’s anything they have in common.”

Right now, his main focus will have to be turning all of this work into a dissertation. But he’d love it if his work could influence the design of new work-play objects to optimise office life. He and Isbister have even envisioned a smart widget for fidgeting — one that tracks your loss of focus throughout the day.

“With a digital widget, you can actually track your own behaviour, and say oh, I’m fidgeting more in the afternoon,” Isbister said. “So we may be able to help make things that don’t just modulate those energy levels, but help to monitor and control them.”

—Rachel Feltman/The Washington Post

BRIEF

Children playing outside learn from nature

CHILDREN can learn a lot from nature and each other when they play outdoors.

Serigaya Boken Asobiba (“Serigaya Adventure Playground”) in western Tokyo serves as a “secret base” in which children can enjoy themselves without constraints. On one recent day, a boy was dangling from a vine hanging from a tree in a thickly wooded area, while another was absorbed in using a saw to make something out of wood.

The playing field is run by a local incorporated nonprofit organisation, Kodomo Hiroba Asobe Kodomotachi (“Children,

Let’s Play at the Playing Plaza”).

The field was a 5,000-squaremetre slope in Serigaya Park before it was levelled and opened as a playground in September.

At least two adults watch over the safety of the children, although the children will suffer the usual scrapes and scratches from playing outdoors.

Keiko Okamoto, director of the NPO, said, “Children will learn which branch will not break easily and what is dangerous through their experience while playing.”

Haruta Noto, 7, a first-year primary school student who visited

the park with his father, said with a look of satisfaction, “It’s fun here as I can use a saw, which I’m not normally allowed to.”

In Heiwajima Park in Ota Ward, Tokyo, an event titled “Hey, Come Together Children of Ota Ward!” was jointly sponsored by two youth associations in the ward. The motto of the event is to play games created by the children themselves.

The children made huge cards from cardboard for a card game.

The children were so excited, some cards became tattered during the game. -Keita Iijima/The Washington Post

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M M O N DAY, M A R C H 9, 2 0 1 5

SECTION

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

RENT

D2

VACANCY

D4

CARGO

D7

QUALITY APARTMENTS FOR RENT ¾ Ϯ Z ŇĂƚ Ăƚ ZƵǁŝ Λ Z͘K͘ ϮϱϬͬͲ Ɖ͘ŵ͘ ;ŶĞĂƌ ZƵǁŝ WŽůŝĐĞ ^ƚĂƟŽŶͿ͘ ¾ Ϯ Z ŇĂƚ ŝŶ ZĞdž ZŽĂĚ Λ Z͘K͘ ϯϱϬͬͲ Ɖ͘ŵ͘ ¾ Ϯ Z ŇĂƚ Ăƚ YƵƌƵŵ Λ Z͘K͘ ϰϬϬͬͲ ƉĞƌ ŵŽŶƚŚ͘ ¾ Ϯ Z ŇĂƚ Ăƚ ŵĂƌĂƚ Λ Z͘K͘ ϯϬϬͬͲ ƉĞƌ ŵŽŶƚŚ͘ ¾ Ϯ Z ŇĂƚƐ Ăƚ ^ĞĞď ;ŶĞĂƌ ŽƌŶŝƐŚͿ Λ Z͘K͘ ϮϱϬͬͲ Ɖ͘ŵ͘ ¾ Ϯ Z ŇĂƚƐ Ăƚ 'ŚĂůĂ Λ Z͘K͘ ϯϳϱͬͲ Ɖ͘ŵ͘ ¾ ƌĂŶĚ ŶĞǁ Ϯ Z ŇĂƚƐ ǁŝƚŚ ƐƉůŝƚ ĂͬĐ͛Ɛ Ăƚ ;ďĞŚŝŶĚ ^ƚĂŶĚĂƌĚ ŚĂƌƚĞƌĞĚ ĂŶŬͿ͘ ¾ ƌĂŶĚ ŶĞǁ Ϯ Z ŇĂƚƐ ǁŝƚŚ ^Ɖůŝƚ ĂͬĐ͛Ɛ Ăƚ ŽǁƐŚĞƌ ;KƉƉŽƐŝƚĞ ƐƚĂĚŝƵŵͿ͘ ¾ ƌĂŶĚ ŶĞǁ Ϯ Z ŇĂƚƐ ǁŝƚŚ ^Ɖůŝƚ ĂͬĐ͛Ɛ Ăƚ DĂǁĂůĞŚ ;ŶĞdžƚ ƚŽ ŝƚLJ ĞŶƚƌĞͿ͘ ¾ ϭ Z ŇĂƚ Ăƚ ŵĂƌĂƚ Λ Z͘K͘ ϮϬϬͬͲ ƉĞƌ ŵŽŶƚŚ͘ ¾ ϭ Z ŇĂƚ Ăƚ tĂĚŝ ŬĂďŝƌ Λ Z͘K͘ ϭϴϬͬͲ ƉĞƌ ŵŽŶƚŚ͘ ¾ ϭ Z ŇĂƚ Ăƚ DĂǁĂůĞŚ Λ Z͘K͘ ϮϯϱͬͲ ƉĞƌ ŵŽŶƚŚ͘ ¾ ƌĂŶĚ ŶĞǁ ϭ Z ŇĂƚƐ Ăƚ ;ďĞŚŝŶĚ ^ƚĂŶĚĂƌĚ ŚĂƌƚĞƌĞĚ ĂŶŬͿ͘ ¾ ƌĂŶĚ ŶĞǁ ϭ Z ŇĂƚƐ Ăƚ ŽǁƐŚĞƌ ;KƉƉŽƐŝƚĞ ƐƚĂĚŝƵŵͿ͘ ¾ ƌĂŶĚ ŶĞǁ ϰ Z ŇĂƚ Ăƚ DƵŵƚĂnj Λ Z͘K͘ ϳϬϬͬͲ ƉĞƌ ŵŽŶƚŚ͘

Contact : 24 702 666 / 24 700 247. Fax: 24 703 666.

Email: manju@alhabib.om

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

D2

M O N D AY, M A R C H 9, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

FOR RENT

OFFICES FOR RENT Premium offices to let a very good location on the main road very close to Zakher Mall, Al Khawiar. Business Center has offices with sizes of 50m2, 110m2, 180m2, 207m2, 230m2, 437m2.

Showroom also available at Business Center, Area 500m2 with central A/c.

Offices with Central Air-conditions, Security System with CCTV cameras, and Security presence in the building.

Contact: 97377355 / 97307476, Email id: aaleem@ggcoman.com

We have all kind of crockery items for rent. Items include: tables, buffet tables, chair, buffet, plates, glasses, spoons, table clothes, carpets.

Call 97180999 Fully furnished 1 bedroom penthouse Wadi Kabir behind Sana Hassan, monthly RO 300/-.

Contact 99349990 2BHK /1BHK Commercial & residential flat at Honda road.

Contact 98087644 Prime location Showroom in Qurum Available for Rent. Main roan facing.

Please contact: 92944717 Flats & shops for rent at MBD, Wadi Kabir, AL Khoud & villa at Azaiba.

Contact 93994401/02/03 Villa 2 bed rooms, hall, sitting room in AL Hail south R.O. 320/Monthly. Contact 93993354 1 Bed room in Al Hail south R. O 160/- Monthly. Contact 93993354 2 shop in prime location with material one north Ghobrah & on Honda road. Contact 94676848 Flats consists of 2 toilet and a kitchen in the southern Al Mawalah to call 96935360 Small office room for rent Azaiba Nov 18 street. Contact 98563322 Room for rent Honda road. Contact 92540125/ 97605342/ 94053366

2 BHK Flat, 3 Bath with Spacious Balcony in Al Ghobrah Behind Oxy / Bahwan Residency Area. Ready for Immediate Occupancy.

Contact: 94045125 Full furniture for rent for family.

Contact 99251975 Showroom, 1BHK, 2BHK, Al – Azaiba North behind Al - Fair. Contact 99565364 / 95497323

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 Flat for rent in Amerat and fifth region 5/2 ground floor two-bedroom and two bathroom and a kitchen to call 99196066 Abdul Amir

Shop for rent in Ruwi at prime location. Contact 98825805 / 98825806

Industrial /commercial shops at Wadi Kabir 4 x 5.6 x 4.6 MTR height.

Showroom with mezzanine & office at Al Noor Street near Switz bakery & Al Masa hall corner building all on roads & parkings in front of shops & show room. #99065900 or 99354975 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

Flat at Darsait. Contact 99326879 Bachelor villa at Ansab.

Contact 98458542

Villa for rent with 4 bedroom at Al Khodh, Rent 750/-RO. Contact 92888115

Well maintained 2BHK, with split A/C’s and basement parking, near KM Hypermarket, Al Khuwair is available from 01.04.2015. Rent OMR 375 pm. Contact 96181229 Shop for rent Honda road.

Contact 95204636 Fully furnished flat one bed room hall and kitchen for sharing. Opp. Star Cinema Ruwi. Contact 99324543 Flat in Wadi Al Kabir, 2BHK. Contact 95099787 Ghubra north Flat in front of Al Maha hotel have 2 Bedroom +Family hall +3 toilets +kitchen +balcony with AC For 350 Rials. Contact 95999904

1 bedroom attached toilet in Al Khuwair bachelors/ family R.O 140/-. Contact 95154331 Flat for rent, 2BHK in Sidab Muscat. Contact 92440012 We have commercial villa in Al Khuwair 33 New villa 2 floor bedroom, with lift very nice location, ideal for big company. Contact 93782735 We have 150 sqm office in Ghubra main road prime location Glass partition ready with 2 toilets & pantry, ideal for office. Contact 93782735 2BHK with split A/C in W.K behind Sana furnishing. Contact 96708000 For rent in a quite area in South Mabela commercial services, kids area, near the Masjid close to Al Noor round about, spacious apartment separate entrance. Contact 99766760 Qurum Flat in front Qurum park Fahud Road have 3 Bedroom +sitting room +Family hall +3 toilets +kitchen with AC For 500 Rials.

Contact 95999904 New Villa in Baushar Officers heights have 5 Bedrooms +sitting room +Dinning +6 toilets +kitchen +maid room With AC & parking,Rent 700 Rials. Contact 95999904 Deluxe 3 bedroom apartment for rent in Mumtaz area for more information. Contact 99336263

We have brand new villa in ANSAB, for rent 4 bedroom, sitting hall, majlis, dining hall, maid room laundry room covered car parking.

Contact 93782735 We have 2BHK, 3BHK, flats, office & 4 BHK villas available for rent at Ghubra, Ghala, Ruwi , Mabela7 and Darsait. Contact 93329476 1& 2BHK at Honda road Ruwi.

Contact 99224748/ 99332297

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 Flats shops and store for rent in Ruwi, Honda road, Rex Road. Contact 95902218/ 92433127 / 97293708

Half Villa in Ghubra North in front of Indian school first floor have 3 Bedroom +Sitting room +family hall +3 toilets +kitchen +balcony with AC for 450 Rials. Contact 95999904

Room with A.C Al Khuwair R.O 110/-.

Contact 97799175

Al. Khuwair 33 Flat near Taimur Mosque have 2 Bedroom +Sitting room +dinning +2 toilets +kitchen +balcony with AC for 375 Rials.

Contact 95999904

1BHK flats at Muttrah.

Contact 93231403

Furnished room available on Seeb share with small family for couple working ladies. Contact 96996938 1 Bedroom attached toilet Al Khuwair area only for ladies or husband and wife without children. Contact 9:00 pm to 7:00 am 95765719

5BHK Semi furnished villa, Qurum 29.R.O 950/-. Contact 97799175

Single room with A/C having separate entrance for non –cooking Indian Executive, near Rawasco, Al Khuwair rent 130/- including (W& E). Contact 92888691/95397442/97201100 1,000 sq mtrs industrial land in Misfah Industrial area near to Khan co. OMR 1,500 Monthly. Electricity and boundary wall will be provided.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

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.

For rent from owner directly 4 nos of luxurious spacious 3 BHK plus big family hall apartments, 1 no of luxury spacious 2 BHK plus big family hall apartment in al Khoudh 6 close to Sultan Qaboos university, next to shopping area and has easy access to express highway.

Contact: 99436348/97600322 1,000 sq mtrs industrial land in Misfah Industrial area near to Khan co. OMR 1,500 Monthly. Electricity and boundary wall will be provided.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Flat Wadi AL Kabeer, 2BHK, sitting room, 3 bathroom balcony split /AC 300/- R.O Contact 99324402 Al.Khuwair studio behind platinum hotel rent 130/-R.O PDC. Contact 99879939 AL Khuwair behind platinum hotel 4 BHK, 3bathrrom, sitting dinning split AC. Contact 99879939 2& 3 BHK Darsait near I.S. M School.

Contact 99024730 2& 3 BHK Darsait near I.S.D school new, with A/C. Contact 99024730 1& 2 BHK Wadi Kabir.

Contact 99024730 Flats and shops. Contact 93009999 3BR top class fitting flat ideal for top executives Mumtaz area, Ruwi.

Contact 91287824 1BHK near Oman house behind Khimji, HO. Contact 95865686

M O N DAY, M A R C H 9, 2 0 1 5

D3

DAILY GUIDE

FOR SALE 2BHK flat in Muttrah for rent (R.O 290/-) immediate occupancy.

Contact 99321580 Sharing room available near Oman house – Muttrah. Contact 99467054 Flat Wadi AL Kabeer, 2BHK, sitting room, 3 bathroom balcony split /AC 300/- R.O Contact 99324402 1BHK available Ghobrah near Al Maha International Hotel.

Contact 99269751 Deluxe 1 bedroom flat, ideal for office / residence at Qurum near PDO. Contact: 97721313 / 95070421 1BHK flat Wadi Kabir, 250 RO split AC & maintenance.

Contact 95439351 4 BHK Wadi Kabeer near Lulu Hypermarket. Contact 97007934 / 92629232 2BHK in Muttrah near Oman house with split ac. Contact 97007934 / 92629232 Attached single bedroom with A/C at Al Khuwair for Exe - bachelors.

Contact 99636550 Furnished room with AC for expatriate in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99689315 Villas & flats at Ansab.

Contact 98458542 1000 sq mtrs industrial land for rent in Ghala suitable for Ware house workshop. Contact 24700120 / 925 2 B/R Luxury Fully Furnished @ AZAIBA. 2 B/R Luxury Fully Furnished @ Al Khuwair 33.

1 B/R Luxury Fully Furnished @ Al Khuwair. 5 B/R Fully Furnished villa @ Madinat Al Ilam.

3 B/R Furnished flat at Al Khuwair 25. Available for Daily, Weekly and Yearly Lease Contract. Contact: Atlas Real Estate & Rent A Car LLC. 99249069 / 93201688/92888376, Email: info@alshahiintl.com 2BHK apartment fro at Qurum near PDO, Gate 2.

Contact 94057023 1 / 3 BHK Flat Ghobrah, close to ISG Way 4041, building 4390.

Contact 99319880 Villa Al Khuwair, 8 bedroom, 7 bathroom, 3kittchen. 950/-.

Contact 99358589/ 95121126/95570288 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 Family flats and villas at Ansab.

Contact 98458542

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

AVAILABLE

FOR SALE Established Running Restaurant for sale in Salalah. Contact casualdining767@gmail.com

Port cabins – New & refurnished Porta cabin for sale and rent.

Contact 96723468

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

New barber shop on sale at Misfah.

Contact 93833107

Shop for sale or rent in Ruwi.

Contact 99103077

For sale laundry shop in Azaiba 4 clearance for sale work shop carpenter Wadi Kabir, 4 clearances.

Contact 99345137

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

Industrial Land in Misfah.

Contact 93009999 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

Well running multi – cuisine restaurant in AL Khuwair for sale only serious buyers May. Contact 98519517

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

Ladies parlour for sales at Al Ansab.

Contact 98281849

Established Restaurant for rent with sponsorship.

Contact 97628242

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

Steel scrap, old tyres, empty oil drums & batteries etc for sale in our yard, at Azaiba. Interested parties may visit our site & forward quotations in sealed envelopes, with a deposit of ro.50/- & marked “head finance (rmc)”, p.o. box 1099, pc-111, within 7 days. Contact person: mr. Hafez on 99628486 Dental clinic for sale or rent running last 2 yrs in center of Sohar.

Contact: 97004100 Coffee shop for sale a well running coffee shop for at Wadi Kabir Sanaya. Contact 94159356/91039293 5 Flats of 1 bedroom for Sale in Boushar: OMR 35 Thousand each.

Monthly income OMR 270 Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Unused spare parts for early models of ken worth, fiat, cifa, putzmeister pumps, caterpillar are for sale in our yard, at Azaiba. Interested parties may visit our site & forward quotations in sealed envelopes, with deposit of ro.50/- & marked “head finance (rmc)”, p.o. box 1099, pc-111, within 7 days. Contact person: mr. hafeez on 99628486

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 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 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

ACC. WANTED Wanted a 2 bedroom flat in around Ruwi area. Gsm 99761216

ACC. AVAILABLE Room for SRI LANKAN Executive at Al Khuwair. Contact 96536307.

Sharing accommodation with attached bathroom, in W/K. Contact 97167857 One bedroom flat with hall for rent in AL Khuwair area near Radisson blue hotel. Contact 97646492 Sharing accommodation available near Walja School for Indian bachelor. Contact 99459121 Sharing accommodation available in Al Khoudh. Contact 98292798 Contd on pg 6

Dental Clinic with license for sale in Sohar. Contact 92816015

LOST

23,886 Sq Mtrs Agriculture land with water well in Al Salwa, Barka.

OMR 260 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Commercial registration with excellent name Grade A for business software for sale. Contact 92959251

Shahzad Murad has lost Pakistani Passport No. B K 0974092.

Finder please handover to ROP

Shop for sale Honda road.

Contact 94053366 / 97605342

Shop for sale prime location at Al Khoud Souq Tejari. # 99083308

Fuel tanker, fork lift. #99199374

Shop for sale at Ruwi. # 99103077

Sri Sugiarti Bt Nur Paiman has lost Indonesian Passport No. AR 515147. Finder please handover to ROP

D4

M O N D AY, M A R C H 9, 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian male postgraduate 7.5 yrs experience in Admin /accounts /HR logistics and procurement seeking suitable placement immediately available. Contact 93164413 Female M.com with tally seven years Indian experience in audit and accounting on family visit.

Contact 93213138 Accountant Indian male M.B.A, B.com having 5 years GCC exp with valid Oman driving license & Noc available. Contact 91719385 mail: shinuyesodharan@gmail.com Indian, MBA finance looking job in accounts, finance, cost controlling 9 years experience 3 years in GCC. Contact 97138592 on visit visa.

Seeking for a job on Indian male aged 23 years qualification are BCA bachelor & computer application & accountant 1 years experience.

Contact 95386434 Email: mohammedshanid5@gmail.com 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

ADMIN Urgently Required: Purchaser, Administration and Accountant with NOC and immediately join.

Apply, fax 00968–24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com.

BEAUTICIAN

SALES / MARKETING

Urgently requited Indian experience Beautician in location Al Hail near Al Khamis Shoes.

Visa available Good salary + food + accommodation.

Contact 92284899/ 92139922

Urgently required an excellent grade construction firm based in Muscat has immediate vacancy for Marketing Executive minimum 5 years experience with D/L. Email your CV to info@omannc.com

CATERING

Looking for an experienced sales man for building materials and electrical shop in Amerat, candidate should be fluent in speaking Arabic & Hindi. Contact 92418044

Wanted experienced Indian Chef for reputed house in Qurum.

Knowledge & experience in Indian, Continental and Chinese food is must. Contact 99466062

SKILLED / UNSKILLED

DRIVER Expatriate heavy duty drivers / crane operators and forklift operators with PDO license and Noc. Contact 99465358/99348352 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 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 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

Shawarma/BBQ/ Tandoor / helpers wanted. Contact 95529970

ENGI./ELECT./TECH..

SALES / MARKETING

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 Salesman with driving licence and car. Gsm : 98805474 or email id: jobssales2015@gmail.com

Wanted Civil Engineer, Email: almoosaengineering@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 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 Wanted Doctor with or without MOH license for a Polyclinic.

Excellent salary with accommodation and commission. Contact: 97091664.

Email: mmcmuscat@gmail.com 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

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 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

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 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

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE 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

Required Business Development Executive for a clearing and forwarding company. Please mail CV to wisal.international@gmail.com

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

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

A Fresh ACCA Affiliate, Pakistani male, 24 yrs, open for positions of Accounts, Audit and finance.

Contact 94541539 email: wasiqnasir_3@yahoo.com

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

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

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 Part time Accountant with 15 years exp in Accounts, finance, audit tax management. Contact 95857199 Accountant (B.Com, MBA pursuing) Indian male 25 years, 2 years experience in India, seeking better placement on visit visa.

Contact 97709327 Indian male 27 yrs MBA HR & marketing 1 yr exp in HR supporting looking for suitable job.

Contact 97484159 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) Young Indian graduate, experience in Logistics and Accounting/ Sales and Marketing seeks placement.

Immediate availability.

Call: 97374480 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 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

B.Com India. Languages : English, Hindi & Malayalam.

Contact 92954613 Accountant / Purchase manager (Release Available) 29yrs Indian male having 7yrs experience in Oman seeking suitable placement Mob:95325041,email:vijayapalanbinu.aniyan@gmail.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, 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 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

M O N DAY, M A R C H 9, 2 0 1 5

D5

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

M.Sc / MBA. Over 12 Years including GCC Experience in Admin/HR/ Operation/Procurement and Logistic.

Valid GCC DL. Looking for Suitable Position. Contact 99706618 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 B.Sc Graduate with 6 yrs of exp in HR & Administration looking for suitable positions. Contact 91507099

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 Light driver looking for job.

Contact 91376612 LV Driver- 2 yrs Exp-know English- Contact 95292064

DRIVER Light Driver having own visa looking for job as driver.Contact 92303692 Tower crane operator having visa NOC. Contact Atthar har 97377834 Light driver job. Contact 96756014 Light duty driver with 3 years experience in Oman +5 years in Saudi Arabia speaking Hindi Arabic English. Contact 96088707 Light laity driver looking for job 2 yrs exp. Contact 98356230 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 Indian male B.E / B.Tech Civil Engineer 3 years experience NOC D/L available. Contact 93883136 Mechanical Engineer seeking a senior position having 15 years of GCC experience operating in markets Oman Kuwait , Bahrain & Saudi Arabia speculated in gas analyze and deletion systems for Oil & Gas and petrochemical inductees.

Contact 99230888 B.Tech electronics & instrument, Indian male having 4 years exp in oil & gas field one years experience in Saudi, looking for suitable vacancy.

Contact 98854946 Email: alfredtjose@gmail.com 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 H.S.E & ELE Engineer have electrical license 4 years experience.

Contact 96076470 Email: aiashf@yahoo.com D.A.E Civil 4 years experience D/L Oman. Email: qamarsaleem52@ yahoo.com . Contact 96719649 Male 27 diploma in civil engineering, 8 years experience in building constriction, 6th years in Oman now looking for the job permanent base or contract base immediately also I have a Noc for permanent base.

Contact 94619501/98925718 Email: engineertanoli@gmail@gmail.com Civil Engineer 4 years exp (3 in Oman as a Quantity Surveyor & planning engineer for road works & bridges in a big project) fluent in English & Arabic. Contact - 93477660 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 Procurement Engineer Indian male, 6 years exp in oil & gas sector in Oman & Bahrain currently on visit visa looking for suitable placement .Contact 92967443

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 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 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 Qualified Chemical Engineer over twenty years experience in water and waste water with Oman driving license and Noc available for suitable job. Contact 94479435 B.E /B.Tech civil 2-3 years.

Contact 93850875/95283064 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 91253392 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 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 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

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

ENGG. / TECHNICAL

Looking Part time Job in HVACContact - 93198128

Aircraft Maintenance Technician with one year experience seeks suitable placement. Contact amaljohn2002@gmail.com

Quantity Surveyor (Civil Building) looking for Part time job Contact no:-94391712 E-mail addressinayathhussain@yahoo.com

Experienced female Electrical Engineer. Contact 93800906

Indian B.Tech Mechanical Engineer, 26 yrs, 4 yrs experience in HVAC/ MEP. Contact 94669629, rajeevhpd15@yahoo.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 Civil site Engineer diploma holder 9 am want job my exp, 8 years Oman & Dubai. Contact 95714327 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 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 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 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 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 24 years Indian female diploma in computer science and engineering now on visit visa seek suitable placement. Contact 96314974/99107369 Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp.

Email: mohd.ateeq.khan@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer, Gulf Exp in Design and Manufacturing Ph: 97097688 Generator maintenance in charge with 4 yrs experience with Cummins, caterpillar, kirloskar and voltas. Contact - email: shibinmundakkal@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

Civil Engineer with 12 years Experience Looking For Job. Contact 98162295 Indian Male, IT Support Engineer, 2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experience. Contact 97311847 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 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 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

Indian male 25 B.Tech (IT) Engineer 2.5 yrs exp in hardware networking.

Currently on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact – 94359564 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 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 Hardware specialist B.Tech M.Tech electronics with 10 years experience seeks suitable opportunities in reputed organizations.

Contact 91289459 Email: shrn.shrf@gmail.com 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 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 IT Prof, MCA having 6+ yrs exp, seeks suitable position.

Contact 94543668

MISCELLANEOUS 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

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR INFORMATION TECH 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 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 Indian male MBA (marketing & IT) with 1 yr exp looking for suitable placement presently on visit visa.

Contact 97327997 Email: irshad.alimc@gmai.com Indian Male M.Sc Electronics, having 7.5 years of experience in IT Computer Hardware and Networking seeking job placement. Contact: 97202522 email:connectjinomjohn@yahoo.com 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

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 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 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

D6

M O N D AY, M A R C H 9, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

SITUATION WANTED MEDICAL M.B.B.S with license holder in Oman (or) prometric exam passed for Oman. Salary negotiable.

Mob-93723479 rkarunachalam786@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 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 24 years old Indian BSC Nursing, 2years experience, looking for a job as a staff nurse. Contact 94035637 /95068075 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 Pharmacist (B.Pharma) 5 1/2 years experience in Oman seeking suitable placement in Muscat. NOC from the present employer available.

Contact +968 98525100 Lab Technician, Civil (8yrs Gulf experience) looking for a suitable job (NOC available) Contact-93344378 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.

Contact 92115860 Well experienced restaurant Manager with Ample knowledge of sales and operations seeking suitable placement Noc available.

Contact 92953199

SALES / MARKETING 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 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

MBA (marketing & operations) with 2 years experience in marketing & operations looking for suitable placement, presently on visit visa.

Contact 97920125 Email: hareeshg111@gmail.com

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

Purchase Manager with 14 years experience in construction industry with valid D/L & NOC. #92884811, Email : bati.rajesh@gmail.com

Indian Male, 7 yrs experience in building materials trading having Oman D/L, immediate release available. Contact 98676713

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 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

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 , 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 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 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 6 years Oman experience in Sales seeking suitable placement. NOC available. Contact 99669137

MISCELLANEOUS Planning Engineer 7 years of Experience in project planning and control in oil and gas, PDO & QP Approved Planner,PRIMAVERA-6,B. Tech in Mechanical engineering from CUSAT Contactullasprabhakaran@yahoo.co.in, ph-00974 70230223 Indian male total 17 yrs exp in field of procurement, inventory, controlling & accountancy. Local release available, seeking suitable placement. Contact – 91680124 / 98606546 British Beauty Therapist Looking for suitable position Mob: 97175240 ACCA-UK, B.Sc (OBU-UK) having 2.8 years of experience in Accounts, Bookeeping and Audit.

Looking for job in Accounts/Finance department. Also worked on Oracle R12, Tally, Quick Books and Peach Tree. Email: AliRiazMughal@Outlook.com, Gsm: +968-95459936 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 Indian Female, 24 yrs MS. Software Engg. Currently on family visa, 1 year experience in SAP WM & IT seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 95490105

M.V. FOR SALE

MISCELLANEOUS 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. # -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

Dodge Nitro 4.0 ltr engine 2007 model 130000 kms, red colour, registration valid for one year. RO.2700/-.

Contact - 91251966 Prado 2009. Contact 99336093 Sunny 2009, 100k km, R.O 2500/-.

Contact 93289652

ACC. AVAILABLE 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 Room for rent at Al Ansab.

Contact 98806430 Furnished rooms for Indian bachelor in Al Falaj Ruwi & lady in Wadi Kabir. Contact 95941515.

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

Room available at Honda road.

Contact 99366591

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

Gubrah furnished room, attached bath dish TV, WIFI, kitchen available for Executive single person, couple.

Contact 99658689

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 B.Com Graduate, 4yrs experience in accounts, admin dept looking for placement in any field 98928220 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

Flats in Darsait of 1 room, hall, 2 toilets and kitchen.

Contact 99357586 / 97500025

Room in CBD area for non cooking Executive bachelors free WIFI, Advance deposit. Contact 95934642 Separate room with toilet available at Ruwi near Badar Al Sama hospital. Contact after 5 pm 99504291 Single room MBD Ruwi.

Contact 95698714 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 bed room with ac near Hamriya R about main road Ruwi.

Contact 93677898.

Furnished 1 bed room available near Indian School, Seeb for small family. Contact 91354846 Accommodation available for South Indian family, one bedroom with attached toilet, kitchen, hall in a villa, Al Ghubrah.

Contact 99209160

Toyota Camry white 2011 km -51000 R.O 4800/-. Contact 99561562 Honda CRV , 2012 EX 2012 model , twilight blue liters , 34000 Km , free service package up to 60000 km expat single owner , insurance valid Oman & UAE up to August 2015 , R.O 7750/- . Contact 99069741

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 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).

Contact 24475280 / 95371554 / 92504980 , www.siddhayur.com

MATRIMONIAL 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 We are looking for a Muslim Girl for our son interested parents or daughter May. Contact 97664009 Female BSC Nurse Christians RC Kannur Kerala inviting proposals from employed boys . Contact 00919496840556 /0096892490393 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 Indian Sunni family with Omani nationality seeking proposals from Indians with Omani nationality for their daughter aged 23.

Contact 99641047

NRI

RO-130, big room in Darsait for family / ladies with Kerala family.

Contact 95323562 Sharing family flat near Indian School Wadi Kabir. Contact 99335057 Fully furnished at W. Kabir.

Contact 99325387 Room for executive bachelors (no Kitchen) including W/E. 125 RO. Contact 98949724

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)

M O N DAY, M A R C H 9, 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

TOURS

RENT A CAR

RENT A CAR

TRANSPORTATION Transportation. Contact 93405941 Transportation. Contact 99664703 Picking and drop. Contact 96743215 Transportation. Contact 98518979 Transport to ISWK. #93172589 Transportation available.

Contact 98425762 Ruwi to Ghala Gulfar . # 99562527 Contd on pg 8

D8

M O N D AY, M A R C H 9, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

WEBSITE

CLASSES

COMPUTER

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

DRIVING Learn Baking cakes, cup cakes & Icings, Handicrafts. # 95941515.

BUSINESS

Tutoring ACCA/CAT subjects, passing exams by expert lectures.

Contact +( 968) 99229700

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

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

TRUCK FOR HIRE Isuzu 10 ton cargo body truck

MANPOWER

(2012 FVR) with UAE experienced driver available for long term / short term rent.

Carpet & sofa shampooing. Ocean Centre LLC. Contact 99884591 / 92682970

Contact: 95346950 Running truck wash for rent in Ouhi Sunia Sohar. Serious people can. Contact on 97864747

Cleaning services, carpet & sofa shampooing, marble restoration (grinding) and polishing, pest control, fogging service. Contact 99448057, 95401996

50 seater bus with PDO specification for rent or lease.

Contact 99839898

Cheapest Prices, all types window, curtains and blind.

Contact 99539521

SIT WANTED

Computer service/ AMC/ Networking. Contact 91339882

Indian male, 15 years experience in managing department stores, in Karnataka, India, looking for placement. GSM 93086105 or 99016546 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 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, 96176872

Cheapest prices all types window, curtains and Blinds.

Contact 99539521

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

TRANSPORTATION Transportation . Contact 98178135

For All Your Maintenance Solutions, A/c Servicing & Fixing, Painting, Cleaning, Electric.Contact 99002390

Transport available. #95356877 Transportation available.

Contact 95570429

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

Transportation. Contact 91379976 Pick & Drop any time. # 97014786 Pick & drop anytime in al Khuwair.

Contact 99764307

Available construction workers, hospital staff with Oman parametric, housemaids Indian, Uganda.

Contact 9629417/98408488 Email: alkubratrading@gmail.com

House shifting. Contact 99708138 House shifting packing.

Contact 99657644, 98518013

Split & window unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact 99557080 Door to Door Computers repair specialist laptop software Website cartridges. Contact 99199376 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. # 24810137, 99450130 All maintenance solution. A/c Service & Fitting, Carpenter, Cleaning, House Shifting & Packing.

Contact: 99002390 A/C maintenance & servicing & washing machine & dish washing repairing, painting & painting & cleaning services & electrical & plumbing. Contact 99447257/97014234/24504281 Pest control & cleaning services professionals in pest control service bedbugs treatment, rodent, treatment, snake treatment and termite treatment, pre and post construction. Contact 93098450, 96408964, fax : 24472116

Window & spilt unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 96236476 A/C maintenance split A/C servicing. Contact 94217681/ 99210141 Pest Control Treatments, Termites, Cockroaches, Bedbugs. Contact Ocean Centre LLC. Contact 99344723 Carpet & sofa shampooing. Ocean Centre LLC. Contact 99884591 / 92682970 Marble polishing & crystallization, building cleaning floor, floor polishing, carpet, sofa shampooing, pest control, anti termite shifting, maintenance. Contact 99504275 GULF INTERNATIONAL LLC. all kind of pest control.

Contact 92326955 Feasibility study, market research, financial analysis of companies.

(968) 99229700