Times of Oman - September 9, 2015

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WEDNESDAY, September 9, 2015 / 25 Dhul Qa’ada 1436 AH timesofoman.com

CABLES

HM sends greetings MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of congratulations to President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan on the occasion of his country’s National Day. In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere congratulations and best wishes of good health and happiness to the Tajik President and his country’s people further progress.

Korea His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has also sent a cable of congratulations to Kim Jong-un, First Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, First Chairman of the National Defence Commission and the Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army, on the occasion of the 67th founding anniversary of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere congratulations and best wishes to Kim Jong-un and his country’s people. -ONA

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ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company

Rescue roll call of shame DROWNING CASES Northern Oman

12

Muscat

19

In wadis

Suwaiq

5

Rustaq

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6

Total cases

Still missing

2 Rescued alive

31

Source: ROP

Graphics

Repeated warnings to public to avoid crossing wadis during rains have fallen

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Found dead

23

1

1

Ibri

1

Wattayah

1

Muttrah

1

Muttrah

4

Muttrah

4

Bausher

5

Bausher

3

on deaf ears as police had to undertake 31 rescue operations after recent downpour

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W

W

W

Amerat W

1

Rustaq

4

Sohar

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CHILDREN TRANSPORT

REJIMON K/FAHAD AL GHADANI

reji@timesofoman.com/ fahadnews@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Despite repeated warnings to public to remain cautious during rains and flash floods, police rescue teams had to attend to 31 drowning cases, including 19 in Muscat alone and 12 in northern parts of Oman, following two hours of rain on Friday.

Police are still looking for two people who were swept away by flash floods triggered by rain, which has so far claimed five lives.

Three members of one family, their housemaid in Rustaq and a youngster in Muttrah were swept away in the flash flood. Their bodies were recovered later.

However, police are continuing their search for a man missing from Ibri and another man missing from Wattayah.

Following the Friday rains, police had to rescue an Omani bus driver and a Pakistani truck driver who were trapped in their vehicles in a wadi in Muttrah. The police also had to rescue four nationals from an overflowing wadi in Muttrah. In Bausher, an Asian man who was trapped in his vehicle in a wadi managed to escape on his own, while five other Asians and three nationals were rescued by Major Ahmed Al Shajbi.

In Amerat, three nationals trapped in a wadi were saved by the police.

Another Omani was trapped in

wadi Al Sahtan in Rustaq and was saved by the police.

In Sohar, four people were rescued after being trapped in a wadi in their vehicle.

A national drowned in Wadi Al Jahawir in Suwaiq and was rescued by the police.

Risking lives “People who are venturing into flood waters are not only risking their lives but also the lives of others. People, who do this deliberately, should be penalised strictly,” said Salim Al Ghammari, a Muscat Municipality Council member.

In June, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) had warned the public that those found crossing the wadis during floods would face strict legal action.

According to the police, most of the deaths and injuries recorded during adverse weather conditions were a result of people trying to cross wadis.

Meanwhile, Mark Pudwell, business development and training manager of Competence HR, said the most important aspect of safety during stormy weather was to obey all instructions from the ROP and Civil Defence. >A6

RIGHTS OF WORKERS

ROP launches online drive to ensure safety of children

Wage protection plans on the track: Official

REJIMON K

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Following the death of a four-year-old girl child from suffocation after being left unattended in a bus in Bid Bid, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has come up with an online campaign to ensure the safety of children.

“Bus drivers should make sure that all the children have disembarked from the bus before they lock and leave the vehicle,” the ROP tweeted on its official Twitter handle.

This is the second such incident. Last year, two children died in similar incidents.

Extra care “Transporting children is a job which needs extra care. The children always need some help, and only few of them can handle the situation alone. So, we should be more careful and alert,” N S Rajeev, a transporter working for the last 30 years in Muscat, said.

According to Rajeev, an assistant is a must in school buses.

“However, the ministry does not provide visas for this, leaving us in a dilemma. Think about a situation where the driver stops at every point and himself helps children to get down. If we have an assistant in the bus, he can

Parents concerned about the safety of their children said it’s the responsibility of the transporters to ensure that children are dropped home safely take care of each and every child.

So, we plead with the ministry to provide visas to recruit assistants for school buses,” Rajeev said.

Meanwhile, a group of parents concerned about the safety of children while being transported to school and back home said that with or without assistant, it’s the responsibility of the transporter to ensure that children stay safe.

“Last year, a child in an Indian school had to face a similar situation. The kindergarten girl child was reportedly left unattended in the school bus for nearly three hours. The bus didn’t have any assistant.

“It was a parent who came to pay fees at around 10am when he saw the child banging on the bus windows and rescued the child,” the parents said.

“This child was lucky that she was rescued. However, we cannot take the issue of safety of children lightly,” the parents added.

Replacement of buses Recently, the Ministry of Finance has allotted OMR9.8 million to the Ministry of Education to replace the mid-sized 25 to 35-seater old model school buses by new-model school buses.

The move comes in the light of the recommendations made by a committee formed vide a ministerial decision to address the issue of school transport.

The committee came up with three proposals including replacing old buses, the financial cost of renting new-model buses equipped with safety features such as the front and rear sensors, extinguishers, first-aid kits, cameras, etc.

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Saeed Mohamed Al Shidhani, V-P for financial services at CBO.

MUSCAT: A system to enhance the Wage Protection System (WPS) is going ahead “with full force”, an official of Central Bank

of Oman (CBO), said on Tuesday.

The programme will use Automated Clearing House (ACH) system to facilitate the WPS, which was introduced in January 2014 by the Ministry of Manpower and the CBO. >A6

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W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 1 5 We were facing some problems because of flooding during the rain and cyclonic weather. Now that problem will be solved because the municipality is building a new drainage Atul Golash, Mechanical engineer

OMAN Ithraa sheds light on work cultures

OMAN HAJ TEAM LEAVES

The Omani Hajj Mission left Muscat on Tuesday heading to the pilgrimage. The mission is headed by Shaikh Issa bin Yousef Al Busaidi, head of the Omani Haj Mission.-ONA

The panel of experts discussed ‘worklife merge’ in which work and free time are no longer neatly compartmentalised

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI elham@timesofoman.com

PROFESSIONAL INTERACTION: ‘The world of work: A new dynamic’, was the theme of the first session of ‘Oman at Work’, a series of four evening conversations organised by the Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (Ithraa) at Bank Muscat head office in Seeb.– Supplied by Ithraa

MUSCAT: New dynamics in the world of work were the subject of discussion at an event held on Monday to shed light on the challenges and opportunities of the work environment in the future.

‘The world of work: A new dynamic’ was the theme of the first session of ‘Oman at Work’, a series of four evening conversations organised by the Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (Ithraa) at Bank Muscat head office in Seeb.

The session, moderated by Shabib Al Maamari, executive director of Injaz Oman, featured five panellists. They were Shatha Al Maskiry of Protiviti, Farah Faud Al Hinai of Bank Muscat, Scott Armstrong, chief executive editor, of the Times of Oman; Luma Al Saleh of TRACCS, and Khalid Al Haribi, representative of a Qatari company in Oman.

One of the talking points of the session was ‘work-life merge’, a term coined by Emily White, Snapchat’s former chief operating officer, to describe a life in which work and free time are no longer neatly compartmentalised but merged.

It was mentioned that the worklife merge ‘eats into’ a person’s social and family life, but at the same time technology offers them great-

er flexibility to work from home and handle their personal matters according to their own schedule and in a more convenient way, saving both time and money.

The panelists acknowledged that adapting to a work-life merge era is not easy but if the employees love their profession and think about the rewards that they can get by using the technology, they will embrace it and will find ways to balance their professional and personal life.

However, they said that with flexibility comes more responsibility so the employees have to be productive and work efficiently to fulfil their duties.

It was also mentioned that positive change and innovation should be welcomed by both the employees and employers in order to create an environment where staff can flourish through helping and learning from each other.

Emphasis was also put on the importance of training regardless of the age of the staff, which the panellists said is crucial for achieving the aims of an organisation.

The participants highlighted the importance of internships and the role that universities can play in preparing students to adapt to the new workplace dynamics. The

H O S P I TA L F L O O D I N G

moderator of the session commented that equipping the individuals with the necessary skills and abilities is a ‘collective responsibility’ and not only the responsibility of academic institutes.

In addition, it was mentioned that people should teach themselves when to ‘disconnect’ to prevent any negative impact on their relationship with their family, whose support is very important.

Other talking points were related to academic degrees and the education system.

The panellists agreed that academic degrees can be an asset and the education system should be improved to reduce the gap between industry’s requirements and graduates’ readiness, but noted that a degree does not define a person.

People can develop their talent and skills in a field which may not be relevant to their educational background and still shine in their chosen career, they said.

It was also mentioned that there is a gap between the requirements of the public sector and the private sector and that organisations should welcome the opportunity to hire interns to enhance the capabilities of the local workforce and use their ideas at the same time.

Al Nahdha Hospital drainage to curb water logging problem Times News Service MUSCAT: With the help of the Muscat Municipality, the Al Nahdha Hospital is building a drainage system to deposit the rainwater in Wadi Adai.

“We were facing some problems because of flooding during the rain and cyclonic weather.

Now that problem will be solved because the municipality is building a new drainage,” said Atul Golash, mechanical engineer and project co-ordinator, Ministry of Health. Earlier, there was only drainage from Al Hamariya to Wadi Adai, but now the municipality is constructing drainage around the hospital.

The municipality has built a wall and a drainage system to collect the rainwater so that it does not accumulate anymore on the hospital premises.

The earlier openings of the culverts were covered with grills, but these openings were closed with material like plastic and some other things. This dirt in the drain would slow down the flow, and this was one of the reasons for the rainwater entering the hospital surroundings.

The inefficient drainage system and the blockage of the pipes were the other reasons that led to the flooding at Al Nahdha Hospital.

RAINFALL WOES: Muscat Municipality has built a wall and a

drainage system to collect the rainwater so that it does not accumulate anymore on the hospital premises.–File photo

“Open culverts are the best options to avoid these problems, and we have requested the municipality to make such chambers in front of the hospital,” he said during his address at the 2nd Drainage Rehabilitation and Wastewater Management.

Open culverts help a large amount of water to flow into the drains and that prevents flooding on the hospital premises. To avoid incidents such as these the open culverts will be covered by a grilled wall.

“We also suggested connecting the openings of the culvert and to keep the surroundings clean,” he added. According to him, 90 per cent of the construction on the new drainage system has been completed.

“We were not affected by Friday’s rain,” said Atul.

Al Nahdha Hospital was seriously affected by cyclones Gonu and Phet in 2007 and 2010, respectively.

It was also flooded after heavy rain in 2011 and earlier that year.

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C O N S U M E R A F FA I R S

Interior decorator gets 3-month jail term Times News Service

ECONOMIC CHALLENGES: Minister Responsible for Financial Affairs Darwish bin Ismail bin Ali Al Balushi, presides over the Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council meeting.–ONA

Fiscal body to study oil price slide The Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council said the recent levels of oil prices and their continuous downturn require taking precautionary measures

MUSCAT: Measures taken by the Oman government to rationalise expenditure and increase non-oil revenues have contributed to alleviating the effects of the decline in oil prices. Also, the recent new levels of oil prices and their continuous downturn require taking precautionary measures.

These were of the observations of the Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council, as it held its fifth meeting for 2015 on Tuesday, under the chairmanship of Darwish bin Ismail bin Ali Al Balushi, Minister Responsible for Financial Affairs and Deputy Chairman of the Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council. The council reviewed the status of the state budget in light of the oil price slump in the world markets and the actual results of the accounts from January to the end of August 2015.

In this context, the council reviewed the proposed measures and procedures to address the deficit, maintain the Sultanate’s financial status and take necessary action.

The council attempted to enhance the status of the financial position for the medium and long-term, by commissioning specialised teams to study the structure of the expenditure, take necessary measures to reduce public expenditure, follow-up of the implementation of the local borrowing programmes, and the status of liquidity.–ONA

RUSTAQ: The elementary court in Al Rustaq sentenced an interior decorator to three months imprisonment for failure to complete the work of installing false ceilings, painting and décor, at the house of a complainant.

The court passed the judgement against the accused for violating

the consumer protection law, said the Facebook post of the Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP).

The offender was charged with failure to complete a task that had been agreed upon in a specified time. The PACP received a complaint from the victim that he had made a deal with the accused for the décor in some rooms of the

DRIVE SLOWER LIVE LONGER

victim’s house within a one-month period. The victim paid an advance to the accused, but the latter failed to honour the commitment.

According to Article 2, each of the following shall be deemed an act in violation of the rules of freedom of choice. These are equality, equity, honesty and credibility, provided for in Article 3 of the law, in dealing with the consumer; and

Section B: Delivering to the consumer a good or a quantity of such good, or rendering a service different from what was agreed on.

The court sentenced the accused to three months jail and ordered him to repay OMR300 to the victim. If the accused appeals, he would have to repay the victim the bail amount of OMR300 and the case would be dropped.

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OMAN

ROHM to host global music, theatre fiesta

CULTURAL VARIETY: The Royal Opera House Muscat’s programme for the next season includes The Silk Road, The Golden Dragon Acrobats, India’s sitar maestro Anoushka Shankar and Mali’s Afro-jazz musician, Salif Keita.–Photos courtesy ROHM

The World Music series begins on December 27 at the Royal Opera House Muscat with a concert

student leaders of Bangladesh School Muscat took charge of their responsibilities for the academic year 2015-16

O M A N ’ S C U LT U R E

Bait Al Zubair’s salute to Nizwa Times News Service MUSCAT: Bait Al Zubair is holding an exhibition which celebrates Nizwa, as the capital of Islamic Culture 2015, in the Al Hazm Hall at Nizwa University next week.

This exhibition will include a presentation on ‘Nizwa’, a book by Mohammed Al Zubair, which was launched this year to mark the occasion. The exhibition will take the visitor on a tour of the book, which includes a brief history of Nizwa and its important cities and villages, as well as exploring the city’s diversity through agriculture, trade, industry and services.

Water resources and the existing aflaj in the city, the most important mosques and the city’s scientists, its castles and forts and its traditional souqs are all revealed in the exhibition. It concludes with highlights of what was said about Nizwa by travellers and scientists.

The exhibition contains a defining section about Bait Al Zubair as a cultural complex, where the visitor can see its facilities and buildings which were designed to showcase the important cultural and growing artistic movements in the Sultanate.

There is also a curated selection of pieces from the unique heritage collection in Muscat.

The exhibition is complemented by a hands-on heritage selection where people can hold, examine and feel the historical items.

Bait Al Zubair displays a collec-

LITERARY TRIBUTE: The exhibition will include a presentation on ‘Nizwa’, a book by Mohammed Al Zubair, which was launched this year.

tion of Omani artefacts that span a number of centuries, and is considered to be the finest that is privately owned in Oman.

Its ethnographic artefacts reflect highly specialised inherited skills that define Oman’s society, both past and present. It is one of country’s architectural icons and in 1999 was the proud recipient of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos’ Award for Architectural Excellence, the first time it was awarded in Oman.

The complex consists of five separate buildings, Bait Al Bagh, Bait Al Dalaleel, Bait Al Oud, Bait Al Nahdhah and Gallery Sarah, as well as a garden with a number of traditional features, café and gift shop. One of the best heritage sites in the country, Bait Al Zubair in Muscat is open to the public from Saturday to Thursday from 9:30am to 6pm.

ROADS, LAND TRANSPORT

by the legendary

Ministry issues new transport licences

Cuban band, the Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club

SARAH MACDONALD MUSCAT: From India to Mali to Cuba and beyond, there will be a diverse array of world music and theatre this season at the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM).

There are seven shows planned for the 2015-2016 season in the World Music category which will introduce new artists, new music and new countries to the ROHM, including some big names like Anoushka Shankar and the Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club.

The World Music series begins on December 27 with a concert by the legendary Cuban band, the Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club.

The Grammy Award winning ensemble from Havana plays warm Latin rhythms are simply irresistible. Tickets are already selling quickly for what is expected to be an unforgettable night of music.

“This is a great group! We’ve had similar ones where the focus is one a group of old men playing together and just having fun. Their music is exciting and energetic and lively,” said Dr Nasser Al Taee, Advisor to the ROHM Board for Education and Outreach.

Shankar and half-sister of American jazz singer Norah Jones. Al Taee said he has wanted her to perform here for a few years so he’s delighted that her turn has come on January 7.

“I’m glad to see her name there.

I think it’s going to be sold out because she’s an international superstar with great traditions and an eclectic audience,” he said.

Later in January 28 there will be another concert that will attract a lot of enthusiastic music fans when Mali’s Salif Keita hits the stage.

Considered Mali’s music ambassador to the world, Keita performs wonderful Afro-jazz music.

“Oman has a strong link with Africa so we want to have them represented every year as much as we can. Salif Keita is a great musician so this is a continuation of the some of the African superstars that we’ve had,” Al Taee commented.

Anoushka Shankar An artist who is also sure to draw big crowds is Indian sitar player Anoushka Shankar, daughter of the celebrated musician Ravi

The Silk Road At the end of February, on the 25th and 26th, there will be a dance spectacular with the Syrian company Ornina Theatrical Dance,

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which is based in the UAE, and their production called The Silk Road. Filled with many cultures and traditions, it follows an Arab sailor as he makes his way from country to country on the historic trading route.

On April 3 the world adventure continues with a unique movie night featuring Buster Keaton’s 1926 silent film ‘The General,’ accompanied by the ROHM pipe organ and percussion. It reveals a talent once common in movie houses before films had sound. Full of crazy antics, the movie and music will be fun for the whole family. There will also be a free performance for school groups.

“It’s a great occasion for students to come in an attend concerts,” said Al Taee.

A fabulous Turkish company, Fire of Anatolia, will be making

their ROHM debut March 31 till April 2 with their dance extravaganza Troy. Based on the legend of Troy, it highlights the rich Turkish culture with vibrant dancing and music.

The company has performed in Oman before, at the Shangri-La’s outdoor venue, and has been wellreceived. “They are always lavish, thrilling, with lots of colour, so this should be a sensational event. Of late there has been a fascination with Turkish themes,” Al Taee said.

The World Music series concludes May 24 and 25 with The Golden Dragon Acrobats from China. They are one of China’s top acrobatic troupes and will leave the audience spellbound with the impressive moves. It will be a wonderful way to close the season, said Al Taee. “We wanted something more pleasing to conclude the season. Our audience are leaning towards these combinations of theatrical effects, movement and music, so that’s what they will give in terms of an ending to a very rich season,” he explained.

MUSCAT: A number of land transport licences have been issued by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, represented by Land Transport Department at the Directorate General of Roads and Land Transport.

These licences involve entry of empty foreign land transport vehicles to transport to the country of registration; entry of empty foreign land transport vehicles

to transport between two points; licences for exceptional consignment and licences for practising land transport businesses.

The number of exceptional consignment licences issued as of the end of August 2015 stood at 30 compared to 20 licences for practising land transport businesses and 336 licences for international transport by foreign vehicles. – ONA

C I V I C FA C I L I T I E S

‘Al Amerat flyover work is under way’ MUSCAT: Muscat Municipality has clarified that construction of Al Mahaj intersection and flyovers project in Al Amerat is not yet complete. The explanation came following public outrage on the social media after part of the Al Mahaj road was flooded during the recent rain.

The Municipality confirmed that the company implementing Al Mahaj bridges project in Amerat is still working at the site as the project is not complete.

“The project is not yet handed over to the Municipality,” the statement pointed, adding that the Municipality is expecting the

project to be completed at the end of November this year.

The Muscat Municipality officials explained that the drainage system of the project was not ready and that resulted in the water accumulation in part of the intersection on the Quriyat road going towards AmeratBausher road. The municipality had opened part of the project to ease the traffic flow in the area.

Last March, both directions of Wadi Udai-Quraiyat road were opened due to the traffic congestion the area witnessed during the implementation of the project, the statement clarified. – ONA

STUDENT LEADERS

Bangladesh School Muscat appoints prefects for academic year 2015-16 Times News Service MUSCAT: Bangladesh School Muscat has appointed 28 student leaders for the academic year 2015-16. Appointed to function under the Head Boy, Head Girl, Sports Captain and ECA Captain, 24 students will hold responsibilities in different categories. An investiture ceremony was held on this occasion.

Anas Zaman, Grade XII Science student of Jahangir House has been appointed as the Head Boy. Sultana Ahmed commerce student of Grade XII, belonging to Zainul House, has been appointed as Head Girl. Md. Mohsin Alam of

Jahangir House and Rozan Usama of Nazrul House have been appointed as Sports Captain and Extra Curricular Activities Captain, respectively.

In addition to four House Captains and Vice-Captains, 16 more students from different houses have been appointed as prefects.

All the appointees belong to Grade X to Grade XII. All the prefects took the oath together to make BSM one of the best institutes in the Sultanate.

Principal Lt Col Mahmud Ul Alam (Retd) PhD, along with Director of Education Affairs Major Nasir Uddin Ahmed (Retd) MBA, gave away badges and sashes to the prefects.

Sultana Ahmed, the Head Girl, thanked all her teachers and the school authorities on this very special achievement, and pledged to remain committed to prove herself as one of the best leaders of the school.

“I feel honoured. This is very special as well as a prestigious achievement in my life. I am thankful to all my teachers who helped me get on the right track.

I thank my friends for voting me as the Head Girl. I will keep their faith, I promise,” she said.

Sheikh Sekander Ali, ambassador of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to Oman, graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest. He

congratulated the newly appointed leaders and inspired them to do their best.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the school, Iftakher Ul Hassan Chowdhry, was present at the ceremony which was held at the multipurpose hall of the school. Other members of the Board, Principal, Director of Education Affairs and the invited guests were also present.

Principal Ul Alam said, “In addition to your studies and prefectship, you as the appointees should also find out what personal qualities you must possess in order to successfully carry out the assignments entrusted to you.”

STUDENT POWER: The prefects took the oath to make BSM one

of the best institutes in Oman. Principal Lt Col Mahmud Ul Alam (Retd), along with Director of Education Affairs Major Nasir Uddin Ahmed (Retd), gave away badges and sashes.–Supplied photo

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 1 5

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OMAN

One-third of Oman is prone to flood: Expert Most of the areas outside the desert are prone to floods as water just runs off from the mountains and the wadis into the nearby towns and villages, said Amol G Deshmukh, geomatics specialist at the National Survey Authority

Times News Service MUSCAT: Twenty to thirty percent of areas in Oman are prone to flash floods, according to an expert working in the Sultanate.

Speaking to the Times of Oman, Amol G Deshmukh, geomatics specialist at the National Survey Authority, said that most of the areas outside the desert are prone to floods as water just runs off from the mountains and the wadis into the nearby towns and villages.

“So, we have to build hospitals and the emergency centres in such a way that rainwater does not affect them,” he said, on the side-lines of 2nd Annual Drainage Rehabilitation and Wastewater Management conference which ended on Tuesday.

The conference, which hosted Oman’s largest gathering of drainage, wastewater and flood control specialists, was supported by the Ministry of Regional Mu-

FLASH FLOODS THREAT: The conference deliberated on overcoming floods through an efficient drain-

age network and maintaining a sustainable wastewater system across the Sultanate. -Times of Oman

nicipalities and Water Resources (MRMWR) and the Muscat Municipality.

Deshmukh also said that use of Geospatial Information (GIS) becomes relevant in the field of disaster management, since it can effectively store and retrieve generous amounts of spatial and attribute data, analyse them and present the information in easily comprehensible formats.

“NSA is the authorised provider of Geospatial Information in Oman. It hosts accurate and recent maps (1:50,000 & 1;100,000 scale), true colour ortho-photos (0.5m resolution), elevation and vector data at various scales. This data is based on recently established ONGD14 (local datum for Oman) using high precision CORS network that offers cm level accuracy,” he added.

“Awareness is the key to solve this issue and we have to plan in such a way that disasters can be avoided,” he asserted.

More than 190 international and regional drainage, wastewater and flood control experts took part in the event

The event, partnered by the National Survey Authority (Ministry of Defence) and hosted by Haya Water and Global Exhibitions & Conferences LLC, delivered high level presentations, new technologies and solutions for the advancement of storm and wastewater management.

The main theme of the conference was “Overcoming the water

REPORT

Oman can save up to $600m by air traffic control upgrade Times News Service MUSCAT: An estimated US$600 million in economic benefits can be achieved in Oman over the next 10 years by delivering enhancements to air traffic control systems, according to a new report commissioned by NATS, the air traffic management specialists.

The independent report, “Economic Benefits of Improvement to Air Traffic Control”, was undertaken by Oxford Economics, the world leader in global forecasting and quantitative analysis for business and government. This is the first such report to have been undertaken into the impact of investment in regional air traffic control management.

The Oxford Economics report is the result of an in-depth analysis of data from NATS and EUROCONTROL covering the broader Middle East.

With aircraft fleets across the Middle East forecast to grow at an annual rate of more than 10 per cent over the forthcoming decade, skies above the region are becoming increasingly congested.

According to the Oxford Economics report, $16.3 billion in economic benefits can be generated in the region by avoiding a doubling in delays over the course of that period.

The report contains a dedicated section on Oman, based on the rapid expansion of the country’s aviation industry. Aviation expansion in Oman is based on the country’s ambitions as a tourism destination.

Muscat International Airport hosted over 8 million passengers in 2013, an increase of 10 percent from 2012. Oman is planning for even more aviation growth and in addition to recent new runways at Muscat and Salalah, further development is planned at regional airports in coming years.

These airport developments mirror a similar capacity expansion programme taking place at Oman Air, with 24 new aircraft to be delivered in phases by 2018, taking Oman Air’s fleet total to 50 aircraft. Upgrades to Oman’s air

KEEPING AN EYE: Muscat International Airport hosted more than

8 million passengers in 2013. Picture use for illustrative purposes only. -Times of Oman file picture

traffic management systems have been ongoing in parallel with airport developments.

However, Oxford Economics also calculated the average flight in Oman was delayed by 27 minutes and that 82 per cent of those delays could be attributable to air traffic capacity issues.

By 2025, without further investment in air traffic control, a doubling of delay minutes to 44 minutes would cost the country $600 million.

Economic sense John Swift, director, NATS Middle East, said,“This report highlights a clear economic case for much greater institutional, operational and technological investment in air traffic control systems across the region.

It reveals that there are huge economic benefits available for airports, airlines and travellers, but also significant risks for governments in an increasingly competitive marketplace.”

“As Oman seeks to attract tourists from all over the world, as well

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as furthering its capabilities as an industrial trading hub, ensuring that aviation is up to world class standards is vital. The country has made huge strides in investing in aircraft and infrastructure – it is critical, though, that the ‘invisible infrastructure’ of airspace is not forgotten. Increased collaboration between civil aviation authorities and the private sector will go a long way to closing that gap,” he said.

Kareen El Beyrouty, senior economist, Oxford Economics, said,“We have a strong and proud track record for independent and objective analysis and we are pleased to have had the opportunity to study air traffic management in the Gulf region. We are not aware that such a study has previously ever been conducted in the region, certainly not in as much detail, and the sheer scale of the findings has surprised us.

We very much hope it will be welcomed by the aviation industry and aviation authorities and that it helps to guide forward thinking on this topic.”

floods through an efficient drainage network and maintaining a sustainable wastewater system across the Sultanate”.

More than 190 international and regional drainage, wastewater and flood control experts took part in the event which had key representatives from Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, Muscat Municipality, Haya Water, National Survey Authority – Ministry of Defence.

Best practices The last day of the conference focussed on best practice case studies and presentations on flash floods, enterprise risk management, flooding at Al Nahdha hospital, and redesigning urban drainage systems, apart from odour and safety in a sewerage plants, GIS in flood disaster management and flood control, and a case study from Austin, Texas on the 2013 floods using spatial data in water issues management.

H E A LT H

‘India a preferred choice of people from Oman for fertility treatment’ MUSCAT: India is a preferred destination for Oman residents and citizens seeking fertility treatment, says a leading renowned obstetrician, gynaecologist and specialist. Dr Geetha Haripriya, from the Prashanth Fertility Research Centre (PFRC), which receives many patients from Oman.

PFRC is participating in the fifth edition of the Oman Health Exhibition and Conference at the Oman International Exhibition Centre.

More than 100 companies and international hospitals and healthcare centres are participating in the flagship event for Oman’s health industry, organised by Omanexpo. The event will conclude on September 9.

“We are receiving a lot of enquiries and consultations here too,” said Dr Geetha.

According to the Indian embassy, the medical tourism sector in India has witnessed immense progress through its innovative competencies and credibility. In 2013, some 59,033 patients travelled to India for treatment, while in 2014 it was 81,822, an increase of 57.6 per cent.

Leading facility The PFRC is a leading fertility centre in India housed at Chetpet and Velachery with ultra-modern facilities and equipment, offering excellent facilities with the latest technologies to those who come for infertility treatment.

“The PFRC assists you in your journey of parenthood and help you realise your dream of having a biological child. We are equipped with the latest ultramodern facilities and state-ofthe-art equipment from all over

Dr Geetha Haripriya

the world. Our team of highly motivated and dedicated multidisciplinary staff and well-qualified doctors has vast experience of working in western hospitals, and we work together to offer you the best and ultimate in reproduction care,” said a PFRC official.

The centre performs the latest techniques in assisted reproduction starting from intra uterine insemination (IUI), intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), intra cytoplasmic injection of morphologically selected sperms (IMSI), and laser-assisted hatching, in addition to blastocyst culture and vitrification of oocytes and embryos.

“It is a centre of excellence housing the time lapse imaging technology (Embryoscope) which is available in only 200 centres worldwide and 3-D laparoscopy for precision and accuracy of any surgical procedure.

The centre also has a semen and oocyte bank that caters to the patient’s requirements along with several other associated therapies for assisted reproduction like acupuncture, immunotherapy and stem cell therapy for improved success rates,” he added.

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W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 1 5 It is absolutely vital that we support the development of our nation’s youth and initiative and this competition presents us with the perfect platform and opportunity to do so Nuhaila Al Suleimani, ESO education coordinator

OMAN

Students urged to meet environment challenge

FICTIONAL CHARACTERS

ESO announced the commencement

We give them four themes and they can speak about whatever like through those themes, but it has to have environmental content, research content and they have to work as a theme

of the fourth annual intercollege speaking competition, which will be inaugurated

by Minister of Higher Education Dr Rawya Al Busaidi

Lamees Daar

FAMILY SPIRIT: Disney enthusiasts in Oman are all set to be cap-

tivated by the musical version of Pinocchio. – Supplied photo

Celebrate Eid at City Centre with Disney characters

Executive Director, ESO

Times News Service

programmes advisor, directorate general of private universities and colleges. Occidental Oman (OXY) and BP Exploration are the gold sponsors where Oman LNG, Oman International Development and Investment Company (Omnivest) and Khimji Ramadas are bronze sponsors.

“We are pleased to sponsor an event that has consistently supported the youth of Oman and raised their environmental literacy,” said Hussam Al Nabhani, vice president for corporate and external affairs of Oxy Oman.

Yousuf Al Ojaili, BP Oman president also said, “This initiative has always been about empowering students within the Sultanate, something we not only admire but strongly promote in our corporate social responsibility initiatives and core values.”

Teams have until September 12, 2015, to register.

MUSCAT: Children and avid Disney enthusiasts in Oman are all set to be captivated by the musical version of the classic story of Pinocchio.

Majid Al Futtaim shopping malls is celebrating Eid Al Adha at City Centre Muscat and City Centre Qurum by presenting the magical musical ‘Adventures of Pinocchio’ to Oman for the first time.

From September 25 to 26 at City Centre Qurum and September 27 to 29, at City Centre Muscat, audiences of all ages will witness a captivating 40-minute show made up of an 8-person cast featuring Geppetto the woodcarver and puppet maker, the Blue Fairy, and Jiminy Cricket who will, along with the title character, Pinocchio, perform twice a day, at 4 pm and 7 pm.

The story of the famed puppet whose nose grows each time he tells a lie was written in 1883 by Carlo Collodi before being animated by Disney studios in 1940.

TARIQ AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: College and university students have been given an exceptional opportunity by the Environmental Society of Oman (ESO) to showcase their knowledge and talents by presenting the environmental challenges at hand and solutions to counter them.

At a press conference, ESO announced the commencement of the fourth annual inter-college speaking competition which will be inaugurated by Dr Rawya Al Busaidi, minister of higher education,and will take place on November 2 and 3, 2015.

This year, 50 teams from 25 colleges and universities where 200 students in total will be presenting their respective topics.

Addressing a press conference, Nuhaila Al Suleimani, ESO education co-ordinator, said, “It is absolutely vital that we support the development of our nation’s youth and initiative and this competition

presents us with the perfect platform and opportunity to do so.”

Environmental themes The competition will be based on four environmental themes: ‘Sustainability our Responsibility: It’s No Longer Our Option’, From Global to Local: Environmental Regulation and Economic Integration’, ‘Overpopulation versus Overconsumption: Where Should We Focus?’ and ‘Environment and Development: Conflict or Harmony?’

When asked about whether a solution, if any, provided in the teams’ presentations is considered

by ESO, Lamees Daar, ESO executive director, replied, “We give them four themes and they can speak about whatever like through those themes, but it has to have environmental content, research content and they have to work as a theme.”

FIRST QUARTER

VA L UA B L E I N S I G H T

Domestic liquidity rises MUSCAT: The Sultanate’s domestic liquidity (M2 category) expanded by a significant 13 percent in the first quarter of this year compared to same period a year ago, taking off from OMR12.7 billion to OMR14.4 billion, according to the Economic Review of the first quarter released recently by the National Centre for Statistics and Information.

Non-oil activities value added increased by 4.1 per cent at the end of March 2015 to reach OMR4.4 billion compared to

OMR4.3 billion in the corresponding period of 2014.

This increase was attributed to the increase in the value added of the services activities by 6.6 per cent, agriculture and fisheries activities by 5.3 per cent, while industrial activities value added dropped by 2.4 per cent during the period under reference.

The value added by Services activities increased to OMR3.2 billion by March, 2015 end compared to OMR3 billion at the end of March 2014. -ONA

FLASH FLOOD

< FROM

A1 Focus on driving skills Those who choose to ignore this valuable information and then need to be rescued are endangering the lives of the rescuers.

These agencies are highly trained and experienced in dealing with such dangerous weather, so all their advice and reminders must be followed. “Fortunately, most people do heed the warnings. However, in spite of this, some people can find themselves in a desperate situation through no fault of their own,” he told the Times of Oman. “In severe weather, people who live in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to move with their essential belongings to an apartment on higher ground with friends or neighbours and ensure that they make no unnecessary journeys,” said Pudwell.

“We have never had themes that relate to environmental society projects; they are general environmental themes,” she said adding that the themes are put together by the Emirates Environmental Group.

The four winning finalists will be chosen to represent Oman in the regional finals in Dubai on November 25 and 26, 2015.

ESO’s expert panel of judges include Yasser Suleiman, District 20 governor – Toastmasters International, Ali Al Kiyumi, advisor for conservation affairs at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, Dr Abdul Aziz Al Mazrooqi, director of marine science and fisheries Centre, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Lubna Al Kharusi, director general for research and fisheries extension, Dr Asadullah Al Ajmi, academic advisor, ministry of higher education and Atiya Al Ma’amari, academic

The cast will also parade the malls twice daily, providing opportunities for mall patrons and shoppers to interact with their favourite fictional characters.

“Underscoring the true spirit of Eid Al Adha, the City Centres of Oman welcome visitors to spend quality time with their families during this special period. Eid Al Adha is a wonderful occasion to commemorate togetherness and family spirit,” said Watfa Humaid Al Harthy, senior mall manager at City Centre Qurum.

“With the debut of the first performance of a family classic here in Oman, we wish to share the ‘Adventures of Pinocchio’ with our loyal customers,” said Al Harthy. “Reinforcing our dedication to creating great moments for everyone, City Centre Muscat invites families to join us for Eid Al Adha celebration to experience what can only be a magical and musical performance suited for all ages,” said Husam Al Mandhari, mall manager at the City Centre Muscat.

Road travel is particularly dangerous as not all drivers are accustomed to driving in adverse conditions and simply do not have the skills required to do so safely. “Social media can provide vital information on water levels, but people should not use it to encourage others to venture out,” he pointed out. Noting that there is also a tendency on the part of some people to try to rush home to avoid the floods and check on their loved ones, he said, “This brings with it another set of issues related to the volume of traffic on now hazardous roads. So people whose work is non-essential should listen to the meteorological bulletins and plan ahead; they should inform their employers that they need the day off.”

Shell Development Oman hosts interns Times News Service MUSCAT: As part of its commitment to developing Omani talent, Shell Development Oman (SDO) hosted three interns this summer at its office in Mina Al Fahal.

Reem Al Kiyumi, Chirayu Khimji and Khazina Al Harthi recently completed SDO’s two-month internship programme, which provided them with the opportunity to gain valuable insight into many of the projects being conducted in the SDO and Shell Technology Oman (STO).

Reem Al Kiyumi, who is in his fourth year at the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) studying Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, spent her time in the STO working on a project in the area of water flooding technique which is used for secondary oil recovery.

In discussions about her internship Reem said, “This internship gave me an opportunity to apply what I have studied in reality. It has also given me an opportunity to further develop my technical and communications skills.”

She added, “Applying my knowledge on a real-life project opened my mind to the expertise STO provides. The diversity of Shell employees is itself a very unique thing to experience at an internship programme.”

Chirayu Khimji, who is a Geophysics student in the University College London, did his internship with the Governance team at the SDO working on a business planning and performance reviewing project.

database of the programme’s graduates in the past 10 years.

“I am really proud to have been part of the SDO family during my summer. I believe that what I learnt in two months at the SDO would be difficult to learn in two years outside of SDO. I worked closely with Shell Intilaaqah team and I have learned the importance of small and medium enterprises to Oman’s economy and the role Shell Intilaaqah brings to this sector.”

SHARPENING SKILLS: The SDO’s internship programme is part of

the company’s annual social investment agenda.

Reflecting on the time he spent at the SDO, Chirayu said “Working in the Governance team in the SDO has exposed me to the fact that exploration, my technical background, is not the only important operation for an oil company.

Day to day workings of producing business plans, performance unit reviews and developing long term enhanced oil recovery portfolio views play a big part and add to the big picture activities of an

oil company. I am very thankful to have worked with experienced co-workers and glad to say that overall my internship at the SDO has given me both a business and technical understanding of the oil industry.”

Khazina Al Harthi, a human resources student in Higher College of Technology, Muscat, did her internship with the Shell Intilaaqah programme. Khazina assisted the programme’s director in building a

Career selection Commenting on the internship programme, Dr Ali Al Lawati, SDO general manager, External Relations, said: “This programme gives young Omani students the opportunity to get to know Shell from the inside and immerse them in our industry. It also helps students decide which career is right for them and enable them to put theory into practice.

“I am very delighted that Reem, Chirayu and Khazina had a good experience at our office and were able to work alongside Shell employees in real-life projects and with professionals in their fields.”

The Shell Development Oman’s internship programme is part of the company’s annual social investment agenda.

The programme gives Omani students the opportunity to directly engage with live projects relating to their field of study and demonstrates Shell’s commitment to supporting young Omanis in their pursuit for employment after the completion of their studies.

S A L A RY PAY M E N T

A1 ‘Omani rial peg to dollar will continue’ < FROM

The new wage payment system in the private sector has been made mandatory through authorised banks for the protection of employees’ rights and prevent labour-related problems.

ACH system Asked if the ACH system will be introduced by 2016, Saeed Mohamed Al Shidhani, vice president for financial services and operations at the CBO, said, “I think so.” He was speaking to reporters

on the sidelines of a workshop organised by Crowe Horwath, one of the top global accounting firms operating in Oman, to update finance professionals on the changes in the international reporting standards.

Al Shidhani said that the initiative is aimed at encouraging companies to pay the wages through the banks in line with the efforts to protect the wages.

Earlier, Suhail Al Khusaibi, head of the WPS programme at

the Ministry of Manpower, had told the Times of Oman that the new system will probably be ready by the end of this year.

SME loans Al Shidhani also commented on the fact that banks have been given until the end of 2015 to comply with the decision of the CBO that requires them to allocate 5 per cent of their total loans to small and medium enterprises (SME).

Asked whether the deadline

will be extended, he said, “I think it will be extended.”

In addition, he said that Oman will continue to maintain the peg of its currency against the US dollar despite the decline in oil prices.

Asked whether he thinks the Islamic windows of conventional banks should be converted into full subsidiaries, Al Shidhani said that the CBO is not going to encourage one over the other and would let them ‘compete’.

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 1 5 The first step is to stop the bloodshed, to establish relative security in Syria and the refugees can go home Hassan Rouhani, President of Iran

A7

REGION

Front against IS should include Assad, says Austrian minister Some European Union officials have been privately saying for months that it is time for more communication with Damascus to combat IS, but few senior Western officials had so far expressed such opinion so publicly

DUBAI/TEHRAN: The West should involve Syria’s President Bashar Al Assad and his allies Iran and Russia in order to combat IS, Austria’s foreign minister said on Tuesday, in some of the most conciliatory comments towards Assad by a Western official.

Most Western countries insist Syria’s president must leave power if peace is to be restored, while Iran and Russia say he is part of the solution. That disagreement has derailed efforts to end the four-year civil war. “We need a pragmatic common approach in this respect including the involvement of Assad in the fight against IS terror,” Sebastian Kurz told reporters during a state visit to Tehran.

“In my opinion the priority is the fight against terror. This will not be possible without powers such as Russia and Iran,” Kurz said, echoing earlier comments by Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani.

NEW BEGINNING: Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif,

right, and his Austrian counterpart Sebastian Kurz, left, shaking hands after signing documents in the Saad Abad palace in Tehran on Tuesday. -AFP/Handout photo from Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s office

Some European Union officials have been privately saying for months that it is time for more communication with Damascus to combat IS, but few senior Western officials have said so publicly.

“One should not forget the

SAUDI-LED ALLIANCE

EGYPT

29 militants killed in Sinai action: Army CAIRO: Egypt’s army said Tuesday it had launched a “major military operation” against the IS group in the Sinai Peninsula, killing 29 extremists and leaving two soldiers dead.

The army said it launched the operation on Monday morning to “eliminate terrorist elements” around the north Sinai towns of Rafah, Sheikh Zuweid and El-Arish.

It said in a statement that 29 extremists were killed along with an officer and a soldier in the fighting.

In a statement the IS’s Egypt affiliate said it killed the two soldiers with a roadside bomb that targeted their vehicle as it left a military base with a large convoy.

The government says hundreds of police and soldiers have been killed, many of them in attacks claimed by IS’s Sinai Province affiliate.

Video footage The operation came days after the Sinai Province released a video documenting its attacks on the military in Sinai, including footage of a wire-guided missile strike that destroyed a navy vessel.

The group has claimed several roadside bombings over the past two weeks, which the military has not commented on. -AFP

Not a ‘priority’ for now Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani ECONOMY

Air strikes on Sanaa continue; more foreign troops move in DUBAI: A Saudi-led alliance launched more air strikes on Yemen’s capital and more foreign troops were reported to be moving into the country as the campaign to rout Houthi forces intensified.

The Houthi-run state news agency Saba said that 15 citizens were killed and 77 were wounded in the attacks by warplanes on Sanaa. Medical sources said at least 15 civilians were killed in similar attacks on Monday.

It was not immediately possible to independently verify the figures. The alliance, made up mainly of Gulf Arab countries, has increased air strikes on Sanaa and other parts of the country since Friday, when a Houthi missile attack killed at least 60 Saudi, Bahrain and United Arab Emirates soldiers at a military camp east of Sanaa.

They were part of a force preparing to assault the capital, which the Houthis seized last September. Friday’s attack was the deadliest yet for Gulf soldiers in the war and may herald a turning point as Saudi-allied countries appear to be committing to a ground war they had so far avoided. Qatari-owned Al Jazeera TV reported that the number of forces deployed by the alliance had risen to 10,000.

A Yemeni military official de-

crimes that Assad has committed, but also not forget the pragmatic view of the fact that in this fight we are on the same side,” he said.

The Houthi-run state news agency Saba said that 15 citizens were killed and 77 were wounded in the attacks by warplanes on Sanaa

nied any foreign reinforcements had arrived on Tuesday and a source close to the exiled Yemeni government, now based in Riyadh, said he believed the number of foreign troops reported by al Jazeera might be exaggerated.

Al Jazeera on Monday said that 1,000 Qatari soldiers had crossed the Al-Wadia border crossing from Saudi Arabia. “A second contingent of Qatari soldiers has entered the Al-Wadia border crossing,” an Al Jazeera correspondent in southern Saudi Arabia was quoted as saying.

Air power A source close to the Qatari military confirmed the report. “The operation in Sanaa will use extensive bombing, air power, to support the ground offensive,” the source said. Qatari and coalition officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Egyptian officials told Reuters that an unspecified number of

Egyptian troops would arrive in Yemen on Tuesday and Saudiowned Arabiya newspaper quoted sources as saying that 6,000 Sudanese troops would soon join the fight inside Yemen.

The Sudanese government did not comment on the report but it was corroborated by the source close to the Qatari military. In Riyadh, a news agency run by Yemen’s exiled government said that 10,000 loyalist troops were also preparing to take part in an advance on Sanaa. The Yemeni government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi fled to Riyadh in March as Houthi forces closed in on their last redoubt in Aden, triggering the Saudi-led intervention and fighting which has killed more than 4,500 people, many of them civilians.

Loyalist Yemeni forces and Gulf soldiers took back Aden and most of Yemen’s south in July but battle lines have barely moved since. -Reuters

Press ahead with reforms, IMF tells Tunis TUNIS: IMF chief Christine Lagarde urged Tunisia, whose vital tourism sector has been hard hit this year by deadly extremist violence, to press ahead with the “vast number” of pending economic reforms.

Negative effects However, while noting difficult international economic conditions and the negative effects of extremist attacks on the national museum and a popular tourist resort, she said Tunisia was “proving its resilience.” Lagarde spoke after meeting President Beji Caid Essebsi and Prime Minister Habib Essid. -AFP

said on Tuesday that democracy was currently not a priority in Syria when people in the Islamic republic’s key ally are being killed, according to an AFP report from Tehran.

“Is it a priority to discuss democracy in Syria today?” Rouhani asked at a news conference with visiting Austrian President Heinz Fischer.

“Is it a priority to talk about the opposition and (government) supporters, or reforming the Syrian constitution?”

In August, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif submitted a peace plan to President Bashar Al Assad aimed at ending the four-year war.

Rouhani said on Tuesday Syria was in “complete instability” with “millions of people displaced and hundreds of thousands killed”.

What mattered to Tehran was saving the “lives of the Syrian people”

and “the return home of refugees”, he added. “The first step is to stop the bloodshed, to establish relative security in Syria and the refugees can go home,” said Rouhani, insisting that starting with a “wrong first step” would mean failure.

“Then we can talk about Syria’s future, opposition groups, democracy and elections,” he said.

Rouhani stressed that Iran was ready to “sit down at any negotiating table anywhere in the world” to help stop the violence and establish peace in Syria.

More than 240,000 people have been killed in the conflict, which began with anti-government protests in March 2011 but spiralled into a complex civil war after a government crackdown.

Since 2013, extremists including Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Nusra Front and the IS group have seized large swathes of land in Syria and Iraq, Iran’s other ally. -Reuters/AFP

A8

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 1 5 These are the various steps which we are taking. So in this situation the best option for India is to strengthen our basic parameters... We are concentrating on strengthening the economy as a whole and how to convert it into an opportunity Arun Jaitley, Finance Minister

INDIA

Modi urges industrialists to take risk, boost investments A meeting of industry and business leaders, bankers and economists called by the PM to discuss global turmoil felt its impact on India would be far less

HIGH-LEVEL MEETING: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs a high-level meeting on the global

economic scenario, in New Delhi on Tuesday. - PTI

while India Inc favoured an interest rate cut

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asked the industry to take risks and step up investments especially in jobcreating sectors as his government looks to perk the economy by boosting spending and attracting global capital with improving ease of doing business.

A meeting of the industry and business leaders, bankers and economists called by the Prime Minister to discuss how to convert the global turmoil into an opportunity felt that its impact on India would be far less while India Inc favoured an interest rate cut to bringing down cost of funds.

In a nutshell, the participants at the three-hour long meeting analysed the recent global events, their impact on India and the opportunities in-built in the situa-

tion for India, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters after the interaction.

He said the participants, 27 of whom spoke, felt the global situation, especially the volatility in the capital and currency markets, is a transient phase and that steps should be taken to strengthen the real economy.

Prime Minister laid thrust on low cost manufacturing and felt the strength of economy lies in its huge human resource, size of domestic market and that it is not entire export dependent.

He also laid emphasis on small and medium enterprises sector and using MNERGA funds as a possible tool for skill development and using Mundra Bank for supporting unorganised sector, the finance minister said.

Transparency in governance will lead to early decisions.

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, Tata Group head Cyrus P Mistry, Aditya Birla Group head Kumar Mangalam

Birla, Sunil Bharti Mittal of Bharti Airtel and ITC chief Y C Deveshwar were among the industry leaders who attended the meeting.

RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar and SBI Chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya and economists like Subir Gokaran and Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian as well as Niti Aayog vice chairman Arvind Panagriya were also present.

On the industry’s demand for an interest rate cut, the Finance Minister said it was the domain of the Reserve Bank to set monetary policy.

Strengthening economy The meeting felt that the impact of global events on the Indian economy will be far less because the fundamentals are reasonably strong, Jaitley said adding that therefore they wanted steps in the direction of further strengthening the Indian economy.

“What we are looking at is dif-

ferent steps to strengthen the Indian economy,” he said.

The steps, he said, will range from investment in infrastructure, irrigation, easing doing business, attracting more global investment, generating private sector investment in India.

“These are the various steps which we are taking. So in this situation the best option for India is to strengthen our basic parameters... We are concentrating on strengthening the economy as a whole and how to convert it into an opportunity,” he said.

Boosting infrastructure spending as well as concentrating on agriculture sector was key to strengthening the domestic economy in the current scenario, he said adding an improvement in the agriculture sector would enhance the purchasing power of a large number of people.

Sectors like food processing, textile and tourism were emphasised in this regard.

“Now with regard to various

they have suggested are concentrate on the agriculture sector which will have a spillover effect on other sectors because a good agriculture will improve the purchasing power of a large number of people,” he said.

Increased expenditure on irrigation, emphasis on food processing, expediting the investment procedure for infrastructure creation were the other suggestions made at the meeting, he said.’

Finance Minister said there were several suggestions with regard to de-stressing stressed sectors particularly steel, textile, power distribution companies and tourism. The suggestions also included ones on cost of labour, cost of capital, further emphasis on stalled projects and defensive measures in case where there are clear evidence of dumping.

While the participants felt large number of taxes mattes have been resolved, balance of reforms including passing of GST must be carried out, he said.

“They expressed hope that GST which was held up because of parliament obstruction would move forward.”

Participants also emphasised on two more legislative steps -- one relating to bankruptcy code and the other relating to definition of corruption under Prevention of Corruption Act, a step which the government has already taken, he said.

Bankruptcy code, he said, was in the final stages of drafting.

Modi endorsed the suggestions of some participants that MNREGA scheme can be used as a possible tool for skill development and development promotion along with Mudra bank initiatives in supporting the unorganised sector. - PTI

SHEENA MURDER CASE

Maria shunted out; Ahmed is new Mumbai police chief MUMBAI: High-profile Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria, who personally interrogated accused in the sensational Sheena Bora murder case in an unusual action, was on Tuesday shunted out of the post and transferred on promotion as Director General of Police Home Guards.

Eyebrows were raised as 58-year-old Maria swapped places with Ahmed Javed, who was appointed the new Mumbai Police Commissioner. Ahmed is a DGrank officer and the Commissioner’s post has been upgraded.

Soon after taking over in a swift and sudden change of guard, Javed said the probe into the murder case will be done in a professional way when he was asked whether he would be investigating it personally.

“The accused are currently in judicial custody. The probe will be done with proper team work. So far as investigation goes, it is over at this point of time.

“As far as investigation which goes on in connection with evidence, I think any case which is important or having a bearing with will be monitored in the right professional way,” he said, adding that all aspects including the financial angle would be investigated.

Maria, who had recently hogged limelight after a video of his meeting in July, 2014 with former IPL chief Lalit Modi in London surfaced, apparently took unusual interest when he frequently went to Khar police station for questioning the accused including Indrani Mukherjea, mother of Sheena.

The Maharashtra government had sought his explanation on his meeting with Lalit Modi and he had denied any wrongdoing. - PTI

DEMAND SLOWS

India’s diamond hub fears more job losses as China slows SURAT: A year ago, India’s diamond capital hit the headlines when one of the largest polishing companies in the western city of Surat treated hundreds of employees to bonuses in the form of Fiat cars, apartments and jewellery.

This year, there’s no sign of a repeat bonanza in a city that by some estimates polishes about 80 per cent of the world’s diamonds.

More than 5,000 Surat polishers have lost their jobs since June and thousands more could be left without work, as Chinese consumers pull back from luxury purchases, leaving jewellers with stocks of unsold jewellery and gems.

Polishers say Chinese jewellers have defaulted on deals worth millions of dollars.

Nearly half a dozen large diamond companies in the city have closed down: a significant hit for an industry that employs nearly a million people in India, two-thirds of them in Surat.

Jobs are a critical issue for India’s government, struggling to revive economic growth to a rate that will create employment for millions joining the workforce every year.

Sunilkumar Rajput spent 25 years cutting gems in this coastal city, where streets are lined with workshops of all sizes, bustling

Last month, he joined a rally of at least half a million people which turned violent, leaving at least seven dead.

DIAMOND POLISHING: Craftsmen work at the polishing department of a diamond processing unit at

Surat in Gujarat. More than 5,000 Surat polishers have lost their jobs since June and thousands more could be left without work, as Chinese consumers pull back from luxury purchases, leaving jewellers with stocks of unsold jewellery and gems. - Reuters

with craftsmen huddled under desk lamps, preparing to carve rough diamonds into multi-faceted gems. He lost his job in June.

“I am ready to work even at half the salary I was getting in my previous job, but no one will listen,” says Rajput, 45, speaking in a quiet side street of Surat.

He has sent his children back to

his home state of Uttar Pradesh, in India’s north, to save money.

Distress in Surat’s warren of polishing houses comes at a time of unrest across the state of Gujarat — Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home base — where hundreds of thousands of members of Patel community have held protests to demand changes to India’s

affirmative action policies, which they say hurt them.

Like many of Gujarat’s largest industries, diamond polishing is dominated by Patels, who make up 14 per cent of the state and a nascent but disgruntled middle class.

Hiren Patel, 35, says his salary has halved since June: “We have work only for three days a week.”

Growing pain China represents roughly a fifth of the world polished diamond market — less than half of the US in value terms — and accounts for the same proportion of India’s $23 billion of annual exports.

But its growth has fuelled the diamond industry in recent years, as jewellery stores expanded at breakneck pace to cater for luxury hungry consumers.

At the peak, between 2008 and 2013, diamond jewellery sales in China grew at a compound annual rate of 18 per cent.

Now, industry executives estimate growth in single digits, and jewellers are adapting - and cutting back.

A stock market crash since June and slowing growth has hurt the wealthy in China.

Also, a crackdown on corruption has meant that the rich are fearful of any ostentatious signs of wealth, and among luxury goods, jewellery has taken a big hit. Surat polishes cheaper diamonds of less than a carat, but is also known for solitaires - single stones - popular with Chinese buyers.

“In the last couple of years China was on an explosive growth path,” said Stephen Lussier, CEO of Forevermark, the diamond brand of the De Beers group, the world’s largest diamond company by market value.”Now, demand for polished diamonds in China has significantly reduced relative to a year ago.”

Vipul Shah, chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, estimates a drop of 50 per cent this fiscal year from a year ago.

Surat’s ranks of craftsmen, swollen by cheap migrant labour, ballooned over the boom years in anticipation of more growth and ever-higher diamond prices.

Instead, margins are squeezed as polished prices fall faster than rough, with even major producers Anglo American-owned De Beers and Russia’s Alrosa pulling back.

India’s exports of cut and polished diamonds in July fell 18.3 per cent from a year ago, to $1.5 billion.

July imports plunged 43 per cent to $1.9 billion.

Over the year, imports are expected to drop by a fifth.

“In an over-supplied market, we don’t have any option but to cut production,” says Mavji Patel, managing director of Kiran Gems, a leading diamond exporter. -Reuters

MALABAR HILL, MUMBAI

Birla buys iconic Jatia House for Rs4.25 billion MUMBAI: Top industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla has bought the iconic Jatia House in the plush Malabar Hill area here for Rs4.25 billion.

The deal is considered to be highest ever as the property has been bought for personal-use, industry experts said.

Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), an international consultancy firm which carried out the deal, has confirmed the sale.

Personal use The firm also confirmed the property will be used for the industrialist’s personal purpose.

“Jatia House, which has a builtup area of of about 25,000 sq ft has been sold at Rs425 crore to Birla,” a JLL official said.

This is the largest deal after the iconic Maheshwari House

HIGHEST EVER DEAL: Aditya Birla Group chairman Kumar Man-

galam Birla has bought the iconic Jatia House bungalow in Malabar Hill, Mumbai on Tuesday. - PTI

on Mumbai’s Napean Sea Road which was bought by industrialist Sajjan Jindal of JSW in 2011.

According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) Executive

Director Shashank Jain, when properties are bought for personal-use, the commercial valuation is generally not taken into consideration.

“The valuation of the property cannot be ascertained as it has been bought for personal use. Also such transactions do not wait for the right market conditions and are sold as per the requirement of the owner,” he said.

The Jatia House was owned

by Y. Jatia and was occupied by brothers Arun and Shyam Jatia, who run the Pudumjee Industries.

The property was bought in 70s from M. C. Vakeel.

A spokesperson from the Aditya Birla Group refused to comment on the deal.

Last year, Smita Crishna, sister of industrialist Jamshyed Godrej, bought Meherangir, an iconic bungalow of Homi J. Bhabha, father of India’s atomic energy programme, for Rs 3.72 billion. This property was also bought for personal use, experts said. - PTI

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Party extends Sonia’s term, lambasts Modi government The Congress president launched a frontal attack on Modi, terming his promises as nothing more than empty talk and his government failing abysmally to match its words with deeds CONGRESS WORKING COMMITTEE MEET: Congress President Sonia Gandhi with party Vice President Rahul Gandhi during the CWC meeting at party headquarters, in New Delhi on Tuesday. - PTI

NEW DELHI: The Congress Working Committee (CWC) on Tuesday extended the term of party president Sonia Gandhi by a year, as it launched a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi government over a range of issues including price rise, “servility to the RSS”, problems of farmers and its policy on Pakistan.

Sonia Gandhi set the tone for the meeting in her inaugural remarks as she launched a frontal attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, terming his promises as nothing more than “hawa baazi” (empty talk) and his government failing abysmally to match its words with deeds.

Organisational elections The CWC meeting was necessitated with the party deciding to hold its organisational elections by the end of next year amid the possibility that the long-speculated elevation of party vice president Rahul Gandhi could take place as culmination of the organisational election process.

Both Sonia Gandhi and the

‘Sonia’s barbs at Modi aimed at hiding own failures’ NEW DELHI: BJP on Tuesday took on Sonia Gandhi over her barbs at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying she was targeting him to hide her failures, and likened her praise for Rahul Gandhi over his stir against land ordinance with the case of a mother patting her son’s back for “usurping” farmers’ land, a reference to the recent Amethi land row.

Seeking to turn the tables on Congress over its president’s ‘hawa baazi’ (empty talk) barb at Modi, Irani said the real

CWC on Tuesday congratulated Rahul for leading the fight against the government on the controversial land acquisition bill and forcing the government to back off.

‘hawa baazi’ would be Rahul declaring himself to be a messiah of farmers as she attacked the Congress vice president over the Amethi land row.

“While guiding her decimated party, Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday took the help of Modi’s name to hide the failures of her policies. She said nothing is happening on the ground.It is laughable that those who emptied the country’s treasury are attacking somebody who has been able to bring development on

The CWC, the highest decisionmaking body of the Congress, also decided on significant changes to the party’s constitution such as increasing reservation for weaker

TWITTER-LIKE

Hindi networking site ‘Mooshak’ launched BHOPAL: Ahead of the commencement of World Hindi Conference here, a Hindi networking site ‘Mooshak’ envisaged on the lines of popular English social media platform Twitter was launched on Tuesday.

Hindi language buffs This new networking site is targeted at Hindi language buffs.

The word limit on Twitter is

140, while in ‘Mooshak’ it is 500 words, the Hindi networking site’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Anurag Gaud told reporters.

‘Mooshak’ can be accessed on smart-phones by downloading it from Google Play Store or visiting its website of the same name, he said.

The Madhya Pradesh capital is hosting the 10th World Hindi Conference from September 10

to 12. The three-day meet is being organised by the Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with the Madhya Pradesh government.

Incidentally, after the concept of organising Vishwa Hindi Sammelan was born in 1973 at Wardha, it was organised for the first time in Nagpur in 1975.

Later, Delhi hosted it for the second time in 1983, an office bearer of the event said. - PTI

A9

the ground,” Union Minister Smriti Irani said.

Asked about reports that Congress was going slow on anointing Rahul as its president, she told a press conference that Rahul mattered little for BJP and claimed that she had been able to reduce his victory margin in a big way in Amethi with only 20 days of campaigning.

“Why is Congress not willing to make him its president is a question for it to answer, not BJP,” she said. -PTI

sections, including Scheduled Castes and minorities from 20 per cent to 50 per cent, bringing back the practice of active membership, inclusion of electronic mem-

bership and reducing the term of members and office bearers from five years to three years.

The changes are meant to strengthen the Congress base and expand its membership at a time the party is seeking its electoral revival after a string of reverses in assembly polls following its debacle in the Lok Sabha elections last year.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said the party was in support of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) but the government should accept its proposed amendments on the bill.

He ruled out the party’s support to the government suggestion for a special session of parliament to pass the GST bill, saying it had not taken action against three BJP leaders whose resignations were being sought by the Congress.

Demanding resignation The Congress has been demanding resignation of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje over their alleged help to former IPL chief Lalit Modi, who is facing Enforcement Directorate investigations, and of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan over the Vyapam scam.

The term of Sonia Gandhi, who has been at the helm for 17 years, was to end in December this year.

The party will now write to the Election Commission informing it that it will complete the process of organisational elections by the end of next year.

The CWC adopted a resolution and resolved to oppose with greater vigour “the anti-poor, anti-labourer and anti-farmer policies of the Modi government”, and called for decisive action on issues concerning the economy and national security and against divisive and communal forces. - IANS

WA R - T O R N

BILLOWING SMOKE: Smoke billows from buildings after reported air-strikes by the Saudi-led coalition on the police academy on Tuesday, in the capital Sanaa. - AFP

20 Indians killed in coalition air strikes in Yemen DUBAI/DELHI: At least 20 Indian nationals were killed by coalition air strikes on fuel smugglers at Yemen’s Hodeidah port on Tuesday, residents and fishermen said.

They said two boats were hit in the attack on an area called Al Khokha near Hodeidah port.

Meanwhile, Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday night said it has no information about the reports that 20 Indians have been killed in Yemen.

“We are ascertaining the facts about the reports,” MEA spokesman Vikas Swarup said when asked about reports that 20 Indians had been killed in Saudi-led strikes in Yemen.

Some media reports, quoting residents and fishermen, earlier claimed that at least 20 Indian nationals were killed in air strikes by Saudi-led coalition forces on fuel smugglers at Yemen’s Hodeidah port on Tuesday.

They claimed two boats were hit in the attack on an area called alKhokha near Hodeidah port.

India does not have Embassy in Yemen, which was shut down in April after evacuation of its nationals. - Agencies

A10

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 1 5

PAKISTAN PROTEST MARCH

POLIO VACCINATION DRIVE IN KARACHI

A boy receives polio vaccine drops at Cantonment Railway Station in Karachi, on Tuesday. According to the local media, the total number of registered polio cases in Pakistan reached 32 this year, after two fresh cases were reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Tuesday.- Reuters

20 hospital staff injured in clash with policemen ISLAMABAD: At least 20 doctors and paramedical staff of federal public hospitals sustained injuries and 12 of them were arrested on Tuesday after police batoncharged to stop them from marching towards the Prime Minister Secretariat.

“At least 20 doctors and paramedics sustained injuries during the clash,” Dr Tanveer Malik, Polyclinic spokesperson, said.

Employees of federal public hospitals have been protesting against the freezing of their health risk allowance. Last week, the doctors threatened the government to march towards the secretariat if their demands were not met before September 8.

The Finance Division had issued a notice on July 7 under which employees of the federal hospitals stopped receiving health-risk allowance from July 30.

Hence, as part of their continuing protest against the finance division’s move and getting no satisfactory answer till the given deadline, employees of Polyclinic Hospital, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), CDA Hospital, NIRM and National Institute of Health (NIH) set off their march towards the PM Secretariat at 11:30am. Services at the main emergency departments remained functional; however, locking outpatient departments (OPDs) were locked. — Express Tribune

BALOCH ACTIVIST

Key witness in activist Sabeen murder shot dead Forty year-old

Mama Qadeer

Mahmud, who ran

Qadeer name removed from exit control list

The Second Floor cafe in Karachi, was killed in April when gunmen attacked her car as she left the

ISLAMABAD: The Sindh High Court (SHC) ordered on Tuesday the removal of Voice of Baloch Missing Persons (VMPB)’s leaders Abdul Qadeer Baloch, aka Mama Qadeer, and Farzana Majeed from the Exit Control List (ECL), BBC Urdu reported.

The leaders of the VMPB can move around the world as independent Pakistanis, the court said while announcing the judgement.

A division bench of the SHC comprising Justice Ahmed Ali Shaikh and Justice Farooq Ali Shah heard the plea filed

by Mama Qadeer and Farzana Majeed.

“Mama Qadeer is a peaceful Pakistani citizen and authorities off loaded him from a flight at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport on March 4 this year without citing any reason,” Qadeer’s lawyer Wazir Khoso told BBC. — Express Tribune

venue after hosting a talk on rights abuses in Balochistan

KARACHI/QUETTA: A key witness in the murder of prominent Pakistan rights activist Sabeen Mahmud has been shot dead, police said Tuesday.

Ghulam Abbas, Mahmud’s driver, was targeted by unknown gunmen when returning to his house from a local mosque on Monday evening, police said.

Forty year-old Mahmud, who ran The Second Floor cafe in Karachi that regularly organised debates and art events, was killed in April when gunmen attacked her car as she left the venue after hosting a talk on rights abuses in Balochistan.

KILLING: Pakistani civil society activists on April 28, 2015 hold pictures of rights campaigner Sabeen

Mahmud during a protest in Islamabad against her killing in a drive-by shooting in Karachi. - AFP

Police sources said that Abbas was a key witness in the murder as he was sitting in the rear seat of the car and Mahmud was in the driving seat when she was fatally hit by five bullets.

“We are probing the murder from all angles,” Malik Altaf, a senior police investigator said.

“There is a high probability that this murder might be linked with that of Sabeen’s,” he told AFP. However, police also said that Abbas had already identified the

CONTROVERSIAL POLITICIAN

suspected killers in a magistrate’s court a few weeks ago.

Mahmud’s murder sent shockwaves through progressive society in Pakistan, as it was seen as trying to silence liberal and dissenting voices in the country.

Police are examining whether Mahmud was targeted because of her work at the cafe, which held talks against religious extremism as well as state brutality.

Meawhile, security forces believe they have killed a top insur-

gent leader in Baluchistan, where China is due to funnel much of a recently announced $46 billion investment package, a provincial minister said on Tuesday.

Banned group leader killed Allah Nazar, chief of the banned Baluch Liberation Front (BLF) is believed to have been killed in a raid last month, Baluchistan Home Minister Sarfraz Bugti told a news conference in the provincial capital of Quetta.

Separatists have been fighting a low-intensity insurgency in poverty-racked Baluchistan for decades, demanding an end to what they see as the exploitation of their gas and mineral resources by people from richer, more powerful parts of Pakistan.

The rebels have carried out frequent kidnappings and killings, including the execution of 20 labourers in April, and they often attack gas pipelines and other infrastructure.

Human rights groups accuse government forces of kidnapping, torture and summary executions in their efforts to defeat the insurgency. The security forces reject the accusations.

“According to unconfirmed reports ... he was killed in a recent operation conducted by security forces in Awaran district,” Bugti said of Nazar.

“We are still confirming. There has been no communication and his presence has not been reported since a certain time, which indicates that he has died.”

The BLF did not immediately respond to the claim.

Nazar, a doctor from Quetta, was one of the most prominent insurgent leaders still fighting. Many other leaders are in exile.

The military has vowed to crush the insurgency and assured China of security for a planned ChinaPakistan economic corridor from the Balochistan port of Gwadar up to the Chinese border in northern Pakistan. — Agencies

TOUGH LIFE

Court orders blacking out MQM chief Altaf in media KARACHI/LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered blacking out Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain in print and electronic media.

A full bench of the LHC heard on Monday petitions filed against Altaf’s speeches allegedly critical of state institutions, including the Pakistan Army and the paramilitary Rangers, following which coverage of the MQM chief’s speeches and publishing or broadcasting of his pictures and clips and his activities in the media were banned.

The bench — comprising Justices Mazhar Ali Akbar Naqvi,

Altaf Hussain

Mazhar Iqbal Sidhu and Erum Sajjad Gul — observed that “there is sufficient material available on record to issue direction to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority chairman to black out Altaf’s activities, in-

cluding hate speeches, any news regarding his activities and displaying his pictures in the media”.

The court also directed a Punjab additional advocate general (AAG) to convey the order to the Press Council of Pakistan chairman for immediate compliance.

However, he sought time to submit a report in light of the court’s August 31 order and assured the bench that he would submit it soon. The court accepted the plea and adjourned the hearing until September 18.

Previously, the LHC had also sought the comments of the interior ministry regarding Altaf’s nationality. — Express Tribune

MAKING ENDS MEET: A boy carries onions while crossing a polluted stream over a temporary bridge in Islamabad, on Tuesday. — Reuters

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Migration catastrophe likely to break the EU

Location: Salalah/Photo: Sreejith Muthuvana

he migrant surge is not just the biggest crisis ever to hit the the European Union but the one that will break it. Break it, because it has exposed how corruption, cronyism and cowardice have hollowed out a oncegrand institution.

Brussels, and the governments of many of its member states, are filled with the craven and opportunist, so-called leaders who ever since the end of the Cold War have specialised in an ideology that can reduced to just one word - fudge.

The fudge — putting off every problem as long as possible — has been deployed for the wine lake, the beef mountain and Greek debt, along with introducing a single currency run by a central bank accountable to nobody.

But the surge of migrants into the continent from every border will see the whole rotten structure come crashing down.

That much was clear this week when European leaders suddenly announced their determination to solve the migrant crisis — spurred by a grim photograph of a drowned boy washed up on the Turkish coast.

Hundreds of such children have been drowned for the past two years as ever rising numbers of migrants beat a path to Europe, the only difference here being that this poor boy was photographed.

The knee jerk reaction of EU leaders to this one event tells you all you need to know about a leadership class that ignores every problem if it possibly can. Not least because their solution last week was not action, but, incredibly, the promise only of a conference to debate the problem.

This is despite the fact that migrant numbers are mind boggling. More than 350,000 have arrived from Libya and Turkey this year, and Germany expects to process more than 800,000 including hundreds of thousands from the Balkans.

And what no unelected Brussels bureaucrat is willing to talk about is what happens next year?

Migrant numbers into Europe have doubled for the past few years. Next year they will pass the million mark. Where are those migrants to go?

Already the system supposed to deal with migrants is broken. Schengen, the visa-free access to a borderless Europe, has been swamped by the migrants. So has the Dublin Convention, which stipulates that refugees must claim asylum in the first EU state they enter; Greece, Italy and

Hungary are overwhelmed. And when Hungary has the temerity to build a border fence, Europe turns on them, saying no. When EU leaders are asked, just how many will be let in, they fall silent.

In this catastrophic cowardice the EU leaders have a willing accomplice among much of the mainstream media. The media are happy to report on the plight of the migrants without bothering to question who is to pay for their settlement.

In fact the media and EU leaders have much in common. It won’t be their elite communities that have to absorb so many migrants, and it won’t be their jobs threatened by this massive influx. Ask a working class East European how he feels about a migrant getting more from benefits than he makes from hard work, or indeed taking his job, and see what he says.

The voters are now starting to notice. The 2014 European elections resulted in Eurosceptic parties making huge gains, such as UKIP in the UK, the National Front in France, The People’s Party in Denmark, Syriza in Greece, Sinn Fein in Ireland and the Five Start Movement in Italy. In their different ways these parties have one thing in common - rejection of the EU’s cosy consensus.

The ordinary people know that Europe is full. Unemployment is high — one in four of young Spaniards is out of work — and welfare budgets are already stretched as states cope with stratospheric levels of public debt. The EU talks of distributing hundreds of thousands of migrants across the Union with no idea how to pay for it.

The inability to even confront the migrant crisis will doom the EU to fail. Its crash will not be spectacular but gradual. You can see it already. States are already breaking away, settling matters among themselves and ignoring the mirage of the Union. The EU is set to join a long list of institutions - including the United Nations itself - which stumble on, ignored by those they once hoped to govern. Also irrelevant will be the European Project, a project dedicated to making the continent beholden to an unelected bureaucracy in which nobody would need to work hard and everyone would get benefits. The Americans, a nation raised on the ideals of hard work, have a bumper sticker that the EU should have taken notice of decades ago: No Taxation Without Representation. The EU’s unelected bosses ignored it then and is ignoring it now, and this abject failure, as migrant numbers continue to explode on the continent, will doom it to collapse. - Special to Times of Oman

READERS’ FORUM Strict corrective measures needed after girl’s death This refers to the report, ‘Girl, 4, dies after being left on bus in Oman’ (September 8). It was a tragic incident. The safety of children being transported in buses remains a concern. Though there were similar incidents reported in the past, the latest incident reveals that whatever corrective actions have been proposed and implemented, have had no serious impact. This incident again calls for having an attendant in school buses, especially to safeguard junior level children. It questions the responsibility on the part of transporting companies ferrying children to educational institutions. It is not something that can be ignored or regretted in simple words. Instead, the root cause needs to be seriously analysed and there should not be any compromise in implementing strict corrective measures.

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

As the internal security operation in Pakistan’s Karachi marks its second anniversary this September, there is a general perception that the city is returning to ‘normalcy’. But the illusion of security is no measure of the success of internal security operations bit.ly/karachioperation

Will there be peace in space?

This refers to the online story, Star Trek’s’ Captain Kirk Writes an Autobiography (September 7). After reading the report, I feel it is a must read book for me. I am an ardent fine of the Star Trek saga. In connection with this is the Mars colonisation project. This endeavour would indeed be the biggest step ever taken by humans since learning how to make fire. To me, if space flight ever becomes inexpensive and practical, I would love to settle on some other planet. Our planet is full of wars. Hopefully, in other worlds, we can find peace. — Sami Zeeshan, Muscat

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MUSCAT PRICES VARIATION FORFrom FOODJunePRODUCTS (%) to July 2015 Price fell

OCCI chief calls for fresh efforts to boost export

MUSCAT: Sheikh Salem bin Hilal Al Khalili, president of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said yesterday that new coordinated efforts were needed to boost export capability of the local firms to let them face the challenges ahead.

Khalili was giving the keynote address at a seminar on promotion of export-oriented industries, organised by the OCCI here yesterday.

TODAY IN HISTORY

NEW INDIA ASSURANCE

PICTOGRAPH

1644: The Dutch colony of New Amsterdam surrenders to the British fleet that sails into its harbour. Five years later, the British change the name to New York.

1760: The French surrender the city of Montreal to the British.

1945: Korea is partitioned by the Soviet Union and the United States.

1951: Japanese representatives sign a peace treaty in US

%

-5

0

Price rose 5

10

Bread & cereals

-0.20

Meat

-0.07

Fish & seafood

20.87

Milk, cheese & eggs

0.11

Oils & fats

-0.49

Fruits

0.21

Vegetables

5.23

Sugar, jam, honey & confectionary

15

0

Other foods

-0.17

Non-alcoholic beverages

-0.13

Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

20

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180,000

Filipinos went to work in ship galleys abroad between 2010-2014, including nearly 72,000 head chefs, with the rest made up of kitchen assistants, waiters and waitresses, according to labour department data.

GOVERNMENT PROGRAMME: Rochelle Evaristo, left, makes a sandwich at a school run by the government’s Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Manila in this photo taken June 10, 2015. If you are holidaying on a Mediterranean cruise ship, celebrating your winnings at an Asian casino or dining with the president of the United States, the chances are a Filipino will be cooking your meal. Since the 1970s, the Philippines has been known for its mass export of workers, particularly maids and construction workers who choose an uncertain life abroad above deep poverty at home. - AFP file photo

A1 3

SPECIAL

Why Filipino cooks rule the kitchens

HONING SKILLS: Students learn how to handle a serving tray at a school run by the government’s

EXERCISE: Students learn how to fold napkins and set a dining table at a school run by the govern-

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Manila.- AFP file photo

ment’s Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Manila. - AFP file photo

Filipinos are big assets in the global catering industry because of their English proficiency, the ease with which they adapt to the host countries, and a resilience that belies their easy-going nature

SPELLING OUT: Teodoro Pascua deputy director for operations, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) gestures as he explains the roll of TESDA in Manila in this photo taken June 10, 2015. - AFP file photo

CULINARY SKILL: Rochelle Evaristo, right, makes a sandwich. - AFP file photo

MANILA: If you are holidaying on a Mediterranean cruise ship, celebrating your winnings at an Asian casino or dining with the president of the US, the chances are a Filipino will be cooking your meal. Since the 1970s, the Philippines has been known for its mass export of workers, particularly maids and construction workers who choose an uncertain life abroad above deep poverty at home. But in recent years there has been a trend towards higherskilled and better-paying jobs, and cooking schools in the Philippines are now churning out tens of thousands of chefs a year for kitchens around the world.

“I’ve always been interested in cooking, especially baking, even as a kid,” former bank clerk Rochelle Evaristo said as she took a break from making sandwiches alongside other aspiring cooks at a Manila school.

“I also want to work abroad. My cousin is in Canada and he said they need a lot of cooks.”

In her late 20s, she is among the oldest of the class of 39 mostly teenaged students at her government-run school in Manila. More than 10 million people from the Philippines work overseas and maids, sailors and labourers are still the most common jobs.

Sought-after However cooks, bakers, and pastry chefs are becoming the most sought-after professions, with ships, hotels, restaurants and casinos the main employers, the school’s deputy director for operations, Teodoro Pascua, said.

Nearly 180,000 Filipinos went to work in ship galleys abroad between 2010-2014, including nearly 72,000 head chefs, with the rest made up of kitchen assistants,

waiters and waitresses, according to labour department data.

Over the same period, about 65,000 Filipinos went to work in similar catering jobs in hotels and restaurants in foreign countries.

Filipinos are big assets in the global catering industry because of their English proficiency, the ease with which they adapt to the host countries, and a resilience that belies their easy-going nature, according to Pascua.

“These are soft skills that we have that make us a little more distinct than either our neighbours or other workers all over the world,” he said.

Pascua also said a graduate of the entry-level six-month course at his school, supervised by the Philippines’ Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, would be able to master the basics in any kitchen.

“Your employers will know that you won’t drown in the kitchen.

You won’t make a mess of anything,” he said. There are about 2,500 cooking schools — mostly private but also government-run — in the Philippines, according to Pascua. The culinary trail was blazed by Pablo Logro, a former dishwasher who rose to great heights working. Logro got his start helping prepare soft buns for a Chinese restaurant in Manila, which gave him a ringside view of its chef’s Asian cooking.

Career in Oman He then got a job as a chef’s assistant at a Manila hotel, where he befriended an Arab guest who offered him a sous chef job in Oman in the early 1980s.

It turned out to be at the Al Bustan Palace, where guests of the royalty would stay.

In interviews with Philippine

media, Logro said during his decade-long career in Oman he regularly cooked lamb and served visiting royalty and heads of state.

Returning to the Philippines, he became the first Filipino executive chef of a five-star hotel.

He eventually left the job to open his own culinary school and establish himself as a celebrity chef with his own successful television cooking show.

A more recent success is Cristeta Comerford, who began as assistant chef in Bill Clinton’s White House in 1995 after working at five-star hotels in the US. She was then appointed executive chef in the presidential kitchen in 2005 by George W. Bush’s wife, Laura, a position she carried into the Barack Obama presidency. Visiting the Philippines last year, Obama highlighted her introduction to the presidential family of two of the better known Filipino dishes.

“Thanks to her, we in the White House enjoy the occasional lumpia and adobo,” he said in his toast at a state dinner, referring to fried spring rolls and meat marinated in salt, garlic and vinegar.

Cooking creating dreams Evaristo, the former bank clerk, has far more modest ambitions, hoping to earn more money than her previous career that paid just 14,000 pesos ($300) a month.

After on-the-job training at a Philippine hotel or restaurant following her six-month schooling, she hopes to join a cousin in Canada who is the head chef at a Vancouver restaurant.

“My cousin doubled his salary from his previous job here (as head chef of a Manila restaurant chain),” Evaristo said.While kitchen salaries vary greatly, virtually all pay more than domestic workers earn. Even an entry-level job as a chef’s assistant on a cruise ship pays about $900, according to industry publications.

But while earning more money is the main aim for most students, it also allows them to dare to dream of emulating the likes of Logro and Comerford, according to Imeldaughter Vera, one of the trainers at the Manila school. “One of my students has gone on to work in a Middle East palace, cooking for a princess,” Vera said. - AFP

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Turkey ground forces enter northern Iraq, pursue PKK Thirteen Turkish police were killed on Tuesday in a new attack by Kurdistan Workers’ Party militants as violence in the east threatened to spiral out of control

ANKARA: Turkish forces crossed into northern Iraq to pursue Kurdish militants on Tuesday after the deadliest rebel attacks in years left dozens dead as the decades-long conflict escalated.

Thirteen Turkish police were killed on Tuesday in a new attack by Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militants as violence in the east threatened to spiral out of control.

That attack came two days after 16 Turkish soldiers were killed in a twin roadside bomb attack in Daglica in the southeastern Hakkari region, the army said, in the deadliest strike on troops in months.

Land incursion Early on Tuesday, the Turkish air force pounded PKK targets in northern Iraq and special ground forces crossed the border in a rare land incursion, a Turkish government source told AFP. “This is a short-term measure intended to prevent the terror-

Minister Ahmet Davutoglu attended a funeral for soldiers killed in the Daglica attack.

“For the unity of this nation, this homeland, anyone responsible for each and every act of bloodshed will be brought to account,” he said, weeping openly.

The US embassy in Ankara condemned the Daglica attack, saying: “We stand with Turkey in the fight against terror and repeat our call to the PKK: renounce violence and return to the peace process.”

Pro-Kurdish MPs meanwhile expressed alarm over the situation in the mainly Kurdish southeastern city of Cizre in the restive Sirnak province, where residents were under an army curfew for a fifth day in a row.

Several people have been killed and others wounded including children while food is running short, pro-Kurdish meCONFLICT: Turkish investigators search the site after a police minibus was destroyed in a bomb attack dia have reported.

“Martial law is being imposed on Tuesday in Igdir. — AFP/DEPO PHOTOS/STR in Cizre under the pretext of a curfew,” the Peoples’ Demoists’ escape,” he said, without say- norate said, slightly revising down in 1984 with the aim of establish- cratic Party (HDP) said in a stateing when it began or how long it an earlier toll. They had been en ing an independent state for Tur- ment, denouncing a “massacre” route to the Dilucu post near the key’s Kurdish minority, although in the city. would last.

The unrest comes at an exploThe Dogan news agency said border with Azerbaijan when the lately the demands have focused sive time in Turkey as the country on greater autonomy and rights. two units of Turkish special forc- attack took place.

Commentators have expressed prepares to hold snap elections A PKK spokesman in northern es, backed by warplanes, were chasing around 40 PKK militants Iraq confirmed to AFP that the alarm that the current situation on November 1 following June increasingly resembles the worst polls where Erdogan’s ruling group carried out the attack. in two groups. days of the PKKs insurgency in party lost its overall majority as a Since late July, Ankara has the 1990s when attacks on this pro-Kurdish party made a major used air power and ground troops Ceasefire in tatters breakthrough. in a bid to cripple the PKK in its Meanwhile, one policeman was scale were commonplace.

Meanwhile, the PKK released “We did not and will not abanstrongholds in southeastern Tur- killed in the Tunceli region of eastern Turkey in another attack don the nation’s future to three or 20 Turkish citizens, including key and northern Iraq.

But the group has hit back, blamed on the PKK, Turkish tel- five terrorists,” Turkish President customs officials, kidnapped in Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a August by the militants in the east killing dozens of Turkish police evision said.

The violence has left in tatters defiant speech in Ankara. and soldiers in almost daily atof Turkey and then moved to Iraq.

But he promised that “with tacks, with the bloodier attacks a 2013 ceasefire aimed at allowing The PKK handed them over to a marking a new intensification of a final peace deal to end the PKK’s God’s permission, Turkey, which delegation of rights activists, Iraqi three-decade insurgency, which has overcome plenty of crises, will Kurdistan officials and members the conflict.

The 13 police were killed in has claimed tens of thousands get over the plague of terror.” of the (HDP) who travelled to In a scene that has become very Iraq, security sources in eastern a bomb attack on a minibus the of lives.

The PKK initially took up arms familiar in recent weeks, Prime Turkey said. — AFP eastern region of Igdir, the gover-

SYRIA AID FLIGHTS

Give details “We explain where our planes are flying to, and what their purpose and their cargo is,” he added.

He said that ferrying cargo, which included humanitarian and military aid, through the air-

space of a third party -- as well as obtaining permission to do so -- should be a routine procedure.

“We’ve never had any problems before,” he said.

Washington has expressed concern following reports suggesting Moscow may be boosting military support to Syrian President Bashar Al Assad and had sent a military advance team to the war-torn country.

US request Earlier on Tuesday, NATO member Bulgaria confirmed it had refused permission late last night for an unspecified number of Russian aircraft to cross its airspace. Greece said on Monday that Washington had asked it to ban Russian supply flights to Syria from its airspace.

It said it was examining the US request but gave no further details.

Moscow has dismissed US concerns about its alleged Syria buildup, saying its military aid to the Assad regime was nothing out of the ordinary. — AFP

SECURITY WOES

Gunmen abduct minister in Iraq BAGHDAD: Gunmen in Baghdad kidnapped an acting deputy justice minister of Iraq on Tuesday and wounded his driver, officials said.

A justice ministry official identified the man seized as Abdulkarim Fares, saying he is director general for financial and administrative affairs at the ministry as well as an acting deputy minister.

Driver wounded A police colonel said black-clad kidnappers in several vehicles stopped his car in the Binook area in the northeast of the city.

He said the driver was wounded by gunfire when he tried to intervene.

Kiev agrees for ICC probe into war crimes THE HAGUE: Ukraine on Tuesday accepted the International Criminal Court’s jurisdiction to probe war crimes, including in its war-torn east, since February 2014. “Ukraine accepts the jurisdiction of the court for the purpose of identifying, prosecuting and judging perpetrators and accomplices of acts committed on the territory of Ukraine since February 20 2014,” said a letter, signed

by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin and accepted by the Hague-based court.

Although Ukraine is not a state party to the court, it can accept the ICC’s jurisdiction on a case-bycase basis for crimes committed within a particular time frame.

Ukraine has already given the ICC the green light to probe alleged crimes committed between November 21, 2013 when pro-EU demonstrations erupted in Kiev and February 22 last year, when pro-Moscow president Viktor Yanukovych was ousted.

“What it means is that the Prosecutor will now be able to probe crimes after February 22 last year, with an open-ended time frame,” ICC spokesman Fadi El Abdallah told AFP. This included the conflict in eastern Ukraine, where nearly 8,000 people -- including civilians, soldiers and militia members -have been killed since its outbreak in mid-April 2014.

The world crimes court’s chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda in April last year opened a preliminary probe into the crimes committed before February 22.

The ICC however warned on Tuesday “the acceptance of the court’s jurisdiction does not automatically trigger an investigation.”

“It is for the ICC Prosecutor to decide whether or not to request the judges’ authorisation to open an investigation,” it said. — AFP

FLEEING FROM PERSECUTION

Russia demands answers from Bulgaria, Greece MOSCOW: Moscow on Tuesday demanded answers from Greece and Bulgaria after Sofia banned Russian supply flights to Syria from its airspace and Athens said it had been asked by Washington to do the same.

“If anyone -- in this case our Greek and Bulgarian partners -- has any doubts, then they, of course, should explain what the problem is,” deputy foreign minister Mikhail Bogdanov told the Interfax news agency.

“If we are talking about them taking some sort of restrictive or prohibitive measures on the Americans’ request, then this raises questions about their sovereign right to take decisions about planes from other countries -- Russia in particular -crossing their air space,” he said.

EASTERN UKRAINE

His “protection (force) was released, and now he is the only one kidnapped”, interior ministry spokesman Brigadier General Saad Maan told AFP, without saying how many guards he had.

Turkish workers The kidnapping came just four days after gunmen abducted 18 Turkish employees of a major construction firm in Sadr City, south of Binook.

The identity of the kidnappers in both cases is unknown.

Kidnappings for political reasons or money are a persistent problem in Baghdad, with militias or their affiliates seen as the main culprits. — AFP

Seeking Europe shelter, 850,000 could cross Mediterranean in 2015 and 2016 GENEVA: At least 850,000 people are expected to cross the Mediterranean seeking refuge in Europe this year and next, the United Nations said on Tuesday, giving estimates that already look conservative.

The UN refugee agency UNHCR called for more cohesive asylum policies to deal with the growing numbers.

Many are refugees from Syria, driven to make the voyage by intensified fighting there and worsening conditions for refugees in surrounding countries due to funding shortfalls in aid programmes, UNHCR said.

“In 2015, UNHCR anticipates that approximately 400,000 new arrivals will seek international protection in Europe via the Mediterranean. In 2016 this number could reach 450,000 or more,” it said in an appeal document.

Spokesman William Spindler said the prediction for this year was close to being fulfilled, with 366,000 having already made the voyage. The total will depend on whether migrants stop attempting the journey as the weather gets colder and the seas more perilous.

So far, the numbers do not appear to have slowed down as the colder months approach, with many appearing spurred on by Germany’s announcement that it will ease the rules for Syrians seeking refuge who first reach the European Union through other countries. A single-day record 7,000 Syrian refugees arrived in the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia on Monday, while 30,000 are on Greek islands, most of them on Lesbos, it said.

Onward to Germany Many arrive first in Greece, then leave the EU to travel up through the Balkans to Hungary and onward to Germany.

“So obviously the discussions this week in Europe are taking even on greater urgency because it obviously cannot be a German solution to a European problem,” UNHCR spokeswoman Melissa Fleming told a news briefing.

UNHCR chief Antonio Guterres called for an increase in the number of legal ways for refugees to come to Europe, such as

BATTLE TO SURVIVE: A police officer speaks with refugees near Szeged town after they broke out from the migrant collection point near Roszke village of the Hungarian-Serbian border on Tuesday. — AFP

The European Union’s executive Commission is expected to unveil a programme this week that would redistribute 160,000 asylum seekers who arrive in Italy, Hungary and Greece

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an increase in number of visas and ways to reunite people with their families.

“I am convinced that with the proper instruments in place, this will be much easier to manage,” he told a news conference in Paris.

Germany told its European partners on Monday they must take in more refugees as it handles record numbers of asylum seekers.

The European Union’s execu-

tive Commission is expected to unveil a programme this week that would redistribute 160,000 asylum seekers who arrive in Italy, Hungary and Greece.

Peter Sutherland, Special Representative of the UN SecretaryGeneral for Migration and Development, called for a “harmonised system” and “fair allocation” in the European Union.

He said Europe’s “Dublin rules” requiring asylum seekers to apply in the first EU country they reach would have to be amended, or they could jeopardise the principles of border control-free travel in the bloc’s Schengen zone.

“Coherence is going to require

leadership and leadership before we see the destruction of great achievements like the Schengen agreement,” he warned. “I think Dublin doesn’t work.”

Germany’s decision last month to open its doors to Syrians who arrived elsewhere in the EU has brought the issue sharply into focus, as did images last week of a drowned Syrian toddler washed up on a Turkish beach, which appeared on newspaper front pages across the continent.

Binding quotas German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Tuesday that Europe needed to implement a joint system for dealing with asylum seekers and agree to binding quotas on how to distribute refugees across the continent.

“This joint European asylum system cannot just exist on paper but must also exist in practice. I say that because it lays out minimum standards for accommodating refugees and the task of registering refugees,” she told a news meet with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven in Berlin. — Reuters

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3,346

guests and 1,150 crew were on board Carnival Liberty which set sail from San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Sunday. It was a day into a week-long Caribbean cruise when the fire broke out

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Astronaut controls robot from space The blue-and-white robot, which cost less than $224,000 to build, also has a camera on its head which allows the controller to see the task it is performing PRETORIA

US warns of ‘terrorist’ attack in South Africa JOHANNESBURG: The United States embassy in South Africa on Tuesday issued a rare “terrorist threat” warning to US interests in the country, and advised its citizens to be on heightened alert against attack.

The message released by the embassy in Pretoria said there was no information on the possible timing or target in South Africa, which has escaped the militant Islamist attacks seen in several other African countries.

“Extremists may be targeting US interests in South Africa, to possibly include US Government facilities and other facilities identifiable with US business interests,” the embassy statement said.

“Remain aware and vigilant of your surroundings... Be vigilant and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.” A spokesman for the South African ministry of state security told AFP that the government was aware of the US announcement, but that it had no immediate comment. The US embassy issued a general security alert last week ahead of the September 11 attacks anniversary, but the warning on Tuesday appeared to signal a new level of concern.

Security analyst Ryan Cummings said the US had last issued a “terror threat” in South Africa in 2009. The embassy was unable to confirm the date.

“One would not immediately associate South Africa with extremism, which is the driver of international terrorism against US interests,” said Cummings, a Cape Town-based analyst at Red 24, a risk management firm. -AFP C A R N I VA L L I B E R T Y

Fire leaves cruise ship passengers stranded ST. THOMAS (US VIRGIN ISLANDS): About 4,500 passengers and crew were stranded in the U.S. Virgin Islands for a second day after an engine fire on board a cruise ship operated

by Carnival Corp.

The company said on Tuesday that a team of experts, including representatives of the US Coast Guard, had boarded the Carnival Liberty to assess damage to the engine area. There were no injuries to guests or crew.

Passengers and crew were told to evacuate onshore on Monday after thick black smoke was seen rising from the ship while it was docked in St. Thomas, a Reuters reporter on board the vessel said.

Staff distributed water and snacks in the port.

The fire was extinguished by the ship’s automated suppression system, Carnival said. The cause has yet to be determined and the company has yet to inform passengers of its plans beyond Tuesday.

The Carnival Liberty set sail from San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Sunday with 3,346 guests and 1,150 crew on board, Carnival said. It was a day into a weeklong Caribbean cruise when the fire broke out. -Reuters

NOORDWIJK, NETHERLANDS: European experts have pulled off a major advance that might one day help build new worlds in space after an astronaut in the International Space Station remotely guided a robot on Earth by feel.

Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen performed the breath-taking experiment in which he placed a peg into a very tight hole on Monday under the careful control of the European Space Agency.

While orbiting some 400 kilometres (250 miles) above Earth, Mogensen took control of the Interact Centaur rover which has a pair of arms for delicate, high-pre-

cision work. The blue-and-white fibreglass robot, which cost less than 200,000 euros ($224,000) to build, also has a camera on its head which allows the controller to directly see the task it is performing.

But sight is not the most important sense in this project. It is touch. In real-time, thanks to super swift signals bouncing off a dedicated complex system of satellites working in synchronisation, the astronaut manoeuvered the robot into place. He then very slowly lowered a metal pin held by the robot into a tight hole in a task board with less than a sixth of a millimetre of wriggle room.

For the first time -- thanks to

force-feedback technology -- when the pin was not aligned correctly Mogensen felt it hit the sides of the hole via the joystick he was operating on the space station.

Cheers erupted when after several long nail-biting minutes the rover -- which slightly resembles Disney’s WALL.E cartoon character -- dropped the pin successfully into place.

Scientists and engineers believe applications of this kind of tactile technology are huge -- allowing humans to guide robots in delicate tasks by feeling their way.

The technology will allow people “to project a human-like presence into the robots, to do

human-like tasks on the surface” of a planet, Andre Schiele, head of ESA’s Telerobotics and Haptics Laboratory, told AFP. With space engineers hoping at some point to fly people to Mars, “we have to bring them back” which means before they first step foot on the planet “you would have to build an entire launch-platform on the planet.” Robots like the Centaur -- also affectionately dubbed the “blue bug” by some of its designers -- could be put in place first to do the building.

“There’s going to be a need for a set-up, some building before a human even sets foot on the planet and for that we could send down

robots and control them from a space station,” said industrial designer Emiel den Exter.

The 18-month project was a collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA)and students from Delft University of Technology.

“Even something like lacing your shoe is something you rely entirely on your tactile senses” for, Schiele told journalists gathered at the ESA headquarters in the Dutch town of Noordwijk.

On Earth this cutting-edge technology known as haptics could also be used “everywhere where you basically don’t want to send humans,” said Schiele. -AFP

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Dense Middle East sandstorm leaves eight dead, hundreds sick after running out of oxygen tanks, the Observatory said.

Syria’s health minister urged citizens to “avoid prolonged exposure to the outdoors”, and said hundreds of people had been treated for asthma and other respiratory problems.

The dust cut visibility for regime aircraft, which carried out relatively few strikes during the storm, the Observatory said.

“The sandstorm has paralysed regime airplanes, there were only a few strikes in Damascus province,” said Abdel Rahman.

Large parts of Lebanon, Syria, Israel and Cyprus were shrouded in a thick cloud of dust from the storm that began sweeping into the region on Monday

BEIRUT: A dense sandstorm engulfing parts of the Middle East left at least eight people dead and hundreds suffering from respiratory problems on Tuesday, as officials warned residents to stay indoors.

Large parts of Lebanon, Syria, Israel and Cyprus were shrouded in a thick cloud of dust from the storm that began sweeping into the region on Monday.

Refugees from Syria now living in basic conditions in Lebanon were badly affected.

THICK HAZE: Tourists inspect the view at the Amman Citadel, during a sandstorm in downtown Amman, Jordan, on Tuesday. — Reuters

Respiratory failure In Syria itself, the storm meant government warplanes and helicopters carried out fewer strikes, but at least six people died across the country from respiratory failure, a monitor said.

“There were four (killed) in Deir Ezzor, including a child and an elderly woman, as well as another child in Hama province and a person in Daraa,” said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Lebanon’s health ministry said two women had died at hospitals in the eastern Bekaa Valley region because of the storm, without specifying their nationality.

sands of Syrian refugees live with limited shelter.

In the Bekaa, a woman wrapped her headscarf over her mouth as she walked by a makeshift tent in one camp.

“The number of cases of choking and shortness of breath caused by the sandstorm has risen to 750,” the ministry said.

Police distributed face masks on city streets as authorities warned

people suffering from health problems, the elderly, and pregnant women to stay indoors.

The storm was felt particularly in Lebanon’s dozens of informal camps where hundreds of thou-

Schools closed Education Minister Elias Bou Saab ordered private schools across the country to close on Wednesday, calling on “school officials to respect this decision and to protect students from any danger”, a ministry statement said.

Mouin Hamzeh, secretary general of Lebanon’s governmental

National Council for Scientific Research, said satellite images “clearly show that the sandstorm came from northern Iraq in the direction of central and northern Lebanon, north and east Syria, and southern Turkey”.

“It usually happens twice or even three times a year in Lebanon but during spring, March and April, and the unusual thing today is the density of the storm,” he told AFP. In the Syrian city of Mayadeen in Deir Ezzor, several hospitals were no longer receiving patients suffering respiratory problems

Hung haze A thick haze hung over Occupied Jerusalem and much of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, with officials warning the vulnerable to stay indoors.

The thick cloud also enveloped parts of the eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus, where residents were told to limit their time outdoors.

Health officials warned that the concentration of dust particles in the air was many times above normal levels.

Several flights were diverted from the coastal airport of Larnaca as visibility dropped to 500 metres (yards), although flights began arriving again as scheduled later on Tuesday.

Cyprus was also suffering from a heatwave, with inland temperatures hitting 41 degrees Celsius.

Its interior ministry said dozens of Syrian refugees who had been rescued from a fishing boat off the coast on Sunday had been moved from a makeshift camp to a betterequipped facility because of the extreme weather.

The effects of the storm also reached Cairo, where the skyline was obscured by a thick haze. Wahid Saudi, an Egypt’s weather authority official, said the dust had blown in from the eastern Mediterranean region and was expected to clear after several hours. — AFP

CECIL

Lion-killer dentist back at work BLOOMINGTON (US): The Minnesota dentist who killed Zimbabwean lion Cecil, sparking a global outcry from animal lovers, returned to work on Tuesday to shouts of “murderer” and “leave town” from a half dozen protesters, but support from some patients at his suburban Minneapolis office.

Walter Palmer, 55, did not speak to reporters as he entered his Bloomington, Minnesota,

dental practice. He shut the practice in late July amid a firestorm of protests after he was publicly identified as the hunter who killed the rare black-maned lion weeks before.

Threats on social media The death of Cecil, a familiar sight at Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, triggered threats on social media, stoked controversy over big-game hunting and prompted

three US airlines to ban transport of African big game killed by trophy hunters.

Zimbabwe’s environment minister said in July the country was seeking Palmer’s extradition as a “foreign poacher.”

But Palmer would have to be charged before he could be extradited and Zimbabwe has not done this. The River Bluff Dental practice reopened in mid-August without Palmer. — Reuters

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$5.2b-Liwa Plastics project to be awarded by fourth quarter Orpic achieves $215 million cash profit in the first half

Several global contracting firms have submitted

Times News Service

technical bids for developing the mega petrochemical project with a total capital expenditure of $5.2 billion

A E JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com SOHAR: State-owned Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic) plans to award four engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) packages for building the $5.2 billion-Liwa Plastics Industries Complex in the fourth quarter of this year, the company’s chief ex-

MAKING A POINT: Liwa Plastics Industries, which will go on stream by 2018, will produce polyethyl-

ene, polypropylene and butene. — Supplied picture

ecutive officer Musab Al Mahruqi, told journalists here on Tuesday.

Several global contracting firms have submitted technical bids for developing the mega petrochemical project with a total capital expenditure of $5.2 billion and the whole development programme is divided into four major schemes — a polymers plant in Sohar industrial area, a natural gas liquids (NGL) extraction plant in Fahud, a steam cracker plant and a 300-kmlong pipeline from Fahud to Sohar.

The project will be funded by way of $4 billion term loan from international financial institutions and the company will bring in the remaining $1.2 billion.

“We are due to receive financial

bids starting from next week until the end of the month. By the end of September, we will open financial bids of Liwa Plastics project. We plan to award it in the fourth quarter of this year,” added Al Mahruqi.

Liwa Plastics Industries, which will go on stream by 2018, will produce polyethylene, polypropylene and butene. Oman will produce polyethylene for the first time and it is going to be the first natural gas extraction project to produce high value petrochemical products in the country. “Marketing of our product will be done totally by Orpic for the first time, instead of a third party marketer,” Orpic said.

Orpic is aiming to raise $4 billion from international financial

M U LT I - B I L L I O N - D O L L A R P R O J E C T

Improvement project at Sohar refinery on schedule A E JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Sohar Refinery’s multi-billion-dollar improvement project to enhance crude processing capacity by 82,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 198,000 bpd is on schedule to start operation by the end of 2016.

“Approximately 75 per cent of the whole project work is complete now. Construction work will be completed by the third quarter of next year and production will start by the year-end. We took a challenging task to do this project in 36 months,” R P Singh, general manager of Sohar Refineries Improvement Project (SRIP), told journalists here on Tuesday.

Six contractors are working on various packages of the expansion project, which will have a capital expenditure of $2.7 billion. Of the total $2.7 billion project contracts, $500 million worth projects were awarded to Omani firms, giving a boost to incountry value initiatives of the government.

The expansion will substantially increase production of liquefied petroleum gas, naptha, kerosene, gasoline, diesel and will reduce environmental emissions.

The project will help Oman to reduce dependence on imported naphtha, while the product range will increase substantially. Further, it will also help Oman to produce bitumen for the first time.

As many as 10,200 people are working on the site and it is expected to increase to 12,500 workers in the next two months.

When the work for building Liwa Plastics Industries complex starts sometime early next year, the number of workers will increase to 16,000.

Singh said the Sohar Refinery Improvement Project has 12,068 piles, which are completed. Out of 1,671 equipment needed, 199 are erected and out of 113,000 cubic meters of concreting work, 85,000 cubic metres work are completed. Similarly, total piping project is around 900 kilometres, where as total electrical cabling is for 2,150-kms and laying is completed for 175 kilometres.

IRAN-OMAN GAS PIPELINE

Deal to appoint consultant soon Times News Service MUSCAT: Iran and Oman plan to sign a deal on appointing an Iranian consultant to conduct study on building a pipeline to carry Iranian gas to Oman, according to the managing director of the National Iranian Gas Ex-

ports Company. AlirezaKameli said that the deal is projected to be finalised by September 14, Tehran Times international daily reported recently, citing the Shana News Agency.

The agreement for the purchase of around $60 billion worth of natural gas from Iran for

25 years, which includes laying a $1 billion gas pipeline to Oman across the Gulf, was signed during the visit of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to Muscat in March 2014.

The pipeline would connect the Iranian province of Hormuzgan to Sohar in Oman.

institutions and targeting to sign financing agreements concurrently with the award of the EPC contracts. The company has already started negotiations with export credit agencies in April this year.

“We will be able to secure finance on time for us to award the contract to EPC contractors,” noted Nazar Al Lawati, chief financial officer of Orpic. This will be the largest project finance in Oman with over 40 financial institutions taking part in the process.

Liwa Plastics Industries Complex will add $2.3 billion to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), while its foreign trade surplus will be to the tune of $1.5 billion, added Nazar, while making

MUSCAT: Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company’s (Orpic) earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation allowance (EBITDA) stood at $215 million for the first half of 2015. The company’s gross margin was $317 million for the same period.

a presentation on the company’s ongoing projects and performance in the first half as part of a media tour. Further, the mega project will create 1,300 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

Liwa Plastics and other two major projects of Orpic will add value to the Sultanate’s hydrocarbon resources.

Referring to a government plan

Orpic’s profitability depends more on the refinery margins rather than the crude prices. For instance, there was a 40 per cent fall in oil prices in the first half of this year, but the gross refinery margin increased by 40 per cent. In fact, refinery contributes 60 per cent and the rest is contributed by aromatics and polypropylene.

to divest stake in Orpic, Al Mahruqi said that for determining the right time, internal and external factors have to be taken into consideration, especially the trend in stock market. Company also has to equip itself to a strong commercial company to attract investors from both within the country and outside. An initial public offering of Orpic, he said, will be before 2020.

B2

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 1 5

MARKET Dubai residential market is more ‘affordable’ globally, says survey negative growth. Average growth in London and Dubai for example, as well as a number of other international markets, have hit double digit highs for at least two years prior to 2014. We’re now witnessing a market correction and more modest growth with small pockets of localised decline,” she added.

In London, prime property comes in at $3,000 per square feet, compared to $1,300 per square feet at the top end of the market in Dubai, says the survey

GLOBAL APPEAL: Low import taxes make it easier to source high-quality material in Dubai, as opposed to London, says the report. – File photo

Times News Service

make it easier to source high-quality material in Dubai, as opposed to London, says the research report.

MUSCAT: Dubai residential market is considered ‘affordable’ when compared to London, New York or Hong Kong, according to CBRE survey ‘Global Living Report: A city by city guide’, designed to explore 31 of the most famous residential locations in the world.

For instance, in London, prime property comes in at $3,000 per square feet (psf ), compared to $1,300 psf at the very top end of the market in Dubai. Low import taxes

Access to labour Furthermore, the cost and access to labour differs considerably between the UAE and other European and international cities. Scarcity is another factor: land is difficult to come by in Paris, London, New York and Barcelona.

Another factor is the on-going construction in Dubai; there are still many opportunities to infill,

the survey shows.

Safina Ahmad, head of Residential, CBRE Mena, said, “A significant factor affecting property prices is global currency fluctuations.

The markets pegged to the dollar, and also the relatively strong UK sterling are looking comparatively more expensive. Conversely a competitive euro has opened up markets like France and Spain in mainland Europe.”

“Where recent growth has been particularly marked, investors are now expecting either slower or AUGUST

Hong Kong most expensive The report shows that Hong Kong continues to hold its position as the world’s most expensive residential location at an average of $1,377psf.

This high figure, however, is relative to the smaller size of apartments within a market which continues to be underpinned by a severely constrained supply backdrop, says the report.

London cements its place as the world’s second highest value location according to average price per square foot. The report also brings to light how many cities are starting to witness a bounce back following the global crisis of 2008, coupled with those which have proven less resilient.

The report provides a snapshot of 31 global cities, showcasing the differing influences in each city and providing a comparative study of house prices, rental growth and living costs, among other factors.

High-end real estate sector under pressure, says Asteco Times News Service MUSCAT: Asteco, the Middle East’s largest full service real estate company has released its mid-year UAE market report ahead of Cityscape Global, highlighting stability in Dubai with a continued focus towards the affordable segment, in contrast to the high-end market which experienced declines of up to 10 per cent.

Affordable apartment units at IMPZ, Discovery Gardens and Dubai Silicon Oasis showed 3 per cent, 6 per cent and 2 per cent sales growth over the summer months, whereas Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residences recorded a decline of close to 10 per cent whilst the Palm Jumeirah recording year-onyear reductions of 13 per cent.

“Newly launched properties with reasonable price and/or payment plans, and healthy prospective return on investment, have been attracting solid investment interest, which will define market movement in the months to come as affordability remains a major driver for sales,” said John Stevens, managing director of Asteco.

“The second half of the year will see around 7,000 units come online, and while average rental rates have been relatively stable over the last few months, albeit with significant differences between areas, we expect the new stock to exert further downwards pressure in the next few months; and through to 2016 with 13,000 more apartments due for completion,” he added.

HONING SKILLS

China’s import slump raises slowdown fears BEIJING/SHANGHAI: China’s imports shrank far more than expected in August, falling for the tenth straight month and adding to global investors’ concerns that the world’s secondlargest economy may be slowing more sharply than earlier expected.

Imports fell 13.8 per cent from a year earlier, more than the 8.2 per cent drop economists had expected and an 8.1 percent decline in July, reflecting both lower world commodity prices and persistently sluggish demand at home.

Global financial markets have been rattled in recent weeks by fears that China’s slowdown could drag on already sluggish global growth, while adding to deflationary pressures by depressing prices. Indeed, the data showed sharp drops in imports from Australia, European Union and Japan, which tumbled 29.6 per cent, 21.7 per cent and 14.7 per cent, respectively. - Reuters

KOM workshop throws light on growing trend on Big Data Times News Service MUSCAT: Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM), the technical arm of the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE), hosted on Tuesday a technical workshop on Big Data at Crowne Plaza Hotel Muscat, which came as a follow-up for the recently held seminar on the same topic.

The workshop aspired at elaborating on a variety of themes relat-

ed to big data.Moderated by Lenin John Varghese, general manager at ezTEch, the workshop highlighted the growing trend in data which has become the primary base for firms to compete in terms of growth in their productivity and new innovations.

The event also touched upon the concept of big data, ways to utilise it, related technologies and how to decide the best for the organisations, data integrity, best

practices of big data, and significant case studies.

Digital Nation It is worth mentioning that the seminar comes as part of Digital Nation series of events, which aim at providing an ultimate platform for creative professionals, business leaders, techies and students to discuss the emergence, challenges, opportunities and implications of the digital lifestyle.

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 1 5

B3

MARKET COST-CUTTING

Samsung to cut 10% of jobs at its head office SEOUL: Samsung Electronics is preparing to cut 10 per cent of workers at its headquarters, according to a Korean newspaper, as the world’s biggest smartphone maker loses sales to Apple and Chinese vendors.

Samsung is targeting workers in the human resources, public relations and finance departments, Korea ‘Economic Daily’ reported on Tuesday, citing people it didn’t identify. The Suwon, South Koreabased company also plans to cut some expenses next year, the report added. Samsung declined to comment in an e-mail.

The moves come after new high-end Galaxy smartphones failed to impress consumers, triggering five straight monthly declines and wiping out more than $40 billion in Samsung’s market value since April.

Shipments fall The company’s share of global smartphone shipments fell more than 3 percentage points in the second quarter, and it’s no longer the top seller in China, the world’s biggest mobile-phone market.

“Cutting jobs is the easiest way to control costs and Samsung’s spending on mobile business could also be more tightly controlled,” said Chung Chang Won, an analyst at Nomura Holdings Inc. in Seoul. “Samsung’s preparing to tighten its belt as it isn’t likely see rapid profit growth in the years to come.”

The company had a total of 98,999 employees at its headquarters as of June 30 . Samsung shares rose 1.7 per cent to 1,131,000 won in Seoul, paring their decline this year to 15 per cent. - Bloomberg News ACCOUNTING SCAM

Toshiba plans restructuring after scandal TOKYO: Toshiba plans a ‘bold restructuring’ of the industrial group as president Masashi Muromachi seeks to regain investor trust after posting an annual loss and restating six years’ worth of earnings.

The net loss was ¥37.8 billion ($317 million) in the 12 months ended March, the company said on Monday while also adjusting annual results back to fiscal year 2008. Nomura Holdings resumed coverage for the first time since withdrawing ratings in May, when the company disclosed accounting problems.

Muromachi, appointed after his predecessor quit during the scandal, repeated apologies to investors Monday and said he will outline a revamp within the year. Accounting adjustments wiped out net income from businesses that span nuclear reactors, memory chips and laptop computers, and prompted a complete board restructuring.

“We welcome these moves as a first step toward restoring market confidence,” Masaya Yamasaki, an analyst with Nomura, said in a report.

“Toshiba needs to step up structural reforms aimed at improving earnings.”

Shares of Toshiba fell 4.4 per cent to ¥337.2 as of the close in Tokyo on Tuesday, extending this year’s decline to 34 per cent.

Nomura resumed coverage of the stock with a neutral rating and share price forecast of ¥380, compared to a buy and target of ¥650 when it suspended its recommendation in May. At least seven other brokers have suspended coverage. - Bloomberg News

‘Adopt financial reporting standards for small units’ SMEs, the expert said, “Today’s economy is not based in Oman alone. We are dealing with a single market. In a single market, we are dealing with different countries.”

“If they are having accounting in a different way and Oman is having (a) different (system), then how can a person depends on the accounts coming out of Oman?”

Kallukaran asked.

Accounting firms have started training programmes on the IFRS for small and medium enterprises, in conjunction with CBO, CMA, Ministry of Finance and OCCI, said an official from the central bank

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will benefit the finance and economic sector in Oman, say experts.

“Adoption of the IFRS for SMEs will reduce the pressure on the management and auditors,” Saeed Mohamed Al Shidhani, vice president for financial services and operations at the Central Bank of Oman (CBO), said on Tuesday.

He was speaking at a workshop, organised by Crowe Horwath, one of the top global accounting companies operating in Oman, to update finance professionals in the

WORKSHOP: Mohamed Al Shidhani from Central Bank of Oman, second from left, and Davis Kallukaran from HorwathMakGhazali, third from left, spoke about the benefits of adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards for small and medium enterprises. - ISMAIL AL FARSI/Times of Oman

banking and non-banking financial institutions on the changes in the international reporting standards.

“The IFRS are designed as a common global language for business affairs so that company accounts are understandable and comparable across international boundaries. They are a consequence of growing international shareholding in trade and are particularly important for companies that have dealings in several countries,” Al Shidhani said.

Discussions for SMEs “In Oman, we have adopted the IFRS. Public discussions are going on regarding the IFRS for SMEs, which is (a) simpler version of the regular IFRS,” he added.

According to him, CBO requires all companies that have a bank facility of more than OMR250,000 from one bank or OMR500,000 from all banks put together to file the audited financials within four months from the reporting period.

Simpler procedure Accounting firms have started training programmes on the IFRS for SMEs in conjunction with the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), the Ministry of Finance, CBO and the Capital Market Authority (CMA), said Mohamed Al Shidhani.

Davis Kallukaran, managing partner of HorwathMakGhazali, the Oman member firm of Crowe Horwath International, also urged

the adoption of the IFRS for SMEs, which account for over 90 per cent of the businesses in Oman.

Fifty countries Already 50 countries have adopted the IFRS for SMEs, which is not as ‘tedious’ as the regular IFRS, he told reporters on the sidelines of the event.

“Oman is one particular place where you have a unique requirement of submitting the financials within four months of the yearend, and, most of the companies who are having December yearend come together and they are pressurised and they pressurise in turn the auditors,” he explained.

Commenting on other benefits of the adoption of the IFRS for

Foreign investors He also noted that having a system which is in tune with the international standards would contribute to the efforts to attract foreign investment because in this way, investors would be familiar with the accounting system in the country.

In addition, Kallukaran said that the definition of SMEs in Oman should be aligned with the global definition.

The skill set of the people also has to be improved, he said, adding that new employees, particularly in the field of auditing, should be required to work for the company for a certain period.

“What happens is, (for) one year, we train them but by that time, they move on and then the new people come. They we start from the basics,” Davis Kallukaran noted.

More than 50 individuals attended the workshop on the IFRS held at Hormuz Grand Hotel.

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

B4

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 1 5

MARKET OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................5,783.03 ...............5,763.59 ................... 5,782.62 ...................5,772.26..................10.36 ................... 0.18 Financial Index .................................... 6,965.93 ............... 6,917.69 ................... 6,961.99 .................. 6,948.24.................. 13.75 ...................0.20 Industrial Index ....................................7,500.64 ............... 7,487.21 ....................7,497.82 ................... 7,499.52...................-1.70 .................. -0.02 Services Index ...................................... 3,233.82 ...............3,231.65 ....................3,233.74 ...................3,233.34....................0.40 ................... 0.01 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................909.97 ..................908.50 ...................... 908.50 ...................... 910.24...................-1.74 .................. -0.19 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 10,865,680 ..................2,455,177 .....................655 ...............14,543,672,001 .................. 6 ......................14 .................... 17 .........................37

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 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 .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK .................................................................... 2,000,000 .... 400,000........................3 ........... 0.200...........0.200 ...........0.200 .......... 0.200 .............0.190 ............0.010 ............. 5.263 ................0.200 ............. 0.193...................0.200 .................285,007,229........0.100

Muscat Securities Market. — Times file picture

OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY .....................................................95,367 .............40,419..................... 10 ............0.414 ...........0.424 ...........0.412 ........... 0.424 ............. 0.414.............0.010 ............. 2.415 ................0.424..............0.412...................0.424 ..................25,652,000.........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 3,146,242 ......536,886...................280 ............0.168 ........... 0.173 ...........0.168 ............0.171 ............. 0.168............ 0.003............. 1.786.................0.172 .............. 0.172...................0.173 ...................49,701,325 .........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER................................................ 202,776 ............43,755........................8 ............0.215 ........... 0.216 ...........0.215 ........... 0.216 ............. 0.215.............0.001 ............. 0.465 ................0.216 ..............0.216...................0.217..................145,775,685 ........0.100

MSM index ends higher

OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 104,831............22,600........................6 ............0.215 ........... 0.216 ...........0.215 ........... 0.216 ............. 0.215.............0.001 ............. 0.465 ................0.216 .............. 0.215...................0.216.................. 154,311,769 ........0.100 OM0000001319 ............NATIONAL ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS .................5,000 ............... 1,196........................3 ............0.241 ........... 0.241 ...........0.238........... 0.241 .............0.241 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.238............. 0.000...................0.238.................... 8,090,719 ..........0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST .................................................................... 1,079,855 ......498,893..................... 26 ........... 0.462 ...........0.462 ...........0.462........... 0.462 .............0.462 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.462..............0.462...................0.466..................255,422,079 .......0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ................ 1,000 ..................260........................1 ........... 0.260...........0.260 ...........0.260 .......... 0.260 .............0.260 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.260.............. 0.251...................0.260 ...................5,460,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES .................................35,000 .............12,530........................4 ........... 0.358 ........... 0.358 ...........0.358........... 0.358 .............0.358 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.358..............0.358...................0.368..................106,044,498 .......0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS .........................119,773 .............24,913........................2 ........... 0.208...........0.208 ...........0.208 .......... 0.208 .............0.208 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.208............. 0.200...................0.208 ..................25,978,776 .........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 102,168.............51,203......................13 ........... 0.500 ...........0.502 ...........0.500........... 0.502 .............0.502 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.502..............0.502...................0.504 ...............1,150,494,944 ......0.100 OM0000003000 ...........ALMAHA PETROLEUM PRODUCTS MAR. .......10,000 .............19,800........................1 ............1.980 ........... 1.980 ...........1.980........... 1.980 .............1.980 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................1.980..............1.980...................0.000 .................136,620,000........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 484,000...........82,080.....................20 ............0.170 ........... 0.170 ...........0.168 ........... 0.170 ............. 0.170............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.170 ..............0.168...................0.170................. 245,044,800 .......0.100 OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER................................................................ 1,844 .................. 623........................1 ........... 0.338 ...........0.338 ...........0.338........... 0.338 .............0.338 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.338..............0.338...................0.344 ..................74,701,380 .........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO........................................................................ 50,000 ............ 35,800........................1 ............0.716 ........... 0.716............0.716 ............0.716 ............. 0.716............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.716 .............. 0.716...................0.720..................466,076,069 .......0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL............................................. 142,658 ............ 12,411......................11 ........... 0.087 ...........0.087 ...........0.087........... 0.087 .............0.087 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.087..............0.087...................0.088...................15,225,000 .........0.100

Top gainer was Ahli Bank, up by 5.26 per cent while top loser was Takaful Oman, down by

OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ................................................ 195,040 ........... 99,078..................... 25 ........... 0.506 ...........0.508 ...........0.506........... 0.508 .............0.510............-0.002 ........... -0.392 ...............0.508..............0.504...................0.508 ..................26,670,000.........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ..........................96,486 .......... 157,804......................19 ............1.640 ........... 1.640 ...........1.630 ............1.635 ............. 1.645............-0.010 ........... -0.608 ...............1.635 .............. 1.630...................1.635 ................1,226,250,000......0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS .............................................................24,441 ............... 7,836........................5 ........... 0.320 ...........0.322 ...........0.320........... 0.320 .............0.322 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.621................0.322..............0.322...................0.326 ..................16,000,000.........0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY..................................... 22,500 ............43,040........................2 ............1.915 ........... 1.915............1.910 ............1.915 .............1.930............-0.015 ........... -0.777................1.910 .............. 1.910...................1.930.................. 171,775,500 ........0.100

3.57 per cent

OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING............ 82,000 ............... 8,610........................6 ............0.105 ........... 0.105 ...........0.105 ........... 0.105 .............0.106 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.943 ...............0.105 ..............0.104...................0.105................... 12,796,875 .........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. ....................62,937 ...............6,134..................... 10 ........... 0.097 ...........0.099 ...........0.097........... 0.097 .............0.098 ...........-0.001 ........... -1.020 ...............0.097..............0.097...................0.098...................28,128,122 .........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 173,750 .............29,681......................14 ............0.170 ........... 0.171............0.170 ............0.171 ............. 0.173............-0.002 ............-1.156................0.171 ...............0.171...................0.172.................. 34,200,000 ........0.100

MUSCAT: Gains in Ahli Bank shares supported the MSM30 Index to end higher at 5,782.62 points, a gain of 0.18 per cent.

The MSM Sharia Index closed at 908.50 points, down by 0.19 per cent. Renaissance Services was the most active in terms of volume as well as turnover. Tuesday’s top gainer was Ahli Bank, up by 5.26 per cent while top loser was Takaful Oman, down by 3.57 per cent.

37 traded securities A total number of 655 trades were executed during the day’s trading session generating turnover of OMR2.4 million with more than 10.8 million shares changing hands. Out of 37 traded securities, six advanced, 14 declined and 17 remained unchanged. At session close, Omani investors were net buyers for OMR368,000 while Foreign investors were net sellers for OMR304,000 followed

by GCC & Arab investors for OMR64,000 worth of shares. Fi-

nancial Index closed at 6,961.99 points, up by 0.20 per cent. Ahli Bank, up by 5.26 per cent, was the only sector gainer. Takaful Oman, Al Madina Investment, Al Anwar Holding, Al Batinah Development and Al Sharqia Investments 3.57 per cent, 3.33 per cent, 2.20 per cent, 1.98 per cent and 1.82 per cent respectively.

Industrial Index closed at 7,497.82 points, down marginally by 0.02 per cent. Voltamp Energy gained 2.42 per cent to close at OMR0.424. Galfar Engineering, Oman Cables and Al Maha Ceramics declined 1.02 per cent, 0.78 per cent and 0.39 per cent respectively. Services Index remained stable at 3,233.74 points, up by 0.01 per cent. Renaissance Services, Al Batinah Power and Al Suwadi Power advanced 1.79 per cent, 0.47 per cent and 0.47 per cent respectively. Port Services, OIFC, National Gas and Omantel declined 1.89 per cent, 1.16 per cent, 0.62 per cent and 0.61 per cent respectively. — United Securities

OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ............ 26,344 ...............2,847..................... 10 ............0.109 ........... 0.109 ...........0.107 ........... 0.108 ............. 0.110............-0.002 ............-1.818................0.107 ..............0.108...................0.109....................9,720,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ......................... 67,866 .............10,609........................8 ............0.155 ........... 0.158 ........... 0.151 ............0.156 ............. 0.159............-0.003 ............-1.887................0.151 ...............0.151...................0.156...................14,826,240.........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ....................... 50,000 ...............4,967......................14 ........... 0.097 ........... 0.100 ...........0.097........... 0.099 ............. 0.101............-0.002 ........... -1.980 ...............0.099..............0.099...................0.100....................2,970,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 745,800 ..........132,817.....................60 ............0.180 ........... 0.180 ...........0.177 ............0.178 .............0.182............-0.004 ........... -2.198 ...............0.179 .............. 0.178...................0.179 ................... 26,713,350 .........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT .....................................25,506 ...............1,484........................4 ........... 0.058 ...........0.059 ...........0.058........... 0.058 .............0.060 ...........-0.002 ........... -3.333 ...............0.058..............0.058...................0.059................... 12,014,780 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 9,153,184... 2,288,278...................567 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......28........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. .................... 91,081 ............... 3,188..................... 10 ........... 0.035 ........... 0.035 ...........0.035........... 0.035 .............0.035 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.035..............0.034...................0.035....................2,975,000 ..........0.100 OM0000003265 ...........NATIONAL DETERGENT ......................................... 14,841 .............10,389........................2 ........... 0.700 ........... 0.700 ...........0.700........... 0.700 .............0.700 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.700............. 0.000...................0.000 .................. 11,908,750 .........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 179,295............ 26,695..................... 36 ............0.148 ........... 0.149 ...........0.148 ........... 0.149 .............0.149............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.149 ..............0.149...................0.150.................. 217,927,618 ........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 280,941 ............ 17,553..................... 23 ............0.061 ...........0.063 ...........0.061 ........... 0.062 .............0.063 ...........-0.001 ............-1.587................0.062..............0.062...................0.063...................93,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000004776 ...........TAKAFUL OMAN INSURANCE ..............................40,772 ...............4,403........................3 ............0.108 ........... 0.108 ...........0.108........... 0.108 ............. 0.112............-0.004 ............-3.571................0.108..............0.108...................0.000 ..................10,800,000.........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 606,930 ...........62,228..................... 74 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 5........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000004867 ...........BANK MUSCAT C C B 4.5 ............................................. 5,822 .................. 579........................2 ........... 0.098 ........... 0.100 ...........0.098........... 0.099 .............0.098 ............0.001 ............. 1.020 ................0.100..............0.100...................0.110 ...................31,644,625 .........0.100 OM0000004602 ...........BANK MUSCAT CONV. BONDS 4.5 ........................46,407 ...............5,058........................3 ............0.109 ........... 0.109 ...........0.109........... 0.109 .............0.109 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.109..............0.109................... 0.115 ...................32,999,653 .........0.100 OM0000004628 ...........BANK SOHAR BONDS 4.5 ............................................ 3,250 .................. 325........................1 ........... 0.100 ........... 0.100 ...........0.100........... 0.100 .............0.100 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.100..............0.100...................0.110 .................... 7,150,000 ..........0.100 OM0000005971 ............B.MUSCAT COMPL. CONVR. B.B.3.5 ................... 1,050,087 ........ 98,708........................8 ........... 0.094 ...........0.094 ...........0.094........... 0.094 .............0.094 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.094..............0.094...................0.098................... 30,471,192 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 1,105,566 ......104,670......................14 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........4........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

INDIAN STOCKS

Sensex rises from 15-month low MUMBAI: India’s benchmark stock index rebounded from the lowest level in 15 months as industrial companies and lenders led a rally in the broader market amid gains in emerging-market equities.

Tata Steel jumped the most in 15 months, the second-best performance on a gauge of metal producers. GAIL India, a naturalgas supplier, had the steepest gain

since June 2014, while NTPC, the largest power producer, advanced the most in two weeks.

The Sensex surged 1.7 per cent to 25,317.87 at the close, after falling to its lowest level since June 2014 on Monday.

A gauge of 77 mid-cap stocks ended a two-day, 4.1 per cent decline with 12 of 13 sectoral indexes advancing.

A rout in emerging-markets as-

sets has pulled the Sensex’s valuation to the cheapest level since May 2014 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi swept into office with the biggest mandate in 30 years. The index’s 14-day relative strength index fell to 29 on Monday, below the threshold level of 30 which investors see as a signal to buy. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index jumped 1.5 per cent.

— Bloomberg News

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B5

ROUND-UP

Nissan Xterra’s unmatched off-road capability perfect for Oman terrain Nissan’s seasonal offers on the Xterra last till October 16, promise a one-of-akind experience to its patrons

MUSCAT: The Nissan Xterra from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles is designed with the intent of being a tough, essential SUV that inspires and facilitate outdoor enthusiasts’ active lifestyles. All Xterra models feature an advanced 4.0-litre straight-six engine, rated at a muscular 270 horsepower, along with Nissan’s rugged “F-Alpha” ladder frame platform for adventure-ready performance.

Nissan’s seasonal offers on the Xterra last till October 16, promise a one-of-a-kind experience to valued patrons. Nissan has a heritage of showcasing some of the most amazing benefits for its customers by introducing unique offers on its prestigious line-up of vehicles. In an effort to make Nissan vehicles affordable and accessible

technological features including a booming sound system and Bluetooth Hands-free phone system.

Today the Nissan Xterra has the technology to keep drivers rocking and talking no matter where the trail takes.

to all, Suhail Bahwan Automobiles has taken up this unique initiative, says a press release.

Unique offer Auto enthusiasts can now avail exciting benefits on the Nissan Xterra that include cash gift up to OMR500, free insurance (Oman only), free service for two years or 20,000km (periodic maintenance only), free registration, six years unlimited mileage warranty and easy and convenient financing options. Flexible EMI’s can also be tailor made for any individual requirement from in-house Auto Finance team.

NissanConnect feature NissanConnect uses hands-free technology, smartphone, and the Nissan’s display screen to help customers stay in touch with the outside world from inside their vehicle. It’s loaded with features and compatibility with a growing list of apps that allows customers play music, keep tabs on social network, and navigate any city like a local. Once logged in, customers have to connect to Nissan through Bluetooth or the USB port. The Quick Start Guide helps to select from a list of supported apps, and NissanConnect automatically instals them.

Comfort and convenience Standard interior features in-

clude sporty reclining front bucket seats, footrest, dual front and rear 20-ounce cup holders, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry and cruise control with steering wheelmounted controls.

It also comes with driver seat height adjustment and lumbar support. Taking into consideration driver comfort and conveniences, the Xterra features a centre console and leather steering wheel.

Striking exterior features Xterra’s signature exterior styling features include large flared fenders, a versatile roof rack with latchable lid and a rear bumper design with side steps for easy access to the roof rack.

It also offers a large, powerful looking hood and headlights and Nissan SUV-style angled strut grille. The vehicle also features

Chrome ORVM and Fr. fog lamps.

The new Xterra looks good on the road with its enhanced styling that includes a roof rail with attachments and side step.

The Xterra also features a youth style dashboard, shift on the fly – 4WD System, Navigation , Rearview camera, a steering switch for Bluetooth, Audio and Cruise controls.

Xterra’s long wheelbase gives a smooth ride and ample interior room, yet overall length is highly manageable due to the short front overhang – helping to enhance manoeuvrability in off-road hill climbing and trail situations.

The new Xterra is also known for its other key elements that include 16” Off Road Wheel, Bilstein Shock Absorber, Off Road tyre 265/75R16 OWL BFGoodrich, The Nissan Xterra offers drivers today a long list of advanced

S TA R - S T U D D E D E V E N T

Off-road capability The Adventure Park is built at the Oman Automobile Association to address auto enthusiasts across interest levels and skill sets through multitude of engagement opportunities and promote the spirit of driving a Nissan SUV safely on the roads.

For the first time Nissan promotes this exclusive platform to nurture and hone driving skills of SUV owners in Oman. Also this is first of its kind off-roading experience wherein auto enthusiasts and SUV owners will be invited at the specially created off road testtrack. Under supervision of experienced trainers the participants will be taught the basics of off-road driving. Xterra’s performance at the OAA 4x4 Adventure Park has been impeccable as the vehicle tops the list of safe manoeuvrability and enhanced driving techniques like cornering, braking, slalom etc.

Cruising comfortably on the highways, conquering desert dunes with ease, or manoeuvring through the city at rush hour, Nissan Xterra offers unrivalled off-road capability

and on road handling. A senior official from SBA commented, “The Oman Automobile Association Adventure Park is a technical and demanding 4x4 track designed to demonstrate vehicles capabilities. This kind of driving requires low speed and very smooth driving manners, by a driver with knowledge and experience of off road driving. Depending on the vehicle used, capabilities are different and the way of driving has to be different as well and adapted to each vehicle.”

Safety and security Xterra’s list of safety features and equipment includes Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors and 3-point front/rear seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, tyre pressure warning system and adjustable upper anchors.

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

H E A LT H C A R E

Ex-ISM student wins Miss Teen India contest Kims offers exclusive care at internal medicine department STAFF REPORTER

MUSCAT: A Muscat-based Indian girl won the Miss Teen India at a star-studded event held in India last week.

Scully D’Souza, a Goan expat and a former Indian School Muscat (ISM) student, won the title at the Miss & Mr Teen India 2015.

For Scully, who has won several other contests, this pageant was just a chance attempt.

There were over 5,000 contestants in the audition round, vying for the title, out of which, only 15 contestants made it to the grand finale round.

In addition, Scully also clinched the ‘Miss Talented’ title at the mega event.

“Embarking on the finale round

was a result of gruelling sessions from August 11 to August 24 which worked towards transforming the contestants as professional artistes,” says Scully.

Sharing an incident about how she happened to come across the contest, Scully states, “I was on a summer break in Goa after

passing out my higher secondary through Indian School Muscat when through a friend I happened to see an ad on Facebook stating that Alee Club will be hosting the event. Since I had some time on my hands, I decided to give the pageant a try.”

She has also won the runner up

title at the All Goa singing contest organised by Herald Group last year and was asked to perform as a guest artiste for a large audience at this year’s competition held in early August. Post her performances at the All Goa singing competition, she also speaks of the very encouraging reviews and moral support received from all the members of the Goan community of Oman in Muscat.

Among her other key accolades, Scully won the ‘Muscat Talent Hunt’ singing title back in 2012 and the runner up title at the ‘2014 May Queen Contest’ organised by the Goan Community of Oman in Muscat. To add, she was recently honoured with the ‘Miss Talented’ award at the annual farewell felicitation ceremony by the ISM.

I N T E R NAT I O NA L S A F E T Y AWA R D S

Al Hassan recognised for its HSE practices MUSCAT: Al Hassan Engineering Company (AHEC) has won an International Safety Award from the British Safety Council in recognition of its commitment to keeping a safe and healthy workplace during the 2014 calendar year.

Al Hassan gives the highest priority to Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) to protect and keep safe its employees and the work place as well as to strive to achieve world class standards in HSE. Keeping this in mind, AHEC

has executed a number of projects in oil and gas, petrochemicals, power and water sectors without any lost time incidents (LTIs), says a press release.

“At Al Hassan, the health and safety of our people is our top most priority and we are extremely proud of our track record in the field. While we have been consistently recognised by industry bodies and our customers for our HSE practices, this is the first time that we have been recognised by the

British Safety Council at the International Safety Award 2015. We are very proud of the achievement and wish to continue the momentum going forward,” said Steve Scott, CEO, AHEC. Now in their 57th year, the International Safety Awards seek to celebrate and promote the success of the winning organisations and their employees in maintaining a safe and healthy working environment. They are open to businesses, public and third sector bodies of all

sizes and sectors.

The 2015 award winners have demonstrated to the satisfaction of the scheme’s independent judges their commitment to preventing workplace injuries and work-related ill health. More than 500 organisations won an International Safety Award for 2015, and the winning organisations span all sectors and range from the United Kingdom, Africa, Asia, mainland Europe, the Middle East and the West Indies.

MUSCAT: Kims Oman Hospital (KOH), a 50-bedded hospital, has highly experienced professionals in its Internal Medicine Department led by Dr Shashiraj Eswarappa, consultant physician and Medical Superintendent, MBBS, MD (Medicine), MRCP from the UK, and Dr N. S. Joseph, specialist physician and diabetologist, MBBS, MD (Medicine), PGDHSC, C.DIAB from Australia.

The doctors at the internal medicine department at Kims Oman Hospital have extensive experience in managing medical emergencies, infectious diseases, gastro-intestinal disorders, respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis, stroke, migraine, and thyroid and other endocrine

(hormone) disorders. Additionally, they are experts in providing effective treatment as well as primary prevention of the most common chronic diseases including diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol disorders, says a press release.

“At Kims Oman, we are committed to delivering the highest quality patient care. Our internal medicine department is equipped with state-of-the art intensive care unit, the top-notch medical staff and a team of highly skilled nurses,” said Dr Hussam Akoum, chief operating officer at KOH. Kims Oman Hospital is committed to provide high quality health care services with care, compassion and courtesy to its patients at affordable prices.

H A RV E S T F E S T I VA L

Al Affiya Towers residents celebrate Onam in style

DISTINCTION

Former ISG student shines in London MUSCAT: Indian School Ghubra (ISG) has, over the years, trained some extremely successful young adults who have progressed and achieved great heights in their respective fields.

One such pupil is Dr Betty Raman who, in a recent internationally renowned cardiology meeting conducted by European society of cardiology, London, was awarded the top score for her research abstract and won best poster, says a press release.

Dr Betty Raman, daughter of Dr K. P. Raman, cardiologist and managing director of Al Hayat hospital in Oman, completed her medical training in Australia to become a doctor. She subsequently undertook specialisation in internal medicine and cardiology in Adelaide, South Australia.

Having been awarded specialist training recognition in Australia, she then moved to Oxford where she was offered a cardiology fellowship in cardiac imaging at

Dr Betty Raman, was awarded the top score for her research abstract in an internationally renowned cardiology meeting conducted by European society of cardiology, London, recently world leading multidisciplinary centre for clinical research in cardiology, Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford.

She is currently undertaking post graduate studies (D Phil in Cardiovascular medicine) and training in Cardiac MRI in a rare inherited heart condition called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

and is making significant progress in her research activities.

In addition to her on-going devotion to the field of research in cardiovascular medicine, she is a proud recipient of several prestigious national academic awards including – Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Post graduate scholarship 2014, National Heart Foundation Scholarship 2015, SA Heart Edu-

cation and Research Foundation Award 2014, Award for excellence in clinical teaching, University of Adelaide 2010-2012, Merit Award-National scholarship scheme of India academic excellence in biology and chemistry.

Additionally, she has to her credit several international publications and presented in several international conferences in the field of cardiology.

MUSCAT: The residents of Al Affiya Towers in Wadi Kabir celebrated this year’s Onam in grand style.

A day full of colours, flowers, music and dancing showed how well a ‘flat living community’ can come together to share the happiness. The whole event was a harmony of traditions and modernity, says a press release.

The legend of Onam festival was portrayed by a colourful flower arrangement (Pookkalam); presence of Mahabali (disguised as the emperor by one of the residents) and a traditional

style Onasadya. Various artistic performances by the kids, including music and dances, added flavour along with Thiruvathira, social significant drama, fun filled short film by the residents and tug of war competitions.

Sixty families joined hands as a well-oiled machine to achieve this success. The team leaders commented that they planned to extend the activities in the coming years, such that Onam and similar occasions did not pass as mere celebrations but turned into opportunities to reach the suffering fellow beings.

B6

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 1 5

ROUND-UP OAB uses NCR security solutions to offer secure banking services OAB has recently been the ďŹ rst bank in Oman to deploy NCR APTRA Activate software to deliver next generation omni-channel banking experience

MUSCAT: NCR Corporation, the global leader in consumer transaction technologies, announced that Oman Arab Bank (OAB) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; one of Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading banks â&#x20AC;&#x201D; has se-

lected NCR Solidcore Suite for APTRA and NCR Skimming Protection Solution (SPS) technology to secure its ATM channel and enable the bank to offer a trusted

and secure banking environment to increase customer loyalty and experience.

NCR Solidcore Suite for APTRA is the most comprehensive ATM white listing software, which proactively protects ATMs from insider attacks by preventing the introduction of unauthorised code on the network and maintaining its integrity and availability, says a press release.

Convenient services â&#x20AC;&#x153;OAB aims to be a trusted and responsible retail bank in Oman by enhancing its customer experiences across its branch and digi-

tal banking channels to offer next generation of customer interaction technologies,â&#x20AC;? said Fahd Amjad, GM Retail Banking at OAB. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are committed to lead and revolutionise our physical and digital banking services in the country to provide our customers with innovative, convenient and secure digital banking services. By investing in NCRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest and innovative security technology, we are taking a right step in this direction.â&#x20AC;?

NCR built SPS software to enable its random, multiple-jamming hardware module to block criminal â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;listeningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; devices from capturing card data. This means that

INTRA-SCHOOL SOLO SONG COMPETITION

Times News Service

historic day, highlighting the need to remember the sacriďŹ ces of the armed forces of Pakistan.

An Intra-School Solo National Songs Singing Competition was also held in which students from Pakistan school branches in Mussanah, Nizwa, Sohar, Seeb and Muscat participated. The competition was judged by the jury comprising Syed Mujahid Murtaza Naqvi, Junaid Iqbal and Aneeqa Abdul Ghani.

After an intense competition, Shabib ur Rehman of Mussanah was declared third, Fatima Arif (Mussanah) and Usman Majeed (Muscat) got second position while Hudiya Ali of Pakistan School Muscat stole the show as the winner. Pakistan School Mussanah ended up as the runner-up whereas Pakistan School Muscat was announced as the overall winner of the competition. Two tableaus, highlighting

the very spirit of the day, were also presented, drawing great applause from the audience.

Toppers awarded Setting another benchmark, a ceremony to reward the toppers was also held to appreciate and encourage the promising students of Pakistan School Muscat for the subject distinctions and overall tremendous university and Board results. The students were presented with certiďŹ cates and cash prizes. PSM management also awarded trophies to leading community members Shahid Bashir, Yaseen Bhati, Ch Basharat, Sajid Pervaz, Dr. Sharif Ataullah, Tajamal Jami and senior journalist Shahzad Raza, acknowledgement their services for the organisation.

In his address, the ambassador praised the students for academic excellence and exhorted them to

work even harder for greater glories in life. He expressed his gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos for giving opportunities to Pakistani community to celebrate their national days with dignity and pride. The ambassador also highlighted the great patriotic spirit of the whole nation in 1965 that went a long way in helping their armed forces defend the homeland.

BOD Chairman Adnan Shehzad extended his gratitude to the benefactors of the Academic Excellence Awards which were presented to the Shaheen Stars of Pakistan School Muscat. He unveiled the next milestone being laid out, which is the IT connectivity of PSM with the parents of the students. He requested to the resourceful community members to form the network of support for the under-privileged students of the school.

LAUNCH EVENT

Canon unveils latest DSLR camera in Oman MUSCAT: Canon Middle East along with Genetco, its distributor in Oman, announced the launch of its exciting range of DSLR cameras in Oman in a fun, unique and interactive manner.

Held at the Oman Avenues Mall, it was for the ďŹ rst time Canon organised an exclusive launch event for its tier 2 partners and retailers, also inviting photography associations such as Photography Society Oman and Friday Shoot Out Club, says a press release.

The new range of DSLR cameras such as the EOS 750D,EOS 760D and ďŹ&#x201A;agship models such EOS 5DS and EOS 5DSR were unveiled by a surprise ďŹ&#x201A;ash mob that caught everybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention, attracting cheers and applause from the mall visitors. All models are available at leading electronic retails outlets in Oman.

Photography session Jason Rego, product manager, Imaging group, Canon Middle East led the product demos, interacting with the audience and demonstrating the features of the latest cameras. This was followed by a special photography session on how to use EOS 5DS to its maximum potential by Skyler Burt, head of the Department of Applied Photography at the Higher College of Technology, Muscat. Skyler Burt is an award winning food and travel photographer and owner the of Yellow Street Photos.

He produces editorial and advertising stories and images for clients around the world. He is also the founder of We Eat Together blog, where he creates articles, tutorials, and workshops to teach people the art of food photogra-

phy. Adding to the vibrancy of the event, Canon hosted several games such as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Spin the wheelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;30 sec of Canonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Photographic Memoryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; with Canon printers up for grabs as a prize.

Ignites creativity The new range is aimed at both mid and professional photographers in Oman. The new range is designed to ignite the creativity and passion for local photography enthusiasts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Canonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brand promise is to help people realise the power of image.

The new range of DSLR cameras demonstrate Canonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unparalleled expertise in imaging and reďŹ&#x201A;ects the innovation and uniqueness the company strives for, to provide the best technology to its users of all levels in Oman,â&#x20AC;? said Hendrik Verbrugghe, Marketing Director, Canon Middle East.

Canon EOS 5D S Perfect for commercial and ďŹ ne art photography, or any other application that calls for extremely high-resolution, the EOS 5DS is the ultimate combination of EOS performance and ultra-high meg-

to help build a trusted and secure banking environment that will increase customer loyalty, improve operational efficiency and deliver exceptional interactions,â&#x20AC;? said Habib Hanna, managing director NCR for South Gulf and Pakistan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our extensive suite of security solutions will ensure OAB customers to complete their transactions in a convenient and secure way,â&#x20AC;? said Osama Awad, country manager, NCR Corporation in Oman.

OAB has recently been the ďŹ rst bank in Oman to deploy NCR APTRA Activate software to deliver next generation omni-channel banking experience.

O M A N H E A LT H E X H I B I T I O N C O N F E R E N C E

PSM wins singing contest at Pak Defence Day celebration MUSCAT: Pakistan School Muscat won the Annual Intra-school Solo Songs Singing Competition at a colourful event held to mark the 50th Defence Day of Pakistan as well as to reward the outstanding students of the year at Dr. A. Q. Khan Hall.

Ayaz Hussain, ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Sultanate of Oman, was the chief guest whereas Col. Saeed bin Muhammad bin Nassar Al Badai, director public relation, Royal Oman Police was the guest of honour along with Major Hussain Habib Al Senan. Adnan Shahzad, Chairman Board of Directors (BOD), Pakistan School System, members BOD, PSM Principal Khalid Jadoon, faculty members, embassy officers and a large number of Pakistan community members attended the event.

The proceedings started with the ambassador, along with the guests of honour, examining the parade and guard of honour.

The ceremony started with recitation from the Holy Quran by HaďŹ z Bilal Faisal followed by special supplication for the peace and prosperity of Pakistan, Pak-Oman friendship and for the health and long life of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

Addressing the audience, PSM Principal Khalid Jadoon spoke at length about the importance of the

even the smallest skimming devices wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be able to capture card data. NCR SPS technology will not only thwart skimming activities but will notify Oman Arab Bank of an attack in real time.

The new technology also prohibits criminals from tampering or removing the original ATM bezel and helps promptly detect fraudulent devices. â&#x20AC;&#x153;NCR has a long standing association with Oman Arab Bank on its journey to offer the most innovative and secure digital banking platform to enhance customer experience. We are excited to further this relationship with the bank

apixel capture. It features a new 50.6 Megapixel, full-frame CMOS sensor along with an advanced, 61-point High Density Reticular AF system that includes 41 crosstype AF points.

An anti-ďŹ&#x201A;icker function helps provide consistent exposure and colour during continuous shooting under certain lighting conditions, while a built-in bulb timer and intervalometer expands creative opportunities without the need for an additional remote control. A reďŹ ned mirror control mechanism reduces vibration and a Time Release Lag setting minimizes camera shake for sharp image capture when using mirror lock-up.

Canon EOS 5DS R With all the features and capabilities of the EOS 5DS, the EOS 5DS R camera offers the potential for even greater sharpness and ďŹ ne detail for specialised situations.

It features the same Canon designed and manufactured 50.6 Megapixel sensor, with the lowpass ďŹ lter (LPF) effect cancelled to provide even more ďŹ ne edge sharpness and detail for critical subjects such as detailed landscapes, and

other situations where getting the sharpest subject detail is a priority.

For photographers wanting the ultimate in high resolution capture, the low-pass ďŹ lter is useful to reduce colour artefacts and moirĂŠ typical with digital capture, it also reduces detail at the pixel level.

With the LPF disabled, the EOS 5DS R takes full advantage of the original resolving power of the cameraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50.6 Megapixel sensor.

Control at your ďŹ ngertips The EOS 760D and EOS 750Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s powerful speciďŹ cations are packed into expertly engineered compact bodies, with an ergonomic grip and Vari-Angle LCD for easy handling in all situations.

Take over the shooting functions with full manual control giving you the freedom to dictate your own creative shooting style.

The EOS 760D allows photographers to be more considered with their settings with conveniently placed controls, usually found in Canonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enthusiast EOS models, including the rear Quick Control Dial, top LCD panel and Intelligent ViewďŹ nder for quick access and review of both settings and images.

Malaysia Healthcare showcases its best in healthcare travel MUSCAT: A Malaysian contingent led by the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) is participating in the Oman Health Exhibition Conference 2015 which ends today, to showcase the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best in healthcare travel offerings to Oman and the world.

Consisting of officials from the MHTC and specialist consultants from premier Malaysian private hospitals, the delegation aims to create greater awareness on Malaysiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most attractive healthcare features: Quality, accessibility and affordability, says a press release.

Healthcare in Malaysia is a well-developed industry with it being one of the few countries in the region to receive strong government backing, and is rigorously regulated by the Ministry of Health Malaysia to ensure impeccable standards of quality and safety in Malaysiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s healthcare offerings.

Its healthcare is also kept affordable, thanks to regulated rates by the Ministry of Health.

There are currently more than 250 private hospitals in Malaysia, where only the well-equipped and healthcare travel serviceready facilities are approved and registered to be participating healthcare travel providers. Most doctors and healthcare professionals in Malaysia received training from internationally-acclaimed institutions in Malaysia, US, UK, Australia and Europe.

Healthcare treatment is very accessible in Malaysia, with short waiting periods for appointments and treatment. Malaysian hospitals are also equipped with stateof-the-art equipment and facilities, and cater widely to halal food and lifestyle requirements, as well as halal medical services.

Sherene Azli, chief executive officer of MHTC, commented: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want healthcare travellers who come to our country for treatment to feel at ease and truly experience the Malaysian hospitality. The halal factor is a strong concern, and we have the assurance that our halal standards will give them the peace of mind.â&#x20AC;?

Post-care services such as recuperation facilities are sufďŹ ciently made available and are considered to be just as important. Tourists seeking extensive post-care services have peace of mind as we provide visa extensions of up to six months for medical tourists. In addition to that, tourists seeking healthcare or medical support are given a seamless end-to-end patient service; with a Concierge and Lounge set up at two of its international airports in Kuala Lumpur and Penang to welcome patients wanting to rest while waiting for their pre-arranged transportation.

International awards Cementing Malaysiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reputation as the healthcare destination of choice are the numerous international awards received.

Malaysia was named â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best Country for Healthcareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by International Livingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Global Retirement Index, and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Medical Travel Destination of the Yearâ&#x20AC;? by the International Medical Travel Journal (IMTJ) at their Medical Travel Awards 2015. At the same IMTJ awards, 5 out of

11 awards were also won by Malaysian hospitals, in recognition of their commitment to excellence and outstanding customer service on an international level.

Health talk Apart from participating in the conference, Malaysia also hosted a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Malaysia Health Talkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at the InterContinental Hotel Muscat, to create greater awareness amidst the general Omani public who are interested in learning more about their healthcare options in Malaysia.

At both events, the Malaysian contingent featured free consultation sessions with specialists from awards-winning Malaysian hospitals, including fertility specialists, orthopaedic surgeons, paediatric orthopaedic and trauma surgeons, and plastic and reconstructive surgeons, amongst others; members of the public are warmly welcomed to participate.

Healthcare travel awards The countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top medical establishments have garnered through the years. Most recently, Malaysia has come up on top of several international healthcare and living ratings: International Living (Global Retirement Index 2015) Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; & 3-# Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x161;Ĺ&#x2014; Ä? -.Ĺ&#x2014; )/(.,3Ĺ&#x2014; ),Ĺ&#x2014; Healthcareâ&#x20AC;?

International Medical Travel Journal (Medical Travel Awards 2015) Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; 2 && ( Ĺ&#x2014;#(Ĺ&#x2014; /-.)' ,Ĺ&#x2014; ,0# Ĺ&#x2014; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Gleneagles Hospital, Kuala Lumpur Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; -.Ĺ&#x2014; / &#.3Ĺ&#x2014; (#.# .#0 Ĺ&#x2014; ) Ĺ&#x2014; ." Ĺ&#x2014; Year â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Imperial Dental Specialist Centre Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; -.Ĺ&#x2014; , 0 &Ĺ&#x2014; -#. Ĺ&#x2014;) Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014; ,Ĺ&#x2014; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ramsay Sime Darby Healthcare Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; (. ,( .#)( &Ĺ&#x2014; )-' .# Ĺ&#x2014; /,! ,3Ĺ&#x2014; Clinic of the Year â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Beverly Wilshire Medical Centre Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; (. ,( .#)( &Ĺ&#x2014; (. &Ĺ&#x2014; &#(# Ĺ&#x2014; ) Ĺ&#x2014; the Year - Imperial Dental Specialist Centre Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council was established by the government of Malaysia as the primary agency to develop the healthcare travel industry and promote Malaysia as the preferred destination for healthcare travel in the region. MHTC works closely with all relevant government agencies and private healthcare organisations to ensure quality care and facilitate smooth entry for our healthcare travellers.

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Bank Muscat, AIG set to organise conference on cyber security today The conference is aimed at enhancing cooperation between the government and the private sector in matters relating to prevention of cyber crimes

MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, in association with the leading global insurance company American International

Group (AIG), is organising a conference titled ‘Ensuring a Safer Cyber Environment’ at the bank’s head office today.

Dr Hamad bin Salem Al Raw-

ahi, executive president of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, will preside at the high profile conference aimed at enhancing cooperation between the government and the private sector in matters relating to preventing cyber crimes, identifying the best global practices in work environment, and benefiting from the expertise of relevant bodies, says a press release.

Talal Al Maamari, chief executive officer of Omantel, will deliver the keynote address at the conference which will also be addressed by Lord Jonathan Evans, former head of the British

Security Service and currently a non-executive director of HSBC, and cyber crime experts from the Chatham House, AIG and BAE Systems Applied Intelligence.

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

Abdul Razak Ali Issa, chief executive, said: “Cyber security affects us all and Bank Muscat is proud to host this conference aimed at highlighting the best practices from across the world so as to help the financial services industry in Oman. At a time when cyber crimes are widespread around the world, the strengthening of cooperation and coordination among various government, banking and financial institutions is vital to prevent and control crimes through the latest technological applications and exchange of expertise in this area.”

Data breaches, cyber financial

crimes and attacks on websites are occurring more frequently than ever. In this regard, the conference assumes importance in spotlighting that the threats are no longer about others, they are moving closer to the region.

Aim of the conference The conference is designed to help organisations look at a holistic cyber security plan to include information sharing, threat identification, protection of assets and an effective cyber crime response plan for business recovery and resumption, including a risk transfer plan of cyber security insurance.

BURGERS

Bank Sohar conducts 23rd weekly draw Shake Shack to open MUSCAT: In its latest stop on yearlong branch-wide tour, Bank Sohar conducted its 23rd Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme Weekly Draw on its Privilege Banking branch premises in Al Qurum recently.

Continuing to offer more chances, more winners and more prizes for its customers as part of the 2015 Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme, the bank’s draws included the OMR5,000 Weekly Draw, which was won by Said Salim of the bank’s Salalah branch and the dedicated Branch Draw of OMR1,000 for the bank’s Privilege Banking branch customers which was won by Salim Mohammed, says a press release.

The 23rd weekly prize draw event was held under the auspices of Riyadh Ali Sultan, director of WJ Towell Company, and was attended by Redha Al Lawatia, senior chief manager, Liabilities & Sales of Bank Sohar and Hussein Redha Shalwani, head of Privilege Banking in addition to other senior staff members and VIP customers.

The event was inaugurated with a welcome speech followed by an overview of the 2015 Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme by Redha Al Lawatia. Following the presentation, the chief guest conducted the draws to reveal the names of the two winners. Commenting on the response the bank has received for the Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme 2015 draws, R. Narasimhan, DGM and Head of Retail Banking, said: “Innovative products and best banking practices that encourage the habit of savings amongst our customers is something that the bank has been committed to since its very inception. Our Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme is one such product that rewards them, the more they save. So far this year we have already seen more than 640 winners from our daily and weekly draws alone, with hundreds more to go before the end of the year.

Continuing to offer more chances, more winners and more prizes for its customers as part of the 2015 Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme, the bank’s draws included the OMR5,000 Weekly Draw, which was won by Said Salim of the bank’s Salalah branch and the dedicated Branch Draw of OMR1,000 for the bank’s Privilege Banking branch customers which was won by Salim Mohammed

“Following the popularity of last year’s savings scheme, the bank has revised this year’s scheme to provide even better incentives to save by offering significantly more chances, more

RECRUIT SEND US YOUR VIEWS AND COMMENTS editor@timesofoman.com webeditor@timesofoman.com

winners, and more prizes. From our last year’s scheme, the highly popular hourly prize draws of OMR1,000 each continues from Sunday to Wednesday with five winners every day.”

In addition to the hourly prize draws, the bank is also undertaking a branch-wide tour conducting the weekly draw at each of its branches throughout the year; where one winner will win OMR5,000 per draw in addition to a dedicated branch draw worth OMR1,000 specifically for customers of the branch in which the weekly draw event is held. In total the weekly draws will see more than 70 winners before the end of the year.

“On behalf of Bank Sohar, I would like to congratulate Said Salim and Salim Mohammed our lucky winners of last week’s draw.

I would also like to wish all our customers the best of luck in the upcoming August monthly draw which will be taking place shortly,” added Narasimhan.

The event concluded with the handover of a token of appreciation to Riyadh Ali Sultan on behalf of the bank. The monthly draws, which will continue till November, will witness over 80 winners throughout the year; where each month five winners will receive OMR10,000 each, while five minor account holders will win OMR1,000 each. Furthermore, the half yearly prize draw, which was conducted in July, was worth over OMR150,000 where two winners received OMR50,000 each, while one minor account received OMR5,000, and one exclusive draw winner received OMR50,000. Meanwhile, the year-end prize draw boasts a prize pool of over half a million rials for more than 30 winners, with one lucky saver winning OMR450,000, one exclusive winner receiving OMR50,000 and one lucky minor receiving OMR5,000. In addition, as part of the year-end prize draw, the bank will also be conducting a special branch-wide draw for the first time where one lucky winner from each of the bank’s branches will win OMR5,000.

its first outlet in MCC MUSCAT: Get ready Oman...

Shack Burgers are on the way!

Shake Shack announced that it will open the first-ever Muscat Shack in 2016. This Shack will be located in the newly designed dining area inside the Muscat City Centre (MCC) — Oman’s premier dining, shopping and entertainment destination, says a press release.

Born in New York City, Shake Shack is a critically acclaimed, modern day “roadside” burger stand known for its 100% allnatural Angus beef burgers, griddled-crisp flat-top dogs, fresh-

made frozen custard, crinkle cut fries and more. A fun and lively community gathering place with widespread appeal, Shake Shack has earned a cult-like following around the world.

The Muscat menu will feature Shake Shack’s signature items including the ShackBurger, Shackcago Dog, classic crinkle-cut fries and frozen custard ice cream.

Shack will create 100+ jobs for Omani nationals.

Shake Shack intends to work with select local vendors to create a truly one of a kind Shack for the local Muscat community.

SUPPORT

OTC students complete internship at InterCon

MUSCAT: InterContinental Muscat supports the skill development of young local talents under the programme IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) Academy through its partnership with universities, colleges and institutions in Oman.

Twenty students from Oman Tourism College (OTC) com-

pleted their five-week internship programme in various departments at the InterCon and concluded their training with a graduation ceremony recently, says a press release.

One of the students, Abdul Majid Al Ghazali, said that he had not only developed valuable skills but also gained friends as well.

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Ooredoo wraps up most successful season at Salalah Tourism Festival Taking centre stage at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Salalah Festival were the two innovative promotions Visitor Line and More Recharge

SPECIAL OFFERS

said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s festival was our most successful yet, delivering even greater value and connectivity to our customers in the Governorate of Dhofar. We had many milestone moments during this Khareef, including our interactions with more customers than ever before and who expressed a keen interest in our latest promotions and services that were tailormade for their holiday.â&#x20AC;?

In June, Ooredoo had also deployed additional 2G, 3G+, and 4G sites in preparation for the Khareef season to provide visitors with better coverage, bandwidth

and voice quality. All Ooredoo base stations across the wilayats of Salalah, Mirbat and Mugsayl were upgraded to double 3G+ capacity, all part of their network modernisation across the country. The company demonstrated its new 4.5G network for the ďŹ rst time outside of Muscat at its stand at the festival.

The cutting edge design represented Ooredooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vibrant brand and the spacious set-up allowed the company to demonstrate its wide range of products and services in a more engaging way and inspiring environment.

I N - C O U N T RY VA L U E

Real estate roadshow on September 11 MUSCAT: Dhammanagi Group of Bangalore is going to hold a roadshow to display their products at Al Falaj Hotel on September 11 and 12 with special offers for those who book apartments on these days.

The Dhammanagi Group is one of the leading real estate developers in Bangalore. The group is focused on providing quality lifestyle to the ever evolving and

MUSCAT: Ooredoo has announced yet another successful Khareef with over 12,000 visitors passing by its state-of-the-art twostorey stand at the 2015 Salalah Tourism Festival.

Taking centre stage this year were the two innovative promotions Visitor Line and More Recharge. The specially designed Visitor Line offer allowed prepaid users visiting the festival to share more of their holiday with friends and family anywhere around the world, says a press release.

Ghaneem Al Mashikhi, director of the Dhofar region for Ooredoo,

aspiring consumer, be it in residential or commercial space, says a press release.

The latest project introduced

by Dhammanagi Group includes Florence and Garden Terraces whereas Sumo Leaves, Rudraksha Residency Tulips Garden, Saffron Valley and Gladiola Gardenia are the completed projects. Lilium Gardenia is an on-going project, nearing completion.

Dhammanagi Group is promoting the concept of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;intelligent homesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. These homes are technologically advanced, providing residents convenience, comfort and security with just a ďŹ nger touch.

Some of the prominent features include safety and security service, smart visitor management service, smart home automation service and 24 hour surveillance cameras.

BPOS all set to organise ICV conference on September 14 MUSCAT: Under the patronage of Dr Fuad bin Jaffer Al Sajwani, minister of agriculture and ďŹ sheries, and in association with the Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OCCI), Business Process Outsourcing Services (BPOS) is organising an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;InCountry Value (ICV) Conference 2015â&#x20AC;&#x2122; to be held on September 14 at the OCCI Muscat Hall, says a press release.

The Sultanate is moving towards celebrating its 45th glorious National Day under the wise and exemplary leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

As part of Business Process Outsourcing Servicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preparations to celebrate this momentous milestone in the history of Oman and with the national priority to accelerate the economic diversiďŹ cation in focus, this is an opportune moment to bring clarity, focus and commitment to the ICV vision of the Sultanate.

The ICV concept comprises human resources, products and services, and the support of SMEs. The dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presentations and the panel discussions will encompass all of these facets. The programme

includes interactive sessions with two local speakers and two international speakers who are: Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; )"-#(Ĺ&#x2014; &Ĺ&#x2014; ", '#Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; 0# Ĺ&#x2014; president and general manager, Schlumberger Oman & Co, who will talk on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sharing best practicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on ICV in the oil and gas sector. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; ,Ĺ&#x2014; ' ,Ĺ&#x2014; &Ĺ&#x2014; ,#Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; --#-. (.Ĺ&#x2014; professor, Department of Natural Resources Economics, Sultan Qaboos University, who will talk on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Achieving Food Security & Sustainability through SMEsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; ,." 1 ,#Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; ),& Ĺ&#x2014; (%Ä&#x201C;-Ĺ&#x2014; lead private sector specialist, who will talk on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The role of SMEs in economic development, international perspective and experienceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; / , 3Ĺ&#x2014; ) "#'Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014; , ()1( Ĺ&#x2014; strategist and ďŹ nancial expert from Australia who will talk on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Productivity - the source of generating ICVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

C

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM WEDNESDAY, S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 1 5

SECTION

RADCLIFFE DENIES DOPING LINKS

British long-distance runner Paula Radcliffe said on Tuesday she was “devastated” to have been linked to blood doping allegations during an investigation by British lawmakers. >C4

SPOR YOUR GAME

Oman denied by defensive Guam Guam, recovered from a 6-0 thrashing

by Iran, to deny Oman a hat-trick of Group D victories SHARING POINTS: Oman team players pose for a group photo. – OFA

GUAM: Guam remained unbeaten at home in the 2018 FIFA World Cup/2019 AFC Asian Cup jointqualifiers after a resolute defensive display saw the Matao hold Oman to a goalless draw on Tuesday.

Having recorded back-to-back home wins over Turkmenistan and India, Guam were hammered 6-0 on the road by three-time Asian champions Iran last week but Gary White’s side recovered well from the defeat in Tehran to deny Oman a hat-trick of Group D wins.

An evenly-contested first half ended goalless with the visitors shading it in terms of possession and scoring chances, Saad Al Mukhaini putting too much power into his cross from the right with Imad Al Hosni well positioned to head home a better delivery, before Al Hosni had the ball in the net in the 42nd minute only for the Fanja forward to be denied the opener for offside.

Oman’s next chance came as fourth official Takuto Okabe indicated that there would be a minimum of one minute additional time when Guam forward John Matkin was intercepted in midfield allowing the ball to be worked to the right and enterprising winger Al Mukhaini, whose angled drive towards goal was well gathered by an alert Dallas Jaye in the Guam goal.

The final chance of the first half came the way of Oman’s main threat Al Hosni, but the former Charleroi forward, who had scored in each of the Sultanate’s previous Group D matches, fired wide with virtually the last kick of the opening period.

Oman started the second half with purpose as Paul Le Guen’s side kept play concentrated in the final third, but despite the onslaught they struggled to find a way past a resilient Guam defence with Thailand-based Brandon

S

McDonald — who was well-positioned to block Eid Al Farsi’s 54th minute shot — responsible for a number of timely interventions.

The pattern of Oman dominance continued with Guam struggling to get out of their own half. But the home side were dealing confidently with the visitors’ attack, with Ahmed Mubarak’s 74th minute free-kick, which was comfortably gathered by Jaye, Oman’s only real effort on target as Guam held on for a deserved point.

Crowd trouble Elsewhere, war-torn neighbours Syria and Iraq continued their unbeaten starts as crowd trouble reared its ugly head in Malaysia, forcing the abandonment of the match with Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia were leading 2-1 in the Group A qualifier at Shah Alam Stadium in Selangor when play was stopped in the 87th minute after fans launched flares and fireworks onto the pitch.

Players from both teams left the field and did not return. The match was later abandoned with the outcome to be decided by the sport’s world governing body FIFA. Malaysia suffered a record 10-0 loss to United Arab Emirates last week, infuriating fans and prompting the resignation of head coach Dollah Salleh.

Syria, who are forced to play all their matches away because of the problems in their homeland, made it three wins from three matches with a 6-0 thrashing of Cambodia at the Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh.

The victory — their second by that scoreline in the qualifiers — consolidated Syria’s position at the top of the Asian Group E standings with nine points and 13 goals without reply.

Iraq surrendered a 2-0 lead, conceding two late goals to draw 2-2 with Thailand in Bangkok, but also remain unbeaten. Thailand remain at the head of Group F standings, although Iraq, three points behind, have a game in hand.

Asia’s heavyweight teams all won easily. Australia’s stand-in captain Tim Cahill scored two late goals to seal a 3-0 win for the Socceroos against Tajikistan in Dushanbe. The reigning Asian champions remain at the top of the Group B standings with their third win in as many matches.

Japan showed no mercy against Afghanistan, smashing in six unanswered goals in their Group E fixture, which was played in Tehran.

Iran beat India 3-0 in Bangalore while South Korea defeated Lebanon by the same score in Beirut and, like Syria, have scored 13 goals without giving up any in three matches.

Jordan scored twice in each half in a 4-0 win over Bangladesh in Dhaka to remain undefeated in Group B. Kuwait defeated Laos 2-0 in Vientiane to preserve their 100 percent record, Qatar held on for a 3-2 victory over previously unbeaten Hong Kong.

Qatar almost threw it away after leading 3-0 with three minutes of normal time left but head the Group C standings with nine points from three matches, followed by China and Hong Kong, both on seven. China got their campaign back on track after last week’s scoreless draw with Hong Kong, with a 3-0 win over the Maldives, with the help of two goals from striker Yu Dabao.

Vietnam registered their first win with a 2-1 victory over Taiwan, with Tran Phi Son scoring the winner in stoppage time on his international debut. - AFC/Reuters

FOR THE JOY OF FISHING

INSIDE LIFESTYLE

>C9

TENNIS

Bad boy Kyrgios left out of Australia Davis Cup team LONDON: Tennis ‘bad boy’ Nick Kyrgios has been left out of his country’s Davis Cup semifinal against Britain in Glasgow next week to focus on his “personal and professional” development, captain Wally Masur said on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old, accused of not trying during a match at Wimbledon and handed a 28-day suspended ban by the ATP after making lewd suggestions about the girlfriend of opponent Stanislas Wawrinka during a match in Montreal last month, is his country’s second-ranked player at No. 37 in the world.

Bernard Tomic, who also has a chequered disciplinary record and volatile relationship with Tennis Australia, veteran Lleyton Hewitt,

Sam Groth and teenager Thanasi Kokkinakis will make up Wally Masur’s team in their first semifinal since 2006.

“After some good healthy discussion with Nick and his team we have agreed on a plan to help him develop all aspects of his game and ensure a long and successful future in the sport,” Masur said. “Next week’s tie has come a bit too soon for him and he is not in that plan.”

Kyrgios burst on to the scene last year at Wimbledon when he knocked out Rafa Nadal with a breathtakingly brash display of power tennis and is regarded as a future grand slam champion.

However, his combustible temperament has attracted criticism

with many disliking his on-court antics which often turn the air blue and reached a peak in Montreal when microphones picked up his foul-mouthed remarks aimed at French Open champion Wawrinka.

At Wimbledon this year he appeared to “tank” a game, declining to return Richard Gasquet’s serve during a fourth-round defeat.

After the Wawrinka incident Masur said Kyrgios was still in his plans, but he clearly feels the highly-charged atmosphere of a semifinal is not the right environment for the hot-headed player.

Masur has, however, offered Tomic the chance but warned “There is very little room for error in the future.” - Reuters

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Ahmad eyes Silver Cup as British GT reaches climax Going into round nine of the ultracompetitive season at the world-famous Leicestershire venue, Ahmad Al Harthy leads the way in the Silver Cup battle by 9.75 points and is also seventh in the overall GT3 driver standings CONFIDENT DUEO: Oman Racing Team’s driver Ahmad Al Harthy, left, and his teammate and Aston Martin factory driver Alex MacDowall. – Supplied photo

MUSCAT: Donington Park Grand Prix Circuit hosts the finale of the 2015 Avon Tyres British GT Championship on September 12 and 13, where just 120 minutes of race action stand between Oman’s Ahmad Al Harthy and the coveted Silver Cup title.

Going into round nine of the ultra-competitive season at the world-famous Leicestershire venue, the Oman Racing Team driver — who celebrated his 34th birthday last week — leads the way in the Silver Cup battle by 9.75 points and is also seventh in the overall GT3 driver standings.

Teaming again with Aston Mar-

tin factory driver Alex MacDowall, who made his maiden appearance with the Oman Racing Team at Snetterton 300 Circuit just over a fortnight ago, Ahmad is determined to try and end the season with an outright race win.

Last time out at Snetterton the duo were on course for a famous victory in round seven, until an errant GT4 car made contact with the No.2 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 during the second half of the contest when MacDowall was at the wheel.

Cruelly robbed of a near-certain

win, Ahmad is more committed than ever to conclude his third year in the globally renowned championship in winning ways when British GT arrives at Donington a few days from now. The chief aim, though, remains the bid to emerge victorious in the Silver Cup scrap with McLaren pairing Andrew Watson and Ross Wylie.

“Donington has always been a track I enjoy racing at and the GP circuit is a great place to end the British GT season,” said the Oman Air, Oman Ministry of Sports Affairs, Ooredoo, National Bank

of Oman and Al Hashar Groupbacked racer. “It’s very close in the Silver Cup, we have the lead going into Donington which is obviously where we want to be — but anything can happen in GT racing.

“I’m looking forward to racing with Alex again, we worked very well together at Snetterton and nearly came away with a win which would have been incredible.

In the end it didn’t work out that way, but we’re confident we can produce another very competitive showing this weekend.”

Donington Park certainly holds

happy memories for Ahmad and the Oman Racing Team — during the corresponding fixture last year the squad secured a history-making championship success to become the first Omani entrant to win the title. In the driver standings, Ahmad and then teammate Michael Caine only missed out on the overall championship by 10.5 points.

This time around, while the outright GT3 title itself isn’t in reach, in the entrant standings the Oman Racing Team holds second position going into the grand finale and is within just 11 points of the top of the table. Retaining the team’s championship is very much a possibility.

“Last year was something very special for the Oman Racing Team and everyone who has supported my career from day one,” said Aston Martin Middle East and North Africa ambassador Ahmad. “We’re so determined to win the Silver Cup but the team championship is just as important, if we can retain that title it will be a weekend of huge celebrations.”

Following two free practice sessions September 12, qualifying for the final round of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship will get underway at 15.30 (UK time). On September 13, round nine will get underway at 13.00 (UK time) and will be screened live on Motors TV. Provisional 2015 Avon Tyres British GT Championship GT3 Driver Standings: 7. Ahmad Al Harthy 54 pts.

Provisional 2015 Avon Tyres British GT Championship GT3 Silver Cup: 1. Ahmad Al Harthy 103 pts.

Provisional 2015 Avon Tyres British GT Championship GT3 Team Standings: 2. Oman Racing Team 189.5 pts.

CRICKET

Typo almost deprived Pakistani spinner of his contract KARACHI: Pakistan cricket selectors on Tuesday included young spinning all-rounder Imad Wasim in the central contract list, confessing a typo almost deprived him of a handsome monthly salary and win bonus.

The 26-year-old, who famously hit a six in the final over to help Pakistan win the second Twenty20 against Sri Lanka in Colombo last month, was surprisingly omitted from the list of 28 players awarded contracts on Saturday.

Pakistan’s chief selector Haroon Rasheed said Wasim’s name was erroneously missed out.

“Owing to a typographic oversight, Wasim’s name was omitted from the list of centrally contracted players. He was in the selection committee’s list in category D. But while submitting the names for approval, his name was erroneously omitted from the list. The error stands corrected now.”

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said Wasim’s name is approved. “Wasim has been added to the list of 27 who have been offered central contract for the year 2015-16, following PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan’s approval on chief selector Haroon Rashid’s request,” PCB said.

PCB has increased monthly salaries, win bonuses and match fees across all categories after a deadlock between the players and the central contract committee delayed the announcement for two months. - AFP

CRICKET

Pakistan will survive without playing India: Shahryar Khan NEW DELHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Shahryar Khan on Tuesday said not playing India is a “setback” but Pakistan will continue to survive in case the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) backs out of the bilateral cricket series slated to be held in the UAE in December.

The PCB and BCCI has signed an MoU to play six series between

2015 and 2023. However PCB is yet to get the Indian board’s response on its letter last week, asking them to honour the ‘binding agreement’.

Asked whether he sees the archrivals resuming on field ties in December, Khan said: “Well, it depends on your government. Your board has signed an agreement with us that we will play in December.

They said we will have to get permission from the government. We have written to the BCCI, asking them honour the agreement. We are not running after them. We are just saying you have signed something so please honour your signature.”

The PCB has often been criticised at home for reaching out to BCCI time and again for resumption of ties. The great Javed Miandad went

on to say that PCB must not play India at the cost of self-respect.

Reiterating that politics and sports should not be mixed, Khan made it clear that Pakistan will survive irrespective of the future of the high-voltage series. “Suppose for political reasons, the Indian government decides against playing Pakistan, it doesn’t mean we will go bankrupt. We will sur-

vive. If we have survived without India-Pakistan cricket for the last so many years, we will continue to survive. Yes, it will be a setback but that is about it.”

The Indian government will have a final say on the matter but going by the recent tweet of BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur, it doesn’t make the fans on either of the side of border any more hopeful.

“We have nothing to do with Dawood Ibrahim. Our government has made it clear time and again that he is not in Pakistan,” said Khan when asked about Thakur’s controversial tweet last month.

“Dawood in Karachi. NSA wants to meet separatists here. Are you really serious about peace and you expect we’ll play cricket with you?” Thakur had posted. - PTI

RETURN TO THE ROOTS

Pietersen set for South Africa return to play in Twenty20 championship DURBAN: England batsman Kevin Pietersen is to make a return to South African cricket having agreed to play five matches for the Durban-based KwaZulu-Natal Dolphins in the country’s domestic Twenty20 championship.

The 35-year-old had hoped to return to the country of his birth with England when they tour later in the year, but having been overlooked for this year’s Ashes victory over Australia that seems highly unlikely.

“I’m very excited to return to Durban in a few weeks’ time and contribute towards the Dolphins’ cause,” Pietersen said in a statement from the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Cricket Union on Tuesday.

“Having grown up in KZN it is obviously a place that means something quite special to me and to have the opportunity to play there again is something I’m really looking forward to.”

Pietersen will play five games between October 29 and Novem-

Pietersen omission helped England: Strauss LONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board’s decision to exclude maverick batsman Kevin Pietersen from selection has benefitted the team, director of cricket Andrew Strauss has told BBC. Pietersen was sacked after a 5-0 whitewash in the 2013-14 Ashes series and was told

ber 15 for the province where he made his first-class debut aged 17 in 1997, bowling off-spin and batting low down the order.

He was later lured to England with the help of his late mentor Clive Rice and went on to become that country’s highest interna-

in May by former captain Strauss that he would not be considered for an international recall.

The team has simply “moved on”, said Strauss.

“The danger at that time was that particular issue would overshadow everything that happened on the pitch over

tional run-scorer with 13,779 runs across all formats.

Having been dropped by England in 2014 and told there was no way back, Pietersen has focused on domestic Twenty20 cricket and has played for the Deccan Chargers, Delhi Daredevils, Royal Challeng-

the course of the summer.

“What I was trying to do was provide clarity going forward so everyone knew where they stood. I think the team has moved on. Some of those young guys have established themselves and that’s what we will be focusing on taking England forward.” - Reuters

ers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad (all India), St Lucia Zouks (Caribbean), Melbourne Stars (Australia) and Surrey (England).

Pietersen played two first-class games for the Dolphins in 2010 in a bid to regain form ahead of that year’s Ashes series. - Reuters

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 1 5

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SPORTS Sultanate’s junior golfers get into full swing after Sweden sojourn During their two-week stay at Volkswagen Golf Arena, the Omani junior golfers emerged mentally and physically stronger while mastering the nuances of balance and posture, and most importantly the swing

During my swing, I used to keep hitting the ball off-target to the right. But this camp has helped me learn to hit straighter and more accurately Haythem Al Zubair

MUSCAT: As Oman’s junior national boys’ team returned to Muscat recently following a two-week summer camp in Sweden, young golfer Hamood Al Harthy recalled his experience as ‘tremendous’.

The Oman Golf Committee (OGC) in cooperation with Zubair Corporation had organised the summer camp at the famous Volkswagen Golf Arena in Sweden.

Oman’s junior national team that participated in the training camp included Hamood, Rashad Al Harthy, Haythem Al Zubair, Fahad Al Kitani and Amjad Al Toky.

At the summer camp, the head coach of the programme, Erik Blomqvist, and his team consisting of assistants Robin and Marcus, made an assessment of the physical condition of the players that involved studying their body movement and strength.

Based on that, the players went through training and conditioning based on their technique and skills, with specific focus on each golfer’s strength areas.

LEARNING EXPERIENCE: Oman junior golfers are all ears during a training session. – Supplied photo

“It’s been a tremendous experience. I improved hugely, both mentally and physically, during the camp,” said Hamood Al Harthy.

“The training took place with complete focus and commitment, and it was fun as well. During the first week, I worked on stabilising my lower body and made adjustments to my posture. Then, with Erik’s help, I moved to the next step, perfecting my swing. Drills and exercises were given to me to help synchronise my arms and shoulders so that I can rotate them in sync during the swing.”

Amjad Al Toky, elated with his Sweden experience, said: “Both Eriq and Robin worked hard on my swing, they worked on my balance, posture and my swing technique as well, instructing me how to hit shots with perfect balance.

“They also explained to me how my body works and how it should respond during the swing. Now that I am back here, I need to practice very hard keeping those instructions in mind.”

The boys also received useful pep talks for their coming engagements. When off the field, there were lecture sessions about time

UNIQUE EVENT

Green Kleen Wadi Bashers take top honours at Box Cricket Tournament

SUCCESSFUL TOURNEY: The winners and runners-up teams pose for a group photo at the ‘7-A-Side Box Cricket Tournament – Challenge Your Basics’ organised by the Indian Social Club Kachchhi Wing. – Supplied photo

MUSCAT: Green Kleen Wadi Bashers (GKWB) emerged the winners of the inaugural ‘7-A-Side Box Cricket Tournament – Challenge Your Basics’ organised by the Indian Social Club Kachchhi Wing at the Muscat Club in Al Wadi Al Kabir on September 4 and 5.

A total of 13 teams took part in the event. The sudden and unexpected rains on September 4, forced the organisers to host the final stage of the event on September 5.

The Show Stopper event would be now conducted on October 2

at the Al Falaj Hotel, where one would get an opportunity to interact with a few stars of Oman Cricket and to find ways to focus and take advantage of cricketing basics and the importance of discipline.

“The team of Show Stopper would include Amir Kaleem, vicecaptain of Oman national team, and his teammates Zeeshan Siddiqui and Ajay Lalcheta. The vast expertise of AR Srinivasan and Hemal Mehta would be the icing on the cake,” the orgaisers said.

In the first semifinal, Green

Kleen Wadi Bashers defeated Crusaders, while in the second United Plastic Manufacturing Company Muscat Gujrati Samaj (UPMC MGS) bettered Ramniklal B Kothary (RBK).

The final between the UPMC MGS and GKWB turned out to be a thriller. Batting first, UPMC MGS set a target of 37 runs in seven overs. Loss of early wickets added with a slow start, put a lot of pressure on GKWB. But an aggressive and sensible knock of Faizan took the team GKWB over the line.

Faizan Dawneck was the man of the final, Karan Pandya was the best batsman of the tournament, Sachin Mamnani was the best bowler, Suhail Khan was the man of the tournament. UPMC MGS took home $170 for, while GKWB were richer by $250.

The event was sponsored by Majan Distribution Company, Unique Contracting Company, Al Ansari Group of Companies, Ramniklal B Kothary & Company, Muscat Pharmacy, National Mineral Water Company and Hot Pot Restaurant.

management during preparations and regarding how to plan their approach during competitions.

Marcus held talk sessions with the Omani golfers, teaching them about willpower. The youngsters were taught how to set goals, the motivation that comes along with it and how to set a time frame for targets.

Talented golfer Haythem Al Zubair said the camp has changed his perspective about golf.

“Before I attended this camp, I didn’t entirely enjoy certain aspects of the game. For example, during my swing, I used to keep hitting the ball off-target to the right, and I used to feel disappointed about it. But this camp has helped me learn to hit straighter and more accurately. It was also very good because we played matches against other players. We could test ourselves and meet new people.”

Besides the fun aspect of the sport, the boys were introduced to the seriousness of pursuing professional golf. “Marcus gave us a very inspiring lecture, notifying us how much hard work is required to be a professional golfer and how life is on the tour,” said Amjad.

“It’s not as glamorous as we see

it on television, rather it requires a lot of hard work, focus and dedication. He told us that there are no shortcuts to becoming a professional golfer.”

The boys were guided by nutritionist Helena on how to eat healthy and were briefed about the correct food habits of a golfer, and how to maintain the right energy levels during practice and tournaments.

Hamood adds: “This summer camp has really developed my game and my character as well. We learnt to improve our course management capabilities and enhance focus.”

Amjad summed up, saying: “The most important impact of the camp on my game was on my short game. I was taught the skills and drills of how to hit a chip or pitch shot properly. I learnt useful techniques, like practicing my swing before hitting any chip shot.

“We learnt where to land the ball, which is a very important thing. We also learnt that while chipping, we have to imagine the shot before executing it.”

The boys also had interactive sessions with pro golfers at the golf club, where they discussed various aspects of the game.

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W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 1 5

SPORTS Rooney vows to be always available for England duty

AT H L E T I C S

Radcliffe denies ‘devastating’ doping links

With England having already secured qualification for Euro 2016 in France, it will be Rooney’s seventh major international tournament for his country and the 29-year-old Manchester United captain has no plans to stop there

LONDON: Captain Wayne Rooney has promised to always make himself available for England as the striker stands on the verge of becoming the country’s all-time leading goal-scorer.

With England having already secured qualification for Euro 2016 in France, it will be Rooney’s seventh major international tournament for his country and the 29-year-old Manchester United captain has no plans to stop there.

He equalled the goalscoring record of Bobby Charlton against San Marino on Saturday when he netted his 49th goal for England and was hoping to make the record

COMMITTED: Captain Wayne Rooney said ‘I won’t be one to say I’m not available for selection. I’m sure

it’ll probably be the manager’s choice more than mine. It’s a huge honour to play for England’. – AFP

his own at the Wembley against Switzerland.

Rooney, who scored his first international goal against Macedonia 12 years ago, insists his appetite to represent England remains as strong as ever and he is confident he can continue to lead England till the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

“I won’t be one to say I’m not available for selection. I’m sure it’ll probably be the manager’s choice more than mine. It’s a huge honour to play

for England,” Rooney told reporters.

“I feel I’m capable of going to Russia. After that, it may be a realistic time to see how I feel and if I feel it’s not right for England or myself, I’ll have a decision to make.

“Or the manager would have a decision to make. If I feel I can carry on, I’ll try. But if the manager says he doesn’t feel I’m in his plans for the next tournament.”

Meanwhile, England manager Roy Hodgson has backed 20-year-

old midfielder Raheem Sterling, who currently has 16 caps to his name, to go on to play more than 100 games for England.

“It’s a big year for him. He’ll have a lot of big years: France in 2016, Russia in 2018, 2020 all over Europe, and (Qatar) 2022,” Hodgson said.

“At his age, he has plenty more to look forward to. I’m sure that one day he’ll be looking forward to sitting here alongside me with over 100 caps.” - Reuters

FOOTBALL

FIFA to discuss Chelsea doctor case MANCHESTER: FIFA’s medical commission will this week discuss Jose Mourinho’s battle with Chelsea club doctor Eva Carneiro amid growing pressure for a settlement by the English Premier League Champions.

Mourinho has refused to back down from criticism of Carneiro and head physio Jon Fearn after they went on the pitch to treat Eden Hazard in the 2-2 home draw with Swansea last month.

They have since been excluded from the team bench by Mourinho and have consulted lawyers.

Carneiro and Fearn’s medical intervention — called on by Hazard and the referee — reduced Chelsea to nine players as goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had already been

sent off. An angry Mourinho called it “impulsive and naive”.

FIFA’s top medical experts have already backed Carneiro and FIFA’s medical commission is expected to issue a statement backing the Chelsea doctor after a meeting on Friday.

“You would expect me to support the team doctor,” said medical commission chairman Michel D’Hooghe, a longstanding FIFA executive member, when he announced it would be discussed.

Mary O’Rourke, one of Britain’s top medical lawyers who has been involved in landmark cases on football injuries, said FIFA would back the 41-year-old Carneiro.

“It is an important point of principle,” she said on the sidelines of

the Soccerex convention. “I would like to see the message go round the world — and I think you will see FIFA on Friday saying the same — they did nothing wrong because their duty was to the player as a patient, their duty was to the referee,” O’Rourke said.

O’Rourke said clubs have to be even more wary of injuries after the Peter Cech case at Chelsea and Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Loris’s recent concussion.

But the leading barrister said there were signs that a settlement is being discussed without the need for court proceedings by Carneiro or an apology by Mourinho.

“I don’t think you need to say that Mourinho has to apologise. I think you get the message out there if

you have the pair of them back out there on the bench. We don’t need to start making people eat humble pie or anything. It is a recognition that they did nothing wrong.”

O’Rourke said there are signs that Chelsea wanted to “mend” its relationship with the doctor.

“Some situations are not mendable. This one may not be. You should take something from it that Chelsea have said nothing and that Eva Carneiro has said nothing — there may well be a will to see if this situation can be mended.”

O’Rourke said it was disappointing that the Football Association and Premier League have not spoken about the case. But she said it could be a sign that both are in contact with Chelsea. - AFP

LONDON: British long-distance runner Paula Radcliffe said on Tuesday she was “devastated” to have been linked to blood doping allegations during an investigation by British lawmakers.

Radcliffe, a three-time winner of the London Marathon, reacted after the chair of the British parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee suggested British athletes may have cheated in the race.

British lawmaker Jesse Norman said “the winners or medallists at the London Marathon, potentially British athletes are under suspicion for very high levels of blood doping”.

In a statement, Radcliffe said: “I categorically deny that I have resorted to cheating in any form whatsoever at any time in my career, and am devastated that my name has even been linked to these wide-ranging accusations.”

The parliamentary committee is probing claims made last month by British newspaper the Sunday Times and German broadcaster ARD that the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) ignored evidence of doping.

While questioning David Kenworthy, chairman of United Kingdom Anti-doping (UKAD), Norman said: “When you hear that the London Marathon, potentially the winners or medallists at the London Marathon, potentially British athletes are under suspicion for very high levels of blood doping...

“When you think of the effect that has on young people and the community nature of that event, what are your emotions about that, how do you feel about that?”

Kenworthy replied: “I think it is a tragedy if you and I are looking at a sporting event with a degree of cynicism about what we are seeing. I think it is our role to overcome that cynicism.”

Radcliffe, 41, is the only British athlete, male or female, to have won the London Marathon in the last 19 years.

‘No case to answer’ She triumphed in 2002, 2003 and 2005, with the 2003 success coming in a time of two hours, 15 minutes and 25 seconds that remains a world record.

In her response, Radcliffe added: “I have campaigned long and hard throughout my career for a clean sport. I have publicly condemned cheats and those who aid them.

“These accusations threaten

I categorically deny that I have resorted to cheating in any form whatsoever at any time in my career, and am devastated that my name has even been linked to these wideranging accusations Paula Radcliffe

British long-distance runner

to undermine all I have stood and competed for, as well as my hardearned reputation.

“By linking me to allegations of cheating, damage done to my name and reputation can never be fully repaired, no matter how untrue I know them to be.”

She said it was “profoundly disappointing” that parliamentary privilege -- which enables British politicians to speak without fear of slander litigation -- “has been used to effectively implicate me, tarnishing my reputation, with full knowledge that I have no recourse against anyone for repeating what has been said at the committee hearing”.

The hearing was set up after the Sunday Times/ARD report, produced in conjunction with two leading anti-doping experts, claimed over 800 athletes had produced suspicious blood test results between 2001 and 2012.

The World Anti-doping Agency (WADA) subsequently launched an investigation.

Radcliffe added: “I am 100 percent confident that the full explanations and circumstances around any fluctuations in my personal data on a very small number of occasions will stand up to any proper scrutiny and investigation.

“Indeed, they have already done so. In my case, numerous experts have concluded that there is simply no case to answer.” - AFP

C O M M E N TA RY

Three is the call — but why Kohli isn’t putting his hand up?

M

athematically speaking, three is the first unique prime, and from a numerological point of view, three is about intelligence, hard work and a willingness to help others expecting nothing in return.

Unfortunately, neither maths or numerology is going to help Indian Test team captain Virat Kohli solve the issue of three haunting the team at the moment, though there’s absolute clarity about the intelligent-unselfish-unique sort of combination he would seek to see in the guy who would walk in at No. 3, whether it happens just after the first delivery of the innings or well past the openers have taken the scoreboard beyond the 100-run mark.

Three is an issue that’s bothering not just the Indians. Down

Under, brand new skipper Steve Smith may now have second thoughts on his future at No. 3.

The dimensions of the dilemma being faced by Smith and Kohli are deceivingly exceptional.

For Smith, it’s about ignoring his critics and their calls to move back down the batting order in view of the Ashes setbacks he had suffered at No. 3 and the added responsibility he now has as captain.

In the case of Kohli, it’s about the need to get the batting order right without the matter creating divisions and disgust in the team.

The best way forward for Kohli is actually simple. He just need to convince himself that there’s no one better in the team for now to fit in at the No. 3 slot than he himself.

If he could do that, what remains is the relatively easier task of picking up the two guys who need to stride out into the middle before him, and the three/four guys who should walk in after him.

No other position in the batting lineup offers as much scope and responsibility as the No. 3 slot does. When the openers do well, the No. 3 guy could walk in and carry forward the momentum and enhance it at the right moments.

If the openers fail, he could try to stabilise the innings at first and then set the tone of the proceedings. The position provides one with options and opportunities as well as time to figure things out, especially for a skipper who is out and out a batsman.

The fact that a couple of specialist batsmen are sitting in the dressing room padded up could make life in the middle at No. 3 comfortable for Kohli to shape up the fortune of his as well as that of the team.

This is a privilege he is unlikely to enjoy at No. 4, especially if both the openers fall inside the first few overs and if the No. 3 man also fails to rescue the sinking boat. As captain of the team no other slot but No. 3 gives Kohli the view and freedom to

take things forward.

For someone who loves to lead from the front, it’s a bit odd that Kohli is not putting his hand up.

His reluctance to bring himself in at No. 3 would have been understandable if he had guys around who willingly stepped forward to play the role.

That doesn’t seem to be the case. There was no option for Rohit Sharma to make a comeback into the team but to take what was offered, and Ajinkya Rahane was asked by the management to get ready for the No. 3 slot just a day before the second Test against Lanka after Sharma had failed to deliver the impact in the first Test.

Cheteshwar Pujara would nod his head in glee if he is offered back the slot owned by

him before his form slump. His showing in the first innings of the third Test match against Sri Lanka was promising, but it is too much of a gamble to experiment again and be proved wrong, leaving the skipper to rethink the batting order and strategy in the middle of a series.

Why do they do all this when there’s a better, reliable option, whose place in the team is not an issue, is on hand? It’s time Kohli put his hand up, without waiting for a count of three.

The writer is a freelance contributor based in India. All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not reflect those of Times of Oman

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SPORTS

Late bloomer Anderson aims high after Murray stunner

EVERGREEN

Roger Federer

Federer seals spot in ATP Tour Finals

The Johannesburgborn, Florida-based Anderson stunned world No. 3 Andy Murray at the US Open to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the 27th attempt

NEW YORK: Giant South African Kevin Anderson insisted he never gave up hope of landing a significant Grand Slam blow despite being just nine months shy of his 30th birthday.

The Johannesburg-born, Florida-based Anderson stunned world No. 3 Andy Murray at the US Open on Monday to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the 27th attempt. His 7-6 (7/5), 6-3, 6-7 (2/7), 7-6 (7/0) win over the 2012 champion, fought out over four hours and 18 minutes, was also his first win over a top-10 player at the Grand Slams in 16 matches.

The stunning victory on Louis Armstrong Stadium ended Murray’s run of 18 consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal appearances.

Anderson, who stands at a towering 6ft 8in (2.03m), only turned pro in 2007 at the age of 21, choosing to complete his University of Illinois studies.

“My body’s holding up great. I really do as much as I can to take care of myself,” said Anderson, the first South African since Wayne Ferriera in 1992 to make the quarterfinals in New York.

“Going to college and turning pro

STUNNING VICTORY: Kevin Anderson of South Africa serves to Andy Murray of Britain during their fourth round match at the US Open in New York on Monday. – Reuters

a little bit later, I always felt myself a little younger than maybe some of the other guys my age who have been on the tour a little bit longer.

“It takes a bit more out of you than I think it was when I was in college and not traveling as much.”

He also believes he can tap into the staying power of the leading 30-plus players on the tour.

Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka, his last-eight opponent, are comfortably in the top five.

“Just watching Roger playing at 34, just moving incredible. Obviously he’s one of the best athletes of all times,” Anderson said.

“Maybe tough to compare my-

self to him. Ivo Karlovic is over 35.

I definitely feel my trajectory is still going up.

“I’m still improving. My desire is still there. Right now I don’t think age is something to worry about.”

“Top 10 has been a lifelong dream for me. I feel like I’m getting closer. Even top five, I think that’s ultimately where I want to be.”

Anderson fired 25 aces and 81 winners past Murray to record just his second win over the British player in seven clashes, four years after his first.

Anderson said the memory of his heartbreaking loss to world No. 1 Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon

this year after leading two sets to love had clouded his thoughts at one stage.

“It was definitely on my mind quite a bit there because I felt we were playing some long points,” he said. “I was fatiguing a little bit in the third. But I just stuck with it. I think it was important for me going into the match, thinking back to Wimbledon, the way I played there.

“That’s how I wanted to play again today. Once I was up two sets to love, I think it was important not to think about it.

“I was just really happy with the way I stuck the course, especially in the fourth set.”

COURTING DISASTER

Murray left with ashes, not Ashe NEW YORK: Andy Murray’s earliest Grand Slam exit in five years came on Monday at the US Open, but not in Arthur Ashe Stadium, where the British star hoisted the trophy in 2012.

With Americans John Isner and Donald Young championing host-nation hopes at Ashe, whose under-construction roof has stilled once-blustery winds, the third-seeded Scotsman was sent to Louis Armstrong Stadium for his fourth-round match against South African 15th seed Kevin Anderson.

“That court is a lot quicker than Ashe,” Murray said.

“I felt like I was on the back foot quite a lot. Wasn’t able to play that offensively.”

That proved too great a hindrance to overcome as the 28-year-old Briton lost 7-6 (7/5), 6-3, 6-7 (2/7), 7-6 (7/0) after four hours and 18 minutes.

Not since the 2010 US Open has Murray crashed out so early in a Grand Slam event, a run of 18 consecutive quarter-finals ended by the lanky African, who fired 25 aces and 81 winners.

“Playing against Kevin on the court of that speed, and with him serving as well as he does, it’s a tricky match,” Murray said. “It comes down to a few points in each set. He managed to get them today.”

Anderson had lost all 15 prior matches against top-10 foes and all seven prior fourth-round Grand Slam appearances.

That (Louis Armstrong Stadium) court is a lot quicker than Ashe. I felt like I was on the back foot quite a lot.

Wasn’t able to play that offensively Andy Murray Murray had played and practiced on windy Armstrong, but the conditions added to the difficulties in facing Anderson on his favorite surface.

“I practiced on the court before the tournament and practiced very well on it. But it’s tricky,” Murray said.

“I’ve been playing on Ashe. Because of the conditions, Ashe is sheltered from the wind now, a bit slower. Armstrong is a tighter court which is very open. You get a lot of wind.

“It’s different conditions and

something you need to just try and adjust to. I had my opportunities but didn’t manage to capitalize on them. When you’re playing against someone as good as him it’s tough.

He served extremely well.”

Anderson ripped a forehand winner on the final point of the opening tie-break to take the set after 69 minutes, then broke Murray’s first service game of the second set on the way to a 5-1 edge.

Murray broke back and held and had a break chance in the ninth game, but Anderson saved it and finally took the set on his fifth

chance, ripping his 12th ace of the match up the middle.

The second set was one Murray felt he let get away.

“I was starting to put pressure on him there,” Murray said.

“The service game I played at 4-1, I was up 40-Love, got broken there. That was really around the time when I was starting to get the momentum a bit back on my side.

“Maybe if I had held serve there at 40-Love, I might have been able to snatch that second set.

“When you’re playing against players that are at that level, you need to make them think and give them a chance to get nervous.”

But Anderson finally took advantage of his fifth set point, ripping his 12th ace up the middle to claim the set, then heading for a toilet break.

Courtside microphones picked up a profanity-laced Murray tirade to himself about the length of Anderson’s break as he waited to serve.

“You get these grey areas all the time,” Murray said between sips from his water bottle. “They just exploit them and you do nothing.”

Murray heated up with the crowd’s help to win the third set and fight through the fifth until unraveling in the final tie-breaker.

“The atmosphere was very good. The match was a very long one. I was trying to use the energy of the crowd as much as I could to help me,” Murray said. “Fought hard through to the end.” - AFP

Anderson hopes his win might at least push tennis into the headlines back home in rugby-obsessed South Africa, where the country’s fabled Springboks are preparing for the World Cup. However, he is aware that not having played Davis Cup since 2011 for South Africa, there might be fears he will defect to the United States team.

Married to an American, he is in the final steps of becoming an American citizen himself.

“I think maybe I’ll be eligible sometime next year, but in terms of Davis Cup, no, I’m not going to be playing for the US.” - AFP

LONDON: Evergreen Roger Federer has booked his place in the ATP World Tour Finals, joining world No. 1 Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray as definites for the season-ending event in London.

The Swiss guaranteed himself a 14th successive appearance at the ATP’s flagship tournament when he swept past American John Isner into the US Open quarterfinals on Monday.

The 34-year-old, playing some of the best tennis of his illustrious career, is a huge favourite in London, having won two of his record six Tour Finals titles at the O2 Arena in 2010 and 2011. He reached the final there last year but pulled out with a back injury shortly before a showdown with Djokovic.

Five more spots are up for grabs for the elite eight-man event with French Open champion Stanislas Wawrinka also in the running, along with the likes of Japan’s Kei Nishikori and Spaniards Rafa Nadal and David Ferrer.

Federer has captured five ATP titles this year, including most recently at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinatti where he beat Murray and Djokovic. He faces a US Open quarterfinal against Richard Gasquet, another player hoping to qualify for London.

Murray’s US Open fourth round conqueror Kevin Anderson is also playing himself into contention for a first appearance, having reached his first Grand Slam quarterfinal. - Reuters

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W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 1 5

UNBEATEN & UNPOPULAR

SPORTS

A

sk Floyd Mayweather if he would prefer to be popular or successful, he would have to say the latter. Americans love a champion: but they don’t love Mayweather, despite him boasting a perfect 48-0 record that has seen him unofficially crowned boxing’s pound-for-pound king after a decade of domination in the welterweight division.

With that success — and thanks also to his business acumen — has come immense fortune: he is the world’s highest-paid athlete with earnings this year of $300 million, according to Forbes. For many people, that is where some of the problem lies: it is not that he earns bucket loads of money, it is that he flaunts it.

Follow Mayweather, 38, who says Saturday’s bout against Andre Berto will be his last, on social media and you are treated to a weekly rundown of pictures of his cars. Or suitcases packed full of cash. Or his latest shoeshopping expedition.

On September 1, he posted a blackand-white photo on Twitter of him posing with three sports cars and a private jet, and the caption: “When I’m in the air, it’s private. When I’m on the ground, it’s foreign.” Twitter users’ comments to the photo are telling.

Some are positive, many more are negative — and a few are too rude to print. “This man has no limits,” wrote one, and another: “And when you hit women it’s domestic.”

That is the other reason why when Mayweather takes on the hugely unfancied Berto in Las Vegas the underdog will have the support of the MGM Grand and the pay-per-view audience at home: Mayweather has spent time in prison for one of a string of domestic violence incidents.

‘An icon’ None of the criticism appears to matter to Mayweather, a father of four who has spent most of his 19-year boxing career fending off flak, even sometimes from his own father, also called Floyd. “Nobody’s forced to watch. Watch if you want to watch. If you don’t want to watch, don’t watch.

Write about it if you want to write about it. If you don’t want to write about it, don’t,” he said recently.

“I’m not saying if you write good or bad, just continue to write. Keeps me relevant.” Tellingly, some of Mayweather’s most ardent supporters are from fellow boxers, who respect his supreme fitness, work ethic, athleticism and boxing brain.

“Floyd has been icon for some time now,” Berto told reporters ahead of the bout, crediting Mayweather with being “crafty” in the ring, although he agrees with experts who say the world champion is showing signs of age, allowing himself to be caught more often with shots.

“He’s definitely showing some slippage throughout the years,” said Berto. “But he’s one of those guys who doesn’t abuse his body and he’s always respected the sport. So it’s not taken too much of a toll in the ring and he’s not really abused himself out of the ring.”

Dodging the best?

Ivan Goldman, a novelist and writer for the boxinginsider.com website, is not nearly so flattering, branding Mayweather “not a great role model”.

“But I think that he understands — and the people around him understand — that he’s hit on something here by being the villain,” said Goldman. “I don’t know that anyone has taken a poll, but quite a lot of people buying his fights are hoping to see him lose. “It’s almost like professional wrestling: sometimes the villains make more than the heroes.”

Mayweather’s critics are also damning of his overly defensive style — the last of his 26 knockouts came in 2011 — and accuse him of dodging the most dangerous opponents simply to embellish his record. Goldman recognises that Mayweather boasts sublime defensive skills, but that means he is no crowd-pleaser — his May defeat of Manny Pacquiao was billed as the “fight of the century” but was widely viewed as a dud. “Floyd is a non-aggressive fighter and his fights are generally not terribly entertaining,” said Goldman, adding he won’t be forking out to watch the bout on pay-per-view.

“They are not terrible fights, but they are not good ones and they’re not worth paying extra to see.” - AFP

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Mayweather is the world’s highest-paid athlete with earnings this year of $300 million. For many people, that is where some of the problem lies: it is not that he earns bucket loads of money, it is that he flaunts it

The heirs to Mayweather’s crown THE pound-forpound king is nearly dead — or so he says — long live the king.

If the unbeaten Floyd Mayweather, 38, keeps to his word and retires after Saturday’s world title fight against the unfancied Andre Berto there is no shortage of talented fighters in the welterweight division lining up to inherit his crown. And with Manny Pacquiao — beaten on points by Mayweather in May in a “fight of the century” that flopped — also in the twilight of his career at 36, the door is wide open for a new generation to take over the weight class, the most exciting in boxing right now. Chief among them could of course be Berto, if he springs one of the biggest upsets in boxing history and becomes the first man to defeat Mayweather. Experts say that is highly unlikely and instead identify the likes of Keith Thurman, Kell Brook and Danny Garcia — all unbeaten — as contenders to dominate. There is also Timothy Bradley, Amir Khan and Shawn Porter. Fight fans were hugely disappointed that Mayweather failed to pick one of those for his supposed Swan song — tacit acknowledgement perhaps from the champion that they were too dangerous.

TIMOTHY BRADLEY (32-1-1, 12 KOS) There is a feeling that Bradley, 32, never quite gets the recognition he deserves — and that includes from judges, who somehow figured it a draw last year against Diego Chaves, even though most observers had the American ahead. Part of the reticence is the lack of a knockout punch, hence just the 12 KOs. His last appearance, in June, was controversial, when he dominated Jessie Vargas for 12 rounds to earn a deserved unanimous decision. But he was caught in the final moments of the fight and had a blundering referee to thank for calling time early.

KELL BROOK (35-0, 24 KOS) It has been a roller-coaster year for the powerful 29-year-old Briton.

He inflicted the only loss so far in Shawn Porter’s career to earn a world title in the American’s backyard in August last year in a surprise but deserved victory, but soon after suffered life-threatening injuries when he was stabbed in the leg during a holiday with a machete. He appears though to have recovered well, if his performances against Jo Jo Dan and Frankie Gavin are anything to go by.

He will again defend his IBF title in October and has emerged as a real world-class act.

DANNY GARCIA (31-0, 18 KOS) The unbeaten American announced his arrival in the big time in 2012 when he defeated Erik Morales twice and knocked out the more fancied Amir Khan. The 27-year-old Garcia may not have the punching power or be the most thrilling boxer on the planet, but the Philadelphia-born fighter is smart and he was impressive in his most recent bout, in August, albeit against the sadly fading Paul Malignaggi after making the move up to welterweight. Possesses a lethal jab.

AMIR KHAN (31-3, 19 KOS) It may seem silly for a fighter aged 28, but the jury is still out on whether Khan has what it takes — specifically, whether he has the defensive nous and the chin — to make the transition from a very good fighter with some of the fastest hands in the business to an elite-class one. He was seemingly on a fast track to stardom but then was knocked out in the first round to the little-fancied Breidis Prescott in 2008, his first defeat, and suffered further damaging losses in 2011 and 2012 to dent the Briton’s stellar reputation. Badly wanted a go at Mayweather.

SHAWN PORTER (26-1-1, 16 KOS) Porter’s progress hit the rocks last year when the American lost his title to Brook. The 27-year-old was competent enough against the outclassed Erick Bone in March this year, getting the KO in round five, but was excellent in June when, as the underdog, he scored a unanimous decision over the unlikeable Adrien Broner despite being knocked down at the start of the 12th. It was the first time in his career that Porter had tasted the canvas. The explosive Porter was another hoping for a shot at Mayweather, but Mayweather dodged him.

KEITH THURMAN (26-0, 22 KOS) There is a massive amount of buzz in boxing surrounding the American, 26, who has blitzed his way through the division so far. Thurman called out Mayweather after retaining his 147-pound belt in July in victory over Luis Collazo and it is a fight fans were yearning for -but one Mayweather was never going to take because of Thurman’s fast-growing reputation as the most dangerous fighter around. While Mayweather built his reputation on his defense, part of Thurman’s attraction is his all-out blood-and-thunder approach. - AFP

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SECTION

LIFESTYLE

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 1 5

Leisure WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

QUIET FLOWS BOSPHORUS Endowed with stunning historical and archaeological sights, urban

lifestyle and a liberal society, Istanbul has become the most favoured destination for tourists who can wade through the multi-layered city, the only one in the world that straddles in two continents, Europe and Asia, and bisected by a quiet ďŹ&#x201A;owing Bosphorus.

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W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 1 5

LIFESTYLE

When you get into the boat, a strange but pertinent thought will tickle your mind.

Where am I now? Europe? Or Asia? “Bosphorus is the natural boundary between European and Asian continents. The strait makes Istanbul the only city in the world lying on two continents. You can see Europe on my left and Asia on my right. We are in the middle of the two continents,” the travel guide’s words of wisdom will wake you up from deep thought.

Soon you will realise that it is not time to immerse in thoughts during the Bosphorus cruise. It is the time to keep eyes and ears open and watch the beautiful structures on either side of the waterway known for their architectural brilliance and historical importance.

The Dolmabahce Palace, the main administrative centre of Ottoman Empire till 1922, is on the European coastline; Cıragan Palace, a former Ottoman Palace, is on the European shore; Kuleli Military High School, the first Military School in Turkey, is on the Asian side; and the magnificent Bosphorus Bridges connect Asia and Europe (or vice versa), to name a few, will definitely leave an indelible imprint about Istanbul on any visitor.

The cruise is just a precursor.

In next two days, you will be able to see some of Istanbul’s stunning museums, churches, palaces, mosques, markets, experience its natural beauty and enjoy food from special array of restaurants and hotels that might have catapulted the city as one of the mostpreferred tourist destination in the world these days.

Istanbul’s unique geographical positioning and nature’s abundant bounty have been a source of inspiration for top literary figures in

the world. Murder-mystery writer Agatha Christie is believed to have written Murder on Orient Express from the ‘Pera Palace’ Hotel, while Ernest Hemingway and Alfred Hitchcock used to visit the city quite often.

Hollywood too gave Istanbul its due by picking it as the location for second James Bond movie From Russia With Love, arguably the best of the Bond films, The World Is Not Enough, 2012 Oscar-winning movie Argo, and 23rd James Bond Movie Skyfall. These factors too contribute the growth of tourism in Istanbul.

However, the uniqueness of the city lies in its multiculturalism and the ability to accommodate people belonging to different cultures, religions and ethnicities.

The city is quite liberal in its approach. Mosques, churches and synagogues that lie side by side stand a testimony to the rich tradition of tolerance. It offers everything for those who want to practice their faith. At the same time, it gives plenty of options for those who want to indulge in leisure activities.

“That is the beauty of Turkey in general and Istanbul in particular.

It has true secular credentials. No one will question your religion. You are free to practice your faith,” says Ensar, a tour guide.

Tourist guides say one has to spend minimum of one week to visit the top destinations in Istanbul. For, it is a place where history goes back to 2000 years. It depends on the things one would like to see.

Istanbul is like an ocean. One can explore Islamic history, ancient history all the while enjoying the nature’s beauty.

And one cannot leave Istanbul without visiting Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman Sul-

tans for 400 years; Sultan Ahmed Mosque, popularly known as Blue Mosque for its blue interior walls; Hagia Sophia, a place where Islamic art and Christian Architecture meet; Suleymaniye Mosque, an architectural masterpiece built in just seven years; Galata Tower, where one can get best panoramic views of Istanbul, and Grand Bazaar, an ideal place for shoppers.

Another reason for Istanbul’s favourite tag is that it offers enough space for leisure travellers as well as backpackers. It has plenty of five-star hotels, top-of-the-range restaurants, cafes and health clubs. It also has reasonable hostel rooms and restaurants. The wellconnected public transport system is a blessing for the backpackers and those who want to escape the traffic snarls.

The subway connects the Ataturk International Airport and Aksaray, while the tram that connects most of the places in old city, offering the tourists best of both the worlds. You can realise that one can live like a king or spend like miser in Istanbul. Turkish people take great pride in their culinary legacy. They claim Turkish delicacies are ranked No.3 in the world, behind Chinese and French cuisines, in terms of number of varieties. The richness of the cuisines is attributed to the legacy of Ottoman Empires, which is a fusion of central Asian, Middle Eastern and Balkan cuisines. One can discover the colours of Istanbul through the city’s eating culture when every restaurant offers special menu for the visitors. A great variety of culinary delights from the traditional kebab houses to continental meals or the fish restaurants with the great Mezze selections await you everywhere. - Times Features

T R AV E L T I P S

On Buying Travel Insurance Travel insurance can protect you from substantial losses that result from a variety of situations, including cancelled trips, lost baggage, medical emergencies, supplier defaults, as well as other unforeseen circumstances.

trip is delayed.

There are several general types of consumer travel insurance available. The coverage and limitations of each will vary depending on the insurance company issuing the policy. The following is a brief description of some of the general types of travel insurance.

Trip Cancellation: The most important and common type of travel insurance. Generally covers nonrefundable payments or deposits if a trip is cancelled or interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances.

Trip Delay: Provides reimbursement for expenses incurred when a

Accident/Sickness Medical Expenses: Covers costs incurred due to injury or illness that occur while on a trip.

Medical Evacuation/Emergency Transportation: Covers transportation when a medical emergency while travelling requires transportation to a hospital or other medical facility.

Supplier Default: Covers deposits or payments lost due to the financial default of a travel supplier.

Baggage/Personal Effects Loss or

Delay: Covers losses due to items lost, damaged or delayed during a trip.

Supplier Provided Coverage Vs Third Party Insurance Companies Many travel vendors (tour companies and cruise lines) offer their own protection plans and these plans may provide very different coverage than offered through third party insurance companies. In most cases, supplier-provided coverage won’t cover you in the event they go bankrupt. When considering a supplier protection plan, you should carefully compare the coverage with third-party travel insurance products.

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 1 5

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LIFESTYLE THE HOBBYIST

For The Joy of Fishing

Jim Dundon Gamefishing enthusiast

My childhood friends and I would net small fish in the local beck wading out to knee depth in the cold water to pursue our quarry and laugh until it hurt when one of us slipped and fell in. Over 50 years later the joy of fishing has not diminished

Why Do You Love Game Fishing?

I love the challenges of pursuing difficult to catch species many miles offshore, the opportunities it presents to get close to the abundant natural wonders of Oman, and most of all, the camaraderie of fishing with like-minded friends.

How Did You Get Into It? I’ve had a fascination with nature and the outdoors for as long as I can remember. My childhood friends and I would net small fish in the local beck (a Yorkshire term for a stream) wading out to knee depth in the cold water to pursue our quarry and laughing until it hurt when one of us slipped and fell in. Over 50 years later the joy of fishing has not diminished.

How Can I Get Into It? Oman has more than 2,000km of coastline much of which is accessible to those that want to fish from a beach or rocky outcrop, it’s a great way to get started. When it comes to offshore fishing a boat is required, I’d suggest initially trying it with one of the many fishing charter companies that ply their trade from the various marinas around Oman. The Muscat Game Fishing Association is a group of fishing enthusiasts that have always been helpful to those that are interested in learning more about the sport they love.

What’s Your Pro-Tip? That’s a lot to cover but if I were to distil it down to the minimum I’d have to say: Safety Always check the weather forecast, make sure your boat is serviceable; you have plenty of water onboard, all safety equipment is working and someone knows where you’re going and when you’ll be back.

Contact Information and Resources For Game Fishing in Oman Muscat Game Fishing Association www.mgfa-oman.com

Conservation Release all fish alive that are not going to be taken home and eaten.

Preparation Success in fishing is in large part due to meticulous preparation of equipment prior to departure, sharp hooks, quality fishing line, fresh knots, get it right before you leave and you can relax and enjoy the experience.

Sapphire Marine Boats www.sapphire-marine.com Ministry of Fisheries License Department Building Number 2 Ministry of Fisheries Al Wazarat Street Al Khuwair Tel: 24953322

Sharing Information Fishing enthusiasts are remarkably generous when it comes to exchanging information about techniques, tackle and fishing hotspots. All they require in return is that you do the same.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Checklist A comprehensive checklist will ensure you don’t forget anything that is needed such as sunglasses and the myriad of other items that make a day on the water safe, successful and most importantly fun.

Weather Forecasts www.met.gov.om www.bouyweather.com

Y O U R FAV O U R I T E B O O K

The Godfather

Published 1969 Author Mario Puzo

Mario Puzo’s masterpiece is the undisputed patriarch of awe-inspiring legacy A compelling tale of blackmail, murder, and values, this one is a true classic. One of my all time favourites and one of the most gripping novels I have ever read, The Godfather is a searing portrayal of the 1940s’ criminal underworld. Set in the United States of 1950s when crime was organised into syndicates or‚ families’ and the mafia controlled most of the real power, the book follows the fictional Corleone family through their power struggles with the other gangs.

The book also lays out an intimate account of the Corleone family, at once drawn together and ripped apart by its unique position at the core of the American Mafia.

The Godfather is compelling in the

intensity of the emotions of the events it depicts and the casual, neutral style of narration serves as an excellent foil.

Written in the third person; the narrative jumps to a different central character as per plot requirements. The language is simple and direct with Italian words such as Consigliere thrown in to give an authentic Italian feel to the narrative. The narration style is extremely neutral and reads like a report of events which makes it really easy to understand and comprehend.

A tangent in the book deals with The Godfather Vito Corleone’s past and the details and process of the subsequent forging of the Corleone

empire. This provides a historical background for all the events occurring in the book besides sketching the character of Vito more clearly, and also making up for the most interesting section of the book.

The complete lack of any moral verdict or judgmental colouring by the author leaves the reader free to draw their own conclusions about the characters and it is perhaps this reason that has most endeared it to the legions of its readers. Having dominated both popular film culture and literature for almost half a century, Mario Puzo’s masterpiece is the undisputed patriarch of awe-inspiring legacy.

— Reviewed by Faisal Naim faisal@timesofoman.com

ARE YOU A PROLIFIC READER? Which is your favourite book? Pick one and send in your thoughts on it.

Contact shafeeq@timesofoman.com

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W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 1 5

FIND-IT-ALL CINEMA SCHEDULE

PRAYER TIMINGS

@SHATTI

@AZAIBA

SHATTI American Ultra (Action, Drama)(12+) Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Connie Britton 9:15 pm The Transporter Refueled (PG12) (Action) Cast: Ed Skrein, Loan Chabanol 3:45, 7:45, 9:45, 11:45 pm Welcome Back (Comedy, Crime) (Hindi) Cast: Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, John Abraham, Dimple Kapadia 2:15, 3:30 pm Purgatory (Horror, Mystery) (TBC) Cast: Emilio Rivera, Taylor Nichols 2:00, 11:15 pm Barbie Rock ‘N Royals (Animation)(PG) Voice Overs : Kelly Sheridan, Chiara Zanni 2:00, 5:15 pm Hitman – Agent 47 (Action, Crime)(PG12) Cast : Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware 5:45, 9:30, 11:30 pm Southpaw (Action, Drama)(15+) Cast : Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams 7:00 pm Phantom (Action, Drama)(HINDI) PG Cast : Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif 6:30 pm MUSCAT GRAND MALL American Ultra (Action, Drama)(12+) Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Connie Britton 10:00 pm The Transporter Refueled 2D (Action, Crime, Thriller ) (PG12) Cast: Ed Skrein, Loan Chabanol 3:00, 5:00, 10:00 & 11:55PM Gold Class: 2:15, 9:15 & 11:15PM The Games Maker 3D (Family) (PG) Cast: Joseph Fiennes, Tom Cavanagh 10:45AM & 3:00PM Barbie in Rock ‘N Royals 2D (Animation) (PG) Cast : Kelly Sheridan, Chiara Zanni

10:00 PM American Ultra (Action) (12+) Cast : Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Connie Britton

2:00, 5:15 pm Barbie Rock N Royals (Animation)(PG) Voice Overs: Kelly Sheridan, Chiara Zanni

10:00AM, 11:40AM & 1:15PM Gold Class : 12:30PM Hitman: Agent 47 2D (Action, Crime) (PG12) Cast : Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware 1:00, 5:15 & 11:45PM Gold Class : 4:15PM Welcome Back 2D (Comedy, Crime, Drama) (TBC) Cast: Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, John Abraham,Dimple Kapadia 7:00PM Gold Class: 6:15PM Phantom 2D (Action, Drama, Thriller) (PG) Cast : Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif 7:15PM

Cast: Mohanlal, Andrea Jeremiah, Siddique 4:00 PM Barbie in Rock ‘N Royals – 2D Animation 12:00, 1:30, 2:15 PM (PG) The Games Maker – 3D (PG) Adv, Family Cast - Joseph Fiennes, Tom Cavanagh 12:00, 3:00 PM Dynamite – 2D (PG) Action, Romance Cast - Vishnu Manchu, Pranitha Subhash 5:00 PM Purgatory – 2D (12+)Horror, Mystery Cast - Emilio Rivera, Taylor Nichols 12:45 PM Savaale Samaali – 2D (PG) Action, Drama Cast - Ashok Selvan, Bindu Madhavi 7:45 PM Welcome Back – 2D (TBC) Comedy, Crime Cast - Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, John Abraham, Dimple Kapadia 12:30, 2:00, 7:45, 10:30 PM

AZAIBA American Ultra – 2D (12+) Action, Comedy Cast – Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart 11:15 PM The Transporter Refueled - 2D Action Cast: Ed Skrein, Loan Chabanol 3:30, 7:15, 9:15, 11:55 PM (PG12) Hitman: Agent 47 – 2D (PG12) Action Cast: Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware 5:15, 10:05, 11:55 PM Phantom - 2D (PG) Action, Drama, Thriller 5:00, 7:40, 9:15 PM Loham – 2D (TBC) Action

RUWI Screen 1 Welcome Back (Comedy) - TBC Cast: John Abraham, Shruti Hassan, Anil K 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM Screen 2 Phantom (Action) – PG

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

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

15:00 15:00 15:00

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

16:30 18:00 19:30

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

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

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

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

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

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

Sur Sur

Daily Daily

Fahud Yibal

12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

10:30 11:15

Daily Daily

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

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

06:00 14:30

Ruwi Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

07:00

Daily

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

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

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

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

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

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

SOHAR Hitman: Agent 47 - 2D (PG12) Action, Crime, Cast: Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware 6:45, 10:00, 11:45 PM Phantom - 2D (H) (PG) Action, Drama Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif 7:35 PM Loham - 2D (M) (PG) Action Cast: Mohanlal, Andrea Jeremiah, Siddique 5:15, 7:30pm The Transporter Refueled - 2D Action Cast: Ed Skrein, Loan Chabanol 2:30, 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 PM (PG12) Welcome Back - 2D (TBC) Comedy, Crime 4:30, 8:30, 11:20 PM The Games Maker - 3D (PG) Adventure

BURAIMI The Transporter Refueled– 2D (Action) 4:45, 8:15, 10:00, 11:45PM (PG12) Hitman: Agent 47 – 2D (Action, Crime) (12+) 6:30PM American Ultra – 2D (Action, Comedy) (12+) Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart 9:30PM Barbie Rocks ‘N Royals– 2D (Animation) 5:45PM Let Us Pray – 2D (Action / Thriller) (18+) Cast: Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson 4:30, 11:30PM Phantom – 2D (Action / Thriller) (PG) 6:10PM

Minimum

11.45 13.30 14.00

SALALAH Hitman Agent 47 (2D) (PG12) (Action) 12:15, 11:55PM The Transporter Refueled (2D) (Action) 10:45AM, 1:15, 7:15, 9:30, 11:45 PM (PG12) American Ultra (2D) (12+) (Action/Comedy) Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart 10:05PM Barbie in Rock ‘N Royals (2D) (Animation) 10:15, 11:45AM, 4:00PM (PG) Welcome Back (2D) (TBC) (Comedy/Crime/) 4:00, 9:00, 11:15PM No Escape (2D) (12+) (Action/Thriller) Cast: Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson 12:30, 3:00, 7:40 PM Purgatory (2D) (12+) (Horror/Mystery) Cast: Emilio Rivera, Taylor Nichols 2:30, 5:45PM Phantom (2D) (PG) (Hindi) (Action/Drama) 6:45PM Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif, Rajesh Tailang The Games Maker (3D) (PG) (Adventure) 10:15AM, 2:00PM Dynamite (2D) (PG) (Telugu) (Action) Cast: Vishnu Manchu, Pranitha Subhash, J. D. 5:00PM

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

Loham (Mal) ( Act ) Cast: Mohanlal, Andrea & Renji Panikkar 9:30 pm at Cinema Main; 3-45 pm Cinema-3; 6-30 pm Cinema-2 Thani Oruvan (Tamil) ( Act\Drama ) Cast: Jayam Ravi, Nayanthara & Arvind Swami 3-30 pm Cinema Main; 6-45 & 9-45 pm Cinema-3 Savaale Samaali (Tamil) (Rom/Act) Cast Ashok Selvan & Bindu Madhvi 6-45, 9-45 pm Cinema-4 Paayam Puli (Tamil) (Rom/Drama) Cast: Vishal & Kajal Agarwal 6-30 pm Cinema Main; 3-45 pm Cinema 4 ; 9-30 pm at Cinema -2 Dynamite (Telugu) (Act) Cast: Manchu Vishnu, pranitha & Achu 3-30 pm at Cinema 2 Next Change: Double Barrel (Mal) Yatchan (Tamil) Programmes are subject to change

WITH LOVE

0

NEHA NAJEEB September 9, 2008

SARUN P. V. September 9, 2007

0

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

50-80%

ARQAM ADIYAN September 9, 2003 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

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

LISTINGS

ROYAL OMAN POLICE Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence 24569603 Directorate General of Customs 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries 24510228 Public Relations Admin 24560099 EMBASSIES IN OMAN

Daily Daily Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

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

Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

10:25

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

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

Ruwi

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

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

07:00

TO SUR (ROUTE 55)

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

Cast: Joseph Fiennes, Tom Cavanagh 2:45, 4:45 PM Barbie in Rock ‘N Royals - 2D (PG) 2:00, 3:40 PM Purgatory - 2D (12+) Horror, Mystery 2:00, 11:55 PM A Walk in the Woods - 2D (15+) Adventure Cast: Robert Redford, Nick Nolte 3:30, 5:30 PM American Ultra - 2D (12+) Action, Comedy Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart 10:05 PM

40 30

No Escape (Action/ Thriller ) Cast: Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson 2.00 & 6.00 pm CP No: 2278 ( 12+ ) Transporter Refueled (Action/Thriller/Crime) Cast: Ed skrein, Ray Stevenson, Gabriella Wright 4.00, 8.00, 10.00 & 11.55 pm CP No: 2280 ( PG 12) Purgatory (Drama/ Horror) Cast: Oona Chaplin, Sergi Mendes, Ana Fernades 10.00 & 11.55 pm CP No: 2283 ( 12+ ) Lila & Eve ( Drama / Thriller ) Cast: Jennifer Lopez, Shea Whigham, Viola Davis 4.00 & 8.00 pm CP No: 2284 ( 12+ ) Barbie Rock ‘N Royals: ( Animation) Voice Overs: Kelly Sheridan, Chiara Zanni, Bethani Brown 2.00 & 6.00 pm CP No: 2277 ( PG )

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 07:30 14:30

Cast: Saif Ali Khan and Katrina Kaif 3.45, 9.45 PM The Transporter Refueled (Action) - PG12 Cast: Ed Skrein, Ray Stevenson 6.45 PM Screen 3 Brothers (Drama/ Sports) – 12+ Cast: Akshay Kumar, Jackie Shroff 3.45, 6.45 PM The Transporter Refueled (Action) - PG12 Cast: Ed Skrein, Ray Stevenson, Gabriella 9.45 PM

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM Welcome Back (Comedy) – TBC Cast: John Abraham, Shruti Hassan, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor, Paresh Rawal

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 20:50

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

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

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

SUR The Transporter Refueled (Action) (PG12) Cast: Ed Skrein, Loan Chabanol 5:30, 840, 11:55 PM Hitman: Agent 47 (Action) (PG12) Cast: Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware 9:45 PM The Game Maker (3D) (Adventure) (PG) Cast: Joseph Fiennes, Tom Cavanagh 4:00 PM Barbie in Rock ‘N Royals (PG) 4:00 PM Welcome Back (Hindi) (Comedy) (TBC) 6:00, 11:30 PM Phantom (Hindi) (Action | Drama) (PG) 7:15 PM American Ultra (Action | Comedy) (12+) 10:15 PM

WEATHER

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

3:30, 7:15, 9:15, 11:55 PM The Transporter Refueled - 2D (Action/Crime/Thriller) (PG12) Cast : Ed Skrein, Loan Chabanol, Ray Stevenson

BAHJA CINEMA

Paayum Puli – 2D (Action) (12+) Cast: Vishal Krishnan, Kajal Aggarwal 7:15PM Welcome Back – 2D (Action / Thriller) (TBC) Cast: John Abraham, Shruti Hassan 8:45, 11:30PM

@RUWI

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68. www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman

Destination

12.09pm 3.37pm 6.23pm 7.34pm 4.35am

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

@MGM

Dept time

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

Daily Daily Daily

Afghanistan Algeria Bahrain Bangladesh Brazil Brunei China Cyprus Egypt France Germany India Indonesia Iran Iraq Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya South Korea Kuwait

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

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

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

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi Salalah Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya Muscat, A Seeb Market Muscat, Al Khuwair Muscat, Al Hail South Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi 24563641 Azaiba 24499269 Sohar 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Hamdan Hospital 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC 22004000 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

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

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 1 5

LIFESTYLE

Evergreen Tool

Location: 23. °01’ 13.66” N, 58° 44’ 00.54”E Have you been able to capture the beauty of an off-the-beaten -path destination in Oman? Send your pictures with a caption & geo-locator to: shafeeq@timesofoman.com

H E R I TA G E R A I LWAY

Scotland’s ‘Walter Scott Express’ Back On Track The new Scottish railway line that winds through landscapes romanticised by writer Walter Scott will be the backdrop to Queen Elizabeth II’s longevity record when she officially reopens the route on Wednesday. On Wednesday the queen will become Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, surpassing her great-grandmother Queen Victoria rule of 63 years and 216 days. As Britain and remnants of the British Empire mark the momentous occasion, the record-breaker herself will be boarding a train at Edinburgh’s Waverly Station.

Abandoned in 1969, the newly-reopened line will take the 89-year-old monarch and husband Prince Philip to the border village of Tweedbank, following a legendary 48km (29 miles) route. After a lengthy campaign, the Borders Railway ran its first service for 46 years on Sunday, three days ahead of the

queen’s arrival. The Waverley Route, named after a series of novels by poet Scott, is a source of fierce pride for locals. “The Borders Railway has become a symbol of the golden age for Scotland Railways and it will be the vehicle for a new prosperity for the communities it serves,” said Keith Brown, the Scottish Secretary for Infrastructure.

Although primarily intended for use by locals, the line has the potential to become a tourist attraction thanks to the works of Scott — author of historic novels Ivanhoe and Rob Roy — and the rugged landscape that it spans.

The reopening is also seen as righting a historical wrong committed by the central government in London, which ruled in the 1960s that the line was unprofitable.

Nationalist sentiment is currently running high north of the border, a year after an historic vote on self-determination. Although the nationalists lost the independence referendum, they scored 44.6 per cent of the vote, a share unthinkable just months before the poll. The referendum, which was closely followed by media around the world, helped shine the spotlight on Scotland, according to Mike Cantlay, chairman of the Visit Scotland tourism agency. -AFP

TOURISM

Strongest tourism year in Australia A boom in cashed-up visitors from China and India has helped Australia record its strongest tourism year since the Sydney Olympics, officials said on Wednesday, with more than A$33 billion (US$23.1 billion) pumped into the economy.

The government-run Tourism Research Australia’s International Visitor Survey showed that seven per cent more people made the trip in the year to June 30 to reach a new high of 6.6 million — the best since the hugely successful Games were held in 2000.

Tourists from China jumped 22 per cent to 864,000. They also spent big, contributing A$7 billion, a 32 per cent spike, to account for around A$1 in every A$5 spent by international visitors during the year.

India was one of the fastest growing markets, boosted in part by Australia co-hosting the Cricket World Cup with New Zealand, with 207,000 people making the trip, up 20 per cent, and their spending surpassing A$1 billion for the first time.

“Tourism can be our fastest growing sector this decade if we continue to leverage our ‘clean, green and safe’ brand to position ourselves as the number one, long-haul destination in Asia,” Trade Minister Andrew Robb said. —AFP

TO ADVERTISE Call: 24726666

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W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 1 5

LIFESTYLE Top

1. Antarctica

A 10-night cruise round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina. After a day at sea, the ship spends five or six days exploring the landscape of Antarctica. You can see penguin colonies, soaring glacier cliffs and calving icebergs. The highlights include passing through the towering blue icebergs of the Lemaire Channel and seeing icebergs with their steep sides and flat tops at the entrance to the Weddell Sea. Kayaking and “beach” landings are a must. The best season is mid December to late February. Cruise ships do not operate from April to October (the Antarctic winter).

2. Mediterranean

The cruise includes many exciting regions, including the French Riviera, Greek Islands, Italian Ligurian Coast and Spanish Costa del Sol. Some ports of call can be tourist-packed in summer. The best season is from May to September (warmest months).

10 Cruise

7. Baltic Sea

What is special about this cruise is that you visit a smorgasbord of Scandinavian cities (Copenhagen, Helsinki, Stockholm, and Tallinn) plus St Petersburg in Russia. The best time to cruise is from June to August. Cold months are worst time to go.

Destinations

From icebergs to lava-spewing volcanoes, the world’s 10 most scenic cruise itineraries offer amazing views and unique shore excursions.

Sit back and enjoy the view.

You may want to splurge on an oceanview cabin or balcony stateroom for some of these trips.

8. Caribbean

You can visit many nation islands and the trips between the ports are short. The Caribbean Islands lack the tropical lushness of the Hawaiian and South Pacific Islands. The best time is January and February (perfect nearly every day). Mid-June to early December is worst owing to hurricane-threat.

9. Hawaiian Islands

Weeklong itineraries visit Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island, where you can see everything from volcanoes to beaches. Voyagers view the dramatically cleaved, green-clad volcanic cliffs dropping down to the sea. Long ocean trip from the USA mainland is one drawback. Almost everyday is best to cruise, thanks to the location of this tropical paradise.

3. South Pacific

Destinations include lush tropical paradises like the islands of Moorea and Bora Bora in French Polynesia. The drawback is long open-ocean travel between destinations (except for cruises within French-Polynesia). The season varies by location (South Pacific covers broad area).

5. Fjords of Norway

A 7-night Norway cruise round-trip from Copenhagen stops in Flam, Hellesylt/Geiranger, Bergen, Stavanger, and Oslo, with one day at sea. Sail inside massive, narrow, steep-cliffed fjords. These natural wonders are awesome, humbling and beautiful. The best excursion is a six-mile hike across the top of Flo Mountain. For this tour, passengers disembark in the tiny port of Hellesylt before the ship moves on to nearby Geiranger to anchor for the day.

10. Panama Canal

6. New Zealand

A 12-night cruise between Sydney and Auckland focuses mostly on ports in the scenic Southern Island of New Zealand, including Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin (and Tauranga in the North Island). You’ll also cruise through the fjords. The highlights include Fiordland National Park in the southwestern corner of South Island, where the brilliantly named Dusky, Doubtful, and Milford Sounds reside.

A 14-night sailing between Ft. Lauderdale and San Diego includes the canal transit, plus a stop in Aruba and Costa Rica, and two calls in Mexico, plus seven days at sea. A century later, the Panama Canal is still an engineering marvel. It takes about eight hours for ships to traverse the 50-mile canal, which includes Passage through three main locks.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

4. Alaska

Typical 7-night routes travel round-trip from Seattle or Vancouver. Some ships cruise one-way between one of those ports and Juneau or Anchorage via Alaska’s Inside Passage, a series of connecting waterways between the thousands of forested islands. Fishing towns and the occasional small city dot the coast, but otherwise it’s all about nature. Can be nippy in May and September (the first and last month of the five-month season). June to August (warmest months). June offers a bonus: longer daylight for sightseeing.

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W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

FOR RENT

New 1/2 B/R RES/ Comm. flats near Medical College Bausher directly from owner.

Contact :92158031 02 BHK commercial / residential (with split AC) flat at Honda read / 02 BHK residential flat opposite to Al Nahda Hospital.

Contact: 99342733 / 99795241 1BHK near Oman house behind Khimji H.O . Contact : 95865686 Twin villa for rent in Bowshar, near Muscat Private Hospital.

Contact 92760281 Brand new 2 bedroom flat for rent in Mabela. Contact 92460281 1BHK Al Falaj R.O 200/-.

Contact: 97799175 2 BHK Ghubra R.O 300/-, RO 325/-.

Contact: 97799175 2BHK Darsait R.O 325/-.

Contact: 97799175 2BHK Mumtaz R.O 300/-.

Contact: 97799175 1 & 2 BHK , M.B.D. area R.O 250/-, RO 280/- & RO 300/-.

Contact: 97799175 2BHK villa Mumtaz R.O 300/-.

Contact: 97799175 2BHK Azaiba R.O 325/-.

Contact: 97799175 Two bedroom apartments available for rent at South Ghubra close to Atlas Hospital close to Grand mall & Avenues mall next to Diwan’s Office.

Contact: 99833747 / 24562526

Villa for rent: 6 bed rooms, 1 sitting room, 2 halls, 1 kitchen and 1 pantry.

Al Mawaleh South phase 3 close to Al Sahwah roundabout, first line behind Amwag perfume factory.

Contact - 99360366

Available furnished meeting hall for seminars on a hourly, daily, monthly, yearly basis. please contact 93203773 : Email: mbdeast@gmail.com

Basement in MBD. Contact: 99713489

Room with A.C at AL Khuwair R.O 120/-. Contact: 97799175 2BHK pent house R.O 325/- , 1BHK R.O 225 /- close to Indian Nursery, Darsait. Contact: 99476728/ 98484415

Shop/ comm./ Resi building 1&2 bed flat available in Wadi Kabir (near Lulu) one bedroom flats 200/- Wadi Kabir & Misfa land for rent 1000 SQM Al Khuwair 6 bedroom villa 900/- .

Contact: 99451168

2BHK close to Indian school kindergarten Wadi Kabir R.O 320/-, 1BHK R.O 250/-. Contact: 99476728 / 98484415

2 BHK flat in Darsait near Kims Hospital. Contact 99792181

1 penthouse, 1 bedroom, living room, kitchen, behind GMC Car showroom, Al Ghubra South R.O 260/-. Contact: 99310551 Twin villa 6BR hall, kitchen at Al Ansab-2. Contact: 99747560 / 99444786 3BHK near Darsait I.S.M. Contact: 99024730 1& 2 BHK flats for rent at Wadi Kabir, Wadi Adai, Hamriya, Al Khoud and Mabela and shop at Al Khoud land line. Contact : 24834644 GSM 93994401/ 02/ 03, 3 lines 1BHK flat with A/C AL Khuwair 250/- R.O. Contact: 99358589 / 95570288

Darsait next to ISM 2BHK pent house 2nd floor brand new building R.O 300/- . Contact : 93393967 Furnished flat in Bareeq Al Shatti 2 BHK RO.750/-. Contact 93161111

3BHK Flats & 6BHK Villa in Azaibah.

Contact : 96775026 Villa for rent - Al Seeb/Al Mawelah - Block 5 - 4 bedrooms with attached bathrooms, Majlis, 2 halls, kitchen and storeroom, split Ac and car park.

Contact 99564616 / 99498448 New flats 1 room and living room with accessories & 2 rooms and living room with accessories in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 92130703 / 96045478 New flats for rent in Darsait, Al Sahal. Contact : 99311525

Commercial villa near Bareeq Al Shatti 8 BHK + swimming pool RO.2500/-. Contact 93161111

New flats for rent in Darsait Al Sahal. Contact: 99777351

Villa in Madinate Sultan Qaboos 3BHK + maid room RO.1400/-.

Contact 93161111

Flat for rent in Wadi Kabir near Indian Primary School 2 BR & 1K. Contact: 92222922

Villa in Al Khuwair 4 BHK RO.600/, Flat in Madinate Sultan Qaboos 3BHK RO.600/-. Contact 93161111

2 bedrooms flats at Muttrah 2 flats available Oman house.

Contact: 99319149

Flat in Qurum near PDO 2 BHK + 1 BHK RO.550/ – 375/Contact 93161111

3BHK flat Darsait Near I.D card Medical 450/- R.O. Contact: 99358589 / 95570288

Flats in Azaiba opp to Al Sahwa Tower 2 BHK RO.450/- 1BHK RO.350/-. Contact 93161111

1 BHK flat in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181

Flats in Al Khuwair 2 BHK RO.350/Contact – 93161111. Contact 93161111

Flats in Al Khuwair 33 with gym free for tenants 2 BHK RO.425/-.

Contact 93161111

1 Bedroom attached, toilet & kitchen in AL Khuwair R.O 140/-.

Contact: 95154331

Flat for rent in Hamriya.

Contact: 99341112 Two shops in Muttrah Souq, for rent more details pleas.

Contact: 91214849 / 95729711

Furnished room for rent at Al Khuwair R.O 225/- for family only.

Contact: 99251975 We have 3BHK fully furnished villa in Ghubra 18th November near Automatic Restaurant.

Contact: 93782735/ 99208033 Luxury fully furnished 2 bedrooms flat at Al Khuwair & luxury fully furnished 5 bedroom villas at Madinat Al Ilam. For short or long term lease contract. Contact Atlas Real Estate & Rent a Car LLC. Contact : 93201688 / 92888376 Tel: 24833848 / 24834888 4bedrooms villa with 2 halls, 4 bathrooms in Darsait behind Khimijis Mart. Contact: 92584715 / 24700120 For rent office & flat Ruwi- CBD. Contact: 92820734/ 95345909 One BHK Wadi Kabeer near Sana RO 190/-. Contact: 95094028 Bobcat Grader and roller for rent.

Contact: 94584688 1BHK flats available for rent in CBD area. Contact: 98116480 3 Bedroom flat at Al Khuwair.

Contact: 99447257/97014234

600 SQT commercial flat for rent, opposite Oman flour mill Darsait. For more details please Contact: 91214849 / 95729711

2 BHK Flats for rent Muttrah near Oman house. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232

1BHK near Al Nahdha Ruwi.

Contact: 99617786

Spacious 2BHK in MBD. Contact : 99713489

Room with A.C Al Khuwair R.O 120/. Contact: 97799175 1000 sq mtrs industrial land for rent in Ghala suitable for warehouse etc.

Contact: 24700120 / 92584715 3BHK well maintained flat (villa type) G. floor split A/C separate entrance, parking, and compound available in Al Khuwair behind Sagar Polyclinic Way no. 3922, Block 239, Villa No. 1839. Contact: 99253125 House for rent in Sidab 8 rooms, 6 toilets RO 550/-.

Contact: 96606679 / 99856551 Flat for rent near Al Nahdha Hospital in Hamriya. Contact: 97380548 / 99680499 4 bedroom villa with 3 maid room, big compound & parking area. Ideal for kindergarten or expat tenants residency. Contact:24566217 / 24564686 Office & retail space available Alasfoor Plaza, Qurum.

Contact: 24566217 / 24564686 Store with an area of 121m2 in Souq Ruwi Street, Al Hamriya (suitable for building materials store or home furniture and curtains workshop).

Contact: 99434499 Flats for rent near Indian School in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99777122 Luxury 4 BHK flat in Al Wattaya with split A/C and private parking.

RO.475/- Contact – 93191111

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 1 5

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DAILY GUIDE

AFFORDABLE QUALIFIED STAFF AVAILABLE: EŽ ƟŵĞ ƚŽ ƐĐƌƵƟŶŝnjĞ ƐƚĂī ĂŵŽŶŐ ƚŚŽƵƐĂŶĚƐ͍ EĞĞĚ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂů ƐƚĂī Ăƚ ĂŶ ĂƌƌĂŶŐĞŵĞŶƚ͍ tĞ ĂƌĞ Ă ŵĂŶƉŽǁĞƌ ĂŐĞŶĐLJ ǁŚŽ ŚĞĂĚͲŚƵŶƚ ƚŚĞ ƐƚĂī ĨƌŽŵ ĂŶLJ ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ǁŽƌůĚ͊ tĞ ƐĐƌĞĞŶ ƚŚĞ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂŶƚƐ ƐĞǀĞƌĂůůLJ ƚŽ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ƚŚĂƚ LJŽƵ ŐĞƚ ŽŶůLJ ƚŚĞ ďĞƐƚ ŝƐĐŽǀĞƌ ǁŚLJ ƚŽƉ ĞŵƉůŽLJĞƌƐ ƉƌĞĨĞƌ ƵƐ ĨŽƌ ƐƚĂĸŶŐ͊

Hurry and call this number now!

95967902

UNIVERSAL SCRAP BUYERS AT AMAZING PRICES Convert ANY type of Scrap into Money by selling us the scrap Great prices are guaranteed for our clients!

Call this number now for urgent response -

96059470

CLASSY, CREATIVE AND AFFORDABLE INTERIOR DESIGN 'Ğƚ ĐƵƐƚŽŵŝnjĞĚ͕ &ŝƫŶŐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƵŶŝƋƵĞ ŝŶƚĞƌŝŽƌ ĚĞƐŝŐŶƐ ŵĂĚĞ ĨƌŽŵ ƐĐƌĂƚĐŚ͘ Our professionals give YOU: ͻ ƵƚŽ ĂĚ >ĂLJŽƵƚ ͻ D W ƌĂǁŝŶŐƐ ͻ Ϯ ĂŶĚ ϯ ĚƌĂǁŝŶŐ ͻ /ŶŶŽǀĂƟǀĞ ŽŶĐĞƉƚ ĞƐŝŐŶ Hurry now and call this number

91494149

*Kindly note that the scrap should be 50 tons onwards

ĨŽƌ ĂŶ ĞdžĐůƵƐŝǀĞ ůŝŵŝƚĞĚͲƟŵĞ ŽīĞƌ ĚŝƐĐŽƵŶƚ͊​͊​͊

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

DRIVING

AVAILABLE

FOR RENT Shops for ren in Wadi Kabeer.

Contact: 99888390 Commercial 20 BHK twin open villa in Al Mawalah Mazoon street RO.2000/- Contact – 93191111 1BHK flat with split A/C in Wadi Adai RO.200/- Contact – 93191111 3 BHK flat with split A/C in Wadi Adai RO.200/- Contact – 93191111

Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

SELL/BUY Looking for purchase of a residential building with minimum 25 unoccupied flats in Ghala, Bousher, Azaiba, Ghubrah. #99261522 Used furniture & Electronic items, office & house. Contact: 99834373 /96642500

FOR SALE

ACC. AVAILABLE Three 2 bedroom bachelor accommodation available in a building near Kuwaiti Mosque at Wadi Kabir till 14th February 2016.

Contact: 95332701

Brand new 6 BHK villa in Al Aziba with split A/C and lift RO.1200/Contact – 93191111

Beauty Salon for sale in Good location (Azaiba and Al Hail).

Contact : 95318629

Fully furnished room with attached bath for Executive bachelor behind Al Meera Hypermarket, Azaiba R.O 150/-. Contact: 99555735

Brand new showroom of 595 SQM in BowsherRO.5 each sqm.

Contact – 93191111

A 2 bedroom apartment with a full and direct Marina view at Marsa 2 at the wave, area 138 sq. Mtrs, will be ready next month R.O 255.000. Contact: 95330200

A big room in available near Hamriya R/A for Muslim couple / small family / Executive bachelor rent 150/- per month including W+ E. Contact: 99495131

Good running super market in Al Kamil AL Wafi for sale.

Contact: 96976848 / 97609781

An Excellent 3bedrooms Flat at Al Hail, 3 bathrooms, sitting room, living room, kitchen with store 92817777

2BHK flat available near medical / Darsait. Contact 24705742 Villa for rent in Al Khuwair 33, 8 bedrooms & 5 bathrooms with parking area near Taimur Mosque.

Contact: 99366624 Flat and show room for rent Al Khuwair 33, Al Ghubrah, Darsait and Jibroo.

Contact: 24485240 / 24485241 / 93651633 / 92109563 Room for rent. Contact Farahat 98020768, Hilal: 96541263 Flat for rent penthouse Al Amerat Al Mahaj. Contact: 92738298 1,000 sq mtrs industrial land in Misfah Industrial area near to Khanco. OMR 1,500 Monthly. It has Electricity and boundary wall.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 1 & two bedroom flats available for rent in wadi-kabir (opp: pencil bldg), ideal for company staff / families bulk corporate deal possible.

Contact 97677170 Bath attached room for rent Al Khuwair.

Contact 99743569

Shop for sale in Al Khoudh.

Contact: 92820541 Restaurant for sale in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99425461 Beauty salon in Ghubrah for sale Contact: 94689448 Sales tyre shop.

Contact 97964518 Aluminium workshop at Wadi Kabir with all machineries and 3 skilled workers. Contact: 99536206 / 99605915 Used Fabrication machinery for sale : Fabrication machinery and tools in excellent condition for immediate sale. Contact 94652485/ 99273774/ 99202278

FOR EXPATS From owner plot of land near Zanzibar, airport price RO 15000.

Contact 99348943

NRI

Fully furnished accommodation available for an Executive bachelor with attached bath room and Wifi facility in Ghubra near Al Maha Hotel.

Contact 94295706 Furnished room available in Ruwi.

Contact: 92435784 Independent rooms in Qurum / Al Hail. Contact 95529970 Single bedroom flat at Ruwi, Al Falaj area. Contact: 95698714 Separate room with A/c, Small Fridge and Bed, for non-cooking Asian bachelor, behind Shell filling station, Ghoubra round about.

Contact: 94263390 Sharing accommodation in CBD area for non cooking Executive bachelors, wifi free, advance deposit.

Contact 91852710 Single room, bath Darsait R.O 140/-.

Contact: 93289652

MATRIMONIAL A 28yrs Keralite Muslim good looking boy working in Oman from a decent family, looking for alliance from similar background.

Contact: 99230928 Seeking alliance for our son from Muslim families. Interested families Contact: 99889590

TRANSPORTATION

GOOD NEWS

Transportation available.

Contact -955 70 429

Ayuredic massage backache, joint pain, neck pain etc.

Contact 98254909

Transportation. Contact 99508282 Shifting transporting truck.

Contact : 99008442

Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

Transportation. Contact 99664703 Transportation. Contact 99508282

FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 99250777, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit:www.islamfact.com

LOST Dolal Meea has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AA 5933828. Finder please handover to ROP

Transportation available.

Contact: 99867456

Required SUB Contractors for new projects. Contact: 99755534 / 96600581 Required investors for different projects. Contact: 99674870

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

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W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Post Graduate researcher required.

Contact 99229700

MEDICAL

SALES / MARKETING

ENGINEER Omani candidate required for Audit firm Graduation / studying towards Graduation or professional qualification 3+ years experience in accounting. Accounts payable Senior Assistant in one of the leading oil & gas companies in Oman. Contact L. Santhosh 92257887, Manoj 99377604 Email: santhosh@mhmyauditors.com Wanted an experienced Accountant.

Forward your CV to lawfirmfm@gmail.com Urgently required for leading Company : Accountant between 5 to 10 yrs experience, Accountant (Petrol Station) between 3 to 5 yrs experiences. Fax: 24478522, Email : gh1.careers@gmail.com

BEAUTY Required Beautician for a beauty salon in Muscat (visa available).

Contact: 97605308

A Mechanical Engineer with salesmanship experience of 5 years & above preferable with Oman drivers license and NOC. Please forward your CV to almaadhi.trd@gmail.com

IT Required Marketing Manager for educational programs.

Contact: 99674870

MEDICAL Urgently required female Staff Nurse with M.O.H. license & N.O.C. to work in Sohar. Salary: locum- 450 OMR per month for 1-2 months only, full-time : 400 OMR consolidated per month. Contact: 95406530 or e-mail: shamirudoy@gmail.com Optician required who carry good experience to prepare Optical prescription and is compatible with counter sales male / female. Send CV : sameer@ayaanhealthcare.com

Wanted GP doctor with MOH license - Al Suweiq clinic - salary RO 1600/-.

Contact 97742491 Required Nurse with MOH license for Dental Centre in Khuwair Muscat.

Contact: 99010755 Email: akdmuscat@hotmail.com

Chinese/ Arab/ continental cook & helper wanted. Contact 95529970

DRIVER Driver with Oman driving licence needed. Visa available.

Gsm 942 888 63 REQUIRED URGENTLY Heavy Driver & Light Driver, Omani National. Contact -99752720.

Email : cvoman5@gmail.com, Fax : 24703313 Looking for an experienced house driver for an Omani family. Interested candidates may Contact: 96203333

Immediately required lady Doctor (DGO) or GP with Gynecology experience & lab technician. #99310590 Email: tjmaluke@gmail.com Gynecologist . G.P and others needed for a reputed clinic in Al Khoudh , contact :+968 92584362 , mail CV to towershr70@gmail.com Medical CARE Centre, Multi Specialty Clinic, Seeb, requires General Practioner, Medical Lab Technician & Pharmacist. Send CV at Email : sarita_h23@yahoo.com or call 97884856 Required Dentist, Endodontist, Orthodontist with MOH license.

Contact 99010755 for dental Centre in Muscat Khuwair Email: akdmuscat@hotmail.com

Sales Executive urgently required for a well-established business of building material (tiles, kitchens, bathrooms and interiors) with selective European brands. Candidate should have industry knowledge and proven local experience, a valid D/L & NOC. Send CV to alrawahy.hafidh@gmail.com

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR

SKILLED LABOR

A new Multi-Purpose hall at Sohar city is urgently looking for an Event Manager. Pls send your CV to oec.oman@gmail.com

Wanted urgently need two Tailors who can make curtains.

Contact: 98962888

A Pest control supervisor required urgently /Call 92660005

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

SALES / MARKETING Digital Printing &Advertising firm in Muscat urgently requires Male / Female Business development Executives with D/L. Contact: 96348429 Email: mostdigi1@gmail.com

DOMESTIC HELPER Required Pharmacist with license.

Contact: 92245470

Part Time Accounting, Accounts Finalization, Audit Preparation, Internal Audit, Monthly Profitability Reports, Onsite Tally Training, Contact : 96975454, Email :ibfc.gcc@gmail.com

Fresher looking for a career opportunity B.Com good physique, quick learner English speaking.

Contact: 93368464

Pakistani Qualification M.Com (finance) experience 2 years as Internal Auditor, 3 years as Finance Manager. Contact: 00968- 91490367

Accountant 7Years Experience with D/L and NOC. Contact 97712084

Part time Accountant, up to finalization, looking for job after 5pm (location prefer - MSQ to Al Hail).

Contact: 95694737

Male, Finance Executive / Sr. Accountant with Experience in Oman having Graduate degree in Commerce looking for suitable position. NOC available.

Contact: 98570383 Email: hadee.rasheed@gmail.com

EDUCATION

ACCOUNTANT

Accountant with more than 6 years experience in SAOG company looking for middle management position.

Strong English/Arabic correspondence. Valid DL. NOC available.

Contact 91116924

Reputed buildings material company looking for outdoor Sales Executive having valid Omani driving license with more than 2 years local sales experience in Tiles / Sanitary ware.

Fax your CV to 24798709 / email: united@omantel.net.om Required Salesman in Salalah very good commission.

Contact 92760281 Sales man / interior designer wanted for prestigious interior design and office furniture Supply Company. Experience and drivers license needed.

Excellent remuneration package.

Email: tony@materials-plus.com Required experienced Sales / Marketing Executives having light license. Send your CV ocean@omantel.net.om

Accountant 35 years with 5 years experience in Oman urgently seeking suitable jobs accountant & Ass. Admin& HR valid D/L N.O.C. Contact: 968 99176112 /968 91818124 Email: aamirjaved24@hotmail.com Male Indian Accountant B.Com 7 years experience in Oman (accounting, finance, costing auditing) with NOC and valid driving license looking for suitable position.

Contact : 96722257 Email: mudassir.pal@gmail.com M.Com female good knowledge in computer and tally 4 years experience in accounts and Administration seeks suitable placement on visit visa. Contact: 96992431 / 99450130 Male, Finance Executive / Sr. Accountant with Experience in Oman having Graduate degree in Commerce looking for suitable position. Contact: 98570383 Email: hadee.rasheed@gmail.com Jordanian Accountant (ACPA) with more than 15 yrs experience in Oman (Accounts, Purchase & finance.

Contact: 92881223 Email: kamal_sarhan@yahoo.com

Accountant Indian male B.Com 2 years experience currently on visiting visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact : 94649272, Email: sherin.am01@gmail.com Part time Accountant available.

Contact : 93438100 Accounts finance Indian male 22 yrs B.Com Tally ERP-9, 2 years working experience in India on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 95636987 / 94280567 Email: nihadniha777@gmail.com Accounts finance Indian male 24 B.Com Tally ERP-9, 4 years working experience in India on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact : 95583953 /96392009 Email: shafadmusthafa@gmail.com Senior Accounts and administration executive, Indian, 20 years experience, holding Oman license, seeks suitable placement.

Contact.95254864 Indian male, 27 years, BCom CA Inter, Pursuing CA final and MBA with 5 years work experience (2 years GCC), currently working as a cost accountant seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 94390660 Finance Manager 22 years Oman experience and NOC. Contact: 91302906 / 91335205 MBA Graduate 24 years Indian male, 1 year experience Accountant seeking suitable job. Contact: 94083260 Email: jithinnambiar777@gmail.com Indian CA 10yrs of Oman experience in treasury, financial reporting, consolidation, ERP implementation in Trading, construction, Oil & Gas sectors. NOC available.

Email: caramdas.s5@gmail.com GSM: 91310237 Male 29 yrs, 5+ experience, 4 yrs in HME (Office Assistant) 1 yr experience in accounts & marketing seeking for suitable position.# 96505486

Part time Accounting qualified & experienced Accountant.

Contact: 93858725 13 years exp (7.5 years Gulf exp) B.Com Graduate, looking for Accountant job, #-92957064 ,NOC Available.

Accountant 4 yrs experience looking for job. Contact 96182302 Email: rishad.sainudheen@gmail.com Indian male B.Com Graduate 24 years looking for suitable placement. Contact: 97219505 Young, energetic 24 yrs, ACCA finalist, Advanced diploma in Accounting and business, seeking suitable placement in accounts, finance or audit. Contact: 92430152 Email: rau_dey@yahoo.com A Sri Lankan lady chartered accountant with five years experience (including article ship), on family visa in Oman looking for a suitable job. Contact: 91259845 Email: amashermila@gmail.com Indian 24 years MBA finance 2 years experience seeking suitable placement. Contact: 98222753 Email - shemeejup@gmail.com

ADMIN Filipino,29,Male, 5years experience: Admin/Payroll/Finance/ Document Control. Excellent Communication/MS Office skills.

Contact: patrick110486@yahoo. com/95057206 Indian male 12+ years experience in Admin and hospitality services, seeks suitable placement.

Contact : 99318958 Email: josephonline2007@gmail.com Indian, 16 yrs experience in Admin / Office management and have knowledge in accounting seeks job. Release available and have D/L. Contact : 99573353 Filipina, 10 yrs experience in Fashion Retail, Shipment, Logistics, Inventory, Warehouse Control and Store Management is seeking employment. Call +971565833126 or 97728418.

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 1 5

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED ADMIN

MEDICAL

SALES / MARKETING

Indian male MBA 33 yrs having 10 yrs exp seeking suitable placement in Administration / HR/ Operations/ Coordination/ Logistics etc. Holding valid D/L. Contact - 99054786

ENT surgeon board degree & prometric exam looking for a job in private hospitals & medical complexes.

Contact: 91347226

Indian male, having 14 yrs of exp. in Business Development/ Marketing with Omani D/L seeks business development / Marketing Manager post. Contact 968 93400177

Indian male 2+yrs oman exp in HR. joing immediatly. release available.

Contact :93671437 Indian Female MBA, 3 Year Experience in Admin MIS , Family Visa. Contact 98234427, jkjsmith01@gmail.com 14 years of gulf experience in HR / Admin & logistics fluent in Arabic / English with D/L looking for suitable position. Contact: 95824598 Indian female 24 years BE Electronics now in Oman visiting visa searching job for any administrative sectors telecommunicating banking teaching.

Contact: 95935867 / 99536948 Email: anjujose011@gmial.com

ARCHITECT PHD Architect from Italy with 10 years experience speaks Arabic, English & Italian looking for Architectural job in Muscat.

Contact: 95543753 Email: basim_radhi@yahoo.com / eng.radhibasim@gmail.com

CATERING Catering Indian cook, tandoori cook experience in India looking for a cook job in hotel / restaurant, presently on India. Contact: 98744307

DESIGNER MEP design and Drafting, all kind of shop drawing preparation and detailed section drawings. Contact : Mr Sandry Menon. Contact: (+968) 98471463 / 98471463

DRIVER Vehicle with driver 12 years in Oman seeking suitable job.

Contact: 92762258 Bangladeshi want job, 6 years work exp. in Dubai and Oman.

Contact: 93822195 Driver Pakistani available.

NOC available. Contact: 94356465 20 years experience.

Contact : 94795033 Pakistani male light vehicle driver looking for job. Contact: 96474528 Driver with car. Contact : 91452930 Wanted driver. Contact 95112461 Driver job wanted.

Contact: 99343782 Car with driver or without cat specially Companies.

Contact 97943750 / 97408900 Light duty driver 5 years exp in Oman. Contact: 92602182 Driver available 24, HRS, car without car. Contact: 98522914 Looking job LTV D with car.

Contact: 94436276 / 97433432

DOMESTIC HELPER Indian Housemaid looking for full time job with accommodation, 7 yrs exp with European family. Prefer European family. Contact: 92567618 Indian male having 8 years experience in Oman, working as a warehouse in charge seeking suitable placement. N.O.C available. .

Contact 96184236 House maid looking for job.

Contact: 99879576

DRAFTSMAN Drafting (interior design), experienced, knows autocad, 3D, PH : 99506977 Indian Civil Draftsman looking suitable placement 5 yrs experience (Gulf). Contact: 98064097

ENGG. / TECHNICAL B.Sc Civil Engineer Bangladeshi male 6 yrs exp of building construction drafting structural design valid D/L seeking suitable position.

Contact :91220753, Email: engr_jashim21@yahoo.com

OB/ Gynecologist board degree & prometric exam looking for a job in private hospitals & medical complexes. Contact: 91347226

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Project Manger with B.E Civil 13 years experience including GCC having driving licence, release and NOC available looking for a suitable job.

Contact: 97068121

Civil Engineer, 6 yrs experience having Oman D/L, looking for a suitable position. NOC available.

Contact: 93523507 / 95961336 Email: eyousuf04@yahoo.com

Bangladeshi male BSc Engg in civil total 3 yrs experience 2 yrs in Oman looking for job.Contact : 94038642, Email: shaikhhasib.ce@gmail.com

B.Tech Electrical & Electronics with 1 year experience seeking for suitable job. Contact: 91 9497883413 Email: rakesh1.mohan@gmail.com

BTech Marine Engineer, Indian, 2 years experience, looking for onshore marine/ mechanical jobs.

Contact-91991386, prvnpurushan@gmail.com

Indain male, 23 yrs, B.E in Mechanical post Graduation Diploma in piping Engineering, seeking job in relevant field.Contact : 94786570 Email: asim.hajwani6@gmail.com

Jordanian Mechanical Engineer, Expertise in Manufacturing, Design, Steel Work, AutoCad, SolidWork 3D, Nesting/Plasma Cutting, Sales, Speaking, Russian & English GSM#90198575/99201710

Instrumentation Engineer, nearly 4 yrs experience in oil & gas industry, seeks job in Oman. Contact 90198210, Email : terinsam@gmail.com

HSE Engineer, NEBOSH IGC and IOSH certified with 2 years industry and Oil & Gas experience looking for urgent placement. Contact 91476537.

Pakistani diploma civil (Eng) 24 year 1.5 years experience in Pak) 2 years in (Oman). Contact: 97138320 Indian male 24, Diploma in Civil Engineering 2 years experience as Site Engineer on visit visa.

Contact 98023153 Civil Engineer (Diploma) with 7 + 5 years Oman experience in Interior QS AutoCAD & Construction with Oman D/L NOC available.

Contact: 98085006 Shaiju K.S (30) M diploma in Mechanical Engineering (DME) work experience: 7 years, 9 months as a tool designer and in tool room (India) Hyderabad , on three months visit visa. Contact: 92945232 A qualified Iraqi Electrical Engineer has more than 6 years experience in HV, LV, GAS power plant and electrical activities, resident in Oman looking for job. Contact: 94750771 Indian male 23 yrs, B.E in Mechanical 1.3 yrs experience as Maintenance Engineer (India) (L & T ports) proficiency in AutoCAD seeking for a suitable job on visit visa.

Contact: 97794386 Email: srinathvijayanavs@gmail.com Indian male Electrical and Electronics Engineer, 6 months experience GCC driving license, transferable visa. Contact: 93682181 Female Civil Engineer with 3.5 years experience looking for job in Muscat, proficient in site execution, tendering procedures billing, Quantity take off, budgetary control have knowledge in AutoCAD, SAP, Word, excel, power point. Contact: 97207212 Email: ranjur20@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer 22 yrs Indian male currently on permanent visa and valid Omani driving license seeking for suitable job.

Contact : 91652927 / 99680181 Email: fawariz.09@gmail.com Pakistani Civil diploma Engineering experience 3 years in Oman building construction, 2 years in Pakistan, having driving license.

Contact 96512518 Email: qaiser.abbas006@gmail.com DAE (civil) having 4.5 years experience with driving license of Oman, Seeking for suitable place in construction field NOC and release available contact 96968554, email- mehranahmad26@yahoo.com

Indian male 25MBA having 4years Gulf experience in Coordination with contracting company .NOC Available.

Looking for(Store,Coordination,Admin Backoffice) Jobs Ph:95405885 MSC Electronics Female, 24 years, 1 year experience in MR Scan Testing on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact 91111675 Indian diploma Civil Eng, 2 yrs exp. Infrastructures project (4G – Towers, substation) landscaping & Auto CAD. Contact: 94756183 Email: indianexpat1@gmail.com Over 22 years of comprehensive experience in overall construction execution& management qualification.

BE (Civil). Contact : +968 91816590 Indian 22 years male, Mechanical Engineer, B.Tech has done internships, born and brought up in Oman with Omani driving license, seeking suitable jobs.

Contact: 92791637 Email: ashwinsureshkotturethu@gmail.com Indian mechanical Engineer 31 yrs, 8+ experience in sales & BD including GCC, having Oman driving license & NOC. Contact: 97116858 Email: menonamit1984@gmail.com Civil Engineer (diploma) 3.5 yrs exp, seeking for placement.

Contact: 95200650 Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp.

Email: mohd.ateeq.khan@gmail.com C-SWIP 3.1 ASNT level 2 QC Mech.

Engr 5+ yrs exp Indian male 26 seeks placement. Contact : 91823331 Email: kannasekhar46@gmail.com Electrical and Electronics Engineer with one year experience and GCC licence holder seeking a job mail – shyjalpk@gmail.com SUPERVISOR: Indian male site supervisor (AIR CONDITIONING) 25 years of experience with valid Oman Driving license, seeking suitable placement. Contact: 97498809, 93391910 Email: hilariankj@gmail.com Indian male, Supervisor Electrician Diploma 8 yrs in Oman. NOC available. Contact 95057068, jratheesh@yahoo.com Mechanical Engineer 23 having knowledge in HVAC looking for suitable vacancy. Contact: 95434381 Email: shuhaibuman313@gmail.com Indian male Civil Engineer with Engineer with 2 years experience in Building project is available currently on visit visa. Contact: 92841583

Indian male 27 years BE Mechanical, 2 years experience in Training AutoCAD Revit MEP PDMS Softwares. Contact: 94183625

Mechanical and manufacturing Engineer , age 26 yrs masters ( Singapore) having 2 years Oman work experience with valid Oman driving license on visit visa available immediately.

Contact: 95498953

Civil Engineering Diploma 7 years experience in building construing in Oman with NOC. Contact `99512416 /96488479

B.Tech Mechanical Engineer with 2 years experience in HV AC and plumbing - nikhilchandpm@gmail. com ; GSM: 97654489

D.A.E (Civil) Engineer + safety officer course (OSHA & IOSH) for U.K need the job. Contact: 97850996 Civil Engg, B.Tech fresher Indian male currently on visit visa seeks suitable placement. Contact 91702450 Email: tijoct2015@hotmail.com Indian Male, IT Support Engineer, 2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experience. Contact 97311847

Indian BE (MECH) aviation BE degree diploma in material quality management 17 years Navy aviation 13 years construction purchase stores professional on visit.

Contact: 90205082 /98796982 Engineer with 3 yrs experience in Indian in MEP, HVAC& mechanical maintained field on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact 99191535 Email: fareed029@gmail.com

Electrical Engineer, Indian male, 29 yrs having 5 yrs of experience in industrial automation & utility maintenance in India (MRF yres) seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92789995, Email : akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Btech computer science graduate 2015 passout.. Android application marketing.. Having good communication skills and mindset to work in a team. Contact 91024385 Indian male BE Mechanical currently on 2 yrs free visa with NOC & local release. Looking for suitable job in Muscat. Contact – 90296975 / ali.syedausaf@gmail.com

HOSPITALITY Front Office Manager with 20 years of expertise in Burj Al Arab, the address & Sheraton seeks immediate placement. Contact 92311830

IT SAP BW Analyst : Indian male, 26 yrs, B.Tech (CS & E) from ASET, New Delhi, worked as a Business Analyst in Software Industry.

Contact 98008127 / 92878708, vaisakh.bhaskar@gmail.com Net work Engineer on visit looking for immediate placement.

Contact: 95634573 Indian male, 35 years, BBA with IT diploma Holder with 13 years experience in IT Tech, Support & Administration seeking suitable position. Contact : 94770019 IT Engineer, 6 yrs exp in software projects & development (Java, PL/ SQL Unix) on visit visa.

Contact: 99487493 Indian male 34 yrs M.Tech Industrial biotechnology having teaching experience seeking for job.

M. Ramkumar. Contact : 96674521, 0091-9940586051 Email: rmkumar28@gmail.com Network System Engineer switches, Routers, Servers, load balancers, CCTV 5 years of exp holds B.E (ECE) CCNA looking for good opportunity Indian visit visa. Contact 91911792 Email: arafakdnl@gamil.com Tunisian Master degree in Computer Science, with experience in creating websites in development looking for a job in the Sultanate of Oman currently in Muscat.

Contact: 94745546 Email: safouane.gouja@gmail.com BE, ECE Mumbai university skills in C, C++, windows, linux, controller and processor RTOS, Electronics, Networking, 6 months experience in embedded software seeks placement. Contact : 917774864736 Email: sadatbtisekar@gmail.com

MEDICAL Indian Dentist, MDS, having 10 years experience prometric passed (70%) looking for job.

Contact: 97985325 B.Sc Indian male Nurse, 6.5 years in emergency and OT, prometric 69%, looking for suitable nursing job.

Contact- 90126959, abybabykutty@gmail.com Indian female BSc Nurse with 4 years experience with Oman prometric 64% looking for suitable placement in capital area.

Contact: 95847286 Lecturer in Nursing (MSc) specialized in OBG, 3 years experience, on visit visa, seeking teaching opportunities/ nursing educator.

Contact: 90125347 Indian male, Audiologist and Speech language pathologist, 5 years experience looking for job.

Contact: 98490687, 9597597067 mail- kesavan. sundar7@gmail.com Indian male, MSc, MPhil, BEd Chemistry,2 Yrs Teaching experience and having experience in lab analyst, currently on visit visa, seeks suitable post.

Contact 90208673

10 yrs financial products sales & marketing experienced 5 years in banking Indian male 32 yrs on visit visa looking for suitable position.

Contact : 92882053

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Indian with 20 years experience in food & beverage section in Hotel field seeks suitable managerial position in a restaurant / hotel or catering unit. Contact : 91447407 Senior Manager Indian, 30 years in FMCG Business in Oman looking for better opportunity at management level. Contact 99231513 Indian BE, BA diploma quality material management 13 years experience procurement, stores, inventory warehousing manager construction industry on visit. Contact 90287850 22 years B.Com Graduate having experience in trading of car accessories and also with valid GCC driving license looking for a suitable job.

Contact 98504698 Facility / Project Management 5 yrs of exp holds BE (ECE) MBA, Indian on visit visa looking for suitable openings. Contact : 98580569 Email: arafacareer@gmail.com Supervisor / Forman interior / electrical with Oman driving license.

Contact: 98767559 Supervisor fabrication. 30 years experienced in oil and gas industry with thorough knowledge of PDO procedures. contact 99365694, 92362946, 99208102 email: tapasroy21@yahoo. com

MISCELLANEOUS Management Professional accountable, responsible for profitable management can handle the entire operations, HR/Recruitment, Business development & Sales & marketing & etc, Great organizational skills with over 23+yrs exp. in Bombay, Saudi Arabia, Dubai-UAE & Oman(11yrs) as General Manager - Publications, Printing,Media. open to any industry, can Join immediately w/NOC. Contact : +968 98864706/99574638 Mail : akdas_uae@yahoo.com

Sales man (food stuff), Gulf experienced, knows Hindi, Arabic .

Contact 99506977 Indian male looking for job in spare parts BMW / Mercedes benz.

Contact: 95712035 Indian 15 years experience MNC Sales Marketing Manager FMCH Buildings looking for change with D/L. Contact: 98796982 Business intelligence / Global Marketing management specialist with 9 years of experience developing brand value & managing overall projects to achieve business objectives seeking suitable position on family visit. Contact: 91902154 Male BA, with D/L, having 6 years exp in Oman wanted suitable job in Sales Inventory & procure.

Contact: 92191026 A professional commercial & Business Developer (Sudanese) MBA & PGD extensive experience (14 yrs in marketing, sales and procurement) for International companies with residential permit & driving license.

Contact 94738839 Email: alhassanolive@gmail.com MBA 15 years experience in Sales & Marketing in telecom, FMCG, presently in India C/O Saif Kazi.

Contact : 99625957 Email Id: a_kazi123@yahoo.co.in Indian male, experience Sales Executive with D/L seeks suitable placement. Contact: 97853426 MBA graduate having 6 years exp in Sales & Marketing, presently working in PEPSI, India seeks suitable placement in Oman.

Cont : + 91 9895388937, Email : samir.pag@gmail.com Indian male 25 yrs BBM Graduate 3 yrs of experience Sales / Marketing in Oman looking in suitable placement. Contact : 93185316 Email: karsh794@gmail.com

PROJECTS

TOURS & TRAVELS

HSE Engineer Diploma in mechanical eng, 6 yrs Gulf exp, NEBOSH, OSHA with oman D/L & NOC available for urgent placement.

Contact 91258586.

Five years experience in Travel field ,BCom., IATA & pursuing MBA, Presently working in the Travel Desk of (ITC managed) Five Star Hotel in India, looking for a suitable position in the Middleeast. pls contact 9470 5767

Indian male, with 8 yrs exp. in Oman (BA- Graduate) working as a project Sales Coordinator, with Oman D/L, looking for suitable job, ready to join immediately with NOC, open for Sales & Marketing also.

Contact 95245057

SKILLED/ UNSKILLED Welder / fabricator, Gulf exp, 3G, 6G ARC, GAS PH : 95068064 Building construction supervisor looking for small Omani company to handle independently or suitable placement in good company with Oman D/L. Contact 93061107

SECRETARIAL / OFFICE Indian male more than 10 years gulf experience in Office / Sales Coordinator, Admin, Secretarial and purchase with good computer skills.

Having Driving license and NOC available. Looking for suitable placement. Contact 99709336

SALES / MARKETING Indian 41 years, 2 years Dubai experience Sales of banking insurance products looking for suitable job.

Contact: 96564721 Have the previous experience in building material sales field and also experience as store keeper, with release paper & visa valid upto 19/09/15.

Contact: 96451129 / 95563071 Sales and marketing - male 27 yrs, 2 years experience seeking suitable placement with Oman D/L. Contact: 95642740 Email: shaijichakkara@gmail.com Indian male, 2 yrs exp. in Sales with D/L seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92055093

11 yrs experience in travel field B.Com, IATA, MCSE working for Qatar Airways, Sales reservation ticketing driving license & NOC available. Contact 92954613

MISCELLANEOUS Indian female with MBA on visit visa seeking immediate placement.

Contact - 968-93316493 27,male,ACCA finalist, have professional experience upto finalization of accounts, statutory and internal audit, expertise in using tally and focus & oracle software, have 3.5 years experience in accounts till finalization and statutory audit, seeking for permanent replacement ,GSM-97654769,email id-abdullah. nooralam@yahoo.com Sudanese male, 31 years, have 3 year Diploma in electrical engineer , 6 year experience in construction and electrical production plant .

Mobile No ; +96894549609 Indian male, B.com, MBA, having 5 years experience (3 years in U.A.E) is currently seeking suitable opportunities within finance/ accounts/admin dept.

Contact:93953613, allen.mathew83@gmail.com B.Com graduate, 11 years experience in Accounts, 9 years Oman experience , Oman valid driving license, looking for suitable post.

Mob:92758404 NOC Available.

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, Indian male,29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license. NOC available. Seek suitable opportunity.

GSM: 97705854

D6

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

SIT.WANTED MISCELLANEOUS Two year experience in Oman, experience in sales, purchase and system admin, Having GCC license.

Contact number 97475860, Yadhukrishnan08@gmail.com Indian Male, 32 yrs, MBA-HR, Trainer & Faculty worked on Omanisation & nationals development activities with 10 yrs of experience seeking suitable job. Contact : 93891401 saiprasad_18@yahoo.com Sudanese 29 male (Bsc computer science,diploma computer engineering), 6 yrs. experience dba oracle plsql , ms sql-server ,ms visual studio vba,network Omani Driver licence language English, Arabic Tel: 91415886 Piping Design Engineer, Indian male 27, looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering. Having 7 years of experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708/97357143 Indian female, 24yrs, M.COM (Accounts) having 3 yrs experience in Accounts, HR, Administration, Customer Service. Good Computer Proficiency seeking Suitable Position. Visa Transfer/NOC Available.

Contact: 99654913 Indian male 27 years B.E & MS Mechanical Engineer working in Delhi for last 4 years inJcb India pvt. ltd., seeks placement in Oman. #93393768 Female MBA gold medalist, with computer proficiency, Oman driving license looking for job opportunity in event management companies in Muscat. Ph : 99012949 Indian female B. Com MBA finance ,5 years experience in oman as an account seeking suitable placement.

Contact 99044292 Indian male 23 years Graduate, working as a sales coordinator cum purchase & office coordination 2 yrs in oman Having oman license & NOC looking for suitable job in Muscat Email:yadhukrishnan08@gmail.com, GSM:97475860

MISCELLANEOUS

Indian male Nurse 5 years ICU experience prometric 63% and BLS, ACLS puss, looking for suitable job currently on visit visa.

Contact: 93894049 Email: basilbabybasilbaby@gmail.com

Female, BE(hons) Systems Administration, 2 years teaching experience. Seeking suitable placement in Higher Education/Training industry.

Email: sadia_fatima@hotmail.com Contact:96447091

Indian male 29 years B.Tech & MBA with 1.2 years experience in Oman as Electronic Engineer seeking for a suitable job. Contact: 92085082 Email: suhailece.61@gmail.com

Indian male, 27 years, BCom CA Inter, Pursuing CA final and MBA with 5 years work experience (2 years GCC), currently working as a cost accountant seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 94390660

BE Civil Engineer with 11 years of experience in building construction with valid Oman DL, looking for suitable placement, NOC available.

Please contact 91329910 Indian female, B.Sc, PGDCA, currently on family joining visa, 2 years working experience in oman as customer care / sales co-ordinator. immediate joining seeks suitable placements. contact no. (968) 95573205 /95949230/ 95800792 Indian Male, 25, C.A., 2 years experience as Credit Manager with ICICI Bank India on Visit Visa. Staying with parents at Azaibah.

Ph: 24492638.

Email: shyamal008@gmail.com 27,male, ACCA finalist, have professional experience upto finalisation of accounts, statutory and internal audit, expertise in using tally and focus & oracle softaware, have 3.5 years experience in accounts till finalisation and statutory audit, seeking for permanent replacement GSM-97654769, email idabdullah.nooralam@yahoo.com Indian male 27, looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering, having 7 years of experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708, E-mail : mohammednazeer07@gmail.com Indian male having 14years of experience in HR, Purchase Dept, having Oman driving license looking for a suitable position at Salalah. Noc available.

Contact : 91182907 Mail: Madhuvtk@ gmail.com

ACCOUNTANT, Male, 8 years experience, presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with Oman Driving license. NOC available, seeks suitable opportunity. GSM: 98184170

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT Indian male 55 years. 30 Years experience, presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant last 10 years.

NOC available, seek suitable opportunity. GSM 99685800.

Email:- sanatoman@gmail.com

Civil Engineer Indian 20 years experience (1 year in Oman) in management and construction seeks suitable placement. Contact: 91718976

Indian Male, 29, 9 years exp in Sales in Oman (Buraimi) with valid D/L looking for suitable placements, NOC available .Ph: 9360 1947

Indian male B.Eng. in IT,CCNA, MCSA,MCSE, 2yrs + exp. in IT support, networking and server support valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 Store Supervisor or Site Supervisor, Indian male 30 years, looking for suitable placement in any reputed company. Having 5 years of gulf experience with good communication skills. Willing to work in any GCC country. Contact: 00968 97756269, Email: razzakbmt@gmail.com Chartered CIPD HR, MBA having 5+ years of experience in Oman and 7 years in GCC looking for job opportunities. Call 97728418 Store Supervisor or Site Supervisor .

Indian male 30 years age.

Looking for suitable placement in any reputed company. Having 5 years of gulf experience with good communication skills. Willing to work in any GCC country. # 97756269 , Email: razzakbmt@gmail.com 32 years Indian Male MSC, MBAHR having 7+yr Exp(HR and SAP operations) with Oman valid driving license, seeking suitable opening in Human Resource & Admin/backend jobs.Contact: 00968-99322978 Iranian male. ME Civil- structural Engineer, 8 Years Structural engineer experience, Looking for Structural Designer, supervisor or site engineer Position. Contact: 93696929 Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com Indian looking for a part time accounting or Internal Auditing job, contact 99196621.

Land Surveyor experience 6 years in landscape , construction and roads for contact : 0096895244840, 0096899703488, e-mail: eng.amr_salama@yahoo.com Indian male 27, looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering.Having 7 years of experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708/ 97357143

SIT.WANTED Indian female, 25yrs Bsc nursing with MHA (Master of Hospital Administration) looking for a suitable placement. Currently on visit visa valid up to 25 November 2015.

Contact: 9951 3267, email: alinaelshaddai@gmail.com Pakistani, Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in IT Trainer, looking for a better position in Oman, already working in Prestigious Construction Company. #95983711. Join.mtmali@gmail.com Civil Engineer Indian 20 years experience (1 year in Oman) in management and construction seeks suitable placement. Contact: 91718976 , email : mdnaveed71@gmail.com ACCA Affiliate, Oxford Brookes Bsc, 2.5 years experience in audit, finance in Big 6 and oil industry, NOC release available. a.saran891@gmail.com, 95140445 Light duty driver, 23yrs. Can speak Arabic, Hindi, Bangla and understand English. Release available.

Ph.92854775 / 93487450 B.com .5 yrs exp. of oman Looking for an Accounts job work, preferred to do from home. Well versed with TALLY Accounting software.

Contact 95482970

Pakistan Male: 24 years, M.Com Finance having 2.5 year experience as a accountant & marketing executive looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 97670816, e.mail: naeem.ahsan68@gmail.com

Indian male, 14 yrs Experience in Maintenance & Supervisor in hotel field ( Electrical . Ac Mechanical & Plumber) N O C available Contact 95253640 email-hareeshma24@yahoo.com

Male, 32 years M.A. English M.Sc Psychology and B.Ed in English having 4 years experience in teaching present company is ready to issue release letter.

Contact : 99869535 Email: sahadkeyi33@gmail.com

Senior Accountant Indian male Graduate CA Articleship completed 18 years of experience currently on visit visa seeks suitable placement contact.97498809,93391910 Email.hilariankj@gmail.com

Filipino (Male), 33 yrs/old, 9 yrs. experience in marine transportation (seaman/deck crew), & 3 yrs. in sales (electronic devices) currently on visit visa & looking for a suitable employment. GSM: 94750459 Pakistani, Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in Computer Teacher, looking for a better position in Oman, already working in Prestigious Construction Company. Contact:- 95983711, join.mtmali@gmail.com ME Civil- structural Engineer, 8 Years Structural engineer experience, Looking for Structural Designer, supervisor or site engineer Position. Iranian male, Contact: 93696929 Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com

Electrical Maintenance Engineer, 29, Indian Male, having 7+ years exp. in reputed companies. Seeking suitable placement in Oman.

Contact - 98440637. Mail ID : venkatbadri23@gmail.com Sudanese 29 male (Bsc computer science, diploma computer engineering), 6 yrs. experience , dba oracle pl-sql , ms sql-server ,ms visual studio vba, network, Omani Driver licence language English, Arabic. Email:chastity643@gmail. com, Mob:91415886 Having 9+ years exp. in Admin & HR in reputed companies. Presently working in Muscat and seeking for suitable placement.

Contact No.: 97693456. email : muralimahdav77@gmail.com

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 1 5

D7

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

SIT.WANTED Indian male 22 years, Looking for suitable placement in Hardware and Networking field, 1 year exp. in india an have done training in al ameen computers. With good communication skill, Qualification is Diploma in Electronics and Communication.

Contact : - 95632209,95068075, Email- fairozhuded13@gmail.com Pakistani, Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in Accounts, IT & Administration, looking for a better position in Oman, already working in Prestigious Construction Company. Contact:95983711.Join.mtmali@gmail.com Indian male 24 years,B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic) having 2 years working experience as an Electrical site Engineer, currently on visit visa.

Seeking suitable placement.

Contact no. 98045482, Email: mastanshaik1008@gmail.com Indian male 23 years, B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic) having 4 years working experience as an Electrical site Engineer, currently on visit visa.

Seeking suitable placement.

Contact no. 98045482 Email: mastanshaik1008@gmail.com 29 years femaile (MBA-Finance) with 4 + years experience (India & Oman) in administration & teaching seeking suitable placement in an established organization.

Contact- 96371655.

Male, 32, having 7 years experience in New Car sales and rental. Currently working for one of the most reputed Brand in India is seeking a suitable change. Contact +91 9045232273 Looking for managerial post (full time ) ,More than Ten years of experience in Team Development ,Training ,Planing, Administration, Sales & Marketing, Advertisement and Credit Control and Logistics.

Contact 91076608 /+919048648108 NOC available Sales Representative or Purchase officer. Indian male 31 years, Looking for suitable placement in CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES and OILFIELD INDUSTRIES. Having 7 years of gulf experience in FASTENERS and BUILDING MATERIAL. Having a valid D/L. Contact: 00968 92480985, Email: fayubeig@gmail.com Indian Male, 28, B.Com, 6+ yrs exp in Accounts, 2 yrs in Oman with Valid Oman D/L, NOC available.

Contact 9719 4864 BRANCH-HEAD, MBA-BBA, Indian Male having experience in UAE, India, Oman total 5 years (including MNC), looking for similar or same openings.

NOC available. mobile: 92700670, email:catanalur131@gmail.com Accounts Head/Manager looking for job with Gulf Experience (NOC available). Contact : 94164650. email: msaleem.kr@gmail.com Sales Representative or Purchase officer. Indian male 31 years, looking for suitable placement in construction industries and oilfield industries. Having 7 years of gulf experience in fasteners and building material. Having a valid driving license. Contact: 00968 92480985, Email: fayubeig@gmail.com Pakistani, Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in Accounts, IT & Administration, looking for a better position in Oman, already working in Prestigious Construction Company. # 95983711.

Join.mtmali@gmail.com Male available for a part time accounting & admin job, Contact:99196621.

Babar Ali Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in Accounts, IT & Administration, looking for a better position in Oman, No need of Visa, already working in of the Omani Construction Company.

Contact:- 95983711.

Indian male MBA finance and marketing. Having 2 year experienced in accounting, looking for suitable job opportunities.

Available on visit can join immediately. Cont: 94676974 Email: anfalruk@gmail.com SALES MANAGER (MECHANICAL ENGINEER)-Over 5 yrs in Oman, with experience in Industrial Products & Services with Noc & driving license looking for the challenging opportunities. Notice period Ends on 27th August -2015 .

GSM - 95291830

SIT.WANTED

CLASSES

Indian Male 22 Years , Graduation In Electronics Seeking Jobs In Supervisory , Sales & Sales Co-ordination Fields , Good Communication Skill # 96141317, E-mail: akhilek5@gmail.com DIPLOMA+B.E.(CIVIL ENGINEER), Indian, 4 years of experience, currently on visit visa; Seeking Right Position. GSM:91570703.

ME. Civil Engineer, Structural Designer, 3 Years Structural Design, 6 Years Str. Engineer Experience, Looking For Structural Designer Position. Iranian Male.

Contact: 93696929, Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com Driver looking for job exp 2 yrs.

Contact: 98522914 B-tech Electrical Engineer with more than 2 years of experience in erection and designing of HT and LT electrical systems. Seeking for suitable job in Muscat.

Contact: 98269366.

Email: sijincleetus@gmail.com Male Graphic designer cum animation, non linear editing VFX, seeking suitable position.

Contact: 97792661 / 96229406 Indian lady 30 years Graduate having work experience in India and Oman looking for Admin or any other suitable job. Contact : 95676957

Spoken English IELTS & Computer classes.

Contact: 92088325 / 24799938

COMPUTER

Indian Female Accountant, CA Final (Group I cleared), 5+ year’s experience in the field of Accounts, Audit and Financial ERPs. Currently available in Muscat and seeking suitable job opportunities.Ph:94704800 email id: vinithsavith@gmail.com B.E (IT) 1 year exp complete schooling in Muscat needs job in software / net working / java/ WEB design or marketing. #97136248 / 99313821 Data Entry operator cum Buyer, Indian male,26years.BA, Computer proficiency :Operating system (Windows 2000xp & Windows7) E plus and Tally ERP9, 4 yrs Experience in Oman seeks suitable placements.

Mob: 95360255 Indian Female BSC nurse with 8+ years of experience including 3 years of GCC exp. Oman Prometric passed with 57 %. Currently in Oman. Contact : 98034384

WEBSITE

Senior Accounts Professional, Indian Male, 36 years, M.Com, MBA (Fin) 9 years in Oman, with valid Oman DL and NOC available. Capable to handle accounts up to finalization.

Contact 9602 3965.

Indian Male 24 years, Looking for a Suitable Job in Telecom / Networking, 1 year sales experience. M. Sc. Communications Engineering & Valid Driving license. Ph: 91280121.

Email: jackrprasad@yahoo.com

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422 MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. #24793614/ 99314807

Indian, presently on visit visa in Salalah looking for job B.com failed UAE experience in accounts, commercial Admin & warehouse. Contact: 92754071 /93346931 Email: sathyanathanuk@gmail.com

Used house & office furniture & electronic items. Contact: 99834373 / 96642500

Indian male, 39 yrs, MSC Computer Science 10 years experience IT support, FMS Engineer, bank experience looking for suitable job.

Contact: 94276449

Supply fixing Wallpapers, all carpets. Contact: 99834373 / 96642500 Building maintenance: Tiling, painting etc. Contact: 99325827

ACCOUNTANT, Male, 8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with Oman Driving license. NOC available seeks suitable opportunity. GSM: 98184170

One stop shop business services : Public Relation (PRO) formation new companies, LLC companies, Investor visa, business setup, prepare businesses & companies accounts, legal services, representing you and your company. Contact: Saleh : 96723485

Housemaid looking for job.

Cont : 95587492 Indian Female Lawyer having 11 yrs experience presently working in Oman seeks placement in Legal/HR/ Admin etc. NOC available #94436960 Email: famidakhan123@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer : Indian , male 23 years, 2 years experience, on visit visa . Seeking suitable placement.

Contact : +968 91409712 , Email : nibin.nani@gmail.com

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting.

Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading.

L.L.C. # 24810137, 99450130 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722

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

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

Pest Control Treatments, Cockroaches, Ants, Rodents & Termites, Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723/ 99357908

All maintenance & repairs.

Contact Rizwan: 99429071, RMPM Trading.

General cleaning & Shampooing. Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723/99357908 A/C Technician, all refrigerator items, installation.

Contact 92279370 Air condition maintenance split and window A/C split a/c ducted and package type units.

Contact: 98667326 General cleaning in buildings villas all types interior, exterior, polishing dry cleaning carpets, rugs, marble etc. Contact 94134784 / 98598280

Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 House shifting & packing.

Contact: 99657644 /98518013

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

D8

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

TOURS

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

SITUATION WANTCARGO

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

RENT A CAR

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

RENT A CAR

FOR HIRE Volvo 12 Ton Truck for monthly rent. Contact: 98713900