Times of Oman - September 10, 2015

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THURSDAY, September 10, 2015 / 26 Dhul Qa’ada 1436 AH timesofoman.com

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Call for curbs on WhatsApp in classrooms TARIQ AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com

Most teachers are of the view that this app is causing distraction among students in colleges

BURAIMI

Rains claim one more life in Oman REJIMON K/FAHAD AL GHADANI

reji@timesofoman.com fahadnews@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Heavy rains in the northern parts of Oman claimed one life on Wednesday.

“Three people got trapped in their vehicle in Wadi Suhrm in Buraimi. Two persons were rescued but the third could not be rescued and his body was found later,” Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulances (PACDA) tweeted on its official twitter handle at around 7pm on Wednesday.

The latest death has raised the toll due to rain-related accidents in the northern parts of Oman to six since last Friday.

“Rain and hailstorm fell in Siaa area, some 100km from Quriyat.

In Rustaq, Nizwa and Ibri, the wadis are overflowing,” Mohammed Al Battashi, a weather enthusiast, told Times of Oman.

In Rustaq, a man was trapped in his vehicle while crossing the Wadi Ghafir.

“But people rescued him,” Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulances (PACDA) said on Wednesday. >A3

C O M M U N I T Y AWA R E N E S S

Crimes committed by juveniles down MOHAMMED FAHMI/ MEHDI AL LAWATI

MUSCAT: There has been a steady decline in the number of crimes committed by juveniles in the Sultanate since 2010.

While the number stood at 880 in 2010, in 2011 and 2012, it dropped to 688 , and in 2013 there were just 457 incidents of crime.

In 2014, the total stood at 423.

There were 382 crimes by Omani juveniles in 2014, while expatriates were involved in 41.

Speaking to Al Shabiba, the sister publication of Times of Oman, an official, said: “The decrease in such crimes is ascribed to the efforts extended in the field of community awareness and protective programmes and the role of families,” said an official.

All juveniles involved in crimes are referred to the juvenile welfare institutions or centres and not to jails. The Juvenile Affairs Department of the Ministry of Social Development was established in implementation of the Juvenile Accountability Law promulgated by a Royal Decree in 2008.

Hamood bin Ahmed Al Yahyaei, director general for social welfare, at the Ministry of Social Development said that there were many reasons for crimes by juveniles including family issues such as divorce, neglect by parents, lack of education, and economic conditions of the family

JUVENILE CRIMES IN OMAN 2010

2011

2012

688

688

2013

2014

880

457

423

0 Source: Ministry of Social Development

apart from the inability to meet the emotional needs of juveniles.

“Such factors lead to the juvenile indulging in begging, theft and fraud. The changes in the community as a result of opening up to other cultures, traditions and practices in other countries could be among the reasons for juvenile crimes. The department assumes the responsibility for the welfare and rehabilitation of the children and maintains coordination with the departments concerned in terms of implementation of the provisions of the Juvenile Accountability Law,besides following up on the proceedings in courts. The department also follows up on services, healthcare, education, and rehabilitation at the centre,” he said. >A6

MUSCAT: With WhatsApp reaching 900 million monthly active users across the globe, school, college and university teachers in Oman have supported the idea of banning the messaging app in classrooms.

They voiced the opinion through their responses during a study conducted by Omani researcher Modin Al Balushi on the effect of WhatsApp on college and university students, which revealed a high level of usage of the social networking app by students.

During his study, Modin found that many students used it in classrooms while lectures were on.

Sonia Ambrosio de Nelson, professor of journalism at the Sultan Qaboos University, who does not allow students to use their phones in the classroom says, “The level of concentration and retention of information by students is poor and would get much worse if they are allowed to use smartphones in class.” Modin found that almost 100 per cent of students used the app and gave great im-

900m is the number of monthly active users of WhatsApp across the globe but it is adversely affecting students in classrooms in Oman

portance it. A teacher who did not wish to be named, said that a lot of importance is given to WhatsApp, adding, “It should be banned in educational institutes and all working environments.”

She went on to say, “I dislike it with a passion. Students are continuously using it for all the wrong reasons. It takes me at least ten minutes to get my class seated and get the books out, but as soon as the class is over the first thing they reach for is their phone. It has been used for cheating in examinations, and on nine out of ten occasions we have caught them.” >A6

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMB ER 10, 20 1 5

OMAN C O R P O R AT E A F FA I R S

Education Ministry signs pact with PDO MUSCAT: An internal scholarships finance pact was signed by the Ministry of Higher Education with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) on Wednesday.

Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Sarmi, undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education signed the agreement on behalf of the ministry while Abdul Amir bin Abdul Hussein Al Ajmi, CEO for External Affairs at PDO signed it on behalf of the company.

Under the agreement, PDO will fund 200 undergraduate scholarships, covering all the tuition fees in higher education institutions in the Sultanate in business, ad-

ministration, engineering and information systems at the cost of OMR4,380 on the condition that applicants should be from PDO concession areas.

The first 100 scholarships were offered through the Higher Education Admission Centre (HEAC) for graduates of the academic year 2014/2015, where the students were given the chance to select the higher education institution. The remaining 100 scholarships will be offered for graduates of previous years from the PDO concession areas.

Details for these seats will be disclosed later.– ONA

A CORRECTION

The sentence in the article ‘Al Nahdah Hospital drainage to curb waterlogging problem’ should be read as ‘Al Nahda hospital was not affected by the cyclones like Gonu and Phet during 2007 and 2010 respectively’. The error is regretted.

CIVIL SERVICE

Pensioners’ number rises to 72,424 Retirement pension amount in 2014 reached OMR315 million MUSCAT: In all there were 72,424 pensioners in the Sultanate by the end of 2014, an increase of 4.6 per cent over the 2013 figures when their number stood at 69,247, latest data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) shows.

Retirement pension amount in 2014 reached OMR315 million, a rise of 8 per cent compared to the figures recorded in 2013, which stood at to OMR292 million.

The number of insured persons who are active in the workers abroad system and registered in the pension funds reached 6.190 employees. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) came first by containing the highest percentage of the Omani employees working abroad with 68.6 per cent. The lowest percentage was recorded in the Kingdom of Bahrain with 1.9 per cent. – ONA

T H U R S DAY, S E P T E MB E R 1 0, 2 0 1 5

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‘Oman at Work’ series earns kudos Participants at the ‘Oman at Work’

They (speakers) talked about what the young generation actually is looking for. Definitely, the comments they made were very important

discussion series said more organisations should hold such discussions to raise awareness about new dynamics in the work environment FUTURE POSITIVE: Such seminars are useful for education authorities, as well as students, graduates, workers and employers, said a

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI elham@timesofoman.com

participant at the seminar.–Supplied photo

MUSCAT: The ‘Oman at Work’ discussion series, organised by the Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (Ithraa) at Bank Muscat’s head office, has received positive feedback from the participants.

Commenting on the discussions, participants said more organisations should take the initiative to hold such discussions to raise awareness about new dynamics in the work environment, as well as challenges and opportunities.

The first and second part of

the series, held on Monday and Tuesday, were entitled ‘The world of work: A new dynamic’ and ‘Millennials: A different work perspective’.

‘Insightful’ seminar The third session will be held on September 14 under the theme ‘Vocational training: Changing perceptions’, with the final session, entitled ‘STEM: Jobs of the future’, scheduled for September 16.

Speaking to Times of Oman, Maryam Al Balushi, head of training

W E AT H E R C O N D I T I O N S

Thunderstorms A1 likely, forecasts Met department < FROM

In its latest weather alert, Oman meteorological department has predicted thunderstorms in Buraimi, Fahud, Rustaq, Ibra, Samail, Bahla, Qairoon Hairiti, Ibri, Nizwa and Salalah.

It has also predicted showers in Suwaiq, Mudhaibi, Saiq, Al Amerat, Sadah, Mhada, Yanqual, Qurayyat, Bidbid, Dhalkut, Taqah, Mirbat, Shalim, Al Mazyunh, Saham, Jabal Shams, Al Khaburah, Al Hamra and Izki.

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. 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.

and workshops at Al Nimr Expo, said she found the discussions to be insightful.

Commenting on the first session, she said, “They talked about what the young generation actually is looking for.

“Definitely, the comments they made were very important, especially the fact that the young generation is looking for learning skills and development, more than just a salary and the name of a company. It is very important to think about this, which is a smart

way to attract young people.”

Dr Ziyana Al Harthy, an expert in curriculum development at the Ministry of Education, said these types of seminars are useful for education authorities, as well as students, graduates, workers and employers.

“It is very important for us, because we need to be updated about activities of different organisations and their attitudes,” she said.

Dr Al Harthy added that discussions on these topics help students become more prepared to enter

the world of work. She highlighted the importance of education and its impact on a person’s behaviour throughout his life, and said this is why ‘life skills’ are part of the school curriculum.

Teaching children Children are taught personal and social skills related to health, safety, culture, citizenship and work in school, so these skills can become part of their lives.

Dr Al Harthy believes that equipping individuals with neces-

Maryam Al Balushi

Head of training at Al Nimr Expo

sary skills requires ‘collective’ efforts by the family, the school, the community and higher education organisations.

In addition, she said that the right environment should be created for them to apply the skills they have learned in school.

If they learn something, and then see something contrary to that in real life, and see people who are not committed and do not follow the rules, this will not help them carry out what they have learned, Dr Al Harthy noted.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMB ER 10, 20 1 5

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OMR1m

damages were clamped by a Duqm court against the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources

ROP ACTION

IT SUPPORT

Education Website ‘Dalilak’ launched Four held on drug

STUDENT DEMANDS: The website is divided into six main sections, namely hostels, transportation, promotions and offers, jobs, sale of used materials, and teachers.– ONA

MUSCAT: A website ‘Dalilak’ (Your Guide), aimed at students coming from various parts of the Sultanate who stay in Muscat for their studies, was launched by the Ministry of Higher Education on Wednesday.

Athra bint Nasser Al Shibliya, Executive Director of Dalilak Company said that the company is an electronic student company that falls under the umbrella of ‘Sharikati’ (My Company) programme, a subsidiary of Injaz Oman.

Dalilak Website would meet the needs of students, like housing, transportation, food and other services.

The website is divided into six main sections, namely hostels, transportation, promotions and offers, jobs, sale of used materials, and teachers.–ONA

Duqm company wins OMR1m court verdict Primary Court’s verdict. The compensation amount was approved by the court after an expert had reviewed the case. They agreed that company’s claims were legitimate.

MEHDI AL LAWATI

The court ruled that the defendant was obligated to pay the complainant OMR1,166,431 in addition to OMR200 towards the lawyer’s fees besides bearing other expenses

MUSCAT: A private company operating in Duqm recently won more than OMR1million as damages in a case against the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources.

According to a report published in Al Shabiba, sister daily of Times of Oman, the company was running an ice making and storing factory on 9,335 square metres of land, which it had agreed to give up for public interest. However, the company had objected to OMR222,140 compensation and said that the amount did not cover the costs.

“The court ruled that the defendant was obligated to pay the

COVERING COSTS: The company

had objected to OMR222,140 compensation

complainant OMR1,166,431 and bear other expenses. That is in addition to OMR200 towards the lawyer’s fees,” read the Muscat

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Counting the costs Among the claims, the defendant had missed counting the costs of re-establishing the factory, as the installed equipment and machinery would be damaged if moved elsewhere.

The court said that the compensation covers land value, equipment and machinery, civil works and one year revenue and employees’ salaries.

Informed sources revealed that the ministry has not appealed against the verdict.

trafficking charges at Muscat airport

DRUG HAUL: The drug traffickers were found in possession of

1,300 tablets classified as psychotropic substances.–Supplied photo

Times News Service MUSCAT: Four persons of different nationalities were arrested at the Muscat International Airport by officers of the Directorate Narcotics Control for smuggling psychotropic substances.

The suspects, including two women, were found in possession of 1,300 tablets classified as psychotropic substances.

They were referred to the Public Prosecution for further investigations. In another case, the Royal Oman Police arrested two persons in two different drug related cases in Al Buraimi.

The Directorate officers apprehended an Omani national for using and possessing narcotics and recovered a large amount of psychotropic substances in his possession in Buraimi.

A GCC national was also apprehended for the same crime in Buraimi. They were both referred to the Public Prosecution, pending investigations.

Asians arrested Two Asians were arrested by the

Directorate General of Inquiries and Investigations of the Buraimi Royal Oman Police on charges of possession and selling of alcohol, and chewing tobacco.

An official source said, “one of the suspects was caught redhanded at his place of work and 33 bottles of liquor were recovered from him, as well as a large amount of chewing tobacco.”

“Based on his confession, the police arrested the other offender only to find out that he had entered the country illegally as well,” he added.

They were both referred to the Public Prosecution.

Goat thieves nabbed The Directorate General of Inquiries and Investigations apprehended two Omani nationals for allegedly stealing goats in Saham.

A Royal Oman Police source said, “After the suspects stole four goats, they set fire to the barn.”

After investigations, the ROP were able to apprehend the suspects who confessed to their crimes. They have been referred to the Public Prosecution.

TRADE DIPLOMACY

India-Oman forum’s focus on food industry and healthcare Times News Service

MUSICAL TREAT: Six songs in ‘ClasSix Reloaded’ album were originally sung by legendary singers such as Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosale, Geeta Dutt, Kishore Kumar and Mukesh.– Supplied photo

Dipti Raval’s album released Times News Service MUSCAT: Dipti Raval, a singer and organiser of musical shows in Oman for the last four years, released ‘ClasSix Reloaded,’ her first music album with six songs of Bollywood’s golden era.

Bakul Mehta, Anil Khimji, Kiran Asher, Ajay Khimji, Madhu Jesrani, Ravindra Naidu, Sheikh Kaleem and other respected dignitaries graced the occasion at the Mumtaz Mahal Restaurant, Qurum.

Six songs in ‘ClasSix Reloaded’ are carefully chosen songs originally sung by legendary singers such as Lata Mangeshkar, Asha

Bhosale, Geeta Dutt, Kishore Kumar and Mukesh. Majority of these songs were released even before she was born.

These songs have been recorded, mixed and mastered by the highly professional Hanif Tak of Audio Craft Digital in Mumbai. Audio Craft Digital is a studio where famous Bollywood singers and music directors come for mastering their songs with latest digital technology.

While the vocal part of the songs is the same with some subtle creative touches in every song, music for each of these songs is completely recreated by the Bollywood versatile young arranger Roop Ma-

hanta. Roop has also arranged music for the song ‘Selfie Le Le...’ in ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ besides other famous songs in the recent films.

“I am sure listeners will appreciate the special touches to the original songs. I am a big fan of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosale.

When Asha Tai was in Muscat, I had spent good quality time with her and she gave me some tips on singing...” Dipti Raval says.

“Many of my friends and fans inspired me to cut an album of my songs over the past three or four years just as I have always inspired and promoted other talented singers in our MKP/ Majan Events programmes,” she added.

CAMEL RACE FESTIVAL HELD AT MUDHAIBI

The annual camel racing festival was held at Mudhaibi recently with young participants taking part in large numbers.-ONA

MUSCAT: The Embassy of India in Muscat organised a Business Meet on Tuesday for the visiting Indian delegation from the food, commodity and processing industry and healthcare sector, to provide a platform for interactions with business people from the two countries.

The Business Meet was organised to help strengthen partnerships in food processing and healthcare sectors between India and Oman.

Representatives of 16 Indian companies from the food industry sector and seven companies from the health sector attended the meet.

The meeting was also attended by representatives of some 50 Omani companies, organisations, and Government Departments dealing with the food industry and health sectors.

India’s exports The event made for close interaction between businessmen from the two countries, enabling them to seek out new opportunities for improving India’s exports of agroproducts and increase medical tourism from Oman to India.

A large number of patients from Oman travel to India for specialty medical treatments. India offers state-of-the-art hospitals, highly qualified doctors, skilled nurses and paramedical staffs. Treatment costs in India are very low, compared to other locations.

The opportunity provided by the Business Meet was used to announce that the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), in association with the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India and Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC), will be organising ‘Advantage Health Care India 2015’, an International Summit on Medical Value Travel from October 5-7 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India.

It was explained that the main features of the event are: Exhibition; BSM and B-2-B Meetings for developing relations with hospitals and healthcare centers;

Omani business and health travellers may take advantage of Tourist Visa on Arrival, which is enabled by the Electronic Travel Authorization, known as the e-Tourist Visa. The Sultanate of Oman was included in the first group of 44 countries that were allowed to travel on e-visas to India. TVoA is for all types of travellers, including business, medical, tourism and others, for durations of 30 days and restricted to a maximum of two times per year

Knowledge Sharing Program: for technology sharing and interaction by top Indian and foreign doctors and medical experts; Health Ministers’ Round Table Conference and Hospital Visits: to familiarise participants about the Indian hospital infrastructure and processes, as well as technology being used.

Visa on Arrival The Embassy also noted that Omani business and health travellers may take advantage of Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVoA), which is

enabled by the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), known as the e-Tourist Visa.

The Sultanate of Oman was included in the first group of 44 countries that were allowed to travel on e-visas to India.

TVoA is for all types of travellers, including business, medical, tourism and others, for durations of 30 days and restricted to a maximum of two times per year.

At present, e-Tourist Visa facilities are available for citizens of more than 100 countries arriving at 15 Airports in India.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMB ER 10, 20 1 5

OMAN

We chose this topic to ensure the importance of the council’s role in creating a partnership between the government and the community Saud Al Mawali, head of the organising committee

Plan to quench thirst of construction workers As a special gesture and corporate social

September 17 has been marked as ‘Global GT CSR Day’ where all GT staff across the globe take the initiative to actively participate in CSR activities

responsibility initiative Abu Timam Grant Thornton (GT) will organise a daylong event to help bring relief to a few thousand workers

Azhar Ahmed

TARIQ AL HAREMI

CSR Committee chairman and manager audit and assurance GT

tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Bottled water, juices, nuts and biscuits will be distributed to construction workers by the staff and volunteers of the Abu Timam Grant Thornton (GT) who are set to swarm the streets of Muscat.

Oman’s scorching heat is a burden to workers who do their job out in the open, and they sometimes go unappreciated.

As a special gesture and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative Abu Timam Grant Thornton (GT) will organise a daylong event to help bring relief to a few thousand workers.

Speaking to the Times of Oman, Azhar Ahmed, CSR Committee

chairman and manager audit and assurance GT, said, “The main aim of doing this is to help workers combat the scorching heat of Oman that we are all quite familiar with.”

“September 17 has been marked as ‘Global GT CSR Day’ where all GT staff across the globe take the initiative to actively participate in CSR activities,” he said.

As per the ministerial decision issued by the Ministry of Manpower, workers are exempt from working in open areas between 12:30pm and 3:30pm from June to August due to the unforgiving summer heat. However, since the

temperature is still high, the initiative is timely.

CSR initiative Approximately 50 participants will join the GT CSR initiative by providing refreshments in the form of water, juices, nuts and biscuits to construction workers.

The areas to be covered will include Amerat, Wattayah, Baushar, Ghala, and PDO apart from Qurum, the Muscat International Airport’s parking area and Seeb.

This is the first time GT will carry out this initiative and when asked about shadowing the very well-known I-Care initiative,

Ahmed said, “First of all, we would like to congratulate I-Care on commencing such a project and doing such a splendid job. They have indeed shown a terrific example of compassion for humanity.”

“Hence, we feel nothing but pride when people say we shadow I-Care’s initiative. The difference is that GT CSR committee strives to provide other refreshments than just water,” he added.

Ahmed said,“GT hopes to be a source of inspiration to other firms and individuals so that they take up such activities for the betterment of the community and environment.”

HOPES AND CHALLENGES’

Shura to hold a symposium tomorrow Times News Service MUSCAT: A symposium titled ‘Hopes and Challenges’ will be organised by the Majlis Al Shura tomorrow at Wadi Al Ma’awil.

Khalid bin Hilal Al Mawali, chairman of the Majlis Al Shura, and Sheikh Aflah Al Rawahi will participate in the symposium where journalist Moosa Al Farei will be supervising the event.

Saud Al Mawali, head of the organising committee for the sym-

posium, said, “We chose this topic to ensure the importance of the council’s role in creating a partnership between the government and the community.”

The symposium aims to create awareness among citizens about the Shura elections, and to give them better insight on which candidate to vote for. The symposium is open to both citizens and residents and will take place immediately after the Maghrib prayers on September 11 .

INSIGHT INTO POLLS: The symposium is aimed at creating aware-

ness among citizens about the Shura elections. – Supplied photo

J U V E N I L E W E L FA R E C E N T R E

Juveniles get A1 IT training < FROM

“The juvenile welfare centre provides an opportunity for the child to complete his or her education through various institutes, schools or colleges, and obtain a certificate that has no reference to the juvenile welfare centre,” observed Al Yahyaei.

On the challenges a child faces when he or she leaves the welfare centre, he said, “The Omani community is tolerant and they rarely face any issues, but, the issue they sometimes face is how to adapt with the community in terms of the educational, vocational and social aspects. This includes their dissatisfaction with the available job opportunity that does not match his qualifications, or with resuming his studies at a school or a vocational training centre.”

There is a qualified cadre and supervisors at the centre, including psychologists, mechanics, instructors for agriculture, and instructors for electricity, in addition to IT instructors, social researchers, legal researchers, teachers, etc. who all hold a bachelor or a master’s degrees.

In some cases, the juvenile may not be satisfied with the available

job opportunity that conforms to his qualification/certificate or joining a training centre or school, but the programmes organised do enhance their psychological, social and moral aspects.

Programmes Since it opened in 2010, the juvenile centre has organised several programmes including religious and orientation lectures, lessons in the biography of the Prophet (PBUH) and the Holy Quran sciences and memorisation.

“The juvenile joins the nearest school and attends exams at the centre,” he said, and added that there are programmes that handle learning difficulties for juveniles.

The children are also trained in IT and are awarded certificates from one of the institutes. This is in addition to the sessions on secretariat and public relations.

They are also trained in a number of professions such as mechanics, electricity and agriculture.

There is co-ordination with private institutes to organise training sessions in computers and award certificates.

N O R T H A L B AT I NA H

Soil test for Saham hospital conducted Times News Service MUSCAT: A soil test was conducted by a consultancy firm of the ground on which the Saham Hospital project in North Al Batinah is to be constructed, before tenders are issued, and design and construction work can begin.

A Ministry of Health official said, “This hospital will offer a more comprehensive service compared to the old one with regards to new specialities, which will be beneficial for patients in the wilayat and the surrounding areas.”

“It will also ease the pressure on some medical establishments,” added the source.

The source said that the location was decided upon by an authorised committee of the

Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, according to guidelines issued by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

The hospital will include a number of external clinics of different specialities as well as an ER, surgical rooms and delivery rooms, in addition to intensive care units which will focus on senior citizens, children and premature infants. It will also have a maternity ward, a women’s ward, a children’s ward, a psychology ward, and a dialysis unit, in addition to a day care unit.

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‘Students checking phones during lectures causes big distraction’

“We have also had cases of books of teachers taken from the library and copied and circulated by students. Quiz answers are always flying about on quiz day,” she added.

Karen van de Ruit, English lecturer said, “I definitely think phones should be banned in classrooms. We have huge problems with students checking their phones during classes and it is very hard to control.”

Maha Al Balushi, assistant professor of marketing at the College of Economics and Political Sciences, of the Sultan Qaboos University is a teacher who allows students to use their phones and check WhatsApp. “I allow it in two situations.

Sometimes, when lectures stretch from two to three hours I give them a five-minute break to ask them to check their WhatsApp messages. I do that just to refresh them. I understand that it is not possible to pay attention for such a long stretch of time. This strategy is for long lectures only,” she said.

Maha has a WhatsApp group for her class which they use while doing video-related assignments in classroom.

Modin’s study also found that students spent an average of three hours per day on popular instant messaging applications.

The study among other things revealed that WhatsApp took up a quite a bit of study time of students, weakened their creativity and thinking skills, led to lack of concentration during lectures, and reduced time allotted for learning.

The study was conducted as part of Al Balushi’s dissertation, which he received from Jordan to

The study among other things revealed that WhatsApp took up a quite a bit of study time of students, weakened their creativity and thinking skills, led to lack of concentration during lectures, and reduced time allotted for learning

highlight the effect WhatsApp has on the educational achievements of students.

Questionnaires were distributed among 400 students, of which 371 from all levels from Sultan Qaboos, Nizwa and Sohar universities responded.

As for the number of hours WhatsApp was used, Modin found that while 48 per cent of them used it for one or two hours, 43.1 per cent used it for more than three hours, 3.2 per cent used it from two to three hours, and only 5.1 per cent used it less than an hour.

Modin said that students who use the application during lectures receive images, audio and video clips from friends.

“They spend less time concentrating. I feel that excessive use

of the app has a negative effect on thinking abilities.”

“WhatsApp is occupying everyone’s time these days. When I enter the library in colleges, I find most of the students holding phones. It is a library and it should be used for studying,” said Modin.

Meanwhile, Modin found that 56.9 per cent of the respondents did not use the application for academic purposes.

Academic purposes Even those who were using it for academic purposes were doing it to enquire about examination dates and lecture timings.

According to his study, 30.5 per cent of students use WhatsApp at home followed by 27.5 per cent in colleges and universities.

“On the other hand, there are positive effects where the application makes it easier for students to receive simple information regarding their course,” he said.

Though some skills were negatively affected, grades remained high, and 30.5 per cent of students scored a ‘very good’ GPA, followed by 24.5 per cent with ‘acceptable’ GPAs, 22.9 per cent with ‘excellent’ scores and 22.1 with ‘good’ scores.

Afrah Mohammed Al Mamari, a student of the Caledonian College of Engineering said, “WhatsApp is an important communication tool that everyone has to use. I feel that it negatively affects my concentration during lectures, so it will be good to ban it during classes. Sometimes, it also make people focus on the phone and laugh at jokes without giving respect to the place they are in.”

Al Shaima Al Abri, a student of College of Applied Sciences Nizwa, said, “We are allowed to

use our cell phones during lectures, but some lecturers ban the usage of any device unless it is for emergency use or making an urgent phone call, while other lecturers are totally fine with us using phones.”

Al Abri says, “I suggest passing a rule that prohibits use of smartphones during lectures as it disturbs students and hampers concentration. I do not really see the point of attending classes if the student is willing to spend time on his or her cell phone.”

“When people go to the movies they switch off their mobiles to enjoy the movie, why can’t they do the same in the colleges?’, she asked.

Ghada Al Hooti, another student said, “It is better if phones are banned during lectures, because the natural impulse is to check WhatsApp once the phone is off, which deters us from focussing on the lecture.”

Ghada usually uses her phone to take photos of lecture slides if she does not have time to take notes and use WhatsApp to send it to fellow classmates when they miss it.

A student who did not wish to be named said that she gets bored in class and usually uses WhatsApp to chat with friends.

“If they ban phones in the class, I do not know what I will I do,” she said. Modin urged that an indepth study be conducted on the positive and negative effects that WhatsApp has on students and on their academic achievements, in addition to creating practical scientific programmes which bridge the gap between users and academic authorities in using this application and increasing their academic achievements.

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REGION ‘Russia forces join Syria conflict’ setback, state television reported government troops had surrendered an air base in northwestern Syria to a rebel alliance after nearly two years under siege.

The loss of the base meant the last government troops had now withdrawn altogether from central Idlib province, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based group that monitors the conflict.

Three Lebanese sources gave the most forthright account yet from the region of what US officials say appears to be a new military buildup by Moscow, though one of the sources said the numbers of Russians involved so far were small

MOSCOW/BEIRUT: Russian forces have begun participating in military operations in Syria in support of government troops, three Lebanese sources familiar with the political and military situation there said on Wednesday.

The sources, speaking to Reuters on condition they not be identified, gave the most forthright account yet from the region of what US officials say appears to be a new military buildup by Moscow, one of President Bashar Al Assad’s main allies, though one of the sources said the numbers of Russians involved so far were small.

Tank landing ships Two US officials said Russia has sent two tank landing ships and additional aircraft to Syria in the past day or so and has deployed a small number of naval infantry forces. The US officials, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said the intent of Russia’s military moves in Syria remained unclear.

One of the officials said initial indications suggested the fo-

REGIME SETBACK: A general view shows former Syrian army fighter jets at the Abu Duhur military airport, the last regime-held military base in northwestern Idlib province, after Al Qaeda’s Syrian affiliate and its allies seized the base on Wednesday in the latest setback for President Bashar Al Assad’s forces. — AFP

cus was on preparing an airfield near the port city of Latakia, an Assad stronghold.

The moves come at a time when forces of Assad’s government have faced major setbacks on the battlefield in a four-year-old multi-sided civil war that has killed 250,000 people and driven half of Syria’s 23 million people from their homes.

Syrian troops pulled out of a major air base on Wednesday, and a monitoring group said this meant government soldiers were no longer present at all in Idlib province, most of which slipped from government control earlier this year.

Moscow confirmed it had “experts” on the ground.

But Russia has declined to comment on the exact scale and scope of its military presence in Syria.

Damascus denied Russians were involved in combat, but a Syrian official said the presence of experts had increased in the past year. Officials in the United States, which is fighting an air war against the group IS in Syria and also opposes Assad’s government, have said in recent days that they suspect Russia is reinforcing to aid Assad.

Washington has put pressure on countries nearby to deny their air space to Russian flights, a move Moscow denounced on Wednesday as “international boorishness”.

Moscow’s only naval base in the Mediterranean is at Tartus on the Syrian coast in territory held by Assad, and keeping it secure would be an important strategic objective for the Kremlin.

Two of the Lebanese sources said the Russians were establishing two bases in Syria, one near the coast and one further inland which would be an operations base.

“The Russians are no longer just advisors,” one of them said.”The Russians have decided to join the war against terrorism.”

Still small Another of the Lebanese sources said that so far any Russian combat role was still small: “They have started in small numbers, but the bigger force did not yet take part...

There are numbers of Russians taking part in Syria but they did not yet join the fight against terrorism strongly.”

The Syrian official said: “Russian experts are always present

but in the last year they have been present to a greater degree.”

Reflecting Western concern, Germany’s foreign minister warned Russia against increased military intervention in Syria, saying the Iran nuclear deal and new UN initiatives offered a starting point for a political solution to the conflict. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said reports of growing Russian military activity in Syria were a cause for concern, while France said it made finding a political solution to the crisis more complicated.

Thus far in the war, Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah have the main sources of military support for Assad, but momentum turned against him earlier this year.

In the latest major battlefield

Made gains Coalitions of rebels, like Al Qaeda’s Syrian affiliate the Nusra Front to more secular nationalists, have made gains in the northwest and southwest of the country.

They often fight against both the government and IS who control much of the east of Syria as well as northern Iraq.

Russia says the Syrian government must be incorporated into a shared global fight against IS. The United States and Assad’s regional foes see him as part of the problem.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry said Moscow would consider additional military measures needed for fighting terrorism in Syria if it deemed them necessary.

A senior US official said on Saturday Washington had detected “worrisome preparatory steps,” including transport of prefabricated housing units for hundreds of people to a Syrian airfield, that could signal that Russia is readying deployment of heavy military assets there.

Diplomatic quarrel Russia has in recent days set out the case for supporting Assad in the most forthright terms yet, likening the Western approach to Syria to failures in Iraq and Libya.

Part of the diplomatic quarrel has centred around use of air space for flights, which Moscow says bring humanitarian aid but U.S. officials say may be bringing military supplies.

To avoid flying over Turkey, one of Assad’s main enemies, Russia has sought to fly planes over Balkan states, but Washington has urged them to deny Moscow permission. — Reuters

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REGION 800 Egyptian soldiers for Yemen ground war Egyptian security sources said four Egyptian units of between 150 to 200 troops along with tanks and transport vehicles arrived in Yemen late on Tuesday

SANAA: As many as 800 Egyptian soldiers arrived in Yemen late on Tuesday, Egyptian security sources said, swelling the ranks of a Gulf Arab military contingent which aims to rout the Houthi group after a five-month civil war.

It was the first reported deployment of ground troops there by Egypt, which has one of the Arab world’s strongest armies.

A coalition led by Saudi Arabia has scored major gains against the militia and its allies in Yemen’s army, backing a push by Yemeni fighters to seize much of the country’s south and now setting its sights on the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa.

Four Egyptian units of between 150 to 200 troops along with tanks and transport vehicles arrived in Yemen late on Tuesday, two Egyptian security sources said.

TAKING POSITION: Fighters loyal to Yemen’s exiled President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, ride a vehicle mounted with a heavy machine gun during clashes with Houthi rebels at a military site near the country’s third-largest city of Taez on Wednesday. - AFP

“We have sent these forces as part of Egypt’s prominent role in this alliance...the alliance fights for the sake of our brotherly Arab states, and the death of any Egyptian soldier would be an honour and considered martyrdom for the sake of innocent people,” a senior Egyptian military source said.

Yemeni officials put the number of foreign troops at least around 2,000, while Qatari-owned Al Jazeera TV said at least 10,000 foreign soldiers had arrived.

They are part of a force preparing to eventually assault the capital, which the Houthis seized last year. Houthis say they are fighting a revolution against a corrupt government, which they drove into

Saudi exile in late March.

More than 4,500 people have been killed by fighting and air strikes since the beginning of the conflict, which has also unleashed disease and hunger in the impoverished country.

Brigadier General Ahmed Al Asseri, a spokesman for the coalition, said its forces were focusing on overcoming Houthi resistance in Yemen’s central and southern provinces, pounding their positions from the air across the country before beginning any thrust towards Sanaa.

“Before you start the ground operation, you have to have the prerequisite of the air campaign,” Al Asseri said.

“I don’t want to talk about Sanaa because the military issue is in phases...Now we are talking of Marib and Taiz.”

Residents reported heavy air raids on military bases throughout Sanaa on Wednesday, the latest in a series of daily assaults which fishermen said killed 20 Indian nationals off a Red Sea port on Tuesday.

At least 15 other civilians were killed throughout the country on Tuesday, medics said.

The alliance has increased air strikes on Sanaa and other parts of Yemen since Friday, when a Houthi missile attack killed at least 60 soldiers at a military camp in central Marib province. -Reuters

I N T E R NAT I O NA L S A N C T I O N

‘Iran not to talk with US on any issue after nuclear talks’ DUBAI: Iran’s Supreme Leader has said Tehran will not negotiate with the United States on any issue after the landmark nuclear deal with world powers in July, according to his official website on Wednesday.

The comments appeared to contradict more moderate president Hassan Rouhani, who said on Tuesday the Islamic Republic was ready to hold talks with the United States on ways to resolve Syria’s civil war.

“We negotiated with the US on the nuclear issue for specific reasons.(The Americans) behaved well in the talks, but we didn’t and we won’t allow negotiation with the Americans on other issues,” Ayatollah Khamenei was quoted as saying.

“The Americans are not hiding their animosity towards Iran...

Americans in the Congress are plotting and passing bills against us...Negotiations are a tool for them to influence Iran and to impose their will,” Ayatollah Khamenei said to hundreds of visitors to his offices.

Following the nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers, several high diplomatic delegations from Europe have visited Iran, in a possible sign of a thaw after a decade of isolation brought on by international sanctions.

But long-time rivals Tehran and Washington have yet to normalise relations or open a dialogue on their contending policies in the war-torn region.

President Barack Obama on Tuesday secured 42 votes in the

The Americans are not hiding their animosity towards Iran...

Americans in the Congress are plotting and passing bills against us...

Negotiations are a tool for them to influence Iran and to impose their will Ayatollah Khamenei

Iran’s Supreme Leader

US Senate to secure the nuclear deal of which Republicans and pro-Israel lobbies disapprove.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been a vociferous opponent of the Iran deal, calling it a threat to his country’s existence.

“God willing there will be nothing left of the zionist regime in 25 years,” Khamenei said. - Reuters

SHAKE UP

Iraq’s Abadi dismisses 123 senior officials as part of reforms BAGHDAD: Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi said on Wednesday he had dismissed 123 deputy ministers and general managers as part of a reform push aimed at reducing corruption and mismanagement which has made the country nearly impossible to govern.

Backed by street protests demanding better services and a call for bold action by Iraq’s most senior cleric, Abadi has rolled out the largest shakeup of the country’s governing system since the US occupation.

He has set out to transform a system based on sectarian and ethnic quotas, which often hands high office to unqualified candidates and encourages graft.

Abadi did not mention which ministries would be affected by Wednesday’s decision, but said in a statement that the senior officials would be sent into retirement or have their administrative status “adjusted”.

He said the subordinates of those dismissed would take over their responsibilities until ministries’ structures are reviewed and replacements are appointed.

Reforms In earlier reforms launched last month, Abadi eliminated Iraq’s three vice president and three deputy prime minister positions, sacked a third of his cabinet, and cut politicians’ security details and other perks.

BATTLEFRONT: Tanks belonging to the Iraqi Army are seen on the outskirts of Baiji on Monday. Baiji has been a battlefront for more than a year, since its seizure by IS in June 2014. - Reuters

But critics complain the changes have not yet improved ordinary people’s lives and warn some of the measures are unconstitutional.

Meanwhile, Iraq will use the

proceeds of an international bond issue to fund salaries as well as infrastructure projects in the oil and gas, electricity and transportation sectors, according to a prospectus

seen by Reuters on Wednesday.

Baghdad wants to raise up to $6 billion in a series of US dollar bond sales. The first issue is expected to be about a third of that.

Representatives from the government will start a week-long roadshow in Europe and the United States on Thursday to market the deal, which was expected to be unsecured.

“The Notes constitute and will constitute direct, general, unconditional and unsubordinated Public External Indebtedness of Iraq for which the full faith and credit of Iraq is pledged,” the prospectus read.

Citigroup, Deutsche Bank and JP Morgan are lead-managing the international issue, Iraq’s first in

nine years. OPEC’s second-largest oil producer is seeking to finance a budget deficit caused by low oil prices and a war against the IS militants occupying large swathes of the north and west.

Economic activity shrank by 6.7 per cent in the first quarter compared with the same period last year, the prospectus showed.

That figure excludes most economic activity for areas occupied

by IS group.

Total public debt rose to $39.5 billion at the end of June from $33.3 billion at the end of 2014, the prospectus showed.

It said foreign exchange reserves had dropped to $61.2 billion in July from $66.3 billion at the end of last year. - Reuters

TRASH CRISIS

Fresh protests in Lebanon as parties fail to achieve results in talks on ending gridlock BEIRUT: Lebanese protesters angered by crumbling infrastructure and political paralysis returned to Beirut’s streets on Wednesday as party leaders failed to achieve results in talks on ending the gridlock.

Hundreds of people gathered in central Beirut to denounce Lebanon’s stagnant political system that has become the target of demonstrations that started over a trash crisis.

Representatives of Lebanon’s main parties met earlier for talks intended to discuss divisions that have left the country without a president and its cabinet too paralysed to take decisions.

But the meeting ended with no concrete results and a simple announcement that a new session would be held on September 16.

“The participants expressed their points of view... about the main topic, which is the election of a president,” a parliamentary statement said.

In the streets, demonstrators said they had never expected results from the talks, which they painted as a bid to avoid making real decisions.

“We did not expect results.

From dialogue to dialogue, they are just lying to us,” said Mustapha Awali, a 21-year-old student, referring to a series of fruitless political dialogues held between parties over the past decade.

“You have failed at everything, go

DEMONSTRATION: Protesters carry banners and Lebanese national flags during a protest against perceived government failures, including a rubbish disposal crisis, at Martyrs’ Square in downtown Beirut, Lebanon on Wednesday. - Reuters

home,” read balloons hung by protesters on barbed wire near the parliament.

As night fell, more protesters converged on downtown Beirut’s Martyrs Square, despite a regional sandstorm that has blanketed the country in dust and killed three people.

Dialogue “This dialogue is a lie to the people,” said Tarek Al Maleh, an activist with “You Stink”.

“They’ve besieged us as though we were in a military barracks and confined us to a single area, but we

are here to stay,” he said. Samer Mazeh, a 23-year-old student, ridiculed the political dialogue.

“The dialogue only aims... to circumvent us,” he said.

“The trash crisis can be solved and there are many options available to countries around the world, but they don’t want a solution because trash is a goldmine for them.” Protester Sasha Diya was equally sceptical about an extraordinary cabinet session being convened by Prime Minister Tamam Salam on Wednesday night.

“The government will meet to-

day to talk about their summer holidays,” she said scornfully.

Just the basics “What we are asking for are basics: water, electricity, social services.”

Lebanon’s protest movement began in mid-July as pungent garbage piled up in Beirut and its environs after the closure of the country’s largest landfill.

But it has since grown to incorporate frustrations that cut across sectarian and partisan lines, including over electricity and water shortages, and endemic political corruption and stagnation. - AFP

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M O N S O O N S H O R T FA L L

Government disappoints amid back-to-back drought NEW DELHI: India has just suffered back-to-back drought years for only the fourth time in over a century, summer crops are wilting and reservoir water levels are at their lowest in at least a decade for the time of year.

Yet Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has not held a high-level meeting to discuss drought relief for farmers since June, when its weather office forecast — correctly as it turned out — that this year’s monsoon rains would fall short.

Fifteen months since winning power, in part on his record in boosting agriculture as chief minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi faces growing criticism for failing to shield Indian farmers from deepening hardship.

“The whole government machinery became complacent,” said Ashok Gulati, an agricultural economist and former adviser to New Delhi. After rain in June, the government “took no precautionary measures” even as the weather turned dry, he said.

The lack of urgency risks worsening rural distress ahead of state elections Modi must win to stand a better chance of passing tough reforms. The next to go to the polls is Bihar, home state of Radha Mohan Singh, the minister responsible for agriculture and farmers’ welfare.

Radha Mohan has been out campaigning in India’s third-largest state by population. A senior official at his ministry said the government was ready to help farmers deal with crop losses. But there were no plans for any new meet-

ings, said the official, who requested anonymity. The government was waiting for states to formally declare a drought before it could pass on benefits, Singh said on Tuesday.

Modi ‘only talks’ Meanwhile, across villages in the huge western state of Maharashtra, weeds grow through drooping sugarcane and soybean crops. Rats infest sunbaked rice fields. Rains were more than 40 per cent below normal in central Maharashtra.

Rivals brace for action as Bihar poll dates out Chief election commissioner said polls to the 243-seat assembly will be held on October 12, 16, 28, November 1 and 5

NEW DELHI: Assembly elections in Bihar will be fought in five phases between October 12 and November 5 in a high-stake battle that is seen as a major popularity test for NDA-spearhead Prime Minister Narendra Modi and incumbent Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who is in alliance with RJD and Congress.

Announcing the poll schedule, the Election Commission said that counting of votes will be held on November 8, just three days before Diwali and the locally significant Chhath puja that follows the festival of lights.

Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said polls to the 243seat assembly will be held on October 12, 16, 28, November 1 and 5.

The term of the current assembly expires on November 29.

The battle for power in Bihar assumes significance in the context of Modi leading the NDA charge after BJP’s debacle in the Delhi assembly polls early this year. Recently Modi announced a Rs1.65 trillion package for Bihar in his bid to end the two-decade reign of Lalu-Nitish combine.

The BJP and the ruling JD (U) ended the alliance after eight years in power when Nitish Kumar part-

ANNOUNCEMENT: Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi with Election Commissioners A. K. Joti and O. P. Rawat at a press conference to announce the election, on Wednesday. – PTI

IN A NUTSHELL

Counting of votes will take place on November 8

The term of the current assembly expires on November 29

There are over 66.80 million voters in Bihar

ed ways over Modi being anointed the campaign chief of BJP in 2013 for Lok Sabha elections.

Festivals during polls Noting that a number of important festivals like Dussehra, Eid, Muharram, Diwali and Chhath will fall in the election period, Zaidi said the commission will ensure communal harmony and peace. Flanked by Election Commissioners Achal Kumar Joti and Om Prakash Rawat, Zaidi told a press conference that more than adequate security arrangements have been made by the election body to ensure peaceful, free and fair polls in state where over 47 constituencies are

hit by Left wing extremism.

This time, EC has ensured that central armed police force (CAPF) personnel are deployed in all the 62779 polling stations of the state. There are over 66.80 million voters in the state.

In the first phase on October 12, 49 assembly constituencies will go for polls spread across 10 districts. Polling will be held in 32 assembly constituencies in six districts in the second phase on October 16. Most of the Left wing extremism hit areas will go for elections in the first two phases.

In the third phase, polling will be held in 50 constituencies in six districts while in the fourth phase, 55 assembly seats in seven districts will go for elections. In the last phase, elections will be held in 57 constituencies in nine districts, Zaidi said.

Last time, Bihar assembly elections were held in six phases.

Sources later said over 6,000 personnel have been provided. - PTI

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Farmers there, worried that their crops will fail again, said they had lost hope with Modi.

“He only talks,” said Nanasaheb Patil, 32, a rice grower in the hill village of Bamnoli. Patil got no government aid when unseasonal rain damaged his crops earlier this year. “Since he came to power, nothing has changed for us.”

Crop damage is no longer as big a worry for India as it was as recently as eight years ago, thanks to bumper harvests of staples like rice, wheat and sugar, aided by government subsidies.

But for India’s nearly 200 million marginal farmers, many of whom borrow heavily to cultivate plots smaller than two acres, the fate of one crop can make the difference between life and death.

Reports of farmer suicides are rising, especially from the droughthit Maharashtrian district of Marathwada, where nearly 600 have killed themselves so far this year, according to local reports. Rains in Marathwada were less than half normal levels. - Reuters

Monsoon revives in central parts, southern peninsula NEW DELHI: Monsoon rains have revived in the worst-hit central India and southern peninsula regions that would help boost kharif crops and water level in reservoirs, a top official of Meteorological Department said on Wednesday.

Monsoon deficit has been at 12 per cent so far this season (June 1 to September 2).

However, the rain deficit in the southern peninsula and central India was 22 per cent and 16 per cent, respectively, according to data.

Southern peninsula comprises of states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana,

Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala, while Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Gujarat are part of central India.

“Monsoon rains have already revived from today in south peninsula and central India. More rains are likely in this region as pressure is building in the Bay of Bengal and moving into inland by September 15,” IMD Director General L. S. Rathore said.

Revival in rains augur well for kharif crops and would also help narrow rainfall deficit in September, he said.

The rain deficit in September is 50 per cent. - PTI

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMB ER 10, 20 1 5

INDIA AERIAL BOMBARDMENT

LEAP IN ONION PRICES LEAVES A BITTER TASTE

The cost of India’s staple vegetable — an essential ingredient in curries and eaten daily by almost everyone — soared in August to an eyewatering Rs60 a kilo on wholesale markets, up from Rs25 in June. Unseasonal rains are given as the reason for the current shortage by some, as they sparked floods that destroyed crops earlier in the year. Some others blame the summer monsoon for disrupting supply. Dark editorials in the Indian press point to a shady network of unscrupulous hoarders conspiring to stockpile onions, artificially pushing up prices. — AFP

Seven Indians missing after Yemen air strike NEW DELHI: At least seven out of 20 Indian crew members are missing after their boats came under aerial bombardment while plying between Somalia and Yemen, External Affairs Ministry said on Wednesday.

Disputing reports that 20 Indian nationals were killed in air strikes by coalition forces at Yemen’s Hodeidah port, the Ministry of External Affairs said 13 Indians crew members “are alive and 7 are reported missing”.

“We have seen media reports about the death of Indian nationals in Yemen. Indian embassy officials in Djbouti are in touch with local contacts and we have ascertained that there were two boats one of which was plying between Berbera (Somalia) and Mokha (Yemen),” the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said.

The boats came under aerial bombardment in the afternoon of 8 September. The boats were carrying a total of 20 Indian crew members of which 13 are alive and 7 are reported missing, he said, adding, no other information is currently available regarding the identities of the Indian nationals.

India does not have embassy in Yemen, which was shut down in April this year. - PTI

BRIEFS

Mandy Moore enjoys ‘litti chokha’ during Patna visit

Gold bonds, monetisation get government go-ahead AT A GLANCE

PATNA: Hollywood actress Mandy Moore, on her visit to India, is not shying away from experimenting with local cuisines and recently sampled Bihar’s favourite ‘litti-chokha’ when she was here. The 31-year-old actress, best known for her roles in films like A Walk To Remember, Tangled and License to Wed, is in India to support NGO PSI India’s Gender Based Violence Programme Project Wajood.

Indian government

Indian tourists in Thailand warned of jet ski scams

from buying physical

BANGKOK: India has warned its nationals holidaying in Thailand to be cautious while renting jet skis in the popular beach resort of Pattaya and other due to continuing extortion scams and threats of violence. The Indian embassy said it has received recurring complaints by Indian tourists.

Plans for special session on goods tax abandoned NEW DELHI: The Indian government on Wednesday gave up plans to reconvene a session of Parliament to get GST Constitutional Amendment Bill approved, a move that is likely to delay the implementation of Goods and Services Tax by April 1, 2016. - Agencies

Instead of buying physical gold, Indian residents can buy the gold bonds

announced the Gold bonds will be issued in 2, 5, 10 and 100 grams of gold or other denominations. The cap per person per year has been set at 500 grams

launch of sovereign gold bonds and

Tenor of gold bonds will be for minimum of 5 to 7 years to protect investors from volatility in gold prices

a separate gold monetisation

Gold monetisation scheme that will enable depositors to earn interest on their on their gold accounts

scheme in a bid to lure away citizens

People can deposit idle gold with authorised agencies and take advantage of the price escalation of gold

yellow metal

NEW DELHI: Holding out a promise of tax exemption, government on Wednesday cleared a scheme aimed at tapping a part of an estimated 20,000 tonnes of idle gold into the banking system and issuing sovereign bonds as an alternative to the precious metal.

Through the Gold Monetisation Scheme, approved by the federal cabinet, gold in any form can be deposited with banks for a period of one to 15 years that will earn interest while redemption will be at the prevailing value at the end of the tenure.

“It is safer and economically more stable to go under both these schemes,” Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said after the cabinet meeting.

The gold bond scheme will have an annual cap of 500 grams per

person and such bonds would be issued for a period of 5-7 years.

“The cabinet on Wednesday cleared the gold bond scheme. Under this scheme instead of buying physical gold, Indian residents can buy the gold bonds,” Jaitley said.

The federal budget 2015-16 had proposed to launch a Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) scheme to develop a financial asset as an alternative to gold. The bonds will be issued in 2, 5, 10 and 100 grams of gold and the tenor of the bond could be for a minimum of 5-7 years so that it protects investors from medium-term volatility in gold prices, Jaitley said.

As regards the gold monetisation scheme, the minister said people holding idle gold can deposit it in banks for either short-, medium- or long-term. “This

is not a black money immunity scheme and normal taxation laws would be applicable,” Jaitley said when asked if this was an immunity scheme.

1,000 tonnes imported He said around 1,000 tonnes of gold is imported annually and people hold such quantum of idle gold just for investment purpose every year.

By taking advantage of gold monetisation scheme, people can deposit idle gold with authorised agencies and take advantage of the price escalation of gold as well as earn interest on the deposit, he said.

“The deposit tenure would be short-, medium- or long-term and if the idle gold is deposited in banking system then at the time of redemption people can get the actual value of gold and physical gold

can be obtained if it is a short-term deposit. Besides, people will also get the interest,” Jaitley added.

The gold monetisation scheme was also announced in the budget for 2015-16. The gold mobilised under it, Jaitley said, will be used in auctioning and replenishing India central bank’s gold reserves.

Besides, it would be utilised in making India gold coin, which will have the Ashok chakra, and even for lending to jewellers so that gold need not be imported, he said.

Jaitley said the notification and date of implementation of the gold monetisation scheme would be announced very soon.

Seeking to mobilise large amount of idle gold held by households and institutions, the government in May proposed a new scheme offering tax-free interest

on depositing the yellow metal with banks. The draft gold monetisation scheme also provides for incentives to the banks, while individuals and institutions can deposit as low as 30 gm of gold, while the interest earned on it would be exempt from income tax as well as capital gains tax.

As regards gold bond scheme, Jaitley said the interest on these bonds would be decided keeping the market rate into view and redemptions can be done through banks, non banking financial companies and post offices. - PTI

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‘GLOBAL INVESTORS MEET’

Tamil Nadu targets $250b infrastructure investment

CALL TO INVESTORS: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.

Investment of over Rs1 trillion was committed for Tamil Nadu at a maiden Global Investors Meet that began on Tuesday. – PTI

CHENNAI: Inviting global investors to take advantage of industryfriendly policies of south-Indian state Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa said the state had set an investment target of $250 billion in the infrastructure sector in the coming years.

“Investment in Tamil Nadu is a sound investment,” she said while inaugurating the ‘Global Investors Meet’ and an exhibition showcasing, among other things, the achievements of the state.

Jayalalithaa noted that Tamil Nadu was amongst the early states to capitalise on economic reforms launched in India in the early 1990s. She said that under the ‘Vision 2023’ initiated by the state government, the per capita income of the state will be raised to the levels of higher income countries.

The chief minister recalled that automobile giants like Hyundai and Ford had set up manufacturing facilities in Tamil Nadu availing of the industry friendly policies of the state.

The participants at the meet were treated to a glitzy cultural extravaganza including a programme by eminent dancer Urmila Sathyanarayana and her troupe.

The main logo of the global investors meet ‘Pegasus’ was also unveiled on the occasion.

Rs1 trillion committed Investment of over Rs1 trillion was committed for Tamil Nadu at a maiden Global Investors Meet that began here on Tuesday, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa said as she made a strong pitch for pushing the infrastructure sector.

“The Global Investors Meet (GIM) had targeted investment commitments of Rs1 trillion, which has already been exceeded.

I am very confident that further commitments would be made over these two days,” she said while lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi for creating “a more investor-friendly climate”.

“These are not idle promises or mere ideas. Implementation of 84 of the 217 projects and programmes identified under the ‘Vision Tamil Nadu-2023’ has already commenced,” she said. She also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives on the economic front, saying the “investor-friendly initiatives will enthuse” the businesses planning to invest in Tamil Nadu.

“The honourable prime minister has spearheaded many recent

initiatives to create a more investor friendly climate and encourage more Foreign Direct Investment,” she said.

Federal Commerce Minister Niramala Sitharaman, who delivered the special address at the event, hailed Tamil Nadu as an investor-friendly state with huge opportunities that are waiting to be tapped.

Jayalalithaa for her part urged Sitharaman to expedite clearances at the central level for the investments proposed in the GIM. The roads leading to chennai Trade Centre -- the GIM venue — were decorated with festoons and AIADMK flags while there were performers en route to the meet venue playing percussion instruments. There was a tight security cover around the venue. - PTI

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FURIOUS: Pakistani journalists shout slogans during a protest against the killing of their colleagues in Karachi on Wednesday. — AFP

Aftab Alam was struck by three bullets fired by two gunmen on a motorcycle on Wednesday. On Tuesday night, a Geo TV satellite engineer was killed

KARACHI: Unidentified gunmen shot dead a Pakistani TV journalist in Karachi on Wednesday, less than a day after a similar attack on a news van in the same city killed a technician.

Aftab Alam was targeted by two gunmen on a motorcycle while he was reversing his car outside his home in a central district of the port city in the afternoon.

“He was targeted by two motorcycle riders waiting for him outside his home,” deputy inspector general of police Feroze Shah told AFP. He was struck by three bullets -- two in the head and one in the neck, added Shah.

Alam had last worked for leading channel Samaa TV before re-

tiring due to ill health last year, a colleague told AFP. The attack was the third on a media worker within 24 hours after gunmen sprayed bullets on a Geo News TV van Tuesday night, killing a satellite engineer in the Bahadurabad neighbourhood of eastern Karachi and injuring the driver. Also on Tuesday night, gunmen shot at Abdul Azam Shinwari, a 52-year-old newspaper journalist based in Peshawar.

Shinwari sustained four bullet injuries in the lower part of his body and was immediately taken to hospital where doctors have so far removed three of them, according to senior local police official Rana Umar.

Shah, the senior police officer,

CONSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENT

Court orders government to ditch English for Urdu ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ordered the government to implement Urdu as the country’s official language, replacing English in all communications 68 years after gaining independence from Great Britain.

The court order, issued Wednesday by Chief Justice Jawwad Khawaja, requires the federal government and the four provinces to make the switchover within three months in order to end the “societal divide” between the English-speaking elite and the non-English speaking majority.

Six major languages Pakistan has six major languages: Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, Seraiki, Urdu and Balochi in addition to dozens of smaller regional languages and dialects.

Urdu is considered a lingua franca and is understood as a

Urdu is considered a lingua franca and is understood as a second-language by most of the population

second-language by most of the population.

But English has been preferred for laws, court orders, and all other forms of official communication by the ruling elite ever since Pakistan’s creation in 1947, resulting in what some experts have called a form of “linguistic apartheid” dividing the country’s haves and have-nots.

In his judgement, Justice Kha-

waja noted that the constitution, written in 1973, had given the government a 15-year grace period to switch all official communication over to English, but the order had never been implemented.

“It is a corollary of a person’s right to dignity enshrined in the Constitution that his or her language should be respected and recognised by the State,” the judgement said.

“He or she must not be denied access to economic and political opportunities because he or she is...not conversant with the English language,” it added.

Creation of Bangladesh But past efforts to enforce Urdu across the country have led to controversy among proponents of regional languages, and was one of the major grievances of Bengali nationalists who fought to secede from Pakistan in 1971 and created Bangladesh. — AFP

G WA D A R S P E C I A L E C O N O M I C Z O N E

Pakistan set to sign 40-year lease with China company KARACHI: Pakistan is set to sign a 40-year-lease with a Chinese company to develop a massive special economic zone in the deep sea port of Gwadar, officials said Wednesday.

The scheme is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), an ambitious $46 billion investment plan linking western China to the Arabian Sea with infrastructure, energy and transport projects.

The contract assigning the 923 hectare (2300 acre) swathe of taxexempt land to China Overseas Port Holding Company (COPHC) is likely to be signed this month or October, Dostain Khan Jamaldini, chief of the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) told AFP. As part of the wider plans,

“work on the Gwadar International Airport would start in the next couple of months and we are quite hopeful of completion of the national highway connecting Gwadar with the north within the next month”, he added.

Protect port Pakistan is also raising a special security force of between 10,000 and 25,000 men to protect the port, which lies in the restive southwestern province of Baluchistan which since 2004 has been roiled by a separatist insurgency. Abdul Razzaq Durrani, the director general of GPA, confirmed the deal.

Gwadar port, located 540 kilometres southwest of Karachi, was built in 2007 with technical

help from Beijing as well as Chinese financial assistance of some $248 million.

But acquiring the land from private owners to build the economic zone took several years and cost the Baloch government around $62 million, Durrani said.

‘Plunder of resources’ Some Baloch nationalists have accused the Chinese of conspiring with the Pakistani elite to plunder the province’s resources while doing little to share profits and create jobs for local people.

But Simbal Khan, a geo-political analyst, said that China had made similar deals in Africa, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and the project was of great strategic value to both countries. — AFP

said that it was too early to say whether the killings of the journalist and technician in Karachi were linked.

Targeted ruthlessly Amin Yusuf, secretary general of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists said: “Journalists are being targeted ruthlessly,” urging authorities to take concrete action to prevent such violence.

The International Federation of Journalists last year termed Pakistan the most dangerous country for media, with 14 journalists killed there in 2014 alone.

Karachi, a port city of some 20 million and Pakistan’s economic hub, is frequently hit by extremist, political and ethnic violence. — AFP

CARNAGE: Pakistani residents look at the car of TV journalist Aftab Alam, who was killed an attack by gunmen in Karachi on Wednesday. — AFP

GRIEF STRICKEN: Relatives mourn the death of men, who were killed by unidentified gunmen, outside a hospital morgue in Karachi, Pakistan, on Wednesday. — Reuters

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Avenues for Oman post Iran nuclear agreement

Location: Muttrah/Photo: Nikhil Philip Jacob

A

fter nearly two years of extensive negotiations, a historic nuclear deal was signed with Iran recently that will gradually led to lifting sanctions on that country. This news has been received with great enthusiasm by the business community, especially since global investors are seeking new markets with the potential to generate enormous profits when investments are allocated in the right sectors.

While the international community is monitoring Iran’s commitment to this deal, experts will be watching from the sidelines to see if the expected Iranian boom and the predicted improvements in the country’s economic indicators are realised on the ground. So from an investment perspective, what should we as Omanis expect from this deal?

There is no denying that Oman has played a pivotal role in the negotiations that led to a final resolution on Iran’s nuclear programme. This has come about as a result of the strong Omani-Iranian ties and the Sultanate’s active diplomacy that is diligently dedicated to reaching regional and international agreements and solutions. Our country’s engagement in brokering agreements has included both regional efforts such as in Iran and the Gulf countries, as well as globally in the United States and European nations.

It is only natural then that various questions are arising in the minds of Omanis who are keen to build economic and commercial collaborations with Iran.

Some of these include: Will Oman become the preferred choice for foreign Iranian investments?

How efficient is the Omani business environment and the investment infrastructure in attracting Iranian capital?

Will Iran truly need to pump external investments or will it have to boost its internal sectors instead? How can Oman attract promising Iranian investors looking to expand regionally and internationally?

During my conversations with many

intellectuals and business leaders, I have increasingly felt that Oman will be the greatest economic beneficiary following the lifting of sanctions on Iran with substantive investments likely to enter the country across diverse sectors.

Our government is undoubtedly exerting considerable efforts in developing economic sectors locally. Oman’s massive investment projects in major sectors, like logistics, airports, seaports, healthcare, and education are testimony to these efforts.

These potential investment opportunities are a perfect avenue to help build viable commercial ties with Iran. We can also share knowledge and expertise, given the fact that Iran has been fairly secluded due to sanctions and will need a trusted partner with the required know-how in different sectors.

We should also study the current conditions of the Iranian local markets and determine their short and long term requirements. We need to identify strategic local partners to help build businesses and partnerships in the Iranian markets.

Simultaneously, Omani entities should promote our local commercial, tourism, and cultural attractions to potential Iranian consumers. Encouraging tourism between both nations is a great way forward to enhancing bilateral ties between the two governments and their people.

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s visit to Iran in 2013 and the reciprocal visit of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to Muscat in 2014 are initial steps towards developing cordial bilateral relations.

As citizens, we must carry the spirit forward and brainstorm to come up with ideas for new and exciting opportunities that will strengthen our economy and open the doors for Omanis to venture into promising markets.

The author is the Chairman of National Bank of Oman and an International Advisor to the Brookings Institution. All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not reflect those of Times of Oman

READERS’ FORUM Strict corrective measures needed after girl’s death This refers to the report, ‘Rescue roll call of shame’ (September 9). It is really unfortunate that the public does not pay much attention to the Royal Oman Police’s warnings about rains and floods. Despite the early alerts and from the authorities, the people in Oman tend to disobey them and seem to be ignorant about these natural calamities resulting in tragedies. In recent years, rains, winds and floods have become a frequent occurrence in Oman. People are aware of the dangers of them. Still people take risks to challenge the wadis. It seems some people never learn lessons. While appreciating the rapid and tremendous efforts by ROP to save the lives of flood victims, the local residents also have to be involved in giving proper guidance, instructions and warnings to the public.

— P. A. Jacob, Ruwi Scan this QR code 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).

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FROM OUR ARCHIVES AUGUST 2000 Majlis reviews several issues

MUSCAT: The Majlis Al Shura held its seventh session of the year, under the chairmanship of Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Qatabi, president of the Majlis Al Shura. The session approved the previous meeting’s minutes and reviewed the measures taken to implement the decisions. The Majlis also discussed several other issues on the agenda and took appropriate decisions.

IMPORT OF LIVE ANIMALS AND THEIR PRODUCTS TO OMAN From February to April 2015 (in million rials)

No need to share findings

This refers to the news story, Astronaut controls robot from space (September 9).

This is indeed a major feat. However, I am troubled when such findings are shared with the public. The news may be exciting, but if the technology falls into wrong hands, anything can happen. For this reason I believe plenty of scientific research findings should only be for academicians, student and technology experts. A case in point is that of genetically modified foods. As most politicians are laymen, this scientific achievement has so far not delivered on the promised goal of universal food supplies. — Sally Christopher, Muscat

TODAY IN HISTORY

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1776: The term “United States” is adopted by the Continental Congress to be used instead of the “United Colonies.”

February

35.4

March

43.3

April

36.1

1886: The Berne International Copyright Convention takes place.

1942: A Japanese float plane, launched from a submarine, makes its first bombing run on a US forest near Brookings, US. 2001: Two Al Qaeda assassins kill Ahmed Shah Massoud, leader of the Northern Alliance in Afghanistan.

0 Source: National Centre for Statistics & Information

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This law has a chilling effect on civil society organisations, human rights activists and members of religious minority communities Heiner Bielefeldt, UN rapporteur

ACHIEVEMENT

Crowds cheer Queen Elizabeth as UK’s longest-reigning monarch EDINBURGH: Britain paid heartfelt tribute to Queen Elizabeth on Wednesday with cheering, flag-waving crowds on the street and solemn messages in parliament as she sealed a special place in the country’s history by becoming its longest-reigning monarch.

At about 5.30pm(1630 GMT), Elizabeth, who now aged 89 is also the nation’s oldest ever monarch, will surpass the 63 years, 7 months, 2 days, 16 hours and 23 minutes that her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria spent on the throne.

“Her Majesty the Queen inspires us all with her incredible service and her dignified leadership and the extraordinary grace with which she carries out her duties,” Prime Minister David Cameron told parliament in London.

“The Queen is our Queen and we could not be more proud of her.

She has served this country with unfailing grace, dignity and decency and long may she continue to do so,” Cameron said.

Tribute Lawmakers cheered at the end of his tribute. In central London, the BT Tower flashed “Long may she reign” around its screens nearly 200 metres above the capital.

Those close to the queen say she is fairly blase about the milestone, believing it represented little more than the fact she has lived for a

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“It’s inevitable that I should seem a rather remote figure to many of you, a successor to the kings and queens of history,” she had said in her first televised Christmas broadcast in 1957.

“I cannot lead you into battle. I do not give you laws or administer justice. But I can do something else. I can give you my heart and my devotion to these old islands and to all the peoples of our brotherhood of nations.”

As a young princess, Elizabeth had not expected to become monarch as George VI only took the crown when his elder brother Edward VIII abdicated in 1936 to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. She was 25 when she asINSPIRING PRESENCE: Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, left, sits with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, right, cended to the throne on February 6, 1952, following George’s death. at Tweedbank Station in Tweedbank on the Scottish Borders on Wednesday during a ceremony to ofThat made her the 40th monficially open the Borders Railway on the day that she becomes Britain’s longest-serving monarch.- AFP arch in a royal line that traces its origin back to Norman King Willong time and that her father, King companied by husband Prince shall, 58, wearing a jacket and hat liam the Conqueror who claimed Philip, who has been at her side covered in Britain’s Union Jack the throne in 1066 with victory George VI, died early.

Initially she did not even intend throughout her reign, at Edin- flags. “No one else will ever do it. over Anglo-Saxon Harold II at the Battle of Hastings. The year she beto mark the event publicly, but she burgh’s Waverley station before It’s testimony to her stamina.”

Elizabeth smiled broadly as she came queen, the Korean War was bowed to public pressure and un- she began a journey on a steam dertook an official engagement in train to mark the opening of the boarded the train. A Buckingham raging, Joseph Stalin was leader of Scotland, where she traditionally longest railway to be built in Brit- Palace spokeswoman said she the Soviet Union and Britain anmight make a rare public speech nounced it had the atom bomb. ain for more than 100 years. spends her Summer holiday.

“There is a motto which has “It’s brilliant,” said May Mar- afterwards.

Crowds greeted her arrival ac-

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Administration said utes along with other emergency vehicles. Passengers described scenes of panic on the plane with one witness saying there was “a lot of screaming” as fumes filled the cabin and the crew deployed the emergency slides.

Some of passengers posted dramatic images and videos that showed plumes of smoke and flames engulfing the aircraft.

the fire broke out in the left engine of the 257-seat Boeing 777 shortly after 4pm (2300 GMT) and the crew immediately aborted takeoff and ordered an

GROUNDED: British Airways plane stands on runway surrounded by emergency vehicles at McCa-

rran International Airport following a fire onboard on September 8, 2015.

- AFP

evacuation

LAS VEGAS: A British Airways jet caught fire on Tuesday as it was preparing to take off from Las Vegas, prompting the crew to abort takeoff and evacuate terrified passengers, with several injured.

Jacob Steinberg, a reporter for Britain’s Guardian newspaper, said he was asleep on the plane when it came to a “crashing halt” on the runway.

“Initially told to stay seated, then shout of evacuate,” he wrote on Twitter, saying the flames had apparently melted some of the jet’s windows.

“They opened the back door and slide went down and smoke started coming in plane, followed by mad dash to front. A lot of panic,”

he said. Steinberg said the pilot later joined the passengers inside the airport terminal and told them the fire was caused by a “catastrophic failure of the engine.”

“The pilot looked pretty shook up to be honest,” he said.

“Has been flying for years, don’t think he had ever seen anything like that.”

The Federal Aviation Administration said the fire broke out in the left engine of the 257-seat Boeing 777 shortly after 4pm (2300 GMT) and the crew immediately aborted takeoff and ordered an evacuation.

“Passengers deplaned on the runway using emergency slides and (were) bused to the terminal,” FAA spokesman Ian Gregor said.

“The aircraft, a 777-200 expe-

rienced a technical issue as it was preparing for takeoff from McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas” heading for London.

Stunned passengers flee Paul Berberian, a passenger aboard another plane that was on the tarmac at the time of the incident, described watching in disbelief as the British Airways plane caught fire and smoke billowed from the fuselage.

A video shot by Berberian and aired on CNN showed passengers using evacuation slides and running away on the tarmac as emergency vehicles rushed to the site to douse the flames.

“We were all glued to the side of the plane watching this unfold,” he said of fellow passengers on his

flight. There were 159 passengers and 13 crew on the flight, according to the FAA, which said seven people were treated for injuries.

However, British Airways, which said there were two fewer passengers on board, described the cause of the fire as a “technical issue.”

Evacuated safely “Our crew evacuated the aircraft safely and the fire was quickly extinguished by the emergency services at the airport,” a company statement said.“A small number of customers and our crew have been taken to hospital as a precaution.”

An AFP correspondent at the airport said the blaze was quickly put out by some 50 firefighters who rushed to the site within min-

Gathering more information McCarran International Airport said traffic on runway three, where the incident took place, was suspended but flights were operating normally from the three other runways.

Passengers from the stricken plane were taken to a hotel near the Las Vegas strip for the night while awaiting another flight.

“We’re aware of the incident at McCarran Airport in Las Vegas,” Boeing said in a statement.”Our teams are currently gathering more information.”

In 2014, a British Airways plane heading to Lyon, France, was forced to turn back to London’s Heathrow Airport after a witness saw flames “spitting” out of the engine on takeoff.Richard Aboulafia, an aviation expert at Teal Group, said he did not believe Tuesday’s fire was linked to any flaws with the Boeing 777.

“The 777 remains one of the safest forms of transport ever invented,” he said. - AFP

been borne by many of my ancestors - a noble motto, ‘I serve,’” Elizabeth said in a televised speech to mark her 21st birthday. “I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”

‘Country’s greatest’ Since becoming queen, she has seen 12 prime ministers, starting with Winston Churchill, and there have been 12 US presidents, from Harry S. Truman to Barack Obama. Not only has Elizabeth reigned the longest but according to a poll in the Sunday Times this week, Britons also think she is the country’s greatest monarch, ahead of her Tudor namesake Elizabeth I and Victoria, who was queen for much of the 19th century when Britain built up its empire.

Now, Elizabeth is queen of just 16 realms, including Australia and Canada. However, despite the torrent of tribute, not everyone was impressed. Republicans said her silence on political matters was her finest achievement, and wellknown British historian David Starkey remarked that she had never said or done anything memorable in all he years on the throne.

“She will not give her name to her age. Or, I suspect, to anything else,” Starkey wrote in the Radio Times magazine. - Reuters UN RAPPORTEUR

‘Bangladesh Internet law has chilling effect’ DHAKA: An Internet law in Bangladesh has had a “chilling effect” on society, the UN’s Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion said on Wednesday after a nine-day visit to the country, as he warned of rising extremism.

Under Bangladesh’s Internet Act, any person who deliberately publishes material deemed to hurt religious beliefs, offend the state or damage law and order can be jailed for 14 years.

The law has been used to imprison several high-profile journalists and social media users in the country in recent months.

“This law has a chilling effect on civil society organisations, human rights activists and members of religious minority communities,” rapporteur Heiner Bielefeldt told reporters in the capital Dhaka.

The UN rapporteur’s visit came in the wake of four murders of atheist bloggers by suspected militants this year and mounting concern over shrinking press freedom and human rights abuses.

“Undoubtedly the reality in Bangladesh is extremism is on the rise,” he said. He said he had observed a worrying trend by the government towards compromising the country’s secularism, possibly with the intention of appeasing militants.

Bangladesh is a secular state but its 160-million population is overwhelmingly Muslim. “Freedom of religion or belief does not merely protect the followers of ‘classic’ religions, but also those who profess other or beliefs, including agnostic or atheistic convictions,” he said. - AFP

INTERNAL CONFLICT

Turkey pro-Kurdish party warns of war after night of ‘lynching’ ANKARA: The leader of Turkey’s main pro-Kurdish party warned on Wednesday the country was being dragged into a civil war after a night of nationalist-tinged “lynching” that left several of its offices in flames.

Commentators have said Turkey risks being plunged into a protracted internal conflict, as the government keeps up a huge military operation against Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants and the rebels hit back with daily attacks against the security forces.

But the violence Tuesday night spilt over into the streets, as angry nationalist mobs who accuse the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) of collaborating with the PKK attacked its offices in several cities.

The tensions have spiked after 29 soldiers and police were killed in two separate attacks in

the country’s east on Sunday and Tuesday, the deadliest strikes in the current phase of the conflict.

Late Tuesday, a HDP office in the capital Ankara was attacked and torched while another branch in the southern city of Alanya was also set on fire.

A party official said that scores of attacks across the country had caused “major damage”.

Turkish media said 93 people were detained in Istanbul alone after the attacks.

Denounced HDP leader Selahattin Demirtas denounced what he described as two nights of “lynching” which he said was supported by the government.

“In the last two days more than 400 attacks (on HDP) property have been carried out. We are facing a campaign of lynching.” He

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TORCHED: A journalist films, on Wednesday the Turkey headquar-

ters of the pro-Kurdish Democratic People’s Party (HDP) destroyed by a fire set by a group of ultranationalist during the night in Ankara. - AFP

said that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu had ordered a campaign to target the HDP and said they should be brought to justice.

“It is not us (the HDP) who has

taken the decision to start this war and intensify it... the decision has been taken by the president and the prime minister,” he said in televised comments.

“They want to create a civil war

and the last two days have been rehearsals for this,” he said.

The Turkish army has intensified its relentless one and a half month campaign against the PKK after the latest attacks, sending 150 special forces troops across the border into its stronghold of northern Iraq in hot pursuit of the rebels.

The state-run Anatolia news agency said 100 suspected militants had been killed in combined land and air operations.

Demirtas, meanwhile sought to access the city of Cizre in southeast Turkey, which has been under curfew for almost a week as the army presses a military operation

that activists say has left seven civilians dead.

His delegation’s vehicles were stopped by police outside the town of Midyat and Demirtas said the group would continue the remaining 90 kilometres (56 miles) on foot.

“They can stop our convoy. But they can’t stop us walking,” he said.

The violence has upended a 2013 ceasefire aimed at allowing a final peace deal to end the PKK’s three-decade insurgency, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives.

The PKK initially took up arms in 1984 with the aim of establishing an independent state for Turkey’s Kurdish minority, although lately the demands have focused on greater autonomy and rights.

With tensions soaring, Davutoglu denounced Tuesday night’s violence and appealed for calm. - AFP

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EU plans to take in 160,000 migrants Germany pushed Europe to go further and agree long-term binding quotas with no limits on actual numbers to deal with a surge of refugees

STRASBOURG (FRANCE): The EU unveiled plans on Wednesday to take 160,000 refugees from overstretched border states, as the United States said it would accept more Syrians to ease the pressure from the worst migration crisis since World War II. As fresh unrest in Hungary underscored the scale of the problem, Germany pushed Europe to go further and agree long-term binding quotas with no limits on actual numbers to deal with a surge of asylum-seekers.

With Greece, Hungary and Italy struggling to cope, European Com-

mission chief Jean-Claude Juncker urged the continent to look to its history, ignore populist parties and take decisive action.

“Now is not the time to take fright, it is time for bold, determined action for the European Union,” Juncker said.

In response to appeals for help from an increasingly strained Europe, Secretary of State John Kerry said the United States was studying how it can resettle more refugees fleeing the conflict in Syria.

“We are committed to increasing the number that we will take,”

Kerry said. “And we are looking hard at the number that we can specifically manage with respect to the crisis in Syria and Europe.”

The migrants’ plight has touched hearts around the world, spurred especially by pictures last week of three-year-old Syrian Aylan Kurdi, whose lifeless body washed up on a Turkish beach.

But in Europe, mandatory quotas have faced stiff opposition, especially from eastern EU states such as Hungary which have seen a huge surge in migrants trying to get to Germany.

German Chancellor Angela

Merkel -- whose country is leading the way by saying it could take half a million refugees annually over several years -- said Europe needed a “binding” long-term deal for the “fair” sharing of the burden.

“We cannot just fix a ceiling and say I don’t care about anything above that,” Merkel told parliament.

In Hungary, at least 400 desperate migrants broke through police lines at the flashpoint town of Roszke on the Serbian border, yelling “No camp!” as they scattered in all directions.

“We don’t want to live any

longer in the camps in Hungary or elsewhere, the conditions are horrible,” said a young man from Damascus.

A Hungarian TV camerawoman was fired Tuesday after footage appeared to show her kicking and tripping up migrants, including children, as they ran away from a police line at Roszke.

Denmark cancels trains Denmark’s train operator meanwhile cancelled all rail services to and from Germany on Wednesday as hundreds of migrants refused to leave at least two trains. — AFP

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$20b in dirty money left Myanmar in five decades KUALA LUMPUR: Almost $20 billion in dirty money linked to corruption, crime and tax evasion has left Myanmar in the past five decades, slashing government revenue and driving a thriving underground economy, a money-laundering watchdog said on Wednesday.

Fraudulent invoicing of trade deals and physical smuggling of drugs, timber, gems and other goods pose big challenges to Myanmar, which will hold its first general elections next month since the end of military rule, US-based Global Financial Integrity said in a report.

Financial inflows Illicit financial inflows have accelerated in the past few years as the economy has opened up, and over the past five decades were four times as big as outflows, it said.

“Myanmar must be one of the most porous countries in the world,” GFI economist Joseph Spanjers, the report’s co-author, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

“It is a serious challenge for the country as tax losses due to illicit flows are robbing it of crucial public funds.”

Exchange rates Long isolation and trade restrictions during the nearly 50-year-long reign of a military government until 2011 and attempts to regulate currency exchange rates have combined to drive a substantial part of Myanmar’s economy underground, GFI said.

The Southeast Asian country, one of the poorest in the region, is not alone in grappling with the negative impacts of illicit financial flows.

GFI estimates almost $1 trillion in dirty money leaves poor nations each year, an outflow that has grabbed the attention of anti-poverty groups and world leaders because, by cutting tax revenue needed to fund areas such as health and education, it has a corrosive impact on development.

Illicit financial flows from Myanmar totalled $18.7 billion from 1960 to 2013, averaging 6.5 percent of the country’s annual economic output, GFI said. — Reuters MILLIONS VULNERABLE

WhatsApp patches flaw that exposed users to bug SAN FRANCISCO: WhatsApp recently patched a flaw that left 200 million users vulnerable to being hacked using booby-trapped digital cards for contact details, according to a US computer security firm.

Facebook-owned messaging application WhatsApp boasts more than 900 million users, some 200 million of them who access the service on computer browser software that mirrors activity from mobile devices.

A flaw in the web version of WhatsApp made it possible for hackers to hide malicious code in seemingly innocent “vCards” containing contact information.

Tainted cards Opening tainted cards allowed viruses to infect computers, potentially allowing hackers to steal control or information, according to an online post by Check Point computer security firm.

Hackers would only need a target’s smartphone number and for the person to open the “vCard.”

Check Point said that it disclosed the vulnerability to WhatsApp last month and that an updated version of the application was released. — AFP

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CONFLICT ZONE

Russia building major army base near Ukraine border SOLOTI (RUSSIA): Russia has started to build a huge military base housing ammunition depots and barracks for several thousand soldiers near the Ukrainian border, a project that suggests the Kremlin is digging in for a prolonged standoff with Kiev.

The base, when completed, will even have its own swimming pool, skating rink and barber shop, according to public documents.

Fence in a cornfield This week workmen were erecting a fence in a cornfield outside the village of Soloti to mark out the perimeter, and told a reporter to leave, accusing him of being an

tions with a total area of over 6,000 square metres. The documents also stated there would be a large training complex, and an infirmary for 50 beds, which can be expanded in case of “massive influx of wounded”.

Ukrainian spy. In almost the same spot there was a flurry of military activity in April last year that coincided with intense fighting across the Ukrainian frontier that lies about 25 km (15 miles) away.

Attack helicopters A squadron of Mi-24 attack helicopters was seen there at the time, as well as army tents and trucks.

NATO has accused Russia of using makeshift bases for sending soldiers and hardware into Ukraine to support pro-Russian separatists fighting Kiev.

Russia denies its military is in Ukraine. The defence ministry did not reply to written questions

from Reuters about the purpose of the base it is building and whether there was any connection to the Ukraine conflict.

According to tender documents published on the Russian government website zakupki.gov.ru, the

ministry is building the military base on a 300-hectare site near Valuyki, a small town not far from Soloti. The ministry intends to build nine barracks for 3,500 soldiers, warehouses for rockets, artillery weapons, and other muni-

Exact location They did not give the exact location of the base, but local residents in Soloti said they believed it would be on their doorstep.

“They are building a military town,” said Alexander Panchenko, a local resident whose house overlooks farmland where preparatory work is underway for a big construction project. — Reuters

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WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM THUR SDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2015

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Muscat 5,803.39 + 20.77 + 0.36%

Dubai 3,626.00 + 50.61 + 1.42%

Abu Dhabi 4,501.55 + 87.06 + 1.97%

Kuwait 5,808.39 + 91.69 + 1.60%

Saudi Arabia

7,721.72 + 143.35 + 1.89%

Qatar 11,659.42 + 228.95 + 2.00%

Bahrain 1,291.10 - 1.57 - 0.12%

CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.29 Pound ........................................... 1.67 Indian Rs .............................. 171.53 Pakistan Rs .......................266.88 Bangla Taka.......................199.48

Indian Rs ...................................172.40 Pakistan Rs ............................ 270.00 Sri Lanka Rs ...........................353.35 Bangla Taka.............................201.70 Phil Peso .................................... 121.40

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) .......14.45

Oman Crude............. (Spot) .........$47.98 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) .........$47.98 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) ........$49.00 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ........$48.38 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ........$49.38 West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ........$45.66

* Rates are as of Sept. 9 Source: Bank Muscat

* Rates as of Sept. 9 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

Sohar Refinery invests $50m in environment programmes reduce negative impacts on the environment.

In fact, an environmental improvement plan was developed in co-operation with the Sohar Environmental Unit (SEU) branch of the Ministry of Environmental and Climate Affairs (MECA).

These investments were mainly for industrial waste management ($15.4 million), air emissions ($29.3 million), water treatment and odour control ($8.8 million)

GREEN INITIATIVE: Environmental improvement plan was developed in co-operation with the Sohar Environmental Unit branch of the Ministry of Environmental and Climate Affairs. — Supplied picture

Times News Service

($29.3 million), water treatment and odour control ($8.8 million).

MUSCAT: State-owned Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic) had invested $50 million in the last couple of years for environment improvement programmes at Sohar refinery.

These investments were mainly for industrial waste management ($15.4 million), air emissions

Odour mitigation Some of the major projects, including an odour mitigation, sour water stripper and facilities for disposing industrial waste were completed in the first half of this year.

The Sohar Refinery Improvement Project, which is in an ad-

vanced stage, is also aimed at reducing environmental impact in the area.

Transparent approach The company has also engaged local community through its transparent approach in mitigating environmental impact.

As a result, complaints from local community came down substantially to 4 this year, from

as high as 110 in 2012, an official told journalists who visited the plant on Tuesday as part of a media briefing. The company officials briefed journalists on the progress of its expansion plans and performance. The company’s policy is to measure, manage and minimise environmental impact of the operation of refinery.

A number of key projects were identified in 2011 to eliminate or

Completed projects The major completed projects include wastewater treatment and odour elimination units, flare emissions reduction and industrial waste management projects.

The company also measures the ambient air quality for various contaminants on a frequent basis.

Its sour water stripping units ensure the removal of pollutants such as sulphur and ammonia, to make the water suitable for re-use in the refining process. Also, any liquid effluent is checked for compliance on pollution parameters as stipulated by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs before it is discharged.

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Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......13.90 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ............135.25 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) .............128.50 * Rates as of Sept. 9 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

C A P I TA L M A R K E T AU T H O R I T Y

Regulator imposes fine on insurance broking firm Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman’s insurance regulator Capital Market Authority (CMA) has imposed a fine on Armor Insurance Services Company, an insurance broker, for violating certain regulations.

The regulation requires the broker to file their audited annual accounts and balance sheet within three months from the end of the financial year.

The executive president of the CMA has issued a disciplinary order against the company, according to a press statement.

The regulation was issued to upgrade and regulate the performance of insurance brokers.

The CMA emphasised on the importance of compliance with the laws and regulations governing the sector to ensure fairness and protection for all participants.

In fact, the insurance regulator has been taking action against non-compliance of regulations in a move to improve transparency of insurance firms and other players in the market.

The major compliants include delay in submitting financial results within the stipulated time.

B2

THURSDAY, SEPTEMB ER 10, 20 1 5

MARKET OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ....................................... 5,803.86 ...............5,789.26 ................... 5,803.39 ................... 5,782.62..................20.77 ...................0.36 Financial Index .................................... 6,992.23 .............. 6,979.20 ................... 6,987.24 ................... 6,961.99................. 25.25 ...................0.36 Industrial Index .....................................7,513.91 ...............7,506.02 ................... 7,506.02 ................... 7,497.82....................8.20 ................... 0.11 Services Index .......................................3,246.12 ...............3,241.23 ....................3,241.71 ................... 3,233.74.................... 7.97 ...................0.25 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................912.07 ..................908.70 ....................... 911.66 ......................908.50.................... 3.16 ................... 0.35 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 15,299,798...................7,036,827 .....................862 ...............14,579,398,936 ................20 ........................6 .................... 14 .........................40

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 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

Muscat Securities Market — Times file picture

MSM index recovers

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

OM0000004669 ...........SHARQIYAH DESALINATION .............................. 232,763 ......1,047,347.....................22 ........... 4.350 ...........4.500 ...........4.350........... 4.500 .............4.280 ........... 0.220............. 5.140 ................4.500 ............ 4.500...................4.700...................44,010,972.........1.000 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 1,826,900...... 337,054..................... 94 ............0.185 ........... 0.187 ...........0.182........... 0.184 ............. 0.178............ 0.006............. 3.371 ................0.182 ..............0.182...................0.183................... 27,613,800 .........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 3,799,315....... 663,675...................234 ............0.175 ........... 0.179 ...........0.172 ............0.175 ............. 0.171 ............ 0.004............. 2.339 ................0.172 ...............0.171...................0.172...................50,863,929.........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 813,400 ........... 80,476.....................60 ............0.101 ........... 0.102 ...........0.098........... 0.099 .............0.097 ........... 0.002.............2.062 ................0.099..............0.098...................0.099...................28,708,083 .........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ........................82,823 ...............8,357......................11 ............0.101 ........... 0.101............0.100............0.101 .............0.099 ........... 0.002.............2.020 ................0.100..............0.099...................0.100....................3,030,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 188,000 ............ 11,120......................12 ........... 0.060 ...........0.060 ...........0.059........... 0.059 .............0.058 ............0.001 ............. 1.724 ................0.059..............0.058...................0.059...................12,221,932 .........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL...............................................71,000 ...............6,249........................5 ........... 0.088 ...........0.089 ...........0.088........... 0.088 .............0.087 ............0.001 ............. 1.149.................0.088..............0.087...................0.088...................15,400,000.........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ........... 132,544 ............14,482......................18 ............0.113 ........... 0.113............0.108........... 0.109 .............0.108 ............0.001 .............0.926 ................0.108..............0.107...................0.108.................... 9,810,000 ..........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 100,948 ......... 166,426......................16 ............1.650 ........... 1.650 ...........1.640............1.650 ............. 1.635.............0.015 ............. 0.917 ................1.650 ..............1.640...................1.650................1,237,500,000 ......0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 148,563............ 75,293......................11 ........... 0.506 ...........0.508 ...........0.506........... 0.506 .............0.502 ........... 0.004............. 0.797 ................0.508..............0.508...................0.510................ 1,159,662,234 ......0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY......................................51,906 .......... 100,179........................3 ............1.930 ........... 1.930 ...........1.930........... 1.930 ............. 1.915 .............0.015 ............. 0.783 ................1.930 ..............1.930...................1.950..................173,121,000 ........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 593,014.......... 102,217..................... 66 ............0.175 ........... 0.175............0.170 ............0.172 ............. 0.171 .............0.001 ............. 0.585 ................0.170 ..............0.170...................0.173 ...................34,400,000 ........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 1,118,729 .......805,520..................... 10 ............0.720 ........... 0.724 ...........0.720........... 0.720 ............. 0.716............ 0.004............. 0.559 ................0.724..............0.724...................0.728..................468,679,846 .......0.100

Renaissance Services was most active in

OM0000001822............UNITED POWER .................................................................545 ............... 1,788........................1 ........... 3.280 ...........3.280 ...........3.280........... 3.280 .............3.270 ............0.010 .............0.306 ................3.280..............3.000...................3.280 ...................2,624,000..........1.000 OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH.............................................. 253,901 ......... 647,423..................... 25 ........... 2.545 ...........2.550 ...........2.545........... 2.550 .............2.545 ........... 0.005............. 0.196 ................2.550..............2.550...................2.625..................243,415,847........1.000

terms of volume. Sharqiyah Desalination was most active in terms of turnover

OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS ............................................................... 4,100 ................1,316........................3 ........... 0.320 ...........0.324 ...........0.320........... 0.320 .............0.320 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.324..............0.322...................0.324 ..................16,000,000.........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ........................................................48,669 .............56,213........................8 ............1.155 ............1.155............ 1.155 ............1.155 ............. 1.155 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................ 1.155 .............. 1.100................... 1.155 ................. 231,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001509............DHOFAR INT.DEV.AND INV. HOLD.................... 307,200 ......... 125,952........................2 ............0.410 ........... 0.410 ...........0.410........... 0.410 .............0.410............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.410 ............. 0.000...................0.410..................101,024,000........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 220,000...........26,420........................6 ............0.121 ........... 0.121............0.120........... 0.120 .............0.120 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.120...............0.115...................0.120..................240,037,535........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 989,215.......... 103,883.....................20 ............0.106 ........... 0.106 ...........0.105 ........... 0.105 .............0.105............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.105 ..............0.105...................0.106................... 12,796,875 .........0.100

MUSCAT: Shares on the Muscat Securities Market recovered further on better support from institutional investors.

The MSM30 Index ended on a positive note to close at 5,803.39 points, increased by 0.36 per cent.

The MSM Sharia Index closed at 911.66 points, up by 0.35 per cent.

Renaissance Services was the most active in terms of volume while Sharqiyah Desalination was the most active in terms of turnover. The top gainer was Sharqiyah Desalination, up by 5.14 per cent while top loser was Gulf International Chemicals, down by 3.85 per cent.

A total number of 862 trades were executed during the day’s trading session generating turnover of OMR7.03 million with more than 15.29 million shares changing hands. Out of 40 traded securities, 20 advanced, six declined and 14 remained unchanged.

Omani investors were net buyers for OMR1.83 million while GCC and Arab investors were net sellers for OMR1.19 million followed by foreign investors for OMR641,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index closed at 6,987.24 points, up by 0.36 per cent. Al Izz Islamic Bank, Al Anwar Holding , Al Batinah Development and Bank Nizwa increased by 4.48 per cent, 3.37 per cent, 2.02 per cent and 1.61 per cent respectively. Oman United Insurance was the only loser and was down by 0.40 per cent to close at OMR0.249.

The Industrial Index closed at 7,506.02 points, up by 0.11 per cent. Construction Material, Galfar Engineering and Oman Cables increased by 2.86 per cent, 2.06 per cent and 0.78 per cent respectively. Gulf International Chemicals and Al Maha Ceramic declined by 3.85 per cent and 0.39 per cent, respectively.

The Services Index closed at 3,241.71 points, up by 0.25 per cent. Sharqiyah Desalination, Renaissance Services, Oman Telecom and Phoenix Power increased by 5.14 per cent, 2.34 per cent, 0.92 per cent and 0.67 per cent respectively. Port Services , Al Suwadi Power and Al Batinah Power declined by 0.64 per cent, 0.46 per cent and 0.46 per cent, respectively. — United Securities

OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ................................ 70,000 ............ 25,060........................6 ........... 0.358 ........... 0.358 ...........0.358........... 0.358 .............0.358 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.358..............0.352...................0.358..................106,044,498 .......0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ........................ 132,273 ............ 27,513........................3 ........... 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 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 198,750 .............21,916......................13 ............0.111 ........... 0.112............0.107 ............0.110 ............. 0.110............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.108..............0.107...................0.108.................... 6,472,754 ..........0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ................................................... 170,885............ 72,455........................8 ........... 0.424 ...........0.424 ...........0.424........... 0.424 .............0.424 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.424..............0.420...................0.424 ..................25,652,000.........0.100 OM0000004248 ...........SMN POWER HOLDING ........................................... 25,000 ............ 18,800........................1 ............0.752 ........... 0.752 ...........0.752 ........... 0.752 ............. 0.752............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.752 ............. 0.000...................0.800 ................. 150,125,971 ........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ...................................................97,631 .............49,441......................11 ........... 0.506 ...........0.508 ...........0.506........... 0.506 .............0.508 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.394 ...............0.506..............0.506...................0.508 ..................26,565,000.........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ................................ 40,000 ...............9,955........................6 ........... 0.250 ...........0.250 ...........0.247........... 0.249 .............0.250 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.400 ...............0.247..............0.245...................0.247 ................. 24,900,000 ........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER................................................ 273,589 ........... 58,822........................5 ............0.215 ........... 0.215 ...........0.215 ............0.215 .............0.216............-0.001 ........... -0.463 ...............0.215 .............. 0.215...................0.217..................145,100,797 ........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 205,637 ...........44,207........................6 ............0.215 ........... 0.215 ...........0.214............0.215 .............0.216............-0.001 ........... -0.463 ...............0.215 ..............0.214...................0.215..................153,597,363 ........0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ....................... 174,697.............27,053........................5 ............0.156 ........... 0.156 ...........0.154 ............0.155 ............. 0.156............-0.001 ........... -0.641 ...............0.154 .............. 0.153...................0.155 ................... 14,731,200 .........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............. 50,000 ............ 12,500........................9 ........... 0.250 ...........0.250 ...........0.250........... 0.250 .............0.260 ...........-0.010 ........... -3.846 ...............0.250..............0.250...................0.258....................5,250,000 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 12,421,997 . 4,749,110...................700 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......31........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK................................................23,847 ............... 1,659........................6 ........... 0.070 ...........0.070 ...........0.068........... 0.070 .............0.067 ........... 0.003............. 4.478 ................0.068..............0.068...................0.069...................70,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. .................. 240,838 ..............8,580........................6 ........... 0.036 ...........0.036 ...........0.035........... 0.036 .............0.035 ............0.001 ............. 2.857 ................0.036..............0.035...................0.036....................3,060,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 1,426,267 .........89,513..................... 37 ........... 0.063 ...........0.063 ...........0.062........... 0.063 .............0.062 ............0.001 ..............1.613.................0.062..............0.061...................0.062 ..................94,500,000 ........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 1,108,663 .......166,261..................... 97 ............0.150 ........... 0.151............0.149 ........... 0.150 .............0.149.............0.001 ............. 0.671 ................0.149 ..............0.149...................0.150..................219,390,219 ........0.100 OM0000001053 ............OMAN TEXTILE HOLDING .....................................18,000 ............... 6,112......................11 ........... 0.342 ...........0.342 ...........0.338........... 0.340 .............0.340 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.338..............0.330...................0.338....................2,040,000..........1.000 OM0000001400 ...........OMAN FLOUR MILLS .................................................10,000 .............. 4,920........................1 ........... 0.492 ...........0.492 ...........0.492........... 0.492 .............0.492 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.492..............0.490...................0.524 ..................77,490,000 .........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ..........................................................3,750 ...................188........................1 ........... 0.050 ...........0.050 ...........0.050........... 0.053 .............0.053 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.050..............0.050...................0.054 ...................6,625,000 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 2,831,365 ...... 277,232................... 159 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 7........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000000618............GOVERNMENT BONDS ISSUE 47 TH ................ 20,000 2,008,000 .....1 ... 100.400 .........100.400 ......100.400 ...... 100.400 ......100.000 ..........0.400 ........... 0.400...........100.400..............0.000 ............ 0.000............301,200,000...............100.000 OM0000005971 ............B.MUSCAT COMPL. CONVR. B.B.3.5 .....................26,436 ...............2,485........................2 ........... 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: ....................................................................................46,436 .......2,010,485........................3 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........2........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

SHARIA BOARD REVIEWS BANK PERFORMANCE

The financial performance of Islamic banks and window operations in the first half of 2015 was evaluated by the high-powered Sharia Supervisory Authority of the Central Bank of Oman here on Tuesday. The meeting was chaired by Shaikh Dr. Kahlan bin Nabhan Al Kharoosi. The authority made detailed deliberations on the issues presented to it, covering various Sharia aspects of the Islamic banking business in Oman and giving its opinion on the issues raised during discussions. — Times News Service

T H U R S DAY, S E P T E MB E R 1 0, 2 0 1 5

B3

MARKET ‘Adapt to needs of millennials to retain talent’ Expectations and priorities of the millennials were discussed at a session organised by the Public Authority for Investment Promotion and

MAKING A POINT: From left to right: Nikolaus Knebel from GUtech, Raed Dawood from Ooredoo, Duha Awayes from Protiviti, Faisal Al Shanfari from Oman Oil Company, Jamal Al Asmi from RealityCG, HH Sayyid Dr Adham Al Said from SQU. — Supplied picture

Export Development

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: Employers should open their heart and mind to the millennial generation and create the right environment for them to prosper as failure to retain and attract young talent has consequences, say experts.

The expectations and priorities of the millennials were discussed at a session on Tuesday entitled ‘Millennials: A different work perspective’, the second part of ‘Oman at Work’ series, organised by the Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (Ithraa) at Bank Muscat head office in Seeb.

In the session on millennials, it was mentioned that millennials do not tend to stick to one job for a lifetime and research suggests that a typical millennial will have 10 jobs by the age of 38. Work-life balance is also a priority for them and they want work itself to be fulfilling, not just a salary at the end of the month. Millennials are also interested in becoming leaders. Nikolaus Knebel from the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech), the moderator, started the session with a question about where ‘money’, ‘acknowledgement’ and ‘content’ are on the participants’ priorities list and indicated that ‘money’ may not be the first priority for many millennials.

Different challenges Panelist His Highness Sayyid Dr Adham Al Said from Sultan Qaboos University noted that millennials are not very different than their previous generations but the point is that each gen-

eration is driven bydifferent circumstances and faces different challenges. He said that money may matter the most for some young people when they enter the market but their priorities may change after a while if they do not feel satisfied and fulfilled.

Raed Dawood from Ooredoo said that employers have to create the right environment for the young people so that they can prosper and the question is whether the organisations are ready to embrace change.

Engaging people is the key to retaining talent, he added.

Self-actualisation Duha Awayes from Protiviti said that she has worked with incubation centres and have noticed that many of the people who want to set up their own business used to work either at the public or the private sector but decided to create their own ‘ecosystem’ as they could not adapt to and accept the ‘bureaucracy’of their workplace.

‘Self-actualisation’ is the driving force behind the decisions made by millennials, she said, adding that they want to be part of a group that would make a difference.

Awayes herself was part of the initial idea inception team behind Maktoob, the first Arabic portal on the net, and said that she will forever take pride in the experience.

She believes that millennials and other generations are all ‘in the same boat’ so should find a ‘common language’.

Failure to attract and retain millennial talent may lead to ‘brain drain’, Awayes cautioned.

Jamal Al Asmi from the award-winning creative company RealityCG, who is a millennial himself, said that His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has re-

ferred to the future of the country with words such as horizon, confidence and creativity.

“This is the way I would describe millennials,” he said, adding that millennials would like to ask questions instead of only taking orders and want to know the purpose of everything so that they can be happy about what they do.

“We love to learn from the older generation, but we want to be heard at the same time. The issue is whether the older generation is willing to listen,” Al Asmi said.

He added that organisations should adapt themselves to millennials, not the other way around, otherwise they have to suffer the consequences.

He believes that the environment for the development of millennials is improving but still there are challenges that need to be addressed.

Open heart and mind Faisal Al Shanfari from Oman Oil Company, said that there are millennials who are truly hardworking and have great leadership skills but there are also a group of young people who may be more complacent.

He said that the right talent, which is a precious asset, is available and both the government and the private sector need to ‘open their heart and mind’ and provide the right environment to meet their expectations.

Al Shanfari further added that companies should provide incentives such as ‘transparency’ and ‘engagement’ to retain their talented staff but should not get ‘upset’ when the employees they have trained leave the company because they have contributed to the creation of a talent pool in the society.

FOREIGN INVESTMENT

Oman eyes highway and water projects in Vietnam Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman plans to increase investment in highway and water supply projects in Vietnam, according to a report published by a newspaper.

The State General Reserve Fund (SGRF) of Oman signed an agreement of strategic co-operation for water infrastructure investment in Vietnam on August 31 between the fund’s Vietnam-Oman Investments (VOI), Manila Water Company (MWC) and Saigon Water Infrastructure Corporation (SII) – a subsidiary of HCM City Infra-

structure Investment JSC (CII), said Vietnam News.

Most of the projects will be in or around HCM City. Under the agreement, VOI is committed to investing in a number of SII’s joint projects, such as building highways or ensuring a safe water supply.

Meanwhile, the MWC, a leading private company of the Philippines with total capital of around $10 billion, committed to supporting SII in technical areas and management, particularly in water supply network management.

“The State Government Re-

serve Fund of Oman is very keen to enhance and extract value from sectors that play a vital role in Vietnam’s growth story,” stated Abdullah Al Harthy, chairman of VOI. “We have been working confidently with CII on a number of projects with high impact on the economic and social development of Vietnam. In particular, CII, MWC and the rest of usall find that there is an urgent need and a huge economic value for new water network development in areas where the people of Vietnam have limited access to clean water,” he said.

T W O - D AY E V E N T

First Muscat Motorbike Show from December 3 Times News Service MUSCAT: First Muscat Motorbike Show in Oman will be held from December 3 to December 5 2015 at City Centre Muscat, this was announced by Mahrajan in collaboration with the Muscat Bikers Club (MBC).

Representatives from Mahrajan and the MBC were at hand to provide details about the event. They included among others Taher Mohamed Al Zadjali, president, Muscat Bikers Club; Rashad Mohamed Al Balushi, vice-president, Muscat Bikers Club; Mahmoud Khamis Al Kuzairi, secretary general, Muscat Bikers Club; Al Khatab Alamri, public relations manager, Muscat Bikers Club; Habib Aidroos, general manager, Mahrajan and Fareed Al Balushi, project manager, Mahrajan.

Taking place in Oman from December 3-5, 2015 at City Centre Muscat, the show will create a

platform for motorbike owners, dealers, customisers, designers and accessorisers to highlight the latest sports bikes, cruisers, custom-built bikes, off-road, all/urban terrain vehicles, accessories, and motorbike related products.

“The Omani population’s love for bikes is characterised by a growing market and young population. Furthermore the rise of middle class consumption and increased government investment in new highways makes leisure motorbike riding opportune for the market in Oman. In line with these trends, we are pleased to launch the Muscat Motorbike Show with Mahrajan, where local and international participants (expected participation from GCC and Middle East countries included) will display their products and increase their presence within the region’s biking community,” Taher Mohamed Al Zadjali, president, Muscat Bikers Club, said.

The key highlights of the show include a gala dinner (for participants only), a Motorbike Display and Competition, a Vintage Car Display and a Live Ride by registered motorbike owners alongside other professional riders.

“The biking community has been identified as one of region’s growth segments so the Muscat Motorbike Show will tap the potential of the biking community in Oman. Show participants will get the exclusive chance to display their full-line of motorbikes & vintage cars to enthusiasts and the general public as well as unveil the latest models, and technology offered for the first time in Oman” Habib Aidroos, general manager, Mahrajan, said.

Motorbiking professionals, and the general public visiting the show will view a wide range of motorbikes and vintage cars from top brands as well as live motorbike demonstrations.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMB ER 10, 20 1 5

FEATURE US gets most out of cheap oil A big part of the reason was the success of the Federal Reserve at repairing the country’s credit after the financial crisis.

C

heap oil should be good economic medicine for almost anybody who is not trying to sell the stuff. Yet only one country has been able to take full advantage of the 14-month collapse in the price of crude - the US. A big part of the reason was the success of the Federal Reserve at repairing the country’s credit after the financial crisis. That let corporations reduce their debt to the lowest levels in decades while the unemployment rate fell to 5.3 per cent from 10 per cent. Consequently, American producers and consumers were in a strong position to enjoy the fruits of their labours with oil in retreat.

Oil and profitability The rest of the world keeps struggling to make the most of cheap oil. Industrial production in Japan, the third-largest economy, is down about 15 per cent from its 2008 peak. Germany, the fourth-biggest, is growing at only 1.7 per cent a year, while the countries that make up the euro zone share an unemployment rate of 11 per cent.

China’s composite Purchasing Managers Index, which measures the health of manufacturers, has declined to a new low, buffeted by slowing growth and waning investor confidence. Brazil is contracting from depressed commodity prices, diminished trade with China and a widening government corruption scandal.

In the US, by contrast, producers and consumers are in harmony. Companies in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index have the lowest net debt-to-earnings ratio in at least 25 years, along with $3.52 trillion in cash and marketable securities and record earnings per share, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. For these companies, the ratio of net debt to Ebitda, or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, is 1.7, down from a high of 4.9 in 2003 and near a 25-year low.

The American economy is seeing the fastest average monthly job creation since 1999. As more Americans join the job market, they have more money to spend as manufactur-

ing efficiency improves. That probably explains why Detroit’s three automakers reported surprisingly robust sales in August.

General Motors says that total industry sales this year will climb to 17.3 million, the most since 2006.

US companies became more profitable and consumer demand surged as oil was collapsing to a low of $37.32 a barrel on August. 24 from $104.67 in June of 2014. That is reflected in the healthy gross margins of the 500 companies in the S&P, which edged up to 33 per cent this year from 32 per cent in the second quarter of 2014.

Lower costs of raw materials and energy needed to run a factory are giving the US companies the ability to produce more of what they make at lower cost.

Meanwhile, their customers had extra cash to spend. This lets Americans drive up sales of consumer companies like Whirlpool, CarMax and Chipotle Mexican Grill. Sales per share of the 85 companies in the S&P’s Consumer Discretionary Index are at their highest valuation since Bloomberg began compiling the data in 1990.

Among the nine relevant industry groups in the S&P 500 (excluding the financial industry, which does not show the gross margin measure), five experienced rising profitability as oil declined.

Growing profitability There are dozens of examples of companies with much improved profit since oil started losing so much of its value. The gross margin for General Motors increased to 14.6 per cent from 9.6 per cent during the past 12 months. For Goodyear Tyre & Rubber, it climbed to 27.4 per cent from 24.1 per cent.

Alcoa, the largest US producer of aluminium, saw its gross margin expand to 15.5 per cent from 12.4 per cent. The last time companies showed such a marked improvement in profitability was in the immediate aftermath of the financial crisis at the end of 2008, when oil fetched $40 a barrel, comparable to its price today.

Futures traders anticipate oil rising to $62 a barrel by June 2023. - Bloomberg News

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ROUND-UP

NBO Sadara clients can now start investing in new London property At an event held at the Grand Hyatt Muscat recently for invited Sadara customers, Jones Lang LaSalle gave an overview of the London market, explained issues around tax and unveiled its ‘South Quay Plaza’ (SQP) offering, located in Canary Wharf in the east of the city

MUSCAT: National Bank of Oman’s (NBO) wealth management division Sadara recently teamed up with international real estate advisory firm Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) to support customers interested in investing in London property.

At an event held at the Grand

Hyatt Muscat recently for invited Sadara customers, JLL gave an overview of the London market, explained issues around tax and unveiled its ‘South Quay Plaza’ (SQP) offering, located in Canary Wharf in the east of the city, says a press release.

Developed by Berkeley Homes

and designed by Foster+Partners, this sustainable waterside development will feature 888 apartments over two towers.

Speaking at the occasion, Aziz Al Jahdhami, head of the Sadara Wealth Management Division, said: “Real estate is a key com-

ponent of a balanced investment portfolio, and our experience shows that clients tend to have very high exposure to the asset class. With the scope for both rental income and capital appreciation, our clients continue to seek out real estate investments

8 0 -Y E A R H E R I TA G E

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

Jaguar unveils stunning new F-Pace ahead of Frankfurt IAA world debut MUSCAT: Jaguar will celebrate its exciting future and rich, 80year heritage at the 2015 Frankfurt IAA, with a dramatic reveal of the all-new Jaguar F-Pace. The Jaguar F-Pace will be the first ever performance crossover from the famous British luxury and sports car marque.

The stunning new F-Pace, which will be available to view on the Jaguar stand throughout the show (September 17-27), has been previewed recently with the release of an exclusive image and film, says a press release.

Camouflaged prototypes have already been seen proving the allnew F-Pace’s everyday usability and exceptional ride and handling by supporting Team Sky on the Tour de France, enduring more than a quarter of a million miles of extreme testing at JLR test centres Dubai and Northern Sweden, and

tackling some of the most challenging roads in world. This is a performance crossover designed for those who love driving.

The world-first reveal moment planned for Jaguar’s first performance crossover will showcase the agility and lightweight creden-

tials of this all-new model. Social media users tracking the event live will see updates online using the hashtag #FPACE Kevin Stride, Jaguar Land Rover Vehicle Line Director: “2015 is Jaguar’s 80th anniversary and it has been a monumental year

of transformation for the brand.

First, with the introduction of the innovative Jaguar XE and followed closely by the class-leading all-new XF. "Today is a proud moment for Jaguar as we launch the F-Pace, our first performance crossover.”

The all-new Jaguar F-Pace will be joined on the Frankfurt show stand by a trio of new Jaguar products — the enhanced 2016 Jaguar XJ and the all-new XF, which will both be available to view in retailers across Europe from September, along with the award-winning new Jaguar XE. The 2016 Jaguar F-Type range, which now includes All-Wheel Drive and manual transmission options in Coupé and Convertible body styles, will also star at the show. The all-new Jaguar FPACE will go on sale worldwide from 2016.

INTERACTIVE SESSION

MCBS holds seminar on negotiation skills MUSCAT: Modern College of Business and Science (MCBS) organised a seminar on negotiation skills titled ‘Winning, Losing or Wasting Time: Defining Negotiation Goals’ on its campus recently.

The open seminar, conducted

by Dr Krzysztof Koj, a Franklin University visiting professor who is also a distinguished economist and business trainer, was attended by students, entrepreneurs and others interested in developing business negotiation skills.

Dr Khalfan Al Asmi, Assistant Dean at the Modern College welcomed the participants to the programme which primarily focused on various aspects of external as well as internal challenges faced by managers in negotiations with not only clients, but team members and employees as well, says a press release.

at home and abroad. London is a perennial favourite for Omani investors and we are delighted to work with JLL to showcase an outstanding new investment opportunity in the city.”

Launched in 2009, the Sadara wealth management proposition

for high-net-worth clients offers products designed to give customers the very best possible banking experience.

Sadara customers enjoy a comprehensive suite of tailor-made products and services, preferential rates and fees on products, personalised real estate financing, industry-leading financial advice, and special privileges and benefits including a dedicated personal relationship manager and wealth adviser to help them decide how to take their finances to the next level.

They also enjoy exclusive access to 13 dedicated Sadara centres across the Sultanate for quick and comfortable service, as well as reserved parking at all National Bank of Oman branches, access to 500 airport lounges across the world through either their debit or credit card, and airport pick-up and drop-off.

The seminar also provided information on the master programmes offered by Modern College in disciplines such as Business Administration (MBA) and the recently launched Islamic Banking and Finance, and Information Technology. Modern College and Franklin University have been jointly offering the MBA programme since 2012 which proved

to be very successful with three cohorts opened this year.

The seminar was designed as a sample MBA lecture, giving participants a feel of real-time MBA class at Modern College, and was highly interactive. Participants were guided through a short practical exercise followed by an open discussion.

Commenting on the seminar,

Dr Koj said, “The seminar sought to explore the best strategies to define objectives for negotiations, and to communicate the same unambiguously and persuasively.

Models of schematic thinking and how best to avoid them, were discussed, apart from shining light on how to develop consistent verbal and non-verbal communication strategies.”

Dr Koj is an expert in international business and negotiations.

Hi is the author of some 40 publications on international economic relations, business negotiations and European Integration, and serves as Dean of the Chorzow University School of Banking, Poland.

The seminar drew to a close with the participants brainstorming on success in negotiations in terms of understanding and defining the goals and outcomes.

Indian School Darsait celebrates Onam

MUSCAT: Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala was celebrated with spirited joy and gaiety at Indian School Darsait (ISD).

Special assemblies were conducted in both primary and senior wings to commemorate the homecoming of the legendary mythical King Mahabali, says a press release.

In the senior wing a comedy skit depicting the current craze of news channels and their unrealistic and far-fetched reporting of news evoked peals of laughter and thunderous applause.

Among other items that stole the show were the Thiruvathirakali of senior students and scintillating dance fusion of the juniors. Besides, melodious Onappattukal and Vallamkali invoked a feeling of nostalgia.

Earlier in the day the celebra-

tion started with Inter-House Pookalam competition in both junior and senior categories.

The rainbow colours that the young artists of Indian School Darsait blended to create wonderful designs brought back memories of Onam festivity.

The Principal, Dr Sridevi P. Thashnath, conveyed her Onam greeting to the students, staff and parents. She said, “Organising such celebrations was a rich learning experience for the students as they understand and learn the diverse cultural heritage of our motherland.”

She lauded the staff and students who organised the show under the aegis of the Department of Malayalam. The celebrations were followed by a sumptuous Onasadhya for the entire staff members.

E N T E R TA I N M E N T A R E A

WowKids now open at MGM

SALES ACADEMY TRAINING

Omanis graduate from Nestlé Center of Excellence MUSCAT: A total of 111 students from Saudi Arabia and Oman have so far graduated from the threeyear old Nestlé Center of Excellence, with 23 alumni from Oman joining the ranks after completing their sales academy training.

Founded in 2012 in Saudi Arabia with a mission to help bridge the skills gap between academic curriculum and corporate expectations, the Nestlé Center of Excellence spread to Oman in 2014 where it collaborates with Sultan Qaboos University from which 90 per cent of trainees are derived, says a press release.

“Nestlé believes in creating shared value, which means that for a company to be successful, it should not only create value for shareholders but also for society at large,” said Yves Manghardt, Nestlé Middle East Chairman and CEO. “Our Center of Excellence

helps meet one of the commitments recently published in our local Nestlé to Society report: to Foster Further Opportunities of Starting and Developing Careers for the Youth in the Middle East.

We aim to further expand the Nestlé Center of Excellence to increase both graduate numbers and percentage hired at Nestlé.”

“Nationalisation represents an integral element of our strategy and we are committed to recruit-

ing and hiring local talent,” added Alireza Sarabchi, general business manager of Nestlé in Oman. “At Nestlé Oman, 65 per cent of employees in all of our departments and across our five distribution centres in Nizwa, Salalah, Sur, Sohar and the capital Muscat, are Omani nationals.

"The Nestlé Center of Excellence reflects positively on both society and our own operations which benefit from a vaster pool of

qualified potential recruits.”

The Nestlé Center of Excellence offers business executive certificates for women, a nutrition development programme for women, and a sales training academy.

It helps Nestlé recruit relevant candidates and supports them to move towards fruitful and successful careers. Since its inception, 40 per cent of graduates were offered employment at Nestlé in newly created positions.

MUSCAT: Parents can now make the most of a couple of hours of uninterrupted shopping time while their children are kept entertained at WowKids – Muscat Grand Mall’s newest dedicated children’s softplay area.

Young visitors to the mall, between the ages of one to four (accompanied by an adult) and four to 10 (unsupervised) can enjoy an exciting play structure with a ball pool, craft activities like colourful sand and painting, in addition to a variety of toys, a trampoline, a fun slide and more,

says a press release.

For a low entry fee, WowKids is a fully supervised zone for kids to be entertained, for up to three hours, while parents unwind and enjoy a great shopping experience.

Furthermore, WowKids is also available as venue to celebrate childrens’ big day with a birthday party.

Children and their guests can have a fun-filled hour of play in the main play area, followed by the exclusive use of a party room where food and beverages can be served.

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ROUND-UP New Porsche 911 Carrera offers more driving pleasure, efficiency SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

The new Porsche 911

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Carrera models are available for order as of now and will be officially launched in Oman in April 2016 MUSCAT: The 911 has been the world’s best-selling sports car for decades. Now a new generation of Porsche’s iconic models has arrived to further extend its dominance.

With innovative turbo flat engines, an advanced chassis designed for optimum performance, as well as a new infotainment system, the new model is exceedingly well-equipped to continue the 911 Carrera’s reign as a segment leader.

The new Porsche 911 Carrera models are available for order as of now and will be officially launched in Oman in April 2016, says a press release.

Thanks to more than four decades of experience with turbo engines — in both motor racing and production sports cars — the new engines in the 911 Carrera set benchmarks in terms of performance, driving pleasure and efficiency. The rear-axle steering, available as an option for the Carrera models for the first time, further extends the range of driving dynamics.

A range of exterior features have been refined, these include new headlights with four-point daytime running lights, a redesigned rear lid with vertical louvres and new rear lights, featuring the distinctive four-point brake lights. In the interior, the updated Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with a multi-touch

display offers a considerably expanded range of functions and simplified operation.

New turbocharged engines The completely new engine generation with bi-turbo charging, raises the emotional driving pleasure in the 911 Carrera to an even more intense level, with 370hp at the rear of the vehicle, waiting to be unleashed and converted into sporty propulsion. The engine in the new 911 Carrera S also now delivers more power, with 420 hp.

Both derivatives now have a power increase of 20 hp, and a displacement of three litres. The significant power increase in the new Carrera S is a combination of turbochargers with modified compressors, enhanced exhaust system and tuned engine management.

The new Porsche engines are characterised by significantly increased torque (60 Nm in each version) with maximum torque of 450 Nm and 500 Nm respectively, delivered constantly from a low 1,700 rpm up to 5,000 rpm, ensuring excellent driving performance. At the same time with a maximum level of 7,500 rpm, the new engines clearly exceed conventional turbo engines — underscored by the typical sonorous Porsche engine sound.

Every new 911 boasts performance and efficiency enhancements compared with predecessors. For example, depending on the model variant, the new engine generation is almost twelve percent more efficient: fuel consumption is reduced by up to a litre per 100 kilometres. The 911 Carrera with Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission now consumes just 7.4 l/100 km (a reduc-

tion of 0.8 l per 100 km), while the 911 Carrera S with PDK consumes 7.7 l/100 km (1.0 l less per 100 km).

The new 911 also boasts impressive performance: the 911 Carrera Coupé with PDK and Sport Chrono Package sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds – making it two tenths of a second faster than its predecessor. The 911 Carrera S with PDK and Sport Chrono Package performs its showcase discipline in just 3.9 seconds (also 0.2 seconds faster).

This makes it the first 911 in the Carrera family to undercut the magic four second mark. Top speeds for both models have also increased further; the 911 Carrera now has a top speed of 295 km/h, while the 911 Carrera S now reaches an impressive 308 km/h.

In conjunction with the optional Sport Chrono Package the 911 Carrera has a mode switch on the steering wheel for the first time, derived from the revolutionary 918 Spyder. The mode switch consists of a rotary ring with four positions for choosing a driving mode, this includes: “Normal”, “Sport”, “Sport Plus” and “Individual”. Depending on the equipment, the latter setting enables drivers to configure their own individual vehicle set-up, for example the PASM, active engine mounts, PDK shifting strategy and sports exhaust system.

In combination with PDK transmission the mode switch has an additional button, the “Sport Response Button”. When this button

is pressed the drivetrain is preconditioned for maximum acceleration for 20 seconds, for example before overtaking manoeuvres.

For this, the optimum gear is engaged and the engine management adjusted to an even more spontaneous response for a short time.

PASM chassis The 911 Carrera is the benchmark for driving dynamics of all-round sports cars, with every new generation Porsche further offering a balance between everyday comfort and circuit performance.

For the first time, the PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) chassis, which lowers the ride height by 10 millimetres, is a standard feature on board all Carrera models. It improves stability during fast cornering even more.

At the same time the new shock absorber generation, with its wider spread characteristics, enhances comfort, whilst also improving the body connection during dynamic driving. New standard wheels with five slim twin spokes feature tyres with reduced rolling resistance and enhanced performance. Furthermore, on all variants the width of the rear rims has increased by 0.5 to 11.5 inches and the rear tyres of the 911 Carrera S now measure 305 instead of 295 millimetres.

The active rear-axle steering, that is available as an option for the 911 Carrera S, is chassis technology adopted from the 911 Turbo and 911 GT3. It supports high

driving stability when changing lanes at high speeds and ensures greater manoeuvrability in city traffic thanks to the reduction of the turning circle by 0.5 metres.

The improved handling is transmitted to the driver via the new steering wheel generation design taken from the 918 Spyder. The basic steering wheel has a diameter of 375 millimetres, whereas the optional GT sports steering wheel measures 360 millimetres.

For unlimited everyday practicality Porsche offers a hydraulic lift system with integrated lifting cylinders in the struts of the front axle. Pressing a button increases the ground clearance at the front by 40 millimetres within 5 seconds and thus prevents the vehicle underbody from hitting the ground, for example on steep garage exits.

New communication management A standard feature of the new 911 Carrera models is the enhanced PCM system, which includes online navigation module and voice control. PCM can be operated by performing multi-touch gestures on the seven-inch display, similar to operating a smartphone. For instance user inputs by handwriting are possible.

New and extended optional equipment The 911 Carrera can now be customised even more, according to personal preferences with new

and enhanced assistance systems: the optional automatic speed control can now also brake moderately when the pre-set speed is exceeded, for example when driving downhill. The optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) now has a coasting function in conjunction with the PDK transmission. When driving behind a slower car, the clutches are disengaged, thus saving fuel with unpowered coasting.

The optional Lane Change Assistant monitors traffic behind with radar and uses LED lamps in the left and right of the mirror triangle to warn the driver about approaching vehicles in the blind spot. In addition, Porsche increases the active safety of the sports car with the post-collision braking system as a standard feature.

40 years’ turbo experience At Porsche, innovations and developments that have proved themselves under extreme racing conditions always benefit production models, too. Testing in motorsport in particular ensures the performance and resilience of new engines for production sports cars.

In the development of charged sixcylinder flat engines Porsche can therefore look back on more than 40 years’ experience.

For example, turbocharging with a bypass valve was first used in 1972 in the 917/10 racing car before entering series production two years later in 1974 in the first 911 Turbo. In 1974 charge air cooling was also first introduced in the 917/10.

In 1977 this technology then celebrated its premiere in the 911 Turbo 3.3. Further milestones in the development of turbo engines include sequential turbocharging with two consecutive chargers (for the first time in the super car 959), bi-turbo charging with two parallel chargers (for the first time in the 911 Turbo, type 993) and adjustable intake valves (for the first time in the 911 Turbo, type 996).

NEW BRANCH

I N T E R NAT I O NA L E V E N T

Omanexpo to attend Motor Show in Frankfurt MUSCAT: Pioneer exhibitions and conferences organiser Omanexpo, organiser of Oman’s longestrunning premier International Motor Show, is scheduled to visit the 66th International Motor Show Germany, one of the largest motor shows in the world alongside the Geneva and Paris Motor Shows. The show will run from September 17 to 27.

In keeping with its commitment to continuously improve the show quality, value, and visitor experience, Omanexpo strives to continue the tradition started in 1990, while consistently breaking new ground with novel and innovative features and concepts.

Omanexpo plans to strategically integrate with world-class motor shows to ensure Oman is a regional hub for the automobile industry. This is also a key initiative of Ithraa (Public Authority for Investment Promotion & Export), says a press release.

Eihab Abutaha, CEO Omanexpo, said: “We are extremely excited to take Oman International Motor Show to even higher level, building on the new and innovative platform initiated in the 2012 edition.

We are currently and actively preparing for the 18th edition, which will happen from December 7 to 10, 2016, where part of our strategic plan is strategically to integrate with first-rate shows that will provide fresh ideas and new perspectives on an international level and

offer a world-class experience.”

“We are also looking forward to holding the show at the new Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, a befitting venue to a potential key trade show destination, a come-on to global companies, and a promising attraction for foreign investment.”

Speaking about Oman International Motor Show, Nader Abbas, general manager, Omanexpo says, “Motor Show Oman is not just another automotive event.

It is an avenue by which we help meet industry demands, encourage investment, and create business opportunities. It also offers an entertainment aspect, at the same time, showcasing local talent. Next year’s Motor Show promises to be a much-bigger one with more major international car brands and more companies occupying the Auto Parts and Accessories Pavilion. People will see the results of a two-year effort of

intensive planning.”

The prestigious International Motor Show Germany, organised by the Association of the German Automotive Industry, will showcase the latest trends and technological highlights of the automotive year 2015, major launches of cars from the most elite brands that preview the next decade, among them the Jaguar F-Pace, Maserati Levante, BMx1, Mercedes new C-Coupe, and the 2016 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

Totalling an area of 250,000 square metres, about 1,000 exhibitors from 40 countries will display their innovations which demonstrate the show’s theme ‘Mobility connects — Connected and automated driving’.

The show will feature everything from driver assistance systems to a wide range of mobility solutions and services, in addition to test drives and off-road activities.

DESIGNER WEAR

Top Pak Eid collection on display at Mrunal’s Boutique on September 19

Times News Service MUSCAT: A special Eid collection from eight top Pakistani fashion designers is going to be launched in collaboration with Zarri at Mrunal’s Boutique, a famous name for fashion clothing and accessories.

The two-day exclusive event

will be held on September 19 and 20 at Mrunal’s Boutique, Qurum, from 10.30 am to 7pm.

Over the years, Mrunal’s Boutique has pioneered its growing presence in the Omani fashion scene and the region for promoting culture and heritage from around the world.

Mrunal Khimji, owner and de-

signer of Mrunal’s Boutique said: This Eid, get ready to experience a fresh new collection of women’s clothing from casual wear to formal wear at a surprisingly affordable range at our Qurum store.

“For the first time, the collections will include Gul Ahmed, Sana Safinaz, Farah Talib, Aziz by LSM, Maria.B Mbroidered, Sobia

Nazir Silk Collection, Sapphire, SNM and Crescent.”

Unstitched, ready to wear available “We are excited to invite the ladies of Oman to visit us and find the difference. A combination of unstitched and ready to wear material will also be available,” she added.

DHL Express now at Al Mouj Muscat MUSCAT: Taking forward its vision to expand services in the Sultanate, DHL Express Oman announced the opening of a new branch at Al-Mouj, Muscat.

The new branch will provide convenience to the customers of nearby areas looking for logistics services. The opening of the new branch coincides with the rapid growth of transportation sector in Oman, says a press release.

The branch, located at Al Mouj, one of Oman’s premier lifestyle destinations and home to over 4,000 residences and retail outlets, will be a great addition to the branches of DHL in Oman. The branch will provide sorting and distribution services for the shipments as well as logistics services for customers.

Commenting on the opening of the new branch, Ali Thabet, general manager of DHL Express Oman, said: “Adding to the strong presence of DHL in the region as leaders of logistic services industry, we are expanding our

network to accelerate transport operations and double our capacity. The development of our logistics services is in pace with the economic development in Oman and we are confident that many customers – individuals and businesses will benefit from the opening of this new branch.”

“With the increased demand of the services provided by DHL, we launched the new branch at AlMouj. Located at a strategic area, this new outlet will be able to cater to the needs of a wider range of customers, and provide high quality services at a competitive rate,” he added.

DHL is a global network with of more than 100,000 employee, working in over 4,000 service centres and using over 32,000 delivery trucks. DHL offers customers superior service quality delivered via over 250 large and mid-jets. DHL has three international Sort Centres that work on distributing deliveries across 500 airports worldwide.

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The Toyota Yaris sedan impresses with a striking profile that stands out from the crowd

BankDhofar conducts weekly draw at Ibri College of Technology IBRI: In continuation of the success of its flagship savings scheme, BankDhofar recently conducted the weekly prize draw at Ibri College of Technology during an Open Day that was held on the college premises under the auspices of Dr Abdullah Al Maskari, Dean of Ibri College of Technology.

The event was also attended by Khamis Al Alawi, BankDhofar’s regional manager of Dakhiliyah and Dhahira, and Khalifah Al Omairi, Ibri branch manager, as well as a faculty members and students, says a press release.

Commenting on the draw, Khamis Al Alawi said: “We are glad to see more and more winners of our daily and weekly draws as part of BankDhofar savings scheme which was introduced to cater to the needs and requirements of our customers across the Sultanate. Many of our customers are students and we pledge to provide them with the best customer experience through a wide array of innovative products and creative services.”

BankDhofar customers who save a minimum of OMR100 in their accounts are eligible to enter the daily general draw and have a chance to win a share of OMR10,000 cash prize (OMR2,000 each). Customers who keep a minimum balance of OMR100 for a week also have

We are glad to see more and more winners of our daily and weekly draws as part of BankDhofar savings scheme which was introduced to cater to the needs and requirements of our customers across the Sultanate Khamis Al Alawi

Regional Manager of Dakhiliyah and Dhahira the opportunity to win a cash prize of 20,000 (one weekly winner) as part of the weekly general draw.

BankDhofar has been investing millions of Omani rials to enrich the lives of customers and promote a culture of saving among all members of society.

MUSCAT: The 2016 Toyota Yaris Sedan is more than just a new car with a familiar name.

Responding to the needs and desires of its proud owners, the new Yaris brings upscale features, dynamic handling, and fresh styling, says a press release.

“The Yaris sedan impresses with a striking profile that stands out from the crowd. Up front, the bold new face of Yaris features sharp-eyed headlights and a hexagon lower grille, while a spacious trunk gives the rear a distinctive look,” remarks an enthusiast, “Premium details abound – from the piano black bumpers, to the chrome grille surround and tailpipe, to the power-adjustable heated exterior mirrors, to the keyless entry offered as standard on all models, ” he adds.

Mounted on the sporty steering wheel in the surprisingly roomy cabin filled with premium amenities are the audio and Bluetooth controls. The audio system of the Yaris now features a USB jack which is compatible with portable media players such as an iPod. The display size has also been increased from one line to three lines, enabling the track name, artist name, and CD album name to be displayed simultaneously. The AUX and USB jacks are very easy to use since they are positioned at the bottom of the audio panel.

The Yaris has a comfortable and roomy interior. The instrument panel, set along a horizontal axis, runs the entire width of the cabin, creating a spacious and distinctive presence. Lavish ornamentation has been used for various interior features and switches.

Precision technology has been used to create moulded stitching that looks like hand-stitching.

11TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS AT LULU BAUSHER

Double stitching has been adopted on both the front and rear seats for an attractive appearance. The designs of the frequently-touched centre cluster and steering wheel incorporate ergonomic features for ease of use.

All Yaris occupants enjoy the comfort of the best-in-class air conditioning system which ensures passenger comfort even in the hottest weather.

A design featuring three horizontally aligned dials has been adopted on the air conditioning control panel, combining excellent operability and appearance.

Engine choices Available in 1.5L and 1.3L engine choices, the Yaris comes with a Smart Entry & Push Button Start System that locks/unlocks doors or the trunk. Toyota Yaris also has a lightweight and compact 4-speed automatic gearbox delivering excellent response and a smooth gear shift. There also is a 5-speed manual gearbox option where the gear ratios have been set to extract optimal engine performance. A EPS (Electric Power Steering) control has also been adopted which provides feedback to the steering wheel even in a near-neutral position.

Lulu Hypermarket, Bausher recently celebrated its 11th anniversary with a host of in-store activities. Present at the cake cutting ceremony were Ananth A. V., regional director, Shabeer K. A., general manager, Oman and others from the senior management of Lulu. — Supplied photograph

Yaris’ uniquely shaped, high rigidity roof (catamaran roof ) has been adopted from an aerodynamic perspective. The shape around the rear of the roof helps to control the vortexes generated at the rear of the vehicle so that the air smoothly converges with the air flowing from the under floor area, reducing air resistance.

The Toyota Yaris offers one of the widest loading spaces in its class and more space between the wheelhouses, too. The larger trunk opening width and the lower loading height further supports easy loading and unloading of even heavier, bulky items.

The Yaris has a strut-type suspension at the front, which has been designed for long-term reliability and a superior steering feel and ride comfort. The rear suspension has a torsion beam type suspension which ensures superior rear grip and vehicle stability.

Springs and shock absorbers that optimally enhance the rigidity of the body have been adopted.

To ensure a quiet and smooth ride, Toyota has used variety of sound absorbing and insulating materials. Moreover, in the case of the front windshield, an acoustic glass with a three-layered construction has been used, minimiz-

ing wind noise and road noise.

From the safety perspective, the Yaris offers an impressive array of safety features such as driver and front-passenger Airbags (SRS) and Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) for the front seats. In common with all Toyota vehicles, the Yaris features Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).

All specifications listed above are standard Toyota equipment.

Safety kit (fire extinguisher, warning triangle, tyre pressure gauge and first aid kit) is a dealer installed non Toyota item provided on Toyota models as standard equipment. The vehicle specifications may change without prior notice. Pictures and colours may differ from actual specifications of the vehicles.

All model grade descriptions are grade names given by Saud Bahwan Automotive (SBA) and are meant for differentiation purpose only.

In Oman, the nationwide parts and service network of SBA supports Toyota’s outstanding product quality. No wonder then that today, Toyota is one of the most trusted and well-known brands.

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Bank Muscat and AIG highlight cyber security on strategic level Senior officers from the Central Bank of Oman, TRA, banks and law enforcement agencies attended the conference on ‘Ensuring a Safer Cyber Environment’

MUSCAT: The conference on ‘Ensuring a Safer Cyber Environment’ organised by Bank Muscat, in association with the American International Group (AIG), yesterday called for addressing cyber security issues on a strategic level.

Dr Hamad bin Salem Al Rawahi, executive president of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), presided 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. Senior officers from the Central Bank of Oman, TRA, banks and law enforcement agencies attended the conference, says a press release.

Talal Al Maamari, chief executive officer of Omantel, delivered the keynote address at the conference held at the bank’s head office.

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 also addressed the conference which called for a holistic cyber security plan to include informa-

tion sharing, threat identification, protection of assets and an effective cybercrime response plan for business recovery and resumption, including a risk transfer plan of cyber security insurance.

AbdulRazak Ali Issa, chief executive, said: “Bank Muscat is delighted to host the cyber security conference aimed at enhancing co-operation between the government and the private sector in matters relating to cybercrimes.

Managing cyber security in organisations is beyond simply using technology to protect the networks and data.

“Organisations must start looking 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. An effective plan would also include a risk transfer plan, i.e. a cybersecurity insurance. Given the challenges in creating organisations resilient to cyber attacks and the effort required to implement the plan, the conference has helped in relevant exchange of ideas.”

In his keynote address, Talal Al Maamari stressed that cyber security issues must be tackled on a strategic level as 62 per cent of

Organisations must start looking 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

AbdulRazak Ali Issa

Chief executive, Bank Muscat

EFFICIENT & EFFECTIVE

major cyber attacks are on sectors such as banking, telecom and IT. Cyber attacks lead to serious financial, reputational and organisational loss, Al Maamari said adding that erosion of customer confidence was hard to restore.

Complex environment “In the world of digitisation and connectivity, the environment has become complex. The involvement of the board of directors and the executive management is essential for organisations to create awareness and attitude towards cyber security on a continuous basis focusing on evolving threats,” Al Maamari said. “Collaboration across sectors is also essential to share critical information on cyber threats, which must be viewed from a strategic economic angle to make it sustainably more manageable,” Al Maamari added.

Lord Jonathan Evans noted that the government must place cyber security on top priority as also organisations which must initiate governance and ownership of cyber security accountability. They must also have intelligence gathering to understand what is happening on their network to detect intrusion. Education, technical control and patching, encryption,

network monitoring, response mechanism, testing and exercising can help tackle cyber threats, Lord Evans said. Organisations must be aware of their critical data holdings and processes. They must also identify areas of threat to assets and have a sophisticated risk appetite. A mechanism should also be in place to assign who should fix cyber threats and how. Future planning to tackle cyber threats should also include supply chains and partners, Lord Evans added.

A panel discussion on ‘Managing and Responding to Cyber Risks’ was led by Carolin Baylon from the Chatham House in the UK, and the panellists included Mark Camillo, AIG’s Global Head of Cyber Crime, Lord Jonathan Evans and Dr Scott McVicar, Managing Director of EMEA Commercial Solutions, BAE Systems Applied Intelligence.

Neelmani Bhardwaj, general manager of AIG, Oman, said: “We are approaching to completion of the second year of our strategic collaboration with Bank Muscat.

This event was a great opportunity for us to showcase our insurance expertise in Cyber Risk on global level. AIG is committed to increasing risk awareness and insurance penetration.”

ATT R AC T I N G ATT E N T I O N

Tadano launches 600T all terrain Triple-Boom crane MUSCAT: Tadano, world’s leading manufacturer of cranes and aerial work platforms, has launched its 600-tonne all-terrain Triple-Boom-system on eight-axle crane during a customer event at its factory near Nürnberg in Germany. Distributed in the Sultanate

by Al Hashar, Tadano cranes are recognised the world over for their safety, efficiency, quality and innovativeness, says a press release.

“Tadano’s entry into the higher ton category marks a significant milestone for the company and will help Tadano cater to a wider and niche market. The ATF 600G-8 is the result of effective collaboration with customers and incorporates their specific requirements. As the local distributor providing reliable and timely support to every Tadano crane in the Sultanate, Al Hashar is excited about this product launch, and we expect highertonne Tadano trucks to do well in the Sultanate,” said an Al Hashar official, adding, the 600-tonne crane brings significant economic benefits to the owner.

The Triple-Boom system has three telescopic tubes, designed to increase torsional stiffness.

“It’s pure physics,” the manufacturer explained. “The further away the materials of a load bearing structure are from the centre of the structure’s cross section, the more stable the overall system

will be. It is precisely this principle that we employed in our new Triple Boom system. The mass of the total amount of available steel is no longer distributed in just one main boom but, instead, between another two telescopic tubes connected by partitions. These tubes are further away from the centre of the system’s cross section, considerably boosting the overall system stability compared to conventional single telescopic boom systems.

According to Andreas Hofmann, Tadano development project

manager, “ATF 600G-8 breaks new ground with amazing technical features alongside the Triple Boom system which include nextgeneration AML crane control system, Asymmetrical Outrigger Base Control and two-engine concept.”

The carrier lodges a 460 kW (626 HP) unit while a 260 kW (354 HP) engine is located in the superstructure for crane operations.

ATF 600G-8 is 21.7m long, 3m wide and 3.93m high. Its transport weight of 96 tonne keeps it within the 12 tonne per axle limit.

New Mazda2 already a hit with customers MUSCAT: New Mazda2 continues to attract attention with customers enjoying the big benefits of this great little package.

Available in Comfort and Prestige sedan and hatchback models at TAC, the sole distributors of Mazda range in Oman, the all-new Mazda2 brings a level of functionality and added-values that exceeds the expectations for a car of this class, says a press release.

“The all-new Mazda2 really is all new with new shape, Skyactiv technology, 6 speed transmission and many other class leading features. It is very comfortable and sophisticated too. I am extremely happy with my beautiful new car and needless to say Towell Auto Centre sales executive made the entire car buying experience very smooth and pleasant.

I can’t thank them enough,” said Saad Mustahil Hashit Bait Baroot, the first customer who purchased the fourth-generation Mazda2 #SuperStriker from TAC’s Salalah showroom.

Winner of the 2014-2015 Car of the Year Japan award, the allnew Mazda2 #SuperStriker is bigger in size than its predecessor offering a lot more space, comfort and stability for both

driver and passengers. Based on KODO - Soul of Motion design, the all-new Mazda2 features a chiselled exterior and a plush interior with more space and a bigger boot than before – thanks to an 80mm increase in wheelbase. It offers outstanding safety, eco-performance and the brand’s trademark driving pleasure due to its low-weight body, agile chassis and the brand-new Skyactiv engines and transmission.

Excellent feedback “We are receiving excellent feedback for the all-new Mazda2 from all our branches. Customers are liking the new generation technologies and design that have been packed together in a subcompact body. The all-new Mazda2 also offers outstanding safety and fuel efficiency. It is truly a #SuperStriker in its class,” said a senior spokesperson of TAC. The fourth-generation Mazda2 with the 1.5L Skyactiv engine 6 speed activematic transmission has a compression ratio of 12:1 that offers excellent fuel economy and performance. The model also features a wide range of cuttingedge technologies such as the Mazda Connec next-generation

car connectivity system.

Prestige model The Prestige model comes with some exciting features such as Bluetooth with voice command control on the steering, steering mounted cruise control, commander switch controls and rear parking camera with static line indicators. Sport shift gear switch, push button start/KL entry with boot access, traction control system and type pressure monitoring system and many other features are available in both Comfort and Prestige models.

TAC provides service to all models of Mazda and makes owning a Mazda extra pleasant with its efficient after-sale services with the most advanced diagnostic tools, latest software upgrades and highly trained staff who pride in their quality of service.

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

With 98.2 per cent parts deliverability, TAC also offers quick, efficient service with genuine parts available for all models.

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Australian wicketkeeper Haddin calls time on ‘outstanding’ career FA C T B O X & T R I B U T E S

I’ve had an outstanding career, I’ve enjoyed every minute, and in the end the decision was not a hard one. I’ve had a great run and I couldn’t be happier with the way I’m leaving the game

Brad Haddin NOT A HARD DECISION: Retiring Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, centre, walks onto the pitch of the Sydney Cricket Ground with, from left, wife Kareena, son Zac, father Ross, daughter Mia, son Hugo and mother Anne, on Wednesday. – Reuters

Once you’ve lost that will to get up and do the things you need to do to play for Australia, it’s time to walk away. I’ve had a great run and I couldn’t be happier with the way I’m leaving the game

SYDNEY: Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin announced his retirement from first class cricket on Wednesday, following Michael Clarke, Shane Watson and Chris Rogers in stepping down from Tests in the wake of the Ashes

series defeat. The pugnacious 37-year-old, who retired from oneday cricket after Australia’s World Cup triumph earlier this year, kept wickets in 66 Tests, scoring 3,266 runs at an average of 32.98 and taking 262 catches with eight stump-

ings. “I’ve had an outstanding career, I’ve enjoyed every minute, and in the end the decision was not a hard one,” Haddin, who played 17 seasons for New South Wales, told a media conference at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

“Once you’ve lost that will to get up and do the things you need to do to play for Australia, it’s time to walk away.

“I’ve had a great run and I couldn’t be happier with the way I’m leaving the game.”

Talkative, tough competitor An assured pair of hands behind the stumps, Haddin’s runs were often extremely valuable to his country coming as they did in counterattacking tail-end partnerships.

Haddin, renowned as a talkative,

SUCCESS

Morgan hails ‘outstanding’ trio after Old Trafford win MANCHESTER: England captain Eoin Morgan praised the efforts of century-maker James Taylor and spinners Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali after the trio all played key roles in a 93-run win over Australia in the third One-day International (ODI) at Old Trafford.

Tuesday’s floodlit success ensured England kept their series with the world champions alive at 2-1 down with two to play ahead of Friday’s encounter across the Pennines at Headingley, the Leeds headquarters of Yorkshire.

Jason Roy (63) and Morgan (62) — who shared a third-wicket partnership of 119 with Taylor (101) — also made telling contributions. England were able to frustrate Australia with 20 overs’ worth of spin that yielded five wickets for 73 runs.

Off-spinner Ali took an ODI best three for 32 and leg-spinner Rashid two for 41 as Australia, chasing 301 to win, were bowled out for 207 with six overs of their innings left.

Morgan, asked about Ali and Rashid, told Sky Sports: “I thought they were outstanding. I think it was set up by the start, we knew the first 15 or 20 overs with the new ball was going to set the tone for us with the ball because it was a lot easier on this particular wicket facing the new ball.

“I think Steve Finn’s spell up the top was really impressive, and

want guys to make match-winning contributions and James Taylor managed to do that today.”

The former Ireland international added: “Jason Roy played very much his game, a lot of strong shots down the ground, clean striking which was nice to watch and then me and James Taylor managed to get a really good partnership going in the middle.”

Taylor added: “I got 98 not out against Australia (during an England defeat at the World Cup) so to get a hundred against them in a winning cause is nice.”

IMPRESSED, NOT SURPRISED:

Captain Eoin Morgan

then for the two spinners to come on and bowl with control — they didn’t really bowl that many bad balls throughout their 10 overs.

“I was very impressed, not surprised, but very impressed,” said the skipper, whose side had lost 11 of their previous 12 ODIs against Australia.

Man-of-the-match Taylor’s century was his first at this level and Morgan said: “I think the games we’ve played so far the top score before that was 85 so we

‘Threw it away’ Aaron Finch marked his return to the Australia team in place of the injured David Warner by topscoring for Steven Smith’s side with 53 at Lancashire’s base in Manchester.

But the Victorian was disappointed by his failure to go in to a big score after being caught in the deep by Rashid.

“It’s a nice place to get in and get a big score — and none of us did that today,” said Finch, who has been playing county cricket alongside Rashid at reigning county champions Yorkshire.

“I put my hand up for that. I got off to a good start and got us into a good position and threw it away,” added Finch, who made a hundred against England at the World Cup. - AFP

tough competitor, played his last match in the opening Test of the recently concluded Ashes series against England in July.

He missed the second Test at Lord’s to be with his sick daughter and failed to regain his place in the side from Peter Nevill for the remainder of the series, which England won 3-2.

“I came to the realisation, probably after Lord’s, that I’d lost that fight to continue,” he said.

“I was all about trying to make myself the best cricketer I could be every time I walked out on the training paddock and I probably lost that hunger from there.”

With Adam Gilchrist his predecessor, Haddin had to wait until he was 30 when he played his first Test against West Indies in 2008.

Factbox on Brad Haddin after the Australia wicketkeeper announced his retirement from first class cricket on Wednesday: z Born Oct. 23, 1977 in Cowra, New South Wales * Played for Canberra in state one-day cricket in the mid 1990s before moving to the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) to further his career. * Became New South Wales’s most prolific wicketkeeper-batsman with 5,829 runs at an average of 41.94 and 11 centuries. Shares the NSW all-formats record of 195 caps with Greg Matthews. * Made one-day debut for Australia against Zimbabwe in January 2001, going on to score 3,122 runs in 126 50-over matches at average of 31.53. Also took 170 catches and 11 stumpings. * Made his Test debut at the age of 30 against West Indies in Jamaica in 2008 after the retirement of Adam Gilchrist.

Went on to score 3,266 runs in 66 Tests at an average of 32.98 with four centuries.

Took 262 catches with eight stumpings. * Fourth behind Gilchrist, Ian Healy and Rod Marsh in number of Test runs for an Australian wicketkeeper. * After travelling to England on the 2005 tour but not getting a game, Haddin played in five Ashes series from 2009, winning one and losing four. * As vice-captain, topped the batting averages in Australia’s 2013-14 5-0 sweep of England with 493 runs at 61.63, passing 50 six times and scoring a century. * Played his final Test in the 2015 Ashes series opener at Cardiff in July before standing down for the second Test to be with his daughter Mia, who is battling cancer.

He lost his place in the side in 2012 when he stood down from the tour of West Indies for personal reasons but returned in early 2013.

Appointed vice-captain for the home Ashes series against England, he surpassed 50 in six of his eight innings and took 22 catches as Australia won back the urn with a 5-0 sweep.

“The 5-0 one was an amazing series, not just the cricket but the whole theatre around the country, how everyone embraced that campaign and the way we were playing,” he said.

“But the highlight for me is the support you get in the good and the bad. The support me and my family have had over the last couple of years from the Australian public is amazing.”

* Retired from One-day Internationals earlier this year after helping Australia win a fifth World Cup with victory over New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. * Retired from first class cricket on Wednesday.

TRIBUTES “Brad was a vital player during an important period in Australian cricket. His tenacity with bat and gloves was matched with an unflinching will to win which made him the foundation of a changing team.Brad’s strong performances and positive influence on the team were all the more remarkable given he was dealing with the serious illness suffered by his daughter Mia.” Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland.

“A born leader and mentor, Brad has also demonstrated great skill, toughness and longevity in his chosen discipline.

His loyalty to state and country is a shining example to all those who will follow in his footsteps.”

Cricket New South Wales chief executive Andrew Jones “It’s a sad day for Australian cricket, because he was a fantastic player, a fantastic mentor for a lot of young players.

A great mentor for me as coach.”

Australia coach Darren Lehmann “He’s been a terrific player over a long period of time for Australia, certainly one of the best team men I’ve ever been around. He’s been a great mentor for me.

I’ve learned so much off him.”

Australia captain and New South Wales teammate Steve Smith - Reuters

Haddin, who will continue to play some domestic Twenty20 cricket, said he had confidence Australia’s Test future was bright despite the loss of so many experienced players.

“It’s an exciting time, I think we can cover all the retirements, we’ve got a great leader in Steve Smith,” he said. “He’s going to be a great leader for a long period of time. Australian cricket is always healthy.”

A reminder of his fiercely partisan nature came when he paid tribute to his former coaches at New South Wales, Steve Rixon and Trevor Bayliss.

“This is going to hurt,” he said.

“Trevor’s the England coach now and after what he did to us I don’t really want to talk about him too much.” - Reuters

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Prince Ali back in the race to be FIFA boss Prince Ali announced in a speech in the

I will not be a pawn for others. I cannot leave the field that I have cleared, only to allow a flawed system to continue

Jordanian capital that he would run again for the top job at world soccer’s governing body

AMMAN: Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan is back in the race to be elected FIFA president having declared his candidacy on Wednesday four months after losing May’s vote to Sepp Blatter.

Prince Ali, 39, announced in a speech in the Jordanian capital that he would run again for the top job at world soccer’s governing body.

“Friends I stand here in this ancient place in the timeless heart of Amman to once again launch my candidacy for the Presidency of Fifa,” Prince Ali said.

“Let me be clear, I want to finish what we started,” he added.

“We have come too far to walk away now. I have thought long and hard on this, I believe in the road we started, I believe in the moments I shared with people all over the world, who told me their hopes and dreams.”

Prince Ali is the third heavyweight to declare following UEFA chief Michel Platini of France, and former Asia vice-president Chung Mong-Joon of South Korea.

He also said in his declaration speech that his campaign will depend on reforming the organisation.

“It is only through new leadership that FIFA can change I do not believe that FIFA can give this sport back to the people of the world without new leadership, untainted by the practices of the past.

“Since the last election, I have thought long and hard about how

Prince Ali

Fifa presidential candidate

to reform FIFA. It will be a difficult task. We must overcome deepseated corruption and political deal making.

“I will not be a pawn for others.

I cannot leave the field that I have cleared, only to allow a flawed system to continue.

“To Member Associations of FIFA I say, you are the backbone of football and FIFA should serve you. FIFA will not be run as the personal fiefdom of an all-powerful clique.

“We must take back the game we love,” Prince Ali added. “We must return to what makes football the greatest sport on Earth: hope, dignity, excellence and opportunity.”

Worst crisis Ali lost by 133-73 votes to incumbent Blatter in the election on May 27 before the Swiss announced he was standing down from the position four days later after FIFA was plunged into the worst crisis in its 111-year history following arrests of its officials and others two days before the election.

A fresh election to find a successor to Blatter will be held in Zurich on Feb. 26 and Ali will again cam-

paign on an anti-corruption, reform programme.

Backed by Platini in May’s election, Ali now faces him as an opponent in the race, describing the Frenchman as a “Blatter protege” who is not the man to lead FIFA into a new era of transparency and democracy.

Ali has already defeated Chung in an election when he took his Asian vice-presidency seat on the FIFA executive committee in 2011 which ended the Korean’s 17-year stint at FIFA’s top table.

Ali subsequently lost his place on the FIFA executive earlier this year.

Speaking at the Soccerex convention in Manchester this week, Ali said: “I have tremendous respect for Mr Platini both as the UEFA president and a former footballer but at the same time there is a difference between UEFA and FIFA. “FIFA is in a crisis and we need a new beginning and, whether anyone likes it or not, Michel Platini’s introduction into football governance was as a protege of Sepp Blatter. That’s the reality.

“I have sat down and talked with him, I have listened to his ideas and I think it’s my responsibility

to at least guarantee the future is different from the past and therefore I was not very encouraged by Michel Platini.”

He was equally dismissive of Chung, saying: “The important thing is to have a new beginning and to have new ideas and therefore any candidate who has been in the organisation for a long time is not what is needed at this time.”

Ali confounded many observers by forcing a second round of voting in May’s election after denying Blatter an outright two-thirds winning margin in the first round.

However, it is hard to see him collecting so many votes again, especially if UEFA members back their president Platini and the Asian confederation also throws its weight behind the Frenchman.

Candidates with nominations from five national associations must officially register their declarations with FIFA by October 26.

Liberian FA president Musa Bility, former Brazilian footballer Zico and David Nakhid, a former Trinidad & Tobago international, and all lightweights in FIFA political circles, have also said they are standing for the position. - Reuters

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Goal hungry Cahill in for the long haul DUSHANBE: Tim Cahill showed his hunger for international goals remained unsatiated after scoring twice to help Australia maintain their perfect start to their World Cup qualifying campaign and extend their unbeaten run to eight matches.

Already Australia’s all time leading goalscorer, Cahill’s 40th and 41st goals came in the second half of a 3-0 victory over Tajikistan in Dushanbe on Tuesday that kept the Socceroos top of Asian qualifying Group B. The attacking midfielder returned to the starting side as stand-in captain and gave every indication he still wants to be around if the Asian champions make a fourth straight World Cup finals in Russia in 2018.

“I’m really proud, 41 goals for my country and I really want more,” Cahill, who will be 36 in December, told Fox Sports.

“I really want to do well for my country and give so much back.”

Coach Ange Postecoglou paid tribute to Cahill after his brace and the opener from Mark Milligan helped extend an unbeaten run that goes back to the Asian Cup quarterfinals, taking in a friendly draw with world champions Germany.

“Look, he works hard, it’s a pretty disciplined role he’s got to play. Sometimes he gets a bit frustrated as he doesn’t see a lot

of the ball,” Postecoglou said.

“The service was quality (but) he was on the spot and he scored his goals and I’m pleased for him.”

Although Australia would still have to negotiate another round robin stage even if they progressed from Group B, Postecoglou was pleased with wins in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and a home thumping of Bangladesh to kick off their campaign.

“When we looked at the fixtures, we knew we had three out of four away from home and two to places we’d never been before, there’s always challenges there,” he added.

“For us to have nine points after three games, it sets us up nicely, we’ve got a tough in Jordan next time. We didn’t do too well there last time. But another good performance.”

Jordan, who beat Australia 2-1 in Amman in a World Cup qualifier three years ago, have two wins and a draw from their first three matches and are second in Group B on seven points.

Cahill would be delighted to be on target again when the Socceroos visit Jordan on Oct. 8, even if his personal goals are subordinate to the team effort.

“There’s no egos in this team and everyone’s equal,” he added.

“That’s the special thing the boss has done now, he’s really made it a team.” - Reuters

CONTRACT ISSUE

England to avoid Capello situation with Hodgson MANCHESTER: England’s decision not to discuss a new deal for manager Roy Hodgson until after Euro 2016 is aimed at avoiding a repeat of their difficulties with former boss Fabio Capello, FA chief executive Martin Glenn said on Wednesday.

“Roy is very comfortable with the situation. He more than anybody knows that it is a results game.

What we wanted to avoid was the slightly unsavoury position we had with Fabio Capello at the end of the (2010) World Cup, where it clearly didn’t work for people,” he said.

“The issue of contracts is not a moot issue now. Everything we want to do with Roy and the senior team is find out what are the best ways to making Roy successful,” he said. - Reuters

AFC DISAPPOINTED

Malaysia braced for punishment after flare chaos KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s football body braced for possible punishment on Wednesday after flare-throwing fans forced the abandonment of a World Cup qualifier in ugly scenes which deepened the country’s soccer crisis.

The embattled Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), under heavy fire since last week’s record 10-0 defeat to UAE, said it was “awaiting the decision of FIFA” after Tuesday’s incident.

Militant fans angry at last week’s 10-0 humiliation in UAE fired flares billowing orange smoke at Shah Alam Stadium as Malaysia trailed Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the final minutes late on Tuesday.

Players and officials hurried from the field and Saudi fans ran from the stands as flares flew around the stadium. Eleven people were arrested but no one was reported injured. Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said the regional body was “extremely concerned” and would support any investigation by world authority FIFA. “The AFC is extremely disappointed with the events which took place on Tuesday and we stress that we take such matters very seriously,” he said in a statement.

“This sort of behaviour is deplored by all those who seek to protect the

best interests of football in Asia.”

Malaysia’s football body has been strongly criticised by both supporters and the government after a dire run of results culminated in last week’s 10-0 loss.

Malaysia’s worst-ever defeat followed an earlier 1-1 draw in quali-

fying at home against lowly East Timor and a 6-0 loss to Palestine.

“FAM views the issue of security as a serious matter, especially the safety of spectators, players and officials in the stadium,” an FAM statement said.

Tuesday’s conflagration was

blamed on the “Ultras Malaya” group of supporters, who accuse the FAM of incompetence and had threatened to disrupt the match.

‘FAM lost control’ “I am truly disappointed by the fans’ behaviour,” said Ong Kim Swee,

who came in as stand-in coach after the UAE debacle cost former handler Dollah Salleh his job.

“While the fans’ support is important for any team, what they did last night has damaged the image of Malaysia. Already the image of Malaysian football is suffering.”

Malaysian football has been damaged by a rising hooliganism along with a steady flow of match-fixing scandals in the domestic leagues.

Police fired tear gas to disperse rioting fans, arresting 25 people, after a Malaysia FA Cup semifinal in May, and last December, five Malaysia supporters were arrested for attacking Vietnamese fans during a heated Suzuki Cup semifinal.

On Wednesday, officials wondered how flares and fireworks were allowed into the stadium despite a heavy security cordon involving hundreds of personnel.

“I am dumbfounded, as despite the tight security outside and inside the stadium fans still smuggled banned items,” FAM Deputy President Mokhtar Ahmad was quoted saying by the New Straits Times.

“There were only 10,000 fans in the stadium but yet the security could not control them,” he added, calling on police to explain.

But Malaysian Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, who even talked of suspending the FAM after the 10-0 loss, again pointed the finger at the football body when he tweeted, “FAM lost control at their own stadium”.

FAM President Tengku Abdullah Ahmad Shah had said he would “step down in stages” over the 10-0 drubbing. FIFA is yet to comment on Tuesday’s events. - AFP

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SPORTS D E V E L O P I N G A S S O C I AT I O N

Oman Air, Oman Football Association extend partnership MUSCAT: Oman Air has extended its support for the Oman Football Association (OFA). In continuation of its role as the Official Carrier of the National Team for 2014, Oman Air has signed an agreement with OFA at a simple ceremony held at the Seeb Sports Stadium on Wednesday.

The announcement also confirms Oman Air as one of the key partners for the Oman Football Association.

Paul Gregorowitsch, Oman Air CEO, commented: “Oman Air supports many activities across Oman, and of course football is a sport that is loved by Omanis. We

are pleased with our role as the Official Carrier of the National Team of the Sultanate.

“The Oman Football Association does a great job in nurturing the budding talents in football.

This tie-up also helps us promote the Oman Air brand.”

Oman Air is the Sultanate’s designated national carrier and the airline has continued to witness rapid growth over the last few years. This has seen significant increases in the size of the airline’s fleet, major expansion of its network to include over 48 destinations and the introduction of a range of new products and services.

OFA chairman Sayyid Khalid Al Busaidi, was very pleased with the news.

He commented: “Oman Air is one of Oman’s most high profile companies, and it is a great honour for OFA to be associated with them. We are grateful to Oman Air for their support over the past years and thank them for their ongoing commitment.

“Our players would be proud to show Oman Air emblem on the national team jersey. We are extremely proud of our country and our team, and work hard to deliver a positive message to the world of the great country we live in.”

DEAL SEALED: Oman Air CEO Paul Gregorowitsch, left, and OFA chief Sayyid Khalid Al Busaidi, centre, pictured during a signing ceremony at the OFA Headquarters at Seeb Spots Stadium on Wednesday.

Oman take on Saudi Arabia in GCC U-19 football semis are looking confident after their stunning 4-2 victory over hosts Qatar in the their final group match that paved their way to the semifinals

HAPPY LOT: Members of Oman team pose for a group photo during a dinner party hosted by the Organising Committee of the GCC Under-19 Football Championship in Doha. – Supplied photo

The second semifinal will be played between Kuwait and Bahrain from 8.45 p.m. Oman time. The final will be played on Saturday.

Meanwhile, GCC Football Or-

ganising Committee Secretary Mirza Ahmed Ali chaired a technical meeting ahead of the semifinals in the presence of all representatives of the GCC teams and mem-

bers of their technical staff.

On Wednesday night, the championship organising committee hosted a dinner party in honour of all participating delegations,

T R E A D C A R E F U L LY

F1 great Stewart urges caution over plan to introduce closed cockpits LONDON: Triple world champion Jackie Stewart has urged Formula One to tread carefully before making any decision about introducing closed cockpits in the wake of recent race tragedies.

The 76-year-old Scot, a famed safety campaigner who this month marked the 50th anniversary of his first grand prix win at Italy’s Monza circuit, said a lot more research and development needed to be done.

“One has got to be just a little careful that you don’t run too fast before all of the research has been done because there’s other types of accidents where it could be a disadvantage,” he said.

Stewart, who entered Formula One when the sport was at its deadliest and won his titles in 1969, 1971 and 1973, lost numerous friends in accidents during his career and campaigned for safety improvements including seat belts and full-face helmets.

However, he remained unconvinced by the idea of fully enclosing the driver.

“No, I don’t think so,” he said when asked whether something like that had to be done.

The world of racing has been shocked by the deaths of two top drivers in the last two months from severe head injuries sustained on the track, with increased calls for greater protection.

Frenchman Jules Bianchi, who

NBO to sponsor ISC badminton tourney MUSCAT: National Bank of Oman (NBO) has joined hands with the Indian Social Club (ISC) Muscat to sponsor the Annual Badminton Tournament organised by the ISC. “NBO will be the exclusive sponsor of this year’s annual badminton tournament,” Imtiaz Usman, Sports Secretary of the ISC Muscat, said.

“The ISC badminton tournament is the largest and the most successful badminton tournament in the country and we at the ISC are delighted to have NBO, one of the leading financial services providers as the sponsor,” Imtiaz Usman said in a press statement issued on Wednesday.

The Omani squad

MUSCAT: The Sultanate under-19 team will take on their Saudi Arabian counterparts in the semifinals of the ongoing GCC Under-19 Football Championship in Doha on Thursday. The match, to be played at Al Gharafa Club’s Thani bin Jassim Stadium, is scheduled to kick off at 6.15 p.m. Oman time.

The Omani squad are looking confident after their stunning 4-2 victory over hosts Qatar in the their final group match that paved their way to the semifinals.

According to information received from the Oman Football Association (OFA), Rasheed Jabercoached Omanis underwent rigorous training for about two hours on Wednesday in hot and humid conditions at the Aspire Academy in the Qatari capital.

During the training session, coach Rasheed Jaber gave his wards a pep talk in which is mentioned about the significance of the match and the focus and commitment needed to achieve a good result.

EXCLUSIVE SPONSOR

Jackie Stewart, a famed safety campaigner who this month marked the 50th anniversary of his first grand prix win at Italy’s Monza circuit, said a lot more research and development needed to be done

raced for Marussia in Formula One, died in July of his injuries after slamming into a recovery tractor at the Japanese Grand Prix last October.

Britain’s Justin Wilson, who drove for the Minardi and Jaguar F1 teams in 2003, died last month after being hit on the head by flying debris and crashing heavily in an IndyCar race in Pennsylvania.

Wilson’s funeral will be held near Silverstone on Thursday, with many of his old friends from Formula One and other series set to attend.

Head protection The Briton’s death has led to a rethink about closed cockpits, with several Formula One drivers who were previously opposed now speaking out in support of measures that would offer more head protection.

McLaren’s Jenson Button, the

2009 world champion, said at Monza last week that something had to be done because ‘it’s not the 1970s...I think we’ve all had enough now.”

Stewart, who retired in 1973 after the death of Tyrrell team mate Francois Cevert at Watkins Glen in the United States, disagreed.

“I don’t see it as that bad. How many incidents have we had? I mean one thing was changing safety — the racetrack, the deformable structures, the cars, everything,” he said. “(The death of ) Henry Surtees, and this accident that happened in America, that’s two incidents.

I don’t think Jules’s incident was anything to do with that (not having a closed cockpit).”

Surtees, the teenage son of 1964 world champion John, died in a Formula Two accident at Brands Hatch in 2009 when he was hit on the head by a loose wheel bounc-

ing across the track.IndyCar’s last fatality before Wilson was that of compatriot Dan Wheldon, the double Indy 500 winner, in a fiery crash at Las Vegas in 2011.

More tests Formula One’s governing body has said it will carry out more tests this month on devices to protect drivers’ heads.

However previous ones have failed to overcome problems with obstructed vision and the difficulty of extracting the driver in an emergency.

“I think there’s a lot of research and development has to take place,” said Stewart. “Everyone’s talking about a missile hitting the thing. What if there’s another accident, not with a missile coming back, and an impact?

“Is it a problem that the driver might not be able to get out correctly?

There’s a lot of things that you have to take into consideration.

“Are you going to get proper ventilation? It’s a very complicated thing, it’s not just a simple bubble.

“And sometimes you’ll be doing 280 or 300kph and an object comes. Is it going to damage the cell so that it can’t be taken off? A driver could be trapped in it.

“And do the spectators want it either? I think you have to be very, very certain that it’s going to work.” - Reuters

during which the officials also exchanged mementos. Among those who attened the celebrations was Oman delegation chief Humaid bin Sulaiman Al Jabri.

Open to all nationalities The tournament is scheduled to begin on September 15 and will include open men’s singles, women’s singles and men’s doubles events.

Players of all nationalities can participate in the above mentioned events.

Other competitions are open for only ISC members and they are singles and doubles events for men, women and veterans, junior singles for boys and girls, junior doubles and family doubles, the club statement added.

The deadline for submission of entries is 6.00 p.m. on September 11.

Entry forms and information can be obtained from the Indian Social Club Muscat.

For further details call ISC Muscat office (Tel. 24701347) between 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMB ER 10, 2 0 1 5

SPORTS HIGHS AND LOWS

Wayne Rooney broke Bobby Charlton’s national goal-scoring record by scoring his 50th England goal. Here is a look back at the highs and lows of his 12-year international career: HIGHS Youngest England goal-scorer Rooney lost his record as England’s youngest player to Theo Walcott in May 2006, but he remains his country’s youngest ever goal-scorer. He opened his England account at the age of 17 years and 317 days with an 18-yard half-volley in a 2-1 win away to Macedonia in September 2003.

Charlton led a flood of tributes to Rooney and with the Manchester United captain not

Euro 2004 explosion Rooney’s emergence as a global star can be traced back to the 2004 European Championship in Portugal, when he terrified opposition defences with his direct running as England reached the quarterfinals. His four goals saw him named in UEFA’s Team of the Tournament and he left boyhood club Everton for Manchester United shortly after in a £27 million ($41.3 million) transfer.

due to turn 30 until next month, Hodgson believes he can stretch the record and emulate Charlton by leading England to glory

Captaincy After Steven Gerrard retired in the aftermath of England’s group-phase elimination at last year’s World Cup, Rooney was handed the captaincy by manager Roy Hodgson. “As a kid I always loved the occasion of watching a big England game on the television,” Rooney said. “Back then I had a burning ambition to play for my country.

Now to be appointed captain is beyond my wildest dreams.”

Record goal-scorer After becoming the ninth England player to reach 100 caps against Slovenia last November, Rooney broke Charlton’s 45-year-old England scoring record by netting in a Euro 2016 qualifier at home to Switzerland. The moment of history arrived in the 84th minute, with Rooney blasting a penalty into the top-left corner after Raheem Sterling was fouled by Granit Xhaka.

LOWS Metatarsal woe Rooney was tipped to become one of the stars of the 2006 World Cup after two impressive seasons with United, but he broke a bone in his foot in a 3-0 defeat at Chelsea just six weeks before the tournament began. After undergoing intensive treatment, he was declared fit to play in Germany and strode into the England team hotel booming: “The big man is back in town!” But his tournament ended in disgrace when he was sent off in the quarter-finals for stamping on Portugal’s Ricardo Carvalho.

Broadside at fans Rooney top-scored for England with nine goals in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, but he flopped at the tournament in South Africa, where Fabio Capello’s side were humiliated by Germany in the last 16. The burly striker snapped as he walked off the pitch following a dismal 0-0 draw with Algeria in the group phase, sarcastically scowling at a television camera: “Nice to see your home (own) fans booing you!”

Seeing red in Podgorica Rooney was thought to have overcome his disciplinary issues prior to the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, only to be sent off for angrily kicking out at Montenegro defender Miodrag Dzudovic in England’s last match in Podgorica. His ban was reduced from three matches to two on appeal, but he still missed England’s first two games of the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

ROONEY

HODGSON SETS TROPHY TARGET FOR RECORD-BREAKER

E

ngland manager Roy Hodgson challenged Wayne Rooney to emulate Bobby Charlton’s World Cup-winning exploits after he broke the 77-yearold’s scoring record by netting his 50th international goal against Switzerland. The England captain lashed in a late penalty in Tuesday’s 2-0 win in a Euro 2016 qualifier at Wembley to become England’s outright all-time leading scorer, having equalled Charlton’s previous mark in Saturday’s 6-0 win in San Marino.

Charlton led a flood of tributes to Rooney after the game and with the Manchester United captain not due to turn 30 until next month, Hodgson believes he can stretch the record and emulate Charlton by leading England to glory.

Asked how many goals Rooney could yet score for England, Hodg-

son replied: “It depends how long he plays. I’d like to think we’re on 10 games a year these days, a bit more if we do quite well in a tournament. “So if he plays to 2018 at least we’re talking 20 or 30 games, so 10 to 15 goals with his rate of scoring. But I know Wayne well enough to know he’s really delighted tonight. It’s a proud moment for him and his family, but he’s not got in his head how many goals he can score for England.

“He wants to make England a better team, to make sure, like Sir Bobby Charlton, he ends up winning a tournament or getting very good results in a tournament.”

Rooney is the first to acknowledge that despite the goal-scoring record, his England career does not compare to that of Charlton, a key member of the team that tasted World Cup glory on home soil in 1966. But

there was no room for caveats on a night that belonged to Rooney, who wiped tears from his eyes as the crowd rose to acclaim him in the aftermath of his historic goal.

Hodgson revealed afterwards that Rooney had been presented with a framed shirt with the number 50 on the back by the Football Association and had made a brief speech to his teammates in the changing room.

‘Lot more to come’ The FA subsequently released video footage of the speech, which showed Rooney saying: “I’d like to thank everyone here, coaches, players, staff who I’ve worked with for such a long time.

“It’s such a huge moment for myself and my family in my career.

Hopefully, for the team, for myself, (there’s) a lot more to come.

Disappointment in Brazil Rooney went to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil vowing to enjoy the experience, but he met with disappointment once again as England crashed out in the group phase for the first time since 1958. Rooney ended his long wait for a first World Cup goal against Uruguay, but saw his place in the team called into question due to the emergence of Raheem Sterling. - AFP

He (Rooney) wants to make England a better team, to make sure, like Sir Bobby Charlton, he ends up winning a tournament or getting very good results in a tournament

Roy Hodgson, England manager

“Hopefully there’s a lot of the younger lads — Harry (Kane), Ross (Barkley), Raheem (Sterling) — coming through, who can come closer and even pass me in the future. “It means the world to me.

Thank you very much.”

Rooney will be presented with a golden boot by Charlton prior to England’s next game against Estonia next month.

Rooney’s strike, which came after substitute Kane had broken the deadlock with his second goal in two games, rubber-stamped an eighth successive qualifying win for Hodgson’s side.

The only black mark for the victors was a hamstring injury sustained by Manchester City midfielder Fabian Delph, who injured himself after just nine seconds.

“He pulled his hamstring,” Hodgson said. “How serious, a

scan will have to show us. We’re very disappointed, as is he.”

While England’s victory assured them of first place in Group E, Switzerland still have work to do to secure a berth at next year’s tournament in France.

But with a three-point lead over third-place Slovenia ahead of a home game with San Marino and a trip to Estonia, they remain on course to qualify.

“We’re not at our maximum in September,” said coach Vladimir Petkovic, whose side had come from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at home to Slovenia in their previous game on Saturday.

“We were also perhaps a bit naive at times. At 1-0, I think we could have taken our chances better. Mentally, it’s difficult to prepare for two matches in three days.” - AFP

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SPORTS

MAIN RISK

Gambling becomes addiction number one for football stars MANCHESTER: Gambling has overtaken the demon drink as the main risk for cash-rich footballers, according to former England captain Tony Adams who battled alcoholism before becoming a saviour for players fighting addiction.

Adams, who founded the Sporting Chance clinic having come through his own drink hell, told how old professionals led him to the pub after training but modern-day stars fall for huge bets and the internet.

More than 70 percent of footballers, rugby players and stars from other sports who go through Sporting Chance are in the grip of gambling, according to the Arsenal legend who has found solace as football director for Azerbaijan side Gabala.

Two footballers, a rugby league player and a boxer are currently at the clinic founded in 2000 by Adams in Hampshire, south-west of London, he said at the Soccerex convention in Manchester.

Three football managers and sev-

eral coaching staff members have also joined players seeking refuge there over the past 18 months, according Sporting Chance chief executive Colin Bland.

Sporting Chance is recognised a world leader in helping athletes overcome their destructive behaviour. But Bland said too many football coaches still do not take account of mental illness when deciding if a player is fit to compete.

Walking wounded “Coaches will quite accept that I can’t play because I have torn something or my knee is bad.

“But if you are up and walking you might be suffering from an acute depressive disorder or a mental illness, you are well enough to play and you get your treatment at the end of the season.”

Adams said he had twice turned out for Arsenal when “pissed”.

His own trail of alcoholic chaos wrecked “six or seven” marriages of teammates and friends.

More than 70 percent of footballers, rugby players and stars from other sports who go through Sporting Chance are in the grip of gambling, according to the Arsenal legend who has found solace as football director for Azerbaijan side Gabala

“I dragged them around the world,” recounted the winner of four English league titles.

“When I joined the club the expros took me down the pub. That was where we went on a Tuesday after training — bang. But they don’t tend to do that now,” said Adams.

In his own case a long injury layoff sucked him into alcohol dependance.

“I got shit-faced, absolutely out of my tree, drunk alcoholically, wet

the bed, into fights, put crutches over people’s heads.”

He had a 12-year battle where booze dominated his summer breaks and increasingly “the career that I loved.” Adams went to prison for dangerous driving but even that did not stop the drink.

“The illness of addiction has gone in different directions. I describe it like milkshakes, chocolate milkshake is alcohol. But you have got the internet now and gambling

is a massive one. I think 70 percent of our clients who come through as patients are gambling addicts.

There has been a big shift away from booze to gambling.”

Huge bets Former West Ham United and Stoke winger Matthew Etherington reckons he lost £1.5 million ($2.3 million) on greyhounds, horses and cards. Adams’s former teammate Paul Merson has said he spent up to £30,000 ($46,000) betting on a single football match in the 1990s.

Former Newcastle United and Sunderland striker Michael Chopra has also been among the Sporting Chance clients. He has told how he spent a similar amount gambling with other players on the team bus. Now the players union, the Professional Footballers Association, is the main financial backer of Sporting Chance.

Bland said about 85 percent of Sport Chance’s customers are still from football with its huge riches.

Messi’s late show rescues Argentina against Mexico Messi’s goal was the final act of an entertaining encounter played in front of 82,559 fans

ARLINGTON: Lionel Messi saved Argentina’s blushes with a late equaliser as the South American giants scored twice in the final five minutes to snatch a 2-2 draw with Mexico in Texas here on Tuesday.

Argentina appeared to be heading to their first defeat against Mexico since 2004 after a first half penalty from Javier Hernandez and a second half strike from Hector Herrera fired “El Tri” into a 2-0 lead.

But with the clock ticking down a flurry of attacking substitutions from Argentina coach Gerardo Martino turned the match in favour of the two-time world champions in a dramatic finale.

Ezequiel Lavezzi burst into the penalty area to cut back for Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero to tap in from close range on 85

minutes to make it 2-1. Then in the 89th minute Aguero picked out Messi with a clever quick free-kick inside the area.

The Barcelona superstar controlled on his chest and then jabbed a low shot past Mexico goalkeeper Moises Munoz to level.

Messi’s goal was the final act of an entertaining encounter played in front of 82,559 at the Arlington, Texas home of the Dallas Cowboys NFL side. However for long periods both sides looked uncomfortable with the makeshift playing surface, a layer of temporary grass laid on top of artificial turf used for American football games.

Mexico took the lead on 19 minutes through Hernandez’s penalty after Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi upended Raul Jimenez in the box.

Munoz made a series of superb saves to deny Argentina a goal before in the 70th minute Hector Herrera made it 2-0 with a thumping strike from the edge of the area after a fine Mexico counter attack.

Mexico appeared to be heading for a victory but Aguero and Messi’s late double strike denied them.

Messi’s equaliser was his 49th goal in his 105th international, leaving him seven goals behind Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer Gabriel Batistuta on 56. - AFP

SNATCHING A DRAW: Argentina forward Lionel Messi, centre, controls the ball against Mexico de-

fender Hector Moreno, right, and forward Raul Jimenez at AT&T Stadium, Arlington on Tuesday.

H E AV Y D E F E AT

Neymar double as Brazil thrash US FOXBOROUGH: Barcelona superstar Neymar scored twice as Brazil thrashed the United States 4-1 to equal the Americans’ heaviest margin of defeat under manager Jurgen Klinsmann in a friendly international here on Tuesday.

The US, looking for an encouraging display as they prepare for a crucial Confederations Cup playoff against Mexico next month, were run ragged as Brazil turned on the style at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

The scoreline matched the worst ever suffered by the Americans under Klinsmann, who were beaten 4-1 by Brazil in 2012 and 4-1 by Ireland in 2014.

Brazil, who face a daunting opening to their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign away to Chile next month, were always in control.

Veteran striker Hulk and youngster Rafinha scored the five-time

world champion’s other goals.

Substitute Danny Williams scored a late consolation for the Americans, lashing home a 30-yard screamer in the 90th minute.

Threaten to run riot The South Americans dominated a one-sided first half, threatening to run riot against an experimental United States formation featuring Alejandro Bedoya playing in an unfamiliar defensive midfield role.

The Brazilians swept forward confidently and did not have long to wait until their early superiority was rewarded with the first goal.

Chelsea star Willian burst clear of two American defenders down the right flank and curled a looping cross beyond US keeper Brad Guzan.

As the Aston Villa goalkeeper dithered, the ball rebounded off the inside of the upright and fell kindly to Hulk, who cut back towards goal

to wrong-foot defender DeAndre Yedlin to bludgeon home for 1-0.

The US’s lone attack of the first half came shortly afterwards when Yedlin, the Tottenham player currently on loan at Sunderland, surged down the flank and crossed for Jozy Altidore, whose shot on the run was blocked.

Klinsmann acknowledged the Bedoya experiment had left the Americans exposed and swiftly replaced him with Williams on 36 minutes.

Yet Brazil almost doubled their lead three minutes before the break when Marcelo thumped a ferocious angled shot towards the top corner that Guzan did well to parry away.

Enter Neymar Dunga brought Neymar on at halftime and the Barcelona superstar, who will be suspended for the

Selecao’s clash with Chile next month, made an instant impact.

David Luiz released Neymar into acres of space down the right and the No. 10 cut back inside only to have Stoke City defender Geoff Cameron sweep his legs from beneath him for a cast-iron penalty.

Neymar duly stepped up to rifle home the spot-kick — his 45th international goal — to make it 2-0.

Rafinha was the next to find the target, deftly finishing after an exquisite pass from Lucas Moura for Brazil’s third goal in the 64th minute.

Another superb ball by Paris Saint-Germain’s Moura set up Neymar to make it 4-0 in the 67th minute, the Barcelona player shooting low through a crowd of US defenders to beat Guzan once more.

It could have been worse if Rafinha had not dragged a shot wide with the goal begging in the 70th minute. - AFP

INSTANT IMPACT: Neymar

But there have been boxers and darts players afflicted.

Rugby league is also a source of trouble and the charity is looking to set up a branch in Australia, a league bastion.

“There are many guys in topflight football and top-flight rugby that actually look after themselves and stay clean of substances, gambling and alcohol with the tools they have been given by Sporting Chance,” said Bland. Sometimes clubs approach the charity because they have a problem player “and they don’t know how to have the conversation.”

Sporting Chance talks every season to young players at all 92 clubs in the English professional leagues. But it believes there will always be players with problems.

“We have a lot of young players that are trying to make their way in the game and other games as well who are worried, they are worried about appearing weak in the team or not being selected,” said Bland. - AFP SETBACK

Croatia sack Kovac after double blow ZAGREB: Croatia have sacked coach Niko Kovac after the Balkan country’s hopes of reaching Euro 2016 suffered a setback following a 0-0 draw in Azerbaijan and a 2-0 defeat in Norway.

“The Croatian Football Association’s (HNS) executive board reached a unanimous decision to terminate our contract with Niko Kovac and his entire staff,” the body’s president Davor Suker said on Wednesday.

“We will interview his potential successors in the next 10 days or so and come up with a candidate at the next HNS executive board meeting on September 21.”

Suker declined to name any of the candidates but Croatian media have widely touted Lokomotiva Zagreb coach Ante Cacic as Kovac’s most likely replacement. Kovac, who steered Croatia to the 2014 World Cup after taking over from Igor Stimac in October 2013, came under fire from the media and his peers.

He also fell out with captain Luka Modric, who was unhappy after being substituted against the Azeris on Thursday and then rubbished Kovac’s remarks that the players were not fully committed in Sunday’s debacle in Norway. - Reuters

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Williams sisters add new chapter to the ‘greatest story in tennis’ There are few that would disagree with Serena that the Williams sisters’ rise from the hard scrabble streets of Compton to the top of the tennis world is both fascinating and inspiring

FASCINATING AND INSPIRING: Serena Williams, bottom, and her sister Venus Williams rest between

games during their quarterfinals match at the US Open in New York on Tuesday. – Reuters

NEW YORK: Serena and Venus Williams added another chapter to what the world No. 1 claims to be greatest story in tennis when she outslugged her sister 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 on Tuesday to reach the semifinals of the US Open.

There are few that would disagree with Serena that the Williams sisters’ rise from the hard scrabble streets of Compton to the top of the tennis world is both fascinating and inspiring.

But it is a story still being written and what is unfolding at Flushing Meadows this fortnight could well provide a chapter all its own with plot centering around what was an enthralling 27th meeting between the siblings.

“I think it’s the greatest story in tennis because we really — you know, with our how we started and how we grew up and how we were able to win championships and be, you know, such inspirations for so many women across the globe, I mean, it doesn’t get better than that,” said Serena.

Certainly Serena seemed inspired on Tuesday as she and Venus played with the fire and passion that had been missing from many of their other 26 head-tohead meetings.

But never before had so much been riding on the result.

A win by 35-year-old Venus would move her a step closer to a first Grand Slam since 2008 Wimbledon but would scuttle Serena’s chances of joining their sport’s most exclusive club of calendar year Grand Slam winners which includes just three members Maureen Connolly, Margaret Court and Steffi Graf.

Certainly there are no secrets between the sisters who knew exactly what to expect having played each other since they were first

I think it’s the greatest story in tennis because we really — you know, with our how we started and how we grew up and how we were able to win championships and be, you know, such inspirations for so many women across the globe, I mean, it doesn’t get better than that Serena Williams handed racquets and started playing on the cracked public courts of their Los Angeles neighborhood.

The 33-year-old top seed, winner of 21 Grand Slam singles titles, took charge of the opening set by securing service breaks in the fifth and seventh games of a match that felt like a heavyweight title bout after a brilliant start by Venus.

However, Venus looked more like the player who has claimed seven Grand Slam singles titles in the second set before Serena seized control early in the third and rode the momentum to semifinal meeting with Roberta Vinci.

“There’s nothing that I did different,” shrugged Serena. “I just was out there to play a really tough opponent today.

“Obviously we are very, very tough competitors on the court, but once the match is over and the second it’s done, you know, we’re sisters, we’re roommates, and we’re all that.

“Down to the match point it just was not easy. It’s probably the toughest match I have played in a really, really, really long time where I wasn’t actually beating myself. I was out there facing an incredibly tough opponent.” - Reuters

NOTHING TO LOSE

Can Serena crack the Vinci code?

NEW YORK: Roberta Vinci is confident and care-free approaching her first Grand Slam semifinal, even though it’s a US Open showdown on Thursday with historychasing Serena Williams, whom the Italian has never beaten.

“I’m really happy,” Vinci said.

“I have nothing to lose. Just play my game, enjoy my match and we will see.”

The world No. 43 downed France’s 40th-ranked Kristina Mladenovic 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 on Tuesday to finally crack a Slam lasteight in her 44th try.

But she is 0-4 all-time against Serena, who holds all four major trophies and who moved two wins from completing the first calendar Grand Slam since Steffi Graf in 1988 by defeating her sister Venus 6-2, 1-6, 6-3.

Serena can also match Graf’s career Open Era record of 22 singles titles, two shy of Australian Margaret Court’s all-time mark, but first she has to get past Vinci.

“It’s not easy to play her, but we will see,” Vinci said.

“I have a lot of experience, but when you play against Serena, it doesn’t matter. You have to play better, then better, then better.

“I have to play my game, aggressive, nothing special. I know I have a lot of experience, but maybe against (Serena) I don’t need this experience.”

Vinci, 32, became the lowestranked Slam semifinalist since 83rd-rated compatriot Flavia Pennetta at the 2013 US Open.

CONFIDENT AND CARE-FREE: Roberta Vinci said ‘Just play my game, enjoy my match and we will see’. – Reuters

Her nine career titles are 60 fewer than Serena.

“She’s the number one. She’s an incredible player,” Vinci said.

“I played against her in Toronto three weeks ago. The serve, it’s incredible. It’s tough to return.

She’s the number one.”

Vinci was surprised as her quarter of the draw opened up even before the tournament began with Russian third seed Maria Sharapova withdrawing due to an injury.

Exits by Spanish 10th seed Carla

Suarez Navarro and Serbian 21st seed Jelena Jankovic one match before they would have played Vinci helped. Serb seventh seed Ana Ivanovic lost in the first round.

And Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard slipped and fell in the locker room, sustaining a concussion that allowed Vinci to advance by walkover and enjoy extra rest ahead of the match against Mladenovic.

“When you play the Grand Slams, it’s always tough and you have a lot of pressure,” Vinci said.

“But I think I have also good draw, because Suarez lost, Jankovic the same, Bouchard. So maybe this was my tournament. I don’t know.

Sometimes it can happen.”

It comes near the end of a career that has seen its greatest success in doubles, including 110 weeks as the world doubles No. 1.

“It’s nice. I’m 32. I’m not young,” Vinci said. “I’m at the end of my career, so my first semifinal, it’s incredible.

“When you work hard for a long time and every single day, sometimes you have some periods down and try to come back. It’s not always easy. I’m very proud of myself.”

Vinci is taking more chances and firing more winners.

“I’m starting to play much better, more aggressive,” Vinci said.

“Also my body is OK. I don’t have injury. Maybe now I’m more solid and more in confidence. When you win a lot of matches you are a little bit of in confidence. Is nice when you have this sensation.” - AFP

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Fragrantly Yours Whether the fragrance emanates from traditional burners or is entrapped in artistically designed bottles, there has always been a predominance of scents in Arabian society. Among all the exotic scents, Oud is the most prized one that is dominating the world of fragrances. Take a walk down the fragrant lanes of Arabia.

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Thanks to perfumes from Armani, Versace, Dior, Calvin Klein, and Tom Ford, Oud has been given a fresh makeover and introduced in the western markets where people have begun to embrace the smells which are mostly blends of Oriental and French fragrances

1

OUDSTANDING The strength and longevity of oud perfumes are said to be simply outstanding and one must be willing to bear with it for at least 12 hours. Rose oud, Vanilla oud and oud Gourmet are some standouts.

2

OUDRAGEOUS OR OU’SOME Oud perfumes are so mystical, you either love it or hate it. Some say it reminds them of medicated Band-Aid, others love its delicious sensual exilir.

n the Middle East, perfumes have always played an important role in the lives of the people. Here, exotic fragrances are appreciated not just for the aromatic notes but also for the integral role it plays in the Arab societies. Unlike in other parts of the world the perfume industry in most of the Arab countries stems from the rich culture and heritage of the people.

Agarwood oils, also known as Oud in Arab countries, is one such popular fragrance that has been used by the people for centuries in the regions of Arabia and across the subcontinent of India. A resin from the Aquilaria tree, it is valued for its distinct and mysterious aromatic smells and should not be confused with Bakhoor.

The Aquilaria tree produces this dark aromatic resin as part of its natural defence mechanism when infected or introduced with fungus (Phialophora Parasitica). This can be a natural or an artificial process. The greater the age of the infection, the higher the grade of Oud oils.

Aquilaria species that produce natural agarwood are found throughout Asia, in South, and Southeast Asia. The sub-continent of India has been the primary source of agarwood for centuries, and agarwood cultivation was slowly introduced and extended to Indonesia and Malaysia. Today agarwood plantations exist in a number of countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Laos, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, and Vietnam. Since the ancient times of the Sanskrit, Torah, Gospel and the Muslim scriptures, Oud has always found big takers across most Arab countries. (One factor that contributes to it is the Prophet’s traditions) In keeping with Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) practise of fumigation of Oud Chips, the tradition continues to live on among many Arabs in the Middle Eastern countries.

The Lucrative Market The GCC is considered to be one of the world’s largest consumers of perfumes and many perfume makers have popped up in the UAE and Saudi Arabia to grab a piece of the pie from the lucrative business of Oud. Perfume sales in Saudi Arabia, the largest economy in GCC, and the UAE alone have reached $827.5m and $205.8m last year, according to the research firm Euromonitor International. This is set to double in the next decade, according to estimates.

Thanks to perfumes from Armani, Versace, Dior, Calvin Klein, and Tom Ford, Oud has been given a fresh makeover and introduced in the western markets where people have begun to embrace the smells which are mostly blends of Oriental and French fragrances. The smell seems to be catching up with many perfume

3

The Various Sub-Trees of Aquilaria Aquilaria khasiana, found in India Aquilaria apiculina; Philippines Aquilaria baillonil;Thailand and Cambodia Aquilaria baneonsis; Vietnam Aquilaria beccarain; Indonesia Aquilaria brachyantha; Malaysia Aquilaria crassna; Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam Aquilaria cumingiana; Indonesia and Malaysia Aquilaria filaria; China Aquilaria grandiflora; China Aquilaria hilata; Indonesia and Malaysia Aquilaria malaccensis; Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and India Aquilaria microcapa; Indonesia and Malaysia Aquilaria rostrata; Malaysia Aquilaria sinensis; China Aquilaria subintegra; Thailand

makers who are now introducing Oud to their customers in different ways, thereby making it even more popular.

The older they are, the better they are. Oud oils are graded into AAA, AA, A. AAA is the purest of blends, high quality and priced highly. (A tola could go as high as OMR600 or more). Oud oils could be as old as 30 years or more. The lasting effect may not necessarily be for days, the smells are the criteria.

AA is pure oils of good quality, and are generally five years old (A tola could be in the range of OMR200 to OMR300 (Could last for up to 10 hours or more).

A is usually the freshest blend of oils, and are usually cheaper than AAA or AA. (A tola is sold in the range of OMR30 to OMR100.

(Could last for six hours or more).

All other quality of oils branded as Oud are just cheap imitations.

They could fit in the category of Mukhalats or so.

Each perfume house has its own blends, may mix them with additional ingredients, to have the desired smells, and they may call them by different names. The rarity of oils and supply, certificates from authentic bodies, houses of Oud oil manufacturers, all play a part or factor on the costing of the price.

Why Are They So Expensive?

Oud oils are seasonal. The demand surpasses the availability and because it can take considerable time to grow these trees, they can incredibly be expensive.

It can also be laborious to make just one tola of Oud oils (Can take upto 20 kilograms of agarwood sometimes). Perfume makers have started using synthetic Oud or chemicals in place of Oud as a substitute. (Has woody and leather smells). Indian Oud commands phenomenal prices, a kilogram of high grade oils can sometimes be over OMR5,000 (Wholesale prices). mahran@timesofoman.com

EXTRA-OUDINARY Oud was used in Ayurveda as a cardiac tonic, in Unani medicine as an aphrodisiac, by Tibetan doctors to treat emotional disorders and by Chinese medics to treat cirrhosis of the liver.

Source: sultanuloud.com

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Jamie Foxx Keen to Join ‘Baby Driver’ Team

Jamie Foxx is in talks to join The Fault in Our Stars star Ansel Elgort in filmmaker Edgar Wright’s Baby Driver. According to sources, the details surrounding the actor-singer’s role in the film have been kept under wraps.

The film, which also features Lily James, is being helmed and penned by Wright and produced by Working Titless co-chairmen Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan along with Nira Park through her Big Talk Productions. Baby Driver follows a story of a young, talented getaway driver who relies on the beat of his personal soundtrack to be the best.

Christopher Nolan’s Next Movie in 2017

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D

ifferent people have different ways to let out the steam.

Some go to the gym and work out their frustrations while others deliberately pick a quarrel so they can start shouting. In my quest to find the best way to calm the jittering nerves, I met this man who does not involve anybody else.

When things get out of control, he walks out from his house and looks for an empty mosque. He finds the house of God peaceful, rejuvenating and uses the quiet time to renew his faith. I must agree it is the perfect place for people looking for a sanctuary.

God does not discriminate and forgives many of our failings. I must add, hopefully without being cynical, his services are free. In comparison, gyms are expensive and if you are in the habit of taking out your anger on the nearest person then it can cost you dear.

I know of a man who had his wife walked out on him because he could not contain his tem-

per. There are other people who would sit quietly at home glaring at the television and ignore everybody. It is their way to tell the world that things are not going well in their lives. Sometimes, you can detect the symptoms that warn you to stay away. However, when I saw my neighbour one evening furiously pacing up and down in front of his house, I knew right away that there was something wrong. Perhaps to test my ‘frustration syndrome’ theory, I walked out of my house and joined him.

He said he needed a holiday because the heat was getting into him. He did not fool me. The ‘heat’ he was referring to was not a product of the weather.

I hanged around long enough to learn what was bothering him.

He blamed the work pressure, annoying relatives, and even his old car. As he was talking to me, I could hear the shrill of the telephone coming from his house.

“That is part of the problem. I am going somewhere where there are no telephones,

Bad feelings build up over a period of time and if not stopped then nerves can explode without warning televisions or even people around,” he said.

I fought the impulse to ask him if he was going away alone but I kept my mouth shut, said goodnight and walked back home.

Three days later, I saw him at the airport being dropped by his wife.

I thought he was going away on a personal crusade to eradicate his bad feelings. Thinking about it, there was a big contrast between him and the man who finds refuge in an empty mosque.

I came to a conclusion that

the best way to let out the steams is to come to terms with your shortcomings.

Most of the time, you can solve the problem by accepting your limitations. There is no point thinking about a new car when you cannot afford it or for that matter, a promotion when your boss is against it.

Usually, bad feelings build up over a period of time and if not stopped then nerves can explode without warning.

We all go through bad patches but they cannot be contained by running away or put your problems under the cover.

I always thought that you take your troubles with you when you travel. If you look deep enough, solutions are nearer and you may not even need to take one step outside your house. If it is never meant to be than it is probably not good for you.

Why give yourself a headache to try to get something that would take away a big part of your well being? Just fight the temptations and be happy with what you have.

Director Christopher Nolan’s yet untitled film will see the light of day in 2017. The film will be Nolan’s first feature since Interstellar, which released last November and scored $673 million worldwide.

Warner Bros. will take care of the international release. Nolan’s movie is the fourth title to be dated for July 21 2017, following Universal pictures’ Pitch Perfect 3, EuropaCorp’s Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets and an untitled Blue Sky animation project from Fox.

‘All-Girls Band Spice Girls May reunite’

Singer Geri Halliwell says all-girls band Spice Girls are “in talks” to reunite to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut single Wannabe, in 2016.

On TV show This Morning, the 43-year-old singer, known as Ginger Spice in the band, shared that it would be nice to celebrate in some way, reports mirror.co.uk. “I think it’s really flattering that people are so supportive of the Spice Girls individually and collectively. It’s one of those things that have been discussed.”— IANS

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

07:00

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

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 07:30 14:30

WITH LOVE

BAHJA CINEMA

35-85%

38 30 Minimum

BURAIMI American Ultra – 2D (Action, Comedy) (12+) Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart 3:00, 8:15, 10:00, 11:45PM The Transporter Refueled– 2D (Action, Crime, Thriller ) (PG12) Cast: Ed Skrein, Ray Stevenson 4:45, 6:30, 9:30, 11:30PM Zero Tolerance – 2D (Action) (12+) Cast: Dustin Nguyen, Scott Adkins 3:15, 5:00, 11:30PM Yatchan – 2D (Action / Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Arya, Kreshna, Deepa Sanndhi 6:00PM Double Barrel – 2D (Action/Comedy (12+) Cast: Prithviraj Sukumran, Arya 8:45PM Welcome Back – 2D (Action / Thriller) (12+) Cast: John Abraham, Shruti Hassan; 3:15PM

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

Hero - 2D (PG12) Action, Drama, Romance Cast : Sooraj Pancholi, Athiya Shetty 8:45, 11:15 PM Double Barrel - 2D (M) (12+) Action, Thriller Cast : Prithviraj Sukumaran, Aarya, Indrajith 6:30 PM Yatchan - 2D (T) (PG12) Action Cast : Aarya, Krishna Sekhar, Deepa Sannidhi 9:10 PM

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

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

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

SALALAH American Ultra (2D) (12+) (Action/Comedy) Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart 1:00/06:15/08:00/ 09:45PM The Perfect Guy (2D) (15+) (Thriller) Cast: Sanaa Lathan, Michael Ealy 2:00/10:00PM Zero Tolerance (2D) (12+) (Action) Cast: Dustin Nguyen, Scott Adkins 2:45/11:55PM Hero (2D) (PG12) (Action/Drama/Romance) Cast: Sooraj Pancholi, Athiya Shetty 8:45/11:15PM Hitman: Agent 47 (2D) (PG12) (Action) Cast: Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware 10:30AM The Transporter Refueled (2D) (PG12) Cast: Ed Skrein, Loan Chabanol 11:15AM/4:30/11:30 PM Welcome Back (2D) (12+) (Comedy/Crime) Cast: Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar 12:15PM Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ (2D) (PG) Cast: Masako Nozawa, Ryô Horikawa 10:30AM/ 12:15PM El Khalbos (2D) (TBC) (Arabic) (Comedy) Cast: Mohamed Ragab, Iman Al Assie 6:45/8:00PM Double Barrel (2D) (12+) (Action/Thriller) Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Aarya, Indrajith 4:00PM Yatchan (2D) (PG12) (Action) Cast: Aarya, Krishna Sekhar, Deepa Sannidhi, 5:25PM Paayum Puli (12+) (Action, Drama) Cast: Vishal Krishna Reddy, Kajal Aggarwal, P Samuthirakani, Soori 3:00PM

2.30, 5.30, 8.30, 11.30 PM Hero (Action/Romance) – PG12 Cast: Sooraj Pancholi, Athiya Shetty

SOHAR The Transporter Refueled - 2D (PG12) Cast : Ed Skrein, Loan Chabanol 3:45, 10:00, 11:45 PM Welcome Back - 2D (12+) Comedy, Crime Cast: Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar 6:00 PM Hitman : Agent 47 - 2D (PG12) Action, Crime, Cast: Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware 4:15, 11:55 PM The Perfect Guy - 2D (15+) Thriller Cast: Sanaa Lathan, Michael Ealy 6:15, 11:30 PM American Ultra - 2D (12+) Action, Comedy Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart 2:30, 5:30, 7:30, 9:30 PM The Runner - 2D (12+) Drama Cast: Nicolas Cage, Connie NielsenTimings : 2:45, 4:30 PM Absolutely Anything - 2D (PG12) Comedy Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Simon Pegg 2:00, 8:15 PM Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ - 2D (PG) Cast: Masako Nozawa, Ryô Horikawa 3:00, 4:45 PM

RUWI Screen 1 Hero (Action/Romance) – PG12 Cast: Sooraj Pancholi, Athiya Shetty 2.30, 5.30, 8.30, 11.30 PM Screen 2 Welcome Back (Comedy) – 12+ Cast: John Abraham, Shruti Hassan 3.30, 6.15, 9.00, 11.45 PM Screen 3 Phantom (Action) – PG Cast: Saif Ali Khan and Katrina Kaif 3.30, 6.15 PM

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

Destination

12.09pm 3.36pm 6.22pm 7.33pm 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

T H U R S DAY, S E P T E MB E R 1 0, 2 0 1 5

C11

LIFESTYLE GHAWI BAZAAR

Cobra Collection to go on Display in Sharjah

BUY LOCAL: MUSSAR Be it any souq or one of the swish malls in town, you are sure to find a shop that sells intricately designed mussars, the traditional headgear of Omani men. In Oman men’s formal wardrobe is considered incomplete without a mussar to go along with dishdasha, the traditional white robe. While this formal headgear is in demand throughout the year, its sale goes up during the festive seasons. And with Eid round the corner buyers are flocking to the shops for a new buy.

WHAT

Mussars come in several varieties and Shatoosh and Turma are the popular ones. These square shawls are mostly made of pashmina, the finest kind of cashmere wool woven in Kashmir, India. While kummah is worn on all occasions, mussars are must for formal functions and festivals which can be wrapped with or without a kummah beneath it.

WHERE

Mussars are available in most of the shops in the souq or malls. Check some of the latest ones at Al Mazaya Al Farida Trading LLC, Shop No. 30, Al Asfoor Plaza. Contact: 95571565

HOW MUCH

From OMR2-OMR1,000, mussars come in a variety of price range depending on its quality. Shatoosh can cost upto OMR1,500 or above. Turma is thicker than pashmina and costs less. All hand embroidered mussars come from Kashmir. The machine made ones from China costs between OMR8-10.

Have a favourite Omani product or shop?

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Tell us about it: ameerudheen@timesofoman.com

The Sharjah Art Museum to host works from revolutionary European art movement for first time. The exhibition will relay the story of Cobra through a chronological timeline.

A

n exhibition of works from one of Europe’s most influential modern art movements will make its debut in the UAE when it goes on display at Sharjah Art Museum next month.

The Cobra: 1000 Days of Free Art exhibition starts on September 9 and will feature more than 60 artworks from the famous post-war Cobra movement.

The works are from the collection of the Cobra Museum of Modern Art in the Netherlands and include paintings, photographs, ceramics, jazz music and film from the period between 1947 and the early 1960s.

Established in Paris in 1948 by a group of avant-garde artists and poets, the revolutionary Cobra movement set out to change the face of art through new forms of experimental and spontaneous expression.

The exhibition will relay the story of Cobra through a chronological timeline, introducing the visitor to the social and historical developments of the period 19301960 in Europe.

Historical images and documentaries will set the scene of a continent ravaged by war, while spoken word portraits by Cobra artists reflect on the birth and significance of the movement.

A selection of masterpieces capturing the experimental nature and freedom of expression of Cobra will be on display.

“We’re very honoured that Sharjah was selected as the venue for the first Cobra exhibition in the UAE,” said Alya Al Mulla, Curator of Sharjah Art Museum.

“Cobra represented a hugely significant moment in European art history, an exciting time of breaking down barriers and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

“It’s a unique chance for Sharjah residents and visitors to experience for themselves a revolutionary art form whose influence still echoes in today’s styles.”

Cobra is an acronym for the three capital cities where the founding artists lived and worked: Copenhagen (Denmark), Brussels (Belgium) and Amsterdam (the Netherlands). They

strove to create a new, free and expressive art, and to liberate the artistic creativity that is hidden in every human being.

The movement lasted until 1951 and brought together visual artists, poets, writers and thinkers whose richly imaginative and often childlike styles earned Cobra a place in the annals of 20th Century art history.

Katja Weitering, Artistic Director at Cobra Museum of Modern Art, said Sharjah was the natural choice for the ‘Cobra Global’ travelling exhibition.

“The emirate pairs a rich cul-

tural history with an exciting platform for the exchange of perspectives on modern and contemporary art,” she added.

The exhibition, which runs until November 20th, will focus mainly on four of the major Dutch artists from the movement: artist and social reformer Constant Nieuwenhuys, the painter Eugene Brands, the poet Lucebert and the painter and sculptor Karel Appel.

The works on display will include Appel’s classic Femmes, Enfants, Animaux (Women, Children, Animals), a 1951 oil on jute, and other masterpieces that demonstrate the movement’s characteristic fantasy animals, mythical creatures and non-western influences.

Manal Ataya, Director General of the Sharjah Museums Department, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Sharjah residents and visitors to experience for themselves an exciting and hugely significant artistic movement that pushed the boundaries of artistic expression.

Above and beyond simply displaying key works from the period, the exhibition will tell the story of Cobra from its foundation in a Parisian café to its resonance in the art being created today.

“We would like to thank our colleagues from Cobra for this exciting and thought-provoking collaboration and hope that the exhibition will not only engender new cross-cultural dialogue among established artists but might also encourage members of the general public to try their hand at expressing themselves through art. lifestyle@timesofoman.com

C12

THURSDAY, SEPTEMB ER 10, 20 1 5

LIFESTYLE

MOHAMED EL QASABGI

Mohamed El Qasabgi was an Egyptian oudh musician and composer, and is regarded as one of the leading composers of Egypt in the 20th century. Qasabgi was an oudh mentor for numerous giants of the golden age of Arabic music, including Riad Al Sunbati, Farid Al Atrache, and Mohammad Abdel Wahab. His music defined as the old Oriental spirit, mixed with European musical techniques and taste. Qasabgi composed music for an Egyptian opera in 1942. After his death in 1966, the singer Om Kulthoum kept his chair on the stage behind as showing her honour and love towards the great musical icon.

MUNIR BASHIR

Born in 1930, Munir began to learn oudh at the age of five, and was inspired by the Byzantine, Kurdish, Assyrian, Turkish, Persian, Abbasidian, north-Indian and European musical genres. He always concentrated on improvisation.

He later became the vice-president of Unesco Music Council and was conferred with the French Legion’s Knight award. Munir Bashir died in Budapest Hungary in 1997.

FARID AL ATRASH

Farid Al Atrash was born 1910 in Syria. He moved to Egypt in the 1920s. Farid got the inspiration to learn oudh from his mother, who was a singer as well as a musician.

Talented Farid didn’t find any difficulty to carve a niche for himself as virtuoso oudh player, composer, singer and actor. He is considered as one of the most important names of the Arabic music in the 20th century. Farid maintained his reputation though some of his music had western musical influence.

Majority of his compositions were about feeling and romance. Farid died in December 1974.

RIYAD AL SUNBATI

Riyad was born in Egypt. His father Muhammad, an accomplished oudh player, used to take Riyad to various concerts and it sowed the seeds of inspiration in him. Riyad wrote his first song in 1928. He gave a new breath in the music of that time, as he placed accordion in the chorus, piano, mandolin, and wrote and composed songs according to European tempo, like the rumba, bolero waltz and tango. He took the Arabic classical music to new heights and inspired millions of people with his compositions.

Riyad passed away in 1981.

NASEER SHAMMA

Naseer Shamma is an Iraqi oudh player and composer. He began his musical education at the age of 12 and when he turned 22, he played compositions at a concert in front of renowned musicians.

Shamma worked as a teacher in the Tunisian Music Institute and positioned later as the director of one of the most important Arabic music institutes, the Arab House of the Oudh in Cairo. He was known for his experiments to combine old and new, east and west in his compositions.

PHOTO SOURCE: WIRES

FAMOUS OUDH PLAYERS

O

udh is believed to be the oldest musical instrument and ancestor of the modern guitar. The earliest proof of its existence can be found in an excavated cylindrical seal from the Uruk Period in Mesopotamia, which dates back almost 5000 years. Many consider oudh as the ‘king of instruments’ as it tells the stories of its time through melodious music. Variations of the oudh were found all across the Middle East, from the classical Arabic oudh of Iraq to the Turkish variation called Kopuz. Oudh has a special place in the Gulf countries. Here are the famous oudh players, who have enriched this musical genre immensely and immeasurably.

D

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

SECTION

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

RENT

D2

VACANCY

D4

CARGO

D8

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

D2

T H U R S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 1 0, 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 Super deluxe new villas in Madinat Qaboos. Contact 99369081 1000 sq mtrs industrial land in Ghala suitable for warehouse workshop etc. Contact 24700120 / 92584715 Furnished office available at Al Ghubrah. Contact 94110822

Available furnished meeting hall for seminars on a hourly, daily, monthly, yearly basis. please contact 93203773 : Email: mbdeast@gmail.com Furnished room for rent at Al Khuwair R.O 225/- for family only.

Contact: 99251975

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

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

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 2BHK close to Indian school kindergarten Wadi Kabir R.O 320/-, 1BHK R.O 250/-. Contact: 99476728 / 98484415 1 penthouse, 1 bedroom, living room, kitchen, behind GMC Car showroom, Al Ghubra South R.O 260/-. Contact: 99310551

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 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

Flats, shops for rent in Ruwi, MBD & Mumtaz area. Contact 97293708

Twin villa 6BR hall, kitchen at Al Ansab-2. Contact: 99747560 / 99444786

Commercial villa near Bareeq Al Shatti 8 BHK + swimming pool RO.2500/-. Contact 93161111

1BHK Al Falaj R.O 200/-.

Contact: 97799175

3BHK near Darsait I.S.M. Contact: 99024730

Villa in Madinate Sultan Qaboos 3BHK + maid room RO.1400/-.

Contact 93161111

2 BHK Ghubra R.O 300/-, RO 325/-.

Contact: 97799175

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

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 Flats in Al Khuwair 33 with gym free for tenants 2 BHK RO.425/-.

Contact 93161111

1BHK flat with A/C AL Khuwair 250/- R.O. Contact: 99358589 / 95570288 3BHK flat Darsait Near I.D card Medical 450/- R.O. Contact: 99358589 / 95570288 1 BHK flat in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181 2 BHK flat in Darsait near Kims Hospital. Contact 99792181 Flats in Al Khuwair 2 BHK RO.350/Contact – 93161111.

Villa in Al Khuwair 4 BHK RO.600/, Flat in Madinate Sultan Qaboos 3BHK RO.600/-. Contact 93161111 Flat in Qurum near PDO 2 BHK + 1 BHK RO.550/ – 375/Contact 93161111 Flats in Azaiba opp to Al Sahwa Tower 2 BHK RO.450/- 1BHK RO.350/-. Contact 93161111 1 Bedroom attached, toilet & kitchen in AL Khuwair R.O 140/-.

Contact: 95154331 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

3BHK Flats & 6BHK Villa in Azaibah.

Contact : 96775026

1BHK near Al Nahdha Ruwi.

Contact: 99617786

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

New flats 1 room and living room with accessories & 2 rooms and living room with accessories in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 92130703 / 96045478

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 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

New flats for rent in Darsait, Al Sahal. Contact : 99311525

4bedrooms villa with 2 halls, 4 bathrooms in Darsait behind Khimijis Mart. Contact: 92584715 / 24700120

New flats for rent in Darsait Al Sahal. Contact: 99777351

For rent office & flat Ruwi- CBD. Contact: 92820734/ 95345909

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

Flat for rent in Wadi Kabir near Indian Primary School 2 BR & 1K. Contact: 92222922

One BHK Wadi Kabeer near Sana RO 190/-. Contact: 95094028

Flats for rent near Indian School in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99777122

Bobcat Grader and roller for rent.

Contact: 94584688

Luxury 4 BHK flat in Al Wattaya with split A/C and private parking.

RO.475/- Contact – 93191111

2 bedrooms flats at Muttrah 2 flats available Oman house.

Contact: 99319149 Flat for rent in Hamriya.

Contact: 99341112 Two shops in Muttrah Souq, for rent more details pleas.

Contact: 91214849 / 95729711 2 BHK Flats for rent Muttrah near Oman house. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 600 SQT commercial flat for rent, opposite Oman flour mill Darsait. For more details please Contact: 91214849 / 95729711

1BHK flats available for rent in CBD area. Contact: 98116480 3 Bedroom flat at Al Khuwair.

Contact: 99447257/97014234 Spacious 2BHK in MBD. Contact : 99713489

Shops for ren in Wadi Kabeer.

Contact: 99888390 Commercial 20 BHK twin open villa in Al Mawalah Mazoon street RO.2000/- Contact – 93191111

Basement in MBD. Contact: 99713489

1BHK flat with split A/C in Wadi Adai RO.200/- Contact – 93191111

Room with A.C Al Khuwair R.O 120/. Contact: 97799175

3 BHK flat with split A/C in Wadi Adai RO.200/- Contact – 93191111

1000 sq mtrs industrial land for rent in Ghala suitable for warehouse etc.

Contact: 24700120 / 92584715

Brand new 6 BHK villa in Al Aziba with split A/C and lift RO.1200/Contact – 93191111

T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 0, 2 0 1 5

D3

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

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. # 99834373 /96642500

FOR EXPATS From owner plot of land near Zanzibar, airport price RO 15000.

Contact 99348943

FOR RENT Brand new showroom of 595 SQM in BowsherRO.5 each sqm.

Contact – 93191111 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

SITUATION WANTM.V. FOR SALE ED Kia Cerato 2014 Model for sale 1300 kms Under agency warrenty and service. Contact: 99634841

FOR SALE Expatriate LLC Company license (building materials 70 Ex : 30 Omani) for sale. Contact 94663824 / 94305499 Direct from the owner: for sale 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 for R.O. 255,000.

Contact : 95330200 Beauty Salon for sale in Good location (Azaiba and Al Hail).

Contact : 95318629 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 Good running super market in Al Kamil AL Wafi for sale.

Contact: 96976848 / 97609781 Shop for sale in Al Khoudh.

Contact: 92820541

Room for rent. Contact Farahat 98020768, Hilal: 96541263

Restaurant for sale in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99425461

Flat for rent penthouse Al Amerat Al Mahaj. Contact: 92738298

Beauty salon in Ghubrah for sale Contact: 94689448

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

Sales tyre shop. Contact 97964518

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

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

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

Three 2 bedroom bachelor accommodation available in a building near Kuwaiti Mosque at Wadi Kabir till 14th February 2016.

Contact: 95332701 Fully furnished room with attached bath for Executive bachelor behind Al Meera Hypermarket, Azaiba R.O 150/-. Contact: 99455735 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

AVAILABLE Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

NRI

ĨŽƌ ĂŶ ĞdžĐůƵƐŝǀĞ ůŝŵŝƚĞĚͲƟŵĞ ŽīĞƌ ĚŝƐĐŽƵŶƚ͊​͊​͊

GOOD NEWS

NOTICE

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

Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com 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

TRANSPORTATION Transportation available.

Contact -955 70 429

An Excellent 3bedrooms Flat at Al Hail, 3 bathrooms, sitting room, living room, kitchen with store 92817777

Transportation. Contact 99508282 Shifting transporting truck.

Contact : 99008442 Transportation. Contact 99664703 Brand new 3 bedroom flat in Ernakulam Vytila Bus terminal, 1500 sq ft, ready to occupy. # 96947652

MATRIMONIAL Ezhava boy, B.Tech, MBA, 26/178, Rohini working in Bangalore looking alliance from parents of professionals. Contact 24798043 / 94193031 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

91494149

*Kindly note that the scrap should be 50 tons onwards

Ayuredic massage backache, joint pain, neck pain etc.

Contact 98254909

ACC. AVAILABLE

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

Green Modern Construction Projects for Trad ASSO which is recorded under the commercial register in directorate general for trade industry number 1198102 is going to change its name to Noor Al Welayat For Cont ASSO . This is to inform anybody who concerns about that.

CHANGE OF NAME I, Abdul Salam Mammi (holder of Indian Passport No. G 9018106) son of Mohammed Mammi having permanent address in Paruvathil House, Veshala PO, Chattuvappara Koodali via Kannur Dt, Kerala - 670592, (complete postal address in India) and presently residing at P. Box No. 234, PC No. 418, Sinaw, Sultanate of Oman (complete postal address in Oman), intend to change my name from Abdul Salam Mammi (old name) to Abdul Salam Peruvathil (new name) for all practical purposes. Any objection towards my name change may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, Diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, P. Box No. 1727, PC 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman.

Transportation. Contact 99508282 Transportation available.

Contact: 99867456

LOST Abdul Mannan Abdul Hameed has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. W0398497. Finder please handover to ROP Nazim Uddin has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AF5663757. Finder please handover to ROP. Mohmd Saddam Hossain has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AF 8388398. Finder please handover to ROP.

I, Asuly Kadakassery Valappil Ahamed (holder of Indian Passport No. J5347617) son of Ahamed having permanent address in AT and PO Edappal, Malappuram Dt Kerala (complete postal address in India) and presently residing in Muscat, Post Box 268, PC 360, Sultanate of Oman (complete postal address in Oman), intend to change my name from Asuly Kadakassery Valappil Ahamed (old name) to Mohammed Aslam Kadakassery Valappil (new name) for all practical purposes. Any objection towards my name change may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, Diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, P. Box No. 1727, PC 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman.

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T H U R S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 1 0, 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 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

IT

ACCOUNTANT 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

DOMESTIC HELPER 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. Fax : 24703313 Email : cvoman5@gmail.com Looking for an experienced house driver for an Omani family. Interested candidates may Contact: 96203333

Required Salesman for shop & hardware Technician for IT Company with minimum 2 yrs experience.

Contact 98825805 / 98825806.

Email : strns1@gmail.com

Post Graduate researcher required.

Contact 99229700

ENGINEER 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

Indian male B.Com / PGDM 16 yrs exp, 3 yrs prior Oman exp seeking suitable placement in accounts/ finance/ admin/ logistics.

Contact: 95587905 email : vikaso803@yahoo.com on visit visa

Required Marketing Manager for educational programs.

Contact: 99674870

MEDICAL

12 yrs Oman experienced Chief Accountant looking for immediate placement. Contact 99513082

Required for private clinic: Gynecologist Arabic Nationality, GP Arabic Nationality, Nurse.

Contact 97304519 from 9 AM to 1 PM

Accountant, 36 yrs, Indian male, 10 yrs UAE experience in Accountant, Insurance currently on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact 96334958 / 95217432

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 Required Pharmacist with license.

Contact: 92245470 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

EDUCATION Agyal Al Huda School requires Maths & Science Teachers in Al Azaiba. Contact 91409998 / 24492548 / 99637238

Accountant Part time up to finalization on monthly basis by Indian CA. All reports, backlog accounting, bank loan help, tax & internal Audit,affordable fee.92758370

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

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR A new Multi-Purpose hall at Sohar city is urgently looking for an Event Manager. Pls send your CV to oec.oman@gmail.com

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR A Pest control supervisor required urgently /Call 92660005

SALES / MARKETING 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 Required Sales & marketing person for IT Company with minimum 2 yrs experience in Oman & with valid Oman driving license.

Contact 98825805 / 98825806.

Email : strns1@gmail.com 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

SALES / MARKETING Digital Printing &Advertising firm in Muscat urgently requires Male / Female Business development Executives with D/L. Contact: 96348429 Email: mostdigi1@gmail.com 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

SKILLED LABOR Wanted urgently need two Tailors who can make curtains.

Contact: 98962888

SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian male B.Com Graduate 24 years looking for suitable placement. Contact: 97219505

Part time Accounting qualified & experienced Accountant.

Contact: 93858725

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

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 with more than 6 years experience in SAOG company looking for middle management position.

Strong English/Arabic correspondence. Valid DL. NOC available.

Contact 91116924 Fresher looking for a career opportunity B.Com good physique, quick learner English speaking.

Contact: 93368464 Accountant 7Years Experience with D/L and NOC. Contact 97712084 Part time Accountant available.

Contact : 93438100 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

Accountant Indian male B.Com 2 years experience currently on visiting visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact : 94649272, Email: sherin.am01@gmail.com Part Time Accounting, Accounts Finalization, Audit Preparation, Internal Audit, Monthly Profitability Reports, Onsite Tally Training, Contact : 96975454, Email :ibfc.gcc@gmail.com 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 Pakistani Qualification M.Com (finance) experience 2 years as Internal Auditor, 3 years as Finance Manager. Contact: 00968- 91490367 Part time Accountant, up to finalization, looking for job after 5pm (location prefer - MSQ to Al Hail).

Contact: 95694737 Indian 24 years MBA finance 2 years experience seeking suitable placement. Contact: 98222753 Email - shemeejup@gmail.com 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

T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 0, 2 0 1 5

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED ADMIN

IT

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.

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 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 /

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 LMV Driver, 7 yrs exp. (Keralite).

Contact 97761606 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

Indian male, 35 years, BBA with IT diploma Holder with 13 years experience in IT Tech, Support & Administration seeking suitable position. Contact : 94770019

MEDICAL 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

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 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 Since March 2010 in Oman as a building Construction Site supervisor with Oman D/L looking for suitable placement or small Omani Construction Co. Contact 93061107 Pakistani TV/ Radio broadcasting engineer having 20 years experience of installations, planning, project handling, training & procurement presently on visit visa Contact 93810402 Bangladeshi male BSc Engg in civil total 3 yrs experience 2 yrs in Oman looking for job.Contact : 94038642, Email: shaikhhasib.ce@gmail.com BTech Marine Engineer, Indian, 2 years experience, looking for onshore marine/ mechanical jobs.

Contact-91991386, prvnpurushan@gmail.com Jordanian Mechanical Engineer, Expertise in Manufacturing, Design, Steel Work, AutoCad, SolidWork 3D, Nesting/Plasma Cutting, Sales, Speaking, Russian & English GSM#90198575/99201710 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

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

DRAFTSMAN Drafting (interior design), experienced, knows autocad, 3D, PH : 99506977 Indian Civil Draftsman looking suitable placement 5 yrs experience (Gulf). Contact: 98064097

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

ENGG. / TECHNICAL 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

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

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

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

Instrumentation Engineer, nearly 4 yrs experience in oil & gas industry, seeks job in Oman. Contact 90198210, Email : terinsam@gmail.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 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 27 years BE Mechanical, 2 years experience in Training AutoCAD Revit MEP PDMS Softwares. Contact: 94183625 Civil Engineering Diploma 7 years experience in building construing in Oman with NOC. Contact `99512416 /96488479 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 Civil Engineer, 6 yrs experience having Oman D/L, looking for a suitable position. NOC available.

Contact: 93523507 / 95961336 Email: eyousuf04@yahoo.com B.Tech Electrical & Electronics with 1 year experience seeking for suitable job. Contact: 91 9497883413 Email: rakesh1.mohan@gmail.com Over 22 years of comprehensive experience in overall construction execution& management qualification.

BE (Civil). Contact : +968 91816590 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 mechanical Engineer 31 yrs, 8+ experience in sales & BD including GCC, having Oman driving license & NOC. Contact: 97116858 Email: menonamit1984@gmail.com B.Tech Mechanical Engineer with 2 years experience in HV AC and plumbing - nikhilchandpm@gmail. com ; GSM: 97654489 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 CCNA MCITP Network support/ Network technician with 2 yrs experience Indian male having bachelors degree on visit visa. Contact 93080871, email :sean.f.peters@outlook.com Net work Engineer on visit looking for immediate placement.

Contact: 95634573 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

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 ENT surgeon board degree & prometric exam looking for a job in private hospitals & medical complexes.

Contact: 91347226 OB/ Gynecologist board degree & prometric exam looking for a job in private hospitals & medical complexes. Contact: 91347226

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

SALES / MARKETING Indian male, having 14 yrs of exp. in Business Development/ Marketing with Omani D/L seeks business development / Marketing Manager post. Contact 968 93400177 10 yrs financial products sales & marketing experienced 5 years in banking Indian male 32 yrs on visit visa looking for suitable position.

Contact : 92882053 MBA Graduate having 23 yrs of experience as Sales Manager in building materials trading looking for a suitable opportunity, release available. Contact 92106768, Email : suvimasri@gmail.com 25 yrs experienced building materials manager knowledge of Purchase Marketing sales seeks suitable placement. Contact 94663824 / 94305499 Indian male, with 5 yrs experience of call centre in customer service & sales looking for suitable position.

Contact 90198176 Indian female having more than 8 years of experience in oil and gas sectors sales and marketing and 2 years as commercial manager looking for a suitable post in Sohar area.

Now on visit visa. Contact 96311709, Indian no 0091 9745541355, Email Id:mvrajagd_d@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

Indian BE, BA diploma quality material management 13 years experience procurement, stores, inventory warehousing manager construction industry on visit.

Contact 90287850

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

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

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

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

Indian male, experience Sales Executive with D/L seeks suitable placement. Contact: 97853426

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

PROJECTS

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

HSE Engineer Diploma in mechanical eng, 6 yrs Gulf exp, NEBOSH, OSHA with oman D/L & NOC available for urgent placement.

Contact 91258586.

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

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

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 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

SKILLED/ UNSKILLED Building construction supervisor looking for small Omani company to handle independently or suitable placement in good company with Oman D/L. Contact 93061107 Welder / fabricator, Gulf exp, 3G, 6G ARC, GAS PH : 95068064 CONTD ON PG 7

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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

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

SIT.WANTED 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

TOURS & TRAVELS 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

COMPUTER

CLASSES

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 idabdullah.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

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

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

Spoken English IELTS & Computer classes.

Contact: 92088325 / 24799938

WEBSITE

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 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

Required SUB Contractors for new projects. Contact: 99755534 / 96600581 Required investors for different projects. Contact: 99674870

SIT.WANTED House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422

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

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. #24793614/ 99314807 Used house & office furniture & electronic items. Contact: 99834373 / 96642500

Indian Male 22 Years , Graduation In Electronics Seeking Jobs In Supervisory , Sales & Sales Co-ordination Fields , Good Communication Skill Contact 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. #93696929, Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com 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. #98269366.

Email: sijincleetus@gmail.com Driver looking for job exp 2 yrs.

Contact: 98522914

Supply fixing Wallpapers, all carpets. Contact: 99834373 / 96642500 Building maintenance: Tiling, painting etc. Contact: 99325827 WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

DRIVING

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 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

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