Times of Oman - January 11, 2015

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FRANCE HUNTS FOR FEMALE AIDE OF REBELS France launched a massive hunt for the female accomplice of militants behind attacks on a satirical newspaper, maintaining a top-level security alert ahead of a Paris “silent march” with European leaders set for Sunday. >A15

SUNDAY, January 11, 2015 / 20 Rabi Al Awal 1436 AH

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R O YA L AU D I E N C E

His Majesty the Sultan receives Kerry in Germany GERMANY: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said received US Secretary of State John Kerry at his house in Germany on Saturday.

During the meeting, the two leaders reviewed the latest developments in the regional and international arenas. They also discussed the relations between the Sultanate and the United States and ways of their enhancement for the interest of the two friendly countries.

After meeting His Majesty the Sultan, John Kerry tweeted, “Finished mtg w #Oman Sultan Qaboos in #Germany. Grateful for strong friendship”.

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Rapid social changes are putting a huge strain on the marriages of many Omanis as couples struggle to keep up with the demands. >A3

MARKET

Tender for water projects consultant

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OPWP has floated a tender inviting bids from consultancy firms for consultancy services for three water projects. >B1

Trilateral meeting The US Secretary of State John Kerry participated in the trilateral meeting regarding the Iran nuclear issue held in Oman between US, Iran and EU in November last year.

Saturday’s meeting with the US Secretary of State comes two months after His Majesty the Sultan’s Royal speech delivered on November 5, 2014 in which he had expressed his pleasure to greet his faithful people ahead of the celebrations of the 44th Anniversary of the Triumphant Renaissance. -ONA

SPORTS

South Korea edge past Oman 1-0

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A goal in first half stoppage time from forward Cho Young-cheol was enough to edge two-time winners Korea Republic past Oman 1-0. >C1 PAC P

Auto agencies asked to furnish spare parts list FAHAD AL MUKRASHI

fahad@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: All the automobile agencies engaged in servicing of vehicles in the Sultanate have been asked by the Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) to send a list of parts that need to be changed in case of damage without the need of changing the entire unit.

The PACP has stated that some workshops belonging to automobile agencies change the entire unit of the vehicle instead of replacing only the damaged part.

It leads to huge loss to consumers during the repair of the vehicle.

Such a practice is considered

ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company

a violation of the provisions of Article (19) of the Consumer Protection Act 81/2002, which corresponds to Article (28) in the new law No. 66/2014, which will be effective three months from the date of issuance.

The list includes the engine, automatic transmission, manual transmission and clutch apart from the four-wheel drive system, rear axle, the power generator and air conditioning compressor system.

It also includes the steering pump and the hydraulic cylinder for the guidance system.

Such a move is within the framework of the efforts by the PACP for the protection of consumer rights. >A6

OMR3.6m jewellery conman busted Oman and Dubai police nabbed the conman in a joint operation while he was trying to sell jewellery to shopkeepers in Oman

Staff Reporter

A journey in jazz with Melody Gardot

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DUBAI/MUSCAT: OMR3.66 million of stolen jewellery and goods have been recovered in Oman and the conman arrested in a joint operation between the Sultanate and Dubai police.

The undercover teams of Dubai police discovered that the accused had fled to Oman and was going round the shops showcasing the stolen jewellery at prices much lower than their original prices, reported The National in the UAE. Praising the bond between the UAE and Oman, Major General Khamis Mattar Al Muzaina, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, said constant cooperation, coordination and exchange of information between Oman and the UAE led to the arrest of several accused and busting the gangs of high-profile criminals.

It is due to such cooperation between Dubai Police and Oman

An officer from Dubai police.

RECOVERED: The jewellery confiscated from the alleged Emirati swindler. – Supplied picture

police, he said, that the accused (M.S.A.), a man of Emirati nationality was nabbed in an operation dubbed ‘Al Barq-ul Khatef’ (Swift Lightning).

The swindler had taken advantage of his position as driver of a VIP to buy jewellery worth OMR3.66 million using fake cheques and attempted to sell them in a neighbouring country.

Regarding Operation ‘Al Barqul Khatef’, Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Assistant to the Commander-in-Chief at Criminal Investigation Affairs, said that the Dubai Police had received tip-offs about a person visiting jewellers’ shops to purchase their most valuable pieces of jewellery and then asking them to send the purchased items to topend hotel rooms, pretending to be

the agent of a VIP by producing cards, papers, envelopes and seals with that person’s name engraved on them, and giving dud cheques for the purchased goods.

Subsequently, the Commander-in-Chief of the Dubai Police formed a team to gather evidence and verify the authenticity of the information. During investigation, the CID team discovered that the person was a habitual offender and was also wanted in some financial fraud cases.

In a swift move, the team contacted duped shopkeepers and got details of the stolen jewellery and methods employed by the criminal while stealing jewellery from their shops.

Consequently, all the stolen items were identified and the operation was successfully com-

pleted even before the case was registered with the police.

Maj Gen Al Mansoori confirmed that the Dubai Police uses its databases for analysing information from the quick response teams for the location and arrest of the accused.

Maj Gen Al Muzaina confirmed that the CID has investigated several high-profile international cases in the past with active co-operation and true professionalism of its staff and various departments.

Though the criminals have employed new methods to evade the law, the wide database of Dubai Police, their sources of information have led to their arrests. The systematic work of Dubai police has led to breakthrough in many cases in the past.

H I G H FA R E S

Indian budget airline fares off balance with Kerala fliers REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Steep fares of the Indian budget airline to the southern Indian state of Kerala from Muscat have shocked passengers in Oman.

The average return ticket fare (non-changeable and non-refundable) of Air India Express hovers around OMR180 in July and August, the peak season when most Indians in Oman visit their home country as Indian schools are closed for summer.

“When I checked with the Air India office to book a ticket for the end of June to Kerala, ticket prices shocked me. I was trying to book the tickets six months in advance and even then it was beyond my budget. They claim they are the only budget airline. They are not that at all,” Radhakrishna

Fare costs

Oman Air

Jet Airways

Air India Express

Economy (OMR)

160

160

173

Flexi (OMR)

262

442

457

The airlines have a diverse range of values for a round trip from Muscat to Thiruvananthapuram

Distance

Muscat

2,581 km

Thiruvananthapuram

Graphics

Source: Airlines websites

Kurup, a teacher in one of the Indian schools in the Sultanate, told Times of Oman.

As the fares were beyond his purchasing power, Kurup purchased tickets on Qatar Airways.

“The tickets I purchased to the same destination on Qatar Airways were around 25 per cent cheaper than that of Air India Express. Moreover, I can carry more

baggage and enjoy a happy journey. The only problem is that I will have to sit in the aircraft for 90 minutes more as the flight will first fly to Doha and then to Kerala,” added Kurup.

The fares to most of the other destinations where the budget airline flies from Muscat are also either high or the tickets are already sold out.

A random search by Times of Oman shows that other airlines have either cheaper or somewhat similar rates to the same destination even though they are full-service carriers with more facilities for passengers.

“It is a misnomer that tickets are cheaper on budget airlines. Let it be a budget or full-service airline, the operational costs are almost

the same. So, the rates will also be almost similar,” said BP Kulkarni, country manager of Air India in Muscat. “Fuel costs and other expenses are the same for all airlines,” added the country manager.

Flexi ticket If a passenger is planning to purchase a flexi ticket (changeable and refundable) during the same

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period, surprisingly, the price is around OMR400.

“It is not a new phenomenon, it happens every year. This is the time when a budget airline can make money,” said Raji Demonte, general manager at Universal Travels. “Ticket rates for the required period are affordable in fullservice carriers,” added Demonte.

Meanwhile, another travel agent said that fares to some European and American destinations during the same period are much cheaper when compared to destinations in India.

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Qatar Airways looks forward to bringing our five-star service to The Netherlands, and providing travellers with an extensive list of destinations Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group CEO

Direct link to ‘city of tulips’ soon

SCENIC DELIGHT : Flying non-stop, the total journey time be-

tween Muscat and Amsterdam is nine hours and 35 minutes.

Qatar Airways will

DAILY FLIGHTS FROM MUSCAT

Depart Muscat at 5:15, arrive Doha at 5:40

Depart Doha at 8:20, arrive Amsterdam at 13.55

Depart Amsterdam at 8:20, arrive Doha at 23:15

be flying daily from Muscat and four times a week from Salalah from June 16

Times News Service Depart

MUSCAT: Residents of Oman will be able to fly to the city of canals and tulips from June 16 with Qatar Airways announcing its first destination launch to Amsterdam, the capital city of The Netherlands.

A port city and ever-growing destination for business, Amsterdam acts as a base for seven of the world’s 500 largest companies, including Philips and ING. A highly popular tourist destination, The Netherlands is among 10 sites listed on the Unesco World Heritage List. The city of Amsterdam contains two sites listed: the 17th-century canals of Amsterdam and the 19th to 20th century Defence Line of Amsterdam.

The Amsterdam route will operate with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, one of the latest next-generation aircraft in the airline’s fleet, offering 254 seats configured in two classes, with 22 fully flat-bed seats in business class and 232 in economy class.

Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker said, “Amsterdam has long been on our list of destinations to introduce to our network, and we are delighted to now add this dynamic European city to our route map.”

“Qatar Airways looks forward to bringing our five-star service to The Netherlands, and providing travellers with an extensive list of destinations.”

Flying non-stop, the total journey time between Muscat and

Doha at 01:15, arrive Muscat at 03:45

FOUR DAYS A WEEK FLIGHTS FROM SALALAH

Depart Salalah at 5:15, arrive Doha at 06:25

Depart

Doha at 8:20, arrive Amsterdam at 13.55

Depart

Amsterdam at 8:20, arrive Doha at 23:15

Depart

Doha at 0:50, arrive Salalah at 4:05

Amsterdam is nine hours and 35 minutes.

The daily flights will be departing from Muscat in the morning, arriving in Amsterdam in the early afternoon, with return flights to Muscat departing in the late afternoon. The four days weekly flights from Salalah are scheduled on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sundays The schedule provides the convenience and flexibility for passengers to travel to the city for short leisure breaks or business meetings.

MINISTRY ORDER

Fish oil unit faces closure over pollution Staff Reporter MUSCAT: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs has suspended the licence of a fish oil and powder factory in the Wilayat of Jaalan Bani Bu Ali for one month, renewable for another similar period in the case of continued violation.

The decision issued by Mohammed bin Salim Al Toobi, Minister of Environment and Climate Affairs, based on the based on environmental protection and pollution control law promulgated by Royal Decree No. 114/200. A ministry official said that the orders were issued as the factory was not complying with the environmental regulations. Moreover, residents of Jalan Bani Bu Ali, had raised objections due to the stink that was emitted by the fish oil factory. One of the residents told Times of Oman that some of his livestock perished due drinking the wastes of the factory.

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C O M M E N TA RY

Social changes, life in the fast lane putting marriages under strain

R

apid social changes and life in a fast lane are putting a huge strain to the marriages of many Omanis as couples struggle to keep up with the demands and expectations from each other.

The official statistics for last year are not yet available but in 2013, they were nine divorces everyday out from 29,351 marriages that year. In 2012, the Department of Marriage Registration says they were three and half thousand less marriages but the rate of divorces per day was the same.

Marriage counsellors say young couples still keep their old friends and continue to share the same pleasures.

Nothing wrong in keeping up with the old circles but couples try to measure up their spouses with the lifestyles of their closed friends. They don’t want give up the old life and concentrate on the new one. They want to hang around in the same coffee shops

SUNDAY BEAT

SALEH AL SHAIBANY

with the same friends and leave their spouses at home.

The reluctance to leave their former lives behind and embark in the exciting new journey together sow the seed of irreparable damage.

In many ways, married Omanis now challenge the local tradition of forsaking all others for the sake of marriage.

But young couples would argue that their parents did not have a smartphone in their days. The ‘electronic eye’ the name young Omanis have for the smartphone, put up a wedge between couples. In the middle of a romantic candle light dinner, the smartphone will beep

OIMC 2015

Global meet to focus on medical practices ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: Specialists in Oman will have an opportunity to update themselves on the latest medical practices and breakthroughs at an international conference set to be held in Muscat next month.

The Oman International Medicine Conference (OIMC), the first international multi-specialty conference to be held under the patronage of the Ministry of Health, from February 6 to 8.

The conference will cover a wide range of topics, including, respiratory diseases, cardiology, neurology and endocrinology in addition to gastroenterology, , nephrology and haematology, Dr Yaqoub Al Mahrouqi, a senior consultant in pulmonology and the OIMC chairperson, informed.

He said that 400 to 500 participants are expected to attend the conference.

Dr Khaleel Al Shaikhli, sen-

..above all couples need to lower their expectations, build relationships based on what they have got and be realistic about the sanctity of marriage

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ior consultant in neurology, said that the OIMC will take place every two years and will also focus on ‘preventive medicine’ to help raise awareness about how a healthy lifestyle can contribute to preventing or delaying certain diseases.

Dr Santosh Komar, senior consultant in neurology, Dr. Mohammed Abdulla Al Lamki, senior consultant in endocrinology and Dr. Salim Al Harthi, senior consultant in gastroenterology, stressed that the event will provide a platform for the exchange of knowledge and expertise.

Dr Issa Salim Al Salmi, senior consultant in medicine/nephrology at the Royal Hospital, said that Oman is focusing on using the international experience to improve its health care.

and both of them would share light moments with friends.

They are together but not really together. Without any doubt, young people now find it easier to go through a dizzy spell of romance using the social media network than exchanging words.

They also prefer to tap away romantic emotions than gazing deep into each other’s eyes.

When they finally get together in a true relationship of man and wife, they find out the physical presence is not as ‘cool’ as the electronic one. They are stuck with words since they are used to share symbols and three-word sentences. Physical closeness is strange to them.

The natural emotions like the softness in the eyes, the redness in the cheeks or a subtle touch are completely alien to them.

You don’t need to be a marriage counsellor to know that there are precious few hugs, or not all, between them.

Counsellors might need to advise couples going through divorces to have another go by starting a new courtship through their smartphones and slowly inch closer physically to save their marriages. Those days, all you needed was the right look and a well timed word to get it sorted out but now the bright glow of a tiny screen must be used as a medium.

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Marriage on the rocks Marriages on the rocks and the high number of divorces per year will not relent. Couples need to have more confidence in their own abilities to make each other comfortable. But above all, they need to lower their expectations, build relationships based on what they have got and be realistic about the sanctity of marriage. They need to put into words their fears and anxieties and engage in meaningful dialogue.

The good ‘old talk’ their parents use to bond with each other is an expression of feelings and emotions that replenish the marriage. Now, couples prefer to talk about their problems at coffee shop with friends that they should have done at home.

As a result, they spend more

time socialising and sharing problems than they do with their families. But between the two, men have a bigger problem in putting the brakes on their former life. They still think that women should act the way they did 20 years ago. Women should stay at home while they still keep their rendezvous. But women are challenging these old ideas and live their own lives. If men can maintain their pre-marriage social ties so can women and the result is both partners don’t give in.

That is how marriage cracks show up and those who stay married do it mainly for the sake of their children. In Oman, men must accept that women are now educated, have greater mobility and pursue their own careers.

Meeting each other half way and to reduce their social life outside their marriage can help. At the same time, they might want to pay more attention to each other rather than the Smartphone. saleh@timesofoman.con

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Since the inception of the bank, we have given 40,000 housing loans worth OMR780 million. The percentage of loans given to citizens outside the Muscat Governorate has amounted to 50 per cent Adnan bin Haider Darwish, general manager of Oman Housing Bank >A5

Jazz journey with Melody Gardot

PHOTOS KHALID AL BUSAIDI, ROHM

SARAH MACDONALD sarah@timesofoman.com

After a few songs at the piano Gardot sashayed and swayed. This was her first performance in 10 years with a cane she used to need to walk, following a devastating accident

MUSCAT: Once again the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) has introduced a gem to Oman, this time in the form of American jazz singer Melody Gardot, who stole the hearts of her audience on Thursday night with her talent and funny charm.

The 29-year-old singer, songwriter, pianist and guitarist, turned her concert into a journey through from the USA to Latin America, France, Spain and Portugal. She was backed by an impressive group of musicians: drummer Charles Staab, percussionist Pete Korpela, Mitchell Long on guitar, Dan Lutz on bass, and Irwin Hall on saxophone and flute.

Her journey started in the USA

with a couple of her own English jazz songs, where she sat at the piano, dressed in a black suit, big black hat, red heels, and let her sensual voice tease out the lyrics to The Rain, a smouldering, seductive song that highlights her vocal control, and then launched into the flirtatious and fun Goodnight.

After a few songs at the piano Gardot stood at a microphone at centre stage and sashayed and swayed her way through a song in Portuguese before admitting that she was actually quite nervous because this was her first performance in 10 years with a cane she used to need to walk, following a devastating accident that left her with pelvic and spinal injuries. Clearly, she doesn’t need the cane any longer, as she seemed to move with ease, and continued to

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bring a sparkling energy to Mira, a playful track that blends English and Spanish.

As Gardot left the stage for a wardrobe change the multitalented Irwin Hall impressed the audience with his saxophones. Playing one saxophone with another hanging around his neck, he made his way to the front of the stage. While a change from one to the other would have been expected, instead Hall shocked the audience by playing both at once!

The applause for Hall died down as Gardot, now in a long black dress and rhinestone stud-

ded leather jacket came back to the stage to continue the musical journey with a stopover in Paris, with her French song Les Etoiles (The Stars).

This was followed by a lovely cover of Cesaria Evora’s Sodade, which Gardot said hoped would channel the spirit of the Cape Verdean singer.

Gardot then turned to her guitars, revealing another side of her talents. Soft, quiet and ever sublime, she slowed down for two songs from her album My One and Only Thrill, including Our Love Is Easy and Baby I’m a Fool, which she dedicated to all the people who believe the most important things in life are to love and be loved. She ran into some audio problems, but carried on acoustically like a pro, joking about it and thanking the

audience for their patience.

A visit to Spain came next, with a flamenco-spiced version of So We Meet Again My Heartache. The Latin vibes continued with Iemanja, in which she had the audience singing back to her and trying desperately to emulate her phenomenal vocal runs.

Following the final song Goodbye, and after a long, insistent applause, Gardot and her boys came back for an encore, playing the classic Over the Rainbow, bringing the concert to gentle finish back in the USA in honour of her grandmother, who used to play the song for her.

It was truly a fabulous concert, and hopefully the ROHM doesn’t wait too long before inviting Melody Gardot back for another joy evening of jazz.

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‘OHB home loan interest similar to Islamic banks’ As a governmentowned bank, Oman Housing Bank it does not accord top priority to generating profit,

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TOURISM SECTOR

No intimation yet on hike in UAE tourist visa, say agents REJIMON K reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Travel agents in Oman have not yet got official intimation on the increase in tourist visa fees to Dubai and the new regulations attached to it, claimed agents.

The Dubai media, quoting the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, said that the cost of a single entry, 30-day tourist visa has been increased from OMR22 to OMR26 from January 1, and the 10-day grace period with the option of extending it for a month has been withdrawn.

“We have not got any official in-

timation so far. We also read about it in the media. However, even if it is increased as reported, we have to wait and see on how it will affect visitors from Oman,” said Renny Johnson, a top official at Mezoon Travels.

Revised rules According to the Dubai media, travel agents and tour operators said they were applying the revised rule to all tourist visas being processed from January 1.

The agents, who earlier charged between Dh31.44 and Dh47.16 to process tourist visas, said they would pass on the additional Dh40 to visa applicants.

It is reported that the move to make the tourist visas non-extendable is being perceived as a step to check its blatant misuse.

The move is seen as a way to stop job seekers from entering the UAE on a tourist visa and extending it when they cannot find a job within 30 days.

Last August, a new visa fee structure came into effect designed to encourage growth in the country’s economy. The new measures included the issuing of a new array of entry permits and visas, such as multiple entry permits for visit or work, activation of study visas and entry permits for medical care and attending conferences.

‘ B UC K L E U P ’ C A M PA I G N

said a top official of

ORSA safety drive on Tuesday

the Bank. In 2014, OMR80 million in

Times News Service

loan was given to 1,700 borrowers

Times News Service MUSCAT: Adnan bin Haider Darwish, general manager of Oman Housing Bank (OHB) said in an interview with Times Of Oman’s sister publication, Al Shabiba that home loans offered by his bank were quite similar to the ones offered by Islamic banks.

He said that the bank, being a government-owned one, does not accord top priority to generating profit. He also announced a time period of not more than two years for the transfer of loans given by the Ministry of Housing to OHB as well as the transfer of housing loans of all state-supported departments under the umbrella of OHB. The current capital of OHB is OMR30 million and the board is considering raising the same to OMR100 million with the participation of all shareholders.

The bulk of such contributions to this capital would definitely be for the state, he said adding that the other contributions would be from governmentowned funds. As such, the bank is wholly owned by the government.

During the year 2012, the interest rates against the loans given to citizens had fallen within the range of one per cent to four per cent depending on the monthly salary drawn by the citizen. The loan interest has been one per cent for those drawing monthly salaries of less than OMR400, two per cent

EASY LOAN TERMS: During the year 2012, the interest rates against the loans given to citizens had fallen within the range of one per cent to four per cent depending on the monthly salary drawn by the citizen.–File photo for illustrative purpose only

for citizens with salaries between OMR400 and OMR700, three per cent for citizens with salaries between OMR700 and OMR1000 and four per cent for those with salaries over OMR1000.

On the loan applications to OHB, he said that following the reduction of the interest rate, the applications increased and, therefore, they increased the allocated loan amount to OMR80 million a year.

In 2014, they gave loans to 1,700 borrowers amounting to OMR80 million. In 2014, they received some 2,200 applications for loans worth approximately OMR100 million. Loan applications of 4,500 people for OMR200 million were in the queue.

The two–year term for granting the loan was relatively short.

However, the bank has signed agreements with a number of other banks operating in the Sultanate including Bank Sohar, Bank Muscat and Nizwa Bank for giving home loans to those not interested in waiting for their turn.

The interest rate on such loans does not exceed four per cent, provided that the bank takes over such loans once the turn for giving the loan by OHB is achieved. “However, we have observed that citizens are not interested in loans offered by

other banks,” said Darwish.

“Since the inception of the bank, we have given 40,000 housing loans worth OMR780 million. The percentage of loans given to citizens outside the Muscat Governorate has amounted to 50 per cent of the value of the loans given since it was established,” he said.

The percentage of doubtful loans given by the bank amounted to 5 per cent of the total loans given.

On the impact of the decrease in oil prices on home loans, he said that the bank was financed by the government, and since they had agreed to increase the bank capital to OMR100 million, it would not be reduced as a result of the decrease in oil prices.

This was because the government accorded priority to the provision of appropriate residences to citizens.

In the future they hoped to partner with the Ministry of Housing in building housing units which would be sold to citizens. They had two such experiments with the Ministry of Housing earlier. The first was in Al Qurum 29, where the bank co-operated partnered with the ministry in building 30 houses and sold it to citizens. That experiment was successful. The second experiment was in the Governorate of Al Buraimi.

MUSCAT: In partnership with BP Oman, Oman Road Safety Association’s (ORSA), will organise the first walkathon on Tuesday at Qurum Natural Park.

The walkathon is a part of the larger ‘Buckle Up’ Campaign, which aims to spread awareness on the importance of seatbelts with the slogan, ‘Buckle Up Every Person in Every Seat on Every Trip.’

To boost the ongoing road safety awareness campaign, the walkathon will be offering awareness buses manned by Royal Oman Police (ROP), a live painting activity, educational play settings for children, a seatbelt test demonstration and a blood bank among an array of other activities.

This is part of BP Oman’s commitment to safety in its operations as well as in the community. The campaign’s role as an educational initiative is a unique addition to the programme through integrating safe attitudes in the community while raising awareness.

Amor bin Nasser Al Matani,

CORPORATE TIES: The drive is being spearheaded under the slogan, ‘Buckle Up Every Person in Every Seat on Every Trip.’– Supplied photo

chairman of ORSA, said, “Since its launch, the ‘Buckle Up’ campaign has benefited more than 2,500 people, predominately students and parents living near ten schools in Muscat, Al Dhakliya and Al Dhahira.

“Through this walkathon, ORSA’s main objective is to raise awareness on the importance of seatbelts and child restraints, which we are

encouraging through our donation of 50 child restraints to government hospitals. Judging by the response from the people we have approached to date, I can say that we are making sterling progress in educating people on the realities of road safety. For helping us to further this, I thank BP for its continuous support in Oman.”

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I went to Zurich and gave some paintings to ministers there.

I also visited many galleries there, and I met many artists there. I came back with more energy to work Anwar Sonya, Founding member of Omani Society for Fine Arts

Omani artists showcase paintings to the world

P R AVA S I B H A R AT I YA D I VA S

‘Painting the Sky’, programme also referred to as the ‘Omani Flying Art Exhibition’, officially HONOUR: Oman-based Indian businessman R.M. Parakh received

the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award from Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari. – Supplied picture

came to an end

Oman-based NRI gets award in India

global exposure

Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman-based Indian businessman R.M. Parakh received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award from the South Asian country’s Vice President Hamid Ansari during the valedictory session of the 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) on Friday.

The award is given to distinguished members of the Indian diaspora for their achievements in life and contribution to the welfare of the Indian community abroad and for enhancing India’s image overseas.

The 13th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention is the flagship event of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA), of the Government of India.

Microsoft CEO Satyanaraya Na-

della was also among the winners of the coveted award.

Ashraf Parakunmummal (40), a community worker in UAE, Guyana president Donald R Ramotar, Mala Mehta, an educationalist from Australia, Dr Rajaram Sanjaya, a scientist from Mexico; Kamaljit Singh Bakshi, a member of parliament in New Zealand; Justice Duraikannu Karunakaran from Seychelles; former member of parliament from South Africa, Essop Goolam Pahad; social worker Bharat Kumar Shah from UAE; industrialist Mahendra Mehta from Uganda; Prof Nathuram Puri from the UK; Lord Raj Loomba from the UK; scientist Kamalesh Lulla from the US; and venture capitalist Nandini Tandon from the US were among the other winners.

giving Omani artists

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SPREADING OMANI CULTURE: His Highness Sayyid Kamil bin Fahd Al Said, Assistant Secretary

SARAH MACDONALD

sarah@timesofoman.com

General for the Cabinet of the Deputy Prime Minister for Council of Ministers attended the closing ceremony. - Photo: Talib Al Wahaibi

MUSCAT: For the past year, 43 Omani artists have been able to share their work globally thanks to an initiative between the Omani Society for Fine Arts and Oman Air called “Painting the Sky.” The programme included a number of events over the past year, including a special programme featuring Omani artists on Oman Air’s in-flight entertainment, exhibitions of Omani art in a number of foreign countries, and sponsored trips for Omani artists to visit seven different Oman Air destinations and meet with artists from those cities, which included Bangkok, Frankfurt, Kuala Lumpur, London, Milan, Paris and Zurich.

‘Painting the Sky’, which was also referred to as the ‘Omani Flying Art Exhibition’, officially came to an end on Wednesday.

The closing ceremony was attended by His Highness Sayyid Kamil bin Fahd Al Said, Assistant Secretary General for the Cabinet of the Deputy Prime Minister for Council of Ministers.

The event highlighted the work of the participating artists, including Saeed Al Alawi, a painter from Sur, who was given the opportunity to go to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and meet artists there.

He said the programme was a wonderful way to promote the artistic side of Oman.

“We are painting for the world.

They are hearing about the culture of Oman, and I think that’s important, so they learn about where Oman is, and that there are many artists here. The art here is something different, something unique.

It also makes connections between

us and other artists,” he said.

Al Alawi said the Malaysian artists he met were curious about his work, and asked him why he wanted to exhibit his work in their country. He said he told them that art is a good way to teach people about Omani culture.

Fakhrataj Al Ismaily, a painter who travelled to London as part of the project, said ‘Painting the Sky’ was a good way to promote Omani artists abroad, since within the Sultanate many artists, including herself, are already established and well-known. It was also an opportunity to meet other artists.

“We could get to know each other and exchange ideas, exchange culture,” she said.

Al Ismaily said she met artists who gather in Hyde Park every Sunday. They were surprised and

excited to hear about the project, which is a unique one, she said.

Such projects, or other similar ones, should be repeated in the future, but with the addition of more exhibitions, Al Ismaily said, adding she would have liked to have had an exhibition while she was in London. The “Godfather of Omani Art,” Anwar Sonya, visited Zurich, Switzerland.

Though he is a founding member of the Omani Society for Fine Arts, and has been working as an artist over 30 years, Sonya is still keen to learn new things and gain new experiences.

“I went to Zurich and gave some paintings to ministers there. I also visited many galleries there, and I met many artists there. I came back with more energy to work,” he said.

AUSTRALIAN VISITOR

Australian artist to explore Omani heritage through drawings at Bait Al Zubair Times News Service MUSCAT: Bait Al Zubair has welcomed its second international artist in residence for January 2015.

Australian Damon Kowarsky is the recipient of numerous prizes and awards including the Toyota Community Spirit Artist Travel Award, APW Collie Print Trust Scholarship, and Australia Council Asia-Australia Creative Partnerships Grant.

Kowarsky has travelled extensively in South Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Architecture and the colours of earth and sky inspire much of his work.

Kowarsky studied printmaking at the Victorian College of Arts in Melbourne Australia and Glasgow School of Art in the United Kingdom. He went on to study advanced figure drawing with Godwin Bradbeer at RMIT in Melbourne.

Since graduating he has worked as a scientific, courtroom, and archaeological illustrator. In 2002 he assisted on a dig for the Dakhleh Oasis Project in Egypt.

Oman is heir to a rich architectural heritage that includes dramatic stone forts, whitewashed traditional houses, and modern buildings Damon Kowarsky Australian artist

In 2007, he taught drawing at Beaconhouse National University in Lahore and studied miniature painting under Murad Mumtaz and Mahreen Zuberi.

In 2010 he taught printmak-

ing at Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture in Karachi and held a successful solo exhibition at Alhamra Art Gallery in Lahore. Since 2010, Kowarsky has collaborated with the Japanese

PAC P

artist Kyoko Imazu on a series of prints, zines and site specific installations.

Damon says, “Oman is heir to a rich architectural heritage that includes dramatic stone forts, whitewashed traditional houses, and modern buildings. This reflects the long history of the country and its pivotal role at the crossroads of Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

It also demonstrates the influences brought to Oman by those who have traded with the country over the centuries.”

During a residency at Bait Al Zubair he will explore this heritage through drawing. Much of this drawing will be investigatory.

Over the one month residency he will explore the built environment and document it in pen and ink and charcoal. Omani artists will have the opportunity to meet Damon and discuss each other’s work while he is in Muscat.

For more information about Bait Al Zubair events and activities, join them on Facebook www.facebook.com/bait.alzubair and Twitter and Instagram on: @Bait_AlZubair DUQM

A1 Market in spare < FROM

parts thriving

It emphasises the importance of co-operation and co-ordination between companies and institutions to preserve the rights of consumers.

Welcoming the move, Ahmed Al Ansari, a consumer, told Times of Oman, that it was a great move by the PACP, to put an end of the blatant exploitation of the consumer by some automobile agencies.

“For me, like many others, it is a big burden when it comes to repairing some parts of my vehicle. I have to even borrow money from friends to pay the automobile dealer,” said Ahmed.

He said that it was not necessarily to change the entire part in some cases, which

often burns a hole in the consumer’s pocket.

On the other hand, many Omanis head to one of the neighbouring countries to buy and repair automobile parts due to their availability, affordability and competition.

Rashid Al Hatmi, an Ibri resident, who owns an auto shop inherited from his father, told Times of Oman, that he buys most of the original parts from the UAE and sell it at prices lower than those of automobile agencies here.

“There is a high demand for my automobile parts from many customers, and it leads to my commuting to Al Ain twice a week to buy the spares,” he said.

Seminar on investments MUSSANDAM: Under the auspices of Sayyid Khalifa bin Al Murdas Al Busaidi, Governor of Mussandam, Duqm Special Economic Zone Authority (DSEZA) will organise a seminar at Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) branch in Khasab on Monday.

It is aimed to acquaint the local investors with the available investment opportunity at DSEZ. The seminar comes as part of a programme organised by DSEZA in cooperation with the OCCI. The investments at the Duqm Special Economic Zone are estimated at OMR1.7 billion, representing the government investments in the infrastructure and some OMR300 million investments from the private sector. —ONA

S U N DAY, JAN UARY 1 1 , 2 0 1 5 Libya is at a crucial juncture; the different actors should be in no doubt of the gravity of the situation that the country finds itself in. The opportunity to establish a ceasefire and find a political solution should not be wasted Federica Mogherini, EU’s top diplomat

A7

REGION

Geneva to host Libya peace talks UN envoy Bernardino Leon has proposed a freeze in military operations for a few days ‘in order to create a conducive environment for the dialogue,’ the UN statement said

BENGHAZI: The United Nations announced on Saturday a new round of peace talks in Geneva next week between Libya’s warring factions, as the European Union warned the country was at a “crucial juncture”.

It came as fighting between

troops andmilitia killed 13 people in eastern Libya.

“This dialogue is an important opportunity for the Libyans to restore stability and prevent the country’s slide towards deeper conflict and economic collapse that should not be missed,” the UN mission in Libya said.

UN envoy Bernardino Leon has proposed a freeze in military operations for a few days “in order to create a conducive environment for the dialogue,” the UN statement said.

Leon had earlier urged a resumption of talks “before it is too late”. The talks are aimed at reaching an agreement on the formation of a unity government and to create “a stable environment” for the adoption of a new permanent constitution, the statement said.

“Discussions will also seek to put in place the necessary security arrangements in order to bring an end to the armed hostilities raging in different parts of the country,” it added. It did not give a specific date for the talks.

The announcement came after

The IS group that has seized large areas in Iraq and Syria is also thought to have gained a foothold in eastern Libya, and recently claimed to have executed two Tunisian journalists there.

The European Union said the Geneva meeting “represents a last chance which must be seized”.

ENDLESS FIGHTING: Smoke is seen rising from the Brigade Qaqaa headquarters, a former Libyan Army camp known as Camp 7 April.

-Reuters file photo

Leon held talks for the first time on Thursday with General Khalifa Haftar, who is spearheading a government-backed offensive to recapture the second city of Benghazi from extremist militia.

Leon also met with representatives of Libya’s internationally recognised government, which has taken refuge in the remote east,

WINTER STORM

Two Palestinian babies die due to cold weather in Gaza GAZA CITY(Palestinian Territories): Two Palestinian babies have died due to cold weather in the Gaza Strip, an official said on Saturday, as winter storms lashed the region.

A two-month-old girl from the southern Gaza town of Khan Yunis died on Friday of “a pulmonary obstruction caused by the cold,” health ministry spokesman Ashraf Al Qudra said.

A one-month-old boy, also from Khan Yunis, died on Saturday, he said without giving further details. Gaza’s civil defence service said that dozens of homes in the coastal territory, already ravaged by last year’s war with Israel, were flooded in the brutal storms that brought freezing rain and gale-force winds.

Worst hit Worst hit was the southern town of Rafah, on the Egyptian border.

“After heavy rainfall houses were flooded to a depth of one metre (and) in places one and a half metres,” a spokesman said, adding that occupants were evacuated to schools. The service rescued some stranded people using small fishing boats, an AFP photographer reported.

The West Bank-based Palestinian Authority declared a state of emergency throughout the Pales-

BLIZZARD: A boy slides down a snow-covered slope at a park during winter in occupied Jerusalem on Friday. A storm buffeted the Middle East with blizzards, rain and strong winds, keeping people at home across much of the region. The storm is forecast to last several days. - Reuters

tinian Territories when the storm hit on Wednesday.

More than 100,000 Gaza homes were destroyed or damaged during last year’s 50-day conflict and UN welfare officials say that 17,000 displaced people are still living in schools.

Gaza’s sole power station,

which was damaged during the war, is struggling with a severe lack of fuel and is only able to supply the enclave with six hours of power per day The storms have also struck other countries in the region with two Syrians — including a child — dying of cold in Lebanon. - AFP

and with rival officials in the militia-held capital Tripoli.

More than three years after Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was toppled and killed in a Westernbacked revolt, the North African nation is engulfed in chaos with rival governments and parliaments as well as powerful militias fighting for territory.

Opportunity “Libya is at a crucial juncture; the different actors should be in no doubt of the gravity of the situation that the country finds itself in. The opportunity to establish a ceasefire and find a political solution should not be wasted,” said Federica Mogherini, the EU’s top diplomat.

A new round of talks had been scheduled for December 9 but was repeatedly delayed as fighting intensified between the internationally recognised government and extremist militias. Leon chaired a first round of talks between rival lawmakers in the oasis town of Ghadames in September.

The UN Security Council warned the following month that it would impose sanctions on any

party that undermined the process.

Difficulties finding a safe venue for the talks contributed to the delay to the new round, the UN said.

The extremist militia alliance that controls the capital and Libya’s third largest city Misrata launched an offensive last month to try to capture the country’s main eastern oil export terminals.

Loyalists of the internationally recognised government responded with their first air strikes on Misrata.

On Saturday, five soldiers and eight militants were killed in fighting in Ain Marah, near the far extremist bastion of Derna, a government spokesman said.

The United Nations says that since fighting intensified in May, hundreds of civilians have been killed and hundreds of thousands more have fled their homes.

Libya’s neighbours, fearful of a spillover of the violence, have repeatedly called for international intervention. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon visited the Libyan capital in October for a trip aimed at bolstering talks between political parties. - AFP

A8

SU N DAY, JANUARY 11, 2015

INDIA

This approach will help us pose those questions to him (Shashi Tharoor) which would arise during questioning of all these people related with the case Delhi police official

Modi sounds poll bugle in Delhi with promises Promising to take Delhi to new heights of development, the prime minister said people here will be given an option of choosing their power service provider on the lines of mobile number portability and pledged to make Delhi slum-free

NEW DELHI: Kickstarting BJP’s poll campaign for Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday wooed voters with a host of promises as he singled out ‘anarchist’ AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal for attack and asked people to punish him for “wasting” one year.

Without naming Kejriwal or his party, Modi said at a rally here that if the AAP leader wants to be an “anarchist” as he has claimed to be, he should go to jungles to join Naxals as Delhi cannot have anarchy.

Kejriwal had said about a year ago that he is an “anarchist”.

Mastery in administration During the 30-minute address, he suggested that Kejriwal has “mastery” in “lies” and dharnas and protests and should be given that role only and that power should be given to BJP which has “mastery” in administration.

At the rally at Ramlila Ground attended by all three new BJP

GARNERING SUPPORT: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses

the BJP’s ‘Abhinandan’ rally at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on Saturday. - PTI

Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Haryana and Jharkhand, Modi sought a clear mandate for his party to ensure all round development and create a “new” Delhi.

Delhi, which is under President’s Rule, is expected to have Assembly polls next month.

Promising to take Delhi to new heights of development, the Prime Minister said people here will be given an option of choosing their power service provider on the lines of mobile number portability and pledged to make Delhi slum-free by 2022. He also promised to usher in a corruption-free system, saying it has been started at the top and gradually it will reach down to colonies.

Referring to resignation by Kejriwal government on February 14 last year after being in power for 49 days, he said, “people should punish those because of whom one year of Delhi was wasted.”

Committing to provide a corruption-free society, Modi said he already commenced the cleansing from the top and asked if anyone

has heard any complaint about him ever since he took over as Prime Minister some seven months back.

“Trust me, I will clean up the system. I have started from the top and I will take it to the bottom. People take money from auto drivers, shopkeeper, the poor people...It will all stop,” the prime minister said.

Reaching out to the vast slum population, he promised to replace the slums with concrete houses by 2022, saying “your dream is my dream.” He said steps have already been initiated in this regard by the Urban Development Ministry.

While talking about schemes benefitting the poor, he referred to Jan Dhan and said bankers, who earlier used to be reluctant to open accounts of the people from lower economic strata, are now going house-to-house to open zero-balance accounts.

“So far 11 crore accounts have been opened as against the target of 7 crore by January 26,” he said adding though people had an option of opening zero-balance ac-

Trust me, I will clean up the system. I have started from the top and I will take it to the bottom.

People take money from auto drivers, shopkeeper, the poor people...

It will all stop Narendra Modi Prime Minister

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counts, Rs 850 billion were deposited by them. Taking a dig at the Congress over its claim of standing by the poor, he said “who was running government for the rich and who is running government for the poor has been proved by the Jan Dhan scheme.”

Promising 24-hour power supply to Delhi, Modi said he will rid the city of generators which will also ensure a cleaner environment.”We will shut the voice of generators in Delhi.

It will also help clean up the air by reducing poisonous gases.”

He said BJP was all set to take some “revolutionary steps” in Delhi which no one can even think of and talked about portability of choosing power service providers on the line of mobile number portability. - PTI

M Y S T E R I OU S D E AT H

Tharoor not to be questioned for now in Sunanda case NEW DELHI: Delhi Police on Saturday said it is not going to question Congress MP Shashi Tharoor for now in connection with the mysterious death of his wife Sunanda Pushkar as it would first want to examine all other people related to the case and look into available evidence.

Investigators also said that they have not come across any IPL cricket league angle in the case so far in the wake of some media re- Sunanda Pushkar ports suggesting this link.

“We have not called Tharoor for questioning as we do not need a day after he expressed concern over the way the police was probhim at this moment.

“We would like to question all ing Sunanda’s death.

Delhi Police had on Tuesday the other people in this connection including his aides, the ho- registered a murder case in connection with Sunanda’s death tel’s staff among others.

“All the available evidences will under section 302 of IPC on the also be gathered and it would be basis of an AIIMS medical report only after that we may question that concluded that her death was unnatural and due to poisoning. him,” said a senior police official.

The SIT had on Thursday inSunanda was found dead in a 5-star hotel in South Delhi on terrogated Tharoor’s domestic the night of January 17 last, a day help Narayan Singh on specific after her Twitter spat with Paki- details such as people who met stani journalist Mehr Tarar over her during the 48 hours prior to her death and the 15 injury marks an alleged affair with Tharoor.

Initially, the Special Investi- on her body including the injecgative Team formed in the case tion mark.

It had also visited the Leela Palwanted to question Tharoor straight away and a notice ask- ace hotel on Thursday and spent ing him to join the probe was around two hours during which also prepared but it was not dis- investigators questioned the hopatched at the last moment as the tel staff and also checked the hotel police top brass decided to ques- room once again.

The SIT has also formed a tion everybody else before examlist of at least 12 people includining him. ing, Abhinav Kumar, who was PS to Tharoor.

Approach It will also question Bajrangi, “This approach will help us pose those questions to him which Tharoor’s driver and a female would arise during questioning journalist with whom Sunanda of all these people related with apparently spoke to before her the case,” the official said, adding death and all those who came in that no IPL angle has come up in contact with her 48 hours before the case so far as speculated in her death. Another man Sanjay Dewan, the couple’s family friend the media.

Tharoor, meanwhile, said he who is believed to be at the hodid not have anything more to tel suite on that night when Suadd to what he had stated in pub- nanda was found dead will also lic about the case at Guruvayur, be examined. - PTI

P R O M I S E D C O O P E R AT I O N

Government unblocks 32 websites NEW DELHI: Government has ordered unblocking of all the 32 websites that were being used by terrorists after these sites promised to cooperate with the authorities and removed extremist content.

“Order was issued on Thursday to unblock all 32 websites that were blocked following complaint of Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad that IS is disseminating content through them. All websites have responded that they will work with government and removed such content,” a source said.

Indian Computer Emergency Response Team Director General Gulshan Rai confirmed the development.

The websites were blocked in November following an order

During its probe into certain terror cases, the ATS had received information that some websites were carrying anti-national content

from Mumbai Court, which was approached by Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) with a plea to block some websites carrying anti-India content.

During its probe into certain

terror cases, the ATS had received information that some websites were carrying anti- national content, said an official.

The websites included dailymotion.com, weebly.com, github. com, pastebin.com, archive. org, heypasteit.com, ipaste.eu, thesnippetapp.com, vimeo.com among others.

They purportedly contained material about Areeb Majid, an alleged IS member who was arrested by NIA, and three others hailing from North Karnataka’s Bhatkal area.

Sources said some of the websites were being used to induce Indian youth to join IS and for spreading news about purported death of certain persons while fighting Allied Forces in countries like Afghanistan and Iraq. - PTI

S U N DAY, JAN UARY 1 1 , 2 0 1 5

INDIA

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A9

Retrieving black money complex issue Amit Shah said that soon after coming to power, the BJP-led

Bringing back black money is a very complex issue.

It is not alone in the hands of India to bring back black money stashed abroad, as several international treaties are coming in the way

government in its first Cabinet meeting constituted an SIT on black money and

Amit Shah

provided the names

BJP president

of 700 account holders to it

NEW DELHI/KOLKATA: Under attack on the black money issue, BJP President Amit Shah on Saturday said government has taken a number of steps and disclosed 700 names to the SIT even though it is a “complex” issue with

international treaties coming in the way of acting against offenders.

He also attacked the opposition for stalling key legislations in Parliament but asserted that all their attempts to stop the country from the path of development would prove futile and they would be “mistaken” in doing so.

“Bringing back black money is a

C E A S E F I R E V I O L AT I O N S

Take all measures to defend territorial integrity, says Pranab NEW DELHI/BENGALURU: India should take all steps to ensure internal and external security and territorial integrity, President Pranab Mukherjee said Saturday expressing serious concern over repeated ceasefire violations on LoC and recent incursions off the coastal line.

He also said the scourge of Left-Wing extremism should be tackled through twin-pronged strategy of development and deterrence.

In his new year message to Governors and Lt Governors through video conferencing, Pranab said a major issue in states having international borders was security.

Committed “While India is committed to peace and non-violence, we cannot afford the luxury of being complacent on our borders. Repeated violations of the ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC) and recent incidents of incursions off our coastal line are a matter of serious concern.

“We should be ready to take all steps necessary to ensure both internal and external security, and protect territorial integrity of our nation,” he said in his message. The President said after three decades, general elections have provided a stable government at the Centre with a clear majority for a single party, with a mandate for good governance.

Meanwhile, Indian Navy has been in a heightened state of alert for the last two months with its entire fleet, including warships, aircraft carriers, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle deployed, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Robin Dhowan said on Saturday.

The Navy had already stepped up patrolling in coastal areas much before the recent Pakistan terror boat sinking incident off Gujarat coast, he told reporters here.

“We have already stepped up patrolling in our coastal areas much before the December 31 incident and for the last two

Pranab Mukherjee

months, we have been in heightened state of alert, with our entire fleet, including warships, aircraft carriers, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle deployed in our waters,” he said.

In a mid-sea operation on New Year night, a Pakistani fishing boat, said to be carrying explosives, was intercepted by the Indian Coast Guard off the coast of Gujarat, but the vessel exploded and caught fire before sinking along with four occupants.

Authenticity questioned While the government has said the occupants of the boat were ‘suspected terrorists’, there have been questions over authenticity of this claim.

India is fully prepared to protect its long coastal region and secure its maritime interests with round-the-clock surveillance, he said after delivering “Admiral RL Pereira Memorial Lecture” organized by the Navy Foundation, Bengaluru Chapter in association with Bharath Electronics Limited here.

“As we operate in a challenging environment, we ensure to maintain all aspects of coastal surveillance because we have a huge coastline of 7,516 km, an exclusive economic zone of two-million square kilometres, thousands of merchant ships and about 240,000 fishing boats at any given time in our region,” Dhowan said. - PTI

JO I N T O P E R AT I O N

Militant involved in Assam attacks killed in encounter GUWAHATI: An extremist platoon commander, allegedly involved in the recent attack by his outfit on Adivasis, was killed in an encounter in Assam’s Kokrajhar district on Saturday, police said.

The police and the SSB launched a joint operation in Serfanguri area and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (S) the militant was killed in the ensuing encounter near Khousibazar, IGP (BTAD) L .R. Bishnoi said.

Direct involvement The militant has been identified as Jailing alias Jagat Basumatary and carried a reward of Rs500,000 on his head for his al-

leged ‘direct involvement’ in the December 23 killing of adivasis in Pakhriguri area of the district, he said. The security forces recovered an AK-56 rifle, two grenades and 22 live ammunitions.

Seven NDFB(S) militants, Kokrajhar platoon ‘second-incommand’ Mithinga and Khuren along with their four associates were arrested from Serfanguri in Kokrajhar district since Thursday night for their alleged direct involvement in the killings.

Altogether, 31 persons were killed in three simultaneous attacks in Kokrajhar district in the December 23 attacks while in Sonitpur, 50 others were killed taking the death toll to 81. - PTI

very complex issue. It is not alone in the hands of India to bring back black money stashed abroad, as several international treaties are coming in the way.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has created an atmosphere on the black money issue across the world and created a consensus among various nations to act on

the menace. I assure you that once the international treaties are sorted out, BJP will succeed in giving appropriate punishment to offenders,” Shah said addressing a public rally in Delhi.

He also said that soon after coming to power, the BJP-led government in its first Cabinet meeting constituted an SIT on black money

and provided the names of 700 account holders to it, an act not done by the previous regime for the last many years.

Attacking the opposition for stalling Parliament and stopping key legislations, Shah said, “If opposition thinks it can stall the development agenda by disrupting Rajya Sabha, then they are mistaken.”

He said BJP will not allow the opposition to stop the government from ushering in development and has brought in Ordinances, including those on Coal block allocations, Land Acquisition Bill, FDI in Insurance and Mining sector.

Shah also touted the government’s achievement in passing a key law to regularise unauthorised colonies in the national capital, a promise fulfilled by the BJP made during the last assembly elections.

Meanwhile, with the BJP under attack from the opposition over the black money issue, party leader Subramanian Swamy on Saturday said the central government would initiate fresh moves to recover the money stashed in tax havens.

Participating in an interactive session here organised by the Merchants Chamber of Commerce, Swamy said the centre was cautious in its approach to the issue as “a lot of people, including prominent figures, would be hurt in the process”.

Initiate fresh steps “From June onward, the government will initiate fresh steps to bring back black money.

The list of who have stashed black money is a long one including several prominent names who will be hurt in the process.

So it is being done in small doses so that the crisis could be managed,” he said.

He also flayed RBI governor Raghuram Rajan for his “antigrowth” policies and asserted that it was time for him to go.

“He (Rajan) believes the only way to control inflation is to raise the interest rates.

The fact is, the high interest rates have discouraged investment in our country leading to arbitrage,” added Swamy. - Agencies

A10

SU N DAY, JANUARY 11, 2015

PAKISTAN

Iran values its ties with Pakistan and wants to strengthen relations. Tehran is making serious efforts in this direction Aaqai Ali Osat Hashemi, Governor of Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province

TA L I B A N L A H O R E C H I E F

Wagah blast mastermind killed: Police LAHORE: Pakistan police on Saturday claimed to have killed the alleged mastermind of Wagah suicide bombing — that claimed 61 lives last year — in an encounter here, a media report said on Saturday.

Roohullah alias Asadullah, believed to be the chief of Taliban’s Lahore branch was killed along with two accomplices in the provincial capital’s Burki Road area, the Dawn quoted sources in law enforcement and intelligence agencies as saying.

Hunt for Asadullah Intelligence agencies had been hunting for Asadullah since the November 2 attack last year that killed at least 61 people and injured nearly 200 others when a suicide attacker detonated a powerful bomb at Wagah, minutes after the popular flag-lowering ceremony at the main land border crossing with India.

Law enforcement officials told Dawn that a joint raid was carried out at a house located on Burki Road on outskirts of the city acting on a tip-off.

The police party came under gunfire after entering the neighbourhood as Asadullah and his two accomplices opened fire and police fired back in retaliation.

The exchange lasted for at least half an hour, the report said.

Several blasts were also heard during the exchange of fire. After the firing subsided, policemen entered the premises and recovered bodies of the three alleged militants. — PTI IRANIAN LEADER

Rouhani visit to Pakistan in the offing

IRREPARABLE LOSS: Men mourn the killing of their relative, a victim of a suicide attack a day earlier, before his funeral in Rawalpindi, on Saturday. — Reuters

Jamaatul Ahrar claims Rawalpindi mosque attack assassination attempt on former president Pervez Musharraf, was hanged in Central Jail Adiala in Rawalpindi on Friday night has been hanged, becoming the eighth person to be executed since the government lifted the moratorium on death penalty.

He was sentenced to death in 2005 by the Field General Court Martial under the Army Act for attack on Musharraf on December 14, 2003 in Rawalpindi.

Mehmood was shifted to Adiala Jail on October 27, 2010.

Strict security measures had been taken before his execution.

Army and Rangers personnel were deployed in and outside the Adiala jail. Besides this, aerial surveillance of the area was also carried out, Dawn reported.

Mehmood met with 27 of his family members before execution.

We want to make it clear to the rulers that we will not

ISLAMABAD: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will visit Pakistan soon to strengthen trade and economic ties between the two countries especially in the power and energy sector.

“Iran values its ties with Pakistan and wants to strengthen relations. Tehran is making serious efforts in this direction,” Governor of Iranian SistanBaluchestan province, Aaqai Ali Osat Hashemi, said during a meeting with Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Malik Baloch.

Hashemi did not specify the exact date of Rouhani’s visit, but officials said that visit is expected to take place in the coming month.

The governor heading the Iranian delegation is in Quetta to hold talks with the provincial government leaders on boosting border trade, investment and economic relations.

On Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline, Hashemi said that Pakistani and Iranian authorities had discussed the project in Islamabad last month.

“Things are moving in right direction,” he said. — PTI

be impressed by any of their laws or hangings, spokesman of the faction of Taliban, Ehsanullah Ehsan, said

ISLAMABAD: A faction of the Pakistani Taliban on Saturday claimed responsibility for an apparent suicide attack on a minority sect mosque in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, which killed seven people and wounded 15 others.

The powerful explosion on Friday night in the city in northern Punjab state triggered chaos as dozens of members of the minority sect gathered in the mosque to distribute alms to mark the birthday of the Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him).

The bomber attacked the mosque when a religious congregation was on in densely populated Chittian Hatian area of the city.

TARGET: Pakistani security forces secure the site of a blast in Rawalpindi on Friday. — AFP

The attacker came on a motorbike and tried to enter the compound but set off the bomb near the gate when he was stopped by volunteers deployed at the entrance.

Investigations are on, but no arrest has been made so far.

“We claim responsibility of the attack on the mosque and vow

to continue such attacks against enemies of Islam,” spokesman of Jamatul Ahrar faction of Taliban, Ehsanullah Ehsan, said in an email. “We want to make it clear to the rulers that we will not be impressed by any of their laws or hangings,” he added.

The group parted ways with Taliban last year.

Pakistan has strengthened its own offensive against the Taliban since their attack on a military-run school on December 16 killed 150 people, 134 of them children.

Execution Meanwhile, former technician of Pakistan Air Force Khalid Mehmood, who was convicted for an

Released assassin So far four convicted in Musharraf case including Niaz Muhammad, Karamdeen, Nawazish and Khalid Mehmood have been hanged, while another Adnan Rasheed was released after attack on Bannu jail in 2012.

The country ended its six-yearold moratorium on the death penalty in terror cases last month in the wake of the massacre.

To further boost its efforts, the government on Friday announced it was setting up nine military courts to hear terrorism-related cases. — Agencies

TOUGH JOB

Cartoonists tread fine line as extreme views gain ground

BALANCING ACT: Pakistani cartoonist Rafique Ahmad, alias ‘Feica’

draws at his office in Karachi. In the face of Pakistan’s prolific use of blasphemy laws and a culture of political violence, cartoonists must tread a thin line. But they do find ways to poke fun at the powerful — including religious extremists. — AFP

ISLAMABAD: In the face of Pakistan’s prolific use of blasphemy laws and a culture of political violence, cartoonists must tread a thin line. But they do find ways to poke fun at the powerful -- including religious extremists.

The conservative nation of 200 million people is consistently ranked one the world’s most dangerous countries for journalists, with reporters often caught between powerful spy agencies and extremist militants.

Without subscribing to all the ideas of Charlie Hebdo’s satirists killed this week, the country’s caricaturists have sustained a proud, decades long tradition of pushing the envelope of free speech.

“Everybody has a red line,” said Rafique Ahmad, who is known by the pen name “Feica” and is regarded as a legend among Pakistani cartoonists.

“I have drawn lots of cartoons

about bigots, fanatics, these fundamentalists,” added Feica, who began his career in the late seventies during the harsh rule of General Ziaul Haq when censorship was rife.

In Pakistan, the controversial blasphemy law carries the death penalty.

14 on death row There are currently 14 languishing on death row for the charge, while mobs often carry out their own form of justice as was the case when a Christian couple were burnt to death at a brick kiln last November.

“Self-censorship is everywhere” said Feica.

Caught between a powerful military that has led three coups in the country’s history and the rising menace of extremists who have waged an insurgency against the state for more than a decade,

cartoonists are careful to lampoon concepts without making things too personal.

“If you target militants, extremists or Taliban it is OK but if you target a specific person... then that becomes a personal vendetta and chances of attacking you increase,” said veteran cartoonist Sabir Nazar.

‘Reclaim Our Mosque’ A few years ago, he received threats after drawing a caricature of the radical Red Mosque in Islamabad, the scene of a bloody army operation in 2007 and now the focal point of a “Reclaim Our Mosque” movement after a bloody Taliban attack on a Peshawar school last month.

In Pakistan, where 45 per cent of the population is illiterate, the English-language press remains the preserve of a minority urban educated readership, unlike

the Urdu newspapers which sell hundreds of thousands of copies everyday.

Urdu press Cartoons are therefore tailored for their audience. The Urdu press is more nationalist, religious, conservative and popular than English and cartoonists do not enjoy the same level of freedom.

“The common man has so many problems (in this country) so I have always focused on the common man,” said Jawed Iqbal, a cartoonist for the daily Jang, the country’s most read paper.

Rolling power outages, gas shortages, a Kafkaesque bureaucracy, and political rivalries provide the bulk of material for cartoonists such as Iqbal.

Iqbal, like the other cartoonists, expressed deep sympathy at the killings of his French counterparts. — AFP

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WORLD

Among the dead are two vigilantes who were searching the girl. I am pretty sure the bomb was remotely controlled Abubakar Bakura, Attack witness

BOKO HARAM SUSPECTED

Girl used as suicide bomber; 19 killed in Nigerian city MAIDUGURI (NIGERIA): At least 19 people were killed on Saturday when a young girl, thought to be aged about 10, blew herself up at a crowded market in the restive northeast Nigerian city of Maiduguri.

The powerful explosion rocked the city’s Monday Market at about 12:40pm (1140 GMT) when it was packed with shoppers and

traders. The same market was hit twice by female suicide bombers late last year.

The latest atrocity came a week after a major Boko Haram attack on the fishing town of Baga in northern Borno State, which is believed to be the worst in the bloody six-year insurgency.

The town and at least 16 nearby settlements in and around Lake

Chad were burnt to the ground and at least 20,000 people forced to flee their homes.

“For five kilometres (three miles), I kept stepping on dead bodies until I reached Malam Karanti village, which was also deserted and burnt,” one survivor, fisherman Yanaye Grema, said.

But there was no independent corroboration of huge numbers

of dead cited locally.

In Maiduguri, there was no immediate claim of responsibility but Boko Haram has increasingly used women and young girls as human bombs.

Girl searched Ashiru Mustapha, a civilian vigilante, said the explosives detonated as the girl was being searched at

the entrance to the market.

“The girl was about 10 years old and I doubt if she actually knew what was strapped to her body. In fact, she was searched at the entrance of the market and the metal detector indicated that she was carrying something,” he told AFP “But sadly, the explosion went off before she was isolated.”

Witness Abubakar Bakura said:

“The blast split the suicide bomber into two and flung one part across the road. A Red Cross official, who declined to be named, warned: “Many people sustained lifethreatening injuries.”

Borno State police spokesman Gideon Jubrin told reporters 19 people were killed and 18 others were injured but warned that the death toll could rise. — AFP

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Will Rajapaksa’s defeat heal Sri Lanka’s divide?

D

efeat in Sri Lanka’s presidential election for the long-time incumbent, Mahinda Rajapaksa, seemed unthinkable when he decided to call a snap poll two years ahead of time. That he should find himself out of office, and be departing with good grace, are dual victories for Sri Lankan democracy. Mahinda Rajapaksa has some sound achievements to his name. The Boxing Day tsunami of 2004 devastated elements of the island’s economy and left emotional scars on its people. The bloody conclusion of the island’s civil war further weakened several key industries. Yet Mahinda Rajapaksa, having overseen the final defeat of the Tamil Tigers in 2009, has since been generally successful in his efforts to rebuild the economy.

Nonetheless, the brutality of Sri Lanka’s civil conflict, and particularly the atrocities committed during its final, grotesque stages, will not be forgotten. Mahinda Rajapaksa was in office when government forces acted abominably in their efforts to defeat the Tamil Tigers (notwithstanding that there were appalling incidents on both sides).

And he has failed to deal fully with the legacy of the war, and the subsequent impoverishment of many Tamils. Regular attacks on press freedom are a further stain on his record.

It was no surprise that Tamils and other minority groups opposed Mahinda Rajapaksa’s candidacy, and the emergence of Maithripala Sirisena, Mahinda Rajapaksa’s former ally, as a figure who could unite opposition parties was crucial to the high turnout among those communities. But a significant proportion of the majority Sinhalese also switched allegiance to Maithripala Sirisena. For many of them, it was present-day corruption and nepotism, rather than memories of the war, that were the deciding factors in the election. Corruption in government can, after all, be as corrosive of public trust as the more obvious maladies from which Sri Lanka has suffered. Maithripala Sirisena must now show that his promises to govern openly are more than mere politicking. He must also accept that the divisions of the recent past still need to be addressed. - The Independent

MATTER OF FACT

Paris massacre ignites clash of civilisations

W

‘Guidelines’ for the media

T

he tediously lengthy list of guidelines for the media drafted as ‘war time recommendations’ by Pakistan’s Standing Committee on Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage is too school-boyish in content to merit even a passing critique. However, it would not be inappropriate at this point in time to warn the drafters off before they actually cause any serious harm to the media industry.

Most, who drafted the recommendations perhaps, had never seen the inside of a print or broadcast newsroom. Moreover, the officially certified truth all along was that there are the ‘good’ Taliban and the ‘bad’ Taliban. And we have been cutting futile peace deals with the ‘good’ ones for the last 12 years or so and one such attempt was made only a couple of months before the army decided to move into North Waziristan declaring that all Taliban were ‘bad’ Taliban.

And the government in Islamabad acknowledged it to be so only after the December 16 school massacre in Peshawar. The media is not a robot to automatically change its tack just because war has been launched against all kinds of Taliban.

At best, media serves as a mirror of society within which it operates.

And Pakistani society’s mind set is still stuck with the earlier officially certified truth. The media alone cannot bring about a change in the mind set. The new officially certified truth, if there is one, needs to be drummed into the consciousness of the nation through appropriate literature, educational institutions, public opinion leaders, the civil society, from a unified ideological platform, from the platform of political parties and also from articles that appear in Hilal, the monthly magazine of the armed forces, as well as from the press releases and tweets, which the ISPR chief sends out frequently.

Recommendation number seven wants individual journalists to be punished in case of any violation. But the final judgment to use a report or opinion piece is that of the editor/owner/news editor. Why should a reporter or a subeditor suffer for their decision? These individuals work under tremendous pressure both from their bosses and from competition. It would be too callous to hold them responsible for the blunders of their superiors.

This should be avoided at all costs. Instead, a laid-down procedure should be followed in each case and punitive action should be taken only after ascertaining that there was an irresponsible act committed on the part of a channel. Since it did not have any idea about how the media works, the committee members understandably could not come up with a precise definition of public service programmes and could not clarify what they meant by “glamorising terrorism”.

For understandable reasons, the Pakistan Broadcasters Association, the All Pakistan Newspapers Society and the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors did not help in this regard. Perhaps, the leadership of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, all three factions sitting in, could. - The Express Tribune.

Beggars are seen in places other than Seeb in Muscat This refers to the news story, Seeb has the most beggary cases in Muscat Governorate (January 10). Every time I go to MQ we have beggars approaching us asking for food and money, some of them very well dressed and do not look needy at all. I feel this is the type that should be targeted for punishment.

Elaine Parry Muscat

Incarceration for begging is a harsh punishment This refers to the news story, Seeb has the most beggary cases in Muscat Governorate (January 10). Imprisonment as a penalty for begging is too harsh and so is the fine of OMR50. Seriously,

if they were capable enough to pay a fine of that amount they wouldn’t be begging! And even if they pay the fine they would go back to begging because you have taken away whatever they had!

Prajval Vasist Muscat

Professional beggars ought to be aptly punished This refers to the news story, Seeb has the most beggary cases in Muscat Governorate (January 10).

A sign of a good society is how it looks after its weaker members.

Helping to find work for people, helping them to make a contribution is admirable. The only issue are the ‘organised professional beggars’ these people are criminals. Well done Oman for adopting a tolerant approach towards genu-

DEBASISH MITRA

Till yesterday clash of civilisations was a concept and a doctrine; it is fast gaining in reality today. And we need not to look for any proof other than the soaring voices of hatred and indignation pouring forth in social sites on Internet

e cannot perhaps be more in agreement with what The Independent said. The grisly murder of Charlie Hebdo staff is not an effect of a volcanic clash of civilisations. Therefore, though the US President Barack Obama has been yet again woefully devoid of emotions in condemning the horror (Obama did not show any emotion while condemning the horrific murder of more than 130 school children by Taliban terrorists in Peshawar on December 16 last year. He is normally politically correct in his condemnation of terror which often makes me wonder how would he have reacted had he been the President of the United States when the 9/11 attacks happened). He was to the point in referring to the perpetrators as “terrorists”. But was way off the mark saying the murder of Charlie Hebdo staff was a “senseless violence of the few.”

The bloodshed that soaked and shocked not just Paris or France but the world was indeed an act of violence of a few but not actually senseless as the American President would like us to believe. It was a heinous act well calculated and perfectly conscious.

To a large extent and in contrary to what the US administration sought to sell the world even after the Benghazi attacks, the murders of Charlie Hebdo staff in Paris was a premeditated act of violence of a few.

The killing of 12 people in the attack on Charlie Hebdo office in Paris has ignited an old debate and hostility — the conflict of civilisations. There is no doubt that terrorism in its present form is a big bane that is afflicting civilisation. But to morph or interpret this as a clash between Muslims and non-Muslims will be a serious blunder the world would not be able to afford now.

And to do so will mean stigmatising an entire community for the crimes of a few.

The attack on France is by no means an act perpetrated in accordance with religion; it is a barbarism carried out by a limited number of people, bigots in their quintessence, who neither represent Islam nor the Muslims. And this is where the world, Europe in particular, has always been wrong.

In the past two decades, most so since the United States and its Nato partners attacked Iraq and Afghanistan, religious terrorism has had grown exponentially and gained in support of tens of millions of co-religionists from all over the world including the Middle East.

As these Kalashnikov wielding (those in Pakistan and Afghanistan even brandished rocket launchers) bigots gained in strength and in popularity they hijacked the faith and assumed guardianship of the religion much the chagrin and disapproval of the majority of the creed. These bigots, despite their soaring

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Enquire not what boils in another’s pot THOMAS FULLER

appeals, are still only a miniscule faction of the faith majority of which do not endorse their ways of proving superiority of the creed.

Lamentably, the disapproving majority has remained silent fearing to call upon themselves the wraths of the extremists. The silence of the lambs encouraged the bigots to take control and the authority to silence all those who they would deem offensive to their faith or religious sensibilities — be they Muslims or non-Muslims.

The attack on the French satirical publication and the murders of 12 of its employees, more than silencing the deemed critics, will broaden the hiatus and deepen the fault line of our civilisation. Not just in France and in Europe but across the Western World the relation between the citizenry will be the biggest casualty. Suspicion against a section of the global population will deepen which would certainly influence the migration policies and other policies as well of most European and Western nations. Muslim phobia will become the bedrock of all policies in the West.

Till yesterday clash of civilisations was a concept and a doctrine; it is fast gaining in reality today. And we need not to look for any proof other than the soaring voices of hatred and indignation pouring forth in social sites on Internet. And I am afraid, the backlash in Europe could be equally ghastly.

The political fallouts of this blood curdling attack on Charlie Hebdo staff in France and across Europe will be, I dare say, dreadful. We would see meteoric rise of extreme parochialism and far right political forces in the continent and equally dramatic disintegration of all centrist and left forces. In France Le Pen will simply be unstoppable so will be her ilk elsewhere in the continent which is already witnessing appreciable rise of anti-Semitism and right-wing extremism. And worst, the anti-Muslim marches being undertaken every Monday in Dresden since October last year are now fast gaining a xenophobic proportion. France has had a long history of tryst with extremism and terrorism. In 70s and 80s the country had seen the attack of Carlos the Jackal, Goldenberg restaurant coming under attack in 1982 and bombing on rue Marbeuf in 1983 to mention a few. But none of them could arouse the sentiment kindled by the attack on Charlie Hebdo staff.

Wednesday’s attack in Paris has already changed France, Europe and the entire West. The blood of twelve Charlie Hebdo staff that soaked the French soil will not be forgotten for a long time. Clash of civilisation has now indeed begun.

The author is the Opinion Editor of Times of Oman.

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

ine cases and a strict approach to criminal activities.

Paul Savage Muscat

Pen should wield its power with greater responsibility This refers to the front page story, Oman condemns attacks; suspects killed in France (January 10). I take this opportunity to express my sincere condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives in the recent terror attacks in France. However, at the same time I do not approve of such deliberate writings or cartoons which ridicule and can hurt other people’s religious sentiments. Such provocative kind of creativity in the name of freedom of expression must come an end. The journalist society on their own must adopt

some kind of moral standards to avoid making mockery of religion, prophets and deities in the name of creativity. It is very true that the pen is stronger than the sword but then what is the difference between a pen and sword if the pen too becomes uncivil and offensive.

Mohammed Osama Rawat Ruwi

The attack in Paris is not an attack on journalism I think it is time now to clear the miasma and to set the perspectives right. The attack on Charlie Hebdo is not an attack on journalism but an expression of ire for being disrespectful to religion. However, the killing is indeed deplorable and cannot be justified.

Sadiq Jahangir Seeb

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

T IM ES O F OM A N

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PERSPEC IVE Spanner in Pakistan’s fight against extremism, terror T

he much-hyped 21st Constitutional Amendment along with an amendment to the Pakistan Army Act 1952, finally been passed into law which envisages the establishment of military courts to try terrorists.

This of course, is a milestone in the protracted but not always unified Pakistani fight against extremism and terror sweeping the land. And even though a last-minute spanner has been thrown in the works by the religious right — to which I’ll return later — it gives hapless Pakistanis some hope that justice may be served. Whether this hope is genuine or not will be evident in the weeks and months ahead.

For starters, the powerful military under General Raheel Sharif has weighed in, managing to flex its muscle largely because of its not insignificant success in the ongoing military operation.

In fact, it is a measure of how General Sharif changed the course from the time his predecessor General Kayani dithered and dodged before retiring in late 2013 that a frustrated Taliban resorted to a coward, if brutal, attack on an army school in Peshawar last month that shocked the world.

The massacre of 132 schoolchildren in a body count of 142 so outraged the republic that it helped galvanise public opinion in a now-ornever mould, forcing the hand of political forces, which rallied to the military’s call for special courts even though they grumbled outside the All Party Conference rendezvous, most likely for public consumption.

The minority left-leaning press countered the idea with stinging criticism of particularly, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and its predecessor, the secular Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), for undermining civilian authority, suggesting that the “surrender” would create a massive civil-military imbalance to the detriment of Project Democracy.

That of course, remains a valid argument, and even undesirable for any fledgling democracy.

However, this precept cannot be seen in isolation; the situation on the ground is so unsettling that may be, drastic steps are in order for the state’s very integrity. The fact is that the political forces are themselves to blame for having arrived at such a sorry pass. They did not unite on more than one occasion in the past to take the fight to the militants because it suited the vested interest of some of them to either distort the narrative or to simply stay away from action to safeguard their political turf.

For instance, the incumbent PML-N could have certainly helped the last PPP government develop a civilian-driven institutional mechanism to fight

KAMRAN REHMAT

The fact is that the political forces are themselves to blame for having arrived at such a sorry pass.

They did not unite on more than one occasion in the past to take the fight to the militants

terrorism, but it chose not to do so except where such reforms — like the 18th and 19th constitutional amendments — helped it politically to pave the way for its return to power.

The fact is, Pakistan’s judicial system is in a disarray; both the lower and higher judiciary remain vulnerable to pressure from militant forces and there’s no witness protection programme, which enables high value militants to escape the feeble clutches of the law. There is only so much that the police can legally do — and this does not take into account shortcomings of the police system requiring an overhaul of its own!

The PPP government had come to grief because of this unhelpful situation and the state still finds itself in a limbo. Even after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif lifted an over six-year moratorium on execution following the Peshawar school tragedy, the terror convicts continue to secure bail/ stay order every now and then.

This has so frustrated the military that it sought — and won — constitutional cover to try terror suspects for swift conviction. Even though the original draft of the 21st amendment was watered down to include the Centre’s approval for each case to address the concerns of the political forces which suspected the misuse of the law against them in the future, there is still a Damocles’ sword hanging over its fate.

The setting up of military courts is a move pregnant with deep uncertainty, for, no-one knows how the Supreme Court will react to the development now that a petition has been filed with it as expected, challenging it as impinging upon the constitutional authority of the ‘regular’ judiciary.

Even though the military now has a constitutional cover, the apex court is still the highest judicial forum and certainly so in interpreting the law. For argument’s sake, even if it somehow passes muster — the current higher judiciary as opposed to the one led by the hyper Iftikhar Chaudhry until late 2013 has been restrained — there is another storm brewing with unexpected vocal opposition by Fazlur Rehman, the chief of rightwing Jamiat Ulema Islam.

Rehman is threatening to launch a movement with help from other religious parties and groups against the military courts, fearing action against seminaries that drive the bulk of their support base. While there’s a predominant resolve to eliminate terrorism, not everyone has come to the party.

The author is a senior journalist based in Islamabad. All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely his and not of Times of Oman.

Bhand-e-Pather, a fading art of Kashmir TAHIR IBN MANZOOR

B

hand-e-Pather, part of Kashmiri folk theatre, is a satirical and realistic drama, one which incorporates mythological legends and contemporary social satire; a traditional mixture of art.

Mostly performed in the countryside, it is used to entertain the public, especially on different ceremonies. The artistes have a separate dress code, in accordance with the theme, for the various plays performed.

These plays are always performed in an open ground. The characters in the Bhand-e-Pather are well versed, and because the performances are based on social issues, they are seen criticising the rulers and stressing upon the betterment of society.

In its early days, when Bhande-Pather was introduced, it was performed in Sufi shrines in Kashmir; 72 theatres have been established across the Kashmir valley since.

Wathoora, in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, owns 10 theatres that are famous all over India.

While this century-old folk art has been on a steady decline in Kashmir, artists are now calling out for the revival of this dying folk. In fact, whilst throwing light on the history of Kashmir’s folk theatre, the Chief Secretary of the Bhand-e-Pather amalgamation, Ghulam Mohiuddin Aajiz Balapora, himself called for a revival of the theatre. The Ladishah is a literary type of traditional folk genre in Kashmir.

It is the art of satire embedded in a song revolving around Kashmiri ethos, and is written and sung by the same person.

Usually addressing all social, political and cultural issues, the performer is seen wearing a pheran, a white trouser and white turban, all the while using his, or her, fingertips to play the beads on an iron rod.

Here the artistes ridicule kings and politicians, by exposing their corruption, and address several other social ills.

Traditionally, the orchestra used in Bhand-e-Pather includes dhol (drum), sawarnai (an instrument

that has a strong metallic sound with the impact of open air), nagara (an accompaniment to the dhol) and thalij (metal cymbal).

The plays of the Bhands are called Pather and the artistes use different masks for the plays.

There are many children, from all over the valley, seen watching the plays in an effort to understand and study the skillful in acting, music and dance displayed in the performance.

The actors who perform the Bhand-e-Pather are not age bound; this traditional folk art, in fact, has been passed on from generation to generation, father to son; the age of the performers range from anywhere between 11-year-old’s to 70-year-olds.

Unfortunately, due to the steady decline of this form of art in Kashmir, artistes have been driven to other professions, such as weaving wicker baskets for kangris (firepots used in chilling winter), woollen sweaters, and carpets.

Their part time jobs are mostly to work as masons, carpenters, and shopkeepers. - The Express Tribune

Haiti begins to rise from the ruins PROSPERY RAYMOND

F

ive years ago today I was sitting at my desk in Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, having a Skype conversation with my colleague in Jamaica. It was a day like any other. But then, then without warning, I felt a tremor.

It lasted around 35 seconds, but felt much longer. Half a minute: that’s all it took.

The office had collapsed around me and my colleagues.

I was trapped in the rubble for around two hours, shouting for help, not knowing if I would be rescued.

Some young people from the neighbourhood heard me and dug through the debris to pull me out, risking their lives to save me. For that, I am incredibly grateful.

Christian Aid’s office was one of nearly 300,000 buildings destroyed or badly damaged on January 12, 2010, by the worst earthquake in my country’s living memory.

The 7.0 magnitude quake killed an estimated 220,000 people, left over 300,000 injured and levelled many areas of Port-au-Prince, including 60 per cent of our hospitals and 80 per cent of our schools.

Some 1.5 million people were made homeless in less than a minute, their already fragile homes rendered inhabitable.

That’s the combined populations of Glasgow, Liverpool and Edinburgh displaced and forced to live in temporary shelters and tents.

It was a tragedy of unprecedented proportions.

The situation was exacerbated by the fact that Haiti was already the poorest country in the western hemisphere, suffering from endemic poverty, weak infrastructure, poorly built homes and political instability.

The task of reconstruction was not easy, even for agencies like Christian Aid with a longstanding presence in Haiti.

And yet, we have seen some progress over the past five years. New homes, better roads, free schooling, to name but a few. Tourism – which could unlock the doors to greater development – is on the rise.

The number of internally displaced people living in camps has dropped from 1.5 million to an estimated 85,000.

I am incredibly proud that Christian Aid has been part of this story.

Working through local partner organisations, we’ve reached over 180,000 people – not only with immediate humanitarian aid, but also long-term development support, such as building earthquake-resistant houses, helping farmers earn a living once

again and teaching communities how to reduce their vulnerability to natural disasters.

Nevertheless, the sheer scale of the disaster means our work is not yet done, and will not be for some time.

Many Haitians still live in a desperate situation, without access to essential services, permanent housing or land rights. We urgently need longterm, sustainable and humane solutions to the housing situation, as Amnesty reported last week.

Sufficient investment in energy, water and sanitation, reforestation, education, climate change adaptation and agriculture is still lacking.

That’s why, five years on Haiti still needs sustained support from the international community, at a time when funding for long-term development is dwindling and foreign NGOs have been winding down their relief work.

Critically, Haitians must be given space to participate in decisions over our own longterm development.

A major obstacle to the initial relief effort was the lack of coordination on the ground between foreign agencies and the Haitian people.

We were largely excluded from key decisions over how aid money was spent.

The world must begin to trust us to build our own country.

In tandem with this, good governance, transparency and accountability is desperately needed from our leadership.

As I write, Haiti faces an uncertain political future.

Things here are tense, and recent weeks have seen nationwide protests over the long-delayed elections together with the Prime Minister’s resignation.

With a tentative political agreement signed a fortnight ago to extend parliament’s mandate and the election deadline (January 12), there is some hope we can be pulled from the brink of political crisis.

But if the situation is not resolved soon we risk losing many of the achievements of the last five years.

Our leaders must break the political impasse and find the best solution for the Haitian people.

Against the odds, I remain optimistic about our future.

Haitians have shown enormous courage in pulling their lives back together, not just with foreign aid but also with financial help from the Haitian diaspora worldwide.

Here in Haiti, we are not complacent. We know the scale of the task ahead.

With continued support I am confident that we can rise from the ruins and, one day, stand on our own two feet. - The Independent

Hebdo suspects die as police end twin sieges Two brothers suspected of attacking the Charlie Hebdo magazine were killed when police stormed their hideout in the north of Paris. Meanwhile, a hostage-taker with possible links to the Hebdo suspects was also killed in a separate siege at a kosher supermarket in eastern Paris.

CTD printing warehouse

Terrorists on run since Jan 7 take refuge at print shop in industrial zone north of Paris Cherif (left) and Said Kouachi

January 7, Paris Attack on Charlie Hebdo office leaves 12 dead January 8, Montrouge Policewoman killed.

Chief suspects Ahmed Coulibaly (right) and Hayat Boumeddiene

49 BC Julius Caesar leads his army across

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British troops massacre 1,000 dervishes in Somaliland.

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Russian General Yudenich launches a WWI winter offensive and advances west.

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The French enter the town of Essen in the Ruhr valley, to extract Germany’s resources as war payment.

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Jan 9, Porte de Vincennes Gunman and four hostages killed as police force entry to supermarket two police wounded

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Hypercacher supermarket Police force entrance through main door Source: Agency reports

the Rubicon River, plunging Rome into civil war.

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January 9, Dammartin-en-Goële Charlie Hebdo attackers killed as warehouse stormed. Policeman wounded, female hostage freed

Adolf Hitler orders forces to be prepared to enter North Africa to assist the Italian effort, marking the establishment of the Afrika Korps.

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TODAY IN HISTORY FROM OUR ARCHIVES MANTHERI PRESIDES OVER SHARIAH AND LAW COLLEGE COUNCIL MEET

MUSCAT: Trustees Council of the Shariah and Law College held its second meeting of the academic year 1999-2000 in the meeting hall at the college headquarters in Wattayah under the chairmanship of Yahya bin Mahfoudh Al Mantheri, minister of higher education. The council reviewed the annual report on work progress at the college and approved the final results of students and enrolled them to Shariah and law streams for the current study year.

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SOUTH KOREA: Thousands of anglers fish through holes created in the surface of a frozen river during an ice fishing contest in Hwacheon, 120 kilometers northeast of Seoul, South Korea, on Saturday. The contest is part of an annual ice festival which draws over 1,000,000 visitors every year. – AFP

SWITZERLAND: Carlo Janka of Switzerland clears a gate during the first run of the men’s World Cup Giant Slalom skiing race in Adelboden, Switzerland, on Saturday. – Reuters

CHINA: A giant panda plays on a swing after snowfall at a wildlife park in Kunming, Yunnan province, Southwest China, on Saturday. – Reuters

CHILE: Toyota’s driver Giniel De Villiers of South Africa and co-driv-

er Dirk Von Zitzewitz of Germany compete during the 2015 Dakar Rally stage 6 near Antofogasta a Iquique, Chile, on Saturday. – AFP

GERMANY: People walk past an ash tree in front of the mountains of the lake Tegernsee on a sunny day at Warngau, in Bavaria district of Germany, on Saturday. – Reuters

CALIFORNIA: A six-week-old greater one-horned rhino calf sticking his tongue in the ear of his new playmate, an eight-month-old Ankole calf, at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, in the San Pasqual Valley area of San Diego, California, near Escondido, on Friday.

Since the rhino is being raised in a nursery setting, it is important for him to get daily exercise and have companionship. The female Ankole calf named Moo Moo Kitty also had to be hand-raised and would make the perfect companion for the little rhino since both are social animals. – AFP

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WORLD

It’s no longer like before. You work a whole life through and because of these madmen, you leave your house to go shopping, go to work, and you don’t know if you’ll come home, said Maria Pinto, on a street in central Paris

FLIGHT QZ8501

Tail of crashed AirAsia plane raised, black box recorders remain elusive PANGKALAN BUN (INDONESIA): Indonesian search and rescue teams raised on Saturday the tail of an AirAsia passenger jet that crashed nearly two weeks ago with the loss of all 162 people on board, but have yet to locate the black box flight recorders.

Indonesia AirAsia Flight QZ8501 lost contact with air traffic control during bad weather on December 28, less than half way into a two-hour flight from Indonesia to Singapore.

There were no survivors. Fortyeight bodies, including at least two strapped to their seats, have been found in the Java Sea off Borneo.

Search and rescue teams detected pings they believed were from the flight recorders on Friday and two teams of divers resumed the hunt soon after dawn on Saturday.

The tail of the Airbus A320-200 was found on Wednesday, upturned on the sea bed about 30 km from the plane’s last known locaJE SUIS CHARLIE: People hold signs reading ‘Je suis Charlie’ on

Saturday, in the city of Lille, northern France as tens of thousands of people staged rallies across France. — AFP

France in race to nab terror hits accomplice Seventeen people lost their lives in three days of violence that began with an attack on the ‘Charlie Hebdo’ weekly on Wednesday and ended with Friday’s dual sieges at a print works outside Paris and a supermarket in the city

PARIS: France launched a massive hunt for the female accomplice of extremists behind attacks on a satirical newspaper and Jewish deli, maintaining a top-level security alert ahead of a Paris “silent march” with European leaders set for Sunday.

Prime Minister Manuel Valls urged a massive turnout on Sunday. Tens of thousands flocked to local vigils on Saturday, with 80,000 in Toulouse and 30,000 in the Riviera city of Nice and a similar number in Pau in the southwest.

In the worst assault on France’s homeland security for decades, 17 victims lost their lives in three days of violence that began with an attack on the ‘Charlie Hebdo’ weekly on Wednesday and ended with Friday’s dual sieges at a print works outside Paris and a kosher supermarket in the city.

Brothers shot dead French security forces shot dead the two brothers behind the Hebdo killings after they took refuge in the print works, and a Kalashnikov-armed associate who had planted explosives at the Paris deli in a siege that claimed the lives of four hostages.

On Saturday, there was still a visible police presence around the French capital, with patrols at sensitive sites including media offices.

There was a false bomb alert at the Eurodisney fairground to the east of the capital.

“It’s no longer like before,” said Maria Pinto, on a street in central Paris. “You work a whole life through and because of these madmen, you leave your house to go shopping, go to work, and you don’t know if you’ll come home.”

The attack on ‘Charlie Hebdo’, a satirical journal, raised sensitive questions about freedom of speech, religion and security in a country struggling to integrate a five-million strong Muslim minority community.

The whereabouts of the partner of the Jewish deli attacker, 26-year-old Hayat Boumeddiene, remained unknown.

The whereabouts of the partner of the deli attacker, 26-year-old Hayat Boumeddiene, remained unknown.

Police listed her as a suspect in that strike and an earlier killing of a policewoman

Police listed her as a suspect in that strike and an earlier killing of a policewoman, describing her as “armed and dangerous”.

“All our services are focused on looking for this person,” national police chief Jean-Marc Falcone told BFM-TV television.

“We call on her to put herself in the hands of justice.”

An official police photograph shows a young woman with long dark hair hitched back over her ears. French media, however, released photos purporting to be of a fully-veiled Boumeddiene, posing with a cross-bow, in what they said was a 2010 training session in the mountainous Cantal region.

French media described her as one of seven children whose mother died when she was young and and whose delivery-man father struggled to keep working while looking after the family.

As an adult, she lost her job as a cashier when she converted to Islam and started wearing the niqab. — Reuters

“We can confirm the black box is not in the tail,” Supriyadi, operations coordinator for the National Search and Rescue Agency, told reporters in the town of Pangkalan Bun, the base for the search effort on Borneo.

The aircraft carries the cockpit voice and flight data recorders — or black boxes — near its tail.

RETRIEVED WRECKAGE: The tail of the AirAsia QZ8501 passenger plane lies on the deck of the Indonesian search and rescue ship Crest Onyx after it was recovered at sea on Saturday. — AFP/Prasetyo Utomo/Pool

tion at a depth of about 30 metres.

Teams of divers working in rubber dinghies battled the swell to attach inflatable balloons to the tail section, which was later

towed onto a rescue vessel nearby.

But once the tail section was visible, it quickly became apparent that the flight recorders were still underwater.

Vital to investigation However, officials had said earlier it looked as if the recorders, which will be vital to the investigation into why the airliner crashed, had become separated during the disaster.

Strong winds, currents and high waves have been hampering efforts to reach other large pieces of suspected wreckage detected by sonar on the sea floor.

On Friday, pings believed to be from the plane’s black box were detected about 1 km (half a mile) away from the tail. — Reuters

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BLAST OFF: The unmanned Falcon 9 rocket, launched by SpaceX on a cargo resupply service mission to the International Space Station, lifts off from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Saturday. – Reuters

MIAMI: SpaceX said on Saturday it failed in a landmark attempt to recycle its Falcon 9 rocket, after the equipment collided with an ocean platform and broke to pieces.

Still, the California-based com-

pany said the test was a step forward toward one day transforming the aerospace industry and making rockets reusable much the same as airplanes.

“Rocket made it to drone spaceport ship but landed hard,” SpaceX CEO Elon Musk wrote on Twitter.

“Close but no cigar this time.

Bodes well for the future tho.”

Musk, a billionaire entrepreneur who co-founded PayPal and runs Tesla Motors, wants to be able to reuse rockets much the way

commercial airlines fly the same planes again and again.

SpaceX hopes its efforts will open a new era in modern rocketry, which wastes millions of dollars after each launch when pieces of the rocket are left to fall into the ocean after blastoff. Saturday’s experiment involved firing the rocket’s engine three times to guide the first stage to a landing spot about 200 miles (322 kilometres) off the coast of northern Florida.

The landing site for the Falcon 9 was a powered barge floating in the ocean near the city of Jacksonville, Florida. This “autonomous spaceport drone ship” measures 300 by 100 feet (90 by 30 metres), with wings that extend its width to 170 feet. Since the launch took place in

the dark, Musk said the team did not get good video images of the landing and impact.

“Ship itself is fine. Some of the support equipment will need to be replaced,” he wrote on Twitter.

“Didn’t get good landing/impact video. Pitch dark and foggy. Will piece it together from telemetry and... actual pieces.”

SpaceX has had some success with two previous attempts to make a controlled landing of the Falcon 9 in the ocean, slowing it to a hover before it splashed down. The launch’s primary mission was to send the unmanned Dragon cargo ship to orbit, and that went smoothly after two delays in recent weeks due to rocket problems. — AFP

THE BLAZE

Three killed, 101 wounded in 10-storey Seoul building fire SEOUL: Three people were killed and more than 100 injured in a fire that swept through an apartment building north of Seoul Saturday, firefighters said.

The death toll from the blaze at Euijeongbu City could rise as seven of the injured were in critical condition, Yonhap news agency said. “Three people were confirmed dead and 101 others were injured”, city mayor Ahn ByeongYong told journalists.

A total of 175 people lived in the 10-storey block, he said.

Post box The fire apparently started at a post box on the ground floor and spread quickly, sparking speculation it might be an arson attack, Yonhap said.

Many residents were unable to evacuate as the building’s front entrance was blocked by smoke and flames.

A total of 25 fire engines, four helicopters and 145 firefighters were mobilised to bring the fire

CLOSE SHAVE: South Korean firefighters rescue a resident of a building which caught fire in Euijeongbu City, north of Seoul, on Saturday. – AFP

under control. “We’ll keep all possibilities open as we investigate” to determine the cause of the blaze, a senior police officer said. — AFP

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WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2015

MARKE

MARKET VALUE OF MSM BONDS RISE TO OMR1.3B The market value of the bonds traded at

the Muscat Securities Market, at the end of 2014, increased to OMR1,365 million.

This signified a growth by OMR140 million, compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. >B4

Tender floated to appoint key consultant for water projects These projects are Qurayyat IWP, Barka phase II expansion and Sur IWP expansion, according to Oman Power and Water Procurement Company website

inviting bids from major consultancy firms to provide supervisory consultancy services for three independent water projects, which will substantially increase availability of potable water in the country.

These projects are Qurayyat IWP, Barka phase II expansion and Sur IWP expansion, according to OPWP website. The projects, which are under different stages of planning and development, are being implemented on a buildown-operate (BOO) basis under the terms of respective water purchase agreements with OPWP. Three projects

A E JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) has floated a tender for

These three projects, which will have a combined capacity to produce 307,000 cubic metres of water per day, are part of several water desalination projects planned by the stateowned company to substantially raise the overall capacity of desalinated water in Oman.

307,000 Cubic metres of water per day will be the combined capacity of these three projects, according to Oman Power and Water Procurement Company website

The demand for potable water in Oman’s northern region is projected to grow by six per cent per annum in the next seven-year horizon, from 238 million cubic metres in 2013 to 349 million cubic metres in 2020. This compares to the previous seven-year forecasts in which average annual growth was in the range of three to five per cent, according to a seven-year outlook for power and water de-

AUTOMOBILE

Iran’s top car manufacturer targets Sultanate’s market ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Iran Khodro Company (IKCO), a leading car manufacturer in Iran and the Middle East, is targeting Oman as a potential market for the export and re-export of its products.

IKCO, which was founded in 1962 with the name of Iran National, has transformed into the largest industrial group in Iran in the automotive sector, producing both passenger cars and commercial vehicles with a workforce of around 58,000.

IKCO participated in the largest solo exhibition of Iranian products, which was held in Muscat from January 6 to 10, with Dena, Runna, Samand and Soren passenger cars as well as Aryan minibus, Arya Truck and C1230 city bus.

Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh, Iran’s minister of industry, mining and trade, who inaugurated the exhibition along with Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Oman’s minister of commerce and industry, said that there is huge untapped potential for co-operation with Oman on the export and re-export of Iranian-manufactured cars.

IKCO, which has an asset of $6,240 million and generated total revenue of $4,480 million in 2013, owns a large share of Iran’s auto market and is exporting its products to the international markets. Its products have been welcomed in countries such as Russia, Belarus, Syria, Turkey, Iraq and Lebanon.

In 2013, IKCO managed to produce 370,000 units of different passenger cars. The company exported about 221,019 units of passenger car between 2005 and 2014. Export of auto parts forms another part of IKCO’s major activities.

Progress under sanctions Saad Musa Al Jenaibi, general manager of Qatar National Bank in Oman, who was visiting the auto section of the exhibition, said that the products on display were of high quality and the self-

Mohammad Hazrati, export manager at Iran Khodro Diesel (IKD), a subsidiary of IKCO. — Times of Oman

sufficiency that Iran has attained under international sanctions is a source of national pride.

“It is amazing to see that Iran has grown under sanctions. It is a lesson for us to learn,” Al Jenaibi said, adding that the potential of Oman’s trade co-operation with Iran as a huge market should have been utilised much earlier.

Commercial vehicles Speaking to Times of Oman, Mohammad Hazrati, export manager at Iran Khodro Diesel (IKD), a subsidiary of IKCO, said that his assessment of Oman’s market showed that there are great opportunities for co-operation in the auto industry given the potential of the market in the Sultanate and neighbouring countries.

He said that IKD, which is a leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles, has been exporting its products to a number of countries, including Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Cameroon.

Hazrati said that the bus, minibus and truck displayed in the exhibition are 100 per cent Iranianmade so there is no obstacle to the supply of their parts.

It will be economical for Oman to export cars from Iran considering the close distance between the two countries, he said, adding

that IKD is also keen to establish an assembly unit in the Sultanate through joint investment, which will further reduce the production costs.

Five manufacturing sites IKCO has five manufacturing sites across Iran with a total capacity of 1.1 million units per year.

It also has overseas production units in Syria, Belarus, Senegal, Venezuela, and Iraq.

In addition, Hazrati noted that another advantage of Iranianmanufactured vehicles is that they have been designed to endure both extremely hot and cold temperatures given that different areas of Iran have different weather conditions so these vehicles are suitable for use in the Gulf region.

Bus tender Asked if IKD was keen to contribute to Oman’s plans for development of its public transport system, he said that during the exhibition they learnt about the tenders for city buses and plan to compete.

IKD has almost 33 per cent of the local market’s share and its annual production is over 20,000 units of heavy and light commercial vehicles, including different types of truck chassis, intercity buses, coaches, luxury VIP buses and minibuses.

$250 Million was the value of contract awarded to a consortium comprising to develop the seawater desalination project in Qurayyat

mand released by OPWP last year.

The changes stem principally from a revised population forecast provided by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), but are also due to the ongoing rapid build-out of water supply networks and absorption of private networks.

The northern region is mainly divided into an interconnected zone and Sur zone. The intercon-

nected zone includes Muscat, Al Batinah North, Al Batinah South and Buraimi in addition to Al Dhakhiliyah, Al Dhabirah and Sohar Industrial area. Al Sharqiyah North, Al Sharqiyah South and Masirah are also in the zone.

Seawater desalination project

Last November, a consortium comprising Singapore’s Hyflux Ltd and National Power and Water Co was awarded a major contract to develop the $250 million seawater desalination project in Qurayyat (south of Muscat). The proposed Qurayyat independent water project is going to be a seawater reverse osmosis desalination plant with a designed capacity of 200,000 cubic metres per day (44 MIGD) of potable water.

The Qurayyat project is scheduled to commence commercial operations by May 2017, under a 20year water purchase agreement with OPWP.

ACWA Power Barka was granted a go-ahead by Oman Power and Water Procurement Co to build the second seawater reverse osmosis plant in Barka towards the end of last year. The new plant will have a capacity of 57,000 cubic metres.

For the Sur zone, OPWP plans to procure an extension to the Sur IWP with a capacity of 50,000 cubic metres in late 2015.

The addition of the Muscat City Desalination Plant at Ghubrah is expected to erase most of the deficit in 2015.

Furthermore, the expected capacity deficits will be addressed by increasing production from ground wells, noted the report.

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MARKET TWO PROJECTS

Firms join hands to help GCC investors in oilfield projects Times News Service MUSCAT: Samurai International Petroleum (Sipco) and Greenstone Equity Partners have joined forces in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region to meet rising investor demand for global investment opportunities in offshore oil projects.

Greenstone Equity Partners, a Dubai-based and internationally experienced fund placement firm, will collaborate with US-based Sipco, to enable them to develop new relationships with GCC-based investors in the region to raise capital for two major oil field projects

located in the Gulf of Mexico.

“We are excited to introduce two large deepwater assets — one currently producing and one Greenfield development — to Middle East investors. Both already have significant proven reserves and are expected to be of the standard that yields the best pricing in the crude oil market. The producing asset is particularly exciting given its large size and return profile,” said Alex Gemici, chief executive officer of Greenstone Equity Partners.

“Investors in the GCC have long had a unique relationship and unprecedented success with the oil and gas industry, and there is in-

creasingly high demand for global investment opportunities such as this,” he said. “We selected Sipco as its team is renowned for quality and innovation, with a strong history of success delivering greenfield initiatives and developments in the Gulf of Mexico as well as remote or difficult locations around the globe,” added Gemici.

“Sipco is pleased to be collaborating with Greenstone Equity Partners as a recognised fund placement firm to help bring two world-class oil field investment offerings to the GCC region,” said Luke Jensen, new business development manager of Sipco.

OMR15.5 million flour mill to be set up in Sohar Oman Flour Mills will have 60% stake with the remaining 40% equity to be held by Essa Al Ghurair, a UAE-based businessman

Times News Service MUSCAT: Board of directors of Oman Flour Mills has decided to go ahead with its plan to build a flour mill in Sohar with an installed capacity to produce 500 tonnes of wheat flour per day.

Oman Flour Mills will have a 60 per cent stake in the joint venture, with the remaining 40 per cent equity to be held by Essa Al Ghurair, a UAE-based businessman, Oman Flour Mills said in a disclosure statement posted on MSM website.

The project cost is estimated at OMR15.5 million and the state-ofthe-art flour mill will commence operation by the end of 2017.

SPECIALTY FLOURS

The planned mill will be capable of producing all types of specialty flours and will cater to the Al Batinah and Al Dhahira regions of Oman and export to GCC and other international markets

According to Atyab Investments website, the planned mill will be capable of producing all types of speciality flours and will cater to the Al Batinah and Al Dhahira regions of the Sultanate and will develop exports to the

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and other international markets.l A planned agro-bulk terminal at Sohar Port will support the proposed new joint venture flour mill initiated by Oman Flour Mills.

The first-of-its-kind agro-bulk terminal in the region will be a major component of Oman’s food security strategy and will handle 700,000 tonnes of grain and one million tonnes of raw sugar imports once it is fully operational, according to earlier reports.

The terminal will handle grain products for the Public Authority for Strategic Food Reserves (PASFR) and the storage facility will be operated by Oman Flour Mills.

The terminal will also contribute to the development of the Sultanate’s first sugar refinery planned at the port.

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MARKET BRIEFS

GCC rail summit to discuss impact on regional economy MUSCAT: The GCC Rail and Metro Conference 2015 will commence today under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said. The two-day event, being hosted by the Sultanate and represented by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, will be held at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel. The conference will attract more than 500 personalities from 25 countries around the world. Deliberations will be primarily focussed on benefits from socioeconomic opportunities and huge investments that can possibly create an impact on the economy of the region. The conference will host government officials from the ministries of transport, commerce, industry and finance and executive officials from the UAE Etihad Rail, Saudi Railway Company, Qatar Railways Company and Oman Railway Company. These companies will present the latest development in their projects.

Twenty global experts to take part in ISO meeting MUSCAT: Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, will host the second meeting of the working group of the Committee on Quality Management System in educational institutions of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).

Her Highness Sayyidah Dr Muna bint Fahd Al Said, SQU assistant vice-chancellor for external cooperation, said that the university welcomes hosting of the three-day meeting tomorrow. She said that the meeting in Oman reflects the trust of ISO in the Sultanate in organising such international meetings as 20 experts will participate in the meeting. Dr Hamoud bin Abdullah Al Muqbali noted that SQU has formed a special working group to prepare for the meeting.

Sezad to hold seminar on investment opportunities MUSANDAM: The Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm (Sezad) will organise an orientation on the zone as part of its efforts to familiarise local investors with the available investment opportunities. The event will be held tomorrow at Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), Khasab branch in the Governorate of Musandam. The seminar, a part of a programme organised by Sezad, in cooperation with OCCI, will be held under the patronage of Sayyid Khalifa bin Al Murdas Al Busaidi, governor of Musandam.

CDs worth OMR216.4m issued MUSCAT: Certificates of deposit (CDs) tender was held at the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) this week. The total amount allotted for issue No. 899 was OMR216.4 million. A bulletin issued by the CBO stated that the average interest rate of these certificates was 0.13 per cent whilst the maximum accepted interest rate was 0.13 per cent. - ONA

Strong dollar prompts Apple to up app prices The changes took effect yesterday, with the entry-level price for apps in Canada rising to $1.19 from 99 cents. In Europe, basic application price jumped to €0.99 from €0.89

SAN FRANCISCO: Apple changed the prices of software applications from Canada to Europe yesterday, in one of the company’s more comprehensive global responses to currency swings in recent years.

With the United States dollar rising, Apple earlier this week told software makers selling programmes through its online App Store that it’s increasing app prices in the European Union, Norway, Canada and Russia because of foreign exchange rates and taxes.

The changes took effect yesterday, with the entry-level price for apps in Canada rising to $1.19 from 99 cents. In Europe, basic app price jumped to € 0.99 euro from € 0.89.

The moves across two continents — coupled with Apple boosting iPhone prices in Russia last

month after briefly halting online sales there when the rouble plunged — amount to one of the more concentrated worldwide actions by the Cupertino, Californiabased company to currency movements. While Apple has previously raised the prices of programmes in its international app stores, the company is typically reluctant to make such changes, said Slaven Radic, chief executive officer of app-developer consultancy Tapstream Network.

“This is very unique,” Radic said.

“They’re very measured about this -- sometimes they’ll lose money if they can avoid showing too much price movement on things.”

Tom Neumayr, an Apple spokesman, confirmed the company had sent messages to developers about Canada, Russia and Europe in-

creasing app prices. Technology blog 9to5Mac reported earlier this week on the memo.

Currencies decline All major currencies have declined against the US dollar in the past 12 months, with the US economy on an upswing. The Canadian dollar is down 10.1 per cent since July and yesterday touched its lowest level versus the US dollar in five-and-ahalf years. The euro has declined 13 per cent against the dollar in the past six months, according to data.

Apple, which gets the majority of its $182.8 billion in annual revenue from outside the US, has recently said it is mindful of how the strengthening dollar will affect its business. In October, chief financial officer Luca Maestri said the company faced ‘significant foreign

exchange headwinds’ from the strong dollar, just as the company made new iPhones and thinner iPads available for the end-of-theyear holiday shopping season.

By rolling out the pricing changes, Apple is signaling it believes the US dollar is poised to remain strong this year.

“They’re clearly reading the tea leaves, in terms of oil prices and the relative strength of the US economy and weakness elsewhere, and saying the strength of the dollar is not just a transitional event,” Andrew Bartels, an analyst at Forrester Research, said. “Without making these changes, Apple would be looking at a very significant impact on its revenue.”

App prices are set by tiers and Apple adjusts them across the world into local currencies.

In the US, the basic price for a paid app is 99 cents. Apple previously increased app prices in Europe in 2012 and in Asia last year.

It hasn’t previously tweaked pricing in Canada. - Bloomberg News

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SU N DAY, JANUARY 11, 2015

MARKET

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M U S C AT S E C U R I T I E S M A R K E T

Market value of MSM-traded bonds rose to OMR1.3 billion by 2014 end MUSCAT: The market value of the bonds traded at the Muscat Securities Market (MSM), at the end of 2014, increased to OMR1,365 million.

This signified a growth by OMR140 million, compared to the corresponding period in the previous year.

Bonds are financial tools that allow companies to get funding for their projects. They also provide investors with the opportunity to increase their savings and get fixed returns without having to take risks. The trading activity at the MSM is not that large compared to other markets known for attracting numerous investors.

Over the past few years, the Capital Market Authority (CMA) has sought to activate the bond market. The CMA is also working towards drafting the legislation of Sukuk, a Shariacompatible financial tool that can be enlisted at the MSM to help

investors diversify their investment portfolios.

The value of bonds trading at the MSM by the end of 2014 stood at OMR33.8 million or 1.5 per cent of the gross volume of trading of the market in 2014 (about OMR2.2 billion). In 2013, the value of traded bonds stood at OMR46.8 million or 2 per cent of its gross trading value.

The bonds listed at the MSM include government development bonds, bank and corporate bonds. The 45th issue of the government development bonds was the highest in terms of the value of trading with OMR19.8 or 58 per cent of its total trading value.

Bank Muscat convertible bonds, which provide 4.5 per cent interest rate, came in second in terms of the value of trading with OMR7 million, followed by Bank Muscat secondary bonds, which provide 8 per cent interest rate, with OMR3.7 million. — ONA

Muscat Securities Market. – Times file picture

ECONOMY

Fitch cuts Russia rating, sets negative outlook WASHINGTON: Fitch Ratings cut Russia’s credit grade on Friday to just one notch above junk level, saying plunging oil prices and Western sanctions will force a four percent economic contraction this year.

Fitch lowered its rating for Russian government debt by one step to BBB-, the lowest possible investment grade, and added a negative outlook on the rating.

“The economic outlook has deteriorated significantly since mid2014 following sharp falls in the oil price and the ruble, coupled with a steep rise in interest rates,” Fitch said. “Western sanctions first imposed in March 2014 continue to weigh on the economy by blocking Russian banks’ and corporates’ access to external capital markets.”

The agency said that had forced it to cut its forecast for the Rus-

sian economy this year to a 4.0 per cent contraction, compared with its previous forecast of a 1.5 per cent contraction and growth of 0.6 per cent in 2014.

Fitch said it was assuming that the price of crude oil, a major source of government income, would average $70 a barrel, well above the $50 level the Brent global benchmark traded at in London on Friday.

It also said that with the ruble still weakening, and sanctions blocking access to global capital markets, Russia banks could suffer more and the government will be challenged to further support them.

On the other hand, the government still merited an investmentgrade rating because it has a low level of debt and solid, if deteriorating, foreign assets. - AFP

Sensex drops on profit-booking The benchmark index fell to 26,776.12 on heavy selling pressure before ending the week at 27,458.38, disclosing a loss of 429.52 points or 1.54 per cent

MUMBAI: Profit-booking in view of political uncertainty about Greece along with plummeting oil prices, pulled down the S&P BSE benchmark Sensex by 430 points to finish at 27,458.38 in spite of fag-end buying mainly in IT sectors in view of good results from Infosys.

Steep slide in global crude oil prices stoked fears about deflation even as prospects of Greece dropping the euro weighed on global equity markets.

Shares of Metal, Power, Realty and Banking sectors fell sharply on heavy selling pressure.

The 30-share S&P BSE Sensex resumed higher at 27,978.43 and firmed up further to 28,064.49 on initial buying. However, it fell to 26,776.12 on heavy selling pressure before ending the week at 27,458.38, disclosing a loss of

429.52 points or 1.54 per cent. The CNX 50-share Nifty also dropped by 110.95 points or 1.32 per cent to finish at 8,284.50. Fresh selling of mid-cap and small-cap shares from retail investors also affected the market sentiment as indices fell by 0.99 per cent and 0.97 per cent respectively.

Infosys gained 2.99 per cent as the company reported stronger-than-expected third quarter December 2014 results as consolidated net profit as per International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Rupee recovers Indian rupee rose second consecutive week against the American currency, surging 97 paise to end at 62.32 per dollar on persistent selling of dollars by banks and exporters and on continued optimism of

inflows. The rupee resumed lower at 63.43 per dollar as against the last weekend’s level of 63.29 per dollar at the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) Market and dropped further to 63.62 on initial dollar demand from banks and importers on the back of higher dollar in the overseas market.

However, it recovered at the fag-end of the week to a fourweek high of 62.29 per dollar before ending at 62.32 per dollar on selling of dollars by exporters, showing a gain of 97 paise or 1.53 per cent. The local unit had last ended at 62.29 per dollar on December 12, 2014.

The rupee has gained 125 paise or 1.97 per cent in the two weeks.

The benchmark six-month forward dollar premium payable in June dropped further to 218-220 paise compared to last weekend level of 226-228 paise and far-forward contracts maturing in December 2015 fell back to 423-425 paise from 433-435 paise.

The RBI fixed the reference rate for the US dollar at 62.3953 and the euro at 73.6140, as against 63.2878 and 76.3061 respectively.

The rupee also rallied to 94.41 against the pound sterling from 97.65 in the preceding weekend and also shot up against the euro to 73.61 from 76.25. - PTI

END CALL SAVE LIVES

A TIMES OF OMAN HANDS-FREE DRIVING INITIATIVE

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ROUND-UP A’Saffa chicken grown in most hygienic conditions A’Saffa employs strict biosecurity measures throughout its entire poultry production process, from breeding to poultry production, as well as fodder production facilities in order to minimise the risk of contamination and disease at its chicken production facilities

MUSCAT: A’Saffa Foods, Oman’s largest fully integrated poultry project, has worked since it was established on the principle that the quality, taste, hygiene and nutrition of its chicken products is only as good as the way its chickens are naturally fed, bred and cared for in its state-of-the-art production facility.

A’Saffa, the Sultanate’s leading producer of chicken and allied products thus employs strict biosecurity measures throughout its entire poultry production process, from breeding to poultry production, as well as fodder production facilities in order to minimise the risk of contamination and disease at its chicken production facilities, says a press release.

These measures include, amongst other things, keeping chickens within indoor production facilities, and regularly monitoring

the health of livestock and employees. In addition, unlike many other producers which acquire chicks or chickens from third party suppliers, A’Saffa’s chickens are hatched, grown-out and processed within a single chicken farm. In fact, management at A’Saffa Foods believes that their biosecurity system not only complies with the laws of Oman legislation but is in line with international best practices, ensuring that customers get the most 100 % natural, healthy and tasty halal chicken products possible.

Another key factor for A’Saffa has also been its long standing commitment to provide pure and natural feed to its chickens that delivers the nutrition the chickens need and helps to ensure the final product for the consumer is tasty, fresh and full of nutritious protein.

“We are very proud of the way that we feed and ensure the welfare of our chickens. Biosecurity is taken very seriously at A’Saffa, and all of our chickens are fed with 100 per cent natural feed that is manufactured in our own feed mill located on our farm premises, using the latest scientific feed management

programmes to ensure the best retention of nutritional value,” said Sidhartha Lenka, head of Sales and Marketing at A’Saffa Foods.

“A’Saffa also has a highly trained on-site medical team at the Thumrait farms complex who monitor the health of the chickens daily to ensure they are kept free from disease, have the right balance of feed and water and ensuring the final product to the consumer is always safe and pure chicken meat. Customers who thus buy A’Saffa chicken products – frozen or fresh – can be assured that in our production processes we add no hormones, no steroids, no preservatives or colours or flavours and never inject the birds with water to artificially increase their weight,” Lenka added.

Mandatory training Employees at the company’s plant undergo mandatory training prior to beginning their employment and receive regular updates and training on biosecurity measures.

Not just this, A’Saffa also applies strict biosecurity measures to its waste disposal procedures in

keeping with Omani law and international best practices.

Having an R&D team that focuses on the areas of environment, birds’ diet, health management, the overall health and development of the birds A’Saffa constantly monitors innovations and new developments in the biosecurity field and regularly improves its biosecurity system to implement the newest and most effective measures and practices.

A’Saffa’s farm facility at Thumrait is also certified to the highest international standards with the farm having achieved both ISO 9001, ISO 14000 and HACCP certifications. The company recognises the importance of the quality commitment of its partners and is committed to deliver products of the highest quality.

“Being pioneers in fully integrated poultry production and farm management systems we have built our competence and expertise in food production, processed food technology and innovative food recipes helping us to deliver new, flavourful choices that consumers can enjoy anytime,” said Lenka.

PRIZED POSSESSION

Guinness certifies Joyalukkas’ ‘Dubai Celebration Chain’ as world’s longest

DUBAI: Joyalukkas has helped manufacture the world’s longest handmade gold chain which was officially certified by the esteemed Guinness Book of World Records at a public ceremony held recently.

The 5.5km chain is completely handmade and is an initiative that celebrates the 20th edition of DSF and the world beating spirit of Dubai. The historic memento will now be available to purchase in the form of bracelets and four different sizes of chains across all Joyalukkas showrooms, says a press release.

“This is our tribute to the Dubai Shopping Festival and the dynamic spirit of Dubai. We thank

the rulers, Dubai Festival and Retail Establishment and Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group for giving us the opportunity to be a part of this historic initiative.

There are very limited pieces of this inspiring memento available to purchase, hence would urge UAE residents and tourists to not miss the opportunity to purchase it,” said Joy Alukkas, chairman & MD, Joyalukkas Group.

Customers purchasing the ‘Dubai Celebration Chain’ at Joyalukkas will also get the opportunity to win 100 kilos gold.

The total winning of 100kg gold will be divided as daily, weekly and mega prizes.

Every variant of the ‘Dubai Celebration Chain’ will entitle buyers to raffle coupons to win the 100 kilos gold prize. The 100 kilo prize, can be won by shoppers as; daily prize — 1 kilo gold (one winner), weekly prize — 5 kilos gold (one winner) and a mega draw wherein 4 winners will take away a total of 40 kilos (20 kilos – 1 winner, 10 kilos – 1 winner and 5 kilos – 2 winners).

“Joyalukkas Group is proud to be associated with historic initiative and I thank our team for working tirelessly on making this milestone happen, The Dubai Celebration Chain is a once in a life time creation and very few people

ACADEMICS

Oxy Oman hosts students from Minnesota varsity MUSCAT: Occidental of Oman, Inc. (Oxy Oman) hosted 24 students and two faculty members from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, USA. The students and the two faculty members spent one week in Oman as part of a course on business in the GCC countries.

During this week, they visited the building of Occidental Oman where they were briefed about Oman and oil and gas sector and its importance in strengthening

the GDP of the country and how it affects the rate of development, says a press release.

The guests were also briefed on Oxy Oman’s operations and facilities in Mukhaizna and Safah fields and how the company

contributes in the ICV Initiative as well as the SME Development Programme. The visit of the students comes as part of their Global Discovery programme which is a course for full-time MBA students at the university.

will get the opportunity to own a piece of this,” said John Paul Joy Alukkas, executive director, Joyalukkas Group.

Joyalukkas Jewellery also completely refreshed its jewellery collections to meet the demands of the shopping festival shoppers. The collections have been designed in gold, diamonds, precious stones, polki, pearl & platinum by renowned designers around the world based on the latest trends and customer aspirations in jewellery.

The multi-billion dollar global conglomerate is one of the fastest growing corporates in the world with multiple business interests.

S I LV E R S P O N S O R

BeloorBayir Biotech extends support to medical conference MUSCAT: Highlighting its belief in safe practices and quality industrial standards in the medical field, BeloorBayir Biotech Ltd confirmed its support as silver sponsor for the Oman International Medical Conference (OIMC) 2015. A biennial event, the conference will take place from February 6 – 8 at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel, Muscat, says a press release.

“Bayir believes ‘our customers are our greatest asset’. We are obligated to ensure the health, safety and well-being of people using our products. Safe practices in keeping with industrial standards and quality products are of utmost importance since our end products end up in the hands of the general masses,” says B.G. Bairy, MD of BeloorBayir Biotech Ltd. BeloorBayir production facility units have stringent SOPs and quality systems at place in every unit to ensure total quality. Their products are free from preservatives, pesticides, metal contaminations and toxins. Furthermore Bayir’s products have well controlled microbials, committed stability and customised packaging to further appeal to its customers.

BeloorBayir Biotech Ltd. is a professionally managed company engaged in manufacture and marketing of select active pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, botanical extracts in bulk & finished formulations. Since its inception in 1981, Bayir sets the bench mark on the global stage for recognition in bulk supply of therapeutic ingredients. During three decades of service, Bayir has gained insights into the market expectation that has helped them to serve the industry better.

The Oman International Medical Conference is expected to attract over 400 medical experts from international countries and across the GCC region.

Bayir believes ‘our customers are our greatest asset’. We are obligated to ensure the health, safety and well-being of people using our products.

Safe practices in keeping with industrial standards and quality products are of utmost importance since our end products end up in the hands of the general masses B.G. Bairy

MD of BeloorBayir Biotech Ltd

The conference will begin with a formal, inaugural dinner ceremony on February 6, followed by a two day programme of renowned speakers and physicians speaking on various internal medicine topics selected by the Conference Committee with a special focus on cardiology, respirology, nephrology, neurology, infectious diseases, endocrinology, haematology and rheumatology.

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ROUND-UP Make your tough work easy with Ford Ranger The Ford Ranger is very much a work truck that can tackle the worst on and off road conditions

MUSCAT: Ford’s answer to carrying out tough work with ease, the Ranger is known to work wonders under various terrain conditions.

The Ranger workhorse started as a clean sheet of paper, giving the team at Ford the freedom to build exactly what they wanted. As a result, the Ranger is taller, longer and wider. Plus it comes with a chassis that is twice the stiffness of its re-

placement, says a press release.

The Ford Ranger is very much a work truck that can tackle the worst on and off road conditions.

Crash through weather-beaten terrain and eroded trucks and you’ll find that this product of Ford’s Built Tough category can take the rough with the smooth.

The Ford Ranger looks rugged and well built and is always ready for work. The exterior provides a purposeful and shortly look which

will appeal to most tastes. Rugged and yet sophisticated, the new Ford Ranger seats up to five large adults in relative comfort.

So, whether it is towing your boat to the sea or taking home a carriage load of materials for your home, the Ford Ranger is one of the most preferred pick-ups to do the job without a fuss.

Ford Ranger is available in a range of options which include 2.5L Petrol Single Cab 4x2; 2.2L, Diesel

Double Cab 4x4; 2.5L Petrol Double Cab 4x2; 2.5L Petrol, 4x4 Double Cab 4x4, 2.5L Petrol Double Cab XLT; 3.2L Diesel Double Cab XLT; 3.2L Diesel Double Cab and 3.2L Diesel Double Cab WildTrak.

Across the Ford Ranger variants, the cab is isolated from much of what is going on with the help of fluid-filled rubber chassis mounts that are more compact than those found on F-Series trucks. The Ranger’s frame is twice as stiff at the previous model. It uses leaf springs at the rear and a double Aarm setup at the front with upper and lower joints.

The Ford Ranger’s car like interior is a pleasant place to spend plenty of hours whether at work or on a weekend drive beyond the city limits. The interior benefits from a stylish design and luxury fitments like an audio system with a CD player, front bucket seats, powerful air-conditioning and much more.

I M PA R T I N G S K I L L S

PEIE holds training programme for staff MUSCAT: Within its plan for 2015 to train and develop its human resources, the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE), represented by its Human Resources Development Centre, held a programme highlighting geographic systems on Wednesday at the Knowledge Oasis Muscat.

Targeting directors of projects and operations at PEIE, the programme aimed at providing participants with knowledge on the role played by GPS in logistics practices, highlighting the link between GIS and GPS in the

field of mapping and geographic information systems, and displaying models of industry related problems that the GIS played a role in solving them and improving the performance, says a press release.

Meanwhile, a training programme on documentation and archiving systems concluded on Thursday at KOM. The programme, which was held in cooperation with the National Records and Archives Authority, aims at identifying the concept, principles, goals and advantages of document management.

MEDICAL CONFERENCE

Speakers to address important medical topics at OIMC 2015

MUSCAT: Held under the patronage of the Oman Ministry of Health and organised by the Department of Medicine at the Royal Hospital, the Oman International Medical Conference (OIMC) is scheduled to take place from February 6 to 8 at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel.

Confirmed speakers for the conference include Dr. Eskild Petersen, MD, DMSc, DTM&H, Professor of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus

University Hospital Skejby; Dr. Alan Barkun, Academic Gastroenterologist, Director of Digestive Endoscopy, and Chief Quality Officer of the Division of Gastroenterology at McGill University and McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Canada; Professor Hans-Christoph Diener MD, PhD Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; Dr. Qutayba Hamid M.D., Ph.D., FRCP, FRCPath, FRS James McGill Professor, MUHC Strauss

Chair in Respiratory Medicine, McGill University; Professor Ali Sadiq Mohammad Jawad, MB ChB, MSc (Med Immunology, Lon), FRCP, FRCPEd, FRCPG, DCH, DMedRehab, Consultant Rheumatologist at the Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London; Dr. Najeeb Al Rawahi MD, Canadian Board certified electrophysiologist, Senior Consultant Cardiologist, Dr. Mohamed Khamis Al Mukhaini, Senior Consultant Cardiologist and HOD, Cardiology Depart-

ment, Royal Hospital, Oman and Dr. Christos Toumpanakis, MD PhD FRCP, Consultant in Gastroenterology and Neuroendocrine Tumours.

The conference speakers will address current issues across a broad range of topics with a special focus on cardiology, respirology, nephrology, neurology, infectious diseases, endocrinology, hematology and rheumatology. The event is expected to attract over 400 medical experts from many countries and across the GCC region.

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ROUND-UP Mitsubishi Fuso launches mobile delivery vehicle in Al Dakhiliyah ‘Parts Express’ has been introduced to guarantee that customers’ urgent parts requirements are met in a timely manner

MUSCAT: General Automotive Company (GAC), the official distributor for Mitsubishi Motors and the Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) in Oman, recently introduced a dedi-

cated parts delivery vehicle into its internal fleet to ensure quick delivery to its customer in the Dakhiliyah region.

This vehicle will ensure quick parts support for Mitsubishi and FUSO customers in the region and is also intended to help GAC sustain its continued growth in the parts business in Oman, where the brand has achieved significant vehicle sales increases in recent years, says a press release.

Commenting on the introduction of the new dedicated parts vehicles, Alistair Cooker, the National Parts Manager of General Automotive Company said, “Vehicle down-time is a significant contributor to profit losses amongst both commercial and private vehicle owners. At GAC we consider ourselves to be integral partners in our customer’s business and are on a constant mission to strengthen

our customer service procedures and response times.

“As part of this mission we have introduced these dedicated vehicles to further enhance our overall after sales capabilities in this rap-

PROUD MOMENT

idly expanding area, with faster parts delivery response times.

“Doing so will not only shorten vehicle down-time for our customers, but will also increase our levels of customer service whilst

further supporting our parts distribution strategy.”

To comprehensively support its varied Mitsubishi and Fuso product range, GAC has a strong service network setup right across the Sultanate for sales and after sales support; ensuring that no matter where a customer is located, they are guaranteed immediate and professional service.

However, GAC faces increasingly higher demand for parts from the Dhakliya region. This mobile parts delivery vehicle was introduced to guarantee that customers’ urgent parts requirements are met in a timely manner.

Furthermore, as GAC are the official distributor for Mitsubishi and Fuso Products in Oman, the consumer can be assured that parts sold are Genuine.

The introduction of this mobile parts delivery vehicle is perfectly

in line with GAC’s customer-centric philosophy. The company is always at the forefront of developing new and innovative customer loyalty programmes and attractive value added services. GAC strongly advocates on building enduring business relationships and alliances with its growing portfolio of customers as the organisation, hand-in-hand with the Fuso brand, continues to deliver commercial success in Oman.

GAC also recently launched a new website for the Fuso commercial vehicles brand in Oman – http://www.fusooman.com/. The website has been designed for easy navigation and comprehensive information on Fuso’s entire product line making it even easier for customers in Oman to access and experience General Automotive Company commercial vehicle offerings from Fuso.

F L E E T E X PA N S I O N

GUtech holds third Qatar Airways welcomes graduation ceremony A350 XWB into its fleet BARKA: The German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) celebrated its third batch of GUtech graduates during the official ceremony held recently in the large auditorium of its campus in Halban/Barka.

His Highness Sayyid Faisal bin Turki Al Said and the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Sultanate HansChristian Freiherr von Reibnitz, attended the ceremony. Abdullah Salim Al Salmi, member of the Board of Governors at GUtech with members of the Majlis Al Shura, other dignitaries as well as a large number family members of GUtech graduates, students and staff also attended the ceremony, says a press release.

“I am very proud of you. The past years were not easy. You had a tough but fascinating time here at GUtech. I witnessed how you have developed from children to adults with a profound knowledge in your fields and a critical thinking,” said Professor Dr. Michael Modigell, Rector of GUtech in his welcome address.

A total of 56 students of the Bachelor of Science programmes in Urban Planning and Architectural Design, Applied Geosciences, Computer Sciences graduated in summer 2014. For the first time three students graduated in the

MSc in Petroleum Geosciences.

The majority of the graduates have already found positions in the private and public sector in Oman or are pursuing a further degree abroad, for example an MSc in Computer Sciences at GUtech’s partner-university RWTH Aachen University in Germany.

The Rector encouraged the graduates to stay in touch with GUtech through the GUtech Alumni network.

“We want to see how you develop and share knowledge and experience” he said. The Rector advised the GUtech graduates to choose their future work wisely, based on their talents rather than on the salary, “in harmony with your minds and hearts. In the end success will bring you a higher salary,” he said.

Dr Hussain Al Salmi, Vice-Rec-

tor for Administration and Finance at GUtech added that the graduates have achieved a lot in the past years and should continue their career paths with perseverance.

“Much is expected of you.

GUtech is proud of your strong, innovative, ethical and excellent contributions. Do not forget: Great work is done by people who are not afraid of being great!” he advised the graduates.”

A total of 1124 students have been studying at GUtech in winter 2014/2015 in the following BSc and BEng programmes: Computer Science, Applied Geosciences, Sustainable Tourism and Regional Development, Logistics, Urban Planning and Architectural Design, Environmental Engineering, Process Engineering and Mechanical Engineering and an MSc programme in Petroleum Geoscience.

DOHA: Qatar Airways showcased the first of its 80 A350 XWB aircraft for the first time in here. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker hosted a press conference in the airline’s hub at the Premium Terminal of Doha International Airport, to a crowd of more than 150 international media, who had travelled to Qatar to view the aircraft, for which the airline is the global launch customer, says a press release.

Also in attendance at the press conference were Didier Evrard, Airbus Executive Vice President Head of Programmes and Eric Schulz, Rolls-Royce President of Civil Large Engines, both of whom previously attended the official delivery of the aircraft from Airbus to Qatar Airways at a ceremony held in December at the Airbus Delivery Centre in Toulouse.

“We are ready to commence operations with the A350 XWB and are delighted to introduce another level of service with our

expanded fleet. The engineering design of the A350 XWB is modern, technologically refined and spacious, and we are proud to welcome yet another fine aeroplane into the Qatar Airways’ fleet,” said Akbar Al Baker.

Following the press conference, media were given the opportunity to meet with the airline’s group chief executive, before continuing to tour the newly inducted aircraft.

As global launch customer for the A350 XWB, Qatar Airways will be the only airline to fly this aircraft type for the foreseeable future, and was a significant contributor to its cutting-edge design in partnership with aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, and engine manufacturer, Rolls-Royce.

The first commercial service will be deployed on the DohaFrankfurt route – a sold-out service – on January 15, 2015.

The A350 XWB will comprise a two-class configuration with 36 Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, featuring 80” fully flat beds and 17” HD in-flight entertainment screens. Economy Class will comprise 247 seats, each 18-inches wide in a 3-3-3 configuration, with up to a 32inch pitch. Each individual seat will feature a 10.6” in-flight entertainment screen, and more space at shoulder level for passengers in window seats, thanks to a vertical side wall panel design.

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ROUND-UP Lifeline Hospital organises key symposium on health insurance The symposium highlighted discussions among policy makers from the Ministry of Health and decision makers of various authorities connected with healthcare service sector, and also involved an interactive session with the audience where their questions and queries were discussed and answered by the panel of speakers

MUSCAT: An international symposium titled ‘Universal Health Insurance – Oman Perspective’, presented by Lifeline Hospitals in coordination with the Ministry of Health and with the support of major healthcare and insurance providers in the Sultanate of Oman, was held recently at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel, says a press release.

The event began with a prayer recitation from the Holy Quran by Zaid Mussab Al Waleed Al Saadi.

Following which Dr Retnakumar, CEO of Lifeline Hospital Group in Oman, gave a welcome address where he welcomed Dr Sultan Al Busaidi, adviser for Health Affairs,

Ministry of Health, Dr Mazin Al Khabouri, adviser for Clinical Affairs, Ministry of Health, media personnel and all participants from various medical and insurance backgrounds to the symposium. The keynote speakers of the event were Dr Sven Rohte, Chief Commercial Officer, National Health Insurance Company – Daman, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Dr Naeema Aziz, chief operating officer, Apex Medical Group; Dr Ahmed Al Irani, deputy general manager, GlobeMed, Saudi Arabia; Dr Mohammed Ezzat Agamy, Corporate Hospitals director, VPS Health Group; Dr Prakash

Subbarayan, executive director, Star Heath and Allied Insurance Company; AdilIdris Mukthar, Chief Medical Officer, Wafa Insurance, Saudi Arabia; Dr Nishant Jain, Consultant to Government of India, Deputy Programme Director, Indo-German Social Security Programme and Subramoni J.B., Head – Sales and Marketing, National Life and General Insurance Company.

Moderated by Dr Mazin Al Khabouri, the discussions at this year’s symposium were underpinned by the fundamental principle of the right to health for all the residents of Oman. It was also followed by

MOST ENGAGING VEHICLE

discussions on various challenges and identifying solutions. The symposium highlighted discussions among policy makers from the Ministry of Health and decision makers of various authorities connected with healthcare service sector, and also involved an interactive session with the audience where their questions and queries were discussed and answered by the panel of speakers.

“It is a matter of pride to have been able to present this workshop in conjunction with the Ministry of Health. On behalf of Lifeline Hospitals I would like to thank everyone who participated in the

symposium and helped make it a huge success. The symposium addressed important areas like medical insurance in Oman, best practices adopted for providing secured healthcare as prevalent in other parts of Gulf, areas of concerns and challenges faced by healthcare providers and medical insurance companies in the region, unification of healthcare providers and medical insurance companies for delivering excellent customer service to residents of Oman in healthcare and lastly, regulatory control needed to have sound practices of insurance in healthcare,” said Dr Retnakumar.

JOY OF SHARING

2015 Altima — born with special powers MUSCAT: The Nissan Altima, which breaks new ground for the mid-size sedan segment is handsdown the most engaging vehicle in its class. And if you’ve never driven an Altima before, get ready to have your notion of a mid-size sedan redefined.

Nissan has taken one of their most successful model, the Nissan Altima — kept its DNA and changed nearly everything — the visual appeal, the driving experience and, of course, the technology. Nissan Altima offers numerous segment defining attributes that enhance the ownership experience and provide real customer value, says a press release.

Added features Remote engine starter in mid and top grades: Nissan vehicles are known to offer smoother ride comfort, more refinement and benchmark fit and finish,while delivering breathtaking performance and road-holding. Their ‘multidimensional performance’ means the driver can enjoy the full depth of a Nissan’s capabilities whether navigating the corners of a winding mountain road, cruising on a motorway or even travelling in an urban environment.

The 2015 Altima comes with the Nissan Intelligent Key that allows the owners to drive in comfort and style regardless of the rising temperatures of the Sultanate. The Nissan Intelligent Key allows drivers with a tap of a button on the door handle or trunk to unlock them, while the keys stay inside a pocket or purse. Drivers can start a car from up to 60 metres away with the Remote Engine Start System.

This convenient solution lets drivers cool down the vehicle before it’s time to get in, provided they set the climate control functions when they step out.

With vehicles facing the brunt of the scorching heat nowadays; drivers are faced with extreme driving conditions. By using the remote engine starter, drivers can get the car engine running and activate the cooling before they step inside. That gives them the opportunity to stay indoors in the cool until the car is ready to drive. This can be particularly handy if drivers have young children and babies, or anyone else that is very sensitive to extreme temperatures.

Standard Tyre Pressure Monitoring System: Smart technologies are designed to help monitor conditions like a warning to let the driver know about straying lane, or a system that helps ensure they are travelling on properly inflated tyres.

Standard Tyre Pressure Monitoring System with Easy-Fill Tyre: Alert lets drivers know when

‘Nando’s for Friends’ campaign kicks off a tyre is low and the Easy-Fill Tyre Alert takes the guess work out of filling tires with a beep of the horn when they have reached the correct pressure.

NissanConnect: This uses hands-free technology, smartphone, and Nissan’s display screen to help customers stay in touch with the outside world from inside their vehicle. It is loaded with features and compatibility with a growing list of apps that lets you play your music, keep tabs on your social network, and navigate any city like a local.

Other features include sunroof, blind spot warning, moving object detection, lane departure warning, paddle shifter, 8-way power driver seat and 2 way lumbar support, LED Type tail lamp, xenon projector headlamps, leather seats and premium trim console and door.

Reverse sensor (flush type): A seamless sensor designed at the rear bumper of the vehicle makes the Altima look sleek.

In addition to its many other functions, the Advanced DriveAssist Display can be linked to three new available safety features — Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Moving Object Detection — typically offered only on more upscale vehicle and first time in the segment. Thanks to the use of the systems’ advanced next-generation rear view camera, the BSW, LDW and MOD are integrated and intuitive.

The 2015 Altima offers superior quietness through efforts to reduce cabin noise coming from the powertrain (new engine and exhaust mount designs), climate system (increased HVAC mounting rigidity) and the body (increased body rigidity) versus the previous Altima design.

New noise absorption materials with a 30 per cent increase in absorption capability (versus previous Altima) are also used throughout the cabin, including areas such as the roof trim, instrument panel and floor mats.

Best-in-class seat comfort In the desire to help reduce the fatigue experienced during long commutes or extended road trips, Nissan turned to seating and posture from zero-gravity research.

According to this research, the least fatiguing seats are those that come closest to a ‘neutral posture’ – a relaxed position that the human body takes in a weightless environment. Altima seats help reduce muscular and spinal loads, and improve blood flow – thereby helping reduce fatigue over long periods behind the wheel. Seat surface perforations provide increased ventilation, breathability and comfort.

Along with premium seat comfort, the all-new Altima offers superior quietness through efforts to reduce cabin noise coming from the powertrain (new engine and exhaust mount designs), climate system (increased HVAC mounting rigidity) and the body (increased body rigidity) versus the previous Altima design. New noise absorption materials with a 30 per cent increase in absorption capability (versus previous Altima) are also used throughout the cabin, including areas such as the roof trim, instrument panel and floor mats.

Altima’s Remote Engine Start gives the driver the power to start the car engine and switch on the AC from as far as 60 metres. With it vehicle owners can also lock or unlock doors, and open the trunk.

Coupled with plush interiors and revolutionary technologies like Push Button Ignition, Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control and more, the Nissan Altima is designed to give passengers a comfortable driving experience that’s simple out of the world.

Attractive multimedia package: The Altima Audio system includes an AM/FM/CD design with RDS, MP3, and six speakers.

A BOSE Premium Audio System is available with nine speakers (including woofers), designed in collaboration with BOSE engineers to deliver a richer sound

and acoustics experience.

Three connectivity levels are offered to passengers including USB for iPod and compatible devices, aux-input and a Bluetooth Streaming Audio and hands-free phone connectivity.

The Navigation system is similarly packed with a rich range of features and is incredibly easy to use with its 7.0-inch touch-screen, 3D-effect map views, and turn-byturn navigation integrated into the Advanced Drive-Assist Display.

Advanced drive-assist display: The new Advanced Drive-Assist Display comes standard on every model and is customisable, easyto-use and integrates key information right in front of the driver.

Dynamic driving performance: Building on Altima’s reputation for superior dynamic performance, the Altima offers a redefined multilink rear suspension benchmarked to leading European sports sedans.

Responsive steering is provided by a new Electronic Hydraulic Power-Assisted Steering (EHPS) system that preserves the feel of hydraulic steering rack while offering the efficiencies of an electric power steering set-up.

Nissan Altima’s 4-wheel powerassisted disc brake system was also re-engineered utilising human ergonomic studies to optimise pedal travel and force, providing a premium blend of immediate response, confident braking and reduced fatigue. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) are standard.

A refined vehicle in its own right, the Nissan Altima aims to attract a wider audience with its contemporary good looks, eye-catching exterior color range, spacious and fashionable interior, in addition to a powerful high performance engine and a range of other options to make city driving easier Suhail Bahwan Automobiles offers wide range of after sales service with modern technology and state-of-the-art facilities in strategic locations.

MUSCAT: Nando’s Oman has launched its ‘Nando’s for Friends’ campaign in celebration of friendship and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. Aiming to create memorable experiences, the campaign encourages customers to invite their friends to dine at Nando’s for flame-grilled PERi PERi chicken along with a selection of signature platters, says a press release.

Jannat Moosa, marketing director at Bin Mirza International, said, “The campaign brings diners together for good food, made even better with great company.

We believe food is best enjoyed

with people you love spending time with and we have built on this to make a meal at Nando’s that much more special. There is a little something for everyone in our wide-ranged menu and our platters are made to be shared with friends.”

‘Nando’s For Friends’ is a funfilled campaign and specially designed posters at the restaurants state quirky slogans such as ‘Even Your Vegetarian Friend is Welcome’. There are also a host of activities for friends including a seesaw table that require two people to keep balanced throughout the meal for one person to eat free.

‘AU T O T R O P H Y ’ C O N T E S T

Six wins for Audi in brand, design and product categories INGOLSTADT: Six trophies for Audi: The brand with the four rings was more successful than any other brand in this year’s ‘Auto Trophy’ competition, says a press release.

The Audi A1, A3 and A6 each took first place in their respective categories. Audi also won the titles ‘Best Design Worldwide’ and ‘Best Brand Worldwide’ as well as the ‘Quality Trophy’ for the quality and reliability of the Audi A1.

A total of 75,810 readers of Autozeitung and its sister publications took part in the survey, which for the first time was conducted internationally in 10 countries.

This was the 27th time that Autozeitung readers selected the best cars in all classes. There were a total of 205 models in 12 categories to choose from.

In the ‘Subcompact’ category, 19.6 per cent of the voters select-

ed the Audi A1. The Audi A3 won the ‘Compact’ category with 19 per cent of the vote.

In the full-size class, the Audi A6 outpaced the competition with 27.3 per cent of the votes.

Audi also won the ‘Quality Trophy’ for the Audi A1 and took top honors in the special categories ‘Best Brand Worldwide’ and ‘Best Design Worldwide’. Audi has now won 63 titles since the awards were introduced.

“We are extremely pleased about all of these trophies. This shower of awards motivates our team and shows that we’re on the right track,” said Prof.

Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, AUDI AG Board Member for Technical Development. “The coveted award confirms our capabilities in the area of design and quality,” said Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG.

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WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2015

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SPOR YOUR GAME

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HAI FINDS THE TARGET ASS CHINA STUN SAUDI ARABIA IA

China saved a second half penalty and then en scored a fortuitous goal that took a wicked d deflection off a defender to upset traditional nal giants Saudi Arabia 1-0 in a Group B match tch at the Asian Cup at at Lang Park on Saturday. ay. >C3

Cho strikes as Korea edge Oman

S TA N D I N G S

ASIAN CUP STANDINGS AFTER SATURDAY’S MATCHES: P W D L F A GA Pts

MATCH-WINNING GOAL: South Korea’s Cho Young-Cheol scores past Oman’s goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi during their Asian Cup Group A match at the Canberra Stadium in Can-

Group A Australia South Korea Oman Kuwait Group B China Uzbekistan North Korea Saudi Arabia

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berra on Saturday. – Reuters

A flurry of attacking substitutions in the final 30 minutes did see Oman threaten to level the game, notably through Imad Al Hosni who had a header tipped onto the crossbar in added time, but South Korea held on to move into second place behind Australia in Group A CELEBRATION TIME: South Korea’s Cho Young-Cheol, right, cel-

ebrates with a team-mate after scoring a goal against Oman at the Canberra Stadium on Saturday. – Times of Oman/CIO DATAN

CANBERRA: A goal in first half stoppage time from forward Cho Young-Cheol was enough to edge two-time winners South Korea past Oman 1-0 in their AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 opener at Canberra Stadium on Saturday.

Third place finishers in 2011, Korea were on top for much of the first period but at half-time had only Cho’s stoppage time goal to show for their control of proceedings.

A flurry of attacking substitutions in the final 30 minutes did see Oman threaten to level the game, notably through Imad Al Hosni who had a header tipped onto the crossbar in added time, but Korea held on to move into second place

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

behind Australia in Group A after the hosts defeated Kuwait 4-1 in the tournament opener on Friday.

In rainy conditions in the Australian capital, Korea had their first chance on five minutes as midfielder Koo Ja-Cheol cut in from the left-hand side and fired in a shot from the edge of the penalty area that Ali Al Habsi got down low

to his right to tip around the post.

And two minutes later Son Heung-Min latched on to a long ball over the top from Kim ChangSoo and lifted the ball over Al Habsi, only to see it bounce off the top of the crossbar and away from danger.

Defender Jaber Owaisi had a chance to put Oman ahead against the run of play but turned his header well over the bar from Eid Al Farsi’s corner on 12 minutes.

And although Korea began to stamp their authority on the game, with six minutes of the half remaining Kim Ju-Young brought

down Abdulaziz Al Muqbali and from 20 yards out Al Farsi bent the ball marginally wide of the far post.

But as the match neared the half-time interval, Korea scored the opening goal they had long threatened.

Al Habsi had already athletically turned away his own defender Abdul Salem Amer’s unintentional header and kept out a long-range free-kick from Son but he was beaten a minute into first half stoppage time.

Lee Chung-Yong pounced on a loose ball and laid the ball off to Koo and the midfielder’s left footed shot from outside the area was beaten out by Al Habsi only as far as a sliding Cho who forced the ball back across the wrong-footed goalkeeper and into the opposite corner from close range.

Korea continued as they had left off after the break and four minutes after the re-start, Lee drove a low shot into the side netting and then Al Habsi pulled off a fine reaction save to tip over Koo’s header from point-blank range.

Oman coach Paul Le Guen made attacking replacements in the final half hour by bringing on Al Hosni and Mohsin Johar in an attempt to restore parity and on 76 minutes Al Muqbali had a golden chance to equalise when Ali Al Busaidi picked him out all alone in the penalty area but the forward’s first touch was poor and Korea cleared their lines.

The West Asians continued to put in an improved performance thereafter as Korea sat back, and in stoppage time Al Hosni’s goalbound header from a corner was dramatically touched onto the crossbar by Kim Jin-Hyeon as Ulrich Stielike’s side narrowly escaped to take all three points. - AFC

Le Guen blasts ref for not giving a ‘100%’ penalty CANBERRA: Oman coach Paul Le Guen launched a furious tirade at the referee for not giving a “100 percent” penalty in South Korea’s 1-0 Asian Cup win over his side on Saturday.

Frenchman Le Guen insisted the outcome could have been different if New Zealand official Peter O’Leary had awarded a spot kick when striker Qasim Saeed looked to have been scythed down in the box.

“I don’t want to have an advantage -- no, no. I ask for equity,” he fumed. “It’s a 100 percent penalty, no hesitation. But (we didn’t get it) because of what? Because we are Oman? It’s a very, very bad decision at this level.

“Sometimes you can have a debate, but in this case there is no debate, no discussion.

It’s a penalty, 100 percent,” the former Lyon boss added.

“The game could have been different after. If you are 1-0 up it’s definitely different.”

Le Guen was livid at not being awarded the penalty but when told about his angry rant, South Korea coach Uli Stielike appeared mystified.

‘Referee was right’ “I saw the game like the referee saw it,” said the German.

“I don’t know which situation he is talking about. There cannot be a clear penalty or I would remember the situation.”

More South Korea goals seemed certain after the interval but resolute Oman defending kept the scoreline at 1-0.

Midfielder Lee ChungYong shaved the post before Al Habsi atoned for his earlier mistake by tipping over a powerful Koo Ja-Cheol header just short of the hour mark.

South Korea pushed for a second but were unable to capitalise on their possession and almost paid for it at the death.

Oman substitute Imad Al Hosni almost snatched an unlikely draw when his header was superbly tipped onto the crossbar by goalkeeper Kim Jin-Hyeon.

“I prefer starting the tournament with a hard game like today rather than 5-0 win,” said Stielike. “Then everyone thinks you are already going to win the cup so maybe this is the better way.”

South Korea, one of the tournament favourites and World Cup semifinalists in 2002, last won the Asian Cup in 1960. - AFP

LOYAL FANS: Omani fans pictured during the Asian Cup match between Oman and South Korea at the

IN OMAN COLOURS: Oman fans turn up in the Sultanate’s colours during the Asian Cup match between

Canberra Stadium on Saturday. – OFA

Oman and South Korea at the Canberra Stadium on Saturday. – Times of Oman/CIO DATAN

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SU N DAY, JANUARY 11, 2015

SPORTS

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Nesterov emerges hero as Uzbeks beat North Korea Nesterov saw little action in the Group B tie but he was alert enough to palm away Pak Song-Chol’s powerful header just before the final whistle

SYDNEY: Goalkeeper Ignatiy Nesterov’s lightning late save spared Uzbekistan’s blushes as the 2011 semifinalists beat North Korea 1-0 in a rain-hit Asian Cup clash on Saturday.

Nesterov saw little action in the Group B tie but he was alert enough to palm away Pak SongChol’s powerful header just before the final whistle.

Man-of-the-match Igor Sergeev’s 62nd minute header was the only score of a game hit by a midmatch downpour, but Uzbekistan deserved their win in Sydney.

Two-time Asian player of the year Server Djeparov set up the goal as Uzbekistan showed they could be ready for another assault on the Asian Cup’s latter stages.

“I’d like to thank our goalkeeper, it was a great save,” said Uzbek coach Mirdjalal Kasimov. “But it was a victory of the whole team, I’m happy with all my players.”

ISMAILOV’S SPECIAL: Uzbekistan’s Anzur Ismailov, centre, celebrates after scoring a goal against North Korea during their Group B match of the Asian Cup in Sydney on Saturday. – AFP

In a tepid first half, Timur Kapadze recovered from a nasty clash of heads while defending a corner before coming close at the other end minutes later.

The big midfielder saw his header come off the upright and into the grateful arms of North Korea’s Ri Myong-Guk, who later had to be alert to keep out Sanjar Tursunov.

North Korean striker Pak Song-Chol nodded his team’s best chance of the first period wide,

and teammate Jon Kwang-Ik was grateful to see his clearance go over the bar.

Steady rain turned torrential during half-time but it didn’t stop Uzbekistan from raising the tempo as Kapadze, Vitaliy Denisov and Djeparov all had sight of goal.

And it was captain Djeparov who created Uzbekistan’s opener, lofting a cross for Sergeev to leap and nod past the stranded Ri in the North Korean goal.

OPTIMISTIC JO

We still have a chance: coach Jo SYDNEY: North Korea coach Jo Tong-Sop said his team were far from done at the Asian Cup despite their 1-0 defeat to Uzbekistan on Saturday.

The caretaker boss said torrential rain had not helped his team as they narrowly missed out to the Uzbeks. North Korea have Group B games to come against Saudi Arabia and China.

“We have two more matches in the group stage. We still have a chance and we don’t want to lose it,” said Jo. Jo is deputising for Yun Jong-Su, who is serving a one-year ban for his fistshaking rout after North Korea’s tight loss to South Korea at the Asian Games final in October.

He said rain which came down in sheets by half-time had made life difficult for his team.

“The rain did disturb our play.

We couldn’t play so well because of the rain. The rain did give some trouble to our team’s perfect play,” said Jo. - AFP

Sergeev could have added a second from substitute Sardor Rashidov’s cross, and Tursunov drew a point-blank save from Ri as the Uzbeks pressed until the final whistle. In the final seconds, Park would have rescued a point for North Korea with his header from a corner, if not for the reflexes of the diving Nesterov.

“I really think it was unfortunate, but the result is the result,” said North Korea’s coach Jo Tong-Sop,

when asked about Pak’s late effort.

“If we make better chances and attack much more than tonight, we’ll have a better chance.”

The result sets back North Korea’s hopes of progressing from the group stage for the first time since 1980, when they finished fourth.

But Uzbekistan will have high hopes of reaching the knock-outs for the fourth time in a row, with further Group B games to come against China and Saudi Arabia. - AFP

C L O S E S H AV E

Foot-volley injury scare for Kagawa SYDNEY: Japan playmaker Shinji Kagawa suffered a heart-stopping moment during training at the Asian Cup on Saturday when he came down awkwardly on his elbow while playing foot volleyball.

Despite the scare, the Borussia Dortmund midfielder insisted he was not seriously hurt as the defending champions prepare for their opening Group D game against Palestine on Monday.

“It was a bit of a close shave but it’s fine,” Kagawa told Japanese media after sustaining bruising and sitting out the rest of training as a precaution.

“I just landed heavily on my elbow, nothing too serious. It would have been embarrassing to injure myself doing that.”

Kagawa will have added incentive to do well at the Asian Cup in Australia after fracturing a metatarsal in the semifinals of the 2011 tournament and missing Japan’s victory over the Socceroos in the final in Doha.

“It was a frustrating situation for me four years ago and I want to be able to contribute this time,” said the former Manchester United player, who failed to make an impact at last year’s World Cup where the Blue Samurai flopped badly.

“People expect that of me and if I can play well and we get results it will give me confidence, which is what I need.

“But the main thing is that the team does well.”

Japan, who have lifted the Asian Cup a record four times, are also drawn alongside J ordan and surprise 2007 title winners Iraq. - AFP

SCORING SPREE

UAE’s goal-ace Mabkhout looks to bridge the Gulf Qatar’s ‘Maradona’ has Asian Cup point to prove

CANBERRA: United Arab Emirates (UAE) goal-machine Ali Mabkhout said on Saturday he hopes a scoring spree at the Asian Cup could help him win a big-money move to Europe.

Marksman Mabkhout arrives in scintillating form after topscoring at November’s Gulf Cup with five goals, helping UAE finish third.

He also hit the net more times than any other player during Asian Cup qualification, again scoring five to see his country make the tournament in Australia with ease.

Now the Al Jazira frontman hopes another goal blitz will boost his chances of making the leap to European football, where a number of clubs have Arab owners.

“Being a top-scorer makes me even more determined and motivated to do my best in this com-

CANBERRA: Qatar’s very own “Maradona” is desperate for Asian Cup success after missing out on his country’s Gulf Cup triumph through injury last November.

Khalfan Ibrahim — dubbed the “Maradona of Qatar” because of his trickery and sublime dribbling — can be one of the stars of the tournament, Qatar boss Djamal Belmadi said on Saturday.

“He has played eight years for the national team and hasn’t won a major trophy because unfortunately he was injured for the Gulf Cup,” Belmadi said.

“So, for sure, he has a lot of ambition personally and also he knows that now he is in a

petition,” Mabkhout said ahead of UAE’s opener with Gulf rivals Qatar on Sunday.

“If I have the chance to play in Europe it would be great for me, but I leave it up the decisions of the clubs,” the 24-year-old added.

UAE’s most notable involvement in European football is in the English Premier League, where an Abu Dhabi group own reigning champions Manchester City.

All 23 players of UAE’s Asian

team that has won already.

“Everybody wishes that he can reach his individual target and of course a collective target of having a great competition with the team.”

Left-winger Ibrahim has already scored 22 goals for Qatar in 81 appearances.

The former Asian player of the year shot to fame when he bagged an amazing individual goal for Al Sadd in Qatar’s Crown Prince Cup in 2012.

He picked the ball up deep in his own half before dribbling it around several players and banging it past the goalkeeper, a goal reminiscent of Diego Maradona’s solo cracker against England in the 1986 World Cup. - AFP

Cup squad play their football domestically but coach Mahdi Ali said some of his charges were destined to compete at a higher level.

“We have many talented players who deserve to play in Europe,” Ali said.

“I would be very happy if some of my players played there as it would give them more and better experience which they could bring to their country as well.” - AFP

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SPORTS China stun Saudi Arabia

WORKED TO PERFECTION

China’s smash-and-grab tactics gives ‘a lot of joy’

Two days into the tournament, everything had gone according to plan, but China tore up the script at Lang Park by producing the first real upset of the event

BRISBANE: China saved a second half penalty and then scored a fortuitous goal that took a wicked deflection off a defender to upset Saudi Arabia 1-0 at the Asian Cup on Saturday.

Two days into the tournament, everything had gone according to plan, but China tore up the script at Lang Park by producing the first real upset of the event.

Midfielder Yu Hai got the only goal of the match when he banged his free-kick into the back of the net 10 minutes from the end, but only after a stroke of luck.

His left-footed shot from 30 metres out clipped the back of one of the Saudi defenders and deviated away from the helpless Saudi goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah.

The Chinese surprisingly dominated the first half but almost fell behind in the second term when the Saudis were awarded a penalty after striker Naif Hazazi was hacked down by Ren Hang as he was bearing down on goal.

But Hazazi made a hash of

STUNNING FREE-KICK: China’s Yu Hai, third left, celebrates his goal during their Asian Cup Group B match against Saudi Arabia at the Brisbane Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday. – Reuters

his spot kick, lamely booting it straight into the legs of the Chinese goalkeeper Wang Dalei, who was mobbed by his team mates after making the save.

Although Saturday’s match was the first of the tournament for both teams, the result could prove decisive to both team’s chances of progressing after Uzbekistan, the Group B favourites, earlier beat North Korea 1-0 in Sydney.

The Saudis, one of Asian traditional giants, went into the match as heavy favourites but failed to im-

pose themselves against a Chinese team that was lucky to make for the 16-country tournament, advancing only as the best third-places team in the qualifying groups.

Despite having won the Asian Cup three times, the Saudis have struggled in recent years, losing all three of their group matches at the 2011 tournament and slipping to 102nd in the world rankings, six places below China.

The Chinese, chasing a first Asian Cup title, succeeded in prising open the Saudi defence several

CONFIDENT

Iran give a little heart and soul MELBOURNE: Iran coach Carlos Queiroz expressed confidence on Saturday that his side possessed the “heart and soul” to end their 39-year wait for a fourth Asian Cup title.

Team Melli take on Bahrain in their Group C opener in Melbourne on Sunday with key defenders Hashem Beikzadeh and Pejman Montazeri ruled out through injury.

But the former Portugal and Real Madrid coach backed Iran to show the strength of character to overcome those setbacks.

“We have big expectations and we’re ready to compete and to fight,” he told reporters after training.

“We have big heart, big soul and big mind — and we will be ready for tomorrow. We will treat the Bahrain match like it is the Asian Cup final.”

Queiroz has gone for a blend of youth and experience at the Asian Cup and the well-travelled Portuguese declined the opportunity to get in his excuses early when offered the chance.

“When I arrived in Iran four

Bahrain’s Eid seeks job security MELBOURNE: Patience tends to wear thin quickly in Middle Eastern soccer and Marjan Eid knows his tenure as Bahrain coach may last only three more matches if his team fails to make the knockout rounds of the Asian Cup. The low-profile 35-yearold is Bahrain’s third manager in five months, thrust into the role after his former boss Adnan Hamad was sacked following a dismal start to the team’s Gulf Cup campaign.

Hamad’s former deputy, Eid at least knows where the

years ago there was the situation that when a player leaves or gets injured the whole nation cries for six months,” said the 61-year-old.

“But with the work we’ve been do-

goal-posts are. He has been told in no uncertain terms that he has only the Asian Cup to make it work.

“After we will sit with the board of directors with the BFA (Bahrain Football Association) to decide about the next stage,” he told reporters in Melbourne on Saturday, on the eve of his team’s Asian Cup opener against Iran.

“For sure, I hope for a very good result to continue with the team. Any coach has a dream to coach the national team.” - Reuters

ing, we now have more solutions and options to cope with injuries.”

Iran’s Asian Cup drought dates back to 1976, when they won the third of three successive titles. - AFP

times and delivered some quality crosses, though few resulted in clear-cut scoring chances.

The best opportunity to break the deadlock fell to Chinese midfielder Wu Xi three minutes before the interval when he found himself in space near the box but he shot wide.

With neither side able to seize control, frustrations began to boil over and Iranian referee Alireza Faghani reached to his pocket five times to issue yellow cards, three against the Saudis and two against China. - Reuters

BRISBANE: China’s plan of absorbing pressure and hitting on the break worked to perfection as they upset Saudi Arabia 1-0 at the Asian Cup on Saturday.

Midfielder Yu Hai struck in the 81st minute to break the stalemate and give China victory over the three-time champions in Brisbane. A Group B game between two evenly matched sides appeared to be headed for a draw until Yu’s free kick from 30 metres out took a wicked deflection and left Saudi keeper Waleed Abdullah stranded.

“Our tactics worked very well, we counter-attacked well and caused a lot of trouble for our opponents,” China coach Alain Perrin told reporters. “The match was very, very difficult for us but we gained a lot of joy from it. We’ve been preparing for this tournament for a long time.”

China dominated the first half, but Saudi Arabia improved after the interval and should have taken the lead in the 59th minute after Naif Hazazi was awarded a penalty, but his tame spot kick allowed goalkeeper Wang Dalei to save with his legs.

Saudi coach Cosmin Olaroiu insisted he had no regrets about Hazazi taking the spot kick.

“I asked him to take the penalty because he was the one who was fouled,” he said.

Wang, who was celebrating his 26th birthday on Saturday, was later named man of the match for his heroics between the posts.

“Before the match I got a lot of courage from my coach,” a beaming Wang said. “I remember in the past few days a journalist asked if I was ready for the match. I said

wait until after January 10 and I will give you the answer.”

The Saudis paid for their lack of precision in front of goal, Salem Aldawsari and Mustafa Albassas squandering good early opportunities.

China gradually began to assert control in the opening period and found space out wide, Zhang Chengdong particularly dangerous down the right, and he was instrumental in several of China’s best moves.

They were were unlucky not to go into halftime leading, with Wu Xi twice failing to convert just before the break.

Saudi Arabia, who won the last of their three Asian Cup titles in 1996, emerged with more purpose after the team talk and were by far the more threatening side.

Saeed Al Muwallad went close after 56 minutes before Hazizi’s glaring penalty miss, while Salem and Omar Howsawi went close.

But the Chinese, runners-up in 1984 and 2004, defended superbly and caught their opponents with a classic sucker punch, leaving the former champions with little time to mount a response.

“Even though we won the match we still have a lot of work to do,” Perrin conceded.

“The next step for us is preparing for the next match against Uzbekistan. We are moving forward step by step.”

Olaroiu remained defiant.

“You’re not out after the first game,” he said. “I hope the players keep playing with the same determination and the same spirit. The next match is a different game.

We have to win the next two games and we can do it.” - AFP

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SU N DAY, JANUARY 11, 2015

SPORTS

Radwanska helps Poles lift Hopman Cup title Radwanska claimed a 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-1 win over Williams and then partnered Janowicz to beat Williams and Isner 7-5, 6-3 in doubles as Poland became the 13th nation to win the mixed team event

PERTH: Agnieszka Radwanska showed why she should be considered among the favourites for the Australian Open later this month by beating world No. 1 Serena Williams and helping Poland to its first Hopman Cup title in Perth on Saturday.

World No. 5 Radwanska claimed a 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-1 win to put her country 1-0 up against the United States and returned to partner

FIRST VICTORY: Agnieszka Radwanska, right, and Jerzy Janowicz

of Poland pose with the winner’s trophy after beating Serena Williams and John Isner of the U.S. in the mixed doubles during the final match at the Hopman Cup in Perth on Saturday. – AFP

Jerzy Janowicz and beat Williams and John Isner 7-5, 6-3 in doubles as Poland became the 13th nation to win the mixed team event.

Isner had overcome Janowicz 7-6 (10), 6-4 in the other singles to haul the U.S. back into the contest.

“When I go and play against her, you have nothing really to lose, she is number one in the world and a great champion,” Radwanska told

reporters of her singles victory.

“It doesn’t matter what the score is. It’s never over, she’s a great fighter. I’m just very happy that I could come back after that second set and play my good game in the third set.

“Wins like this always give a lot of confidence.”

Radwanska’s first victory over Williams in nine meetings comes

after she signed up former American great Martina Navratilova as a coach. Williams, who also lost to Eugenie Bouchard of Canada earlier this week in the round robin, could have done with some advice from the 18-time Grand Slam singles champion after struggling in the opening set.

The American’s forehand was particularly troublesome, contributing to many of her 28 unforced errors as she was broken twice early on to fall 4-1 behind before losing out 6-4.

The second went with serve as Radwanska pushed and pulled Williams around the court, with the powerful American retaliating by bludgeoning some heavy winners in an even contest.

The Pole, a semifinalist at the Australian Open last year, then broke Williams to go 6-5 up and serve for the match but she was unable to put the American down as the world number one broke back to force a tiebreak that she took 7-3.

However, that was as good as it got for Williams, who will be seeking a 19th Grand Slam title in Australia, as she collapsed in the third to allow Radwanska to claim the moral boosting win.

The Australian Open begins in Melbourne on January 19. - Reuters

OMAN CRICKET

Sindo and Vinu shine in Assarain win MUSCAT: Assarain, thanks to a superb century by Sindo Michael and a five-wicket haul by Vinu Kumar, defeated the all-Omani team of OCT Muscat A by a massive 222 runs in a Muscat Pharmacy and Stores-sponsored 50 overs-a-side A Division match played on Friday.

Put into bat first, Assarain put on a 82 runs stand for the first wicket until the dismissal of Naseem Khushi for 34. Other opener Arun Poulose was the next to go after scoring 62.

Zeeshan Maqsood and Sindo Michael together put on a 83-run partnership for the fourth wicket which was then followed by a 97runs stand between Sindo and Fiaz-Ul Hassan. Zeeshan made 34 while Fiaz contributed 33.

Rafiq Mohammed was the most successful bowler for OCT Muscat A with four wickets while Ali Akbar picked up two wickets as Assarain were dismissed for 315 in 47.5 overs. Defending a massive target, Assarain bowled out OCT Muscat for 93 in 29.4 overs, winning the game by a bonus point.

Young Shoaib Ismail and Rafiq Mhoammed scored 39 and 20 runs respectively in a losing cause.

While Vinu Kumar picked up five wickets, V. S. Shiju and Zeeshan Maqsood scalped two each.

Both Vinu Kumar for his bowling and Sindo Michael for his century were declared as the man of the match.

latter made 48. Paritosh then combined with one drop bat Gayash Dias to score the remaining runs.

Paritosh was unbeaten on 62 while Gayash was not out on 25 as they reached the target scoring 166 for one in 27.4 overs.

ASSARAIN STARS: Vinu Kumar,

Brief scores: Galfar Engineering 165 all out in 28 overs (Khalil 31, Rizwan 25, Karan 4/32, Bhavesh 2/6) lost to MCCC A 166 for 1 in 27.4 overs (Paritosh 62 n.o., Ivan 48, Gayash 25 n.o).

left, and Sindo Michael.

Brief scores: Assarain 315 all out in 47.5 overs (Sindo 100, Naseem 34, Zeeshan 34, Fiaz 33, Rafiq 4/48, Ali 2/55) bt OCT Muscat A 93 all out in 29.4 overs (Shoaib 39, Rafiz 20, Vinu 5/6, Shiju 2/17, Zeeshan 236).

MCCC A beat Galfar In a Khimji Ramdas sponsored 30 over-a-side B Division game, MCCC A beat Galfar Engineering by nine wickets. Batting first after winning the toss, Galfar made 165 in 28 overs with Khalil Ahmed and Tizwan Afgan scoring 31 and 25 respectively. For the MCCC team, Karan Pandya was the most successful bowler with four wickets for 32 runs. Bhavesh Mehta gave away only six run while scaling two wickets in the one over that he bowled.

MCCC openers, Paritosh Bhatt and Ivan Majila, gave a superb start for their side with a 112-run stand for the first wicket in which the

Assarain B win In a Raha Polyproducts-sponsored T20 D Division game, Assarain B defeated FAP UTSC by five wickets after having restricted the latter to 138 for seven in 20 overs. With a score of 76 for five in 13 overs, FAP UTSC was in troubled waters but recovered as Mohammed Dilwan and Wazir Ali stood good for a 56run sixth wicket stand until the former was sent back for 38. Wazir remained unbeaten on 24 while Shanidh Kouttara made 23 earlier.

Mohammed Sahil claimed two wickets in the two overs he bowled for Assarain B. Assarain B also was in similar situation with only 64 runs on the board for the loss of five wickets but a superb timely partnership between Hafeez Infan and Mohammed Sahil ensured a comfortable win for the side by scoring 142 with five wickets and seven balls to spare. Hafeez was unbeaten on 59 made in 34 balls while Sahil made

30 in 25 balls. Shanidh was the only bowler to scalp two wickets for FAP UTSC. Brief scores: FAP TUSC 138 for 7 in 20 overs (Dilwan 38, Wazir 24 n.o., Shanidh 23, Sahil 2/22) lost to Assarain B 142 for 5 in 18.5 overs (Hafeez 59 n.o., Sahil 30 n.o., Shanidh 2/26).

Easy for Landscape In an Enhance-sponsored E Division game, Landscape Architecture won their match against Sarco, thanks to a superb unbeaten century by opener Prasad Peruli.

Batting first, Sarco scored 156 for six in their allotted 20 overs. Mohammed Hafiz with 37, Sha Murtaza Haider on unbeaten 31 and Tousim Khan with 28 were the main run-getters for Sarco.

Chasing an achievable target, Landscape’s opener Prasad Peruli played a match winning innings to remain not out on 103 scored in only 68 balls that included right boundaries and one six.

With the score on 35 for five, Prasad combined with Laiju Joise to return victorious having raised their side’s score to 160 for five in 19.2 overs. Laiju remained not out on 37. Said Khan was the most successful bowler capturing three wickets.

Brief scores: Sarco 156 for 6 in 20 overs (Hafiz 37, Sha Murataza 31 n.o., Tousim 28) lost to Landscape Architecture 160 for 5 in 19.2 overs (Prasad 103 n.o., Laiju 37 n.o., Said 3/22).

C O M M E N TA RY

Positives in patches.

And what Kohli wants

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HE familiar image of Virat Kohli is nothing pleasant to bring a smile on, especially from an Australian point of view. The forbidding scowl and the cold, hard stare remained fixed forever on his face for the better part of his life between the 22 yards from Adelaide to Sydney.

The 5ft 9in frame carried and conveyed the no-nonsense attitude and intent to the Australian pack so aggressively that, by the time of the fourth Test, no less a big mouth than David Warner began talking peace of the brave. And the need to shut himself up! That was quite close to taming the lion in its den.

When the smile bloomed on Kohli’s face spontaneously and banished the frown for some seconds, the spell it conjured up was hard to ignore. Of course, it never mattered to him whether others liked or loathed it.

One such moment of turning up the corners of the mouth in a pleasant way happened at the prizepresentation ceremony after the tense draw at the SCG when Kohli responded “absolutely” to the question, “Do you think India could win the world Cup?” If you waited for a few more minutes you may have got the key to the cup of confidence. What he told in the short, sprightly post-match chat with Saurav Ganguly — that he hated losing — was nothing new, but hearing it again, and now from Captain Kohli, was reassuring for Indian cricket buffs.

Smiles apart, Kohli did talk of the real need of the team, which is nothing else but “bowlers who are ready to stand up to the challenge”. He was not beating about the bush or any process and the importance of it, but about, precisely about, what he would require to get the results. How flawed or however flawless is the process, the bottom line of any business is the result: fat, fabulous and consistent.

With the kind of bowling stock he has inherited, or with the attitude displayed by some of the picked and pampered ones in the team, such results are hard to achieve, so there is a need to take a hard, honest look and do what’s required, without zonal slants and pedigree preferences.

It’s absurd to believe that Umesh Yadav has a peanutsized brain, but after watching him bowl short and on the leg side five times in an over, and getting dispatched to the rope four of the five times, you begin to wonder if all that you have learned in your science classes are

Consistently good is better than occasionally great, whether the game gets over a day or spans into five days completely true. Seventeen runs in the first over, 10 in the second and 18 in the third…if Yadav had got another chance to bowl he would have tried the same short, stupid way to go about it.

The best way to get Yadav to think a bit sane and human is to order him to watch for 24 hours a day for 365 days without any break the first seven overs bowled by Josh Hazlewood in which he conceded just a single run.

That done, he may be given another chance to redeem himself, perhaps.

Another truth Indian cricket authorities should realise is the need to rediscover the “Asian strength”.

A country that regularly produced great spinners in the past now lags behind the rest of the world, and the immediate challenge for India is not about identifying potential fast bowlers but about finding promising youngsters who could help the team gain back the lost spin prestige.

Batting has come in for praise from some Indian stalwarts, but that is only one way of looking at it.

The other way is quite disgusting. Murali Vijay has come of age and Kohli won back the global nod, but neither has won a Test for India. Neither at Adelaide nor at SCG. Others look good in patches, which is what Kohli hinted at, perhaps unwittingly, when he spoke about the “positives in patches” in summing up the series.

Indian batting has to get out of the patches and that would require guys who put in good performances for a season or two. Consistently good is better than occasionally great, whether the game gets over a day or spans into five days.

The writer is a freelance contributor based in India. All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not reflect those of Times of Oman

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Tactical withdrawal is part of warfare

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DESERVING WINNERS: Australian players pose with the Border-Gavaskar trophy after their fourth Test match against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Saturday. – AP/PTI

India dig deep to deny Australia in Sydney SCOREBOARD

Australia 1st innings: 572 for 7 decl India 1st innings: 475 Australia 2nd innings C. Rogers c Raina b Kumar 56 D. Warner c Vijay b Ashwin 4 S. Watson b Ashwin 16 S. Smith lbw Shami 71 S. Marsh c Vijay b Ashwin 1 J. Burns c Yadav b Ashwin 66 B. Haddin not out 31 R. Harris not out 0 Extras (b-2, lb-2, nb-2) 6 Total (6 wkts decl; 40 overs) 251 Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-46, 3-126, 4-139, 5-165, 6-251.

Bowling: Kumar 8-0-46-1, Ashwin 19-2-105-4, Shami 6-0-33-1 (nb-1), Yadav 3-0-45-0 (nb-1), Raina 4-0-18-0.

India 2nd innings M. Vijay c Haddin b Hazlewood 80 L. Rahul c Warner b Lyon 16 R. Sharma c Smith b Watson 39 V. Kohli c Watson b Starc 46 A. Rahane not out 38 S. Raina lbw Starc 0 W. Saha lbw Lyon 0 R. Ashwin lbw Hazlewood 1 B. Kumar not out 20 Extras (b-6, lb-6) 12 Total (7 wkts; 89.5 overs) 252 Fall of wickets: 1-48, 2-104, 3-178, 4-201, 5-203, 6-208, 7-217.

Bowling: Starc 19-7-36-2, Harris 13-334-0, Lyon 30.5-5-110-2, Hazlewood 17-731-2, Smith 2-0-7-0, Watson 8-2-22-1.

Steve Smith’s side were aggressive to the very last ball but unable to break the eighth wicket pairing of Ajinkya Rahane and Bhuvneshwar Kumar

SYDNEY: Australia were denied a dramatic victory and forced to settle for a 2-0 series win when India survived a nervous final session to force a draw in the fourth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Saturday.

Steve Smith’s side were aggressive to the very last ball but unable to break the eighth wicket pairing of Ajinkya Rahane and Bhuvneshwar Kumar and grab a third win to go with those they achieved in Adelaide and Brisbane.

The tourists, who were handed a victory target of 349 when Australia declared on their overnight score of 251 for six, collapsed from 160 for two at tea to 217 for seven but Virat Kohli had promised his team would never throw in the towel and they were true to his word.

They had reached 252 for seven when Australia ran out of overs in the early evening gloom.

“It would have been nice to have got the win today,” said Smith, who was named man of the match and the series for his batting exploits. “I thought we were going to be a good chance to win this game, but today wasn’t to be. The boys toiled really hard today and it was disappointing not to get the result in the end.”

There was a period around the tea break when Kohli and opener Murali Vijay flirted with going for the victory, which would have smashed the previous record for a successful fourth innings run chase in a Test at the ground.

Once their third wicket partnership was broken with the departure of Vijay for 80, however, it was damage limitation all the way as Kohli (46), the luckless Suresh Raina (0), Wriddhiman Saha (0) and Ravichandran Ashwin (1) all

PROUD TEAM: India’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar, right, and Ajinkya Rahane walk off the field after the final day of their fourth Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday. – Reuters

quickly followed. That the last three were all out leg before wicket was an indication that the pitch was finally producing some turn and movement after being something of a batsman’s paradise for much of the match.

It was also fitting reward for Australia’s bowlers, particularly paceman Josh Hazlewood and spinner Nathan Lyon, who had bowled with discipline and accuracy in the first two sessions without being able to claim more than two wickets.

The field closed in around Rahane (38 not out) and Kumar (20 not out) with often just one Australian outside the cordon but the Indian batsmen held firm to secure a second successive draw after the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

Proud Kohli Given the lack of success for both sides in each other’s countries in recent years, that could be con-

sidered something of an achievement for India.

“We took them to the end on three occasions, two were draws and one was a loss that could have gone either way,” Kohli, who deputised for Mahendra Singh Dhoni in Adelaide and took over permanently in Sydney after the wicketkeeper called time on his Test career, said.

“I’m really, really proud of the way the guys have played in this series. Australia has had to earn both the victories they’ve had.”

The series started late with a schedule rejigged and compacted after the death of former Australian batsmen Phillip Hughes.

With 5,870 runs scored by both sides, it featured more runs than any other four-match test series with Smith (769) and Kohli (682) leading the way with four centuries apiece.

Both got their fourth in Sydney, Smith’s 117 leading his side

to their imposing first innings tally of 572 for seven declared and Kohli’s 147 the gel in India’s 475.

India learned yet again, however, that you cannot win Tests in Australia without disciplined and accurate pace bowling to take 20 wickets, however strong a batting line-up you possess.

“There is a lot for us to improve on as a Test side, especially seeing the way the Australians bowl,” Kohli added.

“I think that’s something we need to learn from, big time to be honest. If we can improve on that we’re going to be a very strong test team moving forward.”

Smith has clearly marked himself out as permanent Test captain when Michael Clarke’s back finally forces him out of the game, even if he will return to the ranks for next month’s 50-over World Cup. “I’ve really enjoyed it, I’ve had a great time,” Smith said. “The boys have done everything I’ve asked of them. They’ve worked their backsides off every day and I couldn’t be prouder of them for the way they’ve performed in this series.” - Reuters

NDIA battled to earn a draw on the last and final day of the series. It was the sensible and practical way to go after the fall of Raina’s wicket, for despite the fact that Saha, Ashwin and Bhuvneshwar are good enough with the bat, it was too much of a mountain to climb. If only they had shown the same practicality in the first Test at Adelaide, they would have lost the series 1-0 which would have been quite an achievement for this young batting side.

Losing the first Test of the series is never a good thing simply because after that, a touring team is invariably playing catch up with the home team.

Tactical withdrawal is part of warfare, but then India has a young general who showed that he had learnt from that misplaced Adelaide bravado by the way he and his team saved the Sydney Test.

The expected overnight declaration by the Australians set the Indians almost the same target Allan Border’s team had set Kapil’s team way back in 1986.

That Test match was a five and a half hours a day game, with the final day having 20 mandatory overs that started half an hour after tea time.

The Chennai pitch was quite a dustbowl by then, and with the Australians having two spinners in their ranks plus two top class new ball bowlers, the task was not easy.

However, the team planned the chase quite methodically looking to get about 100 runs for maybe one or two wickets by lunch, another 100 runs by tea for maybe another wicket or two, and then, in the half hour before the mandatory overs started, to accelerate a bit and have about 100 or less to chase in the mandatory overs.

But for a couple of ambitious shots after tea, the target would have been achieved with a couple of overs to spare. Instead, it went down to the wire and ended up as only the second tied Test in the history of

India has a young general who showed that he had learnt from that misplaced Adelaide bravado Test cricket.

If this Indian team had planned anything like that, it was not in evidence, as there were periods when no runs were being scored at all and suddenly there would be a burst of shots.

At no stage did the team looked like they would be mounting a serious challenge, and even when Vijay and Kohli were together and batting well, it was clear that, at best, they would get to within 60 or 70 runs of Australia’s total.

Once both were out and then Raina followed with a pair, the cat was among the pigeons, and it took some resolute batting from Ajinkya Rahane, Ashwin and Bhuvneshwar Kumar to ensure there was not another defeat.

After the disastrous last tour of 2011-12, the result in this series was much better for sure, especially since the batting, apart from Kohli, was playing for the first time on these pitches.

With more experience this batting unit will be a truly formidable one.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said of the bowling which, despite its experience of the previous tour, showed that it had learnt nothing, and the sooner a fresh set is brought in, like with the batting, the better for Indian cricket. - PMG

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Chelsea go two points clear, Man City held

Q ATA R O P E N

Chelsea began the day dead-level

Ferrer beats Berdych for 22nd career title DOHA: David Ferrer, so often the forgotten man of the world’s top ten, made a heartening start to the new season by winning the Qatar Open title on Saturday, defeating Tomas Berdych, 6-4, 7-5.

The 32-year-old fourth seed saved three set points in the second set against Tomas Berdych, the third-seeded former Wimbledon finalist, whose big weapons

sometimes threatened to sweep all before him.

But Ferrer, diligent, fast and better focussed, made the best of his talents — despite having to work hard to survive from within two points of defeat against Ivo Karlovic the previous day — and proved that he can still be a high level contender with the 22nd title of his career. - AFP

with City, but with the defending champions dropping points, Mourinho’s side moved two points clear

LONDON: Chelsea took sole possession of first place in the English Premier League table after they beat Newcastle United 2-0 on Saturday and Manchester City drew 1-1 at Everton.

Chelsea began the day deadlevel with City, but with the defending champions dropping points for only the second time in 10 matches, Jose Mourinho’s side moved two points clear.

Newcastle had beaten Chelsea 2-1 in the reverse fixture and despite still being without a manager following Alan Pardew’s departure, they threatened to pull off a repeat in the first half at Stamford Bridge.

Petr Cech was deputising in goal for Chelsea due to a finger injury to Thibaut Courtois and he had to save from Remy Cabella and Yoan Gouffran, while Moussa Sissoko slammed a shot against the post.

Chelsea lost Cesar Azpilicueta to an apparent groin injury in the 37th minute, but they went ahead four minutes later when Oscar tapped in Branislav Ivanovic’s cross after Willian took a quick corner.

Mourinho’s side improved after the break and added a delightfully constructed second goal just before the hour, with Diego Costa CHENNAI OPEN

Wawrinka closes in on third crown CHENNAI: Top seed Stanislas Wawrinka inched closer to his third Chennai Open title on Saturday, beating Belgium’s David Goffin 7-5, 6-3 in the semifinal.

Fourth seed Goffin tried his best against the Australian Open champion but an aggressive Wawrinka, winner in Chennai in 2011 and 2014, belted 31 winners to set up a final clash with Slovenian qualifier Aljaz Bedene.

“David is tough to play, he plays really fast and made me move a lot but I played my best match of the week,” Wawrinka said in a courtside interview.

“I was really, really aggressive, serving well and I’m really happy to go through,” said the Swiss who hit 31 winners in the match.

He also committed 24 unforced errors but the world No. 4 did not fuss over it.

“When you try to play aggressive, you need to take some risks and that was the plan against him. I did really well today even if I made some unforced errors. I was going for the shots, trying to make him run and hit some winners. I’m playing well.”

Bedene, who beat Wawrinka in the quarter-final in Chennai two years ago, overcame Spaniard Roberto Bautista 3-6 6-3 7-6(8) in the first semifinal. - Reuters

15TH GOAL: Chelsea’s Diego Costa, left, celebrates after scoring a goal during the English Premier

League match against Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge in London on Saturday. – AFP

gathering a clever back-heel from Oscar and drilling in his 15th goal of the campaign.

At Goodison Park, Everton enjoyed the best of the first half against City, with Seamus Coleman hitting the bar.

City went ahead in the 74th minute when Fernandinho helped a shot from David Silva over the line with his head, but Steven Naismith equalised four minutes later, glancing home a cross from Leighton Baines.

Serbian winger Lazar Markovic scored his first league goal as improving Liverpool closed to within four points of the top four by winning 1-0 at Sunderland, who had Liam Bridcutt sent off for two bookable offences.

Markovic poked the ball between the legs of Sunderland goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon in the ninth minute at a gusty Stadium of Light as Liverpool extended their unbeaten run to five league games.

Gomis flag tribute “Our confidence is returning,”

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers told BT Sport. “This is a team that gets better and better as it goes on. It is a young group, but they are developing very well.”

Tottenham Hotspur can move into the top four if they win at Crystal Palace later on Saturday, with third-place Manchester United and fourth-place Southampton facing off at Old Trafford on Sunday.

West Ham United spurned a chance to climb to fifth place after being held to a 1-1 draw at Swansea City.

Andy Carroll put West Ham ahead in the 43rd minute with a fine effort, chesting down a high ball and then dancing across the box before slamming a left-foot shot into the top-right corner from 15 yards.

But Swansea equalised in the 74th minute when a header from France striker Bafetimbi Gomis hit the post, struck West Ham midfielder Mark Noble and rebounded into the net for an own goal.

Gomis celebrated by displaying

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

LA LIGA

Sharapova downs Ivanovic for title BRISBANE: Maria Sharapova beat Ana Ivanovic in the final of the Brisbane International on Saturday in a display that bodes well for her chances at the Australian Open.

It has been seven years since Sharapova won her only Australian Open title but if she can take her form from Brisbane to Melbourne, a second title does not seem out of the question.

Sharapova had to work hard to beat Ivanovic, coming from behind to beat her 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-3 but the Serbian is a good measuring stick.

Sharapova not only beat Ivanovic in the 2008 Australian Open final but both women are in devastating form heading towards the first grand slam of the season, starting on January 19.

The Russian dropped just nine games in getting to the final while Ivanovic showed nerves of steel to see off her opponents to join Sharapova, ranked number two in the world.

It was a match that could have gone either way but Sharapova proved too strong in the deciding third set at the Pat Rafter Arena.

Winning the Brisbane International provided Sharapova with her 34th WTA career title and her fifth in the last nine months, a red-hot span in which she also captured a second French Open and a first China Open.

a France flag in tribute to the victims of this week’s Islamist killing spree in Paris.

Burnley climbed out of the relegation zone and dragged Queens Park Rangers into the bottom three with a 2-1 home win over Harry Redknapp’s side.

Scott Arfield’s opener was cancelled out by a penalty from former Burnley striker Charlie Austin, but Danny Ings gave the hosts victory in the 37th minute by rolling the ball past Rob Green after a neat piece of control.

Bottom club Leicester City closed to within two points of safety by winning 1-0 at home to Aston Villa, with Paul Konchesky slamming in the only goal in firsthalf stoppage time.

Leicester’s Matty James and Villa’s Ciaran Clark were sent off in added time.

In his first league game as manager, Tony Pulis saw West Bromwich Albion climb to 14th after Saido Berahino’s 78th-minute goal secured a 1-0 home win over Hull City. - AFP

The 27-year-old has won at least one title every year since 2003, an unbroken streak of 15 years.

For Ivanovic, the pain of losing was compounded by an abdominal strain which forced her to seek medical attention but is unlikely to disrupt her Australian Open campaign.

Federer in final Roger Federer moved to within one win of his 1,000 career victory when he crushed Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov on Saturday to reach the final.

The Swiss maestro produced a masterclass display to brush aside his young challenger, dubbed ‘Baby Fed’, 6-2 6-2 in just 53 minutes.

Federer will now play Milos Raonic in Sunday’s final after the big-serving Canadian blasted 34 aces past Kei Nishikori to win the first semifinal 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4), 7-6 (4). If Federer wins his 83rd career title on Sunday he will join Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl as just the third man to chalk up 1,000 ATP match wins.

“It’s a goal for the season, so I still have time to get to a thousand,” he said. “I hope it’s tomorrow, clearly.

“It’s a really big number, no doubt about it. Love to get it tomorrow, especially in the finals in an ATP event where most of my wins have come. - Reuters

Ten-man Real back to winning ways MADRID: La Liga leaders Real Madrid returned to winning ways after consecutive defeats when they shrugged off playing most of the second half with 10 men to secure a 3-0 win at home to midtable Espanyol on Saturday.

Beaten 2-1 at Valencia in La Liga last weekend and 2-0 at Atletico Madrid in a King’s Cup last 16, first leg in midweek, Real took the lead at their Bernabeu arena when Cristiano Ronaldo set James Rodriguez up to score in the 12th minute.

Gareth Bale arrowed a free kick over the wall and into the net off a post to make it 2-0 in the 28th minute before fullback Fabio Coentrao was shown a straight red card for a dangerous tackle eight minutes into the second half.

Despite that setback, Real remained in control and substitute Nacho clipped home a third goal for the European champions 14 minutes from time. The victory stretched Real’s lead over second-placed Barcelona at the top to four points. Barca play at home to champions Atletico, who are third and level on 38 points with their hosts, on Sunday.

Real, whose Spanish record winning streak of 22 matches was ended by Valencia, have a game in hand over Barca and Atletico. - Reuters

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LIFE & STYLE

SECTION

he chemical history of modern hair dyes reveals that, while they were once part of an innovative industry, progress has stalled and today they rely on antiquated methods. But consumers are not exactly pressuring the industry to innovate. As the US anthropologist Harry Shapiro once wrote: “So universal is this urge to improve on nature... that one is almost tempted to regard it as an instinct.”

Hair colourists, it seems, speak a different language to the rest of us. They talk of “volume” (concentration) and “lift” (lightening). And it turns out I have been making a faux pas.

“We dye Easter eggs,” one Summit instructor gently informs me. “We colour hair.”

But after a day and a half, I am still waiting for some science. Then I find Tom Despenza. He has years of experience working in research and development at Clairol — a career that began when, as a microbiology student, his car broke down in front of a beauty school. He is now retired and owns his own hair colour company called Chromatics.

When I catch up with Tom at the Summit, he has been teaching his popular class “Forget the Hype! Let’s get real”, which dispels the hearsay that makes up the beauty school curriculum.

Understanding the dyes used on hair is not as simple as understanding the colour wheel. As we all learned in art class, any colour can be obtained by mixing the three primary colours of red, yellow and blue. If you want brown, you mix all three. Beauticians are taught the same thing when it comes to hair — that brown dye is a combination of three different dyes. “That’s just fictitious information,” says Despenza. “Brown hair colour is made up of two chemicals.” Both chemicals are colourless, he explains, but they produce brown through a chemical reaction that occurs when they are combined.

An important distinction exists between colour and dye. Hairdressers are not applying pigments (at least not in the case of permanent hair dye). They are applying a mixture of chemicals to initiate dye formation. The individual dye molecules have to be linked together before they emit colour, so dyes have to sit on the head for 30 minutes to allow this reaction to occur.

In the mid-1800s, English chemist William Henry Perkin serendipitously synthesised the first non-natural dye: starting with coal tar, he was hoping to produce the malaria drug quinine, but instead created mauve. His discovery revolutionised the textile industry and launched the petrochemical industry. Natural dyes just didn’t have the staying power and vivid colours of the dye Perkin created. Never before had such a steadfast dye been found.

Soon after, August Hofmann (Perkin’s chemistry professor) noticed that a dye he had derived from coal tar formed a colour when exposed to air. The molecule responsible was para-phenylenediamine, or PPD, the foundation of most permanent hair dyes today.

Although hair is a protein fibre, like wool, the dyeing process for textiles cannot be duplicated on the head. To get wool to take a dye, you must boil the wool in an acidic solution for an hour. The equivalent for hair is to bathe it in the chemical ammonia. Ammonia separates the protective protein layers, allowing dye compounds to penetrate the hair shaft and access the un-

derlying pigment, melanin.

Melanin is what gives colour to human skin, eyes and hair. It’s the ratio of two types of melanin — eumelanin and pheomelanin — that determines your natural hair colour. And it’s the size and shape that the melanin molecules form when they cluster in the hair shaft that gives the unique tones within a hair colour.

Along with ammonia, hair dye formulae contain hydrogen peroxide, a bleaching agent. Peroxide serves two purposes: it reacts with the melanin in hair, extinguishing its natural colour, and provokes a reaction between PPD molecules. The trapped colour-emitting molecule will remain in the hair, too big to escape, and the natural colour will appear only as the hair grows out.

Early on, dye chemists realised that if they added a secondary molecule, called a coupler, they could manipulate the chemi-

An important distinction exists between colour and dye. Hairdressers are not applying pigments at least not in the case of permanent hair dye. They are applying a mixture of chemicals to initiate dye formation

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM S U N DAY, JAN UARY 1 1 , 2 0 1 5

cals — a carbon here, a couple of nitrogens there — and multiply the colour choices that were available with PPD alone. Different methods have been proposed, but beauty manufacturers have yet to accept a permanent hair colour formula without PPD or its related compound p-aminophenol.

For 125 years, the oxidative reaction of PPD has been the extent of hair dye technology. Dr David Lewis, emeritus professor at the University of Leeds, thinks that this is “crazy”. “We would never dream of using this dye on textiles,” he says. Scientists working for the industry continue to point out that no undisputed epidemiological studies show a significant risk of cancer among people who colour their hair. Unless you look at a population that is exposed to hair dye every day: hairdressers, have a 5 per cent greater chance of contracting bladder cancer.

Ancient Egyptians dyed their hair, but rarely did so while it was on their heads.

They shaved it off, then curled and braided it into fashion wigs to protect their bald heads from the sun. Black was the most popular colour until around the 12th century BCE, when plant material was used to colour the wigs red, blue or green.

The ancients also used saffron, indigo and alfalfa. But natural dyes only coat the hair temporarily and people wanted chemically altered tresses. Analysing hair samples has revealed that the Greeks and Romans used permanent black hair dye thousands of years ago.

Beauty is a multibillion-pound industry that’s continuing to grow. According to one industry report, cosmetics manufacturing will have brought in $255 billion in revenue globally in 2014 and global profits are estimated to increase to $316 billion by 2019. -Rebecca Guenard/The Independent

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EXTRA

N

ot lon g a frien ago, d sent m that th John e grea e a speech Ga Alum rdner gave t civic lead ni er to the S he gr Associatio n 61 y tanford aduat g ed fr The s om t ears after he meanin T peech h a t is cho tical colleg ck wi e. this p sdom. I e -full of pra of words can assage c specia : lly lik ed “The thin gs you lear have different rity aren’t n in matu simple thin gs quiring in such as ac formation meanings and and skills learn not . You to engage in self-des tive behav interpre truciou tations, burn up en r. You learn not to ergy in an xiety. You a cover how n opinion disto manage your tensi You learn sug ons. that self-p ity and rese gest ment are ntamong th s e most to drugs. You xic of find that th e world lo ves talent but pays off on character.

“You come to un derstand that most people ar e neither for yo u nor against you; they are thinking about them we selves. You lea en rn that no matter ho wh n w hard you try to a please, some pe me hat ople in this world we ng ? n is t ao i d are not going to a an me an m g at love you, a lesso e me wh n n th that is at first tro Yet word ing w more leadi ubling and then h e t n t h really quite relax o u t t s s o ing.” use he fir be ab e per me Gardner goes on T d so to ld s. Th n u in this wise u o fo eads sh ces has way. And then, at the end, he goes tl life l suc life rs tha a l i r u e f into a peroration about leading is g h te t n . i o e life ean ing anc a meaningful life. “Meaning is a m of serv ignific ingful erely s a m out something you build into your life. ean way ling of a m than is ab is e e , f d You build it out of your own past, a ss on ng ing Sec atisfy ppine meani and loyala s u; H t out of your affections e n he f . r nce of humo y life prese self to t ing; ties, out of the experie v e p i e on to you. hap ing th ting on ut rece ing. mankind as it is passed bo giv s joy edica a n s can t o i wh e u one y d od ess s abo ut — You are the onl abo i t mo ppin t unique . Ha ulness t upbea le leadput them together into tha e r u f t u p life.” abo Peo ning ce a pattern that will be your mea iness is iences. perien ing ” at ean “m s x r put r p e dne e Gar nce.

Hap ice exp l lives tion. an existe c n fu e of hum fo ge o w and eaning f satisfa o ap h e e th o an up m minded m e re g r s ch ve n o n ee he i ng is . It’s i e rd o n s w His sp a e r at is t s heard th ful es eepethis way, m sciousnes ng im g T d y n m i ten we’ve As In f con servi ean decades. ts it, ou’re tate o the past of m we son pu ndting s eel when y y f w t a li i L r hen ful.

April you f he sta tho w t e t u a e u g h m a g t a e o . w l c e in ge coll sou s be yond self monean lace mat we ing ” ha verything the ne of things be to be said, as com ulti o “mean ng and m to rep one y i b r s s b l i a a fo h fl t g t it I p is t e Ye s tin oti of nt e word eeks. le in in conc rm gnifica ss trie the em acts today, th and s acceptab e a f a cula d o r t se c u o w u f d ly e s s si pro ib ln th ds ous, the yearn w phrase to descr feel ningfu ms wi rroun and vacu e use e ulate a tic nce l t u ar e a in a l s n s u r the f ow t gr y eca on a i M al s has r p t i at B th p a re n s tu . r r th te olely d mode entally mo itu na m about inner life. bst uilt s ess an lt oro If we y: u wa c funda is s th it l t b a rity.

Let me pu ntl bui try is a need. pal ness conte t is tiveg in history who h le op pe a c e th at look lIt’s ngful it is use i ubjeecanin r things — like Ne i s , e achieved great r ean otion Beca , it’s et m noth nze eit hw Sc rt m be Al n . or g a la m a de o e an e i l son M an ducib emot . You ning udge oln — it wasn’t be j a e c n or Abraham Linc r i e o ir m s to en ist ely cause they wanted to bathe luxurin s no tiv get of u sol o a l y e I y ously in their own sense of meanlel are of an d r y. an wa o is on? ed so here kind ’s ingfulness. They had objective and e i e h on y. W mot ’s bas ss. T hat herould T w ve e eternally true standards of justice w e t a l i . s r e ’ e w er e us o in he t us and injustice. They were indigoth eca it is term s hig tha we m ce to B i y e l , i t d a nant when those eternal standards as erv rch , en to ess nu tim teria gfuln ma f us of s iera lect t were violated. They subscribed to e o moral systems — wh cri anin ical ch rms no h us s igh st ether secular ct e ea r fo e is elp we m he me or religious — that rec a ommended pr uid we her d h gs hig specific ways of bei ono lp g hallo s. T oul thin h is ng, and had m ae specific structures of he m s one at w the hic on ns n what is right h l fro eper es t g al ty w ly e se the m and wrong, an e l i d had specifi de valu mon ctiv so th ay he n. c disciplines ab ed hen aw ed t ds i of m a at a . s better ove out how you might get o a d b W go us o r time. fro , th to it’s ng. ful aro i flo Meaningf o t d i g s u e ulness trie s to replace structure be us eet nin nce nn s, standar nd eca ’s fl ea at o o. E d s a an B it d discim th to plines w ith self-r , n, of egarding io ns use ped t a op emotion. o c i t e dr The th ts ge

im es

P re erso lia n a ne Th ble l cr th ss e p gro isis er em hi un fo e i e lo d. ll lar ow s n rge so am y o c s i ph s. o y Th n pl id r o o m er M e do rad fram m a cu f m e’s ea n’ ica e on ltu e a ni t w l p w no fu o m re n n fee ndam gfu ant lura rk. ora in ingf ln to lis I l v wh ul lg e Re ood ntal ess jud m, t em oca ich ? a qu eme ge whe er bulm ab es rg ea n ge tio es ch pe s aro alanc oral n w ot os u e ys ing sed of is, he he t e i f ing ulne mor ntel ms do n th r. l a a we e inn feel ss is l se ectu re b i n a n p er Ne life g, th ure time l rigoased ws . -D e N and nts r a on Se rv av utr se . M nd ice id aS lf-r ean Br oo we eg ks a et /N ew of rdYo t he rk T

C8

S U N DAY, JAN UARY 1 1 , 2 0 1 5

C9

ENTERTAINMENT CINEMA SCHEDULE

BAHJA CINEMA Seventh Son (2D) (Adv ) (PG12) Cast: Ben Barnes, Julianne Moore 5:15 PM Seventh Son (3D) (Adv) (PG12) 9:30, 11:30 PM Automata (2D) (Sci-Fi ) (PG) Cast: Antonio Banderas; 3:00, 7:15 PM Zulu (2D) (Crime | Drama) (15+) Cast: Orlando Bloom, Forest Whitaker 9:45 PM Tevar (2D) (Action |Romance) (TBC) Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha 8:50 PM Tom Little and Magic Mirror (2D) (Animation |Adventure) (PG); 4:00 PM The Imitation Game (2D) (Bio) (12+) Cast: Keira Knightley 5:30, 6:45 PM Woman In Black Angel Of Death (2D) (Horror | Thriller) (15+) Cast: Helen McCrory, Jeremy Irvine 11:45 PM Vice (2D) (Action | Adventure) (15+) Cast: Thomas Jane, Bruce Willis 2:00, 11:45 PM P.K (2D) (Comedy | Drama) (PG) Cast: Aamir Khan, Sanjay Dutt; 4:00 PM From A to B (2D) (Adv|Com) (12+) Cast: Fahad Albutairi, Shadi Alfons 2:00, 7:45 PM

Gold Class: 3:00 PM Seventh Son (2D) (Adv) (PG12) Cast: Ben Barnes, Julianne Moore 3:30 PM Seventh Son (3D) (Adv/Fan) (PG12) 9:45 PM & 11:45 PM Gold Class: 11:15 PM Automata (2D) (Sci-Fi/Thr) (PG) Cast: Antonio Banderas, Birgitte Hjort 5:30 & 11:45 PM P K (2D): (Comedy/fantasy) (PG) Cast: Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma 4:00 PM Gold Class: 5:15 PM Jack & The Cuckoo-Clock Heart (2D) (Animation/Adventure) (PG) 10:30 AM & 2:15 PM From A To B (2D) (Com/Adv) (12+) Cast: Fahad Albutairi, Shadi Alfons 12:15 PM & 6:45 PM Gold Class: 1:00 PM Tevar (2D) (Action/Romance) Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha 8:45 PM Gold Class: 8:15 PM

SCREEN 1 Tevar (Action |Romance) (TBC) Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 pm SCREEN 2

Tom Little & Magic Mirror (2D) (Animation/Adventure) (PG) 10:15 AM & 2:00 PM The Imitation Game (2D) (Biography/Thriller) (12+) Cast: Keira Knightley 11:45 AM & 7:30 PM

P. K (Comedy | Drama | Social) (PG ) Cast: Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma, Sanjay Dutt 3.45, 6.45, 9.45 pm

SCREEN 3

Mylanchi Monchulla Veedu â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2D (M) (PG) (Family | Drama) Cast: Asif Ali, Jayaram, Kanika 6:45PM Automata â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2D (PG) (Sci-Fi) Cast: Antonio Banderas 9:45 & 11:45 PM

Seventh Son (Fantasyn|Adventure) (English) -(PG12 ) Cast: Ben Barnes, Julianne Moore 3.45, 6.45, 9.45 pm

P.K. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2D (PG) (Com | Drama) Cast: Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma 9:00pm Vice â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2D (15+) (Act | Adv | Sci-Fi) Cast: Thomas Jane, Bruce Willis 3:45, 11:45pm Seventh Son â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2D (PG12) (Adv) Cast: Ben Barnes, Julianne Moore 3:15pm Seventh Son â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3D (PG12) (Adv| Family | Fantasy) Cast: Jeff Bridges 5:15, 9:30, 11:30pm The Imitation Game â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2D (12+) (Biography | Drama | Thriller) Cast: Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode 4:00 & 7:15 PM Zulu â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2D (15+) (Crime | Thriller) Cast: Orlando Bloom, Forest Whitaker 6:15 PM Tevar â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2D (TBC) (Action | Romance) Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha and Manoj Bajpayee 8:15 & 11:15 PM Tom Little and Magic Mirror â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2D (PG) (Animation/Adv/Fantasy) Cast: Ada Cruz, Omar Proenza 3:15 & 5: 30 PM From A to B â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2D (12+) (Adv | Com) Cast: Fahad Albutairi, Shadi Alfons, Fadi Rifaai 4:45 & 7:00PM

Seventh Son â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2D (Adv) (PG15) Cast: Ben Barnes, Julianne Moore 3:15 PM Seventh Son â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3D (Adv ) (PG15) 5:15, 9:15 PM Poker Night (Act | Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Beau Mirchoff, Ron Perlman 7:15, 11:45 PM Zulu (Crime | Thriller) (15+) Cast: Orlando Bloom, Forest Whitaker, Tanya van Graan 3:15, 9:45 PM Swelter (Act | Thriller) (15+) Cast: Jean-Claude Van Damme 5:15 PM From A to B (Adv| Com ) (12+) Cast: Fahad Albutairi,Fadi Rifaai 5:00, 7:00 PM Tevar (Action | Romance) Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha 7:00, 9:00, 11:15 PM AutĂłmata (Sci-Fi | Thriller) (PG) Cast: Antonio Banderas, Birgitte Hjort 3:00, 11:45 PM

Zulu (Crime | Thriller) (15+) Cast: Orlando Bloom 11:45 PM Vice (Act| Adventure | Sci-Fi) (15+) 6:45 pm Seventh Son (3D) (Adv| Fan) (PG12)

9:45pm Seventh Son (2D) (Adv | Fa) (PG12) 4:45 pm Mylanchi Monchulla Veedu (Mal) (Family | Drama) (PG) 11:15 PM Tevar (Hindi) (Com | Drama ) (TBC) Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha 8:30 PM From A to B (Arabic) (Adv | Com)(12+) 5:00 PM P.K (Hindi) (Co | Dr | Fantasy) (PG) 7:00pm

Seventh Son (3D/PG12) (Adv) 9:45 & 11:45PM Seventh Son (2D/PG12) (Adv) 2:30PM The Imitation Game (2D/12+) (Biography/Drama/Thriller) 1:30, 7:30PM Poker Night (2D/PG12) (Thriller) 11:15 & 12:30PM Jack and the Cuckoo-Clock Heart (2D/ PG) (Animation/Adv/Drama) 2:30PM Vice (2D/15+) (Act/Adv/Sc-Fi) Cast: Thomas Jane, Bruce Willis 11:45am, 11:30pm Zulu (2D/15+) (Crime/Thriller) Cast: Orlando Bloom 9:30PM From A to B (2D/12+) (Adv/Co) Cast: Fahad Albutairi, Shadi Alfons 4:15, 6:15PM P.K. (2D/PG) (Com/Drama) 6:45PM Tevar (2D/PG) (Action/Romance) 11:30am, 4:30, 8:15PM Mylanchi Monchulla Veedu (2D/ PG) (Family/Drama) Cast: Asif Ali, Jayaram, Kanika

Seventh Son (Adventure/Fantasy) Cast: Jeff Bridges, Ben Barnes, Alicia Vikander Kit Harington 4.00, 8.00, 10.00 & 11.55 pm CP No: 2015/62 (PG 12 ) Autómata (Sci-Fi-/Thriller) Cast: Antonio Banderas, Birgitte Hjort Sørensen, Melanie Griffith 2.00. 6.00, & 10.00 pm ; CP No: 2015/61 (PG) Zulu (Crime /Drama /Thriller) Cast: Orlando Bloom, Forest Whitaker, Tanya van Graan 4.00, 8.00 & 11.55 pm; CP No: 2015/60 (15+) Iron Clad: Battle for Blood (Act) Cast: Michelle Fariley, Roxanne Mckee 2.00 pm; CP No: 2015/2 (18+) Swelter (Action/Thriller) Cast: Jean Claude Van Damme 6.00 pm; CP No: 2015/3 (15+)

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

STARS CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Chinnadana Nee Kosam (Telugu) ( Rom\Com) Cast: Nitin Reddy and Mishti 3:00pm at Cinema Main, 6:30 & 9:30pm at Cinema 2 Mylanchi Monchulla Veedu (Mal) (Rom\Com) Cast: Jayaram & Asif Ali 3:30 pm at Cinema -2\ 6:30 & 9:30pm Cinema Main P K (Hindi) (Com) Cast: Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma & Sanjay Dutt 3:45, 6:45 & 9:45 pm Cinema-3 Vellakkara Durai (Tamil)(Com) Cast: Vikram Prabhu & Sri Divya & Soori 3:45, 6:45 & 9:45 pm at Cinema -4

For More Information 24789032, 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

ACES ON BRIDGE

Can you control the trump suit?

SUDOKU

HOW TO PLAY Fill the empty cells with the numbers 1 to 9, so that each number appears once in each row, column and area. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Seven Galaxies

MARMADUKE

CROSSWORD

B I G NAT E

51 56 57 58 59 60 61 62

Slayerâ&#x20AC;?

Gave praise â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Dawn Chong Goods Expert Wheel buy (2 wds.)

Aquariusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tote Sticker Nasty!

DOWN 1 Crackerjack 2 BMW rival 3 Third-quarter tide 4 Mombasaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s country 5 Galleon cargo 6 Bestseller 7 Table extender 8 â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Robotâ&#x20AC;? writer 9 Designer â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Claiborne 10 Ice or Stone 11 Garyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s st.

17 Give it the gas 19 Sweater letter 22 Moccasin, maybe 23 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; dot 25 Tex-Mex snack 26 Vivacity

27 Bastes 28 French Legion headgear 29 Cyrusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; realm, today 30 Legal document 32 Requirement 38 Merchant 40 Ostrich cousin 42 Mauna â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 44 TV personality

46 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55

Paula Totes Herrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spouse Wolfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weapon Slangy affirmative Blow away Rabbitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foot Opposite of postExpected any time Big Band â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Answer to previous puzzle

ACROSS 1 Unnaturally pale 4 Eyeliner 8 Jai â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 12 Blue or green 13 Pennsylvania port 14 Endorse 15 Mountain overlooking Troy 16 CertiďŹ ed 18 Comic strip pinhead 20 Not masc.

21 Briefcase closer 24 Casts a ballot 28 Fuzzy fruit 31 Term of endearment 33 Goodbye, to Gaius 34 Use poor judgment 35 Yea, to a matador 36 Ravenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s call 37 Forked over 39 Make do with 40 Geologic time divisions 41 PC-chip maker 43 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Madam, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;?

45 Email host 47 â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the Vampire

MOHIT VERMULAPAD January 11, 2002

Previous puzzle Solution

PROFESSOR Shlomo Bernartzi, a leading authority on behavioural ďŹ nance, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Self-control is not a problem in the future. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only a problem now when the chocolates are next to us.â&#x20AC;?

Bridge players need to exercise self-control, especially when there is a trump suit. The urge to remove those held by the opponents can be overwhelming, but might not be best.

In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deal, South is in four spades. What should he do after West leads the heart ace?

Eastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two-diamond response was a transfer, showing at least ďŹ ve hearts and zero or more points.

Southâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two-spade overcall was dangerous, but his heart length suggested that his partner would be short in that suit and have some spades. West rebid three hearts to indicate four-card support, and North jumped to game because he had a void and expected partner to hold a six-card suit.

After ruffing the lead in the dummy, if South plays three rounds of trumps, he draws them all, but then the defenders can cash three hearts and two clubs for down three. (True, they are unlikely to get it right and will allow declarer to escape for down two, but that is still expensive.)

South must keep the trump and heart suits under control. At trick two, he should run the spade seven. West takes the trick but has no defense. He does best to lead another high heart, in the hope that East has the diamond queen.

Here, though, declarer will ruff in the dummy, play a diamond to his hand, draw trumps, and claim an overtrick.

Watch for this play of losing an inevitable trump trick as soon as possible.

Phillip Alder

WITH LOVE

BORN LOSER

Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 16 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to extra@timesofoman.com

KIDSPOT

H E A LT H C A P S U L E

C10

SUN DAY, JANUARY 11, 2015

PRAYER TIMINGS

FIND-IT-ALL Y O U R B I R T H D AY

BORN today, you often work better behind the scenes than in the spotlight, and you will almost certainly learn at an early age that to be a mover and shaker, you must be willing to sacrifice certain things that you would otherwise hold dear. Being in control of your own destiny is, however, so important to you that you are willing to make those sacrifices — especially when doing so puts you in a position of such authority and power that you have control over not only your own life, but the lives of others as well. Some may see this as worthy of criticism — and so it might be, if you didn’t hold your fellow humans in such high regard, working to elevate their lives in some way even as you hold sway over them.

You know how to express yourself well, how to promote a cause or a point of view and how to see to the heart of an opposing view. This will enable you to succeed where others fail. Your use of words can give you a distinct advantage; you speak and write with remarkable power.

Also born on this date are: Mary J. Blige, singer-songwriter and actress; Alexander Hamilton, US founding father; Naomi Judd, singer; Amanda Peet, actress; Rod Taylor, actor; William James, philosopher and psychologist; Mitchell Ryan, actor; Joel Zwick, filmmaker; Grant Tinker, television executive; David Wolper, director and producer.

W E AT H E R

WORLD

Max 28 Min 20 Max 1 Min -1

Max 19 Min 7

Max 28 Min 17 Max 8 Min 7

Max 27 Min 15

Max -2 Min -3

Max 31 Min 11

Max 29 Min 14

Max 27 Min 16

CAPRICORN

Max 28 Min 16

[DEC. 22-JAN 19] Max 27

Max 20 Min 10

—www.met.gov.om

Max 27 Min 21 Max 24 Min 19

Min

GULF Abu Dhabi Doha Dubai Kuwait Manama Riyadh

24 19 25 13 17 11

16 14 17 3 13 4

WORLD Athens Baghdad Beijing Berlin Boston Cairo Colombo Frankfurt Hong Kong Istanbul Johannesburg Kuala Lumpur Lisbon Paris Perth Singapore Tokyo Toronto

18 10 6 6 0 18 29 6 18 10 28 30 15 9 31 28 11 -1

11 0 -7 3 -3 9 23 4 15 9 15 23 6 6 18 25 2 -5

L O N G D I S TA N C E B U S T I M I N G S ( O M A N N AT I O N A L T R A N S P O R T C O M PA N Y S A O C ) * S U B J E C T T O C H A N G E

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

TO MUSCAT (RUWI)

[JAN. 20-FEB. 18] You’re not likely to do as well at a certain endeavour as you expected. It may be that you underestimated the overall challenge.

PISCES [Feb. 19-March 20] You don’t want others to think that you are backing away from a challenge, yet you also don’t want to be in danger. Think things through!

ARIES [March 21-APRIL 19] You may have to share personal information with someone you don’t altogether trust. The dangers are few, however.

TAURUS [APRIL 20-MAY 20] You may be accused of being shortsighted, but that is not really the case. What you are, of course, is single-minded.

GEMINI [MAY 21-JUNE 20] You may not be able to control a rapidly developing situation as much as you had hoped, so perhaps your best bet is to get out of the way!

CANCER [JUNE 21-JULY 22] You’ve been involved with many successes in the past, but today you may be able to position yourself front and centre, and take a bow.

LEO [JULY 23-AUG. 22] You’re going to have to get feedback from others before you are able to put the final touches on a project of great personal significance.

VIRGO [AUG. 23-SEPT. 22] Like it or not, how others react to your efforts will matter a great deal to you, both now and over the long haul.

LIBRA L [[SEPT. [S S 23-OCT. 22] Maintaining an open mind allows you to see things in new ways. That, in turn, allows you to accept more productively what comes next.

SCORPIO S [[OCT. 23-NOV. 21] You should be able to fare well even though there is nothing out of the ordinary to be done. That which is routine can pay off handsomely.

SAGITTARIUS S [[NOV. 22-DEC. 21] You know the difference between speed and pace: The former can prove very dangerous, but the latter is necessary all day long.

Sunset Sunrise (Tomorrow) High tide Low tide

12:10pm 6.23pm

5:38pm 6:51am 1:10am ---

2.5 metres.

HORIZONTAL VISIBILITY: Good over most of the Sultanate becoming poor during fog formation.

THE NEXT 48 HOURS OUTLOOK: Mainly clear skies over most of the Sultanate with chances of low level clouds or fog patches during late night to early morning along the coastal areas of the Sultanate and governorates of Al-Buraimi and Al-Dhahira.

Rough sea are expected along the west coast of Musandam with a maximum wave height of 3.0 metres.

Max

OMAN

AQUARIUS

12.19pm 3.23pm 5.43pm 6.58pm 5.31am

AIRLINES

Mainly clear skies over most of the Sultanate with existence of high level clouds. Chances of low level clouds or fog during late night to early morning over governorates of Dhofar, Al-Wusta, AlBuraimi and Al-Dhahira.

EXPECTED WIND: Wind will be southeasterly moderate to fresh along Oman Sea coasts and southeasterly light to moderate over most of the Sultanate.

SEA STATE: Slight along most of Oman coasts with a maximum wave height of 1.25 metres becoming moderate to rough along Musandam and Oman Sea coasts with a maximum wave height of

Max 26 Min 11

You’ll get signals from others all day long. How you interpret them — and then put them together in a single meaningful way — is the key.

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (Route 36) Dept Destination Arrival Time Time 15:00 Quriyat 16:30 15:00 Sur 18:00 15:00 Jaalan 19:30 TO AL BURAIMI (Route 41) 06:30 Sohar 06:30 Buraimi 08:00 Buraimi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Buraimi 16.00 Sohar 16.00 Buraimi TO SINAW (Route 52) 17:30 Sinaw

Operating Days Daily Daily Daily

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (Route 36) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 05:30 Sur 06:45 Daily 05:30 Quriyat 08:30 Daily 05:30 Ruwi 10:00 Daily

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

Daily Daily Daily via Ibri Daily Daily Daily Daily

20:50

Daily

TO AL BURAIMI (Route 41) 07:00 Sohar 07:00 Ruwi 13:30 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 17:00 Ruwi TO SINAW (Route 52) 07:00 Ruwi

To Yanqul (Route 54) 14:30 Nizwa 14:30 Yanqul

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (Route 54) 08:00 Nizwa 08:00 Al Araqi

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (Route 55) 07:30 Sur 14:30 Sur TO FAHUD - YIBAL (Route 62) 06:30 Fahud 06:30 Yibal

08:55 11:40 20:20 14:55 17:40 19:20 22:15

Daily Daily Daily via Ibri Daily Daily Daily Daily

10:25

Daily

To Yanqul (Route 54) 06:00 Nizwa 06:00 Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

Daily Daily

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (Route 54) 15:40 Nizwa 15:40 Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

TO SUR (Route 55) 06:00 Ruwi 14:30 Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

10:30 11:15

Daily Daily

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (Route 62) 12:30 Fahud 12:30 Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (Route 100) 07:00 Salalah 20:00 10:00 Marmul 20:30 10:00 Salalah 23:30 19:00 Salalah 07:40

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (Route 100) 07:00 Ruwi 19:50 10:00 Marmul 13:15 10:00 Ruwi 22:30 19:00 Ruwi 07:30

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101) 06:00 Marmul

Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101) 06:00 Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (Route 102) 15:00 Salalah 07:00

Daily

16:50

SALALAH TO DUBAI (Route 102) 15:00 Dubai 07:00 TO DUBAI (Route 201) 06:00 Sohar 06:00 Dubai 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Dubai 15:00 Sohar 15:00 Dubai

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

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (Route 204) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 07:00 Fujairah 11.45 Daily 07:00 Sharjah 13.30 Daily 07:00 Dubai 14.00 Daily

TO DUBAI (Route 201) 07:30 Sohar 07:30 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Ruwi 15:30 Sohar 15:30 Ruwi

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

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (Route 204) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 16:00 Sharjah 16:30 Daily 16.00 Fujairah 18.15 Daily 16.00 Ruwi 23.00 Daily

LISTINGS

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi: 24783334; Appolo Medical Centre, Hamriya: 24782666; Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi: 24702542, Salalah: 23291635; Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra: 24503585 Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya. Tel: 24787766 Muscat, A Seeb Market. Tel: 24421691 Muscat, Al Khuwair. Tel: 24485740 Muscat, Al Hail South. Tel: 24537080 Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah.

Tel: 23291635 HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre: 24485052 Atlas Hospital: Ruwi: 24811743/ Ghubra: 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic: 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi: 24563641, Azaiba: 24499269, Sohar: 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital: 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory: 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre: 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya: 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic: 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi: 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb: 24420740 Ceregem National Raak: 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic: 24563217 Elixir Health Centre: 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre: 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre: 24472274 Hamdan Hospital: 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC: 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital: 24760100

24 Hrs Emergency: 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar: 26751128, MBD: 24799077, Al Khuwair: 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital: 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital: 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair: 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC: 22004000 ROYAL OMAN POLICE Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence: 24569603 Directorate General of Customs: 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries: 24510228 Public Relations Admin: 24560099 ACCOMMODATION Al Bahjah Hotel: 24424400 Al Bustan Palace: 24764000 Al Khuwair Hotel Apartments: 24478171 Al Madina Holiday Inn: 24596400 Al Maha International Hotel: 24494949 Al Fanar Hotel: 24712385 Al Falaj Hotel: 24702311 Al Qurum Resort: 24605945 Azaiba Hotel Apartments: 24490979 Beach Hotel: 24696601 Bowshar Hotel: 24491105 Coral Hotel Muscat: 24692121 Crowne Plaza Muscat: 24660660 Crystal Suites: 24826100 Golden Tulip Seeb: 24510300 Grand Hyatt Muscat: 24641234 Haffa House Hotel: 24707207 Hotel Muscat Holiday: 24487123 InterContinental Muscat: 24680000 Majan Continental Hotel: 24592900 Marina Hotel: 24711711 Midan Hotel Suites: 24499565 Mina Hotel: 24711828 Muttrah Hotel: 24798401

Nuzha Hotel Apartments: 24789199 Oman Dive Centre: 24824240 Park Inn: 24507888 Qurum Beach House Hotel: 24564070 Radisson Blu Hotel: 24487777 Ramee Dream Resort Seeb: 24453399 Ramee Guestline Hotel: 24564443 Ruwi Hotel: 24704244 Safeer Hotel Suites: 24691200 Sheraton Oman Hotel: 24772772 Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa: 24776666 The Chedi Muscat: 24524400 The Treasurebox Muscat Hotel: 24502570 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours): 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot: 24704455, Air Arabia: 24700828, Air France: 24562153, Air India: 24799801, Air New Zealand: 24700732, Biman Bangladesh Airlines: 24701128, British Airways: 24568777, Cathay Pacific: 24789818, Egypt Air: 24794113, Emirates Air: 24404400, Ethiopian Airlines: 24660313, Gulf Air: 80072424, Indian: 24791914, Iran Air: 24787423, Japan Airlines: 24704455, Jazeera Airways: 23294848, Jet Airways: 24787248, Kenya Airways: 24660300, KML Royal Dutch Airlines: 24566737, Kuwait Airways: 24701262, LOT Polish Airlines: 24796387, Lufthansa: 24796692, Malaysian Airlines: 24560796, Middle East Airlines: 24796680, Oman Air: 24531111, Pakistan International Airlines: 24792471, Qatar Airways: 24771900, Qantas: 24559941, Royal Jordanian: 24796693, Saudi Arabian Airlines: 24789485, Singapore Airlines: 24791233, Shaheen Air: 24816565, SriLankan Airlines:

24784545, Swiss International Airlines: 24796692, Thai Airways: 24705934, Turkish Airlines: 24703033 MUSEUMS Bait Al Baranda: Corniche (seafront opp fish market), Open from Saturday to Thursday 9am to 1pm and 4 to 6pm Natural History Museum: Al Khuwair, Tel: 24604957, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm; Thursday: 9am to 1pm Museum of Omani Heritage: (former Omani Museum), Madinat Al Alam, Sat-Wed 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday 9am to 1pm, Tel: 24600946 Armed Forces Museum: Bait Al Falaj, Tel: 24312651, Open from Sat to Wed: 8am to 1:30pm; Thurs 9-12pm and 3-6pm; Fri 9-11am and 3-6pm. Al Hoota Caves 24498258; Turtle Beach 96550606/96550707 Children’s Science Museum: Shatti Al Qurum, Tel: 24605368, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday: 9am to 1pm Oman-French Museum: near Muscat Police Station, Tel: 24736613, Open from Sat to Wed: 8am to 1:30pm, Thurs: 9am to 1pm Bait Al Zubair, Muscat: Tel: 24736688, Al Saidiya St., Muscat museum@baitalzubairmuseum.com Open from Sat to Thurs: 9:30am to 6pm.

National Museum Ruwi: Tel: 24701289, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday: 9am to 1pm Sohar Fort Museum: Tel: 26844758, Open from Saturday to Wed: 8 to 1:30pm Thurs: 9am to 1pm Muscat Gate Museum: at Al Bahri Road, Muscat open from Sat to Wed 8am to 2pm

SUNDAY FLT NO

ARRIVALS FROM

WY406 WY676 WY682 WY648 WY904 WY816 WY824 WY916 4H583 NL669 TK776 QR1132 ET624 EK866 GF560 EY384 FZ041 WY324 WY686 WY902 4H584 WY638 WY658 WY668 WY674 WY602 WY202 WY102 FZ043 WY274 NL768 G9114 WY236 WY242 WY226 EK862 WY252 WY212 WY346 QR1128 EY382 IX549 WY3302 WY282 WY3922 WY604 G9841 WY372 FZ037 WY424 IX337 PK223 WY606 WY918 WY906 WY812 WY656 WY632 FZ045 WY204 WY292 WY610 WY246 WY264 WY232 WY664 QR1126 GF564 WY3306 G9116 WY254 TG507 FZ047 WY434 WY614 WY914 WY386 WY152 WY312 WY116 WY124 KL441 WY144 AI973 WY624 6.00E+81 WY134 WY414 FZ049 AI907 QR1134 UL205 GF566 EY388 BA073 WY908 AI985 WY648 LX242 9W540 WY654 LH618 WY612 WY696 WY910 WY928 WY717

MONDAY ETA

FLT NO

ARRIVALS FROM

CAIRO 0005 JEDDAH 0005 RIYADH 0005 KUWAIT 0010 SALALAH 0015 BANGKOK 0015 KUALA LUMPUR 0055 SALALAH 0150 DACCA 0200 SIALKOT 0200 ISTANBUL-BAHRAIN 0300 DOHA 0345 ADDIS ABABA 0350 DUBAI 0355 BAHRAIN 0405 ABU DHABI 0405 DUBAI 0415 KARACHI 0540 RIYADH 0600 SALALAH 0630 DOHA 0640 ABU DHABI 0650 BAHRAIN 0700 DOHA 0710 JEDDAH 0730 DUBAI 0805 BOMBAY 0815 LONDON HEATHROW 0820 DUBAI 0850 JAIPUR 0855 LAHORE 0900 SHARJAH 0915 HYDERABAD 0920 DELHI 0920 COCHIN 0930 DUBAI 0940 MADRAS 0940 TRIVANDRUM 0940 ISLAM ABBAD 0955 DOHA 1010 ABU DHABI 1015 TRIVANDRUM 1020 MUKHAIZNA 1045 BANGALORE 1100 DUQUM OMAN 1105 DUBAI 1110 RAS AL KHAIMA 1120 COLOMBO 1130 DUBAI 1200 BEIRUT 1205 CALICUT 1210 PESHAWAR 1220 DUBAI 1330 KHASAB 1440 SALALAH 1445 BANGKOK 1525 BAHRAIN 1530 ABU DHABI 1535 DUBAI 1555 BOMBAY 1710 CALICUT 1720 DUBAI 1730 DELHI 1730 LUCKNOW 1735 HYDERABAD 1740 DOHA 1745 DOHA 1745 BAHRAIN 1810 MUKHAIZNA 1845 SHARJAH 1915 MADRAS 1920 BANGKOK-KARACHI 1935 DUBAI 1945 TEHRAN 2000 DUBAI 2030 SALALAH 2035 MALE 2110 ZURICH 2110 CHITTAGONG 2115 FRANKFURT 2115 MUNICH 2115 AMSTERDAM-DOHA 2120 MALPENSA 2120 DELHI 2125 DUBAI 2125 BOMBAY 2130 PARIS 2130 AMMAN 2135 DUBAI 2145 MADRAS 2200 DOHA 2210 COLOMBO 2225 BAHRAIN 2240 ABU DHABI 2250 LONDON HEATHROW-ABU DHABI 2255 SALALAH 2305 AHMEDABAD-BOMBAY 2310 KUWAIT 2315 ZURICH-DUBAI 2320 BOMBAY 2325 BAHRAIN 2330 FRANKFURT-ABU DHABI 2330 DUBAI 2335 DAMMAM 2350 SALALAH 2355 SALALAH 2355 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 2355

WY676 WY406 WY682 BG021 WY916 4H583 TK776 QR1132 EK866 GF560 EY384 FZ041 WY902 WY638 WY638 WY324 WY686 WY658 WY674 WY672 WY602 WY202 WY102 FZ043 G9114 WY242 WY236 WY918 WY226 WY252 WY212 WY346 EK862 QR1128 EY382 9W530 WY342 WY272 WY282 WY604 WY372 FZ037 WY384 IX337 WY332 PA450 WY904 WY818 WY606 WY3302 WY906 WY656 WY632 FZ045 WY204 WY292 WY610 WY246 WY3304 WY264 WY232 WY664 QR1126 EK864 GF564 WY3922 WY646 G9116 WY254 FZ047 WY434 WY614 AI977 KL441 WY624 AI973 WY312 6.00E+81 WY414 9W534 FZ049 AI907 QR1134 WY338 GF566 EY388 BA073 SG061 WY908 AI985 WY662 LX242 9W540 WY654 LH618 WY612 WY914 WY696 WY636 WY717 WY910

JEDDAH 0005 CAIRO 0005 RIYADH 0005 DACCA-CHITTAGONG 0100 SALALAH 0150 DACCA 0200 ISTANBUL-BAHRAIN 0300 DOHA 0345 DUBAI 0355 BAHRAIN 0405 ABU DHABI 0405 DUBAI 0415 SALALAH 0630 ABU DHABI 0650 ABU DHABI 0650 KARACHI 0700 RIYADH 0700 BAHRAIN 0700 JEDDAH 0730 MEDINA 0745 DUBAI 0805 BOMBAY 0815 LONDON HEATHROW 0820 DUBAI 0850 SHARJAH 0915 DELHI 0920 HYDERABAD 0920 KHASAB 0930 COCHIN 0930 MADRAS 0940 TRIVANDRUM 0940 ISLAM ABBAD 0940 DUBAI 0940 DOHA 1010 ABU DHABI 1015 TRIVANDRUM 1035 LAHORE 1100 JAIPUR 1100 BANGALORE 1100 DUBAI 1110 COLOMBO 1140 DUBAI 1200 MALE 1205 CALICUT 1210 KATHMANDU 1210 LAHORE 1215 SALALAH 1215 BANGKOK 1235 DUBAI 1330 MUKHAIZNA 1330 SALALAH 1415 BAHRAIN 1530 ABU DHABI 1535 DUBAI 1555 BOMBAY 1710 CALICUT 1720 DUBAI 1730 DELHI 1730 MUKHAIZNA 1730 LUCKNOW 1735 HYDERABAD 1740 DOHA 1745 DOHA 1745 DUBAI 1800 BAHRAIN 1810 DUQUM OMAN 1900 KUWAIT 1900 SHARJAH 1915 MADRAS 1920 DUBAI 1945 TEHRAN 2000 DUBAI 2030 BANGALORE-HYDERABAD 2105 AMSTERDAM-DOHA 2120 DUBAI 2125 DELHI 2125 CHITTAGONG 2125 BOMBAY 2130 AMMAN 2135 COCHIN 2140 DUBAI 2145 MADRAS 2200 DOHA 2210 KATHMANDU 2235 BAHRAIN 2240 ABU DHABI 2250 LONDON HEATHROW-ABU DHABI 2250 AHMEDABAD 2300 SALALAH 2305 AHMEDABAD-BOMBAY 2310 DOHA 2315 ZURICH-DUBAI 2320 BOMBAY 2325 BAHRAIN 2330 FRANKFURT-ABU DHABI 2330 DUBAI 2335 SALALAH 2345 DAMMAM 2350 ABU DHABI 2350 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 2355 SALALAH 2355

FLT NO

DEPARTURES TO

FLT NO

DEPARTURES TO

AI986 LX243 BA072 9W539 LH619 WY685 WY811 WY323 WY211 WY251 WY201 WY225 WY235 WY273 WY601 WY341 WY151 WY241 WY281 WY423 WY657 WY637 WY371 WY123 WY133 WY115 WY667 WY143 WY345 4H584 NL772 TK777 ET625 EK867 FZ042 QR1133 EY385 WY3301 WY3921 4H584 GF561 WY903 WY603 WY291 WY263 FZ044 WY245 WY231 G9115 WY905 WY203 NL769 WY605 WY253 WY311 WY717 EK863 EY383 IX554 WY655 QR1129 WY3303 WY917 WY331 G9842 WY631 IX350 FZ038 PK224 WY663 WY413 WY101 WY433 WY927 WY609 WY405 WY3305 WY675 WY913 FZ046 WY613 WY623 WY681 QR1127 WY907 GF565 WY647 WY661 WY695 WY653 WY909 G9117 WY611 WY635 FZ048 TG508 WY825 WY915 FZ050 KL442 WY817 6.00E+82 AI908 AI974 QR1135 GF567 UL206 EY381 WY673 WY901 WY671

BOMBAY 0005 DUBAI-ZURICH 0020 ABU DHABI-LONDON HEATHROW 0025 BOMBAY 0025 ABU DHABI-FRANKFURT 0050 RIYADH 0105 BANGKOK 0105 KARACHI 0105 TRIVANDRUM 0110 MADRAS 0110 BOMBAY 0120 COCHIN 0125 HYDERABAD 0135 JAIPUR 0140 DUBAI 0150 LAHORE 0150 ZURICH 0155 DELHI 0155 BANGALORE 0200 BEIRUT 0200 BAHRAIN 0205 ABU DHABI 0205 COLOMBO 0210 MUNICH 0210 PARIS 0215 FRANKFURT 0215 DOHA 0220 MALPENSA 0225 ISLAM ABBAD 0250 DUBAI-DACCA 0300 PESHAWAR 0330 BAHRAIN-ISTANBUL 0350 ADDIS ABABA 0450 DUBAI 0455 DUBAI 0510 DOHA 0520 ABU DHABI 0525 MUKHAIZNA 0715 DUQUM OMAN 0720 DACCA 0740 BAHRAIN 0745 SALALAH 0800 DUBAI 0800 CALICUT 0920 LUCKNOW 0920 DUBAI 0935 DELHI 0955 HYDERABAD 0955 SHARJAH 1005 SALALAH 1030 BOMBAY 1030 LAHORE 1030 DUBAI 1030 MADRAS 1040 CHITTAGONG 1040 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 1045 DUBAI 1055 ABU DHABI 1105 TRIVANDRUM 1110 BAHRAIN 1110 DOHA 1115 MUKHAIZNA 1115 KHASAB 1140 KATHMANDU 1205 RAS AL KHAIMA 1210 ABU DHABI 1225 CALICUT 1310 DUBAI 1315 PESHAWAR 1320 DOHA 1330 AMMAN 1330 LONDON HEATHROW 1330 TEHRAN 1340 SALALAH 1415 DUBAI 1420 CAIRO 1430 MUKHAIZNA 1515 JEDDAH 1630 SALALAH 1630 DUBAI 1700 DUBAI 1700 DUBAI 1820 RIYADH 1845 DOHA 1845 SALALAH 1850 BAHRAIN 1855 KUWAIT 1900 DOHA 1900 DAMMAM 1910 BAHRAIN 1910 SALALAH 1940 SHARJAH 2005 DUBAI 2025 ABU DHABI 2030 DUBAI 2040 KARACHI-BANGKOK 2040 KUALA LUMPUR 2110 SALALAH 2135 DUBAI 2225 DOHA-AMSTERDAM 2230 BANGKOK 2235 BOMBAY 2245 MADRAS 2300 DELHI 2310 DOHA 2320 BAHRAIN 2325 COLOMBO 2335 ABU DHABI 2350 JEDDAH 2350 SALALAH 2350 MEDINA 2350

AI986 LX243 9W539 BA072 LH619 WY685 WY211 WY251 WY201 WY225 WY235 WY601 WY345 WY341 WY241 WY281 WY637 WY657 WY323 WY371 WY667 WY383 BG022 4H584 TK777 WY271 EK867 FZ042 QR1133 EY385 WY917 GF561 WY3931 WY903 WY603 WY291 WY263 FZ044 WY245 WY231 WY3301 G9115 WY815 WY905 WY203 WY605 WY311 WY253 WY717 EK863 EY383 WY655 QR1129 9W533 WY631 IX350 WY337 PA451 FZ038 WY413 WY101 WY663 WY433 WY645 WY113 WY3303 WY153 WY121 WY131 WY609 WY405 WY3921 WY675 WY613 FZ046 WY623 WY681 QR1127 WY907 GF565 WY647 WY661 WY653 WY695 EK865 WY909 WY913 G9117 WY611 WY635 FZ048 WY915 AI978 FZ050 WY421 KL442 9W529 WY411 6.00E+82 AI908 AI974 QR1135 GF567 WY434 WY673 EY381

BOMBAY 0005 DUBAI-ZURICH 0020 BOMBAY 0025 ABU DHABI-LONDON HEATHROW 0025 ABU DHABI-FRANKFURT 0050 RIYADH 0105 TRIVANDRUM 0110 MADRAS 0110 BOMBAY 0120 COCHIN 0125 HYDERABAD 0135 DUBAI 0150 ISLAM ABBAD 0150 LAHORE 0150 DELHI 0155 BANGALORE 0200 ABU DHABI 0205 BAHRAIN 0205 KARACHI 0210 COLOMBO 0210 DOHA 0220 MALE 0235 CHITTAGONG-DACCA 0250 DACCA 0300 BAHRAIN-ISTANBUL 0350 JAIPUR 0350 DUBAI 0455 DUBAI 0510 DOHA 0520 ABU DHABI 0525 KHASAB 0630 BAHRAIN 0745 SOHAR 0800 SALALAH 0800 DUBAI 0800 CALICUT 0920 LUCKNOW 0920 DUBAI 0935 DELHI 0955 HYDERABAD 0955 MUKHAIZNA 1000 SHARJAH 1005 BANGKOK 1010 SALALAH 1020 BOMBAY 1030 DUBAI 1030 CHITTAGONG 1040 MADRAS 1040 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 1045 DUBAI 1055 ABU DHABI 1105 BAHRAIN 1110 DOHA 1115 COCHIN 1135 ABU DHABI 1225 CALICUT 1310 KATHMANDU 1310 LAHORE 1315 DUBAI 1315 AMMAN 1330 LAHORE 1330 DOHA 1330 TEHRAN 1340 KUWAIT 1340 FRANKFURT 1345 MUKHAIZNA 1400 MALPENSA-ZURICH 1405 MUNICH 1415 PARIS 1420 DUBAI 1420 CAIRO 1430 DUQUM OMAN 1515 JEDDAH 1630 DUBAI 1700 DUBAI 1700 DUBAI 1820 RIYADH 1845 DOHA 1845 SALALAH 1850 BAHRAIN 1855 KUWAIT 1900 DOHA 1900 BAHRAIN 1910 DAMMAM 1910 DUBAI 1915 SALALAH 1940 SALALAH 1950 SHARJAH 2005 DUBAI 2025 ABU DHABI 2030 DUBAI 2040 SALALAH 2135 HYDERABAD-BANGALORE 2200 DUBAI 2225 BEIRUT 2230 DOHA-AMSTERDAM 2230 TRIVANDRUM 2240 AMMAN 2240 BOMBAY 2245 MADRAS 2300 DELHI 2310 DOHA 2320 BAHRAIN 2325 SALALAH 2350 JEDDAH 2350 ABU DHABI 2350

ETD

ETA

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S U N DAY, JAN UARY 1 1 , 2 0 1 5

C11

EXTRA BRIEFS

Being optimistic makes your heart healthier THE MORE optimistic you are, the better it is for your health. Those who have an upbeat outlook on life have significantly better cardiovascular health than that of the pessimists, new research has found. Optimism boosts overall health but its positive impact on the heart is even greater, the findings showed. “Individuals with the highest levels of optimism have twice the odds of being in ideal cardiovascular health compared to their more pessimistic counterparts,” said lead author Rosalba Hernandez, a professor of social work at the University of Illinois. “This association remains significant even after adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics and poor mental health,” Hernandez added. The study appeared in the journal Health Behaviour and Policy Review.

People eat even more after the holidays It turns out that people actually eat the most right around the time they say they’re going to eat the least — and by a big margin

E

very year after the holidays, people inevitably swear they’ll make amends for the extra calories they consumed in December by eating less when the new year comes. They’ll buy more broccoli, and fewer chips; serve themselves more salad, and skip more desserts. Talk of New Year’s weight resolutions begins well before the ball drops. And that talk is cheap.

It turns out that people actually eat the most right around the time they say they’re going to eat the least — and by a big margin.

Americans buy roughly twice as many calories per serving in food in the first three months of the new year than during the holidays, according to a new study.

And that’s saying something, because the holidays are already quite the glutinous stretch.

The researchers tracked grocery spending habits for more

than 200 households in New York over the course of seven months.

The findings were split into three periods — a baseline period, between July and Thanksgiving; a holidays period, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s; and a post-holidays period, between New Year’s and March.

And the foods were divided into health and unhealthy buckets, based on a rating system used at grocery stores in the participating area.

What they found is that the post-holidays period is by far the most caloric.

“Despite New Year’s resolutions to eat healthier, people tend to hang on to those unhealthy holiday favourites and keep buying them in the New Year,” Drew Hanks, one of the study’s authors, said in a statement.

On a per-serving basis, Americans buy about 440 extra calories during the holidays. After the hol-

idays, when everyone is supposed to be detoxifying, people are instead filing up their pantries with even more food. Food purchases jump another 450 calories per serving post-holidays.

What seems to happen as each new year unfolds is the combination of a couple things. People’s desire to eat healthier is earnest.

There is indeed a spike in purchases of healthier foods after the holidays. But their plan of attack has a huge flaw. Instead of buying green beans in place of french fries, they’re buying both.

“The finding that after New Year’s purchasing of healthy items increased and relatively less-healthy items remained the same as during the holiday period suggests that even though many people make a New Year’s resolution to eat healthier or lose weight, consumers are making purchasing decisions that only partly support these goals.” the

researchers wrote.

But it’s no wonder people have trouble reducing their food consumption after an extended holiday feast, running from Thanksgiving through Christmas, when overall eating goes up, skewing normal food purchasing habits.

The new status quo, in which households spend more money on more calories, becomes the norm, and that norm becomes all the more difficult to kick.

“Even when people recognise that making a change would be best for them, they still continue to follow their behavioural scripts,” the study says.

So people cope as best they can, by buying the healthy foods they promised themselves they would, along with the unhealthy foods they promised themselves they wouldn’t. Coupled together, the result is further evidence of the futility of New Year’s resolutions.

-Roberto A. Ferdman/The Washington Post.

STUDY

How your online avatar could help you make friends ONLINE AVATARS with open eyes, a smile or grin, an oval face, brown hair and/or a sweater were more likely to elicit friendship intentions, researchers from Canada’s York University say.

In contrast, a neutral expression or any other expression other than a smile, black hair, short hair, a hat, and/or sunglasses are less likely to elicit friendship intentions.

An avatar is typically an image that represents the self in the virtual world. Avatars allow individuals to express or suppress various physical or psychological traits in a digital world.

Previous research has shown that individuals typically choose and prefer avatars perceived to be similar to themselves.

In the first phase of the study, participants created customised avatars and in the second phase of the study a different set of participants viewed and rated the avatars created in the first phase.

Creators were assessed on five major traits — openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism.

The researchers found that

when rating avatars created by females, perceivers tended to rate them as being more contentious and open, even after taking into account the creator’s actual traits.

Based on previous studies, the researchers expected to see individuals relying on gender associations to inform their personality judgments.

Surprisingly, avatar gender did not influence judgments in typical gender stereotypic directions.

“One possibility is that digital contexts activate different gender stereotypes than in real-world contexts, but more research is necessary to explore this,” said lead researcher Katrina Fong.

Outgoing and sociable individuals tend to create avatars that communicate their personality.

“People who are more agreeable and more typical of the general population in personality tend to create avatars that elicit friendship intentions of others,” added Fong.

The study was published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. -IANS

Playing catch helps elders improve their balance THE ELDERLY can improve their balance and prevent falls with a simple training exercise of catching a weighted medicine ball, a study says. As people age, they lose the anticipatory postural control — the ability to ready themselves to maintain balance. In effect, the resources for maintaining balance become more limited, and people become less stable and more prone to falls.

“Our group is the first to look at whether a specially designed rehabilitation protocol can enhance postural control adjustment and subsequently improve overall balance,” said Alexander Aruin, professor of physical therapy at University of Illinois at Chicago. The researchers asked a group of healthy young adults to stand and catch a medicine ball. In the another study, they asked the same of a group of healthy older adults. The researchers measured the electrical activity of leg and trunk muscles to look for differences in the two age groups’ ability to generate anticipatory postural adjustments both before and after the single short training session. Training-related improvements were seen in both groups.

Practice actually helps make a person perfect A SINGLE skill can be learned faster if its follow-through motion is consistent, but multiple skills can be learned simultaneously if the follow-through motion is varied, new research has found. “Every movement we make is slightly different from the last one even if we try really hard to make it exactly the same ,” said David Franklin from Cambridge University. The brain is able to store, protect and reactivate this memory, quickly instructing the muscles to perform the task so that it can be performed seemingly without thinking. -IANS

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SU N DAY, JANUARY 11, 2015

EXTRA B O L LY W O O D

Ayushmann aghast at ‘Udta Punjab’ exit talk ACTOR Ayushmann Khurana is aghast at rumours that he’s no longer a part of Udta Punjab because Kareena Kapoor, who has joined the cast, didn’t want to share screen space with him.

He says he couldn’t do the movie due to date hassles. “I didn’t do Udta Punjab because our dates were not matching. I had given prior commitments to my films 1911 and Hamara Bajaj, and so the dates were clashing. “It was getting difficult for me to work in all the films together and this is the only reason that I didn’t do that project. Besides, I’m open to multi-starrer films,” said the Vicky Donor star. Directed by Abhishek Chaubey, Udta Punjab features Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, apart from Kareena. Meanwhile, Ayushmann is also busy penning a book with his wife Tahira. “My wife is a writer. She and I will be writing a book together soon. I can’t reveal the subject of the book right now,” he said. -IANS

BAFTA nomination for ‘The Lunchbox’ After having been snubbed as India’s official entry at the Oscars in 2013,

Ritesh Batra’s directorial feature movie ‘The Lunchbox’ has made it to the nomination list of the BAFTA Awards 2015

T

he nominations for the awards, organised annually by British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), were announced in London on Friday.

The Lunchbox, starring Nimrat Kaur and Irrfan Khan, is competing with Polish-Danish drama film Ida, Russian drama Leviathan, Brazilian-British adventure drama thriller film Trash, and Belgian drama Two Days, One Night, according to the official BAFTA website.

The movie is a unique love story between a lovelorn wife and a lonely man. While it released in India in 2013, it hit the British screens only in 2014, making it eligible for the nominations this time.

Batra considers it “an incredible honour”.

“I’m in London right now — we are honoured to be nominated alongside the finest films of the year. It’s a great way to start the New Year,” Batra told IANS over phone.

The film’s lead actress Nimrat took to Twitter, and gushed: “A BAFTA Nomination for #TheLunchbox!! Big love and congrats to the whole team.”

Co-producer Guneet Monga of Sikhya Entertainment shared: “Soo awesome! The Lunchbox nominated for BAFTA!!! Thank you @riteshbatra for creating soo much magic — love.”

Congratulatory messages for the cast and crew also came in from industry members like Sujoy Ghosh, Hansal Mehta and Nikhil Advani.

The nomination turns out to be extra special for the team, es-

pecially as the Film Federation of India (FFI) had, in 2013, chosen Gujarati film The Good Road over The Lunchbox as India’s entry for the best foreign film at the Academy Awards despite the buzz around it.

Mehta made a tongue-in-cheek comment, saying: “So obviously the Film Federation of India knows better than #BAFTA. Congratulations @riteshbatra, @NimratOfficial, @irrfan_k and @guneetm.”

However, with the latest news surrounding a chance at the BAFTA, the team is rejoicing.

Jointly produced by multiple studios like DAR Motion Pictures, UTV Motion Pictures, Dharma Productions, Sikhya Entertainment, National Film Development Corporation (India), ROH Films (Germany), ASAP Films (France), and the

Cine Mosaic (US), The Lunchbox has done its round of international film festivals, including those in Cannes, Zurich, London and Toronto.

With names like Anurag Kashyap, Karan Johar, Guneet Monga and Danis Tanovic backing it, it went on to become one of the highest grossing foreign films at the US box office.

The story revolves around Ila, a young middle class Mumbai housewife, essayed by Nimrat, trying to win back her husband’s affections through his stomach and how a rare misplaced delivery in Mumbai’s famously efficient ‘dabbawala’ system of lunchboxes, from homes to offices, connects her to an old widower, played by Irrfan, through notes in the lunch box. -IANS

B I R T H D AY B O Y

Friends wish Hrithik Roshan on his 41st birthday

HRITHIK ROSHAN turned 41 on Saturday and has been wished a year full of happiness, good health and more , by his friends from the Hindi film fraternity.

After making his acting debut in 2000 with Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, Hrithik went on to treat his fans with a variety of roles in films as diverse as Mission Kashmir, Lakshya, Dhoom 2, Koi...Mil Gaya, Krrish, Jodhaa Akhbar, Guzaarish, Agneepath, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Bang Bang.

The past year has been tumultous on the actor’s personal front

as he was officially divorced from his wife of 13 years, Sussanne on November 1, 2014. Hrithik and Sussanne had ended their end their 17-year-old relationship via an official statement in December.

On the work front, his Bang Bang managed exceptional business at the box office.

In 2015, he is looking forward to Ashutosh Gowariker’s Mohenjo Daro. He has also reportedly been signed on for Yash Raj Films’s next action movie.

Here’s what his friends have tweeted for Hrithik’s birthday:

Abhishek Bachchan: Bro Braz!!!

Happy birthday my friend. Shine on…@iHrithik.

Shahid Kapoor: Happy birthday @iHrithik wishing you an amazing year full of all things beautiful.

Sonakshi Sinha: Happy happy birthday @iHrithik!! Heres wishing u Happiness, health, hotness.

Ok i take the last one back you have that in surplus ??

Nargis: @iHrithik V got1 life 2 live & time waits 4no1. So I hope ur out there living it up, enjoying every precious moment life offers u. HAPPY BIRTHDAY. -IANS

D

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SECTION

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

RENT

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VACANCY

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DAILY GUIDE

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

FOR RENT

&KZ Z Ed New deluxe building in Misfah Industrial Area, 11 shops with A/C, ĞĂĐŚ ϰĐŵ dž ϵĐŵ͕ ĂŶ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶĂů ϭϮ huge spaces including kitchens and bathrooms which can be used for ŽĸĐĞƐ Žƌ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶĐĞƐ͘ dŚĞ ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ ůŽĐĂƟŽŶ ĮƌƐƚ ƌŽǁ ĐůŽƐĞ ƚŽ ŵĂŝŶ ƌŽĂĚ͘

Contact - 98880333 2 BHK available in Darsait, 1 B/R and hall, 2 B/R and hall. Contact 99357586, 97500025, 97884787 2 BR flats with split A/C’s & internet free & 2 BR fully furnished deluxe flats available at Al Khuwair near KM Hypermarket. Office space 115 SQ mtr with partition & cassette type A/C’s available at Al Khuwair near KM Hypermarket.

Contact 99460330 2 Bedroom Spacious flat for rent at Al Khuwair 25 for OMR 400/- per month . Contact: 99379988.

Flats in Muttrah near Oman House per flat RO 230. Contact 92815855 / 95181077 Family room available for rent at Muttrah Souq. Contact 24712088 / 99022790 Office space & store, CBD 20059.

Contact 99024730 2 BHK, Al Khuwair. Contact 99024730 2 BHK, CBD. Contact 99024730

&KZ Z Ed ƌĂŶĚ ŶĞǁ Ϯ ,< ǁŝƚŚ ƐƉůŝƚ A/C near SQU round about Ăƚ ů <ŚŽƵĚ͕ ŶĞĂƌ ƚŽ DƵƐĐĂƚ ŚŝŐŚǁĂLJ͕ ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ ŶŽ͘ ϰϱϱϴͬϭ͕ ǁĂLJ ŶŽ͘ ϱϯϱϬ͘

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ Ͳ ϵϮϴϱϬϳϭϳ Fully Equipped Restaurant / Industrial Kitchen for Sale with existing catering orders, CR & Labour Clearance, Restaurant space and Outdoor sitting area on Sale at Mawaleh Call: 9906 4589

2 BHK flat for rent RO.350/- at Al Khuwair near Sultan Taimur Mosque.

Contact – 98893294

Office space with cassette type A/C’s with free internet at al Khuwair near KM Hypermarket. Contact 99460330

Shop & flats available.

Contact-24813822

Spacious 2 BR flat in MBD. Contact 99713489

Apartments & villas available.

Contact 95178930

2 bedrooms, big bathroom, sharing kitchen for rent with Electric and Water Bill =RO 220/-. Only for family.

Location / Place – Mumtaz Area near Khimjis Mart. Contact 98917915 / 99823591

1 BHK residential flat at Honda road.

2 BHK residential flat opposite to Al Nahdha hospital.

Contact – 93219590

2 BHK flat in Mumtaz.

Contact 99792181 1, 2, 3, BHK in Alkhuwair.

Contact 99792181 2 BHK in Bowsher.

Contact 99792181 1 & 2 BHK in Ruwi.

Contact 99792181

2 BHK, Darsait near Kims Hospital.

Contact 99024730

200 Sqr mtrs Showroom in CBD. Contact 99792181

1 & 2 BHK & villa 3 BR-Darsait near ISM & ISD. Contact 99024730

1 & 2 bhk in Wataya.

Contact 99792181

1 BHK, 2 BHK, Ghala, new bldg.

Contact 99024730

100 & 180 Sqr mtrs office space in Al khuwair. Contact 99792181

Flat for rent Ghubrah South, ground floor flat, 3 bedrooms, majlis, family hall, RO 425/-.

Contact 94669711 2 BHK Pent House with split A/C in all rooms, very spacious balcony with sea & city view RO 350, 2 BHK RO 340, Bldg #1619, Way #1322 adjacent to Indian Nursery Darsait.

Contact 99476728 / 99831047 1 BHK bedroom flat in Wadi Kabir neat Kuwaiti Mosque RO 200/-.

Contact 95094028 2 BR deluxe flats at Ghubrah and Ruwi. 2 BR furnished flat at Ghubrah.

Contact 99885391 / 99354010

1 BHK, Wadi Kabir. Contact 99024730

6 BHK commercial Villa in Ghobra.

Contact 99792181

Rent, new flat Wadi Adai, 2 big bedrooms, 1 big toilet, 1 big hall, 1 big kitchen. Contact 99345137

Flat for Rent in Ruwi, Bareeq Shatti, Mawalah. Contact 92521080, 98899916

Spacious well maintained 2 BHK at Rex Road from 1st February.

Contact 92227165

Barber Shop for Rent/Sale in Hail North near Shell Petrol Pump.

Contact : 92864522 , 96448372

1 / 3 BHK Flat Ghobrah, close to ISG Way 4041, building 4390.

Contact 99319880 We have special villa in Bausher, Al Muna, 5 bedrooms, rent RO 800/-.

Contact 99622885 1 BHK commercial, Darsait, RO 225/-. Contact 97799175 1,2,3 BHK flats & Villas.

Contact 92144045 Separate Villa, Al Athaibah, 3 BHK, hall, living room, maid rooms, A/C split, family only, RO 600/-.

Contact 92479515 Villa, Al Khuwair 33, 4 BHK, living room, split A/C, family only, RO 600/-Contact 92479515 Fully furnished one bedroom penthouse Wadi Kabir behind Sana Hassan, weekly RO.140/- Monthly RO 350/- Contact – 99349990

1 BHK flat Qurum RO.270/- with split A/C. Contact – 99358589 / 95570288 /97079146 2 BHK flat at Al Khuwair RO.370/with split A/C. Contact – 99358589 / 95570288 /97079146 2 BHK in Seeb RO.200/Contact – 99455334 2 BHK Commercial Al Khuwair, RO 375/-. Contact 97799175 If require flats for rent in Wadi Kabir please send messages through Whatsapp or call – 99376454 3 office spaces available in RUWI FOR RENT 450 OMR & 500 OMR. 96986132

Fully Furnished ( A/C , Fridge, T.V, Cooking Gas ) 3 rooms in a flat with Kitchen at Azaiba. 2BHK Flats Un furnished at Azaiba next to Al Meera Hyper market ( Families) Contact -99424470 Time : 9 am to 7 pm Fabulous A/C flat Al Khoud, 3 rooms, 280 rials. Contact 99334699 2 single room flats available @ RO 160/- per month, including Electricity & Water. Contact 99441798 New bldg 3 BR flats located at Darsait, Muscat close to Kims Pvt Hospital. Contact 92020004 / 99800838 Building of 3 flats each 4 BR, rent RO 2500/-. Contact 99776071 / 99057348 Villas & flats & stores. Contact 99776071 / 99057348 Basement for rent behind Bank Muscat at Wadi Kabir. Contact 99373290, 24815012

Villa, Al Ansab, 5 BHK, living room, split A/C, family only. RO 550/-.

Contact 92479515

Luxury 2 bed room villa at BausherAL Ansab Phase 3.Call. 99324456

Flat in Ghala, opposite Zubair, 2 BHK, living room, split A/C, family only, RO 350/-. Contact 92479515

6 shops in Maabela Industrial Area.

Each Shop OMR 400 Monthly.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

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DAILY GUIDE

FOR RENT

OFFICES FOR RENT - Premium offices to let a very good location on the main road very close to Zakher Mall, Al Khawiar. Business Center has offices with sizes of 50m2, 110m2, 180m2, 207m2, 230m2, 437m2.

FOR RENT

- Showroom also available at Business Center, Area 500m2 with central A/c.

- Offices with Central Air-conditions, Security System with CCTV cameras, and Security presence in the building.

Contact: 97377355 / 95530121, Email id: aaleem@ggcoman.com

2 BHK flats for rent behind Kims Hospital. Contact 93161573 / 97769759

FOR SALE

Penthouse near Sultan Centre Al Amerat with 2 A/Cs. Contact 99612270 3 bedroom furnished Executive Apartment @Al Khuwair 25, 2 BR fully furnished Executive Apartment @Azaiba near Zubair Showroom, 2 BR fully furnished executive Apartment @Al Khuwair 33 near Zakher Mall. Please contact : Atlas Real Estate & Rent A Car LLC, 99249069 / 92888376 / 93201688, email : info@alshahiintl.com 2 BHK flat Muttrah / Mabelah.

Contact 95915154 Studio flat Darsait. RO 150/-.

Contact 92144045 1 / 3 BHK Flat Ghobrah, close to ISG Way 4041, building 4390.

Contact 99319880 Show room on the main road Saham center total area 450 m sq. Contact: 99366558 / 99334226 6 bedroom villas at Al Ansab (nr Express highway). Contact 99199365 Abu Adnan Tower - flat for rent available at Al Mabelah, 2 B/R, 1 hall, 2 toilets, 1 kitchen.

Contact 95566475 / 99654252 300 SQR mtrs Labor camp or Store for Rent in Wadi Kabir.

Contact 99792181 BHK flats Muttrah near Oman House.

Contact 97007934 / 92629232 Villa 2 bedrooms & majlis, 2 toilets, kitchen in Mawaleh.

Contact 91376619 2 BR, 2 toilets, kitchen at Al Mawaleh. Contact 99444786, 99747560 We have 1 BHK, 2 BHK, 3 BHK flats, 4, 5 bedrooms villa, open space offices & shops available in Ghala, Ghobrah, Qurum, Mabela, Ruwi, Darsait, Mumtaz, Wadi Kabir. All brand new buildings & very affordable prices.

Contact 93782735 / 99208033 Flat for rent 2 bedrooms one hall in South Al Hail. RO 270.

Contact 93221474 3 new Villas for rent, located in South Ghubrah behind American School, each has 11 bedrooms including 2 Majlis, 8 bathrooms and kitchen. For residential or institutional rent. #99233729 / 98539366

5 bedrooms villa with 2 halls, 4 bathrooms in Darsait behind Khimjis Mart. Contact 24700120, 92584715

Flats/villas owned by ROP pension fund available for rent in Muscat.

Contact 99349526

House in North Al Hail with 3 rooms, Majlis & 3 toilets. Contact 99439568

Villa, ground floor in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99743569, 97004265

2 BHK with A/C near ISM RO.325/1BHK Al Falaj without A/C RO.200/2 BHK with A/C near Kims hospital RO.300/- Darsait commercial or residential with A/C RO.230/- Studio at Al Falaj RO.170/-. 2 BHK without A/C at Wadi Kabir RO.300/Contact - 92144045

Apartments in Al Khuwair new area each apartment contains (2 bedrooms + living room) for RO 365. Contact 93181111

300 Sqr mtrs store or labor camp for Rent in Wadi Kabir.

Contact - 99792181 For rent apartments: An apartment in old Muscat at Oman Arab Bank’s building. 3 bedrooms + 3 bathrooms, dining room, living room and a kitchen. Air conditioned apartments.

2 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms, living room, dining room area and kitchen in an excellent location in Al Khuwair opposite the court of first instance. For further information call 97072976 Flats and shops.

Contact 93009999 Studio flat in Ruwi.

Contact 99792181 For rent (flats), 2 bedrooms +hall+kitchen, location: South Al Mawaleh. Contact 99870020

New Villa for Rent Two floors newly built villa in Maabillah, 8 Fullfledged Residential Area 6 Rooms, 8 Toilets, excellent finishing spacious Kitchen, Big Dining Rooms in Both Floors, Easy Access to Muscat and Sohar using Maabillah Bridge. Contact 92828303 Flats ground floor, 3 Rooms & AC, kitchen, hall, in Al Mabaila South.

Contact 99377290 2 B/ R Fully Furnished Executive Apartment @ Al Khuwair 33 Near Zaker Mall. 3 Bedroom Furnished executive apartment @ Al Khuwair 25 5 B/R Luxury Fully Furnished villas at Azaiba with servants, 3 Bedroom Unfurnished Villa @ Mawalah South Area 6 with Servant Quarter, 5 Bedroom Unfurnished Villa @ An Apartment that resembles a penthouse has 2 rooms with 2 toilets, living room & an elegant balcony.

Fully furnished, suited for families.

Final price RO.300/- Mabela 8 near German University.

Contact 99888400

1 BHK with attached toilet & bathroom behind Bank Muscat at Wadi Kabir. Contact 99373290, 24815012 1 BHK at Ghobrah - Near Indian School. Contact: 99014885

Used Sofaset, for sale. # 99737812 We are dealing with sale of all beauty salon equipments, furnitures & cosmetics.#942 888 61 / 942 888 63

1 BHK & Single room in Wadi Kabir.

RO 180/-. Contact 99376454 Al Qurum heights Sea view.

Contact - 99249069 / 92888376/ 93201688 For rent shops and offices in Al Mabela. Contact 99355330 2 BHK at Al Azaiba, Building No.5145 Way 4470. Contact 99224748, 99425665 Industrial Land in Misfah.

Contact 93009999 2 BHK with A/C, commercial Al Khuwair. Contact 92144045 Flat one bedroom at Al Khuwair 33, owner. Contact 92800007

FOR SALE Workshop for sale near Misfah behind Kanco with good fabrication shed electricity 1150 sqm area.

Contact – 98951026 Port cabins – New & refurnished Porta cabin for sale and rent.

Contact 96723468 Sale!, all household items, like fridge, freezer, cooking range, washing machine, window/split A/Cs, LCD TV, Laptop, tab and many more for attractive prices. Location : near Toyota service Center, Honda Road.

Contact - 97048983, 95293643 Restaurant for leasing/sale in Al Hail. Contact 94148970, 94148972, 97820877

Well decorated shop for sale at Sur around 75 SQM, ground floor & same size at Mezzanine, RO 150/per month only. Contact 98644622 Restaurant about 250 SQM @ 5/- SQM, heart of Ruwi Market in Plaza Hotel for sale / rent. Contact 99326339 / 24833314 Shop for sale near ONTC bus stand Ruwi near Sun City Hotel on main road.Contact 99326339 / 24789801 Sale!, all household items, like fridge, freezer, cooking range, washing machine, window/split A/Cs, LCD TV, Laptop, tab and many more for attractive prices. Location : near Toyota service Center, Honda Road.

Contact - 97048983, 95293643 Restaurant for leasing/sale in Al Hail. Contact 94148970, 94148972, 97820877 Household items on sale.

Contact 93833107 Running establishment for sale, industrial license, marble & granite, aluminum workshop, fully equipped showroom. Serious buyers please contact 99334540 Readymade Garments shop furniture. Contact 99386170 Running Workshop for Tiles / Marble & Granite cutting & skirting in Wadi Kabir for immediate sale.

Contact 99105492

Darsait Business Office furniture, Isuzu 4 ton brand new. # 91391363

Beauty parlour for sale Ghala Al Ansab near Al Maha petrol pump.

Contact – 92540355 / 97748706

Running Electrical Building Material Shop for sale in Muscat.

Contact 95330905

Office for sale at Al Khuwair with furniture, more than 700 sqm good condition. Contact – 99055571

2 residential plots in Mumtaz Area, Ruwi. Contact 99323266, 99370605 Used household furniture and other items for sale.

Contact 91566996 Restaurant items on sale, like plates, spoons, soup spoons etc. please contact 93833107 A newly opened Barber Shop for sale at upcoming industrial zone in Misfah. Expat leaving Oman.

Genuine buyers call 93833107 (Sale Price Negotiable) 2 flats building in Al Khuwair 17/1.

Contact 99477009 HOUSEHOLD, SALES, Ghubra: Sofa 3x3, King Bed, Multi Gym, GymBike, Microwave, Table, Racks, Mixi, AttaKneader, Contact: 95053480

BUYING/SELLING Looking for purchase of Used Portable Compressor (350 CFM, 7 Bar Pressure) powered with Diesel run Generator.

Kindly Contact 99014686 or operation@khancogroup.com Used household & office furniture and electronic items. Contact 99834373, 97102699 Looking for commercial lands for sale in Al Ghobrah North (urgent serious buyers, commercial lands in al Ghobrah North (corners prime location). Contact 91155779

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DAILY GUIDE

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

SITUATION WANTED

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Chartered Accountant, 10+ yrs experience, B.Com, CA, CIA. Immediate availability. Audit, Finance.

Contact 94641805 Required experienced Accountant Tally, excellent English & driving license. Contact – omanlaw.om@gmail.com / 24497762 / 92192510

ADMIN Construction Company requires female executive assistant, with good computer and communication skills, advanced English, fluent Arabic. Please send your CV harun.koyyar@adaliholding.com One of the leading Business Groups in Oman is looking for the following person : Secretary (Male-Indian) – 1 No., min 5 yrs of experience preferably in spare parts & bearings. Please send your CV to kumar@muscatsteel.com A reputed 3 star hotel in Muscat requires qualified Omani Nationals for front office, security and food and beverage departments.

Interested candidates please contact 99061335, email : agm@hotelgoasis.com

ARCHITE. / INTERIOR Architect ( Autocad 3D / 3D Max / photoshop / presentation ) in a reputed office. Tel 24794481 fax 24794482 kamalismailconsultant@hotmail. com

DRIVER Urgently required light car drivers for a VIP service Company.

Preferred Philipino National.

Contact 98266319.

Email : lord.ofarts@yahoo.com Good growing Company in Muscat is looking for 2 drivers. English language needed. Email : yesterdaysun1@hotmail.com Needed 2 drivers, offering good salary. Contact 99441798

Urgently required Biomedical Engineer with 5 yrs experience with Laboratory Diagnostic instruments for a Medical Diagnostic Company.

Candidate with Omani Driving License preferred. Contact imsllc@imsoman.net

Looking for smart/ dynamic male for front desk office, pref. fluency in English. Contact 95176500 (Salalah)

MECH/ TECHNICALCAL Urgently required an experienced person in gliding, fixing & installation works at buildings, for a well established advertisement co.in Sohar. Send your CV to : mohammed.tauseef2@gmail.com younis.alshezawi@live.com, Call : 96367342,95728453

Wanted driver. Contact 95112461

DOMESTIC HELP Need cutter for Tailoring shop.

Contact 99825211 Housemaid required urgently.

Please contact +968 92806900 Required Housemaid for Indian family, Visa will be provided.

Contact 94291473

MANAGER

MEDICAL

Filipino Accountant with 13 years working experience in the field of accounting looking for a suitable job in Muscat. Contact: 94547323 Well experienced MOH Licensed Indian female staff nurse looking for placement under contract with Schools, Medical Centres, other Institutions. Contact 98140024.

Required Laundry men (Ironing) visa ready. Contact – 92868123

Wanted MBBS Doctor, Staff Nurse and Lab Technician for a Clinic in Capital Area. Please contact 93431024, send CV to drasyanaseem@gmail.com

Looking for outdoor salesman for heavy equipments.

Contact- 93292015, 99656542

Required Physiotherapist.

Contact: 91453024 General practitioner Doctor is required to work urgently in Dreams Clinic at Al Khoudh and must be resident in the Sultanate of Oman.

Please send your CV to the following email: towershr70@gmail.com, balushi70@gmail.com & info@towersinternationalgroups. com, Mobile 99882340, Tel: 24545914 Dentist required to work urgently in dreams clinic at Al Khoud and must be resident in Sultanate of Oman.

Please send your CV to the following email – towershr70@gmail.com / balushi70@gmail.com / info@towersinternationalgroups.com Mobile – 99882340 / 24545914

SALES / MARKETING

Excellent cleaning company required Operation Manager, experience in Muscat cleaning companies preferred.

Contact 92868123

Required (fast food restaurant), a part time marketing / Sales professional on commission basis – 5 Nos. in Muscat. Forward CV to fastfoodoman2014@gmail.com

Phd – Management, specialization in management, e-marketing and online consumer behavior, 6 years of academic and research experience. Indian lady GSM 97240687 & 93463439 Indian Male having 14 years of experience in HR, Purchase Dept having Oman Driving License looking for a suitable position NOC available. Email – madhuvtk@ gmail.com. Contact : 99252635, 99239498 28 years Indian male with 7yrs of experience in Accounts & Finance up to finalisation in Construction Oil & Gas and also in Manufacturing industries with Oman D/L seeking suitable placement. Contact me on 97104364 .email: moorthy_cbe@hotmail.com

MBA with 1 yr experience, Indian looking for job, salary 40000 INR. Contact 96271935 Part time delivery man available.

Contact 95178930 BLDG Caretaker Gulf Exp, knows HINDI/ARABIC/ENG PH: 94304348 Admin Executive, 31, Indian Male, having 8+ years exp. in reputed companies, seeking suitable placement in any gulf region. #+968 99276601 & 97693456. muralimahdav77@gmail.com Indian male, 26 yrs - MBA Graduate with 3 yrs of Experience in Banking (Standard Chartered Bank Scope International - Operations) & Coffee Vending Machine (Fresh & Honest Cafe ltd - , Operations) on Visit Visa seeks placement. Ph: 91267867, Email: jai.ks1988@gmail.com Tunisian women looking for job, khnows english, frensh, Italian and arabic. Contact: 91171838

MISCELLANEOUS

We are looking for an Optometrist for an Optical with minimum 3 yrs experience. Please contact 99340769 or email : aeooman@gmail.com

2-3 years experienced electrical panel technician. Contact Mobile No:93838449/98987386

Indian female MA. B.Ed. with One year three months Teaching experience. Subject: English ,seeking for a Better placement.

Now working in Oman . Contact: -: 93961142, 92184408 Email:-anoopkesavan78@gmail.com.

Omani with 6 yrs experience as PRO, 3 years Admin / Procurement Officer, excellent English can travel out of Oman, PDO D/L seeks job.

Contact 96996938

Indian Male 25 years B.Com having 3 years of exp of Oman in Accounts/Administration.Well versed with computer knowledge looking for suitable position. Immidiately available. Contact:93207867 email:tambeazhar@gmail.com

Finance & Accounts manager based in Oman with multi-faceted experience in Finance, Costing, Audit ,Erp software implementation with over 18 yrs of post qualification experience in leading Gulf/ India based Companies involved in Construction, Contracting, Manufacturing, Trading activities. I am seeking suitable challenging position in leading coys/Groups in Oman.

Please contact mobile no-+968 99601390 or 92209357 or email vr6954@gmail.com for detailed experience

SALES / MARKETING

Leading Construction company requires young purchase assistant with Oman driving license.

Contact 99108425 A well reputed Steel Fabrication & Machining Workshop Company in Oman requires experienced Salesman / Sales Engineer with Diploma / Degree Qualification. GSM 99228046 Email : oman518@gmail.com, Salesman for Sales of Printing Press supplies urgently required in Dubai.

Must be knowledgeable about Printing Presses and have a valid GCC Driving License. Email CV to sales@ies-oman.com Required Japanese, Korean car parts Salesman with Gulf exp.

Contact – 98489140 A logistics company located at Sohar, requires Candidate for the post of marketing and accounts.

Valid Oman License and experience is added qualification.

Contact: 99381 82, 24499091, Email: info@excellenceoman.com Highly reputed Perfume Company requires Omani Sales girl promoters. # 95663682, 92956876 Required an experienced person who has ideas to start a new business in electrical field or supply with minimum cost. # 99426421

SITUATION WANTED An Indian driver with car looking for part time job.

Contact - 91103909

Indian Male, qualified ICWA, M.com with 2years experience in accounts, costing, auditing & SAP in reputed listed companies, seeks suitable placements. Mob: 94619453 Email: cmashahidkt@gmail.com.

Indian female, 25 yrs, B.Com with computer Application, 1 yr experience as Accountant, looking for suitable job. Contact 98847165

Urgently required Mechanic Supervisor (B.Tech in Mechanical / Automobile Engg) for a reputed company in Muscat with min of 5 yrs experience in Grader, Dozer etc with GCC/Oman License. Those interested may email CV along with certificates to p.m@ watcooman.com, g.m@watcooman. com or contact 99288717

OFFICE/ SEC

Indian male MBA 32 yrs having 10 yrs of exp seeking suitable placement in Admin/ HR/ Operations/ Coordination/ Logistics etc.

Holding valid Oman D/L .

Contact - 99054786

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

We are looking for :- 1) Firefighting equipment Engineer / Technician, 2) Marketing Executive, 3) Crane Maintenance Technician. Email : alsarooj@omantel.net.om

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER (full time) Responsibilities: To work with architect, To provide of construction issue documentation for a projects.

Desired candidate Profile: min of 3-5 years experience in Structural Design, Should be AutoCAD competent. Please send your CV to Email: info@pak2pak.com Tel. 99196733, 99419766

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Indian female, MBA, HR 1 yr experience in India seeking suitable opportunity. Contact 99257214

ENGINEERS

Required urgently Civil Engineer with minimum 5 years experience driving license must. If you interesting send your CV on email: Towershr70@gmail.com

ADMIN/HR

28 year Indian male with 7yrs(5yrs in Oman) of experience in Accounts & Finance up to finalisation in Construction Oil & Gas and also in Manufacturing industries with Oman D/L seeking suitable placement.

Contact me on 97104364 email: Moorthy_cbe@hotmail.com Looking out for the post of Travel coordinator/Senior travel Consultant, 14 years (10 years in GCC Countries) of experience in the travel industry looking for a suitable placement. #96328687 Female dentist with MOH license and release looking for a suitable placement in Muscat, presently residing in Muscat. ##99147426 Indian Female. B-Tech Electrical, from third best college, Government Engineering College Thrissur. Fluent in English. Excellent presentation skill. Engineering, IT, teaching or account sector job wanted. GSM-97724630, email: vyshnaparthan@gmail.com Structural Engineer with 14 years experience in structural design and supervision fields with full knowledge of structure design programs, Omani D/L, seeking a reputed engineering consultancy office vacancy Tel. 96248598.

SIT. WANTED ADMIN/HR Omani Man looking for a job with experience in HR/ Admin/ accounting. # 99767666 Graduate Indian female having 5+ Years Oman experience in Admin/Procurement/Logistics with excellent computer skills(PGDCA).

Seeking suitable Placement.NOC available.Contact:95382966 Indian female with 10 yrs of experience in HR/Banking/Operations seeks a suitable placement. Can be contacted on 98919015 or sherianne.coelho@gmail.com Indian female with excellent communication skills, confident, dedicated to work and enthusiastic.

Knowledge about ms office. Has 6 years of experience in customer service, telecommunication, HR.Looking for immediate placement. Contact # 97348819 Indian male, Graduate expert in admin and purchase for 9 yrs holding Omani D/L looking for suitable job.

Contact 99626821, NOC available.

B.Com Graduate, 3 yrs experience in Accounts, Indian male, looking for accounts or suitable job. Contact afsarsabith@yahoo.com, 93975526 Part time Accountant with 15 yrs exp in Accounting, Auditing, Taxation Management. Contact 95857199 Indian male, 35, MBA with 8 yrs experience, 2+ yrs in Admin & Accounts and 5+ yrs in USA as Retail Manager holding American Driving License looking for suitable position.

Contact 91341786, Email : mfasiuddin@gmail.com Finance Manager, MBA (Finance) with more than 20 yrs of experience in GCC/India, involved in Construction Contracting, Manufacturing, fully knowledgeable in Finance General and Management Accounting, NOC available. Contact 93245973 Accounts part time works upto finalization & finalization works.

Contact 96247295 M.Com with MS Dynamics and Tally, 8 yrs experienced Accountant requires Accountant (Senior Accountant) position (NOC available).

Contact 93687011 Indian, MBA, Graduate specialized in Finance, Marketing with GCC, D/L looking for good job opportunity.

Contact 93197431 Bangladeshi male, Chartered Accountant with 2 yrs London exp. looking for job. Contact 99640986/ ahammadmds@gmail.com, +447958036642 Pakistani Male, 26 yrs, MS-Supply Chain & Project Management, BSFinance & Business Administration, +2 yrs experience in Trading Firm responsible for Supply Chain & Accounts. Skills including strong operation managerial Communication & interpersonal, fluent in English, SAP and EPM. Contact 94663827, email : musadiqfayyaz@gmail.com Finance Manager, CPA, with more than 15 yrs. of experience in GCC. Fully knowledgeable in Finance, General & Management Accounting .

NOC available. Contact 96209331 Accountant / Auditor, Srilankan male 27, having 3+ yrs experience looking for suitable placement.

Contact 93556320 Accounts Finalization, Part Time Accounting, Audit Preparation, Internal Audit, Onsite Tally Training, Onsite Training for Accountants, Inventory Management. #94669089, email : ibfcoman@hotmail.com Accountant, 4 yrs experience in Oman, NOC available.# 96799714 Indian male, 32 years, M. Com.7 out of 9 years experience in Oman in Accounts/finance. Having NOC and valid Oman D/L. Contact 98277143, Email: anzarks@gmail.com Accountant, 2 yrs experience (purchasing, coordinator) with D/L and NOC. Contact 94174403 Indian Male, MBA 2 yrs experience in Accounts, Admin & HR on visit visa. Contact 92045306

Indian female, 25 yrs, bachelors of businesses management, having experience of 5 years as a fund/ financial administration, on visit visa,looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94662416 Apurwaverma@gmail.com 26 hrs Indian Accountant with 2 years experience, B.Com, seeking suitable position, available immediately, contact No:9821 3292, e-mail: Indite2faraaz@gmail.com India Accountant: Male, M com, 7 Yrs experience in Accounts up to finalization, having knowledge of ERP, Tally, seeks suitable placement. Contact:93950138 Email: lijinrajan123@gmail.com

CATERING Indian male, working Bakery Pastry as Sr. Chef De Party, 15 yrs experience in Oman, 10 yrs exp in one of the 5 star Hotels, still working, get release.

Contact 96460519, 99063817

DESIGNER AutoCAD Designer D/man 2D/3D/ Revit/Photoshop, experienced.

Contact : 97103168 Interior Designer, Gulf Exp, AutoCAD 2D/3D/ Corel draw.

Contact : 97103168 Indian male, 8 yrs GCC experience in 3D & Architectural Designing with D/L. Contact 97263199

DRIVER Light Driver having own visa looking for job as driver Contact 92303692 Driver seeking job. Contact 99805236 Bangladeshi male driver, exp 12 yrs looking for job in any company & office. Contact 99165961 Pakistani male light vehicle driver with 1.5 yrs experience.

Contact 98219599 Driver with car. Contact 96954496 6 Years experience light duty driver.

Contact – 96736744 Indian driver need job with car.

Contact 91254539 Light vehicle driver available.

Contact 96756014 / 97938893 Light driver looking for job.

Contact 96794309 / 98335778 Bangladeshi male light vehicle driver, looking for job. Contact 93113447 Pakistani male light vehicle driver 2 yrs exp. Contact - 96342684 Light driver looking for job.

Contact 92791678

DRAUGHTSMAN Auotcad, Well Experienced, Arch, Stucture, knows 3D, Revit Photoshop Ph : 97103168 Civil Draughtsman, Indian Male, 23 yrs with 3yrs experience in AutoCAD 2D & 3D, MEP, HVAC, 3Ds Max and Photoshop looking for suitable position, presently in Muscat, Oman on visit visa.

Contact 91764358, mohdsiraj02@yahoo.com

EDUCATION Currently working as Lecturer of IT, (M.Sc IT) (M Phil computer Science) having experience for more than 5 years, looking for suitable placement. Contact 91105949 *Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s xublication. * Subject to space availability

S U N DAY, JA N UA RY 1 1 , 2 0 1 5

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED ENGG. / TECHNICAL Seeking job, BTech Instrumentation, 12 years experience Design, FEED, Detailed engineering, Oil & Gas, Instrumentation systems, Oman Driving license.

Email :- wilfridsjacob@gmail.com Mobile:- 00968 99048130

B.Sc in Civil Engineering, 2 yrs experience (1 yr 3 months in Oman + 10 months in Bangladesh) knowing AutoCAD, MS Office & detailing, fluent speaker in English, Hindi and Bangla. # 94038642 Email : shaikhhasib.ce@gmail.com

Jordanian Civil Engineer with 4 yrs experience in Construction Field (release available). Contact 95157199 / 92866288, email : best66_pl@hotmail.com

Diploma in Civil Engineer, 15 yrs Oman experience (total 28 yrs) looking for senior position with valid D/L, NOC available. Contact 99013465

Mechanical Engineer, Indian male, 6 yrs exp (3 yrs in GCC) seeks suitable openings. Have valid GCC driving license. Email : msfebco@gmail. com. Contact 91228398 Fabrication Engineering / Diploma in Mechanical Engg. 17 yrs experience in Oman looking for suitable placement, NOC available. Contact 95426225, 93206605 Telecommunication Engineer with 5 yrs experience in the Gulf.

Contact 95219822 Electrical Project Engineer, 4 yrs experience OHL, Substations, Oil & Gas field, AutoCAD. D/L available.

Contact 95120225

DAE (Civil) having 3.5 years Experience 2 years from Oman with driving licences, seeking for suitable position in Construction field NOC and release available Contact 96968554 mehranahmad26@yahoo.com BE Mechanical, 9 yrs experience in Sales & Business Development, Oil & Gas equipments like pumps etc.

Contact 91139771 Mechanical Engineer, Gold Medalist, B.Tech with 3.5 yrs experience in Thermal Gas Power Plant in LDO, HFO Pipeline Fabrication erection boiler banker turbine. GSM: 97025338 Email : warisheyat329@gmail.com Presently in Oman on visit visa.

M. Tech Electrical Eng. Female, now in visit visa. Contact +968-94654481.

IT Engineer, Indian male, 25 yrs having 3 yrs experience in Technical Support (IT) Networking, Sales Marketing, looking for a job.

Email ID : abumohd3@gmail.com, 91687294

B. Tech Civil Eng. 3 yrs exp in Oman with driving license.

Contact +968-93733627.

Mail id : joinvisam@gmail.com, neethusprakash@gmail.com

Indian male, B.Tech (Electronics & Electrical) working in Saudi Arabia as Plant Manager for more than 2 yrs, seeks suitable opening in Oman. Contact +966593599187, Email: noushadpm149@gmail.com.

Oman : 98875103, 99480523

Female, 26 yrs, B.Tech in Mechanical Engineer with 3 yrs experience in Piping Stress Analysis in Oil & Gas Sector, currently on family visa, looking for a placement.

Contact 95890939, email : rita.debnath682@gmail.com

BSc Architectural Engineer, 7 yrs experience (6 yrs in Oman) site work. Contact 99178218, 92579358, email: ah.elnakash@yahoo.com

Indian Male, IT Support Engineer, 2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experience. Contact 97311847

BE (Elec and Tele Engg), Experienced as Application Engg, Certified in BMS SCADA Ph: 94037935/ 97103168 Land Surveyor 10 yrs experience on visit visa. Contact – 93522354 / sibivarun89@gmail.com Civil Engineer with 12 years Experience Looking For Job.Ph#98162295 Indian B.Tech Mechanical Engineer, 26 yrs, 4 yrs experience in HVAC/MEP. Contact 94669629, rajeevhpd15@yahoo.com Quantity Surveyor (Civil Building) looking for Part time job Contact no:-94391712 E-mail addressinayathhussain@yahoo.com Sr. Site Supervisor (civil) since March 2010 in Oman, looking for better opportunity (rel. available).

Contact 93061107 Nebosh Qualified HSE 15 yrs exp safety Engineer Military (Indian Navy) background, valid Oman driving license. Contact – 97352324 Industrial Electrician with Oman Driving license. Contact 96348016 Indian male, 26 yrs B-Tech (ECE) with MBA in Marketing / HR looking for a suitable placement. Currently on visit visa valid up to 30 January 2015. Contact 93754428, email : shijosirius709@gmail.com Sudanese Civil Engineer, 10 yrs experience 4 yrs in Oman in Government Projects Supervision looking for a job with D/L. Contact 96966790

Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian Male, 24 yrs with 1+ yrs Indian experience (Certified in Quantity Survey/Primavera/AutoCAD) looking for a suitable position, available in Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on visit visa. Contact 91303860, email: mdayubmak@gmail.com Jordanian Engineer Electrical 7 yrs exp. Consulting, site & shop drawing works. Ready to join immediately.

Worked in UAE & Saudi Arabia.

Contact - 00971555594733 Civil Engineer B Tech, Site Engineer Experienced, Drafting on Visit Visa Ph : 91642050 Sudanese Mechanical Engineer, 3 yrs experience as Sit Engineer, HVAC System, and driving license, easy to transfer immediately.

Contact 91135140 B.E Civil 5 yrs exp (2 yrs in India) 2 yrs Oman & 1 year in Qatar. Salary expected RO.500/- above.

Contact - 94412557 Looking Part time Job in HVAC93198128 Indian Male, 22 yrs, B.Tech, Marine Engineer, presently on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact 93191777, email: ask.akash@gmail.com Experienced female Electrical Engineer.Contact 93800906

INFORMATION TECH

Civil Engineer (Diploma) looking for an urgent placement. #95200650

IT Professional, 7 yrs exp in System Administration, IT Support, Networking etc. currently on visit visa. Contact 94064579, email : preejes01@gmail.com

Civil Engineer (Fresher from NIT) skilled in Autocad & Primavera, holding oman D/L seeks suitable placement. Contact -97309804, Email-nizam.m5@hotmail.com

IT Technical Support Engineer, 3 yrs experience in Networking, specializing in DHCP,DNS,NTP etc also Desktop level 3 helpdesk. jeni_personal@yahoo.co.uk 94525630

Diploma of Associate Civil Engineering, Diploma of AutoCad, having 3.5 yrs experience, 2 yrs experience of Oman in Building Construction, valid transferrable ID Card.

Contact 94378581

B.Tech IT, 1 yr experience programming with asp.net visual basic network certified.

Contact 96748154

B.Tech Civil Engineer, Indian, 16 yrs in Oman with experience in PDO Road Pipelines building with Omani D/L looking for suitable placement.

Contact 98005456 A , M Tech GEO TECHNICAL ENGINEERING Lady Engineer PRIMAVERA - STADD holder on visit seeks suitable opening - preferably Sohar area Contact 91277256 satishcharuvil@gmail.com BE Civil Engineer, 5 yrs experience.

NOC available. Contact 98970233

Indian Male 23 yrs – IT / Prepost Sales Consultant / Business Analyst / Web Designing. 2 yrs. exp. Languages-HTML5, WebRTC, Java, CSS, C++, .Net, SQL, Oracle, ERP-Microsoft Dynamics CRM. Looking for suitable job.

Contact: 98802504, email:shrihari26@gmail.com Indian male, 23 yrs, having 1 yr experience in IT hardware & networking & 3 months in Oman, currently on visit visa, qualification B.Sc Electronics CCNA, MCITP, RHCE. ph : 92089719 Email : sujithvijayan119@gmail.com,

MEDICAL

INFORMATION TECH B.Tech IT Professional, Indian Male with 3 yrs of Exp. In System Admin, IT Support, Networking, Installing Active Directory, DHCP, DNS,RAS, configuring maintaining and managing servers, configuring cisco routers, Exp in handling SQL database, With Valid Driving Licence. Contact - 968 98863507 IT Prof, MCA having 6+ yrs exp, seeks suitable position.

Contact 94543668 IT Professional, Indian male, B.Sc Graduate with 4+ yrs Gulf (UAE) good exp in System Administration, IT Support, Server Desktop, laptop, smartboard, datashow biometric, CCTV, currently on visit visa.

Contact 98936548, vaseemj@yahoo.com Female, B Tech (Software Professional), Oracle SQL .NET Database, Experienced (Teaching & Engg) Ph: 94550127

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Indian male Graduate with 12+ yrs experience in Purchase/ Logistics/ Costing/Scheduling and Warehousing in Building Materials & Construction sector looking for suitable placement. Local release available on request. Contact: 94657319 MBA Graduate 10+ exp FMCG food serv. Sales channel/ Branch Manager. Contact - 99185205 Looking for job, holding valid Oman Driving License, experience in food & beverage, McDonalds & Retail Starbucks Coffee, UAE. Working now as House Manager in HB Excellency house Muscat. Contact 93407470, email : sanjeevmulla@gmail.com Indian male Graduate with 20+ years of Administration, Operations & Management experience in IT, Oil & Gas & Hospitality Industry. 12 years in Oman with vast contacts, very strong management, operational, communication and interpersonal skills, can handle any size of business and projects whether it’s in initial stage or established. Can join immediately. Local release available on request. Contact: 9906 4589 Indian male Graduate with 20+ years of Administration, Operations & Management experience in IT, Oil & Gas & Hospitality Industry. 12 years in Oman with vast contacts, very strong management, operational, communication and interpersonal skills, can handle any size of business and projects whether it’s in initial stage or established. Can join immediately. Local release available on request. Contact: 9906 4589 Management Professional, expertise in team building operations, project management, leadership, writing on visit visa till 19th January 2015. Contact 93516436, email: dsouza.amit@gmail.com Qualified Manager: (12+ yrs. Oman Exp.) Vast knowledge in A/c & Admin, Costing, Banking, Credit Control, Insurance, International Purchase/ Logistics & Finance, With D/L looking for suitable position.

Gsm: 93826090 Email: jskanchan01@gmail.com General Manager / working partner 20 years in Dubai adverting agency experience. Contact 93031168 Indian female with nine years of experience in 5 Star hotels as Assistant Food & Beverage Manager looking for a suitable placement in a reputed Star hotel.Contact: 91219787

MEDICAL Veterinary Doctor 4 years experience in Military Cattle farm, Pet Animals & butchery, looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 9789234 Physiotherapist (BPT), Indian male, 4.5 yrs experience, looking for suitable job, available in Oman (Muscat) on visit visa. Contact 92692143, Email: asadshabeeh@yahoo.com

Indian male Pharmacist (B.Pharma) 5 1/2 years experience in Oman seeking suitable placement in Muscat. NOC from the present employer available.

CONTACT +968 98525100 Indian female Nurse, prometric passed, 64%. Contact 97916986, 96146016, 22068598 Indian Female, Dentist fresher looking for suitable placement.

Contact 98857686, email : drsumbulahmad@gmail.com Lab Technician, Civil (8yrs Gulf experience) looking for a suitable job (NOC available) Contact-93344378

MISCELLANEOUS SALES / MARKETING

MISCELLANEOUS

Logistics Officer, Experience in Store keeping. Contact : 99505934

SECRETARIAL/OFFICE Female 24 yrs Indian MBA and IATA,1yr experience Ticketing &1.6yr experience in Front office looking suitable jobs Travels, Admin& Front office .Oman on Family visa .

Contact 94614318 Indian female, well experienced in secretarial, administration, customer care & supervisory jobs.

5 years experience in Muscat.

Immediately available for joining.

Contact: 92139298

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Civil foreman maintenance D/L, 12 yrs in Oman, 2 yrs in Kuwait.

Contact 96405865, 99534138, India - +91 7589248550, +91 9464255409, email: sukhwinder9@yahoo.com

SALES / MARKETING

Pakistani male, 34, College 2 yrs, 2 yrs experience as Sales Representative, 3 yrs experience as Clerk / Office Assistant, 3 yrs experience as Salesman in Oman, Computer Skill : Excel, BUSY, ERP, languages known – English, Arabic, Hindi and Urdu.

Contact 96763346 Indian male, Diploma in Automobile & BBA, 8 yrs experience in Sales looking for a job in Sales.

Contact 94480382 MBA Professional with Omani Driving License seeking Sales or Marketing job. Contact 94143154, rinojnathen008@gmail.com Indian male, 25yrs, MBA in HR/ Marketing.6yrs exp with MNC and pharma. Presently in family visit visa looking for suitable placements.

Contact no-94657379/ 96645182 Indian male, 7 yrs Gulf exp in Sales (Indoor – Outdoor), looking for job.

Contact 99433816 / 93159202 B.Com Graduate experience marketing 8 yrs (India) valid Oman driving license. Contact – 97916044 / 97382638 Indian male having 3 yrs Oman exp in sales and administration with valid Oman license. Looking for suitable placement. NOC available, own vehicle also available.

Contact – 98956725 15 years experience in Business Development , marketing, purchase – UAE & Oman-staff coordination, documentation, civil & technical maintenance, -valid GCC license-looking for working partnership or management post. Contact:91568362 / Email vpj555pem@gmail.com Indian Male, B.Tech E&I, 10 yrs experience in Sales, Procurement, BDM. 6 yrs Oman experience in Oil & Gas Sector. Seeking suitable placement. Oman D/L, NOC available. Contact 97233074 Indian Male, MBA in Marketing and Finance, 10 years’ Sales & Business Development Experience with valid D/L of Oman & UAE looking for a suitable placement. NOC Available.

Contact: 93969961 e-mail abhilash.pvrk@gmail.com

Sales & Marketing Indian male MBA (marketing & sales) business development experience at all levels of management. Currently on visit visa. Contact – 91272819 Graduate, Indian, having 6 yrs experience in Sales with D/L, NOC available. Contact 93410723 Indian male, 22 yrs, BBM Graduate looking for suitable job in sales/ marketing, currently on visit visa.

Contact 91757222, email : danishdani460@gmail.com Indian Male, 7 yrs experience in building materials trading having Oman D/L, immediate release available. Contact 98676713 18 yrs Oman experience in Building Materials seeking suitable placement, NOC available. Contact 93105775

TECHNICIAN Instrument Technician (M.Sc Instrumentation) with 2 yrs experience (1 yr Indian + 1 yr in SABIC Petro Chemical Plant, Saudi Arabia), currently available in Muscat on visit visa looking for a suitable position in Oman.

Contact 97165988, email : shabeer812@gmail.com Indian male, Instrumentation Technician with 3 yrs Diploma & 1 yr exp in Maintenance Dept, seeks job.

Call +971554275155

MISCELLANEOUS Indian female dentist with 4 year experience. Call Nazia 96488737 Manager Maintenance/Engineering/Purchase, 31 yrs. exp. in mechanical, electrical, electronics, parts fabrication, purchase deptt, oman exp. 5yrs, have NOC, looking for job. Contact pkv2k3@yahoo.com, 99331289 Indian Male, 31 years of Rich Oman experience in Multifunctional Management, Administration, Business Development, Purchase & Operations seeking suitable Manager/Supervisory Position.

Visa transfer/NOC Available.

GSM: 95036410 Indian Female, Graduate having good experience looking for suitable job. NOC available.

Contact 91774397 Indian Male, B.COM, ICWA, CMA Australia, 24 years experience in finance, costing, accounts, internal audit. Valid Oman driving license.

NOC available. Can join immediately. Contact 97917136 More than 10 years experience in Sales & Marketing, Insurance, Direct marketing, Advertisement, Credit Control & logistics.

Contact: 99322748, 91071097 Post Graduate Engineer with 5+ years experience in Project Planning & Management currently on visit visa looking for a Project Co-ordinator/Planning Engineer position in reputed organizations.

Please contact (968) 96105079 Indian Female, IATA, BSc looking for suitable placement.

Contact 95514305.

Email-jitureshmi@gmail.com

Graduate, Indian, having 6 yrs experience in Sales with D/L, NOC available. Contact 93410723 3 Years experienced Administrative Executive seeking for Virtual Admin Opportunities. Can work for 6 hours/day from a virtual location for 100 RO/month. Call: 95811820 MECHANICAL ENGINEER (B Tech), Indian Mail, with NDT Level 2(ASNT), Autocad, Solidworks, 2 year above experience (as Mechanical Site Engineer and Design Engineer), Seeking suitable placement(on visit visa). Contact: 91591548, 00919447300022, Email: vishnu300022@gmail.com 22 Indian Female, BCA (MCA), 4 Years’ Experience in Teaching, Training & Management of Office and Computer Applications, looking for suitable vacancy in the field of Teaching/IT/Office Management Contact – 94540768, Email – paipreethi01@gmail.com 3 Years experienced Administrative Executive seeking for Virtual Admin Opportunities. Can work for 6 hours/day from a virtual location for 100 RO/month.

Call: 95811820 Indian male, 28 yrs in Civil Engineer (Diploma), 3 yrs experience in Gulf seeking suitable chances.

Contact 92063150 Indian Male Graduate 20 yrs in Oman, Accountant / Business Property Management seeking suitable position in Accounts / Administration working knowledge with TALLY. Valid Omani Driving License. Contact 99817183 Indian male 2 years experience in Light & Heavy motor vehicle Mechanic. Diesel & Petrol. Seek suitable placement Contact 99421537.

Indian female, 34 yrs, B.A, B.Ed (S.S), DCA, Doing M.A by distance, having 6 yrs experience in School (5 yrs in Indian School, Oman).

Contact 98728700, 92458872 Indian Female 23 years M.Com Graduate on visit visa having four month experience as an Accountant in a company at Muscat. Looking for a suitable job. Immediately available for joining. Contact: 95846642, Email:shreedhanya916@gmail.com 28 years male, MBA in Marketing, 5 years experience in Marketing and Brand Promotion.

On visit, looking for job.

Contact: 96104833 B.Tech. (Civil), 2 years experience in designing, and training corporate professionals in Dubai in software, presently working in India, seeks suitable job opening. madhunambiarm@hotmail.com Indian female 24 yrs, MBA (finance) (1 year experience as administrator cum junior level accountant looking for suitable job & holding visiting visa. Contact 97481488, Email: ayeshaowasi12345@gmail.com Hotel Manager, Indian male, 25 years exp. in Budget & 3 Star Hotel, with Omani Driving License , Seeks Placement.

NOC/Release Available.

Contact: 99799774, Email: smoin_moinsb@yahoo.co.in

D6

S U N DAY, JA N UA RY 1 1 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

EVERY FRIDAY 2.00PM ON INDIA’S KAIRALI PEOPLE TV

● Worldwide ● Air Ticket ● Car Rental ● Holiday Packages ● Hotel Reservations ● Travel Insurance Call: 0096824790400, 0096898569830 Email: info@omanorienttravels.com

SITUATION WANTED 26,male, ACCA finalist, exp. upto finalisation of accounts, statutory and internal audit, expertise in using tally and focus & oracle software, have 2 years exp. in accounts till finalisation and statutory audit, seeking fill time / part time job,GSM-97654769,email idabdullah.nooralam@yahoo.com MBA & chemical Engineer having 20 yrs Purchase & Logistic experience in Petrochemicals & oil field seeking jobs in Oman/ Abudhabi/ Qatar/ SA .#97813849 Indian male 22 Yrs, diploma in fire & safety, special Trainings completed from Cochin Port Trust Fire Service & The Travancore-Cochin Chemicals Ltd searching for a suitable placement, now on visit visa, Contact No. 96722632 Indian Male 26 years B.Com having 5years rich experience in Accounts and Admin looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 96897914340, 00919902200486, E mail: sudhakaranchan06@gmail.com Indian Male, 24 yrs, MBA in HR/ Marketing. More than 1 years experienced in retail Banking (Axis Bank) Presently in family visit in Oman seeking for a suitable placement.#99892082 / 997 43 709 26,male, ACCA finalist, have professional experience up to finalization of accounts, statutory and internal audit, expertise in using tally and focus & oracle software, 2 years experience in accounts till finalization, seeking job, GSM-97654769,email idabdullah.nooralam@yahoo.com Indian Male 26 years BCOM having 5years rich experience in Accounts and Admin looking for suitable placement. Contact: 96897914340, 00919902200486, E mail: sudhakaranchan06@gmail.com Operation Manager, Indian male, 30 yrs exp. In Front Office Hotel Industry with Omani driving license seeks placement.NOC / Release Available. #99799774 Indian Male, B.COM, ICWA, CMA Australia, 24 years experience in finance, costing, accounts, internal audit. Valid Oman driving license.

NOC available. Can join immediately. Contact 97917136 Indian female M.A B.Ed. with One year three months teaching experience. Subject: English seeking for a better placement. Now working in Oman #93961142, 92184408 Email:anoopkesavan78@gmail.com.

B.Sc. Computer science graduate with CCNA certification and also with a working 2 years experience, looking for a suitable position in IT sector. Please contact: + 96892595819 Diploma in Civil engineering, male, 5 yrs experience in Oman, worked as Site Engineer at Hyundai Engineering & Construction Company.

Beximco Engg Const Company, PHP Steel Mills Ltd seeking job urgently.

Contact 97140857 Indian male 27year B.Com graduate 2year experience in marketing.

Looking for good placement in any field, since from 4year in Oman.

Contact 98765838 Indian Male 23years B.E Electrical and Electronics Engineering having 1 year experience in Admin, Electrical Engineer, Electrical supervisor and Project Engineer looking for suitable placement. Contact : +96899682689, +91 8136994996.

Email: thalus09@gmail.com

MATRIMONIAL

Indian Male, 22 years, B.Tech Mechanical (Fresher) from NIT, Calicut. Software skills – ANSYS, PRO-E Solid works. # 91294510 / 99437002, email: nsp1618@gmail.com

Parents of Christian girl (Roman Catholic),27yrs,fair,5.5”, from Kerala working in TCS, Bangalore as Systems Engineer seeks suitable alliances. Call: +968 92010215 / +968 99278649

Part- Time Accountant well versed with all accounting, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact 98803439

Proposals are invited from parents of professionally qualified Nair Boys for 24 year old Upper Middle Class Nair girl hail from Trivandrum, (171 cm, Star-Bharani) employed in a reputed Company in Oman. Contact: 0968-9950 2593 /99798041.

(KM ID.2844689)

Pakistani Male with 18 yrs of experience in GCC in Sales & Marketing, excellent English & Arabic speaking, NOC available, looking for suitable placement. #96383958 Diploma in Civil Engineering, Bangladeshi Male. Oman 5 yrs experience, seeks suitable placement.

Contact 97140857 Indian female, well experienced in secretarial, administration, customer care & supervisory jobs.

5 years experience in Muscat.

Immediately available for joining.

Contact: 92139298 Civil draughtsman part time work for job mob: 96023726 20 years experience in Indian Air force with Mechanical Engineering diploma. 5 years in Administration 5 years experience in handling general engineering tool store management. 8 years in banking cash management service. #95451097. jacobsam2010@gmail.com

AVAILABLE Established Restaurant for rent with sponsorship. # 97628242 Party & Wedding equipment rentals. Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. www.tunesoman. com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

DRIVING

B. Pharm, Indian Female, Oman MOH License holder, seeking job.

Email:shivallath@gmail.com Contact no: 99665183 Indian Male, 24 yrs, MBA in HR/ Marketing. More than 1 years experienced in retail Banking(Axis Bank) Presently in family visit in Oman seeking for a suitable placement. #99892082 /997 43 709 Experienced Salesman with 5 years experience vehicle looking for job.

Contact 93079087 Post Graduate with experience in sales and marketing on visit seeking a suitable placement. # 94562734,dyasaakhan@gmail.com Indian Experienced Driver, can work also as Salesman. looking for a suitable job Contact 99551310 Senior Accounts Professional, Indian Male, 35 years, M.Com, MBA (Fin) 8 years in Oman, with valid Oman D/L and NOC available.

Capable to handle accounts up to finalization. Contact 96023965 MBA in HR, 6+ years work experience in HR & Admin in MNC, Indian Female, 26, Good communications skills seeking suitable placement.

Contact 97914669 Male 25 Pakistani MA Economics/CAT.4 years experience in utility sector flexible to do any role in finance/HR & supply chain. https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=186570782.cell no 94626209 Indian Male, 24 years old on visit visa, 3 years Diploma in Civil Engineering, 3 yrs experience.

Contact 98515106

NRI

Furnished room in Wadi Kabir.

Contact 94012930 Separate entrance room with attached bathroom and A/C near Wadi Adai roundabout for Executive bachelor. Contact 92148188 Accommodation available for rent in SEEH AHMER FANJA near Oman Oil, only 10 mtrs drive from Rusayl industrial area, Please Call on 95200429 or 99224352

Furnished house for sale near Vattiyoorkavu, Thiruvananthapuram, 5 cents, 220 SQ Ft. Contact 96099215 / 99016230

Room with A/C, furniture for expats at Al Khuwair. # 97004265 / 99689315 Room available in Al Khuwair with sharing kitchen and bathroom near Blu Radisson. R.O 100/-+W/E. Contact 96930219 Room for Sri Lankan executive at AL Khuwair. Contact – 96536307

MANPOWER

3100 Sq ft two storied buildings, ground floor flat, 1611 sq ft with 2 cents of land around the building for sale. Location – near St. Marys Church Pattom, Trivandram, Palm drive lane, House No. 10. Contact 99747481 / +91 9746239049 For Astrological consultation, Jathakam. Contact: 99860435 / 97102599

Sharing accommodation available near Khimji Mart at Mumtaz area in Ruwi for couple. Living room, bedroom, kitchen available. # 96659817

Villa for sale 2200 sq ft in 8 cent.

Kottayam. Contact: 92652534

Executive room at Mumtaz area.

Contact – 93103337 / 95212017

10 cent (404.7m2) residential land for sale at kalamassery (kochi) for immediate sale contact Biny 95298395

Single room with sharing kitchen for Executive bachelor or working lady, Ruwi, in front of Apollo Hospital. Contact 98232567 / 91673718

BUSINESS

Room with separate toilet and WiFi, Wadi Kabir near pencil building.

Contact 93416854

Indian Male, Post graduate with experience as Document controller on visit seeking a suitable job.

Please contact 97248144. samiullah_ar@yahoo.co.in Indian Male having 10 years of Experience in Oman having Valid Omani Driving license working in Purchase Dept looking for a suitable position. Salary is negotiable. obarla313@gmail.com Mob: 92654817/ 97490313

ACC. AVAILABLE

Room with separate entrance & A/C in Al Khuwair near Rawasco for noncooking Indian Bachelor, rent RO 125/-. Contact 97201100, 95397442

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED MBA in HR, 6+ years work experience in HR & Admin in MNC, Indian Female, 26 Good communications skills seeking suitable placement. Contact 97914669 Male 30, 6 years Oman experience in Sales, Currently working with an UAE based Company operating in UAE and Oman Market with valid UAE and Oman D/L looking for suitable placement.

Contact +968 91212407 (NOC not required) OPERATION MANAGER, Indian male, 30 yrs exp. In Front Office Hotel Industry with Omani driving license seeks placement.NOC / Release Available. #99799774

Office space near KFC, Al Khuwair, office basement near Mars, Al Ghubrah, double & single bedroom flat Al Ghubrah near Mars and Wadi Kabir near Lulu. Contact 95755551 / 92222045 Furnished room in CBD Area for non-cooking bachelor free Wi-Fi, advance deposit call 99078540 Room + balcony + separate toilet for non cooking single Indian Bachelor, RO 140/-. Contact 98928458 Furnished single room with attached bathroom near Mars Hypermarket, Al Ghubrah. Contact 97312111, RO 150/- per month 2 Bedroom flat for offices with furniture near Al Manaf Hotel, Ghala.

Contact 99525743, 99439705

26 years Indian male with MBA & PGDFM, Total 3.4 years experience in Administration seeking suitable placement in Muscat. Holding Oman valid driving license.

Contact: 93359371,

Excellent 3 bedrooms , 2 sitting rooms, 3 bathrooms, kitchen & store with A/C. 92817777

Indian Male, B.Sc Fashion & Apparel Design having 4+ yrs of experience (in Retail Sector as Designer-Visual Merchandising & Marketing) seeking suitable placement in any sections. Contact 94535866, Email: tomsjon@gmail.com

We, Baqar Hussain (name of father as per the passport, holder of Indian Passport No. J5556103) and Afreen Sikandar (name of mother as per the passport, holder of Indian Passport No. H4108245) having permanent address in H-No-2-2-929, Amberpet Hyderabad - 500013 (complete postal address in India) and presently residing at the following address in Muscat, Al Khuwair, P.B. No 1545, P.C. No 130, Sultanate of Oman, hereby solemnly affirm and declare to change the name of our child Master Mohammed Waqaar Hussain (name as per present passport), holder of Indian Passport No. J6418714, date of issue 17/07/2011 issued at Muscat.

The name of our child will be henceforth known as Mohammed Rizwan Hussain (new name) for all purposes. Any objection towards change of name of our minor child may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, Diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, P.B. No 1727, Postal Code 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman.

Accountant, Indian male, 25 yrs, BBM CA, Computer proficiency: TALLY9, C+, 1 yrs Experience in Oman, Seeks suitable placements. mob: 97145531 Indian Male, 22 years, B.Tech Mechanical (Fresher) from NIT Calicut, Software skills – ANSYS, PRO-E solid works.

Contact 91294510 / 99437002.

Email: nsp1618@gmail.com Indian Female, BSC Nurse, on visit having 4 years experience in Medical Surgical with Prometric Certificate looking for a suitable placement. Contact: 98329941/ Email: ancyanish2011@gmail.com

GOOD NEWS

CHANGE OF NAME

Genuine Ayurvedic treatments & massage, Ayurvedic clinic at Al Khuwair. Contact 24478618 / 97263637 /93309131 FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 96050000, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133.

For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit: www.islamfact.com Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).

Contact 24475280 / 95371554 / 92504980 , www.siddhayur.com Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage, steam bath, obesity, spondylitis, ideal care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street, Azaiba. Contact 99639695 / 99117987

LOST Pushpahasa Panigrahi has lost Indian Passport No. H3790606.

Finder please handover to ROP

Excellent investment, business and earning opportunity in Sultanate of Oman and other GCC countries.

Looking for investors and sponsors (Omani Nationals only). For meeting and discussions please call on 91285860 Licensed Engineering Consultancy (Chemical) Company looking for International or local partners to start operations in Oman. For enquiries call 99264162 Wanted dentist or investor to buy a well-running dental clinic in Sohar immediately. Contact 92625962, 95904234 Omani National looking for expat investing partner in Restaurant in Al Amerat. Infrastructure almost ready. Jamal Adan Trading.

Contact 98711083, email : faisal.patel0038@gmail.com We assist in new business set up local sponsorship, real estate services, assist in company formation services. Contact - 93166088

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DAILY GUIDE TOURS

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

TOURS

RENT A CAR

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

TRANSPORTATION Transportation. Contact 99542393 Transportation. Contact 93405941 Transportation. Contact 98178135

RENT A CAR

Transportation available.

Contact 95570429 Driver with car. Contact 92179395 Pick & drop anytime in al Khuwair.

Contact 99764307 Transportation. Contact 98505294 Transportation. Contact 91379976 Transportation with car & driver.

(VIPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only). Contact 95040768 Transportation. Contact 93425167 Pick & Drop any time. Contact 97014786

M.V. FOR SALE

Transportation. Contact 99664703 Expat Prado VX6, model 2008, excellent condition, 2 fuel tanks, 180 ltrs, cool box, leather seats, 122500 kms, last Toyota Service in Jan 2015. Contact 99435226 Nissan Sunny Auto 2009, 100 k, RO 2500. Contact 93289652

Renault Safrane, model-2010 kms100000, full option, good condition. price-2900/- negotiable CONTACT-97881927

Toyota Yaris 1.5, full automatic 2010 Dec, new insurance, new tyres 83,000 kms in excellent condition, OMR 3300/-. Contact 93291179

Pajero 3.8 v6 full option, 2008 model expat driven single owner, excellent condition, accident free, 217k.

Contact - 92590781 Lexus GS300, 2006. #93218349

Transportation available 99159277 Transportation. Contact 96538078 Transportation Available Contact 97180655

M.V. FOR SALE Lexus IS 250, model 2007, good condition. Contact 95530560 Hyundai Elantra white 2010 model full auto. Contact - 95212017

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DAILY GUIDE

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

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

SITUATION WANTSERVICES

WEBSITE

CLASSES

Al Manar Vocational pleased to announce at vocational short and long term courses in tailoring, cooking and internal design. Contact us now : 24698070 or 91144335

COMPUTER

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

SITUATION WANTSERVICES

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. # 24793614/ 99314807 Pest Control Treatments!!!

Termites! Cockroaches! Bedbugs!

Ocean Centre LLC. Contact 99344723

Carpet & sofa cleaning, house cleaning. Contact 99542979 / 98855815

Contact: 91262820 / 96458007

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

For All Your Maintenance Solutions, A/c Servicing & Fixing, Painting, Cleaning, Electric.

Contact. 99002390 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

Split & window AC servicing and repairing. Contact 99557080

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

Civil maintenance, electrical & plumbing work. Contact 99557080, 96236476

Door to Door Computers repair specialist laptop software Website cartridges. Contact 99199376

Building Caretaker, Gulf Experienced, knows Arabic, Hindi English Ph : 94304348 PRO services.

Contact 99368907 Fast & Right Way - For all PR related works – permanent Visa stamping, family visiting visa holders, clients contacts – with NOC letter with signed & sealed photocopy documents – Contact: 91568362

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

Catering services We do industrial catering service, Canteen/ mess, 3 times packed meals, and all types of catering events.

Contact 92188777/ 99249899

A.M Trading Pest control.

Contact 99067923 Split & window A/C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 GULF INTERNATIONAL LLC all kind of pest control.

Contact 92326955 Window & split unit AC servicing & maintenance. Contact 96236476 Waterproofing, light weight Screed, Antitermite and MS Fabrication.

Contact 92888337 For All Your Maintenance Solutions, A/c Servicing & Fixing, Painting, Cleaning, Electric. Contact 99002390

Window & split unit A/C servicing & maintenance. Contact 96236476 Civil Maintenance, Painting Electric, Plumbing, Decor, Tile Fixing, Lecithin Copra Board flat stifling , Carpet Cleaning and A/C Servicing.Contact 97897831 (Indian keralite) For all your maintenance needs including, Painting, Plumbing, Electricity, Laying of Interlock Tiles, Marbles etc. Tel: 99383574 Mr. Chandran Electrical Plumbing Painting Contract and Maintenance.

Contact 98456535 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir AlRizaiqi trading. L.L.C. # 24810137, 99450130

For HT cable jointing and termination works 33KV/11KV. Contact 99056438 / Email: npgoman@gmail.com

FOR HIRE

TRUCK FOR HIRE

House shifting transport. Contact 99657644, 98518013

Isuzu 10 ton cargo body truck

Painting Interlock plumbing maintenance. Contact 92142319

(2012 FVR) with UAE experienced driver available for long term / short term rent.

Carpet & Sofa Shampooing.

Ocean Centre LLC. # 99884591 Maintenance – 1) A/C Maintenance, 2)fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, 3)painting & cleaning services, 4)electrical & plumbing carpentry work. # 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281

BEAUTY Varkey’s Gents Salon & Spa – Offer 25% on all spa facilities like hamam spa, massages with steam bath, Jacuzzi, aroma therapy, pedicure & manicure, facial treatments.

Contact 92935679

Contact: 95346950 Running truck wash for rent in Ouhi Sunia Sohar. Serious people can. Contact on 97864747 50 seater bus with PDO specification for rent or lease.

Contact 99839898

M.V.WANTED Required Nissan Tida / Toyota yaris / Suzuki swift / hyundai/Kia hatchback car in good condition.

Contact 95405033