Times of Oman - January 11, 2016

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FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

Speech of His Majesty at the opening of the 5th term of the Majlis Oman, 2011

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’

The more thought becomes diverse, open and free of fanaticism, the more it becomes a correct and sound basis for building generations, the progress of nations and the advancement of societies. Inflexibility, extremism and immoderation are the opposite to all this and societies which adopt such ideas only carry within themselves the seeds of their eventual destruction.

MONDAY, January 11, 2016 / 1 Rabi Al Thani 1437 AH

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Q ATA R

LUCKY ESCAPE

ISD child left in bus, rescued by driver Staff Reporter MUSCAT: A kindergarten student of Indian School Darsait (ISD) was left alone in the bus after all other children got down.

Luckily, the child was noticed by the bus driver while moving towards Wadi Kabir and he took him out. “It was a near miss. The child was asleep in the bus. The driver spotted him and brought him back to the school. The incident proves that the transport system being managed by the

ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company

school is working well,” Wilson George, chairman of the Indian School Board of Directors, told the Times of Oman.

According to sources, the child boarded the bus at Ruwi but he went asleep and the caretaker of the bus failed to notice him.

“It’s a small incident. The child is okay,” the school principal said.

Meanwhile, the bus operator, officially running the transport system for the school, said the child was found when the driver was returning to the parking lot.

HM receives thanks cable MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received a cable of thanks from His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, in reply to His Majesty’s congratulatory cable on the occasion of his country’s National Day. In his cable, Sheikh Tamim expressed his utmost thanks and appreciation for His Majesty’s noble feelings and best wishes.

He wished His Majesty good health and wellbeing, and the Omani people further progress and prosperity under the wise leadership of His Majesty. -ONA

YOUNG MASTER

4-year-old takes to karting arena

WILL 2016 BE FINAL FOR TOUR OF OMAN? As the five-year deal for Tour of Oman ends this year, the Municipality will try to renegotiate the contract raising speculation about its fate

BABA UMAR

babaumar@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Talks to bring the famed Tour of Oman back to the Sultanate in 2017 will take place as its cyclists compete in this year’s event, making 2016 possibly the last time the spectacle will be held if negotiations fail.

Negotiation “It’s the last tour…for time being it is,” Habib Al Zawawi, Supervisor of Sports Events and Tour of Oman at Muscat Municipality, told Times of Oman. However, Al Zawawi, who is also the member of organising committee of the Tour of Oman, said the municipality will “negotiate” to “renew” the contract during the event.

“There will be negotiations. So it depends. Either to renew it or if that (2016 edition) will be the last one. The original agreement was for five years. The first edition of 2010 was a test. It wasn’t (an) official event. 2016 will be the last

one. But it depends; there will be negotiations during the tour. By the end of tour we will come to know. There will be official announcement about it,” Al Zawawi further said.

Organisers say they are spending OMR2 million on next month’s event which gets under way on February 16, with Bank Muscat and Omantel among the key sponsors.

The 2016 Tour of Oman running for the seventh consecutive year is organised by the Municipality of Muscat in association with the Oman Cycling Federation with help from Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) under the regulations of the International Cycling Union (UCI).

President of Oman Cycling Federation Saif Suba Al Rashid, however, said that he had no knowledge that the upcoming cycling event will be the last one.

“We have nothing to do with it.

This is with Muscat Municipality.

To be honest I haven’t heard any-

MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON

mobinmathew@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A four-year-old riding a 50cc kart and negotiating difficult curves like an experienced professional is a mesmerising sight. Today, the Times of Oman (TOO) is featuring Adam Awan, the youngest Omani Karter in its #OmanPride campaign.

Fun factor “I enjoy riding the karts. It is fun,” Adam, told TOO.

thing about it,” he said.

Tour of Oman is considered an important preparatory race for the events like Olympics (in Rio de Janeiro) and the Road World Championships organised by the Union Cycliste Internationale (in Qatar) later this year.

Top cyclists Rafael Valls of UCI ProTeam Lampre–Merida and Vincenzo Nibali of UCI ProTeam Astana are among the big names participating in the seven-day event slated for February 16-22.

Valls was the winner of 2015 event while Christopher Froome of UCI ProTeam Team Sky clinched back-to-back titles in 2013 and 2014.

The Muscat Municipality official said Team Sky is not participating in the cycling event.

“We missed around ten teams because of busy schedules. This year is lined up with events like Tour of Dubai, Tour of Qatar, Tour of Oman and then Tour of France followed by the Olympics and then world championship.

So some teams decided to avoid Oman for the big events ahead,” Al Zwawi said.

Officials of Team Sky - a British professional cycling team that competes in the UCI World Tour - say the team is focusing on key European world tour races and will not participate in Oman. >A3 TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

OMAN

Duty Free purchase

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Residents and cabin crew can still purchase liquor from Duty Free market. >A2

OMAN

Netflix in Oman

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Netflix, the world’s leading internet TV service, is available in Oman.>A3

Will Shah Rukh attend Muscat Film Festival?

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MARKET

Oman non-oil income

3

Oman has adopted a conservative approach for non-oil revenue. >B1

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL: Adam started with reduced power on the kart and now he can drive around the track alone. – Supplied photo

According to his father, Imran Awan, Adma has enjoyed driving and riding anything on wheels from his early days.

Adam was introduced to karting at the age of three through a twoseater kart, which accommodated

his parent and when he was three and half years or so, he started driving solo. “Adam showed an interest in toy cars before he could even walk on his own. That is when my wife and I decided to explore his passion,” Awan said. >A4

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MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016

205,579

OMAN

Oman Air affirms to protect wildlife initiative

Was the total number of passengers transported by the National Ferries Company’s fleet during 2015.

SULTANATE TAKES PART IN ARAB EMERGENCY MEETING

The extraordinary meeting of the Arab Foreign Ministers Council began at the headquarters of the Arab League in Cairo on Sunday. The meeting comes as per request of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to condemn the attacks on its embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad. The Sultanate’s delegation in the meeting is being led by Yousef bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs. The meeting will discuss the violations on the KSA Embassy in Tehran and its consulate in Mashhad. — ONA

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, and Oman Air, will work together to raise awareness on the need to adhere to CITES Permit

MUSCAT: Oman Air has stated it is fully aware of the importance to conserve the national resources and support the efforts of the international community to develop and implement international conventions to protect wildlife.

Oman Air’s CEO, Paul Gregorowitsch, said: “CITES is among the conventions voluntarily adopted by states, and the Sultanate of Oman is one of the pioneer countries in the field of native wildlife conservation and is paying special concern to this issue. Oman Air emphasises its high commitment to this Convention by raising awareness at all our stations regionally and internationally, in order to ensure that wildlife is not threatened by illegal and over-exploitation.”

Since there is an urgent need to intensify these efforts; Oman, represented by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, the Directorate General of

Nature Conservation, is giving a special concern to this issue to protect endangered wildlife and regulate international trade in species between countries.

For this purpose, Oman accessed the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) on 19 November 2007, by the Royal Decree No. 117/2007.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, in cooperation with Oman Air, will work together to raise awareness of their customers on the necessity of adhering to the articles of the Convention and acquiring the requested permits (CITES Permit) prior to import or export of wild species and all other animals and plants listed in the appendices of CITES. They shall be accompanied by a CITES certificate issued from the exported or imported country and in case of violation, legal procedures shall be taken in this regard. — ONA

M U S C AT I N T E R NAT I O NA L A I R P O R T

FOURTH ANNUAL MEETING

Residents, cabin crew can still buy liquor at Duty Free FAHAD AL GHADANI

fahadnews@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Residents and cabin crew can still purchase liquor from Duty Free market at the Muscat International Airport, according to an official at the Muscat International Duty Free.

The announcement came after a letter sent by the Director of Customs at the Muscat International Airport to one of the airlines, advising its crew that it was illegal to buy liquor from the airport duty free.

“The letter explained that the cabin crew, residents and Muslim

tourists are not allowed to buy liquor from the airport. But now that rule has been cancelled after we responded to the letter directly,” said the Duty Free official.

He added that this issue had started in 2014 when the customs department had sent the first letter to Muscat Duty Free saying that after Ramadan, liquor would not be available for residents and cabin crew.

“We resumed the usual sale at the duty free market,” said the source.

He added that the customs department has promised to issue another letter to all the airlines.

“The situation now is normal and the duty free market is offering its items, including liquor, to passengers and cabin crew,” said the source.

He also added that the situation is under study and there might be some changes in the future.

Except for Muslims, residents, cabin crew and tourists can buy liquor from the Duty Free.

The customs department allows people to buy two litres of liquor per person after landing in Oman. When any violation takes place, the liquor is seized and a report is written, but only in case of a Muslim passenger.

Defence College board meets MUSCAT: Board of the National Defence College (NDC) held its fourth annual meeting under the chair of Lt. Gen Ahmed bin Harith Al Nabhani, Chief of Staff of the Sultan’s Armed Forces and Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Brig. Gen Acting Commandant of the NDC gave a briefing on the performance indicators for the past and current periods.

Maj. Gen Commander of Royal Army of Oman (RAO), Air ViceMarshal, Commander of Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO), Maj. Gen Commander of the Royal Guard of Oman (RGO) , Maj. Gen Commandant of the National Defence College, Maj. Gen Assistant Inspector General of Police and others attended the meeting. — ONA

L AT E S T S TAT I S T I C S

ON THE RIGHT TRACK: The NFC also achieved 97 per cent punctuality indicator and 94.4 per cent rating in the credibility of the services provided. - ONA

National Ferries registers 121% increase in passenger numbers MUSCAT: A 121 per cent increase in the number of passengers transported by the National Ferries Company’s (NFC) fleet was registered — from 92,724 passengers in 2014 to 205,579 during 2015 — according to the latest statistics of the company.

The NFC’s data further shows that the number of vehicles shipped on board the company’s ferries during 2015 stood at 52,771, compared to 21,048 vehicles during 2014.

Freight movement rose to reach 8,232 tonnes in 2015.

The statistics showed that the number of passengers witnessed a growth of 84 per cent on the basis of combined annual growth while the number of vehicles increased by 112 per cent during 2008-2015. The NFC also achieved 97 per cent punctuality indicator and 94.4 per cent rating in the credibility of the services provided.

The statistics indicated that the number of passengers and vehicles transported grew in 2015.

The number of passengers transported in the first half of 2015 rose from 81,356 passengers and 21,547 vehicles to 124,223 pas-

sengers and 31,224 vehicles in the second half of 2015.

Mahdi bin Mohammed Al Abdwani, CEO of the NFC, stated that the growth in the number of passengers and vehicles is attributed to the launch of KhasabDaba route and Daba-Lima route, in addition to the increase in the number of voyages during the religious and national holidays.

Shannah-Masirah route He said in a statement to the Oman News Agency (ONA) that Shannah-Masirah route witnessed the highest activity during 2015 as 168,227 passengers were transported, constituting 82 per cent of the total number of the passengers and comprising an occupancy rate of 44 per cent at the level of passengers. He added that the NFC transported 46,272 vehicles, accounting for 88 per cent of the total vehicles, and 56 per cent occupancy rate.

Passengers on the ShannahMasirah route comprised 33 per cent of the total passengers while the number of the transported vehicles comprised 35 per cent of the total vehicles in 2015. The two ferries, “Shannah and Jawharat

Masirah” of the NFC, operated 2,554 voyages, compared to 6,501 voyages operated by eight local ferries owned by citizens.

A total of 15,364 passengers travelled on the Muscat-Khasab route, accounting for seven per cent of the total of passengers with an occupancy rate of 52 per cent while the number of vehicles transported along the same route reached 3,769, comprising seven per cent of the total vehicles in 2015, an occupancy rate of 63 per cent.

The Shinas-Khasab route carried 9,577 passengers, or 43 per cent of the total passengers, and 2,540 vehicles or 57 per cent of the total vehicles transported.

The CEO of the NFC added that the occupancy rate of passengers’ service at Lima-Daba route stood at 75 per cent with 5,424 passengers being transported even though it is a new route, launched only in September 2015.

The Shinas-Daba-Khasab route transported 2,029 passengers and 190 vehicles. The Khasab-Lima route carried 3,723 passengers while the LimaShinas route transported 1,235 passengers. — ONA

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OMAN

Netflix ‘Internet TV’ comes to Sultanate Residents of Oman, along with those in 190 other countries, can now enjoy television programmes and movies starting at about OMR3 per month, with the first month being free

HASSAN ALI SHABAN AL LAWATI & TARIQ AL HAREMI

hassan@timesofoman.com tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Netflix, the world’s leading Internet TV service, is now available in Oman.

Residents of the Sultanate, along with those in 190 other countries, can now enjoy television programmes and movies starting at a price of about OMR3 per month, with the first month being free.

While Netflix promises to provide a variety of shows and movies for subscribers, as well as those not usually available in Oman, some shows will continue to not be seen in the Sultanate.

House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, Suits, Better Call Saul, Battlestar Galactica and White Collar have not yet been made available for streaming, according to company officials.

Omani locals and residents quickly registered their accounts with Netflix and began ‘binge watching’ their favourite and,

VARIETY OF SHOWS: House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, Suits, Better Call Saul, Battlestar Galactica and White Collar have not yet been made available for streaming, according to company officials. - Bloomberg file picture

otherwise, previously unavailable programs on the internet TV service,in spite of concerns that the government could block the service. “I have been binge watching different shows and movies, just in case,” said Emad Al Harthy, while concerned about the termination of the service by the Omani government.

Others have argued that since it is a legal service provider, there should not be any reason for it to be blocked.

‘Definitely excited’ Subscriber Abhishek Pandey said, “I’m definitely excited; but I hope it doesn’t get blocked. I don’t see why it would. It’s a legal service and you pay to watch.”

Others said they would not be surprised if the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) might block it.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if they block it, since there’s no way for them to ‘regulate’ the service and receive incentives. TRA doesn’t care much about regulation, quality of service or consumer satis-

faction; it’s an authoritarian body which operates freely under government control,” said Faisal Al Zadjali, adding, “Netflix, on the other hand, is a great service and it would be sad if access to it is blocked.”

“It’s still early to comment as a lot of content is yet to reach the worldwide audience. But Middle East market is very important for Netflix too, and their only concern is for artistic value they prefer not to censor anything out from their shows,” Umran Sheikh said.

“But I doubt if it’ll get blocked, firstly Netflix was planning on having some sort of operational team in the UAE for the smooth flow of their operations in the region. And secondly the DVDs and Blu-Rays which have been available in the region from long usually have such scene, only certain movies have been blocked in the region usually because of the content of the plot,” he added.

“But then movies which might have nudity do make it make it on the shelves still. Even games are getting a lot of adult content in

N C S I D ATA

Oman receives more than 2m tourists until October 2015 MUSCAT: A total 2,200,000 tourists visited the Sultanate until the end of October 2015.

The statistics issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) show that the number of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) tourists stood at 949,063, Indians 237,305, British 120,099 and Germans 77,345.

Cruise ships tourists As for the cruise ships tourists, NCSI statistics show that they reached 101,000 tourists.

Germans cruise ship tourists came on the top with 28,411, followed by Italians with 11,368, British Virgin Islands with 8,125, British with 5,166 and Spanish with 3,284.

KEY DESTINATION: NCSI data shows that the number of tourists

from GCC countries stood at 949,063. — Supplied picture

3-5 star hotels Meanwhile, the statistics point out that the total revenues of the 3-5 star hotels amounted to OMR153.19 million until the end of October 2015, while the number of guests stood at 964,900.

The number of guests of the aforesaid hotels during October 2015 stood at 116,863, compared

with 139,883 during the same month in 2014, registering a decline by 16.5 per cent.

As for the nationalities of the guests, the Europeans came first with 40,483, followed by the Omanis with 35,606, the Asians with 13,668, the GCC with 13,232, the

Americans with 4,284, the Arabs with 5,672 and the guests from Oceania with 1,258.

These hotels registered 64.3 per cent occupancy rate during October 2015 compared to 65.2 per cent in October 2014, a decline of 1.3 per cent. — ONA

TOUR OF OMAN 2016

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A1 18 cycling teams to participate “We decided not to race the Tour of Oman this year. We made the decision based on wanting to try a different approach to the first key European World Tour races,” a Team Sky official confirmed to Times of Oman.

Eighteen cycling teams have confirmed participation including Australia’s Drapac Professional Cycling, Belgium’s EtixxQuick Step, Topsport Vlaanderen – Baloise and Wanty Groupe Gobert, and Denmark’s Cult EnergyStolting Group.

Two teams from France partaking in the event include Ag2r La Mondiale and Fortuneo Vital Concept.

Competing from Germany are

Team Giant Alpecin and Bora – Argon 18. Italy’s Lampre-Merida, Kazakhstan’s Astana Pro Team, Netherlands’ Team Lotto Nl-Jumbo and Roompot-Oranje Peloton are also joining the race.

From the United States, BMC Racing Team and United Healthcare Pro Cycling will participate.

Polish CCC Sprandi Polkowice, Russian Katusha and South African Team Dimension Data are other contenders.

RACE ROUTE Stage (1) - Tuesday 16 / 2 / 2016 Starts at 11:00 from Oman Exhibition center - Finish at 14:38 at Bandar Al Roudha (141 Km) Stage (2) Wednesday 17 / 2 /

2016. Starts at 11:35 from Omantel- Main Office at Mawaleh - Finish at 15:31 at qurayyat (161.5 Km).

Stage (3) Thursday 18 / 2 / 2016 Starts at 11:10 from Al Sawadi Beach - Finish at 15:26 at Naseem Park (178 Km ).

Stage (4) Friday 19 / 2 / 2016 Starts at 10:50 from Knowledge Oasis - Finish at 15:32 at Jabal Akhdar (178 Km) Stage (5) Saturday 20 / 2 / 2016 Starts at 12:30 from Sifah - Finish at 15:34 at Ministry of Tourism - Al Khuwair (178 Km) Stage (6) Sunday 21 / 2 / 2016 Starts at 12:15 from the wave Muscat – Finish at 15:31 at Mattrah Corniche (128 Km)

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them and even they are allowed most of the time,” Sheikh said.

In the past, the government has blocked several video messaging and internet calling applications.

According to a Netflix press release, the company made the announcement about its worldwide service, and the programming went live, during a keynote address by Co-founder and Chief Executive Reed Hastings at Consumer Electronics Show 2016.

While largely available in English in most new countries, Netflix has also added Arabic, Korean, as well as Simplified and Traditional Chinese, to the 17 languages it already supports. With over 70 million members in more than 190 countries, Netflix will still now be available in China, though the company continues to explore options for providing the service, the Netflix media centre reported.

It also will remain unavailable in Crimea, North Korea and Syria, due to US government restrictions on American companies operating in those countries.

Netflix is available on virtually any device that has an Internet connection, including personal computers, tablets, smart phones, smart TVs and gaming consoles.

Many titles, including Netflix original series and films, are available in high-definition with Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound, and some in Ultra HD 4K. Subscribers view more than 125 million hours of TV shows and movies per day, including original series, documentaries and feature films.

Officials note that viewers can play, pause and resume watching without commercials or contractual commitments.

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WELCOME TO OMAN EVENT

Oman’s embassy in Korea participates in key youth forum SEOUL: Oman’s Embassy in the Republic of Korea launched on Sunday its annual programme “Welcome to Oman”, 2016, as part of its participation in Embassy Youth Forum at Yonsei University in Korea.

The Embassy took part in the forum through a lecture given by Mohammed bin Salim Al Harthy, the Sultanate’s Ambassador to Korea. The lecture included the historical, civilizational and cultural aspects of the Sultanate, besides highlighting the geographic and strategic location of the Sultanate

and its role in marine navigation and international trade.

Omani-Korean relations The lecture also touched upon the Omani-Korean relations and the Sultanate’s experience in the approach of understanding, tolerance and coexistence in a multicultural and multi-religious society. Programme includes a series of cultural and artistic activities, in addition to the monthly forums to introduce the Sultanate and promoting tourism and investment opportunities. — ONA

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MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016 I still can’t believe it; I’ve never experienced anything like this before. It is amazing to feel like I could be one of the best.

Mahmoud Osama Ahmed, Red Bull Player One winner

OMAN

Shah Rukh to attend Muscat Film Festival

E-SPORT EVENT

The week-long festival, organised

PLAYER ONE: Mahmoud Osama Ahmed (far left), the winner of Red

Bull Player One. – Supplied photo

by Omani Film

Mahmoud crowned Red Bull Player One

Society, will feature film competitions in various categories including

Times News Service

international, short and documentary NEW ADDITIONS: This year, Muscat Film Festival will feature conferences and workshops, an Omani

short film colloquy besides conferences with actors, writers, critics and guests. – Supplied photo

Times News Service MUSCAT: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan will be the special guest for the ninth edition of the Muscat International Film Festival, which will kick off on March 21 this year.

Week-long festival The week-long festival, organised by the Omani Film Society, will feature film competitions in various categories, including international, short and documentary films.

“We have selected 10 best short films, 10 best documentary films and 10 to 15 feature films,” Dr Khalid bin Abdul Rahim Zadjali, the CEO of the Omani Film Society, said at a press conference.

The awards—Golden Khanjar

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan

and Silver Khanjar— will be given for the best film, direction, cinematography, male actor, female actor and script, towards the end of the closing ceremony.

This year, there will be an award for the debut film made by any filmmaker in addition to the best actor, best actress and the jury award for any film of their choice.

Golden Khanjar and Silver Khanjar will be the two main awards for documentaries and short films along with a third award, called the achievement award.

“We have invited many Arab and foreign celebrities, such as Shah Rukh Khan, Busi, Merfat Ameen, Sameer Sabri, Kareem Abduaziz, Salah Al Gazairi, Ismahan Tawfeq, Nesreen Faoor and others who will be here with their films and will present workshops,” Zadjali said.

This year, the festival will fea-

ture conferences and workshops, an Omani Short film colloquy besides conferences with actors, writers, critics and guests.

Screening The films will be screened at the City Centre Muscat, City Centre Al Qurm, Omani Film Society and Culture Club.

An Omani Film Concourse will be presented at the festival for short films documentary.

The Concourse will witness the participation of five artists from Arab region and five Omani artists showcasing their paintings during the festival.

The festival will also launch the Omani Cinema Encyclopaedia, presenting the history of cinema in Oman.

MUSCAT: For the first time, Red Bull Player One crowned a local champion, as Mahmoud Osama Ahmed bagged first place in front of an excited crowd of local gaming enthusiasts.

Talking immediately after his win, “Player One”, Mahmoud Osama Ahmed, said, “I still can’t believe it; I’ve never experienced anything like this before. It is amazing to feel like I could be one of the best. I am friends with a lot of the other participants and they’re all playing at a very strong level.” He added: “I’ve been playing this game for four years and, finally, it paid off. To be honest, I really didn’t think I would win, but I had hope.”

The E-Sport event consisted of a fast-paced, competitive online game that blends the technicality of a real time strategy. Red Bull Player One is a 1V1 player format that challenges in-game heroes across a variety of battlefields, maps and game modes.

Players must move quickly, plan their attacks and outwit their opponents, avoiding their special skills, and then plan every move.

Without the support of the team, gamers cannot rely on support elsewhere. It is every player for themselves.

Only the top 16 gamers made it through to the Red Bull Player One Final to play live one-on-one matches at VOX Cinemas, City Center Muscat, on January 7, 2016.

Prior to the Final, the 16 qualifiers went head-to-head with 112 other local gamers during the qualification stage, which took place from December 18-22, 2015.

The first prize winner was awarded a gaming PC equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX950 graphics card.

The second, third and fourth runner-ups received headphones and a GTX950 card to add speed and power to their existing gaming rig. For those viewers at home, the event was also live streamed on the official PLG Channel on Twitch TV, www.twitch.tv/PLG.

I TA L I A N R O M A N T I C O P E R A

Donizetti’s Romantic opera to perform in Muscat Times News Service

era with stunning bel canto enacting deeply emotional passions in the context of murder, madness, and doom, all spun out in song.

Lucia di Lammermoor represents grand Italian opera at its best in 19th-century romantic tragedy. It is a riveting tale with glorious bel canto and gorgeous music by the superb orchestra of Teatro Carlo Felice di Genoa.

MUSCAT: Gaetano Donizetti’s great Romantic opera, Lucia di Lammermoor, will be performed

by Teatro Carlo Felice di Genoa and staged by the famed filmmaker Dario Argento who creates a fascinating reconstruction of Scottish gothic settings.

Donizetti (1787-1848) was inspired by Sir Walter Scott’s classic novel, The Bride of Lammermoor, published in 1819.

Scottish oral history Based on a scenario from Scottish oral history, the story takes place at the end of the 16th century in the brooding lowlands of Scotland where it is men who rule the realm. Clan rivalries, political manoeuvring and ancient vendettas leave no place for a woman who falls in love with the wrong man.

The heroine, Lucy (Lucia) Ashton, whose beloved Edgar happens to be an enemy of her family, cannot fulfil her dream of happiness she hoped love would bring, and is driven mad.

Lucia is caught in the dangerous

GOTHIC SETTINGS: Donizetti was inspired by Sir Walter Scott’s

classic novel, The Bride of Lammermoor, published in 1819.

and brutal web of her brother’s manipulations, her lover’s jealous rage, and the implacable enmity between her clan and Edgar’s.

When Lucia is bullied into an arranged marriage, her fragile spirit is shattered. In the most cel-

ebrated mad scene in all of opera, Donizetti’s entrancing melodic lines are entwined with Lucia’s unravelling emotions expressed in powerful soprano coloratura.

This work represents the archetype of early Italian Romantic op-

MASTERED THE ART

S U LTA N Q A B O O S AWA R D

< FROM

A1 ‘Karting brought smile on his face’ “We brought him to the karting track when he turned three, and drove him in a two-seater kart.

We saw a smile on his face. We were sure that he would pick it from there,” Awan added.

Adam started with reduced power on the kart, extreme minimum power and he would drive around the track alone until he got used to it.

When Adam started driving the kart, his father controlled it with a tow-hook tied to its rear.

He ran behind the kart with the rein until Adam became familiar with the acceleration and breaking systems.

Today, he drives at a good speed. He also drives with other children during practice session within the same category of karts. Adam practices at the Oman Automobile Association Kart Track.

The credit for his karting skills goes to his mother and father, who made the effort to groom Adam’s precocious talent. Awan thanked the staff of the Oman Automobile Asso-

Forced marriages The story of this opera has relevance to the world of today as it is an unfortunate fact that forced marriages have not disappeared in some cultures.

Two more famous Donizetti operas will be presented at the Royal Opera House this season –L’ElisirD’Amore, a charming comic opera about the wonders of a love potion performed by the illustrious La Fenice of Venice on the 17th, 19th and 20th of February 2016; and La Fille du Regiment, a magnificent comic opera about a young girl raised by an entire regiment, performed

by Palermo’s Teatro Massimo on May 11, 12, 14, 2016.

ciation for the facility and for the great support they offer in grooming the talent of Adam.

Even though Adam is a good professional, he will not be able to participate in any competitions until he turns five. “Adam cannot participate in Oman Automobile Association organized events until he turns five,” his father said.

He drives in a controlled environment on the track with all safety measures, such as a helmet, racing suit, gloves, race shoes, face mask, neck brace and his kart is inspected before every drive.

“He is continuously being advised on all safety tips before driving and reminded of the rules of the track. This is for his safety and for others,” Awan stated. Adam is a kindergarten 1 student at the Seeb International School, who is fond of cars, action heroes etc.

If he continues like this, you could be hearing a lot more about Adam Awan in the years to come.

ITA to unveil details of e-government excellence MUSCAT: The details of the fifth edition of the Sultan Qaboos Award for Excellence in e-government services, will be unveiled on Monday, at a workshop organised by the Information Technology Authority (ITA) at Hormuz Hotel.

SMEs The function will witness the participation of a number of representatives of government and private institutions, and small and medium-sized (SMEs) companies operating in the Sultanate.

Dr. Salim bin Sultan Al Ruzaiqi, CEO of ITA will deliver a speech in which he will highlight the importance of the award and the details of the new things in the 5th edition of the award .The workshop will also review the details of the 5th edition of the award, in addition to its categories, criteria and stages, beginning with the registration, evaluation and judging stages, leading to the closing ceremony at the end of the year. -ONA

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016

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Purchase manual for Indian schools in Oman introduced The use of this manual is going to bring transparency to purchases and contract operations in the Indian schools in Oman, chairman of Board of Directors said on Saturday

Times News Service MUSCAT: To stamp out corruption, Indian schools in Oman will introduce a purchase manual to be followed while purchasing and contract process are conducted in the schools.

Speaking to Times of Oman, Wilson V. George, Chairman, Board of Directors, said that use of this manual is going to bring transparency to purchases and contract operations in the Indian

READY RECKONER: The manual was developed by a task-force consisting of board members, school

management committee members, parents, teachers, purchase staff from various Indian schools, and subject matter experts. — Supplied picture

schools in Oman. “Recommendations made in the manual on pooling and the purchase of materials by different schools is going to benefit the schools due to the economy of scale and related cost savings,” he said.

The purchase manual for all In-

dian Schools was released by Wilson V. George, Chairman, Board of Directors, at a function organised on January 9, 2016 at Indian School Muscat.

Board members, Presidents, Conveners and Administrative Managers of different Indian

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Schools attended the function.

The purchase manual deals extensively with various purchase and contract processes carried out in the schools, and it offers guidelines and requirements on matters pertaining to budgets, cash and credit purchases, con-

tracts, follow-ups and receipt of materials and inspections.

“It is a ready reckoner for all school administrators while dealing with the intricacies of procuring materials and goods for their institutions,” George added.

The manual was developed by a task-force consisting of board members, school management committee members, parents, teachers, purchase staff from various Indian schools and subject matter experts. “The team is going to continue functioning to work on cost effective purchasing for the schools,” he added.

There are also task forces under the Board currently working on developing a Human Resource manual, Health and Safety Manual and Academic Manual for Indian Schools.

The Human Resource manual, which will streamline the employee related process starting from recruitment, performance management, remunerations, and others, is in its final stage of development. He added that the release of this manual marks an era of shifting Indian school operations from individual-dependent management, to a system-dependent management that is going to assure that the schools are more professional in their operations.

OCCI MUSANDAM BRANCH

Omani-Iran exhibition next week KHASAB: Omani-Iranian Exhibition will be organised from January 19 to 21, it was announced

by Hamed bin Mohammed Al Raisi, Head of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), the Governorate of Musandam Branch, at a press conference held in the branch’s headquarters in the Wilayat of Khasab, yesterday.

Al Raisi said the exhibition would include a trade and consumer fair with the objective of increasing investment and trade and economic cooperation between the Sultanate and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

He said the opening ceremony of the exhibition would be held under the auspices of Dr. Fahd bin Al Julanda bin Majid Al Said, Assistant Secretary-General for the Innovation Development in the Research Council.

The exhibition will see the participation of various Omani economic, trade and industrial companies, pointing out that exhibition supports different investment aspects and enhances the national economy, including tourism investment promotion to the Governorate of Musandam, economic investment and discussion of investment opportunities between these two sides in various promising sectors of the economy. — ONA

ENGAGING STUDENTS

Centre for International Learning hosts US-Arab delegation MUSCAT: A delegation from the National Council of US-Arab Relations (NCUSAR), was hosted by the Centre for International Learning, Oman’s well-known institute for teaching Arabic to nonnative speakers, from December 31 to January 1, 2016, during their one-week visit to the Sultanate that concluded on January 7.

Dr. John Duke Anthony, Presi-

dent of NCUSAR, led the delegation, which consisted of seven faculty members from various American universities and John Pratt, a board member of NCUSAR. The faculty represented universities from various states throughout the US, including American University, University of Houston Clear Lake and Wright

State University. The NCUSAR group received a tour of the two CILcampuses, followed by a presentation on its intensive Arabic programmes.

“Although the formal relationship between Oman and the US began in 1833, and we have had a Foreign Trade Agreement with them since 2009, our interactions extend far beyond foreign affairs

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BOARD ELECTIONS: Voting will take place at the ISM building in Darsait on Saturday, January 16,

from 8am to 5pm.

— Times file picture

Indian schools board elections set to be held on January 16 Times News Service MUSCAT: Ten parents will be seeking a position on the Board of Directors (BOD) for Indian Schools in Oman, as the elections are held on January 16.

Voting will take place at the ISM building in Darsait on Saturday, January 16, from 8am to 5pm.

The candidates include Dr. Chandrahas K Anchan, Mohammad Basheer, Mohammad Sabir Raza Faizi, Wilson V George, Shameer Pookaprath Thazha Kuniyil, Baby Sam Samuel Kutty, Peri Jagannadha Mani, Thomas Philip,

Ajaykummar Janardhanan Pillai and Kumar Vembu Of these, five candidates will be elected by the parents of the approximately 10,000 students from the Indian School Muscat (ISM).

Third election This is the third election since the process was adopted in 2011.

Votes will be counted by the authorities, under the supervision of a Ministry of Education representative.

Parents seeking a position are encouraged to check the voting

lists on the website ismelections. com, as well as on the school notice boards, to ensure that their names are included. The last date to register to vote is 2pm on Monday, January 12.

Only one member Only one member of each family will be permitted to vote. The Election Commission, under the leadership of Dr. Sathish Nambiar, will oversee the board elections. Parents are urged to avoid crowding at the registration stations, near the polling booths and in the car parking area.

F O R E I G N I N V E S T M E N T L AW

Draft law to boost investment MUSCAT: In collaboration with World Bank, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) continues evaluating the remarks received by a number of public and private organisations on the second draft for amending the Foreign Investment Law in the Sultanate.

The new law aims at providing and improving the foreign investment climate in the Sultanate, enhance the Sultanate’s ability to

encourage local investment and attract foreign investments, generate job opportunities, cover all economic sectors with investments and involve foreign investors in the development of national economy in line with the economic development plans and programmes that serve the interests of the Sultanate, the Omanis and the foreign investors.

It should be noted that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry

has earlier signed an agreement with the World Bank to provide a number of the bank experts to assess the investment status in the Sultanate, the registration procedures and the foreign investment law. A number of meetings were held with local and foreign investors to assess the investment laws and procedures and come out with recommendations that help in issuing a new law for investment. — ONA

and business,” said Said Al Ismaily, Managing Partner at Centre for International Learning.

“Oman and the US also have many intercultural dialogues and exchanges. CIL, since its launch, has always contributed to that by engaging with our students, most of who are Americans, and preparing them to become international citizens,” he remarked.

– Supplied picture

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MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016

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Breathtaking beauty

These breathtaking pictures are none other than the famous tourism destinations of the Sultanate, which has been endowed with numerous natural bounties by the nature. These pictures were taken by amateur photographers at places like Wadi bani Khalid, Riyam, Nizwa, Muttrah, Mughsayl Beach, Salalah, Masirah, Ash Sawyyamiah, Al Awabi, and Al Khoud Photos:â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Edgar Allan Esteban, Navjot Singh, Meruyert Shagmanova, Shamsul Huda, Geril Ventura, Dennnis Bagaporo, Sreejith K, Dr. Shahriar Ferdous

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REGION Rebel group casts doubts on Syrian talks, wants missiles The group said it was unacceptable to talk about a political solution to the war while people died of hunger and bombardment

BEIRUT: A large Syrian rebel group has said the best way to push Damascus to a political settlement of the country’s civil war was to give insurgents anti-aircraft missiles and has pledged to control the arms if provided.

Jaysh Al Islam echoing opposition concerns over a United Nations-led drive to launch peace talks in Geneva on January 25, also said it was unacceptable to talk about a political solution to the war while people died of hunger and bombardment.

The opposition to President Bashar Al Assad wants goodwill measures including a ceasefire, a detainee release and the end of blockades on besieged areas before starting negotiations.

UN envoy Staffan de Mistura is shuttling around the region to prepare for the talks, part of a plan endorsed by the Security Council last month to end the five-yearwar that has killed 250,000 people SENTENCED

Emirati gets death penalty in absentia for joining IS DUBAI: A man from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was sentenced to death in absentia on Sunday for joining IS militant group, local media reported.

Local newspapers did not identify the man sentenced by the Abu Dhabi court. But the Arabiclanguage Al Bayan said he was 19-years old and said he and had been accused of joining the militant group abroad.

The UAE opposes hardline groups in the region and at home.

Al Ittihad, another daily, said that the Federal Supreme Court, in separate cases, sentenced two other people to seven years in jail each for trying to join IS. A fourth suspect received three years in jail, the newspaper said. The court also sentenced a Palestinian man to three years in jail and fined him $13,613 (50,000 dirhams) after he was convicted of insulting the state and promoting “terroristic thought”, the newspaper said.

The UAE last year executed an Emirati woman after she was convicted of stabbing to death an American kindergarten teacher at a mall and trying to bomb an American-Egyptian doctor in militant-inspired attacks.

Her husband was charged with plotting bombings and other attacks on targets including a US base and a UAE leader, according to local media. “He was accused of planning to assassinate one of the UAE’s leaders and of making explosives without authorisation,” the National said, adding that the defendant had also sought to join IS and gave money to a member of Al Qaeda. — Reuters

DEADLY ATTACK: Smoke rises at a site hit by what activists said were air strikes carried out by the

Russian air force in the town of Saraqib, in Idlib province, Syria on Saturday. – Reuters

and created millions of refugees.

Jaysh Al Islam, part of a newly formed council to oversee the negotiations on the opposition side, said the “best way to force the regime to accept the (political) solution and stick by it” was to allow states that back the opposition to supply rebels with antiaircraft missiles.

The statement, sent by the group’s spokesman overnight,

said it would guarantee the missiles would not reach groups that would use them “illegally”.

Foreign governments have provided rebels with military support, but have resisted demands for missiles for fear they would end up with hardline groups such as IS. The Syrian government says Jaysh Al Islam is a terrorist group, like all the groups that fighting to topple Assad.

The Syrian government told de Mistura on Saturday it was ready to take part in Geneva talks but stressed the need to see the names of the Syrian opposition figures who will take part.

Pointing to another potential complication, Foreign Minister Walid Al Moualem also stressed the need for the government to obtain a list of groups that would be classified as terrorists as part

M I S TA K E N C O O R D I NAT E S

Friendly fire by Iraqi drone kills nine anti-IS fighters BAGHDAD: Nine fighters from a militia battling IS were killed in northern Iraq when an Iraqi army aircraft fired at them in error, security and militia sources said on Sunday.

The fighters were responding to an IS attack west of Camp Speicher, a former US base outside the city of Tikrit, said Ahmed Al Assadi, spokesman for the Hashid Shaabi, a coalition of mostly militias fighting the militants alongside Iraq’s military.

More than a dozen fighters were wounded, he said.

Colonel Mohammed Al Assadi, spokesman for the joint police and military operations command in Salahuddin province, said that at 10:30pm (1930 GMT) on Saturday, an Iraqi army aviation drone opened fire due to mistaken coordinates.

Assadi said the drone was being fired at from the ground and “fired on the advancing Jund Al Imam forces, killing nine and wounding around 15,” he added, referring to the militia.

Spokesmen for Iraq’s defence ministry and joint operations command were not immediately available for comment.

Asaib Ahl Al Haq, a powerful militia that is part of the Hashid, condemned the incident and blamed it on the US-led coalition bombing IS targets in Iraq and neighbouring Syria.

“The American coalition renewed its attacks on the Hashid Shaabi resistance factions when an American drone bombed the headquarters of Kataib Jund Al Islam at Camp Speicher,” spokesman Naim Al Uboudi said in a statement.

SECURING THE CITY: Iraqi forces secure an area in Ramadi, the capital of Iraq’s Anbar province, on Sunday after retaking the city from IS militants. – AFP

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But the coalition said in a daily statement it had not bombed any targets in the area, and its Baghdad-based spokesman, US Army Colonel Steve Warren, denied coalition aircraft were responsible. “It was Iraqi for sure,” he said by phone.

Meanwhile, IS militants left Ramadi’s streets and buildings boobytrapped with bombs, hampering efforts to rebuild the city two weeks after Iraq’s elite counter-terrorism forces claimed victory against the militant group there, officials said.

Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, was touted as the first major success for Iraq’s army

since it collapsed in the face of IS’s lightning advance across the country’s north and west 18 months ago.

The militants have been pushed to Ramadi’s eastern suburbs, but almost all of the city, which was battered by US-led air strikes against IS, remains off-limits to its nearly half a million displaced residents, most of whom fled before the army advance. “Most areas are now under the security forces’ control,” Anbar governor Sohaib Al Rawi said on Saturday at a temporary government complex southeast of the city.

“Most of the streets in Ramadi are mined with explosives so it requires large efforts and expertise,” he said.

Specialised bomb disposal teams from the police and civil defence force would begin work “soon”, he said. — Reuters

MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES

Four killed as ‘projectile’ hits Yemen clinic DUBAI: A “projectile” struck a clinic supported by international medical group Medecins Sans Frontieres in north Yemen on Sunday, killing four people, MSF said, another in a series of attacks on its facilities in the war-torn country.

MSF said it was not clear who was behind the attack that also wounded 10 other people in Shiara Hospital in the Razeh district, where the group has worked since November last year.

In a statement on its Twitter

account, MSF did not identify who was killed in the attack but said that three of the wounded were staff members, of whom two were in critical condition.

“This is the third severe incident in the last three months. Our teams struggle on a daily basis to ensure the respect of health facilities,” MSF wrote. An earlier tweet by the group described the projectile as a rocket.

Regional MSF operations chief Raquel Ayora said all warring par-

ties are regularly informed of the GPS coordinates of the medical sites where the group works, and that MSF was in constant dialogue with them. “There is no way that anyone with the capacity to carry out an air strike or launch a rocket would not have known that the Shiara Hospital was a functioning health facility providing critical services and supported by MSF,” she said.

MSF said an air strikes hit another of its health facilities else-

where in the province in October last year, wrecking the building and lightly wounding two staff members.

A military coalition has been fighting the Houthi group in Yemen.

In a separate incident, an intelligence colonel was killed in a drive-by shooting in Yemen’s southern port city of Aden on Sunday, a security official source said, in an attack claimed by IS militants. — Reuters

of the peace process. Jaysh Al Islam said the success of the political process “depended on the seriousness of the international community in putting pressure on the criminal regime to halt the killing”.

Opposition officials have already cast doubt on whether the talks will go ahead on schedule, citing the need to see the goodwill measures from the government side.

Separately, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the death toll from Russian aerial strikes on a rebelheld town in northern western Syria on Saturday climbed to 81 people with at least 52 civilians among the dead.

The dead included 23 fighters from Nusra and 6 hardline fighters, in the latest update by the independent monitor on casualties.

The raids hit court house and prison run by Al Qaeda’s offshoot Nusra Front and residential areas in the town of Maarat Al Numan, a major urban centre in Idlib province whose towns have been the targets of intense bombing in the last two months.

Rescue workers and rights groups say Russia’s bombing in Syria has killed scores of civilians at busy market places and in residential areas. Russia denies this.

Jets also believed to be Russian pounded Talbisa and Rastan towns in Homs province and the southern town of Sheikh Maskin, part of Moscow’s major military intervention to help the Syrian army gain ground lost to rebels, the monitor and activists said. — Reuters

CAIRO MEETING

Arab League condemns attacks on Saudi missions CAIRO: Arab League foreign ministers agreed at an emergency meeting in Cairo on Sunday to condemn the attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran and accused the Tehran government of failing to protect them.

In a closing statement distributed after the meeting, the Arab League also condemned the reported discovery by Bahrain of a militant group.

All members of the Arab League voted in favour of the statement, with the exception of Lebanon.

The statement did not agree on any specific joint measures but set up a smaller committee to keep up discussions of the crisis and consult on possible future actions.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia said its cutting of diplomatic and commercial ties with Iran was a first step and it could take more action, but did not expect the dispute to affect efforts to end the war in Syria.

Speaking at a news conference after an Arab League meeting, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir said his country would discuss any potential further actions with its regional and international allies but gave no details on what those measures might involve.

Jubeir said some countries had offered to mediate but that required Iran to be serious about the efforts.

“With regards to mediation, there are some states that have expressed their readiness to conduct this, but the important thing is seriousness with regards to the Iranian position,” he said. — Reuters

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INDIA

Due to facilitated environments that have evolved, the youth today has a greater share for entrepreneurship. Many start-ups in India have become successful and have shown the path of progress to others Pranab Mukherjee, President

Call to arrest declining standards of education President Pranab Mukherjee said that creating interlinkages with other higher education institutions can

terms of resource sharing like academic experts and course material, exchange of students and faculty, CONVOCATION: President Pranab Mukherjee at the 26th Convocation of Birla Institute of Technology at Mesra in Ranchi, Jharkhand, on Sunday. - PTI

of new ideas

RANCHI: President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday stressed the need to arrest the declining standards of education in the country and sought quality improvement by engaging focussed attention of academic leaders, policy makers and other stakeholders to this end.

“Multiple interventions are necessary. Attracting quality faculty and continuous faculty development is one. Adjunct faculty from the industry and research institutions if hired can provide practical orientation to course modules,” he said.

Inaugurating the Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the 26th Convocation of the Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, here, Mukherjee said through promoting centres of excellence, core competencies of an institute can be nurtured.

‘Rashtra dharma’ is above all religions, says Modi MUMBAI: Against the backdrop of the ‘intolerance’ debate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said “rashtra dharma’ is above all religions and that India’s contribution to the world is not communalism but spiritualism, regarding which he invoked former president A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. He regretted that the world has failed to understand the people of India properly as he praised the saints and religious leaders for their contribution to the country’s legacy. “India is a country, which has not tried to bind the world in a particular sect... We are the people whom the world has probably not understood in the manner in which we should have been understood,” Modi said addressing a gathering here via video conferencing to mark the release of a book written by Jain Acharya Ratnasundersuriswarji Maharaj.

Don’t disrupt engagement with Pakistan: Congress

deliver benefits in

and sharing

BRIEFS

“Through the establishment of research parks, cutting- edge research can be pursued and that will help develop a world class eco system in our institutions,” he said.

The President also said that institutes can also pursue establishment of partnerships with foreign and domestic institutions by signing Memoranda of Understanding.

He said there was a need for giving a boost to start-ups to provide a head-start to various innovative activities.

Entrepreneurship “Due to facilitated environments that have evolved, the youth today has a greater share for entrepreneurship. Many start-ups in India have become successful and have shown the path of progress to others,” the President said.

In fact, India with over 4,200 start-ups has the third largest start-ups eco-system in the

world, behind the US and the UK, Mukherjee said.

Mukherjee asserted that higher academic institutions have a clear role to play in refining the entrepreneurial abilities of their students. Other support measures like small industries, entrepreneurs’ park of BIT in Mesra, are needed to prepare students to become ‘job creators’ rather than ‘job seekers’, Mukherjee said.

After presentation of PhD, Post Graduation and Graduation degrees to the students, the President presented gold medals to those topping various branches of engineering at the institute.

In his address, Mukherjee said that creating inter-linkages with other higher education institutions can deliver benefits in terms of resource sharing like academic experts and course material, exchange of students and faculty, scope for research collaboration

and sharing of new ideas and best practices. “Towards this end, it will be worthwhile to properly harness the existing information and communication technology networks like the National Knowledge Network,” he said.

Noting that higher education sector in the country has seen enormous growth over the last few decades, he said a healthy feature of this expansion is the increasing participation of the private sector in delivery of higher education.

The percentage of students enrolled for higher education in private institutions has risen from 54 per cent at the beginning of the 11th plan period to 59 per cent at the commencement of the 12th plan period, he said.

However, he said that proliferation in this sector has resulted in greater access, but has led to an alarming distress in quality at the same time. - PTI

NEW DELHI: Congress on Sunday said engagement with Pakistan need not be disrupted despite the “grave provocation” of the Pathankot attack. Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said that it is up to the government to decide what the level, nature and intensity of the engagement should be. “We have said that despite this grave provocation, engagement with Pakistan need not be disrupted,” he told reporters here. He said that the government has not shared any information with the opposition regarding the Pathankot attack, security situation and the talks with Pakistan.

Seven smugglers arrested with fake currency notes GAYA/BETTIAH: Police and Anti-Terrorist Squad officials on Sunday arrested seven smugglers and seized from them Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) with a face value of Rs 950,000 from Bihar’s Gaya and West Champaran district.

The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested six smugglers with FICN of the face value of Rs550,000 from Dobhi police station area in Bihar’s Gaya district, ATS Inspector Arjun Lal said.

Another smuggler was on Sunday arrested with a consignment of FICN of the face value of Rs 400,000 from a locality near Indo-Nepal border in Bihar’s West Champaran district.

Six killed in bus accident JAIPUR: Six people were killed and 45 others injured on Sunday when a bus in which they were travelling overturned on National Highway 12 in Tonk district of Rajasthan, police said. The state roadways bus en route to Jaipur from Kota was near Deoli area when the driver allegedly lost control over the vehicle and it overturned, leaving six persons dead. - PTI

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INDIA

Tewari says troop march story correct, Congress rebuts claim According to The Indian Express report,

At that point of time I used to serve in the Standing Committee on Defence. And it’s unfortunate but the story was true. Story was correct

central intelligence agencies had reported that on the night of January 16, 2012, there was an unexpected —and non-notified —

Manish Tewari

movement by a key

Congress leader

military unit based in Hisar in the direction of capital New Delhi

NEW DELHI: Reigniting the 2012 troop movement row, Congress leader Manish Tewari has termed as “unfortunate but true” a media report suggesting a coup attempt by General V. K. Singh, provoking a strong rebuttal by his own party and derisive denial by the former army chief.

Ruling BJP questioned the timing of the former union minister’s

claim, but the latter stood firm on what he had said.

Replying to a question at a book release function here on Saturday, Tewari virtually dug out the nearly four-year-old controversy from its grave, saying, “At that point of time I used to serve in the Standing Committee on Defence. And it’s unfortunate but the story was true.

Story was correct.”

Tewari, who was Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting in the UPA government between October 2012 and May 2014, said, “I am not getting into an argument. All I am saying is that

to the best of my knowledge that story was correct”.

The Congress leader was asked about media coverage of issues pertaining to defence forces as in the case of the Indian Express report on April 4, 2012, titled “The January night Raisina Hill was spooked: Two key Army units moved towards Delhi without notifying Government.”

V. K. Singh, now Minister of State for External Affairs, dismissed Tewari’s allegation saying it has come from a “person who has no work these days”.

“He has no work these days. He

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should be asked to read my book which reveals everything (on the issue),” Singh said.

An embarrassed Congress, which had rejected the report when the controversy had erupted for the first time, dismissed Tewari’s claim.

“I am again clarifying there is absolutely no truth in it (claims about troop movement in 2012).

My colleague was neither a member of the Cabinet Committee on Security, nor any relevant decision making body,” Congress spokesman Abhishek Singhvi said, adding some troop movements are

necessary, “inbuilt and inevitable part of the defence mechanism”.

“It was inappropriate, unnecessary and completely wrong to suggest that there was any truth in those allegations when made,” he said.

“We on behalf of Congress very clearly and categorically want to deny this report,” another party spokesperson P. C. Chacko said.

Isolated in his own party over his claim, Tewari said, “Whatever I said yesterday, I have nothing more to add or subtract.”

According to The Indian Express report, central intelligence agencies had reported that on the night of January 16, 2012 there was an unexpected — and non-notified — movement by a key military unit from mechanised infantry based in Hisar in the direction of the capital.

On the same night, another unit — identified as a large element of the 50th Para Brigade based at Agra — had also been moved towards Delhi, according to the newspaper report.

It was on January 16, 2012 that Singh had approached the Supreme Court regarding the controversy over his date of birth, an issue which saw him locked in a bitter confrontation with the UPA government.

Questioning the timing of Tewari’s remarks, the BJP demanded a statement from former prime minister Manmohan Singh and ex-defence minister A. K. Antony on the issue. - PTI

MINISTRY REPORT

Girls are preferred choice for adoption NEW DELHI: Girls are the preferred choice for people opting for adoption in comparison to the boys in the country, even as the government struggles to improve the skewed sex-ratio.

For adoption 7,439 girls were taken up in the last three years as compared to 5,167 boys.

Ministry of Women and Child Development has also received positive feedback from adoption agencies and other stakeholders regarding the new adoption guidelines.

According to the year-wise figure of in-country adoption of girl child provided by the ministry, 2,846 girls were adopted in 2012-13 against 1,848 boys.

In 2013-14, it was 2,293 girls against 1,631 boys. 2,300 girls were adopted in 2014-15 in comparison to 1,688 boys.

“There has been an increase in the demand for girl child for adoptions. It is very encouraging to know that more and more people are coming to adopt girls,” a senior official of Central Adoption Resource Authority said.

While the number of children with disabilities or special needs placed in inter-country adoption are 170, 242 and 214 during 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 respectively. The total number of in-country and inter-country adoptions were 5,002 for the period 2012-13, 4,354 for 2013-14 and 4,362 in 2014-15. - PTI

TOP POSSIBLE SCORE

11-year-old Indian-origin girl tops intelligence test in UK LONDON: A 11-year-old Indianorigin girl in the UK has achieved the top possible score of 162 on a IQ test of Mensa, becoming one of the youngest brainiest students in the country.

Mumbai-born Kashmea Wahi achieved the top score of 162 out of 162, putting her in the league of scientists Albert Einstein and Steven Hawking and in the top 1 per cent of the country’s brightest.

“It’s overwhelming to be compared with the likes of Stephen Hawking and Albert Einstein, the

comparison is implausible and I believe it would take loads of achievements for anyone like myself to be able to get into the league of such legends. Anyways, I am buzzing with excitement,” Kashmea said.

Both Hawking and Einstein are thought to have an IQ of 160.

The daughter of IT management consultants, Vikas and Pooja Wahi, at Deutsche Bank in London took the test to prove a point to her parents. The Cattell III B Mensa test is a well-known international

evaluation process and Kashmea stumbled upon it while browsing her iPad. Cattell III B has 150 questions, often assessing comprehension through passages of texts, while the maximum score that can be achieved is 161 for adults, and 162 for under — 18s. The high achiever at school felt it would be a good way to convince her parents to get off her case for not being buried in her books for long hours.

“We are ecstatic at Kashmea’s Mensa achievement. Although we

PA R T N E R S H I P S U M M I T

Reform process to continue with single-minded focus, says Jaitley

ENGROSSED: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandra Babu Naidu, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and others at inaugural session of partnership summit-2016, at Visakhapatnam on Sunday. - PTI

VISHAKHAPATNAM: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Sunday said the government would continue with the reforms, which it failed to pursue in the recent months, with “single-minded focus” to increase investment and growth.

“If (India) is to grow, it is obvious that our public and added private investments have to grow.

Some of our reforms, which we have missed out on in the last few months, have to be pursued with a single minded focus.

“We cannot afford a change in direction, and in this circumstances every state has to contribute,” Jaitley said while addressing CII Partnership Summit here.

Ease of doing business Among major reforms, the government has not been able to push the Goods and Services Tax (GST) bill, which got stuck in Rajya Sabha because of stiff opposition from the Congress.

Jaitley also called upon the states to improve ease of doing business with a view to attract investors saying they are “smart people” and look for “stability of policy (and) business friendly ecosystem.” Assuring all possible help to Andhra Pradesh government in rebuilding the state, Jaitley expressed hope that the state would be able to attract investment on the basis of the strength of its policy and leader Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.

“The nature of governance has changed, the administration has increasingly become corruption free. Decision making has become much quicker. Ease of doing business essentially is a matter of policy and administration,” he added.

Talking about the need to expedite reforms at all levels to push growth, the minister further said the world was going through an extremely difficult and challenging time and difficulties have “spilled over into our system also.”

The World Bank has lowered the global growth forecast to 2.9 per cent, he said, adding growth rates of economies across the world are hovering around extremely low figures. “... because of the integrated economy, what happens in China, what happens in oil prices, impact our markets. Our revenues also get impacted, when the price regimes are low because nominal GDP gets reduced,” Jaitley said.

He, however, took comfort from the fact that even under the trying circumstances, “India continues to remain the fastest growing economy in the world. So our 7-7.5 per cent growth rate stands out amongst the larger economies as bright spot among global economy.”

Andhra Pradesh, he added, was recording double-digit growth and would be “one of the key engines of growth which would push Indian economy up in the months and years to come.” - PTI

always believed she had the intellectual prowess, the acknowledgement is reassuring that she does possess the ability, the energy which if well channelised, can lead to something wonderful,” her parents said.

The student of Notting Hill and Ealing Junior School, in west London, was instrumental in her school team making it to third place in the Oxford Maths challenge last year, loves net ball, plays competitive lawn tennis and has competed in national level chess

tournaments, winning medals and trophies.

“I can confirm that Kashmea is one of the youngest to achieve 162 in the supervised test as it can only be taken by people over the age of 10 and a half,” a Mensa spokesperson confirmed.

Mensa is believed to be the largest and oldest high IQ society in the world. Membership is open to anyone who can demonstrate an IQ in the top 2 per cent of the population, measured by a recognised or approved IQ testing process. - PTI

SUPER ACHIEVER: Kashmea Wahi, 11-year-old Indian-origin girl in UK, who has achieved top possible score of 162 on a IQ test of Mensa. - PTI

A10

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016

PAKISTAN IN LAHORE

WOMEN ON WHEELS CAMPAIGN

Allama Iqbal’s student life residence identified

Women participants of ‘Women on Wheels’ ride their motor-bikes during a rally launching the campaign, in Lahore on Sunday. — AFP

LAHORE: Government College University (GCU) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Hassan Amir Shah announced on Saturday the discovery of a boarding room used by poet philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal during his student life.

A committee, comprising distinguished professors and experts, had earlier been constituted to determine in which room Iqbal had stayed on arriving from Sialkot to Lahore in 1895. He had spent five years here.

Original condition The cubicle, located at the then Boarding House (now Allama Iqbal Hostel) of the GCU, Lahore is in its original condition.

The committee comprised Prof Dr Khursheed Rizvi, Prof Dr Zaheer Ahmed Siddique and Iqbal Hostel Superintendent Dr Khalid Mahmood Sanjarani, who has a PhD on Iqbal from Germany. The committee searched and reviewed all available literary and historical references to identify the room where Iqbal had lived.

Ghulam Bhik Nairang The committee members said that the most authentic evidence which helped them trace the room was an article by Iqbal’s contemporary at GCU and close friend, Ghulam Bhik Nairang. — Express Tribune R E V I V I N G P E AC E N E G O T I AT I O N S

Islamabad hosts four-country talks on Taliban ISLAMABAD: Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and the United States are set to begin talks on Monday aimed at reviving the Afghan peace process and eventually ending 14 years of bloodshed fighting Taliban insurgents.

Officials from the four countries will meet in Islamabad, Pakistan foreign office sources said, in what they hope will be a first step towards resuming stalled negotiations.

The Taliban are not expected to attend the talks.

The extremist militants have stepped up their violent campaign in the last year to oust the government in Kabul, which has struggled since most foreign troops left at the end of 2014.

High-profile suicide attacks in the capital and major territorial losses in southern Helmand province have underlined how far the country remains from peace without major Taliban factions on board.

The Taliban said in a statement this week that it wanted to maintain good relations with other countries even as it wages war against what it called “American occupation”, but it did not mention the peace talks. “(We) want to have good relations with all nations and further expand them. It will be better to have direct contact with each other and exchange views regarding our goals and values,” it said in the statement, which was published online.

Road map Kabul has been trying to limit expectations of a breakthrough at Monday’s talks, and has said the aim is to work out a road map for peace negotiations and a way of assessing if they remain on track.

Afghan Deputy Foreign Min-

A previous fledging peace process last year was stopped after the Taliban announced that its founder, Mullah Omar, had been dead for two years, throwing the militant group into disarray and factional infighting

ister Hekmat Karzai and Pakistani Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry will attend the talks on Monday, Pakistani foreign office sources told Reuters.

Besides an official from China, the US Special Representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Olson or the U.S. ambassador would attend from the United States, a State Department official said.

“It’ll be an opportunity to further our partnership with Afghanistan, Pakistan and China in support of an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned reconciliation, which is what we’ve said all along we want to see,” State Department spokesman John Kirby said.

“We’re obviously looking forward to ... trying to make some progress here on what has been a very difficult issue.” — Reuters

Pakistan to stand by Saudi in face of threat Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Crown Prince and Defence Minister Mohammed bin Salman arrived in Islamabad on Sunday to discuss Pakistan’s cooperation in the 34-nation anti-terror coalition of Islamic countries that Riyadh recently formed

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said Pakistan would stand by Saudi Arabia if any threat arises to its territorial integrity.

According to Radio Pakistan, in his meeting with Saudi Arabia’s deputy crown prince and defence minister, Mohammed bin Salman, the prime minister exchanged views on bilateral relations and regional situation.

The defence minister arrived in Islamabad on Sunday to discuss Pakistan’s cooperation in the 34-nation anti-terror coalition of Islamic countries Riyadh recently formed.

His visit comes just four days after Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir travelled to Islamabad and held wide ranging talks with Pakistan’s civil and military leaders, including the prime minister and army chief.

DISCUSSIONS: Pakistani Defence Minister Khwaja Muhammad Asif, third right, shakes hands with

Deputy Crown Prince and Defence Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud, left, as Advisor to Pakistani Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, right, looks on, on his arrival at the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi. — AFP/PID

Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif reasserted on Sunday that any threat to Saudi Arabia’s territorial integrity would be answered by a strong response, the ISPR said.

Strong response “Pakistan holds its defence ties with the kingdom in highest esteem, re-asserting that any threat to Saudi Arabia’s territorial integrity would evoke a strong response from Pakistan,” General Raheel said.

The Saudi deputy crown prince called on the army chief at the General Headquarters of the Paki-

stan Army in Rawalpindi and discussed matters related to regional security and defence cooperation during the meeting.

According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, the army chief said, “Pakistan enjoys close and brotherly relations with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and attaches great importance to their security.”

The Saudi defence minister lauded the successes of the Pakistan Armed Forces in fight against terrorism and efforts for regional stability besides ensuring the kingdom’s full support to Paki-

stan’s position on all matters.

Earlier, a government official told The Express Tribune that the Saudi defence minister is coming to discuss the ‘finer details’ of the coalition.

Saudi initiative “We welcome the Saudi initiative in line with our policy to support all regional and international efforts to counter terrorism and extremism,” the official added.

Pakistan’s role would remain restricted to intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism training and other activities in the coalition, the official said. — Express Tribune

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016

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ASIA CLAMPDOWN ON DISSENT

OVERCROWDED TRAIN

People leave on an overcrowded train after taking part in Biswa Ijtema, or World Muslim Congregation, at Tongi, some 30km north of Dhaka on Sunday. Muslims joined in prayer on the banks of a river in Bangladesh as the world’s second largest annual Islamic congregation ended. - AFP

China arrests four labour activists amid crackdown BEIJING: China has formally arrested four labour activists who have helped workers fight for their rights, lawyers for two of them said on Sunday, as the government steps up a crackdown on activists pressing for change within the system.

Rights groups say the current clampdown on dissent is the most sweeping in two decades in China, where a slowing economy has led to a surge in labour disputes, particularly in the southern manufacturing powerhouse of Guangdong.

Zeng Feiyang, director of the Panyu Migrant Workers Centre in the southern city of Guangzhou, was charged with “disturbing social order”, said Cheng Zhunqiang, his lawyer.

Zeng is one of China’s most prominent labour activists, many of whom have campaigned for the legal rights of workers, such as proper work contracts and social insurance contributions.

US deploys B-52 bomber in aftermath of nuclear test SCAN THIS TO VISIT

ARTICLE, VIDEO, PHOTO GALLERY

The B-52, based in

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

Guam and capable 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty, and the United States has about 28,500 troops based in South Korea.

Earlier on Sunday, North Korea’s state news agency KCNA quoted Kim as saying no one had the right to criticise its nuclear tests.

of carrying nuclear weapons, was flanked by two fighter planes, a US F-16 and a South Korean F-15, in a low flight over Osan Air Base, before returning to Guam, the US military said

SEOUL: The United States deployed a B-52 bomber on a lowlevel flight over its ally South Korea on Sunday, in a show of force following North Korea’s nuclear test last week.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un maintained that Wednesday’s test was of a hydrogen bomb and said it was a self-defensive step against a US threat of nuclear war.

North Korea’s fourth nuclear test angered both China, its main ally, and the United States, although the US government and weapons experts doubt the North’s claim that the device was

BRIEFING: US Lieutenant General Terrence J. O’Shaughnessy, commander of the US 7th Air Force

and Deputy Commander of the US Forces Korea, speaks in front of a US F-16 fighter jet, during a press briefing on the flight by a US B-52 Stratofortress over South Korea at the Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, on Sunday. - AFP

a hydrogen bomb. The B-52, based in Guam and capable of carrying nuclear weapons, was flanked by two fighter planes, a US F-16 and a South Korean F-15, in a low flight over Osan Air Base, before returning to Guam, the US military said in a statement.

Provocative action Osan is south of Seoul and roughly 100km from the North Korean border. The flight was “in response to recent provocative action by North Korea”, the United States military said.

“The United States remains steadfast in its commitment to

the defence of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and to maintaining stability on the Korean Peninsula, to include extended deterrence provided by our conventional forces and our nuclear umbrella,” said US Lt Gen. Terrence O’Shaughnessy.

The US is also considering sending a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to waters off the Korean peninsula next month to join a naval exercise with Seoul, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported without identifying a source.

However, US Forces Korea officials said they had no knowledge of the plan. Experts believe

MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCES

Protest in Hong Kong over missing publishers as booksellers worried HONG KONG: Thousands of people took to the streets of Hong Kong on Sunday in a reprise of anti-China protests a year ago, demanding to know the whereabouts of five missing people linked to a local publisher of books critical of Beijing’s leadership.

Other publishers and book vendors are unnerved by the mysterious disappearances, and in some cases they have pulled books critical of Beijing’s leaders from their shelves.

In three bookstores selling political books visited by Reuters, owners declined to be interviewed, citing the fear of mainland anger.

Series of disappearances Hong Kong, a former British colony handed back to China in 1997, is constitutionally guaranteed freedoms and autonomy from Beijing for 50 years but the series of disappearances has led to suspicions that mainland law enforcement officers were ignoring the law. Lee

year. Dressed in yellow and holding up yellow umbrellas, the hallmark of anti-China protests that crippled parts of the city in late 2014, the protesters demanded to know the whereabouts of the missing booksellers.

PROTEST MARCH: Thousands

of protesters marched through central Hong Kong on Sunday, demanding the release of five missing booksellers who are feared to have been detained by authorities in China. - AFP

Bo, 65, a shareholder of Causeway Bay Books and a British passport holder, went missing from Hong Kong in late December, although his wife has withdrawn a missing persons report saying he travelled to China voluntarily to assist in an unspecified investigation.

Four other associates of the publisher have previously been unaccounted for, since late last

Banners “Today’s Lee Bo is you and me tomorrow,” the protesters shouted.

The demonstrators gathered outside government headquarters — the scene of pro-democracy protests in late 2014 — carrying banners that read: “Release Hong Kong Booksellers Now!” The Hong Kong government said in a statement it was “firmly committed to protecting the freedom of expression and freedom of publication”.

“The rule of law is the cornerstone of our society,” it said, adding that police are investigating the cases and have sought assistance from mainland authorities.

Protest organisers said about 6,000 people took part. - Reuters

the North’s nuclear test, which produced a seismic tremor of 5.1, too small to be a proper hydrogen bomb test, was designed to set the stage for a rare general meeting later this year of its ruling Workers’ Party, the first since 1980.

Stealth bombers After the North’s last test, in 2013, the United States sent a pair of nuclear-capable B-2 stealth bombers over South Korea.

At the time, the North responded by threatening a nuclear attack on the United States.

The two Koreas remain in a technical state of war after their

Self-defensive step “The DPRK’s H-bomb test... is a self-defensive step for reliably defending the peace on the Korean Peninsula and the regional security from the danger of nuclear war caused by the U.S.-led imperialists,” it quoted Kim as saying.

The North’s official name is the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. “It is the legitimate right of a sovereign state and a fair action that nobody can criticise,” he said.

Kim’s comments were in line with the North’s official rhetoric blaming the United States for deploying nuclear weapons on the Korean peninsula to justify its nuclear programme but were the first by its leader since Wednesday’s blast.

The US has said it has no nuclear weapons stationed in South Korea. Kim noted the significance of the timing of the test as being held in the year of the party congress, “which will be a historic turning point in accomplishing the revolutionary cause of Juche,” according to KCNA. - Reuters

Two other activists, Meng Han and Zhu Xiaomei, have also been arrested on the same charge, said Yan Xin, Meng’s lawyer, and Cheng.

He Xiaobo was arrested on a charge of embezzlement, according to New York-based rights group China Labour Watch.

The lawyers for Zhu and He could not be reached for comment. Both Cheng and Yan told Reuters by telephone that prosecutors in Guangzhou told them of the arrests of Zeng and Meng on Friday, but did not give any reason for the charges.

Both lawyers said they had been unable to meet their clients since their detentions, in contravention of Chinese law.

Prosecutors in Guangzhou’s Panyu district did not answer Reuters’ repeated telephone calls to seek comment. The Guangdong government did not respond to a faxed query. A formal arrest usually leads to a trial. - Reuters C AT E G O RY 4 S T O R M

Vanuatu on red alert as Cyclone Ula approaches PERTH: Residents of Vanuatu are taking shelter as a category four cyclone brings heavy rain and strong winds to the same area devastated by the largest cyclone in the South Pacific island nation’s history last year, aid workers said on Sunday.

Disaster management authorities have issued a red alert for islands in Tafea, the southernmost of Vanuatu’s six provinces, a spokesman of CARE Australia said.

“Most people are sheltering in schools and churches, the only permanent buildings on these islands,” Sam Bolitho said.

“Some people are also sheltering in caves.” The eye of the storm, Ula, is not expected to pass over any islands but the ring of the cyclone was causing damage, Bolitho said in an email.

Flash flooding Islanders are bracing for winds expected to reach up to 165 kmph (100 mph), besides flash flooding, landslides and storm surges. Last March, tropical cyclone Pam, a category 5 storm, the highest classification, wiped out more than 90 per cent of Vanuatu’s crops, tore up homes and power networks, killed 11 and disrupted the lives of most of its 252,800 people.

“This time, people are taking every possible precaution,” said Inga Mepham, CARE’s Vanuatu programme director, adding that the aid agency was working with disaster authorities to spread the latest weather information and take precautionary measures. - Reuters

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READERS’ FORUM Indian schools’ board should issue deadlines I refer to the story, Online admissions begin on January 10 at Indian Schools (January 7). I am very happy to note that the Board of Indian Schools in Oman is working to open new schools in Al Amerat, Al Ansab and Barka. Once operational, these schools will certainly ease the admission rush but the million dollar question is, when these schools are going to become operational? To the best of my knowledge, the land for opening the school at Al Ansab was acquired more than three years back. A building for starting a primary section in Al Ghoubra was rented Scan this QR code but remained non-operational for a couple to send letters to the of years. Therefore, it is important that Readers’ Forum, the board makes such announcements containing not more than 200 words with with a deadline and must keep the parents full name, address updated about the developments so as to and telephone keep the things transparent. number, may be sent — Mohammad Osama Rawat, Ruwi by mail (Times of

PAULA DWYER

US presidential candidate Ted Cruz has said that his opposition to the ethanol rule is based on his dislike of Washington mandates and corporate subsidies. It’s safe to assume that environmental considerations had nothing to do with it, since he’s a self-described climate- change denier bit.ly/tedcruzflipflop

Oman, P.O. Box 770, P.C. 112, Ruwi).

Decision to allow Butt and Asif’s return indicates foul play This refers the story, Butt, Asif start redemption journey in domestic game (January 10). The decision of cricket authorities to allow these tainted players is inexcusable.

The explanation being given is that cheating is pardonable. If the initial decision was such, then it is fine. However, the this decision indicates foul play. — Mervin Samuels, Ruwi

NEW INDIA ASSURANCE

“Insure with New India and be secure”

Tel: 24838800 | Fax: 24838899 | Email: niamct@omantel.net.om | Website: www.newindiaoman.com The universe is not required to be in perfect harmony with human ambition

CARL SAGAN

Mohammed Mahfoodh Al Ardhi

I

n a world that is increasingly witnessing conflicts and instabilities on regional and international levels, it has become almost a given that the economic security of any nation is intrinsically linked to its national security and requires immunity and strength to face future challenges.

This nexus between economic security and national security has existed for a very long time.

However, current events have once again highlighted the need to focus on this inextricable connection between the two to find solutions to global challenges defined by two key factors: Firstly, there is the political factor triggered by the return of the traditional conflict between East and West using the Arab region as an arena for this conflict. This has compounded the growing disruption and disintegration of social and cultural infrastructure in some Arab countries leading to regional proxy conflicts.

Secondly, there is the economic factor. The world markets have not yet recovered from the repercussions of the global financial crisis that continues to threaten world economies with slower growth rates and ever deepening challenges to growth. A recent concern is of further economic crises triggered by the failure of industrial countries to factor in the drop in oil prices and to accordingly diversify and innovate. This has significantly impacted several of the world’s thriving nations. According to reports by the World Bank and IMF the world will witness a recession leading to slower growth, increase in poverty and social inequality. Consequently, the prospect of new conflicts is on the rise as the tendency of major economic powers to export their crises outside their borders steadily increases.

The combination of these two factors has led to what is undoubtedly a critical and sensitive time in our history. One that demands new thinking to explore and identify the best ways to overcome and diffuse the situation. The new thinking should embrace constructive criticism and adopt a courageous approach in the analysis stage that will help transcend traditional cognitive barriers.

In the aftermath of the Cold War and following the signing of bilateral and multilateral agreements between international governments, we did not seriously believe that the world would reach a level of criticality where historic and traditional features were altered beyond recognition. Reality however has proved that the future cannot be built on wishes and desires alone.

Economics and politics have now become more complex and interlinked due to globalisation and open markets. Increasingly an adverse impact on one definitely impacts the other. Likewise, a posi-

tive change in one domain has a positive impact on the other too. Today it has become vital to forecast and anticipate the future based on our understanding of this nexus between politics and economics in order to find ways to strengthen both economic and national security. Increasingly today political, cultural and social structures are built on internal and external alliances and partnerships based on the strength of the economy and its position in the world. It is time we collectively identify new ways to develop a global economy that is more secure and resistant to crises.

Firstly, we need to focus more on the production and manufacturing industries based on national sources of income. To achieve this step, we need to develop research expertise by building advanced research centers that employ the best minds and talents in various fields. The scientific knowledge base of any infrastructure, particularly the economic infrastructure, guarantees the development of the national economy.

This is achieved by enhancing industrial production and limiting the import of commodities that may expose the national currency to global market deflections. Secondly, we need to deepen the link between the financial sector and official law making bodies. Experience has shown that today’s markets cannot confine themselves to the two traditional options – a completely liberalised market approach with no restrictions or a fully centralised one. While too much liberalisation triggered the onset of the global financial crisis, the centralised protected approach also proved a failure at the turn of the century.

Learning from history, we now need to embrace democratic centralism in the relationship between the legislative and the financial sector – particularly with regard to private sector organisations. Protecting the economic future starts with the adoption of sustainable financial principles. The more we link finance to productive and real investment projects tailored to the needs of the local and regional markets, the more likely we are to benefit from the liquidity that will circulate within these markets. For the world to truly rid itself of conflicts and the fear of them, it is imperative that we not only eliminate the consequences but also address the causes. While economic stability or the lack of it may not lead a death blow to national stability, the fact remains that ensuring a sound economy will help remove the seeds of discontent that trigger wars and conflicts.

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

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES JANUARY 2001 Majlis panels to meet every week MUSCAT: The Majlis Al Shura office yesterday held its second regular meeting of the year, under the chairmanship of Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Qatabi, Majlis president. After approving the minutes of the first meeting, the office decided to hold its meetings every week, where the standing committees’ meeting will be as follows: The legal committee and services and local committees committee on Sunday, the economic committee on Monday, the health affairs committee and the education and culture committee on Tuesday.

PICTOGRAPH

NUMBER OF PRIVATE CLINICS IN OMAN 2010

2011

1,026

2012

975

2013

911

2014

814

1,095

TODAY IN HISTORY INVITATION TO WRITERS We invite our readers to write articles on topics related to Oman. The articles should not exceed 800 words.

Send us your article along with your picture to akhtar@timesofoman.com

1916: Russian General Yudenich launches a WWI winter offensive and advances west.

1940: Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., becomes the U.S. Army’s first black general, his son would later become a general as well.

1994: The Irish Government announces an end to a 15-year ban on broadcasting by the IRA and its political branch, Sinn Fein

0 Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016

A1 3

WORLD

France pays tributes to victims of terror attacks Neither Hollande or Hidalgo spoke at the ceremony, but veteran French rock star Johnny Hallyday, accompanied only by a guitar, sang a song about the march on January 11 last year

PARIS: France honoured the victims of extremist militant attacks last year in a thinly attended silent ceremony on Sunday, almost a year to the day when more than a million people marched in Paris to protest killings at the magazine Charlie Hebdo.

President Francois Hollande and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo layed a wreath by the statue of Marianne, symbol of the French republic, in central Paris.

The statue has become a shrine to the 17 victims of the January 2015 attacks on Charlie Hebdo and a Jewish deli, and to the 130 people shot dead by militants on Novembwer 13 at a concert, and in bars and restaurants in Paris.

“To the victims of the terrorist attacks in January and November...

In this place, the people of France pay their respect,” read a metal plaque unveiled by Hollande and Hidalgo under a newly planted memorial oak tree on Place de la Republique in eastern Paris.

Neither Hollande or Hidalgo spoke at the ceremony, but veteran French rock star Johnny Hal-

PAYING RESPECTS: People attend a ceremony at Place de la Republique Square to pay tributes to the victims of last year’s shooting at

the French newspaper ‘Charlie Hebdo’, in Paris, France, on Sunday. — Reuters

lyday, accompanied only by a guitar, sang a song about the march on January 11 last year, which brought out the biggest crowds in Paris since the liberation of Paris from Germany in 1944.

The French army choir sang late Belgian singer Jacques Brel’s “Les Prenoms de Paris” (the First Names of Paris) and “Le temps des cerises”, a song associated with the socialist Paris commune movement in 1871, while two young actors read a speech by 19th century writer Victor Hugo.

The huge square in eastern Paris, the focal point of the January

2015 march attended by dozens of world leaders walking arm in arm, was relatively empty during the ceremony. Hidalgo invited Parisians to come to the square with candles from 1600 GMT and said the Marianne statue - covered with flowers, candles and pictures of the victims - will be permanently lit from now on.

“Paris is scarred, but we are still standing,” she told French television after the ceremony.

Hollande, who stood stonyfaced through the ceremony, later met with the families of the victims on the square. — Reuters

OPINION POLL

If public votes for EU exit, I’ll work for it: Cameron LONDON: It would not be the “right answer” for Britons to vote to leave the European Union, but the government will have to make it work if they do, Prime Minister David Cameron said on Sunday.

An opinion poll published on Thursday showed that a majority of Britons who have made up their mind would back leaving the EU in a referendum due by the end of 2017.

Cameron said he hoped voters would back staying in the EU if he achieves his planned reforms to Britain’s relationship with it.

“The British public will make their decision. We must obey that decision whatever it is,” he told the BBC’s Andrew Marr show.”I don’t think that (exit) is the right answer... Were that to be the answer, we would have to do everything necessary to make that work.”

Civil service Asked whether the government was making contingency plans for a possible exit, Cameron said it had plans for the renegotiation and referendum.

“The civil service is working to help me deliver those things.

Now, if we fail to deliver them and we have to take a different stance, then that is a new situation,” he said.

Arron Banks, co-founder of ‘out’ campaign group Leave.EU said Cameron would not be taken seriously in his renegotiation if he was not prepared to walk away from the bloc.

“David Cameron’s lack of a plan for withdrawal tells the EU, and voters, that he has no intention of leaving, guaranteeing that the deal he does finally produce won’t be worth the paper it’s written on,” he said.

Cameron, who travelled to Germany and Hungary last week to hold talks on his proposed reforms, said he was confident a deal could be reached on what has proved the biggest sticking point - his plans to curb welfare payments to EU migrants.

He said he believed the “mas-

The British public will make their decision. We must obey that decision whatever it is . I don’t think that (exit) is the right answer... Were that to be the answer, we would have to do everything necessary to make that work David Cameron Britain’s Prime Minister

sive prize” of reforming Britain’s relationship with the 28-nation bloc and staying a member was closer than it had been and he was hopeful of striking a deal at a meeting of EU leaders next month.

Not to seek third term The Conservative Party leader, who has said he will not seek a third term at a national election due in 2020, also repeated a comment made earlier this week that he did not plan to stand down as prime minister if he loses the referendum.

Eurosceptic Conservative lawmaker and former minister David

Davis told the BBC he thought as many as two thirds of the party’s lawmakers and five or six of Cameron’s top team of ministers could vote to leave the bloc.

Referendum A referendum could follow about four months after a deal. Cameron said that if an agreement were not reached in February, the vote could be held in September “or later”.

“The substance matters much more than the timing, so if I can’t get the right deal in February, I will wait and I will keep going and keep plugging away,” he said. — Reuters

REMEMBRANCE: A view of the plaque unveiled by the French president during a remembrance rally at Place de la Republique (Republic square) on Sunday. — AFP

EUROPEAN UNION TIES

Dutch PM seeks ‘yes’ in Ukraine vote AMSTERDAM: Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said he would argue for a “yes” vote in an upcoming referendum on a treaty on closer ties between the European Union and Ukraine which threatens to overshadow his presidency of the 28-member bloc.

Rutte’s remarks came a day after European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker warned that a rejection of the treaty by Dutch voters could lead to a “continental crisis”.

While the vote, on establishing an association agreement between the EU and its troubled eastern neighbour, is not binding, most Dutch parties have said they would feel bound to take a “no” into account.

It had not been previously clear whether the government would weigh in in the campaign or instead hope that the vote would be undermined by low turnout.

“I will vote ‘yes’ in the referendum,” Rutte said on public television’s Buitenhof show.”And I and my colleagues will explain why we are doing so. It’s about free trade... not an accession treaty as its opponents say.”

April referendum Anti-European website GeenStijl collected 430,000 signatures to trigger the plebiscite, claiming an association agreement with Ukraine would lead eventually to full membership for the war-torn country of 45 million.

The April referendum will be held during the current Dutch presidency of the European Union, putting pressure on Rutte as a “no” would be a blow to the bloc’s attempts to bring the former Soviet republic further into the EU’s orbit.

Juncker warned that a Dutch rejection of the treaty would play into the hands of Russia, which is backing separatist rebels in a war in eastern Ukraine and annexed its Crimean peninsula in 2014. — Reuters

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32 Kurd militants killed as conflict escalates in Turkey Gunfire and blasts could be heard echoing around the heavily damaged historical district of Sur where the clash occurred

DIYARBAKIR (TURKEY): Security forces killed 32 Kurdish militants in Turkey’s mainly Kurdish southeast at the weekend, army and security sources said on Sunday, escalating the reignited conflict in the region.

It was one of the bloodiest weekends since the three-decades-old insurgency resumed last July, scuppering a peace process launched by Ankara with the jailed leader of the militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in late 2012.

In the region’s largest city, Diyarbakir, a soldier and a police officer were killed on Sunday when

MAKE NOISE FOR PEACE: A street artist holds a placard reading ‘Make noise for Peace!’ as Turkish

riot police block the street during a demonstration on Sunday on Istiklal avenue in Istanbul. – AFP

they came under explosives and rifle fire in a clash with rebels in which 14 security personnel were also wounded, security sources said. Gunfire and blasts could be heard echoing around the heavily damaged historical district of Sur where the clash occurred.

Sur has been under round-theclock curfew since December 2 as part of security operations tar-

geting militants. Since the PKK launched its insurgency in 1984, fighting has been largely in the countryside, but the latest violence has focused on urban areas, where the PKK youth wing has set up barricades and dug trenches to keep security forces out. Civilians have been caught in the middle.

According to figures from the proKurdish HDP party, 81 civilians

have been killed in Sur and two towns near the Syrian and Iraqi borders since they were placed under 24-hour curfew last month.

Thousands of people have left their homes in the towns. Residents complain of indiscriminate operations and say the curfews have even prevented the sick from getting to hospital.

On Saturday, 16 rebels were

killed in the towns of Cizre and Silopi, near the Syrian and Iraqi borders, and another four were killed in Sur, the armed forces said in a statement.

It said that a total of 448 militants had been killed in those three areas since they were placed under curfew and security operations were launched last month.

Police killed a further 12 PKK members after finding them in a house in the southeastern city of Van overnight, security sources said. One police officer died and two others were wounded in the operation. The PKK, designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union, says it is fighting for autonomy and greater rights for Kurds in the NATO member country.

More than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict.

On Friday, security forces killed 16 militants in Cizre and two in Sur on Friday, according to a previous military statement. President Tayyip Erdogan has said 3,100 PKK members were killed in operations inside and outside Turkey in 2015. The PKK is based in camps in the mountains of northern Iraq, which have been targeted by Turkish warplanes since the resumption of conflict. — Reuters

CALL FOR HELP

Rubber farmers threaten protest in Thailand BANGKOK: Thailand’s rubber farmers will meet to call for help from the military government on Tuesday to deal with a slump in their incomes and threaten open defiance of its ban on protests if their demands are not met.

The threat is an unusual challenge because rubber farmers have typically supported the conservative royalist establishment championed by the generals, who outlawed political gatherings of more than five people seized power in mid-2014.

Measures Thailand, the world’s top rubber producer and exporter, has already rolled out several measures to support farmers whose income has been slashed due to a fall in international prices of the commodity to a seven-year low. But those measures have stopped short of doing what the farmers want and what previous more populist governments reviled by the military have done - spend state money to guarantee a selling price to farmers.

“We call for rubber prices at 60 baht per kg. If the government can’t do that, we are ready for a big protest,” the group of rubber farmer networks said in a statement issued on Sunday. That amounts to $1.65 per kg. — Reuters

THE BOXER DOCTOR

Russian doctor fatally punches patient, brutally beats up another MOSCOW: In a bizarre incident, an angry Russian doctor fatally punched a patient for “touching” a nurse at a hospital in a southwestern Russian town with the media dubbing the medic ‘the boxer doctor’.

A video of the well-built male doctor knocking out the patient in Belgorod has emerged online.

The man died, while his companion, who tried to stand up for him, was also brutally beaten by the doctor. The incident happened on December 29.

The violent attack was captured by the hospital security camera, and emerged online days later, with some 700,000 people having watched it in a day, Russia’s RT television reported.

In the video, a patient is seen being checked up, when suddenly a male doctor storms in, accompanied by a nurse. The woman points her finger at the man, and the doctor, shouting, “you touched my nurse,” pulls the man off the couch and hits him hard on the head. When another man who accompanied the patient to the hospital tried to interfere, he was also brutally beaten by the doctor.

Shouting “have you understood me?” the doctor kept hitting both men while they were on the floor.

Nurses pleaded for him to stop.

After the enraged doctor eventually left the room, a woman’s voice -- apparently the offended nurse’s -- can be heard explaining to her colleagues behind the door that the patient was asked to lie down calmly during a procedure, but did not follow her orders.

It is only after some two minutes that they appear to notice that the unconscious patient on the floor is not moving.

“Are you alive?” his friend asks him, before warning the medics that something is not right.

In the next eight minutes, the nurses summon an emergency room doctor to the scene, while the doctor who hit the patient attempts to bring him back to life.

The man is then seen being dragged from the camera’s view, while a cleaning lady washes the floor. The emergency doctor never appeared in the video.

The man died of a head injury, officials said. He reportedly arrived in the hospital with complaints of stomach pain.

Russia’s Investigative Committee has launched a criminal case against the doctor under the article “infliction of death by negligence.” If found guilty under it, the doctor faces up to two years in prison. The doctor has reportedly been fired from the hospital. — PTI

BIZARRE INCIDENT

Thai king recovering from infection: Palace BANGKOK: Thailand’s 88-yearold King Bhumibol Adulyadej is recovering from a blood infection and swollen lung, the Royal Household Bureau said in a statement on Sunday.

The world’s longest-serving monarch has been in hospital since the end of May and received treatment for several illnesses.

Nervousness over his health and the succession has played into a decade of bitter political division in the Southeast Asian nation.

The king has had fever for more than two weeks and a recent Xray showed swelling in his lung and right knee, the palace statement said. He has also received antibiotics for a blood infection, it said.

His temperature has fallen but he has had quickened breathing for some time, the statement said.

The monarch was treated for similar illnesses in September.

The revered and ailing king

has spent most of the last six years in hospital. He turned 88 on December 5 but was not seen publicly during nationwide birthday celebrations, although he did make a rare public appearance on December 14.

The king’s health and the succession are of huge public interest but cannot be openly discussed in the kingdom because the royal family is shielded by one of the world’s toughest lese-majeste laws. Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn does not command the same devotion as his father.

Prosecutions of those accused of defaming the royals have increased dramatically and sentences have become harsher under the military government that seized power in a coup in May 2014.

The palace issues notices on the king’s health and keeps tight control over news about the royal family. — Reuters

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016

WORLD Catalonia puts secession goal back on agenda Acting regional head Artur Mas will be replaced by Carles Puigdemont, as head of a majority separatist Catalan parliament that will restart the push for a

ON A MISSION: Incoming Catalan President Carles Puigdemont,

unilateral declaration

centre, adjusts his jacket during the investiture session at the Catalunya Parliament in Barcelona, Spain, on Sunday. — Reuters

of independence

MADRID: Catalonia’s parliament was due to swear in a new separatist leader on Sunday evening, putting the pro-independence movement’s resolve to break with Spain over the next 18 months back on track after months of political deadlock.

The 11th hour decision played into a fraught national political scene since an inconclusive election last month in which the ruling People’s Party won most seats but lost its parliamentary majority. The country has been in stalemate since then.

Until Monday Acting regional head Artur Mas stepped down on Saturday after a September regional election left Catalonia’s pro-independence parties split on whether to endorse him as their leader.

Catalonia’s parties had until Monday to agree on a new leader

or new regional elections would have had to be called.

Mas will be replaced by Carles Puigdemont, the mayor of Girona, as head of a majority separatist Catalan parliament that will restart the push for a unilateral declaration of independence.

Under the separatist’s 18-month “roadmap,” Catalan authorities will approve their own constitution and begin building institutions necessary for an independent state such as an army, central bank and judicial system.

Fierce opposition Such a plan faces fierce opposition from Spain’s central government under the People’s Party, which refused to allow a referendum in Catalonia in 2014, arguing it would contravene Spain’s constitution.

The resurgence of a unified independence movement increases pressure on acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and his Socialist rivals to bury their differences

and form a German-style “grand coalition” in Madrid to thwart the Catalan parties.

A senior official of Rajoy’s People’s Party said on Sunday that a coalition with more than 200 parliamentarians would be the best response to what he called the challenge to Spain’s sovereignty.

“Now there are no excuses,” Fernando Martinez Maillo told a news conference. ”When the new legislature opens next Wednesday, we should reach an agreement amongst us all to form the broadest government possible of the main parties - the People’s Party, the Socialists, and also, logically, (newcomer centrists) Ciudadanos, to, among other things, defend Spain’s unity.”

Spain’s Constitutional Court has already struck down a resolution for independence by the Catalan regional assembly in November, saying it did not have the legal and political legitimacy to violate the constitutional order. — Reuters

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379 criminal complaints filed since Cologne New Year attacks FRANKFURT: The mass attacks on women in the German city of Cologne on New Year’s Eve have prompted 379 criminal complaints, with investigations focused largely on asylum seekers or illegal migrants from north Africa, police have said.

Around 40 per cent of the complaints included physical offences, including two rapes, police said, as

a 100-strong force of officers continued their investigations.

The attacks, mostly targeting women and ranging from theft to molestation, have prompted a highly-charged debate in Germany about its open-door policy to migrants and refugees, more than one million of whom came to the country last year.

“There have been arrests and we

will continue to make arrests,” a spokeswoman for the Cologne police said on Sunday. She said police had increased the number of officers on patrol. “It is then to be determined whether or not these people were involved on New Year’s Eve.” In an earlier statement, the city’s police had said the suspects in the focus of their investigation “come largely from north African

countries” and the investigation “concerns largely asylum seekers and people who are staying in Germany illegally”.

Gathering evidence is difficult, given the chaotic and crowded scenes on the night, when police were overwhelmed by the mass assaults.

The attacks triggered demonstrations in Cologne on Saturday,

one of which was organised by the PEGIDA movement.

The far-right has seized on the alleged involvement of migrants in the Cologne attacks as proof that German chancellor Angela Merkel’s welcoming stance to migrants is flawed.

Some in that crowd threw bottles and fire crackers at officers, and riot police used water canon to

disperse the protesters.

While the New Year’s Eve attacks happened mainly in Cologne, there were also similar assaults in other cities, including Frankfurt.

Separately, police in North Rhine-Westphalia said that a man shot dead as he tried to enter a Paris police station last week wielding a meat cleaver and shouting slogan. — Reuters

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Joaquin ‘El Chapo’

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Guzman considers himself a loving family man who has a ‘perfect’ relationship with his mother and who never starts trouble

MEXICO CITY: Notorious Mexican drug lord Joaquin “ El Chapo” Guzman feels neither remorse nor responsibility for smuggling billions of dollars worth of drugs into the United States, and does not consider himself a violent man despite countless murders blamed on him.

He also considers himself a loving family man who has a “perfect” relationship with his mother and who never starts trouble, but is ready to defend himself when needed. Guzman was recaptured on Friday in northwest Mexico

RECAPTURED: Drug boss Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman at Mexico City’s airport on Friday following his recapture in Los Mochis, in Sinaloa State. – AFP

six months after a brazen prisonbreak. But weeks ago, he gave an unprecedented glimpse into his psyche in a secret interview with Hollywood A-lister Sean Penn for Rolling Stone magazine that was published on Saturday.

How would he define himself?

“With respect, and from my point of view, it’s a person who’s not looking for problems in any way,” he told Penn in a video recording, after meeting the actor

at an undisclosed location weeks earlier in Mexico to pact an interview. A volatile security situation prevented the pair from meeting again for the interview in person.

Mexican government sources said on Saturday that authorities knew of the planned meeting so were able to track Penn’s movements and locate Guzman, helping them in his eventual capture.

“Look, all I do is defend myself, nothing more. But do I start trouble? Never,” Guzman said in the interview, adding that he thanked Almighty for helping him to break out of prison last year.

Happy person Guzman, who once met Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, confided he had not himself taken drugs for 20 years, and at the time, before his capture, considered himself a happy person “because of my freedom”.

“I don’t feel anything that hurts my health or my mind. I feel good,” he said.

After his capture on Friday,

Guzman glared when soldiers twisted his head towards TV cameras during a perp-walk in Mexico City. Asked by Penn if he felt responsible for the high levels of drug addiction in the world, Guzman responded: “No, that is false, because the day I don’t exist, it’s not going to decrease in any way at all.” But, he added unapologetically: “I don’t want to be portrayed as a nun.”

Penn said Guzman asked whether many people in the United States had heard of him, and that he proudly declared “I supply more Drugs than anybody else in the world. I have a fleet of submarines, airplanes, trucks and boats”.

Penn also recounted how Guzman voiced interest in the movie business and how it works, but was unimpressed with its financial yield. Guzman was also interested in getting into the oil business, but recognised that the fact his gains are ill-gotten limits what he can invest in.

“He cites (but asks me not to name in print) a host of corrupt major corporations, both within Mexico and abroad. He notes with delighted disdain several through which his money has been laundered, and who take their own cynical slice of the narco pie,” Penn wrote in the article. — Reuters

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Oman adopts conservative approach in estimating non-oil income in 2016 Although government fees on several services have been raised this year, the total non-oil current revenue estimate is at OMR2.4 billion for 2016 against OMR2.38 billion estimated for the previous year

A. E. JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman’s government has adopted a conservative approach in estimating non-oil revenue in the recently announced State Budget for 2016.

Although government fees on several services have been raised this year, the total non-oil current

revenue estimate is at OMR2.4 billion for 2016 against OMR2.38 billion estimated for the previous year, mainly on account of an expected slowdown in overall business activity of corporate sector.

For instance, the state budget proposed an increase in corporate income tax, fee on expatriate’s employment visa, electricity and water charges of commercial es-

tablishments, vehicle registration and driving fees. However, the estimated income from these heads is showing only a marginal growth since the government adopted a very conservative approach in calculating revenue.

Corporate income tax estimate for this year is at OMR520 million, marginally up from last year’s estimate of OMR500 million. It appears that the authorities have considered only the growth in tax rates.

Labour licence Likewise, fee on non-Omani labour licence is estimated at OMOR253.80 million (against OMR245 million), transport licence at OMR64.93 million (against OMR60 million) revenue from sale of water at OMR90.12 million (against OMR77 million), according to State Budget 2016 document. The total revenue estimate of taxes and government fees is at OMR1,329.82 million in

2016 against OMR1,334 million for the previous year, indicating a marginal fall.

There is also an expectation of lower income from several other taxes and service fees, mainly on account of an expectation of a slowdown in several business activities. For instance, revenue from customs duty is estimated lower at OMR313 million (against OMR330 million), airports is estimated lower at OMR37.85 million (against OMR43 million), income from government investment at OMR500.37 million (against OMR523 million) and passport and immigration fees at OMR32.69 million (against OMR38 million).The overall slackness in Gulf markets might have affected the investment revenue of the government. The non-oil current revenue estimate is around 28 per cent of total revenue OMR8.6 billion this year.

Non-oil income estimate

2015

In million rials

0.84%

2016

2,380

2,400

523 500

520 500.37

Total current non-oil revenue Corporate income tax Income from government investments

Increase Fall 330 313 245

Source: State Budget 2015 and 2016, Ministry of Finance

Graphics

77 43 0

253.8

90.12 37.85

Customs duty Fees on expatriate labour licences Revenue from water Airport revenue

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MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016

MARKET INTERNET

E X C E L L E N C E AWA R D S

Stage set for Sultan Qaboos Industrial Excellence Award Times News Service MUSCAT: Process of evaluating the factories, competing to win the HM Sultan Qaboos Industrial Excellence Award 2015, entered its final stage which is scheduled to be completed at the end of January 2016.

The award has been developed to suit the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s (MOCI) vision that aims at creating a ‘competitive business environment’ for the private sector to contribute effectively in developing the national economy.

The main objective of the award is to recognise the distinguished factories in performance and motivate them to achieve sustainability in improving its performance.

Engineer Khalid bin Homoud bin Hamad Al Hinai, head of the Industrial Monitoring Department at the Ministry of Commerce and In-

Eng. Khalid bin Homoud bin Hamad Al Hinai

Dr. Muhannad Abdul Rahim Al Obaid

dustry said: “Seventeen industrial facilities have been visited since the start of the evaluation process.

This process continues till date to select the best factories that will have the honour of winning HM Sultan Qaboos Industrial Excellence Award 2015.”

“The award constitutes a cumulative development in the management of manufacturing processes.

This enables such industrial facilities to improve productivity. In reality, the industrial sector in Oman is a promising sector. It holds many added value and sustainable devel-

opment opportunities,” he said.

“The methodology of evaluation provides that the facility should identify the desired results as part of its strategy. It also includes planning and developing an integrated set of approaches for achieving the required current and future objectives. The methodology also involves the deployment of approaches in a systemic manner to ensure the implementation. It includes evaluating and improving the assessment and retirement approaches adopted based on monitoring and analysing the achieved results and the continuous education activities,” Al Hinai explained Hamad bin Nassir Al Farsi, administrative affairs director at Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel and an evaluator at HM Sultan Qaboos Industrial Excellence Award 2015 thanked the MOCI on adopting

the idea of evaluating the factories through evaluators from outside the ministry, particularly through employees from the industrial sector.

He indicated that the evaluation process has contributed in promoting the transparency and accuracy in evaluation this year.

He explained that such process has also contributed into identifying the strengths and weaknesses in the participating factories.

Dr Muhannad Abdul Rahim Al Obaidi, vice dean for Academic Affairs and Scientific Research at the Gulf College and an evaluator for HM Sultan Qaboos Industrial Excellence Award 2015 said: “The workshop for qualifying the evaluators has greatly contributed into qualifying and preparing the evaluation committees particularly in light of the fact that the evaluators have various practical and academic experiences.”

India plans to install 2,500 Wi-Fi hotspots MUMBAI: Government of India is targeting to reach the 500-million Internet subscribers mark in the next 6-7 months, besides installing 2,500 Wi-Fi hotspots at 256 places by the next fiscal, Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

“Today mobile penetration is 1 billion, while internet penetration is 400 million. It took more than 3-4 years to become from 200 to 300 million.

“It took less than a year to become from 300 to 400 million and I have fixed a target of 500 million.

We will cross 500 million in coming 6-7 months,” he said. The minister was speaking at the inauguration of stock exchange BSE’s free wi-fi service to public, which has been launched in partnership with Tata Docomo.

Noting that wi-fi services are crucial to connect India, Prasad said that state-owned telecom firm BSNL plans to install 2,500 wi-fi hotspots at 256 places. - PTI

Steps to register firms made easy The new steps come with the objective of easing procedures of issuing commercial registration licences by the ministry

Times News Service MUSCAT: As part of implementing the fourth stage of the comprehensive development project for the services and works of the one-stop-shop ‘Invest Easy’ at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), the application for getting a prior approval to add the transaction activities in the communications devices have been cancelled.

This step comes with the objective of facilitating and simplifying the procedures of issuing the commercial registration licences.

Abdullah bin Ali Al Kalbani, head of the Samples Receipt Department and head of the Licences working team at ‘Invest Easy’ project said: “An agreement has been made between the MOCI and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) to exempt the investors from the requirement of getting a prior notice from the

Abdullah bin Ali Al Kalbani.

– Supplied picture

TRA on applying for adding the activities of dealing with the communications devices.”

“The investors will be also exempted from paying the pre-

scribed fees for such activities as of 21 December 2015. The rules and systems contained in the regulation of dealing with the communications devices issued by the TRA by virtue of decision no.: (59/2015 AD) should also be complied with and taken into consideration,” he added.

Approval “The applications for getting a prior approval have been cancelled for some activities including the trade of phones and communications devices; selling and maintaining radio devices and terminal equipment; types of other retail trade in mobile phones; selling and distributing mobile cards; sale of electrical cables, communication devices and equipment; sale of radio and wireless devices; in addition to the sale of phones and mobile phones accessories.” Al Kalbani confirmed.

“Investors can register or add such activities without any requirement to get a license or a prior approval from the TRA,” he concluded.

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Saudi’s Aramco plans END CALL SAVE LIVES to sell shares in crude oil refining assets

A TIMES OF OMAN HANDS-FREE DRIVING INITIATIVE

RIYADH: Investors hoping a Saudi Arabian Oil Company initial public offering (IPO) will provide a chance to buy a stake in the world’s largest crude producer may have to wait. The company says one option is to sell shares in the company’s refining assets rather than the parent company.

While that would lock private capital out of the world’s biggest oil fields, it stills offers an immense global business with plants spread from Louisiana to Japan, processing more than 3.1 million barrels a day.

“The Saudis aren’t just pumping crude out of the ground and selling it anymore,” said Jim Krane, energy research fellow at the Baker Institute at Rice University in Houston. “They’re now converting a massive share of that crude into all sorts of refined products. Things like highquality gasoline and low-sulphur diesel, and petrochemicals.”

Saudi Aramco, as the stateowned oil monopoly is known, confirmed that it was studying options for a share sale. While one route is a full initial public offering, another is “listing of a bundle” of refining subsidiaries, it said in a statement.

That suggests Aramco may seek a path to IPO that allows the

state to retain full control of its crown jewels: the fields that produce more than 10 million barrels a day and make it the world’s largest exporter.

“Given the size of the company, selling its downstream business is the most likely scenario at first, as the offering will require a huge amount of liquidity,” said Fahad Al Turki, chief economist at Riyadh-based Jadwa Investment.

The kingdom owns, either directly or through joint- ventures, plants capable of processing 5.3 million barrels a day in Saudi Arabia, the United States, South Korea, Japan and China. Of that, Aramco directly controls 3.1 million barrels a day.

Based on its direct ownership, the Saudi company is the world’s fourth-largest refiner, behind Exxon Mobil, Royal Dutch Shell and China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, or Sinopec, according to US-based consultants PetroStrategies.

Aramco could be at the top of the ranking by 2025, if the plans of its new chief executive officer Amin Nasser to almost double capacity to 10 million barrels a day are realized. By then, Aramco would be able to produce enough refined products to supply fuels to China consumes. - Bloomberg News

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016

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MARKET TECHNOLOGY

Panasonic teams up with Facebook for freeze-ray data discs Times News Service MUSCAT: Panasonic has developed freeze-ray, an optical discbased data archive system in collaboration with Facebook. By collaborating with Facebook, Panasonic was able to design freezeray to meet the growing demand for more efficient and sustainable ways to store and access cold data — infrequently or never accessed data stored for the long term — in the world’s data centres.

The freeze-ray solution reduces data centre operating costs and energy use with strong data integrity.

This data archiving solution provides optimal cold storage for protecting data integrity and reducing costs in data centres due to the spe-

cial characteristics of optical discs, including their longevity, immutability, backward compatibility, low power consumption and tolerance to environmental changes.

Both companies see the freezeray data archiving solution, incorporating hundreds of optical discs, as a viable solution for data centers to enable the industry to enjoy the benefits of the solution with greater economies of scale.

Panasonic’s main contribution to the effort was its high-density optical technology, key devices (optical discs, drives and related robotics) and library software to control the system easily in the data centre. Facebook collaborated by providing its unmatched expertise in designing, deploying,

GB Blu-ray Disc-based archive system into its data centres now, and expects deployment of the secondgeneration 300GB archival discbased archive system later in 2016.

managing and servicing storage systems in data centres.

In addition, Facebook provided extensive technical and real-world data centre feedback at every stage

Entrepreneurs to get new services from Sharakah New administrative services will be

Allocates sizable fund to support projects this year

offered free of charge to those SMEs that have received financial aid from Sharakah. But others will have to pay a fee

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Sharakah plans to step up its support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Oman with the introduction of a set of new services, said a senior official.

The new administrative services will be offered free of charge to those SMEs that have received financial support from Sharakah but others will be charged a fee if they want to use these services, said Abdullah Al Jufaili, general manager of Sharakah.

Speaking to Times of Oman, Al Jufaili said the company decided to develop the new services after receiving continuous requests from SMEs that had received financial support from other organisations but wanted Sharakah to monitor their business performance.

The information about the new services is available on Sharakah’s website and the company plans to launch them as soon as possible, he noted. According to the Sharakah’s website, the administrative services that will

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: About OMR780,000 has been earmarked by Sharakah to support projects this year, said a senior official. Sharakah’s target for 2016 is 10 projects, Abdullah Al Jufaili, the company’s general manager, told Times of Oman in an interview.

According to him, 10 projects were supported

by Sharakah in 2014 with an investment of around OMR814,000 and 12 ‘deals’ were signed by the company with a total value of about OMR587,000 in 2015.

Al Jufaili, who was appointed as Sharakah’s general manager in June 2011, noted that 81 projects have been supported by Sharakah since its establishment. Since 2008, 58 projects have been supported and only two projects have failed, he added.

The official said that most of Sharakah’s clients are

be offered to SMEs before and after financing covers a number of areas including reviewing the business plan, financial projections, risk assessment, access to markets, promoting services and products, networking, monitoring performance, reviewing financial

INDIA

Plea for free web gets support MUMBAI: A majority of Indians who submitted comments to the nation’s telecommunications regulator said they support Facebook’s Free Basics plan that would allow free Web access.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India said that 1.35 million responses in support of the plan — or 56 per cent of all comments — came from Facebook’s @supportfreebasics.in, according to a report on the agency’s review of different pricing for data servic-

es. It received another 544,000 responses from @facebookmail. com, with most backing Facebook’s plan, the regulator said.

Comments either supporting or opposing differential pricing were “basically template responses” and “identical in nature,” the regulator said Saturday on its website, without explaining how the views would be used in the review. The agency’s chief, R.S. Sharma, told The Hindu newspaper. - PTI

active in the field of food and beverages but the company is trying to diversify its client base. There are still many untapped areas but people should come and put forward their ideas and initiatives, he explained.

Al Jufaili said that one way to come up with innovative ideas would be looking into the top 100 products, either finished or unfinished, that are being imported by Oman.

Of course there are certain challenges but still there are ways to create new opportunities and help reduce the amount of imports, Sharakah’s general manager noted.

Manufacturing and service sectors have high potential which can be utilised, he said, adding that the upcoming major regional events also offer good opportunities to SMEs. “I firmly believe that when the economy goes down, it is the best time to come up with innovative ideas,” Al Jufaili stated.

reports and developing a marketing plan. Asked about Sharakah’s other plans in 2016, Al Jufaili said that the company has successfully converted its equity scheme to a completely Sharia-compliant scheme and will attempt to convert more schemes this year. >B4

of the development.

Both companies have been working on two generations of the freeze-ray solution. Facebook is deploying the first-generation 100

Sustainable solution “As Facebook continues to grow, we needed to address some of our fundamental engineering challenges with an efficient, low-cost and sustainable solution that matches our speed and exabyte-scale of data,” said Jason Taylor, VP of Infrastructure, Facebook.

“We’re seeing exponential growth in the number of photos and videos being uploaded to Facebook, and the work we’ve done with Panasonic is exciting because optical storage introduces a medi-

um that is immutable, which helps ensure that people have long-term access to their digital memories,” he added.

“Panasonic is delighted by the opportunity to collaborate with Facebook, with its strong position and influence in the data storage market and expertise necessary to develop the optical data archiver in validation with actual data center environments,” said Yasuji Enokido, president of Panasonic’s AVC Networks Company.

“With this data archiver, we expect the industry will be able to enjoy the benefits of the optical technology that Panasonic has been refining over the past 30 years both in the consumer market and business to business applications.“

B4

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016

MARKET MSM index remains flat

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ....................................... 5,365.92 .............. 5,360.50 ....................5,365.16 ................... 5,365.15.................... 0.01 ...................0.00 Financial Index .................................... 6,393.82 ...............6,381.09 ................... 6,385.08 ...................6,388.46.................. -3.38 .................. -0.05 Industrial Index ....................................6,760.36 .............. 6,728.90 ....................6,737.32 ................... 6,760.36................-23.04 .................. -0.34 Services Index ...................................... 3,038.57 ...............3,036.81 ....................3,037.77 ................... 3,037.23....................0.54 ...................0.02 MSM SHARIAH INDEX....................... 855.17 ..................853.89 .......................855.14 ......................854.40.................... 0.74 ...................0.09 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 25,178,126.................. 3,291,328 .................... 406 ...............15,784,963,209 .................. 5 ......................14 .................... 14 .........................33

Al Anwar Ceramics, up by 1.33 per cent, was Sunday’s top gainer while Al Jazeera Steel was top loser, down by 3.47 per cent

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR SUNDAY, JANUARY 10 ISIN ......................................SECURITY NAME ..................................................................VOLUME..... TURNOVER............TRADES ......OPEN PRICE......HIGH ............. LOW ........ CLOSE PR. ...PREV. CLOSE...DIFF (RO).........DIFF % .............LAST PR.....LAST BID .............LAST OFFER ........MARKET CAP.PAR VALUE

MUSCAT: Shares on the Muscat Securities Market remained unchanged on listless trading. The MSM30 Index opened the week on a flat note to close at 5,365.16 points, unchanged from last week’s close. The MSM Sharia Index gained 0.09 per cent to finish at 855.14 points.

United Finance was the most active in terms of volume as well as turnover. Al Anwar Ceramics, up by 1.33 per cent, was Sunday’s top gainer while Al Jazeera Steel was top loser, down by 3.47 per cent.

As many as 406 trades were executed on Sunday, generating a turnover of OMR3.29 million with 25.17 million shares changing hands. Out of 33 traded securities, five advanced, 14 declined and 14 remained unchanged.

Omani investors switched to net buyers to the tune of OMR100,000 worth of shares while foreign investors were net sellers at OMR83,000 followed by GCC and Arab investors, who sold shares amounting to OMR17,000.

Financial Index declined marginally by 0.05 per cent to close at 6,385.08 points. Al Anwar Holding, up by 1.24 per cent, was the sole sector gainer. Al Sharqia Investments, Gulf Investment Services, Oman United Insurance, Al Madina Investments and United Finance declined by 2.22 per cent, 2.17 per cent, 1.91 per cent, 1.85 per cent and 0.85 per cent, respectively.

Industrial Index had loss of 0.34 per cent to close at 6,737.32 points. Al Anwar Ceramics and Al Maha Ceramics gained 1.33 per cent and 1.05 per cent, respectively. Al Jazeera Steel, Galfar Engineering, Oman Fisheries, Voltamp Engineering and Oman Cement declined by 3.47 per cent, 2.94 per cent, 1.92 per cent, 1.38 per cent and 0.87 per cent, respectively.

Services Index ended on a stable note at 3,037.77 points, up by

0.02 per cent. Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) advanced 0.32 per cent to close at OMR1.570. OIFC and National Gas declined by 0.66 per cent and 0.51 per cent, respectively.

Saudi stocks fall Saudi Arabian stocks led a decline across most Middle Eastern markets amid reduced trading, as investors weighed the impact of plummeting oil prices.

The Tadawul All Share Index, the region’s biggest gauge, dropped 2.2 per cent, extending its retreat this month to 12 per cent. About 234 million shares were exchanged in the kingdom, or 9 per cent less than the 30-day average. Qatari stocks fell 1 per cent on about half the QE Index’s average volume. Trading in Dubai also slid.

“Investors are waiting till the end of the first quarter to see the impact of low oil prices and government cutting spending on corporate profits,” said Nabil Farhat, an Abu Dhabi-based partner at Al Fajr Securities.

Equities in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council sank last week as the oil rout deepened and tension between Arab nations and Iran escalated. With almost a third of the world’s proven oil reserves in the region, GCC governments rely on income from energy to fund spending and growth. Brent crude, a pricing benchmark for half the world’s oil, fell a fifth day on Friday to $33.55 a barrel, the lowest since June 2004.

Al Rajhi Bank, which holds the biggest weighting on the Saudi Arabian index, led the losses with a 2.4 per cent retreat.

Almarai fell 9 per cent, the steepest loss in more than seven years, after the company estimated costs will increase 500 million riyals.

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

OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ................................... 9,950 ...............3,025........................1 ........... 0.304...........0.304 ...........0.304 .......... 0.304 .............0.300 ........... 0.004............. 1.333 ................0.304..............0.295...................0.304 ..................90,048,959.........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 1,946,247 .......317,295...................134 ............0.160 ........... 0.165 ...........0.160............0.163 ............. 0.161 ............ 0.002............. 1.242 ................0.164 .............. 0.163...................0.165 ...................24,462,225.........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ..................................................21,936 ...............8,403........................6 ........... 0.380 ...........0.384 ...........0.380........... 0.384 .............0.380 ........... 0.004............. 1.053 ................0.384..............0.380...................0.384 ..................20,160,000.........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ......................... 30,800 ............ 48,356........................3 ............1.570 ........... 1.570 ...........1.570 ............1.570 ............. 1.565............ 0.005............. 0.319 ................1.570 ..............1.560...................1.570................ 1,177,500,000 ......0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ..................................... 1,000 .................. 265........................1 ........... 0.265 ...........0.265 ...........0.265........... 0.265 .............0.265 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.265..............0.245...................0.265..................355,288,216........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............. 52,000 ............. 13,516........................3 ........... 0.260...........0.260 ...........0.258........... 0.260 .............0.260 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.258..............0.252...................0.260 ...................5,460,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK ........................................................................... 240 .....................46........................1 ............0.193 ........... 0.193 ...........0.193 ............0.193 ............. 0.193............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.193 .............. 0.191...................0.193..................275,031,976 ........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ............................................16,400 ...............4,923........................2 ........... 0.300...........0.302 ...........0.300 .......... 0.300 .............0.300 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.302..............0.298...................0.302 ..................18,361,282 .........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................. 60,000 ...............9,240........................2 ............0.154 ........... 0.154 ...........0.154 ........... 0.154 .............0.154............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.154 ..............0.148...................0.154..................221,981,760 ........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO..........................................................................16,351 ............. 11,577........................6 ............0.708 ........... 0.708 ...........0.708........... 0.708 .............0.708 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.708..............0.700...................0.708..................460,868,515........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL............................................... 39,147 ...............3,049........................6 ........... 0.077 ........... 0.078 ...........0.077........... 0.078 .............0.078 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.077..............0.077...................0.078...................13,650,000 .........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER................................................. 43,280 ...............8,310........................9 ............0.192 ........... 0.192 ...........0.192........... 0.192 .............0.192............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.192 ..............0.194...................0.195 ..................129,578,387 ........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................... 43,616 ............... 8,418..................... 10 ............0.193 ........... 0.193 ...........0.193 ............0.193 ............. 0.193............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.193 .............. 0.193...................0.000 .................137,880,424 ........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ..............................................................55,000 .............25,318........................4 ........... 0.470 ...........0.470 ...........0.460........... 0.460 .............0.462 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.433 ...............0.468..............0.460...................0.468................1,054,238,395 ......0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ....................................................... 94,400 ............94,400..................... 27 ........... 1.000 ........... 1.000 ...........1.000........... 1.000 .............1.005............-0.005 ........... -0.498 ...............1.000..............0.952...................1.000................. 200,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 336,322 ........... 65,260.....................22 ............0.195 ........... 0.195 ...........0.193 ........... 0.194 ............. 0.195............-0.001 ............-0.513................0.193 ..............0.192...................0.193...................38,800,000.........0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS ............................................................... 8,760 ...............2,624........................4 ........... 0.300...........0.300 ...........0.298........... 0.300 .............0.302 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.662 ...............0.298..............0.296...................0.298 ..................15,000,000.........0.100 OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE ..................................................... 20,505,694 2,399,070......................12 ............0.111 ........... 0.118............ 0.111 ............0.117 ............. 0.118 ............-0.001 ........... -0.847 ...............0.117 ...............0.115................... 0.117 ...................36,359,498 .........0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT .......................................................... 165,800 ............75,605......................17 ........... 0.456 ........... 0.456 ...........0.456........... 0.456 .............0.460 ...........-0.004 ........... -0.870 ...............0.456..............0.456...................0.500 .................150,877,956 ........0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ..................................................... 37,697 .............16,214.....................24 ........... 0.432 ...........0.432 ...........0.430........... 0.430 .............0.436 ...........-0.006 ............-1.376................0.430.............. 0.418...................0.430 ..................26,015,000 .........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT .....................................10,000 .................. 530........................1 ........... 0.053 ........... 0.053 ...........0.053........... 0.053 .............0.054 ...........-0.001 ........... -1.852................0.053.............. 0.051...................0.054 ..................10,979,023 .........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 233,622 ............47,893........................9 ........... 0.205 ...........0.205 ...........0.205........... 0.205 .............0.209 ...........-0.004 ............-1.914................0.205..............0.205...................0.000 ..................20,500,000 ........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 165,471 .............14,892........................8 ........... 0.090 ...........0.090 ...........0.090........... 0.090 .............0.092 ...........-0.002 ........... -2.174................0.090..............0.090...................0.093....................5,295,890 ..........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING .............85,294 ...............7,522........................8 ........... 0.088 ...........0.090 ...........0.088........... 0.088 .............0.090 ...........-0.002 ........... -2.222 ...............0.090..............0.089...................0.090 ...................7,920,000 ..........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 283,255 ............18,663......................17 ........... 0.066 ...........0.066 ...........0.065........... 0.066 .............0.068 ...........-0.002 ........... -2.941 ...............0.066..............0.065...................0.066................... 19,138,722 .........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ......................... 22,600 ............... 3,134........................3 ............0.138 ........... 0.144 ...........0.138 ............0.139 .............0.144 ...........-0.005 ........... -3.472 ...............0.143 ..............0.140...................0.143................... 17,360,816 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 24,284,882......3,207,547 .............340 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......26........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000001400 ...........OMAN FLOUR MILLS ................................................... 3,780 ............... 1,603........................1 ........... 0.424 ...........0.424 ...........0.424........... 0.428 .............0.428 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.424..............0.424...................0.000 ..................67,410,000 .........0.100 OM0000002580 ...........OMAN EDU. & TRIN. INV. HOLDING....................16,000 ...............2,560........................1 ............0.160 ........... 0.160 ...........0.160........... 0.160 .............0.160 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.160..............0.160...................0.165...................11,200,000 .........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 570,500 ........... 40,695.....................20 ............0.071 ...........0.072 ...........0.071 ............0.071 ............. 0.071............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.072.............. 0.071...................0.072................. 106,500,000 .......0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 211,100 ............ 30,241..................... 34 ............0.142 ........... 0.144 ...........0.142........... 0.143 .............0.143............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.144..............0.144...................0.145..................209,152,009........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES .......................................................23,404 ............... 1,194........................6 ............0.051 ........... 0.051 ...........0.051 ............0.051 .............0.052 ...........-0.001 ........... -1.923................0.051 .............. 0.051...................0.052....................6,375,000 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 824,784 ........... 76,292..................... 62 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 5........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BONDS AND SUKUK MARKET ......................................................................................................................................................................

OM0000004628 ...........BANK SOHAR BONDS 4.5 .......................................... 65,712 ...............7,228........................1 ............0.110 ........... 0.110............0.110 ............0.110 .............0.100 ............0.010 ............10.000 ...............0.110 ..............0.100...................0.110 .................... 7,865,000 ..........0.100 OM0000005971 ............B.MUSCAT COMPL. CONVR. B.B.3.5 ....................... 2,748 .................. 261........................3 ........... 0.095 ........... 0.095 ...........0.095........... 0.095 .............0.095 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.095..............0.095...................0.099...................30,795,353 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: ....................................................................................68,460 ............... 7,489........................4 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........2........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

- United Securities/Bloomberg News

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

C O M M E N TA RY

Why China's latest market intrusion is failing has created confusion over the bank's intentions and sparked concerns that China might tip off a currency war.

Nor are matters much different with the reform of state- owned enterprises.

While pledging to make such businesses more competitive and efficient, the government, worried about mass unemployment, has also ordered them to hire Red Army veterans. The plan to reform state-owned enterprises, it admits, is intended to strengthen the Communist Party's control.

MICHAEL SCHUMAN

A

nother tumultuous week for China’s stock markets has dealt yet another blow to global confidence in Beijing's policy makers. Each tripped circuitbreaker and policy reversal has underscored the inherent contradiction China faces -- between the leadership's desire for the certainty of state control and the benefits of free markets.

This contradiction has been part of the Chinese economic system since pro-market reform began in the early 1980s.

The government's model encouraged private enterprise, foreign investment and international trade while keeping the "commanding heights" of the economy -- the financial sector, critical industries -- firmly in state hands. The system may have run counter to classical economics, but it was effective, transforming China from an impoverished basket case to the world’s second-largest economy, and earning Beijing’s policy makers a reputation for sagacity and infallibility.

The problem is that this tension between state and market becomes more dangerous as an economy advances.

We know this is true from the experiences of Japan and South Korea, which both used systems similar to China's, produced similar results and then suffered similar problems.

China's current woes of high debt, excess capacity and a strained financial sector are all creations of the state-market conundrum. The only way to solve it is for the state to allow the market to hold more and more sway over the economy.

That allows resources to be allocated more wisely, productivity to improve and entrepreneurship to flourish.

Yet it also requires the party to relinquish control.

Liberalise currency China's leaders are not unaware of the need for such change. That’s why they've promised to free up capital flows, liberalise the currency, reform the state sector and slash red tape. But that sticky contradiction remains firmly in place. The Communist Party plenum in 2013 that drew up a long-term road map for economic reform enshrined the state-market conflict as a core principle of Chinese policy.

The plenum's communique declares the twin goals of creating an economy "centering on the decisive role of the market" but "with public ownership playing a dominant role."

That conflict is at the heart of the stock-market fiasco. Setting the expansion of capital markets as a priority, the

government made the mistake of propagating equity investments on a wide scale. Then, when prices began to tumble last summer, the government, terrified by the instability, jumped in to "fix" the problem. Now policy makers have trapped themselves — attempting to control a market too big and complex to answer to bureaucrats. Instead of developing a respected stock exchange, the state has undermined its credibility.

The same is true with the yuan. Rather than allowing market forces to determine the currency's value, as policy makers keep promising to do, the central bank continues to micromanage it, wary of any dramatic movements. The result is an embarrassing split exchange rate — one onshore, one offshore — that has undercut the yuan's recently anointed status as a reserve currency and forced China's central bankers into the untenable position of pushing its value in both directions. This

Contradiction Although this state-market contradiction has become more obvious over the past few months, it has, in fact, been undermining the Chinese economy for at least a decade.

Despite endless promises, progress toward more open markets has been glacial, and at times even gone backward.

Excessive interference by the government to pump up growth in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis saddled the economy with the astronomical levels of debt and excess capacity it is burdened by today.

The way China's policy makers can restore confidence in their markets, their economy and their competence is to eliminate the state-market contradiction they've created.

This means allowing the stock market to find its own footing, the yuan to discover its real value and state-owned enterprises to compete fairly with the private sector.

For a regime that's hitched its legitimacy to its ability to deliver growth, it also means potentially putting their own survival at risk.

- Bloomberg View

< FROM

plans second B3 Sharakah edition of annual forum He added that Sharakah also plans to conduct the second edition of its annual forum later this year, which will be about how entrepreneurs can benefit from technology to develop their business.

According to the official, another initiative that the company is working on is inspired by the discussions that take place on Sharakah’s LinkedIn page on a regular basis.

“On Sharakah’s LinkedIn page, we post Sharakah news and also, from time to time, we pick an article in the news related to the economy. Then we discuss how that particular topic has an effect on SMEs,” Al Jufaili explained.

So Sharakah plans to launch a quarterly economic discussion session for the first time, where a target group of 30 to 40 participants will be invited to discuss matters of importance to entrepreneurs face to face. It will be a continuation of the discussions on the LinkedIn page, Sharakah’sgeneral manager noted.

Challenges Asked about the challenges in 2016, Al Jufaili said that given the current economic situation, there may be fewer opportunities for Sharakah and the clients that it has served.

“So the strategy this year is to focus more on SMEs that we have already supported rather than just looking for new deals,” he stated.

The number of site visits will increase and the performance of the SMEs will be monitored more closely, he said, adding that Sharakah will be using its Business Performance Monitoring Tool (BPMT).

According to Sharakah, BPMT is a performance measurement tool which verifies if there has been any improvement in the business over a specified timeframe.

The tool looks into any improve-

Abdullah Al Jufaili

ment in applying quality systems, abiding by industry quality standards, applying branding guidelines, promotional efforts online and on traditional media, applying human resources best practices and adhering to relevant policies.

2015 achievements Commenting on Sharakah’s achievements and activities in 2015, Al Jufaili said that despite the economic downturn, the company managed to remain stable. The company’s interaction with the community has increased and more people have been contacting Sharakah, he noted.

Al Jufaili believes that one of the main achievements in 2015 was the successful holding of the first edition of Sharakah’s annual forum, which discussed the ‘role of media in supporting SME development’. It was a well-attended and well-received event with the majority of the participants being SME business owners, he noted.

In addition, the official said that Sharakah was recently awarded as the ‘best enterprise’ in the field of SME financial support at the Europe Business Assembly.

Sharakah’s general manager was also awarded the ‘best manager’ for the year 2015 in the SME support category.

B

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016

SECTION

SLOW DOWN ENJOY THE RIDE

E-

IMES TECH STUFF

Can apps help prevent human trafficking?

NETFLIX NOW AVAILABLE GLOBALLY Netflix launched its service globally, simultaneously bringing its Internet TV network to more than 130 new countries around the world. The company made the announcement -- and the service went live -- during a keynote by co-founder and chief executive Reed Hastings at the Consumer Electronics Show 2016 in the United States. - Times News Service

T E C H U P D AT E S

Cutting-edge technology at electronics show in US Tech experts and gadget geeks alike converged in Las Vegas, United States, for the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show, the world’s largest annual consumer technology trade show. The event, which concluded on January 9, featured 3,600 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to more than 150,000 attendees, according to estimates. Here are some products that debuted at the show that could revolutionise 2016.

LOW-COST COMPUTER: Endless chief executive Matt Dalio

holding a $79 desktop computer designed to deliver the Internet to people in places with little money or online connectivity. The startup is out to bring the Internet to people without deep pockets or reliable online connectivity. – AFP

provide information about where they can seek help? Would someone heading abroad for work use an app that would alert them to signs that they may be about to be trafficked?

Applications seem like a natural tool to raise awareness, provide information on destination countries, and offer opportunities to report human trafficking. By opening a clear channel of communication, the app can help a trafficked person reach safety and quickly

JULIA MURASZKIEWICZ

T

echnology, the saying goes, is a double-edged sword. But when it comes to human trafficking, that has yet to be proven. There is evidence that mobile phones, social media, instant messaging, and other modern forms of communication have given traffickers new tools for recruitment, coercion, and exploitation.

But can technology – and apps in particular – help prevent vulnerable people from being lured and help victims?

Apps have penetrated nearly every area of modern life, from the consumption of news and entertainment to the management of health and finances. The European Union’s Human Trafficking Directive encourages the use of the Internet for “research and education programmes…aimed at raising awareness and reducing the risk of people, especially children, becoming victims of trafficking in human beings.” Apps seem like a natural tool for raising awareness, providing information on destination countries, and offering opportunities to report human trafficking.

Indeed, developers have already created apps that can do just that.

For example, Travel Safely, an ap-

plication developed by the Romanian Ministry of External Affairs, was designed to provide Romanian nationals with information while they are abroad. Users can learn about conditions in the country to which they are travelling, including whether any travel alerts are in place. They can also use the app to alert the nearest Romanian consular mission in case of emergency, as well as quickly find out what to do in case of accident, illness, or the loss of documents. By opening a clear channel of communication, the app can help a trafficked person reach safety quickly.

Another example is Ban Human Trafficking, which uses a game to educate young people about trafficking and instructs them on how to recognize potentially dangerous situations. It also gives them an opportunity to report human trafficking when they encounter it.

Education efforts Human traffickers benefit from their victims’ lack of knowledge about working conditions in other countries and their ignorance of their rights while abroad. Education efforts that are accessible and interesting have the potential to undermine that advantage.

Other apps, such as CrimePush, allow victims of human trafficking

Ban Human Trafficking, which uses a game to educate young people about trafficking and instructs them on how to recognise potentially dangerous situations.

It also gives them an opportunity to report human trafficking when they encounter it.

to upload evidence: photos, audio files, or text, as well as report crimes as they happen.

And yet, no matter how well designed and potentially helpful these apps might be, it is important to ask whether they are effective in practice. Given the complexities of trafficking, can apps like these truly provide the assistance their users may need?

For starters, there is the question of whether the information provided by anti-trafficking apps reaches those who need it most.

To be sure, potential victims of trafficking are as likely as anybody to have access to the Internet or a smartphone. But will those who are at risk of exploitation be aware of the existence of an app that can

Questionable conditions Then there is the fact that there is already a lot of information on the Internet and elsewhere about the risks of human trafficking. And yet, every day, people make the potentially risky choice of moving from their home to accept a job under questionable conditions. How likely is it that an app that does nothing to improve the material conditions in which people live (which is what drives them to take risks) will encourage potential victims to consider their options more carefully?

Without addressing these conditions, can awareness-raising technologies make a difference?

Finally, apps can be undermined by the coercion that often accompanies human trafficking. To be sure, one advantage of apps is that they can be quickly removed from a phone. But victims of human trafficking are often too fearful of repercussions to use the avenues of communication available to them to report the crimes being committed against them.

But perhaps apps can overcome such obstacles. The impact of new technologies on clandestine crime can rarely be predicted, and more research is needed to determine whether apps can be considered effective tools in the fight against human trafficking.

Given their relative cost-effectiveness and the wide diffusion of mobile technologies, apps do provide a promising avenue for exploration. Better marketing strategies and improved privacy protection, for example, might just help apps reach their intended targets, enabling them to avoid or even break free from the coercive control of human traffickers. - Project Syndicate

AUGMENTED-REALITY GLASSES : An official wearing

augmented-reality glasses built on the Silicon Valley company’s platform. – AFP

MOVIE CAMERA: A prototype Kodak Super 8 movie camera

that shoots four kinds of film and has digital video assist.

Kodak hopes to release the camera in late 2016. – AFP

HUMANOID ROBOT: Alpha 2, a humanoid robot from China’s UBTech, which can dance and respond to questions. The battle to be at the centre of digital life has taken on a new dimension amid a proliferation of connected devices. – AFP

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MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016

ROUND-UP BankDhofar claims Best Banking Strategy Award The award aims to honour outstanding banks and top performing financial institutions in the Middle East, and it reiterates BankDhofar’s commitment to lead the banking industry in Oman

MUSCAT: BankDhofar, the leading financial institution in the Sultanate of Oman, has been awarded the ‘Best Banking Strategy’ award

by The Banker Middle East.

The award aims to honour outstanding banks and top performing financial institutions in the Middle East, and it reiterates BankDhofar’s commitment to lead the banking industry in Oman, says a press release.

Commenting on the award, Abdul Hakeem Omar Al Ojaili, acting CEO of BankDhofar, said: “This recognition comes as a result of our top management’s clear vision

and focused efforts to achieve our strategic goals. Time and again BankDhofar stands out and proves to be the best not only in customer experience but also in operations and business growth.”

Hani Habib Macki, AGM and head of Strategy and Planning at BankDhofar, added: “Over the years we have taken the long term strategy of BankDhofar very seriously. We have a dedicated department for strategy and planning for over eight years now and we worked with the world top consultants to set up a robust strategic plan in line with the bank’s

growth objectives. We partnered with reputed global consultancy firms such as Booz Allen and Boston Consultancy Group to ensure the best operational strategy is implemented with clear goals and objectives.”

Aspiring to be the best bank in the Sultanate and the wider Gulf area, BankDhofar is committed to provide the best banking experience, offering customised financial solutions as well as state-ofthe-art products and world-class services. Today BankDhofar is one of the fastest growing banks in Oman, with a strong presence in personal and corporate bank-

E X PA N S I O N

ing, project finance and various initiatives that aim at contributing to the growth of the national economy and overall development across the Sultanate.

BankDhofar has been a pioneer in the local banking sector since its inception in 1990. The combination of the thorough vision of BankDhofar’s executive management, the comprehensive operational strategy that revolves around following best international banking practices and providing best customer experience, as well as commitment to community development and contribution to the growth of the national economy, placed BankDhofar at the forefront of best banks in the region.

Keeping customer experience and satisfaction as a key goal, BankDhofar continues to build on, strengthen and optimise its existing tools to better manage customer relations through the most appropriate channels. The bank aims to generate customer insight by leveraging analysis and understanding and managing of the different needs and requirements of customers nationwide.

C O R P O R AT E S U P P O R T

Al Hilal donates to Al Noor Association MUSCAT: Al Hilal Islamic Banking services, the Islamic window of ahlibank, recently donated a cheque to the Al Noor Association for the Blind. The donation will help encourage continuous education, creation of innovative ideas and independency amongst the students of the association, says a press release.

The support, which came in the form of a donation, a cheque was handed over by Abdullah Al Jabri, general manager, Al Hilal Islamic Banking Services to Ibrahim Hamdoon Al Harthy, member of the board of directors of the Al Noor Association for the Blind.

Lloyd Maddock, CEO of ahlibank, said: “Al Hilal Islamic Banking is honoured to participate and assist the visually impaired students of Al Noor Association for the Blind. At ahlibank and Al Hilal Islamic Banking, we believe that ‘everything is possible’, and we hope to impart the same aspiration in the students of the Al Noor Association by providing them with support and encouraging them to believe that everything is achievable in their lives.”

Al Jabri said: “Since its estab-

lishment, Al Hilal Islamic Banking has made significant contributions to a wide range of charitable organisations and community initiatives. By supporting charitable causes, educational programmes, environmental projects and cultural events, Al Hilal Islamic Banking services seek to improve the quality of life of those who one not so privileged.”

Through a well-defined Corporate Social Responsibility framework and a determined commitment to pursue activities that blend business aspirations, ahlibank and Al Hilal Islamic Banking services have established a set of corporate and social principles to generate value for their shareholders, customers, staff and society.

EMPOWERING OMANI YOUTH

Zubair Corporation extends support to Al Akhdhra team

Smile Supermarket opens new outlet in Al Khuwair MUSCAT: After the successful opening of Smile Hypermarket in Saham, Smile opened its new outlet at Jasmine Mall, Al Kkhuwair.

The new supermarket was officialy inaugurated by Ashhab Khalid Hilal Al Busaidy, in the presence of Saleh Othman Saleh Siyabi and other several high-ranking officials from various government departments, other dignitaries, representatives from local business communities and distinguished guests.

Top officials of Smile group were

also present on the occasion, says a press release.

Wide choice The supermarket showcases a wide choice of reputed brands at fair prices offering customers a wholesome shopping experience. Smile’s goal is to meet the needs of all communities in Oman and be a destination where shopping brings happiness. Conveniently located in Jasmine Mall, Al Khuwair it operates for 24 hours to cater the needs of customers.

Ismail Chakkarath said: “In the profoundly seasoned business milieu, Smile shall make a difference where expectations outpace offerings.” Jasim Kuniyil, Operations director, said new branches are being planned across Oman at Salalah, Al Falaj, Sur and Mabellah commercial area. Kesavan, general manager talked about the futuristic plans for ordering the items through Whatsapp by scanning the QR Code, which is going to be introduced in the near future.

MUSCAT: With an aim to help develop quality facilities to meet the needs of sportspersons locally, The Zubair Corporation has decided to extend support to the Al Akhdhra football team belonging to the Mudhaibi wilayat in Al Sharqiyah governorate.

Al Akhdhra football team was formed in 1980 and is at present among the top 10 teams in the Mudhaibi wilayat, says a press release.

Ibrahim Al Salmi, Social Communication manager at The Zubair Corporation, said: “While the Al Akhdhra football team already has a playground that was built in 2014, The Zubair Corporation’s sponsorship will lead to improvement of facilities for players.

The objective of the support is to empower Omani youth and enable them to exercise their hobbies.”

The Zubair Corporation’s announcement of support comes at a time when the Al Akhdhra football team has lined up a host of activities in its 2016 schedule.

“The team has a variety of sports, cultural and social activities planned for the year and the support from The Zubair Corporation is timely,” said Al Salmi Explaining that the stand will help the football fans in the community enjoy the game better, Al Salmi added: “Players and those who attend the matches can pray during or after the game at the mosque that was built near the playground. In addition, the team has a nice theatre in the playground which is used for cultural and social activities.”

Stressing that The Zubair Corporation is happy to extend support, Al Salmi said: “Football is a sport that unifies communities in Oman. These facilities will help fans connect to their teams and increase community participation in the sport.

“Besides, the spirit of healthy competition, community engagement and fair play are all values we share at our group.”

Al Salmi also added that this improving of facilities would provide exciting platforms for members of the community to be fit, active and be engaged in positive activities.

He said: “The Zubair Corporation looks forward to a long-term partnership with the team and are proud that we are contributing to improving the nation’s

sports talent.”

Expressing his gratitude to The Zubair Corporation, Khalid Hamed Al Harthi, secretary, Al Akhdhra football team, said: “Good facilities are important for the future growth of the game.

The new facilities will allow all members of community to practice a sport they love. The facilities will also help take the games played to new audiences and inspire more interest in football in the wilayat.”

Stressing that better facilities remain a top priority for those involved in football, he said: “Al Akhdhra football team is grateful for The Zubair Corporation’s support. This shows that they are committed to improving the quality and access to existing facilities.”

GET-TOGETHER

Al Naba Group rings in 2016 with strong ambitions for growth MUSCAT: Al Naba Group of Companies kicked off the New Year with a celebratory get-together that also saw management and senior staff stand shoulder to shoulder in a reaffirmation of their collective commitment to advancing the group’s strategic and business growth objectives during 2016.

Sayyid Khalid bin Hamed bin Saif Al Busaidi, group chairman, led fellow board members and senior management colleagues at the get-together at the Banquet Hall of Oman Tourism College recently. The annual event, held at the start of each new year, is in line with a longstanding tradition that underscores the warm fraternal ties characterising the relationship between management and the company’s large workforce, says a press release.

Also in keeping with the spirit of the event, a number of long-serving employees of the group were feted on the completion of 25 years and 10 years of service. They were presented with awards and gifts in appreciation of their dedicated services to the company, as well as a token of the esteem that the work-

force enjoys in the eyes of the group.

Additionally, a number of employees were rewarded for outstanding workplace accomplishments and initiatives – part of a group-wide incentive programme designed to keep the staff well-motivated and engaged. Exemplary staff were recognised for, among other

things, ‘Teamwork Excellence’, ‘Meritorious Service’, ‘Bright Ideas’, ‘Behind the Scenes Excellence’, ‘Volunteerism’, ‘Neat and Clean Uniform’, ‘Exceptional Customer Service’, ‘Improving Efficiency’, and so on.

Speaking on the occasion, Khalid expressed sincere thanks

to the management and staff for making common cause in supporting the achievement of the group’s corporate growth objectives during the past year. He exhorted his top-level team to stay the course and to build on this success despite the challenging economic and business environment triggered by

the slump in global oil prices.

“Al Naba’s growth over the past decades has been underpinned by a combination of enterprise, innovative thinking, and hard work. We applaud our team, as well as each and every member of the multinational workforce that constitutes the Al Naba family – indeed our

greatest asset – for their commendable contribution during the past year.

“As we ring in the new calendar year, I am confident that we will collectively rise to the challenge and deliver another superlative fiscal year,” the chairman remarked.

Corporate and business highpoints of the past year were captured in a striking video that was played at the start of the event. Department heads took turns in the video to outline their respective strategies for driving the group’s overall success. A separate video, produced by the employees, offered their perspectives on the promising career and growth opportunities afforded by Al Naba to the Omani staff.

Both videos encapsulate the impressive strides that Al Naba Group has achieved over the past three decades. Today, Al Naba Group ranks as one of Oman’s top 10 corporate brands with over 9,000 employees and a geographical footprint that spans not only the length and breadth of the Sultanate, but extends into the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar as well.

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2016 Kia Sorento wins ‘SUV of the Year’ award

‘TOAST 2016’

Golden Spoon Group announces exciting New Year offer at its three restaurants

The Sorento garnered acclaim for its combination of premium interior amenities, extensive safety features and all-wheel drive capability MUSCAT: In conjunction with the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show, Road & Travel Magazine (RTM) has named the 2016 Sorento as its ‘International SUV of the Year’.

The Sorento garnered acclaim for its combination of premium interior amenities, extensive safety features and all-wheel drive capability. The awards propelled Kia to an extraordinary fourth consecutive win of the prestigious ICOTY brand award. The ICOTY jurors honoured Kia Quoris as the luxury sedan in 2015, the Cadenza as the premium sedan in 2014, and the previous-generation Optima in 2013, says a press release.

“We’ve never had one brand win this award four years in a row, but Kia has done it. It goes to show just how exceptional the new Kia models are, providing clear direction of where the Kia brand is headed,” said Courtney Caldwell, Editor-inChief of Road & Travel Magazine.

“We are near speechless at the level of progress the Kia brand has made in spite of the stiff competition. It is without a doubt the brand that gets the most ‘wows’ from our

staff and is truly an industry success story that we can relate to in many ways.”

“The Sorento is one of Kia’s best-selling vehicles and was instrumental in the transformation of the brand,” said Michael Sprague, Chief Operating Officer and EVP, KMA. “To win the prestigious ICOTY award four years in a row, with two models winning their categories this year, is a clear indication that our products continue to offer a world-class balance of design, amenities, craftsmanship, safety and value for today’s savvy consumers.”

2015 marks the 20th anniversary for RTM’s annual “Of the Year” judging, which includes three awards: International Car, International SUV, and International Family Vehicle of the Year. In addition to product attributes such as style, comfort and performance, award criteria also factor in how well each brand connects emotionally with consumers through its marketing efforts. The winner is chosen by the ICOTY jury, which consists of nationally renowned automotive

journalists from respected publications such as Consumer Guide Automotive, MSN Autos, New Car News Syndicate and RTM. Redesigned to be sleek, strong, and adaptive, the Kia Sorento has elegantly sculpted surfaces, more cabin space, and a wraparound dashboard for distinctive appeal. From finely crafted seating to intuitive advanced technologies, it’s the car to drive to seek out adventure.

The Sorento utilises Kia’s advanced safety equipment and technologies to provide a high level of occupant protection for drivers and their families as measured by the US government. A compelling compact SUV, the Sorento has a 5-Star rating from NHTSA. The Sorento rides on an all-new platform and suspension system, and offers a new V6 engine and more passenger room. From a styling perspective, redesigned front and rear fascias incorporate new lighting elements, the 17-inch alloy wheels have been redesigned and a larger 19-inch alloy wheel is offered on the top model. Inside, the centre rack, gearshift, instrument

DESERT RACE

clusters, and soft-touch surfaces all feature a redesigned look. Other available features now include panoramic sunroof.

The Sorento offers a number of powertrain options including an available 2.4 litre, four-cylinder, engine that provides class-leading horsepower. The analysts were impressed with the Sorento engine’s responsiveness and noted the availability of another powertrain including a 3.5-litre V6 providing 277 horsepower.

Kia Sorento has been equipped with some local accessories to enhance its looks, feel and functionality. Customers are welcome to get the full details of these local fitments, by visiting the showroom.

The Sorento is on display at the showroom – for those who wish to have a closer look!

Reliable International Automotive (RIA), the distributor for Kia in Oman provides a rewarding ownership experience for customers. Excellent product attributes and unmatched facilities easily ensure their absolute satisfaction, every mile of the way.

MUSCAT: As a toast to the New Year, the Golden Spoon Group has announced an exciting offer called ‘Toast 2016’ at its 3 restaurants — The Asian, China Town and The Golden Spoon.

Under this promotion that is valid till day after tomorrow, a customer has the opportunity to indulge a free Tropical ice cream with fresh juice or a milk shake if the minimum spent in the restaurants is up to OMR16, says a press release.

Tropical juices and ice creams is a pioneer in the production and retail of fresh homemade ice creams in the Sultanate of Oman.

Proud to be a home-grown Omani brand, its outlets are situated in Al Khuwair, Qurum, Ruwi, MBD, Al Khoud, Azaibah, PDO, Bank Muscat HQ, Barka Grand Center, Amerat, Seeb Souq and Mabelah.

Najeeb Ahmed Al Balushi, managing director, Golden Spoon Group of Restaurants, said: “Our customers are special to us and it is our constant endeavour to add to their overall dining experience.

We hope that they will relish our offer while inaugurating the start of 2016 with our Tropical delights. Our motto for last two decades has been ‘Defining the Experience’!”

“We believe that all of our restaurants should offer the guest a positive experience which includes apart from great taste, a unique ambience and a dedicated customer service. We are confident that our loyal customers will be thrilled with this offer, giving us an extraordinary opportunity to be of service to them,” he added.

The Asian is a Far Eastern speciality restaurant located near the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Opened in 2015, it serves more than 7 cuisines from Southeast Asia with a most refined ambience and service.

The Asian is more than dining, it’s an experience.

The Golden Spoon restaurant has a multi cuisine fare, serving Indian, Continental, Chinese, Sizzlers, BBQ specialities having set its roots in food quality and service since 1993. The Al Khuwair branch has a banquet hall to cater to birthday parties, small gatherings, tea parties, etc. and the restaurants also have the capacity to cater to large outdoor parties for up to about thousand guests. Their home delivery network is very efficient.

China Town was established in 2001. Located in Qurum CCC and Al Khoud area, China Town has become an icon in the food industry in Oman, popular for its variety of Chinese delicacies.

The Golden Spoon Group was established in the year 1993, opening its first branch in Seeb, Sultanate of Oman.

It was primarily engaged in activities related to the hospitality industry with a core focus of delivering maximum value for money, providing food made with the finest ingredients. Over the years, the company has grown to include the following in its roster: The Asian, The Golden Spoon Restaurant, Tropical Juices and Ice Creams, China Town Restaurant, Sidewalk Bistro and Health Cafe, Manhattan Fish Market and Subway.

G H A D E E R PA R K S

F1 Star Brundle and new Jaguar XJR take on high-flying ‘Jetman’

DUBAI: The Jetman Dubai pilot Yves Rossy took on his first ever live race when he went head-tohead against a Jaguar XJR driven by former Formula One star Martin Brundle in a unique contest deep in the Dubai desert.

Brundle, who drove in F1 alongside Michael Schumacher and is now a commentator, had the new all-aluminium 550PS, 5.0-litre Supercharged V8 Jaguar XJR at his disposal while Rossy was strapped to his 2m-wide fixed wing, powered by four Jet-Cat superchargers.

The race took place on a closed private road and in the skies above it, and was captured in a threeminute short film.

Brundle said: “This was the most unique race I have ever taken part in. I have never seen anything like the Jetman wing, full of technology and innovation, and Yves is an extremely brave man. It turns out he is also a very fierce competitor!

“The Jaguar XJR gave him some stiff competition. The smooth, effortless drive was exceptional and it also handled superbly when I had to avoid sand that had blown onto the road. But as for who won – you’ll just have to watch the film…”

Brundle was helped off the line by the XJ’s innovative All Surface Progress Control (ASPC), a hi-tech system that automatically limits traction loss on the rear-wheel drive car at low speeds on slippery surfaces, maximising grip in tough conditions. He was able to reach a top speed of 174 mph (280 km/h)

Brundle, who drove in F1 alongside Michael Schumacher and is now a commentator, had the new allaluminium 550PS, 5.0-litre Supercharged V8 Jaguar XJR at his disposal while Rossy was strapped to his 2m-wide fixed wing, powered by four Jet-Cat superchargers

before crossing the finish line.

After five seconds of free-fall following his jump from the Jetman launch helicopter, Rossy was able to level off and power through the sky above the car, reaching a top speed of 195mph before he flew over the line.

Rossy said: “Racing a former Formula One driver was exciting as we were very close in perfor-

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mance. Racing in a straight line may sound simple but it is not easy and this was the first genuine test for my equipment and my flying technique in competition.

“Just like the Jaguar, we use light yet strong materials in our wing to optimise performance, and superchargers to power me along. But while it is the technology and the aerodynamics that make the XJR perform the way it does, with me it is my body movements under the jetwing strapped on my back that make me fly the way I do.”

Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director, XJ said: “The new Jaguar XJ reaffirms its status as the most dynamic, distinctive luxury saloon. Its all-aluminium construction gives it a low weight but high strength base and technology like the electric power-assisted steering and All-Surface Progress Control, really does help the driver get the most out of the car.

“In fact, the XJ has a suite of advanced driver assistance systems available including adaptive cruise control with queue-assist, reverse traffic detection, closing vehicle sensing, 360° surround camera system and semi-automated bayand parallel parking. But just like Yves and his jetwing, the driver can still enjoy getting the most out of the car.”

Al Mouj Muscat launches new lifestyle villa precinct MUSCAT: Al Mouj Muscat, Oman’s flourishing cosmopolitan waterfront community, has once again further enriched the real estate market in the Sultanate with the launch of Ghadeer Parks, an exciting new concept in residential community development.

A prime location set in a range of landscaped parks, the collection of standard-setting threebedroom attached courtyard villas emphasises craved spacial qualities as well as the accessibility to original lifestyle options and everyday amenities, says a press release.

“The Ghadeer Precinct has been developed as a dynamic response to the growing interest and evolving needs of distinctive lifestyle community living. The whole masterplan of Ghadeer, its location, atmosphere, community park, private facilities, dedicated

toddles park, water features and many others, all make it an exceptional precinct within Al Mouj Muscat,” commented Nasser Al Shiebani, Acting CEO of Al Mouj Muscat. “All properties in Ghadeer Parks offer local and expatriate families not only a great opportunity to own an exquisite family units, but also high levels of ease, convenience and splendid community living experience.”

Ideally situated close to Almouj Marina, and the shops and restaurants of The Walk, Ghadeer Parks is set to add to the vibrancy of life on Al Mouj waterfront development. Its contemporary open plan attached courtyard villas offer generous living spaces and are built to uncompromising quality standards with the highest attention to detail.

The landscaped setting of Ghadeer Parks prioritises privacy and

tranquillity while the generous central park which is traversed by lavish landscape elements and water feature, meandering walkways, safety-focused dedicated toddler play area, and another exclusive shaded recreation pool park area, all will enhance family and community life. Bringing a new aspect to the world-class Al Mouj Muscat community.

Admired for its innovation, Al Mouj Muscat has transformed the real estate industry in the Sultanate, spurring a range of tourism specific and related projects, showing possibilities for growth, attracting foreign investment and creating employment. The highly sought-after residences are already home to more than 4,000 people and further residential precincts, lifestyle assets and leisure experiences are under development and under construction.

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Bank Muscat extends support to Muscat Fest Bank Muscat has lined up various promotional activities at the main festival venues

MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, in step with its ‘Let’s Do More’ vision and commitment to partnership in events of national

importance, has extended support to Muscat Festival, the Sultanate’s annual tourism and cultural celebration to be held from January 14 to February 13, 2016.

Bank Muscat has lined up various promotional activities at the main festival venues in Al Amerat Park and Naseem Garden. During the 31-day festival, the Bank Muscat services, especially ATMs will be available, serving as a boon to the large crowds visiting the festival every day. On average, 2 million visitors, including foreign tourists, visit Muscat Festival every year, says a press release.

Over the years, Bank Muscat has extended support to Muscat Festival and remains commit-

ted to ensuring the success of the most celebrated annual tourism and cultural event in Oman. Bank Muscat aims to fulfil its commitment to national initiatives, uniting citizens and residents in sharing the good times and discovering the joy of being connected. The Muscat Festival partnership is an earnest attempt by the bank to propagate the core family values held dear by Omanis.

Bank Muscat’s presence in the event also highlights its role in facilitating the exchange of traditions and culture between nations. The bank attaches importance to extending support to preservation of Oman’s rich heritage and culture, thereby familiarising people, espe-

cially youth and children, with the country’s glorious legacy. The ethos of national events like Muscat Festival runs parallel to the stated objective of Bank Muscat in serving the nation as the banking partner of choice. While Muscat Festival showcases varied expressions of Omani heritage and culture, Bank Muscat utilises the occasion to help people understand, appreciate and preserve Oman’s rich legacy.

Muscat Festival serves as a window to Oman’s heritage and culture, offering numerous avenues for fun and entertainment for children and families. The participation of Bank Muscat complements in making the festival a memorable experience.

EXHIBITION

Orpic sponsors Oman Plast 2016 MUSCAT: Orpic recently sponsored and participated in the ‘3rd Oman Plast 2016’ held at Oman International Exhibition Centre.

The exhibition drew large gathering from the international plastics, rubber, chemicals and printing and packaging industry. Orpic was the gold sponsor, says a press release.

Held under the patronage of Hilal bin Hamad Al Hasani, CEO, Public Establishment for Industrial Estates, the exhibition which had more than 100 exhibitors provided excellent trade and business opportunities to both exhibi-

tors and visitors.

Dr Hilal Al Hinai, GM – Corporate Support Services, Orpic, stated, “Orpic believes in supporting initiatives that are unique and pro-

vide further value to our business.

At the 3rd Oman Plast in Muscat, visitors were introduced to the latest technology and machinery for the production of plastics, rubber,

and packaging and petro chemicals. It also offered a platform in which experts from the industry met and exchanged ideas on latest developments.”

Don’t litter a beautiful country like OMAN. Ensure proper disposal of garbage.

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Badr Al Samaa opens Dept of Neurosciences MUSCAT: Badr Al Samma Hospitals Group has started Department of Neurosciences at their Ruwi hospital. The department is headed by Dr Santhosh Lad, MBBS, MS, FICS, FRSH,CBNS, Senior Consultant Neuro Surgery, and Dr Sreejithesh, MBBS, MD, DM (AIIMS) New Delhi, Specialist Neurologist.

Combined service of these professionals will provide effective and timely treatments to patients who are having neurological disorder and related diseases, says a press release.

Dr Santosh D. Lad, who was earlier working as Head of the Department of Neurosurgery, Khoula Hospital, Ministry of Health, joined Badr Al Samaa Hospital Ruwi as Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon recently.

Dr Lad graduated from Goa Medical College and also did his postgraduate studies at Goa Medical College affiliated to University of Bombay. Later after initial training in Neurosurgery at J.J. Hospital, he then went to UK for further training in Neurosurgery.

His Initial training was at Atkinson Morley’s Hospital where the first CT scan machine was born.

He then moved to The Maudsley Unit of King’s college and Guy’s Hospital and later went to Newcastle Neurosurgical Unit.

After completion of his training he joined Goa Medical College as assistant professor for one year and did private practice till he joined Ministry of Health Khoula Hospital in 1986. He developed the present set up of the modern well equipped national Neurosurgical Centre at Khoula Hospital. Before joining Khoula Hospital, he was a regular visitor to UK to do locum consultant jobs at Morristown Hospital Swansea and the Royal Free Hospital London for three months each year. He has a certificate of

training from the British Neurological surgeons and Fellowship of the International College of Surgeons.

He is a visiting professor of Neurosurgery at the Bombay Hospital Institute of Postgraduate Medical Sciences; Bombay, India and also visiting consultant neurosurgeon at Goa Medical College.

He is life member - Neurological Society of India, life member- Association of Surgeons of India and Asian Congress of Neurological Surgeons (ACNS), Skull Base Group, Muscat, Oman and Oman Medical Association.

His neurosurgical interests include spine surgery, head injuries, brain tumours and paediatric surgery.

Dr Srijithesh did his medical graduation from Calicut Medical College and Neurology training from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.

He was a faculty in Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry, India from 2009 to 2014.

He was promoted as the associate professor in 2013. He joined Badr Al Samaa, Ruwi in 2014.

His areas of interest include phenomenology of migraine and movement disorders, evidence based medicine and vascular neurology.

The department of neurosciences is equipped to handle various surgical and non surgical neurological disorders. It has state-of-the-art operation theatres to perform complex surgeries of the brain and spinal cord.

The various diagnostic facilities like EEG, EMG, CT scan and MRI Scan help in early identification and interventions in various neurological disorders. A well equipped physiotherapy unit complements the neurosciences department in early rehabilitation and recovery of patients.

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Positive vibes as squash delegation calls on Minister of Sports Affairs T.K. MOHANDOSS sportseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: An official recognition for Oman squash seems to be round the corner as positive vibes emerged when a delegation of the sport’s promoters called on the Minister of Sports Affairs Sheikh Saad bin Mohammed Al Mardouf Al Saadi on Sunday.

Sultanate’s chief promoter and player Tahir Al Barwani joined Shura Council member Ahmed bin Saif Al Barwani, who is also incharge of youth development, and Abdullah Al Sulaimani of Eastern Horizon, the sponsors of various national and local squash tournaments in meeting Sheikh Saad Al Saadi.

During the meeting the three apprised the Minister of Sports Affairs about the recent resurgence of the once popular game in the Sultanate.

“Our prime objective of the meeting was to attain official recognition for squash in Oman and the forming of Oman Squash Association,” said Tahir Al Barwani, who added to say that the Minister’s response was good.

“Sheikh Saad was all ears to us and said that he will get back on the official recognition after discussing the issue within the ministry. He assured that he will get back with a decision in the near future,” said Tahir.

“Our other request was to have

We have asked for squash infrastructure in Ibra and Salalah, introduction of the sport in schools and sports clubs and also improving the existing facilities at SQSC, Bausher Tahir Al Barwani

Squash player and promoter

squash infrastructure in Ibra and Salalah, so that the game can spread and develop all over the country,” he added.

Squash at clubs Tahir also said that the further demands were to introduce squash in all the existing sports clubs of Oman.

“As of now only private clubs play the game and we wanted all

the sports clubs to introduce the game and develop infrastructure,” said the squash promoter.

“We have also requested the Minister to help in improving and refurbishing the existing facilities, for example courts at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher, so that more tournaments can be conducted,” he explained.

“We also stressed the need for introducing the game at schools so that the young talents can be unearthed and groomed,” said Tahir.

Meanwhile, Tahir mentioned that the Minister was requested to provide assistance to find coaches so that young Omanis who have shown interest can be trained in the more professional way.

“We want the Physical Education teachers at schools also to get proper training so that they can transfer the knowledge to their students,” he added.

Tahir also stressed during the meeting the importance of having short camps and also introduce the game during the Summer Sports calendar and various other training initiatives.

“We are positive of becoming an official association and once we get recognition we will ensure that squash develops into one of the most popular games in Oman,” vowed Tahir.

Abdullah Al Sulaimani of Eastern Horizon also presented a memento to Sheikh Saad Al Saadi during the meeting.

ON A HAPPY NOTE: A delegation of squash promoters with Minister of Sports Affairs Sheikh Saad bin Mohammed Al Mardouf Al Saadi, second from left, during a meeting at the Minister’s office on Sunday.

The representatives and promoters of squash in Oman have appealed to the Minister to officially recognise the sport and form the national squash association.

Guptill, Munro break records in Kiwis sweep

FA C U P

Guptill first rewrote BIG WIN: Oxford’s Kemar Roofe celebrates scoring their third

goal against Swansea. – Reuters

Swansea knocked out in first FA Cup giant-killing act

the record books when he took just 19 deliveries to bring up his eighth half century and his mark was then eclipsed

by Munro some

LONDON: Premier League Swansea City fell victims to the first major giant-killing of the FA Cup third round on Sunday when they lost 3-2 away to League Two (fourth tier) side Oxford United.

Chelsea, fielding a near fullstrength team, came through their home tie with League One Scunthorpe by two goals to nil.

There were more than 50 league positions between the clubs at the Kassam Stadium, where Oxford came from behind to lead 3-1 after Ecuador international Jefferson Montero had put Swansea ahead.

Liam Sercombe equalised from a penalty just before halftime and two goals in 10 minutes soon after the interval from Kemar Roofe put the home side in sight of victory.

Bafetimbi Gomis pulled one back for the Welsh club, who had made 10 changes from their last Premier League game, but Oxford held on. “I thought the performance was outstanding, it was always going to be a difficult game against a Premier League side,” their manager Michael Appleton told BBC Sport.

“I don’t want to give Kemar Roofe too much praise but he’s done ever so well this year -- we’re very used to seeing goals like his first one today in many games.

This is reward for everyone at the football club but it’s really important to gain promotion and if we can improve on the squad it will stand us in good stead.”

Oxford, a top-flight team 30 years ago before dropping back into non-League football from 2006-10, are third in League Two, with the top three in May due to go up. Roofe, who signed for them from West Bromwich Albion in the close season after a successful loan period, felt the triumph was down to his team’s efforts

rather than any lack of application by Swansea. Alan Curtis, recently appointed Swansea manager until the end of the season, said his much-changed team had been “poor” for the first hour of the game.

That match is a crucial Premier League fixture against fellow strugglers Sunderland on Wednesday. Sunderland are bottom but one with 15 points and Swansea are two places ahead of them on 19 points.

Chelsea survive Chelsea avoided a similar embarrassment to last season’s stunning 4-2 FA Cup defeat at home to Bradford City, although at times they made hard work of their tie against another third-tier side in Scunthorpe. Spanish international Diego Costa put them ahead in the 13th minute from a cross by Branislav Ivanovic but the visitors rallied well in the second half and were furious to be denied a penalty when Ramires appeared to trip Kevin van Veen.

A few minutes later 19-yearold Londoner Ruben LoftusCheek, a half-time replacement for Oscar, scored his first goal for the club from Cesar Azpilicueta’s low centre.

Scunthorpe were denied a consolation goal when fullback Jordan Clarke’s fierce shot struck the post.

“It was not an easy game,” said Guus Hiddink, who is hoping to repeat his feat of 2009 by winning the FA Cup as Chelsea’s interim manager. The experienced Dutchman told BT Sport he was particularly pleased with teenager Loftus-Cheek.

“We have these youngsters and I know them now after three or four weeks. When it’s an option I don’t hesitate to bring them (into the team). — Reuters

20 minutes later

AUCKLAND: Colin Munro blasted New Zealand’s fastest Twenty20 half century to surpass a mark set by Martin Guptill earlier in the innings as the hosts swept their two-match series against Sri Lanka with a nine-wicket win in Auckland on Sunday.

Guptill first rewrote the record books when he took just 19 deliveries to bring up his eighth half century in the shortest form of the game before he was eventually dismissed for 63 after smashing six boundaries and five sixes.

His mark was then eclipsed

by Munro some 20 minutes later when the left hander hit his seventh six to take New Zealand to 147 for one, the hosts chasing down Sri Lanka’s 142-8 total at Eden Park in just 10 overs.

Munro’s half century came off 14 balls, the second fastest in international cricket behind India’s Yuvraj Singh (12 balls).

He hit one four along with his seven maximums to finish unbeaten on exactly 50.

“It went really fast. I didn’t really know how many balls I faced until I got off the field,” Munro said in a televised interview.

Good summer “Guppy (Guptill) has had a really good summer so far and to beat that record is very pleasing.”

Captain Kane Williamson was 32 not out from 21 balls as the visitors completed victory with 60 deliveries to spare.

“It was great viewing,” Williamson said of batting with Guptill and Munro.

“The way the two local boys batted... was pretty special.

“It has been a hard fought se-

PLAYING WITH RECORDS: New Zealand batsmen Colin Munro, left, and Martin Guptill broke T20 re-

cords at will during the T20 International against Sri Lanka at Auckland. – AFP

SCOREBOARD

SRI LANKA D. Gunathilaka b Milne 8 T. Dilshan c McClenaghan b Elliott 28 S. Jayasuriya c Williamson b Milne 3 D. Chandimal c Taylor b Santner 2 A. Mathews (not out) 81 M. Siriwardana c Boult b Santner 0 K. Vithanage c Milne b Elliott 1 T. Perera c Guptill b Elliott 6 I. Udana c Williamson b Elliott 0 J. Vandersay (not out) 8 Extras (lb-2, w-3) 5 Total (8 wkts; 20 overs) 142 Did not bat: D. Chameera Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-33, 3-39, 4-63, 5-66, 6-70, 7-98, 8-103.

ries but today it was a great effort (and)... it’s exciting to see for the team and hopefully we can build on this as we move on to the World Cup.”

Bowling: T. Boult 4-0-36-0; A. Milne 4-036-2; M. McClenaghan 4-0-22-0 (w-2); M. Santner 4-0-24-2 (w-1); G. Elliott 4-0-22-4.

NEW ZEALAND M. Guptill c Chandimal b Perera 63 K. Williamson (not out) 32 C. Munro (not out) 50 Extras (w-2) 2 Total (1 wkt, 10 overs ) 147 Did not bat: C. Anderson, R. Taylor, G. Elliott, L. Ronchi, M. Santner, A. Milne, M. McClenaghan, T. Boult.

Fall of wickets: 1-89.

Bowling: I. Udana 3-0-34-0 (w-1); D. Chameera 3-0-46-0 (w-1); J. Vandersay 2-0-41-0; T. Perera 2-0-26-1.

The 2-0 series defeat also ensured Sri Lanka, the 2014 World Twenty20 champions, were replaced by West Indies at the top of the International Cricket Coun-

cil (ICC) T20 rankings.

Sri Lanka’s innings had been held together by Test and one-day captain Angelo Mathews’ 81 not out, his highest score in the format, while opener Tillakaratne Dilshan scored a streaky 28.

No other batsmen got into double figures.

As in most of the limited overs matches on the tour, Sri Lanka’s top order failed to get their innings going, slumping to 39-3 in the seventh over.

Their normally reliable, and deep, middle order also failed to capitalise on Eden Park’s small boundaries as New Zealand’s bowlers varied their pace, line, length and flight, with part-time medium pacer Grant Elliott taking 4-22.

The sixth Twenty20 World Cup takes place in India from March 8 to April 3. - Reuters

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MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016

SPORTS

Stay ahead of the curve with WhatsNews

Sran’s left-arm pace an advantage: Arun India will make tougher opponents: Lawson

India’s bowling coach Bharat Arun has said Barinder Sran’s leftarm pace bowling will be an added advantage and says

LIKELY TO DEBUT: Barinder Sran.

the young fast bowler could be included in the side for the first ODI against Australia on Tuesday

PERTH: India’s bowling coach Bharat Arun said rookie Barinder Sran, being a left-armer, gives the team “added advantage”, indicating that the youngster may be blooded into the side for opening ODI against Australia.

“He is a bowler with a lot of potential. He has been pretty impressive in the two games that he has played. So that’s good and being a left-armer he gives us the added advantage. And we have somebody whom we can groom to become a good bowler in the future for us, Arun said.

“If he has got the ability then why not. It is a bilateral series and we have to try out the potential bowlers that we have. He has been impressive so far,” he said when asked about the possibility of playing Sran in the opening fixture.

Arun seemed a satisfied man with the way India’s practice match panned out.

India relied on half centuries from Rohit Sharma, Manish Pandey and a disciplined bowling effort to record a 64-run win over a second string Western Australia XI in the warm-up one-day cricket match here.

Talking about the team’s bowling, he said, “Spin has been India’s forte and of late we have had pretty good fast bowlers. We have 3-4 guys who can clock 140 plus but yes Ashwin is probably the No.1 spin bowler in the world today and Jadeja has also played a lot in Aus-

tralia and Axar is also doing well in the domestic circuit so it looks very healthy, so wait and watch.”

Pacer Mohammed Shami was ruled out of the limited-overs cricket series against Australia due to a hamstring injury.

“I think it’s part of the game.

Something which is unforeseen, something which is uncontrollable. We will definitely miss him but we will have to look ahead with what we have.”

On Ishant Sharma not being used in the two warm-up games, Arun said, “He is perfectly all right.

Ishant is a very experienced bowler and if you have noticed before the game he was bowling on the ground. He has been bowling 2530 balls on the ground, so I guess we would like to try other boys and with Shami being injured, it becomes all the more important for us to check who we are going to play in the next game. From that point of view it’s important that we play the rest.”

Asked what could be the team combination in the series, he said it will be a tough task to pick the playing XI. “It (the tour game) has given us a fair idea. We need to look at it as exchange of ideas. What’s good with this team is that everybody here is ready to play and it’s going to be a tough task to choose the XI. So that way it has been pretty healthy.”

Arun said the Perth track has an element of bounce.

“Definitely there is an element of bounce which is there. We are pretty much prepared for that.

Also it can be a huge advantage to our bowlers and we are up for the challenge.”

Asked if there was any change in the wicket between the World Cup and now, Arun said, “Not really, it’s more or less been the same. But it

SYDNEY: Not impressed

by Australia’s dominance in the summer of 2015 with Test wins against New Zealand and a lackluster West Indies, former pacer Geoff Lawson believes that India will make “tougher opponents” in the upcoming ODI series starting January 12.

“India will make a tougher contest of white-ball cricket than New Zealand or the West Indies made of the Tests,” Lawson wrote in his column in the Sydney Morning Herald.

“The West Indies were not close in any of the three contests and, as a result, Australian players had opportunities to pad their batting and bowling statistics rather than toughen up techniques and mindsets.

As learning experiences go, it’s hard to think of a less inspiring season,” Lawson wrote. — Reuters

depends, each wicket behaves differently. If you look at the match that Australia played against New Zealand, it was a totally different wicket from the perception of a Perth track. I guess we don’t read too much into the wicket, take it as it comes and move on.”

Elaborating he said, “The idea of having played the practice games on the same ground also gives us that advantage. We have played a lot of cricket in Australia recently but after coming back, spending a lot of time in the sub-continent, straight away getting used to the ground on which we are slated to play is going to be an advantage.” - PTI

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY INSTALL WHATSNEWS

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

SWEET REVENGE: Milos Raonic of Canada, left, holds the winner’s trophy alongside runner-up Roger Federer of Switzerland. – AFP

Raonic topples Federer BRISBANE: An inspired Milos Raonic toppled Roger Federer 6-4, 6-4 to win the Brisbane International on Sunday and avenge his defeat to the Swiss master in last year’s final.

Raonic unleashed his usual serving blitz but it was the rangy Canadian’s groundstrokes that impressed the most as he outwitted the Swiss with a masterful display of clean hitting from the baseline.

Federer, irrepressible in his semi-final win over Dominic Thiem, was off-colour from the start at Pat Rafter Arena and his 25-year-old opponent feasted repeatedly on his wayward back-

hand. Beaten in three tight sets last year, Raonic won at a canter in the rematch to clinch his eighth tour title and complete the perfect buildup to his bid for a maiden grand slam at the Australian Open starting later this month.

Closing out the match with a booming first serve that Federer could only parry long, Raonic roared in triumph, having beaten the 17-times grand slam champion for only the second time in 11 encounters.

He accepted the winner’s trophy from 77-year-old Australian great Rod Laver, the only player to complete the calendar grand slam twice.

“Hopefully (we have) a better year this year than the last,” Raonic said in his victory speech, delivering a message of peace.

“I hope in 2016 we learn to love each other a little bit more and the world becomes a safer place.”

Although wearing a furrowed brow for much of the match and showing rare negative body language, Federer was gracious in defeat but referred to a flu that had troubled him during the week.

“I’d like to congratulate Milos on a great start,” the 34-yearold said.

“This year you deserve it, well played and good luck at the Aussie Open.” — Reuters

C O N F I D E N T S TA R T T O S E A S O N

Wawrinka’s hat-trick in Chennai CHENNAI: World number four Stan Wawrinka cruised past Croatian teenager Borna Coric 6-3, 7-5 to claim his third successive Chennai Open title on Sunday.

The top-seeded Swiss defeated the 19-year-old Coric, the youngest ATP World Tour finalist since Kei Nishikori at Delray Beach in 2008, to win his fourth title in six years in the Southern Indian city of Chennai. Wawrinka, who has two grand slam titles, converted his first break point to take a 4-2 lead in the opening set.

Coric stretched his opponent in the next game but Wawrinka managed to hold on to his service game, which went on for over nine minutes. The second set went

with serve till Wawrinka broke with a sublime backhand down the line to go up 6-5 and then served out the match with Coric making an error at the net.

The win will give Wawrinka confidence that he can repeat his 2014 Australian Open success when the season’s opening grand slam begins in Melbourne on Jan uary 18. “I was expecting a pretty tough match. He is really good and he always finds a way to fight and come back in the match,” the French Open champion, who fired 15 aces and won 34 of 38 points on his first serve, said. “Let’s first enjoy the title. It’s a very important tournament for me, that’s why I like to come back here.”— Reuters

Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland poses with the ATP Chennai Open 2016 trophy. – PTI

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016

C3

SPORTS Seven in fray for Oman football coaching job Seven coaches, including two Omanis, have applied for a post lying vacant since Paul Le Guen’s contract was terminated back

TRAINING WITH TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT: Oman players listen to their trainers from the OFA Technical Department during a training camp at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. – JUN ESTRADA/Times of Oman

in November. And if the sources are to be believed OFA is expected to reveal the name either on Tuesday or Saturday

A. SESHAGIRI RAO

raoas@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: While the speculation is rife over who will be taking over as Oman football team coach, a post lying vacant since Oman Football Association (OFA) terminated Frenchman Paul Le Guen’s contract back in November last, it is learnt the Sultanate’s football governing body is reviewing as many seven applications.

The OFA sources confirmed that the number of applicants is

seven, including two Omanis, but refused to reveal the names of the prospective coaches.

When contacted by Times Sport, Ahmed Al Mayassi, the head of the committee formed to overlook coach recruitment process, confirmed the total number of applicants. “It’s seven coaches (who applied for the job),” he said while refusing to go into the details.

When persuaded, he also revealed that the list includes two Omani coaches.

“There are two Omanis and the rest are Europeans,” he added.

Al Mayyasi at the same time refused to neither reveal the names nor the exact date of announcement.

One source informed that OFA is likely to make the announcement on Tuesday, the day the ongoing training and conditioning camp for 22 mostly home-based players concludes at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.

Another source, however, said ‘it could be on January 16’.

The latter date is most likely to be correct if one goes by the speculation that Hamad Al Azzani, the former Oman Olympic (U-23) team coach who also served as the senior national team on stop gap arrangement in the past, is frontrunner for the post.

Interestingly, the OFA has sent Hamad Al Azzani as well as Oman U-17 team coach Yacoub Al Sabahi to Qatar for a nine-day stint with Germany’s Bayern Munich, who are currently undergoing winter training camp in Doha.

And that stint will end on January 14, with the duo scheduled to return to Muscat the following day.

Asked if the OFA will reveal the new coach’s name on January 16, Al Mayyasi said: “All I can say is the OFA board will finalise the name... and they will reveal the name. It may be or may not be on January 16.”

On the eve of the ongoing national team training camp, which started on January 4, OFA chief Sayyid Khalid Al Busaidi informed

FOOTBALL

Bournemouth sign Wolves striker Afobe LONDON: Premier League Bournemouth have signed Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Benik Afobe, the club announced on Sunday.

The fee, officially undisclosed, is reported to have beaten Bournemouth’s record of eight million pounds ($11.61 million).

Afobe missed Wolves’ FA Cup defeat by West Ham on Saturday because he was in talks with the south-coast club, who were promoted to the top flight of English football last season for the first time.

“The 22-year-old former Arsenal trainee has penned a fourand-a-half year contract with the club following a successful medical,” Bournemouth’s official website reported.

“We are absolutely delighted to secure the signature of another undoubted talent in Benik Afobe,” chief executive Neill Blake said. - Reuters

DRIVE SLOWER LIVE LONGER

Times Sport: “The OFA board has completed the analysis of the candidates for the post of national team coach. The board will take a necessary decision in this regard during the next week.”

With just two matches remaining in Oman’s World Cup Group D qualifying campaign, it is speculated OFA will hand over the reins to an Omani coach.

It may mentioned that OFA terminated Le Guen’s contract on November 19, two days after Oman’s 1-2 away defeat to Turkmenistan in a crucial Group D qualifying match of the 2018 World Cup/2019 Asian Cup. Oman, who have 11 points against group toppers Iran’s 14, are in danger of not able to clinch the direct berth into the next round of the World Cup qualifiers, provided Iran win both their next games.

However, Oman still have a chance to clinch the top spot in the group if they defeat Guam and Iran in their two next matches in March.

CRICKET

Butt and Asif start redemption journey in domestic game KARACHI: Pakistan cricket’s enfant terribles Salman Butt and Mohammed Asif started their journey on the road to redemption on Sunday with both the convicted spot-fixers making a successful return to competitive cricket during the National OneDay Competition, in Hyderabad.

Having served a prison sentence and a subsequent ban, it was the duo’s first match in five years and four months since they were caught for spot fixing during the 2010 series against England.

Former national captain Butt scored an attractive 135 while swing bowler Asif looked in good rhythm taking two for 23 in six overs with their team Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) defeating FATA region in a match played at Hyderabad.

Although their ban expired in September, the PCB kept them on hold making it compulsory for them to first complete a rehabilitation/reintegration programme. The third member of the tainted trio Mohammed Amir has already boarded the flight to New Zealand as he has been fasttracked into the national squad.

“It is an incredible feeling to score a century after such a long time,” Butt said over telephone from Hyderabad. “I am delighted that I could make such a strong return after such a long lay-off. I credit Waqar and Yousuf for this.

I was motivated by the words of the Pakistan coach and Yousuf helped me out in the nets with some useful tips.”

He said that the last five years

Butt scored 135 while Asif took two wickets in six overs as WAPDA defeatedg FATA region

had taught him a lot in life and he just wanted to make amends for his mistake five years back.

“It is never easy playing in a competitive match after so many years but since I kept training hard and had regular nets since September, I was mentally and physically prepared for the challenge when this day came,” he added.

Butt also thanked the Chairman of WAPDA and the team management and players for their support. “WAPDA signed us on when our future was uncertain and they backed us. I am happy for Amir he has gone to New Zealand and I wish him and the team the best,” he stated.

The left-hander said he wanted to tell Pakistan cricket lovers that there is a lot of remorse and he is begging for a second chance.

“I just want to tell everyone the remorse is there for what happened five years back but we just want a second chance to show we are sorry for the damage we caused Pakistan cricket. I just want a chance to show everyone I can still play top-flight cricket,” he said. - PTI

C4

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016

SPORTS OMAN SAIL

Musannah Race Week attracts top sailors MUSCAT: Some of the world’s best young sailors are set to descend on Al Musannah Sports City for Musannah Race Week 2016, which for the first time will feature two new classes the Laser Radial and Laser 4.7.

Around 160 athletes, including girls Optimist world champion Jodie Lai from Singapore and last year’s winner Daniel Ian Toh also from Singapore, will use the opportunity of Musannah Race Week to enjoy ideal sailing conditions combined with some intensive coaching. A leadership and personal development session on the first day, run by Oman Sail Corporate and Personal Development team, will kick off a busy round of opportunities for sailors to share knowledge and tips which, for the less experienced youngsters, are rated as favourably as honing sailing skills on the water.

Among those athletes, who represent 21 nations, are around 51 young Omani sailors, plucked from Oman Sail’s Youth Programme.

Sailors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Kuwait are also set to descend to the shores of Musannah.

They will get a one off opportunity to fast track their racing careers by watching and imitating the more established sailors who also include the top ranked girl in Europe Ariadni Spanaki and her

counterpart from North America, Mia Nicolosi.

“Whether their knowledge is picked up on the race course or in the boat park or from the coaching schedule, the experience will be invaluable,” Mohsin Al Busaidi, who heads up Oman Sail’s Youth Programme, said. “Musannah Race Week is starting to feature on more and more racing schedules for youth coaches all over the world because it represents an opportunity for good competitive racing in great conditions at a world class venue.

“We started Musannah Race Week in 2011 as an Oman Sail event and have worked hard to make it one of the top world class contests for youth in the GCC and one that increasingly is recognised in the international calendar.

“We especially welcome our new Laser Radial and Laser 4.7 guests though a few might have raced here before since Musannah’s reputation as a first rate venue capable of hosting some of the sport’s signature events is growing faster than we could ever have imagined. We are lucky enough to have an international fleet of Lasers here and are very proud to field a strong Omani contingent. We wish them all well.”

Musannah Race Week will start on January 17 at Al Musannah Sports City and racing will begin on January 20, with a prize-giving ceremony on January 23.

D DIVISION: Future Oilfield celebrate their win. – Supplied photo

D DIVISION: Landscape Architecture who defeated Al Meer.

Future Oilfield post win NBO better RAHRC In a H Division match, NBO defeated RAHRC by 37 runs at the OAC Ground III during the morning session on Friday.

Batting first, NBO scored 181 for six in 20 overs with Khurram Bilal top scoring with an unbeaten 80. Sajith Ramesh claimed three scalps for RAHRC. In reply, RAHRC scored 144 for eight in 20 overs. Sujith top scored with 51.

Manas claimed three wickets for NBO and Khurram took two.

Future Oilfield scored 190 for six in 20 overs. In reply, Professional Trading were bowled out for 139 in 19.2 overs

MUSCAT: Future Oilfield recorded an easy 51-run win against Professional Trading in a The Passage to India-sponsored D Division match at the Municipality Ground IV during the afternoon session on Friday.

Batting first, Future Oilfield managed to score 190 for six in 20 overs, largely thanks to Mohammed Arafat who scored an unbeaten 56. Mohammed Amjad and Mohammed Sagheer chipped in with 38 and 34 runs respectively. Ismail Al Balushi claimed three wickets for Professional Trading.

In reply, Professional Trading were bowled out for 139 in 19.2 overs. N.P. Premkumar top scored with 50 runs. Imran Ali claimed three scalps for Future Oilfield.

Brief scores: Future Oilfield 190 for 6 in 20 overs (Mohammed Arafat 56 n.o; Ismail Al Balushi 3/41) bt Professional Trading 139 in 19.2 overs (NP Premkumar 50; Imran Ali 3/11). Points: Future Oilfield – 3, Professional Trading - 0.

Landscape Architecture win In another D Division match, Landscape Architecture humbled Al Meer for a 94-run win at the Municipality Ground I during the afternoon session on Friday.

Batting first, Landscape scored 212 for four in 20 overs with Prasad Peruli scoring a brilliant 118.

Iqbal Ahmed chipped in with a fluent 64.

In reply, Al Meer were restricted to 118 for eight in 20 overs to hand the bonus point win to Landscape.

Sanket S. top scored with 36 runs.

Mohammed Ihtesham claimed three wickets for Landscape.

Brief scores: Landscape Architecture 212 for 4 in 20 overs (Prasad Peruli

NBO STARS: Manas Kapoor, left,

KHALSA HERO: Mohammed

and Khurram Bilal.

Yasser. – Supplied photos

118, Iqbal Ahmed 64) bt Al Meer 118 for 8 in 20 overs (Sanket S. 36; Mohammed Ihtesham 3/16 ). Points: Landscape Architecture – 3, Al Meer - 0.

Al Daam beat OCT Muscat B In an F Division match, Al Daam posted an easy nine-wicket win over OCT Muscat B at the Municipality Ground IV during the afternoon session on Friday.

Batting first, OCT Muscat B scored 122 for nine in 20 overs with Riyadh Qader top scoring with 33. Vineesh and Aneesh claimed three wickets for Al Daam. In reply, Al Daam scored 124 for one in 12.4 overs to claim the bonus point. Vineesh and Abhilash scored 40 not out and 59 respectively.

Sayarti down Atkins In an E Division match, Sayarti defeated Atkins by six wickets at the Municipality Ground III during the afternoon session on Friday.

Batting first, Atkins were bowled out for 133 in 19.5 overs.

Prithvi Raj top scored with an unbeaten 44. Parthiban claimed three wickets for Sayarti. In reply, Sayarti scored 137 for four in 13.3 overs. Sunil Kumar and Ruwan scored 72 and 32 runs respectively, to claim the bonus point.

Brief scores: Atkins 133 in 19.5 overs (Prithvi Raj 44 n.o; Parthiban 3/25) lost to Sayarti 137 for 4 in 13.3 overs (Sunil Kumar – 72). Points: Sayarti – 3 (BP) ; Atkins - 0.

Ibrahim Kishri prevail In another E Division match, Ibrahim Kishri prevailed over Al Fairuz for a 19-run win at at the Municipality Ground II during the afternoon session on Friday.

Batting first, Ibrahim Kishri scored 179 for seven in 20 overs Kamaljot Singh scored 94 runs. Sunil Kumar claimed two wickets for Fairuz. In reply, Fairuz scored 160 for eight in 19.3 overs to in a narrow loss. Sunil scored 50. Kashif picked up four wickets for Ibrahim.

Brief scores: Ibrahim Kishri 179 for 7 in 20 overs (Kamaljot Singh 94; Sunil Kumar 2/28) bt Fairuz 160 for 8 in 20 overs (Sunil 50; Kashif 4/29). Points: Ibrahim Kishri – 2, Fairuz - 0.

E DIVISION: Ibrahim Al Kishri pose for a group photo. – Supplied photo

Brief scores: OCT Muscat B 122 for 9 in 20 overs (Riyadh Qader 33; Vineesh 3/21, Aneesh 3/9) lost to Al Daam 124 for 1 in 12.4 overs (Vineesh 40 n.o., Abhilash 59).

Points: Al Daam – 3, OCT Muscat B - 0.

Easy for Trust Oilfield In a G Division match played at the OAC Ground III during the afternoon session on Friday, Trust Oilfield defeated RK Group by six wickets.

Batting first, RK Group were bowled out for 114 in 17.1 overs.

Peter claimed three scalps while Musheer, Shamsudeen and Mohammed Ilyas claimed two apiece.

In reply, Trust Oilfield scored 115 for four in 9.2 overs to claim the bonus point. Wajid Akram top scored with 42. Abhishek claimed three scalps for RK Group in vain.

Brief scores: RK Group 114 in 17.1 overs (Mohammed Adnan 29; Peter 3/17) lost to Trust Oilfield 115 for 4 in 9.2 overs (Wajid Akram 42; Abhishek 3/33). Points: Trust Oilfield – 3, RK Group - 0.

Brief scores: NBO 181 for 6 in 20 overs (Khurram Bilal 80 n.o; Sajith Ramesh 3/29) bt RAHRC 144 for 8 in 20 overs (Sujith 51; Manas 3/23). Points: NBO – 3, RAHRC- 0.

Big win for Khalsa United In an I Division match, Khalsa United registered a 100-run win over Bank Dhofar at the SQU Ground during the afternoon session on Friday.

Batting first, Khalsa scored 202 for five in 20 overs with Saifullah and Sushil contributing 54 and 51 runs respectively. Rahgu M. was the pick of the bowlers for Bank Dhofar, claiming three wickets.

In reply, Bank Dhofar were bowled out for 102 in 16.3 overs.

Mohammed Yasser claimed five scalps for Khalsa United and Aravind took three.

Brief scores: Khalsa United 202 for 5 in 20 overs (Saifullah 54, Sushil 51; Raghu M. 3/41) bt Bank Dhofar 102 in 16.3 overs (Mohammed Yasser 5/8). Points: Khalsa United – 3, Bank Dhofar - 0.

Techno too good for HFP In a J Division match, Techno Elevators defeated Hussain Fadhil & Partners (HFP) by six wickets at the SQU Ground during the morning session on Friday.

Batting first HFP scored 118 for nine in 20 overs. Sreeraj top scored with 44. Mohammed Wasim claimed three wickets for Techno Elevators. In reply, Techno Elevators scored 120 for four in 15 overs. Michael and Nadeem top scored with 50 not out and 38 respectively.

Brief scores: HFP 118 for 9 in 20 overs (Sreeraj 44; Mohammed Wasim 3/21) lost to Techno Elevators 120 for 4 in 15 overs (Michael 50 n.o., Nadeem 38).

Points: Techno Elevators – 3, HFP - 0.

TRUST OILFIELD HEROES: From right Irfan, Peter, Illyas and Wajid.

C

LIFESTYLE

SECTION

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016

Gear

AN EXTRAVAGANT AFFAIR WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

COMPLETELY REDESIGNED THE NEW GENESIS HAS QUALITY, OVERALL REFINEMENT, AND ALL THE LUXURIES YOU NEED TO FEEL SPOILED TO THE CORE

Story #- &Ĺ&#x2022; )" '' Ĺ&#x2022; #'Ĺ&#x2022;Ĺ&#x2022;Ĺ&#x2022;Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022;Ĺ&#x2022;Ĺ&#x2022;Ĺ&#x2022;Photography Shabin E.

E

verything is premium about this car. It starts to impress from the very ďŹ rst glance, with its ďŹ ne lines and bold yet smooth curves, and then the indulgence continues. Attention has been paid to every aspect of the car to the ďŹ nest detail, and we could not help, but appreciate the thoughtfulness and practicality behind the engineering of the car.

A recent drive through the city gave us the opportunity to experience (now I say relish) the beauty of the car â&#x20AC;&#x201D; aesthetically and performance-wise. In the end we could sum it up all in two words: Quite impressive.

At the slightest glance, the car evokes memories of some German and one British car in particular (I leave it at that). Every aspect of the car exudes opulence, aiming to minister the most sophisticated of connoisseurs.

Open the door, and the amazement starts. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pull the door, settling in the pampering leather seat, as you move to shut it â&#x20AC;&#x201D; just glide it softly to its latch, and the power latch does the rest itself, sealing the door to the compartment, with a slight mechanical movement.

The ergonomics and quality of the interior materials and design are applaudable. Features like the driver seat with the ability to extend the seating area to accommodate taller drivers and the unique air exchange feature that helps eliminate feeling sleepy on long drives when outside air is not present, are instant attention grabbers.

The cabin materials are premium. Brushed aluminium accents on the interior are a departure from the typical plastics used in many other premium vehicles. Even the plastics are all soft touch, and the real wood trim has a deep gloss ďŹ nish synced with immaculately ďŹ nished leather upholstery.

At nearly ďŹ ve metres, the Genesis looks quite imposing with its long and wide stance. It is more spacious than most of the competition, with rear seat passengers getting signiďŹ cantly more leg and shoulder room.

It thoroughly mellows the occupants with a cosseting experience.

The plush leather draped seats are heated and ventilated â&#x20AC;&#x201D; both front and rear, with dual-zone automatic climate control. The footrest equipped rear seats have a 60:40 powered reclining function, with passengers having the ease of remotely adjusting the front passenger seat to create even more

legroom. While the feature sounds very practical with the boss in the rear seat, the same might sound trouble, if the boss is driving himself with the better half in tow, and the real bosses; children are in the rear (a fun game, which they will want to keep on repeating â&#x20AC;&#x201D; watching the seat move back and forth at the touch of a button).

It would have been even better if a function lock key was present on the front panel.

To make matters more pleasing while on the move, there is a big panoramic sunroof, allowing you to bask in a bit of the pleasant nature around. Powered rear sunshade, and manual rear window sunshades offered added protection and privacy.

Hyundai has clearly worked hard on the Genesisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; reďŹ nement, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a very quiet place to be in; nothing comes in or goes out.

The car drives equally wonderful too, with a super responsive engine and all-wheel drive. The 3.8-litre V6 is absolutely whisper-hushed at idle and gentle rpms. Push the pedal hard, and the car sounds surprisingly rorty, as it plunges ahead strongly. Hyundaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own eightspeed automatic shifts imperceptibly, providing very smooth, quick transmissions.

The Genesis feels composed and conďŹ dent around corners and the steering is well-weighted and precise. The 19-inch wheels provide enough traction, aided with the standard Lotus-tuned air-suspension, which does an awesome job at eating up bumps and ďŹ&#x201A;oating

TECH SPECS Hyundai Genesis 3.8 GLS Engine 3778cc Lambda GDI V6 Power 311bhp (6000rpm), 397nm torque (5000rpm) Top Speed 240kph Transmission 8 speed automatic Fuel Capacity 73ltrs Authorised Dealers in Oman OTE Group, Wattayah Toll Free - +968 800 50003

over rough surfaces â&#x20AC;&#x201D;isolating occupants from impacts; a feat that could invite envy even from some big rivals.

The instrument panel and information centre is fantastic. Apart from the typical information, the panel enables switching between analogue or digital speed readout, tyre pressure, among others. Being able to switch between functions from the steering wheel is an added plus. The centrally mounted touch enabled 9-inch infotainment screen houses an interactive navigation system along with music navigation, satellite radio, and sensor view. The centre console layout is complemented further with a metal-ďŹ nish starter button and the classy analogue clock.

Navigation and phone functions are controlled using a rotating knob and buttons, and are easy to locate and operate. Controls for features like lane keep assist warning and heated seats are very conveniently located.

The Genesis comes heavily packed on safety features too, with seven airbags (including curtain airbags), stability control, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and surround-view parking camera system, offering aerial 360 degree view.

A very smart safety feature is the automatic emergency braking, which enables the car to automatically brake if the vehicle in front suddenly slows down or comes too

close to the vehicle, and the driver fails to notice. The car also comes equipped with smart cruise control.

With 15.3 cubic feet of space, the Genesis also has one of the largest trunks in-class. It features a handsfree smart trunk that opens automatically when you stand near it for a few seconds. Forget shaking a leg when your hands are full.

If all that wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still plenty to the comfy-kit including a head-up display, proximity key, heated steering wheel, head-up display, individual rear seat entertainment monitors, and a powerful 17-speaker Lexicon DVD surround sound system, with a special sound distribution feature, making the audio more rear centric (bass for the Boss). â&#x20AC;&#x201C;faisal@timesofoman.com

C6

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016

FIND-IT-ALL

PRAYER TIMINGS

@RUWI

@MGM

SUR Get Squirrely ( Animation ) ( PG ) Cast: Victoria Justice, Will Forte 5:10 PM Echo Effect ( Action | Thriller ) ( 12+ ) Cast: Michael Jai White, Max Ryan 3:30, 5:20, 8:45 PM Wazir - (Hindi)( Action | Thriller ) ( PG12 ) Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akhta 3:30, 6:45, 9:45 PM Charlie (Malayalam) (Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Dulquer Salman, Parvathi Menon 10:30 PM The Revenant (Adventurer) ( 12+) Cast : Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy 7:00, 11:45 PM

@SHATTI

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68 www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI Extraction (2D) (Action | Thriller) (12+) Cast: Bruce Willis, Kellan Lutz, Gina Carano 2:45, 8:15 PM The Revenant (2D) (Thriller) (12+) Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy 2:30, 5:30, 8:30, 11:30 PM Point Break (3D) (Action | Sports) (12+) Cast: Édgar Ramírez, Luke Bracey 7:15 PM Wazir (Action | Crime | Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar, Aditi Rao Hydari 5:15, 9:30 PM The Forest (Horror) (15+) Cast: Natalie Dormer, Eoin Macken, Stephanie Vogt 10:00, 11:45 PM Lost in the Sun (2D) (Action) (12+) Cast: Josh Duhamel, Josh Wiggins 3:00, 11:30 PM Daddy’s Home (2D) (Comedy) (12+) Cast: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg 4:30, 6:15 PM MUSCAT GRAND MALL The Revenant ( Drama | Thriller) 12+ Cast : Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy 12:15, 8:45 & 11:30PM Gold Class: 3:00 & 8:00PM Wazir (Hindi | Action| Thriller) PG12 Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar 3:15 & 9:30PM Gold Class: 6:00 & 11:00PM Fathers and Daughters (Drama) 12+ Cast: Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, Jane Fonda 5:15PM Extraction (Thriller) 12+ Cast : Bruce Willis, Kellan Lutz, Gina Carano 7:30 & 11:45PM

Wazir (Hindi | Action| Thriller) PG12 Cast : Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar, Aditi Rao Hydari 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM

Fathers and Daughters (Drama) 12+ Cast: Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, Jane Fonda 5:15PM

Snow Time - (Animation | Family) PG 3:00PM The Peanuts Movie - (Animation) PG 1:15 & 4:45PM The Good Dinosaur-3D (Animation) U 11:15PM & 6:45PM PANORAMA MALL The Revenant (Adventure, Drama)(2D)(12+) Cast : Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy 2:45, 5:45, 11:45PM The Revenant (Adventure, Drama) (2D) (12+) VIP LOUNGE Cast : Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy 3:00, 6:00, 11:00PM Lost In The Sun (Action, Drama)(2D) (12+) Cast : Josh Duhamel, Josh Wiggins 5:15, 11:15 pm Daddy’s Home (Comedy)(2D)(12+) Cast : Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg 7:00, 9:15 pm Wazir (Hindi, Action)(2D)(PG12) Cast : Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar 3:45, 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 pm Wazir (Hindi, Action)(2D)(PG12)-VIP LOUNGE 9:00 pm Snow Time (Animation)(2D)(PG)

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

15:00 15:00 15:00

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

16:30 18:00 19:30

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

08:50 Daily 11:00 Daily 14:30 Daily via Ibri 15:45 Daily 17:40 Daily 18.35 Daily 20:20 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

20:50

Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Sur Sur

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

Fahud Yibal

Daily Daily

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

Daily Daily

Marmul

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Daily Daily Daily Daily

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

06:00 14:30

Ruwi Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

07:00

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

11.45 13.30 14.00

Echo Effect (Action / Thriller) Cast: Michael Jai White, Max Ryan, Steve Austin 4.00, 8.00, 10.00 & 11.55 pm CP No : 3060 (12+) Daddy’s Home (Comedy) Cast: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Linda Cardellini 3.45, 7.30 & 9.15 pm CP No: 3061 (12+) Fathers and Daughters (Drama) Cast: Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, Jane 2.00 & 6.00pm CP No: 3062 (12+) Get Squirrely (Animation / Comedy / Family) 2.00 & 5.30 p.m.

CP No: 3063 (PG) Dilwale (Action / Comedy) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan 11.00 p.m.

CP No: 3047 (PG12)

STAR CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

Charlie ( Mal) ( Drama\Comedy) Cast : Dulquer Salmaan & Parvathy 3-30, 6-30 & 9-30 pm Cinema Main Su Su Sudhi Vatmeekam (Mal) (Drama\Com) Cast : Jayasurya , Mukesh & Shivada 3-30 & 6-30 pm Cinema -2 Wazir ( Hindi) (Act Cast : Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akthar & Aditi Rao Hydari 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 pm Cinema-3 Bajirao Mastani (Hindi) (rom\ Act \ drama ) Cast : Ranveer Singh , Deepika Padukone & Priyanka Chopra 6-45 pm Cinema-4 Pasanga 2 ( Tamil) ( Drama \Comedy) Cast : Surya & Amala Paul 3-45, & 9-45 pm Cinema -4 Programmes are subject to change

WITH LOVE

0

MAHARADHI DINESHRAJA January 10, 2009

Minimum

0

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

55-85% Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 17 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to lifestyle@timesofoman.com

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

LISTINGS

ROYAL OMAN POLICE Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence 24569603 Directorate General of Customs 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries 24510228 Public Relations Admin 24560099 EMBASSIES IN OMAN

Daily Daily Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

06:00 06:00

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

Daily

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100)

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

10:25

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 12:00 18:45

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

07:00

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 07:30 14:30

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

28 19

BAHJA CINEMA

SALALAH The Revenant (2D) (12+)( Action| Thriller) Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy 11:45AM, 3:15, 8:45, 11:45PM Fathers and Daughters (2D) (12+) (Drama) Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Jane Fonda 4:30PM Daddy’s Home (2D) (12+) (Comedy) Cast: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg 11:30AM, 6:45PM Extraction (2D) (12+) (Thriller) Cast: Bruce Willis, Kellan Lutz, Gina Carano 2:45PM Wazir (2D) (PG12)( Action| Thriller) Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar 1:15, 3:00, 9:15, 11:15PM Dilwale (2D) (PG12) (Action | Romantic ) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon 6:15PM Lost in the Sun (2D) (PG12) Action | Drama ) Cast: Josh Duhamel, Josh Wiggins 11:15AM, 7:00PM Charlie (2D) (12+) (Malayalam)( Comedy) Cast: Dulquer Salman, Parvathi Menon 9:00PM Snow Time (2D) (PG) (Animation) Cast: Angela Galuppo, Mariloup Wolfe 1:15PM The Forest (2D) (15+) (Horror) 5:00, 11:30PM Cast: Natalie Dormer, Eoin Macken

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

Daily Daily Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

RUWI Screen 1 Wazir (Action / Thriller) – PG12 Cast : Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM Screen 2 Bajirao Mastani (Romance/Drama) – PG12 Cast : – Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh 3.30, 9.45 PM Ho Mann Jahan – Pakistani (Drama)– TBC Cast: –Mahira Khan, Sheheryar 6.30 PM Screen 3 Ho Mann Jahan – Pakistani – Urdu - (Musical/Drama) – TBC 3.45, 9.45 PM Dilwale (Action/Romance) – PG12 Cast: – Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan 6.45 PM

SOHAR Dilwale - 2D (PG12) Action | Comedy Cast : Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan 6:45 PM Point Break - 3D (12+) Action | Crime | Sport Cast : Édgar Ramírez, Luke Bracey 5:30 PM The Good, the Bad and The Dead - 2D (15+) Action| Thriller | Western Cast : Johnny Messner, Dolph Lundgren 7:45 PM The Revenant - 2D (12+) Adventure | Drama Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy 2:30, 8:45, 11:30 PM Wazir - 2D (PG12) Action| Thriller Cast : Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar 3:00, 9:30, 11:30 PM The New Adventures of Aladin - 2D (PG12) Cast : Kev Adams, Jean-Paul Rouve 5:00 PM Echo Effect - 2D (12+) Action | Thriller Cast : Michael Jai White, Max Ryan 7:00, 9:45 PM Lost in the Sun - 2D (12+) Action | Drama Cast : Josh Duhamel, Josh Wiggins 2:45, 7:00, 11:45 PM The Forest - 2D (15+) Horror Cast : Natalie Dormer, Eoin Macken 3:00, 11:30 PM Get Squirrely - 2D (PG) Animation | Cast : Victoria Justice, Will Forte 5:00 PM Charlie - 2D (M) (PG12) Comedy/ Romance Cast : Dulquer Salman, Parvathi Menon 9:00 PM

BURAIMI Echo Effect – 2D (Action, Thriller) (12+) Cast: Michael Jai White, Max Ryan 5:45, 7:15, 11:30PM The Revenant– 2D (Adventure) (12+) Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Will Poulter 3:00, 9:00, 11:45PM The Forest – 2D (Horror) (15+) Cast: Natalie Dormer, Eoin Macken 5:15, 9:45, 11:30PM Get Squirrely – 2D (Animation) (PG) Voice Overs: Victoria Justice, Will Forte 3:30, 5:45PM Wazir – 2D (Action, Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar 3:45, 7:30, 9:30PM Charlie– 2D (Comedy, Romance) (12+) Cast: Dulquer Salman, Parvathi Menon 7:15PM

WEATHER

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

2:45, 8:45, 11:30 PM The Revenant – 2D (12+) | Drama | Thriller Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy 2:30, 5:30, 11:30 PM

AZAIBA Wazir – 2D (PG12) Hindi | Action| Thriller Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar 1:00, 2:30, 4:30, 6:30, 8:30, 10:30, 11:45pm Charlie – 2D (PG12) Comedy/ Romance Cast: Dulquer Salman, Parvathi Menon 12:15, 6:30, 9:00 PM Dilwale – 2D (PG12) Action, Romantic Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhavan 5:45, 8:30 PM Get Squirrely – 2D (PG) Animation Cast: Victoria Justice, Will Forte 3:00, 4:45 PM Bajirao Mastani – 2D (PG12) Drama, History, Cast: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

The Revenant (2D) (Thriller) (12+) Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Will Poulter 2:30, 5:30, 8:30, 11:30 PM

Cast : Angela Galuppo, Mariloup Wolfe 5:45 pm Star Wars (Action, Adventure)(MX4D)(PG12) Cast : Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac 3:45, 6:30, 9:00, 11:30 pm Point Break (Action, Crime)(3D)(12+) Cast : Édgar Ramírez, Luke Bracey 3:00 pm Bajirao Mastani (Drama)(2D)(PG12) Cast : Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone 8:45 pm

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Destination

12.19pm 3.22pm 5.43pm 6.58pm 5.31am

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

CINEMA SCHEDULE

Dept time

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

Daily Daily Daily

Afghanistan Algeria Bahrain Bangladesh Brazil Brunei China Cyprus Egypt France Germany India Indonesia Iran Iraq Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya South Korea Kuwait

24698 791/4 24605 593 24 605 074/133 24 698 660 24640100 24 603533 24 696782 24 699815 24 600 982/411 24681 800 24835000 24684500 2469 1050 24 696 944/7 24603642 24693727 24 601 028 24692760/1/3 24 692418 24 697664 24 691490 24 699628

Lebanon Libya Malaysia Morocco Nepal Netherlands Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tunisia Turkey UAE United Kingdom United States Yemen

24 693208 24603466 24698329/643 24696152/3 24696177 24603706 24603439 24601312 24605335 24 691 153/2/4 24602894 24601705 24694139 24697977 24647300 24691101 24697841/2 24697875 24603267 24697904 24601 174 24 602684/5 24603486 24697050/1/2 24400000 24609000 24643400 24600815

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi Salalah Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya Muscat, A Seeb Market Muscat, Al Khuwair Muscat, Al Hail South Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi 24563641 Azaiba 24499269 Sohar 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Lifeline Hospital Salalah 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC 22004000 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016

C7

LIFESTYLE

Bond with the Best STORY Faisal Mohammed Naim

Buying a new bike, by simply going by the looks of it, won’t get you the one that is best for you. Let us guide you through in buying the right one

T

if your pockets are too heavy. Let your riding skills do the talking and not the buying skills (stash that cash right now).

Build up your skill level before you jump up to the upper ranks of skill and motorcycle type. Be honest to yourself. Check where you stand (in riding skills), and buy one accordingly. Too much motorcycle is bad for health: It kills.

Biting-off More Than You Can Chew The single biggest mistake new bikers make. It is easy to get in over your head because we always imagine ourselves to be more than what we actually are. Don’t go for the maddest missile out there, even

Buying Without Testing Simply reading about, and staring all the time at the photos, of the ride you want to own is not at all going to help. You won’t know if your next motorcycle is right for you just by doing that. You actually need to ride it. Head out to the showroom and check if the dealers could be generous enough to lend your potential dream babe out for a spin. If not, ask of a generous buddy to let try your hands on his belle (c’mon you aren’t a biker if you don’t have biker buddies). Make sure, in any case, you go for the test drive in a safe low-traffic area.

Don’t set right out on the freeway. And wear protective gear.

Get a feel of the bike and find out if you are comfortable on it both mentally and physically. If even the slightest twitch is scaring the devil out of you, then step down. You are not yet prepared for its fury.

Go a notch down or two.

he coolest thing that could ever happen to us motorcyclists is buying a new set of wheels (bikes are our first love of course). Merely the idea of getting a new ride is enough to give goosebumps. Upgrading to a new bike or adding one to your growing stable is enough to keep you up at night, as you go through time and again through the blog sites, heaping praises on the bike you’re going to buy, and putting up the bike’s pic on every social media profile you have, announcing the new babe’s arrival.

However, don’t lose mind along with the sleep. Use some of it, while you decide on, which rocket to fly next. It is wise to approach your new potential purchase with patience, wisdom and copious amounts of research. Here are five common mistakes to avoid when purchasing a new motorcycle. Bond with the best; don’t just follow the rest.

A P P TA L K

This App uses ‘magic words’ to create content Peach, a new messaging App, lets you find your friends and upload GIFs, photos and status updates in your news feed using “magic words”.

Available on Apple store, the App looks like Twitter, Slack, and Instagram, and is created by founder of Vine - a short-form video sharing service - Tech Crunch reported on Saturday.

“Peach is a refreshingly fun and simple way to keep up with friends and be yourself. Share tiny updates as you go through your day.

Posting is as easy as texting ‘with a twist’,” the App’s description read on Apple store.

Peach stands out as it allows users to use “magic words” to summon certain commands to appear in their status updates and share pictures, GIF (looping photos), videos, weather, current location, to name a few. — IANS

Shy of the Talk Doesn’t matter if you are introvert, or your ego is too big, you are hurting your own prospects by not talking to guys who own the one you dream about every night already (Be shy, or be a biker. Choose, because the two never go together).

And even if you are a shy guy, there is Internet to the rescue. Hail Google. Talk to riders who already own the bike you’re looking for. Ask questions, read reviews about what some of the bike’s issues/advantages are. You might be dreaming a Ducati day and night, but after getting in touch with others, and sharing their experience, it could be the Ducati’s very high regular maintenance that might snatch the sleep out of your eyes (Ahh it is always the Devil wearing Prada).

All for Bike, and Bike for All Don’t ruin yourself. Do not make those deadly calculations in your mind; how you could stretch a little bit more to make it enough to buy your dream-bike. Don’t go on the brink, putting all else at stake. No matter how precise your calculations are, any emergency might pop up anytime anywhere, requiring your hard earned dough.

How would you make up for it then? And don’t forget, with a superbike comes super responsibility (Uncle Ben warned Peter-

Simply reading about, and staring all the time at the photos of the ride you want to own is not to at all going to help.

You won’t know if your next motorcycle is right for you just by doing that. You actually need to ride it, know it, and see if it fits the bill

Parker). It doesn’t end at buying the bike.

It is in fact the advent of additional super expenses; service, tyres, brake pads, and only pray you don’t have a fall from the wheels. Do not fall prey to your whims.

Stay calm and buy one well within your budget. Yes, that Ninja H2 could kill you either way, or both: Careful.

Buying the Wrong Type of Bike You deserve a big pat on the cheek and not on the back, if you buy a whirlwind litrebike, and then dream of one sweet and memorable long trip on your favourite two wheels. It proves you are a numbnut.

With your litre bike, you are doomed to wander the city lanes for eternity. Forget those unending stretches. And if it was to fly that you dreamed and bought a Harley Fat Bob (to fly in style), lead the pack from behind then, with style. Just like your riding skills, it is equally important to know your riding taste too. Buying the right bike for its intended use lends to feeding the passion of riding for years to come. If long road is your call, a fast and furious litre bike will do no good to you. Better don’t buy it in the first place, than placing it on OLX a few months later. Don’t become disenchanted because you chose poorly. faisal@timesofoman.com

C8

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016

LIFESTYLE

Burning Fuel The Average Car VS The Average Human Cars use petrol to power themselves, just as people use food. And energy is energy, no matter where you get it from. So, how many calories are in a gallon of petrol?

How does that compare to our food?

1 Litre of Petrol 54 Cans of Coke (350ml) One litre petrol = 8,260 calories

25 Beef Fillets (170g)

A car burns 1,125 calories per minute at 100kph

17 Big Mac

The average car produces 13.5kg of CO2 a day

7 Cups of London Dairy Ice Cream (450ml)

79 Medium Bananas

The average driver uses 5.3 litres of petrol per day, roughly amounting to 1,900 litres per year

AVERAGE CAR

Average daily caloric intake for adults = 2,000

Average daily calorie intake for adults = 2,000 calories, 25% of 1 litre petrol

The average person produces 104g of waste per day

Big Mac – 450 calories

Large French fries – 2,310 calories

Starbucks Grande Latte with 2% Milk – 190 calories

Cup of Ice Cream (450ml) – 1,160 calories

Can of Coke (350ml) – 155 calories

Beef Fillet (170g) – 329 calories

Orange Juice (1 cup) – 110 calories

Medium Banana – 105 calories

AVERAGE PERSON

Source: blog.crazyegg.com

Foods From Where We Get Our Fuel From:

A person burns 4.6 calories per minute at 5kph

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M M O N DAY, JA N UA RY 1 1 , 2 0 1 6

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

D2

VACANCY

D4

CARGO

D8

FOR RENT AL KHUWAIR : 5 BED ROOM VILLA SPLIT A/C - MAID ROOM

RUWI : Ware House - 630 M2 SPACIOUS -2 B H K FLATS

Contact :

24 70 30 60

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

D2

M O N DAY, JA N UA RY 1 1 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

FOR RENT

*Tourist visa arranged

E t &ůĂƚƐ Θ ^ŚŽǁƌŽŽŵƐ ĨŽƌ ZĞŶƚ 1/2/3 BHK Flats & Showrooms at DƵƩ ƌĂŚ͕ ŶĞĂƌ KŵĂŶ Ň ŽƵƌ ŵŝůůƐ͕ ϭϬ ŵŝŶ͘ ĨƌŽŵ ĐŽƌŶŝĐŚĞ͘ ĞƋƵŝƉƉĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ƐƉůŝƚͬ ĐĂƐƐĞƩ Ğ ƵŶŝƚ Ɛ͕ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĞƚ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͕ ĨƌĞĞͲ ƚŽͲĂŝƌ ĚŝƐŚ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƟ ŽŶ͕ ds ŵŽŶŝƚŽƌĞĚ͕ ďĂƐĞŵĞŶƚ ƉĂƌŬŝŶŐ͘ ZĞŶƚ ZK͘ϮϱϬͬϯϱϬͬϰϱϬ ;EĞŐŽƟ ĂďůĞͿ ƉĞƌ ŵŽŶƚŚ͘

Contact : 99229263; 93221054; 95215289

Apartment and room for rent in Al Khuwair near IBIS hotel.

Contact: 95724975

10,000 Sqm Industrial Land/Plot in Sumail - Leveled with Full Drawing and Full Permission from Govt. for only RO 30,000 Contact : 99012201

3 Bedroom flat for rent near ONTC Ruwi. Contact: 99653336 Flats for rent Direct from the owner: 2BHK flats with A/Cs at Ruwi MBD area, Way No. 3526, Pizza Muscat building.

Contact: 99333110 / 24814853 3 bedroom flat in Wadi Kabeer.

Contact 95755953 / 95555162 To let rooms in Qurum.

Contact: 99664703 House for rent Mabela.

Contact: 99204400 Store / warehouse for rent 52 sqm at Maabela Sinaiya.

Contact: 92454170 02 BHK Commercial / Residential (with split AC) flat at Honda road.

Contact: 99342733 / 99795241 02 BHK residential flat opposite to Al Nadha hospital.

Contact : 99342733 /99795241 Flat for rent in Darsait 3 BR, 2 toilets, sitting room R.O 250/-.

Contact: 92328142

2 BR flat with 1 sitting room, 1 family hall with 3 attach bathroom in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99277787 Residential Commercial building consists of 30 Flats in Al Khoud 6 the following details: 20 flats with 2 rooms and a hall, bathroom and kitchen. 10 flats with room and hall and 2 toilet. Shop 500 square meters. for total 30 Flats rent 7,000 RO per month and rent the exhibition 10 RO per m2 Contact 99314314

Flats shops & store for rent in Ruwi MBD Honda road. Contact: 92433127 / 97293708

500 sqm Basement Godown/warehouse For Rent in Mabela industrial area. CALL: 99366008 / 99236455

Flats shops & store for rent in Ruwi, MBD area & Honda road.

Contact: 92589235/ 94579531

Shop for rent in Ghubra near Bank Muscat. Contact: 97788999

Warehouse for rent in Ghala Industrial use 1000 sqm , 8m height with office & A/C with open area 200 sqm near Al Suqri workshop only R.O 3.5/- sqm.

Contact: 99360453

1& 2 BHK C.B.D & Ruwi.

Contact: 99024730

Only for serious people a Restaurant for rent or sale at excellent site in Al Ghubra area with all its equipment & approval to bring workers. Contact: Numan 95094062 Commercial / residential flats in a new building for rent near Muttrah Police Station residential 1BHK / 2BHK more details. Contact: 99364735 / 95729711 2BHK flat opp. star cinema & 3BHK office. Contact 92926199 1000sqmtrs industrial land for rent in Ghala suitable for warehouse workshop etc. Contact 24700120 / 92584715

Fully furnished bedrooms in a luxury villa at Ansab for Executives / couples. Contact: 98458542

8 BR Villa Shatti Qurum.

Contact: 99024730

2BHK flat for rent Darsait near ISM. Contact: 95158570 / 99102255

Brand new Twin Villas in Mawaleh South 4BR; 2Halls; External Kitchen and Maids room.

Contact: 99414106

1000 sqm industrial land with compound well & two rooms at Misfah. Contact: 99342733/ 99795241

Independent room with Kitchen & Bathroom attach near Mabellah BP Petrol Pump R.O 100/- , without Elect & water. Contact: 91516775

Flats for rent in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99376454 2BHK at Al Nahdha Hospital behind MHD Building.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297

2 rooms, Bathroom, kitchen near Muscat OR 110/-.

Contact: 95094028 Flats for rent in Muscat.

Contact: 99262605.

2bedrooms flat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat Municipality. Contact: 92584715 / 24700120 House in old Muscat town near Bab Al Mathaib, 5 bedrooms, living room & kitchen.

Contact 99319829 1 BHK new bldg with A/c curtains, near Khimji Mart, MBD. Contact 99061408 / 99024039 Profs/ Jack. Contact 93219378

Furnished villa for rent in BarkaRumes, 3 big BRooms + Majlis + Saloon + kitchen. Contact : 98999667

2 BHK Flats for rent Muttrah near Oman house S/ AC. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232

Labour camp accommodation facilities near Sohar Gardens for 1500-2000 peoples. All modern facilities & natural atmosphere will provide as per customer requirement, interested people can contact 93221277 for further details. as per the client requirement, we will make all facilities within short period.

Flat new Al Wadi Kabir. Contact: 92130703 / 99733992 2 Room + hall & kitchen ,3 toilets in Bareeq Al Shatti 750 RO. Contact 99314314 For rent 1bed room flat, near Indian school (ISD) at Darsait.

Contact: 94776771/ 99669216

M O N DAY, JA N UA RY 1 1 , 2 0 1 6

D3

DAILY GUIDE

FOR SALE Dozer Kom 355A -3 Dozer Kom 155A- 3 Grader Champion 780 Excavator PC 400 with breaker Man green water tanker 5000 IG All are in good condition

99310448/99612010/95208455

BUILDING

FOR SALE MUMTAZ AREA (NEAR RUWI HOTEL)

CONTACT - 99353931

FOR RENT

FLATS FOR RENT In a Luxury Building in Al Seeb Market Near Police station

FOR RENT 2BHK, 3 washroom Flat with Split Air Conditioners Near Lulu Darsait CONTACT :

93202733 Luxurious, 2 BHK flat with 3 toilets, store, equipped kitchen, split ACS , Gym, party hall& 24 hours security at Mumtaz area Ruwi rent RO 375/-. Contact: 92622506 2BHK commercial RO 375/-, 350/Contact: 97799175 / 92144045 Shop for rent behind building behind whole center Al Amerat good for offices or stores only space 11x4 meters R.O 250/- PER month.

Contact : 92877449 2BHK Al Khuwair R.O 375/-.

Contact: 92144045 / 97799175 2BHK Ghubra R.O 300/- , 325/-.

Contact: 92144045 / 97799175 Duplex villa in QURUM 29.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 Show room / shop for rent area 155 sqm at 600/-R.O shops at 160/- R.O. Contact 97714433 / 92822437

Call: 99888007 - 99473500

Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35) Contact 9405178997201688

Flats in Darsait.

Contact 94051789-97201688 One flats for rent 2 bedroom all with bath al Ghobrah north near Indian school (hot burger restaurant) Tel. 9976610 Flat for Rent 1/2 BHK Flat at Muttrah, near Oman flour mills, 10 min. from Corniche.Equipped with split unit ACs, internet points, free-to-air dish connection, CCTV monitored, basement parking.

Rent RO.250/350 per month.

Contact:99229263; 93221054; 95215289 1BHK flat near Star Cinema 220/Contact 99358589 /95570288 Flats in Wadi Kabir. Contact 94051789-97201688

Offices in Ghala. Contact 94051789-97201688

Offices in Qurum opposite City Center. Contact 9405178997201688 Brand new apartments opp Oman flour mills MUTRAH 1,2,3 BHK with private parking, suitable for bachelors call 95450450

Mercedes Benz E-300, Model 2010-Advantgrade, Color Obsidian Black Not in Working Condition.

Interested parties can see the car at Embassy of India premises during 1000 hrs to 1600 hrs and send offers in sealed envelopes latest by 15.01.2016 addressed to HOC, Embassy of India, Muscat.

Contact: 24684577

600 SQT commercial flat for rent opposite Oman flourmill Darsait more details. Contact: 91214849/ 99364735

3 BHK flat near Darsait ID medical.

RO 420/- Contact – 99358589 / 97079146 / 95570288

Offices & Showrooms in Muttrah.

Contact - 94051789-97201688

Toyota Innova family, 2011 model, fully automatic, white color expat driven , kms-84500. dealer maintained, no accident. good condition. Contact 99001726

Offices & Showrooms in Al Khoud.

Contact - 94051789-97201688

Flats in Muttrah. Contact 94051789-97201688

1& 2 BHK flats for rent at Hamriya Mabela and Al Khoud shop at Al Khoud. Contact: 24834644 / GSM : 93994401 /02/03/3lines

Nissan Tiida, 2009 model, fully automatic, remote control doors & location light, single hand driver by expat, kms 75000, excellent condition , no accident, insurance valid till 11th July.

Contact: 99016546

Flats shops & store for rent in Ruwi Honda road Mumtaz.

Contact: 97293708 / 92433127

1BHK Mumtaz R.O 250/-.

Contact: 97799175 / 92144045

7 Bedrooms villa in Ghobrah North.

Contact - 96420432

MV SALE

Brand new villas in Al Ansab.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 Mini Furnished Apartment in Qurum. Contact: 9405178997201688 1,2 BHK Ghubra R.O 300/-, 325/& 350/-. Contact: 97799175 Single BHK flat available in Honda road Ruwi. Contact 24833972/ 24833974/99367448

FOR SALE Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35) Contact -9505680897201688

FOR SALE Office furniture, fixtures & electric appliances for urgent sale.

Contact: 92122705 Used home furniture and household appliances in good condition for sale. (Else 3bhk can be taken for rent along with furnitures.)

Contact: 99738104 Beauty Salon for urgent sale in Azaiba prime location behind Al Fardan building. With sponsor and 1 staff and 1 ready visa clearance. Call: 95318629 / 95169411

FOR HIRE Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299 Low bed Trailer (PDO – SPC) available monthly / daily for Rent.

Contact: 96633970

FOR SALE Exercise cycle for sale.

Contact – 92847957

Items for sale : expat leaving all household items for sale a to z, bulk buyers will benefit call raj 97373186 or 91456907.

Full dental unit for sale.

Contact: 00968 92737149 Email: drpkabbas@yahoo.co.in

Restaurant for sale in Dibba.

Contact: 96446640

Used Portacabins.

Contact: 94521205

Marble Factory for sale location Misfa. Contact: 98586828

Godown Rack sets (shelf).

Contact: 94521205

For sale - Plastic Palettes. For inspection. Contact: Mr. Ali Azan 95501102

Luxury Apartments in Boucher (35). # 95056808-97201688

3 BHK flat in Greater Muttrah Dar Al Maha for immediate sale.

Contact: 95061994 / 96435858 Dental equipments sparingly used for sale. Contact: 91232778 / 99722457 Luxury villa for sale at Al Hail South building area 375m land area 323, 6 rooms, 3 halls, 7 toilets.

Contact 99839898

Mangalorean restaurant at Wadi Kabir & shop at Ruwi for sale.

Contact: 98428507 / 93655003 Villas in Al Khoud. Contact 95056808-97201688 3Ton Forklift, Special made for Oman market, Japanese Isuze C240 Engine, Cascade side shifter, High amount exhaust, 3m lifting height, Solid tyres, One year warranty. Contact: 98883445

Hummer H2 model 2006, 178000 km, Full options Number 1 Army edition.OMR 7200. Contact -99466773 Chaverlet Epica 2004 model RO -700, for sale.

Contact 92194205 BMW 318/ 2003 for sale.

Contact 96364990

ACC. AVAILABLE Furnished sharing accommodation in ruwi near O.K. Center for non-cooking indian bachelor.

Contact - 98805474 Large size room in Al Falaj with attached bathroom for Executive bachelor (non cooking) with A/C, rent RO 150 inclusive Electricity & Water. Contact Mr. Hari : 24821717 / 99657906 Furnished room with a/bathroom in Al Khuwair33 for Indian Executive. Call: 95234062 Spacious semi furnished room with separate bathroom for executive bachelor opposite OC centre Ruwi. Call: 92273779 Semi furnished spacious room with attached washroom separate entrance near Indian school Al Ghobrah for non cooking Executive Indian bachelor.

Contact: 95146361/92657598 Independent rooms in Qurum RO 140/- & 160/-. Contact 95529970

ACC. AVAILABLE Single room for expat Indian bachelors near Al Aktham restaurant Al khuwair for RO 120.

Water and electricity included.

Contact 98803261 Veg Couple or bachelor room in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99014325 / 91165580 2 rooms with separate bathroom near Lulu Darsait for couple / bachelors. Contact: 98929665 / 99352320 Family sharing 3 B/R, hall, 2 toilets in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99336206 Single bedroom flat near Indian School Ghubrah.

Contact 99203954 Single bedroom flat behind German Embassy, near Al Nahdha Hospital.

Contact 99203954 Furnished room in new building for working Muslim lady/ Muslim couple only. Location AINT, Darsait. Contact - 99008069 Room for rent with furniture.

Al Bustan villeage.

Contact 93687466

AVAILABLE Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting.

Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

WANTED Second hand cup lock scaffolding system required any sellers please Contact: 99340205 IELTS Coaching (academic) required nearby wadi Kabir area. Please call on mobile or msg on Whats up.

Mobile no: 92927880/99012165

FOR LADIES Special offer for ladies only, All beautification for 15 RO. Al Doom beauty parlour in Ruwi. (Home service also) Contact 99619409

D4

M O N DAY, JA N UA RY 1 1 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT A Leading Manufacturing Company in Muscat has immediate Requirement >ŽŽŬŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ YƵĂůŝĮ ĞĚ ĂŶĚ džƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ

hZ' Ed>z Z Yh/Z

WANTED

ƌĞƉƵƚĞĚ ϯ ƐƚĂƌ ŚŽƚĞů ŝŶ DƵƐĐĂƚ ŝƐ ůŽŽŬŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ Ă

Excellent Grade Construction Company Requires the following.

dƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ DĂŶĂŐĞƌ

MARKETING MANAGER

WŝƚŚ DŝŶ͘ ϭϬLJƌƐ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ Į ĞůĚ ŽĨ ůĞĐƚƌŝĐĂů Θ ƵŝůĚŝŶŐ DĂƚĞƌŝĂů WƌŽĚƵĐƚƐ ĂŶĚ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ŚĂǀĞ ŐŽŽĚ ŬŶŽǁůĞĚŐĞ ŽĨ >ŽĐĂů ĂŶĚ džƉŽƌƚ DĂƌŬĞƚ ĂŶĚ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ŚĂǀĞ ǀĂůŝĚ ' ͬ KŵĂŶŝ ƌŝǀŝŶŐ >ŝĐĞŶƐĞ ^ĞŶĚ sƐ ƚŽ

DƵƐƚ ƉŽƐƐĞƐƐ͗ ZĞůĞǀĂŶƚ ŚŽƚĞů ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ sĂůŝĚ ' ĚƌŝǀŝŶŐ ůŝĐĞŶƐĞ ^ƚƌŽŶŐ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƟ ŽŶ ƐŬŝůůƐ

Contact – 95020704 ŽƉĞƌĂƟ ŽŶƐΛŚŽƚĞůŐŽĂƐŝƐ͘ĐŽŵ

ǀĂĐĂŶĐLJŝŶŽŵĂŶϭϮϯΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ

1. Purchase Executive (Purchase Officer).

2. Camp Boss.

Interested Candidates send CV to below email.

hr.vecancy.muscat@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTSIT.WANTED hZ' Ed>z Z Yh/Z

D W E'/E Z WŝƚŚ ŵŝŶŝŵƵŵ ϱ LJĞĂƌƐ KŵĂŶͬ ' ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ƚŽ ŝŶĚĞƉĞŶĚĞŶƚůLJ ŵĂŶĂŐĞ ƚŚĞ D W ǁŽƌŬƐ͘ WƌĞĨĞƌĂďůLJ ĂŶ ĞůĞĐƚƌŝĐĂů ĚĞŐƌĞĞͬĚŝƉůŽŵĂ ŚŽůĚĞƌ ǁŝƚŚ KŵĂŶ ƌŝǀŝŶŐ >ŝĐĞŶƐĞ͘ Ʃ ƌĂĐƟ ǀĞ ƉĂĐŬĂŐĞ Žī ĞƌĞĚ

Contact: 24591818 ŵĂŝů͗ƌĞĐƌƵŝƚΛŐƌŽƵƉĐĞŶƚƵƌLJ͘ĐŽŵ

FOLLOWING STAFFS FOR A LEADING ENGINEERING CONSULTANCY

/Ed ZE d/KE > KE^h>d/E' &/ZD t/^, ^ dK Z Zh/d ,/',>z Yh >/&/ E'/E Z^ &KZ KhZ WZK: d^ /E ^h>d E d K& KD E

1. DESIGN ENGINEER ROADS AND BRIDGE - BTECH CIVIL

^ƌ͘ ůĞĐƚƌŝĐĂů ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌƐ ϰ EŽƐ͘

URGENTLY REQUIRED +MINIMUM 10 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

2. SENIOR QUANTITY SURVEYOR

- BTECH CIVIL

+MINIMUM 12YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IS CIVIL & MEP

3. STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

- MTECH STRUCTURE

+MINIMUM 8 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN BUILDINGS

4. ELCTRICAL ENGINEER

- BTECH ELCETRICAL

+MINIMUM 12 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

5. PROJECT PLANNER – BTECH CIVIL + PSP CERTIFICATION +MINIMUM 12 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

All the above position required Experience in Huge Medical City Construction

REPLY IMMEDIATELY EMAIL :- vacancyamec@gmail.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

DRIVER

We are looking for Chief Financial Officer, Male 40- 45 years old, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy with 5 - 15 yrs. of experience.

Contact: +968 24702133 Email: admin-dept@daud.om

Reputed Construction Company require experienced light Vehicle Driver. Contact 95526871

ADMIN Required Admin / Accounts Assistant. Contact: 95892831 Email: info@rcsoman.com Required Female Office Assistant with good computer knowledge.

Send CV to Fax: 24799442 nationalhvac.mep@gmail.com A well reputed trading company requires Customs Clearance Incharge (Omani National) for its logistics division with minimum 3 years experience in the same field.

Please Send Your C.V. to: jobsnow2015@yahoo.com

BEAUTY Urgently requited Indian Gulf experienced Beautician al Hail, good salary & allowances.

Contact: 96175350 Required experience Beautician.

Contact 99619409

CATERING Required Waiter / Waitress (preferable fluency in Arabic/ English).

Contact: 95892831 Email: info@rcsoman.com Asian Oriental / BBQ cook.

Contact: 95529970 Indian Chinese Tandoor cooks required for hiring.

Contact: 95061994 / 96435858 A fast food restaurant in Muscat required experience:- (i). Social Media service provider. (ii). Part time Marketing and Forward CV :fastfoodoman2014@gmail.com

DESIGNER A reputed Interior company urgently required Interior Designer having well experience for self-design, AutoCAD, 3D max, Photoshop & V-ray Email: suresh@saharaintl.net

DOMESTIC HELP Looking for housemaid urgently clearance available good salary yearly ticket. TEL 24446920 / 99238121, mail: ravi.ztc@omzest.com

DRIVER Required driver.

Contact: 95892831 Email: info@rcsoman.com Driver available with release.

Contact: 93885404 Personal Driver for reputed family in Muscat. Requirements is fluent in English, valid GCC driving license, age must be 28 to 35.

Contact: 99466062 Wanted HEAVY DUTY DRIVER for an Electro-Mechanical Company.

Pl mail resume to heavydutydrivermuscat@gmail. com or call 92343611. Local candidates need to have an NOC.

Looking for an Indian experienced house Driver for an Omani family. Interested candidates may call: 96203333

ENGINEER/TECH/MECH Urgently required Electrical foreman with driving license. electrician with electrical license for an electrical company in Muscat.

Contact 93284291 BE Civil Engr - 5-10 yrs Exp Diploma Civil Engr - 5-7 yrs Exp Civil Foreman - 10-15 yrs Exp All must have valid DL send CV to jnstpmco@gmail.com Crankshaft Grinding Technician, Engine block boring Technician, turner required urgently for immediate appointment. call or whatsapp 98898273 Civil Site Supervisor for telecom tower projects across Oman. Send CV to fyjo@spec-link.com or call +968 9946 7227

IT Required male Omani / Filipino, 24 – 35 yrs as IT Coordinator.

Fluent in English, to handle all Web Designing aspects, Mail Campaigns management, Technical Support / Troubleshooting. Contact: 91371231

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR A reputed Interior and Kitchen company urgently required well experienced supervisor having minimum 5 years of experience in Carpentry related job with valid Omani driving license. Send CV to suresh@saharaintl.net.

MEDICAL Urgently required Medical Staff only male LAB Technician, Radio Tech, Assistant pharmacist, Dental Tech. Must be with 5 years experience along with 60% prometric. Contact 92412429 / 99648532 Wanted urgently lady Doctor GP or DGO for immediate appointment. Contact : 99310590 Email: tjmaluke@gmail.com Wanted a female Nurse for a dental clinic in capital area.

Contact:-99855050 Urgently required General Practitioners (male), lab technician, Staff Nurse & Receptionist (female, Arabic & English speaking) for a reputed Medical Centre, Salalah.

Email : hrmdimc2010@gmail.com Urgently required Lab Tech & Radiologist for medical Center in ruwi interested candidate kindly send short CV bmdcsg@yahoo.com or cont: 95220350 Required General Practitioners male & female with MOH license to work in a polyclinic in the Capital area. Contact 99372860 Required female Nurse with MOH license dental clinic in Al Khuwair.

Contact: 99010755 Email: akdmuscat@hotmail.com

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ŵĂŝů͗ ŽŵĂŶĞŶŐŝŶĞĐŽΛLJĂŚŽŽ͘ĐŽŵ

REQUIRED 1. Occupational Health Advisor (with OH qualifications & 5 years oil field or relevant experience)

2. Lead Emergency Physician (10 yrs experience in emergency medicine in remote work (occupational) setting.

Have ACLS, ATLS, PHTLS & food safety level 4.

Email : medicalinformation2016@gmail.com Well reputed Marble Company looking for

3 SALESMEN Requires minimum 3 years experience and valid Omani driving license.

Interested candidates please Fax your CV to 24601724 or Email on saab2803@gmail.com

SKILLED/ UNSKILLED Immediate Requirements for experienced Tailors (Designer wears, casual clothing). Please call for interview 99471085

SALES / MARKETING MEDICAL Female marketing for medical centre in Al Khuwair with driving license. Contact: 99010755 Email: akdmuscat@hotmail.com Required experienced Dentist with MOH license to manage dental clinic in Muscat.

Email: akdmuscat@hotmail.com Wanted Nurse for a Dental centre in capital area. Interested may contact 93431024 or send CV to – drasyanaseem@gmail.com Wanted GP Doctor with MOH license, job location in Muscat with good salary and benefits. Drop your cv at 0careerhr1972@gmail.com.

Urgently required full time female Nurse (with MOH), Receptionist (Omani) for Dental clinic in Muscat (Ruwi). Candidates in Oman only need to apply.

Contact 93582582, abbas@essacogroup.com Staff Nurse required for a reputed dental centre in Muscat.

Send the CV to omandentalnurse@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Sales Ladies wanted for Ladies Boutique. Age: 20-35 yrs.

Al Khoudh. Send CV to sameer916@hotmail.com or call 91159905 Urgently required for a reputed company in Oman (Tyre, Battery & Lubricant division) Sr. Executives/Executive-5 nos (Sohar, Nizwa & Muscat), Techno Commercial Professional-5nos, Driver (Omani)-1no. Required minimum 3-5 yrs experience in the same field with market exposure holding valid Omani driving license or GCC. Kindly fwd your CV’s to ashwin@taasintl.org Contact: (+968)93891700 Part Time Job Seekers mail your timejoboman@gmail.com

SKILLED LABOR Heavy vehicle Garage Forman, Mechanic, Painter, Denter, Service man, Mason.

Contact: 99453617 Email: alsawarillc@gmail.com Looking for experienced construction laborers as a subcontractor for a villa construction in Mawaleh.

Contact: 96203333

SALES / MARKETING

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Required male Omani, Age: 24 – 35 as Operations Coordinator.

Fluent in English, should closely communicate and follow up Onsite requirement coordination.

Contact 99358667

Indian male good experienced in Accounts, ERP Tally 9 & Admin in India & Oman, presently on visit visa, looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94834687

FŽƌ Ă ƌĞƉƵƚĞĚ ƵŝůĚŝŶŐ ŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟ ŽŶ ŽŵƉĂŶLJ͕ džƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞĚ

Wanted Marketing Personnel for acquiring Premium customers for MNC. Should have communication/sales skills and must possess Oman DL. Contact 9654 5020.

A leading Trading Group is looking for Sales Executive having experience in construction equipment / building materials with driving license & release / NOC. Email CV to alhajoil@omantel.net. om or fax : 24701683 An excellent Grade company requires experience Salesman for indoor and outdoor with Oman driving license. Mail your CV to salesppeoman@gmail.com Tyres company seeking for Sales man, minimum 2-3 years experience. Send CV to saeed@liwainvestments.com Air Conditioning company required experienced Sales Executive with license. Send CV to nationalhvac.mep@gmail.com Fax: 24799442 Experienced Salesman required for A/C spare parts shop. Send CV to nationalhvac.mep@gmail.com Fax: 24799442 A reputed Interior and Kitchen (Domestic & Commercial) company urgently required well experienced Sales & Marketing Executive having minimum3 years of experience at the related job with valid Omani driving license. send CV to suresh@saharaintl.net Wanted Sales Executive for IVMS, experienced minimum 1 year in the same field. Interested Candidate can email the details to: sameeh@cyclonellc.net An excellent Grade company requires Foreman / Supervisor for their false ceiling division. Min 5 to 8 years experience in handling the projects & execution, kindly send CV to hrjobs1679@gmail.com Salesman require for building material with driving license & 10 years working experience.

Fax your C.V 24833043.

(Mustafa Hardware Store) Looking for a foreign staff has experience in Oman in real estate field. Contact Email: aburashid94dd@gmail.com A Chemical trading Company is looking for Salesmen with diploma certificate, 3 years experience, with valid driving license and a car. Send CVs to greatstar@omantel.net.om

An excellent grade company requires Sales Executive for their Aluminium division. Min 3 to 5 years GCC experience in the same field with D/L may kindly send CV to info@sunubunited.com or sunubunited@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTSIT.WANTED ARCHITECT India Architect (B.arch) with 5 years working experience available in Muscat on visit visa.

Contact 92774992 , Email: shabnaarch@gmail.com Architect looking for freelance work in (design plans and 3dmax).

Contact: 96041201

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian male, 28, Post Graduate, 6 years exp. in Oman in Sales and Credit Control , with valid Oman D/L looking for suitable placements.

NOC available. Ph: 9206 6523 Accountant / Chief Accountant 24 years experience including 6 years in hotel industry, now on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 92475105 Email: johnkgeorgel10@gmail.com Indian male 28 MBA & M.Com finance 5 yrs exp in Accounts & finance. NOC available seeks suitable placement. Contact: 93939421 Email: baleeq.ams@gmail.com Indian male well experienced in Accounts, ERP Tally9 & Admin in India and Oman currently on visit visa looking for a suitable job.

Contact: 94834687 A young CA (ACA & ACCA qualified) with 4 years experience in one of top audit firms in UK & KSA seeks suitable placement in Oman.

Contact: Kamran : hkamran112@gmail.com, +44 7480 1196 74, +968 93595050 SENIOR ACCOUNTANT-M. Com Finance-Indian with 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts up to finalization. Currently employed in Oman. Having D/L & NOC. Mob:94122464, cammk13@gmail.com Indian male 30 B.Com (Accounts) exp 6 yrs in East Africa & 1 yr exp in Oman .NOC available looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 94613626 Email: sharis.shaheer@gmail.com 15 years served Oman LLC SAOG, SAOC Contracting, trading manufacturing company as Finance Commercial Manager looks after finance logistics, procurement, ERP, oracle, tally focus internal control implementation B.Com PGDBM, ICWA (Inter). Contact: 91721545 / 95788723, Email: manojpanda111@hotmail.com Accounting B.Com, 2 years experience in Indian tally ERP9, Peachtree, accounting, QuickBooks accounting SMACC , busy advanced excel PowerPoint E filing of statutory return visit date 24/12/2015 visit exp 23/1/2015 Indian male 37yrs, (M.Com Finance) with 12 yrs experience (9 yrs in Oman) in accounts up to finalization can join immediately having NOC & Oman driving license looking for suitable placement. Contact: 90194907 Email: ke.jinson@gmail.com Male 15yrs experience as Senior Accountant with D/L seeking suitable placement. Contact: 91176085 Email: sahil_70@hotmail.com 28/male/MBA - finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement. shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com Contact 90187483 Indian male B.Com accountant job 6 years experience in Oman looking suitable placement.

Contact 95741442 navaskamaru944@gmail.com Part time accountant, up to finalization of accounts, looking for job after 5PM (Location prefers –n MSQ to AL Hail) Contact: 95694737

Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ finance field. On visit visa.

Immediately available.

Contact – 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com Accounts & finance Indian male 35 years B.Com M.B.A (F) 7 years experience valid Oman D/L family visa N.O.C available.

Contact: 93257426 / 95230114 Email: sibigeorgep@gmail.com Chartered Accountant - Indian, 9 yrs + Exp (7 yr in Oman & UAE ) in Finance, Accounts & Auditing, seeking suitable position in Muscat/ Dubai, Can Join Immediately, NOC Available , Contact #: 98707434 / Email: casmart007@gmail.com Indian, well experienced in UAE and Oman, in construction accounts and administration with own car seek part time/full time placement. Contact 98598099 Indian Male, 24 yrs, BBM, 3+ years’ experience as an assistant Accountant & Assistant Auditor, now on visit visa, looking for suitable placement in Accounts / Sales / Stores. Contact 93498293 Email:kevingieven@gmail.com MBA (Banking & Finance) Pakistani male-37 yrs, 15 years experience (12 years in banking Industry with Omani D/L) Seeking suitable position, Contact : 93865002, madeelazhar@gmail.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT-M. Com Finance-Indian with 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts up to finalization. Currently employed in Oman. Having D/L & NOC. Mob:94122464, cammk13@gmail.com 28 years, female, 4 years experience in finance currently in Oman, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 94743790 Part time Accountant with 15 yrs exp. in Accounts Finance, Tax Audit Management.

Contact 95857199 Accounts part time services available to handle all accounts up to finalization, consulting & audit works. Contact: 96247295 25 years Oman experienced, who can handle accounts up to finalization, job costing, timely follow for receivable & timely settle payable looking for suitable opening.

Contact : 94070799 MBA (finance) one year experience in Oman, have Oman license looking for a good job.

Contact 94103975 Accountant Indian female, 26 yrs, B.Com 2 yrs experience in accounting, purchase vouchers, bank reconciliation. Contact: 95690207 Email: pereira.rita08@gmail.com Indian lady, bachelor degree in Preparatory Programme (BPP) and Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), completed training course in MS Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook from KTI looking for full time / part time job opportunity in Oman.

Contact 92437568, 96795853, Email: linda_navs@yahoo.com Young 24, ACCA affiliate, advanced diploma in Accounting and business, seeking suitable placement in accounts, finance or audit with valid driving license.

Contact: 92430152 Email: rau_dey@yahoo.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, with 13yrs experience, 6 yrs Oman in manufacturing, trading & contracting Cos, capable of handling all accounting, finance, banking, L/C, import, export & finalization seeks placement. NOC Available.

Call+968-98932752, mail:jjohnmuscat@hotmail.com 28/ male MBA – finance /B.com – accountant with 4 years of Dubai / India experience looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 90187483 Email: shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com

ADMIN Indian female 27 yrs with 5 yrs HR /Admin experience seeking suitable placement with valid Oman driving license. Contact: 98236033

M O N DAY, JA N UA RY 1 1 , 2 0 1 6

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED ADMIN

DRIVER

Indian Female MBA, 3 Year experience in Admin MIS, Family Visa.

Contact 98234427, jkjsmith01@gmail.com

Experienced Light Duty Driver, Fluent in English, Arabic Well knowledge of Oman Areas Seeking Suitable placement 97950869

Indian lady, having NOC seeking admin or accounts asst or showroom sales job. Contact 94417080

Light duty. Contact: 96995762

Indian Gulf experienced (more than 7 years) as document controller, site administrator, project secretary and site store keeper in construction on visit visa seek suitable placement.

Contact 92196001 Young Indian male, MBA Graduate with valid Omani driving license looking for suitable placement, currently on visit visa.

Contact: 91966286 / 92126618 14 years of Gulf experience in HR/ Admin & logistics fluent in Arabic & English with D/L looking for suitable position, NOC available.

Contact: 95824598 Indian male MBA- UK 18 yrs Gulf exp in Administration/ HR & Public relationship. Fluent in Arabic/ English with D/L. Looking for suitable position.

Contact - 99897280 Indian female Graduate over 6 years of Admin operations experience looking for similar jobs.

Contact: 94231020 Indian female 29 MBA (HR) BSc Oman & India, 3 years exp in Admin & HR seeks suitable placement. Contact: 95619537 13 years Gulf experience in FMGC & CFD administration dept with GCC valid D/L looking for suitable placement. Contact: 93553051 Gulf experienced (7 years in UAE) as Site Administrator/Document Controller/Site Secretary/Site Store Keeper in visit visa seek suitable placement.

Contact 94674031 Pakistani female Graduate plus Post Graduate diploma in logistics 6 years experience in shipping, office administration and customer service. Fluent English and very presentable on visit visa.

Contact: 91528567 Indian female, Masters in HR, having 4 + years Oman experience in media management and HR, looking for openings in HR, Education, Admin, Corporate communications. Contact 98252030 Male Graduate , worked 19 years experience in U.A.E , Oman , Qatar , Saudi, Kuwait in the field of documentation as a document controller , planning Asst & some part of admin seeking suitable placement & ready to join immediately.

Contact: 93220534 Email: aniyer789@gmail.com Filipino male with 13 years HR and Administration managerial experience. MBA & CIPD holder.

Currently looking for job in Oman.

Interested employer pls call 97728418.

Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/ HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, Now on Visit Visa,looking for suitable position. Contact: 90196235

CATERING Cooks (Arabic Indian) gulf exp looking job. Contact: 99531802

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN Interior designer Indian male with 4 years experience / 3Ds Max, AutoCAD .Now on visit visa seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 94886507 Email: vizhue07@gmail.com 25 years male BA. English , Qualified as mast in digital animation having 5 yrs ex in character animation specialized Auto Desk mago and motion building software knowledge, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 97917357

DOMESTIC HELP Full time Malayalee House maid.

Contact: 90178404 / 94451344 / 93000935

DRIVER Looking for job driver with car.

Contact: 99154473

Driver for suitable job K.S.A 12 years & 4 years in Oman, with release. Contact: 93885404 Looking for light driving job, 2 years exp. Contact: 91625977 Light duty driver with 3 yrs exp Pakistani seeks placement.

Contact: 98004139 Bangladeshi male light driver exp 14 years need job and visa transfer, release paper available.

Contact: 99165961 Driver looking for a job. NOC available 95154610 Looking for heavy duty driving job 5 years experiences in G.C.C, with heavy duty license.

Contact: 97474978 Light driver Pakistani male 32 years with valid driving license seeking placement required visa.

Contact: 97106232 Driver with new car looking for job.contact: 95873286 Indian light driver having 2 years experience in Oman know language Hindi, English & Arabic need job. Contact: 97366822 Light driver 6 years exp education CO level language English, Arabic, Hindi looking for office driver. Contact: 99640986 Bangladeshi male 48 yrs, light driver 14 yrs of exp, need job & visa. Contact - 98326656 Driver (light & heavy duty) valid gulf /Indian) looking job.

Contact: 95175192

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Procurement Engineer (27 years single male with Oman Driving License) having 7 years experience (UAE 2, Oman 3) with expertise in MEP, Water, Electromechanical, Instrumentation seeking suitable placements. Contact 95852033, mail: hemal1988@gmail.com BE Electronics, Female with 2 years experience in Oman with Omani D/L. NOC available.

Contact 95143294 Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact:97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com Indian male, Diploma Civil Engineer having 2years experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact:97376450, Email:shanavasshaj@gmail.com Structural steel supervisor / foreman 12 and half yrs Gulf exp fabrication & erection NOC available.

Contact +91 9061761881 / +91 9446149459 Mechanical Engineer M.Tech 2 years experience as HVAC design Engineer, Revit MEP, AutoCAD. Contact: 90150913 Email: rahmanmechengg@yahoo.in Civil Diploma Engineer cum Quantity survey male 6 years experience in Oman valid Oman D/L. Contact: 93747759 Email: jaleelvasimalkp@gmail.com Automation Engineer, Graduate Electronics and Communication Engineer with 2 years of experience in programming testing and commissioning, troubleshooting of automation control systems (PLC, SCADA, HMI) . Installation, calibration, operation and maintenance of electrical and equipments.

Contact: 94469841 Email: sreeharita.181@gmail.com HSE Engineer (BE Mech + Dip in Safety+ NEBOSH + OSHA), 10 yrs exp, NOC Available, seeking suitable placement: Mob: 97061817 email: jayanammu1977@gmail.com Indian, male, MBA with over 10 year Oman experience in MEP / HVAC Procurement and Stores looking for suitable placement.

NOC available. Contact 94048474.

Electrical designer Indian male 25 yrs experience of oil & gas field in Oman seeking suitable placement. Contact: 99605127 Email: gerard.baptist@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech) with 2 and half years experience Indian male 24 years in visit visa. Contact: 96620482 / + 91 9605423272 Email: bijumonps@gmail.com

Project Civil Engineer, BSc, 6 years experience in Oman, building construction Fluent Arabic, English and good Hindi Release and NOC Available). Tel: 97858589

Indian male 24, B.Tech Electrical & Electronics Engineering & P.G diploma in automation & Scada with 2 years experience in power transformer & generator testing and maintenance, looking for suitable placement. Contact: 95340253 Email: seanjohnson176@gmail.com

Indian male, 25 yrs, Diploma in Hardware & Network Engineering having 4 yrs experience now in Oman, on visit visa seeking suitable placement. Contact 98779754 / 92720311

Mechanical Engineer 6 years Oman experience in projects , maintenance, materials Indian male with Omani D/L seeking suitable job. Contact: 94252769 / 95505471 Email: rami.mech@gmail.com Civil Engineer 11 years experience in construction having driving license & NOC. Contact: 94194399 Email: shiblyrock@gmail.com Male 29 years (BE) MEP Engineer 8.5 years of experience in building construction. Seeking a suitable job. Contact -95119765/ Email id jayachandranmep@gmail.com NOC available Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).

Looking for a Suitable position.

Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa.

Contact: 92835952. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com Civil Engineer B.E 12 years experience with valid Oman driving license. Contact: 93843448 Mechanical Engineer with 3 years experience and possess valid Omani driving license seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 97411523 Email: malvindevachan@gmail.com Civil Engineer (Diploma) having 11 years experience in building construction, looking for a suitable placement , having Oman driving license. Noc available.

Contact: 95075365 Email: azharraaz@gmail.com Civil Diploma 5years exp in Oman solid building construction + AutoCAD, holding Omani driving license. Noc available looking for suitable job. Contact: 99012590 Email: yousaf.engi2010@gmail. com Electrician, have driving license.

Contact: 95600418 B.Tech Civil Eng with 3 years experience in the field of quantity survey skilled in the areas of Primavera, AutoCAD, MX excel.

Contact: 94853061 Email: arunmohan.13990@gmail.com Indian Electrical Engineer Btech, female 24 seeking job, presently in oman having 2 year experience in design and estimation of Ht &Lt projects. Contact 968 97436557, Mail id : sibinanoop1@gmail.com Civil Engineer 6 yrs Exp in Oman with license. Contact: 98975528 B. Tech Mechanical Engineer fresh Graduate, on visit visa looking for opportunities. Contact:94743373 email:akasharavind1@gmail.com B.Tech Civil Engineer Indian male having 1 year experience in home country, having Indian driving license. Contact 92367429 / 918801851806

Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available.

Contact – 96789711 Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912 B.Tech C.Eng. AMIEI, Electrical Engineer with 5years experience in the field of electrical power system (transmission & distribution) area expertise in design Ele-SLD, preparing BOQ, LS & estimation transformers switchgear selection installation testing & commissioning in all sectors. Contact: 94638744, EMAIL : ceng.shaz@gmail.com Electrical Engineer (B. Tech) 6 years experience in Oman, expertise in medc/mzec projects, valid oman D/L. Contact : 99281715 B.Tech (IT) Indian male 2 years Oman experience in I.T & Networking, holding Oman Driving License, presently on employment visa, seeks for a suitable placement.

Ready to join immediately. NOC available. Contact: 92462578 email: kiren88@gmail.com Indian Civil Engineer 2 yrs exp in building construction /knowledge in staad PRO primavera / apostille attested certificate seeking immediate placement. Contact: 96637494 Civil Engineer (BE) male 3 years experience (2 yrs in India) seeks placement, NOC available.

Contact 98639039 Sudanese Architectural Engineer 2 years experience in Oman, Revit, AutoCAD 3Ds max Archicad looking for suitable job. Contact: 94722356 Email: maya40999@hotmail.com Civil Engineer, 2 years GCC experience seeking job in construction & infrastructure industry.

Contact: 97309549 Civil Engineer (Diploma) having total 11 yrs experience in building construction looking for suitable placement having Oman driving license, NOC available.

Contact 95075365, Email : azharraaz@gmail.com

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CALL +968 97912950

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Civil Engineer 6 yrs Exp in Oman with license. Contact: 98975518

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. B.Tech (IT) Indian Male 2 years Oman experience in I.T & Networking, holding Oman Driving License, presently on employment visa, seeks for a suitable placement.

Ready to join immediately. NOC available. Contact: 92462578 Indian male Electrical Engineer, having 6 years gulf experience in designing, assembling, commissioning execution etc having valid GCC license too looking for a suitable. Contact: 00968-98052942 Email: azamjeelani78@gmail.com Sudanese Civil Engineer with 5 years experienced AutoCAD primavera & GIS Arabic & English language looking for a suitable job.

Contact: 91340584 29 yrs Indian male B.E (ECE) with more than 5 yrs experience in Oman with valid D/L. Contact: 96652145 Mechanical Engineer M.Tech 2 years experience HVAC design & site Engg revit MEP Auto CAD. Contact: 90150913 Email: mahmanmechengg@yahoo.im Indian female, 31 yrs, 7 yrs experienced as AutoCAD civil draftsman (2 yrs experience in Oman) currently in Oman seeks suitable.

Contact 96789441 Email: simi5304@gmail.com Network Engineer BA: CS with experience CCNA, MCSA. Contact: 92346191 7 Yrs Exp. PM in Mech. Engg in the field of Building Const. Oil & Gas Seeking Job.94625598 Indian male (B.Tech EEE) 31 yrs having managerial skills AutoCAD quality control electrical fault debugging 6 yrs experience in electric field & good communication skills. Contact: 90181566 Email: jittoandrewsnesto@gmail.com Bachelor Civil Engineer 6 Years in Oman experience Valid Driving License seeks suitable placement Phone 97619722 Email – golamrob@yahoo.com

Electrical Engineer with 18 years exp in UAE. Contact: 98148034 Email: shassalih66@gmail.com

HOSPITALITY Hospitality/Hotel/ Restaurants Dynamic result oriented hospitality professional with 20 years of international exp. MBA in Hotel Management, specializing in Hotel/Restaurant start ups, concepts & Franchise development with proven records. Seeking for Challenging positions in reputed groups as GM/COO/CEO/Business Head. (NOC available) Contact: 96059470

IT Indian male IT professional, 3 years experience, CCNA, MCITP, RHCE have GCC driving license on visit visa (last date 25th Jan).

Contact: 93311963 Email: sajal035@gmail.com B.C.A IT, System Support Engineer 2 years exp visit visa, Microsoft certification. Contact: 95492886 Email: samips49@gmail.com Indian Male, IT System Engineer having 4 yrs of experience in system administration.CCNA,MCSE, Linux. Looking for suitable job.

Contact :91272867 Indian female B.Tech IT with 2 years experienced in HCL presently on family visa.

Contact: 90357203 Email: ammupravda123@gmail.com INDIAN MALE - 29 years (certified Computer hardware & network engineer) with six (6) years experience on VISIT VISA looking for suitable employment in system network administration Contact : Mr. SAJEEV KP, mail ID : saji217@gmail.com, GSM : 94256964 Indian male 23 years , 3 years experience in IT as Linux Administrator at Wipro Technologies looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 92889678 Email: amalpathikal@gmail.com

Civil structural Engineer 6 years experience Oman license.

Contact: 96380693

Road and Construction Engineer with 5 years exp in Oman.

Contact: 97667113

Indian male, 26 yrs, having 5 yrs Gulf experience as pre sales Engineer in IT field, looking for suitable job. NOC available, having Oman driving license with own car.

Contact 96929899, Email : umeshreshmiya2@gmail.com

Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, 36 years, Male, Indian, having 16 years of experience in machine maintenance & machine breakdown, worked with reputed companies in India, currently on visit visa seeking suitable placement.

Contact- 99011507 E-mail: rsdengroman@gmail.com

Bachelor of Computer Applications, 27 years, Male, excellent communication skills in English, 2 years experience as Administrative Assistant, seeks suitable placement. Contact GSM: 93985563, Email: wazim86@gmail.com

Indian Male 23 years B.Tech Civil having 2 years experience in quantity survey and site management looking for suitable placement. Contact:- 95042656

B.Tech (IT) Indian Male 2 years Oman experience in I.T & Networking, holding Oman Driving License, presently on employment visa, seeks for a suitable placement. Ready to join immediately.

NOC available. Contact: 92462578

Indian male, Mechanical Engineer with 6 yrs experience in MEP field, seeking for a job, on visit visa with GCC license available.

Contact 98086267, Email : khaleel1586@gmail.com Civil Engineer 6 yrs Exp in Oman with license. Contact: 98975528

Civil AutoCAD Draughtsman 12 years experience 9 years Gulf experience. Contact: 93528255

Instrument Technician (diploma), Indian male, 24 yrs, 3 yrs experience in reputed oil & gas companies, currently on visit visa, seeks suitable job. Contact: 92007218 Email: ahmed0515@gmail.com

Diploma in Electronics, 2 years exp in telecommunication.

Contact: 94519571 Email: telecommunicationvishnumadhull @gmail.com

Diploma in Mechanical Eng piping system in AutoCAD work, 21+ years experience with Driving license. Contact: 95267113 Email: rkakkaryil@gmail.com

Male B.S.C Engineer Civil total 10 years experience 7 years in Oman 2.5 years as Contractor Engr and 4.5 years as Consultant Engr, total 7 years in Oman seeking a job.

Contact: 95540721 Email: sheikcuet@gmail.com

Indian male, BE, Mechanical, with trainee level experience at Galfar & autoCAD, Creo, Ansys, certified individual looking for suitable placement in Oman. Contact 91232147, Email : shamil21siraj@gmail.com, Mr. Shamil Siraj.

Senior Telecom Engineer 4 years experience in Oman valid driving license MBA project management.

Contact: 95688953 Email: johan.joy@gmail.com

Electrical Engineer: Indian male, 30 yrs having 5 yrs of experience in industrial automation & utility maintenance in India (MRF tyres), holding valid Oman D/L. Contact 92789995, email : akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com

Male (23) BE Electrical Engineer looking for job as Electrical Engineering job experience 6 months in MEP designing & electrical designing job. Contact 98209070 Email: punivinlal@gmail.com

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Fresher Graduate looking for job (Electrical & Electronics Engineering), special course (Simatic P/C).

Contact 97304565

Mechanical Engineer with 3 Yrs experience in international Oil & Gas company looking for job Contacts: Tel: 90164236 Email: mustafaoshi-62@hotmail.com Civil Engineer (BE) having total 5 years experience in building construction looking for a suitable placement. D/L available Contact# 94450270 Indian female civil engineer B.Tech having 3 years experience sound knowledge of software, REVIT STAD PRO structural detailing currently on family visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 95345591 Sri Lankan Engineer (27 Years old) – B.Sc Engineering (Hon) Mining / Geotechnical Presently in Muscat, 1.5 years experience.

Contact 91295802 / acmfaslan123@gmail.com Diploma in Electrical Engineering with 6 years’ experience in Electrical Automation, Programming, Project, Power, Energy and Supervision in Civil Work.

Currently in Oman and looking for suitable position, Please contact 94873560/92406652.

IT Coordinator 6 years experience in hardware & networking diploma (2 yrs) in Hardware & net working on visit visa. Contact: 99610415

10 years Oman experience ICT Sector, capable of handling large accounts, looking for suitable Senior Executive position. Contact: 98987654 Indian female, 28 yrs, MCA, B. Com, 3 yrs experience in the field of Computer hardware, ERP Softwares & windows networking where planning, implementing & trouble shooting with multiple platform of OS Microsoft XP / 7/ on visit visa. Contact 95089170, email : anjuretnakar@gmail.com Communication Network CCNA fresh Graduate. Contact: 98194924 Indian male MCA, Oracle , orion , ERP, 15 years experience , 5 years in Oman with NOC. Contact: 95398567 Email: anasa4@gmail.com Senior IT Engineer Sudanese male 9 years experience in Govt./ Private sectors. Contact: 94675984 Senior IT Engineer Sudanese male 9 years experience in Govt. / Private sectors.

Contact: 94874758 Hardware & net working, 2 years exp. Contact: 96244031

D6

M O N DAY, JA N UA RY 1 1 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED MANAGER

MISCELLANEOUS

Purchase MGR / Transport in charge 9 yrs exp in Oman having D/L & NOC join immediately.

Contact: 90187891 Email: mohammedshariff35@gmail.com

Indian Female, 24 Years - MSc Biotechnology. Worked in International Crops Research Institute For The Semi Arid Tropics for project work as trainee. Looking for suitable job. Mobile: 92619048, Email: anusreeg1991@gmail.com

Indian male, MBA Graduate, GCC with valid D/L, currently working as branch Manager in Muscat, 4 yrs Oman experience in Admin & HR Executive trainer, customer service, sale supervising accounting, fluent in Arabic, English, Hindi looking for suitable placement.

Release & NOC available.

Contact 97644108, email : basheervision21st@gmail.com MBA (marketing) with 17 years experience in freight forwarding/ logistics industry in GCC & Oman.

Presently working as branch manager in Muscat. Looking for a suitable position. Release and NOC available. Contact: 99856331 Indian, 40 yrs, 16 yrs in Gulf, Supervisor in steel fabrication company, seeks suitable placement98667442 / 98119694 Indian HSE Manager Grad IOSH & I Dip NEBOSH with 18 years experience presently working in Oman seeking suitable HSE jobs Oman driving license & NOC available.

Contact: 94401830 Email: hseoman101@gmail.com The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: construction(Very strong and qualified to bringing business for civil work Or any type of the construction work for many million per year with a good experience in pricing and collect payment and cash management of the company & marketing projects & investments& tenders & real estate.

Contact 92385033 Indian male M.B.A with 7 years Oman experience in Insurance sector with D/L, NOC available seeking suitable position.

Contact: 99278672 Indian male, with experience in operations management, information security, purchase & stores mgmt, hold UAE driving license, on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact 91904541 Email: naushers@yahoo.com Purchase/Planning & Logistics Manager, MBA (Finance), 14yrs.

Oman Exp. with D/L, NOC available, looking for suitable position.

Contact : 93826090, Email: jskanchan01@gmail.com Indian male 8 yrs exp in Oman working as housekeeping supervisor in star hotel, seeking for a job NOC available. Contact – 91753210 25 years Gulf experienced Manager in operations, projects, properties, holding valid Oman driving license, with NOC, looking for suitable opening.

Contact: 91283701 The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: tenders& real estate& construction & marketing projects& investments& transportation & Marine services& companies management& develop business. Contact :- 92385033

MEDICAL Sudanese male, General Practitioner Dentist (BDS), pass OMSLE in December 2015.

Mob : 97429559 / 94144187, email Nazarfakhri@gmail.com Indian female 27 years, BSC ML T 3 years experience as lab technician currently in Muscat looking for job. Contact: 91849807 Email: jeethaiype63@gmail.com 10+ yrs experience as Optical Practice Manager, Diploma in Ophthalmic Assistant, BCA seeking for good placement.

Email : udayasuresh87@gmail. com, 99576403 / 91 9962888824 Dentist Indian female with MOH license working in Oman since last 2 yrs & worked in India for 5 yrs is looking for a suitable placement in Sohar urgently. NOC available.

Contact : 94227073 An experienced Sudanese female Dentist with MOH license looking for job. Contact: 96436517 /97396088

Indian female on visit MBA (International Business- Marketing & Logistics), BE (Computers & Science Engg.) Trained in SAP-BI/ BW with 1 year experience seeking for job Contact: 90228586 Email:fathimasha16@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Indian female (M.Tech in Power system) having Gulf experience seeking suitable placement in Oman, now in family visa.

Contact: 94306164 / 91001194 Indian Male B.com, PGDCA & Tally,14 years’ experience in Customer Care, Operations, Sales, Coordination, Accounts & Admin.

Seeking suitable position.

Currently on Visit Visa Contact – 94871963 or 99440152.

Email: rajeshkv.pmna@gmail.com

Indian female with experience in Physiology & logistics, currently as Logistic Coordinator seeks suitable placement. Contact 96400107, Email : amiablesheru@gmail.com

MBA graduate having 6 years exp in Sales & Marketing, 4 years with PEPSI, India, having international driving license permit seeks suitable placement. Cont : 95308167, Email : samir.pag@gmail.com

Graduate, computer literate, experienced in sales, credit control, accounts, Omani D/L , seeks suitable placement. Gsm 98805474

B.Com male 2 yrs experience in sales Computer knowledge, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 99648334

PROJECTS Indian male 28, MBA, Six Sigma Green Belt with 6 months experience in Operations in Oman. Looking for Suitable Placement With Valid D/L & NOC. Contact 92013737.

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Mason, SH / carpenter, steel fitter gulf & Indian exp looking job.

Contact: 95175192 Indian male Senior Safety Officer (NEBOSH) 9 years experience, valid GCC license looking for suitable job .

Contact: 96586672 Email: mrudul.v2008@gmail.com 37 years, Indian male, X- Ray welder 7 years experience, looking for job on visit visa now. Contact: 91360190 / 98223683

SALES / MARKETING 15 years experienced Indian seeking suitable job in area purchase, logistics & supply chair.

Contact: 96388496 Email: ranju.uma@gmail.com Professional with 12 years experience in Export industry. Dealt with markets across US, EU, Latin America & Asian countries for business development, sourcing & supply chain in the made-to-order business inclusive of product development & marketing. Currently employed in Oman with driving license. NOC available. Contact 96931557.

Indian male, MBA 25 Yrs, 1 year experience in Auditing and 10 Month in sales, currently on visit visa seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 92054304 25 years experienced Supervisor in plumbing and firefighting available, NOC and driving license.

Contact: 95912720 Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for Suitable placement.

Contact : 94879615, Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com Sales and marketing job with 10 years experience locally available on visiting visa. Contact: 99293494 Email: bavas264@gmail.com Indian (keralite) male 25 yrs MBA in marketing & logistics ,2 yrs marketing exp presently in Oman in residential visa (NOC could obtained) with Oman D/L seeks suitable placement.

Contact :90263368, Email: getintouchtst@gamil.com MBA ( HR & Marketing), B.Com, Indian male, 28 yrs, 2 yrs exp. in Qatar, having Oman driving license, presently on family visa in Salalah (NOC available), looking for HR, Admin (NOC available), looking for HR, Admin, Assistant Accountant, Marketing & sales job in Salalah.

Contact 98138376, Email: subinabraham87@gmail.com Indian male 5 years experience in Store keeping & driving license, release available.

Contact: 95197065 Sales & Marketing Executive MBA with 3 years experience in sales looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 91345727.

Indian male, 25 yrs, MBA, Marketing with 1 yr experience in Sales & Marketing looking for immediate placement. Contact 91945577

30 yr old experienced available with NOC & Oman driving license 6+years experience in chemicals Industry. Contact: 96675065 14 yrs MNC Sales /Marketing Manager experience with D/L visa NOC. Contact: 90205082 B.Tech MBA 13 years in sales & service on power tools pumps (Oman license) & NOC available.

Contact: 95321814 Email: manoraj81@gmail.com Looking for immediate sales & marketing job with 7 yrs Gulf experience and driving license till 12 Feb 16. Contact: 99642611 Email: kashif_lam@yahoo.com Indian male, 28 yrs, 3 yrs In Oman, B.E. Instrumentation, 5.5+ yrs experience in oil & gas projects, proposals, EPC, sales & marketing preferred, profile – sales & marketing status married can join immediately. Contact 91 9650336344, prashant.colligator@gmail.com Dedicated professional with over 18 yrs experience in sales marketing business development & new product launches with Oman driving license & NOC with 4 yrs experience in Oman looking for suitable openings.

Contact 93575165 / 99254080 5 years experience in Sales currently looking for a placement.

Contact: 93458869 Indian male, MBA Marketing having 2.5 years Sales experience immediately looking for a suitable position. Contact: 91415145, Email: shariqs88@gmail.com

TECHNICIAN /MECH. Instrumentation & controls Technician with 2-3 years experience preferably in water sector and having valid driving license call Ph:+968 99450811 Send CV to shiju@spec-link.com

MISCELLANEOUS Indian Male, pursuing ACCA with knowledge in C++, Java looking for accounting job. Contact 94743462.

Email: zabinbashu@gmail.com 54 years Indian male with 25yrs of experience in Accounts & Finance up to finalisation in Construction Oil & Gas and also in Manufacturing industries seeking suitable placement.

Kindly contact me on 95323316 , email:rengan15@yahoo.com Indian Male, 26 years, With 7 years of experience in Sales Field in shipping company in “Dubai” , looking for suitable placement. Experienced working in safety Marine equipment and well versed with MS Office.

Contact: 90182494, Manojmallya999@gmail.com Part time Accountant available, well experienced in accounting up to finalization. knowledge in tally also. contact. 92643875 ACCA Affiliate, Indian male, Fresher, looking for full time employment in Accounting and Finance, Valid Omani driving license. # +968 91291520, shahidazeez5@gmail.com Indian Male Diploma + MBA in Project Management with 7+ years of experience in Construction company oman as a maintenance supervisor cum site In charge.

Having valid Omani D/L seeking suitable position.

Contact: 90318757

MISCELLANEOUS Female, 5 years experienced Oman as Senior Accountant. skills : ERP9, MS OFFICE, SAGE, ACCPAC. Contact # 95483804 / 9986 8330. email : sararowshan344@gmail.com Indian, male-28 yrs, E & I Engineering Diploma (3 years), 7 years exp.(India, Oman, KSA) in electrical and instrumentation with driving license, looking suitable job #91051803 Indian male B.Eng. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT/ networking/server support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 Indian, M.Com with 20 years Gulf experience in Marketing Communications, ATL& BTL branding exp. with Oman D/L. Contact 93031168 Bangladeshi male 37 yrs B. Com , B.Ed Gulf exp 7 yrs fluent English , Hindi & Arabic , I know computer skill seeking suitable placement NOC available. Contact: 92495928 Indian male Accountant with 10 years experience in Oman. NOC available with driving license for immediate joining.

Contact: 99720602 Indian male 25 years (Electrical Engineer) 3 years working experience in MNC company India, currently on visit visa seeking suitable placement. Contact: 94864680 Email: m.mohamedazik@gmail. com Pakistani male 23 years with 2 years experience in office Admin, computer skills & teaching experience NOC available for immediate joining. Contact: 94453981 / 93253759 34 years Bangladesh male with 8 yrs sales man experience & with driving license. Contact: 95650478 MBA Marketing & finance, Indian female, 10 years experience in business development, consulting, product management in banking, IT, sustainability on visit visa.

Contact: 95431357 Indian male having 8 years Oman experience in Administration /HR, office coordinator with excellent MS Office skills seeking suitable position, NOC available.

Contact: 95407303 Electrical foreman Indian male 38 yrs total 19 yrs exp in electrical field, electrical foreman, exp 4 yrs in Oman seeking suitable placement. Contact: 97379290 HR Manual, Employee Handbook, Recruitment, Training, HR Consultancy. Are you looking for freelancer HR professional.

Contact: 97914669 Sudanese diploma holder in civil engineering with experience 5 year. Tel: 96995670 Marketing executive qualification B.com MBA with 3 years of experience in sales looking for suitable placement. Contact: 91345727 Purchase & Stores In charge – Having continues 13 years experience in a single firm, looking for a placement. # 99627427, 96154564 34 years vast experienced in Oman as Sales & Marketing, any suitable senior position. NOC available. Can join immediately.

Contact: 9986 8330 / 9984 8831.

E-mail: rwahedi458@gmail.com Indian male B.Eng. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT/ networking/ server support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 Female B.SC B.ED MA (Physics) with 10 years of experience in teaching and 3 yrs in counseling.

Looking for suitable position Contact: 92369316 Planning Engineer: B.E (Electrical and Electronics Engineering): Indian Male 33 yrs with 10 years of exp. in UAE & Muscat. Skilled in the areas of project coordination, planning & procurements. Contact: 00971503529608 Email Id: saravananbe44@gmail.com Electronics Technician , 4 Years experience as Electronics service engineer. Knowledge in all type of Electronics items. Looking for suitable placement.

Contact 99105043

SITUATION WANT- SITUATION WANTSIT.WANTED BUSINESS ED ED SOFTWARE ENGINEER, 24 years, B.Tech in computer science. 2 Years of experience in technical support, software development, networking, troubleshooting and managing. seek suitable placement. Contact GSM- 98184170 Indian Female, Diploma in Aviation and Hospitality management (IATA), Having 4 years experience, seeking for a suitable Job, Contact 99104529.

Male B.com with 15 years of experience in Production, Administration and Operations Management seeks placement Contact: 92369241 Diploma civil Engineer (Maintenance/Facility Management) having 10 years exp. presently in Oman with Oman driving License.

Cont: 95346983 Mail: asherlalitha@yahoo.com Indian male Accountant, 12 years experience, looking for a full time or part time job, experience in tally also. Contact 98983122 Chief Accountant looking for full / part time job. Contact :95598477 / 98803439 Indian female, MBA HR & Finance, having 1 year experience, seeking suitable placement. Currently in Oman. Contact: 96052366.

INDIAN MALE, 24 years, B.Tech in computer science.3Years of experience in technical support, software development, troubleshooting and managing, seek suitable placement. # 98184170 Indian male, 26 years, With 7 years of experience in Sales Field in shipping company in “Dubai” looking for suitable placement.

Experienced working in safety Marine equipment and well versed with MS Office.

Contact 90182494, manojmallya999@gmail.com

Looking for investor in steel fabrication plant. Contact 98667442 / 98119694 Canadian Consultancy company (recruitment & immigration) is looking for a partner company in Oman.

For contact 00973 39990830 eurogulf.ca@gmail.com, Low firm office in Shatti Al Qurum looking for an Indian legal advisor has got 5 years experience in Oman and good contacts with the big companies and banks in Oman.

Email: rahbi.lawyers@gmail.com We will register LLC. trade license for foreign investors and do all actions. Contact: 92833566

TRANSPORTATION

TRANSPORTATION 7 Ton/ 10 Ton- Trailer Local transport- MCT- UAE

Contact 96609857 Amir Ali Transportation. Contact: 91310107

Indian Male Diploma + MBA in Project Management with 7+ years of exp. in Construction company Oman as a Maintenance Supervisor cum site In charge. Having valid Omani D/L seeking suitable position. Contact: 90318757

Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909

Light Driver looking for job.

Contact:99594946

Transportation. Contact 96173326

Transportation. Contact 99508282 Transportation. Contact:99664703

Transportation. Contact 94510847 B.E. Chemical, Total 12 yrs experience, QA/HSE experience in Engg.

Consultancy/ Construction/ ISO Management Systems, Lead Auditor for ISO 9001, 14001 & 18001 seeking suitable placement. NOC Available. Contact: 9415 7131, EMail: samirtrivedi_01@yahoo.com

Transportation Contact: 99077395 Pick & drop anytime in Al Khuwair. Contact 99764307 Transportation taxi mini bus.

Contact: 93091106

M O N DAY, JA N UA RY 1 1 , 2 0 1 6

D7

DAILY GUIDE TOURS

SITUATION WANTSERVICES

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours contact 98029602, 92808636 We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman. Contact 99839898

COMPUTER

SITUATION WANTED EDUCATION/CLASSES/TRAINING

WEBSITE

IELTS PREPARATION Target Band 8.0

Classes for Spoken English TOEFL / GRE / GMAT / SAT Excellent Guidance and Coaching Satisfaction Guaranteed EAGLES INSTITUTE 92325542 | 93657915 | 93657917 | Email: engominst@gmail.com

^ Zs/ ^ tĞ WƌŽǀŝĚĞ ůĞĂŶĞƌƐ͕ Kĸ ĐĞ ďŽLJƐ͕ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ 'ĞŶĞƌĂů ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ĞƚĐ͘ ů DƵĚĂŬŚŝƌ EĂƟ ŽŶĂů Ɛƚ͘ >> Contact : 94277020

Marble grinding resurfacing & ceiling crystallization / polishing general cleaning of villas & flats.

Terrazzo floor scrubbing, ceiling, polishing & buffing.

Contact: 98598280 /94134784 MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble.Contact 24793614/ 99314807 We are providing services like Accounts, Auditing, Tax Reports, Feasibility Study, Bank Loan Assistance & L L C Registration ASAS AUDIT & CONSULTANCY Contact at 91720465/94319719 We provide loading unloading helper for contracting.

Contact: 94777137

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

GOOD NEWS House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422 Split & window A/c servicing & maintenance. #: 93769089 / 95323517 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 Catering for Party & Birthday service Cnt 97196675 Cleaning & Carpet Shampooing, Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723 Pest Control Treatments.

Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723 House shifting. Contact: 99657644/98518013

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting,Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. Contact: 24810137, 99450130 Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 / 94285064 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance.

Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 99250777, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit:www.islamfact.com Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage steambath, obesity, Spondylitis, Ideal Care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street Azaiba.

Contact: 99639695 / 98342990

Karate and self defense classes at Azaiba 18 Nov Street. RO 10 per month twice a week Monday and Tuesday 6. 30 TO 7. 30. PM. CONTACT 98294551

NRI Plot for sale Shadnagar Municipality, Mahboob Nagar District, walk able distance to existing colonies, national highway and basic amenities at reasonable price. Contact – 0091 8686631669

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi earn in two months

tion guaranteed

Tel: 95244310

DRIVING

2BHK flat with posh furniture for sale near St. Blaise school/church in AMBOLI, Andheri west, Mumbai.

Kindly contact Muscat no.

95434412.

Plot, propeties for sale in prime location in pune Contact 95272138, (+918390982975)

MATRIMONIAL Proposal invited for employed BSc Nurse in Muscat for her, Remarriage age 28 years Christian Jacobite. Contact: 93262428

MATRIMONIAL Christian Orthodox girl 24 yrs, BSC MLT working in Government Hospital Thiruvalla, seeking suitable alliance from Orthodox family.

Contact: 99734325 / 99898130

D8

M O N DAY, JA N UA RY 1 1 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

RENT A CAR

RENT A CAR

RENT A CAR Al Sharouq rent a car. Contact: 99222617 Silver car, car rental at good rate.

Contact: 96166155/93530540 Car available with driver for monthly, weakly, daily rent.

Contact 96728056 / 98031620 25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver. Contact 99839898