Times of Oman - May 12, 2016

THURSDAY May 12, 2016 5 Sha’aban 1437 AH

6 085010 120010

FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN MORNING MINUTE

To the People, 1975

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ Oman is rich in resources and its resources belong to its people. Though oil is our main source of income at present, we know that we have abundant other resources which we need to exploit in order to promote the rapid progress and development we wish for this country.

Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. 69

| 40 Pages . Baisas 200 . Subscription OMR63 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company | Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali | Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group

G D P P E R C E N TA G E

M I N I S T RY O F H E R I TA G E

Remittance from Sultanate among highest in world

Portion of Khaboura Fort’s wall collapses

REMITTANCE AND GDP

Times News Service MUSCAT: A portion of the wall at the Khaboura Fort collapsed on Monday, the Ministry of Heritage said in a statement on Wednesday.

Suleiman bin Hamad Al Subhi, director of the Restoration and Maintenance Department at the Ministry of Heritage and Culture (MHC), said the collapsed portion of the wall was a part of the old exterior fence of the fort.

He also explained that the two centuries-old-fence was built of stones and mud.

“The wall collapsed due to weather factors and construction work was also going around in the area,” he stated.

Al Subhi added that 70 per cent of the work had been completed at the fort, which is currently under restoration.

The ministry has started maintenance work for the safety of the residents of the area.

It will carry out the full maintenance work of the fort using the same old traditional materials to strengthen the building.

Earlier this week, MHC announced that it had completed the maintenance work of the boundary wall of the Al Mughabash Castle in Suwaiq in the North Batinah Governorate. The castle is located on the main road leading to Sohar.

Electricity has been restored to the castle and the building will be fully restored soon, according to an official.

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

OMAN

Flights diverted to Al Ain return

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Two Oman Air flights, which were supposed to land at the Muscat International Airport and were diverted to the Al Ain International Airport due to an emergency landing of another flight in Muscat, later returned and landed at the Muscat Airport. >A3

REGION

80 dead in three Baghdad blasts

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Three suicide bombings claimed by IS across Baghdad killed at least 80 people on Wednesday, Iraqi police and hospital sources said, in the deadliest attacks in the Iraqi capital this year. Security has gradually improved in Baghdad, which was the target of daily bombings a decade ago. >A8

Top remittance-sending countries as percentage of GDP in 2014 Rank Country

Remittances vs GDP In million dollars

2010

Percentage of GDP

Remittances GDP 2012

2014

10,642 52,352

12,700 64,874

1 1,293

366 2,013

1

Luxembourg

2

Liberia

3

Marshall Islands

12.8% 8

8 164

4

OMAN

6 12.6%

5,704 58,641

10,301 81,797

5

Lebanon

12.3% 3

4,390 38,010

5,604 45,731

6 .. .

Kuwait

11,864 115,419

18,129 163,612

9

Bahrain

10

Kyrgyzstan

11

Qatar

19.6%

118.2%

11.1% %

24 187

12 Saudi Arabia 13

COULD FAMILY VISA RULES BE RELAXED? Majlis Al Shura has asked questions about the OMR600 per month rule for expats, with one member saying it should be lowered

FAHAD AL GADHANI REJIMON K fahadnews@timesofoman.com reji@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: A ban on expatriate employees earning less than OMR600 per month on bringing their families to Oman has been questioned by the Majlis Al Shura, as some members say lowering the minimum wage required may help the

Sultanate’s economy.

In September 2013, Royal Oman Police (ROP) made it mandatory that an expatriate wishing to bring in his family to the Sultanate should be drawing a salary of OMR600 per month.

Now, the Majlis Al Shura has sent questions to ROP regarding that limit, with one member told Times of Oman that if the amount is brought

down, then many would be able to bring in their families which in turn would lead to increased spending inside Oman.

“The parliament has forwarded some questions to the ROP on why a salary limit has been set.

The ROP might have considered different aspects while deciding on the limit.

“However, lowering down the salary limit for family status will help expats in Oman to bring in their families, which will boost spending and help the economy,” Rashid Al Shamsi, the Majlis Al Shura member, said.

“Expats with families in Oman will spend more here rather than remitting it to their home country,” the Shura member said..>A6

UAE

4.8% 8

Source: Migration and Remittances Factbook 2016, World Bank

RAHUL DAS

rahuldas@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Remittance by expats from Oman has been one of the highest in the world, based on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) percentage, according to the 2016 World Bank Migration and Remittances fact book.

The aggregate outflows represent 12.6 per cent of the Oman’s GDP. Oman’s GDP, which is measured by the monetary value of all the finished goods and services, stood at OMR27 billion in 2015, according to data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

The top remittance sending countries in the world are Luxembourg, where aggregate outflows represent 19.6 per cent of the country’s GDP, followed by Liberia (18.2 per cent), Marshall Islands (12.8 per cent) and Oman (12.6 per cent).

Oman is followed by Lebanon (12.3 per cent) and Kuwait (11 per cent). All the other Gulf countries

Graphics

fare below 10 per cent.

Commenting on the report, N Gurumurthy, a financial expert based in Oman, said the remittance outflow has always been high in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region due to the higher percentage of expat labour in this region. “Around 40 per cent to 50 per cent (in UAE it is even higher) of the total population in the region are expats, predominantly from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh,” he said.

He added: “Remittance outflow is good for the country as it helps in reducing local inflation.

If there are more investment opportunities, relaxation in the purchase of real estate, increased retirement benefits, relaxed norms for residential status, liberal family visa rules may help reduce the outflow.”

Tonny George Alexander, director of the Oman UAE Exchange, said that this clearly shows that the economy is robust and that the projects are on track as government declared.>A6

100,000 meals to be distributed among poor families in Oman

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O B S TA C L E S

Free trade pact with US hit Omani exports: OCCI official Staff Reporter

MARKET

Oman to sign deal for two power projects

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Agreements to build Ibri and Sohar -3 independent power projects will be signed by Oman Power and Water Procurement Company with a consortium of Japan’s Mitsui & Co., ACWA Power, and Dhofar International Development and Investment Holding Co. >B1

MUSCAT: A free trade agreement between Oman and the United States, which was signed a decade ago, has not benefited Omani traders.

The agreement is still facing many challenges in terms of implementation, an official at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) told Al Shabiba, the sister publication of Times of Oman. The official blamed the standard specifications set by the US government for Omani products for this decrease.

While reiterating his trust in the quality of Omani products, he

The quota system adopted by the US government and implemented for Omani exports does not follow the principles of free trade, says the OCCI official

stressed that research should be conducted to meet common criteria and international standards.

Sulaiman bin Sultan Al Mughairy, assistant general manager at the OCCI, said that current figures do not reflect the expecta-

tions of the trade agreement between the two countries and their historic relationship, especially in the area of free trade, as Omani exports to the American market have witnessed a remarkable decrease.

It shows that there are obstacles that prevent Omani products from entering the United States market, or there may be lack of knowledge among the Omani traders of the advantages and facilities of the US market, he added.

Readymade clothes Al Mughairy also criticised the quota system, which has been adopted by the US government and implemented for Omani exports, such as readymade clothes, saying it does not follow the principles of free trade, which had negatively affected local factories last year.

Moreover, he said many states

in the United States do not follow/apply the federal system. The different set of rules in US states make it difficult for the Omani traders to adjust to the system while Oman has only set of rules.

Marc J. Sievers, the US ambassador to the Sultanate, said Omani companies are good partners when it comes to doing business with the United States.

He called upon businessmen in the two countries to benefit from the agreement and to invest more, while pointing out that the free trade agreement had resulted in trade exchange and services between the two countries have increasing by 50 per cent.

THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2016

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Diverted flights back in Muscat A couple of Oman Air flights had been diverted to Al Ain International Airport to allow an emergency landing Muscat, the airline tweeted on its official Twitter handle. According to the airline, the flights were from Milan and Jeddah.

“Flight #WY144 MXP-MCT was diverted to the Al Ain Int’l Airport due to emergency landing of another airline at the Muscat Int’l Airport. Flight #WY674 JED-MCT was diverted to Al Ain Int’l Airport due to emergency landing of another plane at

REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Two Oman Air flights, which were supposed to land at the Muscat International Airport, were diverted to the Al Ain International Airport due to an emergency landing of another flight in S TAT E C O U N C I L

Panel approves draft penal law Times News Service MUSCAT: State Council’s Legal Committee approved the final report of the new draft of the Omani Penal Code on Wednesday, prior to its submission at the Bureau.

The approval came at a meeting of the Committee chaired by Abdul Qadir bin Salim Al Dhahab, head of the Committee, in the presence of the honourable members of the Committee and the staff of the Secretariat.

The Draft Code assigned by the Council of Ministers with opinion of Majlis Al Shura intends to extend the purview of the current law, which was issued in 1974.

The process involved study of the law, as it is one of the most important draft laws, which aims to protect individual rights and freedom and preserves integrity and security of society.

It aims be an effective tool to counter crime as it tackles loopholes in current law.

POPULAR CLASSIC CHEMMEEN

Actors of noted Indian film to be honoured Times News Service MUSCAT: Indian actors who played the lead role in ‘Chemmeen’, a 1965 Malayalam romantic drama film, will be honoured in Oman on Friday at Oman Auditorium of Al Bustan Palace Hotel at 7pm.

“The movie was made in 1965.

Now, 50 years have gone. But still it is one of the few ‘popular classics’ in Malayalam cinema,” said Jayakumar Vallikavu, director of JK films, the event presenters.

‘Chemmeen’ not only won a national award for its artistic excellence, but was also the first South Indian film to win Indian President’s Gold Medal for the Best Film. It was also a huge commercial success. “Very few films have succeeded in achieving both, and no wonder, its popularity and

aesthetic appeal persists even today,” said O.K. Mohammed Ali, the man behind this concept.

As part of the event, Muscat Artists, a popular arts group will present a drama based on ‘Chemmen’ and directed by cine actor Manjulan. The programme will be compared by Asianet ‘Pattupety’ fame Suresh.

Sponsored by Shifa Al Jazeera Hospital Group, the function will be presented by JK films at Al Bustan Palace in association with Global Medical Equipments and Lulu Hypermarket. Mazoon Travels, Asia Express Exchange, Oman Orient Travel and Tours, Hormuz Grand Hotel, Kochin Gold and Diamonds, Modern Exchange, Malabar Gold and Diamonds are the other sponsors.

Times of Oman is the media partner for the event.

Muscat Int’l Airport,” the airline tweeted. In a later tweet, the airline said both flights have departed from the Al Ain Airport and have landed at Muscat.

“Flight #WY144 had departed Al Ain Int’l Airport and landed at Muscat Int’l Airport at 0940.

Flight #WY674 had departed Al Ain Int’l Airport and landed at Muscat Int’l Airport at 0935,” the airline said.

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THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2016

OMAN CRIME

Bid to smuggle 2,000 packets of khat foiled Staff Reporter MUSCAT: A bid to smuggle khat into Oman on a truck has been foiled, the Royal Oman Police said.

“A truck transporting fish was seized in Dhofar and 2,000 packets of khat hidden inside were recovered,” the police said.

Similarly, at the Waja border, the police seized tobacco products and heroine meant to be smuggled into Oman.

Khat is a native flowering shrub, with effects, when chewed, being similar to stimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamine.

25

is the approximate number pharmacies subjected to disciplinary actions over the past one year or so

Don’t flout antibiotics sales rules: Officials Government has ‘ongoing audits’ in place pharmacies found not abiding

CONTRABAND: A truck trans-

by regulations

porting fish was seized in Dhofar and 2,000 packets of khat hidden inside were recovered.

are subject to disciplinary actions

babaumar@timesofoman.com

Mohammed Saif Al Hosani, Undersecretary (Health Affairs) in the Ministry of Health

MUSCAT: Top health officials have warned against sale of antibiotics after it emerged some pharmacies are selling the drugs in the Sultanate without doctor’s prescription, overuse of which creates ‘superbugs’ - bacteria that often can’t be contained even with multiple drugs.

“Antimicrobials are regulated.

They should never been dispensed without a prescription.

And this is going on for many

years now,” Mohammed Saif Al Hosani, Undersecretary (Health Affairs) in the Ministry of Health told Times of Oman (TOO).

He said the government has “ongoing audits” in place and any pharmacy which is found not abiding by the regulations “is subject to disciplinary actions”.

“There are many pharmacies… some 25 have been subjected to disciplinary actions over the past

BABA UMAR

one year or so,” he said.

Asked if the regulations involves antibiotics being transported from other countries through airports, he said, “There are regulations in terms of the quantities.

As for as personal use, it’s not yet there. But if the quantity increases for even personal use, it’s confiscated. It’s (the drugs) held at the airport and sent to director general of pharmacy and drug control,” the undersecretary said.

To tackle the risk of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), the Sultanate under the aegis of the health ministry on Monday launched a national campaign to define the rational use of antibiotics in the health, animals and agriculture sectors.

Al Hosani said the threat is “serious” worldwide and “we might run out of antibiotics” if action isn’t taken quickly.

“It’s serious worldwide. If people are not careful with dispensing antibiotics, we might run out of antibiotics very soon and we will have nothing to fight infections.

So it’s extremely serious. Are we worse than other countries? Probably we are much better, but we could be much better than what we are now,” he told TOO.

Health experts, meanwhile, say the threat is real since no new antibiotic drug has been discovered for the last three decades.

“The first lesson is…over the last three decades there has been no new group of antibiotics discovered. The problem of overusing antibiotics means resistance to antibiotics. This mean we will get more and more patients with various diseases that are resistant to antibiotics. Now this will increase the costs of treatment to such patients,” Dr Bashir AP, senior internist and diabetologist, at Badr al Samaa Hospital told TOO. He said ‘superbugs’ is not a common worry one can identify in the Sultanate but “basically this resistance (to antibiotics) can spread genetically. It’s not an issue of one patient now. It’s an issue of society. And Oman is just like any other developing country.

We come across such patients here as well,” he said.

Experts like Dr V.C.P. Mohammed, who specialises in internal medicine said that unnecessary antibiotics come with side effects, drug reaction and widespread resistance to bacteria for which it’s prescribed.

H E A LT H

Need for caution on antimicrobial resistance Staff Reporter MUSCAT: Continuing with its efforts against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), health authorities on Tuesday launched a twoday campaign at the Avenues Mall in the capital.

The event was inaugurated by Dr Mohammed Saif Al Hosani, undersecretary of Health Affairs at the Ministry of Health. A number of health officials and civil

society members were present on the occasion.

The drive is part of a national campaign to raise awareness about the rational use of antibiotics in the health, animals and agriculture sectors. Earlier on Monday, the Health Ministry had commenced a national plan to tackle the risk of AMR. On the occasion, Al Hosani visited many stalls installed by the ministry and private organi-

sations, where representatives demonstrated effective ways to curb the menace of the overuse of antibiotics.

Organisers also held a painting exercise for the children.

The awareness campaign is being promoted under the hashtag #Oman_Fights_AMR. The National Committee of Resistance to Antibiotics includes the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries,

the private sector (hospitals and pharmacies), the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, the Armed Forces Hospital, the Royal Oman Police Hospital, the Research Council, the mass media, community leaders, Public Authority for Consumer Protection, Food Safety Centre at the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs and the Oman.

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THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2016 Many Omanis travel outside for treatment and even the government sends patients abroad for treatment; we hope this project will fill the gap for an international healthcare Sheikh Nasr Al Hosni, Chief Executive Officer of Fincorp.

OMAN

W O R L D - C L A S S H E A LT R H C A R E

European hospital to boost healthcare in the Sultanate Staff Reporter

MITIGATING HUNGER: The Omani firm of Protiviti, a global consulting company recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the charity organisation ‘Nidaa Al Khair. – Photo Supplied

Free meals for poor in Oman iOnHunger’ will start with two days of food packaging activities, followed by the main event, which will take place on May 14

DEEBA HASAN

deeba@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: About 100,000 meals will be distributed among underprivileged families in several rural areas outside Muscat as part of a global year-long initiative called ‘iOnHunger,’ whose aim is to pro-

vide two million meals across the globe to alleviate hunger.

Omani firm Protiviti, a global consulting company recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the charity organisation ‘Nidaa Al Khairi,’ which is also based in Muscat, to join this initiative and help accomplish the target.

“Every human being has the right to access real food in the most humanitarian way. We tied up again this year with the Nidaa Al Khairi team to collaborate in

providing food to underprivileged families in different areas in Oman.

“Last year, we were able to distribute 65,600 meals among different families, and it was an extraordinary experience that we can never forget. This year, we will aim to reach a higher number of served meals and reach more families,” said Shatha al Maskiry, managing director of Protiviti.

According to an official from Protiviti, ‘iOnHunger’ will start with two days of food packaging activities, followed by the main event, which will take place on May 14, and will target rural areas outside Muscat.

This year, friends and families are contributing monetarily, morally and also joining forces with Protiviti to package and distribute the food.

To donate or volunteer, write an email to raed.ali@protivitiglobal.me

MUSCAT: First European hospital project in Oman is expected to fill the gap in the world-class healthcare institution in Oman, said the Chief Executive Officer of Fincorp.

Fincorp is the financial advisor and promoter of the project.

“Many Omanis travel outside for treatment and even the government sends patients abroad for treatment that is not available in the Sultanate; we hope this project will fill the gap for an international healthcare institution in the country,” Sheikh Nasr Al Hosni said while announcing the first European hospital in Oman. A 70-bed multi-specialty hospital in Muscat is expected to start its operation within two years and the total investment for the hospital is OMR21 million.

According to officials, the site for the hospital has not been confirmed yet.

The hospital will be operated

by Asistencia Sanitaria Interprovincial De Seguros S.A.U (ASISA), a private healthcare leader in Spain and a leading insurance provider with partnership from Oman and Emirates Investment Holding Co. SOAG (O&E) and Al Konji Holding.

“This hospital is not like the others in Oman; this is a hospital owned by doctors and that’s the reason we chose ASISA,” Al Hosni asserted.

He also said the European partnership will bring investment to the country.

“This partnership will bring foreign investment to the Sultanate and will also improve the current system by transferring knowledge and skills from abroad, which are currently lack-

FA M I LY V I S A

ing in the private healthcare sector,” Al Hosni stated. The ASISA group has stakeholders in the form of more than 12,000 doctors and employs more than 32,000 healthcare professionals.

40 doctors According to the official from ASISA, the hospital in Muscat will have more than 40 doctors from the European region.

“We will bring in more than 40 doctors, nurses and well experienced healthcare managers from our side and the rest will be filled by the reputed local doctors available here,” Alvaro MartinezArroyo, corporate development director at ASISA said.

He also invited local doctors to become one of the stakeholders of the project. “We are committed to providing the best healthcare services to meet the growing de-

mand in the country and are confident that this hospital will be recognised as one of the leading brands in Oman to meet the rising demand,” he added.

According to officials, the hospital will provide a wide range of medical treatment facilities, including mother and child care, cardiology, genetics, urology, neurology, dermatology, oncology, rehabilitation, etc.

Expansion plans Speaking about their expansion plans in Oman and the Gulf Cooperation Council, an ASISA official said, “Right now we are concentrating on this project; as our first effort to make an entry to this region, this is an important one for us.” He also said that right now ASISA is not planning to implement any sort of insurance scheme for its patients.

ECONOMY

< FROM

A1 ROP reply on salary limit expected He said that ROP may come back to them with answers on why and how the OMR600 limit was set.

Currently, there are 1,747,097 expatriates working in Oman and the total number including their family members is 2.02 million.

“By allowing more expatriate families coming in, consumer expenditure will increase, which will eventually help Oman economy to grow,” Gurumurthy N, a Muscat-based economist, said.

“People save money to meet their family’s education and healthcare needs. If their family is here in Oman, then they will spend it here itself.

“Government should come up

BRIDGING THE GAP: A 70-bed multi-specialty hospital in Muscat is expected to start its operation within two years and the total investment for the hospital is OMR21 million. – Shabin E

with more pro-expatriate steps,” Gurumurthy added.

Shaji Sebastin, an Indian expatriate residing in Oman for more than three decades, said that expatriates being with family in a foreign land will boost their productivity in all means.

“Not only aiding the economy through increased spending, expatriates staying with family in a foreign land like Oman will ensure more productivity in their work and help in the company’s growth,” Shaji added.

Mohammed Sanaullah, a Bangladeshi social worker in Oman, and Azra Aleem, a member of Pakistan Social Club in Oman,

welcomed the move.

“We strongly agree with Shura council on this. If the OMR600 bar is removed or lowered for expats family visa, it will ultimately have positive impacts to the society. As well as the expats will be able to focus more on job and can play good role for the Sultanate’s development,” Sanaullah and Azra said.

Meanwhile, Tonia Gray, general manager at Competence HR, said that it seems reasonable to assume that if family members are also in Oman, then more money will be spent in the local economy and not be sent back home but it would be interesting to see the

logic behind the ROP decision on the OMR600 salary requirement.

“I do not know the reason but there may be something important that we are unaware of. Of course, bringing in family members could place greater costs on the employer if they are required to pay for visas, medicals, health insurance, flights, education etc and I am certain that many employers would not want any additional costs in the current economic climate,” Tonia said.

“If the individual is required to pay for these themselves, then a certain level of salary will be necessary to pay for these,” Tonia added.

A1 Expats remitted $10b < FROM

from Oman in 2014

Overall, the United States remains on the number one spot, sending the highest amount of remittances at $56.3 billion.

The United States is followed by Saudi Arabia at $36.9 billion, Russia ($32.6 billion), Switzerland ($24.7 billion), Germany ($20.8 billion), Kuwait ($18.1 billion), France ($13.8 billion), Luxembourg ($12.7 billion), United Kingdom ($11.5 billion), Qatar ($11.2 billion), Italy ($11.2 billion) and Oman ($10.3 billion).

The fact book, which looked at remittance outflows for 2014, also

revealed that remittance outflow from Oman had increased over the years. In 2006, expatriates in Oman remitted $2.788 billion, which surged to $5.704 billion in 2010, $7.215 billion in 2011 and $8.087 billion in 2012 and $9.104 billion in 2013.

In 2014, the remittance stood at $10.3 billion. Finance experts said that despite economic uncertainties, remittance transactions in the country have remained robust.

“This shows that the country still attracts talent and manpower from all over world,” they added.

THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2016

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OMAN ACHIEVERS

Omani students win five prizes at NBH Awards in Bahrain MANAMA: Five projects by Omani students won prizes at Nasser bin Hamad International Youth Creativity Awards, (NBH Awards), organised by the Ministry of Youth

and Sports in Bahrain that aims to motivate young people to present creative projects.

Nasser bin Salim Al Heimli, student of the College of Engineer-

ing at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) won the first place in architectural design category in the 1924 year group. Yousef bin Said Al Shuaili, a 12th standard student

Price schedule for real estate issued Contrary to what is circulated, no real estate price hike has been recorded due to the prices stated in the real estate assessment schedules, the statement said

REGULATORY MEASURES: The real estate schedule, circulated through the social networks, comes within the regulatory measures to specify the actual value of the real estate as per the market prices. – File photo

MUSCAT: In a move to regularise real estate prices in the Sultanate, the Ministry of Housing has issed price schedule. In a statement, the Ministry said that the real estate schedule, circulated through the social networks, comes within the regulatory measures to specify the actual value of the real estate as per the market prices.

The Ministry said that the schedule, which is a reference point for real estate deed transfer transactions, will control individual assessment by real estate authentication officers at the Ministry.

It has maintained coordination with the relevant authorities to address some remarks on the impor-

tance of real assessment of the real estate as per the actual movement in the real estate sector.

The step comes in response to the need to take systematic and practical measures that specify the actual value of real estate as per the market movement.

The Ministry of Housing said that a number of approved real estate offices were approached to provide real estate prices for all governorates.

The Ministry approved the average prices provided to it by these offices.

The Ministry said that some real estate traders do not disclose the real value of the transactions to reduce the fees collected from them.

Ministry of Housing

This results in collected less fees than actual.

Update every 4 months The real estate prices will be updated every four months depending on the movement of the real estate market. The Ministry will receive assessments from three approved real estate brokers and calculate the average meter price at such estimates. ‘Contrary to what is circulated, no real estate price hike has been recorded due to the prices stated in the real estate assessment schedules. While the monthly real estate trading is stable, the Ministry will keep an eye on what is circulated on this issue, the statement added. -ONA

won first place in photography for in the under-19 age group. Anas bin Mohammed Al Theeb student at the College of Commerce at the SQU won second place in photog-

raphy in the 19-24 year age group.

Anwar Al Hinaiah, Sarah AlShukailiya and Ikram Al Hinaiah, graduates of the College Engineering at SQU, won third place in

the field of science for the 20-24 year age group. Raja bint Salim Al Kalbaniyah, came in the third place in the drawing category in the 19-24 year age group. -ONA

16TH AIRPORT SHOW

New Muscat Airport progress on track, says OAMC boss MUSCAT: Plans and progress for the new Muscat International Airport are unaffected and ontrack, Ahmed Al Hosani, CEO Oman Airport Management Company has said in Dubai.

As part of its continuous effort to position Oman’s airports as the gateways to the beauty of Sultanate, and to promote the latest developments in airports and identifying investment opportunities, Oman Airport Management Company (OAMC) concluded its participation in the 16th edition of the Airport Show between 9 to 11 May at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) in Dubai, UAE. This participation is the fourth consecutive year of participation for OAMC, as the Sultanate’s airport authority. Sheikh Aiman bin Ahmed Al Hosani, CEO of OAMC represented the Company in the Airport leaders gathering held on the sidelines of the exhibition.

The OAMC stall at the exhibition witnessed visits from a large number of visitors, and the Company was represented by staff from Muscat and Salalah Airports Management and members of the commercial operations division, in addition to the staff from the procurement division.

The delegates also took part in a variety workshops that were held alongside the exhibition.

Commenting on the importance of participating in trade events to promote Oman Airports and the Sultanate, Sheikh Aiman Al Hosani stated “Despite the dif-

PROMOTING TOURISM: Oman Airport Management Company (OAMC) took part in the 16th edition of the Airport Show that concluded in Dubai on Wednesday. – ONA

ficult financial situation in the region due to the drop in oil prices, the plans and progress for the new Muscat International Airport are unaffected and on-track.

The Sultanate is steadily moving towards a more diversified economy, with rapid growth being witnessed in non-oil sectors such as tourism and transportation.

In line with the same vision, it is essential for us to represent Oman on a global forum such as the Airport Show, not only to showcase the natural beauty of our country, but rather to high-

light its potential in this very promising sector”.

OAMC’s participation in the exhibition comes as part of the Company’s mission to reach global markets, by being present at prominent exhibitions and conferences regionally and globally in the travel and aviation sector.

These events witness participation from a substantial number of Arab and international companies, besides the large numbers of visitors, which provide a good opportunity to introduce Oman as a global tourism destination. -ONA

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THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2016

REGION

In a killing linked to organised crime, the Turkish citizen of Iranian origin was shot nine times in his car in the Dubai Marina on May 4, the daily Emarat Al Youm cited police chief Khamis Matar Al Muzaina as saying

TEMPORARY RESPITE

Egypt opens border with Gaza for 48 hours after 85-day closure GAZA: Egypt opened its border with Gaza for the first time in three months on Wednesday, giving Palestinians a two-day respite from a closure stemming from friction between Cairo and the enclave’s rulers.

Egypt’s shuttering of Rafah and destruction of cross-border tunnels, along with tight restrictions imposed by Israel along its own frontier with Gaza, have deepened economic misery for many of the 1.9 million Palestinians in the enclave. Egypt’s military-backed government has kept its border with the Gaza Strip largely closed since Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood, was ousted as president three years ago.

Egyptian officials view Gaza’s governing Hamas group as a threat, accusing it of supporting an insurgency in the Sinai peninsula bordering the Palestinian territory. Hamas denies the allegation.

Some 30,000 Gazans are on a waiting list to cross at Rafah. Only ORGANISED CRIME

Dubai police seek suspects after property investor killed

a few thousand, including patients, students and holders of residency permits in third countries, were likely to do so on Wednesday and Thursday before it closes again.

“I have been waiting for several months to get a chance to have advanced cancer checks in Cairo,” said Umm Ahmed, a 55-year-old Gaza resident, urging Egypt’s president to reopen the Rafah crossing for good because “we are brothers, not enemies”.

Hard to schedule For Gazans who live or work outside the enclave, a visit home is hard to schedule, and it carries the risk of being stuck in the territory and losing residency rights in host countries. “You never know when the crossing will be open, so if you want to come and visit your family at home, you should be prepared to risk your job,” said a Gaza merchant who does business in the Gulf.

The Palestinian Embassy in

Cairo said Rafah was opened at the request of occupied West Bank-based Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who met Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah Al Sisi this week. Hamas ousted Abbas’s Fatah movement from power in Gaza in a brief civil war in 2007.

At Cairo international airport, immigration sources said 90 Palestinians from Gaza, stranded in third countries, had arrived and would travel by bus to Rafah. The sources said another 120 Palestinians were expected to land later.

Last week, Israel said it planned to reopen a second border point for commercial traffic into Gaza, a step toward gradually easing the blockade it imposed since 2007.

Israel says its blockade prevents the movement of fighters and stops construction materials that could be used by Hamas to make bunkers and tunnels. Palestinians there say they are under siege and are unable to rebuild homes destroyed by Israeli bombing in a 2014 war. — Reuters

DESPERATE TO CROSS: Palestinians wait at the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, in the southern Gaza Strip, after it was opened for two days by Egyptian authorities, on Wednesday. – AFP

80 killed in Iraq bombings IS militant group claimed the three

DUBAI: Dubai police are seeking at least two Canadians and one Iranian in connection with the fatal shooting last week of a real estate investor in an upscale neighbourhood, media reported on Wednesday.

In a killing linked to organised crime, the Turkish citizen of Iranian origin was shot nine times in his car in the Dubai Marina on May 4, the daily Emarat Al Youm cited police chief Khamis Matar Al Muzaina as saying. Muzaina said police had identified suspects involved in attack, though some had left the country, according to the newspaper. One was an Iranian citizen and others were Canadian citizens, he said. The police had provided information about the suspects to the Canadian authorities, he was quoted as saying.

The gunmen used silenced pistols, and the crime was discovered later when a guard discovered the body in the car, parked in a residential building, Emarat Al Youm cited police sources as saying. — Reuters

suicide bombings in the Iraqi capital

BAGHDAD: Three suicide bombings claimed by IS across Baghdad killed at least 80 people on Wednesday, Iraqi police and hospital sources said, in the deadliest attacks in the Iraqi capital this year.

Security has gradually improved in Baghdad, which was the target of daily bombings a decade ago, but violence against security forces and civilians is still frequent. Large blasts sometimes set off reprisal attacks against the minority community. The fight against IS, which seized about a third of Iraq’s territory in 2014, has exacerbated a long-running sectarian conflict in Iraq mostly between minority community and majority community that came to power after the US-led invasion in 2003. Such violence threatens to

PAIN AND ANGER: A woman reacts at the scene of a car bomb attack in Baghdad’s district of Sadr City, Iraq, on Wednesday. – Reuters

undermine US-backed efforts to defeat the militant group.

Wednesday’s bombings could also intensify pressure on Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi to resolve a political crisis that has crippled the government for more than a month.

The first attack, a suicide car bomb at a bustling market in the area of Sadr City, killed 55 people

during morning rush hour and wounded 68.

Two more blasts struck at the end of the working day. A suicide bomber stormed a security checkpoint leading into Kadhimiya, a northwestern area, killing 17 and wounding more than 30.

Another bomb went off at a checkpoint on a commercial thoroughfare in a district of western

Baghdad, killing eight and wounding 20. A pickup truck packed with explosives in Sadr City went off near a beauty salon in a bustling market. Many of the victims were women including several brides who appeared to be getting ready for their weddings, the sources said. The bodies of two men said to be grooms were found in an adjacent barber shop. Wigs, shoes

YEMEN

P L A N N I N G AT TA C K S

Tunisian security forces kill two suspected militants TUNIS: Tunisian security forces killed two suspected militants and recovered weapons during a raid near Tunis against a group planning to attack the capital, the government said on Wednesday.

Security forces are engaged in a crackdown after four major attacks in the last year by militants including on a Tunis museum, a beach resort and a border town near Libya.

The Interior Ministry said security forces killed two suspects in a raid on a house in Mnihla, near the capital, arrested 16 people and captured rifles, grenades, pistols and ammunition.

“The terrorists came from different parts of the country and gathered in the capital, particularly Ettadhamoun, to prepare synchronised attacks,” the statement said.

Authorities say more than 4,000 Tunisians have left to fight for militant groups in Iraq and Syria and some have returned to training camps run by IS

and children’s toys were scattered on the ground outside. At least two cars were destroyed in the explosion, their parts scattered far from the blast site.

Rescue workers stepped through puddles of blood to put out fires and remove victims.

Smoke was still rising from several shops hours after the explosion as a bulldozer cleared the burntout chassis of the vehicle used in the blast. IS said in statements circulated online by supporters that a car bomb had aimed at militia fighters gathered in the area and two fighters wearing explosive vests targeted security forces in the later attacks.

Since 2014, Iraqi forces backed

by US-led air strikes have driven the group back in the western province of Anbar and are preparing for an offensive to retake the northern city of Mosul. A spokesman said on Wednesday IS had lost two-thirds of the territory seized by the militants in 2014. Yet the militants are still able to strike outside territory they control. The ultra-hardline militant group has claimed recent attacks across the country as well as a twin suicide bombing in Sadr City in February that killed 70 people. — Reuters

THE SITE OF OPERATION: A Tunisian gendarme stands guard as a journalist leaves a house where two suspected militants were killed during a security operation on Wednesday in the town of Mnihla, in Ariana province just outside Tunis. – AFP

across the border in neighbouring Libya. Western partners are helping train Tunisian forces in border protection to help stop militants returning from Libya.

Attacks on the Tunis Bardo museum and a Sousse beach resort last year were carried out by gunmen trained in Libyan militant camps. — Reuters

Three killed in attack on army convoy ADEN: A suicide bomber killed at least three people and wounded 12 on Wednesday in an attack on the convoy of a senior military commander who survived the assault, President Abdrabbo Mansour Hadi’s state-run news agency reported.

A security official put the death toll in the attack near the city of Al Qatan at eight and said that 17 other people were wounded, including the commander of the First Military Region, General Abdulrahman Al Halili, who suffered minor injuries. No one claimed responsibility for the attack.

Halili, who was on his way to inspect Yemeni government forces when the attack took place, later visited wounded soldiers at Seyoun hospital and vowed to keep pushing to “uproot this malicious plant from our midst”. The state-run news agency said that one soldier and two civilians died in the attack.

The agency did not say whether Halili was wounded. — Reuters

IS STRONGHOLD

Western Libyan forces set to attack Sirte MISRATA (LIBYA): Forces in western Libya are preparing to advance on the city of Sirte, seized

by IS last year, their spokesman said, pushing ahead with plans for a counter-attack after the hardliners made territorial gains in the last week.

The fighters based in the city of Misrata would like international logistical support to help retake what has become IS’ most important base outside Syria and Iraq, but will not wait for it before

launching the operation, they said.

“We are ready and we are preparing our security arrangements to attack Sirte,” said Brigadier General Mohamed Al Gasri, spokesman for a newly formed military operations room in Misrata. The operations room was set up by a UN-backed unity government that arrived in Tripoli at the end of March.

European powers and the United States hope the unity government will be able to unite Libya’s

rival political groups and armed factions to take on IS, though it is unclear how far its authority extends on the ground.

Misrata’s brigades have largely transferred their support to it from a self-declared government formed in Tripoli in 2014.

But the unity government has struggled to win support from another administration based the east and the military forces allied to it. They have also said they would move against Sirte,

though past announcements have come to nothing. Late last month the unity government urged both sides to hold off attacking Sirte before a unified command is created, fearing an uncoordinated offensive could lead to civil war.

“We need logistical support from the international community, and we need weapons and ammunition,” Gasri said. “Whether they’re going to support us or not, we will be there soon. We will not stand and watch.” — Reuters

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INDIA

Mallya cannot be deported, but extradition possible: UK The UK government’s response came nearly a fortnight after India made a request for the deportation of Mallya, whose Indian passport was revoked in a bid to secure his presence for investigations against him under the PMLA

NEW DELHI: In a setback to India’s efforts to expeditiously get back Vijay Mallya, facing arrest for money laundering, the UK has made it clear that the business tycoon cannot be deported and asked India to seek his extradition.

However, the British government said it acknowledges “the seriousness of allegations” against Mallya and was “keen to assist” the Indian government.

The UK government’s response came nearly a fortnight after India made a request for the deportation of Mallya, whose Indian passport was revoked in a bid to secure his presence for investigations against him under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002.

There is also a non-bailable warrant issued against Mallya.

“The UK government has informed us that under the 1971 Immigration Act, the UK does

FACING ARREST: Vijay Mallya had a diplomatic passport by virtue of being a Rajya Sabha member. He resigned from the Upper House this month. – Reuters file photo

not require an individual to hold a valid passport in order to remain in the UK if they have extant leave to remain as long as their passport was valid when leave to remain or enter the UK was conferred.

“At the same time the UK acknowledges the seriousness of the allegations and is keen to assist the Government of India.

They have asked Government of India to consider requesting mutual legal assistance or extradition,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

In the Rajya Sabha, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said India will now have to initiate extradition process after a charge sheet is filed to bring back the embattled tycoon to face money laundering charges as well as recovery of the Rs94 billion of loans to his defunct Kingfisher Airlines.

Cancellation of passport “does not result in automatic deportation, that is the stand taken by

UK,” Jaitley said.

The finance minister said public sector banks are making all efforts to recover the loans and investigating agencies are inquiring into violations of law.

Resigned Mallya had a diplomatic passport by virtue of being a Rajya Sabha member. He resigned from the Upper House this month.

The extradition can happen under the 1993 treaty or any other necessary assistance under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) signed in 1992 between India and the UK. However, India was hoping to get the business tycoon through the expeditious route of deportation and not go through the lengthy process of extradition.

Significantly, replying to a query in Lok Sabha Minister of State for Home Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary in March said that

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is mulling attaching domestic assets and shares worth about Rs94 billion owned by Mallya in connection with its money laundering probe against him and others in the IDBI bank loan fraud case

India has made 15 extradition requests to the UK, which was yet to act on them. Chaudhary said in a meeting held on February 15 here between MoS Home and Minister of State for Migration, UK, the issue of pending extradition requests was raised.

“The UK minister clarified that these matters are sub-judice in the British courts. On the part of the government, the UK Minister assured cooperation on the pending issues on case-to-case basis,” the minister had added.

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is mulling attaching domestic assets and shares worth about Rs94 billion owned by Mallya in connection with its money laundering probe against him and others in the IDBI bank loan fraud case.

Officials said on Wednesday the agency has already begun the exercise of identifying and valuing the country-wide immovable as-

sets of the beleaguered businessman in order to place them under attachment under the criminal provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

They said the agency will also inform market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) about its move to similarly attach his shares in various Indian companies so that no third party rights are created.

Preliminary assessment The officials from the Enforcement Directorate(ED) said that as per preliminary assessment done the value of the assets that would be provisionally attached will be around Rs94 billion which is equal to the total default of bank loans which he is accused of.

They said Mallya’s assets in the form of bungalows, costly vehicles, bank balances and others have already been assessed by agency sleuths probing the case.

Banks will also be taken onboard before attaching these assets under PMLA laws, they said, adding the agency does not want to “jeopardise” their interests over these assets through which they are planning to get back their loans. The ED has been wanting to make Mallya join investigations “in person” in the over 9 billion IDBI loan fraud case in which it registered a PMLA case early this year. It has virtually exhausted all legal options to make Mallya join the probe including issuance of a non-bailable warrant against him from a Mumbai court based on which it made the requests for the revocation of his passport and subsequent deportation bid to bring back the beleaguered businessman from the UK. - PTI

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A G U S TAW E S T L A N D D E A L

Michel: I never met Sonia, Manmohan or Antony NEW DELHI: Chirstian Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs36 billion AgustaWestland helicopter deal, on Wednesday said that he has never met Congress President Sonia Gandhi or the then prime minister Manmohan Singh to push for the purchase of VVIP choppers.

“No, never,” was the prompt reply of Michel when he was asked whether he had ever met Gandhi, Singh or the then Defence Minister A. K. Antony for pushing the deal.

“I have never met any of these,” he said in an interview to ‘TV Today’ news channel in Abu Dhabi.

Michel sought to clear his name from the kickbacks scam claiming that he had “once” shaken hands with the then IAF chief S. P. Tyagi in Delhi but “avoided him” for his links with Italian businessman Guido Haschke and another middleman.

“I probably met him (S. P. Tyagi) in Gymkhana club and I think I shook his hand there. But because of his association with Haschke I really avoided him,” he said.

He also said that BJP MP Subramanian Swamy has not lied about the deal but it seems he has been misled.

“He has authenticated (documents) what was given in the CAG report. The CAG report was prepared in great hurry as the deal was always blowing away.

“They (CAG) are not aviation experts and they are bureaucrats asked to put together document way beyond their expertise. So he was misled by his own documentation,” he said.

Earlier, Michel’s lawyer Rosemary Patrizi Dos Anjos had said that he was ready to come to India and face investigators provided he gets an assurance he will not be arrested. Michel is one of three alleged middlemen whom the Indian investigating agencies suspect to have brokered the VVIP chopper deal in favour of UK-based AgustaWestland. - PTI

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THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2016

INDIA

Judiciary in a way came forward as an adjudicator of constitutional and democratic values. From the Supreme Court to the High Court, I want to thank the judiciary.

With this, the trust of people in the constitutional set up has increased further Harish Rawat, Former chief minister of Uttarakhand

Cabinet recommends revocation of President’s rule in Uttarakhand the people who gave moral support. “I want to thank Mayawati for supporting us. The people who supported us are very precious for me. When I go there (to Delhi), I will also meet the prime minister and the finance minister and will tell them that the state of Uttarakhand needs your support,” Rawat said.

Set to return as chief minister Harish Rawat said the judiciary has restored the faith of people in democracy in Uttarakhand even as he pledged to start afresh forgetting the ‘bad patch’ to take the state forward

NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday recommended revocation of President’s rule in Uttarakhand soon after the Supreme Court put its stamp on the floor test in the Assembly won by Harish Rawat on Tuesday and directed that he be reinstated.

The Cabinet met briefly at Parliament House at around 12.45pm after Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi told the apex court that the Centre will revoke President’s rule in the state imposed over six weeks ago.

“The Cabinet has recommended revocation of President’s Rule in Uttarakhand,” a senior government functionary said.

Proved majority The AG had conceded in the court that Rawat has proved his majority. “It is clear from news and other reports that orderly vote did take place and Rawat proved his majority. I have taken instruction from the government... that we will re-

BRIEFING: Congress leader Harish Rawat addresses the media in Dehradun on Wednesday after the Supreme Court approved that he won the trial of strength in the Uttarakhand Assembly. - PTI

voke the President’s rule,” the attorney general said.

The bench said Rawat will assume office as CM after President’s rule is revoked. “We allow the Centre to revoke forthwith the order of proclamation of President’s rule in the state,” it said.

Set to return as chief minister after one-and-a-half months of dramatic twists and turns, Harish Rawat on Wednesday said the judiciary has restored the faith of people in democracy in Uttarakhand even as he pledged to start afresh forgetting the “bad patch” to take the state forward.

Rawat, who thanked Congress

President Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and other party leader for lending support, said the state would need active support of the central government and that he would meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

The judiciary has restored the faith of the people in democracy, he said, stressing that the state will start a “new chapter” by forgetting the past experience.

“Judiciary in a way came forward as an adjudicator of constitutional and democratic values.

From the Supreme Court to the High Court, I want to thank the

judiciary. With this, the trust of people in the constitutional set up has increased further,” Rawat told reporters here.

Observing that in the past oneand-a-half months the state suffered losses, Rawat said, “What ends well remains well. And from here, making a new start will be beneficial for the state.”

He said, “It will be beneficial for the state if we think all this as a bad patch or a troubled patch and forget it and think of the way forward.

I want to thank the attorney general and the central government for showing magnanimity and telling the court that they are going to

withdraw President’s rule.

“We believe that after all the other sad chapters and questions (that have arisen out of this episode), the central government will come out with solutions,” he said.

Support Noting that the state needs “active support” of the central government, Rawat said that he would meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

He said Sonia Gandhi, Rahul initiated the ‘save democracy’ campaign to give a lead to democratic forces, other political parties and

Floor test Terming Tuesday’s floor test in the Assembly as a “historic denoument” of the events in the state since March, Rawat thanked PDF which gave him support. “I, on behalf of all my former cabinet colleagues and everyone involved, want to thank the judiciary for the historic denoument to the sequence of events over the past nearly two months in the form of a floor test in the state Assembly yesterday.

“What happened in the Assembly yesterday will definitely further strengthen people’s faith in the supremacy of the judiciary and legislative institutions in a democracy,” he said.

With Rawat set to be reinstated as chief minister in Uttarakhand, Opposition parties on Wednesday demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologise to Parliament with the Congress hoping he “learns his lesson”.

As the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and other opposition parties hailed the return of Rawat, asserting that democracy has won, the Communist Party of India-Marxist(CPI-M) said the “anti-constitutional conspiracy” hatched by the BJP to topple the state government has received a “big setback”.

The BJP on its part sought to fend off the attack on the party after the Supreme Court gave its nod for Rawat’s return, claiming that the Congress has “bought” majority in the state but it has lost “Uttarakhand people’s majority”. -PTI

AMBITIOUS PROJECT

River interlinking on large scale not practical, says Joshi NEW DELHI: National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government’s ambitious project to interlink rivers is not feasible on a large scale, senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi, who chaired a Parliamentary panel that examined the issue of Ganga rejuvenation, said on Wednesday.

Joshi said rivers can be interlinked on small scale but it is not “practical” to go for large-scale interlinking at the national level.

Talking to reporters after tabling a report of the Estimates Committee on Ganga Rejuvenation, the BJP veteran claimed thousands of kilowatts of power will be required to run pump sets to lift water from one end to another.

“It will require power and money. We are short of power as it is... how will water cross the Malwa Plateau. Imagine the number of

pumping sets required,” senior BJP leader contended.

But, he clarified that river interlinking is not one of the subjects of the Estimates Committee.

He said, had it been practical, then nature itself would have done it. “The rivers would have been inter-connected. But it is not.”

The government has identified three projects for interlinking of rivers. Based on concurrence of the states concerned, three links — Ken-Betwa link, DamangangaPinjal link and Par-Tapi-Narmada link have been taken up for preparation of detailed project reports (DPRs) by the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) out of 30 inter-state links identified under the National Perspective Plan (NPP).

The DPR for Ken-Betwa link project and Damnganga-Pin-

jal link has been completed by NWDA and submitted to the states concerned.

DPR of Par-Tapi-Narmada link is in various stages of completion and the Supreme Court on February 27, 2012 had directed the government to take up Ken-Betwa link project for implementation at the first instance itself.

Irrigation potential According to a government estimate, approximately 35 million hectare of additional irrigation potential and 34,000 mega watts of hydro-power generation are the likely benefits envisaged under National Perspective Plan, apart from the incidental benefits of flood moderation, navigation, drinking water supply, fisheries, salinity and pollution control.

Joshi, meanwhile, suggested

that mass afforestation and rainwater harvesting were practical solutions to fight water crisis.

The river interlinking project is considered the brainchild of the NDA government and in October, 2002, the then prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had formed a task force to get the project going against the backdrop of the acute drought that year.

But, few water and irrigation experts have maintained the idea of inter-linking of rivers was conceived in 1992.

Expressing concern over Ganga being declared one of the 10 most polluted rivers in the world, a parliamentary committee on Wednesday recommended setting up of an overarching authority headed by the prime minister to cut down on red tape so that the river is restored to its pristine glory. -PTI

GANGA REJUVENATION REPORT: BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi, Chairperson, Estimates Committee, interacts with the media after presenting the 15th Report on Ganga Rejuvenation, at Parliament House in New Delhi on Wednesday. - PTI

SHEENA MURDER CASE

Indrani’s ex-driver Rai seeks to become approver, wants to tell all MUMBAI: Lending a new twist to the sensational Sheena Bora murder case, key accused Indrani Mukerjea’s former driver Shyamvar Rai on Wednesday sought to turn approver, saying he wants to “disclose all truths” as he had taken part in her killing by strangulation.

Recording his statement before a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court here, Rai said he was under “no pressure, threat or coercion” to reveal the facts in the case and was “repentant” about his act. The development came after Rai, an accused, wrote a two-page letter to the court last week seeking pardon in the case while stating that he wants to reveal the truth.

On Wednesday, when Special Judge H. S. Mahajan called Rai in the box, he said, “I am aware about the acts connected with the commission of the offence.”

The judge questioned Rai if he had written the letter from the jail to which he replied in the affirmative. When the judge asked how

NEW TWIST: A file photo of Indrani Mukerjea and her daughter Sheena Bora, left. - PTI

Rai knew about the incident, he replied, “I was present at the time of murder and was a participant.”

He also told the court that Sheena was killed by strangulation. The court later directed CBI to file its reply on May 17 over Rai’s plea to turn approver in the case. It also asked Thane Jail Superintendent and Thane Police Commissioner to ensure that Rai is produced in the court on the next hearing. Indrani, her

husband Peter Mukerjea and her former husband Sanjeev Khanna were present in court as Rai’s statement was being recorded.

However, their lawyers said that even if the court accepts Rai’s plea and makes him an approver, their case won’t be affected.

Sheena (24), Indrani’s daughter from an earlier relationship, was strangulated inside a car in April 2012. Her body was found in a forest in Raigad. - PTI

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POPULAR SPOT

Naran road opens for tourists after six months KAGHAN: The road leading to a popular recreation spot in Naran has opened after almost six months as the thoroughfare has been cleared of glaciers and landslides.

Locals and officials of the National Highway Authority (NHA) told The Express Tribune that every year Shahrah-e-Kaghan is closed for traffic between November and March.

However, the route was blocked for a longer period following excessive snowfall and landslides.

They added the weather system had an adverse impact and routine life screeched to a grinding halt for another two months.

Jalkhad Road and the route near Saiful Maluk Lake are still blanketed in snow.

According to locals, there are six glaciers on the sides of Naran Road. After heavy snowfall, these glaciers move downslope and cover the entire road. In addition, rain has also hampered efforts to clear the road and delayed the tourist season to May. Jeep track NHA officials said all six glaciers were cut so that a jeep track could be made from the middle. The debris from recent landslides was also removed three days back.

Naran Hotels Association President Seth Matiullah said tourists have started arriving in the valley now that the road has been cleared.

Matiullah added delays in the opening of Naran Road usually deal a critical blow to the tourism industry. — Express Tribune

PAKISTAN

Gilani’s freed son returns home to warm welcome The rescue offered a rare moment of warmth and respite in long-running tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, which many in Afghanistan blame for fostering and sheltering Taliban leaders on their soil

Ali Haider Gilani was rescued on Monday by a joint force of Afghan and US commandos who attacked a house held

by Al Qaeda militants in Paktika province, just across the border from Pakistan

KABUL/LAHORE: The son of a former Pakistani prime minister who was rescued by Afghan and US forces from Al Qaeda captors in Afghanistan arrived home to a rapturous welcome in Pakistan on Wednesday, three years after being kidnapped from his home town.

Ali Haider Gilani was rescued on Monday by a joint force of Afghan and US commandos who attacked a house held by Al Qaeda militants in Paktika province, just across the border from Pakistan.

Before his departure from Afghanistan, Gilani, with long hair and a grey-streaked beard, thanked his rescuers.

Looking tired but otherwise healthy, the son of former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said

FREE AT LAST: The son of former Pakistani prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Ali Haider Gilani

centre, is escorted by Afghan Special Forces personnel from an Afghan National Army helicopter at the Ministry of Defence in Kabul on Wednesday. — AFP

pressure from Pakistani forces fighting militants in lawless frontier lands had forced his captors to take him over the border into Afghanistan.

“I really appreciate the Afghan government’s efforts and the Afghan forces’ efforts for someone, these sacrifices, for someone from another country,” he told reporters at Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence where he was handed over to Pakistani diplomats.

“That shows the efforts of the

BALLOONING CONTROVERSY

Raheel urges Nawaz to resolve Panama leaks issue ISLAMABAD: Army chief General Raheel Sharif is said to have urged Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to resolve a ballooning controversy sparked by revelations in the Panama Papers that three Sharif family members were among dozens of world politicians who have secret offshore holdings.

Raheel’s advice came amid an unabated war of words between the government and the opposition on the scope of a judicial inquiry the prime minister has ordered into the Panama leaks.

Nawaz chaired a meeting on law and order on Tuesday, his office said in a brief statement. “Issues pertaining to national and internal security were discussed.

The meeting [also] reviewed the progress of Operation Zarb-e-Azb and return of IDPs [internally displaced persons],” it added.

However, sources privy to the closed-door meeting confirmed the army chief told the prime minister that the Panama leaks scandal was affecting national security and creating distraction from more pressing issues faced by the country.

Therefore, he advised the premier to resolve the issue at the earliest, sources added.

Opposition parties, led by the Pakistan People’s Party and the

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Nawaz Sharif

Raheel Sharif

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, have apparently teamed up to press Nawaz to come clean on the charges that his three children own offshore companies. The opposition has also announced boycott of parliament unless the prime minister shows up in the house and clarifies his position.

convened a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on National Security on April 6, immediately after the Panama Papers took the world by storm, it was no more than a photo-op.

Sources said Tuesday’s meeting was facilitated by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan with the help of some senior military officials.

“It was an effort to normalise relations between the civil and military leadership,” one source commented.

However, other sources believe the Nawaz administration will have to address several contentious problems, including security issues, for proper normalisation. — Express Tribune

First meeting It was the first meeting between Nawaz and Raheel since the Panama Papers whipped up political upheaval in Pakistan like elsewhere in the world.

And some sources said the meeting was arranged to quash an impression that the civil and military leadership was not on good terms.

Though the prime minister had

Afghan government to bringing peace in the region,” he said.

“I would also like to thank US forces which, at the critical moments of my release provided me with shelter, food and medical care,” he said.”I’m just looking forward to being reunited with my family and just getting back to normal life.”

Pakistan denies it helps the insurgents and says it is itself the target of militants from Afghanistan. Gilani was flown home on

a chartered aircraft sent from Pakistan and was later showered with rose petals as he got out of a vehicle outside the family home in the city of Lahore. He waved to the crowd and was mobbed by wellwishers and journalists.

Gilani was abducted on May 9, 2013, outside an office of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in his home town of Multan, two days before an election.

His rescue occurred partly by chance, as Afghan and US special

forces raided the suspected Al Qaeda compound.

The force had an “inkling” a hostage was being held there but was not aware it was Gilani, said Brigadier General Charles Cleveland, spokesman for the NATOled force. He said four Al Qaeda fighters were killed in the raid.

Gilani was with his captors but was identified as a hostage after he did not try to resist.

Gilani’s father, a veteran PPP politician, was prime minister from 2008 to 2012.

Ali Haider’s was not the only high-profile abduction in Pakistan in recent years. The son of a provincial governor assassinated for questioning blasphemy laws was kidnapped in 2011.

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READERS’ FORUM Hopefully Duterte can bring change Philippines This refers to the online illustration of the day, The Philippines has a new leader(May 11). Rodrigo Roa Duterte — 16th President of the Philippines— we support you. All Filipinos are happy and hoping that you will and can do your best deliver the change our country needs. #Change is coming...Goodluck!!!

— Blessie Hilario, Muscat via Facebook Limiting expatriates from bringing family will bring temporary relief This refers to the story, Oman’s Majlis Al Shura approves question barring expats Scan this QR code from getting family visa (May 10). Restricto send letters to the ting expats from applying for family joining Readers’ Forum, visa will only bring temporary relief from containing not more than 200 words with the fiscal woes of Oman. If an employee is full name, address alone he will consume less which means and telephone he will send all his earning as remittance. number, may be sent Whereas if his family is here they will by e-mail (akhtar@ timesofoman.com). consume more, rent more, buy more foods, enroll their children to schools here. This I believe will lessen the money sent abroad and will be consumed here in Oman instead thus helping the economy. Omanization is good but will it be much better if more jobs are generated than removing those people who are experienced. — Mark Christopher Lao, Muscat via Facebook

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MARCEL PROUST

Building stability for Indian growth

LEONID BERSHIDSKY

Until the European Union’s deal with Turkey, which effectively cut off the Balkan route for the refugees and others who joined them on their flight, Austria was the final country aspiring immigrants passed through on their way to Germany, where Merkel would, they thought, welcome them

I

n their efforts to stimulate demand by pursuing increasingly aggressive monetary policies, advanced economies have been imposing risks on emerging-market countries such as India. Indeed, one day we face surging capital inflows, as investors go into “risk-on” mode, and outflows the next as they switch risk off.

India has responded to this external volatility by trying to create a domestic platform of macroeconomic stability on which to build growth. India’s latest central budget emphasises fiscal prudence, adheres to past commitments, and aims at structural reforms, especially in agriculture. Fiscal consolidation has also helped to keep the currentaccount deficit under 1 per cent of GDP. Moreover, inflation has been brought within the official target range. And parliament has created a monetarypolicy committee for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which should ensure that multiple views are embedded in policy and improve continuity.

We must also address banks’ non-performing loans so that their balance sheets have room for new lending. Unlike more developed countries, India does not have an effective bankruptcy system (though a bill to create one has just cleared the lower house of Parliament). But, using some “out-of-court resolution” mechanisms devised by the RBI, and with capital support from the government, banks should have well-provisioned balance sheets by March 2017.

Perhaps the hardest challenge has been to persuade the public, impatient for rapid growth, of the need to ensure stability first. Growth, it is argued, is always more important, regardless of the looming economic risks. Yet, despite the focus on stability, inhospitable global growth conditions, and two successive droughts (any of which would have thrown the economy into a tailspin in the past), growth is above 7 per cent.

The task is to build on this base. For the first time in decades, global trade has grown more slowly than global output. As countries become richer, non-traded services constitute a greater share of output, causing GDP to grow faster than trade, while global overcapacity has restrained trade growth further. And, as advanced economies become more competitive, and as China moves up the value chain, more inputs are being sourced within countries. For all these reasons, the heady

days of double-digit growth in Indian trade in goods and services will not return soon.

Many emerging markets have been hit by lower prices for their commodity exports, but India’s exports of goods seem to be doing worse recently than those of other emerging markets.

At the same time, India’s exports of services are doing somewhat better, perhaps because of demand from the United States. Of course, these differences are over very short periods, so it is probably unwise to draw too many conclusions – except that India is not alone in suffering a fall-off in trade That does not stop industry bodies from demanding that the authorities “do something” – especially by lowering the value of the rupee. The rupee seems to have weakened by about 6 per cent against the dollar since the beginning of 2015. This depreciation should have helped our merchandise exports, and yet it coincides with their relative underperformance, because other currencies have depreciated against the dollar, too.

For this reason, economists focus on the “nominal effective exchange rate,” which compares the rupee’s value to that of other currencies by weighing their share in trade. In trade-weighted terms, the rupee has remained relatively flat since early 2015. That said, inflation in India is higher than in most other countries. If a widget cost a dollar to make a year ago in the US, and cost 63 rupees to make in India, the Indian producer would have been competitive with the US because the dollar was worth Rs63. But if inflation in India is 5 per cent and zero in the US, it will cost the Indian manufacturer Rs66.2 to make it today – and still just a dollar for American competitors.

Hence the need to look at the “real effective exchange rate,” or the nominal effective exchange rate adjusted for inflation. The higher the index is, the less the exchange rate has depreciated to offset inflation – and the more uncompetitive India is.

Interpretation is in the eye of the beholder.

Someone who wants to blame the exchange rate for India’s export slowdown can look at the index from the low point of September 2013 and argue that it has appreciated 20 per cent (based on the IMF measure). — Project Syndicate

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES MAY 2001 Industrial growth helps achieve sustainable development MUSCAT: Dr Hamad bin Hashim Al Dhahab, director general of industry at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has stressed the role of industrial sector in correcting the economic progress and creating balance of payments, creating more job opportunities and developing technology to achieve sustainable development and applying international free-trade system. He added in a statement Oman news Agency that creating economic blocs required enhancing competitive capabilities of the industry sector through supporting the industrial base.

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PICTOGRAPH OMAN’S GENERAL PRICE INDEX: RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS (Change by %)

2015

2014 Oct

Nov

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0.61

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

1865: The last land battle of the Civil war occurs at Palmito Ranch, Texas. It is a Confederate victory.

1881: Tunisia, in North Africa becomes a French protectorate.

1926: The Airship Norge becomes the first vessel to fly over the North Pole.

1943: Axis forces in North Africa surrender.

00.09

0.04

0.08 0

Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2016

A13

ASIA

We’re investigating the allegation they were planning to make their way through Indonesia to the Philippines, with a view to ending up in Syria Shane Patton, Victoria state Deputy Police Commissioner

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Philippine president-elect to pursue higher growth to reduce poverty DAVAO/WASHINGTON: Philippine president-elect Rodrigo Duterte will pursue annual economic growth of 7-8 per cent, or even higher, in a drive to cut poverty, his spokesperson said on Wednesday.

“If we want to reduce the poverty rate, we need a higher growth,” Peter Lavina said.

Under President Benigno Aquino, average annual economic growth has topped 6 per cent and this year’s target is 6.8-7.8 per cent.

Meanwhile, the United States signalled on Tuesday it will work with the apparent victor of the Philippines presidential election, Rodrigo Duterte, despite allegations of human rights abuses in the city he has led for over two decades.

Washington’s stance reflects the reality that US national security interests will outweigh human rights concerns given China’s increasingly assertive stance in the region and the maritime disputes in the South China Sea, Asia analysts said.

“Washington respects the choice of the Philippine people.

We gladly work with the leaders they’ve selected,” State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said when asked about Monday’s election.

order resonated with Philippine voters, but his incendiary rhetoric and advocacy of extrajudicial killings to stamp out crime and drugs alarmed many people, who saw it as harkening back to the country’s authoritarian past.

AGENDA: Philippine president-elect Rodrigo Duterte will pursue annual economic growth of 7-8 per cent, or even higher, in a drive to cut poverty, his spokesperson said on Wednesday. - Reuters file photo

An official winner had not been declared but an unofficial count by an election commission-accredited watchdog showed Duterte had a huge lead over his two closest rivals, both of whom conceded

defeat. When pressed whether Washington had concerns about positions advocated by the toughtalking Duterte, including extrajudicial killings to stamp out crime and drugs, Trudeau repeated her

statement that Washington respected the choice of the voters.

“We look forward to working with the leader that the Philippines has elected,” she said. Duterte’s vows to restore law and

Criticised Duterte has been criticised for allowing a spree of vigilante killings in Davao city and critics fear he could let them happen on a larger scale as president. Although the United States closed its military bases in the Philippines in 1992, the two nations are bound by a 1951 mutual defence treaty and the former colony is a key element of the US policy of “rebalancing” its foreign policy toward Asia.

In April, US Defence Secretary Ash Carter said US troops and military equipment would be sent on regular rotations in the Philippines and that the countries had started joint patrols in the South China Sea as China asserts its territorial claims.

China claims 90 per cent of the South China Sea, which is believed to be rich in oil and gas, its claims overlapping with those of Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan.

The US stance on Duterte could

Bangladesh refugee dies of heart failure in Nauru Controversies arising from Australia’s immigration policy have become a major headache for Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull during campaigning for elections set to be held on July 2

SYDNEY: A Bangladeshi refugee died of heart failure on Nauru on Wednesday, Australian officials said, the second death in as many weeks on the tiny South Pacific island where detainees have been hurting themselves in protests.

Controversies arising from Australia’s immigration policy have become a major headache for Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull during campaigning for elections set to be held on July 2.

Under Australia’s hard-line immigration policy, asylum seekers intercepted trying to reach the country by boat are sent to camps on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea or to Nauru. The camps have drawn criticism from the United Nations and human rights agencies for their harsh conditions and reports of abuse there.

“The man admitted himself to the Republic of Nauru Hospital

UP IN ARMS: Protesters from the Refugee Action Coalition hold placards during a demonstration outside the offices of the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection in Sydney, Australia, April 29, 2016. - Reuters/David Gray

on May 9, complaining of chest pains,” Australia’s Department of Immigration and Border Protection said in a statement.

“He was receiving treatment in hospital, but died early today after a series of cardiac arrests.”

A department spokesman rejected allegations from a refugee activist that the 26-year-old man’s illness had been caused by an intentional overdose.

“There is currently no evidence to support these claims,” the

spokesman said, adding that the department rejected outright any suggestion of a cover-up.

Officials in Nauru could not be reached by telephone and did not respond to emailed questions.

The refugee activist, Ian Rintoul, coordinator of the Australia-based Refugee Action Coalition, said refugees on the island had told him the man, to whom he referred by a single name, Rakib, had taken an overdose of pills.

“Rakib’s friends say his sui-

cide was driven by the same desperation as others on Nauru,” Rintoul said. Two asylum seekers, a 23-year-old Iranian man and a 21-year-old Somali woman, have set fire to themselves in protest over their lengthy detention on Nauru.

The man died and the woman is in a critical condition. More than 100 refugees and asylum seekers at the centre have signed a petition to be allowed to buy boats to leave the country.

“We have been living in Nauru as prisoners for three years now,” they said in the petition. “We’ve decided to rescue ourselves by getting on boats once again.” Last week, Australia said it had agreed to pay compensation to a charity it wrongly accused of inciting refugees to harm themselves in a Nauru protest in 2014. Papua New Guinea has said it plans to close the Manus Island detention centre after its Supreme Court ruled it unlawful. - Reuters

echo its approach toward Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

At one point, Modi was unable to obtain a US visa because of concerns about sectarian riots in the state of Gujarat when he was chief minister, but was later invited to the White House when he became prime minister.

“His human rights record does give them pause, but he was elected by the Philippine people,” said Murray Hiebert, an Asia analyst at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies think tank in Washington. “They have to deal with him.” Asia-Pacific analyst Patrick Cronin cited three reasons for the Philippines strategic importance: its location in the “first island chain” of major archipelagos from the East Asian mainland, its status as the only US ally among the South China Sea claimants and the regional focus on those maritime disputes.

“The South China Sea has become a litmus test for American staying power and commitment to the Asia-Pacific region,” said Cronin of the Centre for a New American Security think tank. “If we falter over the defence of Philippine interests ... then we lose credibility and (our) commitment is questioned,” he added. - Reuters U N D E R I N V E S T I G AT I O N

Australia holds 5 suspected of plotting sailing trip to join IS SYDNEY: Australian police have detained five men suspected of planning to sail a small boat from the far north to Indonesia and the Philippines en route to joining IS in Syria, officials said on Wednesday.

The men were held on Tuesday after towing the seven-metre boat almost 3,000km from Melbourne to Cairns in Queensland state, police said. Australia has come under criticism for its tough immigration policies aimed at stopping asylum seekers taking boats from Indonesia to Australia, but few are believed to have attempted the journey in the opposite direction.

“We’re investigating the allegation they were planning to make their way through Indonesia to the Philippines, with a view to ending up in Syria,” Victoria state Deputy Police Commissioner Shane Patton told reporters in Melbourne.

“It’s not a common occurrence, I would suggest, people trying to get to Syria via boat, but I don’t have the exact figures for sure.” The five had not yet been charged.

Under tough new security powers passed in 2014, Australian face up to a decade in prison for overseas travel to areas declared off limits, which includes the province of Raqqa in Syria, a key strategic hub for IS militants.

Australia, a staunch US ally, has been on heightened alert for attacks by home-grown radicals since 2014 and authorities say they have thwarted a number of potential attacks, while there have been several “lone wolf” assaults, including a cafe siege in Sydney that left two hostages and the gunman dead. Police said it was unclear where the men, aged between 21 and 33, had planned to put the boat in the water. - Reuters

FINAL PLEA REJECTED

Bangladesh hangs Jamaat-e-Islami party leader for war crimes DHAKA: Bangladesh hanged Jamaat-e-Islami party leader, Motiur Rahman Nizami, on Wednesday for genocide and other crimes committed during a 1971 war, drawing an angry reaction and some scattered violence from supporters.

Nizami, head of the Jamaate-Islami party, was executed at Dhaka Central jail just after midnight after the Supreme Court rejected his final plea against a death sentence imposed by a special tribunal for genocide, rape and orchestrating the massacre of intellectuals during the war.

Nizami, 73, a former legislator and minister during opposition leader Khaleda Zia’s last term as prime minister, was sentenced to death in 2014. Five opposition politicians, including four Jamaat leaders, have been executed since late 2013 after being convicted by the war crimes tribunal, which

was set up by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2010.

International human rights groups say the tribunal’s procedures fall short of international standards but the government rejects that and the trials are supported by many Bangladeshis.

Hundreds of people flooded the streets of the capital to cheer the execution.

“We have waited for this day for a long 45 years,” said war veteran Akram Hossain.”Justice has finally been served.”

Victimising opponents Opposition politicians, including leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami, say the tribunal is victimising Hasina’s political opponents.

Thousands of extra police and border guards were deployed in Dhaka and other major cities. Previous convictions and executions have triggered violence that killed

about 200 people, most of them Jamaat party activists and police.

On Wednesday, as Nizami was buried in his ancestral home in the northwest, about 300 supporters gathered at Dhaka’s main mosque to offer prayers in his memory.

Later, they streamed out of the mosque, shouting slogans and vowing not to let Nizami’s death be in vain. But they quickly dispersed, watched by armed policemen.

Jamaat-e-Islami, which has said the charges against Nizami were baseless, has called for a nationwide strike for Thursday in protest. It said their dead leader was a victim of a political vendetta.

Police fired shots in the air to disperse stone-throwing Jamaat activists in the port city of Chittagong and in the northern district of Rajshahi, police said.

The US State Department said that while it supported justice being carried out it was vital that tri-

als were free, fair and transparent and conducted in accordance with international agreements.

“We still believe that further improvements to the... process could ensure these proceedings meet domestic and international obligations,” State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said in a statement.

“Until these obligations can be consistently met, we have concerns about proceeding with executions.”

About three million people were killed, the government says, and thousands of women were raped during the 1971 war.

The party denies that its leaders committed any atrocities.

The execution comes as the nation suffers a surge in militant violence in which atheist bloggers, academics, religious minorities and foreign aid workers have been killed. - Reuters

EXECUTED: This file photograph taken on January 30, 2014, shows Bangladesh leader of the Jamaat-e-Islami party, Motiur Rahman Nizami as he sits inside a prison van following sentencing at a court in Chittagong. Bangladesh executed Nizami for war crimes, officials said on Wednesday. - AFP

A 14

THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2016

WORLD

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Clinton suffers primary setback in West Virginia The defeat slowed Clinton’s march to the nomination, but she is still heavily favoured to become the Democratic candidate in the November 8 election

WASHINGTON: US Democratic White House candidate Hillary Clinton lost the primary to Bernie Sanders in economically struggling West Virginia on Tuesday, possibly signalling trouble for her in industrial states in the November general election.

The defeat slowed Clinton’s march to the nomination, but she is still heavily favoured to become the Democratic candidate in the November 8 election to face presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.

TOUGH FIGHT AHEAD: US Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders addresses a campaign rally in Salem, Oregon, Tuesday. Sanders beat rival Democrat Hillary Clinton, left, in the West Virginia primary to bolster his argument for remaining in the race. – AFP/Reuters

Trump, 69, has zeroed in on Clinton’s long battle with Sanders, the 74-year-old US senator from Vermont. He has taunted Clinton in recent days, saying she “can’t close the deal.” The billionaire Republican won contests in West Virginia and Nebraska handily on Tuesday.

Trump has begun to release more policy specifics as he nears his party’s nomination and in the last month has contacted at least two top conservative economists, Larry Kudlow of CNBC and Stephen

Moore of the Heritage Foundation, for help revising his tax package, Politico reported on Wednesday.

His tax plan has been under scrutiny as he has worked to tone down remarks about raising taxes on wealthy Americans, saying the rich might simply get a smaller tax cut than he originally proposed.

For Clinton, 68, her failure to win over voters deeply skeptical about the economy underscored how she still needs to court working-class voters in the Rust Belt,

including key states such as Ohio and Pennsylvania. West Virginia has one of the highest unemployment rates in country.

Sanders, who has vowed to take his campaign all the way to the Democrats’ July 25-28 convention in Philadelphia, has repeatedly said he is the stronger candidate to beat Trump in November, and following his West Virginia win, he emphasized economic themes.

Trump is set to meet with party leaders in the US Congress on

Thursday, including US House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan. After Ryan said last week that he was not ready to endorse Trump, the presumptive nominee said he would have to decide whether he still wanted Ryan to preside over the party’s July convention. Trump said in a Fox interview on Tuesday night that he would like Ryan to chair the convention as planned. “He’s a very good man, he wants what’s good for the party,” he said.

In West Virginia, roughly six in 10 voters said they were very worried about the direction of the US economy in the next few years, according to a preliminary ABC News exit poll. The same proportion cited the economy and jobs as the most important issue.

A remark Clinton made at an Ohio town hall in March that the country would “put a lot of coal miners and coal companies out of business” may have hurt her with voters in coal-mining states such as West Virginia.

During Clinton’s visit to West Virginia and Ohio last week she repeatedly apologised to displaced coal and steel workers for her comment and discussed her plan to help retrain coal workers for clean energy jobs. — Reuters

S TA N D - O F F W I T H E U

Turkey refuses to change terrorism law ANKARA: Turkey refused on Wednesday to make changes to its anti-terrorism laws demanded by Brussels, hardening Ankara’s position in a stand-off with the bloc over dealing with militants, migrants and travel.

EU officials and rights groups have accused Turkey of using the broad anti-terror legislation to crush all dissent - though Ankara says it needs the laws to battle Kurdish militants at home and IS militant group in neighbouring Iraq and Syria. The EU said last week Turkey still had to change some laws, including narrowing its legal definition of terrorism, to secure visa-free travel for its citizens - part of a wide-ranging deal to secure Turkish help in reducing the flow of migrants into Europe.

But Ankara’s minister for EU affairs, Volkan Bozkir, told broadcaster NTV on Wednesday that there had been no deal to change the terrorism laws in exchange for visa-free travel, and said the legislation already met EU standards.

“It is not possible for us to accept any changes to the counterterrorism law,” Bozkir said. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan told the European Union on Friday that Turkey would not make the changes, declaring: “we’re going our way, you go yours”. — Reuters

U N D I P L O M AT I C R E M A R K S

RARE REVELATION: Chinese President Xi Jinping with Queen Elizabeth II at a state banquet at Buckingham Palace, London, during the first day of his state visit to Britain on October 20, 2015. – Reuters file photo

Queen Elizbeth caught on camera calling Chinese officials ‘very rude’ LONDON: Queen Elizabeth has been caught on camera saying Chinese officials were “very rude” during a state visit to Britain by President Xi Jinping that London had said would herald a “golden era” in relations with Beijing.

She was speaking at a garden party at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, the same day that Prime Minister David Cameron was filmed making undiplomatic remarks to her about corruption in Nigeria and Afghanistan.

The queen’s remarks may not be helpful to the British government’s determined efforts to boost trade ties with China.

Under her constitutional role, the 90-year-old monarch never makes any politically or diplomatically sensitive comments in public, and it is rare for the content of her private conversations to be revealed.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Xi’s visit to Britain last year had been “extremely successful” and both countries’ officials had made great efforts to that end.

In footage broadcast by the BBC, the queen is seen meeting senior police officer Lucy D’Orsi, who is introduced by an official as having been in charge of security during Xi’s visit in October.

“Oh, bad luck,” the queen says in response.

Quite a testing time D’Orsi then describes her dealings with Chinese officials as “quite a testing time” and recounts that at one point they had walked out of a meeting and told her “the trip was off ”.

The queen says: “They were very rude to the ambassador.”

Lu said he had not heard anything about Xi’s visit possibly being called off at any point, adding that the visit had opened a new “golden age” in relations, brought about by both countries.

The BBC reported that in China, items about the queen’s remarks were censored from its news bulletins.

The Chinese authorities often censor items they object to from foreign news bulletins, which can only be seen by very few people in China as foreign TV channels are only allowed in high-end hotels and a tiny number of select apartment buildings.

A spokeswoman for the queen said: “We do not comment on the queen’s private conversations.

However, the Chinese state visit was extremely successful and all parties worked closely to ensure it proceeded smoothly.”

Xi’s visit was full of pomp and ceremony, with Cameron and his finance minister George Osborne keen to impress the Chinese leader and present Britain as China’s firmest friend in Europe.

The queen has been careful to keep her views to herself during her 64-year reign, but several other members of Britain’s royal family have made undiplomatic comments about China in the past. The queen’s husband, Prince Philip, warned some British students in China in the 1980s that they would get “slitty eyes” if they stayed there too long.

Her eldest son, heir-to-thethrone Prince Charles, has skipped two state banquets for Chinese guests in Britain, and described some Chinese officials in a journal that was leaked to the media as “appalling old waxworks”.

Relations between London and Beijing have been complicated by the weight of history, particularly the 1860 war when British and French troops stole piles of plunder from the Summer Palace in the Chinese capital, then burned it to the ground.

In 2010, Cameron and a delegation of ministers caused offence during a visit to Beijing. — Reuters

THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2016

WORLD

These exercises are not directed against anyone. There is no trace of provocation Georgy Kvirikashvili, Georgia’s Prime Minister

US to switch on European missile shield in Romania Proposed in 2007, missile defence shield goes live today despite Russian warnings that the West is threatening the peace in central Europe

BUCHAREST: The United States’ European missile defence shield goes live on Thursday almost a decade after Washington proposed protecting NATO from Iranian rockets and despite Russian warnings that the West is threatening the peace in central Europe.

Amid high Russia-West tension, US and NATO officials will declare operational the shield at a remote air base in Deveselu, Romania, after years of planning, billions of dollars in investment and failed attempts to assuage Russian concerns that the shield could be used against Moscow.

“We now have the capability to protect NATO in Europe,” said Robert Bell, a NATO-based envoy of US Defence Secretary Ash Carter. “The Iranians are increasing their capabilities and we have to be ahead of that. The system is not aimed against Russia,” he told reporters, adding that the system will soon be handed over to NATO command.

The United States will also start construction on a second site in Poland on Friday that is due to be ready in 2018, giving NATO a permanent, round-the-clock shield in addition to radars and ships already in the Mediterranean.

PROVIDING PROTECTION: Malgorzata Bugajewska, town architect in Ustka on Poland’s Baltic coast, on February 28, 2007. The US administration wanted to locate part of its planned missile defence shield in Poland, possibly in the area surrounding Ustka. – Bloomberg News

Russia is incensed at such of show of force by its Cold War rival in formerly communist-ruled eastern Europe where it once held sway. Moscow says the US-led alliance is trying to encircle it close to the strategically important Black Sea, home to a Russian naval fleet and where NATO is also considering increasing patrols.

The readying of the shield also comes as NATO prepares a new deterrent in Poland and the Baltics, following Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. In response, Russia is reinforcing its western and southern flanks with three new divisions. Despite US assurances, the Kremlin says the missile shield’s real aim is to neutralise Moscow’s nuclear arsenal long enough for the United States to make a first strike on Russia in the event of war. The shield relies on radars to detect a ballistic

missile launch into space. Tracking sensors then measure the rocket’s trajectory and intercept and destroy it in space, before it re-enters the earth’s atmosphere.

The interceptors can be fired from ships or ground sites.

The Russian ambassador to Denmark warned a year ago that Danish warships would become targets for Russian nuclear missiles if Denmark joined the shield project by installing radars on its vessels. Denmark is upgrading at least one frigate to house a ballistic missile sensor.

Turkey is already hosting a US radar and the Netherlands has equipped ships with radars. The United States also has four ships in Spain as part of the defences, while all NATO nations are contributing funding. “Ballistic missile defence sites could pose threats to the stability and stra-

A15

tegic assets of the Russian Federation,” Russia’s ambassador to NATO, Alexander Grushko, told Reuters last month.

US officials dismiss the Russian view as “strategic paranoia” and blame Moscow for breaking off talks with NATO in 2013 that were aimed at explaining how the shield would operate. The United States says Russia was seeking a treaty limiting the capability and range of ballistic missile interceptors. “No government could agree to that,” US adviser Bell said. Russian officials are concerned about technology that the United States says it does not have, including a missile defence interceptor capable of speeds of 10km (6.2 miles) per second that could destroy Russian missiles.

First agreed by the US government 2007 and then cancelled and relaunched by the newly-elected

US President Barack Obama in 2009, the missile defence shield’s stated aim is to protect North America and Europe from socalled rogue states such as Iran and North Korea. That is part of a US strategy that includes missile interceptors in California and Alaska. Ballistic missiles, which differ from cruise missiles because they leave the earth’s atmosphere, can travel distances of up 3,000km (1,875 miles).

Despite a historic deal between world powers and Tehran to limit Iran’s nuclear programme, the West believes Iran’s Revolutionary Guards continue to develop ballistic missile technology, carrying out two tests late last year. “They are looking for greater distance and accuracy,” said Douglas Barrie, an aerospace defence specialist at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). — Reuters

M I L I TA RY E X E R C I S E S

Georgia begins war games with US, Britain TBILISI: The Georgian army began two weeks of military exercises with the United States and Britain on Wednesday, drawing an angry response from former Soviet master Russia which called the war games “a provocative step”.

About 650 soldiers from the United States, 150 from Britain and 500 from Georgia were taking part in the manoeuvres, with Washington dispatching an entire mechanised company including eight Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and, for the first time, eight M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks.

Georgia’s Defence Minister Tina Khidasheli said the drills were an important event for the South Caucasus republic. “This is one of the biggest exercises that our country has ever hosted, this is the biggest number of troops on the ground, and the largest concentration of military equipment,” Khidasheli told Reuters. But the exercises went down badly in Moscow where the Russian Foreign Ministry last week warned they could destabilise the region, a charge denied by Georgian officials. “These exercises are not directed against anyone. There is no trace of provocation,” Georgia’s Prime Minister Georgy Kvirikashvili said in a statement.

Russia defeated Georgia in a short war in 2008 over the breakaway Georgian region of South Ossetia, and Moscow continues to garrison troops there and to support another breakaway region, Abkhazia. The exercises were run out of the Vaziani military base near Georgia’s capital Tbilisi.

Russian forces used to be based there until they withdrew at the start of the last decade under the terms of a European arms reduction agreement. “The importance of these exercises is to improve interoperability between Georgia, the United States and the United Kingdom.... It enables us to prepare Georgia’s contribution to a NATO response force,” Colonel Jeffrey Dickerson, the US director of the exercises, told Reuters. — Reuters

B

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM THU RS DAY, MAY 12, 2016

MARKE

OMAN CRUDE RISES Oman Crude (July delivery) rose 91 cents to $42.03 per barrel. The average price of Oman Crude (May delivery) stabilised at $36.34 per barrel, $6.11 higher than April delivery. - ONA

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Muscat 5,948.56 - 30.33 - 0.51%

Dubai 3,328.90 + 16.53 + 0.50%

Abu Dhabi 4,385.58 - 41.81 - 0.94%

Kuwait 6,332.92 + 24.48 + 0.46%

Saudi Arabia

6,654.20 + 9.38 + 0.14%

Bahrain 1,104.45 - 1.95 - 0.18%

Qatar 9,929.19 + 45.60 + 0.46%

CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.24 Pound ............................................1.78 Indian Rs .............................. 173.31 Pak Rs ................................... 267.02 Bangla Taka.......................201.65

Indian Rs ...................................172.80 Pakistan Rs ............................. 271.50 Sri Lanka Rs .................................. N/A Bangla Taka........................... 203.40 Phil Peso ................................... 120.85

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) .......16.25

Oman Crude............. (Spot) .........$41.38 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) ..........$41.18 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) ........$43.98 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ........$40.43 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ........ $45.97

* Rates are as of May 11 Source: Bank Muscat

West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ........ $45.97

* Rates as of May 11 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......15.60 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ............152.50 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) .............143.25 * Rates as of May 11 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

CRUDE PRODUCTION

Crude production in Oman rises to 30m barrels in April Times News Service MUSCAT: Crude oil production in Oman edged up by 1.57 per cent to 29.83 million barrels in April this year, which is equivalent to 994,303 barrels per day.

Also, the country’s crude oil exports touched 26.99 million in April – an average of 899,637 barrels per day, recording a fall of 2.86 per cent compared with March 2016 exports, according to the Ministry of Oil and Gas. China’s imports of Omani oil have recorded a 4.16 per cent drop, against March 2016 export volume. However, Taiwan, India and the United States have increased their imports from Sultante of

Oman last month, rising import volumes by 4.53 per cent, 4.43 per cent and 1.11 per cent, respectively, over March.

In April, the Philippines imported nearly 2 per cent of the total export volumes of Oman Crude, which indicates continuous demand for Omani oil.

The import volume of Oman Crude by Japan and South Korea has dropped in varying degrees.

New Zealand has returned to the list of countries importing Oman Crude, by importing 1.48 per cent of total exports of Oman Crude.

Crude oil prices witnessed a reference around the world crude increased significantly during April 2016 of continuing on the same

rate of increase of March 2016, The average price of West Texas American in the New York Mercantile Exchange ruled at $42.01 per barrel, up by $2.89, compared to March 2016.

While the average blend North Sea Brent at the Intercontinental Exchange in London stood at$43.33 a barrel, up by $3.54 compared to March 2016.

Oman Crude rate has also increased in the Dubai Mercantile Exchange futures market for more than eight per cent compared with last month. Omani oil average price for delivery in June 2016 stood at $39.40 a barrel, up by $3.06 compared to the price of delivery in May 2016.

VITAL RESOURCE: Oman Crude rate has also increased in the Dubai Mercantile Exchange futures market for more than 8 per cent in April, over March. - Times file picture

Oman to sign OMR885m deal for two power projects at Ibri, and Sohar Industrial Port in northern Oman. Under the deal, the consortium will build, own and operate both plants and sell power to OPWP under a 15-year power purchase agreement.

The independent power projects are being built in Ibri and Sohar

Times News Service MUSCAT: Several agreements to build Ibri and Sohar -3 independent power projects will be signed

by Oman Power and Water Procurement Company, the sole procurer of all new power generation and water desalination capacity in the Sultanate, with a consortium of Japan’s Mitsui & Co., ACWA Power, and Dhofar International Development and Investment Holding Co (DIDIC) on Sunday.

NEW PROJECTS: The signing ceremony will be held at Al Bustan Palace hotel on Sunday, said a company release (picture used only for illustration perpose). – Times file picture

The signing ceremony for building the two projects with a total capital expenditure of OMR885 million will be held at Al Bustan Palace Muscat, said a company release.

The project, which consists of two new natural gas-fired combined cycle power plants, is the largest power procurement in the Sultanate with a total installed capacity of 3,219 megawatt located

Mega power plants The mega power plants will supply approximately 30 per cent of the electricity that will be consumed in the Muscat area, once commercial operations are underway, according to an earlier release from Mitsui & Co. Mitsui & Co., Ltd. as the managing member will hold 50.1 per cent, ACWA Power will hold 45 per cent stake in the project, which is due to begin operations by the first quarter of2019. DIDIC will hold the remaining 5 per cent ownership in the new firm.

According to an earlier statement, Mitsui will operate the plants and sell power under a 15year agreement with Oman Power

and Water Procurement Company. These power generation projects mark the further involvement of Mitsui in developing one of the largest power plants in the Middle East region, together with key downstream infrastructure in Oman, after being awarded the Salalah-2 power project in March 2015, and the Liwa Plastic Industries Complex project in December 2015.

Power demand Demand for electric power in Oman is increasing rapidly because of economic growth driven by the oil and gas sector. Mitsui will help meet that demand by constructing two natural gas-fired combined cycle power plants.

These power generation projects represent one of the primary focuses of Mitsui’s infrastructure business, and Mitsui will continue to strive to win contracts for quality projects in this area.

M AY 1 6 - 17 E V E N T

Spanish mission to visit Sultanate Times News Service MUSCAT: A trade delegation from Spain will visit the Sultanate on May 16 and 17, according to a statement from the Economic and Trade Office of the Spanish Embassy in Muscat.

The Mission is organised by the Foreign Trade and Investment Institute of Castilla-La Mancha (IPEX), and is due to visit Muscat on May 16 and May 17.

The chamber is bringing a delegation of seven members representing Spanish companies led

by IPEX. The participating companies represent the sectors, products and services like ceramic cladding, ceramic ventilated facades and ceramic technical products for swimming pools, industrial floors and raised floors, transformers, electrical materials, furniture for institutions (schools, hospitals, kindergartens, hotels, etc.), “sandwich” panel for roofing, façade and cold rooms, ancillary railway works, automation products.

M U S A N D A M G A S P L A N T FA C I L I T Y

Oman exports first crude shipment from newly built terminal Times News Service

– Supplied picture

MUSCAT: Oman Oil Company Exploration & Production LLC (OOCEP), a subsidiary of Oman Oil Company (OOC), has successfully completed loading of the first shipment of crude oil that was fully processed at Musandam Gas Plant on May 4, 2016.

The tanker ‘VLCC TSURU-

GA’ safely lifted approximately 300,000 barrels of crude from (Musandam terminal for crude oil export).

The tanker departed the single point mooring upon the successful completion of the loading operation, which marked a major achievement for OOCEP and for Oman as a whole.

Commenting on the successful

shipment of the crude oil, Khalifa Al Makhmari the Musandam Gas Plant project director said: “the achievement of this very significant event marks the Musandam Gas Plant terminal as the second Omani crude export terminal after Mina Al Fahal on the international crude oil trade routes. We expect Musandam Gas Plant with its wide range of oil and gas pro-

cessing and export capabilities to be a major contributor to the economic prosperity of the Musandam Governorate as well as tothe national economy.”

Musandam Gas Plantprocesses production fluids from the nearby offshore fields and has a processing capacity of up to 20,000 barrels of crude; 45 million cubic feet of gas and 75 tonnes of LPG per day.

THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2016

B3

MARKET N I N T H B R A N C H I N D H O FA R

BankDhofar opens new branch for Islamic window in Salalah Times News Service SALALAH: BankDhofar’s Islamic window — Maisarah Islamic Banking Services — recently opened its ninth branch in Dhofar Governorate as part of the Islamic window’s strategic expansion plans to provide Sharia-compliant products and financial solutions.

The inaugural function was organised under the patronage of Dr. Rasheed bin Al Safi Al Huraibi, chairman of Oman Tender Board.

The event was held at the newly opened branch in Salalah, and it was attended by Abdul Hakeem Omar Al Ojaili, acting chief executive officer of BankDhofar, Dr Salim Ali Al Dhahab, chairman of Maisarah’s Sharia Board, as well as members of BankDhofar and

Maisarah’s executive management team, staff, guests and senior government officials.

The inauguration of the Salalah branch comes within Maisarah’s continuous efforts to lead the Islamic financial industry in the Sultanate, reiterating its commitment to provide Sharia-compliant products and services to cater to more customers across the Sultanate of Oman.

“The new branch has been opened to fulfil the market demand for Islamic finance solutions and Sharia-compliant products and services. It is the second branch in Dhofar and the ninth officially inaugurated branch nationwide,” noted Jamsheed Hamza, head of retail at Maisarah Islamic Banking Services.

“The new Salalah branch was strategically located in Salalah and it is easily accessible from any part of the city.

The branch is also well laid out to serve business banking and priority banking customers. Following the demand for Maisarah’s products and services in Salalah,

we decided to expand our operations here to serve more customers and fulfil the market needs.

We aspire to see Maisarah in more parts of Oman, and we are very proud of the progress we’ve achieved in a very short time since we started our operations a few years ago,” he noted.

Toyota’s profit drops on currency strength company from the effects of foreign exchange rate changes and help meet tougher fuel economy and emissions rules.

Net income may drop 35 per cent to 1.5 trillion yen ($13.8 billion) for the fiscal year ending in March, Japan’s largest company said in a statement on Wednesday. The forecast trailed the 2.19 trillion yen average of 23 analysts’ estimates compiled by Bloomberg.

TOKYO: Toyota Motor said annual net income will probably decline for the first time in five years, as currency swings that had spurred record profits now pose stiff headwinds.

Net income may drop 35 per cent to 1.5 trillion yen ($13.8 billion) for the fiscal year ending in March, Japan’s largest company said in a statement on Wednesday. The forecast trailed the 2.19 trillion yen average of 23 analysts’ estimates compiled by Bloomberg.

President Akio Toyoda has presided over three straight years of record annual profit, as a weakening yen boosted earnings from Japan-exported Corolla

Toyota President Akio Toyoda. — Bloomberg News

compacts and Lexus RX SUVs sold overseas. As the currency has strengthened more than 10 per cent versus the dollar this year and US demand growth has stalled, the automaker is now racing to recover from production disruptions to keep ahead of Volkswagen by worldwide sales.

“We have benefited from an exchange rate tailwind that has helped raise our earnings above the level of our true capabilities,” Toyoda, 60, said in a statement.

“Although this has enabled us to take on new challenges, that set of circumstances is likely to change for the worse this year.”

The automaker expects foreign exchange rate changes to reduce operating profit by about 935 billion yen in the year started April 1.

Toyota plans to buy back as much as 500 billion yen, or about 3.2 per cent, of its shares and pay a dividend of 210 yen per share.

Production losses Toyota has revived domestic assembly lines to make up for lost production of about 80,000 vehicles after Japan’s most devastating earthquakes since March 2011. Japan plants that accounted

for about 40 per cent of the cars and trucks the company produced last fiscal year also shut for one week in February, due to a steel factory fire.

Recovering some of that output will be crucial to Toyota extending its reign as the world’s top-selling automaker to a fifthstraight year. The company fell behind Volkswagen during the first three months of 2016, with deliveries dropping 2.3 per cent to 2.46 million units. Despite an emissions scandal that’s escalated to the worst crisis in Volkswagen’s history, its deliveries rose 0.8 per cent to 2.5 million.

Challenges on the horizon were already evident before the latest disruptions to Toyota’s production in Japan. Toyoda closed negotiations with the company’s labour union in March by saying business circumstances had changed, citing currency swings and stricter environmental regulations in emerging markets. Toyota raised base monthly wages by just 1,500 yen for this fiscal year, half the increase workers had requested. Toyoda has overseen a series of strategic longer-term moves that could insulate the

RESPITE AFTER A DISPUTE

Abu Dhabi fund pays bond interest DUBAI: 1Malaysia Development (1MDB), the troubled stateowned investment company, has gotten a bit of breathing space.

Abu Dhabi’s International Petroleum Investment Co. (Ipic) paid $52.4 million of interest due on Wednesday on 1MDB’s 5.99 per cent bonds that it guarantees, according to a filing to the London Stock Exchange.

The development offers 1MDB

respite after a dispute with IPIC resulted in the Malaysian fund defaulting on a separate note last month. While International Petroleum Investment Co said on Wednesday it made the payment after 1MDB defaulted again, this time it did so on the due date unlike in April. 1MDB’s bonds surged.

Returns on debt from other Malaysian issuers have cooled

amid the spat between the funds, and 1MDB remains at the centre of multiple investigations stretching from Switzerland to the US amid allegations of money laundering and embezzlement. It has consistently denied wrongdoing. The fund said in a statement “it is committed to working openly with International Petroleum Investment Co to resolve the dispute.” — Bloomberg News

Wake-up call Toyota has set a target to nearly eliminate conventional gasoline engines from its lineup by 2050 as a means to achieving a 90 per cent reduction in emissions from its vehicles. The goal served as a wake-up call to Toyota group suppliers that will need to transform their businesses to make components for hybrids, fuel cell vehicles and plug-in electric autos.

The automaker is scheduled to build car factories in Mexico and China before the end of the decade, ending a suspension from adding new assembly plants since 2013. In the meantime, the company has honed an in-house global architecture system it sees cutting costs for new plants by 40 per cent and product development by 20 per cent.

Safety systems Reducing costs will be crucial to maintaining affordability of cars Toyota plans to equip with more safety-related systems. The carmaker plans to make automated braking standard on almost all Toyota and Lexus models in the US by the end of next year, four years ahead of a voluntary agreement automakers and regulators announced in March.

Toyoda has laid down a $1 billion bet on artificial intelligence and robotics to further advance development of vehicles that will be more capable of driving themselves and keeping drivers from getting into collisions.

The Toyota Research Institute that started operating in January is led by Gill Pratt, the former programme manager for the US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency’s robotics efforts.

— Bloomberg News

BankDhofar’s Islamic banking window has shown an impressive growth since its launch in 2013 and demonstrated a high degree of product innovation and best services, the Islamic window has been recognised for its commitment to lead the Islamic finance market in the Sultanate, earning prestigious awards and titles from leading local and international organisations including the ‘Best Islamic Bank in Oman 2015’ by Global Banking & Finance Review, ‘Best Islamic Banking Window - Oman 2015’ award by the London based International Finance Magazine (IFM), the ‘Islamic Bank of the Year — Oman 2015’ award by The Banker, ‘Best Islamic Community Support Bank 2014’by Global Financial Market Review and ‘Best

Islamic Window in Oman 2013’ by Global Financial Market.

Maisarah offers a wide range of Sharia-compliant financial solutions, products and services that cater to the needs of its retail and corporate customers.

It currently provides products and services out of 10 dedicated branches located in Muscat (Azaibah, Al Hail, Al Khuwair, and Greater Mutrah), Salalah, New Salalah, Sohar, Birkat Al Mouz, Sur and Ibri (Araqi). As part of its future growth plan, the Islamic banking service provider plans to distinguish itself by focusing on prominent customer service, developing and launching new products, and investing in technology and people to provide the best customer experience.

PERFORMANCE

Abu Dhabi’s Taqa posts loss of $166m in the first quarter DUBAI: Abu Dhabi National Energy Co., which produces oil and natural gas from Canada to North Africa, reported a net loss for the first quarter as revenue declined because of lower crude and natural gas prices.

The loss was Dh608 million ($166 million) for the three months ended on March 31, compared with a profit of Dh256 million in the same period last year when results benefited from a onetime UK tax credit, Taqa said in a statement to the Abu Dhabi stock exchange. Sales fell 24 per cent to Dh3.9 billion. The price of oil and natural gas sold by the company dropped 43 per cent, it said in a press release.

Taqa, controlled by the Abu Dhabi government, has cut costs and is looking for ways to refinance debt. Capital expenditure

for 2016 is expected to drop 42 per cent from last year to below Dh1.8 billion, the company said. Taqa plans to refinance a $1 billion bond that’s due in October by July, Chief Financial Officer Grant Gillon said on Tuesday.

“We continue to execute our strategy to meet the challenges of the low commodity price environment,” Edward LaFehr, Taqa chief operating officer, said in the statement.

Taqa said it expects to start oil production this year at the Atrush oil field in the Kurdish region of Iraq. The project could add as much as 30,000 barrels a day of oil. In the first quarter, oil and gas production fell three per cent to 153,700 barrels of oil equivalent while power output climbed seven per cent to a record 17,022 gigawatt hours. — Bloomberg News

B4

THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2016

MARKET OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................5,986.76 ...............5,946.71 ................... 5,948.56 ...................5,978.89................-30.33 .................. -0.51 Financial Index ......................................7,767.61 ...............7,653.90 ....................7,663.07 .................... 7,767.61............. -104.54 .................. -1.35 Industrial Index ....................................7,236.03 ............... 7,214.17 .................... 7,214.17 ...................7,224.39................-10.22 .................. -0.14 Services Index ....................................... 3,317.86 .............. 3,300.49 ...................3,300.49 ....................3,317.62.................-17.13 .................. -0.52 MSM SHARIAH INDEX....................... 887.81 .................. 886.81 .......................887.32 ...................... 886.92....................0.40 ................... 0.05 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 15,280,950 ..................3,517,025 .....................938 ................ 17,128,788,421 .................. 8 ......................19 ....................20 .........................47

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR WEDNESDAY, MAY 11 ISIN ......................................SECURITY NAME ..................................................................VOLUME..... TURNOVER............TRADES ......OPEN PRICE......HIGH ............. LOW ........ CLOSE PR. ...PREV. CLOSE...DIFF (RO).........DIFF % .............LAST PR.....LAST BID .............LAST OFFER ........MARKET CAP.PAR VALUE

Muscat Securities Market. — Times file picture

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

OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE ..................................................... 258,000 ........... 36,084......................16 ............0.138 ........... 0.140 ...........0.138 ........... 0.140 ............. 0.137............ 0.003............. 2.190 ................0.140..............0.140...................0.147...................45,682,446.........0.100

MSM index ends lower

OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 2,129,355 ......443,205..................... 84 ........... 0.203 ........... 0.214 ...........0.203........... 0.208 .............0.204 ........... 0.004..............1.961.................0.209............. 0.209...................0.210...................41,600,000.........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ........................ 325,000 ........... 63,068......................18 ............0.194 ........... 0.195 ...........0.191 ........... 0.194 ............. 0.191 ............ 0.003..............1.571.................0.191 .............. 0.191...................0.195 .................. 24,230,204 ........0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................... 10,122 ...............2,652........................2 ........... 0.262 ...........0.262 ...........0.262........... 0.262 .............0.259 ........... 0.003..............1.158.................0.262..............0.256...................0.262 .................386,392,694 .......0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ........................................................51,928 .............65,129........................9 ............1.260 ........... 1.260 ...........1.250............1.255 .............1.250............ 0.005.............0.400 ................1.250 ..............1.240...................1.250................. 251,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ....................... 223,000 ............57,036......................16 ........... 0.255 ...........0.258 ...........0.250........... 0.256 .............0.255 ............0.001 ............. 0.392 ................0.250..............0.250...................0.254 ..................24,330,240 ........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION .......................... 47,675 ............ 78,233......................11 ............1.650 ........... 1.650 ...........1.635 ........... 1.640 ............. 1.635............ 0.005.............0.306 ................1.645 ..............1.620...................1.645 ................1,230,000,000......0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ................................ 20,000 ...............5,340........................2 ........... 0.267 ...........0.267 ...........0.267........... 0.267 .............0.267 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.267............. 0.260...................0.267...................26,700,000.........0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY.................................... 289,022 ......... 516,054........................5 ............1.785 ........... 1.800 ........... 1.785 ............1.785 ............. 1.785 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.800..............1.800................... 1.810 ..................160,114,500 ........0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT .............................................................. 6,538 ............... 3,217........................3 ........... 0.492 ...........0.492 ...........0.492........... 0.492 .............0.492 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.492..............0.492...................0.496..................162,789,373 ........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 869,128 ............ 58,011......................14 ........... 0.067 ...........0.067 ...........0.065........... 0.067 .............0.067 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.065..............0.065...................0.066................... 13,879,143 .........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ..............40,391 .............10,322........................8 ........... 0.258 ...........0.258 ...........0.255........... 0.256 .............0.256 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.255..............0.254...................0.255....................5,376,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 843,332 .........340,073................... 174 ............0.410 ........... 0.410 ...........0.400 .......... 0.404 .............0.404 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.400............. 0.400...................0.404 ...............1,008,485,104 ......0.100 OM0000003000 ...........ALMAHA PETROLEUM PRODUCTS MAR. .......49,069 ............ 76,302........................9 ............1.555 ........... 1.555............1.555 ............1.555 ............. 1.555............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.555 .............. 1.550...................1.555 ..................107,295,000........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 765,260 ......... 134,861......................13 ............0.177 ........... 0.177 ...........0.176 ............0.176 ............. 0.176............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.176 .............. 0.175...................0.176 ..................282,391,884........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 246,000..........187,854......................11 ............0.764 ........... 0.764 ...........0.760........... 0.764 .............0.764............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.760.............. 0.756...................0.760..................497,321,392........0.100

The top gainer was United Finance, up 2.19 per cent, while Al Batinah Development was

OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH.............................................. 252,000............63,781........................3 ........... 0.253 ...........0.258 ...........0.253........... 0.253 .............0.253 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.258..............0.253...................0.258..................241,506,703........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL............................................. 898,287 ............67,995..................... 26 ........... 0.077 ........... 0.077 ...........0.075........... 0.076 .............0.076 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.075..............0.075...................0.076...................13,300,000.........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ................................................ 169,785 .............68,777.....................22 ........... 0.406 ...........0.406 ...........0.390........... 0.406 .............0.406 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.390..............0.392...................0.406 ..................21,315,000 .........0.100 OM0000001095............DHOFAR INSURANCE .............................................. 100,675.............19,834......................13 ........... 0.208...........0.208 ...........0.197 ............0.197 ............. 0.198............-0.001 ........... -0.505 ...............0.197 .............. 0.195...................0.198...................39,400,000.........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ............................................45,290 ............ 10,207......................11 ........... 0.227 ...........0.227 ...........0.224 .......... 0.225 .............0.227 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.881................0.225..............0.225...................0.227 .................. 13,770,961 .........0.100

the top loser

OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ..................10,000 ...............1,500........................1 ............0.150 ........... 0.150 ...........0.150 ........... 0.150 ............. 0.152............-0.002 ............-1.316................0.150 .............. 0.147...................0.150...................30,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 228,630 ........... 28,956.....................22 ............0.130 ........... 0.130 ...........0.125 ............0.127 .............0.129............-0.002 ........... -1.550................0.125 .............. 0.125...................0.128.................... 7,473,089 ..........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 1,914,851 ....... 219,835..................... 62 ............0.117 ........... 0.117............0.113 ............0.115 ............. 0.117 ............-0.002 ............-1.709................0.114 ...............0.113................... 0.115 ................... 33,347,773 .........0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST ..................................................................... 40,830 ............ 22,704........................4 ........... 0.570 ...........0.570 ...........0.552........... 0.556 .............0.568 ...........-0.012 ............-2.113................0.556..............0.556...................0.570..................353,499,734 ........0.100

MUSCAT: Sustained profit taking dragged down the MSM30 Index by 0.51 per cent to end the session at 5,948.56 points.

The MSM Sharia Index closed at 887.32 points, up by 0.05 per cent. OIFC was the most active in terms of volume while Oman Cables led in terms of turnover.

Wednesday’s top gainer was United Finance, up 2.19 per cent while Al Batinah Development was the top loser.

A total number of 938 trades were executed today, generating turnover of OMR3.5 million with 15.3 million shares changing hands. Out of 47 traded securities, eight advanced, 19 declined and 20 remained unchanged.

At the session close, Omani Investors were net buyers for OMR306,000 while GCC & Arab investors were net sellers for OMR301,000 followed by Foreign Investors for OMR5,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index showed strong decline of 1.35 per cent to close at 7,663.07 points. United Finance and NBO gained 2.19 per cent

and 1.16 per cent respectively. Al Batinah Development, Al Sharqia Investments, HSBC Bank, Oman & Emirates Holding and Al Anwar Holding declined 8.41 per cent, 6.96 per cent, 3.45 per cent, 3.29 per cent and 2.59 per cent respectively.

Industrial Index ended at 7,214.17 points, down 0.14 per cent. Al Jazeera Steel and Raysut Cement increased 1.57 per cent and 0.40 per cent respectively.

National Aluminium, Galfar Engineering, Oman Fisheries and Al Hassan Engineering decreased 4.49 per cent, 1.71 per cent, 1.56 per cent and 1.04 per cent respectively.

Services Index retreated 0.52 per cent to finish at 3,300.49 points. OIFC, Phoenix Power, Port Services and Omantel advanced 1.96 per cent, 0.66 per cent, 0.39 per cent and 0.31 per cent respectively. National Gas, Renaissance Services and Al Jazeera Services declined 6.97 per cent, 4.03 per cent and 0.88 per cent respectively.

OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................ 525,000 ......... 131,250......................14 ........... 0.250 ...........0.250 ...........0.250........... 0.250 .............0.256 ...........-0.006 ........... -2.344 ...............0.250..............0.250...................0.255................. 424,800,350 .......0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 920,100 .........208,331..................... 74 ........... 0.233 ...........0.233 ...........0.221........... 0.226 .............0.232 ...........-0.006 ........... -2.586 ...............0.225............. 0.224...................0.225 ..................33,916,950 .........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 142,863 ........... 21,029......................13 ............0.151 ........... 0.151............0.146 ............0.147 ............. 0.152............-0.005 ........... -3.289 ...............0.146 .............. 0.137...................0.146................... 17,915,625 .........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 458,000 ............51,270........................8 ............0.110 ........... 0.112............0.110 ............0.112 ............. 0.116 ............-0.004 ........... -3.448 ...............0.112 .............. 0.112................... 0.114 ................. 224,035,032 .......0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 265,748 ............76,078......................17 ........... 0.290...........0.290 ...........0.280 .......... 0.286 .............0.298 ...........-0.012 ........... -4.027 ...............0.282............. 0.280...................0.282 .................. 83,126,192 .........0.100 OM0000001319 ............NATIONAL ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS .................9,000 ...............2,105........................3 ........... 0.235 ........... 0.235 ...........0.230........... 0.234 .............0.245 ...........-0.011 ........... -4.490 ...............0.230..............0.226...................0.235.....................7,855,719...........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ........... 1,076,868 .......158,742..................... 92 ............0.157 ........... 0.157 ...........0.143 ............0.147 ............. 0.158............-0.011 ........... -6.962 ...............0.143 ..............0.143...................0.144...................13,230,000 .........0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS ........................................................... 155,767 ............ 83,335..................... 25 ............0.556 ........... 0.556 ...........0.518 ........... 0.534 .............0.574 ...........-0.040 ........... -6.969 ...............0.518 ............. 0.000...................0.518 ...................29,370,000.........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ...................... 265,854 ............26,117.....................22 ........... 0.100 ........... 0.100 ...........0.097........... 0.098 .............0.107............-0.009 ............-8.411................0.097..............0.097...................0.101 ....................2,940,000..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 13,653,368.........3,339,287 ...........827 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......34........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 267,173 ............ 40,655..................... 36 ............0.151 ........... 0.153 ...........0.150 ............0.152 ............. 0.151 .............0.001 ............. 0.662 ................0.153 .............. 0.153...................0.154..................222,315,422........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. ...................... 8,382 .................. 285........................1 ........... 0.034 ...........0.034 ...........0.034........... 0.034 .............0.034 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.034..............0.033...................0.034 ...................2,890,000..........0.100 OM0000001400 ...........OMAN FLOUR MILLS ...................................................2,250 ...............1,260........................1 ........... 0.560 ...........0.560 ...........0.560........... 0.584 .............0.584 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.560..............0.560...................0.584...................91,980,000.........0.100 OM0000001590............MUSCAT FINANCE......................................................35,059 ...............4,288..................... 10 ............0.122 ........... 0.124 ...........0.122........... 0.122 .............0.122 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.122..............0.122...................0.124...................32,539,301 .........0.100 OM0000001897 ............MAJAN COLLEGE ........................................................66,334 ............34,494........................6 ........... 0.520 ...........0.520 ...........0.520........... 0.520 .............0.520 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.520..............0.502...................0.530...................15,600,000 .........0.100 OM0000003265 ...........NATIONAL DETERGENT ........................................... 1,000 .................. 628........................1 ........... 0.628 ...........0.628 ...........0.628........... 0.628 .............0.628 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.628............. 0.000...................0.628...................10,683,850 .........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 661,055............ 50,902.....................22 ........... 0.078 ........... 0.078 ...........0.077........... 0.077 .............0.077 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.077..............0.076...................0.077..................115,500,000........0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING....................................45,458 .............. 4,324........................7 ........... 0.096 ...........0.096 ...........0.094........... 0.095 .............0.096 ...........-0.001 ........... -1.042 ...............0.094..............0.092...................0.094 ................... 7,144,760 ..........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ..................................................... 152,011 ............... 9,613......................13 ........... 0.065 ...........0.065 ...........0.063........... 0.063 .............0.064 ...........-0.001 ............-1.563................0.063..............0.062...................0.063.................... 7,875,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001723 ............OMAN ORIX LEASING ............................................. 150,000 ............17,400........................1 ............0.116 ........... 0.116............0.116 ............0.116 ............. 0.118............-0.002 ............-1.695................0.116 ...............0.115................... 0.118 ................... 29,120,571 .........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK.............................................. 238,460 ............13,849......................11 ........... 0.059 ...........0.059 ...........0.058........... 0.058 .............0.059 ...........-0.001 ............-1.695................0.058..............0.058...................0.059...................58,000,000 ........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 1,627,182........177,698...................109 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ...... 11........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000004867 ...........BANK MUSCAT C C B 4.5 .................................................103 ..................... 11........................1 ............0.106 ........... 0.106 ...........0.106........... 0.106 .............0.106 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.106..............0.106...................0.110 ...................33,882,124 .........0.100 OM0000005971 ............B.MUSCAT COMPL. CONVR. B.B.3.5 ...........................297 .....................29........................1 ........... 0.096 ...........0.096 ...........0.096........... 0.096 .............0.096 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.096..............0.096...................0.100....................31,119,515..........0.100 .............................................SUM: ......................................................................................... 400 .....................39........................2 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........2........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

— United Securities

W O R L D T R A D E O R G A N I S AT I O N

PERFORMANCE

US launches second WTO complaint in chicken trade dispute with China WASHINGTON: A fresh challenge to China’s anti-dumping duties on US broiler chicken products was brought in by the Obama administration at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in an effort to bring the long-running trade dispute to a close.

The US Trade Representative’s (USTR) office said it is making claims that China’s anti-dumping and countervailing duties violate WTO rules, partly because China failed to properly calculate US poultry production costs.

China also failed to conduct transparent investigations and breached WTO rules in its finding that US poultry exports have injured Chinese producers, USTR said. The complaint seeks consultations with Beijing on the matter.

The complaint is the second US WTO objection to China’s 2010 imposition of anti-dumping duties of up to 105.4 per cent, and anti-subsidy duties of up to 30.3 per cent, on US broiler chicken products.

In a statement posted on its of-

Michael Froman. — Bloomberg file picture

ficial website on Wednesday, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said it regrets the action the US has taken but will resolve the dispute in accordance with WTO processes. It comes as US-China trade tensions are rising, with China’s economic slowdown flooding markets worldwide with exports

of manufactured goods. US steel and aluminium producers have filed several major anti-dumping complaints against China in recent weeks with the US Commerce Department and International Trade Commission.

“Today’s action holds China accountable for unfair taxes that

they are imposing on American exports of broiler chicken products,” US Trade Representative Michael Froman said in a statement.

China re-examined and lowered the duties on US broiler chickens in 2014 after the WTO accepted US arguments that they violated WTO rules. China currently levies anti-dumping duties up to 73.3 per cent and anti-subsidy taxes up to 4.2 per cent.

But Froman said a USTR review of China’s revised duties, which affect producers including Tyson Foods and Pilgrim’s Pride, found they were still not in compliance with WTO rules.

US Acting Deputy Agriculture Secretary Michael Scuse said that US poultry producers have lost over $1 billion in sales since the duties were imposed in 2010, with annual US chicken exports to China down over 90 per cent.

MOFCOM is also conducting an anti-dumping investigation into US exports of distiller’s dried grains, an ethanol by-product used in animal feed. — Reuters

RECESSION FEAR

Norway increases oil wealth spending OSLO: Norway’s government boosted the amount of oil money it will spend this year, dipping deeper into its sovereign wealth fund (SWF) to ward off a recession.

The government in its revised budget will use 205.6 billion kroner ($25 billion) of its oil wealth versus the 195.2 billion kroner it estimated in October, according to budget documents obtained by Bloomberg ahead of its release

at 10:45 a.m. in Oslo. The spending will have a stimulus effect of 1.1 percentage point this year, up from 0.7 percentage point in its initial budget.

Norway plans to withdraw 84.2 billion kroner from its $860 billion wealth fund to cover the outlays, according to a person who saw a broader version of the budget.

That’s up from an October estimate of just 4.9 billion kroner,

made before oil plunged at the end of last year, and higher than an 80 billion kroner estimate made by the fund in February.

The plunge in crude prices is squeezing the economy of western Europe’s biggest oil producer, driving up unemployment and threatening to halt growth.

The government cut its forecast for mainland economic growth this year to one per cent and said

it sees an expansion of 1.7 per cent next year. The price of oil will be 346 kroner ($42) this year and 396 kroner next year, according to the budget documents. Unemployment will rise to 4.7 per cent this year from 4.4 per cent in 2015.

The minority government needs backing from the smaller Liberal Party and the Christian Democrats to pass the budget.

— Bloomberg News

ABN Amro's profit in first quarter falls on low fee income – Bloomberg file picture

AMSTERDAM: ABN Amro Group reported a 13 per cent decline in profit after its first full quarter as a listed company coincided with a market rout, crimping revenue from fees and commissions, and said it is considering additional cost cuts.

Net income fell to 475 million euros ($541 million) from 543 million euros a year ago, the state-controlled Dutch lender said in a statement on Wednesday. That beat 418 million euros, the average of five analyst estimates compiled by Bloomberg.

“We need to make our organisation more agile, efficient and cost-effective,” Chief Executive Officer Gerrit Zalm said in the statement. The bank will provide more details on cost cuts when it updates its strategy and targets in the second half of the year, he said. The three months through March included 98 million euros in regulatory levies, compared with none a year earlier. Net fee and commission income fell seven per cent to 435 million euros from a year ago. That was offset in part by loan impairments, which were almost nonexistent at two million euros, driven by a recovering Dutch economy. They were 252 million euros a year ago.

“The recurring revenues were marginally less due to commission income, but this is more than compensated by lower expenses,” Cor Kluis, an analyst at Rabobank with a buy rating on

the stock, said by e-mail. “In total, marginally better recurring results than expected.”

Net interest income was unchanged at 1.5 billion euros from last year. Return on equity, a measure of profitability, fell to 11.1 per cent from 14.1 per cent a year ago.

Nationalised during the 2008 financial crisis, ABN Amro returned to the market in November just before the slowdown in China and declining oil prices provoked a global selloff. The stock has gained 1.5 per cent since the listing, compared with a decline of more than 25 per cent in the STOXX Europe 600 Banks Index.

The turmoil could delay plans to sell more shares of the bank.

Finance Minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem has said that he seeks a gradual sale of ABN Amro shares and that he hopes to complete a full sale before his term ends in 2017. The government sold 23 per cent of ABN Amro in an initial public offering in November, raising 3.8 billion euros.

ABN Amro has undergone a makeover since falling prey in 2007 to a 72-billion-euro takeover, the financial services industry’s largest ever, by a consortium including Royal Bank of Scotland Group and Banco Santander.

Dutch state spent almost 22 billion euros to rescue the bank during the 2008 financial crisis.

— Bloomberg News

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B5

ROUND-UP

New online portal launched to offer variety of travel products Amal Suhail Bahwan, managing director and board member, Suhail Bahwan Group, unveiled the new travel portal Skysouq. com’s logo

MUSCAT: Skysouq.com, first of its kind online travel portal headquartered in Muscat, was launched recently.

Amal Suhail Bahwan, managing director and board member, Suhail Bahwan Group, unveiled the new travel portal Skysouq.com’s logo and made the first online booking in the presence of Daniel Naoumovitch, chief executive officer of Sabre Travel Network Middle East, senior government officials and members of the media, says a press release.

The new online travel platform

SkySouq.com offers potential travellers a wide range of travel products such as flights, hotels, holiday packages and other travel services with the flexibility to pick and choose their travel plans according to their preferences and budget from over a million inventories.

Amal said, “In today’s technology-driven marketplace, increasing number of people, particularly the younger generation, are shifting

from the traditional brick-andmortar travel agencies to online shopping as they can get plenty of travel options, value-for-money packages and choose what they want, when they want it with minimal manual interference. Skysouq. com serves exactly that purpose.”

She added, “Skysouq.com is mindful of the government’s efforts to promote Oman as a loved tourism destination; with this in-

H E A LT H C A R E

tent we are aggressively promoting the ‘Visit Oman’ brand on our website which offers a range of local tour itineraries, sightseeing and other activities.

“What makes Skysouq.com unique is that it is the first bi-lingual portal in Oman giving our valuable Omani travellers the choice to browse in Arabic or English and purchase their travel products round the clock.”

Gururaj, general manager, said, “Skysouq.com is a completely responsive portal and hence can be operated on any mobile device, tab or desktop with the most userfriendly and easy-to-use interface.

In addition, a dedicated call centre will provide customer assistance in English and Arabic 24 hours, seven days a week. The portal is integrated with encrypted online payment gateway and a fraud

management system is in place, the website is completely secure.

Payments can be made either in Omani rials or US dollars.

Daniel Naoumovitch, CEO, Sabre Travel Network Middle East said, “Adoption of mobile and online travel is growing enormously in Oman and the Middle East where travellers want to search, shop and book travel at anytime, anywhere on the device they prefer. We are delighted to be part of the launch of Skysouq.com, and congratulate them for embracing technology to serve the tech-savvy travellers of today’s world and for launching the first online travel platform in Oman.

“Skysouq.com will provide travellers with an easy and more individual shopping experience. Our expertise in the online space provides a robust, flexible platform so travel suppliers and buyers can personalise the travel shopping experience, drive greater loyalty and business results.”

Nine out of 10 of the top global Online Travel Agencies OTA’s in the world partner with Sabre. Sabre has the expertise, tools and the right team to support SkySouq. com and offer a whole range of options that transforms the travel experience.

S TAY H E A LT H Y

Kims offers special medical care at gynaecology department MUSCAT: The gynaecology department at Kims Oman Hospital grants its patients a superior level of care and contemplation by providing comprehensive clinical services. It is equipped with advanced facilities to keep in pace with the latest medical advances and up-todate techniques.

The gynaecology department is led by Dr Shalaka Prakash Kant, specialist - Obstetrics and Gynaecology, who has 11 years of exclusive experience in this field along with Dr Susan George, specialist Obstetrics and Gynaecology, with more than 30 years of rich experience gained by working at many esteemed hospitals and healthcare institutions, and supported by its

highly skilled and compassionate medical team, says a press release.

Kims Oman gynaecology department provides a big range of medical specialities including management of high risk pregnancies, infertility, prenatal counselling, VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean), gynaecological surgeries, deliveries and caesareans as well as

antenatal and post natal exercises.

“We are extremely proud of our gynaecology department and the wide range of services it provides to our patients including counselling, medical, and surgical services delivered with the highest levels of expertise and proficiency,” said Dr Hussam Akoum, chief operating officer at KOH.

Yogatherapy4all set to celebrate International Yoga Day tomorrow MUSCAT: Yogatherapy4all will celebrate International Yoga Day - 2016 under the patronage of Indra Mani Pandey, ambassador of India to Sultanate of Oman, at Al Falaj Hotel tomorrow.

The programme will be presided by Gloria Gangte, deputy chief of Mission, Embassy of India,

says a press release.

The programme will be coordinated by Prema Nagesh, yoga therapist, who has been teaching yoga for more than two decades.

Since obesity, diabetes, thyroid are spreading among all ages, this should be given priority in every family.

Take care of your health, without depending on health clubs from your home (irrespective of any one around and weather conditions) by adopting 12 yoga steps which are best suited for you and proven through research with the right breathing techniques and correct (right) bodily movements.

FOREIGN TRIP SCHEME

BENEFITS

Unmatched deals on Mitsubishi Outlander MUSCAT: General Automotive Company (GAC), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Oman, is providing its customers with unmatched deals on the Mitsubishi Outlander together with a great bundle of benefits that includes free service, free registration, cash gifts and more until the offer ends on May 14, says a press release.

Commenting on the Outlander, Manoj Ranade, the GM of General Automotive Company said: “As the first model of Mitsubishi Motors’ enhanced model line-up sporting Mitsubishi’s new design language, the third generation Outlander sets the benchmark for the level of luxury, refinement and performance that consumers have come to expect in the affordably-priced

crossover segment. This is further evident from the overwhelmingly positive response we have received from both customers and fans since its launch mid last year.”

The offer allows all potential Mitsubishi Outlander buyers to benefit from a six years unlim-

ited mileage warranty, six years roadside assistance, free registration, free service package of 3 years/50,000km and cash gifts of up to OMR800.

The offer also provides prospective buyers with attractive trade-in options and financing with EMIs

of as low as OMR109 per month for the Outlander.

The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander seven seat passenger crossover was the first Mitsubishi production vehicle to showcase the brand’s new design language and new front design concept, labelled ‘Dynamic Shield’. The new Outlander is not just a cosmetic ‘refreshing,’ however, and features an unprecedented number of important engineering and design improvements that increase the level of refinement and overall driving experience.

“In addition to the Outlander, this offer also extends to our Pajero and Lancer EX models; each of which represent the very best in performance, comfort and reliability in their respective classes,” added Manoj.

AL NAHDHA BAGS ISO ACCREDITATION Giovanni Piazzolla, director of Al Nahdha Overseas, receives the prestigious ISO accreditation certificate from Dr Sunil Manjarekar, SQGC, Dubai. — Supplied picture

Khimji Paints rewards top performing dealers MUSCAT: Khimji Paints, part of the Infrastructure Group of Khimji Ramdas recently honoured its top performing retail dealers with a return trip to Switzerland for their continuous contribution to sales targets for FY 2015.

The foreign trip scheme was launched in 2011 as an initiative to reward the efforts of the best performing dealers, says a press release.

M. R. Kamat, general manager at Khimji Paints said, “The FTS scheme was introduced specially to thank and honour our valued retail dealers for their continued support and contributions. This year Khimji Paints is celebrating its 30th year of manufacturing in Sultanate of Oman. Over the last three decades our relationship with our dealers has grown from strength to strength; the business category has also expanded in terms of volume and customer satisfaction.”

As part of its ongoing customer centric initiative, Khimji Paints opened its Paint Experience Centres at Honda Road and Azaiba in Muscat. These centres have been aesthetically designed with contemporary painting themes and concepts. Customers can see, touch and feel the paints and finishes and take advantage of free guidance provided by professionals in selecting colour schemes for their dream houses.

Khimji Paints caters to all kinds of interior and exterior painting needs, whether it is new surface painting or repainting, offices, villas, commercial buildings or industrial painting. The company has witnessed growth, owing to its network of loyal customers and, of course, dealers and employees who live by the credo of customer first - A philosophy that resonates across the Khimji Ramdas Group.

B6

THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2016

ROUND-UP Kia cars now available with exciting benefits ‘Waffer Ma Kia’ invites customers to visit with just OMR99 and drive away with a brand new Kia

MUSCAT: It is the big one! Kia has truly shaken the market with its big savings offer.

‘Waffer Ma Kia’ invites customers to visit with just OMR99 and drive away with a brand new Kia, says a press release.

The scheme unfurls to reveal some other incredible elements.

“We are offering 0% Interest for two years loan and 2.99% interest rate for more than two years to five years deals to customers,”

explains the spokesperson, “Then there is a cash gift up to OMR1,600 of every Kia purchased along with a 30,000km service package. A full year’s comprehensive insurance for Oman is available on the vehicle, which can also be opted in a different package. Every customer also gets a chance to win in a grand raffle of OMR5,000 in cash. In addition to all this, there are four raffles of OMR1,000. Finally there is the ‘Cash for Fuel’ or the assured

Scratch N Win coupon of total worth of OMR26,000,” the spokesperson concludes, while adding a gentle reminder, “We should make the most of it by going for it early.

The scheme period is from May 8 to July 7 only!”

The personal touch given by Kia is to offer a Toll Free number to customers 22-31-41-51. If anyone gives a missed call to this number, they will be informed all they need to know about ‘Waffer Ma Kia’ of-

fer. There will be no charges.

“The offer is truly something to get excited about,” says an enthusiast, “It means that I will be able to save big, so as to spend more with my family.”

A world-class brand which is also the fastest growing, Kia has been chosen from amongst Top 50 Global Green Brands by Interbrand. It is fitted with fuel-efficient engines that offer an ECO mode drive for optimum fuel efficiency.

Kia has also been declared No.1 in Quality by none other than JD Power IQS study 2015 (amongst Mass Brand, US & Autobuild, Germany) & Ranked with 5 Star Crash Safety Ratings Globally.

Hence, a golden opportunity beckons everyone to make the most of the incredibly powerful offer from Kia - such an opportunity may never come their way, again.

Reliable International Automotive, the distributor for Kia in Oman provides a rewarding ownership experience for customers.

D A I LY F L I G H T F R O M J U LY 1

Qatar Airways brings A380 service to Guangzhou GUANGZHOU, China: Qatar Airways has announced that it will upgauge its Doha-Guangzhou service with the introduction of its flagship Airbus A380 on the route.

Guangzhou will be Qatar Airways fourth A380 destination, after London, Paris and Bangkok.

Daily flights on board the world’s largest commercial aircraft will begin July 1 from Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Passengers travelling to and from Guangzhou on Qatar Airways QR874 and QR875 will enjoy a unique and enhanced travel experience on the airline’s bespoke A380 super-jumbo aircraft.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “This year marks our eighth anniversary of operations in Guangzhou and we are delighted to celebrate this milestone by introducing our bespoke A380 aircraft, re-affirming our longstanding commitment to China.

The Pearl River Delta region is one of China’s most vibrant trade and travel hubs and we have witnessed steady passenger growth both to and from Guangzhou over the years. Passengers from Asia can now enjoy their entire journey on our luxurious A380 aircraft when

they fly to popular cities such as London and Paris via our state-ofthe-art Hamad International Airport in Doha.”

The A380 provides outstanding levels of comfort and reliability using state-of-the-art technology and sets new benchmarks for all the key qualities related to a passenger’s well-being while on board.

Wider seats, lower noise levels, draught-free air circulation, and accurate temperature control are among the many advancements on the A380 that keep passengers feeling fresh and comfortable during a long flight.

The 517-seat aircraft is spread across twin decks in a tri-class configuration of eight seats in First Class, 48 seats in Business Class

and 461 in Economy Class. Seats in each cabin class are proprietary to Qatar Airways and have been crafted in close collaboration with the designers and manufacturers.

The First Class cabin features eight exclusive suites on the upper deck in a 1-2-1 configuration. Each seat features a 90-inch pitch with a fully lie-flat bed, 26-inch HD inflight entertainment screen and direct aisle access. The First Class cabin also offers features such as spa-inspired bathrooms with luxurious amenities to ensure passengers enjoy a comfortable and leisurely flight.

Qatar Airways’ acclaimed Business Class cabin on the A380 features 48 seats on the upper deck in a 1-2-1 configuration, with an

80-inch full flat bed, 17-inch HD in-flight entertainment screen and direct aisle access. The upper deck also features a spacious in-flight lounge offering First and Business Class passengers an escape from the typical airplane environment, a Qatar Airways experience that is unique to the A380. In addition, First and Business Class passengers can look forward to a sumptuous on-demand à la carte service menu and luxurious Giorgio Armani amenity kits when flying with Qatar Airways.

The two Economy Class cabins on the spacious Qatar Airways A380 can be found on the upper deck in a 2-4-2 configuration and on the main deck in a 3-4-3 configuration. Each Economy Class seat is 18.5-inch wide with a 32inch seat pitch. Coupled with the higher ceilings on the main deck and a configuration that uses fewer seats, the inflight environment contributes to a real feeling of spaciousness when onboard the A380 super-jumbo.

Travellers can indulge in luxury and spacious extravagance on their way to Guangzhou for the Canton Fair - one of China’s largest import and export trade events - in October for which Qatar Airways is the official airline partner.

QUALITY PRODUCT

Filters International all set to launch wide range of filter products in Oman MUSCAT: Molecules International is a young and dynamic company headquartered in the Sultanate of Oman with business operations in India, Africa and other GCC countries.

Molecules International’s latest venture Filters International in tandem with its Qatar based partner and several world leaders in the genre of operations is all set to launch a wide array of filters products in the Oman market. A new warehouse and showroom has been acquired at Al Amerat and Misfah /Ghubra respectively and the company has in fact already kicked started operations in Muscat and surrounding areas, says a press release.

Representative of one of its overseas partners from the USA

namely Wix Filters visited Oman and they were introduced to the media fraternity here.

Wix Filters is nearly eight decades old, has 11 facilities in eight countries, manufactures more than 210 million filters annually and has customers in over 80

countries. It employs more than 3,500 employees globally, including 1,500 in the greater Gastonia area of North Carolina State.

In addition, for more than 50 years the Wix name has become well-known among the generations of motorsports champions

who have driven to the winner’s circle with Wix Filters.

For more than 75 years, Wix has revolutionised the filtration industry with quality and innovation and is poised for more growth and excellence in the years and decades ahead.

Hydrocare Qatar has an ever growing network, highly specialised service points, mobile service, vans and on site workshops dedicated to serve its customers.

Hydrocare achieved excellence in providing its customers with the best quality hydraulic components and technical services.

Some of its products include high pressure hoses for all types of applications in oil and gas Industry, marine, transport and construction industry.

C U LT U R A L P R O G R A M M E

ISAM celebrates its 5th annual day MUSCAT: Indian School Al Mabelah (ISAM) celebrated its fifth annual day recently under the auspices of Indra Mani Pandey, ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman.

The four-hour event brought to life the colours of creativity and talent of the students.

V. Thulasidas, board director, Oman Air, was the guest of honour. The event began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the chief guest followed by the welcome speech by Vidhur, deputy head boy, says a press release.

P. Prabakaran, principal, addressed the gathering and presented the school’s annual report 2015-16. The report highlighted the curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities of the academic year.

Ambujakshan M. K., president - School Management Committee delivering the welcome address, spoke on the effective execution of the safe and efficient transport system introduced for the students.

He also appreciated the parents for their participation in the

progress achieved by the school and briefed about the future facilities, like projectors and display units that the school is planning to instal in each class.

The ambassador spoke about the importance of science and how it showers great benefits upon the future generation. Thulasidas stated the importance of including more Omani staff as teachers in Indian schools.

He also spoke about the difficulties the NRI students face after completing their Grade XII in a Gulf country. The distribution of annual awards and prizes was attended by the chief guest. The event also witnessed the official inauguration of the ERP system to integrate all functions of the school like online admissions, transport, student and employee management etc.

The dazzling cultural programme that followed included various dances, songs, mime, etc. by the students accompanied by a spectacular display of lights. The magnificent event came to a close with the vote of thanks by Maria Raza, school head girl.

H U M A N I TA R I A N G E S T U R E

ISC Kerala Wing kicks off organ donation campaign MUSCAT: Kerala Wing inaugurated organ donation pledge and announced its commitment in promotion of bone marrow transplant process recently at Indian Social Club Darsait.

P. M. Jabir, Kerala Wing’s founder convener and Indian Social Club Community Welfare Secretary kicked off the campaign by handing over his pledge to Rejilal Kokkadan, current convener who presided over the function, says a press release.

With modern treatment methodologies and procedures, most of the terminal illness can be cured and the organ transplantation plays a crucial role in its complete and sustainable recovery.

It is the compassion and heartiness prolongs the organ donation than anything else. Kerala Wing like in the past, would be a front runner of these initiatives, Jabir said in this key note address.

“We are exploring ways to perform organ transplant schemes in Oman with active collaboration with Oman Ministry of Health,” he added.

More than 300 individuals pledged the organ donation on the first days itself, which is supported by Kerala Network of Organ Sharing (KNOS) also known

as ‘Mritha Sanjeevani’, an NGO working under the government of Kerala encourages and facilitates organ donations.

Another significant announcement made during the function was the build of database and proliferation of bone marrow transplant cause for the leukaemia type of cancer especially among children. Of late, it is reported that about 50 children a day are diagnosed by some variables of lymphoma across India.

“It is the aspiration of Kerala Wing to be the nodal agency for both organ donation and bone marrow transplant process in Oman,” Rejilal stated.

“There will be number of awareness and educational sessions for the organ transplant and bone marrow treatment in various part of Oman with expertise support from KNOS and other agencies,” he added.

New elected members of Indian School Board and Shaji Sebastain, winner of Marunadan Malayalee award for best social worker in GCC were felicitated.

Santhosh Kumar, Kerala Wing co-convener welcomed the guests and audience. Ajaya Kumar, Community welfare coordinator, expressed vote of thanks.

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Omantel’s weekend events enjoyed by children, adults in Musandam Community engagement plays an important role in Omantel’s vision to enrich the lives of all citizens and residents of the Sultanate

MUSCAT: In line with the vision to enrich the lives of citizens and residents of the Sultanate, Omantel, in partnership with the Omani Women’s Association hosted a long-weekend of entertainment and events in the Musandam Governorate.

A programme of family-friendly events, activities and entertainment was held in Khasab, Daba and Bakha, which were thoroughly enjoyed by children and adults alike, says a press release.

Commenting on the weekend’s success, Mohammed Hassan AlLawati, manager of Events at Omantel noted: “We were thrilled with the large turnout and positive feedback the programme has received.

We decided to host a weekend of entertainment for the residents of Musandam after seeing the success of similar events in other regions.

At Omantel it is a real pleasure to host community events such as this, events that aim to give back

and enrich the lives of the loyal customers who support us.”

“We want to thank all those who helped to bring this special weekend to life, especially our partner the Omani Women’s Association, a group that continues to do wonderful work throughout the Sultanate.

The weekend could also not have been this successful without the enthusiastic audience who shared with us their joy and laughter.”

Ibrahim bin Hassan Al Shehi, the vice president of Bakha Sport and Cultural Club noted that he observed immense enjoyment and excitement from Bakha residents as they attended various events in their home city. According to Al Shehi, the excitement in the air was palpable and the activities were thoroughly enjoyed by children and adults alike. He commended Omantel on its role in bringing together families and the

community on this holiday weekend and other occasions.

Community engagement plays an important role in Omantel’s vision to enrich the lives of all citizens and residents of the Sultanate. Omantel works closely with community groups and organisations to make a meaningful difference to the future development of the nation.

Dr Aisha bint Sulaiman Al Shehi, head of the Omani Women’s Association in Daba noted, “The residents of the Musandam Governorate were thrilled to take part in such an event and were very appreciative of the time and effort

it took to create and execute the programme. The Omani Women’s Association really commends the work Omantel does for local communities across the country and we are sure we will see their good work continue for years to come. It is my sincere hope that the Omani Women’s Association will continue to partner with Omantel and other organisations so we can continue our mandate to serve the community and empower women.”

“I would like to once again thank Omantel for its endeavours in contributing to this weekend’s activities in Musandam, in addition to the company’s collaboration with

M O U T H -WAT E R I N G D E L I C A C I E S

More Café launches its new menu MUSCAT: The hugely popular More Café have stepped up its food game in a big way with the launch of a new menu.

Created by the café’s own international chefs, the new menu presents a healthy new breakfast selection, range of soups, salads, sandwiches and pasta dishes.

Next to these, the new menu features wraps and new main courses as well as a mouth-watering burger selection, delicate desserts and refreshing new drinks, says a press release.

With many healthy new options such as the Berry Cobler with Quinoa, Spanish Tortilla, Seared Tuna with Lentil Salsa and Carrot Passionfruit Smoothie it is clear that the popular restaurant has not compromised on explosive flavours and taste.

The foodies will be delighted with the new sliders, Teriyaki

Burger with Wasabi Mayonnaise, Ravioli Shitake, Prawns Pasanda, Arabic Seafood Stew and many more.

Ajit Singh, group general manager of Asha Enterprises, believes More Cafe’s commitment to the

highest standards of quality and its distinctive food gives it an advantage in Muscat’s highly competitive casual dining market.

“We are extremely pleased to be presenting our loyal customers with a new menu that will wow

and tantalise taste buds. In the making of this new menu, there has been a clear understating of incorporating local flavours that appeal to the Oman market.

“This fusion of Arabic, European and Asian flavours is what sets the new More menu apart and we are confident it will be a great success,” Ajit Singh adds.

More Café uses the freshest ingredients, roasts its own coffees, bakes its own breads and pastries and produces the pastas, jams, dressings, chutneys and ice creams on their menu, ensuring the best quality from source to plate. These ingredients can also be purchased at the store along with other More Café specialities such as caramel cookies, biscotti and granola bars.

The restaurant also has an extensive catering menu for private parties and functions.

D I G I TA L P R E S E N C E

Salman Corporation wins at Tech Awards

MUSCAT: With Oman on a digitisation spree, Salman Corporation has truly put its best foot forward to make its websites and mobile applications a notch above the rest.

A successful company with diverse portfolios and business units, it has paid utmost attention to establish its presence in the virtual world. The recently held Oman Tech Awards 2016 honoured Salman Corporation with three prestigious trophies for their excellent online ventures, says a press release.

Roumaan received the much sought after gold award for its outstanding mobile application in e-commerce category. Roumaan.com also bagged the silver award for its website also in the e-

commerce category. The salmanstores.com website also received a silver award in the retail and shopping malls category. Walking away with three esteemed awards in one night, Salman Corporation proved that its digitisation endeavours not only met the necessary guidelines and norms that contributed to making it a great website or application, but was very well-received by users too.

Aqeel Abdulmunam Al Lawati, CEO, Salman Corporation said, “We are indeed delighted to have been bestowed with these awards.

Each of them speaks of our success in a different category and it is good to know we are on the right path. We have always kept a close watch on the market and have changed ourselves in response to

its dynamic demands too.

Digital strategy “Thus, in 2013, we were able to instantly identify the importance of having a digital presence for our businesses. We laid the foundation for our digital strategy for our core - retail and F&B. We first launched pizzainnoman. com which received much appreciation by the public and also won an award in 2015 at Oman Web Awards. Later in the year, we launched roumaan.com which instantly became a major success.

This exclusive website is a standalone e-retailer and simultaneously we came out with a mobile app that further complemented the website.

“Our most recent venture was

the launch of salmanstores.com which is an omni-channel strategy for Salman Stores. I would like to attribute the success of these initiatives to the enthusiasm, dedication and unending perseverance that our digital team showed to give birth to these world-class online products.”

The websites of roumaan.com and salmanstores.com as well as the Roumaan mobile application showed engaging layouts and interactive features that allowed for easy navigation thereby making it extremely user-friendly, while still retaining its attractiveness and upholding the interests of the visitor. Responsive to all hand held devices the websites and applications are extremely handy even on the go.

the Omani Women’s Association,” added Dr Aisha.

Safiya Mohammed Al Shehi, administrative member of the Board of Directors - Omani Women’s Association in Khasab noted, “The events of the weekend were particularly special as they catered for all ages and interests, meaning they were enjoyed by all members of the community. Omantel is an organisation well known for its work with communities and youth and this weekend was just a further example of this. We would like to express our gratitude for Omantel’s continual efforts to serve communities in Musandam and

around the Sultanate.

Investing in the future of the nation, Omantel connects even the most remote communities of the Sultanate to each other and with the rest of the world. Omantel is the Sultanate’s first integrated telecommunications services provider, enabling the digital society to flourish, allowing new ways of doing business and delivering a world of information, news and entertainment. Today, Omantel boldly innovates to deliver the highest levels of customer satisfaction, the broadest and most reliable nationwide network while investing for Oman’s future development.

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INCREASING TERRITORIAL FOOTPRINT

Risk Management Services acquires MAI CEE insurance brokers MUSCAT: Risk Management Services (RMS) has announced that it has completed the acquisition of MAI CEE Ltd (MAI). MAI has offices in 25 countries, including 12 integrated broker partners, operating in Central and Eastern Europe with network partners in over 140 countries worldwide.

Established in 1991, MAI employ 180 staff and place in excess of $100 million in premiums into the regional insurance markets

on behalf of their clients, says a press release.

David Street, RMS Group CEO, said: “We are delighted to have acquired a MAI CEE Insurance Brokers. The RMS Group has seen dramatic growth over recent years and already operates in South Asia and the Middle East through our brands Risk Management Services and Millennium.

“This acquisition greatly increases our territorial footprint in

an area which we believe offers exciting development potential.

“By offering equity participation to the senior managers of MAI CEE, we will offer continuity to our existing clients and the drive and enthusiasm to grow our business to new and greater levels.”

RMS is a 100 percent Omani owned insurance broker currently operating in Oman, Pakistan, India, Dubai and Sri Lanka. RMS employs 160 staff and places pre-

miums into the market in excess of $150 million. With head office in Muscat, Oman, RMS has three branches in Ruwi, Al Khoud and Sohar with two more planned for in Salalah and Nizwa later this year. RMS will also be opening insurance kiosks in 24 ROP licencing centres from where it will be possible to buy/renew motor insurance at the same time as obtaining/renewing a Mulkiya.

RMS, operating in Oman for

Bank Muscat wins best performing bank award consistently won the OER Top 20 award reflecting the strategic investor relations policy, which has helped in building a stronger corporate governance and investor in Oman

MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, won the best performing bank in Oman award by OER. Sulaiman Al Harthy, deputy chief executive officer – Islamic Banking, received the award from Ahmed bin Saleh Al Marhoon, director general of Muscat Securities Market, at the high profile

lowed this investment by opening in India, Sri Lanka and Dubai, however, the acquisition of MAI is a game changer for RMS. “This investment provides our group with the geographic, product and service diversification we require to enable us to realise our objectives of achieving sustainable, profitable growth for our stakeholders and creating secure and meaningful careers for all our staff.”

MAIDEN VENTURE

ISD launches ‘Habits Diary’ for primary kids

Bank Muscat has

relationship culture

37 years, was the first registered insurance broker in the Sultanate and is now the largest Omani owned insurance entity. RMS is planning further expansion in the GCC, Indian Ocean Rim and wider Middle East region.

Hugh Robson, CEO of RMS Oman, said: “When we opened our first foreign branch in Pakistan in 2008, RMS was immensely proud to be the first Omani insurance entity to expand overseas. We fol-

award ceremony attended by senior government officials, business leaders and decision makers of Oman’s corporate sector, says a press release.

The award winning Top 20 listed companies with uncompromising passion for excellence were spotlighted as the standard bearers of corporate Oman making substantial contributions to the Sultanate’s economy.

The best performing bank in Oman award was based on the leading revenue position maintained by Bank Muscat in 2015.

Bank Muscat has consistently won the OER Top 20 award reflecting the strategic investor relations policy, which has helped in building a stronger corporate governance and investor relationship culture in Oman.

Bank Muscat takes proactive measures to enhance investor relations and reckons that fully engaging with investors enables companies to present themselves more favourably. Bank Muscat remains focused on achieving consistent top performance and enhanced value for all stakeholders.

ATT R AC T I V E P R I C E S

The OER Top 20 awards celebrate corporate excellence in Oman. The Top 20 companies reflect values – agility, adaptability, thrift, prudence and foresight - that have made them the best performers.

Companies were evaluated and ranked on the basis of their revenue, verified by KPMG Oman.

Starting in 2003, the OER Top 20 awards has evolved into an authoritative barometer of Oman Inc’s performance and underscores the strength and resilience of Oman’s economy.

MUSCAT: Indian School Darsait (ISD) has transpired with an ingenious idea of ‘Habits Diary’ to assist students in shaping their behaviour at an early age.

A maiden venture of ISD would definitely inculcate in students values and character that would help them to become global citizens and leaders.

The official inauguration of Habits Diary was held in Indian School Darsait for Classes I-V recently. Dr Amsa Parambil, former vice president of school management committee and head of academic subcommittee was the chief guest, says a press release.

Dr Sridevi P. Thashnath, principal, in her welcome address emphasised the importance of moulding habits in the formative years of a child and how the Habits Diary would help them.

She also threw light on how the idea suggested by Dr Amsa was well taken by the school and the formulation of the ‘Habits Diary’ for each class separately by Leena Francis, vice principal and the team of primary section

teachers. Later, she also stressed on character formation of a child in the society which will enhance the education process to form the roots and wings as they grow up.

The first copy of the ‘Habits Diary’ was released by Dr Amsa and was handed over to Nikhila Anilkumar, member of school management committee and head of academic subcommittee for Classes III – V and to Biju Samuel, vice president of school management committee for Classes I and II. The function also witnessed an e-launching of the ‘Habits Diary’.

Amsa in his keynote address pointed out the magical ‘R’s which are ‘Recognise, Record, Report, Reinforce and Regulate’ that would pattern the character of a child and how habits diary can be effectively utilised for it.

Biju Samuel shared an apt anecdote which made the importance of developing good habits in the early years of life, more specific to the audience.

The function concluded with the vote of thanks by Leena.

E X PA N S I O N

Mega sale at Capital Store Malabar Gold all set to open

its new outlet in Barka today

MUSCAT: The much awaited annual Capital Store mega sales is currently on at Al Harthy Complex Qurum. Many world famous brands of perfumes, cosmetics, luggage and home ware are being offered at very attractive prices, says a press release.

The sale is getting overwhelming response from customers and people from all parts of Muscat and nearby areas are flocking to grab the offers. The offers are unique and give an opportunity to pick up gifts for the coming festive season as well.

MUSCAT: With 150 branches spread across the globe, Malabar Gold & Diamonds is now extending its presence in the Sultanate of Oman, by opening its latest outlet at Lulu Hypermarket, Barka.

The grand opening will be taking place today at 7pm. The showroom located at the ground floor inside Lulu Hypermarket, will be inaugurated by renowned Omani football player Ali Al Habsi, says a press release.

Being the 11th branch in Oman

The showroom located at the ground floor inside Lulu Hypermarket, Barka will be inaugurated by renowned Omani football player Ali Al Habsi

and the first of its kind in Barka, Malabar Gold intends to provide an unparalleled shopping experience to every customer of this region. The jewellery chain offers a significantly large collection of traditional as well as contemporary designer jewellery. Like all their other outlets, this outlet also will exhibit a wide range of diverse and trendy designs in 18K, 22K gold, IGI certified diamonds and precious stone jewellery from Italy, Singapore, Bahrain and India.

T R E AT T O C H I L D R E N

QUALITY PRODUCTS

A’Saffa: Fresh, healthy and tasty choice MUSCAT: A’Saffa Foods, Oman’s largest fully integrated poultry and value added processed product producer leaves no stone unturned in its commitment to deliver superior quality products that are natural, fresh and tasty.

A’Saffa Foods understands that infrastructure is the backbone of operations in poultry integration, and hence ensures that a well-established infrastructure supports their poultry operations end-toend, resulting in quality control and optimised productivity, says a press release.

The infrastructure at A’Saffa includes parent farms, feed mill, environmentally controlled sheds (EC Shed), hatchery, modern (fully-automated, untouched by hand) processing plant, R&D centre, disease diagnostics and feed analytical labs.

A’Saffa Foods, farm management systems, feed management systems, health management systems, bio security and animal welfare are by far the best in the region and at par with the global standards.

A’Saffa chickens are bred and fed with natural feed (yellow corn and soya) that are also manufactured at the A’Saffa feed mill, throughout the raising period. As a company that abides by religious, healthy

and ethical practices, A’Saffa prohibits the use of chicken byproducts, animal waste feed and substitutes for feeding its birds.

Meticulous attention to details, high biosecurity and stringent quality control checks throughout the brand’s processes ensure that the chicken that reaches an endconsumer is 100 percent natural, fresh, pure, tasty and safe.

Commenting on their plant and farm management systems, Sidhartha Lenka, head of Marketing and Sales, A’Saffa Foods said, “Parent lines at A’Saffa Foods are reared by experts, using scientific management processes in a bio-secured environment. With a keen understanding and insight of farm management systems, the parent lines are reared ensuring

their adaptability to Oman’s environmental conditions, in order to achieve improved feed conversion, performance and productivity.”

He continued, “A’Saffa Foods takes pride in having technologically advanced sheds that have a capacity to house 32,500 chickens in each house. Each farm is automatically controlled through advanced climate control systems.

Optimal temperatures and humidity levels are programmed into the system and it is ensured that the same is maintained round-theclock. In addition, even the feeding and watering systems are fully automated; and the entire farm is operated and controlled from a single computer-based system.”

A’Saffa has been a pioneer in the production of quality poultry

A’Saffa Foods understands that infrastructure is the backbone of operations in poultry integration, and hence ensures that a well-established infrastructure supports their poultry operations end-to-end, resulting in quality control and optimised productivity

products since its inception in 2001 and is an acknowledged leader in the poultry market in Oman, while rapidly growing its international presence in the GCC market and beyond.

McDonald’s supports AWHC’s ‘Deaf Week’ MUSCAT: Children with special needs at the Association for the Welfare of Handicapped Children (AWHC) were all smiles as McDonald’s treated them with their favourite Happy Meal in celebration of AWHC’s ‘Deaf Week’, says a press release.

For many consecutive years, McDonald’s Oman collaborates with the AWHC in its advocacy to raise awareness about the deaf community and children with special needs. The brand helps promote the rights of such children in the community.

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OC hopes to start cricket activities in Sohar and Salalah by October will start. We are hoping the ground development and other activities will start by October,” he added.

Oman Cricket announced the formation of two committees to run activities in Sohar and Salalah with General Secretary

NEW FRONTIERS: Members of Sohar and Salalah committees with Oman Cricket officials during their visit to Muscat. – Supplied photo

Madhu Jesrani saying the ‘idea is to go step by step to achieve our mission’

A SESHAGIRI RAO

raoas@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: As part of their mission to popularise and develop the game across the Sultanate, Oman Cricket is hoping to launch cricket activities in Sohar and Salalah by

October this year. The Sultanate’s cricket governing body on Wednesday announced the formation of two committees to run cricket activities in Sohar and Salalah.

Oman Cricket General Secretary Madhu Jesrani said the ‘idea is to go step by step to achieve our mission’.

Speaking to Times Sport, Madhu Jesrani said: “Our mission is to develop cricket across Oman.

And the idea is to go step by step to achieve that. Sohar and Salalah are the first steps.”

Describing the formation of the two committees as a ‘big impor-

tant step’ in country’s cricket, he said: “It has been our endeavour to take cricket to other regions of Oman. Besides Sohar and Salalah, we have plans for Nizwa, Sur and Barka as well.”

“We have started with Sohar and Salalah. Then slowly we will go to other parts as well,” he added.

Madhu Jesrani revealed that the response has been great both in Sohar and Salalah, which led to the cricket body starting the process.

“The response has been great from all concerned. So we have initiated the process by forming the committees to start working

CHESS

for the development of cricket in these two regions,” he said.

The official also said Oman Cricket is hopeful of cricket activities starting in the two places by October. “As I said the response has been very encouraging from all concerned in both places. The authorities have also been very co-operative. The ground has already been allotted in Salalah. Already there is a shortlist of sites on which we propose to start the development works in Sohar.”

“We are waiting for the authorities to give the final approval. As soon as we got the approval, the work

‘Our responsibility’ The committees, to be known as Oman Cricket Sohar and Oman Cricket Salalah, will function independently but under the supervision of the Sultanate’s cricket governing body.

The Sohar committee will be headed by Abraham George and will also comprise Ranjit Ravindran (secretary), Karuneh Varma (treasurer), Mohammed Salim Al Jawari, Sriram Krishnaswamy. and Kamal Prasad Gurang (all members). Oman Cricket is yet to name the vice-chairman.

Salalah committee will be led by Neelesh K. Derani and it consists of Axay Mehta (vice-chairman), S. Anil Kumar (secretary), Mayur Toprani (treasurer), Zaki Abdul Hakeem Al Bader, John Rajamoney, Sudheer Nair, Dr. Lalit Mohan and Narendranath K. Mudaliar.

Stating the cricket body is very pleased with the formation of the committees and the members selected for the respective committees, Madhu Jesrani said: “These committees will be under the umbrella of Oman Cricket but they

will work independently. Now it is our responsibility to support them in all aspects.

“We will be helping the committees to run the activities. And of course we will help the teams and the players as well. Not to forget the development of coaches and umpires. We will be doing everything needed for the overall development of cricket.”

Meanwhile, Sohar committee member Sriram Krishnaswamy informed Times Sport that they are waiting for Sohar Municipality to give the final approval.

“It is now down to some paper work and site inspection by Sohar Municipality. Once it is done, the site will be allotted and it may happen any time,” he said.

Oman Cricket Sohar Committee: Abraham George (chairman), Ranjit Ravindran (secretary), Karuneh Varma (treasurer), Mohammed Salim Al Jawari (member), Sriram Krishnaswamy (member) and Kamal Prasad Gurang (member).

Oman Cricket Salalah Committee: K. Derani (chairman), Axay Mehta (vicechairman), S. Anil Kumar (secretary), Mayur Toprani (treasurer), Zaki Abdul Hakeem Al Bader (member), John Rajamoney (member), Sudheer Nair (member), Dr. Lalit Mohan (member) and Narendranath K. Mudaliar (member).

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE

Pollard, Buttler power Mumbai

CHALLENGERS: Indian School Muscat students Vishal Ram and Amoolya Subhash, and Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir students, right photo, Jijo Joy and Sharlene Wadhwa pose for a photo along with the officials after their respective qualifiers. – Supplied photos

ISM, ISWK students win ‘Play Anand’ Qualifiers MUSCAT: Two students each from the Indian School Muscat (ISM) and Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir (ISWK) won the right to challenge five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand in a simultaneous exhibition match on Friday.

The third and fourth rounds of a series of ‘Play Anand’ Qualifiers were organised at the ISM and ISWK respectively with the International Chess Academy of Oman (ICAO) spotting the four young contenders — one boy and one girl from each school, after stiff competitions.

The players who topped their respective categories and qualified to challenge Anand from ISM are Vishal Ram and Amoolya Subhash and from ISWK are Jijo Joy and Sharlene Wadhwa.

A total of 120 students competed in each of the qualifiers at ISM and ISWK. Ismael Karim thanked both ISM Principal Srinivas K. Naidu and ISWK Principal D. N. Rao and their team of teachers for the success of the qualifying rounds in their respective schools.

Four players — two each from Indian School Al Seeb and Indian School Al Ghubra — have already qualified for the simultaneous match with Anand.

They are ISG’s Somil Rawat and Aishwarya Sen and ISAS’s Jenal Pereira and Nyan Raj. Ismael Karim said the response to Play Anand Qualifications has so far been huge and already 508 players have taken part in the tournaments held in various schools.

“There is another Qualifier exclusively for Omani players. We

Vishy to arrive today MUSCAT: Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand will arrive in Muscat on Thursday morning for a series of activities aimed at promoting chess.

The five-time world champion, who will be arriving here on an invitation from International Chess Academy of Oman (ICAO) and under the sponsorship of Al Zawawi Group’s Al Alawi Enterprises, is scheduled to play an exhibition match simultaneously with 40 selected players, including Oman national players and expatriate schoolchildren.

will be hosting this on Thursday evening at our academy, from which the top 10 will get the chance to challenge Anand,” he said.

Speaking about 11-year-old Jijo Joy, who had already taken part in various national and international tournaments including those in Sharjah, Dubai and Ibri, Ismael Kairm said: “Jijo has so far performed above his rating, against strong opponents.”

“Back in 2014, he was just nine years old when he played in a similar simultaneous match against Garry Kasparov and it will be interesting to see how he will be performing against Viswanathan

During his six-day stay, Anand is also scheduled to deliver a lecture at ICAO and visit some of the Muscatbased schools.

Anand,” Ismael Karim said.

Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand will be visiting Muscat from May 12 to 17 on an invitation from the ICAO. The ICAO has been organising ‘Play Anand’ Qualification tournaments in different schools to select the best who will be challenging Anand in a simultaneous exhibition match to be played at the Avenues Mall on Friday.

The qualifying events are being organised by ICAO chief coach and International Master Ismael Karim and Arbiters of International Chess Federation Anas Al Raisi and Afraa Al Balushi.

BENGALURU: Kieron Pollard and Jos Buttler put up an unbeaten 55-run stand off 22 balls to power Mumbai Indians to a six-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore in their Indian Premier League clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday.

Pollard’s unbeaten 35 came off 19 balls and was studded with two sixes and three fours, while Buttler remained undefeated after a match-winning 11-ball 29 slamming three sixes and a four as Mumbai chased down the 152-run target in 18.4 overs.

Earlier, with top RCB batsmen misfiring, the team could manage a score of only 151 for 4 in 20 overs.

Skipper Virat Kohli (6), Chris Gayle (4), Shane Watson (15) and Abraham De Villiers (24) did not live up to the day and only lone ranger K.L. Rahul saved the day for Royal Challengers with a defiant

53-ball-68, remaining unbeaten.

Losing Kohli and Gayle quickly, Royal Challengers lost the momentum to find themselves in a slow paced one-day international kind of situation. Even after six overs, RCB managed to score only 25/2.

Despite being dropped in the last IPL match played at Bengaluru, Gayle is consistently continuing his ‘unit score innings streak’. He misfired in the fourth over off Tim Southee to be caught on the long on.

Though De Villiers looked promising after the early jolt RCB received with the loss of quick wickets, he too fizzled with a low score but managed to hit a six and a four.

The same fate awaited Shane Watson (15). He looked formidable with a six and four but was caught short of the crease in a run-out effected by Rohit Sharma.

It was Rahul who saved the day for Royal Challengers to put

a somewhat decent total for the team. Proving to be a vital cog in the wheel, he played a responsible role, peppering his innings with four sixes and three fours.

In the end, Sachin Baby joined Rahul in the final overs to salvage the innings for Royal Challengers.

He hit a valuable 13-ball 25 loaded with two sixes and two fours.

Altogether, RCB suffered 51 dot balls in the innings. Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma made the most of the toss win.

Except for Kieron Pollard who gave away 22 runs in one over, all the other MI bowlers maintained an enviable economy rate.

Brief scores: Royal Challengers Bangalore 151/4 in 20 overs (Lokesh Rahul 68 not out, Sachin Baby 25 not out; Hardik Pandya 1/15) lost to Mumbai Indians: 153 for 4 in 18.4 overs (Ambati Rayudu 44, Kieron Pollard 35 not out; Varun Aaron 2/37). - Agencies

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THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2016

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Akhtar sets specific time frame for Arthur to reshape Pakistan cricket Shoaib Akhtar made it clear that coaching the Pakistan team could be a challenging and frustrating assignment for any foreigner because of the different cricket culture prevalent in the country

KARACHI: Former fast bowler, Shoaib Akhtar has given the Pakistan team’s new head coach, South African Mickey Arthur around eight months to either reshape Pakistan cricket or step down from his assignment.

The outspoken and enigmatic Akhtar said he backed the ap-

pointment of Arthur who is a very seasoned and experienced coach having worked with top international teams like South Africa and Australia.

“But I think in eight months time we will know whether he will make a difference or go like others before him. Because in this period we play some very important series and either he will reshape the way we play our cricket or decide to bid goodbye,” Akhtar said.

He made it clear that coaching the Pakistan team could be a challenging and frustrating assignment for any foreigner because of the different cricket culture prevalent in the country.

“Arthur has a reputation of being a disciplinarian and innovative coach and Pakistan cricket needs both but he has to decide when and where to draw the line,” Akhtar said on a local television channel.

Pakistan in the next eight months has full Test tours to England, New Zealand and Australia and also play the West Indies in a full series in the UAE. “Arthur has all the credentials to change the attitude and mindset of our players the way they play top cricket. So I am hopeful.”

The fast bowler, whose colorful career included number of clashes

Arthur has a reputation of being a disciplinarian and innovative coach and Pakistan cricket needs both Shoaib Akhtar Former Pakistan player

with the establishment, said while he agreed that discipline was necessary in cricket teams but insisted players needed to be made to feel responsible for their actions as professional athletes.

“Only a professional player can decide what is best for him. When I played there were some undisciplined characters in the team but on match days they only focused

on cricket and when they went out to play their tried to give their best that is why our team in those days was so good,” he recalled.

Referring to the decision by the new selection committee to drop batsmen Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal from the training camp being set up for the coming tour to England, Akhtar said both players had brought this upon

themselves. “For a long time we have all backed them, appreciated and encouraged their undoubted talent but while others who started with them have moved on to become top performers for their country we are yet to see the best from them.”

Akhtar said both needed to rethink their priorities and focus on their cricket and do justice to their

talent. “I believe it is important for players to be relaxed on nonmatch days but what matters is you perform when required.”

Asked about the accusations by Arthur in 2009 about having suspicions that the fifth and final oneday international that Pakistan played a fixed game against South Africa in Lahore in 2007, Akhtar said all this was rubbish.

“I played in that match and I took four wickets. I was at the nonstrikers end when our wickets fell.

We just played badly under pressure. Because if there had been anything fishy going on believe me I would have dealt with such players myself,” Akhtar said.

He said Arthur had clarified his stance and one needed to move on and not keep bringing up the issue now. Akhtar also criticized the month-long training camp being set up before the England tour.

“I don’t understand this practice because it is hot and every player has his own particular fitness issues and requirements. You cannot lay down same fitness standards for a batsman, spinner and fast bowler. It makes no sense to me.

“I always had a knee problem but carried on for so long in international cricket because I knew what I had to do. - PTI

FITNESS TROUBLE

Top Pakistan players struggle to prove fitness KARACHI: Some of the top Pakistani cricketers, including national T20 captain Sarfraz Ahmed and Umar Akmal, have failed to meet the required fitness standards, set by trainer Grant Luden.

Other players who failed to attain the required points in the different fitness tests include Sohaib Maqsood, spinners Saeed Ajmal and Zulfiqar Babar along with some others.

“The fitness trainer of the Pakistan team, Grant Luden and his team have devised a points system for the fitness tests with 17 set as the benchmark for players to confirm their fitness is of required level,” one PCB official said.

“Unfortunately some players could not reach the benchmark,” he added.

He explained the tests are being held as contracted players are given goals to achieve within three months - those who fail to achieve the goals are fined, while those who achieve or surpass them are rewarded financially.

Interestingly the four-day fitness tests which began last Sunday at the national cricket academy have been hit by reports in the media that some players were unhappy over the alleged double standards employed by Luden and his team.

Some players reportedly have

complained to the Board that Luden and his team were soft with some players notably national ODI captain Azhar Ali, pacer Wahab Riaz while taking the tests and put others through harsh tests in adverse weather conditions.

But the official termed the allegations as baseless.

He said since the players were taking tests in groups the allegations were baseless.

The Board has also employed a sports psychologist and nutritionist Asad Rizvi to hold counseling sessions with the players in the fitness tests and these will also continue in the month long boot camp in Abbotabad

that begins this week.

Senior players Shahid Afridi and Muhammad Hafeez along with the unfit Haris Sohail, Emmad Wasim have not appeared in the tests since they are carrying niggling injuries.

But Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq also joined the tests on Tuesday after returning from performing Umra and interestingly he and senior batsman, Younis Khan are said to be the two fittest players in the program despite their age.

Younis is said to have topped with 18 points at the age of 38 while Misbah turns 42 this month. - PTI

CRICKET BLITZ

Aussie ex-skipper Clarke to star in Hong Kong T20 HONG KONG: Former Australia captain Michael Clarke will headline Hong Kong’s Twenty20 Blitz this month as he pursues a comeback in cricket’s shortest form.

Clarke, one of the top batsmen of his generation, will star at the four-team tournament from May 28-29 in a rare appearance since his retirement last year.

“While I have never been to Hong Kong before, I have heard so much about what a great place it is for sport,” he said in a statement from organisers on Wednesday.

“I can’t wait to meet my team-

mates and experience the city, while also hopefully contributing to the game of cricket in Hong Kong which I know has been coming on leaps and bounds in recent years.”

Injury-plagued Clarke, 35, retired last August after playing 115 Tests for Australia, 47 as captain, and 245 one-day internationals, but only 34 T20 internationals.

Clarke returned to action in a Sydney club game in February, and he has also held talks with the Sydney Sixers about playing in Australia’s Twenty20 Big Bash League. T20 cricket can be a big

money-spinner for players, with Australian veteran Shane Watson netting a US$1.4 million contract at this year’s Indian Premier League auction.

Organisers said they were delighted to welcome Clarke to the T20 Blitz, which follows Hong Kong’s appearance at this year’s World Twenty20 tournament.

“To summarise Michael’s credentials is impossible, he is simply one of the best cricketers of this generation, if not ever,” said Hong Kong Cricket Association chief Tim Cutler. - PTI

Michael Clarke.

THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2016

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SPORTS R E V I E W A FT E R M AT H

IPL PREVIEW

Crucial test for Delhi against table toppers Sunrisers

Australia to push for ‘concussion substitutes’ MELBOURNE: Australia’s cricket board is seeking permission to trial the use of substitute players in domestic matches that would allow them to bat and bowl in place of teammates requiring medical attention for possible concussion.

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland said it had sought approval from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to allow ‘concussion substitutes’ in local games and expected a response from the world governing body by the end of the month.

Sutherland’s comments followed the release of a review into the death of Australia batsman Phillip Hughes, who was struck in the head by a ball when batting in a domestic match in November 2014.

“We’re also seeking approval from the Cricket Australia playing conditions advisory committee to allow concussion substitutes in all domestic male and female competitions under our auspices,” he told reporters at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

“One of my observations is that while we support this recommendation being explored, I think it needs to be fully discussed and socialised.

“It is one of the fundamentals of the game of cricket that it’s a game of 11 players and a substitute has not been allowed in the past and we need to work through all of the machinations of that possibility.”

Substitutes have been permitted to replace injured or ill players in matches for over 100 years but are not allowed to bat, bowl or act as wicketkeepers, according to the laws of the game.

“The fundamental issue here is the desire for medical staff to have the ultimate say in an incident of concussion to be able to make a judgement and to allow that to be facilitated as easy as possible,” added Sutherland.

The report into Hughes’s death, led by barrister David Curtain, made a number of safety recommendations including the mandatory use of helmets. - Reuters

REMEMBERING THE HORROR: A file photo of tribute to former Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes, who was the 408th player for Australia, is displayed on a screen during the first day of the third Test match between Australia and New Zealand at the Adelaide Oval on November 27, 2015. – Reuters

Australia toughens helmet standards after Hughes review The helmets, mandatory in games and during practice, must adhere to the highest British standard, Cricket Australia (CA) said

MELBOURNE: Australia’s cricket board will make it compulsory for players to wear helmets when facing fast and medium-paced bowling in line with recommendations from a review into the death of Test batsman Phillip Hughes.

Wicketkeepers and players fielding close to the wicket will also have to wear helmets in first class matches in accordance with the David Curtain review, which was released on Wednesday.

The helmets, mandatory in games and during practice, must adhere to the highest British standard, Cricket Australia (CA) said.

Hughes was struck on the back of the head by a rising delivery when batting for South Australia in a domestic match in November 2014.

He died two days later in a Sydney hospital aged 25.

“There’s not a day that goes by where we don’t think of Phillip,” CA boss James Sutherland told reporters at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

“This report won’t bring him back and it won’t do anything to ease the pain of his family or his loved ones who miss him most.

“But we have a responsibility and a duty to ensure nothing like this ever happens again.”

Hughes’s death shocked the cricketing world and ignited a debate about safety standards, particularly for batsmen, who face fast bowling that can exceed 150 kilometres per hour (93 mph).

Hughes was wearing an Australian standard helmet when he was struck but the Curtain report said even the newer British standard helmet available at the time would not have afforded him extra protection from the blow.

The report also said an apparent delay in the arrival of the ambulance team that treated Hughes played no part in his death.

“I am of the opinion the attention received by Phillip after be-

ing struck had no role whatsoever on his subsequent demise, due to the nature and severity of his injury,” it said. The report also recommended wicketkeepers play with protective eye-wear but stopped short of endorsing the clip-on neck guards on the back of helmets, which some players have worn after Hughes’s death.

Sutherland said CA still encouraged players to wear the guards but conceded, like the report, that more research was required to determine whether they actually increased safety.

“We’re certainly taking up the running on that to make sure we understand it better,” he said.

Sutherland said the board had also sought approval from the International Cricket Council to trial the use of injury substitutes who could bat and bowl in domestic games.

Substitutes have been permitted to replace injured or ill players in matches for over 100 years but are not allowed to bat, bowl or act as wicketkeepers or captains, according to the laws of the game.

Initially the substitutes would replace players ruled out by concussion but in future their use could be expanded to include other forms of injury, Sutherland added. - Reuters

CRICKET

Bumrah’s action suits yorker, my strength is outswing, says Yadav NEW DELHI: Often criticised for not bowling consistent yorkers like his younger fast-bowling counterpart Jasprit Bumrah, Indian pacer Umesh Yadav says his action is more suited for full length outswing deliveries.

“I know a lot of bowlers are judged by their ability to bowl yorkers at the death. I can also bowl yorkers effectively but it is a delivery that can go wrong as it is difficult to bowl consistently,” Yadav told PTI during an exclusive interaction.

“There would be days when the length would be wrong. The advantage for Jasprit (Bumrah) is that his action is natural when it comes to bowling yorkers while my action means that my stock ball will be outswinger,” he said.

Yadav, over the years, has always said he would not compromise on pace for line and length as speed is one area which is nonnegotiable for him.

“It has taken years of hard work to work up a fair level of pace at which I bowl my deliveries. It is my endeavour to get it right at this

My inswinging deliveries have got better

Umesh Yadav pace and if you ask me, my consistency has at least improved by 20 percent in past one year. That’s my assessment.

“If I become a line and length bowler, then one thing is for sure that I will never ever gain the earlier pace back. You can increase speed but after decreasing speed, you can’t get the original pace back,” said Yadav, who has played 17 Tests and 57 ODIs and a T20 Internationals.

While his stock ball is outswinger, Umesh said he is now more confident of his ability to bowl the inswingers to righthanded batsmen.

“My inswinging deliveries have got better and I am more confident while executing them. But yes, I would not deny that there are times my deliveries drift down to the leg-side in my bid to bowl the incoming deliveries.

“An effective inswinger is that

which starts from the imaginary fifth off-stump and shapes into the off-middle region. If we start from off-middle region, the delivery invariably swings towards the leg-stump and becomes easy meat for the batsmen.”

With demands of three formats, Yadav feels that managing the body becomes very important especially during the IPL, where the schedule is interspersed with travelling on every second day.

“During IPL, there are times that the muscle tissues tire due to frequent travelling and playing matches. The recovery for a fast bowler is very important.”

He has played 9 matches for Kolkata Knight Riders this year taking 10 wickets but termed his season an “average one” so far.

“Actually, I started well in the IPL and felt that it was going well for me till the RCB match in Bengaluru where I went for a lot of runs. Actually T20 is such a format that it is impossible that you won’t get hit. But hopefully, I would be at my best in the coming games,” concluded the Vidarbha paceman. — PTI

HYDERABAD: Delhi Daredevils, who are looking to get back to winning ways after two straight defeats, face a stern test as they clash with formidable Sunrisers Hyderabad in an IPL T20 cricket match, here on Thursday.

The home team is in red-hot form, having secured 14 points from 10 matches (winning 7 and losing only 3) and it would look to cement its position at the top by scoring a comfortable win against the Daredevils.

Putting its unimpressive run in IPL history behind, Hyderabad is a well-oiled machine this year with its bowlers and batsmen clicking collectively. SRH Captain David Warner is one of the highest run-getters in this edition and he single-handedly led the team to victory more than once.

The other opener Shikhar Dhawan has also been in good form steering the team in the event of his skipper’s early dismissal.

Dhawan’s 33-run knock in 27 balls went a long way in the team to post 137 in yesterday’s match against Rising Pune Supergiants in Visakhapatnam. SRH won the match by four runs despite Adam Zampa’s dream spell of six for 19.

SRH also has brilliant bats-

men in Kane Williamson, Moises Henriques and Deepak Hooda and wicket-keeper batsman Naman Ojha in the middle of the batting order.

The lethal bowling attack of Sunrisers, comprising Bhuvneshwar Kumar, seasoned Ashish Nehra, latest pace sensation Mustafizur Rahman and Barinder Sran, is the most-feared in the current edition of the IPL. It is no exaggeration when somebody pointed out that to play against the sharp SRH bowlers on their home turf is like taking on a crocodile in waters.

The visitors are currently ranked fourth in the points table with 10 points coming their way from nine matches.

However, the DD, mentored by Rahul Dravid, has not faltered on its basics as could be seen in its impressive run.

It has some some top class players in its ranks like Quinton de Kock, captain Zaheer Khan, wicket-keeper batsman Sanju Samson and top-order player Karun Nair.

Delhi would hope Zaheer provides early breakthroughs. He has also been impressive in the death overs in some of the matches. - PTI

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THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2016

SPORTS Rosberg eyes ‘famous five’ in Spain The championship leader has won seven races in a row, including the last three of

I’m just enjoying the moment and the form I’m in, doing my best to keep it going and hoping I can carry it through to the end of the season

2015, and can join fellow-German Michael Schumacher (2004) and Britain’s Nigel Mansell (1992) as the only drivers to start a season with five successive victories

BARCELONA: Nico Rosberg will have Formula One history in his sights in Spain this weekend, even if Dutch teenager Max Verstappen seizes his share of the limelight.

The championship leader has won seven races in a row, including the last three of 2015, and can join fellow-German Michael Schumacher (2004) and Britain’s Nigel Mansell (1992) as the only drivers to start a season with five successive victories.

The chances of that happening looked remote this time last year, when Mercedes team mate Lewis Hamilton had won three of the first four and was heading for a third title, but Rosberg is now 43

points clear of the Briton.

As 18-year-old Verstappen would agree, after his rapid promotion from Toro Rosso in a swap with demoted Russian Daniil Kvyat, Formula One moves fast off the track as well as on it.

“I’m just enjoying the moment and the form I’m in, doing my best to keep it going and hoping I can carry it through to the end of the season,” said Rosberg, 11/10 at bookmakers’ William Hill with Hamilton at 5/4.

Another triumph for Mercedes would equal McLaren’s run of 11 in a row from 1988, and that looks more than likely given that the champions have won 36 of

FOOTBALL

Nico Rosberg Mercedes

the last 42 races. Rosberg will pick up plenty of good vibes at a circuit where he won from pole last year, his first victory of that season, but he has plenty of rivals for attention.

Hamilton, who went from 10th to second at Sochi after his second successive power unit failure

pushed him down the grid, will be even more determined to turn the tide while McLaren’s Fernando Alonso can count on strong home support.

“I’m confident they’ll get to the bottom of the problems we’ve been having. I know I’m still quick,” said Hamilton.

“I’ve known that since day one in testing and, when I’ve had clean air and a damage-free car this season, I’ve shown it on track.”

Barcelona marks the real start of the European season, the sport’s historic heartland, even if Russia preceded Spain this year for the first time.

A circuit where teams test preseason, it is both predictable and surprising — there have been nine different winners in the last nine years yet all but two of the last 15 pole-setters have won.

The paddock ‘motorhomes’, the palatial hospitality units used only at European races, will gleam in the sunshine with teams bringing major upgrades to the track and hoping for a change of fortunes.

A good result in Spain bodes well for the rest of the year.

“Barcelona is a very good indication of where you are with the car,” said Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, whose team are hoping for a clean weekend to show their real potential after a nightmarish string of mishaps and failures.

Renault, who took their first points of the campaign in Sochi, have said already that Barcelona and the first in-season test that follows will mark the start of their real development programme.

“We look at this race as a marker in the sand: the exit point of our recovery from the takeover (of Lotus) and the first race as ‘our’ team,” said Renault F1 managing director Cyril Abiteboul.

“It will start small but I’m confident we will gain momentum as we go forward.” - Reuters

END OF AN ERA

Renowned commentator Tony Cozier is no more

Free-kick maestro Messi equals Koeman mark VALENCIA: Almost everything Lionel Messi does looks effortless but the Barcelona forward insists a lot of practice goes into trying to perfect the free-kicks which have contributed a sizeable chunk of his goals this season.

The 28-year-old Argentine has scored seven goals from direct free-kicks in this year’s La Liga, the latest in Sunday’s 5-0 triumph over Espanyol.

Messi now has 23 goals from free-kicks in his career at the club, equalling the previous record of former Barcelona star Ronald Koeman.

“Yes, the truth is that we train for this,” he said in an interview with ESPN. “We work on how to move so that the ball goes to the right place and also you learn things over the course of your career.”

Messi had to wait until the 2008-09 campaign to take his first attempt from a direct free-kick for

Barca, where Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry and Xavi Hernandez used to take set pieces.

Koeman’s thunderous rightfooted free-kick gave Barcelona a win over Sampdoria for their first European title in 1992 but while the Dutchman focused on power, Messi is more about accuracy.

“To be honest, I like to hit the ball over the players’ wall but from time to time I like to mix it up a little bit so that the goalkeeper doesn’t know where I’m going and I want to keep him confused until I kick,” Messi said.

“I think for that reason, I like to keep the goalkeeper in doubt.”

Messi has scored 37 goals in 43 games in all competitions this season for Barca and the tally can further swell.

La Liga leaders Barca will attempt to clinch the title on Saturday at Granada and will then play in the Copa del Rey final against Sevilla on May 22. - Reuters

BRIDGETOWN: Renowned West Indies cricket writer and commentator Tony Cozier today passed away at the age of 75 following a long illness.

Cozier covered almost every West Indies series since 1962, and is one of the most respected cricket writer, broadcaster and historian to have come out of the Caribbean.

He had been hospitalised on May 3 for tests related to infections in the neck and legs.

Cozier, whose father Jimmy was also a cricket writer, began his commentary career with the Australia tour of the West Indies in 1965.

“Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Tony Cozier today,” the

ICC posted on Twitter. “One of the truly great voices of cricket. A huge loss for the cricket community,” the world body added.

“So so Sad ... Forget all the Great

players .. Tony Cozier was the reason I loved West Indian Cricket ... #RIPTony,” tweeted former England captain Michael Vaughan.

Commenting on the sad news,

Damien O’Donohoe, Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Premier League said: “It was with great sadness that we learned of Tony’s sad passing.

“To many fans across the Caribbean and beyond he was quite simply the voice of West Indies cricket. His love of cricket was a positive influence in telling the story across a golden era for West Indies cricket and he was hugely respected and loved, in equal measure, by fans of the game.

“For more than 50 years Tony’s voice has resonated through television, radio or the written word in homes across the cricketing world and he was admired internationally for his passion, insight and enthusiasm,” he said. - PTI

OMAN CRICKET OFFICIALS VISIT AL HAIL SCHOOL OF CRICKET Oman Cricket general secretary Madhu Jesrani, board member Dad Mohammed Al Balushi along with Chief Development Officer and national coach Duleep Mendis visited the Al Hail School of Cricket and interacted with the budding cricketers.

Moula Bakhsh Al Balushi, the founder of Al Hail Cricket Team welcomed the cricket officials and gave them an insight into the activities of the school. — Supplied photo

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LIFESTYLE

SECTION

THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2016

Culture WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

A TALE OF TWO PAINTERS Story: Patricia Groves

Photography: O.K. Mohammed Ali

T

here’s a wonderful story behind the OmaniItalian exhibition, In the Shade, in the Sun, currently showing at the Omani Society for Fine Arts. When the renowned Italian painter, Attilio Forgioli encountered Omani artist, Mohammed Al Maamri, he felt an immediate connection, a kinship that grew into a magical friendship. Forgioli noted that while his abstract paintings are in the shade with their meanings subtly obscured, Al Maamri’s figurative paintings are in the sun with their character brightly exposed. The sun and shade metaphor comes from idyllic summer days when Forgioli would push his little granddaughters on a swing under a tree and they would sail through the air from the shade into the sun and back again.

The two painters met last summer at the Milan Expo where Forgioli helped Mohammed curate his exhibition. Taking the young Omani painter under his wing, Forgioli showed Mohammed a panorama of great Italian art in Milan’s premier museum, the Pinacoteca di Brera. The powerful canvasses of the famous Baroque master, Michel-

angelo Caravaggio (1571-1610) moved Mohammed Al Maamri to tears. Forgioli recognised in Mohammed a “pure and noble soul”… and an unbreakable friendship took flight.

Although Forgioli recognises a commonality in the way he and Mohammed choose to surround their images with blank space, the styles of the two painters are worlds apart, contrasting like sun with shade. Nevertheless, in the universal language of art, the artists are connected through a shared vision of intercultural inspiration.

Through the determined application of inborn talent, Mohammed has mastered the fine details of facial expression to reveal character in people as well as camels. With emerging potential, his paintings have an incipient dynamism that teeter on the edge of lyrical abstraction. Born in 1933, Forgioli has been painting every day for decades and his art has entered a realm of sublime mastery of form, texture and colour in unique expressions of his painterly philosophy. On Forgioli’s

raw canvasses, oil pigments fade and meander like watercolours.

His depictions of cut pomegranates leave us in awe of the miraculous inner structures of nature, including our own bodies.

This is a realm where a fragile sepia door that seems to disappear and reappear in dusky time is a remembrance of lives lost in the Holocaust, a realm where the vague, almost identifiable lines of an elephant trunk emerging from a mysterious mass of tangled grey sets me dreaming of the time I saw these astonishing prehistoric creatures on the plains of the Serengeti. The vision of this prescient philosopher-painter is such that he expresses the essence of Africa without ever setting foot there.

The magic of the friendship between the two artists permeates the atmosphere of this special exhibition, which is beautifully presented with soft lights illuminating the paintings as in an oldworld museum.

The exhibition, which includes an interesting film by Forgioli, continues at the Omani Society for Fine Arts adjacent to Al Shatti Cinema until May 16, with opening hours from 10am to 5pm Sunday to Thursday.

THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2016

C6

PRAYER TIMINGS

FIND-IT-ALL CINEMA SCHEDULE

Baaghi(2D) (Action) –PG Cast : – Tiger Shroff, Shraddha Kapoor 11.45 PM

@ RUWI

@SHATTI

SUR Captain America : Civil War (3D) (Action ) 8:45 PM ( PG12 ) The Angry Birds Movie - (3D) ( Animation) 3:30, 7:30 PM ( U ) Term Life (Crime | Drama ) ( 15+ ) Cast : Hailee Steinfeld, Jon favreau 5:15, 11:30 PM The Trust (Crime | Thriller ) ( 15+ ) Cast : Nicolas Cage, Elijah Wood, Sky Ferreira 3:45, 7:00, 11:45 PM Azhar ( Hindi | Sports | Drama ) (TBC) Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Nargis Fakhri 9:15 PM Jungle Book 3D ( Adventure ) ( PG ) 5:30 PM

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68 www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI The Angry Birds Movie - (3D) (Comedy) (U) Voice Overs: Peter Dinklage, Tituss Burgess 3:45 & 7:45PM The Angry Birds Movie - (3D) (Animation | Action |Comedy) (U) ARABIC 5:45PM The Trust - (2D) (Crime |Thriller ) (15+) Cast: Nicolas Cage, Elijah Wood, Sky Ferreira 3:45, 9:45 & 11:45PM Term Life - (2D) (Crime | Drama) (15+) Cast: Hailee Steinfeld, Jon Favreau 9:45 & 11:30PM All Roads Leads to Rome - (2D) (PG) Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker, Rosie Day 6:00PM Hepta: The Last Lecture - (2D) (Arabic| Drama | Romance) (PG12) Cast: Nelly Karim, Yasmin Raeis 7:45PM Captain America: Civil War – (PG) (3D) Cast: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr. 8:30 & 11:30PM The Jungle Book - (3D) Family) (PG) 6:30PM MUSCAT GRAND MALL The Angry Birds Movie – 3D (U) Animation 12:00, 3:00, 6:45 PM Gold Class : 6:30 PM Captain America: Civil War– 3D (PG12) Cast: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr. 2:00, 7:00, 8:45, 11:30 PM Gold Class : 3:30, 8:30, 11:15 PM Jungle Book – 3D (PG) Family Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 1:00, 5:00 PM The Trust – 2D (15+) Crime | Thriller Cast: Nicolas Cage, Elijah Wood, Sky Ferreira 4:45, 11:45 PM Term Life – 2D (15+) Crime | Drama Cast: Hailee Steinfeld, Jon Favreau 9:45 PM

The Angry Birds Movie – 3D (U) Animation Voice Overs: Peter Dinklage, Tituss Burgess 12:00, 3:00, 6:45 PM Gold Class : 6:30 PM

The Trust - (2D) (Crime |Thriller ) (15+) Cast: Nicolas Cage, Elijah Wood, Sky Ferreira 3:45, 9:45 & 11:45PM

PANORAMA MALL The Angry Birds Movie - (3D) (Comedy) (U) 3:15, 5:15, 7:15 & 9:15PM The Angry Birds Movie - (3D) (Animation | Action |Comedy) (U) VIP LOUNGE 6:45PM The Trust - (2D) (Crime |Thriller ) (15+) Cast: Nicolas Cage, Elijah Wood, Sky Ferreira 3:30, 9:45 & 11:30PM The Trust - (2D) (Crime |Thriller ) (15+) VIP LOUNGE Cast: Nicolas Cage, Elijah Wood, Sky Ferreira 3:45 & 11:30PM Term Life - (2D) (Crime | Drama) (15+) Cast: Hailee Steinfeld, Jon Favreau 6:00 & 11:15PM The Perfect Match - (2D) (Comedy) (12+) Cast: Terrence Jenkins, Cassie Ventura 5:15PM Captain America: Civil War – (PG) (Action | Adventure| Sci-Fi) (3D) VIP LOUNGE Cast: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr. 8:45PM Captain America: Civil War – (PG) (Action) (4D) MX4D 3:00, 5:45, 8:30 & 11:15PM Captain America: Civil War – (PG) (Action) Cast: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr.

3:15, 9:00 & 11:45PM The Man Who Knew Infinity - (2D) (PG) Cast: Dev Patel, Jeremy Irons 7:15PM The Jungle Book - (3D) Drama| Family) (PG) Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 7:45PM

Azhar (2D) (Drama / Sport) –TBC Cast : Emraan Hashmi, Prachi Desai 2.30, 5.30, 8.30, 11.30 PM

Baaghi (Hindi) (2D) (Sports) (TBC) Cast: Tiger Shroff, Shraddha Kapoor 3:00, 10:30 PM Azhar (Hindi) (2D) (Action) (PG) Cast: Nargis Fakhri, Emraan Hashmi 3:30, 6:15, 8:45, 11:15 PM RUWI Screen 1 Azhar (2D) (Drama / Sport) –TBC Cast : Emraan Hashmi, Prachi Desai 2.30, 5.30, 8.30, 11.30 PM Screen 2 Baaghi (2D) (Action) –PG Cast : Tiger Shroff, Shraddha Kapoor 3.30, 9.00 PM Captain America: Civil War (2D) (Action/ Sci Fic) –PG12 Cast : Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr 6.15, 11.45 PM Screen 3 Captain America: Civil War (2D) – PG12 Cast : Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr 2.30, 9.00 PM The Jungle Book (2D) (Drama/ Family) –PG Cast : Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba 5.00, 7.00 PM

AZAIBA The Trust (2D) (Crime |Thriller) (15+) Cast: Nicolas Cage, Elijah Wood, Sky Ferreira 5:15, 11:45 PM Captain America: Civil War (3D) (Action ) Cast: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr 3:15, 11:30 PM (PG) The Angry Bird Movie (3D) (Animation ) (U) 3:15, 7:00 PM Chakravyuh (Kannad) (2D) (Action) (PG) Cast: Puneeth Rajkumar, Rachita Ram 6:00 PM 24 (Tamil (2D) (Action) (PG12) Cast: Suriya Sivakumar , Nithya Menen 7:30 PM The Jungle Book (3D) (Family) (PG) 5:30 PM Jacobinte Swargarajyam (Mal) (2D) (Drama) (PG) Cast: Nivin Pauly, Renji Panicker 8:50 PM

SOHAR Jungle Book – 3D (Drama, Family) (PG) 6:45PM Baaghi– 2D (Action) (PG) Cast: Shraddha Kapoor, Tiger Shroff 3:45PM Captain America: Civil war (Action)PG 3:30, 8:45, 11:30PM 24 (Tamil) ActionPG12 Cast: Suriya Sivakumar, Nithya Menon 8:15PM Jacobinte Swargarajyam (Malyalam) PG 9:00 PM The Trust (Crime | Thriller) 15+ Cast: Nicolas Cage, Elijah Wood, Sky Ferreir 3:30, 9:30, 11:45PM Hepta: The Last Lecture (Arabic) PG12 Cast: Nelly Karim, Yasmin Raeis, Ahmed 7:00PM Azhar (Hindi| Sports | Drama) PG Cast: Nargis Fakhri, Emraan Hashmi 11:15PM All Roads Leads to Rome (Comedy) PG Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker, Rosie Day 5:15PM Term Life (15+) (Animation | Action)15+ Cast: Hailee Seinfeld, Jon Favreau 6:15, 11:30PM BURAIMI Captain America: Civil War PG(3D) (Action) Cast: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr

3:45, 8:45 & 11:30 PM Jungle Book PG (3D) (Adventure) 6:45 PM The Angry Birds Movie U (3D) (Animation) 3:30, 5:30 & 7:30 PM Term Life 15+ (Crime | Drama) Cast: Hailee Steinfeld, Jon Favreau 5:45 & 9:30 PM Azhar PG (Hindi)( Sports | Drama) Cast : Nargis Fakhri, Emraan Hashmi 7:30 & 11:15 PM The Trust 15+ (Crime | Thriller) Cast: Nicolas Cage, Elijah Wood, Sky Ferreira 3:45, 10:00 & 11:45 PM

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

08:50 Daily 11:00 Daily 14:30 Daily via Ibri 15:45 Daily 17:40 Daily 18.35 Daily 20:20 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

07:00

Ruwi

10:25

Daily

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

43 32

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

Fahud Yibal

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Daily Daily

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

11.45 13.30 14.00

Programmes are subject to change

0

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

60-30%

ATHARV KRISHNAN May 13, 2013 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 extra@timesofoman.com

LISTINGS

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

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)

07:00

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

10:45 19:00

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

Ruwi Ruwi

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100) Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

06:00 14:30

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Next Change : King Liar (Mal)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) Sur Sur

Jacobinte Swargarajyam ( Mal) (Comedy) Cast : Nivin Pauly Renji Panicker & Lakshmi Ramakrishna 3-00, 6-30 & 10-00 pm Cinema Main 24 ( Tamil) (Action \ Thriller Cast: Suriya , Samantha & Nithhya Menon 3-30, 6-30 & 9-30 pm Cinema-2 Azhar ( Hindi) (Sports|Drama) Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Prachi Desai & Lara Dutta 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 pm Cinema -3 Kali ( Mal)Comedy\ Drama) Cast : Dulquar Salmaan & Sai Pallavi 3-45 & 9-45 pm Cinema -4 Manithan (Tamil) ( Comedy) Cast : Udhayanidhi Stalin & Hansika Motwani 6-45pm Cinema-4

Minimum

ROYAL OMAN POLICE 07:30 14:30

Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

MOHD ALI AZEEM May 12, 2012

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

STAR CINEMA

0

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 20:50

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

The Trust - (2D) (Crime |Thriller ) (15+) Cast: Nicolas Cage, Elijah Wood, Sky Ferreira 4.00, 8.00, 10.00 & 11.55 p.m.

CP No: 1119 Term Life 15+ (Crime | Drama) Cast: Hailee Steinfeld, Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn 2.00, 6.00, 10.00 & 11.55 p.m.

CP No: 1120 The Perfect Match (2D) (12+) (Comedy) Cast: Terrence Jenkins, Cassie Ventura, Paula Patton 4.00 & 8.00 p.m.

CP No : 1121 All Roads Leads to Rome (Comedy) (PG) Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker, Rosie Day 2.00 & 6.00 p.m.

CP No: 1122

WEATHER

15:00 15:00 15:00

16:30 18:00 19:30

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

WITH LOVE

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

BAHJA CINEMA

SALALAH Captain America: Civil War (3D) (PG) Cast: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr. 1:00, 3:45, 8:30, 11:30PM Jungle Book (3D) (PG) (Adventure | Drama) Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 2:45PM The Angry Birds Movie (3D) (U) (English) Voice Overs: Peter Dinklage, Tituss Burgess 12:45, 6:45PM The Angry Birds Movie (3D) (U) (Arabic) 4:45PM The Trust (2D) (15+) (Crime | Thriller) Cast: Nicolas Cage, Elijah Wood, Sky Ferreira 2:00, 6:45, 11:45PM Term Life (2D) (15+) (Crime | Drama) Cast: Hailee Steinfeld, Jon Favreau, Jonathan Banks 3:45, 9:30PM The Perfect Match (2D) (12+) (Comedy | Romance) Cast: Terrence Jenkins, Cassie Ventura, Paula Patton 5:45PM Hepta: The Last Lecture (2D) (PG12) (Arabic) (Drama | Romance) Cast: Nelly Karim, Yasmin Raeis, Ahmed Malek 7:30PM Azhar (2D) (PG12) (Hindi) (Sports | Drama) Cast: Nargis Fakhri, Emraan Hashmi, Prachi Desai 11:15PM Jacobinte Swargarajyam (2D) (PG) (Malayalam) (Drama) Cast: Nivin Pauly, Renji Panicker 8:45PM

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) Destination

12.08pm 3.32pm 6.45pm 8.03pm 4.04am

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

@ MGM

Dept time

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

Daily Daily Daily

Afghanistan Algeria Bahrain Bangladesh Brazil Brunei China Cyprus Egypt France Germany India Indonesia Iran Iraq Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya South Korea Kuwait

24698 791/4 24605 593 24 605 074/133 24 698 660 24640100 24 603533 24 696782 24 699815 24 600 982/411 24681 800 24835000 24684500 2469 1050 24 696 944/7 24603642 24693727 24 601 028 24692760/1/3 24 692418 24 697664 24 691490 24 699628

Lebanon Libya Malaysia Morocco Nepal Netherlands Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tunisia Turkey UAE United Kingdom United States Yemen

24 693208 24603466 24698329/643 24696152/3 24696177 24603706 24603439 24601312 24605335 24 691 153/2/4 24602894 24601705 24694139 24697977 24647300 24691101 24697841/2 24697875 24603267 24697904 24601 174 24 602684/5 24603486 24697050/1/2 24400000 24609000 24643400 24600815

PHARMACIES (ROUND THE CLOCK) Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334 Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi Salalah Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya Muscat, A Seeb Market Muscat, Al Khuwair Muscat, Al Hail South Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi 24563641 Azaiba 24499269 Sohar 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya 24787766, 24787780

Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 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 International Hospital, Al Ghubra 22004000, 94267068/97049520 Al Hayat Clinic, Al Hail 22009455

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

THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2016

C7

LIFESTYLE DO Floating Angry Birds

Water Park

In theatres now

At Jebel Sifah Resort

Scan to buy tickets

BUY

Scan for details

LISTEN Nothing Cool Box

Like This

To carry drinks

By Craig David

to the beach

Scan to watch the video

Scan for details

The Gift of Giving SALEH AL SHAIBANY

SO TO SPEAK

T

he heart of any community lies in its ability to protect its own. My mother learned that valuable lesson many years ago and she taught us to accept those who have nowhere to turn to. When I was growing up, people wandered in and out of our house on a regular basis. Some sought temporary shelters while others dropped in unexpectedly for a meal.

Most of them were faces that I could not put names to. But they were all welcomed with equal grace and dignity irrespective of their background or inclination. They were also received unreservedly, and I don’t remember a moment that my mother ever complained about hosting them.

I remember with particular fondness an old gentleman, with a bad stammer but a kind face, who had a permanent abode in our spa-

cious attic. Too old to come down, he would shout and try to put together a sentence fifty feet above me, and I would patiently decipher the badly strewn words. It would usually be ‘get me sugar’ or ‘fetch me a glass of water’.

Our guests were never a burden to the already ten mouths to feed.

Once I talked to my mother about those days and how she felt then.

“They were the reasons that, even though we had limited resources of our own, we seem to live on the edge of prosperity,” she told me.

God’s bounty is not limited to wealth but in sharing with what little you have. When it came to that, my mother did it in a big way.

Being a middle son, I was often the bearer of the salvation flag, having to deliver food on foot to distant poverty-stricken relatives every afternoon. I remember hating it because it deprived me of my free time but knew that I was part of an important chain that held people together. It is a lesson that I carry with me now and try to instil in my children.

Habits die hard. Years later, my

mother still felt the urge of stretching a hand to others. Although elderly and frail, the torch of compassion was still burning bright inside her. There was more to her — much more — than a moment of deep gratification of saying those simple words she always said, ‘You are welcome here’. They needed to know that she was doing the right thing without expecting a reward.

We have flown the well-feathered nest a long time ago to build our own. But her home was always a place of clarity and uprightness where others call it home, too.

My mother ran an equivalent of a small scale Salvation Army whose soldiers are primarily made of her five children and ten or so nephews. If she called us for a meeting in her home, then we know that somewhere, someone needed help.

We would gather dutifully and after the usual protest, we would give in, and start to chip in something for the good cause. She trained all of us to look beyond the value of money for the sake of those who have little or nothing.

“You should always stick together,” she said, “for yourselves and for others.”

It is an axiom that we have heard a countless times. Reaching out for others was more than a way of life for her. It was the very air she breathed and lived in and which she found plenty in supply. Years has passed now since then but her legacy still glows deep inside all of us.

WEEKEND UPDATE

WATCH

C8

THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2016

LIFESTYLE

CLOSER TO THE DREAM D

r Salman Al Hajri, Assistant Professor at the art department of the Sultan Qaboos University, has an uncanny knack in creating calligraphy with a contemporary touch. His exhibition, Closer to the Dream, which is currently underway at the Bait Al Zubair Museum, is a testimony to his skills.

In addition to calligraphy works, the exhibition showcases abstract artworks, graphic design pieces, and oil paintings. It also shows two works drawn with a smartphone and iPad. The exhibition will run at Bait Al Oud (inside Bait Al Zubair complex) till May 19. It is open to the public from 9:30am to 6pm, Saturdays to Thursdays. Contact: +968-2208 4700

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M T H U R S DAY, M AY 1 2 , 2 0 1 6

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

D2

VACANCY

D4

CARGO

D7

INVESTOR PARTNER REQUIRED For a successfully Catering Restaurant Investor cum Partner is required.

Investor with fixed returns also welcome.

Please contact â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 95213273

Nassar Hilal 5x9

Email: muscatcoffeeshop@gmail.com

D2

T H U R S D AY, M AY 1 2 , 2 0 1 6 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE FOR RENT

*Tourist visa arranged

FURNISHED OFFICES FOR RENT

COLD STORE ROOMS

Available at a prime location on Azaiba Service Road (Previously Occupied by A’Saffa Foods) near Al Turky and Mazda showroom.

Available at a prime location on azaiba service road (previously occupied by A’Saffa Foods) near Al Turky and Mazda showroom

Contact: 95215289, 99229263, 93221054

Contact: 95215289, 99229263, 93221054

FOR RENT

We have 2BHK flats for rent in Azaiba near Sultan Center new building 350/- OMR. Contact: 93782735 / 99208033

Two modern fully furnished & equipped offices available for rent at Jasmine Complex Al Khuwair:

FLAT FOR RENT Location: Acacia - AL MOUJ. Area: 100 m2; Consisting of One Master BR, Study Room, Sitting , Balcony & Fully furnished Kitchen.

Facilities: Swimming Pool & Car Parking.

Monthly Rent & Payment Method: Negotiable upon viewing the property.

1) 152 M2 with reception, 1 GM Office, 2 meeting rooms, 26 working stations, pantry, network connection.

2) 132 M2 with reception, 7 offices, 6 working stations, 1 conference room, network connection.

Contact - 99469698

FOR RENT

Commercial Space Commercial Space For Rent in Al Khuwair. Ideal for Coffee Shop / Restaurant / Office Space / Showroom 27sqm / 68sqm / 128sqm

Contact: 96775026

Call: 99 10 88 47 93 40 35 56

We have 1BHK, 2 BHK flats for rent in Ghala near Al Nahda towers. Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 We have 2BHK flats in Ghubra.

Contact : 93782735 / 99208033 We have 1BHK, 2 BHK flats for rent in Mabela 7 new building.

Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 3 Rooms, 2 Toilets Flat for Rent.

18 November Street. Near Mars Hypermarket and The Chedi.

Ghobrah -Good for Commercial or Residential use. OMR 295/- month.

Call 94477222 Deluxe 1 & 2 bedroom flats, ideal for office / residence at Qurum near PDO. Contact: 97721313 / 95070421 1BHK near Medical Darsait R.O 170/Contact: 95076261 2 BR flats, 2 toilets, 1 kitchen & 1 sitting hall in Darsait, near ISM School. Contact 99335689

Shops for rent in Ibra Main road opposite technical college. Contact: +968 93894290 / 99419496

1 BHK and 2BHK Flats available near Lulu Darsait (Main road, Opp. to Min. of Defense). Contact : 93202733 Flat for rent : flat available at Hamriya & Wadi Kabir. Contact: 97380548 / 99680499 2/3 B/R flat in Al Khuwair.

Contact: 99776071 / 99057348 Flat for rent 2 bedrooms in Ruwi Mumtaz area. Contact: 91409667 / 24291500 Flat in Al Bustan in Muscat, 3 rooms, 3 bathrooms, family hall, kitchen, store, laundry with spilt unit air condition 350/- O.R. Contact : 98919037

1+2 BHK Ruwi, C.B.D & Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99024730

Flat in Al Bustan in Muscat, 4 rooms, 3 bathrooms, family hall, kitchen with spilt unit air conditioner 400/- O.R. Contact: 96228232 / 92776303

2+3 BHK Al Khuwair.

Contact: 99024730

Flats for rent, rooms in Al Khuwair. Contact: 93830111

Flats for rent in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99376454

2/3 BHK in Al Khuwair for rent.

Contact: 91155779

1000 sq mtrs industrial land for rent in Ghala suitable for warehouse workshop etc.

Contact 24700120 / 92584715

Flat for rent Al Hail North to the Wave Muscat ground floor with furniture the price RO 250/-.

Contact: 99353433

2 BHK flat in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181

Ware house in Ghala for rent (400/ 800/ 1200/ 3300 SQM).

Contact: 91155779 Hotel for investment.

Contact: 91155779 Office space for rent. Saravana Bhavan Building.

Contact 91120552.

2BHK available Mumtaz area Ruwi, Ghubra near Al Maha Hotel.

Contact: 99269751 New villa for rent Al Hail North next to Ramez 2 minutes to main road, 1 open sitting room, 3 family hall, 1 dining room, kitchen with store laundry, 4 bed rooms & 1 small room. Contact: 93387732 Flats, shops & store for rent in MBD area Ruwi, Mumtaz area.

Contact: 97293708 / 92433127 Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35). Contact 94051789 / 97201688

1 BHK flat in Ruwi MBD for 220/available. Contact: 96491825 3 BHK fully furnish Villa in Qurum heights. Contact 99792181 1BHK & Single Room Spacious Flat Near Jibro Round About On Main Road Tel:24815012 Mob:99373290 1BHK near Oman house behind Khimji HO. Contact: 95865686 2 bedrooms flat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat Municipality. Contact: 92584715/ 24700120 4 BHK Villa in Bowsher Heights.

Contact 99792181 2 BHK flat in Ghobra 18 November Street. Contact 99792181 Flat for rent 2 BHK 2 split A/C, 2 toilets, Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Masjid. Contact – 97007934 / 92609232

150 + 180 + 200 Sqr mtrs office in Al Khuwair. Contact 99792181 2BHK spacious Flat Behind Bank Muscat Wadi Kabir Tel:24815012 Mob:99373290 Brand new villas in Al Ansab.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688 1BHK at Hamriya near Muscat Pharmacy & 2 BHK at Mawaleh near Mosque Sadiq Al Amin.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297

Villa in Bousher consists of 5 rooms, 1 hall & living room.

Contact: 91153933 Villa in Al Khoud consists of 6 bedrooms, 1 sitting & living room.

Contact: 91153933 Villa in Al Ghubra consists of 5 bedrooms, 1 hall and living room.

Contact: 91153933 Room with 9 bathrooms in Bousher for rent. Contact: 91153933 Apartment in Al Khoudh consists of 2 room & hall.Contact: 91153933

Flats in Darsait. Contact 94051789 / 97201688

2 Bedroom centrally air conditioned flat in CBD prime location.

Contact: 24714625 / 94460790

Flats in Wadi Kabir. Contact 94051789 / 97201688

Flat for rent near Royal Hospital.

Contact: 99346793

Flats in Muttrah. Contact 94051789 / 97201688

01 Bedroom in Darsait, 1,2,3 Bedroom flats at Al Khuwair.

Contact: 24707340 / 95282986 / 99472457

Offices and Flats in Ghala.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688 2 BHK flat at Ruwi Mumtaz area RO 320/-. Contact: 99358589 / 97079146 / 95570288

2 bed rooms flat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat Municipality.

Contact: 92584715/ 24700120

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DAILY GUIDE

FOR RENT Offices & Showrooms in Al Khood.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Flats In Qurum. Contact 94051789 / 97201688 2BHK split A/C 200/- Monthly & 1BHK spilt A/C 150/- monthly new building good location Barka Market. contact 99342661 2BHK Big Size Flat Behind Bank Muscat, Wadi Kabir. Near ISWK. 97826454, 24815012.

For rent and investment Land industrial shops in Rusayl.

Contact: 99323957 / 95490842 Two bedrooms flat in Al Ghobrah near Oman Oil of 18 November Street. OMR 330 Monthly.

Contact 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955.

Flats in Ghobrah. Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Shops / flats available in Honda Road, Ruwi & Mabellah Industrial area. Contact 24833972/ 24833974/ 99367448 2BHK split A/C for rent Muttrah near Oman House.

Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 Flat for rent in Al Khuwair 33.

Contact: 92277419 1 BHK flat for rent R.O 180/Near Medical Darsait.

Contact: 24705742 2BHK split A/C for rent Muttrah near Oman House.

Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 1BHK Studio flat near Star Cinema RO 180/-. Contact: 99358589 / 97079146 / 95570288 3 Bedroom well maintained flat (villa TYPE only 2 flats in villa) in Al Khuwair, Behind Al Akhtam Restaurant Villa No 1841, Way No 3922 Block No 239. Contact: 99462980 Flat for rent in Ruwi, Mumtaz area 2 bedrooms. Contact: 24291500 / 91409667 Office for rent in Mabela.

Contact: 99355330 Flat for Rent 2 bed room Near ISM muscat Indian Scoole Dar sate Tel : 00 968 95158570 Flat for rent in South Mabela.

Contact: 95331177 / 95230355 Furnished office (61M2) for sale / rent Al Khuwair near Zawawi Mosque. Contact: 95611569 02 BHK residential flat opposite to Al Nahdha hospital.

Contact: 99342733 /99795241 Four bedroom two floors luxurious and spacious residential villa in Al Hail North, near to the sea and Oman oil. Each room has its own bathroom. It has splits A/C’s and shaded car park. OMR 750 monthly. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955 Brand new double bed room flats with two and three toilets, split ac, elevators available at Al Khoudh next to Al koudh health center.

Contact 99022675

REQUIRE

Warehouse at Wadikabir - total area 3500 sqm - covered warehouse (500sqm), office, accommodation (1000sqm), open area (2000sqm) please contact: 99273774 - 99202278

25 CBM/HR Batching plant on hire for 9 months.

Flats, shops and store for rent in Ruwi, MBD & Mumtaz. Contact: 97293708 / 92433127

Contact:

95218665

Flat for rent 2 BHK 2 split A/C, 2 toilets, Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Masjid. Contact 97007934 / 92629232

ACC. AVAILABLE

1 Bed room, sharing K& T, R.O 100, 2 bedrooms , sharing K& T R.O 200/- in AL Khuwair.

Contact 95154331

Room for rent with furniture.

Al Bustan village. #93687466 Room with attached bathroom for a family in Wadi Kabir.

Contact 97167857

Flat in Al Khuwair opp grand mall 4 room 3 toilet + hall kitchen in 3 floor 400. Contact 99420346

ACC. AVAILABLE Furnished sharing room for executive bachelor or small family near Mars Hypermarket Ghubrah.

Contact: 98851806

Flat for rent in South AlGhubrah 3 rooms, hall and 3 toilets, kitchen rent 450/-. Contact: 99335580

FOR HIRE Crane trailer, hiab. Contact: 99354909

FOR SALE Office with furniture in Darsait for sale, rent per month R.O 260/-.

Contact: 91391343 Building in Al Khuwair at prime location for sale.

Contact: 91155779 Commercial /R land in Al Khuwair for sale. Contact: 91155779 Ware house in W/K for Sale.

Contact: 91155779 Commercial /R land in Ghala (Industrial area) for sale.

Contact: 91155779 Villa in Al Qurum / Azaiba/ Mawaleh for sale.

Contact: 91155779 Sale of Hitachi 220 Excavator with breaker. Contact: 99207592 20 x40 containers.

Contact: 99354909 Coffee shop for sale in Al Khuwair 33. Contact: 92994415 10 Shops in ground floor of 8 floor building in Bausher near Muscat Private Hospital. Have income of about 2,700 monthly. OMR 268 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955 6 Villas of six bedrooms each under construction in one compound in Bausher near Muscat Private hospital. Prices range from 165 thousand to 179 thousand for each villa. Each villa has three floors and 369 sq mtrs build up area.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955 Working beauty parlour for sale at Al Ghubra. Contact: 98178135 400 sq mtrs Commercial/Residential land in Mabela Phase 5 Block 2. OMR 165 Thousand.

Contact 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955

FOR SALE Shops for rent at Musanna.

3 shutter (280sq mtrs) and one shutter (40 sq mtrs) shops for rent at prime location at Musanna, main road side. Contact: +968 93797900, +968 96347070 Beach Flat in N. Cyprus, new, furnished, ocean view, 1 Bdrm + terrace http://abv-apt.weebly.com/ Contact 9208 9704 Laundry for sale Ruwi near Camelia. Contact: 92868123 / 92841089 Space for printing press available at wadikabir with or without machinery. Contact 99328430 A well running pharmacy for sale at prime location.

Contact 99627621, 93240949 HD Scaffoldings, Shuttering Jacks, Wooden Planks, Shuttering wood assorted, Tower hoist (lift), Concrete Mixer, Bending Machine, Steel Fabrication Machinery (Searing/Cutting, lathe & Welding) including tools for immediate sale: Contact 99273774/ 99202278 Shop for sale near Oman House, Muttrah. Contact 99024362.

Single colorful Bed and Sofa for Sale at Al Khuwair. Contact 92881849 /What`s up No 97290565 Urgent sale of steel scrap only serious buyers kindly contact +968 96725423 for viewing the items.

Empty shop for sale in Ruwi near Camelia. Contact: 92841089 Car accessories, upholstery, oil & battery shop for sale in Seeb.

Contact: 92262284/96733523 Luxury Apartments in Boucher (35). Contact 95056808 / 97201688 Steel Scrap materials for immediate sale. Contact 99273774/ 99202278 Almost new beach/ garden lounge chairs /bar stools/ counter.

Photos can be sent 95865457

Sharing accommodation with attached bathroom available for family in villa in Mabela near Nesto hypermarket split A/C spacious rooms R.O 100/-.

Contact: 92689529 Well furnished sharing room for Executive bachelor at Rex Road.

Contact: 92873832 Single room for bachelor at Ruwi Opposite OC Center.

Contact: 99385287 1 BHK appartment for rent in Al Khoud Shabiya near mazoon mosque for rent (next to alkhoud medical center and squ) MOB: 93913224 Small old house for rent in Ghobra. Contact: 97165972 Room for rent near Hamriya roundabout for bachelor only.

Contact: 97443614 Single room sharing B/K at Mumtaz area. Contact: 95212017 Single room available near Darsait Lulu. Contact: 92120626 Room with attached bathroom for working ladies in a flat in M.B.D. Contact: 99764307 Furnish bedroom with attach bathroom for executive bachelor.

Contact: 97704794 Villa for rent in South Mabellah, 3 bedrooms, sitting room, family Lounge, kitchen, three Toilets Contact 92212212 between 10 AM to 5 PM. Sharing Accommodation available for working ladies opposite Al Nadhah Hospital. Preferably Indians. Room with seperate toilet and sharing kitchen.RO.90.

Contact 96524717 Furnished room attached bath for Indian bachelor, Al-Falaj Ruwi & lady Wadi Kabir near Mars hypermarket. CONTACT 96202458/96761960 Room available in Mumtaz area 1 room, 1 Bathroom, Kitchen & 1 room, common bathroom. Interested pleasecontact 92680041 Mr. Altaf

Furnished apartment for rent, two rooms, majlis, hall, kitchen.

Near Carrefour al-mawalah.

Contact 99336776 Sharing accommodation near ISD. Contact: 99657340 Room available for Executive bachelor at Al Hail.

Contact 96234708 Room with attached bathroom and sharing kitchen available for Executive bachelor or small family at wadikabir Contact 93049849

MV SALE Wanted Toyota Yaris 2010 or 2011, automatic white.

Contact: 99089441 Explorer 2010 with warranty, registered 2011 Expatriate driven, single owner no accidents excellent condition, R.O 6800/-.

Contact: 92689529 Expats selling Toyota Corolla Silver, 1.6 Automatic 2008 with new tyres and manual window excellent condition 2,09,000 km.

Contact: 99759162 Hyundai Elantra 1.8, 2001 fully A/T 270000 km, 600/-.

Contact: 92531535 Hyundai Accent 1.6, 2014 model, good condition. Contact : 95212017

BUYING Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299 Buying cars for cash.

Contact: 90202090

AVAILABLE Op Manager- 9yrs exp Mech Engr Contact 94641927 Party & Wedding equipment rentals. Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting.

Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman. com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

NRI

INDIAN RAILWAYS Ticket Reservation Hotel & Bus Tickets

Star Travel 92820665 / 24711734 Lands sale in Trichur Kerala.

Contact 91637137 / 91 9746573948

GOOD NEWS Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage, steambath, obesity, Spondylitis, Ideal Care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street, Azaiba.

Contact: 99639695 / 97397320 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

MATRIMONIAL Sunni Muslim family seeks proposal for their 24 year old daughter from well settled Urdu speaking Indian family. Pls call on 93521249 / 99374371 Invite alliance for Sunni Muslim Urdu girl B.E, M.B.A 25 years 5.1” fair, Tamil Nadu India.

Contact: 99502581 Parent of Thrissur based Hindu Ezhava girl aged 20, Slim,Atham star, Studying for B. Pharm seeking alliance from well employed Graduates, preferably in Engineering Contact :96425102 Indian male Roman Catholic 40yrs divorcee working in Muscat.

Seeks suitable alliance from widow/ divorcee/ single.

Contact 96059801.

Malankara Catholic Male Nurse (28) from Thiruvalla working in Nizwa Private Co. Alliance invites parents/nurses working in Oman.

Contact 968 98267338, 0091 9287215726

WANTED IELTS Coaching (academic) required nearby wadi Kabir area.

Please call on mobile or msg on Whats up. Mobile no: 92927880/ 99012165

LOST Lito Mulla has lost Bangladeshi passport No. AA 4493811. Finder please handover to ROP. Mohammed Abdul has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AA 5794698.

Finder please handover to ROP

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T H U R S D AY, M AY 1 2 , 2 0 1 6 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

URGENTLY REQUIRED A LEADING ELECTRO MECHANICAL & CIVIL CONTRACTING COMPANY IN SULTANTE OF OMAN URGENTLY REQUIRED WELL EXPERIENCED & QUALIFIED CANDIDATES FOR THE FOLLOWING DESIGNATIONS.

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER (8 TO 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE )

SENIOR MEP ENGINEER (6 TO 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE) PROCUREMENT ASSISTANT (4 TO 6 YEARS EXPERIENCE)

REQUIRED Marketing manager/ Sales Executives Experience in Sales/Marketing of Building Materials(Sanitary wares & Kitchens). Not less than 5 yrs exp Sound customer Base Contact email-

rgeorge@omantd.com & atalibus@omantd.com

SITUATION WANTED

LOOKING FOR ELECTRICIAN Required urgently experienced Electricians with ITI Certificate.

Contact 99878180, narrowstreet@gmail.com

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER (4 TO 6 YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH VALID OMAN DRIVING LICENCE )

Contact Email: careermuscat2016@gmail.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian male age 26, Accountant one year experience in accounts looking for suitable job. Contact Email: Anishkhan991867@gmail.Com Mobile: +968 9565 9415

Male Accountant M.Com (Accounts & finance) having 3 years experience in accounts looking for suitable job on visit visa. Contact: 94648575

Qualified and experienced MBA post graduate with proven work exposure in Middle East & India, having more than 5.5 years of rich experience in accounts , project coordination and administration in (3.5 years UAE experience) oil and gas projects is currently looking for suitable job.

Contact 93953613, Email-allen.mathew83@gmail.com

IND female 12 years exp in Banking, Insurance customer service Secretarial skills analysis communication, client handling, coordination, Team handling, qualification, M.COM looking for suitable position currently on visit visa. Contact: 95166496

Indian male good experience in Accounts, Admin and ERP Tally 9 looking for a suitable job. NOC available.

Contact: 94834687 Accountant / Marketing, BBA, Tally, Dip in logistics, can work on my current visa. Contact 98269281 Financial Controller 23 years Oman experience in financial management MOUs feasibility studies available.

Contact: 91302906

A Reputed Training Institute require a CELTA

qualified English trainer with 3 years of experience.

Send your CV and other details to prakash@profitoman.com

ACCOUNTS & FINANCE Required Candidate with Masters in Finance 3 Years experience in accounting. Person should be available in Oman for interview.

Preference will be given to the candidates having knowledge in Focus accounting software. Submit CV at jobws2000@gmail.com

BEAUTICIAN Require Employee for Saloon in Al Amerat, should have experience.

Contact: 90600688

DOMESTIC HELPER Urgently required Housemaid for small Indian doctor family in Al Khoud. Attractive Salary, Acc & Visa Provided. Cont No.9522 0350 Required Gardener for part time job at Al Rabiat Qurum.

Contact 95890531

DRIVER Urgently required for a reputed Ready-mix Company, ‘Heavy Duty Drivers’ having valid Omani Licence, with local release. GCC licence holders also can apply, subject to local rules. Labour clearances are ready for immediate employment. Contact with passport details, copies of licence etc in person to Mr. Mohd Aqueel – 99338619, Mr Shamsuddin – 99274321

Wanted driver. Contact: 97165972

DRAFTSMAN Urgently required: Civil Draftsman- with experience 5 years experience in building and with NOC for immediately join.

Interested candidates may call us to our office telephone: 00968-24696584/24696585 or fax: 00968-24605955 or email us to sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com

ENGINEER/MECHANIC. A well established Ready-mix Concrete Company needs an experienced ‘Maintenance Engineer’ to look after its multifacility workshop and supervise / co-ordinate site wise operations.

Candidate must be a qualified Mechanical Engineer with relevant experience of handling a fleet of various brands and Concrete batching plants and Pumps. Forward your CV with relevant data to sndakshin@gmail.com / Contacts: 99256757

URGENTLY REQUIRED Cook/Commis III (Experience in International & Asian Cuisine)

Accountant Cleaner/ Gardener (Driving Lic. preferred)

Email: johnj@state.gov

Required for a leading Engineering Consultancy firm experienced Office Secretary. Send CV to: mail@abdullamukadam.com Fax: 24614398 CCTV & BURGULAR ALARM – TECHNICIAN : Urgently looking for an Expatriate with minimum 5 years experience. Email your CV with recent Photograph to : joyr@alasalaintl.com

IT Required Shop Sales man + Hardware Technician for IT Company with minimum 2 years experience.

Contact: 98825806 / 98825806, Email: info@rns-group.com

MEDICAL Required gynecologist GEN: practitioner lady lab Technician and pharmacologist immediately for a clinic in Suwaiq.

Contact: 95081010 Email: umchealthcare@gmail.com Urgently required Lab Tech, preferably Prometric cleared or with MOH license for a Medical Center in Ruwi. Contact 9522 0350, Email: bmdcsg@yahoo.com Urgent required Pharmacist with MOH LIC to work in a Pharmacy.

Salary negotiable, good package.

Contact: 94870029 immediate appointment.

Dot Muscat Company LLC is looking for Optometrist. Contact us on: dotmuscat@gmail.com Required Lab Technician, X- Ray Technician, Staff Nurses & Doctors.

Contact: 99681325 Email: pmsunilkumar@hotmail.com Require a qualified Nurse to take care of an elderly female.

Contact: 99425200 Urgently required General Practitioner (Indian/ Bangladeshi), Omani Receptionist (female) for a reputed Medical Centre, Salalah.

Email : hrmdimc2010@gmail.com

Senior Accountant Indian male 10 years experience (8 yrs in Oman) with D/L & NOC, Accounts upto finalization. Contact: 99582979 / 97373853

Fresher 24, ACCA Affiliate, Advanced diploma in Accounting and Business seeking suitable placement in Accounts, Finance or Audit with Oman driving license.

Contact - 92430152 Email - raju.rd619@gmail.com

Indian male M.Com, PGDCA, 10 years of experience in Oman as Senior Finance Executive good experience in finance and accounts looking for suitable placement with reputed organizations.

Contact: 95392251

Accounts part time services, available to handle all accounts up to finalization on monthly basis.

Finalization and audit works.

Contact: 96247295

BBA finance 2 years experience as Accountant 6 months experience Assistant Marketing offer looking for jobs in accounts and marketing.

Contact: 90291297

Indian female B.Com 4 years experience in accounting experience in wings & knowledge of tally.

1 year experience in Oman seeking suitable placement for accountant, presently on family visa.

Contact: 92054531 / 93491124

BBA finance fresh Graduate knowledge of accounting balance sheet income statement, tally, advance, excel looking for jobs accountant. Contact: 93150918

28/male/MBA - finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement.Contact 90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com

ENGINEER/MECHANIC.

MEDICAL Required GP doctor for running clinic in Salalah. Contact 92732491 / 93129219, email : clinicrecruitment2015@gmail.com Wanted Dentist with MOH license for a clinic in Sur. Contact 95653810 GP doctor needed for reputed clinic. Preferably with MOH license or with Dataflow & Paramatics pass Contact: 95388934 Care Medical Centre Al Seeb requires Gynecologist and General Practitioner.

Mail CV to:sarita_h23@yahoo.com Wanted Staff Nurse for a dermatology clinic in Muscat .

Must have MOH license and NOC. Attractive salary offered. Email: clinicvacancy2015@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Juice cum ice-cream maker.

Contact: 92841089 Required candidates for following posts: Accountant, Storekeeper, Foreman Building Maintenance, Van-salesman (water), Helpers.

Candidates with Omani driving license preferred.

Contact 99273774/99202278

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Required male or female office assistance for a spare parts company, any national, experienced not a must . Good salary packages will offered for suitable candidates . Tel no +96824593148 , Email ID :-vacancyhr102@gmail.com

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Required Indian Mason – 5 nos., eligibility (minimum 5 yrs experience in road construction field).

Contact: 99882127 Email: georgymv@yahoo.com

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Wanted loading & unloading people. Visa ready apply Indians only. Contact:95451713

SALES / MARKETING Required Salesman and Tailor.

Contact: 96964767

Accountant Indian male with 7 years experience up to finalization in tally & accounts receivable SAP R/3, good knowledge of payroll having Oman D/L, NOC. Contact: 93733996 Email Id: thmsb182@gmail.com Indian female M.Com with Oman driving license having 10+ years experience in Accounts & Administration in Oman seeking suitable job, NOC available. Contact: 91609799

Urgently required a ‘Purchase Manager’ to handle all the procurements for a reputed Readymix concrete Company, having its branches all over Oman. The candidate should possess required experience, product knowledge and excellent communication skills. Interested candidates may send their CV to sndakshin@ gmail.com /Contact: 99256757

Indian, Kerala Male B.COM & B.PE, Currently on Visit Visa. Looking for a suitable job in Accounts, Store Keeper, Sales etc. Ready to join as early as possible.

Contact :- 96988923 email:- sajith3969@gmail.com

Dot Muscat Company LLC is looking for Sales/Marketing associate.

Contact : dotmuscat@gmail.com

Indian male 25 years ACCA finalist with B.SC (Hons.) in accounting with experience in Tally with Omani driving license looking for suitable placement, release available. Contact : 92851056

Wanted Staff with 3 years experience in Oman in real estate field.

Contact: +968 95910186 Email: aburashid94dd@gmail.com Required marketing / PR manager for a modern restaurant group in Oman , proficient in illustrator & Photoshop charismatic , proactive , creative & flexible excellent writing / Editing skills degree in relevant area fluent in English. Send CV to marketingpr2016@gmail.com Salesman required for electrical equipments with driving license & 5/7 years working experience.

Fax your C.V 24833043 (Jinan Enterprises)

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

Sudanese Accountant, Alexandria University Graduate bachelor of commerce Diploma of Marketing professional photographer worked in PR and social media for 2 years looking for a job in public relations media, social media or marketing.

Contact: 96976240

Chief Accountant well experienced with reputed group available for immediate joining.

Contact : 98803439 / 97413784.

Indian male MBA (F) with 6 years of experience as an Accountant proficiency in various A/C software & SAPFI seeking for suitable placement. Contact: 95920740 Email: abdulhameed1527@gmail.com

(Up to finalization)

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

Accountant 8Years Experience with D/L and NOC. Contact 97712084

Accountant Indian male B.Com with 8 years experience in Oman knowledge in tally ERP, SAP AX, MIS up to finalization NOC available. Contact: 96989872 Email: radhakrishnank2007@rediffmail. com 36 years, male with M.Com Finance having 15 yrs of insurance & banking experience in India, on visit visa for 15 Days seeks suitable jobs. Contact 91159284 / 99429589 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 Accountant, Indian female, B.Com Graduate 1 & half year experience up to finalization in tally with reporting knowledge, pursuing ACCA, having valid GCC D/L. Contact: 95373751

Part time Sr. Accountant with 19 yrs experience in Accounts, finance, Audit Tax Management.

Contact: 95857199 Indian male , 29 B.com ICWA (pursuing) 7 years experience in accountant / audit with valid Omani D/L seeking for suitable placement, NOC available.

Contact: 94706954 Email: ajurn33@gmail.com Male B.Com Graduate Assist.

Accountant with 2 years experience in Accounting administration.

Contact: 94736742 Accountant available with NOC, 7 years experience in Oman.

Ready to join immediately.

Contact 98263394 ACCA member with 6 yrs of experience in Oman looking for a suitable job in finance. Contact: 99284193 Indian male qualification MBA Finance Marketing experience 2 years express visa seeking for placement, presently on express visa.

Contact: 93991882

ARCHITECT Architect female 5 years experience seeking job. Contact: 96146645, anjuovil@gmail.com

ADMIN 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 Indian looking for customer service, purchase front office Admin 5 years experience in UAE. Contact: 91744032 Lady Expat looking for full time job with visa. Interested fields are Admin, teaching, HR, back office.

Contact: 91739424 Email: jinsijobs@gmail.com Filipino HRD especialist / material controller supervisor with 18 yrs experience looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact: (+968) 98037142 / (+968) 92659817 Young Omani male have experience 12 years as P.R.O, CLERK Helper Supervisor Admin Supervisor, H.R Manager have diploma in H.S.E, IT and P.D.O license, looking for H.R position or P.R.O part time or full time. Contact: 95933288

T H U R S DAY, M AY 1 2 , 2 0 1 6

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED Mechanical Engineer & Project Manager Sudanese 29 yrs, more than 3 yrs experience in Mining Company, Profession:Production & manufacturing, safety, fire fighting designing, Engineering Management, sales – Muscat, Oman.

Contact 968 93642704, Email : mohamedfdl87@gmail.com

MANAGER, CIPD HR With 13 years experience in GCC and Oman. Competent in Sales, Marketing, Business operation and administration.

Interested employer please call

97728418

INDIAN MALE, MARKETING & HR SPECIALIST, 25 yrs, Master degree with 2 yrs of experience both HR & Marketing, now on visiting visa.

Contact 96972939 / 96096723 Email : lijubn@gmail.com, jerrin007@gmail.com

Searching job for my P.S Driver.

Contact: 91068299 Looking for job light driver.

Contact: 94365229 / 95582571

ADMIN Indian male, 14+ yrs exp in MNC, seeks placement in Admin, HR Officer Coordination, reservations.

Contact: 91497410 / 95762646 With 15 years of Gulf experience in HR / Admin / logistics looking for suitable position. Fluent in Arabic / English with D/L. Contact: 95824598 Indian female Graduate over 6 years of experience in Admin, Sales, operation support looking for suitable job. Contact: 94231020 Indian male Post Graduate in HR 19 years (8 Years in Oman) well experienced in HR / Admin in Oil & Gas, Construction fields with Oman D/L seeks suitable position. Release / NOC available. Contact 92854993.

Indian male post Graduate with MBA health care management London 3 years administration experience seeking job.

Contact: 98232007, Email: ehsankappil7800@gmail.com

Driver with car. Contact: 93346085 Driver light vehicle from Bangladeshi 5 years experience in Oman 24 years Omani driving license looking for job.

Contact: 98591812 Indian light driver looking for job.

Contact: 99089441 Heavy duty driver, 4 yrs Oman exp seeks placement.

Contact: 93916645 GCC driver 10 yrs exp.

Contact: 93722881 Looking for light driving job 4 yrs exp. in Muscat speaking Hindi, Arabic & English.

Contact: 92965920 Driver with light duty license, 10 yrs experience. Contact: 92742722 Looking for a job as light driver, 4 years experience in Oman.

Contact: 97311715 Family driver. Contact: 97196448

Indian female with nearly 10 years of Oman experience in Administration and HR, seeking suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact: 99242841 25 Male BBA, 5 years experience Administration officer, accounts, purchaser, NOC. Contact 91329571 Indian male, 20 years experience in Oman as personal assistant / office manager / executive secretary / administrator / business development assistant looking for a change. holding Omani driving license. local release available.

Contact 99168054

CATERING South Indian, North Indian Cook having 13 yrs experience in cooking field, now on visiting visa seeking for suitable job. Contact: 94598934 / 94638875 Email: bindyaneesh4@gmail.com

EDUCATION/TRAINING Female B. Ed English teacher, 7 yrs exp seeking suitable placement. Contact : 99739415 / 92091528 Indian female Science Graduate MBA, HR Worked as home tutor Convent Educated currently on visit visa, staying with husband looking for school teaching job English, Science KG – VI Std full / part time. Contact: 97205038 Email: chandpriya89@gmail.com Indian female, MSc Physics, B.Ed, 5+ years experience in Oman seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 93992958 / 96203570 Teacher Female , Phd in Chemistry having 3.5 yrs of Experience in India. Staying here on Family Visa & seeking for a suitable placement.

Contact – 99675828, Email Anupam.tiwari67@gmail.com

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Autocad works, free lancer / part time, experienced, arch, MEP, structural. Contact : 97103168 Revit, Autocad D/man, expected salary 200 OMR PH :92279784 Structure Draughtsman for road & bridges with 10 years experience looking for suitable job in Oman.

Contact: 95914879 / 91023774 Email: omerkhayam68@yahoo. com Architectural Draftsmen diploma in construction technology with 6 years experience in drafting and detailing as per British standard in Oman with valid Omani license looking for suitable opportunity Noc available. Call 94375897.

Filipino Senior Revit/AutoCAD Draftsman with 20 years professional experience is looking for suitable job in Oman. Please Contact: 96489798, (+974) 66653780.

DRIVER Bangladeshi 5 year experience in Muscat, Oman all location, 3 years experience U.S.A Dubai, can speak Arabic, English & Hindi.

Contact: 99327665 Temporary light Driver. Contact: 94022005 Looking for driving job experience 4 years. Contact: 95776320 Experience driver looking for job.

Contact: 95113612 Light vehicle driver 6 years in Oman. Contact: 94260369 / 94035746

Telecommunication Engineer 35 years experience with Omantel company, Hindi , English & Arabic.

Contact: 91204243 / 94372096 / 99751612 Site Supervisor, Diploma in Civil Engg (cert attested) knows autocad revit, salary exp: 250 Ph : 92279784 Civil Engineer diploma 3 years 5 years experience in supply chain (warehouse logistics) procurement. Contact: 90644186 Electrical B.Sc Engineer Pakistani male 24 years looking for a job. Contact: 94049812 / 92958112 Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech) Indian male with 1 year experience looking for job, qualification in Qa-Qc, HVAC & piping engineering.

Contact 90510800, Email : muhammedjaseem07@gmail.com Indian male B-tech 8 years experience as senior electrical project engineer / QC engineer on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact 94094543 Email: anwar425@gmail.com Sudanese Civil Structure Engineer 3 years looking for job in reputable company AutoCAD, Etabs, Staad Pro Omani driving license available.

Contact: 97906770 Indian male, Structural Engineer looking for job in structural design field. Having 6 years of experience in design field. Residing in Muscat.

Contact: 91176187 syam036@gmail.com

Indian male, Diploma Engineer with BBA & 16 yrs experience in Oman, worked with MNC in retail (Telecom/ Lubricant sales) and with construction industry handling various products & subcontract projects.

Holding valid Oman D/L, NOC available.

Contact 96960991, Email : sunap1968@gmail.com

Qualified Certified Management Accountant (CMA-USA) and cost and management accountant (ACMAIndia) with over 25 years experience in Sultanate of Oman in finance, banking and administration is seeking a suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact 95986767

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

DRIVER Looking for job, light driver.

Contact: 95141473

Sr. Sales & Marketing Specialist

Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available.

Contact 96789711 Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine.

Available NOC release.

Contact: 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com 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 Mechanical Engineer (Indian male, 24 years) with three years experience looking for suitable job.

Currently on visit visa, ready to join immediately. Contact: 92175441 Email: ihabeeb24@gmail.com Civil Engineer, B.Tech, 6 yrs experience with Omani driving license, local release available. Contact: 91693008 B.E Mechanical Engineer, age 24 with almost 1 year experience as Production Shift Engineer, has achieved training on HVAC Engineering design and has good hands on software like AutoCAD and HAP.Currently in Oman on a visit visa, looking for a suitable placement.Contact: 95065955 email: mjs.jazeb@gmail.com Senior Graduate Civil Engineer having 12 years construction experience in Oman seeking suitable position in Civil contracting company. Sound technical knowledge & managerial skills, well versed in Oman construction standards excellent commutation skills.

Contact: 98852797 Mechanical Engineer 28 years, 3 years experience 1 year in Oman with NOC looking for suitable placement. Contact: 94887665 Email: mechatron_mt@yahoo.com Electrical & Electronics Engineer 1 year experience currently on visit visa, available immediately.

Contact: 90654844 / 90491353 Email: feyizmohamed@gmail.com Civil Engineer experience 5 years with Oman driving license.

Contact: 96319928 Indian male having 26 years experience as Civil Supervisor in buildings and road with 8 years experience in Oman seeking suitable placement NOC & driving license is available. Contact : 96108230 Email: jayaprakash2015@gmail.com Indian male BE 2 yrs Indian site experience and M.Tech 3 yrs Indian Structural design experience looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 98334396

HSE Engineer (B.E Mech+Diploma Safety+NEBOSH+OSHA) over 10yrs. Exp, (Visa Release Letter (NOC) available), seeking suitable placement, Mob:97061817, Email:jayanammu1977@gmail.com 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 Indian male 26 B.Tech Civil Engineer 3 year’s 8 months Experience at building construction. In Oman 2 year’s experience N.O.C available seeking suitable placement Contact : 97396269 Email : usmanshaik42@gmail.com Electrical Engineer having 8 years experience with valid driving license. Contact 91293519, Email: nomee987@gmail.com B.Sc Civil Engineer, MBA experience 5 years (15 months in Oman) English & Arabic, driving license looking for a suitable job.

Contact: 94162443 Indian male BE Mechanical Engineering having 1 year experience seeks suitable position available in Oman on visit visa.

Contact: 96630091 Email: acv4111@gmail.com Female MCA qualified Software manual testing Engineer with 5 years experience looking for suitable position in Muscat on family joining visa. Contact: 0091 9884095301 / 00968 94231305, Email: devibala@yahoo.co.in Sr. Electrical Engineer with17+ yrs of exceptional exp in spear heading strategic planning and project management initiatives & executing various high rise residential & commercial building as well as roads and highway project with proficiency in installation, seeking a challenging position in a dynamic organization. Contact 96570891 Electrical Engineer Indian male 30 years, having 5 years of experience in industrial automation & utility maintenance in Indian (MRF Tyres) holding valid Oman D/L. Contact: 92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Electrical Engineer experience 9 years in Oman. Contact: 98148034 Construction Machinery repairs Engineer, 5 years, driving license, Contact - 94001961 Indian male civil Engineering Diploma holder, 31 years, 4 years experience in Oman, 2 years in road division looking for placement.

N.O.C available. Contact: 93298395

Mechanical Engineer 2 years experience as HVAC design and drafting MEP Engg.

Contact: 90150913

Electrical & Electronics Engr, knows autocad & revit.

PH: 93837973

18 years experienced Indian Civil Engineer (buildings) with NOC looking for suitable positions.

Contact: 92855910 Email: jk2_anu@yahoo.co.in

Architect Engineer bachelor Sudanese 7 years experience in building and construction and design (AutoCAD – Archicad) Contact: 95140464

AutoCAD Draughtsman Indian 12 years experience Civil Infrastructure, 9 years Gulf experience.

Contact: 93528255 Email: bijumudackamannil@gmail.com

Diploma in Civil Engineer with 5 yrs experience in Oman seeking a suitable job N.O.C available.

Contact: 93630296 / 93264828

Civil land surveyor with 6 years experience in construction industry (4 years in Oman) basic education BA + Civil Surveyor Diploma looking for suitable position. Contact: 96767070 Email: farman_ali587@yahoo.com Young Indian, Engineering in Bio-technology, Bio-chemical and Chemical, looking for a challenging placement in Oman.

Contact 97607000. Email: sivasankarjayakumar@gmail.com Pakistani male Diploma Civil Engineer 4yrs exp in Oman bulling & mega projects, valid license Oman.Contact:98921022 Indian female, BE Electrical, 2 yrs experienced. Contact 92051754, khushalithacker9@gmail.com

Indian 14 yrs exp SR MEP – Elect Engg with NOC, searching suitable job, in field PMC, Fire consultants , Testing & com, project supervision. Contact: 92437865 Email: maimran.mtech@live.com Indian 24 yrs exp SR civil Engg with NOC, searching suitable job, in any project Supervision.

Contact: 96602718 mishteyaqh@yahoo.co.in Indian female diploma Architecture having 5 years exp in Engineering consultancy in Oman seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 96683293 AutoCAD Draughtsman Indian male 8 years exp Civil, Interior, precasting, GCC driving license.

Contact: 95685028 Email: vimalg.kannur@gmail.com

An experienced Chartered Accountant With over 25 years in varied industries, presently working with a reputed group in Muscat, looking out for a suitable change.

Contact - 96491030

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE An Iraqi civil with more than 30 years experience in (Iraq and G.C.C) looking for a job, (N.O.C) available. Contact: 96561306 Email: iq.bgd.mnsr@gmail.com Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact:97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912

IT 7+ years experience Multimedia & Software Developer currently working in Microsoft seeking suitable job. Contact: 968 93936878 Indian Male, MCA Graduate, 15 yrs exp in ERP, CSM Certified, seeking suitable role.NOC Available.

Contact : GSM : 90189284 Email: meetlibran@gmail.com Indian male, B.SC Comp Science, CCNA, MCP, 8 yrs of exp in System and Network Support on visit visa seeking suitable positions.

Contact: 91751472 IT PM available 10+ years experience six sigma black belt certified diverse background U.S Citizen.

Contact: + 968 94699818 Sudanese IT Developer with 2 years experience. Contact: 94360181 Indian female M.Sc Computer Science seeking suitable placement in Muscat area. Contact: 98660672 IT Support Engineer, Exp 3 years in Oman 2 years in India.

Contact: 94672759 IT support MCSA Network Virtualization 1 year exp.

Contact: 98207829 5 years of experience in the post of Networking Engineer holding (CCNA – MCITP) Very good in Arabic & English valid driving license.

Contact: 99813988 B.Tech (IT) experience in Networking server & desktop management in corporate environment looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 92954613

MANAGER Procurement / Commercial (Import & Export) activities, Experienced 17 yrs as Deputy Manager in SAP & MS-Office, Male Indian, seeks suitable placement on visit.

Contact: 94629788

MEDICAL Indian female Dentist specialized Endodontist looking for suitable placement, prometric completed.

Contact: 96410448 Lady General Dentist available for leave vacancy. Contact 92732491 / 93129219, email : clinicrecruitment2015@gmail.com Sudanese female Medical Laboratory specialist with M.S.C in hematology, 3 years experience seeking for suitable job.

Contact: 97996545

MISCELLANEOUS Filipino Male, 28 years Old. Looking for job, Have experience in Rent a Car/ Cargo & Logistics / Real Estate/ Customer Care Executive / Sale Executive & Marketing/ Shop In- Charge with driving license, w/ good computer and communication skill. GSM: 97761075 BS in Electrical Engineering, Experience: 5 years(Power Plants).

Contact: 92475206 Email: zahaibzafar007@gmail.com Indian male, 28, post graduate, 6+ yrs exp in Oman in sales (back office) & credit control with valid Oman D/L looking for suitable placements. NOC available.

Contact: 92066 523

Wanted Office Assistant familiar with computer skill for an office at Hail North. Contact 98693693 sms only.

Secretary / Coordinator Indian male 42 yrs total 16+ yrs experience having valid Oman driving license, release available.

Contact: 98358897 Lady Secretary / Sales Co-coordinator 12 years experience in Oman in reputed companies, seek immediate Employment.

Call: 95244761 Filipino Female, having exp in Shipping, Forwarding and Logistics/Customer Support/Office and HR Administration with good Communication and Computer Skills. Looking for suitable position. Contact: 96542559 Indian Male more than 10 years gulf experience in Office / Sales Coordinator, Admin, Secretarial and purchase with good computer skills. Holding Oman Driving license. Looking for suitable placement. Contact 99709336 Looking for part time job Secretarial / Data Entry / Documentation available every day after 5:00 pm Friday / Saturday full day area preferred Ruwi/ CBD/ MBD / Al Khuwair. Contact: 90414827

SALES / MARKETING The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, exp. 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 exp. in pricing and collect payment and cash flow & marketing projects & investments & tenders & real estate. Contact :- 92385033 10 years ICT Business development & project management exp in Oman looking for suitable senior position. Contact: 98987654 Required Sales Executive / Merchandiser for consumer products with minimum 3 years experience and with valid Omani driving license. Apply with full details to scorpion@alhosnigroup.com Fax : 24597945 Indian male MBA Marketing and PGDM HR seeking job.

Contact: 97127799 Email: vijinvijioo@gmail.com 4 years experience in computer hardware & Sales B.Com discontinued . Contact: 99859970 / 90996171 Building material purchaser.

Contact: 99053510 35 years male, Lebanese holding British passport, 10 years of experience in procurement, Omani Government tenders, setup marketing plans & strategies, importing, Organizing events, management, have car, NOC available.

Contact 94123939 Email: 002015r@gmail.com Indian male MBA Sales Marketing business development with 10 years of vast experience 5 years GCC 5 years India excellent communication skills presently in Oman on visit visa looking for best opportunity.

Contact: 97946069 Email: faizanahmad2308@yahoo. com Indian Male, 26 M.Com with 4 yrs of Experience in Accounting & Administration in a Financial Company in India, seeks suitable job, Currently in India.

Contact: India:-+918907212253 Akhil:-93626288, Email: Sumeshpsmkr1989@gmail.com Indian male 26 years having 4.5 years of experience in Oman as Sales & Marketing having Oman D/L visa, NOC / Release available seeking for suitable post.

Contact: 98843139 MBA Marketing, Executive Post, Omani Driving License available, 14 years Experience in Multinational Groups in Sales & Marketing.

Contact 91685048

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DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED

SALES / MARKETING 13 years experienced Salesman seeking job, holds valid Omani driving license. NOC also available, needs visa change urgently, experience in mobiles and electronics sale. Contact: 97900338 Male Indian 36 years marketing Sales 12 years experience M.A degree currently on visit visa ready to join. Contact: 00968 94068878 Email: sureshmailme79@yahoo.com 4 years experienced Automobile Marketing/Sales Manager of Indian origin, 25yrs age on visiting visa seeks suitable job in Oman.

Contact 95298876.

Pakistani male, Graduate over 9 years experience in Procurement, Warehouse & Logistics, looking for suitable placement currently on visit visa.

Contact: 968 91257663 , Email: waqasmehar1@gmail.com Indian male 37 years MBA graduate in marketing with 9yrs of experience in UAE in field of brand promotions & marketing with UAE D/L on a visit seeking suitable position. Conatct 95792820

MISCELLANEOUS 2 years Diploma Health and Safety IOSH managing safely OHS academy 48 hours Manager level HABC fire safety, bachelors in Commerce and Post Graduate Finance 3 years experience in Construction & General Industry.

Contact 93107730 SCM / LOGISTICS/ PROCUREMENT - 25 Yrs exp - Indian Male - Oil & Gas, Manufacturing Sector - Having valid Oman D/L & NOC available. Seeks Challenging senior position. GSM-94236414, Email ID - jayamurli@gmail.com Planning Engineer, BE Mech Engg. Indian Female having total 11 yrs exp in oil & gas projects (8+ yrs in Gulf) with valid Oman D/L, Seeks a Suitable job.

Contact: 92456003 Fresh B.Com Graduate in visit visa looking for a job. Contact: 93518923 / 99075027. email: sheikcok@yahoo.com Light Duty Driver, Fluent in English, Arabic. Well knowledge of Oman Areas looking for suitable placement. Contact 97950869

Part- Time Accountant, well experienced senior accountant ,capable of doing all type of accounting works up to finalization, Budgeting, Bank financing requirements, taxation work etc available. # : 98803439 Indian/male (25)/ MBA/2 years experience in channel sales and distribution management. on visit visa, available for immediate joining. Contact: 96914068, email: mailanasap@gmail.com Admin Assistant. Having 5 years experience in admin department in reputed companies, presently working in Muscat (NOC Available).

GSM. 00968-98404122, mail panduru.jeevankumar@gmail.com Import & Export professional, Experienced as Asst. Commercial Manager for 15 years, Proficient in MS office, Male Indian, Seeks suitable placement, on Visit, #95484684 Indian male, 33 yrs, MBA-HR generalist with 10 yrs including training of Omani nationals.NOC possible .Seeking a suitable job.

Contact :saiprasad_18@yahoo.com, 94179499

SITUATION WANTED EDUCATION/CLASSES/COMP./WEB.

Indian male, 40 Years, B. Com, having 10 years experience in Oman, Tally & ERP- looking for suitable placement ( NOC and Oman driving license available.

Contact +91 89 43 109897 Rajeev. 252002@gmail.com Safety officer, 3 years of experience in safety certifications: BE (electrical and electronics engineering), NEBOSH, IOSH, DHSE, first aid. Contact +97474018995, mail:midhunmich@gmail.com, skype:midhunmike Looking for a part time accounting & admin job. Contact 99196621.

Indian male, network cabling technician (19 years Gulf experience) seeking for suitable placement.

NOC available. Contact : 00918089909265 (India), E mail: mohithavp@gmail.com Indian male 26 years, Graduate in BBM & having Diploma in Logistics with 3 years of experience in Banking and Accounts looking for suitable placement. Contact : + 968 97166820/ +91 9895102356 Email :afsalrahman1989@gmail.com

Indian/male(25)/MBA /2 years experience in channel sales and distribution management. on visit visa. available for immediate joining. Contact: 96914068, email: mailanasap@gmail.com Indian male,B.Com + Dip. Logistic 2year experience looking for a job in Accounts/Logistics Field. Presently on Visit Visa # 93884951, Email:mehreenraiz@gmail.com Electronics Technician , 4 Years experience as Electronics service engineer. Knowledge in all type of Electronics items. Looking for suitable placement. GSM- 99105043 Indian male, 40 Years, B. Com, having 10 years experience in Oman, Tally & ERP- looking for suitable placement ( NOC and Oman driving license available) Tel- +91 89 43 109897 Rajeev. 252002@gmail.com Assistant Accountant - B.Com Graduate with excellent overall skills. 2 Years of experience. Ready for immediate joining.

Contact: sharonravi00@gmail.com, 968-92049215

HSE Engineer,Indian male, 5.5 Plus years Experience in Oil & Gas Working in Shclumberger NEBOSH,IOSH, & NDT Certified, M Tech in HSE. CONTACTkrish.569@gmail.com Mobile- +91 9867016808 Software Engineer with 5 + plus years of experience in Infosys ltd on visit visa seeking suitable vacancy in oman. Email : steffyraphel@gmail.com mob: 96896246205 / 96897032284 Indian male, 24 yrs, B. Com Graduate more than 1 year experienced in accounts planning to come for a family visit in oman seeking for a suitable placement .

Contact : 99339544 / 99743709 Electrical & Electronics diploma engineer Indian male 22 years, 2 years experience currently in visit visa. Contact 93047707 adilm89@gmail.com IT professional, B.E. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support/Retail sales. # 91496939.

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

Pest control & Building cleaning all kinds of pest control building. Cleaning tiles / Marble polishing monthly/ Yearly contracts available.

Contact: 98814733 /98814740 Al Husn Cleaning L.L.C

MANPOWER

SERVICES We Provide Cleaners, Office boys, Cleaning Contracts, General cleaning etc.

Al Mudakhir National Est. LLC Contact : 94277020

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 Split & window A/c servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi

• Learn in two months • Satisfaction guaranteed

Tel: 95244310

A/C Maintenance & Servicing, Fridge, Washing machine & Dish washer repairing, Painting & Cleaning services, Electrical & plumbing.

Contact 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281 Service & maintenance of split & window A/C. Contact: 95273713 We do building maintenance all kind of works. Contact 99247663

Wanted partner handover 20% to 30% running building Construction Company. Contact: 97491117

Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

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

Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 /94285064

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. contact 24793614/ 99314807 Pest control treatments, Ocean center LLC Contact 99344723 House shifting. Contact 99708138 Marble crystallization & grinding, cleaning & carpet shampooing.

Ocean center LLC. Contact 99344723 Marble crystallization & grinding, Ocean center LLC Contact: 99344723 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

Window & split unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080 House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422

DRIVING

Split unit & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance.

Contact: 96236476 Split unit & widow unit A.C servicing & maintenance.

Contact: 95323517 / 93769089 Complete building maintenance Midawa Trading Est. Contact: 94614479 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722 CAD drawings Archi/ MEP CAD – comply BIM. Contact: 91233975 House Shifting Packing.

Contact: 99657644 / 98518013

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

TRANSPORTATION Picking and drop Al Khuwair to Rusayl. Contact 91287470 / 98957524 Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909 Transportation. Contact: 95190627 Transportation required from Qurum to WadiKabir at afternoon only 1 PM. Contact - 99012165 Transportation. Contact 9508282 Transportation. Contact 92015894

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

TOURS

TOURS

Moon Travel L.L.C

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours contact 98029602, 92808636

Saudi Arabian Government approved agent

Umrah Package by Road & Air Bus Departures- Apr 19, May 03, 17 & 31.2016 Ramadan Schedule - Jun 06, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26 & 30.2016

We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman. Contact 99839898

Contact: Tariq Al Balushi - 99218069 Ahmed Maseehuddin - 99353611, Oĸce: 24790746/24706217

SITUATION WANTED

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

RENT A CAR

MISCELLANEOUS Indian Female looking for a part time opportunity (Graphic Design/ Teaching/Research Assistant/ Business Development/Administration) Contact: 95811820 or sankarikm06@gmail.com Indian female 10 years exp as cook in Oman. South Indian & Gujarati special looking for job, company or restaurant. #90559292 SENIOR ACCOUNTANT-M. Com Finance-Indian with 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts up to finalization. Having D/L & NOC. Mob:94122464, caammk13@gmail.com Tea boy looking for job Name: Man Bahadar Contact: 97859837 Indian Female, M.Sc Computer Science, Seeking suitable placement in Muscat Area.#98660672 Indian Female, 29 Yrs Age, M.Sc Microbiology, looking for Job any reputed organization / Hospitals, seeks suitable position.

Contact : 95218424 / 9610 6604.

On Family Residence Visa.

IT professional, B.E. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support/Retail sales. #91496939.

Indian Male B-Com Graduate 1 year, experience in market survey, Valid Driving License, looking for any suitable post.

Contact: 92567020 / 96930392 Indian male, M. Com with 3 yr Oman Exp in Accounts with valid NOC & D/L on Visit Visa, available to join immediately . GSM :94744575

Indian Male 30 year GCC driving license and past experience as project coordinator looking for a suitable position. Project Coordination, Sales Executive, Marketing Executive or any other suitable post. Contact number -97070427 Indian B-Com Graduate 1 year Experience in market survey, Valid Driving License, looking for any suitable post. #92567020 / 96930392, shwayanad@gmail.com Indian male, M. Com, 11 years experience in the field of accountancy and Stores. Good knowledge in SAP, Tally, oracle, MS office and Excel seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92859733 Indian male, M.Com, 7 years Oman experience in the field of accounts and valid oman driving license & NOC . Good knowledge in SAP, Tally, oracle, MS office and Excel seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92859733 Indian male 42, BE-Civil 13 years experience in Road construction. looking for suitable placement. having valid Oman driving license.

Contact: 95225214, Email: Sudheerrokkala73@gmail.com Indian Female on a visit visa having master degree seeking suitable placement in any field, 1 ,5 year experience in HR .

Contact 91467576.

Bachelor in Hotel Management Having 13 years experience in Catering Industry in all aspects of Operations with D/L looking out for a suitable placement.

Contact 90654826 Email: mailingsaikiran@gmail.com

Required partner investor to build an apartment in Al Mobelah.

Contact: 99355330

RENT A CAR Best Rates for Saloon Contact: 97869042 / 95730550 sales@modernreem.com

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman Investment opportunity for lucrative building and decorative product. Contact: 99421513 Email: borderlineomn@gmail.com Tender board registered Construction Company for lease / run.

Contact: 92841089 Business Partner required for a running insurance company.

Contact: 92821312

25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver.

Contact: 99839898

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DAILY GUIDE

SITUATION WANTED DINING DELIGHTS

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classiямБeds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624