Times of Oman - September 13, 2015

44

172

ALARM SYSTEM TO ENHANCE BUS SAFETY SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH THE VIDEO

Buses ferrying children to the Indian schools will soon have an advanced alarm facility to alert, if any child is left unattended inside the bus. >A3

SUNDAY, September 13, 2015 / 29 Dhul Qa’ada 1436 AH

SAUDI ARABIA

HM sends condolences

timesofoman.com

facebook.com/timesofoman

twitter.com/timesofoman

Omani pilgrims discharged from hospital reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Two Omani pilgrims who were injured when a crane crashed at the Grand Mosque in the Holy City of Makkah in Saudi Arabia, have left the hospital, Oman’s Ministry of Endowments and Religious affairs tweeted on its official Twitter handle, quoting the deputy head of the Omani Haj delegation.

“The Omanis have already left the hospital after receiving treatment. They are in good health,” added the tweet.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia said on Saturday that stormy winds

OMAN FLASH FLOODS From 1890 to 2015

They all have high

but poor drainage

December 1995 283 600 mm

603

450

RAHUL DAS/TARIQ AL HAREMI

rahuldas@timesofoman.com tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Muscat, Sohar and Rustaq have been named as the top three ‘flood risk zones in Oman by officials who have drawn up maps where people are most at risk in the Sultanate.

Around 1,285,672 people live in Muscat, while 1,060,927 people live in North Batinah and South Batinah, which include Sohar and Rustaq.

2007 Cyclone Gonu 626

Average 5 ft. man (1,524 mm)

system leading to flood and loss of lives

Heavy rains

Cyclones

430

300 150 0

69 58

285 269 204 202 116 99 83 82 67

Source: Ministry of Regional Municipalities & Water Resources Graphics

These two areas were affected by rain and suffered fatalities due to flooding last week.

Speaking to the Times of Oman, Ahmed Al Barwani, water re-

ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company

R A I S I N G AWA R E N E S S

toppled the crane, which collapsed onto one of Islam’s holiest shrines.

“Heavy rain and strong winds of unusually high speed led to the uprooting of trees, the fall of panels and the collapse of the crane,” General Suleiman Al Amr, director general of the Civil Defence Authority, told Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV on Saturday.

The number of deaths may increase, said Al Amr. Many of the 238 people injured in the accident only had minor injuries, he said.

Prince Khaled Al Faisal, Makkah’s governor, has ordered an investigation into the incident, said Al Arabiya. >A6

sources expert at the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, said these areas have been identified by their high population density.

“The current drainage system in these areas is inadequate,” he said.

He also said that these areas make significant contributions to the country’s economy but it is important to highlight the fact that they are prone to flooding and measures should be taken to control the damage.

“We have to work together to improve the drainage system in Oman,” he said.

He added that cities like Muscat, Sohar and Rustaq and many others have been identified on the flood risk maps, which is available in the ministry. “We have seen the problems in some places, and most of which are because of the poor drainage system as there is no outlet for water,” he stressed.

Explaining that floods in Oman tend to be an intense short-term

‘Safety lessons should begin from schools’ ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com

ACCIDENT: Saudis and pilgrims arrive at the Grand Mosque, where a crane collapsed on Friday, in Makkah, on Saturday. -AFP

Muscat, Rustaq, Sohar in top flood risk zones population densities

blog.timesofoman.com

SAUDI CRANE CRASH

REJIMON K

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of condolences and sympathy to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, for the victims of the crane crash at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Friday.

In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy, praying to Almighty Allah to rest their souls in eternal peace and grant their families patience to bear the loss, and wishing the injured persons speedy recovery. —ONA

wtimesofoman.com

event, of high velocity, and last for just four to six hours, Al Barwani, said, “Damage usually begins to occur within an hour of the intense rainfall.”

To mitigate the after-effects of floods, the ministry has come with structural and non-structural plans.

“We have established a hydrometeorological network for flood alerts and have guidelines for development in flood prone areas,” he said. There are also maps showing flood-risk zones and a National Committee for Civil Defence (NCCD) to deal with all kinds of disasters, including floods.

“There are flood warning systems and a Multi Hazard National Centre has been established,” he said.

He also said fool-proof evacuation measures are required for housing projects coming up in high-risk flood zones.

“It is a great move,” said Yasser Ali Al Alawi, managing director, Al Sharqiya Real Estate and Investment. >A6

MUSCAT: It is essential to impart safety lessons from the schoolgoing age to ensure that the next generation grows up with a better understanding of the issue.

“Unfortunately, we lack the safety culture in Oman, so it is important to raise awareness about health and safety issues in schools and among children at an early age,” says Ahmed Mohammed Al Shamsi, health and safety manager at the ICEM. >A6

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

OMAN

The power of social media and teenagers

1

The rapid rise of the social media is spreading among teenagers and children as young as ten are using it to voice their opinions and share ideas. >A2

INDIA

MARKET

85 killed in blast

Fuel demand growth

2

Oman’s annual demand for refined petroleum products is projected at 10% for next 15 years.>B1

At least 85 people were killed when a cooking gas cylinder blew up in a restaurant in India. >A8

3

Oman beat Bahrain, lift GCC U-19 title

C1

A2

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

OMAN

Indian schools have launched a plan to implement a safe transport system for students. A monitoring committee will check the vehicles being used currently Alarm system to enhance Indian school bus safety >A3

C O M M E N TA RY

Denying teens access to social media will do more harm SUNDAY BEAT

They can also pick up bad habits from their peers, role models, or even teachers... Instead of banning teenagers from social media activities, the government’s regulators, parents and teachers can encourage them to filter out what they read and discuss. Constant monitoring or taking the facilities away from them will drive them underground, where they can go out of control

SALEH AL SHAIBANY saleh@timesofoman.com HAVE YOUR SAY AT TWITTER.COM/ TIMESOFOMAN OR SCAN THE CODE TO INSTANTLY POST YOUR THOUGHTS.

T

he rapid rise of social media among teenagers and children is having such an impact that those as young as ten are using it to voice their opinions and share ideas that normally parents, and even the government authorities, don’t have the time to listen to.

It is happening right here in Oman and many parents see the social media as a challenge to local cultures and traditions. It is also seen as a probable threat to law and order as the government looks nervously to its

rapid expansion. But the quick exchanges of short messages, viewed as potentially lethal and even a threat to political and cultural values, have the approval of the ‘liberal minded’ Omanis, to promote free thinking.

Oman has already gone through one successful revolution. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has orchestrated and revolutionised progress, lifting the country from relative obscurity to a nation of international status.

The social media is a second wave of the revolution that Oman experiences and the real difference is that it is not

about the economy but about the mind-set. In a country that is fiercely defending its ancient values, the spread of intellectual discussions through the electronic media is frowned at.

Young people, with technology at their disposal, develop an unrestrained mind and the logical system that their parents never knew about. They bridge knowledge through the international network making the social media a global culture that has precedence over a multitude of national cultures. For the conservative Omanis, whether parents or those in the corridors of power, there is no going back.

Enforcing laws to limit access to the Internet, would force young people to become rebellious to the public order.

Similarly, when parents snatch away their mobile phones, teenagers would find an alternative channel to vent out their frustrations, which may not go very well with the role of parenthood. Denying young people the right to use such tools would severely restrict their social development and growth of mental faculty. It will also restrict their education because schools —and certainly parents— are not equipped to dispense knowledge of worldly

affairs. At closer scrutiny, social media works well to bridge the gap between major towns, where real progress takes place, and the largely underdeveloped interiors of Oman. The more developed minds of young people living in the cities such as Muscat, Salalah and Sohar, readily share their brain power with their counterparts in smaller towns. Fear of transgressing traditional values or losing authoritarian control is completely unfounded. Political upheavals in the global arenas give opportunities young people to discuss what went wrong so they can learn to adapt.

Yes, there are concerns about

the influence of the electronic pages on the youths. There is also a real harm out there but when you put it on the scale, the advantages outweigh the bad by far.

There is no denying that the media influences play a part in shaping teenage behaviour. But when a child is aware of its influence, they will be able to handle media pressure better both in their private lives and careers.

It also means they will be well prepared for all eventualities, the way we were not when we were growing up.

The fear is not about whether they will rebel but they are able to go through something we never had the chance to experiment. Surely, that cannot be a bad thing. To look at it from another perspective, if we worry about teenagers picking bad influences, parents can be a source of that if they grow up in broken marriages. They can also pick up bad habits from their peers, role models, or even teachers.

Instead of banning teenagers from social media activities, the government’s regulators, parents and teachers can encourage them to filter out what they read and discuss. Constant monitoring or taking the facilities away from them will drive them underground, where they can go out of control.

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

OMAN

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY SHARE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS

Share your world with us on Instagram

A3

M AT E R N I T Y H E A LT H

Oman aims to eliminate mother-to-child HIV transmission ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman has set a target to ‘eliminate’ the mother-to-child transmission of HIV altogether, and has been implementing a number of initiatives to achieve this goal.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the transmission of HIV from an HIVpositive mother to her child during pregnancy, labour, delivery or breast-feeding is called motherto-child transmission.

‘Elimination’ of transmission is defined by the WHO as a reduction of transmission to such a low level that it no longer constitutes a public health problem.

In June 2015, Cuba became the first country in the world to receive validation from the WHO that it has eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.

In Oman, there were three cases of mother-to-child transmission of HIV last year, Dr Samir Shah, epidemiologist at the Ministry of Health’s HIV/AIDS/STI section, told the Times of Oman.

Updating medical experts He was speaking on the sidelines of a conference organised by the Omani Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology to update medical experts from various health centres on retrovirus infection in pregnancy.

“Our plan (to reach the target) was in 2015, but we will try to achieve it as early as possible.

All pregnant women should be offered screening for HIV infection as early as possible, in each pregnancy. All pregnant HIV-infected women should receive combined antiretroviral therapy. It is clear that early initiation of antiretroviral therapy is the best way to prevent neonatal infection, improve women’s health and reduce the rate of sexual transmission to partners Dr Chitra Jha

Senior consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at the Royal Hospital

We are considering mother-tochild transmission elimination.

It means once we achieve this, we will have very less cases of motherto-child transmission,” Dr Samir Shah said, adding that it can hopefully happen in a year or two.

Since July 2009, Oman has begun offering HIV testing and counselling services to all pregnant women with the objective of preventing HIV among newborns by providing treatment and follow up services, according to the Global AIDS Response Progress Report 2014.

According to the WHO, every

year, globally, an estimated 1.4 million women living with HIV become pregnant. Untreated, they have a 15 to 45 per cent chance of transmitting the virus to their children during pregnancy, labour, delivery or breast-feeding. However, that risk drops to just over one per cent if antiretroviral medicines are given to both mothers and children throughout the stages when infection can occur.

In a speech at the conference, Dr Hilal Al Hashami from Royal Hospital, who is specialised in paediatric infectious disease, said since

Alarm system to enhance Indian school bus safety

SAFETY PLANS: The transport service will also help reduce the chaotic traffic on the roads near the

schools.– OK Mohammed Ali/TIMES OF OMAN

Indian schools have launched a plan to implement a safe transport system for students.

A monitoring committee will check the vehicles being used currently

MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON mobinmathew@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: Buses ferrying children to the Indian schools will soon have an advanced alarm facility to alert, if any child is left unattended inside the bus, Wilson V George, chairman of the Indian Schools’ Board of Directors, told the Times of Oman on Friday.

“When the driver turns off the engine, an alarm will start ringing. Either the driver or the attendant would have to go to the rear end of the bus to switch it off.

This way, they would be able to assure themselves that no child has been left unattended inside the vehicle,” George said.

This year, three children died

after they were left unattended inside vehicles in Oman.

“Students’ safety is our priority,” Wilson added.

The Indian schools in Oman have launched a plan to implement a safe transport system for students.

Seating capacity “Under the safe transport project, the children will be allowed in buses only as per the vehicle’s seating capacity. Attendants will be compulsory in every bus.

Cameras will be there inside and outside the vehicle. The rear camera will help avoid any accident that may take place because of a child or other object behind the vehicle. The vehicles will be covered under the In Vehicle Monitoring System (IVMS). It will help the safety committee to monitor the bus speed, driving, etc,” Wilson added.

In addition to introducing buses with advanced safety facilities, the Indian schools are also planning to have intensive training for drivers.

“Drivers have to undergo intensive driving training and will be monitored by the safety committee regularly. With safe driving training the drivers will not only be prepared to follow the rules but will also be ready to face any uncertainties on the roads. Safe driving training changes the attitude of the drivers,” Wilson added.

According to Wilson, a monitoring committee will also check the vehicles being used for trans-

porting students. Indian School Darsait and Al Maabela have already started the safe transportation system from the current academic year.

The Darsait school provides services to around 670 students whereas the Maabela school provides services to 350 students.

The Indian School Seeb is currently in the process of finalising the transporter. The Indian School Muscat has also formed its transport committee and is working towards the safe transport project.

Year-end plan “By the end of the year, we are hoping that all Indian schools in Oman will have their own transport facility,” Wilson said The transport service now being provided by the schools will also help reduce the chaotic traffic. “The ROP has already welcomed our move and promised the Board all its support as this initiative is in line with their vision to reduce traffic accidents in Oman,” Wilson concluded.

Apart from the transport system, Indian Schools are also conducting safety audits.

“Taskforces formed are surveying the measures to ensure security and safety of the students in the school premises. Till now, four schools in the city have completed the safety audits,” Wilson added.

According to Wilson, new Indian schools will be opened in Al Awabi and Barka in the coming years.

2009, 68 HIV-exposed babies have been born at the Royal Hospital and all of them were born free of HIV. Preconception care Dr Al Hashami highlighted the importance of preconception care for HIV-infected women, monitoring of the foetus during pregnancy, delivery suite care and postnatal care. He also said breast-feeding is not recommended for HIV-infected women.

In addition, Dr Chitra Jha, senior consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at the Royal Hospital,

TOURISTS THRONG WADI BANI KHALID

Following the heavy rains last week, Wadi Bani Khalid presented a scenic sight for tourists over the weekend, as they thronged the area in large numbers.—ONA

said pregnancy does not influence the progression of HIV disease.

According to her, it is critical that pregnant women infected with HIV be accurately identified in a timely manner.

“All pregnant women should be offered screening for HIV infection as early as possible, in each pregnancy,” she said, adding, “All pregnant HIV-infected women should receive combined antiretroviral therapy.”

“It is clear that early initiation of antiretroviral therapy is the best way to prevent neonatal infection,

improve women’s health and reduce the rate of sexual transmission to partners,” Dr Jha said.

Effective, reliable contraception is a critical need for HIV-positive women, she added.

Dr Jha also spoke about the safest conception options for discordant couples, where one partner is HIV-infected and the other is not, and explained how a decision should be made regarding the mode of delivery.

Confidentiality The importance of ‘confidentiality’ of HIV test results for both the mother and the baby was another topic discussed during the conference.

Speaking to the Times of Oman, Dr Shah assured that the results will remain confidential but said that sometimes the patients have their own suspicions.

He also noted that there are trained counsellors who give guidance to couples, counselling them separately.

However, the issue is the extent to which the patient complies with the recommendations, he said, adding that sometimes certain social issues pose a challenge.

Dr Tamima Al Dughaishi, senior consultant in maternal foetal medicine at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and the president of the Omani Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, said the society decided to hold the conference as it believes that updates in this field would help improve maternity and neonatal services in Oman.

A4

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

OMAN

Sept 14

Keralites hope to vote in state poll

has been slotted by the Supreme Court of India for hearing to decide the modalities of the non-resident Indian voting issue

BAIT AL ZUBAIR

The government initiated steps that

Last month, the Indian government told the Supreme Court that a note on proposed changes in the bill to allow non-resident Indians (NRIs) to vote in Indian elections had been placed before the cabinet

would grant voting rights to more than 10 million non-resident Indians, as directed by the Supreme Court.

Cabinet had approved a draft bill to amend the existing electoral law, which has to be passed by Parliament

Dr Shamsheer Vayalil

Legal petitioner REJIMON K reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Non-resident Keralites will, hopefully, be able to cast their votes from abroad for the coming Assembly elections in the Southern Indian state of Kerala, said Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, who had initiated legal proceedings in the Indian courts.

“On September 14, India’s Supreme Court will again conduct a hearing to decide the modalities of the non-resident Indian voting issue. I hope it will be finalised,” Dr Shamsheer told the Times of Oman in an exclusive interview.

“Last month, the Indian government has told the Supreme Court that a note on proposed changes in the bill to allow non-resident Indians (NRIs) to vote in Indian elections had been placed before the cabinet for its consideration.

New suggestions include allowing

NRIs to vote by proxy and through e-ballots,” said Shamsheer.

A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justices H L Dattu, Arun Mishra and Amitava Roy granted the government two months to incorporate the proposed changes in a bill aimed at amending the Representation of the People Act. In April, the Indian government initiated the steps that would grant voting rights to more than 10 million NRIs in elections, as directed by the Supreme Court.

Cabinet had approved a draft bill to amend the existing electoral law, which has to be passed by Parliament. The first draft of the bill was referred to the Election Commission of India, which suggested certain amendments that were subsequently incorporated in the bill.

As the cabinet has approved the second draft, it will be tabled in the parliament soon, added Dr Shamseer. The People’s Representation Act, which governs elections in India, requires a voter to be present in his or her constituency to cast the vote.

Amending this provision of the law is the first step towards granting voting rights to NRIs through e-postal ballot or proxy voting as suggested by the Election Commission and accepted by the government in the last hearing on January 12.

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

VARIED ART: The aim of Yousuf Al Sabbagh was to create an atmosphere of harmony between human emotions through the use of architectural concepts reflecting his feelings.–Supplied photo

‘Incomplete but Unique’ show mixes architecture with art Times News Service MUSCAT: Yousuf Al Sabbagh launched his first solo exhibition ‘Incomplete but Unique’ in Bait Al Dalaleel at Bait Al Zubair on last week.

He exhibited around 20 art works where he mixed architecture with contemporary art. The aim of the artist was to create an atmosphere of harmony between human emotions through the use of architectural concepts reflecting his feelings.

Al Sabbagh said, “I am very happy to launch my first exhibition, through which I am trying to make clear to the visitor that most of the paintings may be incomplete in configuration, but carry with it a uniqueness and excellence in meaning. I am grateful to Bait Al Zubair for supporting me in this exhibition.”

Bait Al Dalaleel at Bait Al Zubair is an art space created for young Omanis to display

their work to new audiences in a relaxed and beautiful environment. Artists and audiences alike can explore a wide variety of art books and magazines as well as discover some new creativity and talent in Oman.

Throughout the year Bait Al Dalaleel offers workshops and

WORKSHO P

ACADEMICS

International award for Indian school Times News Service MUSCAT: Indian School Muscat (ISM) became the proud recipient of the ‘International School Award’ (ISA) and joined the elite group of premier schools with the coveted ISA accreditation instituted by the British Council.

ISM is the first private international school in Oman to secure this award. ISA is a benchmarking scheme that accredits schools as having an outstanding level of support for cultivating the spirit of global citizenship in students and enriched teachinglearning credentials.

The award was formally conferred to the school at a ceremony organised by the Ministry of Education and the British Council Oman on Tuesday.

Srinivas K. Naidu, principal, expressed his delight and contentment on this achievement.

The ISA project was initiated

meetings for young creative minds to explore their work and develop their talent.

The exhibition will continue in Bait Al Dalaleel till the end of September from Saturday to Thursday between 9:30 am and 6 pm.

You can also follow Dalaleel on Instagram: @Dalaleel

at ISM under the guidance of the principal and co-ordinated by Biju Varghese. This momentous achievement is the culmination of the year-long activities comprising seven diverse projects of global dimensions. The ISM undertook the portfolios with the objective to instil students with the spirit of internationalism, research, collaboration and innovation.

ISM students and teachers were engaged in activities such as water conservation, monuments and heritages, history of cricket and its influence on society, and equality as a universal value, in addition to language learning, celebrating festivals to bring people closer, and food of different countries.

During this period, the teachers and students interacted and disseminated learning outcomes with several schools in other countries using ‘British Council Schools Online’.

Manpower, ROP staff get IT training Times News Service MUSCAT: A workshop was held here with the aim of improving the technological skills of Ministry of Manpower and Royal Oman Police (ROP) staff.

The Ministry of Manpower organised the workshop on the joint electronic link between the Ministry of Manpower and the ROP. The workshop presented a new concept of e-service to facilitate service for employers.

It will help in recruiting expatriate labour force and in the renewal of transactions. It also aims to adjust the visa exchange and the development of arrivals data entry system process for the incoming expatriates.

The system training will also help train staff on monitoring departing data entry system directly as well as to visa renewal procedures.

T E A C H E R ’ S D AY

Indian schools salute teachers Times News Service MUSCAT: Cultural programmes were organised by the students of Indian School Ghubra, Indian School Sohar, and Indian School Rustaq to mark Teacher’s Day recently.

At Indian School Ghubra the day began with the special morning assembly with a power point presentation and a heart touching prayer song by the students of class 6 which was a tribute to all teachers. The Teacher’s Day celebrations, hosted by the School Management Committee included an address by the Principal, Papri Ghosh, who expressed her heartfelt greetings to all the teachers.

Indian School Sohar Enthusiasm and festivity marked the celebrations at Indian School

SONG AND DANCE: The day began at Indian School Ghubra with a special morning assembly, a power point presentation and a prayer song by the students of class 6.

Sohar on Teachers’ Day. The students put their best foot forward to pay rich tributes to the great visionary Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, who was a staunch believer of education, and was a well-known diplomat, scholar, the President of India and above all, a teacher.

Indian School Rustaq Indian School Rustaq also celebrated Teachers Day with zeal and enthusiasm. A special assembly was conducted in the morning. The students took over the organisation of the programme while the teachers relaxed and enjoyed the show.

A5

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

Tweet all about it

OMAN

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH TWITTER PAGE

Changing lifestyles among reasons for rise in low birth weight babies INCREASING RATE OF LOW BIRTH WEIGHT (LBW) BABIES IN OMAN According to the

LBW is defined as a birth weight of a newborn infant of less than 2,500 grammes (5 pounds 8 ounces) regardless of gestational age.

Ministry of Health

As a newly developing country, Oman is facing the double burden of morbidity

annual report, total incidence of low birth weight in Oman reached 10.17 per cent in 2013 out of

Other regions

AlWusta 4.35% Dhofar 7.40

Musandam 4.30% Buraimi 12.68 %

World Health Organisation (WHO) study LBW in 2000

Lebanon 6% Syria 6% Dakhiliya 11.73%

South Batinah 8.77%%

Tunisia 7%

Ministry of Health annual report in 2013

66,772 live births. It was 9.49 per cent in

M. Mazharul Islam

2012 and 9.60 per

Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Sultan Qaboos University

South Ash Sharqiyah 9.06%

Libya 7%

2000 8.1% North Ash Sharqiyah 10.42%

cent in 2011

Bahrain 8%

Muscat 10.91%

Al Dhahirah 10.14%

North Batinah 10.61%

Oman 9%

Kuwait 7% 2011 9.60%

Algeria 7% 2012 9.49%

2013 10.17%

1980 4%

‫ ﹺ‬Approximate percentage of LBW in Oman Source: Ministry of Health

HAMOOD ALBREIKI

MUSCAT: High rates of consanguinity, premature births, number of increased pregnancies at an older maternal age and changing lifestyles are some important factors related to the increasing rate of low birth weight (LBW) babies in Oman, according to a study published in the Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal this year.

The study, “Increasing Incidence of Infants with Low Birth Weight in Oman”, conducted by M. Mazharul Islam, associate professor, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Sultan Qaboos University an overviews the levels, trends and some possible explanations for the increasing rate of low birth weight (LBW) infants in Oman.

LBW is defined as a birth weight of a new-born of less than 2,500 grammes (5 pounds 8 ounces) irrespective of gestational age.

Oman’s LBW rate has been increasing since the 1980s. It was approximately 4 per cent in 1980 and

had nearly doubled to 8.1 per cent by 2000. Since then, it has shown a slow but steady rise, reaching 10 per cent in recent times, according to the study.

According to the Ministry of Health annual report, total incidence of low birth weight in Oman reached 10.17 per cent in 2013 out of 66,772 live births. It was 9.49 per cent in 2012 and 9.60 per cent in 2011. The global prevalence of LBW is 15.5 per cent, which amounts to about 20 million LBW infants born each year, 96.5 per cent of them in developing countries.

Citing reasons for low birth weight Mazharul says, “With recent advances in modern obstetric and neo-natal care and technological development in Oman, more and more foetuses with restricted growth and pregnancy complications are taking place as live births.

This also causes an increase in the rate of LBW infants, and subsequently an increased rate of longterm neurological problem.

He adds, “As a newly develop-

ing country, Oman is facing the “double burden of morbidity”. It carries the burden of the present epidemiological changes and the health problems resulting from unhealthy lifestyles typical of developed countries. With the development of its economy and the growth of personal wealth, there have been changes in the lifestyle and food habits of the population.”

Changing habits “Recent modernisation has led to changing nutritional habits and a decrease in habitual physical exercise and the sedentary lifestyle has become a norm. As a result, the country is passing through epidemiological transition from communicable to non-communicable diseases. The main diseases resulting due to these changes are obesity, cardiac and coronary diseases, hypertension, and diabetes, in addition to cancers, chronic kidney diseases, brain stroke, and geriatric diseases,” he added.

Some research confirms that

TOURISM

Expos to showcase Oman tourism MUSCAT: In an effort to highlight Oman as a unique tourism destination, the Ministry of Tourism plans to participate in three European tourism exhibitions.

It aims to highlight the services available and the latest developments in the Omani tourism sector. The ministry also aims to introduce the Sultanate’s environmental and tourism elements, ability to host the largest and most

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

FULL ARTICLE

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

important international events, conferences and meetings and exhibitions through its infrastructure, hotels and tourist facilities.

From September 29 to October

2, the ministry is scheduled to participate in the IFTM, the Top Resa tourism exhibition in Paris.

The ministry will take part on November 2 in the 36th session of the World Travel Market (WTM) in London. It will also participate in Incentive and Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition with Conferences, during the period from November 17th till 19th in Barcelona, Spain. -ONA

LBW children are at greater risk of cognitive and school performance problems than normal children.

According to the Ministry of Health annual report 2013, the Buraimi Governorate had the highest incidence of infants with low birth weight at 12.68 per cent, followed by Dakhiliyahat 11.73per cent, Muscat at 10.91per cent, and North Batinah at 10.61per cent.

Then there was North Ash Sharqiyaat 10.42 per cent, Al Dhahirah at 10.14 per cent, South Ash Sharqiyaat 9.06 per cent, and South Batinah with 8.77 per cent, apart from Dhofar with 7.40 per cent and Al Wusta with 4.35 per cent. The Musandam Governorate recorded the lowest incidence of low birth weight babies at 4.30 per cent.

“The incidence of LBW of 9 per cent in Oman was found to be higher than that in many countries with similar socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. According to the joint United Nations

Graphics

Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) study of global, regional and country estimates of LBW in 2000, Oman had a higher incidence of LBW than both, Lebanon and Syria at 6 per cent, Algeria, Kuwait, Libya and Tunisia,all at 7 per cent, and Bahrain at 8 per cent,” found Mazharul’s study.

Prevention better Dr Adel Taha Abu-Heiji, head of department of obstetrics gynaecology,at the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) says that a mother of a low birth weight baby can notice that her abdomen is smaller than it should be, with foetal movements reduced.

On how to prevent LBW, AbuHeiji said, “Prevention is better than cure. It is important that high risk pregnancies such as those complicated by hypertension, preeclampsia, diabetes, and multiple pregnancies, should be identified

early during pregnancy and those patients should be identified and referred early to the hospital for strict follow up and delivery. Nutrition and weight gain are linked with foetal weight gain and birth weight, eating a healthy diet and gaining the proper amount of weight in pregnancy are essential. Mothers should also avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and illicit drugs, which can contribute to poor foetal growth, among other complications.”

Mazharul recommended that health education through mass media should focus on the causes and consequences of LBW in Oman. He suggested that one should inform parents in general and pregnant women in particular about LBW,as well as introduce the subject in school and college curricula. He also suggested the need to intensify antenatal care in all healthcare outlets, and that healthcare providers needed to be trained.

A6

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5 It is difficult to re-educate someone who is old. If you educate them young, it becomes a common practice Stephen Parr, fire instructor at the ICEM

OMAN

Omani women give top priority to character while choosing spouse third of Omani college girls believe so. The researcher supports this case by stating that there have been many instances in which attractive women were attracted to men with other positive characteristics, regardless of their looks.

Most of the samples did not prioritise a man’s tribe or ethnic group when it came to spouse-hunting.

The husband’s level of education is not the main priority for Omani females, with only 34.6 per cent showing interest in the educational qualifications of their future spouses SURVEY FINDINGS: The survey targeted 252 women studying in different colleges across the Sul-

tanate. – Supplied photo HASSAN SHABAN

MUSCAT: Omani women give first preference to character while choosing their partners, according to a recent survey.

The survey also points out that education and family name is not a priority for them.

Many social observers believe that Omani youth may need to be more cautious before getting themselves into a committed relationship.

In the wake of increasing divorces in the country, a study titled “Marriage Selection Criterion for Youth in Omani Society” was conducted by social researcher Mubarak Al Hamadani, which

showcases the key factors women in Oman consider when selecting their life partners.

The survey targeted 252 women studying indifferent colleges across the Sultanate.

Al Hamadani, a Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) graduate, used the questionnaire method, giving women the choice to select between number of qualities and traits, which they want to see in their future husbands, and list them according to priority.

Religious behaviour Character topped the chart as 72 per cent of Omani females

stressed that their future husbands must be family-oriented and should be motivated by religious beliefs.

“This shows that young women link a man’s discipline with his capability to stand up to his duties.

They also see the rights of marriage in the light of Islamic and cultural methodology,” explained the SQU researcher.

Financial status Whether it is buying their first house or planning for retirement, when it comes to money, each couple may have completely different goals. A man’s income matters

S A F E T Y C U LT U R E

to a majority of young women in Oman, the survey revealed.

To justify this selection, a new research published in the Journal of Marriage and Family has shown that divorce rates are higher and marriage rates are lower among low-income populations in the United States of America.

According to Al Hamadani’s survey, occupation comes third with 44 per cent of respondents believing that a man’s career is a key factor when choosing him as “the one”.

Physical appearance Do looks really matter? Only one TRAGEDY

Education level The husband’s level of education is of the least concern to Omani females, with only 34.6 per cent showing interest in the educational qualifications of their future spouses.

“A husband who does not share responsibilities with his wife will eventually complain of not getting her attention, which may lead him to search for passion outside the house and cheat on his wife,” said Samira Al Lawati, head of Al Kawthar Centre for Consulting and Psycho-Social Development.

“We live in a male-dominated society where cheating is more common among males, while females are asked to forgive them in order to escape the stigma of divorce,” added Al Lawati.

“Any girl should think twice before accepting marriage with someone who has a passive attitude. I believe that spending the rest of your life with an undisciplined person can lead to mental and health issues, thus culminating in a divorce,” said Haneen Ali, an SQU student.

Omani society is known for its conservative values and any re-

lationship other than marriage is frowned upon. Every year, thousands of couples meet through traditional marriage setups, where relatives select the bride on the groom’s behalf, either by using the services of a matchmaker or on their own. The latest studies show that 24 per cent of Omanis end up marrying their first cousins.

A’Shaima Al Abri, student at Nizwa College of Applied Sciences, said that pre-marriage relationships can help in better understanding your life partner.

“Arranged marriages can lead to major issues as a couple may have little knowledge about each other before the wedding day,” she explained.

Relationship “When a couple start building a family, they go through excitingyet-stressful life events which may push their relationship on the rocks. But with love and good chemistry, couples are more likely to get through rough patches without involving parents, therefore sustaining their marriage and keeping the bonds strong,” said Al Abri.

Choosing your soul mate could be one of the most important decisions you will ever make in your life, he said.

Meanwhile, the number of divorces in Oman increased dramatically during the last few years, with around 3,550 cases recorded in 2013, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

FLOODING

Education on safety should Haj to go ‘Start construction A1 start at an early age: Experts A1 ahead A1 after approvals’ < FROM

Abdullah Al Khaduri, a fire instructor at ICEM.

Ahmed Mohammed Al Shamsi, health, safety manager at ICEM.

“This would be the best way for them to learn safety tips,” Al Shamsi told the Times of Oman.

According to him, the International College of Engineering and Management (ICEM) has been involved in a number of activities to raise awareness about safety issues among children.

“We conduct training sessions, hold drills in schools and arrange visits by schoolchildren to the college,” Al Shamsi said, adding that the ICEM believes in contributing to the society.

Abdullah Al Khaduri, a fire instructor at the college, says that he and his colleagues have con-

ducted a number of workshops in schools to familiarise children with basic information and skills required to deal with an emergency situation, such as life-saving first aid, evacuation, and fire precaution and control.

Stephen Parr, another fire instructor at the ICEM, also believes it is important that safety education starts early.

“It is difficult to re-educate someone who is old. If you educate them young, it becomes a common practice. We should educate children to wear seat belts and be careful with fire at home. When you start early, it becomes part of

their life,” Parr said.

Old people believe what they do is always right, the expert added.

Al Shamsi, health and safety manager at the college, also said the poor understanding of safety culture among some people in Oman is obvious in some aspects of life, such as not giving way to ambulances or fire trucks.

“By law, ambulances and fire trucks should be given priority.

Generally, people are very cooperative but some people ignore the importance of not blocking their way,” he said.

Another issue that Al Shamsi finds ‘inappropriate’ is the fact that some people use their phones or other devices to take photos and videos of accidents or the victims.

“It is not part of our culture and is not appropriate. Some people are using the social media to distribute these photos and videos, thinking that this would make them famous,” he noted.

The law bans people from such acts they should themselves understand that it is not the right thing to do, Al Shamsi said.

< FROM

< FROM

Much of the city centre is undergoing construction work and many high cranes crowd the Makkah skyline.

The Grand Mosque itself is undergoing expansion and renovation.

The disaster was the latest deadly mishaps to hit the Haj, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, after hundreds of pilgrims died in a stampede in 2006.

In an attempt to reduce accidents, the Saudi Arabian authorities have broadened access paths and imposed limits on the millions of Muslims who converge on Makkah to perform the annual rites.

An unnamed Saudi official involved in organising the Haj was quoted by Al Arabiya as saying that the pilgrimage would go ahead as planned.

“The incident will not affect the pilgrimage this year and repairs to the damaged section (of the mosque) will begin within days,” said the official. -With inputs from agencies

He said they commence construction only after approvals from the Royal Oman Police and the fire department.

“Besides that, we do our survey to check whether that area is prone to floods,” he told the Times of Oman.

Ahmed Al Barwani also said that a developer or property owner in flood prone areas must seek prior approval from MRMWR before constructing any building at flood prone areas.

“If a construction project at a medium or high risk flood zone can cause significant reduction in channel flow capacity, the developer or property owner is required to demonstrate to the planning authority and MRMWR that the proposal will not significantly increase flood levels,” he said.

Around 20 to 30 percent of areas in Oman are prone to flash flood, according to Amol G Deshmukh, Geomatics Specialist, of National Survey Authority.

“Most of the areas outside the desert are flood prone as water just runs off from the mountains to the

wadis and nearby towns and villages,” he said.

In Muscat, according to Ahmed Al Barwani, the most flood prone areas are Wadi Adai, Hamriya, Al Khoud and Al Ansab.

“Outside Muscat, Quriyat and Sur are very vulnerable and that is the reason they are coming up with more dams in Quriyat and Sur,” he said. According to him, the government plans to build seven more flood control dams in Al Khoud and Sur, and five in Wadi Adai.

“The studies have been done and the tender will be out soon,” he added.

AL JABAL AL AKHDAR

Farmers turn to olives for good returns cent so far, which is an excellent rate, and in some varieties of olives it has reached 23 per cent, which is the highest obtained in the department. This rate is considered very high compared to what was recorded in countries that produce olive oil.

RISING INTEREST: The demand from citizens for olive seedlings is increasing and the authorities

are keen to meet these demands as soon as the seedlings are available. – ONA

AL JABAL AL AKHDAR: Olive is turning a preferred choice for farmers in Oman as the demand from citizens for olive seedlings is increasing and the authorities are keen to meet these demands as soon as seedlings are available.

Al Jabal Al Akhdar, which has a climate similar to the one in the Mediterranean, has various plants and a high quality of crops, but in recent years farmers here have shown increasing interest in growing olives.

The average price of olive seeds is OMR120 per tree.

Salim bin Rashid Al Toobi, director of the Agricultural Development Department in Al Jabal Al Akhdar, said that more than 4,500 olive trees from the finest olive varieties were handed over to more than 500 farmers for cultivation.

He added that the olive harvest began in 2012, and that the centre extracted 410 litres of pure virgin olive oil for citizens with the help of a modern press ma-

chine provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Good harvest This year, the harvest season began on August 23, and it promises to be a good one with high production levels. The amount of olives received in the first week was more than 4,000 kilogrammes .

The quantity is expected to reach more than 10,000 kg, indicating that the extracted oil volume has been more than 10 per

Oil-producing varieties About the services provided by the Agricultural Development Department for farmers, Al Toobi said that after distributing the finest oil-producing varieties of olives, whether for oil or for food, the department extracts, purifies and packs the olives for citizens in special bottles free of charge through the devices provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in the department.

Aziz bin Abdullah Al Fahdi (farmer) told the Oman News Agency (ONA) that the olive tree has adapted to the climate and environment of Al Jabal Al Akhdar, and this is has been proved by the high production every season.

Farmers have turned to olive farming in the recent past for its financial returns,and it could come a close second to pomegranates. -ONA

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

A7

REGION Makkah crane collapse toll rises to 107; Haj to go ahead The accident will not affect the Haj this season, and the affected part will probably be fixed in a few days, said a Saudi official

MAKKAH: Saudi authorities said on Saturday that Haj will go ahead despite a crane collapse that killed 107 people at Makkah’s Grand Mosque, where crowds returned to pray a day after the tragedy.

Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims had already arrived in Makkah, when the massive red and white crane collapsed during rain and high winds on Friday.

Parts of the Grand Mosque remained sealed off Saturday around the toppled crane, which also injured around 200 people when it fell into a courtyard.

But there was little mourning among pilgrims, who snapped pictures of the wreckage and continued with their prayers and rituals.

Om Salma, a Moroccan pilgrim, said “our phones have not stopped ringing since yesterday with relatives calling to check on us.”

Indonesians and Indians were among those killed when the crane collapsed, while the injured included Malaysians, Egyptians and Iranians.

A Saudi official said the Haj, expected to start on September 21, would proceed despite the tragedy.

“It definitely will not affect the Haj this season, and the affected part will probably be fixed in a few days,” said the official, who de-

DISASTER: Pilgrims walk past the crane that collapsed the day before, at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Saturday. — AFP/STR

An engineer for the Saudi Binladin Group, the developer, said the crane was installed in “an extremely professional way” and there was no technical problem

clined to be named. An investigative committee has “immediately and urgently” begun searching for the cause of the collapse, the official Saudi Press Agency said.

The contractor has been directed to ensure the safety of all other

cranes at the site, it added.

The cranes poke into the air over the sprawling mosque expansion taking place beneath the Makkah Royal Clock Tower, the world’s third-tallest building, at 601 metres (1,972 feet).

CONFLICT ZONE

RESISTANCE: Armed Yemeni tribesmen from the Popular Resistance Committees, supporting forces

loyal to Yemen’s Saudi-backed President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, monitor the area of Algevinh in Marib province, east of the capital, Sanaa, following clashes with Houthi rebels, on Saturday. — AFP

16 Yemeni civilians killed in Saudi-led air strikes SANAA: At least 16 Yemeni civilians including ten people from a single family were killed in nationwide air strikes by a Saudiled military coalition on Saturday, medics in three provinces said.

Gulf countries have stepped up their air attacks targeting the Houthi movement after the group killed at least 60 Arab troops deployed to Yemen in a missile attack on their base last Friday.

The raids pummelled the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa and the southern city of Taiz, which is being fought over in heavy street battles between Houthi fighters and Gulf-backed Yemeni forces.

10 of a family Two civilians were killed in the capital and ten people from one family died in Taiz. Eyewitnesses said the strikes appeared to target the houses of political leaders allied to the Houthis.

Four more people were killed

near Yemen’s border with Saudi Arabia in the far northern province of Saada.

The Arab alliance has said it seeks to avoid civilian deaths in the five-month war aimed at restoring Yemen’s exiled government.

More than 4,500 people have been killed in fighting and air strikes, and the conflict looks set to continue as Arab states have stationed thousands of troops in Yemen ahead of a planned push toward Sanaa.

Yemen’s warring factions will meet for peace talks in neighbouring Oman next week, the United Nations and Yemeni officials said.

The talks are the second major negotiations effort aimed at ending the war.

A drone attack killed four men suspected of belonging to Al Qaeda in northern Yemen on Saturday, tribal sources said, as a US campaign against the militants goes on despite the war.

Two missiles hit the men’s car,

killing all of them, tribesmen in the province of Al Jawf said by telephone.

The four men were not immediately identified.

Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has taken advantage of the war pitting Houthi militiamen against forces loyal to exiled President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi to grab territory and operate more openly.

The group has carried out attacks against the Yemeni state for years, plotted to blow up USbound airliners and claimed responsibility for January’s attack in Paris on a French magazine that killed 12 people.

The United States has kept up a drone campaign against the militants, although it evacuated the last of its military and intelligence personnel from Yemen in March. Its attacks have killed some of AQAP’s top leaders, including its chief, Nasser Al Wuhayshi, in June. — Reuters

For years, work has been underway on a 400,000 square metre (4.3 million square feet) expansion of the Grand Mosque to allow it to accommodate up to 2.2 million people at once.

Al Tawaf bridge Abdel Aziz Naqoor, who said he works at the mosque, told AFP he saw the massive construction crane fall during the storm.

“If it weren’t for Al Tawaf bridge the injuries and deaths would have been worse,” he said, referring to a covered walkway which broke the crane’s fall.

A witness said the winds were so strong that they shook his car and tossed billboards around.

Pictures of the incident on Twit-

ter showed bloodied bodies strewn across the courtyard, where part of the crane came to rest atop an ornate, arched and colonnaded section of the complex.

A video on YouTube showed people screaming and rushing around following a loud crash.

Saudis and foreigners lined up in the street to give blood in response to the tragedy.

An engineer for the Saudi Binladin Group, the developer, said the crane was installed in “an extremely professional way” and there was no technical problem.

“It was an act of God”, he said.

Sheikh Ahmed Al Ghamdi, former head of Makkah’s religious police, told AFP the accident is a “test” from God. — AFP

AMNESTY FOR OFFENDERS

Tunisians rally against proposed graft law TUNIS: Hundreds of Tunisians defied a state of emergency protests ban on Saturday to demonstrate against a controversial draft law on amnesty for corruption offences.

“No to reconciliation that whitewashes corruption,” said one placard protesters brandished on Habib Bourguiba Avenue, hub of the revolution that ended a 23-year dictatorship in 2011.

The demonstrators included supporters of the leftist Popular Front coalition, members of a citizen’s group called “No, we will not forgive” set up after the bill was announced and opposition parties.

“The people own the street -- not afraid and not terrorised,” demonstrators chanted during the peaceful protest.

Authorities have kept the key avenue in the capital closed to traffic for several days because of what they call “terrorist threats”.

There was a large security presence there on Saturday, with many police and National Guard officers, both in uniform and plain-clothed.

Barriers were installed at all access points and some side streets were closed to pedestrians.

Reconciliation President Beji Caid Essebsi presented the draft “economic and financial reconciliation” bill to the cabinet in mid-July.

He has called on parliament to adopt the law pardoning people charged with or convicted of financial corruption if they confess and return any money obtained. The draft law has many critics in both political parties and civil society.

Sallemi, a 55-year-old protester who did not give his surname, said he came all the way from the central city of Gafsa to vent his anger.

“I took out loans for everything, my house, my fridge. No one cancelled those loans, and now they want to pardon” the corrupt, he said. — AFP

A8

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

INDIA

The reason behind the incident is yet to be ascertained. It might be a problem in the track or in the coach. There is a possibility that an animal suddenly came on the track or rocks falling on the track Neeraj Sharma, Northern Railway chief public relations officer

A LT E R N AT I V E WAY S

Niti Aayog’s Panagariya bats for development beyond land bill NEW DELHI: Even as political parties spar over enacting a new land acquisition law, Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Arvind Panagariya has suggested alternative ways for states and industry to get hold of this crucial asset for development, such as long-term lease and land-pooling.

Stopping short of saying that a central land acquisition law wasn’t required, the noted economist said alternative ways were also imperative since the process to acquire land takes four-five years at times even for rural roads, affordable housing, infrastructure and building cities.

“Human instinct, especially in democratic societies, is to disapprove of coercion. In the context of land acquisition, this disapproval translates into a rejection of the taking of land by the government without the consent of the owner,” Panagariya said in a blog post.

“But when both buyer and seller agree, the transaction can be completed, as a purchase instead of acquisition. The view that consent is always necessary amounts to arguing all ownership transfers must

be through purchase transactions, eliminating the need for a land acquisition law,” he said.

In the Indian context, he said, the issue gets more complicated since land acquisition belongs to the Concurrent List of the Constitution, under Article 254(2), allowing states to amend a central act provided the central government approves of the amendment.

This, he said, could be one of the ways forward.

“Under the present government, states of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have amended several labour laws that fall under the Concurrent List. The same instrumentality can be applied to land acquisition, subject to the central government giving its approval,” he said.

Tamil Nadu model He said governments, per se, should not have much of a problem since the 2013 act has introduce a distinction between treatments of land acquired for specified public purposes for government use and that acquired for the same purposes but under private or public-

Human instinct, especially in democratic societies, is to disapprove of coercion. In the context of land acquisition, this disapproval translates into a rejection of the taking of land by the government without the consent of the owner Arvind Panagariya Niti Aayog Vice Chairman

private-partnerships.

“Whereas the act permits acquisition without consent when land is for the government’s hold, use and control, it requires the consent of 80 per cent of the owners if land is for private projects and of 70% of them if land is for public-privatepartnership projects,” he said.

As a way forward, he advocates

the Tamil Nadu model, that has amended the 2013 act.

“The amendment empowers the Tamil Nadu government to apply the compensation and rehabilitation and resettlement provisions of the 2013 Act to the listed legislations, however,” said the vice chair man of India’s top-most official think tank.

Massive explosion kills 85 in Madhya Pradesh Officials said the blast occurred at 8.30am (IST), completely destroying at least two buildings — one in which explosive material for digging wells was stored and an adjacent restaurant

JHABUA: At least 89 people were killed and nearly 100 injured on Saturday after a massive blast caused by mining explosives stored in a building ripped through a crowded area in Petlwad town in Madhya Pradesh.

The blast occurred at 8.30am (IST), completely destroying at least two buildings — one in which explosive material for digging wells was stored and an adjacent restaurant, and damaging several houses, officials said.

“89 people have been killed in the explosion,” Block Medical Officer Urmila Choyal said.

The explosion took place in the building of Rajendra Kasawa who has a licence to use explosive material for digging wells in rocky areas. Kasawa stored the explosive material including gelatin sticks in huge quantity in the residential

BLAST SITE: People stand near the site of an explosion in Jhabua district at Madhya Pradesh, on Saturday. - Reuters

building having two shops in it and situated close to the busy Sethia Restaurant in new bus stand area, a police official said.

In the vicinity of the restaurant, a large number of daily wage labourers were sitting when the explosion occurred.

Besides many persons were there inside the restaurant which is a major eatery in the area, an eyewitness said.

One of the injured, Narsingh said body parts were strewn in the area after the blast. “We have seen them flying and falling on the ground. Vehicles specially twowheelers were badly damaged and lying on the road,” he said.

Due to the impact of the explosion, the double-storey house in which explosive material were stored collapsed trapping a number of persons, he said.

State Home Minister Babulal Gaur said a high-level inquiry has been ordered into the incident.

Expressing anguish over the loss of lives, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced an ex-gratia of Rs200,000each to kin of the deceased and Rs50,000 for those injured.

“We have performed autopsy so far on 60 bodies. Rest are lying in the premises for postmortem,” Chief Medical Officer Arun Sharma said.

Among the victims were a large number of labourers who were waiting in area for their daily work.

“Initially we heard the sound of crackers from a house that also has two shops on the ground floor.Later, when someone opened its shutter, a huge explosion took place forcing people to run for cover,” Balram, an injured labourer, said

in Jhabua district hospital.

“Only those people survived who ran away from the spot but they too suffered injuries,” Narsingh said and claimed nearly 150 people were injured.

A large number of people were also trapped in the restaurant located in an adjacent three-storey building, he said.

Earlier, police had said that the explosion was caused by a cooking gas cylinder kept in the hotel restaurant. Nearly 100 people were injured in the explosion, a police official said.

“I am in constant touch with officials. The incident is sad and has left me shaken. The reasons for the blast will be investigated,” the Chief Minister said. A team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was dispatched to help in the salvage operations. - PTI

According to him, a major advantage of the Tamil Nadu amendment is that it allows states to add or delete legislations as conditions change.

“In view of the fact that the central government has given approval to the Tamil Nadu amendment, it is unlikely that it would refuse other states a similar amendment

should they choose to introduce it,” he added.

“An additional instrument that governments may use to make acquisition more acceptable to landowners is land pooling,” he said.

Long-term lease “The idea here is to purchase or acquire more land than is required for the project and eventually transfer each landowner a fraction of her land back from the excess land after the project is complete.”

Since public purpose projects such as highways raise the value of surrounding land, the value of just a fraction of the acquired asset that is returned could be higher than the value of the full piece prior to the completion of the project — which will make it attractive for landowners.

“Alternatively, government may take land on long-term lease than purchase or acquire it. Again, landowners may find this option attractive because it allows them to keep ownership of land, earn an assured return and retain the option to renegotiate the terms once the initial terms of the lease expires.” - IANS

CHARTERED TRAIN

Two Britons killed as toy train derails near Himachal town PARWANOO (Himachal Pradesh): Two Britons were killed and seven injured on Saturday when two coaches of a chartered KalkaShimla toy train hired by a group of 37 foreigners derailed near this Himachal Pradesh town, a police officer said.

The dead were identified as two women, Loraine Toner and Joan Nickolas, both 60, Inspector General of Police (Railway) Zahoor Zaidi said.

The injured were admitted to the PGI hospital in Chandigarh, 30km from the accident spot.

Over-speeding at a curve was the cause of the accident, one of the survivors told police.

Northern Railway chief public relations officer Neeraj Sharma told reporters in New Delhi that the train was booked by a group of foreigners mainly from Britain.

Police said the train with four engines left Kalka in Haryana at 12.40pm.

It went off the tracks at Taksal, just three kilometres from Kalka.

The traffic on the 96km long and a century-old narrow gauge world heritage railroad remained suspended and is likely to be restored by Sunday.

The chartered trains on this rail section are handled by the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation, a wing of Indian Railways.

“The reason behind the incident is yet to be ascertained. It might be a problem in the track or in the coach. There is a possibility that an animal suddenly came on the track or rocks falling on the track,” Sharma said in New Delhi.

The Kalka-Shimla rail track was built by the British in 1903 to

ASSESSING DAMAGES: Police

personnel inspect after two coaches of a toy train derailed near Taksal Station, in Kalka on Saturday. - PTI

ferry Europeans to and from this hill town, the erstwhile summer capital of British India.

It was chosen by Unesco as a world heritage site in 2008.

Raaja Bhasin, a Shimla-based historian, who was also travelling in the train, said that the group of foreigners was from Britain.

“The accident occurred just 10 minutes after the departure of the train from the Kalka station,” Bhasin said.

The Kalka-Shimla rail route also features in the Guinness Book of World Records for offering the steepest rise in altitude in a space of 96 km.

More than two-thirds of the track is curved, sometimes at angles as sharp as 48 degrees.

Five trains run normally between Kalka and Shimla every day. Each ‘toy train’ — the popular name for it — has about seven coaches and can accommodate nearly 200 passengers. - IANS

POLITICS

Modi’s praise of Mulayam stokes rumour mills in UP LUCKNOW: In middle of last year’s high-octane Lok Sabha campaign, Narendra Modi had thumped his chappan inch ka seena (56-inch chest) and had taken pot shots at Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, saying he did not have it in him to make Uttar Pradesh a developed state like Gujarat.

On Friday, at a public rally in Saharaswa in western Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Modi called the Yadav chieftain a “respected leader” and vouched for his credentials as a champion of democracy!

While the wholesome praise by its tallest leader left BJP leaders present on the stage and even in the state capital squirming in their chairs, the underlying political message was not missed by any.

While it is almost impossible that the two forces would ever come together in the future, political observers here say that for now aag dono taraf se barabar lagi hui hai (it’s a romance from both sides).

For the BJP, parliament’s upper

Only recently it has been found that Ram Gopal Yadav’s son and party MP from Firozabad Akshay Pratap held over 9,000 shares in a company co-owned by the tainted engineer.

house has become an Achilles heel as many bills are stuck in wake of an adamant Congress, which enjoys a majority in the Rajya Sabha.

Other than that, the BJP needs Mulayam Yadav to further electorally dent the ‘maha-gathbandhan’ in poll-bound Bihar.

Many see it not as a mere coincidence that a day after Mulayam Yadav and his cousin Ram Gopal Yadav drove into 7, Race Course Road for a meeting with Modi that Samajwadi Party broke ranks with Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav and announced that it would contest all 243 seats in Bihar.

GARNERING SUPPORT: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a

Edge to NDA While Mulayam’s Samajwadi Party does not enjoy much support in Bihar, his walking out of the Samajwadi umbrella group has definitely given an edge to the NDA in matters of perception, and the ruling party of Uttar Pradesh, with its past base of 2-3 per cent votes, will certainly eat into the YadavMuslim combine that would have otherwise voted for Nitish Kumar

public meeting at Radhaswami Satsang Bhawan Maidan in Saharanpur district on Friday. - PTI

(JD-U) and Lalu Prasad (RJD).

A little after a year, Uttar Pradesh will go to polls and in all likelihood, the SP might not return to power.

With poor law and order, the power crisis, growing crimes against women, debt-ridden farmers and

communal riots, Mulayam Yadav needs a ‘shoulder’ post-2017 when his party might be caught in the political doldrums.

Adding to his woes is the CBI probe into the alleged corruption of tainted Noida chief engineer Yadav Singh.

Support from centre The SP desperately needs support from the centre to keep the premier investigative agency off its back. By praising Mulayam Yadav, Modi has also succeeded in confusing the Muslim voters.

“He has once again tricked many. Now Mulayam will be accused of hobnobbing with the BJP and the minority vote would split between SP-BSP and Congress, giving an edge to the saffron camp,” a party veteran said.

For the BJP, Modi has only set the agenda of “further isolating the Congress” in parliament and also “ensuring that the so called ‘mahagathbandhan’ secular formation in Bihar crumbled further”.

By heaping praise on the Yadav chieftain, Modi was neither walking down on his earlier attack on

the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister but was only “cosying up with him for potential floor management in the Rajya Sabha”, a party leader said sheepishly.

“Mulayam Singh did a good thing in parliament so Modi-ji praised him. We however, have ideological differences as a political entity,” BJP spokesman Vijay Bahadur Pathak said.

Asked if this could confuse its traditional voters, he answered in the negative. “The people of UP are wise enough. Every day Mulayam Singh is tearing into the government run by his son....eventually the SP will be packed-off bag-andbaggage in 2017,” Pathak said.

Samajwadi spokesman and cabinet minister Rajendra Chowdhary saw it is an “individual reference” and “nothing beyond (that)”.

While one would have to wait for some time to see if the bonhomie was a ‘one-night political stand’ or a long-term political strategy, for now, Modi has succeeded in stirring up the rumour mills in Uttar Pradesh. - IANS

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

Love us on Facebook

A9

INDIA BIHAR POLLS

DEMANDING JUSTICE FOR UPHAAR FIRE TRAGEDY VICTIMS

Uphaar fire tragedy victims along with supporters participate in a candle light march demanding justice, in New Delhi, on Saturday. Family members of Uphaar fire victims said they would step up protests in their quest for justice and demanded \ a new legislation to deal with the ‘man-made disasters’ and better safety in public spaces. - PTI

NDA seat-sharing woes continue as Manjhi demands more seats NEW DELHI: With former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi sticking to his demand for more seats, finalisation of a seat-sharing arrangements by BJP with its allies for the assembly polls in the state eluded yesterday even as hectic talks continued throughout the day.

According to sources, Manjhi on Saturday met BJP President Amit Shah at the latter’s residence twice and held seat-sharing talks when he demanded more seats from BJP for his Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM). There were plans to declare NDA’s seatsharing plans on Saturday after its senior leader Ananth Kumar said so in the morning.

Manjhi expressed unhappiness over the 15-odd seats offered to HAM and further talks with him will be held on Sunday.

HAM has been offered around

India, Pakistan to stop mortar fire along international border and border population flashing the shiny metal fins of fired mortar shells was a very tragic sight and hence this sort of firing or retaliation should be immediately put to an end.

Mortar is an artillery which fires heavy-damage explosive shells.

The two sides also agreed to jointly resolve sensitive issues like ceasefire violations and cross-border infiltration through timely exchange of information

NEW DELHI: As part of efforts to bring peace on the border, India and Pakistan on Saturday decided to put a complete ban on firing of mortar shells along International Border (IB), which has claimed the lives of several civilians and damaged their houses.

The two sides also agreed to jointly resolve sensitive issues like ceasefire violations and cross-border infiltration through timely exchange of information, including via email and over telephone.

At the conclusion of the three-

EFFORTS TO BRING PEACE: Border Security Force (BSF) Director

General D.K. Pathak and Pakistani Rangers Director General (Punjab), Major General Umar Farooq Burki shake hands after signing an agreement, at the end of the BSF-Pak Rangers Annual Meet at BSF headquarters in New Delhi on Saturday. - PTI

day DG-level talks between Border Security Force and Pak Rangers here, the two sides inked a 20-point joint record of discussion to follow in the future.

BSF Director General Devendra Kumar Pathak and Pak Rangers DG (Punjab) Maj Gen Umar Farooq Burki signed the official record of talks on Saturday at the headquarters of BSF here after wrapping up their talks that took place almost after a break of two

years as relations between the two countries came under strain due to a host of issues on the border.

“The two sides have decided that they will not resort to mortar fire along IB in times of peace. At the same time, it was agreed that the two forces will not use heavy weapons and these sort of weaponry and ammunition will only be used as a last resort,” sources said.

They said the two sides discussed that the images of civilians

TRAGEDY

Two Indians killed, 15 injured in crane collapse at Makkah’s Grand Mosque NEW DELHI: Two Indians have been killed and 15 others injured in the crane collapse at the Grand Mosque in Makkah in which more than 100 people have died, the External Affairs Ministry said on Saturday.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said Indian officials from the Indian Consulate in Jeddah have been on the ground and have set up a 24X7 helpline to provide information and assistance.

They have been monitoring the situation through the night, Swarup said.

“Regrettably we have been informed that two Indians have been killed in the unfortunate accident,” he said.

“We have received reports that 15 Indians have been injured and are being assisted in various hospitals. These include 11 from the Haj Committee of India and four from Private Tour Operators,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson said.

Condolences President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday condoled the loss of lives in the crane collapse at the Grand Mosque in Makkah in which some Indians were also injured.

“Heartfelt condolences to families of deceased due to crane crash in Makkah, prayers for speedy re-

CRANE COLLAPSE: A towering construction crane, centre, is seen collapsed over the Grand Mosque, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, early Saturday morning. - PTI/AP

covery of the injured,” President Pranab Mukherjee tweeted.

The Vice President expressed deep sadness over the accident at the Grand Mosque in Makkah that has resulted in casualties, a statement issued by his office said.

He called for every effort to render all possible aid to the injured and the bereaved families.

Ansari conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes speedy recovery to the injured persons.

Prime Minister Modi, in a tweet, said, “My thoughts & prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives in the crane crash in Makkah.

I wish the injured a quick recovery.”

Congress President Sonia Gandhi also expressed “shock and deep distress” over the loss of lives in the crane collapse incident at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

Sonia hoped that the injured were safe and prayed for their early recovery. - PTI

Cordial, constructive talks The outcome of the talks, which both the sides said were held in a “cordial and constructive atmosphere”, also endorsed a Confidence Building Measure (CBM) that in case either side notices suspect movement along IB, they will fire precautionary illumination shots to alert the counterpart that the forthcoming fire is aimed at the intruder and not at them.

“Both sides have pledged to honour the written commitments made during these talks. The two forces expressed belief that these words will be honoured in the times to come,” they said.

However, Pakistan has put on hold for the time being two other CBMs of cultural and sporting activities exchanges as proposed

by BSF. “Pakistan said it could be implemented after some time is given to the primary decisions taken of ending ceasefire violations and development of mutual trust.

They have assured that these

two CBMs would be activated before a BSF delegation travels to Pakistan by the middle of next year,” they said.

BSF and Rangers also decided to hold coordinated patrolling along IB in Gujarat, Rajasthan and once this is successful, this will be conducted along Jammu frontier too.

The joint record also mentioned that both sides will take extra steps to help and repatriate those who inadvertently cross the border and similarly ensure early release of apprehended fishermen.

It was also decided, they said, that any serious breach of ceasefire violation will be “jointly investigated” by the two sides.

BSF also put across the point that creation and maintenance of legitimate defence infrastructure along IB should be allowed without any interruption, which the other side accepted and requested for a reciprocal arrangement.

“The Joint Record of Discussion charting a future route map for cooperation between the two border guarding forces was signed today.

It was mutually agreed to hold the next talks in the first half of 2016 in Pakistan,” a BSF statement said.

“The talks ended on an optimistic note with both sides agreeing on constant endeavour to maintain peaceful and tranquil borders,” it added. - PTI

15 seats and the five outgoing MLAs owing allegiance to him have been asked to contest on BJP tickets.

Rashtriya Lok Samata Party’s (RLSP) Upendra Kushwaha, also an ally of NDA, also met Shah on Saturday and later said he has authorised Shah to finalise seat-sharing.

While BJP plans to contest on around 160 seats out of a total of 243 seats, RLSP is being offered 25 seats while Ram Vilas Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party around 40, it is learnt.

Seat-sharing talks among NDA allies started since morning and continued till late at night at Amit Shah’s residence.

After Manjhi’s disapproval over seats offered to him, BJP Bihar core group held its meeting late in the evening to discuss seat-sharing. - PTI D E I T Y V E N K AT E S WA R A

Indian temple receives Rs20m as cash offering TIRUPATI: Well-known south Indian hillock shrine of deity Venkateswara, touted as one of the richest Hindu temples in the world, has received a mammoth cash offering of Rs20 million.

Kodan Srinivasulu Reddy, a Bengaluru-based industrialist, made the offering at the shrine, located atop holy hill of Tirumala in the Southeastern coastal state of Andhra Pradesh near here, on Friday.

According to temple sources, Reddy handed over a demand draft to Chadalawada Krishnamurty, Chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the ancient and cash-rich shrine.

Free meals The devotee requested the TTD to utilise Rs10 million from the offering for the free meals scheme being run for the benefit of pilgrims visiting the hill shrine, they said.

The industrialist also wanted the remaining Rs10 million to be used towards construction of proposed multi-crore colossal stone pillar mandapam to come up right in front of the temple in the place of ancient thousand pillar mandapam, demolished in 2002, the temple sources added. - PTI

A10

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

PAKISTAN P E S H AWA R

Policeman, two militants killed in gunfight

MOURNING DEATHS

Pakistani women mourn during the funeral of the opposition party activists who were killed by paramilitary forces, in Karachi on Saturday. A Pakistani paramilitary force said on Friday, it had killed four terror suspects during a gunfight in Karachi, but a leading opposition party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), said the men were executed as part of an ongoing political vendetta. — AFP

PESHAWAR: Three people were killed and at least five others were injured in a gunfight in Pakistan’s northwestern city of Peshawar late Friday, police said.

The clashes erupted when unknown gunmen fired at a police van patrolling the suburbs of Peshawar.

“One policeman was killed while four others were wounded in exchange of fire with militants.

Two militants were also killed in the fight,” Rana Omer, a senior police official in Peshawar, told AFP. “The militants fired at our mobile team which was on a routine patrol in Pushtakhara area at night. We responded to the gunfire and killed two attackers while one escaped after being wounded,” he said.

Another senior police official, Mubarak Zeb, confirmed the incident.

Taliban attacks Peshawar has suffered numerous Taliban attacks but it was not immediately clear that who was behind this ambush.

The city suffered the worst terror attack in Pakistani history in December when Taliban gunmen massacred more than 150 people, most of them children, at an armyrun school.

But recently then there has been a lull in violence. The last deadly attack in the city came in February when three heavily armed Taliban militants stormed a mosque, killing 21 people. — AFP

Sympathisers of terrorists controlling Lahore: Bilawal The Pakistan People’s Party chairman said that at a time when the armed forces are driving terrorists out of the country, the current government

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif says that we all are on the same page against terrorism, whereas I say that he is now on my page as he only launched the operation when we lost the future of our country in the Army Public School attack, while I called out at terrorists a long time back, said Pakistan People’s Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

is destroying the economy

LAHORE: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday took aim at the Nawaz-led government at a rally held in Lahore, a bastion of PML-N support.

“Lahore has been handed over to sympathisers of terrorists by the incumbent government,” said Bilawal, who arrived in Lahore last week to hold meetings

with members of PPP’s central and provincial executive councils in a bid to revamp the party in the province.

“At a time when our armed forces are driving terrorists’ out of the country, the current government is destroying the economy,” Bilawal said, while addressing farmers at the Kissan Convention.

Commenting on the army’s ongoing operation against terrorists, Bilawal said Operation Zarb-eAzb was launched seven years ago when operations were launched in Swat and North Waziristan.

“Nawaz says that we all are on the same page against terrorism, whereas I say that he is now on my page as he only launched the operation when we lost the future of our country in the Army Public School attack, while I called out at terrorists a long time back,” he said.

Meanwhile, police officials along with Rangers on Saturday arrested over a 100 suspected militants during a search operation in the Tarnol area, on the outskirts of Islamabad.

“Out of the total number of

detainees, 60 were booked on various charges. Whereas six of them are being examined for possible links with extremist outfits,” a police official told The Express Tribune.

However, the official added “It has not yet been established whether they are terrorists or belong to any terrorist organisation.”

Further, authorities claim to have seized a large cache of arms and ammunition, including eight kilogrammes of locally-made explosives, detonators, and narcotics.

Earlier, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) remanded five suspects allegedly affiliated with Taliban to police custody on charges of attacking law enforcers with intent to murder, possessing illicit weapons and explosives.

The police submitted that the suspects, Zaheer, Shireen Gul, Mohsin, Akhtar and Yar Khan, were arrested after an exchange of fire in Rizvia Society. Police said that unlicensed weapons and hand grenades were also seized from their possession.

Taliban militants The alleged criminals were presented before the ATC-II by the Rizvia police who sought their remand, contending that the suspects were ‘dangerous’ militants of the Taliban and were involved in a number of terrorism activities, including the killing of top police officers in the city.

— Express Tribune

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

PROBE TEAM REPORT

‘Imran Farooq killer may be hiding in Afghanistan’ ISLAMABAD: A day after Pakistan’s security czar announced that the investigation into Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Dr Imran Farooq’s murder case had been completed, investigators claimed on Friday that a man involved in the killing might be hiding in Afghanistan’s Waish Mandi area. Farooq was stabbed and bludgeoned to death near his residence in London on September 2010.

“Kashif Khan Kamran, a key accused in the Imran Farooq murder case, was traced to the Waish Mandi area on the Afghan side of the border,” revealed a member of the joint investigation team (JIT) of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

The development came a week after Islamabad widened the scope of the investigation hours after a Scotland Yard team left for London. The team was here to quiz the main accused, Mohsin Ali. According to a JIT member, Kamran’s family had disclosed to the investigators that he (Kamran) had called them last month from an Afghanistan number.

— Express Tribune

DOWN MEMORY LANE

When Elizabeth haggled over the price of a carpet in Pakistan ISLAMABAD: We all know that Queen Elizabeth II graced Pakistan with her presence in 1997 to be part of the country’s 50th Independence Day anniversary celebrations. But would you believe that she haggled over the price of a carpet. Well, she did.

Speaking to BBC’s Shaimaa Khalil, former Punjab governor Shahid Hamid narrated the story of when Elizabeth went carpet shopping in Pakistan. The former governor had then called in two of the top carpet manufacturers in the country and had 15 to 20 carpets placed on the floor for her inspection.

“She looked at the carpets, and you know it was amazing, she immediately took off her shoes, and in her stockinged feet, she walked over each carpet. I was fascinated, I didn’t know this, but she explained that was the way you could tell the feel of the pile on the carpet, that’s how you could judge the quality.

“And then she came to one par-

She looked at the carpets, and you know it was amazing, she immediately took off her shoes, and in her stockinged feet, she walked over each carpet.

I was fascinated, I didn’t know this, but she explained that was the way you could tell the feel of the pile on the carpet, that’s how you could judge the quality. And then she came to one particular one that she was obviously interested in, said former Punjab governor Shahid Hamid Queen Elizabeth

ticular one that she was obviously interested in.”

Having decided which one she wanted, the Queen asked Hamid to ask for its price, which he did, quoting it to her in British currency. However, upon hearing

the price, she looked at him and said, “Governor, can we haggle?”

Laughing, Hamid recounted how he had replied, “Ma’am, I’ll get you a royal discount.”

The ex-governor’s wife Sarwat Hamid, who was the Queen’s

lady-in-waiting at the time, also talked about her impression of the Queen and said, “She had this wonderful ability to put anyone completely at ease. She was so natural, she was so genuine and so sincere, and her interest in every-

thing, including my family, life of politicians here, even though we were not in politics.”

Hamid narrated another incident during the Queen’s stay when she had been taken to tour the National College of Arts. According to

the programme, she was supposed to be taken back to the car and driven to the Governor’s House, but as she was getting in the car, she noticed a very large number of people gathered on the other side of the road.

She then asked if they could walk across to the road.

“She walked across it and interacted with that crowd. She was absolutely not concerned about the security,” he said.

Struck a chord Sarwat further remembered how the figure of the Queen was very real to the older generation. “And to actually see her and know that she has come all this way out as part of our 50th anniversary of the Independence of Pakistan, that struck a chord with people.”

Queen Elizabeth II became Britain’s longest-reigning monarch on September 9 when she passed the record set by her great-greatgrandmother Queen Victoria.

— Express Tribune

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY INSTALL WHATSNEWS

Stay ahead of the curve with WhatsNews

A1 1

ASIA

DISASTER

Dozen still missing as Abe visits flood-hit Japanese town JOSO CITY, JAPAN: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Saturday visited a disaster-struck city north of Tokyo in the aftermath of massive flooding that killed at least four people, as rescuers raced against time to find more than a dozen still missing.

Worst in decades Parts of Joso, a community of 65,000 residents, were washed away Thursday when a levee on the Kinugawa river gave way, flooding an area that reportedly spans 32 square kilometres (12 square miles) after the worst rains in decades.

Dramatic aerial footage showed whole houses being swept away by raging torrents in scenes ee-

SCAN THIS TO VISIT

ARTICLE, VIDEO, PHOTO GALLERY W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N .C O M

rily reminiscent of the devastating tsunami that crushed Japan’s northeast coast four years ago. “I felt more dead than alive,” said a man who was rescued Saturday morning after days trapped inside his home.

“I lived by drinking tea as there was no food. I’m so glad that they came to rescue me,” he told public broadcaster NHK. Akinori Nagaoka, 39, returned home with his son to find the first floor of the house flooded with muddy brown water.

“I have never seen anything like

this before. I wonder when we can come back and live like it was,” he told AFP. Later in the day, police found the body of a man in another river in Miyagi, northern Japan, a police spokesman said, bringing the death toll to four.

While police have yet to identify the man, he was believed to be a 62-year-old missing in the prefecture where people also suffered floods, local media reported.

Totally destroyed As the water receded, police officers wearing life vests shoved poles into thick muddy ground to locate possible victims. “The city is completely destroyed - we need people’s help,” said 47-year-old Shinichi Ishizuka. -AFP

TAKING STOCK: Residents look out over the point of the Kinugawa river where it broke its banks on Thursday, causing massive flooding to the area, in the city of Joso, Ibaraki prefecture on Saturday. -AFP

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

INDONESIA PALM OIL PLANTATION FIRE

Indonesian soldiers hold a water pipe across a canal as they extinguish the fire at palm oil plantations at the Padamaran village in Ogan Komering Ilir district in Indonesia’s South Sumatra province on Saturday. Indonesian islands are blanketed in the so-called ‘haze’, caused by slash-and-burn clearances on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo, which makes thousands sick, delays flights and pushes air quality to unhealthy levels in neighbouring Singapore and Malaysia. -Reuters

Six die in Nepal as protesters clash with police KATHMANDU: Five demonstrators and a police officer died in clashes in southern Nepal as protests intensified against a proposed new constitution, police said on Saturday.

As violence escalated on Friday, protesters dragged the wounded police officer out of an ambulance and killed him, with anger running high after security forces fired on protesters.

“Five protesters -- two in Mahottari and three in Dhanusa district -- were killed after police were forced to fire at aggressive demonstrators yesterday,” police spokesman Kamal Singh Bam told AFP. “A police officer was also killed,” he added. The officer was being taken to hospital after being beaten by protesters on his way to work in the southeastern district of Mahottari when a mob stopped the ambulance, dragged him out and torched the vehicle.

“A crowd of about 150 stopped and surrounded the ambulance, dragged him out to a field nearby and killed him. The ambulance was torched,” a spokesman for the armed police force Pushpa Ram KC told AFP Friday.

More than 30 people including

TOKYO

15 injured as earthquake hits Japan TOKYO: A moderate earthquake hit Tokyo early Saturday, causing minor damage to buildings, temporarily bringing the capital’s subway system to a halt and leaving 15 people injured in the region.

The 5.4-magnitude quake, with its epicentre located in Tokyo Bay, struck at 5:49 am (2049 GMT), according to the US Geological Survey.

The number of injuries in connection with the jolt in Tokyo and its vicinity came to 15, including an 83-year-old woman who broke her leg when she fell from a bed, the Yomiuri Shimbun said.

Television footage showed outside walls coming off the fourth floor of an apartment and scattering on the ground in the capital’s residential district of Setagaya.

The quake also broke water pipes in several areas, leaking water, while at least five people were temporarily trapped in elevators, Japan’s public broadcaster NHK said. The Japan Meteorological Agency said no tsunami warning had been issued, and that the quake was 70 kilometres (43 miles) deep.

Aftershocks warning But the agency warned sizable aftershocks could strike in Tokyo at least in a few days, while calling on residents to stay vigilant against possible landslides in the wake of heavy rain that hit the region earlier this week.

The earthquake came as authorities were grappling with the aftermath of massive flooding that killed at least three people, as thousands of rescuers searched for more than a dozen still missing in disaster-struck Joso city, which lies about 60 kilometres (37 miles) outside Tokyo. -AFP

11 police officers and an 18-monthold boy have been killed in violent clashes between security forces and protesters against a proposed new constitution that would divide the Himalayan nation into seven provinces.

Tensions are particularly high in the country’s southern plains, where historically marginalised communities including the Madhesi and Tharu minorities say the new internal borders will limit their political representation.

Plea for dialogue Nepal’s human rights commission on Friday urged both sides to engage in peaceful dialogue and said the government should withdraw troops deployed to try to maintain order.

Anger has been building for weeks in southern Nepal after lawmakers struck a breakthrough deal on a new constitution, spurred by April’s devastating earthquake.

Work on a new national constitution began in 2008, two years after the end of the Maoist insurgency that left an estimated 16,000 people dead and brought down the 240-year-old Hindu monarchy. -AFP

Singaporean voters opt for continuity in snap election The People’s Action Party, in power for 56 years, won 83 of the 89 parliament seats.

The Workers’ Party, which was aiming for 20 seats, won six SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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

SINGAPORE: Singaporeans spooked by the prospect of a contentious two-party political system delivered a massive swing vote to keep the long-ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) in power, analysts say.

Large crowds turned up for opposition rallies ahead of Friday’s election, but hopes for stronger checks and balances on the PAP quickly dissipated when the stunning results of the snap election became clear.

The PAP, in power for 56 years, won 83 of the 89 parliament seats and scooped up 70 percent of all votes cast, reversing a setback in 2011 when its share of the popular vote fell to an all-time low of 60 percent. The Workers’ Party (WP), which was aiming for 20 seats, won only six.

Opposition parties admit they

BIG VICTORY: Supporters rush to hang garlands of flowers on Singapore’s Prime Minister and Secretary-General of the People’s Action Party Lee Hsien Loong, centre, as he makes his rounds after the general election in Singapore on Saturday. - AFP

are not yet in a position to oust the PAP, and their main goal was to influence policy with a strong presence in parliament.

Analysts say the PAP also benefited from a patriotic wave generated by the March death of PAP co-founder and independence leader Lee Kuan Yew, the father of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and triumphant August celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Singapore as a republic.

“I think it is a flight to safety.

The concern of the PAP being severely weakened has contributed to voters, particularly the middle ground or undecided voters, deciding to plump for the tried-

and-tested plan,” said Eugene Tan, associate law professor at the Singapore Management University. Under the PAP, Singapore grew into one of the world’s richest societies with near universal home ownership, low crime and a per capita gross domestic product exceeding $50,000.

But the government has also been criticised for quashing protests, jailing dissidents, muzzling the media and driving political opponents to bankruptcy with costly defamation suits.

Yet political freedom was not even one of the hot topics during the campaign, which centred on immigration, the high cost of liv-

ing, strained public services and the needs of the poor and elderly in a fast-ageing society.

The opposition called for more curbs on immigration and foreign workers, more spending on welfare, and a minimum wage.

After its popularity dipped in 2011, the government moved quickly to address voter gripes.

It sharply reduced the intake of immigrants and foreign workers -- accused of stealing Singaporeans’ jobs and causing overcrowding -- and poured billions of dollars into improving public housing and mass transport.

It also expanded a “baby bonus” scheme to encourage parents to

have more children, and unveiled benefits for the elderly and lowerincome families in the run-up to the vote. Bridget Welsh, a senior research associate on Asian politics at the National Taiwan University, said the PAP benefited from a “pendulum swing” in the final phase of the campaign.

“The stronger the opposition became, the stronger the response against the opposition, especially among the silent majority,” according to Welsh.

In an emailed message to Singaporeans on Saturday, Prime Minister Lee said the results “show that you have rejected divisive politics, and supported rational approaches to solving our problems.” “Our rallies may have been less exciting than the opposition’s, but you understood what was at stake, and stood with us. I thank you for that.”

‘Ringing endorsement’ Daniel Goh, a sociologist who ran unsuccessfully under the WP, wrote Saturday on Facebook that the people had spoken “and the collective wisdom is always right.”

“For me, the meaning of the results is clear. It is a ringing endorsement of the PAP’s programme of going back to its centre-left roots and PM Lee’s leadership.” WP chief Low Thia Khiang also acknowledged that there was a “massive swing” in favour of the PAP. “I believe all of us have to accept it,” he told journalists.

In particular, it accused the WP of mismanaging funds for public services in the Aljunied district, which it wrested from the PAP in 2011. In densely populated Singapore. -AFP

A12

T IME S O F O MAN

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

#TRENDING ONLINE HOT PICKS MOST READ

MOST SHARED

TIMESOFOMAN.COM

FACEBOOK.COM/TIMESOFOMAN

TOTAL VIEWS

TOTAL PAGE LIKES

23,739,247

222,854

1 Two Omanis injured in

1 150 Haj pilgrims from Oman

Makkah’s Grand Mosque crane crash

sent back from Saudi Arabia bit.ly/omanpilgrimssentback

bit.ly/omanishurtinmakkah

2 Crane crashes into Grand

Mosque of Makkah bit.ly/makkahmishapinpictures

3 Call for curbs on WhatsApp

in Oman classrooms

Founder: Essa bin Mohammed Al Zedjali Chairman / Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Deputy Editor-in-Chief: Anees bin Essa Al Zedjali Chief Executive Officer: Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali EDITORIAL Telephone: 24726666 Fax: 24813153 E-mail: editor@timesofoman.com ADVERTISING Telephone: 24726666 Fax: 24812624 E-mail: advertising@timesofoman.com CIRCULATION Telephone: 24726666 Fax: 24818270 E-mail: circulation@timesofoman.com

bit.ly/whatsappclassrooms

4 Crane collapse kills 107 at

earthquake

Makkah’s Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia

bit.ly/alameratearthquake

bit.ly/makkahcranecollapse

2 No loss of life in Oman

3 104 killed in India gas

5 Oman, Iran to form

cylinder blast bit.ly/indiagascylinderblast

committee for the construction of dams

Printed and published by: Muscat Media Group Post Box: 770 Postal Code: 112

bit.ly/iranomandams

4 Meteor like unidentified

object entered Oman atmosphere bit.ly/meteorenteroman

TIMESOFOMAN.COM/OPINION

5 Doping claims overshadow

Mayweather ‘finale’ bit.ly/mayweatherdoping

ROB MARCHANT MOST POPULAR VIDEO

TIMESOFOMAN.COM/VIDEOS

Richard J. C. Galustian Police, on September 7, recovered body of youngster who was washed away on September 4.

Today there is a howl of anguish, not just from Labour party’s centrists but from all those who understand the slow, grinding slog of making a party respectable in order to win power. It takes years to win that respect, but you can lose it in a day bit.ly/corbynnewlabourleader

TWEET WE LIKE @Muna525 Just posted a photo @ Qurum Beach, Muscat https://instagram.com/p/7iCGJ6v3Gpg1

INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY

KAMRAN REHMAT

INSTAGRAM.COM/TIMESOFOMAN Former president Asif Zardari has accused Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of reverting to the politics of the 90s when both their parties were constantly locked in a battle of attrition to bring the other down by colluding with the establishment of the day bit.ly/zardariversusnawaz

«

SHARE THIS!

New Libya government faces uphill task ahead

Location: Jebel Akhdar/ Photo: Tariq Al Haremi

JUSTIN FOX

T

he UN Libya envoy Bernardino Leon has declared that peace talks are in their “final days” and he is right - the failure of his talks process is now just a short time away.

A year of muddle and confusion by the envoy is ending right where it began - with Libya’s warring sides as far away as ever and nothing to show for endless peace conferences he has convened in Algeria, Belgium, Egypt, Germany, Jordan, Morocco, Turkey and Switzerland.

Each conference has begun with Leon declaring a deal was close to end the civil war, and each has ended in failure.

Perhaps the strain is beginning to show.

Earlier this month, Leon, trying to explain the twists and turns of his latest peace bid in Istanbul, said the following: “We have been discussing the different elements, different remarks, different comments, in some cases differences, and the possibilities or the different ways that UNSMIL is proposing to address these differences.” Understand what he meant?

Probably neither did he.

What has put the brakes on this diplomatic roller coaster is not a breakthrough - the relatively low level of combat is nevertheless as intense as ever on Libya’s front lines - but the looming end of the mandate of the elected, internationally recognised parliament, the House of Representatives, in October.

When the HOR’s term of office is over, Libya will be without a government, and Leon’s folly in trying to persuade it to sign a deal with extremist Libya Dawn militias who control Tripoli will be clear.

For the past year, Leon has tried to persuade parliament, the HoR, who’s elections the UN itself organised, who’s international diplomatic recognition it then recommended, to cut a deal with Libya Dawn, a militia alliance which rose up against it. Anywhere else in the world, an elected internationally recognised government could expect UN support when militias rise up and seize the capital: Not Libya.

Instead, Leon, supported by American and British diplomats, has pushed the parliament to cut a deal with the rebels, affirming Libya Dawn’s right to be rewarded for an armed rebellion that

sees it holding the capital by force.

Unsurprisingly, the elected government has said no, demanding the UN honour its promise to support democracy against dictatorship.

Leon justifies all this by insisting he can bring peace. Except he has failed.

His now planned National Unity Government (NUG) is supposed to exist for a two-year transition period to end with parliamentary elections. But the truth is, there will be no deal on the ground. Libya Dawn is not giving up Tripoli, no matter how many more conferences Leon convenes in the weeks he has left. The only partially potential good news out of this mess is that a front runner for moderate Libyans rumoured to be the next prime minister is Abdel Rahman Shalgam. Shalgam formerly ambassador to the UN, is up to the job if selected with his international connections, especially in Italy, and roots on the ground in the southern Libyan city of Ubari.

Stormy seas ahead. It is guaranteed that the IS group will drive a stake into the heart of the crumbling Libya. Just this week, IS confiscated money from Sirte’s banks—including the Libyan Central Bank—to finance its destructive programme. The plan, of course, is for IS in Libya to attack southern Europe and Libya’s North African neighbours, one more reason why the outside world should be intervening in Libya. But very curiously it appears America - vigorously bombing IS in Iraq and Syria doesn’t care if this happens.

Leon’s “final” gambit is getting the HoR to sign this month whatever deal he puts in front of them, so that the UN will continue its recognition for a further two years. The HoR will probably sign, even if Libya Dawn does not. But the bottom line is the war will go on. Libya Dawn will not give up Tripoli and the government of Prime Minister Al Thinni will not abandon the population of the capital to them but soon will be forced to resign.

An alternative is also shaping up, with the government’s army commander General Khalifa Haftar, gathering his highest-ranking officers in Al Biar and El Beïda last week to discuss plans for replacing civilian rule with a so-called military council to take power which many Libyans favour as the best solution of all the current options.- Special to Times of Oman

READERS’ FORUM A sign of progressive approach from women This refers to the news story, ‘Career growth pulls females to private sector’ (September 12). It is heartening to note that Omani women are expressing their interest to work in the private sector. It is a good sign of progressive approach from women as many nationals are reluctant to work in the private sector. Government jobs may be attractive monetarily, but those who opt for a professional growth in their career should come forward to work in the private sector. Since more expatriates work in this sector, it is a good opportunity for nationals, especially women, to be competitive at work and face the challenges of a professional working culture. Interacting with expatriates at work will bring a consistent and progressive improvement in their English language skills also.

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

Hydroelectric dams can reduce dependence for wood and greenhouse-gas emitting fossil fuels. Instead of opposing them, environmental groups should help countries find locations for them that cause the least environmental damage.

Innovation is more important bit.ly/humanimpactpeaking

PICTOGRAPH

FROM OUR ARCHIVES SEPTEMBER 2000 OCCI to hold meet on Omanisation in Sohar MUSCAT: The Sohar branch of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry will organise a seminar on the importance of Omanisation in the private sector on Tuesday.

Khalifa bin Hilal Al Alawi, wali of Suwaiq, will preside over the opening ceremony. The seminar will highlight the importance of Omanisation in the private sector and follow-up measures needed in this regard.

IMPORT OF MINERAL PRODUCTS IN OMAN From February to April 2015 (in million rials) February

Europe’s leaders are responsible for the current migrant crisis

This refers to the online story, ‘Migrants defying law of country, says Hungary prime minister’ (September 11). I totally agree with Victor Orban. However, in my opinion, it is Europe’s leaders who are responsible for this migrant mess. By providing refuge to a negligible percentage of displaced Syrians, these countries are simply creating a rush from the conflict zone, which is likely to end in chaotic scenes. Europe is welcoming them with open arms but later on, due to bad economic conditions, a violent backlash is all the more possible. — Daniyal Ahmedzai, Al Khuwair

CLIPPINGS

TODAY IN HISTORY

NEW INDIA ASSURANCE

1786: Despite his failed efforts to suppress the American Revolution, Lord Cornwallis is appointed governor general of India.

Protect the welfare of your workforce through New India’s WORKMEN COMPENSATION POLICY.

1939: In response to the invasion of Poland, the French Army advances into Germany.

www.newindiaoman.com

March

128

April

117.6 84.3

1945: French troops land in Indochina.

2007: Joseph Estrada, former president of the Philippines, is convicted of plunder.

0 Source: National Centre for Statistics & Information

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

A1 3

MIGRANT CRISIS Pro-migrant rallies in Europe as Hungary says EU in ‘dream world’ Viktor Orban launched a broadside, saying Europe’s leaders are “living in a dream world” with “no clue” about the dangers and scale of the problem, while denying that the migrants are refugees.

“These migrants are not coming our way from war zones but from camps in Syria’s neighbours...

“So these people are not fleeing danger and don’t need to be scared for their lives,” Orban told Germany’s Bild daily in an interview.

Orban said he would propose to his EU counterparts that the bloc provides three billion euros ($3.4 billion) to Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey, “and more if necessary — until the flow of migrants is stopped.”

The idea that quotas would work is an “illusion,” he said. “(Can) we really stop the migrants going where they want?

Who is going to keep them in Estonia, Slovenia or Portugal if they want to go to Germany?”

In London, one of dozens of events across Europe, tens of thousands demonstrated, brandishing placards reading ‘Open the Borders’, while in Copenhagen, some 30,000 took to the streets

LONDON: Tens of thousands of Europeans hit the streets Saturday to show solidarity with huge numbers of refugees entering the continent, as Hungary’s premier warned leaders were “in a dream world” about the dangers posed by the influx.

In London, one of dozens of events across Europe, tens of thousands demonstrated, brandishing placards reading “Open the Borders”, an AFP journalist said, while in Copenhagen, some 30,000 took to the streets.

“I want to support the refugees,” said Deborah Flatley in London, holding a homemade cardboard sign reading: “We admire your bravery. You deserve a safe and happy life. We welcome you here with open arms”.

A boy dressed as Paddington Bear -- the marmalade-loving migrant who arrived at London’s Paddington Station from “deepest, darkest Peru” in Michael Bond’s famous books — clutched a sign saying: “Paddington Bear Was A Refugee”.

In Berlin, demonstrators waved a Syrian flag with “Refugees Welcome” written on it, while rallies in Stockholm, Helsinki and Lisbon each attracted around 1,000 people, including at a picnic in the Finnish capital. But highlighting how the arrival of hundreds of thousands of migrants has divided the European Union, there were counter-demonstrations in eastern members of the bloc.

‘Unscrupulous’ traffickers The International Organization for Migration said on Friday that more than 430,000 people have crossed the Mediterranean to Europe this year, with 2,748 dying or missing in packed boats operated by often unscrupulous human traffickers.

The influx has exposed deep rifts with the EU, with “frontline” states Italy, Greece and Hungary struggling and European Commission proposals for sharing 160,000 of the new arrivals in a quota

SOLIDARITY: Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a pro-refugee rally in central London on Saturday. Tens of thousands of

Europeans rallied urging solidarity with the huge numbers of refugees entering the continent, as Hungary’s populist premier said leaders were ‘in a dream world’ about the dangers posed by the influx. - AFP

Thousands join anti-migrant protests in eastern Europe WARSAW: Thousands of people joined anti-migrant protests in three eastern European capitals on Saturday after leaders from the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia opposed an European Union scheme to fix refugee quotas.

In the Polish capital Warsaw, nearly 5,000 people, many chanting slogans, marched through the city, an AFP correspondent said.

Organisers claimed the demonstration drew 10,000 people but police refused to confirm the figure.

‘Hear our voice’ “We’re here so that the government hears our voice and abandons any plans to welcome Muslims,” shouted one of the organisers after starting the march with prayers which identified the participants as

scheme facing resistance among eastern members.

Germany has absorbed the lion’s share so far, taking in 450,000 people with the government of Chancellor Angela Merkel — hailed as a

Roman Catholics.

Members of far-right fringe parties and football supporters chanted “Poles against migrants” and “Migrants today, terrorists tomorrow”.

Another thousand or so joined a “Welcome refugees” rally in favour of hosting migrants in Poland, a strongly Catholic EU member state which has a population of 38 million and has seen hardly any newcomers arriving, despite Europe experiencing its biggest movement of people since World War II. “I became a refugee when I had to flee Warsaw as the Germans invaded during the war,” 80-year-old Danuta Chomiak said as she marched with the crowd.

“I have a duty to be here today.”

Around 1,500 anti-migrant

heroine by many migrants but under fire at home, even from allies — relaxing asylum rules for Syrians.

On Friday Germany’s foreign minister, saying the crisis could be the biggest in the EU’s history,

protesters also rallied in the Slovak capital Bratislava, some holding up banners reading: “You’re not welcome here so go home”, an AFP correspondent said.

Another said: “Multiculturalism is a utopia, don’t open the borders”.

The rally was organised by the far-right “Our Slovakia” party, led by Marian Kotleba.

Unlike neighbouring Austria and Hungary, Slovakia — a eurozone member of 5.4 million people — has seen few migrant arrivals this summer.

Police in the Czech capital Prague said some 800 people protested against the arrival of refugees and migrants, holding up banners saying: “Send them back!” and “Protect the borders”.

Demonstrators called on the Czech government to resign

failed in Prague to convince eastern European counterparts to sign up to the Brussels scheme.

Hungary, meanwhile, has seen some 180,000 people travel up from Greece across its borders

and for a withdrawal from the European Union which it joined in 2004.

Elsewhere another 200 people staged a counterdemonstration in support of welcoming refugees in the Czech Republic, which has a population of 10.5 million and has seen few new arrivals in recent months.

All poorer members of the EU, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic on Friday ruled out accepting refugees under a compulsory quota system outlined by the European Commission, rejecting German pleas for European solidarity in tackling the crisis.

The European Union’s 28 interior ministers are to meet on Monday to discuss a the EC plan which involves a quota system for distributing 160,000 refugees around the bloc. -AFP

this year. Its plans to build a large fence, deploy the army and jail immigrants have earned it stiff criticism, stoked by images of migrants in packed camps.

But on Friday, Prime Minister

Migrants keep coming Thousands more were meanwhile travelling up from Greece through the Balkans.

According to one UN official, a record 7,600 entered Macedonia overnight on Thursday to Friday, bound for Serbia and then Hungary. New figures Saturday showed that 3,023 people entered Hungary on Friday, all seeking to travel via Austria to countries in western Europe, particularly Germany and Sweden. Around 2,000 migrants were at Budapest’s Keleti train station on Saturday, with 300-500 boarding trains to near the Austrian border.

Some 7,200 people arrived in the southern German city of Munich on Saturday, with officials expecting 2,000 more in the evening.

Germany has placed 4,000 troops on standby.

Munich’s authorities say they are running out of places for the migrants to sleep. “We don’t know any more what to do with the refugees,” mayor Dieter Reiter told German press agency DPA. Risk of disease At the flashpoint Hungarian border crossing point of Roszke, dozens of Afghans on Friday night lay down in front of buses, refusing to be taken for police registration out of fear they would have to stay in Hungary, an AFP reporter said.

Despite a well-stocked camp around the border amply supplied by donations from across Europe, doctors warned Saturday of desperate conditions for pregnant women and the risk of disease.

“When you have no running water, no way to clean and people are arriving with contagious diseases, you have a problem,” said Teresa Sancristobal, head of the Doctors Without Borders site team.

“We’ve heard Germany will send us back if we try to go there,” said Abdul, a Syrian in his twenties.

“I just hope we don’t have to stop,” said Abdul. “If I stop now, I’ll sleep for three weeks.” - AFP

I N H O S P I TA B L E R E G I O N S

Fleeing war, Syrian refugees bike across Arctic border OSLO: “I looked at the map and I decided to give it a go”: Ahmad Taleb is one of a number of crafty refugees who have reached Europe by cycling across the border into Arctic Norway.

Norwegian police say that since the beginning of the year, more than 200 asylum seekers, the large majority of them fleeing the war in Syria, have crossed the border from Russia into wealthy Norway.

While it is not a member of the EU, Norway belongs to the Schengen zone allowing free circulation of movement.

The roundabout journey through often inhospitable regions opens Europe’s doors to the refugees, without them having to face the perilous Mediterranean crossings risked by hundreds of thousands of others aboard unseaworthy and overloaded boats, before heading off on a land journey full of stumbling blocks through Europe.

More than 380,000 migrants and refugees have arrived in Europe since January, and 2,850 have lost their lives trying to do so or are missing, according to the latest UN figures.

“By sea, it’s dangerous,” says Taleb, a 25-year-old Syrian Kurd

sitting at the Refstad refugee transit centre in Oslo, where migrants are sent once they’ve crossed the border.

“But if you buy the visa (for Russia), you just pay and you go. That way is faster and safer,” he adds.

Seven days earlier he left Kobane, a town ravaged by fighting between Kurds and IS group who were ultimately driven out in June. The idea to travel to Europe through Russia came to him after speaking to people on Facebook, he says.

Wary, waiting to be transferred to an asylum centre with his few belongings shoved into a black garbage bag, he refuses to disclose the intricate details of his journey.

It appears relatively easy for Syrians to get a visa for Russia since the two countries enjoy good relations. After flying to Moscow, Syrians typically travel by train to Murmansk in northwestern Russia, and then on to Nikel, about 20 kilometres from Norway.

There, they buy ... a bicycle, often at a hefty premium.

“We paid a lot of money but we didn’t ask too many questions,” says Bahzad Soliman, another Syrian refugee who spent the past

More than 380,000 migrants and refugees have arrived in Europe since January, and 2,850 have lost their lives trying to do so or are missing, according to the latest UN figures three years in Moscow, living off of odd jobs before growing tired of being unable to sort out a more permanent situation for himself.

Legal passage Oddly enough, cycling is almost the only legal way for refugees to cross the Storskog border post between Norway and Russia.

Only vehicles are allowed to cross the border, and a bicycle is

considered a vehicle.

On the Russian side, authorities do not let pedestrians cross, while on the Norwegian side, police recently began imposing heavy fines on those who take refugees in their car, saying it amounts to human trafficking.

As a result, police in Kirkenes, the closest Norwegian town to the border, now have a stock of some 65 bikes, many almost new, which

it doesn’t know what to do with, their brief owners having been flown to Oslo by authorities to submit their asylum requests.

Most of the bike crossings have taken place in recent weeks, but some also crossed the border last winter in subzero temperatures with snow-covered roads.

At the Refstad refugee transit centre — a former recreation centre during the World War II occu-

pation— the Syrians interviewed said their journey through the Great North cost between 3,000 and 4,000 euros (between $3,350 and $4,500).

“It’s not expensive compared to what they often have to pay to smugglers to go by the usual routes,” explains Solveig Skogstad at NOAS, a Norwegian organisation that helps asylum seekers.

“Some pay several thousand dollars to come illegally, whereas this is legal and not dangerous.”

Or almost: “From what we understand, there is a lot of concern about what can happen in Russia,” she says.

Requesting asylum “Russian authorities can also be very severe if you arrive without all your papers in order.”

Since the beginning of the year, around 1,800 Syrians have requested asylum in Norway, which is governed by a coalition that includes a populist anti-immigration party.

That figure is just a fraction of the 15,000 Syrians who have requested asylum in neighbouring Sweden, which has a more generous asylum policy. - AFP

A 14

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

WORLD

Share your world with us on Instagram

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY SHARE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS

MORE THAN EXPECTED

CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE

Flames from the Butte fire rise over a pasture in Mountain Ranch, California on Friday. Evacuation orders were expanded to thousands of homes in northern California’s Sierras as the rapidly spreading wildfire roared for a third day through drought-parched timber and brush, threatening communities. — Reuters

Iran discovers high uranium reserves at a new mine DUBAI: Iran has discovered an unexpectedly high reserve of uranium and will soon begin extracting the radioactive element at a new mine, the head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation said on Saturday.

The comments cast doubt on previous assessments from some Western analysts who said the country had a low supply and would sooner or later would need to import uranium, the raw material needed for its nuclear programme.

Any indication Iran could become more self-sufficient will be closely watched by world powers, which reached a landmark deal with Tehran in July over its programme.

New discoveries They had feared the nuclear activities were aimed at acquiring the capability to produce atomic weapons - something denied by Tehran.

“I cannot announce (the level of ) Iran’s uranium mine reserves.

The important thing is that before aerial prospecting for uranium ores we were not too optimistic, but the new discoveries have made us confident about our reserves,” Iranian nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA. Salehi said uranium exploration had covered almost two-thirds of Iran and would be complete in the next four years. — Reuters

INSURGENCY

Turkey lifts curfew in Cizre after nine days CIZRE (TURKEY): Residents of the Turkish southeastern city of Cizre on Saturday emerged to find scenes of destruction and despair after authorities lifted a nine-day curfew imposed for an operation against Kurdish militants.

An AFP correspondent found several buildings had been destroyed and others pockmarked with bullet holes during the curfew, which took effect late on September 4.

People were being allowed to move in and out of Cizre despite continued army checks at roadblocks, said the correspondent who entered the city after the restriction ended 7:00 am (0400 GMT).

The government had said the curfew was necessary for a military “anti-terror” operation in the city against suspected members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

But the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) has said over 20 civilians were killed during the operation, which deprived residents of access to essential amenities and triggered food shortages.

Telephone and Internet communications were still severely limited as residents ventured outside for the first time to inspect the extent of the damage.

— AFP

Turkish PM targets single party rule ‘to fight terror’ Ahmet Davutoglu sought to stir the faithful at the congress of the ruling Justice and Development Party with a rousing speech presenting the AKP as the natural party

ON A MISSION: Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, left, and

of power

his wife Sare greet their supporters as they arrive to attend the 5th edition of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) annual congress in Ankara, on September 12, 2015, ahead of snap November 1 elections. — AFP/STRINGER

ANKARA: Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Saturday said Turkey needed a single-party government to fight “terror”, as the country prepares for snap November polls against the background of the army’s relentless campaign against Kurdish militants.

Davutoglu sought to stir the faithful at the congress of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Ankara with a rousing speech presenting the AKP as the natural party of power after it lost its overall majority for the first time in June 7 elections.

Former foreign minister Davutoglu, who became premier when Recep Tayyip Erdogan was elected president in August 2014, is under huge pressure to restore the majority and rumours even circulated he could have faced a leadership challenge at the congress.

“A single-party government needs to be ensured to fight both the terror plague and economic challenges,” said Davutoglu.

The AKP won three decisive general election victories in 2002, 2007 and 2011 but in the June election the party lost its overall

majority for the first time since coming to power in 2002.

The result wrecked Erdogan’s dreams of a powerful presidency with full executive powers, as a pro-Kurdish party made a major breakthrough to secure seats in the parliament.

Erdogan did not attend the congress but his two increasingly high-profile daughters -- Esra and Sumeyye -- sat in the front row.

“We are heading towards November 1 elections on behalf of a permanent government, sustainable development and rights

and freedom for everyone,” said Davutoglu.

After the June elections, Davutoglu held inconclusive talks with opposition parties to form a coalition government -- an unpalatable alternative for the president.

Amid the political uncertainty, the government has waged a selfdeclared “war on terror” against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in the southeast and in northern Iraq.

Davutoglu’s speech was frequently interrupted by party supporters shouting slogans such as: “Martyrs never die, the homeland is indivisible.”

No music was allowed at the congress in respect for the dozens of Turkish security forces killed in the unrest, party officials said.

This was the first AKP congress ever held in the absence of the party’s co-founder Erdogan, who served as premier from 2003-2014 and whose popularity shows no signs of fading among party supporters.

Commentators suggested Erdogan’s influence was clearly apparent on the congress, with some of his closest allies on the new list of members of the AKP central executive committee.

These included his son-in-law Berat Albayrak (Esra’s husband), one of the president’s top legal advisors Burhan Kuzu and former interior minister Efkan Ala. “There’s no doubt that one per-

son weighed heavily on the event -- his name is Recep Tayyip Erdogan,” Turkey’s Fox TV correspondent Sedat Bozkurt told AFP, saying that “party loyalists... were replaced by Erdogan loyalists.”

Erdogan’s hand was also detected behind well-sourced press reports suggesting his ally, former transport minister Binali Yildirim, could challenge Davutoglu for the party leadership at Saturday’s congress.

In the event no challenge materialised, with the speculation seen as a warning shot across Davutoglu’s bows should the party come up short on November 1.

All valid votes In the event, Davutoglu won all valid votes from 1,353 delegates as the only candidate and was re-elected party chief. Erdogan rapidly sent him a congratulatory telegram.

“Turkey’s next 10 to 20 years will be guaranteed if, God willing, a new government is formed on November 1 again built on the AKP’s broad vision,” Davutoglu said in his acceptance speech.

Former president Abdullah Gul, one of the party’s co-founders who last year fell out with Erdogan, did not appear at the congress although he was invited by the prime minister.

But Gul also sent a message, urging the AKP to “act with common sense... without straying away from its identity and ideals.” — AFP

CONFLICT ZONE

Two Russian humanitarian aid planes land in Syria DAMASCUS: Two Russian planes carrying humanitarian aid landed in Syria on Saturday, state media said, amid reports that Moscow is beefing up military support to its ally Damascus.

“Two Russian planes arrived today at the Latakia Martyr Bassil Al Assad international airport carrying 80 tonnes of humanitarian aid provided by Russia,” state news reported.

Coastal Latakia province is a stronghold of President Bashar Al Assad and home to his ancestral village.

Military build-up The reported aid delivery comes as Washington expressed concern about an alleged Russian military build-up in Syria.

US officials say Russia has sent ships, armoured personnel carriers and naval infantry to the country in recent weeks.

And on Friday, Cypriot officials said Russia had issued an alert for Cyprus to divert aircraft next week because it is planning military exercises off Syria’s coast.

Also Friday, US President Barack Obama said Russia’s decision to send military advisors and equipment to bolster Assad was only extending a strategy “doomed to failure.”

“The strategy that they are pursuing right now, doubling down on Assad, I think is a big mistake,” Obama said.

Moscow and Syria have denied any Russian military build-up, but Russian Foreign Minister Sergei

Lavrov said Thursday that Damascus would receive additional help if it requested it.

“We helped, are continuing to help and will help the Syrian government when it comes to supplying the Syrian army with everything it needs,” he said.

“Russia is sending planes to Syria with both military equipment in accordance with current contracts and humanitarian aid,” he said.

“Russia is not taking any additional steps.”

Moscow has been a staunch ally of the Assad government throughout the uprising that began in March 2011 and later descended into a civil war. It maintains a naval base in Tartus province, south of Latakia province.

Syrian media has reported Rus-

sian deliveries of humanitarian aid sporadically throughout the conflict, but Saturday’s report follows specific claims about a Russian military build-up.

Tank-landing ships US officials this week said two tank-landing ships had arrived recently at the Tartus base, but most of the apparent build-up was focused on the Bassil Al Assad airport.

They said at least four transport flights had arrived in recent days, with dozens of Russian naval infantry also coming in.

Russia has also reportedly installed temporary housing sufficient for “hundreds of people” at the airport, along with portable air traffic control equipment. — AFP

HELPING HAND: Members of the Syrian Red Crescent are seen unloading a Russian plane carrying humanitarian aid on the tarmac of the Martyr Bassil Al Assad international airport in the government-controlled coastal city of Latakia. — AFP/HO/SANA

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

A1 5

WORLD EXTREMISM

Thai police seek ‘Uighur’ man over Bangkok bombing BANGKOK: Thai police on Saturday said an arrest warrant had been issued for an ethnic “Uighur” man over last month’s deadly Bangkok blast, for the first time identifying a suspect as a member of the Chinese minority group.

The announcement follows weeks of speculation over the motive and perpetrators of the unclaimed attack which killed 20 people, the majority ethnic Chinese visitors, at a religious shrine in the capital’s bustling downtown district on August 17.

Analysts had increasingly pointed towards a link with the mostly Muslim Uighur minority from northwestern China’s Xinjiang region but Thai police had till now refused to reveal any such links.

“He is Uighur according to his passport,” national police spokesman Prawut Thavornsiri told AFP, after authorities released a photo of the moustached and short-haired suspect identified as Abudusataer Abudureheman or “Ishan” of “Uighur” ethnicity and “Chinese” nationality.

Thai authorities are already holding two foreign men in custody over the attack. Ishan, who police say is 27 years old, is among another 11 wanted by police.

Prawut said the suspect, who left Thailand a day before the blast and is wanted on the charge of “jointly possessing illegal military supplies”, belonged to the criminal network that police believe is responsible, but he was “not the mastermind” of the attack.

“I cannot confirm his whereabouts,” added the spokesman. But

in a statement released on Saturday Thai immigration police said: “According to security agencies, Ishan is the one who plotted, ordered, and funded the attack.”

The statement also refers to the arrest warrant for Ishan mentioning his Uighur ethnicity.

The hunt for the perpetrators of the bomb blast has been characterised by confusing and at times contradictory statements from Thai officials. Police later on Saturday appeared to backtrack on Ishan’s ethnicity, releasing a new photo

of him without it mentioned and a request asking media “to drop the word Uighur”.

Uighurs have long-accused Beijing of religious and cultural repression with scores believed to have fled in recent years, often heading to Turkey via Southeast Asia. Thailand’s deportation of 109 Uighur refugees to China in July sparked violent protests in Turkey, where nationalist hardliners see the minority as part of a global Turkic-speaking family.

The warrant issued Saturday is

the 12th over the unprecedented attack on the Thai capital.

One of the detained suspects, Yusufu Mieraili, was arrested last month with a Chinese passport registering his birthplace as Xinjiang -- the region home to some 10 million of the Uighur minority. But police did not confirm his ethnicity or nationality.

The other detained suspect, Adem Karadag, was arrested at a Bangkok flat in possession of bomb-making material and scores of fake Turkish passports. -AFP

A16

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

WORLD

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY ADD IN GOOGLE+

Tablet lovers add dd us on Google +

O K I NAWA

Tokyo resumes work on US base TOKYO: Work on a controversial new US military base in southern Okinawa was resumed by Tokyo on Saturday following a monthlong suspension, officials said, even as talks with those opposed to the project remained deadlocked.

The Japanese government announced the temporary halt last month for “concentrated discussions” with Takeshi Onaga, the

outspoken governor of Okinawa, and other officials.

But negotiations failed and work has now resumed. The plan to relocate Futenma air base, first mooted in 1996, has become the focus of anger among locals, who insist it should be shut and a replacement built elsewhere in Japan or overseas.

Locals staged a protest in the

Henoko district on Saturday in central Okinawa, where the government plans to build a replacement air station, Kyodo News reported.

Onaga also immediately condemned the resumption, saying: “It was extremely regrettable. I will not let (the central government) build a new base in Henoko by any means.” -AFP ALL SMILES: Jeremy Corbyn, front row second right, acknowledges applause as he sits alongside

Labour Party leadership candidates, left to right, Andy Burnham, Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall, after being announced as the new leader of Britain’s opposition Labour party, in London on Saturday. - AFP

Marx fan Corbyn is Labour leader The 66-year-old won 59.5% of the ballots cast, or 251,417 votes SCAN THIS QR CODE TO READ FULL ARTICLE

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

LONDON: Karl Marx admirer Jeremy Corbyn was elected leader of Britain’s opposition Labour party on Saturday, a victory that may make a British EU exit more likely and which one former Labour prime minister has warned could leave their party unelectable.

“Things can and they will change,” Corbyn, 66, said in a victory speech which began with criticism of the British media for intrusive reporting and ended with a vow to achieve justice for

the poor and downtrodden. “I say thank you in advance to us all working together to achieve great victories, not just electorally for Labour, but emotionally for the whole of our society to show we don’t have to be unequal, it doesn’t have to be unfair, poverty isn’t inevitable,” he said.

Corbyn won 59.5 percent of the ballots cast, or 251,417 votes, in the leadership, winning in the first round. When the results were announced he was cheered and hugged, even by some of his rivals.

A vegetarian who initially did not expect to win the contest, Corbyn has struck a chord with many Labour supporters by repudiating the pro-business

consensus of former leader Tony Blair. Instead he has offered wealth taxes, nuclear disarmament and ambiguity about EU membership.

“The Tories have used the economic crisis of 2008 to impose terrible burden on the poorest people in this country,” Corbyn, dressed in a dark jacked and unbuttoned blue shirt, told supporters.

“I am fed up with the social cleansing of London by this Tory government,” he said of Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservatives.

Corbyn defeated two former Labour ministers, Yvette Cooper and Andy Burnham, and Liz Kendall, regarded as the heir to Blair.

-Reuters

B

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM SUNDAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH THE VIDEO

MARKE

DIGEST VIDEO Top stories in one minute with our new daily Digest

Average fuel demand growth projected at 10% in long run Sultanate’s fuel (petrol, diesel and aviation fuel) demand will surge to a hefty 582,000 barrels per day (bpd) by the year 2030 from 124,000bpd in 2014 and an estimated 126,000bpd in 2015

ROBUST DEMAND: Fuel demand growth projection for the current year is marginal at 1.61 per cent to 126,000bpd, mainly due to a 2.61 per cent fall in new vehicle registrations in the first half. — Times file picture

A E JAMES

from 124,000bpd in 2014 and an estimated 126,000bpd in 2015.

Of the estimated 126,000bpd demand this year, 65,000bpd is for petrol, 50,000bpd for diesel and 11,000bpd for aviation fuel, according to demand estimate of Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic), which owns the country’s Sohar and Mina Al Fahal refineries.

Driving the growth in demand for fuel is mainly petrol and die-

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman’s average annual demand for refined petroleum products is projected at 10 per cent for another 15 year time span, until 2030, according to an estimate by the state-owned refinery company.

The country’s fuel (petrol, diesel and aviation fuel) demand will surge to a hefty 582,000 barrels per day (bpd) by the year 2030

sel, which again depends on the growth in vehicle usage and overall business activities.

Current year However, the fuel demand growth projection for the current year is marginal at 1.61 per cent to 126,000bpd, mainly due to a 2.61 per cent fall in new vehicle registration in the first half. The total number of vehicles registered till the end of June 2015 stood at

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

Muscat bourse announces new Sharia Index sample MUSCAT: The Muscat Securities Market (MSM) has announced its new sample of MSM Sharia Compatible Index for the second quarter of 2015. The new sample will be used with effect from Sunday.

The circular of MSM sample index, compatible with the requirements of Sharia regulations approved by the Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), stated that two companies were added to the list while two others were dropped for various reasons.

The new sample index includes 32 publicly listed company in the MSM whose financial activities were found compatible with the requirements of Sharia regula-

tions. The MSM revises the sample every three months and adds companies that meet the standards and drops others that do not.

Sample index The sample index includes Al Anwar Ceramic Tiles, Al Jazeera Services, Al Medina Takaful, Al Maha Ceramic , Al Izz Islamic Bank, Bank Nizwa, Construction Materials Industries, Dhofar Beverages, Gulf Mushroom Products, Majan Glass, Muscat Gases, Muscat Thread Mills, National Biscuit Industries, Oman Cables, Oman Chromite and Oman Chlorine, Oman Cement, Oman Flour Mills, Oman Oil Marketing Company, Oman Refreshments, Ooredoo, Oman Sweets, Oman-

tel, Oman Textile Holding, Raysut Cement, Salalah Flour Mills, A’Sharqiyah Investment Holding, Shell Oman Marketing, A’Saffa Foods, Salalah Port Services and Takaful Oman Insurance.

Observers confirm that Islamic indexes used by the financial markets will help attract a new segment of investors as they resonate with their aspirations.

Besides, these investors prefer them because of reliable reference for identifying investments that comply with the requirements and provisions of Islamic law. This, in turn, contributes to the development and growth of the Islamic capital market sector through a wide range of non-traditional investment options. — ONA

ECONOMY

Oman’s non-tax revenues hit almost OMR2 billion in 2014 MUSCAT: Oman’s non-tax revenues increased to OMR1.983 billion in 2014 compared to OMR1.931 billion in 2013, the increase coming at a time when the Sultanate is seeking to increase the non-oil revenues and diversify its sources of national economy.

The non-tax revenues and fees contributed 14 per cent to the government’s revenues in 2014, 2.7 per cent than in 2013.

Government revenues grew by OMR200 million in 2014, com-

pared to 2013 when the figure was OMR14.107 billion.

Tax and fee revenues increased from OMR943.1 million in 2013 to OMR1.82 billion in 2014, a 14.8 per cent growth, while the non-tax revenues declined from OMR987.9 million in 2013 to OMR900.8 million in 2014.

The State’s final account for 2014 showed a remarkable increase in the income tax revenue at OMR448 million, compared to OMR394.2 million in 2013. Custom tax revenues increased from

OMR217.3 million in 2013 to OMR279.2 million in 2014.

Expats recruitment fees rose from OMR154.4 million in 2013 to OMR156 million in 2014. The municipal, real estate, vehicle, hotel and other utilities’ fees showed a remarkable increase, in turn enhancing non-oil revenues.

Revenues from some non-tax items declined in 2014, compared to 2013. The profits from investment in stocks and capital shares declined from OMR555.9 million to OMR474 million. — ONA

50,802 as compared to 68,700 for the same period in 2014, apparently due to a slowdown in economic activity. The recent plunge in oil prices caused a slowdown in investment as well as overall economic activity in the country.

However, demand for aviation fuel is expected to surge once the new airport with a passenger handling capacity of 12 million passengers per year starts operation, probably by the end of next year.

The compounded annual growth rate of fuel demand in the last nine years was 10.4 per cent from merely 56,000bpd to 124,000bpd in 2014.

Refining capacity Presently, Sohar and Mina Al Fahal refineries have a combined refining capacity of 222,000 bpd.

Once Sohar Refinery’s multi-billion-dollar improvement project goes on stream by the end of 2016,

total crude oil processing capacity of the country will touch 314,000 bpd. The expansion will substantially increase production of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), naptha, kerosene, gasoline, diesel and will reduce environmental emissions.

The project will help Oman to reduce dependence on imported naphtha, while the product range will increase substantially.

With Duqm refinery also taking concrete shape, crude oil processing capacity will jump once the third refinery starts operation.

Orpic is also developing a new distribution infrastructure, which is called a multiproduct pipeline, for 290-kilometres between Muscat and Sohar. It will not only meet local demand for refined petroleum products, but also reduce truck traffic by 70 per cent, which in turn will improve road safety and environment.

Also, transportation costs of tankers are projected to come down substantially once the new pipeline and world-class storage terminal facilities are in place.

The whole facility will be commissioned by the second quarter of 2017.

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

B2

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

MARKET

Bank Muscat firmly on track as banking partner of the Sultanate projects in the Sultanate. As part of its commitment to sustainable development, alongside participation in large-scale projects, the bank has taken strategic steps to strengthen the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector in Oman.

Aimed at broadening financial access for entrepreneurs, the bank launched a unique non-collateral SME finance addressing the critical requirement of SME finance without collaterals.

Bank Muscat’s ‘Let’s Do More’ vision is the driving force to support people and country

Times News Service MUSCAT: The year 2015 marks a momentous occasion for Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, which reckons itself a Renaissance achievement under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. As Oman marks the 45th Renaissance anniversary, Bank Muscat joins the nation in extending the hand of friendship and a bouquet of innovative products and services in line with the current and emerging needs of the largest banking family in Oman.

AbdulRazak Ali Issa, chief executive, said: “The journey at Bank Muscat began more than three decades ago with the mission of creating value for every individual and for the nation. Thanks to the endorsement by the largest banking family in Oman, Bank Muscat prides itself to be the No. 1 bank in the Sultanate. During the past 33

years since its inception in 1982, Bank Muscat has always focused on reaching out to customers with banking service excellence, being closely associated with the progressive march of the nation in all realms. The trust and confidence reposed by the people and nation have helped the bank to maintain its leading position.”

Ambitious goals Ushering in a new era of strategic growth, the bank has set ambitious goals. The bank’s ‘Let’s Do More’ vision is a powerful articulation of the contributions of a loyal, productive workforce, and customer-service focused solutions for all partners. The vision reflects the essence of Omani values in the bank’s services, continuously measuring and delivering value for all stakeholders. The core focus of the vision is to stretch further the standards in customer service.

As a forward looking financial

AbdulRazak Ali Issa, chief executive of Bank Muscat.

– Supplied photo

institution, Bank Muscat is committed to the development and progress of Oman vis-à-vis its operations. Over the years, the bank has accomplished this in many ways by partnering with the government and industry in projects of national importance. In Project & Structured Finance, the bank’s expertise in key sectors along with innovative structuring capabilities has catered to the financing requirement of key large-scale

Self-employment initiatives Promoting self-employment initiatives boosting the national economy, non-collateral suite of products is also available for micro and small businesses.

Being faithful to its vision, the bank continues to earn the trust of all stakeholders, providing a unique banking and financial experience to customers who are an integral part of the bank’s journey of success.

Over the years, Bank Muscat has succeeded in inculcating a strong savings culture in Oman.

Aimed at the well-being of families, al Mazyona, the flagship savings scheme in Oman, has succeeded in making a lasting difference in the lives of customers.

Targeted at all nationalities and

segments, including ladies, youth, children and high savings balance customers, Al Mazyona is helping customers to develop a strong savings habit critical for the future development of Oman.

Moving along with the times, Bank Muscat offers the right mix of traditional and electronic banking channels for the Sultanate’s youth-dominated population.

Product innovation and improved level of service by Bank Muscat for both conventional and electronic channels is the key to making a difference in banking excellence.

Marked by speed, convenience and security, electronic banking channels, notably mobile banking, online banking and ATM/CDM network enable financial transactions anytime from anywhere, serving as a boon for people on the move.

Electronic banking Bank Muscat customers are increasingly moving to electronic banking channels, the preference being mainly due to factors such as the adaptive and flexible nature of services. The bank is focused on adding value and engaging customers through their preferred banking channels.

With the largest electronic channel network in Oman, inno-

VA L U E - A D D E D I N I TAT I V E

vations adopted by Bank Muscat are characteristic of the network of ATMs and CDMs, mobile banking, internet banking, point of sales (PoS) machines and the Call Centre offering 24/7 banking service.

Ensuring accessibility across the country, the largest network of ATM/CDMs form a pillar of customer service. Being a member of OmanSwitch and GCCNet, customers from any bank in Oman, the GCC countries and from around the world can use Bank Muscat ATMs for their cash requirements.

Reinforcing customer service and enhancing convenience, the bank has launched an additional service in the ATM/CDM network.

The new service features stateof-the-art integrated ATM/CDM machines in select branches and offsite locations across the Sultanate. Equipped with cutting edge technology, the new machines have higher capacity and enhanced capability of deposit, withdrawal and bank transactions integrated in one unit, thus adding to customer convenience.

In tune with the banking requirements of a young, tech-savvy generation, Bank Muscat enjoys an edge in hi-tech products and services, including electronic payment and web-based services. >B4 BRIEFS

In-country value conference on Monday

Al Jazeira Services board to meet on Tuesday

gramme that motivates all private sector companies to do the bulk of their possible efforts in order to achieve the objectives of the Sultanate’s vision about the local value-added initiative.

Anselm Perera, chief executive director of BPOS, said, “We seek through this conference to work closely with each of the ministries of commerce and industry and agriculture and fisheries, Capital Market Authority and OCCI.”- ONA

MUSCAT: Further to the earlier disclosure on “Preliminary offer received for our stake in Al Anwar Ceramics’, Al Jazeira Services Board will meet on September 15, at 4pm to discuss this matter. Outcome of the board meeting as to whether the board accepts or rejects this offer, will be communicated accordingly, according to a disclosure statement.

Times News Service MUSCAT: In-country value (ICV) conference will be held at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) on Monday, under the auspices of Dr Fu’ad bin Ja’afar al-Sagawani, minister of agriculture and fisheries.

The conference is organised by the Business Process Outsourcing Services (BPOS) in cooperation with OCCI. It will discuss

productivity as a source of generating local value-added in the oil and gas sector, achieving food security standards and sustainability through the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the role of these institutions in the economic development, prospects and international expertise.

Dr A’mir bin Awadh Al Rowas, BPOS chairman explained that the aim of the conference is the establishment of an annual pro-

Offer to buy entire stake in Al Anwar Ceramics Tiles MUSCAT: The board of Al Jazeira Services has received a preliminary offer for the acquisition of its entire stake (which is 36.99%) in Al Anwar Ceramics Tiles. The offer is being made at price of 370 baisas per share. Upon approval and acceptance of this offer by the board, the acquirer would commence requisite due diligence.

- Times News Service

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

B3

MARKET ORPIC PLANT

Oman aims to enter global petrochemical market Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman is seeking through the ninth Five-Year Plan (2016-2020) to find a toe-hold in the international petrochemical market once the Liwa Plastic Project becomes operational by 2018.

This is part of the government’s efforts to promote the industrial sector, as well as diversify its sources of income.

Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic) is moving towards completion of three major projects in the petrochemical sector as planned.

The revamp of the Sohar Refinery at a cost of $2.7 billion is one of the biggest projects undertaken by the company. The work on the project had begun in 2014 and is

expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of year. More than 10,000 workers are involved in the project to be completed in a record time of three years.

Musab bin Abdullah Al Mahrouqi, chief executive officer of Orpic, said that Liwa Plastic Project, which will cost between $4 billion and $5 billion, is set to produce about one million tonnes of plastic per year. The construction and finance agreements are expected to be completed by the end of this year.

“The project, when completed by 2018, will shift Orpic from a company that relies on the margins of profits by the oil refineries to a dynamic and flexible producer of petrochemicals and plastics. We are now in discussions with eight export credit agencies to verify the financial

terms of the project. We have also requested commercial banks to submit their offers,” he said.

Al Mahrouqi pointed out that the company has competitive growth plans worth of $8 billion, which will serve the Sultanate’s economy, create more job opportunities and boost the in country value (ICV) initiative.

1,600 more jobs The Orpic CEO said that the company is currently employing 2,400 individuals, 75 per cent of whom are Omanis. The company expects to create 1,600 additional jobs at the expansion projects between 2014 and 2018,75 per cent of which will be for Omanis.

He also added that the expansion projects would create more

business opportunities for SMEs through the supply chain, which in turn will have a positive effect on the ICV generated by Orpic.

According to statistics published by the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association, the chemicals sector contributed by 33.6 per cent to the gross domestic product (GDP) of manufacturing industries in the Sultanate in 2013, at a volume of $2.9 billion.

The sector accounts for 8 per cent of the total non-oil GDP of the Sultanate, and all direct jobs created by the sector offer three additional jobs in other sectors.

The production capacity of the chemical sector in the Sultanate stood at 9.1 million tonnes in 2014 and the sector grew by 16 percent between 2005 and 2013. — ONA

MAJOR PROJECTS: Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries

Company (Orpic) is moving towards completion of three major projects in the petrochemical sector as planned. - File photo

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Euro governance not enough for sustainable growth: ECB

COMMODITY PRICES: Price of commodities in GCC rose by 9.95 per cent in the United Arab Emirates

and 0.44 per cent in the Sultanate of Oman. - Times file photo

Oman registers lowest inflation in GCC region Among GCC countries, the highest inflation rate was recorded in the UAE at 4.43%, while Oman’s inflation rate was 0.46% in July

MUSCAT: Oman registered the lowest inflation rate of 0.46 per cent among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, while UAE recorded 4.43 per cent inflation in July 2015, latest statistics issued by the GCC-Stat show.

Among the GCC member states, the highest inflation rate was recorded in the UAE at 4.43 per cent, followed by Kuwait at 3.62 per cent, Saudi Arabia at 2.2 per cent, Qatar at 1.6 per cent, Bahrain at 1.1 per cent, and Oman at 0.46 per cent.

Compared to the general index of June 2015, the inflation index of July 2015 shows a slight increase in Qatar by 0.6 per cent, in the Sultanate by 0.53 per cent, in Saudi Arabia by 0.3 per cent, the United Arab Emirates by 0.29 per cent and Kuwait by 0.07 per cent.

In contrast, Bahrain registered a fall of 0.2 per cent.

Compared to the same month last year, the prices of commodities in the ‘Food and beverage’ group increased in July 2015 in most of the GCC countries.

In Kuwait, the increase was to the tune of 4.13 per cent, followed by the United Arab Emirates 3.40 per cent, Saudi Arabia 2.2 per

cent, the Sultanate 0.97 per cent, and Qatar 0.9 per cent. In contrast, the prices of commodities in this group fell in Bahrain by 0.07 per cent.

In July 2015, the ‘Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels’ group showed an overall increase across all GCC member states, compared to the same month last year. Price of commodities in this group rose by 9.95 per cent in the United Arab Emirates, followed by 6.54 per cent in Kuwait, 3.6 per cent in Saudi Arabia, 2.3 per cent each in Bahrain and Qatar, and finally 0.44 per cent in Sultanate.

Transport group The ‘Transport’ group also recorded an increase in all the GCC countries during the month of July 2015, compared to the same month of the previous year.

Transport prices rose in Qatar by 3.2 per cent, in Saudi Arabia by 1.1 per cent, the Sultanate by 0.49 per cent, Kuwait by 0.40 per cent, Bahrain by 0.3 per cent, and the United Arab Emirates by 0.16 per cent.

The data showed that the highest price rises among the main expenditure groups country wise in

July 2015 compared to the same month last year were as follows.

The ‘Education’ group in Qatar and the Sultanate saw a rise of 11.1 per cent and 4.49 per cent, respectively. This was followed by the ‘Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels’ group which saw a rise of 9.95 per cent in the United Arab Emirates.

Restaurants and hotels The ‘Restaurants and hotels’ group in Kuwait rose by 6.88 per cent, the ‘Health’ group in Bahrain saw a rise of 4.5 per cent while the ‘Furniture and Household Goods’ group in Saudi Arabia saw a rise of 3.7 per cent.

On the other hand, the data indicated that the largest price decreases among the major expenditure groups in each of the GCC countries in July 2015, compared to the same month last year, were as follows: the ‘Clothing and footwear” group in the United Arab Emirates, the Sultanate and Kuwait fell by 3.03 per cent, 2.02 per cent and 1.54 per cent, respectively, while the ‘Culture and entertainment’ group in Qatar saw a price reduction of 2.8 per cent, the ‘Restaurants and hotels’ group in Saudi Arabia fell by 1.2 per cent, and the ‘Food and beverage’ group in Bahrain saw prices falling by 0.7 per cent. — ONA

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

LUXEMBOURG: The euro area’s method for managing 19 national economies won’t generate the growth needed to produce full employment and debt reduction, European Central Bank (ECB) executive board member Benoit Coeure said.

“The governance framework as it stands today is not fit for the purpose of generating strong and sustainable growth that is required,” Coeure told reporters in Luxembourg on Saturday after a meeting of European Union finance ministers. “We need to further share sovereignty over our economic, fiscal and financial policies.”

Having helped rescue banks and governments from the euro’s sovereign debt crisis over the past five years, ECB officials are now pushing for a radical overhaul of the way the single-currency area works. ECB president Mario Draghi co-authored a report this year with four other heads of EU institutions which foresees greatECONOMY

Pakistan cuts interest rate KARACHI: Pakistan cut its benchmark interest rate as the central bank seeks to encourage economic growth amid falling oil prices.

Governor Ashraf Mahmood Wathra lowered the target policy rate to 6 per cent from 6.5 per cent, the State Bank of Pakistan said in a statement on its website on Saturday.

The move was predicted by 11 of 21 economists in a survey, with the rest seeing no change.

The country also cut its discount rate to 6.5 per cent from 7 per cent, it said.

Pakistan’s exports fell in August for the fourth straight month. - Bloomberg News

er joint-decision making in the short term and a euro-area treasury over the long run.

Greek crisis “The conviction of the ECB is that the Greek crisis was only the most recent illustration of the deep-seated issues in EMU governance,” Coeure said. “Looking further back the institutional framework clearly was not strong enough to induce fiscal and structural policies that would prevent imbalances. That’s what we want

to avoid now.”

Coeure said ministers meeting in Luxembourg had had a “deep” and “balanced” discussion on moving forward on EMU reform.

A first step would be an unambiguous commitment to the financial backstop for the region’s first bank-resolution body, an issue that needs to be resolved before the new organisation assumes full powers on January 1. Coeure also urged states to begin working toward a common deposit-guarantee scheme. - Bloomberg News

B4

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

MARKET ECONOMY

B A N K M U S C AT

< FROM

B2 'mBanking offers a range of services' UK inflation at zero Bank Muscat's state-of-the-art mobile banking service has made banking truly mobile for customers who can bank 24/7 ‘anytime, anywhere’. Notably, the mBanking application works on most of the mobile phones and is customised for iPhones, Blackberry, Android and Java based phones with simple icons and menus. The mobile banking service is available in both English and Arabic.

The enhanced ‘anytime, anywhere’ online banking offers an array of service to retail and corporate customers. The simpleto-use 24/7 service is available in both English and Arabic at https:// www.bankmuscatonline.com Bank Muscat customers can contact the Call Centre 24/7,

anytime from anywhere in the world. Using the Integrated Voice Response (IVR) system offering ease of access, customers can help themselves to obtain all required services or contact phone bankers for assistance. Customers can report card loss and block themselves their cards through the IVR system.

In step with the Sultanate’s e-Government initiative, Bank Muscat has been at the forefront, facilitating electronic payments.

Establishing a strong network of government and commercial entities, Bank Muscat has deployed the largest network of over 12,000 point of sales (PoS) card acquiring terminals across the country to support electronic payment in

the country and continues to expand rapidly.

Complementing the largest network of 140 branches in the Sultanate, Bank Muscat has further added convenience and value-added services with evening banking service, from 8am to 5pm (Sunday to Thursday), in 16 branches across the Sultanate.

The branches offering evening banking service are Ruwi, Al Amerat, Opera House, Muscat City Centre, Al Khuwair, Seeb, Al Khoud, Barka main, Sohar main, Salalah main, Falaj Al Qabail, Buraimi, Ibri Jubail, Safalat Ibra, Sur Afiah and Firq.

Aimed at accommodating people’s busy schedules, the extended banking hours at all key locations

benefit customers who face difficulties in visiting the bank during morning hours. The facility reflects the bank’s commitment to making banking convenient and centered around customer’s needs.

The ‘Let’s Do More’ vision roadmap reflects the essence of Omani values in the service delivery. Bank Muscat continuously measures the service delivery and continuously innovates to address customer needs, ensuring value for all stakeholders. The dynamic vision reflects the readiness to face future challenges and sums up the bank’s confidence and determination to stretch the boundaries in banking excellence.

Customer service excellence is the forte of Bank Muscat.

LONDON: Britain’s inflation rate probably returned to zero in August, pushed down by a slump in oil prices that the Bank of England (BOE) says is creating uncertainty about the outlook.

Economists in a Bloomberg survey forecast that prices stagnated last month after a 0.1 per cent annual increase in July.

The data, due Tuesday in London, will also probably show that the core rate, which strips out volatile energy and food costs, eased to one per cent from 1.2 per cent. UK inflation has held below the BOE’s 2 per cent target since the start of 2014, and it’s been close to zero for much of this year. That’s boosting consumer spending power, with separate

data next week forecast to show a pickup in underlying wage growth to 2.9 per cent, the fastest in more than six years.

Volatility in oil Minutes of this month’s policy decision show policy makers expect inflation to stay close to this level for a few months before picking up around the turn of the year. Though volatility in the oil price complicates this outlook, BOE Governor Mark Carney and other Monetary Policy Committee members insist the time for an interest-rate increase is nearing. Recent global events, including a slowdown in China’s economy, haven’t shaken that view.

— Bloomberg News

Domestic liquidity in Sultanate rises by 13% A significant increase in credit awarded to both the public and private sectors pushed up first quarter’s total credit by as much as 11.6 per cent to reach OMR17.4 billion

ROBUST DEMAND: Personal loans represented 39 per cent of the total loans during first quarter 2015 reaching OMR6.8 billion. — Times file picture

Times News Service

NCSI says the total deposits in commercial banks increased by 4.6 per cent to reach OMR17.9 billion against OMR17.2 billion during first quarter, 2014, piggybacking on a 12.1 per cent growth in private sector deposits. However, this was considerably offset by a 6.9 per cent fall in deposits in the government sector which included ministries, government corporations and public enterprises.

On the other hand, a significant increase in credit awarded

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

Reviewing the first quarter,

to both the public and private sectors pushed up first quarter’s total credit by as much as 11.6 per cent to reach OMR17.4 billion as against prior year’s OMR15.6 billion during the same period. Public sector credit swelled 15.2 per cent while private sector credit went up 11.1 per cent.

Interestingly enough, personal loans represented 39 per cent of the total loans during first quarter 2015 reached OMR6.8 billion marking a rise of 9.5 per cent com-

pared to the corresponding period of 2014.

At the same time average interest rate on total credit declined to 5.5 per cent in the quarter compared to 2014, while real interest rate (average interest rate minus inflation rate) dropped to 3.9 per cent.

The Effective Exchange Rate Index of the Omani Rial increased by 9.3 per cent to 104.6 points from 95.7 points during first quarter of the previous year.

AU T O M O T I V E F I N I S H I N G FA C I L I T Y

Sohar Freezone delivers facility to Suhail Bahwan Times News Service MUSCAT: Construction of a jointless, steel-fibre reinforced concrete, industrial floor, the biggest ever laid in the Sultanate, marked the successful delivery of a new automotive finishing facility in SOHAR Freezone.

Representatives from Nissan Motor Company, the world’s sixth largest automobile manufacturer, represented in the Sultanate by Suhail Bahwan Automotive, were on hand to see the final touches being put to a high-tech concrete slab, that forms the base of their 150,000 square metre plant in the Freezone. The management and technical teams from SOHAR Port and Freezone also attended the on-site ‘deminar’ in the evening, led by industrial flooring specialists Twintec.

A spokesperson for Suhail Bahwan explained that the large panel, jointless floor slab offers Nissan significant benefits com-

pared to traditionally reinforced saw-cut concrete floors.

Not only is construction time significantly shorter, maintenance costs will also be reduced and business efficiencies increased.

He explained that the Nissan project is the first in the Sultanate to introduce the innovative Co-Sinus construction joint that provides a smooth ride for material handling equipment moving across the floor.

“This reduces wear and tear on our vehicles and allows them to operate at their most efficient speeds,” he added.

SOHAR Freezone CEO, Jamal Aziz, says: “As the automotive cluster in SOHAR Freezone continues to grow at its pace, it is great to see the latest technologies being adopted by our tenants. The huge demands that a large car plant places on its flooring requires not only technical knowledge but also world-class

technology, if you want to build a sustainable solution.”

Based near Rugby in the UK, Twintec is no newcomer to the global automotive industry, with flagship construction projects that include flooring slabs for the new Renault assembly unit in Tangiers, Morocco; the Volkswagen plant in Sydney, Australia; and the BMW factory in Rosslyn, South Africa.

Speaking about the new floor’s environmental credentials, an important aspect of the assessment of every new project in SOHAR Freezone, Technical and Commercial Director of Twintec, Tom Menary, says: “We always seek to minimise the environmental impact of our operations, which is why our slab designs champion the use of cement replacement and minimise the use of heavy steel bar reinforcement.

This improves the whole-life environmental performance of our projects.”

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

Love us on Facebook

B5

ROUND-UP

Nissan announces exciting offers on sturdy Navara till October 16 Auto enthusiasts can now avail exciting benefits on the Nissan Navara that include cash gift up to OMR500, free service for two years or 20,000km (periodic maintenance only), free registration and easy and convenient financing options

MUSCAT: Nissan from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles has been receiving rave reviews on its seasonal offers that last till October 16. Its exclusive vehicle promotions are enticing and oneof-a-kind, promising unlimited benefits to its patrons. Nissan has a heritage of showcasing some of the most amazing benefits for its customers by introducing unique offers on its prestigious line-up of vehicles. In an effort to make Nissan vehicles affordable and accessible to all, Suhail Bahwan Automobiles has taken up this unique initiative, says a press release.

What’s on offer?

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

Social media Customers can also get unlim-

ited access to Nissan’s prestigious vehicle line up at the comfort of their homes or offices. Simply visit Nissan Oman’s Facebook page i.e http://www.facebook.com/Sbanissanoman or send an SMS to get updated information on any of the vehicles from the house of Nissan.

Nissan Navara — best in fuel efficiency The Navara is designed with an off-road spirit in mind. The vigorous QR25 2,500cc petrol engine delivers up to 162 (Gross) / 154 (Net) horsepower, plus compelling torque and excellent fuel efficiency. The new Nissan Navara is also class-leading in the GCC and comes equipped with a high-performance 6-speed manual transmission, further enhancing the true off-road spirit while cruising comfortably over virtually all terrains. Navara is available in 2WD AT/MT options with petrol engine and 4WD MT option in diesel engine. Navara is also available as per PDO specifications.

Navara’s YD25DDTi Diesel engine provides 142 HP with a torque of 36 kg-m / 2000 rpm. It is also first-of its-kind with 6-speed

manual transmission which delivers excellent fuel efficiency. The roomy passenger cabin, and the supportive suspension system that Nissan is famous for, emit an air of luxury usually found in passenger sedans. The Navara is truly a tough, versatile vehicle for all your business needs making it a perfect value for money buy.

body coloured door handles and ORVM and lastly bed liner.

The interior features are equally stark with 2 DIN AM/FM + CD MP3, Aux input and 2 speakers, manual antenna, trip meter, tachometer and digital clock. It also features glove box with lock, front seat bench type semi separate, fabric seats.

Major feature highlights Nissan Navara comes with manual A/C, rear defogger with timer and power + tilt Urethane steering wheel. The vehicles exterior features 16” steel wheels, chrome front bumper and rear step bumper with front and rear mudguard too.

The LCV is equipped with excellent safety features like Dual Airbags, immobiliser, LSD and ABS. Nissan Navara 4WD also features bedliner as a standard fitment front towing hook, halogen head lamps, speed sensing intermittent and variable front and rear wipers,

Taking charge of the road The Nissan Navara stuns all eyes with its larger body structure which means bigger storage space and a roomier, more comfortable passenger cabin.

The extended wheelbase enhances road handling ability, and the taller ground clearance makes it easier to conquer road obstacles.

The Navara is designed with an off-road spirit in mind. All these factors contribute to ensuring that the new Nissan Navara is the right vehicle for you.

Unmatched features The Navara comes with large chrome front grille and bumper in Nissan’s exclusive ‘angle-strut’ style which add a sense of sturdiness to the unmistakable overall presence. The stylish ‘multi reflector’ front lamps perfectly complement the front adding style, strength and durability.

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

Standard interior features include sporty reclining front bucket seats, footrest, dual front and rear 20-ounce cupholders, power windows, power locks, power mirrors and remote keyless entry.

Superb aesthetics A true ‘heavy-duty truck’ is a good definition for the new Nissan Na-

vara, thanks to its large and rigid new chassis made of double-layered high-tensile metal frames.

In areas for carrying heavy loads, the metal frames are specifically strengthened and thicker, ready for any tough carrying jobs.

The new chassis is highly durable against tensile and shaking forces, and is masterfully designed to always maintain the right balance of all parts, to be able to significantly absorb crash impact, as well as to produce outstanding road-holding ability you can depend on.

The transmission is smooth and decisive enough but the calibrations have it holding onto gears longer than expected given the peak torque comes in at a low 1750rpm. This is presumably to help the transmission keep its cool when towing.

The large-size, yet lightweight body structure has been specifically strengthened to endure even the toughest terrain, enabling you to defeat steep hills, sharp curves or difficult surfaces.

Thanks to this remarkable durability, maintenance costs are also minimised. New Nissan Navara… it’s just the right pick-up truck for you!

Committed Suhail Bahwan Automobiles is largely committed to supporting Nissan’s growth in the Sultanate through major emphasis on customer satisfaction and by providing world-class after-sales services in Oman. With a national network of more than 19 showrooms, 23 service centres and 35 spare parts outlets, SBA has further built upon its legacy of trust, excellent customer service and providing value for money to each of its customers.

VA L UA B L E R E F E R E N C E M AT E R I A L

VA L U E C A R S O M A N

TAC launches mobile application MCBS academic’s book on Islamic for its pre-owned cars division Financial System MUSCAT: Towell Auto Centre (TAC), the leading automobile distributors in Oman, has launched a state-of-the-art mobile app for its pre-owned cars division – Value Cars Oman.

With this easy to use Value Cars Oman mobile app, all customers and dealers can directly browse through the expansive list of topquality pre-owned vehicles across various range, brands and models which include passenger cars, 4WDs, pick ups and commercial vehicles. Value Car Mobile app can be downloaded on Android and Apple phones from their respective app stores, says a press release.

A senior spokesperson of TAC commented: “We are very happy to announce that our Value Cars Oman mobile app is now live and ready to go. This new app is filled with features directed towards complete satisfaction of all our customers looking for pre-owned cars. It will further strengthen our relations with our customers, as

gets rave reviews

we offer the best deals in terms of value, service and quality when it comes to buying or selling a preowned vehicle. You can download our app now and enjoy the various benefits it has to offer.”

Showroom in Azaiba About Value Cars division, the senior spokesperson said: “At Value

Cars, we house all the top quality brands including Mazda and Geely. We also buy cars for cash which are less than five years old especially Japanese models. You can visit our Azaiba showroom to avail the best deals along with comprehensive customer service to make the buying / selling process a more convenient and hassle-free expe-

rience. Our certified pre-owned vehicles meet the age and mileage requirements established by the manufacturer and are only put for sale after being put through rigorous inspections and quality checks. You can count on us for reliability, quality and satisfaction and drive away in that perfect car you have always dreamt about.”

OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE

Ford’s cold-weather testing enhances vehicle quality MUSCAT: Ford Motor Company goes to great lengths to make its vehicles tough and reliable, a distinctive feature that has made Ford vehicles one of the most preferred for global customers.

Each year, Ford brings global prototype vehicles and a team of engineers to the world’s largest climatic test facility — McKinley Climatic Laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base in the Florida panhandle — to push the limits of extreme cold-weather testing in order to improve vehicle quality and performance for customers, says a press release.

In this sophisticated, all-weather facility used by the US Air Force to test every aircraft in the Department of Defence inventory, Ford engineers can get temperatures down as low as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit in a span of just 10 hours. The hot, humid climate of northwest Florida in August has no impact on conditions inside the lab making it ideal for simulating winter in Alaska’s Prudhoe Bay or Canada’s Yellowknife region.

So when it’s the middle of a development cycle, or the middle of summer, and there’s no access to a natural environment where engineers can evaluate whether a vehicle is starting as robustly as it should in below-freezing temperatures, McKinley Climatic Lab allows Ford to simulate, calibrate and validate – all under one roof.

In Oman, Ford vehicles are brought to you by Arabian Car Marketing Co. Rigorous testing The opportunity to accommodate 75 global prototype vehicles of all sizes for rigorous testing — plus house a versatile team of 54 engineers and technical experts — creates efficiency in the company’s product development cycle that helps Ford learn in just three weeks what could take twice as long in a smaller facility. Collecting multiple data sets, analysing results, and comparing and contrasting enables Ford engineers to quickly implement changes that enhance vehicle quality and ulti-

mately benefit the customer.

Optimum performance in the most extreme weather conditions means different things for customers in different parts of the world. That’s why Ford engineers strive to account for all variables when seeking assurance that customers who live and work in cold climates will be able to reliably start and run their vehicles in subzero temperatures. Specific situations engineers test for include: In the oil fields of Alaska’s Prudhoe Bay, Ford F-Series trucks are not only a mode of transportation, but also a safety device for workers who need a warm cabin to retreat to on-site to prevent cold-weather injury on the job.

Idle tests Ford engineers conduct idle tests at the lab — running the engine week after week as temperature fluctuates from 40 degrees to minus 40 degrees, and examining the exhaust as it heats up then cools back down — to help ensure the needs of these customers are met.

For those customers who depend on their vehicles for work commutes and to transport their families around town, Ford testing at the lab ultimately seeks to provide them with the assurance that their vehicles are designed to start and run in the bitter cold.

As temperatures in the lab drop to minus 22 degrees, Ford engineers examine the volatility of 13 different types of fuel commonly used by customers across the globe to calibrate the cold start.

When running tests at such low temperatures inside McKinley Climatic Lab, engineers make changes daily to help ensure engine start and vehicle driveability, and that Ford is meeting the high quality standards its customers expect. Learning from these coldweather tests helped Ford engineers perfect the 6.7-litre engine that powers the current F-Series Super Duty. Engineers found that replacing metallic plugs with ceramic gold plugs enabled the engine to heat up more quickly, for a more robust start.

MUSCAT: The book on Islamic Financial System authored by Abdullah Belhadia, a lecturer at the Business and Economics faculty at the Modern College of Business and Science (MCBS), has been getting appreciable reviews from experts from the academic and banking sectors.

Titled What we know about the Islamic Financial System Procyclicality: A theoretical Approach and Comparative Study, the book is published by LAP Lambert Academic Publishing and is available at leading bookshops in Oman and abroad, says a press release.

With Islamic Finance gaining popularity in recent times, the book examines some of the not-so-discussed features of the system. Oman has been a late entrant into the domain of Islamic Finance, having introduced the system in 2010, and the book fills the knowledge vacuum existing in the academic and professional areas with respect to Islamic finance. Belhadia looks at Islamic Finance from the angles of financial accelerator and procyclicality, and argues that Islamic Finance, just like any other financial system, is prone to procyclicality though to a lesser degree.

The book also offers for the first time mathematical models on the technical aspects of Islamic Finance and Banking.

“Procyclicality refers to the mutually strengthening interactions between the financial system and real economy causing to amplify business cycle fluctuations, and thus contributing to financial instability. If we look at the history of economic and financial crises across the world we see that procyclicality has been an inherent feature of the real and financial sectors of economy. The main feature of procyclicality is an underestimation or overestimation of the risks to which the banking sector is exposed. Islamic financial system too is impacted by procyclicality,” Belhadia said.

“I wrote the book to awaken academics and researchers to not only focus on the green side of Islamic finance but the risks in-

volved as well. At the same time, it must also be said that Islamic financial system is more stable than the conventional one, owing to certain inherent features that make it less procyclical. However, external sources such as use of LIBOR as benchmark for the Islamic financial returns; oil cycles; short-time dimension of risk in Islamic banking; export of financial intermediation; Islamic and conventional financial industry simulation and monitoring cost behaviour and growth linkage make the Islamic Financial system a shock amplifier rather than a shock absorber. We have to check theoretically and empirically the weaknesses and pitfalls of the Islamic financial system in order to formulate a comprehensive theory of Islamic finance. My book offers a glimpse into these issues,” he commented.

Going deeper, the book suggests three Islamic versions of financial accelerator effect across three different markets namely Partnership contract market, Sukuk Market and Organised Tawarruq market. The book is considered a valuable reference material for finance and banking professionals involved with Islamic banking services and those pursuing academic programmes in Islamic finance.

Belhadia worked as a lecturer and acting chair for the accounting department at the College of Business, Komar University of Science and Technology (Iraq), before joining Modern College.

B6

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

ROUND-UP Alfardan unveils Ferrari 488 GTB SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

THE VIDEO

Forty years from the original launch of

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

Ferrari’s iconic first-ever mid-rear engined V8 berlinetta, the 308, the 488 GTB opens a new chapter in the history of cars with this particular architecture as the 488 GTB has set a new benchmark for the sports car sector globally

MUSCAT: Following its debut in March at the Geneva Motor Show, the 488 GTB was recently unveiled

by Alfardan Motors, the official importer of Ferrari in Oman, in an exclusive launch event at the Shangri-La Hotel, Muscat.

Forty years from the original launch of Ferrari’s iconic first-ever mid-rear engined V8 berlinetta, the 308, the 488 GTB opens a new chapter in the history of cars with this particular architecture as the 488 GTB has set a new benchmark for the sports car sector globally, says a press release.

Credit for this achievement

must go to the 488 GTB’s revolutionary proprietary solutions which deliver a car at the top of its class in terms of power output (670 cv) with engine and command response times of just 0.8 and 0.06 seconds respectively. Significantly, however, sophisticated dynamic vehicle controls make this massive power completely controllable even on the limit by drivers of all abilities, resulting in the unique driving pleasure that only a Ferrari can deliver.

Ferrari drew extensively too on its experience in both Formula One and endurance racing, bring-

ing to the road the technology that delivered victory in two editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the title in the WEC (World Endurance Championship). Also pivotal was the XX programme in which Ferrari’s technicians have developed a unique knowledge of the dynamic behaviour of extreme cars driven by non-professional drivers.

The 488 in the car’s moniker indicates the engine’s unitary dis-

S H O P P I N G D E S T I NAT I O N

shopping destination. Smile’s goal is to carter to the needs of all communities in Oman.

It coalesces the supermarket in conjunction with department store, as such it transmits varied array of products under one roof.

Customers can make their shop-

ping destination of choice because it will be the most comfortable and affordable place to shop for a wide selection of items like, grocery, fresh foods, home decors, house hold items, garments/ life style, electrical and electronics all under one roof.

P O U LT R Y P R O D U C E R

A’Saffa savouries emerge as school children’s favourite MUSCAT: A’Saffa Foods, Oman’s No. 1 poultry producer has an exciting and tasty product range of chicken franks, fillets, nuggets, burgers that are made from the finest ingredients. It is no surprise that the entire range is extremely popular amongst children and is a step towards continuing to bring to them and their families the brand’s fresh and healthy delicacy range.

Flavoursome and blended with the ever-lingering freshness of natural ingredients and delicate spices, A’Saffa delicacies make meal times, parties and celebrations even more exciting for children, says a press release.

Sidhartha Lenka, marketing and sales head, A’Saffa Foods, said: “We believe that our entire range of products is much tastier than imported products, thanks to the quality of the natural and pure ingredients used. For a family looking for a fresh, pure, natural, healthy and tasty product for their children, our range of chicken

every detail, in fact. Certain design elements are also obvious nods to the past, not least the 308 GTBinspired styling of the flanks.

The extreme power required by the car is delivered by the new 3902 cm3 turbo engine which is coupled with a seven-gear F1 dual-clutch gearbox featuring Variable Boost Management which optimally distributes torque (a maximum 750 Nm in seventh

SPECIAL OCCASION GIFTS

Smile Hypermarkets to start across Oman soon MUSCAT: Hanoon Modern Project, which laid its foundation in different places of Oman, announced its intention to launch its new brand in the name of Smile Hypermarket.

The event held at Grand Hyatt Muscat Hotel under the auspices of Sayyid Khalid Hilal Saud Al Busaidi and Othman Salaeh Al Siyabi, was attended by elite guests, members Ismail Chakkarath and Jasim Kuniyil in Oman along with guests from various administrations and corporate bodies, says a press release.

The event showcased detailed information about Smile Markets and its inception. Hanoon Modern Project will open branches in Saham, Al Falaj, Salalah, Al Khuwair and Mabelah commercial area which will provide exclusive opportunities to customers for their

placement, while the GTB stands for Gran Turismo Berlinetta, a reference to its deep roots in Ferrari history.

Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the 488 GTB’s sculptural forms are completely new. They accentuate the car’s sportiness yet retain the classically clean, pure lines typical of Ferrari’s legendary styling. The seamless interweaving of form and function is clear in

gear). The 488 GTB guarantees exuberant performance that is absolutely exploitable to the fullest regardless of driving conditions and is accompanied by a deep, seductive soundtrack, the signature of all Ferrari engines.

The 488 GTB’s revolutionary aerodynamics incorporate patented solutions, such as the blown rear spoiler, as well as innovative features like the 458 GT-derived aerodynamic underbody with vortex generators.

The result is a new efficiency record for a Ferrari (E=1.67).

Downforce increases to 325kg at 250 km/h, thanks in part to active aerodynamic devices which reduce drag whilst simultaneously generating downforce when required.

The 488 GTB’s dynamic vehicle controls have also been further evolved. It sports a new version of the Side Slip Control System (SSC2) which, aside from just integrating with the car’s F1-Trac and E-Diff, now also controls the active dampers.

franks, fillet, nuggets, burgers and fingers are ideal.”

“A food connoisseur’s delight, the entire range is extremely pure and tasty and we are sure they will bring out the chef in one and all. To encourage one and all to provide their children A’Saffa’s healthy meal options, we have also launched special value packs this season,” he added.

A’Saffa products are made with halal chicken and contains no hormones, steroids or chicken substitutes. The Back-to-School range of products are produced in the stateof-the-art production plant (fully automated, untouched by hand) in Muscat and is available in super-

markets and retail outlets across the country.

One of the unique factors for A’Saffa has been its long standing commitment to providing pure natural products that are tasty, fresh and packed full of nutrition.

Parents can safely pack their children A’Saffa’s wholesome meal and enjoy peace of mind. Each of their products comes with a promise of purity of natural ingredients and fresh taste.

Being pioneers in fully integrated poultry production and farm management systems, A’Saffa have built its competence and expertise in food production, processed food technology and innovative food recipes helping them to deliver new, flavourful choices that consumers can enjoy at all times. As a market leader, it is A’Saffa Foods constant endeavour to provide consumers with food products that are wholesome and processed hygienically from natural, pure, halal, healthy and premium ingredients.

Blessing outlet launched as unique concept for unforgettable moments MUSCAT: Areej Mohsin Haider Darwish recently launched a unique concept shop with an unconventional name, Blessing.

Located on the first floor of the Oman Avenues Mall, the showroom was inaugurated by Mohsin Haider Darwish in the presence of Areej Mohsin Haider Darwish, Rima Kotaiche El-Husseini, CEO of Blessing Lebanon, as well as other dignitaries and guests, says a press release.

Blessing is a Lebanese chain that houses an exclusive collection of wedding invitation cards, attractive gifts, charming baby gifts and a selection of exotic chocolates in different flavours.

The shop also offers customised one-of-its-kind chocolate arrangements for special events such as baby showers, announcing the arrival of a precious bundle of joy, wedding gifts and much more. The shop also caters to corporate gifts that can be customised according to the client’s specifications.

“There are some special moments in life that you want to celebrate and do something so unique that the memories will last for a long time even after it is over. We hope to make Blessing the one shop that comes to mind

SWEET BLESSING: Mohsin Haider Darwish inaugurated the

Blessing chocolate showroom in the presence of Areej Mohsin Haider Darwish, Rima Kotaiche El Husseini, CEO of Blessing Lebanon at Oman Avenues Mall. – Jun Estrada / TIMES OF OMAN

to mark such eventful occasions,” explained Areej, deputy chairperson of Mohsin Haider Darwish, who has a string of achievements to her credit in diverse sectors and was named in Forbes’ Most Influential Arab Women 2013 as well as Forbes 200 Most Powerful Women 2014.

The team at Blessing is committed to providing individual attention to every client. Most important, it puts in a lot of thought and works within the cultural norms and values of the country it operates in. It prides in getting

repeat customers and attracts new clients mainly through word of mouth and visual connection, best seen during large events.

The management believes its products set a benchmark and speak for themselves. Even during the soft opening, the Oman Avenues Mall outlet has already catered to baby gifts and corporate gifts according to Shirin El-Chami, the Business Development manager at the outlet. If this is an indication of things to come, Blessing is sure to leave an indelible impression in the market.

PA I D H O L I D AY V I S I T

Oman Hotels rewards outstanding staff MUSCAT: Oman Hotels & Tourism Co., which owns and operates a prestigious portfolio of hotels in the Sultanate, honoured its outstanding employees with an all expenses paid holiday visit to Sri Lanka.

During their tour these employees will be hosted and get to experience the hospitality of several of the award winning hotels within the Aitken Spence Hotels chain, says a press release.

Oman Hotels chain in Oman comprises Al Falaj Hotel and Ruwi Hotel in Muscat, Al Wadi Hotel in Sohar, Sur Plaza Hotel in Sur and the luxury Desert Nights Camp in the Wahiba Sands.

Oman Hotels has adopted this

initiative over the past several years as a means to recognise and reward employees who have shown exceptional performance as well as a motivational tool to encourage others to aspire for same. Several employees who

have had the opportunity of being recognised with this award and have made the trip to Sri Lanka have come back with renewed enthusiasm and energy which highlights the importance of this endeavour.

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

S AV I N G S C H E M E

ahlibank picks daily MyHassad winners MUSCAT: ahlibank announced the names of the MyHassad daily prize draw winners.

Seemin Anwar Othman from Avenues Mall Branch, Nabil Dawood Abdul Rahim Al Balushi from Mabelah branch, Sami Abdulla Sulaiman Al Balushi from Sohar branch and Salim Said Al Bakhet Fadhil from Salalah branch were the lucky winners of OMR1,000 each for the week, says a press release.

MyHassad savings account continues to successfully satisfy the existing customers and attract new ones.

MyHassad Saving Scheme was introduced in July 2008 as an extension of the bank’s tradition of product innovation.

Opening MyHassad Saving account is simple and easy.

Customers need only to open their MyHassad account with OMR100 for their chance to win OMR1,000 in the next working

ROUND-UP

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

Love us on Facebook

day’s draw hence their chance to “open today and win tomorrow” continues. Further enhancements in March 2009 allows customers to participate in the OMR10,000 monthly draw, by maintaining a minimum OMR250 during the month.

Effective from June 2010 customers can also transfer their salaries to MyHassad saving account and will be eligible to enter in the daily, monthly draw as per the balance maintained.

This highlights the commitment of the bank to its long-term MyHassad account holders.

As one of the leading banks in the Sultanate, ahlibank pledges to provide innovative, efficient and secure products and services to give their valued customers a convenient banking experience.

Opening an account with ahlibank is the first step towards smarter and convenient banking services.

B7

Three-day Oman Office expo to open tomorrow The exhibition has been organised by well-known exhibitions and conferences management firm Global Exhibitions & Conferences, which has several other highprofile trade fairs to its name MUSCAT: Oman’s trade expo on the office workspace environment will kick off tomorrow, offering customers and visitors an unprecedented opportunity to choose from the most comprehensive display of equipment, products and services ever to go on show under one roof in the Sultanate.

The Oman Office 2015 will take place till Wednesday at Oman International Exhibition Centre.

The three-day event has been organised by well-known exhibitions and conferences management firm Global Exhibitions & Conferences, which has several other high-profile trade fairs to its name, says a press release.

Underscoring the government’s backing for this event, this year’s Oman Office Show will be formally inaugurated by Eng. Ridha bin Jumaa Al-Saleh, vice chairman

for Administration and Financial Affairs, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He will be joined by high-ranking dignitaries from the government and private sectors at the opening.

Exhibits spanning a vast product and service categories will be showcased at the event. The list includes boardroom furniture, audiovisual equipment, filing & storage systems, modular systems, fit-outs & interior designs, office automation & solutions, partitions & screens, paints, wall coverings & floorings, and security solutions. For the productivity-driven and environment-conscious, there are innovative office solutions to choose from as well.

Seminars For the first time, the show will feature a series of seminars spotlighting topics of vital interest to the seller and user communities.

Industry experts will take turns to

offer useful insights on issues that have implications for consumer health, wellness, cost-savings, productivity, best practice, and so on.

Various presentations will look at, among other things, the benefits associated with the use of ergonomic furniture, best practices in interior design, office technology and automation trends, Big Data, CRM systems, ERP systems and Cloud systems, warehousing and inventory management, and security technologies for offices and warehouses.

“From the outset of its launch four years ago, the Oman Office Show has evolved into the nation’s definitive trade fair exclusively dedicated to office and workplace solutions. Its broad-based scope, strong B2B and B2C emphasis, and all-round appeal, have been hallmarks of this yearly exposition on the ideal office environment,” said C. J. Paul, CEO, GEC.

SEASONAL OFFERS

Unmatched benefits on Nissan Patrol till October 16 MUSCAT: Meticulously engineered for over 60 years, the Patrol is Nissan’s flagship SUV model with a rich heritage and passionate following in the Middle East that dates back to the 1950s. Housed under Suhail Bahwan Automobiles in Oman, the Nissan Patrol comes with refreshed styling enhancements that add more style to its already impressive ‘go anywhere’ versatility, technology and comfort, says a press release.

Nissan’s seasonal offers on the Patrol will last till October 16, promising a one-of-a-kind experience to its patrons. Nissan has a heritage of showcasing some of the most amazing benefits for their customers by introducing unique offers on their prestigious line up of vehicles. In an effort to make Nissan vehicles affordable and accessible to all, Suhail Bahwan Automobiles has taken up this unique initiative.

Unique offering Auto enthusiasts can now avail exciting benefits on the Nissan Patrol Y61 and Y62 that include cash gift up to OMR500, free insurance

zone climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels with full-size spare, side steps, front and rear parking sensors with rear view camera and keyless entry and start.

(Oman only), free service for two years or 20,000 kms (periodic maintenance only), free registration, 6 years unlimited mileage warranty and easy and convenient financing options. Flexible EMIs can also be tailor made for any individual requirement from inhouse Auto Finance team.

Interactive social media initiative: Customers can also get unlimited access to Nissan’s prestigious vehicle line up at the comfort of their homes or offices. Simply visit Nissan Oman’s Facebook page i.e http://www.facebook.com/Sbanissanoman or send an SMS to get updated information on any of the vehicles from the house of Nissan.

Enhancements The Nissan Patrol comes with a new front bumper and new vigorous and muscular front grille pattern with chrome. New 20” machining cut alloy wheels, LED headlamps with day time running light and pop-up headlamp washer with new LED rear combination lamp and roof rails add to the range of new features. The Nissan Patrol also possess a 3rd gen-

eration around view monitor with parking assist display and back-up collision intervention (BCI) which alerts the driver when a moving object is detected behind the vehicle when in reverse mode.

Mighty Patrol Patrol derives power-train efficiency equipped with 5-speed automatic transmission with manual mode introduced on the XE grade

with a combination of leather/ wood steering wheel. The Nissan Patrol is now available with new exterior colours — Grey Metallic and Pure White Pearl — as well as a new Tan interior colour.

There is no shortage of comforts on board the new Nissan Patrol with all grades featuring an array of standard features including 8-way power driver’s seat, cruise control, 7-inch LCD screen, dual-

D I G I TA L M I L E S T O N E

Qatar Airways becomes first airline to pass 10m fan mark on Facebook DOHA: Qatar Airways secured another digital milestone last week as the five-star airline became the world’s first to pass the 10-millionfan mark on Facebook, reaffirming its position as the world’s most popular airline on the most popular social media network.

The airline first became the most popular carrier ever on Facebook when it passed eight million fans in December 2014, and has held the title consistently since, says a press release.

Akbar Al Baker, group chief executive, Qatar Airways, said: “Qatar Airways’ success is directly related to our connection with our customers, whether onboard or online.

“Awards such as the 2015 Skytrax World’s Best Airline and recognition such as this recent milestone achieved with 10 million fans on Facebook serve to motivate us to continue anticipating our customers’ needs and delivering a great experience. With-

out our loyal passengers and our social media fans, none of this would be possible.”

Qatar Airways created its Facebook account in 2011, and has

grown its on-line community through multiple engagement strategies, including current competitions such as “The Heart of Barca”, where FC Barcelona fans

can enter to win exclusive prizes and experiences. Other successes include the recent “#DreamSterdam” competition, asking fans to submit original art work capturing the spirit of Amsterdam, which Qatar Airways started serving in June 2015.

More than 280 original art work pieces were submitted for this competition, and a gallery is available on Qatar Airways’ Facebook page to view them.

Salam Al Shawa, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Communications Qatar Airways said: “We are so proud of this achievement, because our fans provide instant feedback and validation, and together we are a community that learns from each other and celebrates milestones together. Our fans represent all of the regions of the world we serve, more than 150 destinations on six continents, and they all share the same love of travel and the wonder of flying.”

Leading performance The Nissan Patrol features the world’s first variable 4x4 mode select switch, which allows drivers to effortlessly switch between sand, on-road and rock drive modes. The Patrol is remarkably capable in sand mode, enabling safe driving options, quickly and skilfully, as compared to professional rally drivers.

The Patrol also employs the Worlds-first Advanced Hydraulic body motion control system (HBMC) with 4-wheel independent suspension. Along with a new chassis and body frame, it gives the vehicle superb stability on rugged arid sandy terrain, while delivering a comfortable ride in the city. The Vehicle Dynamic Control automatically prevents the Patrol from sliding sideways on slippery road surfaces when changing lanes or negotiating a curve. The Traction Control System senses when

a front wheel slips and responds by instantly reducing throttle to help restore grip. Lastly the Locking Rear Differential allows drivers to pull out of mud or loose sand easily by distributing torque evenly to the rear wheels.

The Patrol boasts of Power OVRM and Body Coloured with LED turn Lamps and puddle lamp.

It also features Front Fog Lamp, Rear View Camera, Audio AM/ FM/ CD/MP3 + Aux Input + 6 Speakers. The interiors feature Leather Steering and Shift Knob, Driver seat –Power with 8ways Slide, Lift (2 ways), Recline, and Lumber. It also has Front Dual Airbags and Rear diff lock (Std) + ISO Fix, ABS, VDC, LSD, HAS, HDC and Immobiliser. SBA is largely committed to supporting Nissan’s growth in the Sultanate through major emphasis on customer satisfaction and by providing worldclass after-sales services in Oman.

With a national network of more than 19 showrooms, 22 service centres and 35 spare parts outlets, SBA has further built upon its legacy of trust, excellent customer service and providing value for money.

B8

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

ROUND-UP

Love us on Facebook

New Bank Sohar offers for Excel card holders The new promotion offers Bank Sohar Excel Card holders based in or travelling to London during the current month an opportunity to enjoy exclusive discount offers from 50 leading brands within the city

MUSCAT: Bank Sohar has announced the launch of an exclusive promotion for its Excel card holders titled ‘Visa London Promotion 2015’. Adding to the already extensive range of benefits, the new promotion offers Bank Sohar Excel Card holders based in or travelling to London during the current month an opportunity to enjoy exclusive discount offers from 50 leading brands within the city.

Running from September 9 till October 9, this new promotion provides Bank Sohar card holders with exclusive discounts from some of the city’s most iconic fashion and retail stores, hotels, cultural sites and restaurants.

Paying with any of Bank Sohar’s Excel Cards, customers can redeem the offers at check-out from any participating merchant stores that include the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Karen Millen, The Radisson Blu Hotel and many more,

says a press release.

“At Bank Sohar, we always look for opportunities to deliver better value to our customers. Complementing the existing extensive range of features and benefits that our Excel Cards provide their users, this latest promotion will further add value to those card holders based in or travelling to London during the promotion period. Furthermore, the promotion will enable our Excel Platinum Credit Card and Excel Diamond Infinite Credit Card holders to

benefit from the recently launched cards loyalty program as and when they use their cards in participating stores under the Visa London Promotion 2015,” said R. Narasimhan, DGM and Head of Retail Banking at Bank Sohar.

Alongside this special offer, Bank Sohar Excel Credit Cards also provide an array of other benefits to customers including Travel Insurance, Purchase Protection, Zero Lost Card Liability, Free Priority Pass and online shopping security via Verified by Visa and more.

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

A PA R T M E N T D E V E L O P E R S

Latest Badr Group housing project Dahlia now for sale MUSCAT: Following the overwhelming success of their recent development launches, Badr Group recently launched Dahlia, their latest apartment project for sale.

Dahlia, a vibrant flower that has over 42 varieties, is known for its strength and beauty. With a robust tuber root system that enables it to live in high altitudes to its stunningly beautiful flower shapes, the Dahlia flower graces many important gardens worldwide. Standing tall like the flower, Dahlia in Al Qurum will become recognised for its impact on the landscape and its welcoming appeal, says a press release.

Comprising 72 apartments over 6 floors, Dahlia Al Qurum is located in the bustling new Qurum area close to PDO and its exciting array of shops, cafes and restaurants are destined to be-

come one of the most sought after housing areas of Qurum.

“Dahlia is the result of reviewing our experiences from past projects and taking the very best from all and combining them to create a masterpiece in terms of residential development. First class fittings, contemporary designs and environmentally friendly building practices have all been put into place to make Dahlia our most successful venture yet,” said Yasir Suleiman, director of Badr Group.

Savills have been appointed as the exclusive sales agent and Shiji Thomas, head of Sales said: “We are always excited to be involved in projects by Badr Group. We are confident in their ability to deliver quality product on time and this latest offering is likely to please and appeal to buyers seeking a sound investment for the future in this exciting new area of Qurum.”

CLARITY ASSURANCE

Mercedes to follow new nomenclature system MUSCAT: With the growth of the Mercedes-Benz model portfolio forecast to include more than 30 models available on the worldwide market by 2020, Mercedes-Benz has announced a new, simple and logical vehicle nomenclature system that will ensure clarity for the millions of Mercedes-Benz lovers around the globe.

Based on model series, different body variants and drive systems, the new system will come into operation in Q4 of 2015, and will begin with the Mercedes-Benz SUV range, followed by the Roadsters in 2016, says a press release.

“Historically, our vehicle nomenclature system has been iconic in itself, with the names of many of our model series at least as well known as the Mercedes-Benz brand name,” said Dirk Fetzer, director of Sales & Marketing at Daimler Middle East & Levant. “Given the intense rollout programme we’re following – we currently have 11 brand new models in our 2020 plan that currently have no predecessor – and due to the fact that Mercedes-Benz enjoys exceptional global appeal, we have adopted an even simpler, easyto-follow system for the designations of our model series. The introduction of our new SUV range in Q4 2015 is the ideal time to establish the new nomenclature as a prelude for the roll-out.

Easy to understand The nomenclature system is straightforward and easy to understand. The model designation is always an acronym made up of one to three upper-case letters. The different types of engine are indicated by a lowercase letter. The system centres around the five core model series, A, B, C, E and S, which will continue providing orientation for customers.

In the case of model designations for the SUVs, and in tribute to the legendary G-Class, all SUV models will carry the first two letters ‘GL’ in their name. The ‘G’ here denotes the car’s lineage. The ‘L’ is a letter that has appeared time and time again over the history of Mercedes-Benz and serves as a linking letter to make model designations easier to remember and easier to pronounce; for example, the legendary SL , and more recently, the CLS and CLA. The last letter of the model indicates the relationship to the relevant core model series.

The system for the 4-door Coupés is constructed along similar lines. The first two letters, “CL”, denote the origin, the third letter the link to one of the core model series: in other words CLA or CLS. From 2016, Mercedes-Benz Roadsters will all include ‘SL’ in their names to denote their origin, with the third letter again the link to one of the core model series. The SLK therefore becomes the new SLC.

C

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM SUNDAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

SECTION

THREE-GOAL NAISMITH ROCKS CHELSEA

SPOR

Jose Mourinho refused to condemn his Chelsea flops after their Premier League title defence was plunged into turmoil as Steven Naismith’s hat-trick gave Everton a 3-1 win on Saturday. >C3

YOUR GAME

S

INSIDE LIFESTYLE

TRY & WHY

Here are a few simple, time-tested d foods, techniques, and remedies to try, and a bit about why. >C9

Oman shootout Bahrain to lift GCC U-19 title Oman defeated Bahrain via penalties to emerge the champions. This is the second GCC crown to be won by Oman as many weeks as the junior team won the GCC under-17 title on August 29 CHAMPIONS: Oman players celebrate after defeating Bahrain in the

final of the GCC U-19 Football Championship in Doha on Saturday.

MUSCAT: The Sultanate’s under-19 squad staged a sensational fight back to defeat Bahrain 5-3 via penalties to lift the GCC Under-19 Football Championship in Doha on Saturday.

This is the second GCC crown to be won by Oman as many weeks as Rasheed Jaber-coached Oman

under-19s emulated their junior national team, who won the GCC under-17 title on August 29 when they defeated Saudi Arabia 5-3 via penalties.

In Saturday’s final, Oman under-19 team came back from a goal deficit to tie the score 1-1 at the end of regulation time.

Though they were jolted by a 27th minute goal by Bahrain’s Khalil, Oman kept fighting and played aggressive game that has been the hallmark of their game throughout the tournament.

While Bahrain managed to keep

THIRD EDITION

OFA thrilled with start to new season as OPL kicks off today MUSCAT: Thanks to the achievements of the national teams, especially the age group squads, in the recent days, the Oman Football Association (OFA) is thrilled with the start to the new season as the third edition of the Omantel Professional League (OPL) will kick off on Sunday.

The 2015-16 season of the OPL starts on Sunday even as the football loving Omanis are celebrating the feats of national U-17 and U-19 teams, the former winning the GCC championships two weeks ago and the latter also emerging reginal champions on Saturday.

The OPL Week 1 action begins with three matches on Sunday when Al Nasr clash with Suwaiq at Al Saada Sports Complex in Salalah, Al Nahda facing Al Musannah at Al Buraimi Sports Complex and Fanja taking on Muscat at Seeb Sports Stadium.

The remaining first week matches will be played on Monday when Al Arouba will launch their title defence against Salalah at Al Saada Sports Complex.

Three more matches will be played on the same day with Sohar playing Sur and Al Khabourah facing Saham in a double header at Sohar Sports Complex while Al Shabab square off against Dhofar at Seeb Sports Stadium.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the OFA said: “The Omantel

Oman Football Association chief Sayyid Khalid Al Busaidi expressed his ‘thanks to the specialised committees and Omantel Professional League officials for their efforts in making all arrangements for the third edition of the professional football season as well as the clubs for their sincere cooperation in the various competitions’

Professional League for 2015-16 season will kick off on Sunday amidst achievements of the national teams and that indicates the OFA is on the right track of development.”

OFA chief Sayyid Khalid Al Busaidi expressed his ‘thanks to the specialised committees and Omantel Professional League officials for their efforts in preparing for the new season as well as the clubs for their sincere cooperation in the various competitions’.

Interestingly the OFA statement does not refer to the issue of Al Arouba, who are expected to be pulled up by the association’s disciplinary committee following

their refusal to play the season opening Super Cup match.

Al Arouba failed turn for both pre-match press conference and the match leading to their opponents Fanja being declared the winners.

Meanwhile, Omantel Professional League CEO Sheikh Shabib Al Hosni said all arrangements are in place for the start of the league.

He also Ministry of Sports Affairs, the Ministry of Health and Royal Oman Police and all departments concerned and all partners, mainly Omantel, the official sponsor of Omantel Professional League, for their co-operation.

them at bay for in the first half and early in the first half, Oman found the equaliser through Talal Khamis in the 69th minute.

In the ensuing shootout, Bahrain blinked first when Talal Ali shot the ball wide while taking

the first penalty. Though Mohammed Yousuf, Ali Hassan and Ziayd Ali kept the Bahrain in the match, Oman scored off all five attempts — thanks to fine efforts by Salah Saeed, Baqeet Salem, Ahmed Jamil, Talal Khamis and Omran Saeed — to emerge the champions.

Earlier in the evening, Kuwait defeated Saudi Arabia by a solitary goal to settle for the third place.

Oman had played aggressive and attractive football throughout the tournament, which led to coach Rasheed Jaber saying the commendable performances augurs well for the future of Oman team.

Speaking after their sensational sudden death shootout semifinal victory over Saudi Arabia, despite being reduced to ten men, the Omani coach said: “The boys has shown shown lot of character

and concentration to fight back and win the matches. It is good to see these players go through those tense and come out with flying colours. I am sure such situations will help them develop their game both individually and as a team,” he added.

“This tournament will help us to judge the potential of this team and prepare them for the forthcoming AFC U-19 Championship qualifiers,” he said.

In the AFC U-19 qualifiers Oman are placed in Group D along with Qatar, Lebanon and Kyrgyzstan.

The Group D matches will be played in Doha when Oman will launch their campaign against Lebanon on October 2.

Then they will play Kyrgyzstan on October 4 before completing their engagements with a match against hosts Qatar on October 6.

C2

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

SPORTS

Stay ahead of the curve with WhatsNews

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY INSTALL WHATSNEWS

Gatlin ‘hungry’ for more after ‘bittersweet’ Beijing worlds The controversial American, who

Next year’s going to be a different look so I think a lot of people are not going to see me as early, but when I do show up I’m going to show up

has served two doping bans, said his experience at last month’s World Athletics Championships in Beijing had been “bittersweet”, as Bolt

Justin Gatlin

beat him into silver in

American sprint star

both 100 and 200m

BRUSSELS: Justin Gatlin has warned that he will be “hungry” when the Rio Olympics roll around in 2016 after bringing to an end a “successful yet bittersweet” year in which he won double world sprint silvers.

Gatlin, in the absence of Jamaican star Usain Bolt, won the 100m in 9.98sec at Friday’s season-ending Diamond League meet in Brussels, but sustained a thigh strain that saw him withdraw from the 200m as a precaution.

The controversial American, who has served two doping bans, said his experience at last month’s World Athletics Championships in Beijing had been “bittersweet”, as Bolt beat him into silver in both the 100 and 200m.

“I regard it as a successful season,” the 33-year-old said of 2015, when he set the fastest 100m of the year back, 9.74sec, in Doha in May. “I’ve been leading from the start of the season so for me to come out here and do something is successful within itself.

“To be able to come away from

CRICKET

surprise yourself and the audience when you do run fast, that’s for any track athlete. To be able to come away with two silver medals is still very, very good.”

Consistency Gatlin, who will be 34 when the Rio Games come around, said the buildup to the Olympics would be different to his normal season when he likes to start running very early.

“This coming year I have to run the 100 and 200m, three rounds at the US national trials,” he said.

“Next year’s going to be a differ-

Focussed on running Gatlin rebounded from a first doping ban to claim 100m gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics and the sprint double at the 2005 worlds in Helsinki before then serving a second doping ban between 2006-10.

He returned from that latter suspension to nail the 2012 world 60m indoor title, Olympic bronze at the London Games and a world silver in Moscow a year later.

But Gatlin insisted he had paid no attention to what he dubbed a skewed build-up to his on-track battle with Bolt, who has never tested positive, often portrayed as one of “good against evil”.

“I didn’t focus on that when I got to Beijing, I didn’t worry about the articles, read anything, I just focused on running, that’s what I do,” he said. - AFP

Paris submits its candidature to IOC to host 2024 Games PARIS: Paris has officially declared itself a candidate to host the 2024 Olympic Games by submitting its letter of intention to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Saturday, the Olympic Ambition Association (AAO) announced.

“The Olympic spirit and the city of Paris share a common attachment to unity in diversity, tolerance in the face of differences and the same belief in peace of openness,” the letter, addressed to IOC President Thomas Bach and signed jointly

by French National Olympic Committee president Denis Masseglia, and Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, explained.

The AAO, who are organising the bid, promise to “build a project which is unforgettable, innovative, responsible and sustainable”.

The letter concluded: “Hosting the Games is to open up to the world and Paris is firmly rooted in the tradition of extending a welcome, which our candidature hopes to express.”

Budapest, Hamburg, Los Angeles and Rome have also declared an interest in hosting the Games in 2024, while Toronto, Doha and Baku have yet to decide officially whether to pursue their Olympic ambitions.

A decision on the 2024 host city will be taken at the IOC Congress in Lima in September 2017. - AFP

MOTOGP

Streak to coach Bangladesh A DHAKA: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Saturday appointed former Zimbabwean pacer Heath Streak as their A team coach for the India tour.

Bangladesh Cricket Board opted for Bangladesh’s senior team bowling coach as most of the A team players are from the national team, reports bdnews24.com.

Naming Mominul Haque as

a world championships and win medals where there were some athletes who are great athletes who didn’t even get to the finals or make the podium in Beijing, so to come away with two silvers, I’m happy with that.

“Obviously I want more so that’s going to make me hungry in 2016.”

Looking back at his Beijing experience, Gatlin said: “It’s bittersweet. Obviously I wanted to go out there and win and run a very fast time.

“In track and field, sometimes you run fast and sometimes you

ent look so I think a lot of people are not going to see me as early, but when I do show up I’m going to show up.”

Gatlin said that he would again be seeking “consistency”, as he had done this season.

“The goal is bettering myself from last year,” he explained. “In 2014 I was running a lot of 9.8sec, this year I ran a lot of 9.7s, I just pushed the envelope a little more, in China, to better myself.

“It wasn’t a perfect season when it came to the last 30 metres of my race even with the faster times, and those are things I can work on in 2016 and hopefully get some faster times.”

O LY M P I C S

captain, the Bangladesh Cricket Board had also announced a 15man squad on Tuesday, including 14 international cricketers.

Bangladesh A team are scheduled to fly to India on Sunday for a two-week tour.

They will play three one-day matches and two three-day matches against their Indian counter-parts. - IANS

Lorenzo blitzes to San Marino pole SAN MARINO: Jorge Lorenzo will start from pole in Sunday’s San Marino MotoGP after the Yamaha rider clocked the quickest time and a track record in an electric qualifying performance on Saturday.

Spain’s two-time former champion, who trails Italian teammate Valentino Rossi by 12 points in the 2015 title race, has compatriot Marc Marquez, on a Honda, and Rossi for company on the front row.

Lorenzo has proved hard to catch so far at the Misano circuit, posting a record time for the track in final practice, earlier Saturday, before bettering his mark when it counted in qualifying.

He claimed his third pole of the season and the 33rd of his career in MotoGP with a time of 1min 32.146sec on his second run.

He was irked by nine-time champion Rossi having looked on for a 1:31 on his third run only to be slowed by Rossi riding slowly on the racing line.

Marquez, who held the previous track record of 1:32.915), took second spot, just over a tenth of a second slower than Lorenzo with

QUICKEST: Yamaha MotoGP Spanish rider Jorge Lorenzo celebrates after taking pole position during

the qualifying session of the San Marino MotoGP in Misano Adriatico on Saturday. – AFP

Rossi, who has finished on the podium in every one of the 12 races so far this season, at 0.212sec in third spot.

The second row is occupied by Marquez’ Honda teammate Dani

Pedrosa, the Ducati of Michele Pirro, and Bradley Smith’s Yamaha.

The race looks set up for Lorenzo’s fourth win at the circuit after taking the honours in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

The Moto2 pole went to championship trailblazer Johann Zarco of France, on a Kalex.

Italy’s Enea Bastianini of Honda will be heading the grid in Moto3. - Reuters

CRICKET

‘Windies selectors erred with Permaul snub’ GEORGETOWN: Former Guyana batsman Rabindranauth Seeram has criticised West Indies selectors for overlooking left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.

Permaul, the leading wickettaker in the 2014-15 first class season, was last week left out of the 15man squad in favour of uncapped Barbados left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican, reports CMC. “The selectors definitely made a huge error by not taking Per-

maul to Sri Lanka. I am not too sure what basis they want to pick the team on, but I believe form plays an important part in our selection,” Seeram said.

Permaul finished with 67 wickets during the WICB Professional Cricket League (PCL) as Guyana Jaguars romped to capture the inaugural title. However, the 26-year-old was less than spectacular in his two Tests this year, taking four wickets in the third Test against England and two in

the second Test against Australia in Kingston. Overall, he has taken 18 wickets in six Tests at 43 runs apiece. Warrican, meanwhile, snared 49 wickets at 14 runs apiece for Barbados Pride.

Seeram, who averaged 35 in 41 first class games between 1983 and 1992, said Permaul and legspinner Devendra Bishoo would have formed an excellent partnership on the spin-friendly wickets in Sri Lanka.

“The Guyanese spin twins of

Devendra Bishoo and Veerasammy Permaul have proven time and again in recent history that they can consistently demolish batting sides. Both spinners complement each other well and in Sri Lanka where the pitches are on the slow side, the two would have to deliver the goods for us,” Seeram said.

West Indies play two Tests, three One-Day Internationals (ODI) and two Twenty20 Internationals in a tour running from October 14 to November 12. - IANS

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

C3

SPORTS Three-goal Naismith sinks Chelsea, City edge Palace

LA LIGA

Matic pulled one back for Chelsea, but Naismith completed his treble in the closing stages to condemn the Blues —with three defeats from their five matches — to their worst start to a season since 1988 HAT-TRICK HERO: Everton’s Steven Naismith scores goal during their Premier League match against

SENSATIONAL STUFF: Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, centre,

celebrates with teammates after scoring one of his five goal during their Spanish La Liga match against Espanyol at the Power8 stadium in Cornella de Llobregat on Saturday. – AFP

Five-goal Ronaldo powers Read rout over Espanyol MADRID: Cristiano Ronaldo opened his account for the season in spectacular fashion with five goals as Real Madrid thrashed Espanyol 6-0 on Saturday.

The Portuguese dispelled any doubts over his form by slotting home the opener from Luka Modric’s wonderful pass before doubling his tally from the penalty spot after Gareth Bale had been felled inside the area.

Bale crossed for Ronaldo to complete his 32nd hat-trick for Madrid before the World Player of the Year turned provider himself for Karim Benzema to tap home a fourth before half-time.

Ronaldo then rounded off the scoring with two more smart finishes after the break.

Victory moves Madrid to the top of the table, one point ahead of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona who face off later on Saturday.

Los Blancos were in action for the first time since their botched deal to sign Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea collapsed due to the paperwork between the clubs being completed minutes after the Spanish transfer deadline.

However, Keylor Navas proved he can be a worthy successor to Iker Casillas with a fine save from Felipe Caicedo to prevent Espanyol getting off to a flying start.

The result was never in doubt

once the visitors took the lead seven minutes in, though, as Ronaldo controlled Modric’s brilliant through ball before placing the ball inside the far post.

Bale was playing once more in a central role behind Benzema in attack and produced his best performance in a Madrid shirt for some time as his driving run into the box was cut short by Alvaro Gonzalez.

Ronaldo converted the resulting penalty confidently and was the beneficiary of another Bale assist moments later to level Madrid legend Raul’s record of 228 league goals for the club.

Another surging run from Bale helped set up the fourth as he fed Ronaldo and the former Manchester United man squared for Benzema to apply a simple finish.

Benzema could have even added a fifth before half-time as his driven effort was brilliantly tipped onto the post by Espanyol ‘keeper Pau Lopez.

Bale was the creator once more when the fifth did arrive just after the hour mark as he unselfishly teed up Ronaldo to roll home his fourth of the afternoon.

And Ronaldo matched his own personal record of five goals in a game when Madrid smashed Granada 9-1 last season by thumping home Lucas Vazquez’s pass 10 minutes from time. - AFP

LONDON: Jose Mourinho refused to condemn his Chelsea flops after their Premier League title defence was plunged into turmoil as Steven Naismith’s hat-trick gave Everton a 3-1 win on Saturday.

Mourinho’s side made a miserable start at Goodison Park as Scotland forward Naismith came off the bench to score twice in the space of five minutes mid-way through the first half.

Nemanja Matic pulled one back for Chelsea before the interval, but Naismith completed his treble in the closing stages to condemn the Blues — with three defeats and only four points from their five matches — to their worst start to a season since 1988.

It left Chelsea 11 points below leaders Manchester City, who snatched a late 1-0 win at Crystal Palace, but Mourinho claimed

Chelsea at Goodison Park in on Saturday. – Reuters

he had no complaints about his team’s performance and blamed bad luck for their recent woes.

“I am a champion, the players are the champions, the way they are playing is not as bad as the results, but in every single game things are going against us,” Mourinho told BT Sport.

“We have to cope with it. Football is about results. It’s easy to say and I agree completely, but results are too bad. I don’t blame my players and I don’t blame myself. I don’t accept the results.”

Mourinho’s mood will have worsened after early-season pacesetters City won 1-0 at Palace courtesy of a last-minute goal by substitute Kelechi Iheanacho.

City had earlier lost Sergio Ague-

ro through injury, but prevailed when 18-year-old Nigerian striker Iheanacho poked in the rebound from a Samir Nasri shot to preserve the visitors’ 100 percent record.

Aguero was forced off in the 24th minute after a heavy challenge by Scott Dann, which saw Kevin De Bruyne come on for his City debut following his £54 million ($83.3 million) switch from Wolfsburg.

The result left Alan Pardew’s Palace third, six points below City and a point behind Arsenal, who won 2-0 at home to Stoke City.

After Alexis Sanchez had twice hit the post, Theo Walcott put Arsenal ahead from Mesut Ozil’s pass in the 31st minute and Olivier Giroud sealed victory with a header five minutes from time.

Elsewhere, Swansea City saw their unbeaten start to the season ended in a 1-0 defeat at promoted Watford.

Odion Ighalo put Watford ahead from Troy Deeney’s knock-down shortly before the hour and the hosts held on for victory despite the dismissal of Valon Behrami for an ugly foul on Andre Ayew.

Norwich City beat fellow promoted side Bournemouth 3-1 to claim their first home win of the campaign. Cameron Jerome, Wes Hoolahan and debutant Matt Jarvis found the net for Alex Neil’s side, with Steve Cook replying for Bournemouth.

The day’s other game saw Southampton draw 0-0 at West Bromwich Albion. - AFP

AL HADITHA PETROLEUM SERVICES WIN OMAN UNIFIED BOWLERS LEAGUE

Al Haditha Petroleum Services emerged champions at Oman Unified Bowlers League Season 6 which concluded at Oman Bowling Centre in Al Khuwait recently. Al Mawali Cargo finished as first runners-up and Pin Twisters were second runners-up while Mortada Alley Masters settled for the third place. — Supplied photo

C4

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

SPORTS

Chip-and-charge Federer braces for ‘straight shootout’ with Djokovic After losing his second Wimbledon final in succession to Djokovic in July, the Swiss veteran beat the Serb on his way to a seventh Cincinnati Masters crown. He has also not dropped a set since his All England Club defeat, a stretch of 28 sets

NEW YORK: Roger Federer hopes to ride a wave of emotion as he targets a sixth US Open title and 18th major on Sunday in a “straight shootout” against world No. 1 Novak Djokovic.

Federer, 34, is bidding to become the oldest champion in New York since 35-year-old Australian Ken Rosewall in 1970.

Playing in his 27th Grand Slam final and seventh at the US Open, Federer, the champion from 20042008 and runner-up in 2009, is a man reborn.

After losing his second Wimbledon final in succession to Djokovic in July, the Swiss veteran beat the Serb on his way to a seventh Cincinnati Masters crown.

He has also not dropped a set since his All England Club defeat, a stretch of 28 sets.

At the US Open, he has held serve in 80 of 82 games and has stunned opponents with his new ‘SABR’ (‘Sneak Attack By Roger’) chip-and-charge tactic.

His semifinal demolition of French Open champion and compatriot Stan Wawrinka was as brutal as Djokovic’s dismantling of defending champion Marin Cilic.

The top seed allowed the Croatian just three games in the most lopsided semifinal in tournament history. Federer also has the crowd on his side as he pursues his first Grand Slam title since Wimbledon in 2012.

“I definitely think if there would be more on my side that will give me a lift and extra energy and momentum possibly. That could swing the match a little bit,” said Federer, aware that despite his status as world No. 1, Djokovic often struggles to command a crowd’s respect.

“But other than that, obviously Novak is a great player. Both of us have played in all tough conditions, and you’ve got to play well to beat him. There is no question about that.”

There could be spiky sub-plots.

Djokovic has been almost dismissive of Federer’s new chipand-charge off a second serve.

“I haven’t considered doing that.

It’s an exciting shot for him. For the player opposite side of the net, not so much. So I have nothing else to say about that,” said the Serb on Friday.

Federer takes a 21-20 lead over Djokovic into Sunday’s final.

He also leads 3-2 in US Open meetings — including the 2007

AGELESS AND PEERLESS: Roger Federer

VERY ATHLETIC: Novak Djokovic

HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD

Novak Djokovic vs Roger federer head-to-head record ahead of Sunday’s US Open final at Flushing Meadows: OVERALL Federer leads Djokovic 21-20 GRAND SLAMS (year, tournament, surface, round, winner): 2007 Australian Open Hard R16 2007 US Open Hard F 2008 Australian Open Hard SF 2008 US Open Hard SF 2009 US Open Hard SF 2010 US Open Hard SF 2011 Australian Open Hard SF 2011 French Open Clay SF 2011 US Open Hard SF 2012 French Open Clay SF 2012 Wimbledon Grass SF 2014 Wimbledon Grass F 2015 Wimbledon Grass F

Roger Federer Roger Federer Novak Djokovic Roger Federer Roger Federer Novak Djokovic Novak Djokovic Roger Federer Novak Djokovic Novak Djokovic Roger Federer Novak Djokovic Novak Djokovic

6-2, 7-5, 6-3 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) 6-3, 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 7-6 (7/3), 7-5, 7-5 5-7, 6-1, 5-7, 6-2, 7-5 7-6 (7/3), 7-5, 6-4 7-6 (7/5), 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/5) 6-7 (7/9), 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 7-5 6-4, 7-5, 6-3 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 6-7 (7/9), 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 5-7, 6-4 7-6 (7/1), 6-7 (10/12), 6-4, 6-3 - AFP

championship match — but Djokovic won the last two, in the 2010 and 2011 semifinals.

Both those went to five sets.

Federer says he knows what to expect from Djokovic, claiming that Rafael Nadal was the player who tested him the most.

“With Novak it’s been more straightforward. That’s what I like about the rivalry. I feel like he doesn’t need to adjust his game as much,” said the Swiss.

“I think it’s just a straight shootout, and I think that’s the cool thing about our rivalry.

“It’s very athletic. We both can handle each other — whatever we present to one another, and I think our matches, it’s very even.”

Djokovic will be playing in his sixth US Open final, having been champion in 2011 and his 18th in all Grand Slams.

Sunday’s meeting will be the pair’s sixth of 2015, all in finals.

Had it not been for Wawrinka

playing the match of his life in June to defeat Djokovic and claim the French Open title, the Serb could have been pondering history on Sunday with a calendar Grand Slam.

“We we all know how consistent Roger is and how good he is in the latter stages of a Grand Slams and any other big tournament,” said Djokovic, a nine-time major winner.

“He’s always going to perform on a high level. Rarely he drops his level. He always makes you play your best.

“I know that he’s also lately being very aggressive coming to the net, mixing up, and trying to shorten out the points. I think also he improved his speed.

“His defensive game is better than it was. Maybe healthier.”

Wawrinka, having lost for the 17th time against his compatriot, believes Federer is playing some of his best tennis. “If he keeps this level, he’s going to be tough to beat,” said Wawrinka. - AFP

US OPEN

Pennetta, Vinci feat whips Italy into frenzy MILAN: Italian media was whipped into a tennis frenzy and Prime Minister Matteo Renzi cancelled all appointments to fly to New York after Flavia Pennetta and Roberta Vinci set up an unprecedented all-Italian women’s singles final at the US Open on Saturday.

“Pennetta-Vinci Queens of America,” headlined La Stampa newspaper, referring to the players’ respective feats of qualifying for the final for the first time in their careers.

It is the first Grand Slam final for either Pennetta and Vinci, and means the winner will become only the second Italian woman to win a Grand Slam singles crown after Francesca Schiavone at the 2010 French Open.

The Italians’ feat knocked everything else, including news related to Sunday’s Inter Milan v AC

REGULAR ITALIAN GIRLS: Flavia Pennetta, left, and Roberta Vinci

Milan derby off the front page of the country’s most popular sports daily, La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The pink-paged daily dedicated almost its entire front page to the Italians’ achievement.

‘We Love You’, screamed the

headline in English, with the letter ‘o’ from the word ‘Love’ made of a red heart — inside of which was written NY, for New York.

Vinci, ranked No. 43 in the world, caused the biggest upset of the tournament, and argu-

ably her career, on Friday when she stunned world No. 1 Serena Williams 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 to end the American’s dream of a calendar year Grand Slam title sweep.

It also ended Williams’ 33-match Grand Slam win streak.

Later on Saturday she will meet Pennetta, who at 33 will become the oldest first-time finalist at a major in the modern era after she beat Romanian Simona Halep in the semifinals. For Italy, a country with a passion for tennis but rarely used to seeing their top stars succeed on the international circuit, the celebrations have begun before a ball has been hit in anger.

“Two regular Italian girls make history already,” said the Corriere della Sera newspaper.

Pennetta leads their career rivalry 5-4 and has won both prior Grand Slam meetings. - AFP

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

SPORTS

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

Love us on Facebook

PERSEVERANCE PAYS FOR PAES Paes and Hingis edged past MattekSands and Querrey in a tricky final to win their third Major title together this season. And the 42-year-old Paes has now won nine Grand Slam mixed doubles titles to become the format’s most successful male player in the Open era

V

eteran Indian tennis star Leander Paes scripted history by notching up the US Open mixed doubles title with Swiss partner Martina Hingis to become the format’s most successful male player in the Open era.

The fourth seeded Indo-Swiss pair edged past unseeded Americans Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Sam Querrey 6-4, 3-6, 10-7 in a tricky final to win their third Major title together this season.

The 42-year-old Paes has now won nine Grand Slam mixed doubles titles, surpassing compatriot and former partner Mahesh Bhupathi’s record of eight titles.

He is now behind only the legendary Martina Navratilova, who won 10 mixed doubles trophies. Of those 10, two came with Paes when they won Australian Open and the Wimbledon in 2003.

With this win, the Paes-Hingis duo, which also won the Austral-

ian Open and the Wimbledon titles early this season, have become the first mixed doubles team since 1969 to win three Grand Slam mixed doubles titles in the same year.

It was Paes’ 17th Grand Slam title overall and Hingis’ 19th. Hingis has won four Grand Slam titles and all of them have come with Indians.

She won her first mixed doubles trophy with Mahesh Bhupathi when they won 2006 Australian Open. Hingis is also in contention in women’s doubles, where she is partnering Sania Mirza. The two had earlier won the Wimbledon this year.

They are up against Yaroslava Shvedova of Kazakhstan and Casey Dellacqua of Australia in the summit clash.

Paes and Hingis broke MattekSands at love to take a 2-1 lead in the opening set as the Swiss hit a forehand passing shot to secure the break. That break was all they needed, as Paes easily closed the set out at 5-4 when Hingis hit a volley winner.

A lone break of serve also decided the second set, as MattekSands hit two straight winners to break Hingis’ serve as the Americans led 3-1.

Hingis saved three set points on her serve at 2-5, but Querrey

easily held in the next game to send the contest into a deciding super tiebreak.

The unseeded Americans were cruising as they created a 4-1 cushion when they won both the points on Hingis’ serve to grab the first mini-break. But Hingis and Paes took the mini-break back on Mattek-Sands’ serve at the next opportunity.

The crucial point of the match came at 7-7, when Paes blocked Querrey’s serve for a clean passing-shot winner. He then won both points on his serve to close out the match, hitting an overhead winner on their first match point and then lifting Hingis in celebration.

Guts to go after goals All praise for partner Hingis, Paes said he neither has the technique nor the calibre to match the Swiss legend but he tries to make up for it with his perseverance.

Paes said more than the technique it is his never-say-die spirit that has got him success.

“Martina said something that was quite interesting. She said you have to have the guts to go after something, and I don’t believe that I personally have the technique or the calibre of talent that Martina has,” Paes said.

C5

“One thing I do have is the guts.

I will go for it. It’s been part of my whole life is about perseverance, just trying to find a way to succeed,” he added.

Paes said chemistry is key to any partnership and he enjoys a great relation with Hingis.

“Sometimes the chips are against you, sometimes they fool you. What I love about this teamwork is that in any partnership there’s got to be one person who brings the energy to the team.

There’s got to be one person who takes all the pressure on their shoulder and drives the team forward,” Paes said.

“I know if I can keep Martina happy, if I can keep her relaxed, the tennis I don’t even have to worry about. This young girl is phenomenal on the tennis court and off of it,” he said.

Paes also said that they train hard before the matches but at the same time training has never been a stress for them.

“We actually have our best times when we are on the practice court.

Like yesterday, we were there yesterday. We were on the practice court before the Australian Open.

We were on for like two hours practising for a final. Just having fun. I learn a lot from her.” - PTI

Age-defying Leander still hungry for trophies THE EFFERVESCENT and age-defying Leander Paes has again done India proud.

This time around, on the hard courts of the US Open, the 42-year-old legend partnered Swiss veteran Martina Hingis — his 24th mixed doubles partner — to beat unseeded Americans Bethanie MattekSands and Sam Querrey 6-4, 3-6, 10-7 in the final.

After one hour and 17 minutes of tussle, Paes pocketed his 17th Grand Slam title. His illustrious career, marked by high level of consistency, unfliching devotion and undying spirit, now includes nine mixed doubles titles and eight doubles titles. With this title, 42-yearold Paes became the first man to pocket nine mixed doubles title, surpassing compatriot and former doubles partner Mahesh Bhupathi, who has eight.

Paes and Hingis also first team since 1969 and second in the Open era to capture three of four Majors in a calendar year. At an age where profession sportspersons look for their second innings, Paes seemed to be unstoppable, still having the hunger of a boy who was trained at the Britannia Tennis Academy run by the Amritraj family.

Paes, whose father Vece Paes was a member of the Indian hockey team which won a bronze medal in the 1972 Munich Olympics and mother, Jennifer, was a member of the national basketball team, began playing tennis at the age of five and still feels he has many things to learn and that seems to be the key.

Paes, who is known as one of the best volleyers and a talented drop-shotter, made his presence felt in the tennis world by winning the Wimbledon Junior title way back in 1990 at age 17 - and this eventually proved to be the the turning point of his career.

Since then, the Calcutta (now Kolkata) born has been representing India at various international tournaments.

He has brought glory to the country by winning many tournaments, of which the Davis Cup and the bronze medal at the Atlanta Olympics 1996 is worth mentioning.

Paes remained the No.1 junior player in the world for some time at the start of his career. Paes, along with compatriot Mahesh Bhupathi, created a sensation in international tennis by winning many of the coveted Grand Slam doubles titles, including the Wimbledon and the French Open tournaments. It can be rightly said that the Indian tricolour always brings the best out of him.

The doubles team of Paes and Bhupathi grew stronger in 1998, reaching the semifinals of three Grand Slams, the Australian Open, the French Open, and the US Open. In the same year, Paes had two of his biggest singles results in the ATP tour.

The first one came by winning an ATP singles title at Newport, and the second was beating the legendary Pete Sampras, 6-3, 6-4 at the New Haven ATP tournament in their only meeting throughout his career.

Paes’ record at the Davis Cup has been simply superb, where he has grounded players much higher in ranking than him. He, along with Bhupati, remained the No. 1 doubles pair for a long time.

One of the most successful professional Indian tennis players, Paes has received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, India’s highest sporting honour, in 1996; the Arjuna Award in 1990; the Padma Shri in 2001 and India’s third highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan, in 2014 for his outstanding contribution to tennis in India.

Despite facing several obstacles like a parasitic infection in his brain which threatened his playing career way back in 2003, or his controversies involving his personal life, Paes has marched ahead, making the country proud.

In 2015, even though his doubles ranking has not been up and running, he has compensated for this by winning three Major mixed doubles titles. And, with less than a year left for the 2016 Olympics, the expressive and patriotic Indian seems to be all set for a final hurrah at the quadrennial extravaganza. - IANS

C6

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

SPORTS

Tweet all about it

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH TWITTER PAGE

GOAT, the master of dark arts After 15 years at the

McCaw relishing pressure of All Blacks’ bid to make history

top, the man they call GOAT — Greatest Of All Time — goes into his last campaign with an outstanding record of 142 Tests, 125 won, two drawn and a mere 15 losses

WELLINGTON: Three times world player of the year, World Cup winning captain, the world’s most capped Test player — there is little 34-year-old Richie McCaw hasn’t done, except confirm his retirement.

The All Blacks talisman has fuelled talk about stepping aside after the World Cup saying: “probably the likelihood is” but his mindset has been solely on the next game rather than indicate the end is nigh.

“It’s going to be a reality at some point.” he said.

“But, one thing I haven’t allowed myself to get caught up in that because I really want to be trying to go out and train as hard as I can to play well on Saturday.

“When you keep that focus you don’t get caught up in those ‘what might bes’ or whatever.”

After 15 years at the top, the man they call GOAT — Greatest Of All Time — goes into his last campaign with an outstanding record of 142 Tests, 125 won, two drawn and a mere 15 losses.

At the breakdown he is a master of the dark arts, unrivalled at scavenging turnovers, drawing frequent accusations of cheating and Springbok lock Victor Matfield claims referees let McCaw “get away with murder” at the contact area.

McCaw dismisses such comment as “same old, same old” but does ad-

LONDON: Never one to duck a challenge, Richie McCaw is determined to take the pressure that comes with trying to become the first New Zealand captain to win the World Cup on foreign soil and use it to his advantage.

The All Blacks won the tournament in 1987 and 2011 but have never clinched the title away from their own shores, frequently buckling under the inevitable heat that comes with being heavy favourites.

With no team ever retaining the World Cup, McCaw has an opportunity to lead New Zealand to a double dose of history.

With that comes inevitable pressure but it is a challenge the loose forward and triple world player of the year relishes.

“Less familiarity makes a bit of a difference,” he told reporters at the team’s London hotel when asked about the challenge of clinching the trophy outside New Zealand. “(You can’t) let it become a weight on your shoulders.

You have just got to roll with it and the attitude around that is pretty key, history has shown it is not an easy thing to do but it is what excites you as well. It certainly excites me,” said McCaw.

mit to pushing the boundaries to see what he can get away with.

He emerged on the international scene in 2001, making the All Blacks end-of-year northern tour after just eight minutes of Super rugby for the Canterbury Crusaders.

He was first named All Blacks captain in 2004 at just 23 years of age, and in 2012 became the first rugby player to achieve 100 Test victories. Ahead there is one more for target for McCaw to add to his already impressive legend — to be-

JUST GOT TO ROLL: New Zealand’s Richie McCaw speaks to fans during the welcome ceremony

in Londong. – Reuters

“For the All Blacks, if we are playing at home or playing anywhere, the expectation is you win every game.

“That pressure is there for us regardless so it doesn’t change now that we’re playing away from home.”

McCaw was one of a number of players who addressed the

come the first skipper to win consecutive World Cups.

“We’re not going there to defend it because this isn’t the same side that won it four years ago,” he emphasises. “Like everyone else you’re back at the start line and it’s whoever makes the best of the seven (games) and you’re only guaranteed four.”

And for all he has achieved before, McCaw is excited about the upcoming challenge.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen

media on Friday, along with young wing Nehe MilnerSkudder who is excited by the whole experience of coming to England for the tournament.

“First time over so it’s all pretty new. Even the flight business class was right up there so it’s all been pretty cool,” he said before admitting his only previous

describes McCaw as a special player.

“What makes him extraordinary is his ability to play not just 142 Tests, someone else will get there I’m sure ... but it’s the quality of his performances in 142 Tests,” Hansen said when he overtook Ireland’s Brian O’Driscoll as the most capped player.

“I don’t think he’s had a bad one.

In his very first Test he was player of the day and you could give him player of the day just about every time he plays.”

knowledge of the country came from watching TV soap Coronation Street with his mum. “To be here is awesome but I am now excited and raring to go.”

The All Blacks face Argentina in their opening game in Pool C at Wembley on September 20 before playing Namibia, Georgia and Tonga. - Reuters

McCaw, who dropped the ball with his first touch in his debut against Ireland in 2001, is regarded as a national treasure in New Zealand where he played with a broken foot to lead the All Blacks to victory over France in the 2011 World Cup final.

By the end of the tournament his Test tally should be somewhere between 147 and 149, tantalisingly close to the 150 milestone and with the door “probably” but not definitely shut on on his career. - AFP

RUGBY

Parisse to miss Italy opener against France MILAN: Italy captain Sergio Parisse has declared himself unfit for the opening World Cup clash against France at Twickenham next weekend, the Italian management announced on Saturday.

The 31-year-old Argentineborn No 8, capped 112 times by Italy and their star player, has not fully recovered after undergoing surgery to drain a haematoma last Monday.

He picked up the injury, a swelling of clotted blood, in a muscle in his left leg in Italy’s World Cup warm-up defeat to Wales in Cardiff last weekend.

The federation initially said Parisse would not meet up with the Italy team in Rome on Saturday but would instead link up “at a later date” in England.

Italy coach Jacques Brunel played down Parisse’s absence, but admitted the experienced Stade Francais player, considered one of the world’s best in his position, would be missed.

“We’ve played without him before, so we’ll find a solution,” Brunel told AFP. “But we’ll undoubtedly miss him because he’s a very influential player for us.”

Italy team manager Luigi Troiani said Parisse will undergo further tests on Monday to see whether he would risk developing thrombosis by flying back to Italy from France, where he is based. Troiani said he hoped Parisse would return in time for Italy’s fixture against Canada at Leeds’ Elland Road ground on September 26.

“For the moment, there’s no point in him making the trip.

We have to see how his injury develops, we’re in contact with the medical staff at Stade Francais,” said Troiani.

“So Sergio will remain in Paris for the moment and won’t be back here until Tuesday or Wednesday and when he does he will come by train.” - AFP

SPRINGBOK LEGEND

Injury made Matfield an accidental superstar JOHANNESBURG: Springbok legend Victor Matfield, the 38-year-old ‘Peter Pan’ of Test fare, took his first steps to rugby greatness literally by accident.

Although he grew up in northern city Polokwane (formerly Pietersburg) enjoying rugby, it was as a cricketer that he first achieved fame. Matfield played inter-provincial schools cricket until an injury that affected both batting and bowling led to rugby becoming his first choice.

His rise was steady and successful, culminating in him and Bakkies Botha becoming the preeminent international locks and helping South Africa win the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France.

It was a dream combination that the great New Zealand All Blacks could sometimes match, but never master. Botha, not shy to get involved in the physical stuff when he felt the need arose, wore the No. 4 Springbok shirt and jumped at the front of the line-out.

And in the middle of the line wearing No. 5 was Matfield, his flowing black locks and bushy beard a sharp contrast to the close-cropped Botha hairstyle.

If Botha was the enforcer, Matfield was the general, barking out line-out commands in Afrikaans to various hookers. He invariably won his own ball, often stole opposition throws, and got around the field amazingly quickly for a two-metre, 110-kilogram forward.

No Test legend is beyond criti-

THE GENERAL: South Africa’s Victor Matfield interacts with fans during a public farewell, ahead of

their departure for the World Cup in England, in Johannesburg on Friday. – Reuters

cism, not even one as revered by South Africans as Matfield, with detractors claiming he is a maul and ruck “inspector”.

But whether or not he is reluctant to become involved in the hurly burly of close-quarter physical exchanges, Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer still considers Matfield indispensible.

“You need guys like Victor who are mentally tough,” stresses the man who shared many glorious seasons at the Bulls with Matfield.

“The World Cup is not about the team who wants it most because every team wants to win the competition for their country.

“I believe the guys who will win the 2015 World Cup are those who handle the pressure best because

the pressure is immense.”

Like many Springboks, Matfield has been injured during the five-match build-up to the global rugby showpiece in England, which kicks off on September 18.

And while the lock may have been a reluctant matchday onlooker, the silver lining was that young Lodewyk ‘Lood’ de Jager emerged as an outstanding middle-of-the-line back-up lock.

Another youngster, Eben Etzebeth, and Matfield will be, fitness permitting, the first-choice Springbok locks.

Matfield could lead the green and gold in some games, starting with the September 19 Pool B opener against Japan, depending on how quickly skipper and cen-

tre Jean de Villiers recovers from a broken jaw.

The lock retired after a 2011 World Cup quarterfinals defeat

by Australia, turning successfully to being an assistant coach at the Bulls and less successfully to punditry with TV channel SuperSport.

But persistent media reports that he would hang up his boots again after the World Cup proved far off the mark as he has signed for English Premiership club Northampton.

It will be the second overseas excursion for the holder of a record 123 Springbok caps having played for French outfit Toulon during the past decade when they were a second division side. - AFP

C

SECTION

Health LIFESTYLE

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

CHILL YOUR ILLS STORY: HUBERT VAZ

Cryotherapy is a new way of alleviating ailments by immersing yourself into a refreshingly cold chamber for short-duration sessions. The first outlet available is in The Wellness Centre at The Walk, Al Mouj Muscat and it has begun catching the eye — and body — of people in Oman.

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

LIFESTYLE

Photo: Supplied

C8

A

re you suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pains, sleep disorders, and have tried various alternate remedies to no avail? So now, just chill â&#x20AC;Ś quite literally.

Cryotherapy is available at The Wellness Centre in The Walk, at Al Mouj Muscat (formerly The Wave Muscat) and people of all ages have begun trying it out, either to ease some of their ailments or for a rejuvenating experience for their skin and complexion.

The treatment comprises of being enclosed in a chilling chamber, where the temperature is cooled to a maximum of 130 degrees centigrade. You simply enter the chamber (dressed in your undergarments) and stands with your head above the chilling chamber top. During the treatment, which can last up to three minutes, you are requested to routinely turn around on the spot to allow an even chilling of the entire body. Anyone can participate in regular sessions, all depending on the benefit received from the treatments.

According to the Gary Hunt, General Manager of the Wellness Centre, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the ďŹ rst such facility in Oman and already about 8-10 people are making use of it every day.

It is a safe form of treatment which has been very popular in the United States as well as some parts of Eastern Europe. We have introduced this at The Wellness Centre because it is a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;wellness centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and not a gym; the Cryo facility is open to members as well as non-members.â&#x20AC;?

Personal Trainer, Charlie Spurrell, who is in charge of the

What To Expect at a Cryotherapy Session Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2013;Ĺ&#x2022; " Ĺ&#x2022;., .' (.Ĺ&#x2022;#-Ĺ&#x2022; '#(#-. , Ĺ&#x2022; ( Ĺ&#x2022;-/* ,0#- Ĺ&#x2022; 3Ĺ&#x2022;., #( Ĺ&#x2022;* ,-)(( &ĂžĹ&#x2013; Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022;Ĺ&#x2022;Ĺ&#x2022; ( Ĺ&#x2022;" -Ĺ&#x2022;.)Ĺ&#x2022;1 ,Ĺ&#x2022; & (Ĺ&#x2022;Ĺ&#x2022; *,). .#0 Ĺ&#x2022;-) %-ĂżĹ&#x2022;!&)0 -Ĺ&#x2022;Ĺ&#x2022; ( Ĺ&#x2022;-&#** ,-ĂžĹ&#x2013; Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022;Ĺ&#x2022;Ĺ&#x2022; ( Ĺ&#x2022;" -Ĺ&#x2022;." Ĺ&#x2022;)*.#)(Ĺ&#x2022;.)Ĺ&#x2022; &&Ĺ&#x2022;Ĺ&#x2022; ),Ĺ&#x2022;-.)**#(!Ĺ&#x2022;." Ĺ&#x2022;., .' (.ĂżĹ&#x2022;Ĺ&#x2022; # Ĺ&#x2022;/( )' ),. & Ăž Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022;Ĺ&#x2022;Ĺ&#x2022; ( Ĺ&#x2022; 2* ,# ( -Ĺ&#x2022; Ĺ&#x2022; &#(!Ĺ&#x2022;) Ĺ&#x2022; #(!Ĺ&#x2022;, , -" Ä&#x2014; ( ,!#- Ĺ&#x2022; -Ĺ&#x2022;1 &&Ĺ&#x2022; Ĺ&#x2022;, / .#)(Ĺ&#x2022;#(Ĺ&#x2022;* #(ĂżĹ&#x2022; # Ĺ&#x2022; (3Ăž

Ä&#x161;)( Ĺ&#x2022;* ,Ĺ&#x2022; 3Ä&#x203A;Ĺ&#x2022; , Ĺ&#x2022;( -- ,3Ĺ&#x2022;.)Ĺ&#x2022; -* Ĺ&#x2022;/*Ĺ&#x2022;, -/&.-ĂžĹ&#x2022; " , . ,ĂżĹ&#x2022;#.Ĺ&#x2022; (Ĺ&#x2022; Ĺ&#x2022;ĂľÄ&#x201D;áĹ&#x2022;- --#)(-Ĺ&#x2022;* ,Ĺ&#x2022;1 %ĂžĹ&#x2022; ),Ĺ&#x2022;! ( , &Ĺ&#x2022;, )0 ,3Ĺ&#x2022; ( Ĺ&#x2022; 1 &&( --ĂżĹ&#x2022;ĂľÄ&#x201D;áĹ&#x2022;., .' (.-Ĺ&#x2022;* ,Ĺ&#x2022; 1 %Ĺ&#x2022; , Ĺ&#x2022;, )'' ( Ăž Costs Ĺ&#x2022;-#(!& Ĺ&#x2022;- --#)(Ĺ&#x2022; )-.-Ĺ&#x2022; Ĺ&#x2022; þÚĹ&#x2022;1"#& Ĺ&#x2022;.1)Ĺ&#x2022;#(.,) / .),3Ĺ&#x2022; - --#)(-Ĺ&#x2022; , Ĺ&#x2022;)Ăą , Ĺ&#x2022; ),Ĺ&#x2022; Ĺ&#x2022; ÜôÞĹ&#x2022; ( Ĺ&#x2022; (Ĺ&#x2022; &-)Ĺ&#x2022;/( ,. % Ĺ&#x2022; (Ĺ&#x2022;Ä&#x152;/(&#'#. Ĺ&#x2022; Ĺ&#x2022; ' ' ,-"#*Ä?Ĺ&#x2022;1#."Ĺ&#x2022; /&&Ĺ&#x2022; --Ĺ&#x2022;.)Ĺ&#x2022; &&Ĺ&#x2022;) Ĺ&#x2022;." Ĺ&#x2022; &."Ĺ&#x2022; &/ Ĺ&#x2022; #&#.# -Ăž

Key BeneďŹ ts Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; '*,)0 -Ĺ&#x2022; &)) Ĺ&#x2022; #, /& .#)( Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; / -Ĺ&#x2022;#(Ă° '' .#)(Ĺ&#x2013; Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; * -Ĺ&#x2022;/*Ĺ&#x2022;, )0 ,3Ĺ&#x2022;.#' Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022;Ĺ&#x2022; .#0 . -Ĺ&#x2022; )&& ! (Ĺ&#x2022; *,) / .#)( Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; ))-.-Ĺ&#x2022;' . )&#-'Ĺ&#x2013; Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; , - -Ĺ&#x2022; .#!/ Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; ( , - -Ĺ&#x2022; ( ,!3Ĺ&#x2022;& 0 &Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; (" ( -Ĺ&#x2022;-& * Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; / -Ĺ&#x2022; ",)(# Ĺ&#x2022;* #(-

What is CryoFacial? " Ĺ&#x2022; ,3) # &Ĺ&#x2022;/- -Ĺ&#x2022; *, --/,#- Ĺ&#x2022;&#+/# Ĺ&#x2022; #.,)! (Ĺ&#x2022; 0 *)/,-Ĺ&#x2022;1"# "Ĺ&#x2022; , Ĺ&#x2022; **&# Ĺ&#x2022;Ĺ&#x2022; .)Ĺ&#x2022;." Ĺ&#x2022; Ĺ&#x2022; ( Ĺ&#x2022;( %Ĺ&#x2022;.)Ĺ&#x2022; -.#'/& . Ĺ&#x2022;." Ĺ&#x2022;*,) / .#)(Ĺ&#x2022;) Ĺ&#x2022; )&& ! (Ĺ&#x2022; ( Ĺ&#x2022; , - Ĺ&#x2022;*), Ĺ&#x2022; -#4 ĂžĹ&#x2022; .Ĺ&#x2022; /- -Ĺ&#x2022;." Ĺ&#x2022;-%#(Ĺ&#x2022;.)Ĺ&#x2022; )' Ĺ&#x2022;.#!". ,ĂżĹ&#x2022;'), Ĺ&#x2022;Ĺ&#x2022; 0 (Ä&#x201D;Ĺ&#x2022;.)( ĂżĹ&#x2022;1"#& Ĺ&#x2022;#'*,)0#(!Ĺ&#x2022; &)) Ĺ&#x2022; #, /& .#)(ĂžĹ&#x2022; 0 ,Ĺ&#x2022;.#' ĂżĹ&#x2022; Number of Sessions Required ." Ĺ&#x2022;-%#(Ĺ&#x2022; )' -Ĺ&#x2022;'), Ĺ&#x2022; ),Ĺ&#x2022;., .' (.Ĺ&#x2022;) Ĺ&#x2022; (Ĺ&#x2022;#($/,3ĂżĹ&#x2022;ĂšÄ&#x201D;þôĹ&#x2022; & -.# Ĺ&#x2022; / Ĺ&#x2022;.)Ĺ&#x2022;." Ĺ&#x2022;#( , - Ĺ&#x2022; - --#)(-Ĺ&#x2022;#(Ĺ&#x2022; &)- Ĺ&#x2022;-/ --#)(Ĺ&#x2022; #(Ĺ&#x2022; )&& ! (Ăž

treatment and attended Cryo courses in the US, explained, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The chamber is pre-cooled before the patient enters and it renders a euphoric state, a really fresh feeling, once you enter it. Though it is freezing cold, it is not an uncomfortable feeling and the last minute is very crucial in bringing out the real beneďŹ ts. You can always ask us to stop midway, if you begin feeling uncomfortable and want to step out.â&#x20AC;?Â

BeneďŹ ts of Cryotherapy Cryotherapy promotes anti-inďŹ&#x201A;ammatory properties, which decrease soreness in a post-workout state. During treatment, toxins that are stored in layers of the skin are broken down and ďŹ&#x201A;ushed out.

This process results in the reduction of cellulite and wrinkles, increased elasticity in the skin and an improved overall â&#x20AC;&#x153;youthfulâ&#x20AC;? feeling. During the course of treatments, Cryotherapy helps the body

to reset its metabolism, which means caloric and fat burning, and overall weight loss.

Recovery Full-body Cryotherapy can do more in three minutes than a 60-minute massage. That enables you to recover from your workouts, no matter the intensity. BeneďŹ ts include, inďŹ&#x201A;ammation relief, reduction of muscle soreness, less pain from sore joints, and blood ďŹ&#x201A;ow restoration. The treatment lasts a maximum of three minutes.

During the process, the skin sends signals to the brain, which stimulates physical reactions and activates naturally occurring healing resources. Once out of the chamber, the body immediately reheats.

Utilised worldwide since 1979 to enhance recovery for elite athletes, whole body Cryotherapy (WBC) has proven to be a valuable adjunct for speeding muscle recovery and producing a general feeling of well-being. For competitive athletes, ice baths are the traditional method used to recover from a workout or competition.

However, they require recovery time â&#x20AC;&#x201D; up to a day before they can resume practice. But with wholebody Cryotherapy, athletes recover in less time so they can resume their training faster.

Beauty From chilling away fat to smoothing wrinkles and erasing spider veins, Cryotherapy techniques are being used throughout the beauty industry to address ageing problems that used to require surgery. Whole body Cryotherapy has been shown to stimulate collagen

production, resulting in the rejuvenation of aging skin and reduction of cellulite. Each session can consume as many as 400 to 800 calories that, when combined with a good diet and ďŹ tness, can aid in weight loss.

Because Cryotherapy is noninvasive, it offers beneďŹ ts that far outweigh surgery and the use of medication. People who use Cryotherapy say the experience makes them feel refreshed and invigorated. Users claim a host of beneďŹ ts, both physical and mental. Because a Cryotherapy session takes just three minutes, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to ďŹ t into a busy schedule.

Energise Cryotherapy lowers the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surface skin temperature from approximately 90.5 degree F to around 32 degree F for about 2-3 minutes. Cooling is achieved by way of Nitrogen mist, which gently surrounds the body at -250 to -300 degree F. During this process, receptors in the skin send signals to the brain to release endorphins and beneďŹ cial bio-chemicals. The blood becomes oxygenated, accelerating beneďŹ cial results. When the immune system is activated in this fashion, the body experiences an energy boost which lasts up to eight hours. The Wellness Centre, Level 2, The Walk Al Mouj Muscat Contact: +968 2412 8333; enquiries@wave-wellness.com Timings: Sunday-Thursday 6:00am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10:00pm; Friday 7:00am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9:00pm

S UNDAY, S E P T E M BE R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

S U N DAY, S E P T E MB E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

LIFESTYLE

C9

SUNDAY, SEP T EMBER 13, 2015

Try

BRIEFS

Anaesthetic may affect development of teeth

Why

Here are a few simple, time-tested foods, techniques,

and remedies to try, and a bit about why. Have you tried any of these tricks? How did you like them? Do you have a favourite remedy of your own? Tell us about it at lifestyle@timesofoman.com

Eat Chicken, Build Muscles, Bones A rich source of proteins, chicken is said to be ideal for those seeking to build muscles and put on weight.A 100g serving of roasted chicken provides 31g of protein, making it great contributor for those who want to bulk up. Chicken is also rich in several minerals like phosphorus and calcium which help keep bones strong and healthy. The selenium content in chicken is known to cut the risk of arthritis.

Use of local anaesthetic in dental surgery may affect tooth cell growth and the development of children’s teeth, new research suggests. “Our study has shown for the first time the evidence that local anaesthetic may affect the development of children’s teeth in cellular and molecular levels,” said lead researcher Bing Hu, associate professor in oral and dental health research at Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry in Plymouth. Using hog teeth and human young permanent tooth pulp cells, the research identified that local anaesthetics commonly used in clinics can affect the proliferation of tooth cells.

According to the research team, dental treatment involves more frequent use of local anaesthetic than any other clinical area.

Quit-smoking pill won’t trigger heart attack, depression

Coriander Cures Skin Infections Coriander, commonly known as dhania in the Indian subcontinent and cilantro in the Americas, has eleven components of essential oils, six types of acids (including ascorbic acid, better known as vitamin-C), minerals and vitamins, each having their own benefit. The detoxifying, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties of coriander are highly beneficial for clearing up skin disorders like fungal infections, eczema, and dryness.

DECODING DOCTOR

Hubert Vaz chats with Dr Mathew Raphael, Physician and Gastroenterologist, Al Hayat International Hospital

Take a Siesta, Enhance Your Creativity The mind simply loves a little nap during the daytime. An afternoon siesta, besides boosting memory, improving alertness, and calming nerves, also helps in enhancing creativity. Hence, catching 40 winks after lunch wouldn’t switch you off, rather improve your productivity.

An anti-smoking pill that was earlier thought to increase the risk of heart attack and depression is actually safe, researchers say. Varenicline is the most effective medication to help smokers quit but previous reports have suggested that users may be more likely to suffer a heart attack. The drug has also been linked to depression, self-harm and suicide. The latest research supports recent studies that failed to find any evidence that varenicline has a negative effect on mental health. It also shows that taking the drug does not raise a person’s risk of heart disease. “Smokers typically lose three months of life expectancy for every year of continued smoking. Our research supports the use of varenicline as an effective and safe tool to help people quit,” said professor Daniel Kotz from the medical faculty of the Heinrich-HeineUniversity Dusseldorf. The team looked at anonymised health information from more than 150,000 smokers across England. — IANS

Remedies to Relieve Constipation CONSTIPATION is something which every human being experiences at some time in life. However, it is not always a passing condition and could be a pointer to other serious disorders says Dr Mathew Raphael, Physician and Gastroenterologist. at Al Hayat International Hospital. Some key queries: What Is Constipation?

The normal time taken for bowel movements varies from person to person. Some people have bowel movements three times a day while some may have just twice a week. However, constipation re-

fers to the inability of a person to have his/her typical regular bowel movements.

What Are The Common Symptoms?

The common symptoms are few bowel movements, trouble having bowel movements, hard stools or a feeling of dissatisfaction after stools, abdominal pain and even vomiting.

ter intake, digestive disorders, stress, pregnancy and even colon cancer. Constipation can be caused due to various reasons for people of different ages. Youngsters with occasional constipation is considered normal but constipation in senior persons can often be indicative of other disorders or even malignancy (cancer) which needs thorough investigations.

What Causes Constipation?

Constipation is often caused due to irregular/improper diet, lack of fibre in diet, lack of wa-

How Does Stress Cause Constipation?

There is something called ‘braingut dysfunction’ wherein psy-

chological factors like stress or emotional disturbances can throw bowel movements in disarray causing either frequency in motions or constipation. Mental stress also causes some people to over eat while others to stay away from food.

How Can One Prevent Constipation?

The best way to prevent constipation is to drink a lot of water, have a fibre-rich diet and consume less spicy/fatty food on a regular basis. Have a lot of fresh fruits/vegetables.

C10

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

FIND-IT-ALL CINEMA SCHEDULE

PRAYER TIMINGS

@SHATTI

@SOHAR

SHATTI Absolutely Anything (Comedy, Sci Fi) (PG12) Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Simon Pegg 2:00, 3:30, 5:15 pm The Runner (Drama) (12+) Cast: Nicolas Cage, Connie Nielsen 7:15 pm The Perfect Guy (Thriller) (15+) Cast : Sanaa Lathan, Michael Ealy 5:45, 7:45 pm Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F (Animation) (PG) Cast : Masako Nozawa, Ryô Horikawa 2:15, 4:00 pm Hero (Action, Drama) (PG12)(HINDI) Cast : Sooraj Pancholi, Athiya Shetty 9:00 pm American Ultra (Action, Drama)(12+) Cast : Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart 1:30, 7:45, 9:45, 11:45 pm The Transporter Refueled (Action)(PG12) Cast : Ed Skrein, Loan Chabanol 5:45, 9:45, 11:45 pm Hitman – Agent 47 (Action, Crime)(PG12) Cast : Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware 3:45, 11:30 pm MUSCAT GRAND MALL The Perfect Guy 2D (Thriller ) (15+) Cast: Sanaa Lathan, Michael Ealy 7:45, 01:20 pm Gold Class : 5:15PM American Ultra 2D (Action,Comady) (12+) Cast: Jesse Eisenberg,, Kristen Stewart 12:15, 5:00, 9:45, 11:45pm Gold Class : 3:15, 7:15, 9:15 pm The Runner 2D (Drama) (12+) Cast : Nicolas Cage, Connie Nielsen 6:00 pm Hitman: Agent 47 2D (Action) (PG12) Cast : Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware 2:15 pm Welcome Back 2D (Comedy, Crime) (TBC) Cast : Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar 7:00 pm

7:45, 01:20 pm The Perfect Guy (Thriller) (15+) Cast : Sanaa Lathan, Michael Ealy

Absolutely Anything 2D (Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Kate Beckinsale , Simon Pegg 11:45 am, 4:15 pm Gold Class: 1:30 pm The Transporter Refueled 2D (Action, Drama, Thriller ) (PG12) Cast: Ed Skrein, Loan Chabanol 10:15 am, 10:00, 11:55 pm Gold Class: 11:15 pm Dragon Ball Z 2D (Action, Drama) (PG) Cast: Masako Nozawa, Ryô Horikawa 10:00AM, 3:15 pm AZAIBA The Transporter Refueled - 2D (PG12) Action, Crime, Thriller Cast - Ed Skrein, Loan Chabanol 12:00, 6:00, 11:15 pm Hitman: Agent 47 – 2D (PG12) Action Cast – Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware 12:30, 7:00 pm Welcome Back – 2D (12+) Comedy Cast - Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar 5:15, 10:30 pm Zero Tolerance - 2D (12+) Action Cast - Dustin Nguyen, Scott Adkins, 12:45, 11:30 pm Double Barrel – 2D (12+) Action, Thriller Cast - Prithviraj Sukumaran, Aarya

1:30, 7:45, 9:45, 11:45 pm American Ultra (Action) (12+) Cast : Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Connie Britton

9:10 pm Yatchan - 2D (Action) (PG12) Cast : Aarya, Krishna Sekhar, Deepa Sannidhi

2:30, 8:45 pm Paayum Puli – 2D (12+) Action, Drama Cast – Vishal Krishna Reddy, Kajal Aggarwal 3:30, 8:00 pm Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’– 2D (PG) Cast - Masako Nozawa, Ryô Horikawa 2:30 pm Yatchan – 2D (PG12) Action Cast - Aarya, Krishna Sekhar, Deepa Sannidhi 4:15 pm American Ultra – 2D (12+) Action, Comedy 1:45, 7:45, 9:30 PM Hero – 2D (PG12) Action, Drama, Romance Cast - Sooraj Pancholi, Athiya Shetty 3:00, 5:30, 8:00, 10:30 pm

Phantom (Action) – PG Cast: Saif Ali Khan and Katrina Kaif 3.45, 6.45, 9.45 pm

RUWI Screen 1 Hero (Action/Romance) – PG12 Cast: Sooraj Pancholi, Athiya Shetty 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 pm Screen 2 Welcome Back (Comedy) – 12+ Cast: John Abraham, Shruti Hassan 3.45, 6.45, 9.45 pm Screen 3

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

15:00 15:00 15:00

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

Quriyat Sur Jaalan

16:30 18:00 19:30

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

08:50 Daily 11:00 Daily 14:30 Daily via Ibri 15:45 Daily 17:40 Daily 18.35 Daily 20:20 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

Sur Sur

Daily Daily

Fahud Yibal

12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

10:30 11:15

Daily Daily

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

06:00 14:30

Ruwi Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

07:00

Daily

08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

11.45 13.30 14.00

The Runner (Drama) Cast: Nicolas Cage, Connie Neilsen, Sara Paulson 3.00, 6.30 & 10.00 pm CP No: 2369 (PG 12)

SALALAH American Ultra (2D) (12+) (Action/Comedy) Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart 1:00, 6:15, 8:00, 9:45 pm The Perfect Guy (2D) (15+) (Thriller) Cast: Sanaa Lathan, Michael Ealy 2:00, 10:00 pm Zero Tolerance (2D) (12+) (Action) Cast: Dustin Nguyen, Scott Adkins 2:45, 11:55 pm Hero (2D) (PG12) (Action/Drama/Romance) Cast: Sooraj Pancholi, Athiya Shetty 8:45, 11:15 pm Hitman: Agent 47 (2D) (PG12) (Action) Cast: Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware 10:30 am The Transporter Refueled (2D) (PG12) 11:15 am, 4:30, 11:30 pm Welcome Back (2D) (12+) (Comedy/Crime) 12:15 pm Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ (2D) (PG) Cast: Masako Nozawa, Ryô Horikawa 10:30AM, 12:15 pm El Khalbos (2D) (TBC) (Arabic) (Comedy) Cast: Mohamed Ragab, Iman Al Assie 6:45, 8:00 pm Double Barrel (2D) (12+) (Action/Thriller) Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Aarya, Indrajith 4:00 pm Yatchan (2D) (PG12) (Action) 5:25 pm Paayum Puli (12+) (Action, Drama) Cast: Vishal Krishna Reddy, Kajal Aggarwal 3:00 pm

Absolutely Anything (Comedy/Sci: Fic) Cast: Kate Beckine Sale, Simmon Pegg, Robbin Williams 1.15, 4.45 & 8.15 pm CP No: 2370 (12+)

STAR CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

Thani Oruvan (Tamil) (Rom/Drama) Cast: Jayam Ravi, Nayanthara & Arvind Swamy 3-30 pm at Cinema Main, 9-30pm at Cinema 2 Yatchan (Tamil) ( Act\Com ) Cast: Arya, Krishna 6-30 pm Cinema Main 3-45 & 9-45 pm Cinema-3 Double Barrel (Mal) ( ACT ) Cast: Prithviraj, Arya & Indrajit 3-00 & 6-30 pm at Cinema-2 9-30 pm at Cinema Main Paayam Pulli (Tamil) ( Act ) Cast: Vishal & Kajal Agarwal 6-45 pm Cinema- 3 L0HAM (Mal) ( ACT ) Cast: Mohanlal, Andrea & Renji panikkar 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 pm at Cinema – 4 Next Change: Utopiayile Raajavu (Mal) Maya (Tamil) Programmes are subject to change

0

ESHAAL AZEEM September 13, 2010

ELSA MARIA SHIMMY September 13, 2007

0

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

50-75%

SNEHA KANNAN September 13, 2000 Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 16 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to extra@ timesofoman.com

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

LISTINGS

ROYAL OMAN POLICE Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence 24569603 Directorate General of Customs 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries 24510228 Public Relations Admin 24560099 EMBASSIES IN OMAN

Daily Daily Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

10:25

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100) Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

Ruwi

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

07:00

TO SUR (ROUTE 55)

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

Minimum

Zero Tolerance (Action) Cast: Dustin Nguyen, Scott Adkins, Sahajak Boonthanakit 1.15, 4.45, 8.15 & 11.55 pm CP No: 2371 (12+)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 07:30 14:30

36 28

Transporter Refueled (Action/Thriller/Crime) Cast: Ed Skrein, Ray Stevenson, Gabriella Wright 3.00, 6.30, 10.00 & 11.55 pm CP No: 2280 (PG 12)

WITH LOVE

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

BURAIMI American Ultra – 2D (Action, Comedy) (12+) Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart 3:00, 8:15, 10:00, 11:45 pm The Transporter Refueled– 2D (Action, Crime, Thriller ) (PG12) Cast: Ed Skrein, Ray Stevenson 4:45, 6:30, 9:30, 11:30 pm Zero Tolerance – 2D (Action) (12+) Cast: Dustin Nguyen, Scott Adkins 3:15, 5:00, 11:30 pm Yatchan – 2D (Action / Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Arya, Kreshna, Deepa Sanndhi 6:00 pm Double Barrel – 2D (Action/Comedy (12+) Cast: Prithviraj Sukumran, Arya 8:45 pm Welcome Back – 2D (Action / Thriller) (12+)

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 20:50

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

3:00, 4:45 pm Hero - 2D (PG12) Action, Drama, Romance Cast : Sooraj Pancholi, Athiya Shetty 8:45, 11:15 pm Double Barrel - 2D (M) (12+) Action, Thriller Cast : Prithviraj Sukumaran, Aarya, Indrajith 6:30 pm Yatchan - 2D (T) (PG12) Action Cast : Aarya, Krishna Sekhar, Deepa Sannidhi 9:10 pm

WEATHER

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36)

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

SUR The Transporter Refueled (Action) (PG12) Cast: Ed Skrein, Loan Chabanol 04:15, 08:15 pm Zero Tolerance (Action) (12+) Cast: Scott Adkins, Dustin Nguyen 06:00, 11:45 pm Double Barrel (Malayalam)(Action) (12+) Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Aarya, Indrajit.

10:30 pm Welcome Back (Hindi) (Comedy) (TBC) Cast: Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar 7:45 PM American Ultra (Action | Comedy) (12+) 04:45, 06:30, 10:00 pm

3.30, 6.30, 9.30 pm Hero (Action/Romance) – PG12 Cast: Sooraj Pancholi, Athiya Shetty

SOHAR The Transporter Refueled - 2D (PG12) Cast : Ed Skrein, Loan Chabanol 3:45, 10:00, 11:45 pm Welcome Back - 2D (12+) Comedy, Crime Cast: Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar 6:00 pm Hitman : Agent 47 - 2D (PG12) Action, Crime, Cast: Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware 4:15, 11:55 pm The Perfect Guy - 2D (15+) Thriller Cast: Sanaa Lathan, Michael Ealy 6:15, 11:30 pm American Ultra - 2D (12+) Action, Comedy Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart 2:30, 5:30, 7:30, 9:30 pm The Runner - 2D (12+) Drama Cast: Nicolas Cage, Connie NielsenTimings : 2:45, 4:30 pm Absolutely Anything - 2D (PG12) Comedy Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Simon Pegg 2:00, 8:15 pm Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ - 2D (PG) Cast: Masako Nozawa, Ryô Horikawa

BAHJA CINEMA

Cast: John Abraham, Shruti Hassan; 3:15 pm

@RUWI

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68. www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman

Destination

12.08pm 3.35pm 6.19pm 7.30pm 4.37am

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

@MGM

Dept time

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

Daily Daily Daily

Afghanistan Algeria Bahrain Bangladesh Brazil Brunei China Cyprus Egypt France Germany India Indonesia Iran Iraq Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya South Korea Kuwait

24698 791/4 24605 593 24 605 074/133 24 698 660 24640100 24 603533 24 696782 24 699815 24 600 982/411 24681 800 24835000 24684500 2469 1050 24 696 944/7 24603642 24693727 24 601 028 24692760/1/3 24 692418 24 697664 24 691490 24 699628

Lebanon Libya Malaysia Morocco Nepal Netherlands Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tunisia Turkey UAE United Kingdom United States Yemen

24 693208 24603466 24698329/643 24696152/3 24696177 24603706 24603439 24601312 24605335 24 691 153/2/4 24602894 24601705 24694139 24697977 24647300 24691101 24697841/2 24697875 24603267 24697904 24601 174 24 602684/5 24603486 24697050/1/2 24400000 24609000 24643400 24600815

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi Salalah Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya Muscat, A Seeb Market Muscat, Al Khuwair Muscat, Al Hail South Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi 24563641 Azaiba 24499269 Sohar 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Hamdan Hospital 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC 22004000 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

C11

LIFESTYLE ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

FA M I LY A D V I C E

By Hubert Vaz

Gem Therapy

G

emstones have been used since ancient times to treat a string of ailments by balancing energies flowing through the body and aligning them with universal energies. However, the exact manner in which gemstones act in focusing energy is still unknown.

According to Chandrika Singh, a popular Gem and Crystal therapist in Muscat, “For thousands of years in the cultures of India, Tibet and the eastern world, the chakras (energy centres on the body) have been acknowledged as gateways to our physical and mental health and wellbeing. Our bodies are made up of an electromagnetic energy sometimes known as the aura. The chakras are responsible for directing and distributing this energy throughout our body. Having crystals in our environment, wearing them or carrying them are ways to boost our energy levels. We can increase this energy by eating healthily, exercising, thinking positively, spending time with nature, as well as wearing and being around crystals.”

The Role of Chakras As per eastern philosophy, there are a total of seven chakras, which are the main energy centres of the

body, located from the base of the spine to the top of the head. Seven colours are associated with these chakras, namely red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet, each of which is associated with one or more chakras. Therefore, use of the appropriate colour emitted by corresponding gemstones with the respective chakra can speed up the healing process.

The seven chakras include root or base chakra, sex or navel chakra, stomach/solar plexus chakra, heart chakra, throat chakra, brow or third eye chakra and crown chakra. They are represented by the seven colours of the rainbow (in reverse order).

Choice of Gemstone A single chakra therapy refers to the use of a single chakra for healing. The appropriate gemstone is placed on the chakra for a period of 10 to 20 minutes.

Choosing the right gemstone is crucial and so, various gemstones are placed to see which one brings on a sense of comfort to the patient. The one which induces a sense of wellbeing is placed on the chakra for the required time.

For all chakra therapy, seven spherical clear quartz gems or strands of frosted quartz gems are placed on all the seven chakras,

starting from the base chakra till the crown. The gems should be left for between 10-20 minutes.

ble in many colours, influences the reproductive organs and is used to enhance fertility.

Benefits of Gem Therapy In Oman, many people consider gemstones as a source of good health and prosperity. The redhued Aqeeq stone is said to be very popular in Oman and worn by those who are diligent about daily prayers. However, different gemstones have therapeutic effects for treating different disorders. Some of these include:

Clear Quartz Clear quartz is said to be a powerful healer and canrestore energy to blocked areas. It helps in generating a balance in between mind and body.

Amethyst This violet coloured quartz links the mind and is used to boost production of hormones, enhance circulation, boost the immune system, and enhance metabolism.

Sapphire The blue sapphire (also in shades of grey, yellow, green), brings about a calming sensation and so is helpful for those feeling depressed or disillusioned.

Bloodstone This deep green gem with flexible red has a positive effect on the circulatory system. It purifies blood, and it detoxifies the kidneys, liver and spleen.

Diamond This purest of gems is said to have a very powerful influence in enhancing a person’s innate personality.

Calcite Calcite, found in many colours, is useful in cleansing organs, joints, and bone. It is also known to help sharpen mental abilities.

Carnelian Carnelian, a form of quartz availa-

MOVE OF THE WEEK

JUMP ROPE

Jumping rope is a double effective waist slimming exercise as it raises metabolism and tightens your core at the same time. One can try complex movements that involve more muscles to step up the benefits.

Burn upto

200 Calories In 10 Minutes

By alternating between steady jumps and complex movements between arms and legs.

Three weeks of regular 10-minute sessions can help you lose

1 Pound That’s as one pound equals

3,500 Calories

1,200 Calories Gone in a week

Ruby The red ruby is known to bring anger/negativity to the surface. This helps in inducing positivity and ridding one of negative elements.

Emerald A very important stone for natural healing, emeralds provide inspiration, besides speeding up the healing process.

For consultation/treatment, contact: Chandrika’s Gems and Crystals: 96040321; E-mail: inquiry@chandrikas.com

ASK DR. GERRY

DEFINE YOUR LIMITS Dear Dr. Gerry, I am a teenager and I have friends of different types, some are studious, some are fun loving and some indulge in vices. My parents prefer me to be with the studious ones as it would have a positive effect on my own performance. But I like to interact with all of them, though I do not indulge in vices. Do you think keeping bad company would someday cause me any harm, if I keep my own senses alert?

—Teenager My Dear Friend, I can understand why your parents want you to keep good company. I understand friends are important to any teenager and I’m happy you seem to be able to differentiate between the different sets of friends.

However be careful of peer pressure. This is the pressure each individual feels to conform to the group’s acts or ideals. Peer pressure can be both positive and negative. In studious groups, the peer pressure helps to study more and become more competitive. Unfortunately in some groups it can push us to problematic activities and vices.

So where do we stand? Bad company or not? I think you need to make the decision. You need to be able to deal with all kinds of people but you need to be able to say ‘No” and clearly learn to define your limits. If you find that difficult I would advise giving bad company a pass.

There’s no fun in crying after getting in trouble. If you feel you can deal with it, then it’s your call. Stay alert and stick to your limits. Enjoy.

— Dr. G

Dr Gerry D’Costa has an MD in psychiatry and a special interest in the areas of anxiety, depression, addiction, and children’s psychiatry. He has practised as a specialised psychiatrist at Badr Al Samaa hospital in Ruwi for the last 9 years. Every week, Dr D’Costa offers his advice and professional insights to the readers of Times of Oman. Send your mental health questions to lifestyle@timesofoman.com

C12

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

LIFESTYLE

WONDER CURES WITH WATER O

ur body is composed of over 60 per cent water and drinking water helps in maintaining a balance of body fluids to carry out a string of tasks like digestion, absorption, circulation, distribution of nutrients, and maintenance of body temperature. Water is a natural appetite suppressant, it speeds up metabolism, cleanses our bodies of toxins, provides energy, builds muscle tone, as well as reduces stress. That’s why we keep turning to our favourite drink every hour of the day. Here are eight wonder cures that can be brought about by just drinking water: Cures Heartburn If you suffer from heartburn, take note that it is a signal of water shortage in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. Dehydration cannot be corrected with antacids that only aggravate the condition and cause inflammation. So, first drink a lot of water.

Prevents Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is also a sign of water shortage in the joints. Intake of water and small amounts of salt can eventually cure this condition.

Treats Migraine Lack of water in the brain and eyes often causes migraine headaches. This can be alleviated by adequate consumption of water to prevent dehydration.

Controls Blood Pressure Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a state that indicates the lack of water to fill all the blood vessels that diffuse water into vital cells.

Water and some salt intake will bring blood pressure back to normal.

Cures Back Pain Shortage of water in the spinal column and discs which support the weight of the body, causes lower back pain. Increased water intake is a sure cure for back pains.

Prevents Angina Heart pain (angina) is a sign of water shortage in the heart/lung axis. It can be effectively treated with increased water intake until the patient is free of pain.

Lowers Blood Cholesterol Due to dehydration, blood tends to becomes acidic and cause a build-up in LDL levels of cholesterol. Drinking plenty of water helps in cleansing the blood and eliminating any build up of cholesterol waste.

Cures Colitis Colitis pain is a signal of water shortage in the large intestine. Lack of water causes persistent constipation and lead to haemorrhoids later in life. Drink plenty of water for lubricating bowel movements.

H E A LT H N O T E

Should you worry about ‘wireless allergies’?

ADDRESSED with skepticism by most, the term electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) or wireless allergy or gadget allergy, is ascribed to a range of non-specific symptoms like headache and fatigue apparently due to heavy use of wireless communicating devices, especially those that emit electromagnetic radiation (EMR).

Common sources of this Wi-Fi tsunami include mobile phone signals, Wi-Fi hotspots, Wi-Fi enabled devices like tabs, cellphones, laptops, and a plethora of other gadgets.

The controversial issue was recently thrust in the limelight when a French court in a landmark ruling granted disability allowance to a 39-year-old woman who claimed to be experiencing discomfort from alleged EHS. She was forced to live in a countryside barn far away from the Wi-Fi and the internet. Despite such examples, the legitimacy debate rages on — is it a real thing or cooked up — fuelled by the absence of hard evidence and conclusive research.

Emerging Problem According to WHO, EHS has no clear diagnostic criteria and there is no scientific basis to link its symptoms to EMF (electromagnetic field) exposure, but it also says: “The symptoms are certainly real and can vary widely in their severity. Whatever its cause, EHS can be a disabling problem for the affected individual.”

Experts in India who have been studying such emerging problems (for example, the link between EHS and cellphone usage) say that with the introduction and expansion of wireless communication technologies, complaints related to mobile phones, base stations and gadgets have become more prominent.

“The radio frequency electromagnetic radiation (RFR — a type of electromagnetic radiation) exposure levels have amplified manifold because of the extensive use of

mobile phones and other devices,” Neeraj Kumar Tiwari, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering, SRM University, Lucknow, told IANS in an e-mail interview.

Common Symptoms “Very common symptoms and sensations of EHS are irritation, headache, stammering, hearing loss, dizziness, ringing delusion, disrupted sleep, stress, fatigue, and restlessness,” he added.

Further at the genetic level, electromagnetic radiation from mobiles cause damage if their exposure time and level are high, said M. Y. Khan, Dean, School for Biosciences and Biotechnology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, who has extensively dealt with the issue as a scientist.

In fact, he said, the situation in India compared to the West is worse. “Because we tend to use cheap mobile sets made by companies which do not follow the standard norms about the radiation safety,” Khan, Professor and Head, Department of Biotechnology at the varsity, said in an e-mail interview.

The electromagnetic fields produced by mobile phones are classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as possibly carcinogenic to humans.

Tiwari added that children may be more vulnerable than adults to EMF effects due to their “developing brain, greater absorption of energy in brain and a longer span of exposure over their lifetime”.

But all said and done, the fact is Wi-Fi, mobile phones and the internet are a necessity today, so much so that the number of internet connections in India has swelled to 300 million.

As for now, following simple tips like texting instead of talking, keeping cellphones and gadgets at a distance, and not placing cell phones under pillows is the way to go. — IANS

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3 , 2 0 1 5

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

D2

VACANCY

D4

CARGO

D8

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

D2

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

FOR RENT

New 1/2 B/R RES/ Comm. flats near Medical College Bausher directly from owner.

Contact :92158031

Showroom and office space available on prime location. Main road facing excellent location.

Contact: 92944717

02 BHK commercial / residential (with split AC) flat at Honda read / 02 BHK residential flat opposite to Al Nahda Hospital.

Contact: 99342733 / 99795241

Gorgeous villa 3BR + Maid room directly on the beach in Shatti Qurum. Huge garden best location in Muscat OMR 2000/- Month call or Whatspp 95887572

1BHK near Oman house behind Khimji H.O . Contact : 95865686

Brand new 2 B/R deluxe fully furnished & unfurnished flats with split ACs & free internet available at Bausher 35 near Al Maha fuel pump.

Contact : 99460330

Twin villa for rent in Bowshar, near Muscat Private Hospital.

Contact 92760281 Brand new 2 bedroom flat for rent in Mabela. Contact 92760281 Fully Furnished 2BHK Apartments available at Bareeq Al Shatti.

Contact 92888063 Building includes 16 flats in four floors in good condition, opposite to Mars Hypermarket at Al Ghubra north. Contact: 99435882 / 91266667 or 92590509 For rent house in old Muscat town on the bab Muthaib Street consists of 5 bedrooms, living room and kitchen. Contact: 99319829 / 99234155 New flat for rent, 2 bedroom with study in Al Amerat (Al Atkyah).

Contact: 99230461 / 93355301 2 rooms and Majlis in Al Ghubra.

Contact : 99242119 Flat for rent Ruwi, 2 bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 1 hall opposite Khimji Mart. Contact: 97645671 / 99362206 1BHK flats with attached bathroom and separate toilet are available for rent located in Ghala industrial area.

Contact: 99800742 / 99204191 Fax No. : 24501448 Email Id: nandacvl@omantel.net.om 1 & 2 BHK , M.B.D. area R.O 250/-, RO 280/- & RO 300/-.

Contact: 97799175

Office space equipped with ACs , cabins with partition, furniture’s, free in internet ready for use, at Al Khuwair near Philips show room 2 B/R flats with slit AC’s a free internet available at Al Khuwair near Philips Show room. Contact: 99460330 Villa for rent in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95562646 / 99059333 Rooms for rent in Al Khuwair near Ibis Hotel with AC. Contact: 95124975 Super deluxe new villas in Madinat Qaboos. Contact 99369081 1000 sq mtrs industrial land in Ghala suitable for warehouse workshop etc. Contact 24700120 / 92584715 Furnished office available at Al Ghubrah. Contact 94110822 Flats, shops for rent in Ruwi, MBD & Mumtaz area. Contact 97293708 1BHK Al Falaj R.O 200/-.

Contact: 97799175 2 BHK Ghubra R.O 300/-, RO 325/-.

Contact: 97799175 2BHK Darsait R.O 325/-.

Contact: 97799175 1 penthouse, 1 bedroom, living room, kitchen, behind GMC Car showroom, Al Ghubra South R.O 260/-. Contact: 99310551

Furnished room for rent at Al Khuwair R.O 225/- for family only.

Contact: 99251975 We have 3BHK fully furnished villa in Ghubra 18th November near Automatic Restaurant.

Contact: 93782735/ 99208033

Available furnished meeting hall for seminars on a hourly, daily, monthly, yearly basis. please contact 93203773 : Email: mbdeast@gmail.com 2BHK Mumtaz R.O 300/-.

Contact: 97799175 2BHK villa Mumtaz R.O 300/-.

Contact: 97799175 2BHK Azaiba R.O 325/-.

Contact: 97799175 Flats in Al Khuwair 33 with gym free for tenants 2 BHK RO.425/-.

Contact 93161111 Two bedroom apartments available for rent at South Ghubra close to Atlas Hospital close to Grand mall & Avenues mall next to Diwan’s Office.

Contact: 99833747 / 24562526

Shop/ comm./ Resi building 1&2 bed flat available in Wadi Kabir (near Lulu) one bedroom flats 200/- Wadi Kabir & Misfa land for rent 1000 SQM Al Khuwair 6 bedroom villa 900/- . Contact: 99451168

2 bedrooms flats at Muttrah 2 flats available Oman house.

Contact: 99319149

Villa in Al Khuwair 4 BHK RO.600/-, Flat in Madinate Sultan Qaboos 3BHK RO.600/-. Contact 93161111

Flat for rent in Hamriya.

Contact: 99341112

Twin villa 6BR hall, kitchen at Al Ansab-2. Contact: 99747560 / 99444786

Flat in Qurum near PDO 2 BHK + 1 BHK RO.550/ – 375/Contact 93161111

Two shops in Muttrah Souq, for rent more details pleas.

Contact: 91214849 / 95729711

3BHK near Darsait I.S.M. Contact: 99024730

Flats in Azaiba opp to Al Sahwa Tower 2 BHK RO.450/- 1BHK RO.350/-. Contact 93161111

2 BHK Flats for rent Muttrah near Oman house. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232

1 Bedroom attached, toilet & kitchen in AL Khuwair R.O 140/-.

Contact: 95154331

600 SQT commercial flat for rent, opposite Oman flour mill Darsait. For more details please Contact: 91214849 / 95729711

1BHK flat with A/C AL Khuwair 250/- R.O. Contact: 99358589 / 95570288 3BHK flat Darsait Near I.D card Medical 450/- R.O. Contact: 99358589 / 95570288 1 BHK flat in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181

2BHK pent house R.O 325/- , 1BHK R.O 225 /- close to Indian Nursery, Darsait. Contact: 99476728/ 98484415

2 BHK flat in Darsait near Kims Hospital. Contact 99792181

1& 2 BHK flats for rent at Wadi Kabir, Wadi Adai, Hamriya, Al Khoud and Mabela and shop at Al Khoud land line. Contact : 24834644 GSM 93994401/ 02/ 03, 3 lines

Villa in Madinate Sultan Qaboos 3BHK + maid room RO.1400/-.

Contact 93161111

3BHK well maintained flat (villa type) G. floor split A/C separate entrance, parking, and compound available in Al Khuwair behind Sagar Polyclinic Way no. 3922, Block 239, Villa No. 1839. Contact: 99253125

3BHK Flats & 6BHK Villa in Azaibah.

Contact : 96775026

Room with A.C at AL Khuwair R.O 120/-. Contact: 97799175

2BHK close to Indian school kindergarten Wadi Kabir R.O 320/-, 1BHK R.O 250/-. Contact: 99476728 / 98484415

Commercial villa near Bareeq Al Shatti 8 BHK + swimming pool RO.2500/-. Contact 93161111

Villa for rent: 6 bed rooms, 1 sitting room, 2 halls, 1 kitchen and 1 pantry.

Al Mawaleh South phase 3 close to Al Sahwah roundabout, first line behind Amwag perfume factory.

Contact - 99360366

Flats in Al Khuwair 2 BHK RO.350/Contact – 93161111.

Darsait next to ISM 2BHK pent house 2nd floor brand new building R.O 300/- . Contact : 93393967

Villa for rent - Al Seeb/Al Mawelah - Block 5 - 4 bedrooms with attached bathrooms, Majlis, 2 halls, kitchen and storeroom, split Ac and car park.

Contact 99564616 / 99498448 New flats 1 room and living room with accessories & 2 rooms and living room with accessories in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 92130703 / 96045478 New flats for rent in Darsait, Al Sahal. Contact : 99311525

Furnished flat in Bareeq Al Shatti 2 BHK RO.750/-. Contact 93161111

Flat for rent in Wadi Kabir near Indian Primary School 2 BR & 1K. Contact: 92222922

New flats for rent in Darsait Al Sahal. Contact: 99777351

For rent office & flat Ruwi- CBD. Contact: 92820734/ 95345909

1BHK near Al Nahdha Ruwi.

Contact: 99617786 Luxury fully furnished 2 bedrooms flat at Al Khuwair & luxury fully furnished 5 bedroom villas at Madinat Al Ilam. For short or long term lease contract. Contact Atlas Real Estate & Rent a Car LLC. Contact : 93201688 / 92888376 Tel: 24833848 / 24834888 Luxury 4 BHK flat in Al Wattaya with split A/C and private parking.

RO.475/- Contact – 93191111 4bedrooms villa with 2 halls, 4 bathrooms in Darsait behind Khimijis Mart. Contact: 92584715 / 24700120

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3 , 2 0 1 5

D3

DAILY GUIDE

AFFORDABLE QUALIFIED STAFF AVAILABLE: EŽ ƟŵĞ ƚŽ ƐĐƌƵƟŶŝnjĞ ƐƚĂī ĂŵŽŶŐ ƚŚŽƵƐĂŶĚƐ͍ EĞĞĚ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂů ƐƚĂī Ăƚ ĂŶ ĂƌƌĂŶŐĞŵĞŶƚ͍ tĞ ĂƌĞ Ă ŵĂŶƉŽǁĞƌ ĂŐĞŶĐLJ ǁŚŽ ŚĞĂĚͲŚƵŶƚ ƚŚĞ ƐƚĂī ĨƌŽŵ ĂŶLJ ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ǁŽƌůĚ͊ tĞ ƐĐƌĞĞŶ ƚŚĞ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂŶƚƐ ƐĞǀĞƌĂůůLJ ƚŽ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ƚŚĂƚ LJŽƵ ŐĞƚ ŽŶůLJ ƚŚĞ ďĞƐƚ ŝƐĐŽǀĞƌ ǁŚLJ ƚŽƉ ĞŵƉůŽLJĞƌƐ ƉƌĞĨĞƌ ƵƐ ĨŽƌ ƐƚĂĸŶŐ͊

Hurry and call this number now!

95967902

FOR RENT Single bedroom flat near to Indian School Al Ghubra.

Contact: 99203954 One BHK Wadi Kabeer near Sana RO 190/-. Contact: 95094028 Bobcat Grader and roller for rent.

Contact: 94584688 1BHK flats available for rent in CBD area. Contact: 98116480

Commercial 20 BHK twin open villa in Al Mawalah Mazoon street RO.2000/- Contact – 93191111

Spacious 2BHK in MBD. Contact : 99713489

1BHK flat with split A/C in Wadi Adai RO.200/- Contact – 93191111

Basement in MBD. Contact: 99713489

3 BHK flat with split A/C in Wadi Adai RO.200/- Contact – 93191111

Room with A.C Al Khuwair R.O 120/-.

Contact: 97799175 1000 sq mtrs industrial land for rent in Ghala suitable for warehouse etc.

Contact: 24700120 / 92584715 House for rent in Sidab 8 rooms, 6 toilets RO 550/-.

Contact: 96606679 / 99856551 Flat for rent near Al Nahdha Hospital in Hamriya. Contact: 97380548 / 99680499 4 bedroom villa with 3 maid room, big compound & parking area. Ideal for kindergarten or expat tenants residency. Contact:24566217 / 24564686 Office & retail space available Alasfoor Plaza, Qurum.

Contact: 24566217 / 24564686 Store with an area of 121m2 in Souq Ruwi Street, Al Hamriya (suitable for building materials store or home furniture and curtains workshop).

Contact: 99434499 Flat and show room for rent Al Khuwair 33, Al Ghubrah, Darsait and Jibroo. Contact: 24485240 / 24485241 / 93651633 / 92109563

Brand new 6 BHK villa in Al Aziba with split A/C and lift RO.1200/Contact – 93191111 Brand new showroom of 595 SQM in BowsherRO.5 each sqm.

Contact – 93191111 2BHK flat available near medical / Darsait. Contact 24705742 Villa for rent in Al Khuwair 33, 8 bedrooms & 5 bathrooms with parking area near Taimur Mosque.

Contact: 99366624 Room for rent. Contact Farahat 98020768, Hilal: 96541263 Flat for rent penthouse Al Amerat Al Mahaj. Contact: 92738298 1,000 sq mtrs industrial land in Misfah Industrial area near to Khanco. OMR 1,500 Monthly. It has Electricity and boundary wall.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Bath attached room for rent Al Khuwair. Contact 99743569

96059470 *Kindly note that the scrap should be 50 tons onwards

91494149 ĨŽƌ ĂŶ ĞdžĐůƵƐŝǀĞ ůŝŵŝƚĞĚͲƟŵĞ ŽīĞƌ ĚŝƐĐŽƵŶƚ͊​͊​͊

Used Fabrication machinery for sale : Fabrication machinery and tools in excellent condition for immediate sale. Contact -94652485/ 99273774/ 99202278

Flats for rent near Indian School in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99777122

3 Bedroom flat at Al Khuwair.

Contact: 99447257/97014234

Convert ANY type of Scrap into Money by selling us the scrap Great prices are guaranteed for our clients!

Call this number now for urgent response -

CLASSY, CREATIVE AND AFFORDABLE INTERIOR DESIGN 'Ğƚ ĐƵƐƚŽŵŝnjĞĚ͕ &ŝƫŶŐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƵŶŝƋƵĞ ŝŶƚĞƌŝŽƌ ĚĞƐŝŐŶƐ ŵĂĚĞ ĨƌŽŵ ƐĐƌĂƚĐŚ͘ Our professionals give YOU: ͻ ƵƚŽ ĂĚ >ĂLJŽƵƚ ͻ D W ƌĂǁŝŶŐƐ ͻ Ϯ ĂŶĚ ϯ ĚƌĂǁŝŶŐ ͻ /ŶŶŽǀĂƟǀĞ ŽŶĐĞƉƚ ĞƐŝŐŶ Hurry now and call this number

Good running super market in Al Kamil AL Wafi for sale.

Contact: 96976848 / 97609781

1 & 2 bedroom flats available for rent in wadi-kabir (opp: pencil bldg), ideal for company staff / families - bulk corporate deal possible.

Contact: 97677170

Shops for ren in Wadi Kabeer.

Contact: 99888390

UNIVERSAL SCRAP BUYERS AT AMAZING PRICES

FOR SALE Automotive batteries for sale.

Contact : 24794657 For sale land in Amerat 3000 Sq.mt with petrol pump permission. Contact 99323957 / 92702891 Expatriate LLC Company license (building materials 70 Ex : 30 Omani) for sale. Contact 94663824 / 94305499 Direct from the owner: for sale A 2 bedroom apartment with a full and direct Marina view at Marsa 2 at the Wave, area 138 sq. Mtrs, will be ready next month for R.O. 255,000.

Contact : 95330200 Beauty Salon for sale in Good location (Azaiba and Al Hail).

Contact : 95318629 A 2 bedroom apartment with a full and direct Marina view at Marsa 2 at the wave, area 138 sq. Mtrs, will be ready next month R.O 255.000. Contact: 95330200 Shop for sale in Al Khoudh.

Contact: 92820541 Restaurant for sale in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99425461 Beauty salon in Ghubrah for sale Contact: 94689448 Sales tyre shop. Contact 97964518 Aluminium workshop at Wadi Kabir with all machineries and 3 skilled workers. Contact: 99536206 / 99605915

ACC. AVAILABLE Room available for Executive bachelors, couple near Al Nahadah Hospital Al Hamriya Ruwi.

CALL 95235663

AVAILABLE

Three 2 bedroom bachelor accommodation available in a building near Kuwaiti Mosque at Wadi Kabir till 14th February 2016. #95332701

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

Fully furnished room with attached bath for Executive bachelor behind Al Meera Hypermarket, Azaiba R.O 150/-. Contact: 99455735 A big room in available near Hamriya R/A for Muslim couple / small family / Executive bachelor rent 150/- per month including W+ E. Contact: 99495131 An Excellent 3bedrooms Flat at Al Hail, 3 bathrooms, sitting room, living room, kitchen with store 92817777 Fully furnished accommodation available for an Executive bachelor with attached bath room and Wifi facility in Ghubra near Al Maha Hotel.

Contact 94295706 Furnished room available in Ruwi.

Contact: 92435784 Independent rooms in Qurum / Al Hail. Contact 95529970 Single bedroom flat at Ruwi, Al Falaj area. Contact: 95698714 Separate room with A/c, Small Fridge and Bed, for non-cooking Asian bachelor, behind Shell filling station, Ghoubra round about.

Contact: 94263390

SITUATION WANTM.V. FOR SALE ED

Toyota Yaris 2009 Dec model, manual, 150000km, 2500 OMR. Contact 93895508

Kia Cerato 2014 Model for sale 1300 kms Under agency warrenty and service. Contact: 99634841

FOR EXPATS From owner plot of land near Zanzibar, airport price RO 15000.

Contact 99348943

ACC. AVAILABLE Sharing accommodation in CBD area for non cooking Executive bachelors, wifi free, advance deposit.

Contact 91852710 Single room, bath Darsait R.O 140/-.

Contact: 93289652

SELL/BUY Looking for purchase of a residential building with minimum 25 unoccupied flats in Ghala, Bousher, Azaiba, Ghubrah.

Contact 99261522 Used furniture & Electronic items, office & house. Contact 99834373 /96642500

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

D4

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

SITUATION WANTED

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Finance Manager (15+yrs experience) Ability to manage Group of companies. Contact: 92701962 Accountant 35 years with 5 years experience in Oman urgently seeking suitable jobs accountant & Ass. Admin& HR valid D/L N.O.C. Contact: 968 99176112 /968 91818124 Email: aamirjaved24@hotmail.com Accountant Part time up to finalization on monthly basis by Indian CA. All reports, backlog accounting, bank loan help, tax & internal Audit,affordable fee.92758370 Male B.Com Graduate having one year exp in Accounts & Admin.

Contact: 94736742 25 yrs female Indian with B.Com MBA looking out for a job in finance / marketing / HR field with a work experience of 1 year, 3 months at Bank Muscat & 7 months at India.

Contact: 94657403 / 95537261 Indian male B.Com / PGDM 16 yrs exp, 3 yrs prior Oman exp seeking suitable placement in accounts/ finance/ admin/ logistics. #95587905 email : vikaso803@yahoo.com on visit visa Accountant, 36 yrs, Indian male, 10 yrs UAE experience in Accountant, Insurance currently on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact 96334958 / 95217432 Male Indian Accountant B.Com 7 years experience in Oman (accounting, finance, costing auditing) with NOC and valid driving license looking for suitable position. #96722257 Email: mudassir.pal@gmail.com M.Com female good knowledge in computer and tally 4 years experience in accounts and Administration seeks suitable placement on visit visa. Contact: 96992431 / 99450130 Male, Finance Executive / Sr. Accountant with Experience in Oman having Graduate degree in Commerce looking for suitable position. Contact: 98570383 Email: hadee.rasheed@gmail.com

ACCOUNTANT

ENGINEER

Omani candidate required for Audit firm Graduation / studying towards Graduation or professional qualification 3+ years experience in accounting. Accounts payable Senior Assistant in one of the leading oil & gas companies in Oman. Contact L. Santhosh 92257887, Manoj 99377604 Email: santhosh@mhmyauditors.com

A Mechanical Engineer with salesmanship experience of 5 years & above preferable with Oman drivers license and NOC. Please forward your CV to almaadhi.trd@gmail.com

Wanted an experienced Accountant.

Forward your CV to lawfirmfm@gmail.com Urgently required for leading Company : Accountant between 5 to 10 yrs experience, Accountant (Petrol Station) between 3 to 5 yrs experiences. Fax: 24478522, Email : gh1.careers@gmail.com

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Project head (HVAC and firefighting) 12-15 years of experience with good project management skills.

GCC experience and driving license is mandatory. Send CVs on muscatjobs@outlook.com

IT

CATERING Urgently looking for an Expatriate House Boy with Cooking knowledge and experience.

Contact Immediately: 99460564

DOMESTIC HELPER Required a housemaid in Ruwi.

Contact 96511169 Chinese/ Arab/ continental cook & helper wanted. Contact 95529970

DRIVER Driver with Oman driving licence needed. Visa available. # 942888 63 REQUIRED URGENTLY Heavy Driver & Light Driver, Omani National.

Contact -99752720. Fax : 24703313 Email : cvoman5@gmail.com Looking for an experienced house driver for an Omani family. Interested candidates may Contact: 96203333

EDUCATION Agyal Al Huda School requires Maths & Science Teachers in Al Azaiba. Contact 91409998 / 24492548 / 99637238 Post Graduate researcher required.

Contact 99229700

A new Multi-Purpose hall at Sohar city is urgently looking for an Event Manager. Pls send your CV to oec.oman@gmail.com

Required Marine Mechanic with 3 to 5 years experience in maintaining / repairing outboard Engines and Generators of Boat.

Ph: 24696130; Email: hrmedia123@gmail.com

BEAUTY Required Beautician for a beauty salon in Muscat (visa available).

Contact: 97605308

Jordanian Accountant (ACPA) with more than 15 yrs experience in Oman (Accounts, Purchase & finance.

Contact: 92881223 Email: kamal_sarhan@yahoo.com

Required Salesman for shop & hardware Technician for IT Company with minimum 2 yrs experience.

Contact 98825805 / 98825806.

Email : strns1@gmail.com Required Marketing Manager for educational programs.

Contact: 99674870

MEDICAL Dental center in Muscat requires Staff Nurse holding MOH license.

Omani Secretary with Arabic & English speaking and writing.

To apply please send CV to the following address: rmsalsulaimani@yahoo.com Contact: 99445533 /99449413 Require qualified full time Caregiver (Sri Lankan or Philipino) for an orderly Mother.

Contact : 99425200 Looking for Indian Candidates : Prometric passed or MOH license with NOC for polyclinic:- Radiologist, Gynecologist, Radiographer, Lab Technicians and Pharmacists.

Email: polyclinicomanhr@gmail.com Required for private clinic: Gynecologist Arabic Nationality, GP Arabic Nationality, Nurse.

Contact 97304519 from 9 AM to 1 PM Urgently required female Staff Nurse with M.O.H. license & N.O.C. to work in Sohar. Salary: locum- 450 OMR per month for 1-2 months only, full-time : 400 OMR consolidated per month. Contact: 95406530 or e-mail: shamirudoy@gmail.com

A Pest control supervisor required urgently /Call 92660005

SALES / MARKETING

MEDICAL Optician required who carry good experience to prepare Optical prescription and is compatible with counter sales male / female. Send CV : sameer@ayaanhealthcare.com Required Pharmacist with license.

Contact: 92245470 Immediately required lady Doctor (DGO) or GP with Gynecology experience & lab technician. #99310590 Email: tjmaluke@gmail.com Gynecologist . G.P and others needed for a reputed clinic in Al Khoudh , contact :+968 92584362 , mail CV to towershr70@gmail.com Medical CARE Centre, Multi Specialty Clinic, Seeb, requires General Practioner, Medical Lab Technician & Pharmacist. Send CV at Email : sarita_h23@yahoo.com or call 97884856 Required Dentist, Endodontist, Orthodontist with MOH license.

Contact 99010755 for dental Centre in Muscat Khuwair Email: akdmuscat@hotmail.com Wanted GP doctor with MOH license - Al Suweiq clinic - salary RO 1600/-.

Contact 97742491 Required Nurse with MOH license for Dental Centre in Khuwair Muscat.

Contact: 99010755 Email: akdmuscat@hotmail.com

SKILLED LABOR Wanted urgently need two Tailors who can make curtains. # 98962888

Sales Executive urgently required for a well-established business of building material (tiles, kitchens, bathrooms and interiors) with selective European brands. Candidate should have industry knowledge and proven local experience, a valid D/L & NOC. Send CV to alrawahy.hafidh@gmail.com Required Sales Executive for IT Sales, with valid Oman Driving License. Kindly email CV to careers@sactech.co.om Required Sales & marketing person for IT Company with minimum 2 yrs experience in Oman & with valid Oman driving license.

Contact 98825805 / 98825806.

Email : strns1@gmail.com Required Salesman in Salalah very good commission.Contact 92760281 Reputed buildings material company looking for outdoor Sales Executive having valid Omani driving license with more than 2 years local sales experience in Tiles / Sanitary ware. Fax your CV to 24798709 / email: united@omantel.net.om Digital Printing &Advertising firm in Muscat urgently requires Male / Female Business development Executives with D/L. Contact: 96348429 Email: mostdigi1@gmail.com Sales man / interior designer wanted for prestigious interior design and office furniture Supply Company. Experience and drivers license needed.

Excellent remuneration package.

Email: tony@materials-plus.com Required experienced Sales / Marketing Executives having light license. Send your CV ocean@omantel.net.om

Accountant with more than 6 years experience in SAOG company looking for middle management position.

Strong English/Arabic correspondence. Valid DL. NOC available.

Contact 91116924 Fresher looking for a career opportunity B.Com good physique, quick learner English speaking.

Contact: 93368464 Young, energetic 24 yrs, ACCA finalist, Advanced diploma in Accounting and business, seeking suitable placement in accounts, finance or audit. Contact: 92430152 Email: rau_dey@yahoo.com Accountant 7Years Experience with D/L and NOC. Contact 97712084 Part time Accountant available.

Contact : 93438100 Male, Finance Executive / Sr. Accountant with Experience in Oman having Graduate degree in Commerce looking for suitable position. NOC available. #98570383 Email: hadee.rasheed@gmail.com Accounts finance Indian male 22 yrs B.Com Tally ERP-9, 2 years working experience in India on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 95636987 / 94280567 Email: nihadniha777@gmail.com Accounts finance Indian male 24 B.Com Tally ERP-9, 4 years working experience in India on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact : 95583953 /96392009 Email: shafadmusthafa@gmail.com Senior Accounts and administration executive, Indian, 20 years experience, holding Oman license, seeks suitable placement. Contact.95254864 Indian male, 27 years, BCom CA Inter, Pursuing CA final and MBA with 5 years work experience (2 years GCC), currently working as a cost accountant seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 94390660 Finance Manager 22 years Oman experience and NOC. Contact: 91302906 / 91335205 MBA Graduate 24 years Indian male, 1 year experience Accountant seeking suitable job. Contact: 94083260 Email: jithinnambiar777@gmail.com

Accountant Indian male B.Com 2 years experience currently on visiting visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact : 94649272, Email: sherin.am01@gmail.com Part Time Accounting, Accounts Finalization, Audit Preparation, Internal Audit, Monthly Profitability Reports, Onsite Tally Training, Contact : 96975454, Email :ibfc.gcc@gmail.com Indian CA 10yrs of Oman experience in treasury, financial reporting, consolidation, ERP implementation in Trading, construction, Oil & Gas sectors. NOC available.

Email: caramdas.s5@gmail.com GSM: 91310237 Male 29 yrs, 5+ experience, 4 yrs in HME (Office Assistant) 1 yr experience in accounts & marketing seeking for suitable position.# 96505486 Pakistani Qualification M.Com (finance) experience 2 years as Internal Auditor, 3 years as Finance Manager. Contact: 00968- 91490367 Part time Accountant, up to finalization, looking for job after 5pm (location prefer - MSQ to Al Hail).

Contact: 95694737 Indian 24 years MBA finance 2 years experience seeking suitable placement. Contact: 98222753 Email - shemeejup@gmail.com 12 yrs Oman experienced Chief Accountant looking for immediate placement.

Contact 99513082 13 years exp (7.5 years Gulf exp) B.Com Graduate, looking for Accountant job, Contact -92957064 , NOC Available.

Accountant 4 yrs experience looking for job. Contact 96182302 Email: rishad.sainudheen@gmail.com Indian male B.Com Graduate 24 years looking for suitable placement. Contact: 97219505 Part time Accounting qualified & experienced Accountant. #93858725 A Sri Lankan lady chartered accountant with five years experience (including article ship), on family visa in Oman looking for a suitable job. Contact: 91259845 Email: amashermila@gmail.com

ADMIN Filipino,29,Male, 5years experience: Admin/Payroll/Finance/Document Control. Excellent Communication/ MS Office skills. Contact: 95057206 email: patrick110486@yahoo.com Purchase Admin Indian male 15 years Gulf experience.

Contact: 95435370 Indian male 12+ years experience in Admin and hospitality services, seeks suitable placement.

Contact : 99318958 Email: josephonline2007@gmail.com Indian, 16 yrs experience in Admin / Office management and have knowledge in accounting seeks job. Release available and have D/L. Contact : 99573353 Filipina, 10 yrs experience in Fashion Retail, Shipment, Logistics, Inventory, Warehouse Control and Store Management is seeking employment. Call +971565833126 or 97728418.

Indian male MBA 33 yrs having 10 yrs exp seeking suitable placement in Administration / HR/ Operations/ Coordination/ Logistics etc. Holding valid D/L. Contact - 99054786 Indian male 2+yrs oman exp in HR. joing immediatly. release available.

Contact :93671437 Indian Female MBA, 3 Year Experience in Admin MIS , Family Visa. Contact 98234427, jkjsmith01@gmail.com 14 years of gulf experience in HR / Admin & logistics fluent in Arabic / English with D/L looking for suitable position. Contact: 95824598 Indian female 24 years BE Electronics now in Oman visiting visa searching job for any administrative sectors telecommunicating banking teaching.

Contact: 95935867 / 99536948 Email: anjujose011@gmial.com

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3 , 2 0 1 5

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED MEDICAL

ARCHITECT PHD Architect from Italy with 10 years experience speaks Arabic, English & Italian looking for Architectural job in Muscat.

Contact: 95543753 Email: basim_radhi@yahoo.com / eng.radhibasim@gmail.com

Indian Dentist, MDS, having 10 years experience prometric passed (70%) looking for job.

Contact: 97985325

ENGG. / TECHNICAL

CATERING Catering Indian cook, tandoori cook experience in India looking for a cook job in hotel / restaurant, presently on India. Contact: 98744307

DESIGNER MEP design and Drafting, all kind of shop drawing preparation and detailed section drawings. Contact : Mr Sandry Menon. Contact: (+968) 98471463 / 98471463

DRIVER LMV Driver, 7 yrs exp. (Keralite).

Contact 97761606 Vehicle with driver 12 years in Oman seeking suitable job.

Contact: 92762258 Bangladeshi want job, 6 years work exp. in Dubai and Oman.

Contact: 93822195 Driver Pakistani available.

NOC available. Contact: 94356465 20 years experience.

Contact : 94795033 Pakistani male light vehicle driver looking for job. Contact: 96474528 Driver with car. Contact : 91452930 Wanted driver. Contact 95112461 Driver job wanted.

Contact: 99343782 Car with driver or without cat specially Companies.

Contact 97943750 / 97408900 Light duty driver 5 years exp in Oman. Contact: 92602182 Driver available 24, HRS, car without car. Contact: 98522914 Looking job LTV D with car.

Contact: 94436276 / 97433432

DRAFTSMAN Drafting (interior design), experienced, knows autocad, 3D, PH : 99506977 Indian Civil Draftsman looking suitable placement 5 yrs experience (Gulf). Contact: 98064097

DOMESTIC HELPER Indian Housemaid looking for full time job with accommodation, 7 yrs exp with European family. Prefer European family. Contact: 92567618 Indian male having 8 years experience in Oman, working as a warehouse in charge seeking suitable placement. N.O.C available. .

Contact 96184236 House maid looking for job.

Contact: 99879576

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Indian 22 years male, Mechanical Engineer, B.Tech has done internships, born and brought up in Oman with Omani driving license, seeking suitable jobs.

Contact 92791637 Email: ashwinsureshkotturethu@gmail.com Indian mechanical Engineer 31 yrs, 8+ experience in sales & BD including GCC, having Oman driving license & NOC. Contact: 97116858 Email: menonamit1984@gmail.com Indian BE (MECH) aviation BE degree diploma in material quality management 17 years Navy aviation 13 years construction purchase stores professional on visit.

Contact: 90205082 /98796982 Engineer with 3 yrs experience in Indian in MEP, HVAC& mechanical maintained field on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact 99191535 Email: fareed029@gmail.com Electrical Engineer, Indian male, 29 yrs having 5 yrs of experience in industrial automation & utility maintenance in India (MRF yres) seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92789995, Email : akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com

B.Sc Indian male Nurse, 6.5 years in emergency and OT, prometric 69%, looking for suitable nursing job.

Contact- 90126959, abybabykutty@gmail.com

Indian male 24, Diploma in Civil Engineering 2 years experience as a Site Engineer on visit visa.

Contact: 98023153 Civil QS / Project Engineer 8 yrs exp having Oman D/L looking for suitable position NOC and release available. Contact: 92633261 Email: manikce@gmail.com Civil Engineer 7 years experience in Oman. Contact: 92480604 B.Sc Civil Engineer Bangladeshi male 6 yrs exp of building construction drafting structural design valid D/L seeking suitable position.

Contact :91220753, Email: engr_jashim21@yahoo.com

DAE (civil) having 4.5 years experience with driving license of Oman, Seeking for suitable place in construction field NOC and release available contact 96968554, email- mehranahmad26@yahoo.com Indian male 27 years BE Mechanical, 2 years experience in Training AutoCAD Revit MEP PDMS Softwares. Contact: 94183625 Civil Engineering Diploma 7 years experience in building construing in Oman with NOC. Contact `99512416 /96488479 D.A.E (Civil) Engineer + safety officer course (OSHA & IOSH) for U.K need the job. Contact: 97850996

Project Manger with B.E Civil 13 years experience including GCC having driving licence, release and NOC available looking for a suitable job.

Contact: 97068121

Civil Engg, B.Tech fresher Indian male currently on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact 91702450 Email: tijoct2015@hotmail.com

Since March 2010 in Oman as a building Construction Site supervisor with Oman D/L looking for suitable placement or small Omani Construction Co. Contact 93061107

Indain male, 23 yrs, B.E in Mechanical post Graduation Diploma in piping Engineering, seeking job in relevant field.Contact : 94786570 Email: asim.hajwani6@gmail.com

Pakistani TV/ Radio broadcasting engineer having 20 years experience of installations, planning, project handling, training & procurement presently on visit visa # 93810402 Bangladeshi male BSc Engg in civil total 3 yrs experience 2 yrs in Oman looking for job.Contact : 94038642, Email: shaikhhasib.ce@gmail.com BTech Marine Engineer, Indian, 2 years experience, looking for onshore marine/ mechanical jobs.

Contact-91991386, prvnpurushan@gmail.com Jordanian Mechanical Engineer, Expertise in Manufacturing, Design, Steel Work, AutoCad, SolidWork 3D, Nesting/Plasma Cutting, Sales, Speaking, Russian & English GSM#90198575/99201710 HSE Engineer, NEBOSH IGC and IOSH certified with 2 years industry and Oil & Gas experience looking for urgent placement. Contact 91476537.

Pakistani diploma civil (Eng) 24 year 1.5 years experience in Pak) 2 years in (Oman). Contact: 97138320 Indian male 24, Diploma in Civil Engineering 2 years experience as Site Engineer on visit visa.

Contact 98023153 Civil Engineer (Diploma) with 7 + 5 years Oman experience in Interior QS AutoCAD & Construction with Oman D/L NOC available. #98085006 Shaiju K.S (30) M diploma in Mechanical Engineering (DME) work experience: 7 years, 9 months as a tool designer and in tool room (India) Hyderabad , on three months visit visa. Contact: 92945232 A qualified Iraqi Electrical Engineer has more than 6 years experience in HV, LV, GAS power plant and electrical activities, resident in Oman looking for job. Contact: 94750771 Indian male 23 yrs, B.E in Mechanical 1.3 yrs experience as Maintenance Engineer (India) (L & T ports) proficiency in AutoCAD seeking for a suitable job on visit visa. #97794386 Email: srinathvijayanavs@gmail.com Indian male Electrical and Electronics Engineer, 6 months experience GCC driving license, transferable visa. Contact: 93682181 Female Civil Engineer with 3.5 years experience looking for job in Muscat, proficient in site execution, tendering procedures billing, Quantity take off, budgetary control have knowledge in AutoCAD, SAP, Word, excel, power point. Contact: 97207212 Email: ranjur20@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer 22 yrs Indian male currently on permanent visa and valid Omani driving license seeking for suitable job.

Contact : 91652927 / 99680181 Email: fawariz.09@gmail.com Pakistani Civil diploma Engineering experience 3 years in Oman building construction, 2 years in Pakistan, having driving license. #96512518 Email: qaiser.abbas006@gmail.com

Instrumentation Engineer, nearly 4 yrs experience in oil & gas industry, seeks job in Oman. Contact 90198210, Email : terinsam@gmail.com Indian male 25MBA having 4years Gulf experience in Coordination with contracting company .NOC Available.

Looking for(Store,Coordination,Admin Backoffice) Jobs Ph:95405885 MSC Electronics Female, 24 years, 1 year experience in MR Scan Testing on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact 91111675 Indian diploma Civil Eng, 2 yrs exp. Infrastructures project (4G – Towers, substation) landscaping & Auto CAD. Contact: 94756183 Email: indianexpat1@gmail.com Indian Male, IT Support Engineer, 2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experience. Contact 97311847 Civil Engineer, 6 yrs experience having Oman D/L, looking for a suitable position. NOC available.

Contact: 93523507 / 95961336 Email: eyousuf04@yahoo.com B.Tech Electrical & Electronics with 1 year experience seeking for suitable job. Contact: 91 9497883413 Email: rakesh1.mohan@gmail.com Over 22 years of comprehensive experience in overall construction execution& management qualification.

BE (Civil). Contact : +968 91816590 Civil Engineer (diploma) 3.5 yrs exp, seeking for placement.

Contact: 95200650 Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp.

Email: mohd.ateeq.khan@gmail.com C-SWIP 3.1 ASNT level 2 QC Mech.

Engr 5+ yrs exp Indian male 26 seeks placement. Contact : 91823331 Email: kannasekhar46@gmail.com Electrical and Electronics Engineer with one year experience and GCC licence holder seeking a job mail – shyjalpk@gmail.com SUPERVISOR: Indian male site supervisor (AIR CONDITIONING) 25 years of experience with valid Oman Driving license, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 97498809, 93391910 Email: hilariankj@gmail.com Indian male, Supervisor Electrician Diploma 8 yrs in Oman. NOC available. Contact 95057068, jratheesh@yahoo.com Mechanical Engineer 23 having knowledge in HVAC looking for suitable vacancy. Contact: 95434381 Email: shuhaibuman313@gmail.com Indian male Civil Engineer with Engineer with 2 years experience in Building project is available currently on visit visa. Contact: 92841583 Mechanical and manufacturing Engineer , age 26 yrs masters ( Singapore) having 2 years Oman work experience with valid Oman driving license on visit visa available immediately.

Contact: 95498953

B.Tech Mechanical Engineer with 2 years experience in HV AC and plumbing - nikhilchandpm@gmail. com ; GSM: 97654489

Indian female BSc Nurse with 4 years experience with Oman prometric 64% looking for suitable placement in capital area. Contact: 95847286

Btech computer science graduate 2015 passout.. Android application marketing.. Having good communication skills and mindset to work in a team. Contact 91024385

Lecturer in Nursing (MSc) specialized in OBG, 3 years experience, on visit visa, seeking teaching opportunities/ nursing educator. #90125347

Indian male BE Mechanical currently on 2 yrs free visa with NOC & local release. Looking for suitable job in Muscat. Contact – 90296975 / ali.syedausaf@gmail.com

Indian male, Audiologist and Speech language pathologist, 5 years experience looking for job.

Contact: 98490687, 9597597067 mail- kesavan.sundar7@gmail.com

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR HOSPITALITY Hospitality/Hotel/ Restaurants - Dynamic result oriented hospitality professional with 20 years of international exp. MBA in Hotel Management, specializing in Hotel/ Restaurant start ups, concepts & Franchise development with proven records. Seeking for Challenging positions in reputed groups as GM/ COO/CEO/Business Head. (NOC available) Contact : 96059470 Front Office Manager with 20 years of expertise in Burj Al Arab, the address & Sheraton seeks immediate placement. Contact 92311830

IT SAP BW Analyst : Indian male, 26 yrs, B.Tech (CS & E) from ASET, New Delhi, worked as a Business Analyst in Software Industry.

Contact 98008127 / 92878708, vaisakh.bhaskar@gmail.com IT B. Sc Computer Science 3 yrs exp in programming & web development, networking & admin & CCNA. Contact :99758186 CCNA MCITP Network support/ Network technician with 2 yrs experience Indian male having bachelors degree on visit visa. #93080871, email :sean.f.peters@outlook.com Net work Engineer on visit looking for immediate placement.

Contact: 95634573 IT Engineer, 6 yrs exp in software projects & development (Java, PL/ SQL Unix) on visit visa.

Contact 99487493 Indian male 34 yrs M.Tech Industrial biotechnology having teaching experience seeking for job.

M. Ramkumar. Contact : 96674521, 0091-9940586051 Email: rmkumar28@gmail.com Network System Engineer switches, Routers, Servers, load balancers, CCTV 5 years of exp holds B.E (ECE) CCNA looking for good opportunity Indian visit visa. Contact 91911792 Email: arafakdnl@gamil.com Tunisian Master degree in Computer Science, with experience in creating websites in development looking for a job in the Sultanate of Oman currently in Muscat.

Contact 94745546 Email: safouane.gouja@gmail.com Indian male, 35 years, BBA with IT diploma Holder with 13 years experience in IT Tech, Support & Administration seeking suitable position. Contact : 94770019 BE, ECE Mumbai university skills in C, C++, windows, linux, controller and processor RTOS, Electronics, Networking, 6 months experience in embedded software seeks placement. Contact : 917774864736 Email: sadatbtisekar@gmail.com

Individuals having good relation with Ministry or desiring to start new business (or running) like Electronic security system or supply of medical equipments.

Contact 94742666 Indian with 20 years experience in food & beverage section in Hotel field seeks suitable managerial position in a restaurant / hotel or catering unit. Contact : 91447407 Senior Manager Indian, 30 years in FMCG Business in Oman looking for better opportunity at management level. Contact 99231513 Indian BE, BA diploma quality material management 13 years experience procurement, stores, inventory warehousing manager construction industry on visit. Contact 90287850 22 years B.Com Graduate having experience in trading of car accessories and also with valid GCC driving license looking for a suitable job.

Contact 98504698 Facility / Project Management 5 yrs of exp holds BE (ECE) MBA, Indian on visit visa looking for suitable openings.

Contact : 98580569 Email: arafacareer@gmail.com Supervisor / Forman interior / electrical with Oman driving license.

Contact: 98767559 Supervisor fabrication. 30 years experienced in oil and gas industry with thorough knowledge of PDO procedures. contact 99365694, 92362946, 99208102 email: tapasroy21@yahoo. com

MISCELLANEOUS Management Professional accountable, responsible for profitable management can handle the entire operations, HR/Recruitment, Business development & Sales & marketing & etc, Great organizational skills with over 23+yrs exp. in Bombay, Saudi Arabia, Dubai-UAE & Oman(11yrs) as General Manager Publications, Printing,Media. open to any industry, can Join immediately w/NOC. Contact : +968 98864706/99574638 Mail : akdas_uae@yahoo.com

PROJECTS HSE Engineer Diploma in mechanical eng, 6 yrs Gulf exp, NEBOSH, OSHA with oman D/L & NOC available for urgent placement.

Contact 91258586.

Indian male, with 8 yrs exp. in Oman (BA- Graduate) working as a project Sales Coordinator, with Oman D/L, looking for suitable job, ready to join immediately with NOC, open for Sales & Marketing also.

Contact 95245057

SALES / MARKETING MEDICAL Indian male, MSc, MPhil, BEd Chemistry,2 Yrs Teaching experience and having experience in lab analyst, currently on visit visa, seeks suitable post. Contact 90208673 ENT surgeon board degree & prometric exam looking for a job in private hospitals & medical complexes.

Contact: 91347226 OB/ Gynecologist board degree & prometric exam looking for a job in private hospitals & medical complexes. Contact: 91347226

Indian male, 2 yrs exp. in Sales with D/L seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92055093 MBA graduate having 6 years exp in Sales & Marketing, presently working in PEPSI, India seeks suitable placement in Oman.

Cont : + 91 9895388937, Email : samir.pag@gmail.com Have the previous experience in building material sales field and also experience as store keeper, with release paper & visa valid upto 19/09/15. #96451129 / 95563071

SKILLED/ UNSKILLED Welder / fabricator, Gulf exp, 3G, 6G ARC, GAS PH : 95068064 Building construction supervisor looking for small Omani company to handle independently or suitable placement in good company with Oman D/L. Contact 93061107

SALES / MARKETING Indian male, having 14 yrs of exp. in Business Development/ Marketing with Omani D/L seeks business development / Marketing Manager post. Contact 968 93400177 10 yrs financial products sales & marketing experienced 5 years in banking Indian male 32 yrs on visit visa looking for suitable position.

Contact : 92882053 Sales and marketing - male 27 yrs, 2 years experience seeking suitable placement with Oman D/L. Contact: 95642740 Email: shaijichakkara@gmail.com Sales man and author job – Dubai experience need job visa.

Contact: 91139936 / 96136615 NOC available with valid driving license looking for suitable placement diploma in Automobile Engg experience in dealer service 10 years and spare parts procurement 5 years through with local Market.

Contact : 00968 95487946 Omani college girl looking for a job in a management. Contact: 98298722 MBA Graduate having 23 yrs of experience as Sales Manager in building materials trading looking for a suitable opportunity, release available. Contact 92106768, Email : suvimasri@gmail.com 25 yrs experienced building materials manager knowledge of Purchase Marketing sales seeks suitable placement. Contact 94663824 / 94305499 Indian male, with 5 yrs experience of call centre in customer service & sales looking for suitable position.

Contact 90198176 Indian female having more than 8 years of experience in oil and gas sectors sales and marketing and 2 years as commercial manager looking for a suitable post in Sohar area.

Now on visit visa. Contact 96311709, Indian no 0091 9745541355, Email Id:mvrajagd_d@yahoo.com Sales man (food stuff), Gulf experienced, knows Hindi, Arabic .

Contact 99506977 Indian male looking for job in spare parts BMW / Mercedes benz.

Contact: 95712035 Indian 15 years experience MNC Sales Marketing Manager FMCH Buildings looking for change with D/L. Contact: 98796982 Business intelligence / Global Marketing management specialist with 9 years of experience developing brand value & managing overall projects to achieve business objectives seeking suitable position on family visit. Contact: 91902154 Male BA, with D/L, having 6 years exp in Oman wanted suitable job in Sales Inventory & procure.

Contact: 92191026 A professional commercial & Business Developer (Sudanese) MBA & PGD extensive experience (14 yrs in marketing, sales and procurement) for International companies with residential permit & driving license.

Contact 94738839 Email: alhassanolive@gmail.com MBA 15 years experience in Sales & Marketing in telecom, FMCG, presently in India C/O Saif Kazi.

Contact : 99625957 Email Id: a_kazi123@yahoo.co.in Indian male, experience Sales Executive with D/L seeks suitable placement. Contact: 97853426 Indian male 25 yrs BBM Graduate 3 yrs of experience Sales / Marketing in Oman looking in suitable placement. Contact : 93185316 Email: karsh794@gmail.com Indian 41 years, 2 years Dubai experience Sales of banking insurance products looking for suitable job.

Contact: 96564721 Sales and marketing - male 27 yrs, 2 years experience seeking suitable placement with Oman D/L. Contact: 95642740 Email: shaijichakkara@gmail.com

D6

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SIT.WANTED SECRETARIAL / OFFICE Indian male more than 10 years gulf experience in Office / Sales Coordinator, Admin, Secretarial and purchase with good computer skills.

Having Driving license and NOC available. Looking for suitable placement. Contact 99709336

TOURS & TRAVELS Five years experience in Travel field ,BCom., IATA & pursuing MBA, Presently working in the Travel Desk of (ITC managed) Five Star Hotel in India, looking for a suitable position in the Middleeast. pls contact 9470 5767 11 yrs experience in travel field B.Com, IATA, MCSE working for Qatar Airways, Sales reservation ticketing driving license & NOC available. Contact 92954613

MISCELLANEOUS Diploma in civil engineering having an experience 24years (20years in Oman) experience in Estimator / quantity surveyor looking for a suitable placement, willing to join immediately Contact : 96328687 Indian male B.Eng. in IT,CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 2yrs + exp. in IT support, networking and server support valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 Indian male, 14 yrs Experience in Maintenance & Supervisor in hotel field ( Electrical . Ac Mechanical & Plumber ) N O C available mob : 95 25 36 40 . email = hareeshma24@yahoo.com ME Civil- structural Engineer, 8 Years Structural engineer experience, Looking for Structural Designer, supervisor or site engineer Position. Iranian male.

Contact: 93696929, Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com Indian Male 26 years MCA, MCSE 2012 certified, Microsoft Exchange Server Administration, having 1 year experience in IT/System Administration looking for suitable placement.

Contact Mob : 00968 92745708 Email: nabeelmmkty@gmail.com, Light duty driver, Young and honest.

Can speak Arabic, Hindi and understand English. Release available.

Ph.92854775 / 93487450 Indian female with MBA on visit visa seeking immediate placement.

Contact - 968-93316493 27,male,ACCA finalist, have professional experience upto finalization of accounts, statutory and internal audit, expertise in using tally and focus & oracle software, have 3.5 years experience in accounts till finalization and statutory audit, seeking for permanent replacement ,GSM-97654769,email idabdullah.nooralam@yahoo.com Sudanese male, 31 years, have 3 year Diploma in electrical engineer , 6 year experience in construction and electrical production plant .

Mobile No ; +96894549609 Indian male, B.com, MBA, having 5 years experience (3 years in U.A.E) is currently seeking suitable opportunities within finance/accounts/ admin dept.Contact:93953613, allen.mathew83@gmail.com B.Com graduate, 11 years experience in Accounts, 9 years Oman experience , Oman valid driving license, looking for suitable post.

Mob:92758404 NOC Available.

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, Indian male,29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license. NOC available. Seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854 Two year experience in Oman, experience in sales, purchase and system admin, Having GCC license.

Contact number 97475860, Yadhukrishnan08@gmail.com Indian Male, 32 yrs, MBA-HR, Trainer & Faculty worked on Omanisation & nationals development activities with 10 yrs of experience seeking suitable job. Contact : 93891401 saiprasad_18@yahoo.com Sudanese 29 male (Bsc computer science,diploma computer engineering), 6 yrs. experience dba oracle plsql , ms sql-server ,ms visual studio vba,network Omani Driver licence language English, Arabic Tel: 91415886 Driver looking for job exp 2 yrs.

Contact: 98522914

SITUATION WANTED Piping Design Engineer, Indian male 27, looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering. Having 7 years of experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708/97357143

Indian Female Accountant, CA Final (Group I cleared), 5+ year’s experience in the field of Accounts, Audit and Financial ERPs. Currently available in Muscat and seeking suitable job opportunities.Ph:94704800 email id: vinithsavith@gmail.com

Indian female, 24yrs, M.COM (Accounts) having 3 yrs experience in Accounts, HR, Administration, Customer Service. Good Computer Proficiency seeking Suitable Position. Visa Transfer/NOC Available.

Contact: 99654913

B.E (IT) 1 year exp complete schooling in Muscat needs job in software / net working / java/ WEB design or marketing. #97136248 / 99313821

Indian male 27 years B.E & MS Mechanical Engineer working in Delhi for last 4 years inJcb India pvt. ltd., seeks placement in Oman. #93393768

Data Entry operator cum Buyer, Indian male,26years.BA, Computer proficiency :Operating system (Windows 2000xp & Windows7) E plus and Tally ERP9, 4 yrs Experience in Oman seeks suitable placements.

Mob: 95360255

Female MBA gold medalist, with computer proficiency, Oman driving license looking for job opportunity in event management companies in Muscat. Ph : 99012949

Indian Female BSC nurse with 8+ years of experience including 3 years of GCC exp. Oman Prometric passed with 57 %. Currently in Oman. Contact : 98034384

Indian female B. Com MBA finance ,5 years experience in oman as an account seeking suitable placement.

Contact 99044292

Senior Accounts Professional, Indian Male, 36 years, M.Com, MBA (Fin) 9 years in Oman, with valid Oman DL and NOC available. Capable to handle accounts up to finalization.

Contact 9602 3965.

Indian male 23 years Graduate, working as a sales coordinator cum purchase & office coordination 2 yrs in oman Having oman license & NOC looking for suitable job in Muscat Email:yadhukrishnan08@gmail. com, GSM:97475860 Indian Male 22 Years , Graduation In Electronics Seeking Jobs In Supervisory , Sales & Sales Co-ordination Fields , Good Communication Skill Contact 96141317, E-mail: akhilek5@gmail.com DIPLOMA+B.E.(CIVIL ENGINEER), Indian, 4 years of experience, currently on visit visa; Seeking Right Position. GSM:91570703.

ME. Civil Engineer, Structural Designer, 3 Years Structural Design, 6 Years Str. Engineer Experience, Looking For Structural Designer Position. Iranian Male. #93696929, Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com B-tech Electrical Engineer with more than 2 years of experience in erection and designing of HT and LT electrical systems. Seeking for suitable job in Muscat. #98269366.

Email: sijincleetus@gmail.com Male Graphic designer cum animation, non linear editing VFX, seeking suitable position.

Contact: 97792661 / 96229406 Indian lady 30 years Graduate having work experience in India and Oman looking for Admin or any other suitable job. Contact : 95676957

Indian Male 24 years, Looking for a Suitable Job in Telecom / Networking, 1 year sales experience. M. Sc. Communications Engineering & Valid Driving license.

Ph: 91280121.

Email: jackrprasad@yahoo.com

SITUATION WANTED Indian female LLB (Advocate) 2 years experience looking for suitable post legal advisor company secretary etc. # 93343190 / 94476387 Email: shafu1019@gmail.com Indian female, B.Sc, PGDCA, currently on family joining visa, 2 years working experience in oman as customer care / sales co-ordinator, immediate joining seeks suitable placements. Contact no. (968) 95573205 / 95949230 / 95800792 Indian male 22 years ACCA affiliate , BSc, Graduate in applied accounting 2 months working experience seeking suitable placement in Finance / Accounts / audit immediately. Contact: 97378607 / 92558734 B-tech Electrical Engineer with more than 2 years of experience in erection and designing of HT and LT electrical systems. Seeking for suitable job in Muscat. Contact: 98269366.

Email: sijincleetus@gmail.com Project Manager / Senior Engineer, Indian Male BE Civil, 21yrs experienced including Oman looking for the Job Contact +918939295181 Email I’D 58031_bala@yahoo.co.in

Indian, presently on visit visa in Salalah looking for job B.com failed UAE experience in accounts, commercial Admin & warehouse. Contact: 92754071 /93346931 Email: sathyanathanuk@gmail.com

Indian male 26 , graduate in mechanical engineering having 2 years experience in fabrication production filed in India, looking for a suitable job. mobile: +968-91384621 EMAIL : rmekhil@hotmail.com

Indian male, 39 yrs, MSC Computer Science 10 years experience IT support, FMS Engineer, bank experience looking for suitable job.

Contact: 94276449

Sr. Sales Executive, Indian Male, Holding Valid Oman DL. Total experience in Oman of 15 years with 4 years Rent a Car Co. experience.

Looking for Opportunities in any Industry for similar sales role.

GSM - 95703233 email id “khetani_r@yahoo.com

MBA (Marketing /HR) with 45 years exp in business development and marketing, having valid Oman driving license seeks suitable placement currently available on family visa. Contact 97618033 Email: vjgeorge12@gmail.com Civil site coordinator, Diploma, Male 25, now present in Oman, Seeking job in Oman.

Contact 92887561, jubincivileng@gmail.com Indian male 63 years have 30 years Muscat experience all office work sales business development insurance administration accounts with Oman driving license.

Contact 99249412

INDIAN MALE 23 YEARS,B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic). Done IOSH & NEBOSH- IGC certifications. Looking for HSE engineer job in Oil Gas Sector, constructions or in any related industries. Contact 98045482 Indian male. M.com holder with two year working experience as an accountant in India. Now at Muscat on visiting visa. Seeks suitable placement. Gsm:96947500,99463120, :mohamedshafikk5@gmail.com Driver 5 years exp know English, Arabic,& Hindi Education B.A. Contact : 91615715 / 99512270

ACCOUNTANT, Indian male,29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license.

NOC available seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854 Female, Indian, 35 Yrs- house maid available for Full/Part time work in Muscat. contact- 96754303.

29 years Indian female (MBAFinance) with 4+yrs experience (Oman) in Accounts, seeking suitable placement in Accounts/Admin.

Contact:96141283 Indian, male, 41 years, CA Inter, Persuing CA final. Now on express visa. 7 years of Experience in OMAN as Finance and Accounts Manager in Trading , Construction and Firefighting industry. 21 Years of exp. seeking suitable Managerial positions. No visa issues. Immediate joining.

Contact 98469311 Email:sebin30@yahoo.co.in B-tech Electrical engineer with more than 2 years of experience in erection and designing of HT and LT electrical systems. Seeking for suitable job in Muscat. Contact:98269366.

Email:sijincleetus@gmail.com Indian Female B.Sc., B.Ed.(Maths), M.C.A residing in Al-Ghubra seeking a teaching position as a Math Teacher GSM.- 94231633 INDIAN MALE 23 YEARS, B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic) having 4 years working experience as an Electrical site Engineer. Looking for suitable job in Oil Gas Sector or in related industries. Contact 98045482

Indian male 28YRS, 7Years exp. in Architectural & structural Draughtsman & 3d visualization, looking for a suitable Post GSM: +971551965944.

Email:aboosufiyan@gmail.com Indian Female, M.Com & MBA with 1.5 years of experience in Reinsurance Treaty seeking a good job opportunity in Insurance & Reinsurance Accounts or General Accounts.

Contact: +968 91920189, Email: neethumano.manohar@gmail.com CCNA MCITP network support / network technician with 2 years experience Indian male having bachelors degree on visit visa.

Contact 93080871 sean.f.peters@outlook.com 8 yrs exp 2d, 3d draughtsman (HOLDING OMANI DRIVING LICENSE) seeking job. Contact : 93790601 ME. Civil Engineer, Structural Designer, 3 Years Structural Design, 6 Years Str Supervising Experience, Looking For Structural Designer Position. Iranian Male.

Contact : 93696929 Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com BSC Female Nurse having 8 years of experience ( 3 years in gulf). Prometric passed - 57%. Currently in Oman.

Contact : 98034384 ACCOUNTANT, Male, 8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with Oman Driving license. NOC available seeks suitable opportunity.

GSM: 98184170

Indian male, ERP Functional Consultant (SCM, MM, HRMS), Seeks employment.Contact: 98478928, Email: anand.desai2408@gmail.com

ACCOUNTANT, M.Com holder with 2 year working experience as an accountant in Kerela-India, seeks suitable placement. GSM NO:96947500, 9 9463120, mail: mohamedshafikk5@gmail.com

Indian male , 14 yrs Experience in maintenance & Supervisor in hotel field ( Electrical . Ac Mechanical & Plumber ) N O C available mob : 95 25 36 40 . email = hareeshma24@yahoo.com

Indian Male 22 Years, Graduation In Electronics Seeking Jobs In Supervisory , Sales & Sales Co-ordination Fields , Good Communication Skill Contact 96141317, E-mail: akhilek5@gmail.com

Piping Design Engineer, Indian male 27, looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering. Having 7 years of experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708, Email : mohammednazeer07@gmail.com

Sudanese.male 32 years.B.SC mechanical engineer.7years experience.5 years experiance in Gulf.working now in water pipeline projects.fluent Arabic and English. have Omani driving license. looking for good opportunity TEl:91117089

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3 , 2 0 1 5

D7

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

NRI

Commercial plot measuring 30 cents for immediate sale having an old house and a shop at the heart of Kodakara Town – 17 kms from Trichur City and 7 kms from Chalakkudy. Direct access to NH 47 from one side and old town road from other side of the plot, near to Shanti Hospital .

Contact : Muscat: 99131899 – India: 00919446371706.

COMPUTER

CLASSES

Brand new 3 bedroom flat in Ernakulam Vytila Bus terminal, 1500 sq ft, ready to occupy.

Contact 96947652

SIT.WANTED Filipino (male), 37 yrs. old, having 8yrs. experience in Operation (Shipping & Logistics) currently on visit visa looking for suitable job.

GSM: 97121525 Chartered Accountant with 7 years of post qualification experience, seeking challenging job opportunity.

Experience in auditing/accounts & finance/taxation/IFRS, etc.

GSM +968 95763680 Indian Female Interior Designer, 4.5 yrs experience, seeking immediate mid-senior level position with firm having lady clearance. NOC Available. Contact 93033072

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

Indian Male 22 years, ACCA Affiliate with B..Sc. Degree in Applied Accounting having three months working experience seeking suitable placement in Finance / Accounts / Audit. Holding valid Oman D/L. Contact 97378607 / 92558734

Spoken English IELTS & Computer classes.

Contact: 92088325 / 24799938

Indian female Nurse, Prometric passed 64%, 5 years of experience, MOH licensed, presently working in Oman seeking a suitable placement in reputed Hospitals, NOC available.

Contact: 98329941, Email: ancyanish2011@gmail.com.

WEBSITE

Female from India -MA. B.Ed. with One year three months Teaching experience. English seeking for a urgent better placement, Now working in Oman. #93961142, 92184408 Email:-anoopkesavan78@gmail.com.

Driver with car seeking suitable post. Contact : 916602662 Video Editor 29 years Indian male with 8 years experience on visit visa looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 91275969 / leomoorkoth@gmail.com Syrian male 3yrs. exp in IT support, Networking, Security systems, Server support, IT sales and marketing.

Valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement. Contact 91033395 8 yrs exp 2d, 3d Draughtsman (HOLDING OMANI DRIVING LICENSE) seeking job. # 97449630

Required SUB Contractors for new projects. Contact: 99755534 / 96600581 Required investors for different projects. Contact: 99674870

MATRIMONIAL

Tunisian shoes designer wuth 40years expereince in designing and manifacturing loocking for a job in a related field contact : 97816917

RC, Keralite (Kottayam) male, 27 yrs, Civil Engineer, working in Muscat from decent family looking for suitable alliance. Contact 95035953

Indian male MBA + TALLY , 29 years & 7years experience in Administration and Manager level in Reputed companies, Seeking suitable placement.# 96297709 / +91 9066130371, Email: jomonjohnm9@gmail.com

Ezhava boy, B.Tech, MBA, 26/178, Rohini working in Bangalore looking alliance from parents of professionals.# 24798043 / 94193031

Indian female MBA Finance currently on visit visa seeks immediate placement. Phone: 968-98430089 Indian Male, 28, B.Com, 6+ yrs exp in Accounts, 2 yrs in Oman with Valid Oman D/L, NOC available.

Contact: 9719 4864 Indian male post graduate.2 years experience in sales. currently in oman on visit visa.seeks suitable placement.Gsm 92388346 Civil site coordinator, Diploma, Male 25, now present in Oman, Seeking job in Oman. Contact: 92875345, jubincivileng@gmail.com Male Indian 27, working as finance analyst having two years Oman experience with Driving license looking for suitable position. Mob: 98097009, rameesnm@gmail.com

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422 MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. #24793614/ 99314807 Used house & office furniture & electronic items. Contact: 99834373 / 96642500

A 28yrs Keralite Muslim good looking boy working in Oman from a decent family, looking for alliance from similar background. #99230928 Seeking alliance for our son from Muslim families. Interested families Contact: 99889590

GOOD NEWS 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

Supply fixing Wallpapers, all carpets. Contact: 99834373 / 96642500 Building maintenance: Tiling, painting etc. Contact: 99325827 WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

DRIVING

One stop shop business services : Public Relation (PRO) formation new companies, LLC companies, Investor visa, business setup, prepare businesses & companies accounts, legal services, representing you and your company. Contact: Saleh : 96723485 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting.

Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading.

L.L.C. # 24810137, 99450130 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722

Window & split unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

Pest Control Treatments, Cockroaches, Ants, Rodents & Termites, Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723/ 99357908

All maintenance & repairs.

Contact Rizwan: 99429071, RMPM Trading.

General cleaning & Shampooing. Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723/99357908 A/C Technician, all refrigerator items, installation.

Contact 92279370 Air condition maintenance split and window A/C split a/c ducted and package type units.

Contact: 98667326 General cleaning in buildings villas all types interior, exterior, polishing dry cleaning carpets, rugs, marble etc. Contact 94134784 / 98598280

Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 House shifting & packing.

Contact: 99657644 /98518013

TRANSPORTATION Transportation for saloon car& delivery van. Contact : 95530908 Transportation available.

Contact -955 70 429 Transportation.

Contact 99508282 Shifting transporting truck.

Contact : 99008442 Transportation. Contact 99664703

GOOD NEWS Ayuredic massage backache, joint pain, neck pain etc.

Contact 98254909

Transportation. Contact 99508282 Transportation available.

Contact: 99867456

D8

S U N DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 3 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

TOURS

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

SITUATION WANTCARGO

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

RENT A CAR

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours Contact- 98029602, 92808636

RENT A CAR

FOR HIRE Volvo 12 Ton Truck for monthly rent. Contact: 98713900