Times of Oman - October 13, 2015 by Muscat Media Group

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FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

Address to SQU students

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ Not one of us can perform his duty properly unless he is armed with knowledge. By this I mean `genuine knowledge,’ not just the outward and visible forms of knowledge; in other words, deep knowledge and a real knowledge about things, matters and affairs.

TUESDAY, October 13, 2015 / 29 Dhul Hijja 1436 AH

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UAE visa rule to hit million-plus expats Crossing the border is now more complicated for many expatriates in Oman who now need an e-visa

REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: More than one million expatriates in Oman — regardless of their professional status — will now have to apply for an e-visa to obtain entry into the United Arab Emirates (UAE), say travel agents. Visa on arrival “Earlier, depending on their profession, many people were able to procure visas-upon-arrival. However, now everyone, barring passport holders of certain countries, will have to apply for an e-visa to travel to the UAE,” Raji DeMonte, general manager at Universal Travel and Tourism in Oman, told the Times of Oman, citing a travel alert sent to them. The new rule came into effect this month and an e-visa is needed for entry through road, air and sea ports. “Citizens from European countries and a few South East Asian countries, who have a treaty with

Schengen-like tourism visa in GCC planned by 2016 Staff Reporter MUSCAT: A uniﬁed visa for the six-member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) may be available from the middle of next year, Saudi media reported quoting GCC officials. The GCC General Secretariat is working on the ambitious proposal to

Bad weather hits Omani sailor search

Bad weather is hampering the search and rescue operation in Croatian waters for Mohammed Al Alawi, the 26-year-old MOD70 crew member, who went missing last Wednesday. Al Alawi went missing last Wednesday, just south of Pula in Croatia. >A3

MOON SIGHTING COMMITTEE

Announcement today on Islamic New Year MUSCAT: A decision on when Oman will observe the ﬁrst day of Muharram, the Islamic New Year, will be taken on Tuesday evening, according to a reliable source at the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs.

Whether public and private sector workers will be off on Wednesday or Thursday will come after the Muharram moon sighting committee sets off at 6pm on Tuesday. The committee, which is going to meet on Tuesday, is not the main committee but a sub-committee.

PA C P, R O P

Website to show crash history of old vehicles FAHAD AL GHADANI

fahadnews@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Buying a used vehicle is likely to become less strenuous, with an exclusive website dedicated to showing the complete accident history of vehicles being planned by the authorities in Oman. The Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP), in coordination with the Royal Oman Police (ROP) and insurance companies, is working on the website, which will carry the

M U S C AT M U N I C I PA L I T Y

His Majesty issues two Royal Decrees MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said on Monday issued two Royal Decrees as follows: Royal Decree No. 38/2015 promulgates Muscat Municipality Law. Article (1) states that Muscat Municipality Law attached to this Decree shall be applied. Article (2) stipulates that the Chairman of Muscat Municipality shall issue the regulations and decisions necessary for the implementation of this Law. Till such a time that these bylaws are issued, the regulations and decisions in force shall continue to be applied without prejudice to the provisions of this decree and the attached Law. Article (3) cancels the Muscat Municipality Law issued under Royal Decree No. 8/92, as well

as all that contradicts this decree (No. 38/2015) or the Law attached herewith or contravenes their provisions. Article (4) says that this Decree shall be published in the Ofﬁcial Gazette and be enforced on the day following its date of publishing. Royal Decree No. 39/2015 approves the Organisational Structure of Muscat Municipality. Article (1) stipulates that the Organisational Structure of Muscat Municipality shall be approved in accordance with the Annex attached to this Decree. Article (2) cancels all that contradicts this decree or contravenes its provisions. Article (3) says that this Decree shall be published in the Ofﬁcial Gazette and enforced on its date of issue. -ONA

TROPICAL DEPRESSION

the UAE, can still get a visa-onarrival free of charge for 30 days,” DeMonte added. Under the previous rules, businessmen and women, and their families from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh or the Philippines living in Omanwhose countries don’t have a treaty with the UAE could claim visa on arrival if their job titles were of senior roles, such as accountants, doctors, lawyers or engineers. But now all have to seek an e-visa. European Union countries with whom the UAE has a treaty are unaffected by the new ruling, as are countries such as New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Andorra, that all have national agreements with the UAE. >A6

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ADDITIONAL ENTRY CLAUSE: The new rule on entry to UAE came into effect this month.

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information on used vehicles. The website, which will be open to the public, will have several details, including if the vehicle has met with an accident and also the extent of damage the vehicle might have suffered, according to a press release.>A6

REGION

Court orders release of Mubarak’s sons

An Egyptian court on Monday ruled that former president Hosni Mubarak’s two sons could be released from prison while awaiting an appeal for a case involving the theft of state funds, judicial sources said. >A7

TRENDING

‘People are paid for their experience’

The Times of Oman this week has been quite vocal on the two-year ban, ﬁrst running the story that ‘Bosses should be generous in issuing NOCs (October 11) and then running the story of the OCCI chairman, Said bin Saleh Al Kayoumi. >A12

introduce the visa that would allow foreigners to visit all the GCC countries, more or less similar to Europe’s Schengen visa. “The unified GCC visa could soon become a reality following the meeting of the GCC tourism ministers in Doha last week,” the report said quoting a Gulf official. >A6

Expect rain in Oman on Thursday, Friday REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Rain is expected in Muscat and interior areas on Thursday and Friday as the Arabian Sea tropical depression is moving towards the Oman coast, an official from Oman meteorology department said. “The deep tropical depression which has weakened into a tropical depression, is some 1,150km away from the Oman

coast. It may bring rain to Oman on Thursday and Friday,” the ofﬁcial told Times of Oman. “The system’s superﬁcial wind speed around the centre is between 20 and 25 knots,” the official added. “Former TC 03A cyclone over Arabian Sea will tap system to bring rain to Oman, South Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan on Thursday and Friday,” Jason Nicholls, the senior meteorologist at Accuweather.com said.

TUE S DAY, OCTOBER 13, 2 015

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S E P T E M B E R D ATA

Real estate deals worth OMR291m transacted MUSCAT: A total of 29,802 transactions worth OMR291,292.488 were conducted in the real estate sector during September 2015, Abdallah bin Salim Al Makhini, Secretary of the Real Estate Registry at the Ministry of Housing, said. The fee collected amounted to OMR4,299,000, he added. The contracts included inheritance, donation, mortgage and mortgage redemption. A total of 6,394 sale contracts worth OMR82,998,998 were signed in all the governorates with OMR2,464,204 collected from fees, he said. Al Makhini added that the Governorate of North Al Batinah

To me, it seems that the LNG imported from Oman has been ploughed into the engine of cooperation and friendship between our peoples, and generated a huge ﬂame of success and mutual beneﬁt. Kim Daesik, Ambassador of South Korea to Oman

recorded the highest rate of real estate sale contracts with 1,329 contracts followed by the Governorate of Muscat with 1,224 contracts. A total of 1,044 sale contracts were signed in the Governorate of South Al Batinah, 759 in the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah, 468 in the Governorate of North Al Sharqiyah, 457 in the Governorate of Dhofar, 392 in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, 336 in the Governorate of Al Dahirah, 215 in the Governorate of Al Buraimi, 151 in the Governorate of Al Wusta and 19 sale contracts in the Governorate of Musandam. -ONA

Alawi receives credentials MUSCAT: Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, received copies of credentials of Ali bin Fahad Al Hajri, appointed-ambassador of the sisterly State of Qatar to the Sultanate, and Andreas Panayiotou, appointed-ambassador of the friendly Republic of Cyprus to the Sultanate. Alawi welcomed the ambassadors and wished them a pleasant stay and success in their tour of duties as their countries’ ambassadors to the Sultanate. He also wished the good relations between the Sultanate and their countries further progress and growth. -ONA SOHAR

Deal signed for autism centre SOHAR: Two agreements were signed between the Ministry of Social Development and Jusoor Foundation for the establishment of an autism centre in the Wilayat of Sohar and a rehabilitation centre for children with physical challenges in the Wilayat of Liwa. The signing ceremony was held at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Sohar under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Sa’ayid Al Kalbani, Minister of Social Development. The two projects are subsidised by Jusoor Foundation. The agreements were signed by A’amer bin Mohammed Al Hajri, Director General of the Directorate General for Social Development in North and South Al Batinah Governorates on behalf of ministry and Sheikh Ali bin Saleh Al Hashar CEO of Jusoor on behalf of the foundation. The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Muhanna bin Saif Al Lamki, Governor of North Al Batinah, a number of Walis, members of Majlis Al Shura among others. -ONA

STRONG TIES: Oman has been an important partner for South Korea, said Kim Daesik, South Korea’s ambassador to Oman, at an event held to celebrate the country’s National Foundation Day, in Muscat on Sunday. – AR Rajkumar

‘New building of South Korea embassy soon’ The new embassy building is now under construction in the diplomatic quarter, and will be completed around the end of this year

MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON

mobinmathew@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: The South Korean embassy will soon be housed in a new building in Muscat. Speaking at an event held to celebrate the National Foundation Day of the Republic of Korea here on Sunday, South Korea’s ambassador to Oman, Kim Daesik, said, “Our new embassy building is now under construction in the diplomatic quarter, and will be completed around the end of this year. We may be able to hold an opening ceremony in February next year and the building will remain there forever to mark our close and evergrowing relations.” Stressing on the potential of future cooperation between South Korea and Oman, the ambassador said, “Since 1974, our relations have developed to the great satisfaction of both peoples in every ﬁeld. Last year, our trade volume reached at $5.8 billion. Many Korean business people have been participating in the process of de-

velopment of the Omani economy, and more will come in the future.” Oman has been an important partner for South Korea, the ambassador said. Pointing out that South Korea is the number one country, which imports LNG from Oman, he said that the annual worth of the import is $4 billion. “To me, it seems that the LNG imported from Oman has been ploughed into the engine of cooperation and friendship between our peoples, and generated a huge ﬂame of success and mutual beneﬁt,” he stated. Expressing his appreciation for His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the ambassador said, “His excellent guidance has advanced the country’s relations to today’s excellent level.” The ambassador also wished His Majesty good health and longevity for his continued leadership. Further commenting on OmanKorea ties, he said, “Forty-one years ago, when the Muscat airport opened, our diplomatic ties were

knotted. As an Oman airplane took off into the sky, our relations also took off with a bang and to an energetic start. “Now, a new Muscat airport is about to realise its new start. I believe that our relations will also progress full steam for another takeoff and development during the next 40 years.” Speaking about Korea’s recent history and future, the ambassador said, “We Koreans have striven to maintain our proud national identity, and developed a rich culture and heritage. As is the case with every nation, with a long history, Koreans have gone through the vicissitudes of life.” He added, “From the 1960s onwards, Koreans have worked hard and desperately for survival and resurrection. We rose to achieve economic success and liberal democracy. In nearly two generations’ time, we have succeeded in obtaining the two objectives that a modern society aspires to achieve. I would like to point out that support and cooperation from many friendly countries has made a great contribution to our success. We are always very much grateful to them.” He said Koreans are actively participating in the United Nations’ peace-keeping missions around the world, and have established a governmental aid agency to share their experiences with people in developing countries.

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India to attract 100,000 Omani tourists in 2015 ARRIVALS IN INDIA FROM MIDDLE EAST 2012

2013

In 2014, around

2014 88,512 Oman

88,000 Omanis visited India, 62,252

according to the

59,332 UAE

country’s Bureau of 51,513

Immigration

49,759 47,649 41,664 38,826

RAHUL DAS

rahuldas@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: India is looking at attracting 100,000 tourists from Oman in 2015, a senior official of the Indian Embassy in Muscat said on Sunday. Between January and September this year, the embassy issued 69,000 visas to Omanis. “This signiﬁes a robust ﬂow of tourists from Oman to India,” said Indra Mani Pandey, India’s ambassador to Oman. In 2014, around 88,000 Omanis visited India, according to the Bureau of Immigration, India. “Medical tourism remains an attraction as India offers state-ofthe-art medical facilities and excellent healthcare at a fraction of the cost elsewhere,” said Manas Pattanaik, regional director, India Tourism, Dubai. Realising the importance of Oman, which is an important market in the region, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India organised a tourism roadshow on Sunday. “The roadshow has been organised with the help of the Embassy of India, Muscat to provide a glimpse of the attractive tourism products as well as the countless cultural, spiritual and travel experiences that India offers as a tourist destination,” he said. The highlight of the Incredible India tourism road show was to depict India as a multi-faceted all-the-year-round tourist destination for culture, luxury, wildlife, wellness and medical tourism. For this, a delegation of officials of leading Indian tour operators, hotels and airlines showcased the tourist attractions of India. “The roadshow in Muscat is a part of the three events being organised in the region, that is Abu Dhabi, Muscat, followed by Amman to promote the Indian tourism products in these important MINISTRY OF JUSTICE

Call to step up fight against human trafficking MUSCAT: There is a need to boost international and regional cooperation in the ﬁght against human trafficking, it was stressed at a seminar here. The seminar, highlighting successful legislations and measures taken to combat human trafficking, was organised by the Ministry of Justice at the Higher Judiciary Institute in Nizwa on Monday. Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi, Secretary General of the Foreign Ministry, Chairman of the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking, sponsored the event in the presence of Sheikh Abdul Malik bin Abdullah Al Khalili, Minister of Justice and Dr Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Hilal Al Sa’ad, Governor of Al Dakhilya. Sayyid Badr said the seminar reﬂects the concerns of the Sultanate in general and the concept of law for combating human trafficking in particular and has the participation of decision-makers . Issa bin Hamad Al Azri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice delivered a speech in which he pointed out that the seminar is being held to highlight some of the successful efforts in the Sultanate to combat human trafficking. -ONA

48,737

55,487 Saudi Arabia 48,321 Iraq

42,892 41,218 34,207 Yemen

32,127 25,022 22,986

25,019

24,294 Turkey

18,654 10,531

13,136 Bahrain

10,045 0 Source: India’s Bureau of Immigration

Manas Pattanaik, regional director, India Tourism, Dubai

markets,” added Pattanaik. The number of foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) during 2014 was 7.46 million (provisional ﬁgures) registering a growth of 7.1 per cent over 2013. Important market “The Gulf and the Middle East region are an important market for India. There has been a consistent and positive growth of foreign tourist arrivals from this region to India over the last three years with 2014 having registered an overall growth of around 19 per cent over the previous year,” he added. India continues to attract visitors with its natural beauty, vivid festivals, exotic beaches and architectural marvels;from palaces and heritage hotels, to deserts,

Graphics

and skiing in the mountains. There are also swimming and diving facilities, beautiful beaches and boat houses in Kerala and Kashmir, luxurious camps in national parks, and luxurious train journeys, as well as a diverse range of accommodation from budget to high end 5-star properties, heritage and spa resorts. Pattanaik also said that India has emerged as a destination for medical and wellness travel in GCC countries. “The percentage of foreign tourists visiting India for medical treatment has been increasing over the years and growing rapidly since the year 2005. India is poised to become a hub for medical tourism because of several factors such as world class hospitals with latest technology, highly skilled Indian physicians and surgeons, low cost of treatment, and excellent quality of care and nursing in addition to comparatively less waiting time for availing of medical services. India’s traditional healthcare therapies like Ayurveda and Yoga combined with allopathic treatment provide a holistic wellness destination,” he added. The Ministry of Tourism is also stepping up its efforts to attract new target groups such as eco and adventure travellers and highlight the tourism potential of relatively less known products and areas.

A D M I N I S T R AT I O N

Civil Service Ministry signs agreement for archiving MUSCAT: An agreement for cooperation in documention was signed by the Ministry of Civil Service and National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA), on Monday. The agreement was signed by Sheikh Khalid bin Omar bin Said Al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Service and Dr Hamad bin Mohammed Al Dhoyani, Chairman of the National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) at the NRAA. Sheikh Khalid bin Omar bin Said Al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Service, said the agreement with NRAA documents the efforts made to produce a book on the evolution and development of the civil service sector. The book titled ‘The evolution and development of the civil service sector’, was published by the Ministry of Civil Service in 2014. The book documents the phases of development witnessed by the civil service sector since the beginning of the Blessed Renaissance, under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. Dr. Hamad bin Mohammed Al Dhoyani, Chairman of NRAA, said the Authority would take over the task of developing the book which was initiated by the Ministry of Civil Service. The Authority will monitor all developments related to archiving and documentation therefore and will provide a comprehensive methodology in coordination with the Ministry of Civil Service to monitor this development. As per the agreement, NRAA will receive a soft copy of the book to update the data, the names and pictures of the officials mentioned in the book every three years to ensure that it keeps pace with developments in the civil service sector. -ONA

M O H A M M E D A L A L AW I

Bad weather hits search for Oman Sail member reji@timesofoman.com

Al Alawi, the area of focus has been extended into Italian waters.

MUSCAT: Bad weather is hampering the search and rescue operation in Croatian waters for Mohammed Al Alawi, the 26-year-old MOD70 crew member, who went missing last Wednesday. “Saturday’s bad weather continued into Sunday and the high winds, bad visibility and rough seas grounded the search aircraft. On Monday, conditions are expected to improve and we aim to continue searching from the air,” a statement from Oman Sail said. “After ﬁve days of searching for

Coordinated effort “The Croatian and Italian coastguard are in contact and are coordinating for the next phase. The Croatian coastguard has worked tirelessly since Wednesday, along with the Oman Sail search team being on standby on Sunday, to continue looking for Mohammed,” the statement added. Al Alawi went missing last Wednesday, just south of Pula in Croatia, while the MOD70 was en route from France to Trieste in Italy for the Barcolana.

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We are very happy to support such kind of an initiative, which targets children of KG (kindergarten) classes Maryam Al Zadjali, chairperson, Dar Al Atta’a

Dar Al Atta’a equips classes in six schools

International jazz fusion concert set for October 17 Times News Service

The charitable

MUSCAT: An international jazz fusion concert, “String Struck 2”, will be held in the Sur Ballroom of Muscat Holiday Hotel at Al Khuwair on October 17. The event is being held as part of the October Festival organised by Light & Shadow Enterprises. “The October Festival is being held to celebrate the 45th National Day of Oman,” organisers said. Musicians Purbayan Chatterjee, Gino Banks, Anubrata Chatterjee, Sangeet Haldipur and Sheldon D’Silva will perform at the concert. “Three renowned Omani musicians will also be performing at the event,” an organiser added.

organisation has adopted the needs of several schools, in remote areas in particular

Times News Service MUSCAT: Six classrooms have been equipped with school essentials across five schools in some of the governorates by Dar Al Atta’a, Oman’s charitable organisation, at a cost of OMR13,720. “Given the importance of learning in children’s lives, Dar Al Atta’a has adopted the needs of several schools, in remote areas in particular, where kindergarten is not facilitated within elementary schools,” a press release from the association said. Dar Al Atta’a has funded six preschool classrooms in five schools for two classes each at the Safia Al Thaqafia Elementary School in the wilayat of Liwa and in the Al-Batinah North Governorate, and one class in each at the Al Jeela Elementary School, wilayat of Samail in Al Dakhiliya Governorate, at the Al-Lakby School for Elementary Education, Wilayat of Al Jazir in the Central Governorate, at the Malik lbn Anas School for Elementary Education in the Wilayat of Al Buraimi and at the Wadi Al Meeh School for Elementary Education in Wadi Al Meeh, Muscat. Maryam Al Zadjali, chairperson, Dar Al Atta’a said, “We are very happy to support such kind of an initiative, which targets children of KG (kindergarten) classes,

BIG SHOW

OFFERING THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT: Early childhood years are the most essential stage in the life of every human being and its impact extends throughout one’s life. – Supplied photo

because we do believe that offering the right environment to them would be considered a motivation for receiving knowledge that develops their abilities and helps them mingle with other kids of the same age group in an organised school atmosphere that will prepare them for future study. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my thanks and appreciation to the sponsors of this project: the Dutch community in Muscat and Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa.” The project has been coordinated by Dar Al Atta’a since 2010 and is based on the voluntary efforts of school principals and teachers in each region of the Sultanate. The

association provides furniture and supplies to classrooms in the aforementioned schools after coordinating with the personnel in charge. Essential stage These supplies include chairs, tables, storage units, mobile desks, tables for storing art supplies, separators, curtains, personal computers, copy machines, carpets and educational school bags that contain all that a child needs, such as learning material and games that develops their intellectual abilities. “Early childhood years are the most essential stage in the life of every human being; its impact extends throughout one’s life. They

constitute the highest pace of a child growth, development and ability to intensively learn over the span of a short period of time. The first eight years, and particularly the first three years, hold major importance and will have a great impact on children, as the effect of care and attention provided to them moulds them at this stage and continues into adolescence,” an association spokesperson said. “The aim of the pre-school stage is to create an environment of care and safety so that the child can explore his interests and learn multiple basic skills, while being around and playing with his peers can build his confidence and his own personality,” he added.

Contemporary touch Purbayan Chatterjee is a Sitarist, who learnt playing Sitar from his father Parthapratim Chatterjee. His music combines the tone and richness of the Nikhil Banerjee style and a contemporary touch of his own urbane sensitivity. He became the recipient of the President of India award for Best Instrumentalist of the country at the age of 15 years. He has performed at many prestigious venues during his international career spanning 25 years. Chatterjee has also designed the “Dwo,” which is a doppelganger of the Indian Sitar and is a manifestation of the contemporary, urbane personality of his music. Chatterjee’s music has been internationally appreciated by jazz greats, such as Chick Corea, Bella Fleck and Pat Metheney. He has also performed many times with Tabla stalwart Ustad Zakir Hussain. At the concert, drums will be played by Gino Banks, who has been playing drums since he was 8 years old and took it up seriously at the age of 15. He is the son of Louiz Banks, India’s legendary jazz pianist and composer.

Anubrata Chaterjee

Gino is a versatile player and has performed with numerous artists and bands. He has also played with international musicians, like Tony Lakatos, George Brooks, Leni Stern. Tabla will be played by Anubrata Chaterjee, who made his debut as an accompanying artist with the legendary Pt. Hari Prasad Chaurasia and since then, has gone on to successfully accompany living legends of Indian classical music, such as Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Ustad Rais Khan, Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma, and other respected musicians globally. Contemporary needs Internationally, he made his debut with a solo performance at the BBC World Radio, United Kingdom in 1991. While being deeply rooted in the traditional style of playing, Anubrata also understands the need for his art to be contemporary. He actively collaborates on projects that are traditional yet new age, which especially strike a chord with the youth. Based on this thought process, he has formed a unique percussion group named “Taal-India,” wherein every region of the country is represented by a percussion instrument.

I TA I N I T I AT I V E

Training session for writing, adding articles on Wikipedia organised Times News Service MUSCAT: A training session to provide practical insight into writing and adding articles in Wikipedia was organised by the Information Technology Authority (ITA), on Monday evening. The session introduced WikiOman contest terms and conditions, its objectives, and the evaluation criteria. Aiming to enrich the Arabic content on the Internet, the ITA organised the session in partnership with Badr Albayan for Translation at the Cultural Club at Alqurum. The training session, which witnessed wide participation from social media users, bloggers, and students, was conducted by Abdullah bin Hammad Almaani and Badr bin Salim Alkassabi, two Omani translators, who have wide experience in writing in the free encyclopaedia, from Badr Albayan for Translation, which is one

NEW SKILLS: The session introduced WikiOman contest terms and conditions, its objectives and evaluation criteria. – Supplied photo

of the Omani SMEs that provides translation and localisation services along with various services related to the ﬁelds of linguistics and communications. Welcoming the participants at the beginning of the session, Ham-

dan bin Mohammed Al’Alawi, projects specialist at ITA said, “According to the 2012 ITU report on measuring Information Society, the existing Arabic eContent does not exceed 3 per cent from the overall eContent. Moreover,

the total Arabic eContent in the Free Encyclopaedia “Wikipedia” is about 0.82, which is less than 1 per cent.” “We tend to be knowledge consumers only and the knowledge sharing and production in our Arab world is relatively poor. It is our responsibility to contribute in developing and increasing the Arabic eContent,” he added. The training session focussed on the theoretical and practical aspects in the process of sharing free and open articles in Wikipedia. The theoretical aspect gave a brief about Wikipedia, its inception, development and uses in education and in gaining general knowledge about a certain topic. It also discussed the terms and conditions of publishing in the free encyclopaedia and how to search for a good article to write about as well as the way of selecting and differentiating between reliable and non-reliable sources and references.

MAJLIS HALL INAUGURATED A Majlis (sitting hall) with all the amenities has been constructed in Al Jufrah by Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel as part of its corporate social responsibility project. Ali bin Ahmed bin Mushari Al Shamsi, Wali of Sohar, inaugurated the Majlis in the presence of Naushad Ansari, chief executive officer of Jindal Shadeed, on Monday. Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel LLC plant is located in Sohar Industrial Port Area. -Supplied photo

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Oman’s population crosses 4.25 million 4,254,416 IS THE POPULATION OF OMAN As of September, 2015

A S S I S TA N T G R A N D M U F T I

‘Stem cell research must ensure human health’ Times News Service

Muscat

North Al Batinah

South Al Batinah

North A’Sharqiyah

South A’Sharqiyah

A’Dhakiliyah

A’Dhahirah

Al Wusta

Dhofar

Musandam

Al-Buraimi

Not belonging to any particular governorate

1,320,464

690,780

381,012

251,729

279,076

421,303

193,687

41,439

392,517

41,531

103,593

137,285

Omani

Expat

828,510

491,954

467,224 325,247

283,773 164,534

223,556 0

97,239

87,195

198,318

190,118 143,695 88,958

96,056

49,992

up 44.4 per cent of the total population, with their numbers crossing 1,888,479,

23,018

26,468

18,421

15,063

2,365,937

MUSCAT: Oman’s population stood at 4,254,416 as of September 2015, recording a 0.7 per cent growth from August, according to data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the Sultanate’s official statistical agency. Expatriates made up 44.4 per cent of the total population, with their numbers crossing 1,888,479, while the Omani population was counted at 2,365,937. The highest population density was recorded in the Governorate

The highest population density was recorded in the Governorate of Muscat at 1,320,464, reflecting an increase of 0.7 per cent. The number of expatriates in the Governorate of Muscat was pegged at 828,510, compared with 491,954 Omanis

of Muscat at 1,320,464, reﬂecting an increase of 0.7 per cent. The number of expatriates in the Governorate of Muscat was pegged at 828,510, compared with 491,954 Omanis. Expatriates outnumbered Omanis by a signiﬁcant margin of 336,556. Expat population exceeds Notably, Muscat is the only governorate in the Sultanate, where the expatriate population exceeds that of Omani nationals. The data also showed that the governorates of Dakhiliyah, South Sharqiyah, North Sharqiyah, Dhahirah, South Al Batinah and Al Wusta recorded a growth rate of 0.4 per cent for each governorate. The Governorate of North Al

Batinah came in second on the list of the governorates with a considerable population in the Sultanate. The governorate’s population was estimated to be 690,780, showing an increase of 0.4 per cent. The number of Omanis residing in the governorate was 467,224, compared with 223,556 expatriates. The population in the Governorate of South Sharqiyah reached 279,076, including 190,118 Omanis, while the Governorate of Dhakiliyah’s population was 421,303, including 325,247 Omanis, compared to 96,056 expatriates. The population in the Governorate of North Sharqiyah reached 251,729, including 164,534 Omanis and 87,195 expatriates.

P R E S T I G I O U S AWA R D

Bank Muscat gets best bank award MUSCAT: Bank Muscat has won the Best Bank in Middle East and Africa for Liquidity Risk Management award by the Asian Banker. The bank is the ﬁrst in the region to win this prestigious award

52,005 51,588 Graphics

while the Omani population touched

137,285

194,199

Source: National Centre for Statistics and Information

Expatriates make

from the Asian Banker. The Asian Banker Risk Management Awards programme is designed to identify best practices and outstanding achievements of the best run risk management

teams in ﬁnancial institutions. The awards are benchmarked by tracking developments around the world. Risk management is at the heart of decision making at ﬁnancial institutions. -ONA

In the Governorate of Dhahirah, the population reached 193,687, including 143,695 Omanis and 49,992 expatriates, while the population of the Governorate of Al Wusta reached 41,439, including 23,018 Omanis and 18,421 expatriates. The residents of the Governorate of Dhofar logged a 0.6 per cent increase, with the population touching 392,517, including 198,318 Omanis, in addition to 194,199 expatriates. The Governorate of Musandam saw the same percentage increase as Dhofar, with its population reaching 41,531, including 26,468 Omanis and 15,063 expatriates. Comparable population The population of the Governorate of Al Buraimi reached 103,593, reﬂecting an increase of 0.3 per cent, which is somewhat comparable with expatriate and Omani populations of 51,588 and 52,005, respectively. Data indicated that there was a 6.5 per cent increase in the number of expatriates, who are classiﬁed as not belonging to any particular governorate, with the corresponding numbers in September and August recorded as 137,285 and 128,947. -ONA

MUSCAT: There is a need to ensure that stem cell research is practiced in the proper manner for the protection of human health and the society’s wellbeing, said Dr. Kahlan Nabhan Al Kharousi, Assistant Grand Mufti of the Sultanate. The sixth forum of the National Bioethics Committee, based on the theme, “Stem Cells: An Overall Approach,” was held on Monday at the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU). The forum was held under the patronage of Sheikh Abdullah bin

Mohammed Al Salimi, the Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs. The forum included two sessions focusing on stem cell research, the ethical aspects of stem cell preservation, Islamic perspective on stem cells and stem cell research, Oman’s experience in stem-cell research, treatment and future perspectives, and other related topics. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Al Kharousi, who is also the vice chairman of the National Bioethics Committee, reiterated that the aim of the forum is to ensure that stem cell research is practiced in the right way.

TUE S DAY, OCTOBER 13, 2 015 People, who want to buy used vehicles, are always anxious and looking for information, such as if the vehicle has met with an accident Jasim Al Harthi, businessman

OMAN

Job-seekers get a chance to connect with industry bosses The three-day event, EduTraC Oman is being held under the patronage of the Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Education-National Career Guidance Centre, Ministry of Civil Services, and the Ministry of Manpower IDEAL PLATFORM: EduTraC Oman provides a direct gateway and an ideal platform for leading local

Times News Service MUSCAT: Sheikh Khalid bin Omar Al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Services, officially inaugurated the second edition of EduTraC Oman, at the Oman International Exhibition Centre on Monday. A pavilion for job-seekers is being featured in the second edition of EduTraC Oman. Here, job-seekers will have an opportunity to meet HR personnel from different industry sectors, associations, government organisations and private sector companies, who will promote the available on-the-job training and job vacancies for prospective candidates. Dedicated pavilion A dedicated pavilion for banking and ﬁnance institutions will provide an excellent opportunity to job-seekers interested in hunt-

and foreign universities and training institutions to network with students. – Supplied photo

ing opportunities in the banking and ﬁnance sector, and young entrepreneurs interested in obtaining ﬁnancial information to start their new business as well as for the needs of their existing business. EduTraC Oman has been organised by Al Nimr International Exhibition and will be open for visitors from 10am to 1pm and from 4:30pm to 9pm until Wednesday. The three-day event is being organised under the patronage of the Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Education – National Career Guidance Centre, Ministry of Civil Services and the Ministry of Manpower. The Oman Academic Accreditation Authority is participating as the Associate Partner or EduTraC Oman 2015.

As Oman’s investments on higher education and training continue to grow, EduTraC Oman will provide a direct gateway and an ideal platform for leading local and foreign universities and training institutions to network with students, parents and working executives interested in education and training at all levels, said a statement from EduTraC. Strategic awareness The expo will offer a strategic awareness opportunity to higher education and training providers to strengthen their presence in Oman’s vibrant education market. EduTraC Oman, a much anticipated education exhibition, will gather professionals from global education domain and representatives from reputed universities

under one roof offering opportunities to students to study in local and international universities. The higher education pavilion is supported by Education USA, United States embassy in Oman, British Council, and the United Kingdom (UK) Trade and Investment, in addition to Education Malaysia, Educational Consultants India Limited (EdCIL), Ministry of Education and Culture – Cyprus, Study in Cyprus, and Education New Zealand. The diamond sponsors are Majan College and Colleges of Technology. The platinum sponsors are College of Banking and Financial Studies, International College of Engineering and Management, Caledonian College of Engineering, and Gulf College, apart from National Automotive Higher Education Institute and

IE Business School from Spain. University of Dundee, Leeds Beckett University, Swiss Education Group Education Zone, and Emirates Aviation University along with Hult International Business School are the Gold Sponsors. Al Ahlam Higher Education Services is the UK & Irish Counselling partner. The catalogue sponsor is Bradﬁeld Group and the Education Technology Partner is MI Store (Apple Inc). The training and Job Pavilion is supported by Jisser Oman, AMIDEAST & The Training Gateway. Bayt.com is the Strategic Career Partner. The Diamond Sponsors are HSBC Bank Oman SAOG, National Bank Of Oman, Polyglot Institute, Rusayl Institute, Sohar International Institute and Knowledge Grid. The Platinum Sponsors are Oman Arab Bank, Port of Salalah, Maharat, Pioneer Institute of Management and Technology, International Institute of Robotics & Intelligent Studies. Oxygen OM, T.C for Entrepreneurship LLC and Technical Administrative Training & Institute (TATI) Salim Omar Al Hashmi – Chairman, Al Nimr Expo acknowledged his sincere thanks and appreciation to the Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Education – National Career Guidance Center, Ministry of Civil Services and Ministry of Manpower to come forward and support this important event. He also expressed his gratitude to the supporters and sponsors. 150 organisations More than 150 organisations including universities, colleges, training institutions and companies from different countries are participating, he concluded. A series of lectures, presentations and workshops will be organized on the sidelines.

ISLAMIC HISTORY

Sultanate marks Hijra anniversary MUSCAT: The Prophet’s (Peace Be Upon Him) Hijra anniversary was marked at the theatre of the College of Islamic Sciences in Al Khuwair on Monday. The Sultanate was represented by the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs. The ceremony was held under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Taimur bin As’aad bin Tariq Al Said in the presence of a number of their excellences and invitees. The ceremony included performances that highlighted the importance of this event in the Islamic history. The ceremony also included a poem on the event by Ali Al Ghanbousi and a video clip on Hijra Anniversary. -ONA WEBSITE

< FROM

Move to beneﬁt buyers

“The website will be beneﬁcial for those planning to buy a second vehicle,” said Nasir Khamis. Jasim Al Harthi, who runs a used vehicles business, said this will be a great move by the PACP for the beneﬁt of the public. “People, who want to buy used vehicles, are always anxious and looking for information, such as if the vehicle has met with an accident,” said Al Harthi. He added that when the information comes from an authoritative source, it would become easier for the people to make a decision about the vehicles they want to buy. Khamis hoped that buyers would be able to check the vehicle’s history, including maintenance records and make sure the person who is selling, is the registered owner.

H E A LT H Y D I E T

Food safety awareness for healthcare staff Times News Service MUSCAT: Healthcare professionals were updated on food safety procedures at an event titled, “Food Safety towards a Healthy Community.” Oman Specialised Nursing Institute, represented by the Community Health Nursing Programme, had organised a Scientiﬁc Day, at the Health Science

Institute in Wattayah on Monday. The event was attended by Dr. Abdullah Al Saadi, the World Health Organisation’s representative in Oman, along with more than 300 participants from medical and allied health professions. Healthy diet A two-day programme will raise community awareness on the importance of a healthy diet.

AWARENESS: Update on food safety procedures.

VISA RULE

< FROM

New UAE entry rule to hit businessmen hard

According to the travel alert, a GCC residence entry permit is valid for 30 days before entry from the issuance date, and allows a stay period after entry of 30 days, which can be extended to 60 days. Meanwhile, a GCC accompanied entry permit is valid for 60 days before entry from the issuance date, and the stay period after entry is 60 days, which can be extended by another 60 days. However, upon arrival, if GCC residency is found to have expired or cancelled, the entry permit holder shall not be granted entry and if the profession of the GCC resident is determined to have been amended after issuance of the entry permit, the holder shall not be granted entry. “GCC residency must be valid for at least three months from the arrival date and the passport must be valid for at least six months from the arrival date,” the travel alert stated. The alert added that checks had to be conducted before allowing entry to foreigners with temporary passports. However, foreigners possessing only emergency passports would not be permitted entry into the UAE. The travel alert also added that the GCC resident e-visa is only valid for entry into arrival/issuance port in the UAE.

Unified visa plan discussed The official confirmed that tourism officials discussed a range of topics, including the long-awaited unified visa proposal and a unified tourism policy at the meeting, the report added.

“Visas issued for entry into Dubai are valid for entry only into Dubai,” the alert explained, adding that an e-visa will be sent to the applicant through a registered e-mail address in the application once it is approved. “However, a GCC resident application will not be approved for any family member if the sponsor is not travelling along with the family members,” the alert added. Earlier, a GCC resident’s family member was not allowed to travel if his or her sponsor was not travelling. Meanwhile, expatriate businessmen in Oman, who frequently travel to Dubai, said the new move will hit them hard. “We used to make frequent trips to Dubai for business needs. Getting a visa on arrival at airport or at

“All Gulf Cooperation Council countries stand to gain from the new tourism policy,” said Khalid bin Salem Al Ghassani, GCC assistant secretary general for cultural and media affairs.

the border check posts was quite easy. Now, we will have to apply online then wait for approval and all. This will affect our business badly,” Nawas Mohammed and Faisal Ahmed, businessmen in Muttrah, told Times of Oman. “In Buraimi, a large number of expatriate businessmen run their business only on the basis of purchasing goods from Dubai whenever needed. Many make dozens of visits to Dubai. Now, that will stop. It will affect us badly. Stopping visa on arrival facility will affect us badly,” Anwar Mohammed, a businessman in Buraimi, said. Earlier this month, UAE had announced that visitor visas can be applied for via the Ministry of Interior’s website or through its smartphone app, where services are available 24/7.

T UE SDAY, O CTO BER 13, 2015

REGION

Iraq’s Kurdish north Speaker Yousif Mohammed’s personal assistant said forces loyal to the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) had turned him back on the road from Sulaimaniyah to Arbil, where the regional parliament is located

VERDICT

Washington Post journalist convicted, says Iran news agency DUBAI/WASHINGTON: A court in Iran has convicted Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian, Iran’s ISNA news agency said late on Sunday, but the US newspaper said Tehran was working a political angle by not disclosing details. ISNA quoted judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei as saying the California-born Rezaian, the paper’s Tehran bureau chief, had 20 days to appeal the verdict. Rezaian was arrested in July 2014. He was accused of espionage. “He has been convicted.... But I don’t have the details of his verdict,” the news agency quoted Ejei

as saying. The case has been a sensitive issue for Washington and Iran, and Sunday’s announcement did little to resolve it. Monitoring State Department spokesman John Kirby said the United States was monitoring the case closely. “We continue to call for all charges against Jason to be dropped and for him to be immediately released,” Kirby said earlier. Iran has accused Rezaian, 39, of collecting conﬁdential information and giving it to other governments, writing a letter to US President Barack Obama and act-

ing against national security. The Post has dismissed the charges. The ﬁnal hearing in his trial was on August 10. Earlier, Ejei told a televised news conference that a ruling had been issued but did not say that Rezaian was convicted. Vague and puzzling Washington Post Executive Editor Martin Baron said that statement from Tehran was “vague and puzzling,” and Post foreign editor Douglas Jehl said the vague nature of that announcement showed Rezaian’s case was not just about espionage.

Rezaian’s brother Ali had noted on Friday that his brother had been imprisoned for 444 days. In a statement, he said Sunday’s initial announcement “follows an unconscionable pattern by Iranian authorities of silence, obfuscation, delay and a total lack of adherence to international law, as well as Iranian law”. Two other US citizens - Christian pastor Saeed Abedini and Amir Hekmati, a former US Marine Corps sergeant - also are being held in Iran. Robert Levinson, a private investigator, disappeared there in 2007. Their cases have been raised in

subsequent talks, including between Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and US Secretary of State John Kerry when they met during the UN General Assembly in New York last month. No progress was announced. Appeal In Washington, the Washington Post on Monday urged Iran’s leaders to overturn it. Washington Post Executive Editor Martin Baron said the paper, Rezaian’s family and his lawyer in Iran were pursuing an appeal. He said no sentence for Rezaian had been announced. — Reuters

Court releases Gamal and Alaa Mubarak from prison The two were sentenced along with their father Hosni Mubarak to three years in prison in a re-trial of the case in May 2014

CAIRO: An Egyptian court on Monday ruled that former president Hosni Mubarak’s two sons could be released from prison while awaiting an appeal for a case involving the theft of state funds, judicial sources said. The case concerns charges that Mubarak and his sons Alaa and Gamal embezzled millions of dollars of state funds, using money

FREED: A ﬁle picture taken on June 2, 2012, shows Alaa, right, and Gamal Mubarak, sons of former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, standing inside a cage in a courtroom during their verdict hearing in Cairo. – AFP

intended to upgrade presidential palaces to instead renovate private family residencies. Alaa and Gamal Mubarak were sentenced along with their

87-year-old father, who was toppled in a popular protests in 2011 and now resides in a Cairo military hospital, to three years in prison in a re-trial of the case last May.

Court ruling The court ruled on Monday that the Mubarak sons had already served the requisite time in prison for the sentence while await-

ing the appeal process, which is continuing. The two still face charges in two separate cases involving insider trading and illicit gains but will not be held in custody while awaiting trial, the judicial sources said. Gamal and Alaa Mubarak were previously released in January after their convictions in the presidential palaces case were temporarily overturned. But they were taken back into custody after a court found them guilty in the May re-trial. Gamal, a former investment banker and once a leading ﬁgure in Hosni Mubarak’s now-dissolved National Democratic Party (NDP), was widely expected to succeed his father as president before the 2011 protests. The NDP was subsequently dissolved and several ﬁnancial corruption cases were brought against the former president and his sons, most of which have since been dropped or overturned. — Reuters

SENTENCED: Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian. – Reuters/ The Washington Post/Handout

IRAQ

Political crisis escalates in Kurdistan ARBIL: Kurdish security forces stopped the speaker of parliament in Iraq’s Kurdish north from entering its capital on Monday in an escalating political crisis destabilising the region at war with IS militants. Speaker Yousif Mohammed’s personal assistant said forces loyal to the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) had turned him back on the road from Sulaimaniyah to Arbil, where the regional parliament is located. The KDP, which controls Arbil, accuses the Gorran party to which the speaker belongs of provoking violent protests in which ﬁve people died. “He has been prevented by KDP forces and he’s now returned (to Sulaimaniyah),” said the speaker’s personal assistant Daroun Rahim. “It’s a very dangerous development.” The move came after protesters attacked and torched several offices of the KDP in Sulaimaniya province in the worst unrest the relatively stable autonomous region has seen for years. — Reuters

RISING VIOLENCE

Israeli police kill Palestinian, saying he was knife attacker

CLASHES: Palestinian protesters use a huge slingshot during clashes with Israeli security forces near Beit El, just north of the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah, on Monday. – AFP

C I V I L WA R

European Union urges Russia to stop Syria aerial bombing LUXEMBOURG: The European Union urged Russia on Monday to halt its aerial bombing campaign in Syria but the bloc’s 28 member states failed to agree among themselves on whether President Bashar Al Assad should have any role in ending the crisis. Seeking a common front in their criticism of Russia’s dramatic military intervention in Syria, EU foreign ministers warned that air strikes designed to support Assad could also deepen the 4-1/2-year civil war that has killed 250,000 people. Ministers also sought to further pressure Assad by agreeing to broaden the EU’s economic sanctions criteria to people beneﬁting from his government, a move essentially aimed at freezing the assets of the spouses of senior ﬁgures, although no names have been added to the EU’s list. “The recent Russian military attacks... are of deep concern and must cease immediately,” ministers said in their most stronglyworded statement on Russia’s

DESTROYED: Residents remove the rubble from their house that was hit by what activists said was a barrel bomb dropped by forces loyal to President Bashar Al Assad in the town of Al Ghariyah Al Gharbiyah in Deraa province, Syria on Monday. – Reuters

intervention. “The military escalation risks prolonging the conﬂict, undermining a political process, aggravating the humanitarian situation and increasing radicalisation,” said the ministers, meeting in Luxembourg. EU leaders are also expected to criticise Russia at a summit in Brussels on Thursday, EU of-

ﬁcials say. After years of inaction in Syria, the EU is now desperate to stem the ﬂow of migrants into Europe. Its stark criticism of Moscow underscores just how far diplomatic efforts have faltered since a UN meeting in New York in late September, when Europe and the United States looked to Russia for help. — Reuters

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: Israeli paramilitary police shot dead a Palestinian at an entrance to occupied Jerusalem on Monday, saying he had tried to stab an officer on patrol during the worst spell of street violence for several years. A Palestinian passerby disputed the police account, saying he had seen police shout at the man, then shoot him four times. “I saw no knife on him,” Hussam Wshah, 66, told Reuters. Four Israelis and 24 Palestinians, including eight children, have died in 12 days of bloodshed, fuelled in part by anger over increasing Jewish visits to the Al Aqsa mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem. Near-daily knife attacks have raised concerns Palestinians could be embarking on another uprising,

or Intifada, reﬂecting a new generation’s frustrations over a veteran leadership’s failure to achieve statehood in peace efforts that collapsed in 2014. Israel has poured reinforcements into occupied Jerusalem, with no diplomatic initiatives on the horizon and Israeli leaders warning there could be no quick ﬁx to largely “lone wolf” assaults. At the Lions Gate, paramilitary border police ordered a Palestinian to halt for an identity check, instructing him “to take his hands out of his pockets”, a police spokesman said. “The terrorist approached the policeman with a knife in his hand and stabbed him in his protective vest,” the spokesman said. “The policeman was unhurt and other officers reacted

swiftly and shot and killed him.” Officers released a video to the media showing a body and a knife on the ground but not the alleged confrontation. Wshah, a Palestinian resident of occupied East Jerusalem, said he witnessed the events from several metres away. “The young man was walking when they shouted at him. He may not have heard them, and they ﬁred directly at him four times and he fell to the ground,” Wshah told Reuters. Violence has spread from occupied Jerusalem and the Israeli-occupied West Bank to Israel’s interior and Hamas-ruled Gaza. On Sunday, an Israeli Arab stabbed and wounded four people near a bus stop in the north of the country. He was overpowered and arrested. — Reuters

TUE S DAY, OCTOBER 13, 2 015

INDIA

These incidents damage the image of the NDA as well as the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It cannot be said to be the intention of the government Manohar Parrikar, Defence minister

Kasuri’s book launched despite protest by Sena The event was held amid tight security for the visiting dignitary in the wake of Shiv Sena’s threat to disrupt the function despite appeals to it to give up its protest

MUMBAI: Unfazed by the Shiv Sena protest and blackening of the face of Sudheendra Kulkarni, the organisers went ahead with the launch of former Pakistan Foreign Minister Ahmed Kasuri’s book ‘Neither a Hawk, Nor a Dove’ at a function here. The event was held amidst tight security for the visiting dignitary in the wake of Shiv Sena’ threat to disrupt the function despite appeals to it to give up its protest. Kasuri himself echoed the sentiments after the morning’s event outside the house of Kulkarni, Chairman of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), the think-tank and organiser of the book launch show, had left a bad taste when Shiv Sena activists smeared black paint on his face. “I would like to thank Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for providing excellent protection (provided to him) ever since I landed in Mumbai airport (last evening),” he said at the book launch. Taking a jibe at Shiv Sena, Kulkarni welcomed the former

UNFAZED BY PROTEST: Former prime minister Manmohan Singh, former deputy prime minister L. K. Advani with former Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri, during launch of Kasuri’s book ‘Neither a Hawk, Nor a Dove’, at a function in New Delhi on Wednesday. Also seen in the picture are Mani Shankar Aiyer, Farooq Abdullah and Yashwant Sinha. - PTI

Pakistan minister to the megapolis of Mumbai in Marathi. “I also express my deepest gratitude to all of you who have come to attend the function notwithstanding the extra ordinary circumstances in which it is being held. “This shows your resolve, our resolve and common resolve, the resolve of millions of Mumbaikars to defend the values of tolerance and diversity,” Kulkarni said while making opening remarks at the event held at Nehru Centre in Mumbai. It was attended among others by noted lawyer and historian A G Noorani, journalist Dileep Padgaonkar and ﬁlm actor Naseeruddin Shah, who were panellists at the launch. Without naming Shiv Sena, Kulkarni evoked President Pranab Mukherjee’s recent remarks that “tolerance and diversity and core values of Indian civilisation and these must be defended”, he said adding “we shall defend them”.

Terming Mumbai as a “tolerant, inclusive, liberal, democratic and multi-faith city”, Kulkarni said the mega polis celebrates diversity of every kind including “diversity of thoughts and opinions”. “Mumbai cherishes the right to dissent. Mala maay Marathi baddal, Marathi Mumbai baddal apaar abhiman aahe.Mumbai Maharashtriy aahe, parantu tyachyadhi Mumbai rashtriy aahe, aantarrashtriy aahe (I am immensely proud of Marathi, Mumbai. Mumbai is Maharashtrian, but before that it is national and international city),” he added. He said Mumbai has a very special place in India’s freedom Movement with Mahatma Gandhi and Muhammed Ali Jinnah spending “maximum years” substantial part of their lives in the city, which served as “karma bhumi” of the both the leaders and attributed the book launch function as “an effort to undo the mistakes of the past” between the two nations.

He referred to a line from the book “na banduk se na goli se, baat banegi boli se” insisting dialogue between the two countries must go on irrespective of circumstances. On his part, Kasuri said his purpose behind writing the book was to “correct perceptions” amongst people of the neighbouring nations. Kulkarni also thanked the “principled stand” taken by Fadnavis over the issue and providing security for the event. The Monday incident came close on the heels of last week’s threats by Sena leading to cancellation of concerts by Pakistani ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali. It came a day after the BJP virtually snubbed the Shiv Sena leadership by keeping them at bay during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mumbai to lay the foundation for three mega-projects — the Ambedkar Memorial, two new lines of Mumbai Metro and a new container terminal at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust. -PTI

MOB KILLING

Incidents like Dadri lynching dent NDA’s image, says Parrikar PANAJI: Incidents like the Dadri lynching “damage” the image of the NDA government and RSS has nothing to do with them, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has said. “These incidents damage the image of the NDA as well as the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It cannot be said to be the intention of the government,” Parrikar said. He was asked about the lynching of man over beef eating rumour in Dadri, in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and whether such incidents were part of the RSS agenda to polarise society ahead of the Bihar polls. He was speaking at a fund-raising function in Bambolim on the outskirts of Panaji on Sunday. “Sometimes local issues are blown out of proportion,” he said insisting that he was not referring to any particular incident even as he called for exercising restraint on such issues. Seeking to distance the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh from the recent attacks in Uttar Pradesh, he said, “I have been a hardcore RSS functionary from my childhood. This (Dadri lynching) has nothing to do with RSS.

Indian society is a tolerant and understanding society where solutions are reached through discussion and compromise.” “Violence of any nature cannot be accepted,” he said. The lynching of a 50-year-old man in Uttar Pradesh recently over beef rumours has led to national outrage with several writers returning their Sahitya Akademi awards over “rising intolerance.” When asked whether the demand for a countrywide ban on beef, as sought by Baba Ramdev, was being considered, Parrikar said, “Government decisions have to be fair to everyone.” “Some vegetarians may want the whole world to eat only veg. What will happen is there will be a spurt in prices of veggies that at one point even the vegetarians won’t have vegetables to eat,” the union minister said. To a question whether organisations like the Goa-based Sanatan Sanstha should be banned after they came under scanner for the killing of some rationalists, Parrikar said the investigating agencies would have to build a case against the organisation before such a ban. - PTI

PROTEST: Members of various organisations protest against Dadri lynching, at Mandi House in New Delhi on Sunday. - PTI

RISING INTOLERANCE

Culture minister sees ulterior motives in writers returning awards NEW DELHI: As more writers and poets decided to return their Sahita Akademi Awards in protest against “rising intolerance” in the country Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma on Monday gave a curious twist saying he suspected their motives for such “not called for” action. “If you go back to people, who have done this and if we explore their motives and what has been their background, I think something revealing will come out,” Sharma said. Sharma’s remarks came amid a slew of eminent writers returning their awards protesting against “rising intolerance” in the country. He stressed that those deciding to hand back the honours should have written to the state or central Government if they were concerned about the law and order situation. “If there is complaint against the

law and order situation, they could have represented it to the chief minister of the state, home minister of the country or the prime minister. They could have written to me as a minister also. They have not done this. “I think that is not called for or that is not a right way of presentation. I wish they would have represented their voice and we would have joined their voice. We are with them to support their cause that no body should be killed in this country,” the minister said. At least 21 authors have announced their decision to return their awards with some warning that minorities in the country today feel “unsafe and threatened”. Booker Prize winning author Salman Rushdie on Monday joined the growing chorus of protests by leading writers against spread of “communal poison” and

If you go back to people, who have done this and if we explore their motives and what has been their background, I think something revealing will come out Mahesh Sharma Union Culture Minister

“rising intolerance” in the country. Questioning the purpose behind returning the awards, Sharma, however said, “what is the theory behind, what is the philosophy behind, I cannot understand.” He said that as an individual,

they have got the award, which was given to them by a group of literary persons on the basis of some of their writings, some of their books or in different languages. “It is not a Government of India award, it is not a Padma award,”

he stated. Asked about concerns expressed by these writers about ‘rising intolerance’, the culture minister shot back asking who was supporting it. “Who is supporting this intolerance? The Government, the minis-

ter or Sahitya Akademi?,” he asked, stressing that everybody agrees with the contention of these literary experts that any killing is condemnable. “If anybody is killed whether in this country or anywhere else in the world, whether it is a literary person or any common man, we all condemn it in strongest words and there is no doubt about that,” he said. The Culture Minister also commended the services of Sahitya Akademi Chairman Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari and made it clear that there was no plans by the Government to take over the Akademi. “Of course, not at all,” he replied to a question on whether the Government was mulling to take over Sahitya Akademi on the lines of Kala Akademi, an autonomous organisation of the Culture Ministry, which the Centre took over in April this year. - PTI RAID

Ivory worth Rs195 million seized in Delhi NEW DELHI: In a major haul, 487kg of ivory worth about Rs195 million was seized during a raid at a house in the national capital, a Kerala forest official said here on Monday. The 12-hour raid was carried out in collaboration with Delhi Police and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, following revelation by an ivory trader, Umesh Agarwal, who was arrested last week, the official said while requesting anonymity. “The recovered ivory artefacts, stashed in 39 boxes and weighed 487kg, were for sale in Delhi and Mumbai markets,” he said. “There are clear indications that a part of the contraband was also intended for foreign markets.” During investigations, Agarwal confessed to the officials of having hidden ivory and ivory-made articles in a rented house in east Delhi’s Vijay Park area in Laxmi Nagar. As per the official, a processed artefact made of elephant tusk could cost anything up to Rs400,000 per kilogram. - IANS

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INDIA

Bihar polls: 57% turnout in first phase Modi uses Bihar minister’s sting video to attack Nitish and Lalu

Deputy Election Commissioner incharge of Bihar Umesh Sinha said barring a ‘few incidents’, the polling in the constituencies located in 10 districts, which are affected by Left-wing extremism, went off peacefully

EXERCISING FRANCHISE: Voters show their inked ﬁngers after casting votes for the ﬁrst phase of Bihar assembly elections in Begusarai on Monday. - PTI

NEW DELHI: Forty-nine constituencies which went to polls in the first phase of crucial Bihar assembly elections on Monday recorded a “historic” turnout of 57 per cent. The Election Commission said the turnout is likely to go up by “one or two per cent” as the final reports were yet to come in from the field. Barring a “few incidents”, the polling in the constituencies located in 10 districts which are affected by Left-wing extremism went off peacefully, Deputy Election Commissioner in-charge of Bihar Umesh Sinha told a press conference here. Terming the turnout as both “historic” and “encouraging”, he pointed out that 50.85 per cent voters had turned out in the 2010 assembly polls to cast their vote in the areas which went to polls on

Monday. The turnout in the 2009 and 2014 Lok Sabha elections was recorded at 44.08 per cent and 55 per cent respectively in the same area. This time, women outnumbered men by turning out in larger numbers. 59.5 per cent of women voters exercised their franchise. Giving out district-wide detail of poll percentage, Sinha said Samastipur recorded 60 per cent turnout which was 54.2 per cent in the last assembly elections. In Begusarai, the turnout was 59 per cent (55.85 in last assembly polls).In Khagaria, the turnout was 61 per cent, which was 57.02 per cent in 2010. In Bhagalpur, the turnout was 56 per cent, which was 50.09 in 2010. In Banka, the turnout was 58 per cent against 59.34 per cent in 2010 polls. In Munger, 55 per cent of electorate came out to vote as com-

pared to 48.35 per cent in 2010. In Munger, Lakhisarai, Shekhpura, Navada and Jamui, the turnout was recorded as 55 per cent, 54 per cent, 55 per cent, 53 per cent and 57 per cent respectively. While there were no plans of a repoll as yet, in nine areas, people boycotted elections mainly over developmental issues. Meanwhile, the Election Commission on Monday ruled that there is no legal bar on campaigning outside constituencies going to the polls. The Commission is learnt to have conveyed to the representatives of JD (U), RJD and Congress that under Section 126 of Representation of the People Act, there is no legal bar on people to campaign outside areas going to polls. Section 126 deals with prohibition on campaigning 48 hours

before the elections but does not state that campaigning cannot be held in nearby areas not going to poll on the same date. The ‘mahagathbandhan’ or grand alliance consisting of Janata Dal (United), Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress had on Sunday approached the Commission seeking a ban on live telecast of Modi’s poll rallies in Bihar on the ground it could inﬂuence voters of constituencies going to poll on Monday BJP had opposed the demand and dubbed it as an attempt to scuttle democracy. “How can you ensure that telecast is not shown in areas going to election...many parties hold campaign. But we see that in their campaign they do not address the voters or issues of constituencies going for poll on that particular day,” an EC official said. - PTI

INDIA’S ONGOING SUPPORT

$17.9m for Palestine projects announced RAMALLAH (Palestine): India on Monday announced projects worth $17.9 million in Palestine, as also a grant of $5 million, as President Pranab Mukherjee arrived here from Amman on a maiden visit of an Indian head of state to this country. The projects, announced soon after delegation-level talks between the two sides, cover a $12-million technology park, $4.5 million towards an institute of diplomacy, $1 million for an India-Palestine ICT and Innovation Centre. “The grant is for budgetary support for Palestine,” Anil Wadhwa, secretary, east, in India’s external affairs ministry, said at a media brieﬁng, adding that this was part of India’s ongoing support towards capacity building in Palestine. He also said the number of seats for Palestinians under the Indian and Economic Cooperation Programme was being doubled to 100, while scholarships to students to study in Indian universities will now to up to 25 from 10 earlier. President Mukherjee, who had arrived at the Ben Gurion Interna-

GREETINGS: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, right, shakes hands with Indian President Pranab Mukherjee during their meeting in the West Bank city of Ramallah on Monday. - Reuters

tional Airport in Tel Aviv earlier in the day, immediately proceeded for Ramallah, changing his limousine at Bitunia, the check point between Israel and Palestine. Among his other engagements, he laid a wreath at the mausoleum of late Palestine president Yaseer Arafat, paid ﬂoral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, and took part in

a ceremony to name a road and a roundabout in the central quarters of this city as Sharia-al-Hind and Maidan-al-Hind. During the delegation-level deliberations, where the bulk of the articulation by the Indian side was by the president, New Delhi once again reiterated its position over its unwavering support for

N AV Y D AY C E L E B R AT I O N S

Navy showcases its prowess ON BOARD INS SHIVALIK: The Indian Navy on Monday showcased the might of its fleet of warships, submarines and choppers in the Bay of Bengal as part of Navy Day celebrations. Six major combatants of the Eastern Naval fleet from Vishakapatnam and INS Betwa from Western fleet arrived at Chennai to take part in the celebrations on Monday. Naval Ships Ranvijay Shakti, Betwa, Kora, Vibhuti and Nishank sailed about 50 nautical miles from Chennai harbour to Bay of Bengal with 3,000 personnel on board, officials said. INS Ranvijay, a guided missile destroyer of Soviet origin, has served the Navy for nearly three decades. A naval official said it is one of the most powerful ships in the Navy’s arsenal equipped with long range surface to surface missiles — BrahMos, anti-submarine torpedoes and surface to air missiles. Rear Admiral, Flag Officer Commanding (Eastern fleet), Vishakapatnam, S. V. Bhokare said, “It is a great honour for the Eastern Naval command to host Families Day of Chennai and this

DRILL: Naval Command cadets demonstrate their search and

rescue operation skills in mid sea on the eve of Indian Navy Day in Chennai on Monday. - PTI

is for the people of Chennai.” Bhokare said INS Kora is a missile corvette, INS Vibhuti and INS Nishank are missile boats armed with “long-range surface to surface missiles and guns”.INS Betwa, a guided missile vessel from the Western ﬂeet, also took part in the exercise, he said. To a query he said, “a joint exer-

cise between India, United States and Japan — Malabar Exercise —will begin on October 13 and go on till October 19”. Some of the exercises on Monday included ships moving fast towards craft manned by personnel posing as pirates, a submarine demonstration and a search and rescue mission by Naval helicopters. - PTI

the Palestine cause, and that it favoured a negotiated settlement with Israel. The Indian interlocutors present at the talks, said Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas gave a detailed presentation on the issues of conﬂict with Israel, and even circulated a position paper on the subject. One of the issues he wished to emphasise was how in a matter of 78 years, the Palestinians-held territory had shrunk from what they claimed was at 100 per cent historically, to 80 per cent in 1937, 44 per cent under the UN partition scheme, 22 per cent by 1967 and 12 per cent now. President Abbas said his country just wanted the Israelis to agree to the 1967 de-facto lines endorsed by the Palestine Liberation Organisation in 1988. The Indian president, on his part, said they believed in arriving at a negotiated settlement, rather that the road of conﬂict, based on the Quartet Roadmap, proposed by the US, EU, Russia and the UN, as also various resolutions at the United Nations. - IANS

JEHANABAD/BHABUA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched a blistering attack against rivals Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad over a sting video of a senior JD-U minister allegedly accepting bribe, saying they have “no shame” and accused them of “insulting” JP’s legacy of fighting corruption. Addressing back-to-back election rallies in Jehanabad and Bhabua, Modi said leaders of the grand alliance are “scared” and flayed them for approaching Election Commission to halt the live telecast of his meetings on Monday. In a huge embarrassment for the Nitish Kumar government, just a day before the first phase of polls, a sting video surfaced on Sunday showing minister Awadhesh Prasad Kushwaha purportedly accepting bribe after which he had to resign. Referring to the incident, Modi said what was worse that it happened on the birth anniversary of the socialist icon. “This was done by those who used to stake claim to JP’s legacy. Such insult to JP should have never been done.” Modi said, “Such leaders have committed the sin of reducing Bihar’s honour to dust.”

“In the sting he (Awadesh) says there are five ministers (who would benefit from alleged bribe). Name those five ministers. Two more have been caught committing the sin but their leader does not feel bad about it. He does not feel bad about this sin or ‘jungle raj’ or corruption. “Can Bihar be allowed to go into the hands of people, who have become shameless, to those who are not ashamed of such money transactions? There is something called shame in public life due to which even if somebody is caught committing a sin, he sits back at home. But here he is strutting,” he said, attacking RJD chief Lalu Prasad. In the video, the audio quality of which is not good, Kushwaha has been shown reportedly saying that a Mumbai firm wants to help some like-minded ministers in these elections and expects favours from them in return. Linking the incident to Nitish Kumar’s alliance with the RJD chief, Modi said, “As long as the BJP was a part of the government, there was no such sting, no such corruption. But ever since he (Kumar) joined hands with that ‘great’ man, who has expertise in such things, all of this has begun.” - PTI

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TUE S DAY, OCTOBER 13, 2 015

PAKISTAN INSURGENCY

FISH FOR SALE A boy hangs up ﬁsh for sale in plastic bags at his stall in a market in Peshawar, Pakistan, on Monday. — Reuters

Army chief assures Turkey of support to fight terrorism ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif said both Pakistan and Turkey will fight terrorism with a “coherent and common approach.” “Pakistan and Turkey are facing daunting challenges. I am sure we will surmount them with a common and coherent approach,” the army chief was quoted as saying by the ISPR. “We assure you our unflinching support.” Official visit General Raheel, who is on a threeday official visit to Turkey, assured on Monday the Turkish army chief Hulusi Akar that Pakistan understood the enormity of challenges being faced by Turkey, and stood by the brotherly country. He also expressed condolences on the recent terrorist attack in Ankara. Over 100 people were killed

G I L G I T - B A LT I S TA N

Court hands Altaf 81-year prison term GILGIT: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) on Monday awarded 81 years of rigorous imprisonment to Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Altaf Hussain. The court also issued orders to confiscate the MQM chief’s property over his anti-state speeches. Announcing the verdict, ATC Judge Raja Shahbaz Khan directed the MQM chief to submit a fine of Rs2.4 million in the court, ordering the Sindh Inspector General of Police to produce Altaf before the court. In July, Altaf had made inflammatory remarks against law enforcement agencies, followed by a plea to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) and the United Nations (UN) to send their troops to Karachi. Earlier in May, after facing strong criticism over his comments regarding the army, MQM chief Altaf Hussain had apologised if his words had “hurt national security institutions and patriotic people.” Altaf’s controversial remarks against the law enforcement agencies had sparked countrywide outrage, with the national and provincial assemblies passing condemnation resolutions against the UK-based leader of the party. Further, numerous reports had also been filed against him in various police stations across the country, demanding an arrest of the MQM leader, who has been living in a self-imposed exile in London for more than two decades. - Express Tribune

when two suspected suicide bombers hit a rally of pro-Kurdish and leftist activists outside Ankara’s main train station on Saturday. The two military leaders also discussed to enhance cooperation in the fields of counter-terrorism. Earlier on his arrival, the army chief was presented a guard of honour by the Turkish land forces at the forces’ headquarters. The COAS also visited the mausoleum of Kamal Ataturk, the founder of modern-day Turkey and laid floral wreath at the grave. Raheel honoured Meanwhile, General Raheel was awarded the Turkish Legend of Merit for his services towards regional peace and handling the menace of terrorism, clarity in direction and sense of purpose in leading Pakistan Army and fighting the terrorists in an exemplary manner. - Express Tribune

PTI moves court over Imran ban on campaigning in polls PTI submitted a statement in the apex court, claiming that the Election Commission of Pakistan had malaﬁde intentions in restraining parliamentarians from running election campaigns

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called on the Supreme Court to take notice of what they termed the Election Commission of Pakistan’s attempts at keeping party chairman Imran Khan out of by-election campaigning. PTI central region Punjab President Mansoor Sarwar Khan submitted through counsel Hamid Khan on Monday a statement in the apex court, claiming that the ECP had mala-ﬁde intentions in restraining parliamentarians from running election campaigns. The party insisted that the notiﬁcation for the ban on campaigning was aimed at Imran Khan since he is the only member of Na-

CONTROVERSY: An army soldier stands guard as a man prepares to drop his ballot in a ballot box for the by-election of a seat in the National Assembly, in Lahore, Pakistan on Sunday. — Reuters

tional Assembly (MNA) who does not hold any official position and therefore could run an election campaign. The statement, however, endorsed the Lahore High Court’s order and subsequent ECP notiﬁcation on May 7, barring MNAs and members of Provincial Assembly (MPA) from entering constituencies at the time of polling. According to Sarwar Khan, preventing the PTI chief from campaigning in the constituencies was a violation of Article 15, 16, 17 and

19 of the Constitution and therefore, the notiﬁcation is liable to be struck down. Earlier on Monday, Imran said the party is investigating the number of PTI votes ‘thrown out’ of the Lahore’s NA-122 seat by-election. Votes thrown out The party chief, emphasising on the number of votes thrown out of NA-122 at the last minute, said the party would approach the Election Commission of Pakistan once the investigation is complete.

In a series of tweets, Imran Khan also congratulated Shoaib Siddiqui for defeating PML-N’s Mohsin Latif in PP-147 constituency and said that this was a moral victory for PTI. “Congratulations go to Aleem Khan for an epic ﬁght against Punjab and Fed govts; and to Shoaib Siddiqui for winning PP 147,” he tweeted. Further, Imran assured that the party would learn from its mistakes to counter the rigging in elections.

Pakistan Tehreek-iInsaf insisted that the notification for the ban on campaigning was aimed at Imran Khan since he is the only member of National Assembly who does not hold any official position and therefore could run an election campaign

Earlier, Abdul Aleem Khan of PTI contesting in NA-122 said “This is our main concern. We wrote to the election commission this morning. Our committee will sit and review evidence from the 2013 general elections and today’s by-election. — Express Tribune

PROPOSAL

British-era steam engines planned to boost tourism PESHAWAR: The saying old is gold applies aptly to the KhyberPakhtunkhwa government’s suggestion to get British-era steam locomotives up and running to revive tourism. The proposal, forwarded by the Sports, Culture, Tourism, Youth Affairs/Archaeology & Museums department, points towards two locomotives dating back to the early 1900’s when steam engines were the order of the day. An official from the railways ministry conﬁrmed the development to The Express Tribune, adding the matter is being discussed. The vintage engines include steam locomotives HGS-2-8 OS manufactured by the Vulcan Foundry and Kitson and Co in Preston, United Kingdom. Business venture An insider says the proposal is to take a business venture with Pakistan Railways into consideration. The options include either running the two locomotives in collaboration with a proﬁt margin or hand the engine over to the

The vintage engines include steam locomotives HGS-2-8 OS manufactured by the Vulcan Foundry and Kitson and Co in Preston, United Kingdom relevant department for the necessary maintenance and operational costs. Prior to this, the locomotives were leased out to a private firm on a profit margin share and ran on the track from Peshawar to Landikotal till 2007. However, because of the emerging security situation in the area, the Khyber Steam Safari stretched to a halt and has never been revived. In the following years, the railway track through Khyber Agency was washed away in a heavy flood. The remaining parts were

either stolen or sold off by locals, claim officials. Feasible option A railways official says it is impossible to run the train to Khyber Agency, however, it seems like a feasible option to continue towards Attock and further. All of this remains dependent on the outcome of the proposal. Another official from the Ministry of Tourism says countries throughout the world lease out engines for the tourism industry to thrive. He adds the move is “a last great push to bring Kyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) out of war” A spokesperson for the K-P’s culture and tourism department conﬁrms the development, saying the proposal has been sent to the railways ministry and an outcome is awaited. — Express Tribune

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CROWD PULLER: The engines will be used to attract tourists for historic run. — AFP ﬁle photo

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Mahathir, other leaders urge end to 1MDB scandal Razak, who chairs the 1MDB advisory board, has been at the centre of a political storm over allegations of graft and mismanagement at the fund

DISSENT: (Seated from left to right) UMNO’s Deputy President Muhyiddin Yassin, former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad and member of parliament Razaleigh Hamzah at a news conference in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on Monday. — Reuters

Mahathir and the other UMNO leaders called for the two to be released. Abuse of law “We see a climate of fear among the people,” Mahathir told reporters. “The government is now deﬁning the law according to their own needs. We are here to show that we are against the abuse of the law on our country.”

Also present at the news conference were party vice-president Shaﬁe Apdal, also sacked as a minister, and party elders Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and Sanusi Junid. Najib, who chairs the 1MDB advisory board, has been at the centre of a political storm over allegations of graft and mismanagement at the fund. The scandal hit crisis point in July when media

E N V I R O N M E N TA L C R I S I S

‘Global climate pledges not enough, but good start’ RABAT: National pledges to cut greenhouse gas emissions, even if fully implemented, would cap global warming at 3 degrees Celsius rather than the 2 degrees targeted to avoid dangerous consequences, the European Commission said on Monday. European Climate and Energy Commissioner Miguel Arias Canete said 149 countries had submitted pledges known in U.N. language as INDCs, or Intended Nationally Determined Contributions, ahead of pivotal climate change talks in Paris in December. “According to our in-house studies, we will be at around 3 degrees (above levels before the Industrial Revolution) at the end of the century with these INDCs implemented,” he said. “...If we do not do something, if we do business as usual, the increase of temperatures will be between 3.8 and 4.7 degrees.” The 149 states that have submitted promises is up from 62 to have done so a few months ago and they cover 90 percent of global emissions, Canete told reporters on the sidelines of a preParis preparatory meeting in the

European Climate and Energy Commissioner Miguel Arias Canete said 149 countries had submitted pledges known in UN language as INDCs, or Intended Nationally Determined Contributions, ahead of pivotal climate change talks in Paris in December Moroccan capital Rabat. “It is a substantial number. Many of them are coming along before Paris,” he said. The ﬁnal goal is 200 governments committing to the halving of world emissions by 2050. Critics of the Paris process warn that a deal us being built on sometimes vague promises from member states and wind up as a toothless addition to the stack of over 500 global and regional environmental treaties, even as the rise in global temperatures mounts inexorably past the U.N. ceiling of 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit), with the prospect of ever more ﬂoods, droughts and heatwaves. The Rabat meeting was meant to assess all the pledges ahead of

the Paris gathering aimed at hammering out a global accord. Wary of the shadow cast by the 2009 Copenhagen summit, the last failed attempt to reach a global climate deal, EU officials and the UN. stress Paris is expected to be a step forward rather than the decisive breakthrough. Further talks are foreseen in 2016 in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh. Canete said participants in the Rabat meeting were examining which elements should be introduced at Paris to help make a ﬁnal global warming agreement work. “European countries are ﬁghting for a long-term goal...but we need an intermediate target (for the long-term goal) by 2050 to act as a benchmark to see how are performing,” he said. — Reuters

LANDSLIDE-HIT VILLAGE

Nepal recovers 21 more bodies KATHMANDU: Nepalese rescue workers have pulled out 21 bodies that were buried when a devastating earthquake triggered a landslide along a popular trekking route almost six months ago, officials said on Monday. Efforts to recover the bodies of about 100 foreign trekkers and locals hit by the April landslide in Langtang village and surrounding area have been delayed by fresh avalanches and because the victims are buried under thick layers of ice and rock. It took the latest rescue team almost two weeks to recover the bodies, local government official

TENSE TIES

China’s top envoy to visit Japan amid spying row BEIJING: China’s top diplomat will visit Japan this week for highlevel political talks, the foreign ministry said on Monday, amid reports that China has detained two more Japanese nationals for spying. State Councillor Yang Jiechi, who outranks the foreign minister, will be in Tokyo on Tuesday and Wednesday and will meet the head of Japan’s National Security Council, Shotaro Yachi, a close ally of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said the two sides would talk about bilateral and international issues and ways to “manage and control disputes”, though was not able to immediately say if Yang would meet Abe. China and Japan have close economic and cultural ties, but have long bickered over their painful wartime history, and have an increasingly bitter argument over ownership of a group of uninhabited islets in the East China Sea. Last month China said that it had arrested two Japanese for spying.

Prime Minister Najib

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad and some leaders of the ruling party jointly demanded resolution of the 1MDB state fund scandal on Monday and condemned a crackdown on dissent, signalling a divide within the coalition. Mahathir has openly called for Prime Minister Najib Razak to resign over allegations of corruption at 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and in a rare public display of unity, Mahathir and sacked deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin called a news conference to express their concerns. Voices of dissent from within the ruling United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) were quickly silenced with a July cabinet reshuffle that ousted Najib’s critics, including Muhyiddin. A former senior member of UMNO, Khairuddin Hassan, and his lawyer, Matthias Chang, were formally charged on Monday with attempts to sabotage Malaysia’s banking and ﬁnancial systems. Khairuddin had called for US law-enforcement authorities to probe the 1MDB scandal.

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Avadhesh Bista, police chief of Rasuwa district, where Langtang is located, said 15 of the bodies were identified as locals while DNA testing will determine if the rest are Nepalis or foreigners Udbhav Bhattarai said. Avadhesh Bista, police chief of Rasuwa district, where Langtang is located, said 15 of the bodies were identiﬁed as locals. DNA testing will determine if the rest are Nepalis or foreigners, he said. Bista said police would contin-

ue to search for the missing. Langtang village, 60 km (37 miles) north of Kathmandu, was one of the areas worst hit by the earthquakes. It is the most popular trekking location in Nepal after the Annapurna and Everest region. — Reuters

reports said investigators looking into 1MDB found that nearly $700 million dollars were transferred into bank accounts of the prime minister. Najib has denied talking any money for personal gain. Muhyiddin, who is still the UMNO deputy president, said the party cannot be seen as uncaring. “UMNO has a certain culture... you tend to suppress your feelings. What I’m asking is for them

to be more expressive through the many platforms. Do not be fearful if what you’re doing is right,” he said. Asked if he would call for Najib’s resignation, Muhyiddin said: “I don’t need to say it as others have said it... There are problems of concern and it is up to the prime minister to consider what he should do that is best for the nation.” — Reuters

Relevant situation Japanese media said over the weekend that two others had also been detained, one a Japanese woman who had been held in Shanghai since June and the other a Japanese national in Beijing. Hua would not directly comment on those reports. “As far as I understand, relevant Chinese departments are investigating the relevant cases in accordance with the law. The relevant situation has been passed on to the Japanese side,” she told a daily news brieﬁng. A Japanese foreign ministry spokesman declined to comment. Chinese President Xi Jinping has overseen a tightening of already strict security laws and regulations. — Reuters

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Freddie Sayers

he Times of Oman this week has been quite vocal on the two-year ban, ﬁrst running this story, Bosses should be generous in issuing NOCs (October 11) and then running the story in which the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) chairman, Said bin Saleh Al Kayoumi, stated that the two-year ban is good and protects business’ interests, Two-year ban for expats backed by business chief (October 12). Well, at least it’s fair journalism, showing two sides to the coin. Getting back to the article of the Chairman of the OCCI, he is quoted as stating: “There are more pros to the decision than the cons”, and that the ban “protects employers from the greed of employees”. And on the face of it, he has a point. If I were to accept a job here, move to the country and then ﬁnd out that I can do the same job at another company and get a higher salary, or better living conditions, or even a better posting (e.g. posted to Muscat as opposed to Hafeet) then yes — of course I’d change my job. Given that an employer incurs costs to employ someone and bring them to Oman, then yes that’s a somewhat sound argument. The argument that people can’t move jobs because they “come to know trade secrets and know-how” is quite frankly ridiculous. That’s called experience and is why people are paid more to do a job when they have more experience. It’s why a graduate gets paid less than a person with 25 years experience! I actually support the two-year ban in the sense that newcomers to Oman, who have signed a contract with an employer, should not just jump ship and change jobs because they found a better deal once they got here. That’s their fault for not researching and negotiating for a better package. My argument with this two-year ban enforcement is that once people have completed their contract with their employer, why can’t they change their job? What hold does an employer have over an employee once their contractual obligations are concluded (e.g., two years service are completed)? Merely stating that not allowing an employee to change their job because they’ve worked for another company is ludicrous. There’s no contractual obligation left between the employee and the employer, and at that time (on completion of an employment contract) the option should be one of three: Remain with the company — negotiate better terms or stay, the Oman labour law rewards people who stay with the same employer for more than three years by doubling their gratuity entitlements; leave the country for another country — be it returning home, or going to another expatriate role elsewhere, or retirement; change jobs in the local market. Let’s say you came to Oman, you got your job and were told that your accommodation would be (for example) a villa and that you would have a car. Let’s

say that you get here and you’re given a small apartment and are told you have to catch the company bus. Let’s say you persevere with this and complete your contract, but in your two years you’ve developed a network of contacts, one of which is offering you a job to come and work with them, and they’re offering you much better living conditions and a higher salary. Now why can you not change jobs? What hold does an employer have over you that should prevent your free movement to change your employer? It seems that the good chairman thinks that employers own employees ad-infinitum, outside of a contractual term. Oh, if you don’t like it, of course you can leave! And walk away from your industry and geography specific experience which you could trade on to better your personal status. I cannot understand how this law “protects its people and the economy” of Oman. What is being enforced is that expatriates with local knowledge and experience are faced with two choices; stay where you are or leave the country. This treats expatriates as inanimate objects, good for only one job and no capacity to improve or develop over time. In some industries, I’d understand that logic — there’s not much skill required to work in a fast food kitchen. But what about the skilled workers? What about the carpenter with 20 years experience that wants to change workshops, or the consultant with 10 years local experience who doesn’t like their company and wants to change companies to work on different projects? If an engineer with 15 years experience in Oman wants to change job to a new company because they’ve been offered a management position there, how is not allowing that person to move protecting the people of Oman or it’s economy? That new company won’t be able to hire the local knowledge and expertise it needs, and thus might not decide to open up in this country, and therefore a number of jobs that would have been created are not. This two-year ban rule needs to be amended, the expat brain drain has begun already and it will continue to happen unless this rule is reviewed. My suggestion is to lock people in to their contracts, but once their contracts are completed, allow employees to move freely because refusing to allow them to exerts control over a fellow human being outside of an agreed to employment contract. Preventing a suitably qualified worker from taking a job simply because they had previously worked for another employer (and fulfilled their contractual obligations) gives unfair power to an employer over an employee. My argument here is very simple: What rights does an employer have over an employee once the contract has been fulfilled? Why is the employer allowed to infringe the rights of an employee outside of their contractual relationship? Freddie Sayers is author of muscatmutterings.com

READERS’ FORUM World should have a unified approach to security The recent involvement of Russia in the troubled Syria has further complicated the situation on the ground. Russia’s record, both in Georgia in 2008, and Ukraine in 2014, has been questionable so its latest intervention raises lot of suspicion. This intervention in Syria may change the tone of the ongoing conflict, which could escalate. Moscow says it is targeting the key militant group fighting in Syria, but most of its strikes have hit other factions fighting the regime. The Russian move has upended the strategy of the US administration of President Barack Obama, which has led a separate bombing campaign against the militants for a year but has failed to establish strong ties with moderate fighters on the ground. I wonder why a collective Scan this QR code effort led by the US could not halt the terto send letters to the rorism spreading across the region and Readers’ Forum, containing not more beyond. Security being a global issue, than 200 words with countries across the world must have full name, address uniformity in their approach to tackle and telephone the troubles facing them. number, may be sent by mail (Times of — Ramachandran Nair, Ruwi Oman, P.O. Box 770, P.C. 112, Ruwi).

Pakistan missed most of the opportunities created by technological change. This was because of poor leadership in economic matters and the increasing insecurity in the country, which prevented people who could have brought work to Pakistan bit.ly/pakistanlagsintech

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES OCTOBER 2000 Workshop on trends in development communication MUSCAT: The Sultanate, represented by the Ministry of Social Affairs, Labour and Vocational Training, and the Ministry of Information, will participate in a workshop on modern trends in development communication. The workshop, organised by the UNICEF bureau in the Middle East and North Africa, is aimed to famialise the participants with how to implement active projects and innovate methods in developmental communications.

TODAY IN HISTORY

PICTOGRAPH

CO2 EMISSIONS IN GCC

(Metric tonnes per capita, 2000-2011) While Qatar is the top pollutant, Oman doubled its carbon dioxide emissions 2000

2011

Change

OMAN

9.8

20.2

+106%

Saudi Arabia

13.9

18.1

+30%

Kuwait

27.8

28.1

+1%

Bahrain 28.0

17.9

-36%

Qatar

58.5

44.0

-25%

UAE

36.9

20.4

-45%

1492: Christopher Columbus and his crew land in the Bahamas.

US needs to sort the gun issue

This refers to gun violence in the US. I cannot understand why Washington is ﬁxated on a policy to bring about change in other countries. Domestically, the superpower is a democracy, which caters only to the lobby groups, which fund political parties. Among them is the National Riﬂe Association, which is vehemently opposed to laws to curb gun sales. I cannot foresee any improvement. — Farah Saad, Muscat

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1949: Eugenie Anderson becomes the first woman U.S. ambassador. 1964: 1964 USSR launches Voskhod I, first spacecraft with multi-person crew; it is also the first mission in which the crew did not wear space suits. 1999: Chief of Army Staff Perez Musharraf seizes power in Pakistan through a bloodless military coup.

Source: The World Bank

T UE SDAY, O CTO BER 13, 2015 Think of Deaton as an economist who looks more closely at what poor households consume to get a better sense of their living standards and possible paths for economic development Tyler Cowen, Economics professor at George Mason University and blogger

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Deaton wins Nobel for economics The Edinburgh-born economist who lives and works in the United States, bagged the prize for his work on consumption, poverty and welfare

STOCKHOLM: British-born economist Angus Deaton has won the 2015 economics Nobel Prize for his work on consumption, poverty and welfare that has helped governments to improve policy through tools such as household surveys and tax changes. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said the microeconomist’s work had been a major influence on policy making, helping for example to determine how different social groups are affected by specific changes in taxation. “To design economic policy that promotes welfare and reduces poverty, we must first understand individual consumption choices,” the award-giving body said in announcing the 8 million Swedish crown ($978,000) prize. “More than anyone else, Angus Deaton has enhanced this understanding,” it said.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Goeran K Hansson, Permanent Secretary of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, centre, announces Angus Deaton of Britain as the winner of the 2015 Nobel Economics Prize next to members of the prize committee Tore Ellingsen, left, and Jakob Svensson on Monday in Stockholm. – AFP

Household survey Deaton, 69, has spearheaded the use of household survey data in developing countries, especially data on consumption, to measure living standards and poverty, the academy said. Deaton looks at economic development from the starting point of consumption rather than income, wrote Tyler Cowen, economics professor at George Mason University and blogger. “Think of Deaton as an economist who looks more closely at what poor households consume

to get a better sense of their living standards and possible paths for economic development,” Cowen wrote on the blog Marginal Revolution. “I think of this as a prize about empirics, the importance of economic development, and indirectly a prize about economic history,” Cowen wrote. In his ﬁrst public comments after winning the Nobel prize, Deaton said that, while extreme poverty has fallen sharply in the last 20 to 30 years and that he

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expected this trend to continue, he did not want to sound like a “blind optimist”. “While I expect things to get better, you have to keep remembering that we are not out of the woods yet and that for many, many people in the world, things are very bad in-

deed,” Deaton told a press conference by telephone. “I think the current upwards trends in inequality are very worrying in many contexts around the world,” he added. In one key work, “The Great Escape; Health, Wealth and the Origins of Inequality”, Deaton describes the huge increase in global prosperity in the past two centuries, underpinned by medical and technological advances, but also looks in depth at the inequalities to which that progress has given rise.

Deaton developed a system for estimating how the demand for each good depends on the prices of all goods and on individual incomes, now a standard tool for researchers and in practical policy evaluation the academy said. “Assume the government wants to change a tax like the VAT on food or gasoline or something, or to change income taxes. How will that affect demand for different commodities? How will that affect welfare for different groups in society?,” Mats Persson, a member

of the prize awarding committee, told Reuters. The economics prize, officially called the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, was established in 1968. It was not part of the original group of awards set out in dynamite tycoon Nobel’s 1895 will. Deaton, who was born in Edinburgh and holds both British and US citizenship, is professor of Economics and International Affairs at Princeton University in the United States. — Reuters

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NORTH KOREA: Fireworks explode during celebrations for the founding of the ruling Workers’ Party in this photo released by North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang on Monday. Isolated North Korea marked the 70th anniversary of its ruling Workers’ Party on Saturday with a massive military parade overseen by leader Kim Jong Un, who said his country was ready to ﬁght any war waged by the United States. - Reuters

morning in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Monday. The Swiss national circus has been presenting its show for the 97th year throughout Switzerland from March to November 2015. - Reuters

BRITAIN: A visitor walks through autumn colours and foliage at Westonbirt Arboretum near Tetbury in southwest England, Britain, on Monday. Planted in the heyday of Victorian plant hunting in the midnineteenth century, Westonbirt Arboretum makes claim to have one of the ﬁnest tree collections in the world. - Reuters

UNITED STATES: A young girl sits with giant pumpkins during the 42nd annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off Contest in the World Pumpkin Capital of Half Moon Bay, California on Monday. The Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off is offering a special $30,000 mega-prize for the world record breaking pumpkin at the prestigious Half Moon Bay event. To receive the $30,000 mega-prize, the grower must break and hold the world record at the conclusion of the Half Moon Bay weigh-off. The current world record pumpkin is 2,323 pounds (1053.6 kg) set on October 12, 2014 by Swiss grower Beni Meier at a weigh-off in Ludwigsburg, Germany. The champion pumpkin, along with the top ﬁve pumpkins overall, will be displayed at the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival on October 17-18. - AFP

FRANCE: From left: French cartoonist and author Albert Uderzo, French cartoonist Didier Conrad, and the coauthor of the popular comic book Asterix with Uderzo, writer and designer Jean-Yves Ferri pose beside a cardboard cut-out of Asterix and Obelix characters during a press conference in Paris on Monday for the release of the new Asterix album ‘Le Papyrus de Cesar’ (Caesar’s Papyrus). The 36th book in the Asterix series ‘Le Papyrus de Cesar’ (entitled in English : Asterix and the Missing Scroll), will be released in France on October 22. - AFP

SWITZERLAND: Circus Knie groom Flurina Juffer walks her horse into lake Leman on an autumn

T UE SDAY, O CTO BER 13, 2015

is the number of Afghan pilots who were killed when a small Afghan army plane crashed in the central province of Bamyan on Monday afternoon.

Five killed as British chopper crashes in Kabul Two British service members, two US service members and one French contracted civilian were killed in the accident

KABUL: Five members of NATO’s international support mission in Afghanistan were killed and ﬁve injured when a British military helicopter crashed in the capital, Kabul, officials said on Monday. NATO’s Resolute Support mission said in a statement that two British service members, two US service members and one French contracted civilian were killed as a result of Sunday’s crash at its headquarters in Kabul. Britain’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on its website that two Royal Air Force personnel had been killed when a British Puma Mk 2 helicopter crashed while landing at the base. “We’re deeply saddened by the loss of our teammates,” Brig-Gen. Wilson A. Shoffner, deputy chief of staff for communications, said in the Resolute Support statement on Monday afternoon. Separate incident The incident, described as “nonhostile,” is being investigated, it added. In a separate incident, two Afghan pilots were killed and ﬁve

STRICT VIGIL: An Afghan policeman stands guard at the roof of a house in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Saturday. – Reuters

people onboard were injured when a small Afghan army plane crashed in the central province of Bamyan on Monday afternoon, said Abdul Rahman Ahmadi, spokesman for the provincial governor. A Ministry of Defence spokesman confirmed that an Afghan army plane had crashed due to a technical problem, but could not immediately confirm the casualties. Meanwhile, fighting intensified around the Afghan city of Ghazni, as Taliban militants threatened to seize a second provincial capital after briefly occupying Kunduz in the north last month. The clashes around Ghazni, some 130 km (80 miles) southwest of Kabul, underlined the worsening security situation

across Afghanistan, where national soldiers and police are struggling to cope now the bulk of foreign forces have withdrawn. Monday’s violence followed days of sporadic fighting near Ghazni, and prompted most shops, schools and universities there to close. Many residents attempted to flee to the capital Kabul or nearby districts, adding to a growing number of internally displaced people within Afghanistan. Government officials said they still had the upper hand. “Hundreds of Taliban attacked from two directions and the fighting is still on some 7 km away from the provincial capital,” Ghazni’s Deputy Governor Mohammad Ali Ahmadi told Reuters. — Reuters

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Hundreds rally against Erdogan “If you consider the way the attack happened and the general trend of it, we have identiﬁed IS as the primary focus,” Davutoglu told Turkey’s NTV television. “It was deﬁnitely a suicide bombing... DNA tests are being conducted. It was determined how the suicide bombers got there. We’re close to a name, which points to one group.” The Haberturk newspaper has cited police sources as saying the type of explosive and the choice of target pointed to a group within IS known as the ‘Adiyaman ones’, a reverence to Adiyaman province in southeastern Turkey.

Prime Minister Ahmet said Saturday’s attack was intended to inﬂuence the outcome of polls

ISTANBUL: Turkey’s government said on Monday IS was the prime suspect in suicide bombings that killed at least 97 people in Ankara, but opponents vented anger at President Tayyip Erdogan at funerals, universities and courthouses. The father of three men wounded in the blasts told Reuters one of his sons had described seeing one of the bombers carrying a bag on his back and one in his hand, and called out “stop” before the bomb detonated. Prime Minister Ahmet Davu-

CONTROL MEASURES: Riot police use a water cannon to disperse demonstrators, during a protest against Saturday’s bomb blasts in Ankara, in the Kurdish dominated southeastern city of Diyarbakir, Turkey, on Monday. – Reuters

toglu said Saturday’s attack, the worst of its kind on Turkish soil, was intended to inﬂuence the outcome of November polls Erdogan hopes will restore a majority the ruling AK party lost in June. Of-

ﬁcials say there is no question of postponing the vote. Two bombs struck seconds apart, targeting a rally of proKurdish activists and civic groups near Ankara’s main train station.

Blame Opponents of Erdogan, who has led the country over 13 years, blame him for the attack, accusing the state at best of intelligence failings and at worst of complicity by stirring up nationalist, anti-Kurdish sentiment. Hundreds chanting anti-government slogans marched on a mosque in an Istanbul suburb for the funeral of several of the

victims, attended by Selahattin Demirtas, leader of the proKurdish parliamentary opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), which says it was the target of the bombings. Riot police with water cannon and armoured vehicles stood by as the crowd, some chanting anti-Erdogan slogans and waving HDP ﬂags, moved towards the mosque in the working class Umraniye neighbourhood of Istanbul. Several labour unions also called protests. Hundreds of people, many wearing doctors’ uniforms and carrying Turkish Medical Association banners, gathered by the main train station in Ankara where the explosions happened to lay red carnations but were blocked by riot police, a Reuters witness said. Lawyers at an Istanbul courthouse chanted anti-Erdogan slogans, saying “Erdogan will give account” as colleagues applauded, footage circulated on social media showed. Erdogan, accused by opponents of an increasingly authoritarian and divisive style, has

overseen a purge in the judiciary of elements he believes to have been colluding with a US based clericrival planning a coup against him. The father of three men wounded in the blasts said one of his sons, Abdulselam, described seeing one of the bombers carrying a bag on his back and one in his hand. He called out “stop” suspecting an attacker. “The bomber panicked. Selam got nervous and acted without thinking. Maybe he could have had the chance to get him arrested, but he shouted to the bomber,” the father, Mehmet Ali Altun, told Reuters outside the hospital where his sons were being treated. The son, who had been questioned by police, declined to speak to media. The HDP accused Ankara of escalating violence to try to reduce its vote at November 1 polls, restore an AK majority and pave the way for the more powerful presidential system Erdogan seeks. “Our electorates feel under constant threat in every social space and political activity they attend,” it said. — Reuters ‘CECIL’ THE LION KILLING

Zimbabwe will not charge US dentist HARARAE: Zimbabwe will not charge American dentist Walter Palmer for killing its most prized lion in July because he had obtained legal authority to conduct the hunt, a cabinet minister said on Monday. Palmer, a lifelong big-game hunter from Minnesota, stoked a global controversy when he killed Cecil, a rare black-maned lion, with a bow and arrow outside Hwange National Park in Western Zimbabwe. But Palmer’s hunting papers were in order, Environment Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said on Monday. Consequently, he could not be charged. “We approached the police and then the Prosecutor General, and it turned out that Palmer came to Zimbabwe because all the papers were in order,” Muchinguri-Kashiri told reporters. Muchinguri Kashiri said Palmer was free to visit Zimbabwe as a tourist but not as a hunter. The implication was he would not be issued the permits a hunter needs. Two more people still face charges related to Cecil’s killing. Both allegedly were involved in using bait to lure Cecil out of his habitat in Hwange National Park. — Reuters

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM TU ES DAY, OCTOBER 13, 2015

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Muscat 5,963.11 + 30.91 + 0.52%

Dubai 3,722.59 + 9.17 + 0.25%

Abu Dhabi 4,561.31 - 4.18 - 0.09%

Kuwait 5,734.07 + 5.69 + 0.10%

Saudi Arabia

7,816.71 - 10.37 - 0.13%

Bahrain 1,252.13 - 2.59 - 0.21%

Qatar 11,868.90 + 13.03 + 0.11%

CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.26 Pound ...........................................1.68 Indian Rs ............................. 167.98 Pak Rs ...................................266.88 Bangla Taka.......................199.28

Indian Rs .................................. 168.00 Pakistan Rs .............................270.40 Sri Lanka Rs ........................... 361.60 Bangla Taka.............................201.70 Phil Peso .................................... 118.65

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) .......14.85

Oman Crude............. (Spot) .........$50.41 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) .........$50.31 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) .........$51.40 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ........$50.49 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) .........$52.16 West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ........$49.97

* Rates as of Oct. 12 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

* Rates are as of Oct. 12 Source: Bank Muscat

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......14.30 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ........... 139.00 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) ............ 132.00 * Rates as of Oct. 12 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

WORLD-CLASS TECHNOLOGY

Foundation stone laid for power project in Musandam Times News Service MUSCAT: A foundation stone laying ceremony to build the first independent power project in Musandam with a generation capacity of 120 megawatt, was held on Monday. Musandam Power Company (MPC) is developing the Musandam independent power project (Musandam IPP) based on high and world-class standards and technology. Gas-fired project MPC has selected dual fuel reciprocating engines configuration for the project, following a competitive pre-qualification and tendering process to deliver flexible, lowest life cycle costs and sustainable energy to the governorate, said a company release. The plant will use natural gas as the main fuel to maintain the stability of the local electricity supply and support sustainable development in the Musandam while significantly contributing to the Sultanate’s energy-production ca-

pabilities and long-term economic diversiﬁcation plans. Storage diesel fuel will be used during emergencies as the alternate fuel on discontinuation of natural gas fuel to guarantee the electricity supply for the governorate. The electricity generated from this project will be transmitted to the existing medium voltage grid through the new 132KV transmission lines being built by Rural Areas Electricity Company. The generated electricity will serve the power demand of the Musandam Governorate in the future. The ceremony was held under the auspices of Sayyid Khalifa bin Al Murdas Al Busaidy, Governor of Musandam, and attended by number of officials from the government and representatives from the private sector. “This is a signiﬁcant step for Oman Oil Company as we continue to expand our projects locally which have been instrumental to create multi-regional industrial hubs across the Sultanate. Our strategy comes along with the

WORLD-CLASS: Musandam Power Company is developing the Musandam independent power project. — Supplied picture

Government vision of diversifying the economy resources and support the development plans,” said Eng. Isam Al Zadjali, chief executive officer of Oman Oil Company (OOC). “This new plant, which is expected to be commissioned by end of 2016, is part of a major integrated development comprising the development of Musandam

Governorate. Musandam IPP will play an essential role in delivering ﬂexible and sustainable energy to the governorate. The project will be able to meet the power needs of the current and upcoming projects in the region as well as expecting to beneﬁt the local community,” he added. “OOC will continue investing in projects that will support the

development of the Governorate through upcoming projects in the energy value chain,” he added. Jeong, vice president of LG International (LGI), said, “LGI believes that the Musandam IPP could be a sustainable power source to contribute the overall economic development of Musandam. With trust and solid cooperation between OOC and LGI, LGI will continue in efforts to support beneﬁts to the local community by successful commercial operation of Musandam IPP in near future.” “The project provides further proof of the competitiveness of engine power plants compared to traditional technologies. The power plant will offer operational ﬂexibility, reliability and lifecycle value – not to mention efficiency in harsh conditions,” said UpmaKoul, Business Development Manager at Wärtsilä Energy Solutions. The engines are attuned to maintain top fuel efficiency in conditions of high humidity and extreme temperatures of up to 50 degrees.

Omifco’s expansion plan hangs on additional gas

Musandam Power Company was established in 2014 as a joint venture between OOC, the government’s investment arm in the energy related sectors,holding a 70 per cent stake, LGI, holding a 30 per cent stake,celebrated the occasion of laying the foundation stone for the construction of Musandam Independent Power Plant. Recently, MPC had announced the execution of a long term Power Purchase Agreement with Oman Power and Water Procurement Company and a Natural Gas Sales Agreement with the Ministry of Oil and Gas, providing for the supply and sale of natural gas to the company. As Oman’s first independent power project in the Musandam Governorate, MPC will use natural gas to be processed by OOC’s wholly owned subsidiary, Oman Oil Company Exploration and Production from the adjacent Musandam Gas Processing Plant to integrate the value chain and maximise value from Oman’s resources. S TA K E S A L E

Al Bayan sells water business stake in Oman to UAE company Times News Service

We are ready with the project and are waiting for additional gas from the government of Oman. As soon as the gas is available, we’ll proceed with the project, Omifco’s chief executive said

S G Gedigeri. — Picture by A R Rajkumar/Times of Oman

A E JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman India Fertiliser Company’s (omifco) plans to double its production capacity with a debottlenecking scheme and a third train in Sur hangs on government decision to supply additional gas. The company, a $960 millionjoint venture equally owned by Oman Oil Company and India’s two fertiliser ﬁrms, plans to build a third train and implement a debottlenecking project, which is a process to remove obstacles that are preventing a process from being more efficient or workable. This will almost double the existing urea capacity from 1.652 million tonnes to more than three million tonnes per annum. “We are ready with the project and are waiting for additional gas from the government of Oman. The government is positive on the plan. As soon as the gas is available, we will proceed with the project,” said S G Gedigeri, chief executive officer of Omifco. He was talking to journalists on the sidelines of Oman-India investment meet organised by Ithraahere on Monday. Debottlenecking project The additional natural gas requirement for debottlenecking project alone (which will enable to enhance production by 30 per cent) will be 0.8 million standard cubic metres per day.

Presently, Omifco has two identical plants of 2,530 tonnes per day each of urea and two identical plants of 1,750 tonnes per day each of ammonia at Qalhat in Sur. As much as 80 per cent of ammonia production is used for manufacturing urea. Natural gas price Gedigeri said the company anticipates the total production of urea to touch 1.92 million tonnes this year. He also noted that the increase in natural gas price, which was effective from 2012, would not affect the net earnings of Omifco since the company has long-term offtake arrangements and the additional costs are passed on to the customers. On the recent slackness in urea price, he said the urea volume sold at market price is only around 15 per cent of total production — which is output above 1.65 million tonnes a year. Price of urea in international markets is hovering around $250 per tonne now. The Omifco chief added that the anticipated revenue and proﬁt of the company this year are close to $300 million and $30 million, respectively. Omifco started selling urea in the local market almost three years ago, after setting up a bagging unit within the complex. The domestic sales, which meet the entire demand of Oman, are close to 20,000 tonnes per annum. The company’s cumulative production of urea was 19.8 million

MAKING A POINT: Prominent Indian companies began a two-day investment visit to Oman on Monday. — Picture by A R Rajkumar/Times of Oman

tonnes, ever since it started operation. Omifco has performed well since it started commercial production more than a decade ago. Indian companies Prominent Indian companies began a two-day investment visit to Oman on Monday. The visit started at Muscat’s Hormuz Grand Hotel with His Highness Sayyid Faisal Al Said, Ithraa’s director general for Investment Promotion opening a one-day invest in Oman meeting which will see 50 leading Omani organisations network with Indian counterparts. Attended by Indra Mani Pandey, India’s Ambassador to the Sultanate, Monday’s meet consisted of a series of presentations delivered by Ithraa; the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates; Port of Salalah; SoharPort and Freezone; Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm; Oman Investment Fund; Larsen & Toubro and the Omifco. Follow-up meeting “Building on our successful visit to India in August, we have organised, in partnership with key stakeholders, this important follow-up meeting to strengthen investment and trade ties with India. Indeed, by working together our two countries can achieve great things,” remarked Sayyid Faisal Oman and India enjoy a longstanding and strong relationship,

‘Oman’s new investment law to improve competitiveness’ Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman’s new investment law, which will be announced within a short period, will help improve the country’s competitiveness in attracting foreign investments, said a senior official of Ithraa. “We look forward a much more aggressive foreign direct investment law that will allow Oman to enhance and improve its competitive-

one that dates back centuries. This year, the two nations celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. “Our warm and cordial relations are based on mutual trust and respect. We are linked by geography, trade, history and culture and collaborate in agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, tourism, chemicals and fertilisers, education, oil and gas, power and mining,” added Sayyid Faisal. Investment ﬂows between Oman and India are robust, over 1,500 Indo-Omani joint ventures have been carried out in the Sul-

ness,” said His Highness Sayyid Faisal Al Said, Ithraa’s director general for Investment Promotion. He was talking to journalists on the sidelines of an investment meet. The government has to be bold and aggressive in making certain bold changes in the law for meaningful investors to come. And the new law is expected to be beneﬁcial for both local and foreign investors.

tanate with an investment of $7.5 billion of which Indian investment is estimated at $4.5 billion. India is also one of the Oman’s most important destinations for non-oil exports. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached $5.7 billion during 2013– 14, a rise of 25 per cent over the previous year.

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MUSCAT: Al Bayan has sold 100 per cent of its equity stake in water business in Oman and UAE to Agthia Group, one of UAE’s leading food and beverage companies. Al Bayan Group of Companies is a diversified business group in the UAE with interests across healthcare, retail, food and beverages, and engineering industries. Alpen Capital, Dubai, acted as the sole financial advisor to Al Bayan Group. “The Al Bayan Group has grown strongly in the last few years and has diversified business interests. The move to sell our water business across UAE and Oman, is an integral part of our business strategy as it will help focus our efforts towards growing our retail and hospitality businesses,” said A.K Mansoor, Chairman & Managing Director, Al Bayan Group of Companies. “We are pleased that our water business will thrive under the ownership of the Agthia Group. I also would like thank the team at Alpen Capital, our financial advisors who not only helped us identify a suitable buyer but also structured and seamlessly executed the transaction,” he added. “We are very excited to merge our strengths with those of Al Bayan. As a major player in the five gallon bottled water segment in the UAE, Al Bayan is an excellent strategic fit for Agthia, further consolidating our leading position in the UAE water market,” said Iqbal Hamzah, Group CEO, Agthia Group. “Al Bayan’s manufacturing capabilities in the Northern Emirates and Oman with an established brand and sales and distribution infrastructure, coupled with Agthia’s manufacturing expertise, sales and marketing knowledge, and its iconic brands, will help unlock the growth potential of the combined business,” he added. “This strategic investment by Agthia Group into Al Bayan is testimony to the potential opportunities that exist in the GCC for corporations and investors. We are happy to add value to this transaction using our extensive regional experience and expertise in the food and retail sectors,” said Sanjay Vig, managing director, Alpen Capital (ME) Limited.

TUE S DAY, OCTOBER 13, 2 015

MARKET K U WA I T E X P O

BP plans to bring shale gas expertise to Oman Times News Service

INNOVATIVE APPROACH: Bob Dudley, BP Group CEO, shares his vision on innovation, technology and opportunities in the Middle East region, at Kuwait Oil and Gas Show on Monday. – Supplied picture

MUSCAT: BP is focusing on introducing technology developed in the United States for shale ﬁelds and deploying it in the Middle East to produce gas from some of the world’s oldest and toughest sandstone — rocks that are as hard as granite at depths of over 5,000 metres. Bob Dudley, BP Group chief executive, who was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Kuwait Oil and Gas Show of 2015 on Monday, also shared BP’s vision for the oil and gas industry in Kuwait and the Middle East. Strong partnerships between international and national oil companies are the key to future success in helping to meet people’s growing energy needs for decades to come, said Bob Dudley, BP Group chief executive on Monday.

ACQUISITION

Qatari bank in talks to buy Turkish ﬁrm ISTANBUL: Qatar National Bank (QNB), Qatar’s largest bank by assets, is interested in acquiring Turkey’s Finansbank as the lender seeks to expand outside its home market. The two have held preliminary talks on a deal, though no material developments have taken place, the Doha-based lender said in a statement on Monday, without giving further detail. Finansbank soared as much as 13.5 per cent on the news to 6.7 liras, and traded at 6.60 liras as of 3:55 p.m. in Istanbul. QNB, as it’s known, is seeking expansion beyond the Gulf to widen margins and tap larger markets. It agreed to pay $1.97 billion for a

majority stake in Societe Generale’s Egyptian unit in 2012, while Commercial Bank of Qatar bought a 70.8 per cent stake in Turkey’s Alternatifbank in 2013. HSBC Holdings is also selling its Turkish unit, it said in June. Boosting presence “International diversiﬁcation remains an integral part of QNB strategy given the limitations of the domestic Qatari market,” said Apostolos Bantis, a credit analyst at Commerzbank in Dubai. “Qatar’s banking market is highly penetrated, constraining growth opportunities.” National Bank of Greece, which

owns Finansbank, said today that it will hold talks with potential investors as it evaluates strategic alternatives for the lender. QNB and Fiba Holding are among those interested in acquiring it, people with knowledge of the matter said earlier this month. JPMorgan Chase is advising QNB on the potential deal, according to two people with knowledge of the matter, who asked not to be identiﬁed as the news isn’t public. A QNB spokesman in Doha declined to comment. Foreign banks are seeking to boost their presence in Turkey with acquisitions and licence applications. – Bloomberg News

The opening ceremony was attended by key government officials including Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al Hamad Al Sabah, prime minister; Dr Ali Saleh Al Omair, Kuwait’s minister of oil; Abdallah Salem El Badri, secretary general, Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, and other international and regional oil and gas leaders. “With oil and gas becoming more difficult to extract, and low prices putting pressure on costs, the challenges may have grown. But so has our ability to meet the challenges of today and the demands of tomorrow,” Dudley said. “We can do that by combining the complementary strengths of national and international oil companies to the beneﬁt of countries around the globe. Speaking for BP, we have a long history in Kuwait and the Middle East – and

a deep commitment to its future as one of the world’s energy heartlands,” he added. Later in his presentation, Dudley showcased the history of the oil and gas industry in Kuwait, and BP’s role in the discovery and the development of those resources. Sandstone reservoir An example of that is the discovery of Burgan — the biggest sandstone reservoir in the world — in1938. Last year, BP signed an agreement with Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) to bring its cutting-edge expertise in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) to Burgan. A BP team has since been working with KOC in the Wara formations on how to manage low pressure in the ﬁeld. Dudley set out how new reservoir management techniques, wa-

ter injection treatments and well locations could be repeatable and adaptable across the whole of the Middle East region and indeed the globe. In Iraq, for example, BP has been working with South Oil Company and PetroChina to improve drilling. This partnership has just completed their 200th new well over the past ﬁve years. In Egypt, earlier this year, BP announced its participation in a $12 billion investment in developing new gas supplies — as well as more investment in its existing oil operations at the Gulf of Suez, through GUPCO, and gas operations in the East Nile Delta through the Pharaonic Petroleum. Finally, in Abu Dhabi BP has had a partnership over many decades bringing together BP’s global technology capability and ADMA’s local expertise.

Top oil-dependent wealth funds sell European shares Since May, the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority has sold $1.2 billion worth of equities across Nasdaq’s European client base

LONDON: The top three oil-dependent sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) have been selling European equity holdings since May, a study showed on Monday, another sign of petrodollars being withdrawn from world markets. However, Asian funds have continued to add European equities, according to the data from Nasdaq Advisory Services, which provides analysis on shareholder and investor activity. Since May, the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority has sold $1.2 billion worth of equities across Nasdaq’s European client base. That accounts for 13 per cent of its $9.2 billion holdings in the European companies. Norway’s Norges Bank Investment Management has sold $1.1 billion — around 2 per cent of the $57.5 billion market value of its holdings. The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority has cut some $300 million worth of shares from its $3.6 billion holding. “Over 2015, the three largest oil-dependent SWFs have all

WITHDRAWING PETRODOLLARS: Norway’s Norges Bank Investment Management has sold $1.1 billion — around 2 per cent of the $57.5 billion market value of its holdings. – Bloomberg News

been reducing their equity holdings in the region, with this trend accelerating over the second quarter and into the third quarter of the year,” said Alexander Free, an analyst with Nasdaq’s Advisory Services. Falling crude prices The data is based on a sample of 159 European companies, with a market value of $1.87 trillion, Nasdaq says. They range from retail and telecoms shares to ﬁnancials and utilities. Falling crude oil prices — with Brent crude down over 60 per cent since summer 2014 — has put pressure on global oil producers to rein in spending or liquidate assets. Energy-exporting countries pulled money out of world markets last year for the ﬁrst time in almost two decades, halting the ‘recycling’ of oil windfalls, BNP Paribas has said. The trend would continue as energy prices stayed under pressure, the bank predicted last year.

In July, Saudi resorted to issuing a bond for the first time since 2007. The International Monetary Fund has warned of the Saudi deficit — estimated at around 20 percent of GDP this year. The Saudi central bank, which serves as the wealth fund of the world’s top oil exporter, has been drawing down its reserves since late 2014. Its net foreign assets fell by $6.6 billion in August as the Saudis liquidated assets to plug the budget gap. “It’s a pretty dire situation,” Free said. Norway has announced it will make its first net withdrawal from its sovereign fund since it was set up, to help pay for tax cuts designed to stimulate the economy. Its $830 billion fund is the world’s largest, holding about 1.3 per cent of global stocks. - Reuters

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T R A D I N G P L AT F O R M

Mauritius planning derivatives platform EBENE: Mauritius plans to launch a trading platform to hedge African currencies against the United States dollar, part of a bid to expand its role as a financial hub for the continent, the financial services minister said. The Indian Ocean island is also in talks to boost ties with stock exchanges in Johannesburg and Nairobi to encourage cross-listing of shares and other areas of cooperation, Sudarshan Bhadain said in an interview. The international financial services sector in Mauritius has relied heavily on dealings with India, helped by a double taxation avoidance treaty that made the island the biggest route for foreign investment into India. But that could be hit if talks with India lead to treaty changes, encouraging a shift in focus to Africa where officials see a chance to offer a broader range of financial services and shake off criticism that Mauritius is little more than a ‘tax haven’. “I do believe that Mauritius

cannot remain a tax-centric jurisdiction,” the minister said at his office in the island’s ﬁnancial district of Ebene. “Mauritius has to move to the next level which is bringing real investments which are creating jobs in Mauritius ... and for us to be the platform for Africa for the right reasons.” He said Mauritius had signed a memorandum of understanding with National Stock Exchange of India, aimed at encouraging cross-listing of Indian ﬁrms and helping the island become a route for investment to Africa from India and elsewhere. “One of the aspects is for the creation of a new currency derivatives platform, where African currencies can be hedged against the United States dollar,” he said, adding that the launch was expected in 2016. He did not give further details. Mauritius was working with South Africa on encouraging cross-listings and was holding talks with Kenya. - Reuters

T UESDAY, O CTO BER 13, 2015

MARKET Q U A R T E R LY R E S U LT S

Infosys net profit grows 9.8 per cent BANGALORE: India’s second largest software services firm Infosys on Monday posted 9.8 per cent increase in consolidated net profit to Rs33.98 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2015. The Bangalore-based firm had reported a net profit of Rs30.96 billion in the year-ago period. Consolidated revenue was up 17.2 per cent to Rs156.35 billion in the quarter from Rs133.42 billion in the year-ago period, the company said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Infosys had reported a net profit of Rs 30.30 billion and revenues of Rs143.54 billion for the April-June quarter of this year. Reacting to the numbers, shares of the company dropped 3.07 per cent to Rs1,132 apiece in early trade on BSE. The company also announced that its executive vice president and CFO Rajiv Bansal has resigned. He will be replaced by M. D. Ranganath at the close of business on Monday. Ranganath has held several leadership positions during a tenure of nearly 15 years with Infosys. “We are experiencing a once-ina-generation opportunity for a services company to help businesses maximise their potential with technology... I am encouraged by our progress.,” Infosys chief executive officer and managing director Vishal Sikka said. - PTI

Iranian automobile company plans assembly unit in Oman India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and eastern Asia. “IKCO’s products facilitate our access to Asian markets. On the other hand, Dqum enjoys some appropriate grounds for car production,” he said. Iran Khodro Deputy for Export and International Affairs, Saeed Tafazzoli, also held talks with Al Jabri. During the talks, Tafazzoli referred to the last joint economic meeting between Iran and Oman in December saying: “During the meeting, we concluded to expand our projects in Oman.”

Iran Khodro chief executive officer Hashem Yekeezare said that the site could be established as soon as possible with the ﬁnancial support of Oman’s development fund

Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman has made a request for Iran Khodro Industrial Group (IKCO) to establish a production site in the Sultanate, said IKCO’s chief executive officer and president Hashem Yekeezare after a meeting with the Yahya bin Said bin Abdullah Al Jabri, chairman of the Special Economic Zone Authority of Duqm (Sezad). At the meeting, Iran Khodro Industrial Group’s chief executive officer referred to the historic relations between Iran and Oman

CAR EXPORTS: Yahya bin Said bin Abdullah Al Jabri, chairman of the Special Economic Zone Authority of Duqm, said that Oman’s free trade zone of Duqm enjoys a high capacity for exporting cars to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and eastern Asia. – File picture

adding that the site can provide Iran Khodro with an easy access to markets deep in eastern and northern regions of Africa. He also expressed hope that the site could be established as soon as possible with the ﬁnancial support of Oman’s Development Fund. Yekkezare emphasised that Oman project begins with the estab-

lishment of a production line which will develop further into a production site after a while. He referred to the industrial strategy of Iran Khodro developed by Iran’s Ministry of Industries and Mines saying: “Based on the strategy, the number of our products would reach to three million vehicles for national and international markets.”

NINE MONTHS

Al Jabri praises expertise On his part, Al Jabri praised the high technologies of Iran Khodro saying the commercial relations between Iran and the Sultanate of Oman need to expand further like their political ties. Al Jabri pointed out that Oman’s free trade zone of Duqm enjoys a high capacity for exporting cars to

IKCO vehicles in Oman “Several months ago, the heads of Oman’s Development and Investment Fund visited Iran to discuss the possibility of establishment a joint venture to produce IKCO vehicles in Oman,” he said. Tafazzoli also noted that IKCO would provide the site with engineering services and spare parts. According to him, the site establishment would be financed by Oman’s government and Development Fund. The site is expected to produce 15,000 vehicles each year.

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CRUDE OIL

Bank Sohar net profit falls by 10% No calls within Opec Times News Service MUSCAT: Bank Sohar said its net profit for the first nine months of 2015 fell by 10.35 per cent to OMR21.29 million from OMR23.75 million for the same period last year. The bank’s net loans and advances surged ahead by 17.69 per cent to OMR1,670.26 million for the first nine months of this year, from OMR1,419.25 million for the same period last year, the bank said in a disclosure statement. Customer deposits showed a robust 16.7 per cent growth at OMR1,564.92 million from

for oil output policy change, says Kuwait

OMR1,340.99 million during the period in the previous year, while total assets were up by 20.08 per cent at OMR2,226.71 million. Conventional banking Bank Sohar said its net profit from conventional banking was down by 12.89 per cent at OMR20.90 million, while Islamic banking window generated a net profit of OMR396,000 for the first nine months of 2015, against a loss of OMR238,000 for the same period last year. The results are unaudited and are subject to approval from the board of directors.

ECONOMY

European bank stimulus talk vows euro-area shield from global gloom LIMA: Mario Draghi is reminding the world that the euro area has a trillion-euro comfort blanket. While some major central banks feel the chill of a global emerging-market slowdown over their plans to tighten policy, the European Central Bank (ECB) president has at least €700 billion ($795 billion) out of a slated €1.1 trillion still to spend in his quantitative-easing programme. ECB officials are quietly indicating they’ll let the current programme take its course for now, Mario Draghi. – Bloomberg news while saying repeatedly that they’re ready to do even more if needed. At the International Monetary be managed and growth above Fund’s annual meeting in the Pe- 6 per cent per year secured, ruvian capital of Lima over the Draghi said he was “reassured” weekend, delegates see-sawed be- that everything is under control. “When the risks are to the tween gloom that economic woes from Beijing to Brazil would de- downside, everyone starts focusrail world output, and optimism ing on that and there’s a danger that reality will undershoot the of it being self- fulﬁlling,” Paul worst fears. After listening to Sheard, chief global economist at Chinese policymakers explain Standard & Poor’s, said in an inhow risks to their economy will terview in Lima. “But the ECB is

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saying ‘we’re not putting a limit on QE, we’re not stopping until we achieve our objective.’ If they don’t do anything, the balance sheet still expands.” Not all advanced-economy central banks have it so easy. Facing pressure to normalise policy in anticipation of inﬂation yet to come, United States Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen and Bank of England (BoE) governor Mark Carney may yet have to postpone interest- rate increases because of the headwinds from emerging markets. Carney, also speaking in Lima, said this isn’t a “type of economy in which one can make mistakes.” On October 6, the IMF cut its global growth outlook for this year to 3.1 per cent from a July forecast of 3.3 per cent, and downgraded next year’s estimate to a 3.6 per cent expansion from 3.8 per cent. Even so, while warning about the ‘cross border repercussions’ of slowing Chinese growth, the IMF

left its outlook for the world’s second-largest economy unchanged at 6.8 per cent this year and 6.3 per cent for 2016. Stable growth The euro area’s performance, though modest, has at least been stable. Output expanded 0.4 per cent in the second quarter after growing 0.5 per cent in the previous three months. Yet with the inﬂation rate dipping below zero in September, Draghi is having to combat the impression that the asset-purchase plan he started in March isn’t working. The ECB forecasts that price gains will only return to the goal of just under 2 per cent around the end of 2017. More than two-thirds of economists surveyed last month said policy makers will have to do just that. ABN Amro Bank and Barclays are among market participants who’ve said they expect the ECB to add to the level of stimulus already announced. - Bloomberg News

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s oil minister said on Monday there were currently no calls from within Opec to change the oil-producing group’s output policy and that a market exit by high-cost producers could help buoy oil prices in 2016. “Today there are no ideas or demands from the member states to make any big change in Opec’s decision,” Kuwait Oil Minister Ali Al Omair said, referring to Opec’s decision in November 2014 to keep output unchanged. “Today there are indications that a lot of high-cost oil production is starting to get out of the market and this will help improve prices,” Omair said. He said there were also positive signs regarding global economic growth. “There are signs that world economic growth could improve by the start of 2016 and this would also add to the improvement in oil prices,” Omair said. He said any impact on policy from the return of Indonesia to the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) would be determined at the group’s next meeting. Global benchmark Global benchmark Brent crude oil rose 29 cents a barrel to $52.94 by 0927 GMT. United States light crude was also up 29 cents, at $49.92. Opec secretary-general Abdullah Al Badri, speaking to reporters in Kuwait City, said he saw oil demand improving. “I see a decline in non-OPEC production and I see an increase in the call on OPEC,” he said, largely reiterating comments that he made last week. “So the situation is positive as we see it at the end of this year and next year.” “I think if this situation persists, stays the same, I think yes, (we) will see a balanced market (next year).” Regarding an OPEC technical meeting to be held in Vienna

Today there are indications that a lot of high-cost oil production is starting to get out of the market and this will help improve prices Ali Al Omair Oil minister, Kuwait

on October 21, Badri said seven to eight non-Opec countries plus all Opec countries had been invited. Meanwhile, Opec pumped the most crude in three years as it predicted stronger demand for its oil in 2016 while supplies elsewhere falter. Opec said it pumped 31.57 million barrels a day last month, the most since 2012, according to its monthly market report. Opec sees production outside the group shrinking by 130,000 barrels a day next year as the U.S. shale boom sputters. - Agencies

TUE S DAY, OCTOBER 13, 2 015

MARKET OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................5,974.21 ...............5,918.37 ....................5,963.11 ...................5,932.20..................30.91 ...................0.52 Financial Index ..................................... 7,325.77 .............. 7,234.82 ....................7,314.56 ................... 7,261.06................. 53.50 ................... 0.74 Industrial Index ....................................7,429.70 ............... 7,416.09 ................... 7,428.83 ................... 7,423.25....................5.58 ...................0.08 Services Index ...................................... 3,299.89 .............. 3,278.94 ................... 3,299.79 ...................3,278.53..................21.26 ................... 0.65 MSM SHARIAH INDEX....................... 914.17 ...................911.91 .......................912.42 .......................913.03...................-0.61 .................. -0.07 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 33,915,814 ...................7,163,379 ................. 1,962 ............... 14,782,324,141 ................25 ......................12 ..................... 9 ..........................46

Muscat Securities Market. – Times ﬁle picture

MSM index ends higher

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR MONDAY, OCTOBER 12 ISIN ......................................SECURITY NAME ..................................................................VOLUME..... TURNOVER............TRADES ......OPEN PRICE......HIGH ............. LOW ........ CLOSE PR. ...PREV. CLOSE...DIFF (RO).........DIFF % .............LAST PR.....LAST BID .............LAST OFFER ........MARKET CAP.PAR VALUE

REGULAR MARKET ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 2,413,018 ...... 271,479..................... 92 ............0.110 ........... 0.116............0.110 ............0.113 .............0.106 ........... 0.007.............6.604 ................0.116 .............. 0.116...................0.000 .................. 13,771,875 .........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ........... 1,904,453 ......234,930..................... 94 ............0.121 ........... 0.125 ...........0.121 ............0.123 ............. 0.117 ............ 0.006............. 5.128 ................0.125 ..............0.124...................0.125...................11,070,000 .........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 2,218,671 ......421,960................... 135 ............0.186 ........... 0.194 ...........0.186 ........... 0.190 .............0.184 ........... 0.006............. 3.261 ................0.193 .............. 0.193...................0.194...................38,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS ............................................................. 21,137 ...............6,848..................... 10 ........... 0.324 ...........0.324 ...........0.324........... 0.324 ............. 0.314.............0.010 ............. 3.185 ................0.324..............0.324...................0.326 ..................16,200,000.........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 5,495,817 ... 1,097,257...................416 ............0.194 ...........0.206 ...........0.194........... 0.200 .............0.194 ........... 0.006............. 3.093 ................0.204 ............ 0.204...................0.205 ..................30,015,000 .........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 3,214,793 ...... 575,693...................184 ............0.176 ........... 0.185 ...........0.175 ............0.179 ............. 0.175............ 0.004.............2.286 ................0.183 .............. 0.183...................0.184...................52,026,533.........0.100 OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................ 195,199 ............ 46,695........................8 ........... 0.236 ...........0.240 ...........0.236........... 0.239 .............0.234 ........... 0.005............. 2.137 ................0.240 ............ 0.240...................0.000 .................369,190,122 ........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 1,262,890...... 332,774..................... 47 ........... 0.259 ...........0.270 ...........0.259........... 0.264 .............0.259 ........... 0.005..............1.931.................0.266..............0.266...................0.270 ..................26,400,000 ........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ...................... 206,897 ............21,850..................... 27 ............0.106 ........... 0.106 ...........0.104........... 0.106 .............0.104 ........... 0.002............. 1.923 ................0.105 ..............0.104...................0.105....................3,180,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001319 ............NATIONAL ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS ............. 935,698 ......... 203,179......................41 ............0.214 ...........0.220 ...........0.214............0.217 .............0.213............ 0.004............. 1.878 ................0.216 .............. 0.215...................0.218.................... 7,285,005 ..........0.100

The top gainer was Oman & Emirates Holding, up by 6.60%, while Al Madina Investments was the top loser, down by 3.23%

OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 1,615,695........195,701..................... 55 ............0.119 ........... 0.125 ...........0.119 ............0.121 ............. 0.119............ 0.002..............1.681.................0.125 ..............0.123...................0.129..................242,037,848........0.100 OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH................................................ 23,101 ............ 63,297........................6 ............2.740 ........... 2.740 ...........2.740........... 2.740 .............2.700 ........... 0.040..............1.481.................2.740..............2.700...................2.740..................261,552,714 ........1.000 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ................................................... 122,557 ........... 52,673........................8 ........... 0.426 ...........0.430 ...........0.426........... 0.430 .............0.424 ........... 0.006..............1.415.................0.430..............0.424...................0.430 ..................26,015,000 .........0.100 OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER...............................................................14,110 ...............4,971........................4 ........... 0.350 ...........0.354 ...........0.350........... 0.352 .............0.348 ........... 0.004............. 1.149.................0.354..............0.354...................0.360 .................. 77,795,520 .........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............. 28,000 ...............8,042........................5 ........... 0.285 ...........0.288 ...........0.285........... 0.287 .............0.284 ........... 0.003............. 1.056 ................0.287..............0.285...................0.288 ...................6,027,000 ..........0.100 OM0000003000 ...........ALMAHA PETROLEUM PRODUCTS MAR. ......... 9,500 .............18,810........................4 ............1.980 ........... 1.980 ...........1.980........... 1.980 .............1.960 ........... 0.020............. 1.020 ................1.980..............1.980...................0.000 .................136,620,000........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK ..................................................................... 70,000 .............14,140........................2 ........... 0.207 ...........0.207 ...........0.200 .......... 0.202 .............0.200 ........... 0.002............. 1.000 ................0.200 ............. 0.195...................0.200 .................287,857,301 ........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 2,070,861 ......212,529................... 114 ............0.102 ........... 0.104 ...........0.101 ........... 0.103 .............0.102 ............0.001 .............0.980 ................0.103 ..............0.102...................0.104.................... 6,060,851 ..........0.100

MUSCAT: Amid high volumes, optimism in the market recovery led to the MSM30 Index posting gains of 0.52 per cent to close at 5,963.11 points. The MSM Sharia Index closed at 912.42 points, down by 0.07 per cent. Al Anwar Holding was the most active in terms of volume while Bank Muscat led in terms of turnover. The day’s top gainer was Oman & Emirates Holding, up by 6.60 per cent while Al Madina Investments was the top loser, down by 3.23 per cent. A total number of 1,962 trades were executed during Monday’s trading session generating turnover of OMR7.1 million with 33.9 million shares changing hands. Out of 46 traded securities, 25 advanced, 12 declined and nine remained unchanged. GCC and Arab Investors were net buyers for OMR483,000 followed by Omani investors for OMR184,000 while Foreign Investors were net sellers for OMR667,000 worth of shares. Financial Index continued its strong run to close at 7,314.56 points, up by 0.74 per cent. Oman & Emirates Holding, Al Sharqia Investments, Al Anwar Holding, Bank Dhofar and Oman United Insurance increased 6.60

per cent, 5.13 per cent, 3.09 per cent, 2.14 per cent and 1.93 per cent respectively. Shares of Al Madina Investments, Bank Nizwa, Global Financial Investment, Al Izz Bank and United Finance decreased 3.23 per cent, 2.82 per cent, 1.83 per cent, 1.39 per cent and 0.74 per cent respectively. Industrial Index shares ended at 7,428.83 points, up by 0.08 per cent. National Aluminium, Oman Fisheries, Voltamp Energy, Al Hassan Engineering and Gulf International Chemicals shares increased 1.88 per cent, 1.72 per cent, 1.42 per cent, 1.06 per cent and 1.06 per cent respectively. Construction Materials, Raysut Cement, Al Anwar Ceramics and Al Maha Ceramics declined 2.70 per cent, 0.88 per cent, 0.57 per cent and 0.41 per cent respectively. Services Index advanced 0.65 per cent to close at 3,299.79 points. OIFC, National Gas, Renaissance Services, Sembcorp Salalah and Sohar Power gained 3.26 per cent, 3.18 per cent, 2.29 per cent, 1.48 per cent and 1.15 per cent respectively. Port Services and Ooredoo decreased 1.74 per cent and 0.53 per cent respectively. — United Securities

OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ............................................31,500 .............13,333........................8 ........... 0.424 ...........0.426 ...........0.422........... 0.424 .............0.420 ........... 0.004............. 0.952 ................0.422..............0.422...................0.424 ..................25,950,612 .........0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT .............................................................. 5,007 ...............2,267........................3 ........... 0.454 ...........0.454 ...........0.452........... 0.452 .............0.448 ........... 0.004............. 0.893 ................0.454..............0.448...................0.454..................149,554,465........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 2,390,396...1,326,654....................111 ........... 0.560 ...........0.560 ...........0.550........... 0.554 .............0.550 ........... 0.004............. 0.727 ................0.554..............0.552...................0.554................ 1,269,669,719 ......0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................. 150,000 ........... 46,700......................11 ............0.314 ........... 0.314 ...........0.310........... 0.312 .............0.310............ 0.002............. 0.645 ................0.310 ..............0.312...................0.314..................418,301,598 ........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 385,208 .........633,627..................... 47 ............1.640 ........... 1.650 ...........1.630 ............1.645 .............1.640 ........... 0.005............. 0.305 ................1.630 .............. 1.630...................1.645 ................1,233,750,000 ......0.100 OM0000001889............SALALAH MILLS............................................................. 4,865 ................7,271........................2 ............1.490 ........... 1.495 ...........1.490........... 1.490 .............1.490............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.495 .............. 1.495...................1.500................... 71,762,965 .........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ........................ 152,000 ........... 29,596..................... 10 ............0.195 ........... 0.195 ...........0.193 ............0.195 ............. 0.195............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.193 .............. 0.191...................0.193...................24,355,102 .........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 1,459,006 ...... 145,486..................... 63 ............0.101 ........... 0.101............0.099........... 0.100 .............0.100 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.099..............0.099...................0.100...................28,998,064.........0.100 OM0000004669 ...........SHARQIYAH DESALINATION .................................11,373 ............ 51,804......................18 ............4.555 ........... 4.555 ...........4.555........... 4.555 .............4.555 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................4.555............. 0.000...................4.750...................44,548,884.........1.000 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL............................................. 1,071,798..........94,755..................... 59 ........... 0.088 ...........0.090 ...........0.087........... 0.088 .............0.088 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.088..............0.087...................0.088...................15,400,000.........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER..................................................50,377 .............10,831........................9 ............0.215 ........... 0.215 ...........0.215 ............0.215 ............. 0.215............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.215 .............. 0.215...................0.218..................145,100,797 ........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER ....................................................55,683 .............11,972......................15 ............0.215 ........... 0.215 ...........0.215 ............0.215 ............. 0.215............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.215 .............. 0.215...................0.220 .................153,597,363 ........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ................................................ 121,433 .............59,379..................... 37 ........... 0.490 ...........0.496 ...........0.486........... 0.488 .............0.490 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.408 ...............0.486..............0.486...................0.488...................25,620,000.........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 192,000 ......... 145,373......................14 ............0.760 ........... 0.760 ...........0.752 ............0.756 .............0.760 ...........-0.004 ........... -0.526 ...............0.752 ..............0.752...................0.760..................492,113,838 ........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 1,707,468...... 302,324..................... 67 ............0.170 ........... 0.182 ...........0.170 ............0.177 ............. 0.178............-0.001 ........... -0.562 ...............0.182 ..............0.180...................0.182..................255,134,880........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ............................... 101,179 .............35,473........................3 ........... 0.350 ...........0.352 ...........0.350........... 0.350 .............0.352 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.568 ...............0.352..............0.346...................0.350..................103,674,789 ........0.100 OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE ..................................................... 247,803 ............33,142......................15 ............0.134 ........... 0.134 ...........0.133 ........... 0.134 ............. 0.135............-0.001 ............-0.741................0.133 ..............0.132...................0.133...................41,642,502.........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ....................................................... 20,809 ............ 23,500........................7 ............1.140 ........... 1.150............ 1.110 ............1.130 ............. 1.140............-0.010 ........... -0.877 ...............1.150 .............. 1.120................... 1.150 ................. 226,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ........................ 90,000 .............15,234......................16 ............0.175 ........... 0.175............0.166 ............0.169 ............. 0.172............-0.003 ............-1.744................0.167 ..............0.166...................0.167................... 16,061,760 .........0.100 OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ................ 120,781 ............ 12,920........................8 ............0.102 ........... 0.108 ...........0.102........... 0.107 .............0.109 ...........-0.002 ............-1.835................0.108..............0.103...................0.108...................21,400,000.........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 891,731 ............ 53,509..................... 36 ........... 0.060 ........... 0.061 ...........0.060........... 0.060 .............0.062 ...........-0.002 ........... -3.226 ...............0.061 ..............0.060...................0.061...................12,429,083 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 31,082,814 .6,837,978................ 1,811 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......39........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

PARALLEL MARKET ................................................................................................................................................................................. OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES .......................................................72,501 ...............4,275......................18 ........... 0.060 ........... 0.061 ...........0.058........... 0.059 .............0.058 ............0.001 ............. 1.724 ................0.060..............0.059...................0.060 ................... 7,375,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING.................................. 230,500 ............21,861..................... 35 ........... 0.094 ...........0.096 ...........0.094........... 0.095 .............0.094 ............0.001 ............. 1.064 ................0.095..............0.094...................0.095.................... 7,144,760 ..........0.100 OM0000001301 ............DHOFAR CATTLE FEED .......................................... 100,000 ........... 21,000........................1 ............0.210 ........... 0.210 ...........0.210........... 0.210 .............0.210 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.210..............0.205...................0.230 ..................16,170,000 .........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 1,317,199 .......203,189..................... 58 ............0.154 ........... 0.155 ...........0.153 ........... 0.154 .............0.154............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.153 .............. 0.153...................0.154................. 225,240,625 .......0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK.............................................. 166,800 ............11,888........................8 ........... 0.072 ...........0.072 ...........0.070............0.071 .............0.072 ...........-0.001 ........... -1.389................0.070..............0.069...................0.070...................71,000,000.........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. ................... 70,000 ...............2,520........................3 ........... 0.036 ...........0.036 ...........0.036........... 0.036 .............0.037 ...........-0.001 ........... -2.703 ...............0.036..............0.035...................0.037....................3,060,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 876,000 ........... 60,669..................... 28 ........... 0.070 ...........0.070 ...........0.068........... 0.069 ............. 0.071............-0.002 ........... -2.817................0.069..............0.068...................0.069..................103,500,000 .......0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 2,833,000 ..... 325,401....................151 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 7........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

INDIAN MARKETS

Sensex ends below 27,000-level; rupee falls marginally MUMBAI: S&P BSE benchmark Sensex ended lower by 175 points below 27,000 level to 26,904.11 on fresh selling pressure after Infosys slashed dollar guidance for the fiscal despite posting 9.8 per cent rise in profit for the second quarter amidst higher global advices. Fears over rise in retail inﬂation also affected the market sentiment.

Shares of IT, Teck, Healthcare, FMCG and Realty fell on heavy selling pressure while Metal sector firmed up on good buying enquiries. The Sensex resumed higher at 27,242.60 and ﬁrmed up further to 27,305.04 on initial buying. However, it washed out initial gains and dropped below 27,000 level to 26,855.75 before concluding at

26,904.11, showing a loss of 175.40 points or 0.65 per cent. The CNX 50-share Nifty also fell by 46.10 points or 0.56 per cent to close 8,143.60. The index had opened in the green on optimistic buying by participants ahead of key macroeconomic data IIP and inﬂation, to be released later in the day, brokers said. Infosys, India’s second-big-

gest software exporter, reported a 9.8 per cent rise in September quarter consolidated net proﬁt on Monday but trimmed its sales growth forecast for the current ﬁscal on dollar woes. In overseas stock markets, Chinese stocks led gains in Asian markets on stimulus measures from China and signals of reform in China’s telecommunications

sector. In mainland China, the Shanghai Composite ended with gains of 3.28 per cent. Indian rupee ended marginally lower by one paise to 64.75 against the American currency on mild dollar demand from banks and importers. The domestic currency opened lower at 64.82 per dollar as against Friday’s closing level of 64.74 at

the Interbank Foreign Exchange market on initial dollar demand from banks and importers. Later, it gained on dollar selling by exporters to Rs 64.69 before concluding at 64.75 per dollar, showing a mere loss of one paise or 0.02 per cent. The domestic unit hovered in a range of 64.88 and 64.69 per dollar during the day. — PTI

IT GIANT

Dell to acquire EMC for $67b SAN FRANCISCO: Dell agreed to buy EMC for about $67 billion in the largest technology acquisition ever, creating a corporatecomputing giant that will use a wider product lineup to woo customers as demand slows and competition stiffens. Dell plans to pay $24.05 a share in cash plus tracking stock in EMC’s prize holding, VMware, valued at about $9 for each EMC

share, the companies said on Monday. The price of $33.15 a share is 28 per cent above EMC’s closing level on October 7, just before reports surfaced that a deal was in the works. While the agreement has a provision that lets EMC talk to other potential bidders, the company doesn’t expect any, a person familiar with the matter said. EMC rose 2.5 per cent on Friday to close at $27.86

on the New York Stock Exchange. Dell will be run by Michael Dell, the chief executive officer of the company he founded. The deal is expected to close in May to October of next year. The deal would combine EMC’s dominance in devices that store data with Dell’s No. 2 position in servers, the powerful machines that help companies handle big computing challenges. — Bloomberg News

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ROUND-UP

All-new Hyundai Tucson to set new standards in compact SUVs The car is equipped with the latest in technology and features as well as providing family comfort, a new athletic design but maintains the ruggedness of an SUV perfect for small families and medium level executives

TARIQ AL HAREMI tariqh@timesofoman.com GRAN CANARIA: Hyundai Motor Company unveiled its new third generation Tuscon to the Middle East and North Africa where they are setting a new standard for compact SUVs in the region. The event held recently at Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain, saw guests from Hyundai distributors across Mena region, media houses and distinguished guests arrive for the launch and test drive. The car is equipped with the latest in technology and features as well as providing family comfort, a

new athletic design but maintains the ruggedness of an SUV perfect for small families and medium level executives. The 2015 Tucson is available in GL and GLS trim levels with prices starting from $19,000 depending on the market and it is placed to build off the popularity of its predecessor which was leading the compact SUV segment in 2014. The Tucson comes in 4WD and NU 2.0 MPI petrol engine with a ﬁxed 6 speed automatic transmission gearbox with Shiftronic manual shifting mode, depending on speciﬁcation and market availability. Fuel consumption has reduced by 13 percent compared to

the second generation Tucson. The engine also features a water jacket insert system that cools the upper level of the engine to lower cylinder head temperature due to high combustion which permits leaner air/fuel mixture for enhanced efficiency. When it comes to active safety systems, the model can be speciﬁed with hi-tech features such as a parking assist, rear camera, down-hill break control and Hillstart Assist Control in addition to blind spot detectors, which makes it Hyundai’s ﬁrst time to install on compact SUVs. The Tucson is available with 10 exterior colour options featuring two entirely new variants. The

model’s sharp lines exude sophistication; from the signature hexagonal grille and sleek headlamps at the front, along with the dynamic side profile with its expressive ‘Z’ character-line and ‘squareshaped’ wheel arches, to the distinctive rear lamps and wide, sporty bumper at the rear. The refined interior benefits from the careful attention paid by designers to the ergonomics and use of high quality and soft-touch materials along with passenger power seats offering unbeatable lumber support. Additional cabin features include a newly designed dashboard featuring an 8” display and extended super vision cluster and new door trims for a sportier

FLEET PURCHASE

feel in addition to a panoramic roof for those seeking more space. With mention of more space, the All New Tucson has 10 percent more luggage space in the trunk than its predecessor. Jin Kim, Vice-President and Head of Hyundai Motor Company Africa and Middle East, said: “The compact SUV market in Africa and the Middle East is highly competitive, but with the All-New Tucson we are conﬁdent that we have a car that provides everything that car buyers in the class look for.” “It represents a bold new step forward in the history of Tucson, bringing premium levels of quality, technology and style to the customers,” he added.

I N F O R M AT I O N E X C H A N G E

omanoil takes part in Mena Petro Forum MUSCAT: omanoil discussed industry challenges, opportunities and best practices during its recent participation in Petro Forum Mena 2015, a regional biennial industry event for oil companies and fuel retailers. The two-day conference, held at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, represented a prime opportunity for business networking with technical workshops, specialised seminars, conference sessions, and served as a valuable platform to examine groundbreaking products and technologies that are now setting the pace of the global market, says a press release. Eng. Faisal Al Shanfari, GM of Human Resources, Administration, Corporate Affairs, Procurement, and HSSE, represented omanoil as the official oil company partner of Petro Forum. “Since the close of 2014 our industry has seen some signiﬁcant changes, prominently the drop in oil prices and its impact on the regional economy. This is linked to a number of trends and current affairs that are actively shaping the market and will continue to do so for some time. Information remains key for us to inspire continued prosperity," he said.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Ghantoot partners with Saud Bahwan MUSCAT: Ghantoot Transport & General Contracting, part of the renowned UAE based Ghantoot Group, purchased a large fleet of Komatsu construction equipment including wheel loaders and motor graders from Saud Bahwan Group. This purchase scheduled for delivery between September and October 2015, will provide essential support to Ghantoot Transport & General Contracting, as they embark on a series of new contracts in Oman, including the first phase of the Adam-Thumrait road dualisation project which is valued at OMR110 million, says a press release. Ghantoot Transport & General Contracting has executed several landmark projects in UAE and Qatar and has relied heavily on its fleet of equipment, which includes a range of Komatsu machinery like bulldozers, motor graders, wheel loaders and excavators. Speaking on the occasion Abdul Qader bin Alawi bin Abdullah, local representative of Ghantoot, said: “It gives us great joy to partner with Saud Bahwan Group in the development of our projects. Oman is witnessing increased developments in infrastructure projects and this trend will only

be driving demand for world-class construction equipment. Saud Bahwan Group has made impressive investments in the development of its infrastructure with an aim to enhance customer-care initiatives. This has had positive effects that encouraged customers like us to place our trust in the group. We are conﬁdent that in the coming years our relationship with Saud Bahwan Group will continue to grow from strength to strength as we surge ahead along with the nation.” Thanking Ghantoot Group for their patronage, a senior representative from Saud Bahwan Group, said: “We are extremely pleased to have Ghantoot Trans-

port & General Contracting as our partners in Oman. We are conﬁdent that Komatsu’s range of equipment with its state-of-theart features will offer our partners an opportunity to meet demanding performance and productivity expectations.” Further elaborating he said: “It is encouraging to witness the trust Ghantoot Group has placed in us and we will be delighted to provide all the support required to assist them in their endeavours. We wish them success in their business ambitions and look forward to partnering them in their projects.” Komatsu, Japan, is one of the leading earth-moving and construction equipment manufac-

turers in the world. The Komatsu range of equipment includes bulldozers, motor graders, excavators, wheel loaders and off-highway dump trucks. In Oman they are the most popular and preferred brand. Komatsu’s new environmentfriendly engines, not only lower emissions, but also deliver superior power for operation in all workload conditions. By focusing on ‘Quality and Reliability’, Komatsu is resolutely committed to providing safe, innovative products and services that best meet the needs and expectations of its customers around the world. With a well-established, modern service facility and integrated parts backup, the construction equipment division of Saud Bahwan Group provides total product support and service. A team of highly skilled engineers and technicians render efficient service across the country. A well spread out branch network gives customers the best after sales support for all products anywhere in the Sultanate of Oman. In Oman Saud Bahwan Projects & Equipment are the distributors for Komatsu range of products.

Y O U N G TA L E N T S

English, Arabic singers selected for grand ﬁnale of Muscat Icon Singing Gems 2015

MUSCAT: Rehearsals are in full swing for the upcoming mega finals of ‘Muscat Icon - Minara Singing Gems’ 2015. The grand finale of the talented singers of Oman, in the age group of 8-13, is getting ready to rock the Qurum Amphitheatre on Friday, November 6. After hunting for talent across the Muscat governorate and auditioning 45 children, three singers each in Arabic and English categories have been selected for the grand finale, says a press release. The Arabic singers are Shehab, Loay and Malak. The English singers are Iyanda, Angel and Kristine. The singers will be accompanied by the dancers choreographed by professional choreographers. Talented pool of dancers from Delicious and Group; Dilip and Group and Vineetha and Group have been given this responsibility to entertain the audience. All of them are well known in the

dancing circles of Muscat for the professional grooming of dancers and excellent innovative choreography. All of them are very good dancers too. Talent Hunters Oman is a group of people dedicated to unearthing the hidden talent and giving the budding talents of all the nationalities including Omanis a platform to perform. They have been doing this for last 10 years. The group also trains and grooms the local talents, with the objective to bring out the best in them. “Looking back at our journey, I feel satisﬁed about whatever we

have achieved. But we don’t want to sit on our laurels. We want to move forward. We dream bigger and better,” said Dr Sanjay Dalal, founder of Talent Hunters. “It is going to be yet another high quality show of international standards. We work hard on every aspect. We see that everyone selected gives their best and we present them in the best manner on our stage. Lots of time and continuous efforts are needed to achieve that. Large crowd at our shows is the testimony of our quality and reﬂects our success,” Haider Naqvi, Technical Coordinator, said.

“Music lovers of Oman can expect a highly entertaining show from these little children. Some of them are just unbelievable! Don’t miss this show! We are ﬁnalising costumes, hairstyle and dances. Divya Tiwari is busy training young models for Fashion Street to be presented by Lulu Oman. Performers include Omanis and many expat communities, making it multinational in true sense. The same diversity will be reﬂected in the audience as well. We expect a full house as we have it every year,” said Dr Sateja Dalal, event and back stage coordinator.

Bank Sohar supports Association for Welfare of Handicapped Children MUSCAT: Further reinforcing its commitment to the community, Bank Sohar extended its support to the Association for the Welfare of Handicapped Children for the 6th consecutive year. This donation will contribute towards the purchase of essential equipment for the children’s classrooms at the association, allowing the association to take one more step towards achieving their objective of offering handicapped children the required education and training, says a press release. The donation cheque was handed over at the association’s head office to Dr Mohammed Redha Sulaiman, chairman of the Association for the Welfare of Handicapped Children, by Mazin Mahmood Al Raisi, Senior AGM Marketing and Customer Experience at Bank Sohar. Speaking on the rationale behind this donation, Munira Abdulnabi Macki, GM-HR and Corporate Support, Bank Sohar, commented: “As a local bank, we have always been fully committed towards promoting and supporting the initiatives and day-to-day activities of those institutions that play an effective role in helping the underprivileged of our society. It is a privilege to be associated with organisations such as the Association for the Welfare of Handicapped Children who are tireless in their efforts towards easing the difficulties and improving the livelihood of handicapped children in our community. We hope our contribution to the association will give more room for these children to explore and develop their true talents and capabilities, growing into highly valued contributing members of the society.” Thanking Bank Sohar for its support, Dr Mohammed Redha Sulaiman said, “Offering support for these special children at an early stage is vital towards developing their abilities and building their conﬁdence towards a brighter future. This is why we try to reach out to as many children as possible as early as possible. The contribution and support we

This donation will contribute towards the purchase of essential equipment for the children’s classrooms at the association, allowing the association to take one more step towards achieving their objective of offering handicapped children the required education and training

have received from Bank Sohar over the past years has been vital in furthering our cause. I would like to sincerely thank them for their continued support and look forward to our continued collaboration in the future.” Bank Sohar strives to ensure that its contributions are carefully planned and evaluated in order to diversify and reach out to the maximum number of people, especially those in most need of it, offering recipients positive support to make a meaningful change. In addition to the association for the Welfare of Handicapped Children, Bank Sohar has also supported several other organisations and their activities in the current year including the Association of Early Intervention for Children with Disabilities, Omani Society for the Hearing Impaired, Al Amal Association, Al Rahma Charity Team, Dar Al Atta’a, Al Wafa Centre for Rehabilitation Children with Disabilities and so on.

TUE S DAY, OCTOBER 13, 2 015

ROUND-UP Huawei’s ﬂagship mobile Mate S launched in Oman This newest release from Huawei’s smart technology laboratory features an unbeatable combination of brilliant capabilities and stunning visual appeal

MUSCAT: After much anticipation and excitement, the wait is over. Leading smart communications device manufacturer Huawei unveiled the highly-rated Mate S in Oman at Lulu hypermarket in Bausher. This newest release from Huawei’s smart tech laboratory features an unbeatable combination of brilliant capabilities and stunning visual appeal, says a press release.

Speaking at the launch, Bill Yuzhaoyuan, Country Director of Huawei Tech. Investment (Oman) said, “Oman, and the whole of the Middle East, is a very strategic market for our business as the smartphone revolution brings in the best in the industry. With the Mate S, we have taken the smartphone to the next level by offering a more personalised experience through the power of touch. We adopted a revolutionary approach by imagining how people interact with their devices. In designing the Huawei Mate S, we have also reinforced our goal to continue to grow and offer customers products that enrich their lives.” Customers in Oman are also in for an added treat courtesy of Hu-

waei and Lulu hypermarkets. The purchase of any Huawei product worth OMR50 enters them into a lucky draw with a princely pot of gold at the end of it. First, second and third prizes are 200 grams, 100 grams and 50 grams of gold; fourth, ﬁfth and sixth prizes feature a Huawei Mate S, Huawei Watch and Huawei Smart Watch B2. The promotion is on till November 7 across all 15 of Lulu’s outlets in Oman. Touch lies at the core of the Huawei Mate S’s technology and design. Its touch screen control technology creates a new experience for users that enhances their interaction with the device. Photos, for instance, can be quickly previewed or enlarged by

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just touching a finger to the screen, streamlining operations. The Mate S incorporates new pressure sensitive technology which can be used to weight small objects. The phone is equipped with Fingerprint 2.0, an upgraded version of the advanced chip level security and one-key unlock technology in the Huawei Mate 7. Fingerprint 2.0 improves recognition speeds by 100 percent, with more accurate self-learning functions. It can also be used to control the notification bar, double-click to erase unread notifications, slide to preview pictures, and hold and take phone calls. All of these options improve the one hand operation of the phone. Fingerprint 2.0 and Knuckle Control 2.0 — first introduced in the Huawei P8 — simplifies how users switch between app operations and take screenshots. The feature offers users a new way to interact with their phone: drawing a “C” with their knuckle activates a camera, while doubleclicking the screen with a knuckle records the screen in the form of a video. With these options, every type of touch contact with the device is an opportunity to be innovative.

U LT R A - H I G H P E R F O R M A N C E

Eint Auto brings Primewell’s Valera Sport AS to Oman MUSCAT: With a specialised division dedicated to the service and sale of tyres, Eint Automotive brings to Oman the best tyre manufacturers from across the globe. Among the best selling tyres, Primewell has gained much preference in the local market. As with all Primewell tyres, the latest addition to their series of premier tyres, the Valera Sport AS has been well-received in the Oman market. Renowned for its quality, reliability and on-road stability, the Valera Sport AS is Primewell’s ultra-high performance all-season tyre. The tyre gives better onroad grip, enhancing handling and braking performance in wet, dry and light snow conditions. Its four wide circumferential grooves ensure performance and safety on wet and slippery surfaces. The large shoulder blocks work to reduce movement during cornering, bringing in outstanding handling performance. Designed with the new all-season silica tread compound the tires deliver improved traction in light snow, while enhancing wet grip and reducing rolling resistance. Backed

by a 40,000 mile limited warranty, the new Valera Sport AS also delivers exceptional mileage in a great looking package. “Our tyre segment, recognised as an integral part of auto care, works to bring to the country leading tyre brands from all over. Today, it has emerged as a promising segment meeting the varying demands of our customers and providing excellent services pertaining to all requirements related to tyres,” said a spokesperson. “With world-acclaimed tyres like Primewell, which has created its own distinct position of supremacy, we can assure customers of the highest quality of products, on-time delivery and ﬂawless service in the most costeffective way.” Eint Automotive, a successful division of the WJ Towell Group, has emerged as leaders in the auto care aftermarket segment as a result of their ongoing dedication to serve the needs and demands of the market with utmost excellence. They cater to the distribution, retailing and marketing of the best names in the automotive aftermarket product segment.

EXCEPTIONAL SALES PERFORMANCE

Higer Star school bus guarantees Hisense presents ‘Best Dealer utmost safety at reasonable price Award’ to Al Raud Electronics MUSCAT: Towell Auto Centre (TAC), a leading automobile distributor, is offering a guaranteed cash gift of OMR1,750 on the purchase of Higer Star school buses. The bus is available at a reasonable price of OMR17,500 and is the only school bus in Oman to have an anti-lock braking system. It also meets with the strict safety standards that have been stipulated by the country’s Ministry of Education to be followed by the school management while transporting children. The cash gift offer will run until November 13 on limited units only, says a press release. Considering the rising number of school bus accidents in Oman, this cash gift initiative by TAC is commendable as it makes the Higer school bus even more affordable. “By offering a cash gift promotion, we are doing our bit to promote road safety especially for small children. Higer school bus has a host of safety features that makes it an ideal choice for transporting students. Its ABS system allows drivers to have directional control over their vehicle after heavy braking. Its IVMS tracking facility monitors the driver and check on whether he is overspeeding, driving rashly or applying sudden brakes and whether he is deviating from the normal routes. As we consider safety and efficiency to be most important in a school bus, we have even as-

signed an exclusive mechanic for MOE contract vehicles so that in case of any breakdown it can be attended immediately,” said a senior spokesperson of TAC. Other safety features in a Higer Star school bus include reverse camera, automatic fire extinguisher in the engine compartment, remote operating automatic pneumatic door controlled by the driver, CCTV camera inside the vehicle with a 72 hours recording facility, additional emergency exit on the roof, school bus STOP plate, bottom fixed/top semi sliding glass window with protection bar from inside the vehicle, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit and a warning triangle ensuring safe transit for school children.

“Higer buses are also comfortable with a seating capacity of 29 + 1 and a safety seat belt has been provided for every seat. It has a CD and DVD player with a 17 inch monitor to show documentary ﬁlms to students which the schools can provide to drivers. What adds to its attractiveness is it reasonable price with less capital investment - a bonus for the contractors. Moreover, Higer is a trusted brand and is quite popular in Oman with its luxury coaches, pick-ups and buses,” the spokesperson added. By bringing the Higer range to the Sultanate, TAC has reinforced its commitment to provide highquality products and services to its customers in the country.

MUSCAT: Hisense, a world leading manufacturer of ﬂat panel TVs, household appliances, and mobile communications, recently honoured Al Raud Electronics with the ‘Best Dealer Award’ for its exceptional sales performance and for further strengthening the market share of Hisense products in the country. At a ceremony held at the Al Raud Electronics showroom, Hursh Agrawal of Hisense Middle East presented the award to Khemo Khanwani of Al Raud Electronics, in the presence of Probir Mukherjee, Strategy Adviser of Sands International Distribution, the official distributor of Hisense consumer electronics products in Oman, says a press release. Hursh Agrawal, general manager of Hisense Middle East FZE, said: “We are delighted to honour Al Raud Electronics with the ‘Best Dealer Award.’ The visionary leadership at Al Raud and the dedication of the company’s team in promoting Hisense products, renowned for quality and price competitiveness, have been exemplary. Hisense today are channel partners in Oman and one of the top-selling brands led by the commitment of our dealers such as Al Raud. “We also thank Sands International Distribution, our official distributor, for their strategic marketing outreach activities that put is good stead to achieve our Vision 2020 to be among the

top three brands in the country.” Khemo Khanwani of Al Raud Electronics, said: “We thank Hisense Middle East for this exceptional honour that underlines our strengths in consumer appliances retailing and our commitment to offer our customers the best-in-class products. “Hisense has transformed the market place with their elegantly designed, high quality products that are tailored to meet the requirements of today’s customers at extremely competitive rates. This has been a key factor in driving the growth of the brand in the country today. We will continue to extend all support to Hisense in driving their sales and positioning it as one of the top brands in the country.” Mukherjee said: “Al Raud Electronics has extended total support in highlighting Hisense products to its customers. Their in-depth understanding of the market, the large showroom network and

dedicated staff are their strengths that enabled Hisense to be a name to reckon with in the consumer appliances sector of Oman. We will continue to build the distribution network of Hisense and bring innovative and thoughtfully created consumer electronics products that appeal to the community.” Al Raud Electronics has a history of over 40 years of operations in consumer appliances. It is today a market leader in home appliances and consumer electronics in Salalah and contributes signiﬁcantly to driving the growth of the Hisense business in Oman. Al Raud Electronics showrooms have the full spectrum of Hisense products including state-of-theart TVs, refrigerators, air-conditioners, washing machines. Hisense has a strong presence in the Middle East markets, and manufactures a wide range of consumer electronics appliances, mobile phones, tablets, air-conditioners and other home appliances.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Sur Fishermen Association takes closer look at Oman LNG plant business MUSCAT: Representatives of Sinan Al Baher Committee and a Sur-based Fishermen Association under establishment, enjoyed a visit to the Oman LNG plant to take a closer look at their marine activities and safety procedures. The visit not only enabled the fishermen to experience first-hand what happens at a Liquefied Natural

Gas loading jetty but also gave ample time to raise concerns which were addressed in person by professionals and departments concerned of Oman LNG, says a press release. “Fishing is a vital, key source of income and part of economic development in this part of the Sultanate,” said Khalid Al Massan, CEO, Oman LNG Development Foun-

dation. “Community engagement, particularly with the ﬁshermen community of Sur, goes without saying; we are indeed partners. It is important for us to collaborate and establish the best ways of working together. The ﬁshermen provide us with valuable information on marine and sea-faring activities and in turn we share an intimate experi-

ence of berthing, loading and shipping LNG, as well as share insight into our rigorous safety and environmental procedures in place.” The ﬁshermen not only experienced the vibrant business at an operating LNG plant, but gained a better understanding of the scale of the facility and the shipping operations involved.

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Exciting benefits add to Toyota Avalon’s appeal The Festival of Joy campaign will continue to reward customers till Nov. 16

MUSCAT: The Toyota Avalon is a world-class sedan with an elegant and reﬁned design. One of the most upscale cars in its class, the Toyota Avalon has the reviewers raving. Now, the buzz is around the benefits that accompany every Avalon. “Those who visit the Toyota showroom can be part of our Festival of Joy campaign will continue until November 12,” informs the spokesperson. “During this period, customers can avail of a service package for up to three years or 30,000km. (Whichever is earlier), covering three services at 10,000km service interval for select petrol models based on normal operating conditions.” There also is comprehensive one year insurance (Oman only) on select 2015 YM models of 2015 production. Insurance beneﬁt would be given up to the extent applicable for private vehicles only.

Also available is 1st Year Registration on 2015 YM models of 2015 production. All the above benefits are model specific and may vary accordingly. Applicability is for all purchases except those for government organisations and ministries. Conditions apply, says a press release. The offer makes the Avalon even more tempting to own. Indeed, there is a lot to love in the refined masterpiece by Toyota; about whom it is quoted that, “The Avalon is one of Toyota’s best offerings, with truly attractive styling, a high-quality interior, plenty of room and a surprisingly enjoyable driving experience.” Avalon’s exterior lighting complements the design lines. The industry-first Quadrabeam headlight cluster utilises a sleek and compact double-eye PES head-

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

light design with two square glass condenser lenses that have been adopted for the low beams and offer outstanding lighting performance. A stronger, more expressive front-fascia design with larger grille opening creates an aggressive appearance. The Avalon’s interior elaborates on the exterior’s elegant, refined theme to create a premium interior experience that combines high technology and craftsmanship with an artistic level of sculpted surfaces. This panel is covered in supple, hand-stitched premium soft-touch material with the seam adding some creative flair as it goes across the dash panel. The Avalon offers a long list of convenient, user-friendly technologies as one would expect with the Toyota’s flagship sedan. The Avalon features a standard dis-

play audio system with 6.1-inch TFT touchscreen that offers audio system operation, bluetooth compatibility, customisable vehicle settings, available rear camera display and operation of iPod and USB devices. Toyota Avalon is equipped standard with a smart key system that locks and unlocks the front doors and enables opening of the doors when the key is within a short distance of the door handle. The key’s transmitter also allows the engine to be started with the push of a button. The Avalon is equipped with rear window power shade that blocks direct sun rays for the rear passengers, the shade adopts an auto-down function when shifting into reverse. A lighter weight power sunroof design has been adopted to help reduce vehicle weight. Avalon has a total of 10 SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags providing enhanced safety. It also features Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Antilock Brake System, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist. In Oman, Toyota’s outstanding product quality is supported by the nationwide parts and service network of Saud Bahwan Automotive. No wonder then that today, Toyota is one of the most trusted and wellknown brands.

RECOGNITION

Bayan College starts honouring employees MUSCAT: Bayan College recently launched the Reward Board for Creativity and Initiative in order to recognise the creative input of the employees. Thuraya Al Zadjali won the ﬁrst appreciation star for her brilliant endeavour for working towards the excellent reputation of Bayan College. She made Bayan College stand out in terms of its hospitality to the Freie University Berlin, says a press release. “In spite of being stressed with work, she always stood for the betterment of the college and was very kind to all people. She is a hard worker putting her full strength in building up a professional environment and putting a trade mark which can motivate other family members of Bayan College,” said Modi Juma Al Ghailani, Deputy Dean. According to the management, the work ethics with regard to Bayan College have always been punctuality and regularity, but the management feels that these values should not be the only areas of employee recognition. The staff members of Bayan College should do a lot more than their share of the regular tasks; they should provide inputs which will propel the name and fame of the college to greater heights. Hence the Reward Board for Creativity and Initiative contains the names of the entire staff, in order to evaluate them according

to their dedication to implementing new ideas towards the daily running of the institution. The board is located at the entrance of the deanship’s office; this speciﬁc area was chosen due the pride taken by the management in showing off their most creative and initiative employees. “A star will be awarded to the staff member who gets their idea implemented in a perfect manner. But such stars will not be given for simple and regular work; these will be awarded only for extraordinary and outstanding achievements. This is an extremely prestigious reward devised by the deanship, and the employee who receives such a star should be truly grateful for the appreciation given to them,” added Modi.

VA L U E A D D I T I O N

Mars opens bowling centre in Barka outlet

Workshop held for teachers at PSM MUSCAT: In order to improve the teaching skills to promote better learning, a developmental refresher course was held for the teachers at Pakistan School Muscat (PSM). Atta ullah Niazi, senior principal PSS and a master trainer in well-renowned international schools of Pakistan, laid the ground for a workshop cum activity based course for the coordinators, HoDs and the teachers. The developmental session aimed at enabling the teachers

to get along with a ﬂow towards the more advanced strategies for administering assessment for learning, says a press release. The teachers keenly participated in the discussion, activities and presentations to bring novel and better ideas to the fore for the ﬁrst-rate teaching and learning process. The teachers’ development programmes has set itself as a milestone with a slogan – “Skilled teachers to ensure the efficient learning for our students”.

MUSCAT: Mars Hypermarket Barka, which is reinventing itself with new facilities, debuted its newest attraction — Oman Bowling Centre — over the weekend. Sheikh Saad bin Mohammed Al Mardhouf Al Saadi, minister of Sports Affairs, inaugurated and presented the same to the populace of Barka in the presence of Naveej Vinod, executive director, Mars International, Saif Al Malki, GM – Administration, Mars International, Said Nasser Al Jabri, chairman, Oman Bowling Centre, higher ofﬁcials from the ministry, delegates from local business fraternity and media persons and a huge local audience, says a press release. Bowling challenge The inaugural function was a vibrant and colourful event. A ‘Barka Bowling Challenge’ was also held in which members from the national team, youth team and ladies teams participated. “Everybody in Barka is quite happy that they can also enjoy

bowling in their home town. The fact that it’s at the mall is a double beneﬁt; take the kids shopping and stop in and let them burn off a little energy. It’s not just about bowling. Eventually there will be more games, bigger food court and multiplexes too so something for everyone and will be the most sought

CHARITY

Taageer supports Al Noor Association MUSCAT: Taageer Finance Company donated a sum as charitable contribution towards Al Noor Association for the Blind (Dakhiliyah branch) as part of its corporate social responsibility programme. The support is a part of its plan to empower and serve the interest of the association in society. Al Noor Association has a number of services that beneﬁt the blind and their families across the Sultanate of Oman; which include providing the latest equipment in the area of technology for the blind including Braille keyboard and printer as well as publication of a booklet for normal sighted families and friends of the blind on how to interact and handle the blind, says a press release.

Taageer Finance has contributed in the past to Al Noor Association and strongly believes in the core values the association stands for. Mohammed Redha,

CEO of Taageer Finance Company, said: “It is the company’s ongoing endeavour to support worthy causes that make a difference to our society and that pro-

vide us the satisfaction of having our share back to society.” Al Noor Association for the Blind plays an invaluable role in Omani society.

after destination in Barka very soon,” said Naveej Vinod. The new facility attracts a diverse customer base from all ages, genders and nationalities. From the beginner to the pro and from families to international corporations, everyone can enjoy the facilities arranged at Mars in a world-

class standard. The centre contains 10 lanes of bowling with the latest bowling technology and opens from 8am to midnight all day in a week. With the introduction of this facility, Mars becomes the one stop destination for shopping and entertainment in Barka.

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Bank Muscat claims Asian Banker award The bank won the Best Bank in Middle East and Africa for Liquidity Risk Management

MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, has won the Best Bank in Middle East and Africa for Liquidity Risk Management award by the Asian Banker. The bank is the first in the region to win this prestigious award from the Asian Banker. The Asian Banker Risk Management Awards programme is designed to identify emerging best practices and outstanding achievements of the best run risk management teams in financial institutions. The awards are benchmarked globally by tracking developments around the world, says a press release. Risk management is at the heart of decision making at financial in-

stitutions and its importance has been underscored in the aftermath of multiple global ﬁnancial crises. In this context, the prestigious award comes as a testimony to the superior risk management practices adopted by the bank and the investment it has made over the years in developing its risk management as an area of core competence. Abdul Razak Ali Issa, Chief Executive, said: “Bank Muscat is proud to be the ﬁrst in the region to win the liquidity risk management award which endorses the global best practices adopted by the bank. Risk management function is a core competence of the bank to ensure maintenance of risks at appropriate levels, thereby positioning the bank for optimal growth by maximising on revenue opportunities. The bank has a risk appetite

framework in place that defines the enterprise-wide risk capacity, risk appetite and risk thresholds. The bank’s long-term growth rests in achieving a sustainable and consistent return on equity and profit growth. With this objective in consideration, the bank defines its business strategy and prioritises growth areas.” The bank’s risk appetite framework is cascaded top-down to reflect in business units which enables them to manage product pricing in line with the corporate return-on-equity objective. In step with the global economic and financial developments, the bank maintains an appropriate risk profile by reducing exposure to areas of stress. Bank Muscat considers liquidity risk management as paramount to

its successful growth and continued value-added customer service. Being the largest bank in the Sultanate, Bank Muscat strives to maintain sufficient and good quality liquid assets so as to be in a position to meet any liquidity condition. The bank dynamically introduces measures to mitigate liquidity risk based on evolving market conditions. The bank follows a stock approach to hold high quality liquid assets as part of its balance sheet and a cash ﬂow approach wherein the bank manages its cash and liquid assets position based on ensuing and forecast cash ﬂows. The bank has in place a well-oiled liquidity stress testing and maintains a contingency funding plan to meet any unforeseen stressed liquidity situation.

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LUXURY WEAR

New Rolex Oyster now available at Khimji’s Watches MUSCAT: The new Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master, unveiled at the Baselworld 2015, is now available exclusively at Khimji’s Watches, the home of luxury in Oman. This definitive watch for the high seas featuring a bidirectional rotatable bezel to accurately track elapsed sailing time is dedicated to both yachting enthusiasts and experienced sailors. Its distinctive dial with large hour markers and hands ensures maximum legibility, says a press release. In its latest version, the YachtMaster is offered in two sizes: 40 mm and a new 37 mm diameter. Its Oyster case in 18ct Everose gold includes a rotatable bezel fitted with a new Cerachrom insert in black ceramic with polished raised numerals on a matt background. It is fitted exclusively with the innovative Oysterflex bracelet developed and patented by Rolex. This technical bracelet combines in a singular way the robustness and reliability of a metal bracelet with the flexibility, comfort and aesthetics of an elastomer strap. At its core lies a super-elastic metal blade overmoulded with high-performance and a very durable black elasto-

mer. For enhanced comfort, the inside of the Oysterﬂex bracelet is equipped with a patented longitudinal cushion system that stabilises the watch on the wrist. The bracelet is ﬁtted with an 18ct Everose gold Oysterlock safety clasp that prevents accidental opening. The Yacht-Master’s Oyster case, guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet), is a paragon of robustness, proportion and elegance and provides optimal protection for the highprecision movement. Moreover, the new 40mm Yacht-Master is equipped with calibre 3135 and the 37mm version with calibre 2236, two self-winding mechanical movements entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex.

V I P C L I E N T G AT H E R I N G

Bank Sohar conducts Al Mumayaz monthly draw in Rustaq MUSCAT: Under the patronage of Sheikh Hilal Said Hamdan Al Hajri, governor of South Batinah region, Bank Sohar recently conducted its monthly Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme draw for the month of September with a prize amount totalling OMR55,000 distributed among 10 lucky winners. The draw, which was held as part of a VIP client gathering in Al Rustaq, witnessed five Bank Sohar customers win OMR10,000 each and five minor account holders win OMR1,000 each, says a press release. Representing Bank Sohar at the event, which was held at the Al Rustaq Royal Hall in Wilayat Al Rustaq recently, were Rashad Ali Al Musafir, acting CEO, R. Narasimhan, GM - Retail Banking, Khamis Masoud Al Rahbi, senior AGM of Branches, and Mazin Mahmood Al Raisi, senior AGM Marketing and Customer Experience. Also in attendance were other senior members of the bank

including Rashid Saif Al Maskry, Batinah District Manager, Redha Al Lawatia, senior chief manager of Liabilities and Sales and Mohammed Abdullah Al Amrani, senior branch manager of Al Rustaq branch, who welcomed the chief guest and the bank’s VIP customers from the area. The event commenced with a welcome address by Muneer Khusaib Al Busaidi, staff of Rustaq branch followed by an introductory speech by Rashad Al Musaﬁr who highlighted the importance of maintaining positive customer relations. “We have had a successful year so far despite challenging market conditions. As we move into the last quarter of 2015, I am conﬁdent we will be able to achieve yet another year of banking excellence. Our customers are an important part of this success story, and events such as these, provide us with an opportunity to express our gratitude for their continued patronage. Such

events also provide us with an opportunity to get their feedback on our current products and services, and also understand their needs thereby; helping us design future products and services that would offer them best possible customer experience,” said Al Musaﬁr. Later, the guests were treated to an impressive traditional dance show by the children of the Al Rustaq School. A comprehensive overview of the features of the 2015 Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme

C O R P O R AT E E V E N T

was then presented to the audience by Redha Al Lawatia, highlighting the main enhancements of the scheme and other value added advantages. During his informative presentation, he also showcased the range of retail banking products and services provided by the bank. The draws were initiated with the children’s’ monthly draws, which saw 5 children – F. S. Al Nadabi, from Seeb branch; Marwan Al Balushi from Barka branch; Mo-

hammed Al Mazrui from Shinas branch; Al Maitha Khalid Al Jabri from Ibri branch; and Al Ayham Al Saadi from Al Azaiba branch; win OMR1,000 each. Following which, the draws to reveal the winners of the Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme Monthly draws were conducted by the guest of honour; which saw Aseel Ali Kashoob from Salalah branch; Khalid Al Salmi from Ibra branch; Khalifa Al Jabri from Al Azaiba branch; Harilal Damji from Al Azaiba branch; and Issa Juma Ali from Sohar branch, win the monthly grand prize of OMR10,000 each. “With the monthly draw for September behind us, we are now entering the ﬁnal quarter of the year for the Al Mumayaz Savings scheme. However, these last three months will no doubt be our most eventful of the year. With two more monthly draws, the ongoing hourly and weekly draws, together with our highly anticipated year-end grand draws, these ﬁnal

months will see well over 300 additional winners strike it lucky as part of our dedicated quarter four savings scheme campaign. As such I would like to encourage all of our customers to continue saving to further improve their chances of winning,” said Narasimhan, commenting on the occasion. “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our September monthly winners and thank the attendees for the overwhelming response and for making the event a success. We were and are always happy to host such prestigious VIP client gatherings, as they provide us with great opportunities to show our gratitude and appreciation for our ever-growing number of loyal customers.” The event concluded by handing over a special token of appreciation to Al Musaﬁr. The event provided a great platform for the senior management and staff for a one-to-one interaction with customers and proved to be a great success.

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SSA Business Solutions holds Omasco unveils exciting new seminar on lean management offer on select Honda models MUSCAT: SSA Business Solutions, a global management consulting ﬁrm, and Orbit Events Management, a growing Omani SME in the space of corporate events based in Oman, organised a one-day seminar for Omani CXOs on ‘Why Lean Changes Everything’, transforming Omani business proﬁtablity. The event, held at Crowne Plaza, Al Qurum brought together industry experts and decision-makers from the Omani business fraternity. Over the last 24 months, SSA has been working closely with reputed manufacturing and project clientele in Oman, to implement growth strategies through Lean techniques, says a press release. Keeping in mind volatile oil prices, changing business scenar-

ios and government’s accenting focus on diversiﬁcation, there is a growing need for Omani organisations to change gears at a faster rate. The potential to be competitive and market driven has created wide ranging opportunities for SME’s and local players alike to adopt global best practices with customer-centric approach, leading to products and services delivered at optimum cost and quality

to achieving consistent bottomline results for their stake-holders. N. C. Narayanan, founder chairman, SSA Group of companies said, “Lean is a philosophy, in layman’s language, it focuses on eliminating waste out of your system to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the organisation to offer best in a class value proposition to its customers.” The keynote speaker, Minoo Saher, Group CEO and MD of Mustafa Sultan Enterprises, spoke on ‘CEO’s perspective on Lean Transformation’. SSA has partnered with Mustafa Sultan Enterprise for its lean transformation. The event followed with a case study on lean deployment with a leading Omani manufacturing business and panel discussion.

MUSCAT: Omasco, the authorised distributors of Honda vehicles in the Sultanate, has announced a unique ‘Limited Period Offer’ on select Honda vehicles till stocks last. “We have introduced a not-tobe missed ‘Limited Period Offer’ on the Honda Pilot, CR-V and Civic at unbelievable prices. This is probably one of the best that we could have offered our patrons,” said Adil Al Zadjali, national sales manager, Honda. Honda Civic now available from OMR6.950 onwards The Civic’s bold exterior styling on the outside is matched only by the premium technology on the inside. Fans of convenience will love the available Cruise + Audio control on steering wheel, intelligent multi information display (i-MID) and the Rear view camera. The vehicle comes with Bluetooth Hands free telephone system (HFT), Leather-bound steering wheel and Fold-down rear seat back (60/40 Split). The AM/FM/CD MP3 / WMA interface with 6 speakers, USB interface provides for top quality audio entertainment. Honda CR-V now available from OMR8,750 onwards With a sophisticated overall look and feel, the Honda CR-V boasts a 2.4 Litre i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). It has a fuel economy rating of 23/31 for front drives and 22/30 for 4 wheel

drives. As standard equipment, every CR-V incorporates an electronic stability control system, antilock brakes with brake assist, driver and front-passenger airbags, side curtain airbags with roll over sensor and a front seat design that can help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. One of the exciting enhancements to the CR-V 2015 EX and EX –L grades is Honda’s LaneWatch camera that displays a wide-angle view of the passenger side roadway on the Display Audio screen. All grades are equipped with, door mirror with side turn signal. Honda Pilot Touring now available for OMR15,100 The Pilot is Honda’s midsize 4x4 offering, and their largest offering at this time. The new look features a new standard grille, new front and rear bumpers, and optional new wheels, along with a few other cabin additions. The Pilot can seat eight people at a pinch. The standard 3.5-litre V6 engine features Variable Cylinder

Management (VCM) which allows it to operate on half the cylinders when power is not needed, improving fuel economy. Pilot Touring has Navigation System and Rear Entertainment System as standard features. Extended timing Honda has extended the opening hours for its key Honda showrooms across Oman in order to better accommodate their patrons and enable them to visit the showrooms at a time that is convenient for them. The extended hours provide additional ﬂexibility. Honda commitment Honda is conﬁdent that its showrooms will continue to welcome increased footfalls with auto enthusiasts over the coming weeks of Ramadan to avail of the promotion. Giving brings joy during the holy season and the current Ramadan offer is testament to this. The company will continue to invest in its business and activities to ensure that Honda customers enjoy the best products and services available.

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SECTION

‘The Finisher’ finished? India debates Dhoni

SPOR

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INSIDE LIFESTYLE

>C9

>C3

Numbers do not matter as Oman target full points against India

MAKING A POINT: Oman captain Ali Al Habis, left, speaks as coach Paul Le Guen looks on during a press conference on eve of their World Cup/Asian Cup qualifying match against India.

Taking conﬁdence from their ‘fantastic match’ against Iran, captain Ali Al Habsi said Oman are now hoping to continue with ‘our good show and prove we are a strong side’

A SESHAGIRI RAO

raoas@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Riding on a wave of euphoria after their ‘fantastic’ performance against Iran, a confident Oman take on lowly India with focus on further improvement and the desire to prove they are a strong side to be reckoned with in the 2018 World Cup/2019 Asian Cup qualifiers. The Group D match, their fifth outing for both Oman and India in the five-team group, is scheduled to be played at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex (SQSC) from 6.30 pm on Tuesday. The Omani squad as well as their French coach Paul Le Guen

received all round praise for their performance in their previous match, a home game played just ﬁve days ago, against formidable Iran despite it ending in a 1-1 draw. That result left Oman and Iran on same eight points, though the latter occupy the top place thanks to their superior goal average. The hosts are now aiming to continue in the same vein even though they are expected to emerge comfortable winners against Stephen Constantine’s India, who had lost all the four matches they have played so far. Taking conﬁdence from their ‘fantastic match’ against Iran, Oman captain Ali Al Habsi said: “Now it’s time to continue with

HOPING TO DO WELL: India’s coach Stephen Constantine, left, addresses the media as captain Sunil Chhetri looks on, during a press conference at City Seasons Hotel on Monday. – JUN ESTRADA/Times of Oman

our good show and prove we are a strong side.” Thanking everyone for getting behind the team ahead of their match against Iran, the talismanic custodian said: “The whole country, including the media, were behind us. We were missing that before (previously). But this time it was very special.” “When the whole country is behind you obviously the team will perform well. And we came up with a fantastic performance against Iran,” he said. The Omani goalkeeping hero also said it was disappointing to not win full points in that match. “After such an excellent performance we deserved to win full points. But a point is a point and now we should concentrate on the next games,” he said. Suggesting that with India match Oman are entering a very vital phase of their campaign, Ali said: “We are playing India now. Then we have an away game against Turkmenistan, which will be followed by home match against Guam. “We want to make sure we win all nine points before we travel to

Iran for our ﬁnal group match. Anything can happen in four games. Even Iran may drop a few points. But by then we want to be in a position to know what to expect from that match,” he said. Solid starts Ali also stressed the need to focus on points rather than number of goals. “The margin of victory doesn’t matter. Our focus is on wining the match and not the number of goals. It’s the points that count,” he said. Stating that ‘when you perform well the goals will follow’, he said: “So far we have had good starts. Against India (2-1, away game), we struck in the very ﬁrst minute and against Turkmenistan (3-1, home) we opened the score in the seventh minute though we were not lucky against Guam (0-0, away). “It was the same with Iran match. With a bit more luck Imad (Al Hosni) would have put us ahead very early in the match.” “These are the kind of starts we would like to have in the remaining matches too and show that we are a strong team,” he said while stressing the need to be ‘careful

in the defence’ while facing teams like India. Coach Paul Le Guen, meanwhile, said the focus is now on improving further. “We need to focus on making further improvements. But that doesn’t mean we are overconfident,” he said. Refusing to take India lightly, he said: “They are a proud team and we know they will give us a good fight tomorrow.” “We need to stay cool and keep our composure to earn full points,” the coach said. Al Maqbali returns The Frenchman also revealed his reluctance to change the winning combination when asked about the possibility of utilising the services of star striker Abdulaziz Al Maqbali, who has just returned from Military World Games in South Korea where Oman settled for silver medal after losing the final by a 2-0 margin to Algeria. “Abdulaziz returned last night. He is a full member of our team and he will surely be on the list and on the bench. But I am not 100 percent sure whether I will use him,” he said. “But we have one more training ses-

sion to go before we face India. Let’s see how everything goes,” he said. Le Guen’s counterpart Stephen Constantine, whose team’s World Cup hopes have already been ended with four successive defeats, is hopeful of making it to the Asian Cup. “We are a young team and when you are building a team it takes time to produce desired results,” he said. “We will try our best against Oman tomorrow,” he said adding ‘I am confident we can make it to the Asian Cup. Indian captain Sunil Chhetri said: “We played well against Oman when they visited India. “We are not a weak side and we will put up a good fight against Oman tomorrow.” The group winners and four best runners-up (total 12 teams) will advance to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup finals and the final round of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The next best 24 teams from the preliminary stage of the joint qualifiers will compete in a separate competition for the remaining slots (12 slots or 11 slots + 1 slot for the host) in the 24-team 2019 Asian Cup.

FOOTBALL

Former FIFA official Worawi suspended for 90 days ZURICH: Former FIFA executive committee member Worawi Makudi, the current head of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), has been suspended for 90 days pending a full investigation, the ethics committee of soccer’s governing body said on Monday. Worawi, who was on the committee in December 2010 when it voted to award the 2018 World Cup to Russia and the 2022 tournament to Qatar, will now face a formal investigation, the ethics committee said in a statement. “The decision was taken... on the grounds that a breach of the Code of Ethics appears to have been committed and a decision on the main issue may not be taken early enough,” said the statement. “The case is now the subject of formal investigation proceedings.” The 63-year-old was due to stand for re-election as FAT president on Oct. 17 against former national team manager Vanasthana Sajakul and regional police chief Pisan Jundilok, and was considered the favourite. He won the FAT election two years ago against Virach Chanpanich but, amid controversy, Worawi was given a suspended 16-month sentence by a Thai court in July for falsifying documents to amend the FAT statutes ahead of the vote. Last week, South Korean Chung Mong-joon, who also sat on the executive committee in 2010, was banned for six years, while Jack Warner, another member of the committee at the time, was banned for life on September 29. Switzerland’s attorney-general has opened an investigation into the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, which was also the subject of a FIFA ethics probe conducted by former chief

FIFA ethics committee says Platini complaints ‘not valid’

SIDELINED: Football Association of Thailand chief Worawi Makudi.

ethics investigator Michael Garcia. Garcia’s report has not been made public but a summary by FIFA’s ethics judge Hans-Joachim Eckert said there was not enough evidence to award a re-vote. FIFA has been in turmoil since May 27 when 14 soccer officials and sports marketing executives were indicted in the United States as part of a criminal investigation into the allocation of media, marketing and sponsorship rights for soccer tournaments. On Thursday, FIFA president

– AFP

Sepp Blatter and UEFA president Michel Platini were handed 90day suspensions pending a formal investigation. The probe followed reports of a payment of two million Swiss francs ($2.1 million) from FIFA to Platini in 2011, nine years after he completed a spell working for Blatter as an adviser. Worawi had been on the FIFA executive committee for 18 years as one of the Asian Football Confederation’s representatives until he was voted off earlier this year. - Reuters

ZURICH: FIFA’s ethics committee has rejected criticism from UEFA president Michel Platini over the manner of his suspension, saying the argument that he was not allowed to defend himself is “not valid.” Platini, the head of European soccer’s governing body, was suspended for 90 days last Thursday along with FIFA president Sepp Blatter pending a full investigation against them. The announcement intensiﬁed a scandal around world soccer’s governing body. FIFA’s ethics probe followed reports of a payment of two million Swiss francs ($2.1 million) from FIFA to Platini in 2011, nine years after he completed a spell working for Blatter as an adviser. The Swiss Attorney General said on Sept. 25 it had opened a criminal investigation into Blatter concerning the payment and a separate Caribbean television rights deal. Platini is regarded as somewhere “between a witness and an accused person” in the payment case, the Attorney General has said. Platini, a candidate for the FIFA presidential election due to be held in February,

Michel Platini

described the allegations against him as “based on mere semblances” and “astonishingly vague.” The Frenchman said he had been willing to cooperate fully with the authorities carrying out various enquiries in compliance with the strictest procedural rules which, he said, FIFA had ﬂouted. A statement issued on behalf of FIFA’s ethics judge Hans-Joachim Eckert rejected

suggestions that Platini had not been fairly treated and that he had been interviewed for ﬁve hours by FIFA’s ethics investigators. “The argument put forward by Michel Platini’s lawyers that their client had not had the possibility to defend himself before the adjudicatory chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee before his suspension is not valid,” it said. “After the investigatory chamber of the FIFA ethics committee had heard him for more than ﬁve hours on Oct. 1, 2015 - with the hearing documented on more than 50 pages - the chairman of the adjudicatory chamber, HansJoachim Eckert, did not see a need for a second hearing with Mr Platini.” “This proceeding is fully in line with ... the FIFA Code of Ethics.” FIFA is due to hold an election on Feb. 26 to replace Blatter. The election committee will decide on who will be accepted as full candidates shortly after the deadline for nominations on October 26. That deadline could pose problems for Platini if he remains under a provisional ban. - Reuters

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Euro 2016 title is next on list: Schweinsteiger

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Kyrgios wins in Shanghai to set up Nishikori clash

Germany have won the European crown three times with their last triumph back in 1996 at the tournament in England

GERMAN AMBITION: Germany’s head coach Joachim Loew chats

with midﬁelder Bastian Schweinsteiger on eve of the Euro 2016 qualifying football match against Georgia in Leipzig. – AFP

BERLIN: The Euro 2016 trophy is firmly in Germany’s sights, captain Bastian Schweinsteiger said, a day after a lacklustre win over Georgia secured their spot at the tournament in France in their final qualifier. In an open letter to the fans, Schweinsteiger thanked them for their support and said the world champions could have no other ambition than winning the title, the only major international trophy missing from the Manchester United holding midfielder’s collection. “In 245 days the Euro will get under way, the final is in 275 days,” Schweinsteiger, who joined United this season after more than a decade at Bayern Munich said. “As World Cup winners we can only set the highest goals and we want to be in the final in Paris. And I can also say that we want the title.

Since Rio (de Janeiro) we have our fourth star (for the fourth World Cup win). Until now all the good things in Germany used to be three but now we want more,” he said. Germany have won the European crown three times with their last triumph back in 1996 at the tournament in England. The Germans may be eyeing another title but they were far from convincing in the qualifying campaign, having to wait until their last Group D match on Sunday to make sure of their 12th consecutive European Championship qualiﬁcation. Coach Joachim Loew called it the most difficult campaign of the past 12 years after they lost to Ireland and Poland while struggling to beat Scotland. Germany still managed to clinch top spot on 22 points, one ahead of second-placed Poland. — Reuters FOOTBALL

Ireland have fighting chance to get to Euro 2016, says O’Neill LONDON: Ireland are “fighting strongly” to make it to the Euro 2016 finals in France next year despite being consigned to the playoff route after their 2-1 defeat by Poland in Warsaw in their final qualifier, manager Martin O’Neill said. A 2-2 draw would have allowed the Irish to book their place in the finals behind World Champions Germany, but Poland’s Robert Lewandowski scored the winner just before halftime after Grzegorz Krychowiak had fired his team ahead in the 13th minute. Ireland had captain John O’Shea sent off late on for a second yellow card and O’Neill insists his men have a fighting chance of making it to France. Disappointing “It is disappointing because beating Germany (1-0) gave us a run at it,” the manager was quoted as saying by the BBC. “Whoever we play (over two legs in the playoffs), we will have as good a chance as them,” he added. “Before we played Germany if you had offered me third I would have taken it. But that win gave us the confidence to come and play here. “We had to go for it in the second half, I actually thought we might have got a second goal, and that would have taken us through. Right until the end we were there but we were perhaps lacking that cohesiveness. “Despite putting a lot of pressure on them it wasn’t to be. But we are still in there, we can still make it. We didn’t make it but we are still fighting strongly,” he added. The play-off draw takes place on Sunday. - Reuters

SHANGHAI: Controversial Australian Nick Kyrgios swept aside Andreas Haider-Maurer in straight sets on Monday to set up a second round clash with Japan’s Kei Nishikori in the Shanghai Masters. The outspoken Australian, who fired 13 aces and saved all five break points in a 6-3 6-2 win over his Austrian opponent, had no illusions about the task ahead. Slovak Martin Klizan beat local favourite Zhang Ze 7-6(8) 6-2 and now runs into top seed Novak Djokovic who is gunning for his ninth title of the year. Croatia’s Ivo Karlovic, who prevailed 6-4 7-6(6) over Frenchman Jeremy Chardy, also faces a formidable second round opponent in 2009 runner-up Rafa Nadal who lost to Djokovic in Sunday’s China Open final. American John Isner burnished his big-serving reputation with 20 aces in a 6-1 6-2 romp against Adrian Mannarino, while Roberto Bautista Agut also had it easy against fellow Spaniard Guillermo Garcia-Lopez who was beaten 6-2 6-3. American Steve Johnson cut short Italian Andreas Seppi’s campaign with a 4-6 6-1 7-6(2) win.

New Zealand veteran Vettori to mentor English spinners ABU DHABI: New Zealand bowling great Daniel Vettori will mentor promising England spinners during their ongoing tour of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).England are currently in UAE to play against Pakistan in a three-match Test series. Seven spinners will follow Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid and Samit Patel to take take spin lessons from Vettori under England Performance Programme (EPP).Former New Zealand captain Vettori took more than 700 wickets in international cricket. He is also the head coach of Indian Premier League (IPL) side Royal Challengers Bangalore. He will join the EPP batting and spin group, led by Zimbabwean Andy Flower, in Dubai for 10 days in November.

Current England team not weaker than 2012: Anderson ABU DHABI: Pacer James Anderson has rejected Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq’s claim the current England team is weaker than in 2012. England begin a three-match Test series here on Tuesday. Pakistan defeated England 3-0 in 2012. Misbah had said England appear to be weak that 2012, because of the absence of experienced players like batsmen Kevin Pietersen and Jonathan Trott. “Their spinners back then, Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar, were more experienced and destructive and I feel England are going to miss them,” Misbah wrote in a column for cricket.com.au on Sunday. But Anderson says England are less experienced but not short on quality. “I wouldn’t say we’re weaker. I’d say we’re less experienced,” Anderson said. “The quality and talent that we’ve got in the side is easily a match for the side that came out here in 2012.

England’s Finn ruled out of ﬁrst Test against Pakistan ABU DHABI: England fast bowler Steven Finn has been ruled out of the ﬁrst Test against Pakistan due to a foot injury, the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Monday. Finn took four wickets in a warm-up game against Pakistan A last week and was expected to be named in the team for the match in Abu Dhabi which starts on Tuesday. “It’s a bitter blow for him, he’s had a huge 12 months,” England captain Alastair Cook told reporters. “Hopefully, he’ll be right for the second Test.” Cook will open the batting with Moeen Ali, leg-spinner Adil Rashid will make his test debut and fast bowler James Anderson returns to the side after missing the last two tests in this year’s Ashes series win over Australia.

Klopp seeks patience to focus on Liverpool’s football ‘brand’ LONDON: Developing a recognisable brand of football this season is the only target that Liverpool’s owners have set new manager Juergen Klopp, the German told Bild over the weekend. The former Borussia Dortmund manager was unveiled as Brendan Rodgers’ successor on Friday and sparked excitement by saying he could win Liverpool the Premier League title in the next four years but, in an interview with the German paper, called for patience because of the enormous challenge he faced. “There is no doubt, this is a huge challenge, for me and my coaching team,” he said. “Liverpool have not had any success for a long time and they’ve changed the manager all the time. And now they have appointed a German who is no miracle worker. Progress is not possible without a bit of time.” Klopp also said Fenway Sports Group, the club’s owners, did not expect him to deliver either a trophy or Champions League qualiﬁcation in his ﬁrst season. — Agencies

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Dhoni isn’t blaming, but finger unmistakably points at Kohli

‘Finisher’ finished? India debates Dhoni

t looked a bit like game hunting when Kagiso Rabada banged the leather hard on the ground, after bravely positioning himself under the ball that soared into the Kanpur sky and neatly gathering it, in a wild release of fire and fury to celebrate the kill. As MS Dhoni looked like a fatally wounded lion trying to save somehow its life as he trooped wearily back to the dressing room, perhaps trying to think up excuses he would need to explain away his latest in a series of failures to finish off a game, Rabada stood there like a Maasai warrior guaranteed to get the tail of the speared beast. Post-match, we got to know how the boy who grew up watching the legend of Dhoni the destroyer into a cool fast bowler who, though he had felt “a bit of nerves” as he walked up to his run-up in defence of 11 runs in the final over of the day, has come of age. That was refreshingly about the birth of a young, exciting, brand new death bowler and the demise of a celebrated finisher who has grown ungracefully, disgustingly old. Even Dhoni’s maddest supporters may now have become sick of his excuses. Still, it’s unfair to dismiss everything he says as rubbish. Most of what he says now is just that, rubbish, but amid the mountain of rubbish there could sometimes be a grain of truth. Take, for example, one of the reasons he mentioned on Sunday that went to make a big, negative impact from an Indian point of view on the game at Kanpur. Dhoni said: “Close to the 40th over mark, the four-five overs leading to it, those were crucial because we should have got a bit more runs.” That sounded like just another Dhoni rambling, until you looked closely and got a fair hint of what Dhoni was really trying to communicate. Ajinkya Rahane got out to the fourth ball of the 34th over, and at that point India was going strong with a sizzling Rohit Sharma just three runs short of his century and having 191 runs on the board for the loss of just two wickets. That was a helluva great opportunity for Virat Kohli to trot in and take the team to victory or within easy reach of it. Something that didn’t happen as it should have. Kohli departed on the last

ball of the 40th over for an uninspiring 11 runs off 18 balls, spending six overs in the company of Rohit Sahrma, who in the meantime moved to 108, and the Indian total crawled to 214. Just 23 runs in six overs: 11 from Kohli, 11 from Rohit Sharma and one from a Morne Morkel wide. One of the reasons for the failures of Dhoni in recent times is the poor form of Kohli, and the funny side of it is that the Test captain almost always got away with his failures, thanks to an obsessive interest prevailing in the cricket world to give an unceremonious kick in the back of Dhoni. Time and age is on the side of Kohli, true, and there’s no doubt that the future of Indian cricket lies in the hands of youngsters like him, but it’s time Kohli justified his presence in the team with performance. And Dhoni should stop dishing out excuses. If he is not able to do his job, he should say that gracefully. He was quick to blame on Sunday the low bounce for his failure to hit the ball to the rope, but how long could he pass the buck on the dew, dust and dirt? Till the next T20 World Cup, just five months away, perhaps. But, that, at the moment, seems to be a long, long distance for Dhoni. Let me make my Suresh Raina point again. He needs to spend some time on the bench. Stuart Binny could give him company there. When Amit Mishra was the only guy who gave away less than 50 runs in 10 overs, why not go in for a spinner-batsman, like Gurkeerat Singh, in place of Binny? Positive moves need to be taken right now, right before the second ODI at Indore tomorrow, when the series is just one down and four to go, than when everything is lost and there’s only one, inconsequential game remains. The writer is a freelance contributor based in India. All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not reflect those of Times of Oman

NEW ZEALAND CRICKET

Injured Anderson ruled out of Australia tour WELLINGTON: All-rounder Corey Anderson has been ruled out of New Zealand’s tour of Australia with a back injury and been replaced by Mitchell Santner, the team said on Monday. The 24-year-old Anderson suffered the injury on New Zealand’s tour of England and had not recovered sufficiently to shoulder a bowling workload, Kiwi selector Gavin Larsen said in an official statement. “Corey hasn’t been able to recover as quickly as we hoped and we’ve chosen not to try to rush him back,” said Larsen. “We’ve always said there were a number of checkpoints for him to meet before our departure date, and we’re now in a position to conﬁrm he’s not ready. “With that in mind, it’s better for him to continue his rehabilitation.” Santner in The 23-year-old Santner, who bowls left-arm spin as opposed to the brisk medium pace of the burly Anderson, impressed in the limited overs portion of New Zealand’s tour of England and was included for their series against Zimbabwe and South Africa but had to withdraw with a broken thumb.

“Mitch (is) an all-rounder who can bat at number six or seven and he’s also a front-line bowler,” Larsen added. “It’s a good opportunity for him. We believe his left-arm spin will add some variety to our options and his batting is wellsuited to the conditions expected across the Tasman.” Twilight Test New Zealand will play three Tests in Australia, including the first twilight match in Adelaide, where a pink ball will be used. The first test in Brisbane begins on Nov. 5. The side had an intra-squad trial match in Hamilton last week under lights with a pink ball. Off-spinner Mark Craig said there was little difference between the pink ball and the white ball used for limited overs matches, but the trial had been good to become accustomed to what to expect under differing conditions. “It’s just a matter of getting used to it, there’s no complaints from us,” Craig told reporters. “I find it really similar to the white ball. When it’s nice and new it’s quite easy to grip and just like any other ball when it gets a bit older.” - Reuters

Even for his ardent fans, and he is still the most popular player in the cricket-mad country, it was painful to watch Dhoni struggle in Sunday’s one-day series opener against South Africa

NEW DELHI: The “helicopter shot” has disappeared, the boundaries are not ﬂowing from his bat and the whisper is now growing louder that Mahendra Singh Dhoni is no more the middle-order ﬁnisher who could single-handedly get India over the line. Even for his ardent fans, and he is still the most popular player in the cricket-mad country, it was painful to watch Dhoni struggle in Sunday’s one-day series

opener against South Africa. Time and again, he tried the big shots that once came out of his blade with amazing regularity and time and again he could not connect. Known for his penchant to seal victory with a six, exhibited famously in the ﬁnal of the 2011 World Cup, Dhoni managed only one boundary in his 31-ball ordeal as the wheels came off India’s chase in the ﬁnal overs in Kanpur. Not that he did not try. He

stepped out against Morne Morkel, made room against Dale Steyn and ran hard between the wickets in the scorching heat, trying to do with the legs what his bat could not. His laboured batting was all the more evident seen against centurion Rohit Sharma’s effortless strokemaking at the other end during their 55-run stand. “Dhoni used to be great when the ball was pitched up to him,” former captain K. Srikkanth told Monday’s Times of India newspaper. “But bowlers ... have understood that the key is not to give him any room to manoeuvre and Dhoni would not be the same player (again). “Dhoni can still be an accumulator but I don’t think we are going to see the same devastating MSD in the days to come.” Going through a lean patch, Dhoni has also baffled many by wishing to bat higher in the order, having rejected the same suggestion for the large part of his career.

Former captain Anil Kumble is part of the fast-dwindling tribe still convinced that Dhoni remains India’s best “finisher”. “I don’t think his role has changed. I don’t think he should be pushed at number four to play a different role. He is still a good finisher,” said Kumble. “One hit (in Sunday’s match) and we would have been talking differently. “His strike rate has obviously come down and the pitch did not help either.” Dhoni also blamed the lowbounce at Green Park Stadium and rued how unforgiving the fans are. “It’s not an easy job, it does not always work your way,” he said after the loss. “It’s a gamble but of course that’s my job in the side. I’m somebody who has to finish the job for the team. When you finish a lot of many games, people always remember the ones you have not finished.” - Reuters

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Suleiman and Asta claim top honours at Sprint Triathlon SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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FANTASTIC START: Suleiman Al Alawi. – Supplied photo

MUSCAT: Suleiman Al Alawi and Asta Parker stole the limelight in the Oman Triathlon Team-organised Sprint Triathlon at the Azaiba beach during the weekend. The event was a 750m swim, 22km cycling and 5km run and the swim course carved out by Bill Huguelet was appreciated by all participants. According to the winner Suleiman Al Alawi, the sea greeted the swimmers with cool, clear waters and the start was fantastic. The participants then got on to the bikes from the transition area in Azaiba to The Wave roundabout and back to complete the 22km. By the time the runners started the weather really got hot and so was the race. Asta Parker left no chance for the other female competitors and

HEALTHY COMPETITION: Participants pictured at end of the swim section of the race. – Supplied photo

hammered the run to cut the tape in top as the other ladies also recorded some fast times. In the team category the competition was furious and close. In the men’s event, Brad Holiday, came out of the swim in ﬁrst place but faded in the run to come fourth overall. Oliver Boast ﬁnished third

ISM U-19 team rout BSM Batting ﬁrst, ISM

in contrast and despite not swimming well. Gary Cummings over took many men on the bike and recorded the top run time to take second overall, while Richard Holms scored top bike split time. However, Suleiman Al Alawi proved more consistent and took the overall honours.

The Oman Triathlon Team thanked Chanttal, Rosie, Naser, Ionut, Corina and Bill for volunteering and helping in making the event successful. Next Oman Triathlon Team events will be held on November 13 at Al Sifa and November 20 at Azaiba again.

ISC BADMINTON

ISM girls record eight-wicket win over PSM

were all out for 175 in 36.5 overs. Then they bowled out BSM for a paltry 52 in 19.1 overs

MUSCAT: The Khimji Ramdas sponsored U-19 match between Indian School Muscat (ISM) and Bangladesh School Muscat (BSM) at the Municipality 1 ground saw ISM came out comfortable winners by 123 runs. Batting ﬁrst, ISM were all out for 175 in 36.5 overs. Tejesh Bhupendra top scored with 40. Mahbub Hassan, Shahriar Fahim and Akram Ul-Haq all chipped in with two wickets each for BSM. ISM clinched the bonus point also when they bowled out BSM for a paltry 52 in 19.1 overs. Tejesh once again stood out in the bowling department, claiming 6 wickets for 18 runs in 7.1 overs. Brief scores: ISM 175 all out in 36.5 overs (Tejesh Bhupendra 40, Shahriar Fahim 2 for 35) beat BSM 52 all out in 19.1 overs (Tejesh Bhupendra 6 for 18). Points: ISM - 3; BSM - 0.

ISWK beat ISAS In another U-19 match, Indian School Wadi Kabir (ISWK) beat Indian School Al Seeb (ISAS) by 96 runs. Put into bat ﬁrst, ISWK were bowled out for 253 in 35 overs with 30 runs coming as a result of ISAS’s breach of the code of conduct. All ISWK batsmen chipped in

MUSCAT: The Al Turki Enterprises sponsored Girls Under-19 division match between PSM and ISM at the Municipality Ground 1, the latter won by a convincing eight wickets. Batting ﬁrst, PSM posted a decent 193 for 3 in 20 overs largely due to 82 extras from ISM bowlers. Hira Javed top scored with 43. ISM completed the victory by hauling the target in 18 overs for the loss of 2 wickets. Sujana Sundar top

evenly with Ragul Virupak top scoring with 33. Riyan Sutradhar (3 for 30) was the pick of the ISAS bowlers. ISWK claimed their bonus point by bowling out ISAS for 157 in 30.1 overs. Mohammed Feshal top scored with 44. Hardik Toprani (3 for 43) was the pick of the ISWK bowlers. Brief scores: ISWK 253 all out in 35 overs (Ragul Virupak 33, Riyan Sutradhar 3 for 30) beat ISAS 157 all out in 30.1 overs (Mohammed Feshal 44, Hardik Toprani 3 for 43). Points: ISWK 3 (Total 5); ISAS 0.

ISM U-16 win In the The Al Turki Enterprises sponsored U-16 ‘B’ match, ISM emerged easy winner over over Sri Lankan School Muscat (SLSM). Put in to bat ﬁrst, ISM posted a mammoth 204 for 8 in 25 overs. Paritosh Hitesh played a great knock of 88. Syed Ali was the pick of the SLSM bowlers with ﬁgures

scored with unbeaten 69. Amal Saleem was the best PSM bowler on the day with ﬁgures of 2 for 20. Brief scores: PSM 193 for 3 in 20 overs (Hira Javed - 43) lost to ISM 194 for 2 in 18 overs (Sujana Sundar 69 not out), Amal Saleem (PSM) 2 for 20. Points: ISM - 2 ; PSM – 0.

ISG win In another girls U-19 match between ISG recorded a commanding 183-run win over ISD.

Brief score: ISG 234 for 3 in 20 overs (Aditi Bhatnagar 101 n.o.) bt ISD 51 all out in 14 overs (Thara Fatima 4 for 11). Points: ISG – 3 (BP) ; ISD - 0

of 3 for 30. ISM completed their bonus point victory by bowling out SLSM for 136 in 22.5 overs. Wikum top scored for SLSM with a steady 38. Vikram was the best ISM bowler on the day with ﬁgures of 4 for 19.

the best PSM bowler on the day.

Brief scores: ISM 204 for 8 in 25 overs (Paritosh Hitesh 88, Syed Ali 3 for 30) beat SLSM 136 all out in 22.5 overs (Wikum 38, Vikram 4 for 19). Points: ISM 3 (BP) ; SLSM - 0.

PSM down GCC In another U-16 B match, PSM defeated Gulf Cricket Centre (GCC) comfortably by 64 runs. Put in to bat ﬁrst, PSM posted a mammoth 247 for 7 in 25 overs. Mohammed Umair played a great cameo knock of 51. Veera Anand (2 for 37) was the most productive GCC bowler. PSM later bowled out GCC for 183 in 21.3 overs. Hasan Javed top scored for GCC with a quick 63. Mohammed Umair (3 for 25) was

OMAN CRICKET CONDUCTS UMPIRES REFRESHER COURSE Oman Cricket organised a refresher course for umpires on October 6 and 7 at the Al Falaj hotel. The course was conducted by Umpires Educator for Oman and Head of Umpire’s Committee A.R. Srinivasan and was attended by 30 active umpires who will and are officiating in the new season. — Supplied photo

Put in to bat, ISG posted a huge score of 234/3 in 20 overs largely due to a brilliant unbeaten 101 by Aditi Bhatnagar. In response, ISD could only manage 51 in 14 overs, enabling ISG to wrap up the bonus point win. Thara Fatima was the stand out ISG bowler claiming four wickets for 11 runs.

Brief scores: PSM 247 for 7 in 25 overs (Mohammed Umair 51, Veera Anand 2 for 37) beat GCC 183 all out in 21.3 overs (Hasan Javed 63, Mohammed Umair 3 for 25). Points: PSM - 2; GCC - 0.

BOC lose In a U-16 A match, ISWK beat Bousher Olympic Centre comfortably by 8 wickets. Batting ﬁrst, BOC posted a meager 66 before being bowled out in 13 overs. Fletcher D’souza, Malik Rasheed and Jashanth all chipped in with 3 wickets to demolish the BOC batting line up. In response ISWK easily chased down the score in 6.5 overs for the loss of 2 wickets, to obtain the bonus point too. Brief scores: BOC 66 all out in 13 overs (Malik Rasheed 3 for 10, Fletcher D’souza 3 for 4, Jasinth Balu 3 for 10) lost to ISWK 69 for 2 in 6.5 overs (Rohan Koshy 25 not our). Points: ISWK 3 ; BOC - 0.

FINALISTS: Bharati Ramachandran and Mayaja Harish

Brilliant Bharati downs Mayaja to lift eves’ crown MUSCAT: Bharati Ramachandran used her brilliant form to claim open women’s singles title defeating Mayaja Harish seeded No. 2 at the National Bank of Oman–sponsored annual badminton tournament organised by the Indian Social Club Muscat. Bharati enjoyed court superiority and played with her usual cool form to wrap the game scoring 21-11 and 21-10 defeating Mayaja. Both came in to ﬁnals defeating Eva Mongue and Savita Kulkarni respectively. In men’s A double’s semiﬁnal, Cyril Williams and Sudheer showed an excellent team work in their victory over Ronnie Pereira and Kennedy. The pair won 21-10 and 21-12.

In open men’s doubles quarterfinals, Dipu and Geemon faced stiff resistance before wrapping the game against favorite Percy Pereira and PT Francis scoring 17-21, 21-19 and 27-25. In men’s A singles Bishen Singh Bhalla stormed in to final defeating talented Niyas N scoring 18-21, 21-12, 21-12. In mixed doubles semifinal, Ashutosh Pant and Sailee Kerkar showed brilliant team work to claim victory over Leon D’souza and Ashpruha 21-19 and 21-16. In the second semifinal match, PT Francis and Bharati Ramachandran attain victory over second-seeded Percy Pereira and Nishita Karnik scoring 21-18, 1821, and 22-20.

FOOTBALL

Kompany fit to play BRUSSELS: Vincent Kompany has been declared fit and is expected to return from injury to play for Belgium in their last Euro 2016 qualifier on Tuesday despite the reservation of his club manager. “Vincent Kompany has participated fully in training and without any problems. I expect that he will be ready for the match against Israel,” coach Marc Wilmots told reporters on Sunday. “He has worked hard in training and knows his own body well.” Kompany’s call-up for the two qualifiers against Andorra, which Belgium won 4-1 on Saturday, and Israel in Brussels on Tuesday were criticised by Manchester City.

City manager Manuel Pellegrini said the 29-year-old was not yet fit enough to play after a calf injury kept him out of the club’s last five outings since the home loss to Juventus in the Champions League on September 15. “I’ve not been in contact with Man City myself but the club are kept up to date with developments. I think it will be good for Man City if Kompany gets some match time,” added Wilmots. Belgium have already qualified for the Euro 2016 finals but can rise to No. 1 in the next FIFA rankings if they beat Israel in what is expected to be a festival atmosphere in Brussels. - Reuters

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SPORTS

Oman LNG strengthens bond with OGC, sponsors development squad With a mission to professionalise golf in Oman, the OGC has started a new yearround project aimed at training promising junior Omani boys and girls and turning them into future

BIG SUPPORT: Oman LNG CEO Harib Al Kitani, Ahmed Al Jhdhamy vice-chairman of OGC with the development squad. – Supplied photo

champions

MUSCAT: In a bid to support the development of golf in Oman, the corporate giant Oman LNG has come forward to sponsor the OGC’s (Oman Golf Committee) development squad programme yet again. The director of Oman LNG, Harib Al Kitani, expressed extreme happiness in continuing their relationship with the OGC, saying: “We are more than happy to take this responsibility. This development squad is growing very steadily. We have been sponsoring golf for a very long time and our association with the OGC’s development squad is quite long.” Al Kitani mentioned, “We are sure that the establishment of the Development Squad is a major milestone for the rising sport in Oman, because it is expected to form the backbone of Oman’s golf

supply line. We want more junior boys and girls to take up golf. These kids of the Squad are now playing in a number of national and international tournaments these days which shows we are going in the right direction.” OGC Vice-Chairman Ahmed Al Jhdhamy said, “We express our thanks and gratitude to Oman LNG. They have been very kind in taking up some ﬁnancial responsibilities. It is required for what we are doing.” With a mission to professionalise golf in Oman, the OGC has started a new year-round project aimed at training promising junior Omani boys and girls and turning them into future champions. The long-term training programme will continue throughout the year. There are 18 promising players aged between 7 to 16 years. The players are pooled into three groups based on their skill level. The 3 levels are Novice, Intermediate and Advanced.

The Development Squad is undergoing training every week in Ghala Golf Club under the watchful eyes of coach Milo Breitenwisher. Al Kitani is hopeful that kids from various walks of life will take up golf. “Who would have thought that girls will also be playing golf in the Sultanate, but the OGC has made it possible. It is their credit and more girls will come up by watching Asma Al Rashdi and Huwaida Al Barwani. I am especially excited about the programme for girls. And they are progressing fast,” he observed. “Through these initiatives we extend our contributions to further serve communities by supporting youth and sports in Oman while simultaneously supporting Oman’s aspirations in tourism”, said Khalid Al Massan, Chief Executive Ofﬁcer of Oman LNG Development Foundation. “To be part of this and seeing the enthusiasm of the youth - we couldn’t be more fortunate”.

NBO GOLF CLASSIC

Mundhir Al Barwani the Chairman of the OGC, expressed his hope that the national golf body’s association with Oman LNG will only grow, saying: “We are happy that he is here. Oman LNG has been sponsoring our Development Squad for a long time. “I hope they will do so in the coming years too. It only increases our responsibility to work better with the kids. With the constant support of the Ministry of Sports Affairs and OmanLNG we will be able to build a strong pool of talented golfers.” The Chairman of OGC, Mundhir Al Barwani welcomed OmanLNG’s interest in promoting golf. “The OGC’s mission is to build a foundation in golf in Oman that will give all golfers the opportunity to play the sport. The Ministry of Sports Affairs has been our biggest supporter. With that now we have OmanLNG taking a keen interest in shaping Omani golf. With their

support we want to create an environment that allows beginners to learn and serious golfers to strive to the top.” Harib Al Kitani says: “We are deﬁnite the Development Squad is a major milestone for the rising sport in Oman, because it is expected to form the backbone of Oman golf’s supply line.” Al Kitani also said: “We want more junior boys and girls to take up golf. These kids of the squad are now playing in a number of national and international tournaments these days which shows we are going in the right direction.” Al Kitani visited the Ghala Golf Club on Friday to spend some time with the development squad kids. OGC Vice-Chairman Ahmed Al Jhdhamy was also present. “We express our thanks and gratitude to OmanLNG. They have been very kind in taking up some ﬁnancial responsibilities. It is required for what we are doing:”

said Al Jhdhamy. With a mission to professionalize golf in Oman, the OGC has started a new yearround project aimed at training promising junior Omani boys and girls and turning them into future champions. The long-term training programme, which began recently and will continue throughout the year. There are 18 promising players aged between 7 to 16 years. The players are pooled into three groups based on their skill level. The 3 levels are Novice, Intermediate and Advanced. The Development Squad is undergoing training every week in Ghala Golf Club under the watchful eyes of coach Milo Breitenwisher. The coach is conﬁdent that some of these players will progress to the next level — the OGC’s Elite Squad — and in a year’s time, they will eventually break onto the Oman national team. Al Kitani is hopeful that kids from various walks of life will take up golf. “Who would have thought that girls will also be playing golf in the Sultanate, but the OGC has made it possible. It is their credit and more girls will come up by watching Asma Al Rashdi and Huwaida Al Barwani. I am specially excited about the girls’ programme. And they are fast progressing:” he observed. Al Barwani the Chairman of the OGC, expressed his hope that the national golf body’s association with OmanLNG will only grow, saying: “We are happy that he is here. OmanLNG has been sponsoring our Development Squad for a long time. Hope they will do so in the coming years too. It only increases our responsibility to work better with the kids.”

FOOTBALL

Murray’s maiden title secures Stekelenburg joins Netherlands team his spot in Oman showcase MUSCAT: Tom Murray’s inspirational play-off victory over Nino Bertasio in the Volopa Irish Challenge hosted by Mount Wolseley Hotel Spa and Golf Resort paid off handsomely for the Englishman with a guaranteed spot in the European Challenge Tour’s season-ending NBO Golf Classic Grand Final which takes place here in Oman at the spectacular Almouj Golf, The Wave, Muscat, from Wednesday, November 4 to Saturday, November 7. The top 45 players on the Road to Oman Rankings qualify to compete in the prestigious finale and Murray’s victory sees him move from 78th place into 31st. As well as a share of €375,000 prize fund on offer for victory in the prestigious NBO Golf Classic Grand Final, the top 15 players on the Road to Oman Rankings following the conclusion of the tournament will earn their playing cards for next season’s European Tour International Schedule. Murray’s marvelous play-off victory has more than doubled his prize money for the season and the 25 year old, who has also played on The European Tour this season, now has a total of €45,819 after winning €28,800 in Ireland, which is enough to secure his place in the Muscat field. Before this triumph, Murray’s best performance this season was a sixth-place finish in Portugal’s, Madeira Islands Open, so he’s delighted with how he handled the play-off pressure to secure his first European Challenge Tour title in dramatic fashion. “It’s kind of surreal right now

LONDON: Southampton goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg has been added to the Netherlands squad for their final Euro 2016 qualifier against Czech Republic on Tuesday after Tim Krul sustained a knee injury in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Kazakhstan. With Netherlands’ first choice

COMING TO OMAN: England’s Tom Murray winner of the Volopa Irish Challenge. – Supplied photo

but it’s what I’ve been working for,” said Tom, who is the son of former European Open champion and current Senior Tour player Andrew Murray. “I had a couple of good days working at home and mentally preparing for this. Mentally I was in a much better place and to get a first win is big.” Runner-up Bertasio, who tied Murray’s 16-under total in regulation, now sits just short of the Road to Oman’s top 45 in 47th place. Englishman Gary Boyd finished closely behind the leaders on 14-under to bolster him into the top four in The Road to Oman after earning €12,600. He will now be full of confidence for the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final in less than a month’s time. Meanwhile, European Challenge Tour graduate Matthew Fitzpatrick claimed his first European Tour Title of the season in the British Masters supported by Sky Sports. The 21 year old European Challenge Tour graduate held off the challenges of Søren Kjeldsen,

Shane Lowry and Fabrizio Zanotti to ﬁnish 15-under at Woburn Golf Club, which lifted him to 12th place in The Race to Dubai. The ‘golf in DUBAi’ Ambassador’s victory will be inspiring for the European Challenge Tour hopefuls as he featured in the NBO Golf Classic less that 12 months ago and has now steppedup to become one of the rising stars of The European Tour. The NBO Golf Classic Grand Final will feature the top 45 players on the Road to Oman Rankings competing for a prize fund of $397,000. The top 15 players on Road to Oman Rankings will qualify to play on next season’s European Tour. The 2015 Road to Oman will take in 25 tournaments in 19 different countries. The Road to Oman will offer a Bonus Pool of $65,000 for the top three players on the Road to Oman rankings at the conclusion of the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final. The leading player on the rankings will receive a $32,500 share of the Bonus Pool.

keeper Jasper Cillessen also picking up an injury during the warmup before the match against Kazakhstan, Stekelenburg will be hoping to be involved in the Netherlands squad. Currently fourth in Group A, the Netherlands face elimination and the last time the Dutch failed

to qualify for a major tournament was the 2002 World Cup. Despite beating Kazakhstan, their fate is not in their own hands. They need to beat the Czech Republic and hope Turkey, two points ahead of the Dutch, do not beat group leaders Iceland, if they are to make the play-offs. - Reuters

TUE S DAY, OCTOBER 13, 2 015

SPORTS

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Messi the best in last 10 years, says Pele When asked whether the crisis in the FIFA saddened him, Pele said he would not take any questions on the game’s apex body. The Brazilian great also said he had no intention to head FIFA

KOLKATA: Football king Pele on Monday rated Argentina’s talismanic forward Lionel Messi as the best footballer of the last ten years and declared he has no intention of heading FIFA. However, the Brazilian legend refused to compare Messi with the former greats saying it was difficult to draw comparison between “past players and those playing at the moment”. “But, of course, in the last ten years, Messi was the best player,” Pele said at a media conference here. He also said Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi were two different kind of players. “Lot of people compare Messi with Ronaldo. But they are two different kind of players. Roanldo is a more scorer (sort of ), player,... more centre forward. Messi plays more deeper. But both are fantastic.” Speaking about Neymar, who has been Brazil’s poster boy for the last few years, Pele said: “I hope Neymar wins a trophy for Brazil, and he hails from Santos, the club I used to play for. “My son Edinho was the one who trained him, so I feel proud and happy. He has a good future.” “Neymar, he could be one of the best players now, at the moment, no doubt,” he said. However, when a journalist asked whether the crisis in the FIFA with its president Sepp Blatter under suspension saddened him, the organisers of the triple World Cup winner’s trip to India said he would not take any questions on the game’s apex body. But Pele said he had no intention to head FIFA. “No, I don’t have any intention to be president of FIFA,” he said. The 74-year-old was a part of

LEGEND’S BACKING: Football legend Pele, former Indian cricketer Saurav Ganguly and Atletico de Kolkata owner Sanjiv Goenka holding the jersey of team during a programme in Kolkata on Monday. – PTI

‘Maradona more complete footballer’ KOLKATA: Soccer legend Pele rated Argentinean Diego Maradona as a more complete footballer than Lionel Messi. “It is normal that after one generation of good players, then the next generation is not the same. The exception is Brazil. But unfortunately now we have a problem there. Now almost all the Brazilian players play in Europe.

the Brazilian World Cup winning sides of 1958, 1962 and 1970 and exuded conﬁdence he would have achieved the same level of success playing in the modern era. “Modern day football is tough, but yes I would have still achieved the same feat that I had so many years back. Footballers are born. God gave me the gift to play football,” he said. Pele, considered the most complete footballer the game has ever seen, conceded that his legendary teammates too contributed to his success. “When I started playing football at 17, there was a buzz in Brazil

“To have one good player you need to have a team. Nobody plays alone, you need to have some good players in your side. So to set up a team it’s very difficult. When you talk about Brazil, we produce the best players. The best players playing now in Europe are form Brazil. Unfortunately for us it’s not too good,” said Pele, replying to a question by Bengali ac-

surrounding me, everybody said “look at this player”. “But then I had some great teammates too in the form of Garrincha, Didi and Vava. Later I have played with the likes of Zico. When I was with New York Cosmos, I played with the likes of Franz Beckenbauer and Giorgio Chinaglia. I did not play alone, there was someone who always played beside and with me,” Pele recalled. The Brazilian also said he was very disappointed with Brazil’s World Cup campaign in 2014 where they lost 1-7 to Germany in the semiﬁnals. “We have some of the best play-

tor Prasenjit Chatterjee about nurturing young talents during a chat show here. Former Indian soccer skipper and current MP Prasun Banerjee asked Pele to compare the two Argentines greats — Maradona and Messi. “Both are very good players. But the way I see football, Maradona was more complete than Messi,” he said. - IANS

ers in Brazil but unfortunately we did not have much time to prepare the team before the World Cup. You have to have the players together for a longer time to prepare better but that wasn’t possible. Now a days players managers decide for them if they would be playing for the country or the club,” he said. “Presently we have a lot of problems in different positions of the ﬁeld.” Pele also named former England footballer Bobby Moore as the best he has ever seen. “People don’t take much notice of defenders. To me the best was Bobby Moore. But over the last ten years without a doubt it is Messi.” - IANS

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RUGBY WORLD CUP

France plot another famous upset of the All Blacks CARDIFF: France are never as dangerous as when they have their backs against the wall and with a Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against New Zealand looming they should be in their favourite position. Les Bleus were humbled 24-9 by Ireland in their final Pool D game, a dismal performance which cast serious doubts over their ability to beat the All Blacks as they famously did in the 1999 and 2007 tournaments. “We have no time to think about the defeat (against Ireland), we enter another competition, it’s the knockout phase now. We will prepare with enthusiasm and appetite,” coach Philippe Saint-Andre told a news conference on Monday. “Our players are built for this, it’s a very long competition. It’s a different competition,” he said. “They have this experience from the French domestic league.” France beat the All Blacks 2018 in the 2007 quarterfinals in Cardiff, eight years after coming from behind to secure a spectacular 43-31 semifinal victory against all the odds. They have, however, lost their last nine tests against the world champions. “We don’t play the All Blacks, we play New Zealand,” Saint-Andre said. “We represent France

and they represent New Zealand. The history of the World Cup says everything can happen. When you’re French it’s not good when you’re favourite.” Saint-Andre was asked how previous achievements against the All Blacks could inspire France and he admitted that a few good memories would not be enough to beat New Zealand who cantered through the pool phase. “(Captain) Thierry Dusautoir can talk about it (the 2007 quarter-final win) but we will need other ingredients,” he said. “New Zealand will go into this game with a lot of confidence, we’re going to prepare in order to disrupt that confidence.” France struggled against Ireland in their first big test of the tournament, lacking ideas and dominated by the Irish forwards at the breakdown. “We’ll need more anger on the rucks,” Saint-Andre said. “The rucks are about technique but it’s also a matter of determination.” The key for France, however, might just be to relax in the hope of rediscovering the flair that has traditionally made them such an unpredictable team. “If we don’t rebel this week, we’ll never rebel. We must prepare like a commando unit. We must not think, we must just play rugby,” Saint-Andre said. - Reuters

IRELAND FLANKER

O’Mahony’s Cup over CARDIFF: Ireland ﬂanker Peter O’Mahony has been ruled out of the rest of the Rugby World Cup and replaced by Leinster’s Rhys Ruddock, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) said on Monday. O’Mahony was one of three key players injured in the 24-9 pooltopping win over France on Sunday. Ireland coach Joe Schmidt said that he suspected captain Paul O’Connell had played his last international after injuring his hamstring but the Six Nations champions are more upbeat on ﬂyhalf Johnny Sexton’s damaged groin. “Paul is in hospital awaiting a scan. Johnny suffered a groin injury and is awaiting a scan but we’re hopeful,” the IRFU said on Twitter. Ireland, who avoided any serious injuries before centre Jared Payne was sent home with a fractured foot on Saturday, lost O’Mahony in the second half of the hugely physical test when

his foot stuck in the grass and he twisted his knee. Schmidt, who was initially hopeful that the injury looked the least serious of the three, could face further backrow problems for the quarterﬁnal against Argentina if Sean O’Brien is cited for striking France’s Pascal Pape in the stomach. Ford and Gray cited Meanwhile, Scotland forwards Ross Ford and Jonny Gray have been cited for alleged foul play during Saturday’s 36-33 victory against Samoa that sent them into the quarterﬁnals. The hearing will take place on Tuesday, World Rugby said in a statement. It also said Australia forward David Pocock had received a Citing Commissioner Warning for an incident with Wales’ Scott Baldwin in Saturday’s Pool A decider. - Reuters

RUGBY

Jokers no longer, Japan bow out with heads held high GLOUCESTER: Japan narrowly failed to reach the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals but their performances lit up the tournament and put the country firmly on the rugby map. Their stunning 34-32 upset win over South Africa sent shockwaves around the sporting world and the Japanese became the first team to exit the World Cup after winning three group games. “Let’s be honest, before this tournament Japan were one of the joke teams,” coach Eddie Jones told reporters. “Teams would put out their B team against them and win by 80-90 points. To come here and win three out of four games is a super effort from the team.” Australian Jones is stepping down as coach after three years in charge. “I’m tired,” he said after the 28-18 win over the US on Sunday.

“I want everything today to be about the team, not about my last game. The players deserve all the credit, they were absolutely fantastic today,” Jones added. “We were probably 15-20 percent off our best today, but we kept plugging away and to win a game like that when you’re not at your best shows how we have grown up.” The victory over South Africa, sealed with a last-gasp try, ensured Japan were the neutrals’ favourite team for the rest of the tournament. “It was interesting coming in on the bus, and the fans on the side of the road with Japanese ﬂags, and most of them didn’t look like Japanese people,” Jones said. “What a wonderful thing for the team to achieve that.” Television viewing ﬁgures in Japan soared after the South Africa

game and the country is hosting the 2019 World Cup, the ﬁrst time the tournament will be held in Asia. “Maybe there was 30 million people in Japan watching this game,”

Jones said. “That’s the whole of the Australian population plus the kangaroos, and New Zealand and all the sheep. Now that’s not bad.” Jones said Japan captain Mi-

chael Leitch and his team mates were heroes. “Now out of that 30 million people there are kids that want to be the new Michael Leitch,” he said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for Japan. These guys are heroes now. They’ve changed the whole image of Japanese rugby. When kids have heroes, they want to emulate them and that’s what sport can do.” Jones played down speculation linking him with the England coaching job if Stuart Lancaster leaves the role following the hosts’ first-round exit from the World Cup. “I’ve had the great honour of coaching the Wallabies to a World Cup final, and Japan to three wins from four here. It’s not a difficult job,” Jones said. “A difficult job is getting up in the morning and doing the garbage run, or tending to wheat in the field. This is an honour and a privilege. “If anyone comes knocking on my doors, it’s polite to answer and that’s all I’ve said.” - Reuters

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LIFESTYLE

T U ES DAY, O CTO B ER 1 3, 2 0 1 5

Dining WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

SCURRY FOR THESE CURRIES Indian curries are known for their versatility. While in the North and Eastern part of India they are rich and creamy, laden with spices, in the southern region they are mostly coconut based. Find out what makes curries from India so special.

BY PA L L AV I N I G A M PHOTOS ALI JANI

TUE S DAY, OCTOBER 13, 2 015

LIFESTYLE TAWA MURG (SEMI DRY RICH CHICKEN CURRY) Tawa murg is part of the Central Indian cuisine in which the chicken is marinated in yoghurt, cream, and freshly ground masala. It is then simmered in an array of whole spices till tender.

LEHSUNI MURG (CHICKEN COOKED IN CREAMY GARLICKY CURRY) On a flavour scale, lehsuni murg would score an easy ten. Lehsuni murgh is from Northern India, representing its rich and colourful cultures. For this, chicken is first marinated and then chargrilled in tandoor (clay oven) for that lovely earthy flavour. Then it is added to a tomato gravy for the fresh, tangy taste.

Ingredients • 6 chicken pieces For the marinade: • 3tsp garam masala • 1 cup hung yoghurt • 2tbsp cream • 1tbsp ginger-garlic paste For the garam masala • 2 small sticks cinnamon • 7-8 peppercorns • 1/2 tsp cumin • 6-7 green cardamom • 2 brown cardamom • 4-5 cloves • 1 bay leaf For the main preparation • 1tbsp oil • 2 onion, chopped • 1tsp ginger-garlic paste • 3 dried red chilli • 2tbsp coriander leaves

Ingredients • 500g, boneless chicken For the marinade • 4 garlic cloves • 1/2 cm ginger • 1 green chilli • 4tbsp full fat yoghurt • 2tbsp gram ﬂour (besan) • 1tsp coriander powder • 1 tsp cinnamon powder • 2 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder • 1tsp cumin powder • Saffron a pinch For the gravy • 2 tbsp butter • 1/2cm ginger grated • 1tsp cumin seeds • 2-3 green cardamoms • 1 stick cinnamon • 2-3 cloves • 1 chopped white onion • 1tsp Kasuri methi • 3 heaped tsp tomato puree • 1tsp Kashmiri chilli powder • 1tsp coriander powder • 2 cups double cream • 1tbsp fresh coriander chopped • 1tsp honey

Preparation • For the garam masala powder heat a pan, dry roast the whole spices, then grind it till ﬁne powder. • Marinate the chicken with freshly ground garam masala powder, cream, yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, and salt. • Heat oil in a pan. Then add dried red chilli, ginger-garlic paste, and chopped onion. Sauté till golden brown. • Add the marinated chicken, season it, add 1/2 cup of water and place the lid on. Simmer till tender.

Preparation • Make a paste of garlic, ginger and green chilli and add rest of the ingredients and mix well. Marinade is ready. Now add chicken to it. Mix well, and marinate for minimum half an hour. • Skewer it and place it inside the oven in the high heat under grill for at least 20-25 minutes. Keep basting with oil every 10 minutes. Your chicken is ready. Now time for the gravy • Heat butter in a pan. Add ginger, cumin seeds, green cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and Kasuri methi to it. Let them crackle. • Now add onion to it till it gets soft. Then add tomato puree, Kashmiri chilli powder and coriander powder to it. Mix well. • Add double cream, fresh coriander, lime juice, honey, add chicken to it and let it get boiled. Adjust the seasoning. Your lehsuni murg is ready. • Serve with Indian ﬂat bread Naan and pickled onion.

CHETTINAD SPICED CHICKEN CURRY If you like your chicken curry, hot and spicy, then you must try Chettinad chicken curry. This cuisine belongs to the state of Tamil Nadu, located in the Southern part of India. Chettinad cuisine is one of the spiciest and the most aromatic in India. It is famous as it uses variety of spices and is especially suitable for non-vegetarian food items. The dishes are hot and pungent with freshly ground masalas, and topped with a boiled egg, which is usually considered an essential part of the meal. Most of the dishes are eaten with rice or rice based accompaniments such as dosa. Ingredients • 500g chicken • 75ml oil • 2 cinnamon sticks • 2 green cardamoms • 2 cloves • 1tsp cumin • 150g onion, chopped • 1tbsp curry leaves • 100g tomatoes, chopped • 1tsp turmeric powder • Salt • Few coriander leaves. For the Chettinad paste • 100g onion • 50g ginger • 50g garlic • 50g fennel seeds • 20g cumin seeds • 25g peppercorns • 10 red chillies • 100g coconut

Pallavi Nigam

Pallavi Nigam completed her culinary education at ICIF in Italy and worked as a chef for Grand Hyatt, Mumbai. She is now based in Muscat where she writes recipes and takes cooking classes. PHOTOGRAPHY: ALI JANI

Contact her: pallavi_nigam@hotmail.com twitter @pallavizza pallavizza.com

Preparation • Grind the ingredients for paste in a blender till smooth. • Clean the chicken, marinate with the Chettinad paste. • Heat oil in a pan and then add cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and cumin. • Then add onion and curry leaves. Sauté till onions are golden. Then add tomatoes. • Add the marinated chicken, turmeric powder and salt. • Sauté for 10 minutes, then cover with 1/2 cup of water. Put a lid on, cook till chicken is tender. • Serve topped with boiled egg.

KITCHEN CALAMITIES

Mash to perfection Mashed potatoes might seem very simple to make but if not done properly it could ruin the dish and can turn lumpy. Here’s how to do it the right way

1 Use potatoes that are all purpose or starchy as they can be mashed to perfection.

sor to mash the potatoes. Use of such machines will spoil the thick consistency of the potatoes.

2 Cut them into equal-sized chunks or else some will be cooked more while others will remain undercooked. To check that it has been cooked well insert a knife and pass through the potato.

4 While adding butter and cream ensure that they are not cold but at room temperature as it would mix well with the potatoes. To balance the consistency add milk but do not add water.

3 Use hand blenders or mashers instead of heavy duty food proces-

5 Check the seasoning and proportion of salt. Season your mashed

potatoes and adjust the salt levels. 6 While reheating mashed potatoes do not dry them. Add little more warm cream or butter while heating on simmer.

Struggling with a kitchen calamity of your own? Want advice? Share your horror stories and your cooking tips with swati@timesofoman.com

T UE SDAY, O CTO BER 13, 2015

LIFESTYLE

Feast Fritters T

• Goli Baje, south Indian sweet pakoda, at Swagath Hotel, behind Ruwi Police Station, Ruwi +968 2478 1666

BLACK-EYED PEA FRITTERS These fritters from Africa known as akara, are commonly prepared at home for breakfast, for snacks, or as an appetiser or side dish. They are also fast-food, sold by vendors on the street, in marketplaces, and at bus stations. This same recipe, with a very similar name, is also known in the Caribbean. Akara take at least an entire day to prepare, in order to allow the black-eyed peas to soak and the batter to rest. Ingredients • Two to three cups dried cowpeas (black-eyed peas) or similar

BY S WAT I DA S G U P TA

Get It Right • Fry them in enough oil because they tend to sink to the bottom when slipped into the oil. • Always serve them hot and the texture of the batter should be of right consistency. It must be thick enough to be a perfect coating but should not be too thick so that the vegetable, ﬁsh or chicken pieces do not get cooked from inside. • For sweet fritters, especially the ones made out of fruits, adding of more sugar in the batter would burn the fritter coating. So one should sprinkle sugar on top after it is fried for added sweetness.

• One onion, ﬁnely chopped • One-half teaspoon salt • Hot chilli pepper, and/or sweet green pepper or sweet red pepper, ﬁnely chopped (to taste) • Cayenne pepper or red pepper (to taste) • One-half teaspoon fresh ginger root, peeled and minced (or a few pinches of powdered ginger) (optional) • Peanut oil, palm oil, or vegetable oil for frying Preparation • Clean the black-eyed peas in running water. Soak them in water for at least a few hours or overnight. After soaking

them, rub them together between your hands to remove the skins. Rinse to wash away the skins and any other debris. Drain them in a colander. • Crush, grind, or mash the black-eyed peas into a thick paste. Add enough water to form a smooth, thick paste of a batter that will cling to a spoon. Add all other ingredients (except oil). Some people allow the batter to stand for a few hours (overnight in the refrigerator); doing so improves the ﬂavour. • Heat oil in a deep skillet. Beat the batter with a wire whisk or wooden spoon for a few minutes. Make fritters by scooping up a spoon full of batter

and using another spoon to quickly push it into the hot oil. Deep fry the fritters until they are golden brown. Turn them frequently while frying. (If the fritters fall apart in the oil, stir in a beaten egg, some cornmeal or crushed breadcrumbs.) • Serve with an African Hot Sauce or salt, as a snack, an appetiser, or a side dish. Variation: Add half cup of ﬁnely chopped leftover cooked meat to the batter before frying; or add a similar amount of dried shrimp or prawns. From the Congo Cookbook by Ed Gibbson

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK

• Bread pakodas at Zaika Delhi Ka in MBD +968 2481 7746

Wazwan Spreads Aroma in Kashmir

hose who have grown up in India and have lived the monsoon season with a hot cup of tea or coffee along with a plate full of crispy pakodas, must have amassed million memories of this combination over the years. Call them pakodas or bhajias, these fried delights have always been the favourite snacks on a rainy day. Apart from the ones made at home, in India fritters are a popular street food where the narrow lanes of any old city are filled with the aroma of fried pakodas. You can watch them dunk the batter-coated pieces right in front of you in huge woks filled with piping hot oil and in minutes you get to savour the freshly made crispy fritters. Here in Oman, while seasonal rains are rare, the occasional downpours do set in the mood for a hot plate of fritters, which certainly tastes better and special under the cloudy skies, which of course is a rare thing. While here there aren’t any live counters making these, the small coffee shops in Muscat sell a vast assortment of fried snacks throughout the year, irrespective of the weather and the season. As soon as the sun sets, these small outlets buzz with activities as people visit the shops for their evening tea along with these lip smacking snacks. While onion and banana fritters are common in these places, you are actually spoilt for choice when it comes to the varieties. Be it the succulent pieces of chicken pakodas wrapped in gram flour batter or stuffed ones like chilli and potato, you can feast on fritters if you chose to give your diet a ditch. Bread them or dip them in batter, shape into croquettes or patties, fritters can be made in many ways and they are irresistible in any form. Whether sweet or savoury, these deepfried cakes can be made of vegetables, fish, chicken, and even fruits like banana, pineapple, apple chunks, and more. Fritters are hot favourite in many parts of the world and I realised that while on a trip to Bali in Indonesia a year ago. Though Bali is not known to be a culinary destination, there are some very authentic delicious Balinese foods that one can savour there and bakwan jagung or corn fritters are one of them. You can feast on them at any family owned street shop called warung. While bulgur-kibbeh and falafel are very popular in the Middle East, Tempura from Japan has gained in popularity worldwide. In UK while, apple and zucchini fritters are common, corn and whitebait fritters are a speciality in Australia and New Zealand. In Burma, a-kyaw or gourd fritter is a hot favourite. In short whichever part of the world we go these fried bites are relished in many variations. So let’s forage for fritters. swati@timesofoman.com Fritters in Town • Prawn pakodas at Mughlai Zaika in Wattayah +968 2456 6044

FOOD NOTE

As the marriage season peaks in Kashmir, India, this autumn, the traditional Kashmiri Wazwan cuisine is being savoured at marriage parties with gusto these days. Traditional local chefs, called Wazas, who specialise in cooking this extended, predominantly mutton-based feast, are in high demand. “It is in fact the availability of the Waza that determines the marriage schedule in Srinagar city these days,” Bashir Ahmad, 54, who had to defer his son’s marriage by a fortnight because the chef of his choice was engaged somewhere else, told. “As the children of traditional Wazas take to other professions, there are just a few families who still earn their livelihood by cooking the Wazwan during marriage ceremonies,” Ahmad added. Ghulam Nabi, 52, is president of the local Wazas union and has been moving from one marriage venue to another these days supervising his team of over a dozen junior chefs who assist him in cooking the feast. There are more than a dozen mutton dishes, besides vegetables and cheese-based dishes that are served as part of the Wazwan. At a marriage feast, four people sit around a large nickelplated copper plate which is laid before them on a neat white cloth or dastarkhan. When these copper plates, called tramis, are laid before the guests, who normally number between 50 to 100 at the groom’s reception party, the flavour of the highly spicy Wazwan fills the air. On the top of carefully cooked rice are laid two large chickens, while two deep fried ribs or tabak maaz, two kababs, a large single piece of lamb mutton or dani phol, small pieces of lamb viscera cooked with thick gravy called methi maaz decorate the two sides of the trami. These are just the starters for the extended Wazwan that follows. Wearing newly tailored white clothes the Waza brings in other dishes one after the other and pours them on to each trami. Balls of minced mutton with spicy red gravy called ristas are followed by rogan josh, mirchi korma, Aab gosht and lahabi kababs - and finally large balls of minced mutton cooked in curds and spices called the gustaba. The serving of the gustaba is the formal announcement by the Waza that the feast has finally come to an end. Other dishes like cheese, queen’s apple, spinach and mutton, apricots and shami kababs are also part of the extended marriage feast. Pulaw made of special quality basmati rice is also served to the guests. -IANS

TUE S DAY, OCTOBER 13, 2 015

C10

FIND-IT-ALL

PRAYER TIMINGS

@SHATTI

@MGM

@SOHAR

@RUWI

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68. www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI The Martian (3D) (Action, Sci-Fi) – PG Cast : Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain 8.45, 11.30 PM The Martian (2D) (Action, Sci-Fi) – PG 6.00 PM Legend (Biography, Crime, Thriller) – 12+ Cast Tom Hardy, Emily Browning, 3.15, 9.00, 11,45 PM Jazbaa (Action / Drama ) – 12+ Cast: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Irrfan Khan 9.15 PM Pan (3D) (Adventure, Family, Fantasy) – PG Cast: Hugh Jackman, Levi Miller, Jimmy Vee 2.30, 4.15, 7.00 PM Black Mass (Biography, Crime, Drama) – 12+ Cast: Johnny Depp, Benedict Cumberbatch 4.30 PM Singh is Bling (Action / Comedy ) – PG12 Cast Akshay Kumar, Amy Jackson, Lara Dutta 11.45 PM Hotel Transylvania 2 (3D) (Animation) – PG Cast: Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, Nick 2.30 PM The Walk (3D) (Adventure, Drama) – PG Cast: Charlotte Le Bon, Ben Kingsley 6.30 PM MUSCAT GRAND MALL Pan 3D (Adventure | Family | Fantasy ) (PG) 10:00AM, 12:00 & 4:15PM Gold Class: 1:15PM & 6:15PM The Martian 3D (Action| Adventure) PG 10:45AM, 1:30, 9:15 & 11:55PM Gold Class: 3:30, 8:30 & 11:15PM Jazbaa 2D (| Action |Drama ) 12+ 9:15PM Legend 2D (Biography| Crime | Thriller TBC Cast: Tom Hardy, Emily Browning, Christopher 6:30 & 11:45PM The Walk 3D (Adventure | Biography) (PG)

Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, 7:00PM Singh Is Bling 2D (Action |Comedy) 2:00PM Etiquette for Mistresses 2D (Tagalog) Cast: Kris Aquino, Claudine Barretto (TBC) 4:45PM

2:30, 4:30, 7:15 PM Jazbaa – 2D (12+) Drama, Action, Adventure Cast – Aishwarya Rai Bacchan, Irrfan Khan, Shabana Azmi 2:15, 6:30, 8:45, 11:00 PM Jamna Payri – 2D (PG) Comedy Cast – Kunchacko Boban, Roja, Gayathri 9:15 PM Rudramadevi – 2D (TBC) Historical/Action/ Cast: Anushka Shetty, Allu Arjun, Rana Daggabutti 2:45, 8:00 PM

AZAIBA The Walk – 3D (PG) Adventure, Biography, Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Charlotte Le Bon, 5:45 PM Talvar – 2D (PG12) Murder, Mystry, Thriller Cast: Irrfan Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma 11:00 PM Puli – 2D (12+) Action, Adventure Cast: Vijay, Sridevi, Shruti Haasan 4:30 PM Singh Is Bling - 2D (PG12) Action, Comedy Cast: Akshay Kumar, Amy Jackson, Kay 3:00, 11:30 PM The Martian – 3D (PG) Action, Adventure, Cast: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, 5:30, 8:00, 10:45 PM Pan – 3D (PG) Adventure, Family, Fantasy Cast: Levi Miller, Hugh Jackman

THE MARTIAN - 3D (PG) (Action, Sci-Fi) Cast: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig

Jazbaa (Action / Drama ) – 12+ Cast : Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Irrfan Khan, Shabana Azmi, Chandan Roy Sanyal Timing: 3.30, 9.30 PM

Legend : 2D (Biography| Crime | Thriller TBC Cast : Tom Hardy, Emily Browning, Christopher Timing: 6:30 & 11:45PM

Timings : 2:00, 6:35, 9:10, 11:45 PM

6.45 PM Screen 3 Talvar (Mystery/Thriller) – PG12 Cast: Irrfan Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Tabu, 3.45, 6.45, 9.45 PM SOHAR Black Mass - 2D (12+)Crime |Drama Cast : Johnny Depp, Benedict Cumberbatch 11:30 PM Singh Is Bling - 2D (PG12) Action |Comedy 10:45 PM Talvar - 2D (PG12) Murder |Mystery |Thriller 4:30 PM Cast : Irrfan Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma Puli - 2D (T) (PG12)Action |Adventure Cast : Vijay, Sridevi, Shruti Haasan 5:00 PM The Martian - 3D (PG) Action, Adventure, Cast : Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen 2:00, 6:35, 9:10, 11:45 PM The Martian - 2D (PG) Action, Adventure, Cast : Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen 4:45 PM Pan - 3D (PG) Adventure, Family, Fantasy 2:45, 4:35, 7:30 PM Jazbaa - 2D (12+) Drama, Action & Adventure

RUWI Screen 1 Jazbaa (Action / Drama ) – 12+ Cast : Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Irrfan Khan 3.30, 9.30 PM Singh Is Bling (Action / Comedy ) PG12 Cast: Akshay Kumar, Amy Jackson, Lara Dutta 6.30 PM Screen 2 Singh Is Bling (Action / Comedy ) – PG12 3.45, 9.45 PM Jawani Phir Nahi Aani (Comedy) – 12+ Cast: Humayun Saeed, Javed Sheikh

2:15, 7:00, 9:30 PM Legend - 2D (12+) Biography| Crime | Thriller Cast : Tom Hardy, Emily Browning, Taron 2:30, 11:45 PM Jamna Pyari - 2D (M)(PG) Comedy Cast : Kunchacko Boban, Roja, Gayathri 9:15 PM Rudramadevi - 2D (Telugu)(TBC) Historical Cast: Anushka Shetty, Allu Arjun, Rana 7:45 PM BURAIMI The Martian– 3D (Action) (PG) 6:45, 9:15, 11:45PM Pan – 3D (Adventure, Family, Fantasy) (PG) Cast: Levi Miller, Hugh Jackman, Garrett 4:45, 7:15PM Legend – 2D (Biography, Crime, Thriller) (12+) Cast: Tom Hardy, Emily Browning, Taron 7:00, 11:30PM Jazbaa – 2D (Drama, Action & Adventure) (12+) 5:00, 9:15PM Jamna Pyari – 2D (Comedy) (PG) Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Roja, Gayathri, 9:30PM Singh is Bling– 2D (Action/Comedy) (PG) 4.30, 11:45PM

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

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

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Nizwa Yanqul

Nizwa Al Araqi

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

07:00

Ruwi

10:25

Daily

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

34 29

GOVIND E. C. October 13, 2007

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

Fahud Yibal

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Daily Daily

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

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

Rudramadevi (Telugu) (Act/Thrill) Cast: Anushka Shetty, Allu Arun & Rana Dagubati 3-30, 6-30 At Cinema Main & 9.45 Pm Cinema 3 Jamna Pyari (Mal) (Com/Rom) Cast: Kunchako Boban, Roja, Gayatri & Anu Moi 3-45 & 6-45 PM At Cinema 3; 9-30 pm at Cinema Main Pulli (Tamil) (Act) Cast: Vijay & Shruthi Hassan 3-30, 6.30 & 9-30 Pm at Cinema-2 Kunji Ramayanam (Hindi) (Drama/Com) Cast: Vineeth Srinivasan, Aju Verghese & Srinda 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 Pm At Cinema-4 Rudramadevi (Telugu) (Act/Com) Cast: Anushka Shetty, Allu Arun & Rana Dagubati 3-00, 6-30 & 10-00 Pm At Cinema Main Next Change: Life of Josutty (Mal), Rudramadevi (Tamil), The Fighter (Telugu) Programmes are subject to change

ANNIKA RAJ October 13, 2006

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

35-80%

SRI VARSHA October 13, 2001 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

LISTINGS

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence 24569603 Directorate General of Customs 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries 24510228 Public Relations Admin 24560099 EMBASSIES IN OMAN

Daily Daily Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

07:00

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

10:45 19:00

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

Ruwi Ruwi

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100) Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

06:00 14:30

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) Sur Sur

STAR CINEMA

Minimum

ROYAL OMAN POLICE 07:30 14:30

The Martian (3D) (PG) (Action, Sci-Fi) 11:00AM, 3:45, 9:00, 11:45PM The Martian (2D) (PG) (Action/Sci-Fi) 12:45PM Pan (3D) (PG) (Adventure/Family/Fantasy) Cast: Levi Miller, Hugh Jackman, Garrett 10:00AM, 1:45, 2:10, 4:10PM The Stranger (2D) (12+) (Mystery/Horror) Cast: Lorenza Izzo, Ariel Levy, Aaron Burns 5:00PM Cooties (2D)(15) (Horror/Comedy) Cast: Elijah Wood, Rainn Wilson, Alison Pill 3:15PM Jazbaa (2D)(12+) (Drama/Action/Adventure) Cast: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Irrfan Khan, 12:00, 9:15PM Jamna Pyari (2D) (PG) (Mal)(Comedy) 9:35 PM Rudramadevi (2D) (PG12)( Telugu) (Action) 6:15PM Legend (2D) (12+) (Biography/Crime/Thriller) 6:30, 11:35PM Singh Is Bling (2D) (PG12) (Action/Romance) 10:15AM, 11:50PM Puli (2D) (PG12) (Tamil) (Action/Adventure) Cast: Vijay, Sridevi, Shruti Haasan 6:45PM

Black Mass ( Biography,/ Crime/ Drama) Cast: Johnny Depp, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dakota Johnson 5.45 pm CP No: 2645 (12+) Pan (Adventure/Family/Fantasy) Cast: Hugh Jackman, Levi Miller, Jimmy Vee 3.45, 8.00, 10.00 & 11.55 pm CP No: 2759 ( PG ) The Stranger ( Drama/Horror/Mystery) Cast: Lorenza Izzo, Ariel Levi, Cristobal Tappia Montt 2.00, 6.00, 10.00 & 11.55 pm CP No: 2758 (12+) Cooties (Action /Comedy/Horror) Cast: Elijah Wood, Allison Pill, Rain Wilson 2.00, 4.00 & 8.00 pm CP No : 2760 ( 15+)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 20:50

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

WEATHER

15:00 15:00 15:00

16:30 18:00 19:30

BAHJA CINEMA

Pan (3D) (Adventure | Family | Fantasy) (PG) 4:30 PM Martin (3D) (Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi) (PG) 4:45, 6:30, 11:45 PM Jazbaa (Hindi) (Action | Drama) (12+) 7:15, 9:30 PM Singh Is Bling (Hindi) (Action) (PG12) 11:15 PM Jamna Pyari (Mal) (Comedy (PG) Cast: Kunchako Boban, Roja, Gaythri 9:00 PM

WITH LOVE

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

SUR

SALALAH Pan (3D) (Adventure, Family, Fantasy) – PG Cast: Hugh Jackman, Levi Miller, Jimmy Vee Timing: 2.30, 4.15, 7.00 PM

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) Destination

11.58pm 3.19pm 5.49pm 6.59pm 4.48am

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

CINEMA SCHEDULE

Dept time

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

Daily Daily Daily

Afghanistan Algeria Bahrain Bangladesh Brazil Brunei China Cyprus Egypt France Germany India Indonesia Iran Iraq Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya South Korea Kuwait

24698 791/4 24605 593 24 605 074/133 24 698 660 24640100 24 603533 24 696782 24 699815 24 600 982/411 24681 800 24835000 24684500 2469 1050 24 696 944/7 24603642 24693727 24 601 028 24692760/1/3 24 692418 24 697664 24 691490 24 699628

Lebanon Libya Malaysia Morocco Nepal Netherlands Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tunisia Turkey UAE United Kingdom United States Yemen

24 693208 24603466 24698329/643 24696152/3 24696177 24603706 24603439 24601312 24605335 24 691 153/2/4 24602894 24601705 24694139 24697977 24647300 24691101 24697841/2 24697875 24603267 24697904 24601 174 24 602684/5 24603486 24697050/1/2 24400000 24609000 24643400 24600815

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi Salalah Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya Muscat, A Seeb Market Muscat, Al Khuwair Muscat, Al Hail South Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi 24563641 Azaiba 24499269 Sohar 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Hamdan Hospital 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC 22004000 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

T UESDAY, O CTO BER 13, 2015

C11

LIFESTYLE OW KN UR O Y ICE SP

Brunch at Beach Pavilion Beach Pavilion brings back the famed Friday

CINNAMON What’s It? Cinnamon like other spices is found in almost all kitchen stores. These reddish, aromatic spices are dried bark of Cinnamomum evergreen trees and found in different varieties.

Buying and Storing Like all other spices cinnamon should be kept in an airtight container and stored in a cool, dark place. Its shelf life is almost a year and should be discarded after it. Do not freeze it.

History In earlier times while Romans used cinnamon to make beverages, the Arabs used them to ﬂavour their tea. It was also used to marinate meat or add to bread and pudding in other regions. In short it was a highly prized spice among the ancient nations.

BRIEF

Sanjeev Kapoor to Open Restaurant in Canada Popular Indian chef and entrepreneur Sanjeev Kapoor will be launching his ﬁrst eatery at Brampton, in Canada, in November, the official website of the restaurant said. Located at Queen Street in Brampton, in Southern Ontario, the Khazana restaurant is set for a two-day grand launch from November 2. It offers an opportunity to dine in luxury and has four exclusive dining spaces for hosting events. “The focus of Khazana is enhanced hospitality and operational excellence. The cuisine is chef-inspired Indian food, with a contemporary dining environment,” the restaurant’s website said. “Our goal at Khazana is to enhance the dining experience of families and young professionals and offer Indian dining experience in a luxurious ambience,” it added. - IANS

Culinary Uses Cinnamon is known for its myriad uses. While in some parts of the world it is an important ingredient for sweets, in other parts of the world, the flavouring is considered essential for savoury dishes. In India it is one of the ingredients for garam masala. Chinese fivespice powder has cinnamon, and the distinctive flavour of cinnamon is also used in lamb. In Mexico, it is used for everything from sauces to hot chocolate. While cooking with cinnamon one must remember to use in right proportion as its strong smell could overpower the dish.

Brunch at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel Friday Brunch at Beach Pavilion returns to Al Bustan Palace, a RitzCarlton Hotel, with an extra swig of chic. In partnership with Veuve Clicquot, the popular Friday brunch at the luxury Oman hotel invites guests to relish a premium gastronomic experience in a beautiful and trendy atmosphere, complete with views of the sparkling sea of Oman and a brisk beachside setting. The only beachside brunch in the Sultanate, the Friday Brunch is renowned for its fresh seafood offering, which patrons can relish with their feet in the sand and the sound of the waves breaking in the backdrop. Beach Pavilion tastefully blends a family setting with a memorable dining experience for guests of all ages. Children can delight in a variety of food stations and enjoy freshly-pressed chilled lemonade whilst parents take a breather and enjoy the ambience and delicious food on offer including oysters, freshly made sushi and sashimi, gravlax, smoked trout, crab, clams, and mussels. The brunch also features a Kid’s Corner for tots to have fun and take full advantage of the seaside setting. Overseen by Chef Bryce Carter, the Friday Brunch includes a delectable offering of fresh appetisers brought to that table to start off the meal, complemented by an extravagant buffet of freshly baked breads, an extravagant salad display and a selection of refreshing cold mezza. Bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to Muscat, the Arabic counter will feature traditional Ar-

abic dishes such as roasted leg of lamb along with lighter fare like couscous with coriander and golden raisins. The barbecue pits located on the green lawns of the picturesque beachfront restaurant will serve up a succulent selection of meats and seafood including local specialties, Omani lobster and Omani prawns, in addition to rib eye, lamb chops, chicken skewers, and beef tenderloin. Other stations feature a spread of global cuisine, including a selection of cheeses and tapas showcasing diverse ﬂavours. Guests can cap the culinary journey on sweet note with a tantalising selection of treats created by pastry chef Amar Roy and which includes meltin-your-mouth macaroons as well as pralines, truffles, and eclairs as well as fruit sushi. And for those who wish to indulge and extend the afternoon, the team of expert bartenders will offer a Sundown Experience to remember, with inviting cocktail creations and special offers from 5pm to 7pm every Friday and Saturday. The brunch venue will also be livened up with a live DJ performing throughout the Friday Brunch, creating fun yet chic atmosphere in the heart of Muscat. For families or a group of friends looking for a weekend break, the Friday Brunch can be combined with the Palatial Day experience. The Palatial Day experience includes Lagoon room with private terrace as well as access to the pool and other hotel facilities for OMR90 + taxes. lifestyle@timesofoman.com

C1 2

TUE S DAY, OCTOBER 13, 2 015

LIFESTYLE

While cooking dried beans soaked overnight is the regular way, canned beans make a good alternative and can be included in several recipes. Here are some of them.

ING ONE RED IEN T

FIVE

WAY S

Mash canned kidney beans in a bowl and spread on a whole grain wrap. Add cilantro, sliced onion, carrot, and cabbage. Roll the wrap. Alternatively you can spread it on a pizza crust, sprinkle cheese, and bake or microwave.

Sauté onion and garlic. Add chopped broccoli, sliced eggplant, peppers, and oregano. Add canned beans, chopped tomatoes and 1tbsp vinegar. Serve with brown rice.

Mash black beans. Add onion, corn ﬂour, crushed, and thinly chopped garlic. Form into patties and sauté it.

Blend canned red kidney beans, yoghurt, chopped onion, vinegar, chilli powder, and ground cumin. Use it as a dip.

5 Put lemon juice, oil, onion, and a sprinkling of salt and pepper in a large bowl and whisk until well combined. If you’ve just cooked the beans or grains, add them to the dressing while they are still hot. Toss gently until the beans or grains are coated, adding more oil or lemon juice if you like.

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M T U E S DAY, O C T O B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

VACANCY

FOR RENT Showrooms/ Offices at prime location on the main road, near Police Station, Al Seeb. Suitable for Travels, Money Exchange and Textile shops etc.

CONTACT - 99888007

CARGO

T U E S D AY, O C T O B E R 1 3 , 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classiﬁeds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE FOR RENT

Workers’ campus, shops, workshops, stores in a building in Al Misfah, Wilayat Bausher. Contact 98918090 One /two, B/R, Res / comm. ﬂats near Bank Muscat Bausher from owner directly . Contact: 92158031

First ﬂoor ﬂat in new building and pent house, each 3 bedrooms servant room, laundry and 5 toilets very spacious halls and family lounges Al Khuwair 39.# 99207840 / 24494243

2 BHK available Ghubra near Al Maha hotel. Contact: 99269751 Furnished room for rent at Al Khuwair R.O 225/- for family only. Contact: 99251975

Bedroom ground floor apartment with sitting, 2 baths, big richen close to Indian School near to Mars hypermarket Wadi Kabir. Contact: 98011224 Brand new deluxe flats located near Seeb fly over on the right hand side of the main road coming from the Seeb palace roundabout, two bedrooms family, hall, kitchen, 3 toilets, balcony & split unit AC. Contact: 97755586

1000 sq mtrs industrial land in Ghala suitable for ware house, work shop etc. Contact : 24700120 / 92584715

1BHK , 3BHK ﬂats at Wadi Al Kabir new building with split unit and lift behind Muscat Bakery. Contact: 99338133

We have 1BHK in Mabela 7 new buildings 175/- R.O. Contact: 93782735 / 93329476

3 rooms, Majlis, living room, kitchen, 4 toilets & swimming pool in Amerat Heights (phase one). Contact: 99277377 Villa in Al Khuwair 17 /2 for rent, near Ibis hotel, 2 spacious bedrooms, spacious hall, Maid room front yard , private entrance kitchen and 3 bathrooms. Contact: 97056443 Um Obelah 5/1 just walking distance from the Nesto hypermarket and opposite the new pullman mall, 2 bedrooms with two toilets and seating area on 4th ﬂoor. only 250 omani rial. Contact 99203381

200 sqm basement available for rent in AL Khuwair near Rawasco. Contact: 93782735 / 93329476

We have 3BHK villa fully furnished in Ghubra 18th November street 650/- R.O. Contact : 93782735 / 93329476 Flat for rent, 3 bedrooms, kitchen & bathroom in wadi kabir for 280 RO. Contact : 97771444 3 BHK Penthouse Flat with Split A/ Cs, Free Unlimited Broadband WiFi, Security access system, Pvt. Terrace & Secured car park, Opposite Kims Hospital Al Falaj, Monthly Rent: 625/-. Contact: 99657906 or 24702141 1BHK Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99024730

We have 2 BHK in Ghubra 18th November street 2 rooms, 3 bathrooms, large sitting, hall& Kitchen 325/- O.R. Contact : 93782735 / 93329476

We have 3BHK villa near Grand Mosque villa with 3 rooms, sitting hall, majlis & car parking 700/- O.R. Contact : 93782735 / 93329476

Flat 3 mint from Indian School, 2 BHK, living room, 3 bathrooms without A/c, Ground ﬂoor family only 340/-R.O. Contact 92479515

We have shops for rent in Ghala & Ghubra. Contact : 93782735 / 93329476

We have 2 BHK ﬂat in Al Khuwair new Rawasco brand new building 325/- O.R. # 93782735 / 93329476

Staff accommodation / 2 storey full building available for rent in Rusayl, near Industrial area. Contact: 99352441 / 98116480 / 99358724

We have 100 sqm for rent in Ghala new building 350/- R.O. Contact 93782735 / 93329476

We have small building for rent in Bousher, 4 studio & 1 shop building commercial & residence can be used for family, bachelors or store 750/O.R. contact : 93782735 / 93329476

2 bed room ﬂat at Al Khodh commercial Street Souq. Contact : 99224748 / 99332297

We have 3BHK ﬂats in Ghala new building ﬂat with 3 rooms, 4 bathrooms, large sitting hall& kitchen 425/-. Contact: 93782735 / 93329476

Flat AL Ghubrah near 18 Nov ST, bedroom, living room, 2 bathrooms, ﬁrst ﬂoor without ac family only 325/- R.O. Contact: 92479515

1& 2 BHK C.B.D. Contact: 99024730 Duplex ﬂat Al Athaiba, near Sultan Center 3BHK, 3 Bathrooms, hall & living room family only 500/-R.O. Contact: 92479515 Flat available for rent, 2 bedrooms, hall, 2 toilets, 1 kitchen and balcony with proper sun light & ventilator, location on Mabela North very close to Indian School Al Seeb. Contact: 99432496

Flats and shops for rent in Ruwi, MBD Mumtaz area. Contact : 97293708 / 92433127 House for rent in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99379950 / 92925173

Villa Al Amerat behind Al Raffah Hospital 5BHK, living room, hall, 6 bathrooms, split ac family only 425 R.O. Contact : 92479515

A high quality apartment for rent with AC, 3 bedrooms at Wadi Kabir. Contact 99875677

2 BHK ﬂats with split units in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99720021

Studio ﬂat at Al Khuwair. Contact: 99024730

Flat Al Khuwair near Bader AL Samaa, 2 BHK living room, 2 bathrooms, Kitchen split ac family only 350 R.O. Contact 92479515

2 ﬂats with air-conditions in Al Bustan each ﬂat has 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, family hall, kitchen, store laundry. Contact: 98919037

New Building in Mutrah, 2 B/D Room Flat + Setting Room,3 Baths+ Kitchen with split unit Ac’s. Behind Khimiji’s main office/opposite to Oman House Call 99419712 1,2,3 BHK Flats. Contact: 97799175 1& 2 BHK Ghala with A/C new building. Contact 99024730 2bed room villa in Sidab, 2 Bedroom villa in Wadi Kabeer. Contact : 95755953 / 95555162 Brand new residential ﬂats in Wadi Kabir near Muscat football club, have 2 bedroom family hall, 2 toilets, Kitchen with spilt AC for 250/- R.O. Contact: 95999904 / 98585889 / 92383886 Villa for rent four spacious bath attached bed room private swimming pool gymnasium (common) with electrical equipment and free maintenance secured compound at Madinat Al Allam. Contact: 98027975 Office for rent in CBD. Contact : 92820734 / 95345909 Villa for rent in Wadi Kabeer. Contact: 95562646 / 99059333 1BHK Mumtaz R.O 250/-. Contact: 97799175

T U E S DAY, O C T O B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

FOR RENT 1BHK Commercial M.B.D R.O 280/-. Contact: 97799175 Two ﬂoor villa, 5 toilets, kitchen, and 2 sitting rooms in Mabela South. Contact: 99357404 2BHK Wadi Kabir RO 300/Contact: 97799175 1& 2 BHK Darsait. Contact: 97799175 2BHK Ghubra R.O 350/-. Contact: 97799175 2 BHK Commercial Al Khuwair R.O 375/-. Contact : 97799175 1BHK Ghubra R.O 275/-. Contact : 97799175 Furnished ﬂat for rent, 3 rooms with attached bathroom, 1 dining room, 1 sitting room, 1 kitchen at Al Hail South. Contact 99835995 For rent a full office building of 3100 sq mtrs opposite to Central Bank in CBD (Ruwi) for R.O 4 per Sq mtrs. Contact: 95330200 2BHK Qurum. Contact: 99024730

FOR SALE A well running Pharmacy at prime location for immediate sale. Contact 92548672 / 99627621 / 99516236 Attention to wholesalers, retailers & manufacturers. We can Sell/Buy your dead stock. Contact : 99742983, 95226989 An Amazing excellent residential land for sale in Barka at Al Muraysi attached to road open from 3 sides and surrounded by houses & shops. Ready for construction to build twin villa good investment in Barka 677 SQM, price RO 21000/-. Contact: 91010668 Bunk Bed with a large study table and plenty of storage space. Purchased from IKEA. Can be ﬂat packed for transportation. RO 75. Pictures can be shared on whatsapp. Call – 99226485 Split A/C -2, Window A/C- 25, Iron cot- 120, cupboard - 130, water cooler - 2, Gas big - 2, small-3 , Grinder-1 , Chapatti tava-1 , stove-2, kitchen equipment etc . Contact: 99328223

1BHK Azaiba. Contact: 99024730

Office for sale in Ruwi Chamber Oman. Contact : 94241385 / 97244766

600 SQT commercial ﬂat for rent opposite Oman ﬂourmill Darsait more details. Contact 91214849/ 99364735

Excellent running building materials shop cum Showroom and store for sale in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 98871548 / 93412622

1 room, 2 rooms, 3 rooms with all supplements including water electricity and sewage. Also we provide the following services free 1plumber, electrician for any failed center for garbage on price call on Farahat 98020768 , Hilal 96541263

Homegym with cross trainer for sale. Contact 95367937

Contact - 91135930

Industrial land Wadi Kabeer 3470 sqr mtrs with warehouse + office + labor accommodation price 900,000 R.O . Contact : 99792181 / 99473751

Sale of Scrap/Used Oﬃce / Residential Items

New flats for rent At Darsait near to Ministry of Sports, Mumtaz area the flats includes1 living room, 2 bedrooms, Kitchen, 3 toilets, every rooms with split A/C, high quality finishing, rent RO 340 /-. Contact: 00968 92225523

Used furniture and steel racks at Daiso showroom in Ruwi for immediate sale. Contact 93411561 / 93991322 (Mr. Naveen)

Fully furnished 2 BHK apartments available at Bareeq Al Shatti. Contact 92888063 1, 2 BHK in Azaiba. Contact: 99385835 / 99428143 2BHK flats & shops available for rent at Honda road in a brand new building (dish & split A/C provided in flats). Contact: 91165807 / 92976611 Flat for rent in Wadi Kabir near Indian Primary School 2B and 1k. Contact : 92222922 1BHK flats available for rent in CBD area. Contact: 98116480 1bedroom attached, toilet & kitchen in AL Khuwair R.O 140/-. Contact: 95154331 3BHK , 3bathrooms , 2balconys NRAL Hassan W/ Kabir R.O 320/-. Contact: 99384640 1 & 2 bedroom flats available for rent in wadi-kabir (opp: pencil bldg), ideal for company staff / families bulk corporate deal possible. Contact: 97677170

Ice Cream & juices shop Ruwi good location for sale suitable for beauty parlor also. Contact: 92150455 Fast food style well furnished coffee shop for sale in new Salalah. Contact: 91121215 / 97484825 Ready coffee shop for sale or rent available in Al Khuwair near Rawasco Golden chance. Contact: 93782735 /93329476 Port cabin and Wooden pallets new, used and renovated porta cabin Wooden & steel sandwich panel Wooden pallets and packing for marble packing available. Contact no. + 968 99318152 Tel. +968 24458759 Email: ahastco@gmail.com Comm. & Res land in the heart of Ruwi 2400 sq mtr for sale. Contact : 91155779 Comm. & Res land in Darsait, opp. Pakistani School, 900 sq mtr for sale. Contact: 91155779 Used Fabrication machinery for sale : Fabrication machinery and tools in excellent condition for immediate sale. Contact 94652485/ 99273774/ 99202278 Comm. & res. land for investment for 25 years in Ghala heights. Contact: 91155779

Running furniture showroom for urgent sale. Ladies beauty parlor sale at Muttrah.

Used Electronics & Furniture (Oﬃce/Residential) and used Scrap Electronics & Furniture (Oﬃce/ Residential) are available in bulk for sale, “in as is where is condition”, at Al Amerat. Interested parties may please contact 99876015 for site visit and to submit the quotation on or before 15th October 15.

NRI 3BHK+Puja Room, East Facing, 1549 Sq Ft, Independent Floor, Ansal Palam Vihar, Gurgaon, Contact:99381769 Architect designed 5000 Square feet exquisite Villa in 16 cents of land at a scenic location on Aakkulam Road, Ulloor, Trivandrum for sale. Contact +968 95372011 Brand new 2 BHK furnished apartment (1225 sq feet) at Indiranagar (Kodihalli), Bangalore for sale. Please contact: 00968 95210474

FOR SALE Comm. & Res land in Ghala heights 400 sq mtr for sale. Contact: 91155779 Shop for sale or rent at Ruwi City. Contact: 99103077 For sale land in Amerat 3000 Sq.mt with petrol pump permission. Contact 99323957 / 92702891

ACC. AVAILABLE Single room for Executive bachelor with attached toilet & bath, for rent including water & electricity in Ruwi. Contact: 99327158 Sharing accommodation for family or bachelors near Indian school Ghubra. Contact : 99836676 / 99056701

SITUATION WANTM.V. FOR SALE Honda Civic 97, manual. Contact 99045803

GOOD NEWS

Room available with kitchen from ﬁrst November 2015 onwards at Rex Road near Golden Oryx Restaurant. Contact: 99768952

Studio ﬂat MBD Ruwi. Contact : 95698714 Independent rooms in Qurum / Al Hail. Contact 95529970 Room for Rent Alkhuwair - Behind Al Aktham Restaurant. 120 RO. With elec. and water.For executive bachelors only. Contact : 98803261 Flat for rent available in CBD near Costa Coffee. Mobile no.92820734

GOOD OFFER for ladies: (Golden facial Golden bleach, Haircut-10 RO. Only) this offer started from 10th October to 10th November. Contact 99619409, Hattat Modern Parlour

AVAILABLE

1 BHK available at Al khud in Baskin Robbins building. R.O.200. Contact: 97261418, 94194876, 99478492 Single room attached bath S/ kitchen at Mumtaz area. Contact: 95212017 / 96916398

FOR LADIES

Genuine Ayurvedic treatments & massage, Ayurvedic clinic at Al Khuwair. Contact: 24478618 / 97263637 / 93309131 FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 99250777, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit:www.islamfact.com

Private room with toilet near Qurum park incl. W& E, monthly RO 220/-. Contact Hassan 99349990

Ayurvedic Treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage, steam bath, obesity, spondylitis , IDEAL CARE Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street, Azaiba Contact: 99639695 / 98342990

Accommodation available for indian executive bachelor’s (no kitchen).RO:125 including water and electricity Contact no. .. 98145825, 98949724

Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

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

LOST Varsha Devi Mekala has lost Indian Passport No. K 6094574 Finder please handover to ROP. Mohammad Mostafaa has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. A 044699. Finder please handover to ROP. Uttam Kumar Das has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AA 7709621. Finder please handover to ROP. Leelavathi Paido has lost Indian Passport No. H 2275637. Finder please handover to ROP

T U E S D AY, O C T O B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classiﬁeds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE Urgently required a

DOMESTIC COOK Of Asian origin to work at my residence with a very good experience and knowledge of preparation of Asian, Chinese & Continental food. Remuneration for this service is commensurate with experience.

Candidate meeting the above requirements call at 99880712

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED

Urgent Requirement

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

SALES LADY 1. Two years experience in sales. 2. NOC is must.

vacancy299@gmail.com Multinational Group is looking for a

Applications are invited for the post of

Gynaecologist, Pediatrician, General Practitioners (Male & Female), Insurance Coordinators, Sales & Marketing Representatives, Sales & Marketing Director and Receptionist.

FINANCE MANAGER For their corporate oﬃce. Ideal candidate should have 7-10 years experience in handling Banking & Treasury functions, feasibility studies. Ex Bankers shall be preferred

Walk in interviews for these posts will be held at our head oﬃce, building no 404, 18 th November Street, Opposite Baskin Robins, Al Athaiba on 18/October/2015 between 10:00 Am to 5 pm. Interested candidates can also send resume to athirababylon@gmail.com,

Please apply with a detailed CV to - recruitin15@gmail.com

info@babylonmedicalcentre.com. For more information call 24613069.

Urgently required HR Manager Omani National: Minimum 2 years experience good command over English & Arabic. Should be capable of handling Administration, all type of correspondence & routine office works independently, and good skill in MS-Office is must. Interested candidates may send in their CVs to Fax # 24600217 or email on: starmail@omantel.net.om

ACCOUNTANT An Omani construction co. located at Muscat looking for an expert Accountant with minimum ﬁve yrs. experience with wide knowledge of using tally and other software and GCC driving license. Send C.V to kwk585@gmail.com Required Accountant present in Oman. Not for candidates on visit. Contact: 99454425 Wanted Accountant. Contact: 94007259 Email: smylackal@gmail.com Required ACCOUNTS OFFICER to ensure accurate processing of revenue data into ERP systems and invoicing module. Posting of invoices to customer SAP portal and delivery to customer offices and interface with Country Manager / Reporting to Regional CFO. Qualiﬁcations : BSc Accounting. Relevant experience and knowledge on Online Accounting Systems especially the customer SAP system. SUBMIT CV to : me-job@interwell.com

CATERING A ﬁberglass products manifesting company required experienced South Indian Cook. Interested candidates. Please email CV to alhosnif@gmail.com or call on 99871101 Chinese/ Arab/ Continental Cook & helper wanted. Contact 95529970

DOMESTIC HELP Urgently required a full time Indian Housemaid to work in Sharqiya - for an Omani family (local recruits preferred) please contact : 95164139, between 8 am – 5 pm Looking for an Mangalorean Konkani speaking Housemaid for Mangalorean family to look after baby at Wadi Kabir. Contact 96449951 / 95147107

DRIVER Urgently requires Heavy Duty Driver with valid Oman driving license and electrical foreman (Diploma holder with 6 years over head line experience. Fax: 24814699 , Email: info@sajgloblllc.com GSM : 93210740 Required light driver. Not for candidates on visit. Contact: 99454425 Urgently Require good English speaking Omani drivers. Contact: 92870992 Required Indian driver with Omani driving license and experience to work in house. Contact : 96255558 Driver with Oman driving licence needed. Visa available. Contact 94288863

Finance Manager, 15 yrs Gulf experience in trading & contracting companies in Oman looking for placement. Contact 96947652

(send CV with current picture) Email:

Walk-In Interview on 18/10/2015

ADMIN/ HR

Sr. Accountant M.Com (ﬁnance) 15 years experience (2 years in Oman) with a reputed ﬁrm, NOC available. Contact: 92404608 Email: jin_75@rediffmail.com

For Jewellery Showroom

DRAUGHTSMAN Wanted a Autocad Draftsman fulltime or part time Contact 98963963 BY SMS

EDUCATION Required English Teachers (native speaker), candidates for teaching should have minimum bachelor degree and having experience not less than 3 years. Please submit your CV through email till 15th of October 2015 for more information please Contact: 24498423. Email: info@omrantraining.com Post Graduate researcher required. Contact 99229700

ENGINEER/TECH/MECH A signage company looking urgently for Mechanical Engineer with 3 years experience in internal and external signboards. Candidate with knowledge of estimation / BOQ, AutoCAD 2d /3d Sales experience, will be preferred. Pls send CV to rdawwad2@gmail.com Required hydraulic Mechanic with experience in Trucks & Heavy machinery. Contact : 99454425 Reputed electrical contracting company requires an Oman experienced, capable “Electrical Contracts Manager”. Ideal candidates should have relevant market experience & connections. Contact 94400671/ 91272871 Urgently required a Indian Diploma Civil Engineer with 1-2 years of experience and should valid G.C.C driving license. Email: smtcoman@gmail.com

URGENTLY REQUIRED GYM Instructor (Lady), Waitress (Lady), Carpenter (Male), Painter (Male) For a reputed four star hotel 2 Years of Experience in the same field Please send cv at hoteljbs@gmail.com Fax -24593277

SALES / MARKETING Required Sales Executive with corrugated cartons manufacturing background. Minimum 3+ years experience. Omani D/L is a must. Please send CV to this email: corrugatedpackagingoman@gmail.com Sales & Marketing Executive for travel and tourism. Contact: 92890506 Software development and Sales company in Oman, looking for a male / female, Marketing / Sales Executive with Oman driving license. Please send the CV to hr@ozoneunited.com A trading company in Muscat requires Sales Executive with minimum 1 yr experience & Oman driving license & welding machine / electronics / power tools technician with min. 1 year experience. Email: jobs.trading2015@gmail.com Sales Co-Ordinator Required Urgently – Any Graduate with 1-2 years experience in DTP work with good knowledge of MS Office and Internet, Age: 21-28 years can apply to careers@teejanequipment.com Looking for 3+years Exp in Insurance for Insurance Broker, Barka. Email : lizjoseph27@gmail.com

Accountant Indian male Charted Accountant and bachelor in Commerce having 3.5 years experience in Auditing presently in Muscat and seeking for suitable position. Contact: 91656202 Email: sanoopvarghese90@gmail.com Accountant Indian male 32 years B.Com 5 Plus years experience in Oman, seeking suitable placement. Contact: 94410485 / 98008164 10+ yrs UAE experienced Fin. Controller looking for job change. Contact: 98006226 Indian male 22 years B.Com done tally ERP-9 Accounting and Inventory, looking for suitable position. Contact: 96067602 Email: saif24293@gmail.com Accountant with 3 yrs exp in Oman having driving license and Noc. Contact: 91307632 MBA (F&M) experience 1.3 year. Contact: 97445488 Email: abinbabygeorge@gamil.com Part Time Accounting, Accounts Finalization, Audit Preparation, Internal Audit, Accounting System for New Companies, Contact: 96975454, email : ibfc.gcc@gmail.com Sri Lankan Male Accountant, Age 26, BBA Spl, CA Inter, Having more than 5 years’ Experience in accounting field seeking for Suitable Placement NOC Available Contact: 97250638 msmnaja@gmail.com Sr. Accountant (finance) 14 yrs Gulf experience in trading & contracting, valid UAE driving license (visit visa) looking for suitable placement. Contact: 98110814 / 99055679 Indian male with B.Com, MBA finance & marketing 14 yrs exp seeking suitable placement. Contact : 0091 8697292219, Email : rejesh.nair@gmail.com Indian male 8 years experience having B.Com and MBA ready to work in HR customer service, Admin banking & related field. Contact : 97436890 / 96939803. Email: girimub@gmail.com Indian lady, bachelor degree in Preparatory Programme (BPP) and Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), completed training course in MS Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook from KTI looking for full time / part time job opportunity in Oman. Contact 92437568, 96795853, Email: linda_navs@yahoo.com

SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE ACCOUNTANT, Indian male 28 years, 6 plus years of GCC experience, presently working in Oman as an Accountant, seeking for a suitable job position, NOC available, Contact: 95089869 E-Mail: anuchunda@gmail.com

Indian female graduate ﬂuent in English/Arabic(work purpose) with 5+ experience in Admin, Logistics and 2 years in Insurance handling, looking for suitable opportunity. Contact 93221054, email: nurinabhavania@ymail.com

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT, Indian male having 7 years experience as functional ﬁnance head, presently working in Muscat as Asst. Finance Manager seeking for a suitable position. NOC available, Contact 9178 9950 / Email: igneshmlazar@gmail.com

10 years Gulf & 4 years Oman experience in HR / Admin & logistics ﬂuent in Arabic / English with D/L looking for suitable position. Contact: 95824598

CIMP qualified Accountant 5 yrs exp immediately joining with NOC. Contact: 95522109 Indian male, 8 yrs experience in Oman looking for any suitable vacancy Accountant / Asst. Accountant/ Office Admin local release available. Contact 98492752 Email: atiquehazique@rediffmail.com Indian male MBA finance with 3 years experience in Accounts, Admin, HR, on visit visa. Contact: 91520930 Indian male, 8 yrs experience in Oman looking for any suitable vacancy Accountant / Asst. Accountant / Office Admin local release available. Contact: 98492752 Email: atiquehazique@rediffmail.com Finance Manager, 12 years experience in leading Construction and manufacturing companies (9 years in Oman) have strategic vision and proven leadership ability. B.Com, CPA- USA & modern accounting certificate from “AUC”. “NOC” in hand. Contact: 97220505

MANAGER/SUP Urgent required Supervisor for Interior decoration with Oman experience. Contact : 95766844

MEDICAL Required Pharmacist or Asst Pharmacist in a locum basis for one month period in capital area from 15th Oct 2015to 15th Nov 2015. Contact : 99372860 / 99008379 Wanted a female Nurse for a dental clinic in capital area. Contact:-99855050 Immediate Opening for laboratory technician. Should have MOH license to work in medical centre in capital area. Excellent Package, Accomodation will be offered. Contact 99340135 Required Nurse for a clinic in Al Buraimi S.O. Oman. Contact: 00968 92737149 CV to drpkabbas@yahoo.co.in Medical care center, Multispecialty clinic, Seeb requires General Practitioner, medical lab technician & pharmacist. Mail CV to sarita_h23@yahoo.com or Call - 97884856 Looking for quality assurance / Supply Chain Lead. 25-35 years old with good communication skills, with experience related to food processing or food service minimum of 5 yrs. experience. Please send CV’s to: admin-dept@daud.om

A leading trading Group is looking for Outdoor Sales Coordinator with driving license & release / NOC. Email CV to alhajoil@omantel.net. om or fax: 24701683 Wanted Sales man (experienced in transporting etc). Contact: 94007259 Email: smylackal@gmail.com Primedia International is looking for experienced Sales Executives having strong background of digital and print media. Send your Cv’s at SihamHalloubi@primedia-oman. com or contact on 97002356 Urgent required Sales Manager for Advertising company with Oman experience & driving license. Contact: 95766844 Required experienced Sales / Marketing Executives having light license. Send your CV ocean@omantel.net.om

SEC/OFFICE Sir Lankan Secretary with experience in recruitment ﬁeld. Contact: 92809528

SECRETARIAL Office Assistant required in trading company male and female 25 to 35 years old with good communication skills, conﬁdence, smart and computer skills. Visa provided. Send your CV to vacancy807@gmail.com

*Classiﬁed Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

Accountant, Indian Male, 15 Years experience (8 Years in Oman with Driving License & NOC) Seeks suitable placement, Contact 94117616, 91238272 praveen78oman@gmail.com Male, business Graduate having an experience of 10 years in the field of banking & finance, administration , currently employed at EPC Contracting Company as Finance & Admin manager is looking for a suitable position, NOC available can join within 2 weeks. Contact : 93235690 Chief Accountant, 12 years of Oman experienced looking for suitable placement. Contact: 99513082 SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, with 13yrs experience, 6 yrs Oman in manufacturing, trading & contracting Cos, capable of handling all accounting, finance, banking, L/C, import, export & finalization seeks placement. NOC Available. Call+968-98932752, mail:jjohnmuscat@hotmail.com Finance Manager, 13 years experience B.Com, MBA, CMA (currently). Contact: 92243552 Finance Manager 26 years experience (22 years Oman) with NOC. Contact: 91335205 / 91302906 Part time Accountant accounts finalization auditing. Contact: 98157999 Indian male 25 years MBA finance having 4 years experience in accounts looking for suitable placement presently on visit visa. Contact: 95291085 Email: atharali9849@gmail.com

ADMIN

CA (Ind) & CPA (Aus) qualified Indian male with more than 20 years experience (12 years in Oman) in senior positions, currently on visit, seeks immediate and suitable position in a dynamic organization. Contact : 93910095 Email: reji.thomas07@gmail.com 20 yrs exp in non Banking finance co in Oman as Branch Manager, credit analyst, risk, Debt Collect, BR- operations, documentation, etc with valid D/L now on visit. Contact: 99055123 Part time accounting works up to finalization on monthly basis. Contact: 96247295 Accountant with 8 years experience in Oman with D/L & NOC , seeking suitable placement. Contact: 92994825. Email: sanuchithranjali@gmail.com Indian female 28 years M.Com, Accountant having 6 years experience in Accounts, finalization, Tally currently on visit visa. Contact : 95595083 Email: merlinfernandes16@yahoo.in Part time accountant, senior accountant, doing all type of accounting works, up to finalization. contact.95254864 Part time Accountant, up to finalization, looking for job after 5 pm (location prefer – MSQ to AL Hail). Contact: 95694737 ACCA finalist, Recent B.Com Graduate, Indian female, looking for full time employment in Accounting and Audit. +968 96964379, sangeethaumesh5@gmail.com

Indian, male having 8 years in purchase and admin furnishing / metal scrap on visit visa, available to join Immediately if selected – Contact 00968- 96675184, 97704828 Indian Female MBA, 3 years experience in Admin MIS, family Visa. Contact 98234427, jkjsmith01@gmail.com Indian 17 yrs experience in Admin and have knowledge in Accounting seeks job. Have driving license and release. Contact : 99573353

ARCHITECT Senior Architect, Indian male 15yrs exp. having DL& NOC, Looking for suitable position. Contact: 97239313 Email: abdul_muq2000@yahoo.co.uk

DRAUGHTSMAN Draughtsman Civil with AutoCAD. Contact 97105408 Autocad D/man Exp in Arch , Interior , knows 3D, Photoshop Ph : 93837973 Male 15 years exp FMCG in Oman with D/L and know all part of Oman looking for management post. Contact: 00968 96147152 Draftsman , Autocad , exp in Architecture, Interior drawings, Ph 93837973 Indian male 28 yrs, Master degree in Computer Application and CCNA certiﬁed, 2 years exp in Oman looking for suitable placement. Contact: 93295112 Email: syedsadathali.mca@gmail.com Indian male looking for job in AutoCAD and 3DMX Draughtsman 4 years with experience, 25, available for immediate placement. Contact: 98665963 / 92529312

DOMESTIC HELP Indian House maid looking for job. Contact: 91834383

DESIGNER Interior designer, advanced diploma interior, 3dmax maya coreldraw, photoshop. Contact : 93837973 Interior designer with 6 years exp 3D design MEP architectural with sound knowledge in AutoCAD Sketch up with VRAY, 3D Max looking for suitable position. Contact: 96789770 Email: sachinratnan@gmail.com

DRIVER Pakistani male light vehicle driver looking for job. Contact: 96474528 Driver with car. Contact :91452930

T U E S DAY, O C T O B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED

DRIVER Light driver looking job exp. 4 years. Contact: 94208089 11 years experience as Driver in Embassy, looking for suitable placement. Contact: 92191698 20 years experience Driver D/L in Oman, seeks suitable job. Contact : 99775728 Light driver for job 5 yrs exp. Contact: 92171166

Indian female, 30 yrs, Interior Designer

Contact 98499975, Email : swasdesigner@gmail.com

Electrical Engineer (B.E) with 5 years experience (3 yrs in Gulf) NOC available. Contact: 92119851 Email: mayurdevadiga@gmail.com

Pakistani driver seeks for job, holding license of Oman exp in driving in Oman 6 years. Contact : 92604918

Resident Engineer B.E civil 25 years exp 12 yrs in Architecture consultancy having Oman Dubai D/L NOC available. Contact: 95732453 Email: milindj951@gmail.com

Driver. Contact: 95084826

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

Civil Engineer, Indian male 29, having 7 years exp in construction ﬁeld& Auto Cad in Oman. Having valid driving license. Fluent in English & Arabic. Looking for suitable job in reputed ﬁrm. Contact - 99650569 Indian male, 26 yrs, B. Tech Computer Science, 4 years experience as System and Network Engineer looking for suitable job. Contact : 93125669 Email: amritrajgt18@gmail.com

Omani Mechanical Engineer with 2years Experiences looking for new opportunity . Contact:95993315, alrus7idisaif@gmail.com

B. Tech Bio Tech. Experience in food & water industry, expert in chemical & microbiological labs Ph : 92940218

Electrical Engineer, B.Tech, with 8 years GCC experience (5 years in Oman) in MEP & Oil/gas construction/Inspections side with NOC, is seeking new assignments in Oman. Has attested degree certiﬁcate and Oman D/L. Contact No.96083636, Email:tobineasow@gmail.com

Electrical Engineer Indian male 2.5Years Of experience Looking for suitable Job. Contact:91845173 Email:er.joshidhaval@gmail.com

Quantity Surveyor: 11 years Experience (8 years Gulf & 3 years India)NOC & DL Available, Contact 99806801 / 95899345, Mail:asmani1984@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer experienced from India & Singapore is looking for job in QA/QC welding inspection. Contact: 96518095 Building Site Supervisor with Omani D/L since Mar 2010 in Oman looking for suitable placement. Contact: 93061107 Project Engineer (Electrical) 5 years experience in Oman primary substations + OHL, oil & gas, AutoCAD design driving license. NOC available. Contact: 93210528 / 99410588 Civil Engineer, having 8 years experience in field, 5 years in Oman & 3 years in EV with valid Oman driving license. Contact: 96534115 B.Tech Software Engineer nearly 2 yrs Engineer nearly 2 yrs experience seeking job in Oman, currently on visit visa. Contact: 95184451 B.Sc Electronics (course completed) and holder at A+ Grade in mobile phone technology & computer hardware and Network Engineering looking for suitable job in mobile servicing / software and hardware servicing / sales man. Contact: Binu .B.G. 93607271 Indian B.E Electronics Communication Engineer available in Muscat on visit visa 3+ years experience in automation system. Contact: 97439738 Civil Engineer with 8 yrs exp in construction field & all related work, having Oman driving license & NOC. Contact: 97613084 B.Tech Elec., Engineer, 8 yrs exp in Oman valid D/L. Contact : 91456023 4 years experience Electrical Engineer electrical primary substations UG cables and OHL, fluent in English and Arabic. Contact: 91204243 Electrical Engineer 4 years experience oil and gas electrical substation water project fluent in Arabic and English primavera p6 operator. Contact: 99525856

HOSPITALITY

Centre Manager for Training Institute/ In House Training Manager Ministry approved Manager, With 18 years of exp in Oman with proven records. Excellent contacts for major training & Omanisation projects. Seeking for challenging positions in reputed organizations. NOC available,

Contact - 92406488 Mail: ttrg.mgr.oman@gmail.com

Bangladeshi male driver, 48 yrs, exp 14 years, 9 years need job & visa, got release letter. Contact: 99165961

12 years experience light duty driver with car. Contact: 96467373

Contact - 97203531

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

Light driver for job 1yr exp. Contact: 95582571

Indian driver 13 yrs exp. looking for fulltime or part time jobs. Contact: 91103909

Qualification MBA PMP six sigma (GB) Countries exposure Canada & Middle East, Industry any (experienced in bank, telecom, transport. Nationality-Canadian. On visit in Oman.

Bachelor degree with 5 yrs working experience seeking suitable placement in Oman.

Indian diploma Civil Eng, 2 yrs Infrastructure Projects (4G, Towers, substation) landscaping & Auto CAD. Contact: 94756183 Email: indianexpat1@gmail.com

Indian male light vehicle driver, 10 yrs GCC exp looking for job. Contact : 93060050

Project/ Program Manager/ Finance professional

Indian Electrical & Electronics Engineer + MBA (29 years) having 7 years experience (2 years in Gulf) & having valid international driving license, seeks suitable placement. Contact Ajay Haridas (00971528254782) B.Sc. Civil Engineer having 3 years experience (2 years in Oman) with construction companies seeking suitable placement. Contact: 97409350 Email: kamrul07cuet@yahoo.com

Civil Engineer, Indian M 29 5yrs exp. having DL & NOC Looking for suitable position. Contact: 94576233 Email: suhailmullah@gmail.com

Experience MBA (Hospital Management) looking for a suitable position. Contact: 95958597 Email: vipinpthomas28@gmail.com

Indian Mechanical Engineer, 30, having 8yrs of UAE Sales/Business Development. experience in Electromechanical and Irrigation sectors. Contact no- +971558763220 email id-sangowri@outlook.com

Civil Engineer B.Sc -6 years experience with constructions companies - 1 years in Oman - qualiﬁed as Site Engineer & Planning Engineer. Contact+968-94682217 Welder, 6G,3G, ARC, Gas , Fabrication well gulf experinced Ph : 95068064 Degree Civil Engg total 9 yrs experience, 7 yrs in Oman Construction Company with valid Oman driving license. Contact: 99721926 Email: tamircivil@gmail.com Civil Engineer degree, diploma, Staad pro, Auto CAD 18 months Indian exp seeks suitable opportunity. Contact: 93682529 Aeronautical Engineer Indian female 22 yrs, currently on family visa looking for suitable position in any air line / Engineering Industry. Contact: 91705598 Email: nikhimnoushad@gmail.com Engineer with 4 years Telecom experience in Oman, having Oman driving license looking for a suitable opportunity. Interested in marketing, NOC available. Contact : 98513495 SUPERVISOR: Indian male site supervisor (AIR CONDITIONING) 25 years of experience with valid Oman Driving lic Contact: 97498809, 93391910 Email: hilariankj@gmail.com Civil Engineer Pakistani 12+2 years Oman experience D/L required placement. Contact: 94392616

B.Sc Civil 9 years experience looking for suitable placement as a Residence Engineer having valid Omani D/L. Contact : 94431917 Email: gmssohel.ce@gmail.com

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

Indian male, MEP Manager, Diploma Electrical having 15 years experience in Oman looking for a suitable post in a reputed ﬁrm, NOC available. Contact : 99061823

Electrical Engineer Indian male 29 years, having 5 years of experience in industrial automation and utility maintenance in India (MRF Tyres), seeking suitable placement. Contact: 92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com

Mechatronics (Electrical, Mechanical) Engineer, 3 years of experience. Contact: 91234024 Email: ammar.r.elerris@gmail.com Pakistani DAE civil with experience in Oman 2 years also holding license of Oman seeks for job in Oman exp in SAMAQADA & STFA. Contact : 93542055 / 99053438 B. Tech, Engineer Civil exp total 12 yrs, Gulf exp 6 yrs, PDO exp 3yrs D/L Oman. Contact: 96242773 Diploma Civil Engineer 11 yrs experience (9 yrs building construction + 2 yrs O&G) with valid Oman D/L seeking suitable placement. Contact : 97669006 / 99142744 Email: shaﬁqueam@gmail.com Indian male, 23 Yrs, B-Tech – Electrical & Electronics, having 1 year of Work experience – looking for suitable placement. Currently in Oman on Visit; Contact 95830305. Bangladeshi female Project Engineer Civil having 5 years experience or construction site currently or visit visa looking a suitable position. Contact 91207329 Email: dipabangladesh@yahoo.com Male Project Engineer (Civil) 12 years experience Dubai + SA in construction & water supply ﬁeld with valid UAE D/L Currently on visit visa looking suitable position. Contact: 91206763 Email: delwar.civil.97@gmail.com

B.Tech Mechanical Engineer with MBA in marketing & HR 3 yrs exp seeking suitable placement. Contact :0091 9846568080 / 0091 4772702080, Email: jbabu4@gmail.com

Young Indian male 23 yrs, BE Electrical Engineer 1.4 years experience in India, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact: 93924395 Email: thomaspallathn19@gmail.com

M.Tech having 3 years experience in Mechanical Engineering department looking for any University to hire. Contact: 90150913 Email: rahmanmechengg@yahoo.in

Indian male, 26 yrs, 4 years experience diploma in Civil Engineering ﬁeld on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact: 95585564 Email: safvanullal6644@gmail.com

Btech computer science graduate 2015 passout.. Android application marketing.. Having good communication skills and mindset to work in a team. Contact 91024385 Indian 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 BE Electrical Engineer 8 years experience 4 years in Oman with Oman driving license. Contact 96942032 Civil Engineer (Diploma) 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 suitable 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 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

EDUCATION M. Com B. Ed Indian lady looking for suitable openings. Contact: 97668603

Network professional, with 6 years experience, CCNP and Bachelors degree on visit seeking suitable position. Contact: 96760618 / varghese.manthara@gmail.com 25 years old Indian male, BE, ECE,MCITP,MCSA,CCNA with 3.5 years experience in system and networking/IT support. Currently on visit visa, Looking for a suitable job. Contact no -98110873. Email: blessonvvarghese@hotmail.com Software Developer / Consultant Manager 7+ yrs Experience Mobile 92694166 Oracle ADF Developer, Msc (IT), 2 yrs of Experience in Software Development (Oracle ADF, sql, pl/sql), Oracle OCA & SQL Expert, Currently on visit visa. Contact +968 93755858 / 92141644 Email : shiralkarmuzammil@yahoo.com Computer & Network Engineering. 11 yrs experience looking for suitable job. Contact 92811179 Indian female (29), BCA, MCA, ASP. Net certification, SAP ABAP Certification, 2 yrs of experience, seeking placement, family visa. #99109121 Email: ashamaryphilip@gmail.com Indian male, M. Sc Electronics, Diploma in Network Engineering with 2 years experience including GCC experience in networking, IT support and server support. Computer hardware , MCITP and CCNA, MCITP certified , Having Saudi driving license, now in Muscat on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact : 96133981 , Email: obinkavumkal@gmail.com ME Electronics Engineer , 4 yr exp in hardware and software currently in Oman for visiting visa, Contact: 95508754, 97049791 Filipino male 29 Graduate of BS IT with GCC experience as Document Controller and Executive Secretary looking for employment. Contact: +968 93929569 NOC / Network Engineer, Indian male 27 years Indian having 5 years experience as NOC/ Network Engineer with CCNA certified seeks for suitable placement currently on visit visa. Contact 97663834 Indian male 28 yrs, Master degree in Computer Application and CCNA certified, 2 years exp in Oman looking for suitable placement. Contact: 93295112 Email: syedsadathali.mca@gmail.com Indian male B. Eng in IT CCNA, MCITP, RHCE 2 yrs + exp in IT support, Networking and Server Support seeking suitable placement in IT / Network / server support. Contact: 93311963 Email: sajal035@gmail.com Indian male 25 years MCA, CCNA Certified MCSE2012 having 16 months experience in network and system administration looking for suitable placement. #97703253 / 92365310 Email: albinmperakkattu@gmail.com

MEDICAL Indian female MDS Endodontics, 9.5 yrs experience recently cleared Oman prometric 84% looking for suitable placement. Contact: 95624156 / 97233074 MSc Nurse specialized in OBG, 3 years experience-certiﬁed ACLS, BLS, on visit visa, seeking suitable opportunities Contact: 90125347 Indian female B. Sc Nurse with 3 years experience prometric passed seeks suitable placement. #95782544 Indian female Bsc nurse with 3year experience prometric passed seeks suitable placement.# 95782544 Indian male Nurse, prometric passed seeks suitable placement. Contact 97284508I

MISCELLANEOUS BA Export Management, GCC, D/L 12 years Muscat experienced in purchase / commercial seeks any placement. Contact: 99775988

SALES / MARKETING Indian male 41 yrs Sales Coordinator 16 yrs experience owing valid Oman D/L. Contact: 93412622 BBA Keralite, male, 23 yrs, experienced in Automotive Sales & Admin on visit. Contact 94742679, Email: jafarj4@gmail.com Indian male, U.K Post Graduate M.A, MBA, 3 years Experience, looking position within Marketing, Branding, Business Development & PR. Contact: 91-8939165131 Email: greetings111@hotmail.com Indian female 2+ years of experience in marketing / Sales business development in Oman with D/L seeks suitable position. Contact: 98989784, Email: alamelusara@hotmail.com Male 24 years MBA Marketing B.Com 2 years experience in the field of sales, marketing, business development looking for suitable position presently in Muscat. Contact: 93268245 Email: gregjose1991@gmail.com MBA qualified sales and marketing candidate having an experience of 1 and half years available in Oman on visit visa seeks placement. Contact: 97436706 Email: anshusamue10001@gmail.com 11 years experience in Oman in office activities purchasing fleet coordinator hotel and transport management light driving license seeking suitable placement. Contact: 94133987

Maintenance foreman looking for suitable position in real estate or MEP work. Contact : 99526958

Indian male 21+ years Managerial experience in Oman in FMCG Industry seeking suitable placement with NOC can head any Business / working partner. Contact: 95264562

Indian male as building care taker, 8 yrs exp looking for job. Contact: 99716008

Experienced skilled candidate with driving license seeks position sales in Salalah. Contact: 98579382

Indian male 25 years, M.Sc Chemistry, 1 yr. experience in Quality Control and assurances done HACCP level 3 certiﬁcated course seeking job in suitable placement. Contact: 99185354 Email: alexbabu199@yahoo.com

Sales Executive experience in Oman 4 years, has driving license. Contact: 96039024

Indian female Diploma in Indian & foreign Accounting having 1 year experience in Oman seeking suitable placement. Contact: 95714285

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Indian HSE Manager, Grad IOSH & I Dip Nebosh aged 43 years with more than 20 years of experience working in reputed oil & Gas / construction at Oman seeking suitable HSE Position (Manager / Trainer / Advisor). NOC available. Contact: 97926801 Email: johnkjoseph630@yahoo.com Manager- Media & Advertising industry-15 yrs Gulf exp - seeks suitable opening- 93031168 Senior Project Manager approved by Ministries with 23 years experience (Oman) in buildings and infra structure available for placement. Contact: 99608299 Highly skilled Transport Manager Experienced in Oman & UAE, required for Reputed Mining Company Located at Sultanate of Oman. Contact: workatoman@gmail.com

PROJECTS Civil Engineer, Indian male, 25 years, B.Tech, have 3 years experience in building construction seeks suitable positions. 92609893, alenalexander123@gmail.com

Indian Marketing & Sales professional for telecom, hyper stores & FMCG with over 7 years Oman experience is seeking change / suitable placement. Contact: 99360975 Email: howru73@yahoo.com Indian worked as Sales Supervisor 7 years MNC now working as Marketing Manager from 8 yrs with visa D/L. Contact : 90205082 Indian male more than 8 years experience in outdoor sales in G.C.C with transferable visa & valid driving license Graduate. Contact: 91234320 Indian female holding Omani driving license M.B.A in Marketing and ﬁnance from Birla Institute, Muscat, 1 yr. working experience in India. Contact: 91746962 Email: aarathiajith@gmail.com Indian male 28 B.Com M.Com, MBA experience 2 years Ventex Global UAE Marketing Executive, experience 1 year Al Majeed Group Marketing Executive with valid UAE D/L. Contact : +968 92871946 Indian male Graduate more than 16 years of experience in customer relations and marketing in Pharma and surgical ﬁeld seeking suitable opportune. Contact: 95570460 / 92812020 Marketing or Purchase Executive, 1.5 yrs in Oman Indian male 27 yrs, MBA with valid Oman D/L available for immediate placement. Contact: 96300958 / 24796010 Email: ashwanihegde@gmail.com

T U E S D AY, O C T O 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

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED SALES / MARKETING Indian male more than 8 years experience in UAE in Office , Sales Marketing with good computer skills having driving license looking for suitable placement. Contact: 99369081 Email: shazulashraf60@gmail.com MBA 10 yrs sales & marketing experience in UAE. Have UAE driving license, on visit seeks Job. Contact 97160445 Expatriate currently working as Supply Chain Executive with an intensive 8 years Oman experience in IM & T sector proﬁcient in Procurement Sales support and logistics capable to manage large scale clientele oil & gas utilities and public sectors. Contact 97755488 Indian male having 8 years experience in business development retail sales logistics currently on seeking job in Oman. Contact: 99052340 Email: pradee.ys@gmail.com Indian female Graduate holder valid driving license knowledge about all kinds of cosmetic products seeks suitable placement. Contact 98697656 Indian male having 10 years work experience ( Customer Service/ Back end sales/stores)and 1 year work experience in Oman NOC in hand, looking for Suitable Position Contact no: 96526228 / sravan.kumaraj@gmail.com Indian male, 15 yrs. experienced Marketing/Admin/Business Development Personnel in Construction Industry available with NOC and valid Oman D/L seeks better openings. Contact 99852404 or mailtowelling@gmail.com. Marketing and Sales candidate with 8 years experience in GCC looking for suitable position. Having NOC and valid Oman diving license. Contact: 96669152 Indian male 34 yrs MBA, Marketing & ﬁnance with 11 years of experience in Managerial roles in Sales Marketing in different industry looking for suitable placement presently on visit visa. Contact : 97325393 Email: achus82@gmail.com Indian male Sr. Sales Executive, 15 years exp in retail sector looking for vacancies. Contact: 96768382 SENIOR SALES ENGINEER (B.E. Mechanical, MBA-Mktg) - 6yrs experience in Industrial Products and Services with NOC and GCC Driving License looking for the challenging opportunities. Join immediately. GSM: 94596639 E-mail:dhvlnayak@yahoo.co.in Sales and marketing - male 27 yrs, 2 years experience seeking suitable placement with Oman D/L. Contact: 95642740 Email: shaijichakkara@gmail.com

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Welder 6G, 3G ARC , Fabrication gulf exp ph : 92858985

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 95149624

MISCELLANEOUS Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, Now on Visit Visa looking for suitable position. Contact: 90196235 Female, 35years, Bachelor of Pharmacy fresh graduate with BSc and MA looking for suitable position in hospital, polyclinic, companies or Institutions. Contact 90236481. Electrical Maintenance Engineer, 29, Indian Male, having 7+ years exp. in reputed companies. Seeking suitable placement in Oman. #- 98440637. Mail ID : venkatbadri23@gmail.com Administration - Having 9+ years exp. in Admin & HR in reputed companies. Presently working in Muscat and seeking for suitable placement. Contact No.: 97693456. email : muralimahdav77@gmail.com Indian male 24 B.Tech IT(engineer) 2.5 years exp in hardware networking, programming such as C and C++. Currently on visit visa seeks suitable placement. Contact 95153693

SITUATION WANTED Indian male Auto Cad Draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience seeking for part time job. Contact : 00968 99070584, Email: remluvp@gmail.com

Civil Autocad draughtsman looking for part time job. Mobile: 95218737 ACCOUNTANT, 8 years experience, Oman D/L, Noc available seeks suitable opportunity. GSM- 98184170

Indian male having 25 years exp in telecom optical ﬁber cables, network CCTV Administration office automation seeks job, now in visit visa. Contact: 91385373 Email: sridharbsnlma1455@gmail.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 32 M. A. English and having 4 years of experience in teaching current company is ready to issue release letter. Contact : 99869535 Email: sahadkeyi33@gmail.com

Network/Noc Engineer, Indian male 27 years B.com (General) 5 years & 4 month’s of experience in the ﬁeld of networking seeks for better placement. Contact :97663834, bro’s no:98730758

Indian male 37 years B.Tech Graduate having 12 years experience of Electrical DCRP Works / Jobs in Oman with driving license looking for suitable opening. NOC available can join immediately. Contact : saiviharvasanth@gmail.com

Indian male, BBA, having 8yrs exp including 2yrs of (UAE) exp looking opportunities withinSales, Logistics, Retail, Operations. Contact – 99052340, Mail Id: pradee.ys@gmail.com

Bangladeshi, looking job for sales man having 3-4 years experience in readymade garments. Contact : 97756028 Indian female B.ARCH with 10 years experience (Indian & Oman) as an Architect is seeking a suitable in Muscat. Contact: 92412810 BE Civil Engineer with 11 years of experience in building construction with valid Oman DL, looking for suitable placement, NOC available. Please contact 91329910. Indian male 24 B.Tech IT (engineer) 2.5 years exp in hardware networking, programming such as C and C++. Currently on visit visa seeks suitable placement. Contact 95153693 Indian male 23yrs, 2yrs exp. In Accounts (india). Seeking suitable position in accounts. Currently on express visa. M: 94399509, E. midhunaloor16@gmail.com Indian Male: 31yrs 8 Years Experience in the field of Business Development/ Sales/ Retail/ Logistics with good communication Skills seeking for suitable job in Oman . Now available in Visit visa valid till (21st Oct). Contact; 99052340 , email: pradee.ys@gmail.com ACCOUNTANT , Indian male 30 years B.Com Having 7 years of Oman experience in the field of accounts & finance seeks for better placement. Contact : 96143708 / 97351786 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

B.Com Graduate, associate insurance, 25 year male, 3 years experience in accounts and 3 years in sales and marketing. Contact no-95236312, mail id-lilommca@gmail.com Syrian Architect years experience in oman for work 2d plans and 3d internal and external projects in cooperation or even a piece . for contact : 97482871 Electrical Engineer with BS & MS Degree having 5 years of Experience in Electrical Utility/Water sector seeks a suitable job (on visit). Contact: snaveelh@gmail.com Phone: 24413033/ 95731852 25 year male, B graduate, associate insurance with 3 years exp in accounts and 3 years in marketing. NOC available. Mail id lilommca@gmail.com and no-95236312 Indian male, 26 yr, b. tech Computer science, 4 years experience as system and network engineer looking for suitable job. Contact : 0096893125669, Email : amritrajGT18@gmail.com Electrical Engineer with BS & MS Degree having 5 years of Experience in Electrical Utility/Water sector seeks a suitable job. Contact: 95731852 snaveelh@gmail.com Chartered Accountant, looking out for an opportunity in Oman in Audit OR Finance ﬁeld. Available in Muscat from 10th – 16th Oct. Call : 91258435 26, Male, Indian, BBA (Finance), MBA(HR), Looking for suitable Job. Contact immediately. Contact 98176105, nruknaddin@outlook.com

SITUATION WANTED Indian lady looking for accounts Job, two years experience one year worked in Oman B.Com Graduate , Tally ERP9. GSM : 91123561 The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 14 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: tenders& real estate& construction & marketing projects& investments& transportation & Marine services& companies management& develop business. Contact 93240027 33 year male Indian Keralite looking for Senior Accountant or Assistant Accounts manager having 10 years of working experience in Oman and Qatar with valid GCC license willing to work any GCC country, please contact : 97433387 27,male,ACCA finalist, have professional experience up to finalization of accounts, statutory and internal audit, expertise in using tally and focus & oracle software, have 3.5 years experience in accounts till finalization ,seeking for permanent replacement ,GSM-97654769,email id-abdullah.nooralam@yahoo.com Indian looking for a part time accounting or Internal Auditing job, contact 99196621. 26, Male, Indian, BBA (Finance), MBA(HR), Looking for suitable Job. Contact immediately #98176105, nruknaddin@outlook.com Senior Management Professional, MBA, 12 years+ exp. in Business Development/Sales Management , Sales Training, Content Development & Six sigma GSM:97428090 Part Time Accounting Job Complete Data Entry, Upto Finalization. Any Time Available. Location Al Hail, AL Khoud. #- +968-92049215 Email:- aiafe.oman@gmail.com ACCA finalist, Recent B.Com Graduate, Indian Female, looking for full time employment in Accounting and Audit.+96896964379, sangeethaumesh5@gmail.com Indian Chartered Accountant, Male 25 years, 5 years of relevant experience, On Visit visa, Staying with Parents. Also holds BCOM (Computer Applications). Contact 98164467, 24492638 shyamal008@gmail.com

Arab Lady seeking for Housemanager/Personal Assistant job. Highly experienced. Arabic, English &French. Contat : +961 71339568 email : famurr@hotmail.com 26, Male, Indian, BBA (Finance), MBA(HR), Looking for suitable Job. Contact immediately Contact 98176105, Email: nruknaddin@outlook.com FABRICATION & ERECTION-DUCT MAN Candidate seeking suitable opportunities & presently in Oman with NOC Mob:97239854, Mail:asherlalitha@yahoo.com 25yrs Indian Female with Bsc Nursing, MHA (master of hospital administration) Graduate looking for suitable placement. Contact:- 99513267 Email:-alinaelshaddai@gmail.com 50 years Indian male 15yrs experience as Manager in Steel and paper Plant seeking suitable placement. Kindly contact me on +91 9840943638 Chartered Accountant, Indian male, 25, two years experience, on visit visa. Staying with parents. Also has B.com+computer Application. Contact: 24492638/98164467. shyamal008@gmail.com Diploma in Civil Engineer. I have 6 year experience in Oman seeking for suitable position Oman. Contact 97415597, email: Nasir.muscat@gmail.com 8+ years experienced senior accountant looking for a better placement. Contact No. +968 92935684. Email - shabeerkkm@gmail.com. NOC available. CCNP Network Professional with 6 years experience having Bachelors degree on visit visa looking for suitable job. GSM: 96760618 Email: varghese.manthara@gmail.com Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, now on Visit Visa ,looking for suitable position. Contact: 90196235 26, Male, Indian, BBA (Finance), MBA(HR), Looking for suitable placement in Finance/HR/Marketing. Contact immediately. # 98176105, nruknaddin@outlook.com

Indian Male, 38 years, BE and MBA in Marketing from UK seeks suitable placement in the IT industry. Call 91200413. 29 years Indian female (MBAFinance) with 4 yrs experience in Accounts, seeking suitable placement in Accounts/Admin/HR. NOC available. Contact:96141283 ACCOUNTANT: Indian male 25 having 4years experience in accounting & having well knowledge in tally. Contact:968 094535881, 0091 9037622048. Email: vishnuraj889@gmail.com 31 year Indian male PG in HR , with 5 yrs Professional experience in HR in Construction Oil & Gas Oman seeking for a suitable placement. Contact me on 93488914, emailKaarthickshankar@gmail.com INDIAN MALE , MBA. Having 10+ years experience as Automotives Sales Manager .Worked with M/s TALWAR AUTO GARAGES PVT LTD India’s Largest Selling Dealer for VOLVO EICHER commercial vehicles .Seeking for suitable Job in Oman. Contact no: 98045482 Email: dmstalwar@gmail.com ACCA ﬁnalist, Recent B.Com Graduate, Indian Female, looking for full time employment in Accounting and Audit. Contact +96896964379, sangeethaumesh5@gmail.com Admin, having 10+ years experience in Admin/HR/Logistics/Time Keeper, in reputed companies. Presently working in Muscat. Contact- 94369965 , mail - satya1528@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 B.Eng. in IT,CCNA,MCSA,MCSE, 2.5 yrs + exp. in IT support, networking and server support valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/ Server support. Contact 92607532 Indian Male, 24 years old recently completed M.Tech in Offshore Structures from NIT Calicut, looking for suitable position. Contact : +919833248568, Email: shihabpatel91@gmail.com

T U E S DAY, O C T O B E R 1 3, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

SIT.WANTED MISCELLANEOUS Filipino Senior Architect with 13 years GCC experience. Proficient in 3D StudioMax, AutoCAD, Revit, Phostoshop, and Microsoft Office. With NOC and Omani driving license. Please contact 91292933. Indian female, MBA, 25yrs Having 4yrears of experience in MNC, hands of experiences in recruitment and administration, flexible for any suitable job placements currently in visting visa. Contact: 98864639 Email : neethuvijayan06@gmail.com Indian Male -25years B.Tech Engineer seeking any suitable jobs in Oman ,currently on visit visa. Contact : Haneesh N. Surendran, Mob : 90126573, Email: - haneeshns02@gmail.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, 8 years experience, Oman driving license, Noc available seeks suitable opportunity. GSM- 97705854 Female Junior Architect, Excellence in Autocad, Sketching & Modelling, Internship - KHAM Designs, Bangalore. Presently with Atulya Architects & Associates. Email saatvika.frozenmusic@gmail.com Contact 00968-94057427. Electronics System Eng. UK Graduate. Indian Female with relevant work experience. Eng. Analysis, Instrumentation and Control, Power & Heat, Electrical & Fluid, Drives & Actuators etc. Looking for an entry level position. Email s.dinesh1508@gmail.com. Mobile: 97848075, +91-8105413827 ACCA Affiliate, Indian Male, Fresher, looking for full time employment in Tax and Audit.+968 91291520, shahidazeez5@gmail.com Indian male with 18 years of Indian and Overseas experience in hospitality industry, with excellent cooking, operational, managerial and communication skills seeking a suitable job from reputed groups and organizations. On a visit visa. Contact: 95363751 Well experienced management finance specialist having 18 years experience available for placement. Contact.95602518 23, Male, ACCA Affiliate, OBU Bsc, 2.5 years of experience in audit and finance in Big 6 Firms, Looking for permanent placement in similar field. Release NOC available. Contact: #95140445, a.saran891@gmail.com 22, Male, Indian, BBA (Marketing), 1 year experience in India, Looking for suitable placement in Sales and Marketing. #91897046, azzamsiddique1@gmail.com Indian Male,27,ACCA Part Qualified,B.COM with 7+ yrs exp in receivables and credit control in Oman looking for suitable placements. NOC available. Contact 9657 4343. Indian Female, Science Graduate, 3 years Experience in Teaching back home. Looking for a suitable job opportunity as a teacher, in Schools in Muscat Region. Contact : 96431456 / 95704814 Looking for a suitable job as Jr. Accountant/ Jr. Administration in a reputed company. NOC Available. GSM # 93004738. SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, 8 years experience ,Oman driving licence,Noc available. Seek Suitable opportunity. GSM- 98184170 ACCOUNTANT, Male, 8 years experience, presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license. NOC available, seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854 Chemical Engineer Indian 2 years of experience in production field Contact: 91247222 Email:sahadpoonchola@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 Civil Autocad Draughtsman part time work for job mob :96023726 Indian female, MBA, 25yrs Having 4yrears of experience in MNC, hands of experiences in recruitment and administration, flexible for any suitable job placements currently in visting visa. Contact Tel : 98864639 Email : neethuvijayan06@gmail.com Indian Male, 25, Chartered Accountant, working with ICICI Bank India. On a Visit Visa in Oman. Staying with parents at Azaiba. Ph: 24492638. Email: shyamal008@gmail.com

WEBSITE

SIT.WANTED

CLASSES

Indian male BE Electrical & Electronics and PG in power systems (transmission & distribution) on visit seeking placement. Contact 94669679 E Mail : prsabarish@gmail.com Indian Male, 26 Yrs, Business Management, 6 years in Oman. Knowledge of MS Office and Arabic Language. Seeks suitable position. Contact 93931935 Indian Mechanical Engineer, 30, having 8yrs of UAE Sales/Business Development. experience in Electromechanical and Irrigation sectors. Contact no- +971558763220 email id-sangowri@outlook.com Indian male, with finance and Law degree, having more than 25 years of experience in Finance/ Accounts / Audit (5 years of Oman experience) seeks suitable placement. NOC available. Contact: 98421619. E-mail: talemadhamu@yahoo.com. Indian male Executive Secretary having vast experience in admin, logistics & procurement well versed with computer seeks suitable placement. Contact : 99514286 Pakistan Male: 24 years,M.Com Finance having 2.5 year experience as a accountant & marketing executive looking for suitable placement. Contact: 97670816, E.mail: naeem.ahsan68@gmail.com ACCOUNTANT: Indian male 25 having 4 years experience in accounting & having well knowledge in tally. Contact:968094535881, 0091 9037622048, Email: vishnuraj889@gmail.com Senior Accountant. 8 Years experience. NOC available. Oman driving license. Seek suitable opportunity. GSM- 98184170 31 year Indian male PG in HR ,with 5 yrs Professional experience in HR in Construction Oil & Gas Oman seeking for a suitable placement. Kindly contact me on 93488914, emailKaarthickshankar@gmail.com Indian female with MBA in finance seeking immediate placement. Contact: 968-93316493 Sudanese/26/Bsc Computer Science /3 years exp/skills Excellent knowledge in operating systems and maintaining computers Java Programmer Web Developer Linux SMS solutions Android developer/ email khalid.omx@gmail.com/ contact no 944958080 and 99758186. Indian male B.Eng. in IT,CCNA, MCSA,MCSE, 2.5 yrs + exp. in IT support, networking and server support valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 Indian B.E Computer Science graduate 2012 passout. 1 .5 yrs exp. in Accounting. Having good communication skills and mindset to work in a team. Having NIIT certificate in Diploma in Java Technology. # 97767894 Email: jinsonjacobjohn@gmail.com Indian male 24 YEARS, B.Tech (Electrical & Electronics), having 2 yrs. exp as Electrical Site Engineer. Done IOSH & NEBOSH- IGC certifications, seeking for suitable placement in any related industries. Contact 98045482, Email: mastanshaik1008@gmail.com Indian male, 24 years, HSE Engineer having 2 years of Indian experience. Done IOSH & NEBOSH- IGC certifications, seeking for suitable placement in any related industries. Contact 98045482 27, male, ACCA finalist, have professional experience up to finalization of Accounts, Statutory and internal audit, expertise in using tally and focus & Oracle Software, have 3.5 years experience in accounts till finalization, seeking for permanent replacement , GSM-97654769,email idabdullah.nooralam@yahoo.com

SIT.WANTED India male 33 years. DCT, BBA, OSHA, looking for Job in Construction HSE, 11 Years experience with GCC license, NOC available Contact :- 9418 4280 Indian male 22yr BBA with LOGISTIC Diploma, exp in tally and data entry seeking in suitable placement. Contact; 90151739 email shakeeb.mp280gmail.com Mechanical Draftsman, Indian male 27, Diploma in Mechanical Engineering having 7 years of experience in Auto CAD looking for a suitable placement. Contact 97351786 / 96143708 mohammednazeer07@gmail.com

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price. Contact: http//webviewoman

COMPUTER

ACCA Affiliate, OBU Degree, 2.5 years experience in audit and finance in Big6 firm, Looking for permanent placement. NOC release available. Contact: #95140445, a.saran891@gmail.com B.E Mechanical Engineer with 2 years’ experience in HVAC field on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact: 93442296 Email Id: sal201091@gmail.com. MBA Finance with more than five years of experience in Finance & Accounts including GCC, looking for a suitable opening. Having UAE driving license. Contact no..91391802. MBA (F) B.COM Indian female having knowledge of accounts with Tally looking for full or part time job. Presently on family visit visa. Contact: - 96259171. Email: bhumicapandya@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

Indian Male, MBA, Talented management expert having 6 year experience at U.A.E, India and Oman in luxury goods and Retail. Seeking suitable openings in related or same ﬁeld. Contact:92700670 Email: jobcareer44@gmail.com

House shifting & transporting. Contact 92490422

B.Tech EEE with 4+ years experience in the ﬁeld of it, networking, ex-tonics etc. presently working in Amazon India development centre as a content quality associate seeking for suitable jobs in Oman. Contact : +91 9940514005, 93116402 email: mail2nbn@gmail.com MBA Finance with more than ﬁve years of experience in Finance & Accounts including GCC, looking for a suitable opening. Having UAE driving license. Contact no..91391802 Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant ,doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available. Contact 98803439 Pakistani, Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in IT Trainer / Computer Teacher, looking for a better position in Oman, already working in Prestigious Construction Company. # 95983711. Join.mtmali@gmail.com M. Tech VLSI design, B. tech Electronics and instrumentation, Indian female,3 years teaching experience for graduation level students, seeking suitable placements . Ph:00968 92904155. email-achusooraj@gmail.com

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. #24793614/ 99314807 Air condition maintenance installation window AC, split a/c, ducted AC and package type units. Contact: 98667326 Split & widow unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080 Investors needed for well functioning company Engaged in manufacturing and supply of heating solutions. Contact: 98871548 / 93412622 We want ﬁnance for 3 (three) months or renewable every 3 months from Omani nationals or expatriates for trading business. Contact: 99462591 or 93525028

MATRIMONIAL Malankara Catholic girl Alappuzha Dist BSc Nurse 28 yrs working with M.O.H in Buraimi 28 yrs seeks alliance from Keralite professionals Orthodox Marthoma. Contact: 93264638 Seeking alliance for our son from Muslim families. Interested families Contact: 99889590

Split & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact: 96236476 Window & split unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517 GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 House shifting & packing. Contact: 99657644 /98518013 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722

Window & split unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517 Pest Control Gulfa Intl .LLC. Contact: 92326955 Water prooﬁng ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 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 & antitermite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. # 24810137, 99450130

T U E S D AY, O C T O 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

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours Contact- 98029602, 92808636

DRIVING

RENT A CAR

FOR HIRE Bobcat Grader and roller for rent. Contact: 94584688

MANPOWER

TRANSPORTATION Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba. Contact: 91103909 Transportation available. Contact: 99867456 Pick & drop any time. Contact: 93598436 / 96743215

Leading manpower agency to hire Recruiter from India housemaids. Contact: 99226093, Email: fesalwardi48@gmail.com

Pick & drop any time. Contact: 92218001/ 96502406 Transportation. Contact98505294 Transportation in Muscat. Contact: 95530908