Times of Oman - July 14, 2016

THURSDAY July 14, 2016 9 Shawwal 1437 AH

6 085010 120010 FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

To Senior State Officials, 1978

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’

SHADES OF MEMORY

All senior officials in our government must remember that they have a duty to serve faithfully and selflessly, and to put the interests of the nations before any personal interests.

>C5

Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. 120 | 40 Pages . Baisas 200 . Subscription OMR63 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company | Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali | Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group

PAC P

N AT I O N A L D AY

Kinder brand chocolates remain on sale in Oman Times News Service MUSCAT: Kinder chocolate will remain on the shelves in Oman, according to a senior official of the Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) “The GCC Committee for Food Safety didn’t issue any warning about this issue and the Food Safety Centre at the Ministry of Regional Municipalities also did not say anything that it may case harm,” a senior official of the PACP said on Wednesday.

The news comes after some reports suggested Kinder chocolate bars could contain “possible carcinogens”.

A German food watchdog has claimed it has identified the presence of mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons in products.

SHOCK KILLING OF A ‘GOOD HUMAN BEING’

HM receives thanks

OMAN

More QA flights from Muscat to Doha

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Growing trade and tourism links between Oman and Qatar have forced Dohabased Qatar Airways (QA) to introduce more flights between Muscat and Doha. >A2

May becomes UK prime minister

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Theresa May became UK’s new prime minister, promising to carve out a bold new future in the world as she embarks on the monumental task. >A14

MARKET

Bank Muscat’s net profit rises in Q2

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Bank Muscat, the flagship financial institution in Oman, announced its preliminary results for the six months ended on June 30, 2016. >B1

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of congratulations to President Francois Hollande of the French Republic on the occasion of his country’s National Day. In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere congratulations along with his best wishes of good health and happiness to President Hollande and the French people further progress and prosperity. -ONA VIETNAM

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

WORLD

HM sends greetings to France

Two Bangladeshis were detained for questioning while six of Satyan’s flatmates were released, says the ROP

REJIMON K MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON

reji@timesofoman.com mobinmathew@timesofoman.com MUSCAT/THIRUVANATHAPURAM: “His daughter’s education and her getting a good job was his dream. He used to spend a lot on that. Without seeing that success, he has gone.”

These were the words of Prakash Kesavan, elder brother of Indian expat cash

collector Satyan, who was murdered on Tuesday in what police believe was a robbery.

Satyan, 50, was found by a flatmate sitting upright in a chair in his Muttrah apartment. His throat had been cut. The Royal Oman Police (ROP)said “early investigations” show that the “possible motive was robbery”.

The ROP confirmed that two Bangladeshi nation-

als have been detained for questioning over the murder. Police officers detained Satyan’s six flatmates on Tuesday and released them on Wednesday morning.

His wife Praseeda, back home in Kerala, India, collapsed when she heard the news and is now in hospital. Speaking from the family home to Times of Oman, elder brother Prakash and neighbours described the murder victim as “a gem” and “a good human being”.

The couples’ only child, daughter Swati, has completed Btech and was attending coaching class to appear for Mtech entrance exam in Bangalore. She was returning to the family home in Thirumala, near Thiruvananthapuram,

yesterday.

“When I opened the door of our flat, the floor was full of blood and I saw Satyan sitting in a chair with blood on his body,” his flatmate, who declined to be named, told the Times of Oman.

“His eyes were open when I saw him and so I tried to call him two or three times, but he didn’t respond,” he added.

“There were bloodstains on the walls inside the kitchen too. He was brutally harmed,” he added.

Satyan, who was working as a foreman in a company in Oman, was found dead in Muttrah, near the Today Express Hypermarket, on Tuesday evening.

According to sources, Satyan’s job was daily collection of cash. >A6

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received a cable of thanks from President Tran Dai Quang of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in reply to His Majesty’s congratulatory cable on being elected as a president of the Republic.

In his cable, President Quang expressed his thanks for His Majesty the Sultan’s congratulations, wishing the good relations binding the two countries further progress to serve the interests of the people. He also wished His Majesty good health and happiness, and the Sultanate further progress and prosperity. -ONA

MORNING MINUTE

ROP

Fuel station worker arrested over theft of OMR10,000

WY216

Bomb hoax delays Oman Air flight

Staff Reporter

Tips to stay cool this summer

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INSPECTIONS

Ministry praised for crackdown on mid-day break violators Staff Reporter MUSCAT: Social workers, companies and residents of Oman have appreciated the Ministry of Manpower’s initiatives to reduce the number of mid-day break violations.

According to recent data from one of the ministry officials, only 170 companies were found violating the regulation out of the 1,376 inspections made between June 1 and July 10.

Companies in the Sultanate have changed their work timings to provide a mid-day break to their workers. The ministry’s moves to control the violation have suc-

ceeded to a great extent, according to Mohammad Osama Rawat, a social worker in Oman.

“If the authorities remain strict about the issue, then things will be much better in the coming years,” he said. “Still, they (outdoor workers) find it difficult to locate a prop-

er place to rest and many of them have been resting under trees and bushes; so the ministry should do something to control this misery,” Rawat added.

“It clearly shows the initiatives of the Manpower Ministry are working and many companies are complying,” Tonia Gray, general manager of Competence HR told the Times of Oman.

The mid-day break is in place to reduce the potential damaging effects to the health of outdoor workers from high temperatures, Gray explained.

She also asked the public to report any violation if they found any through the hotline number.>A6

MUSCAT: Royal Oman Police (ROP) arrested a gas station employee for stealing OMR10,000 from the petrol pump where he used to work in the Wilayat of Minah, Al Dakhiliyah governorate.

An ROP source in Al Buraimi said they received information about the Asian national’s attempt to flee the country.

The ROP deputed personnel to track the suspect near Wadi Al Jazi borders.

He was arrested near the border and confessed to the crime.

Three arrested The ROP arrested two Omanis and one Asian expatriate on charges of robbing an apartment in the Wilayat of Al Buraimi.

A reliable ROP source confirmed that the accused broke into the apartment and stole gold, cash and electronic devices. According to the ROP, the suspects have confessed to their crimes.

The ROP also arrested 50 persons for committing 87 thefts across the Sultanate in June.

An ROP source said that theft cases registered a decrease of 47 per cent in June this year compared to June 165 last year.

TARIQ ZIAD AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: An Oman Air flight departing from India was delayed on Tuesday night due to a bomb hoax.

Oman Air flight WY216 was scheduled to fly from the Trivandrum Airport in Kerala, India to the Muscat International Airport at 8:30 pm local time on Tuesday, but was delayed owing to a security screening and search after airport management received information that a suspected package was on board.

“Airport authorities received a call claiming that the Oman Air flight had a passenger on board in possession of a bomb,” said Usama Al Haremi, senior corporate communications and media manager, Oman Air. “The caller specifically named Oman Air, the flight number,

flight time, destination and the name of the passenger on board, which was very disturbing,” he added. Revealing details of the incident, Trivandrum Airport’s manager, the terminal manager and the police were available at the airport.

The police disembarked the passengers and unloaded the luggage after which a bomb squad and K9 unit did a thorough search of the luggage, as well as checked the carry-on luggage, while individually frisking passengers.

The passenger named by the hoaxer was detained by Indian authorities for further questioning.

“The flight was delayed for 77 minutes and after the search was completed and no explosive package was found, the aircraft took off to its destination,” said Al Haremi.

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THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016

OMAN EVENT

Oman hosts GCC certificate equivalence team meeting MUSCAT: Ministry of Higher Education yesterday hosted the 11th meeting of the GCC Technical Team of the Higher Education Certificate Equivalence.

Officials and specialists from the GCC Secretariat General and the educational qualifications equivalence departments in the GCC countries were present.

The team discussed several decisions made at the previous meeting of heads of committees on GCC higher education certificates equivalence, in addition to discussing the decision to develop a joint mechanism in the academic accreditation and certification equivalence.

Quality assurance network It was decided after meetings and discussions between the Coordinating Committee for Academic Accreditation and the committee of heads of GCC higher education certificates equivalence to stop work to develop a joint mechanism for both committees in view of the establishment of an office of the Gulf Quality Assurance Network, and to complete work of the Academic Accreditation Committee.

The team also discussed the objectives, controls and guiding standards to evaluate the scientific specialist qualifications (medical, health and engineering) that were approved by the Supreme Council and its Secretariat General.

Fake certificates The team will conclude the meeting on Thursday by discussing higher education practices in the fight against fake certificates.

The Department of Qualification Recognition and Equivalence in the ministry will also give a presentation on the most important work and achievements of the department in the field of qualifications equivalence and recognition. The team will tour the directorates and departments in the ministry. -ONA

For smaller children, finger prints would be accepted when they are travelling Official, German Embassy in Muscat

More Qatar Airways flights from Muscat

ENTRY INTO GERMANY

Children 10 or over? Make sure they sign their passports

The airline will now fly five times a day between Muscat and Doha from August 1, 2016. Besides this,

Times News Service

the morning Qatar

MUSCAT: Entry into Germany will be denied to Omani passengers, including children aged 10 and above, if their passports are not signed, the national carrier of Oman, Oman Air said on Wednesday.

When contacted, a senior official said this directive was being issued after some passengers were denied entry into Germany.

When contacted, a senior official at the German Embassy in Muscat, stressed that it is always better to have your passport signed. “For smaller children, finger prints would be accepted when they are travelling,” the official explained.

Travel agents said the announcement had been made to avoid any type of problems for tourists while crossing to some other country from Germany.

“Some countries insist that all tourists aged above 10 should sign their passports. So Oman Air has started advising the same to its passengers as a lot of countries are making it mandatory that a child aged 10 or above should sign his/her own passport,” a travel agent noted.

Airways flight will connect several cities of Africa, Europe and the Far East with Doha

Times News Service MUSCAT: Growing trade and tourism links between the Sultanate of Oman and the State of Qatar have forced Doha-based Qatar Airways to introduce more flights between Muscat and Doha.

Joe Rajadurai, Qatar Airways’ country manager for Oman, said the airline will now fly five times a day between Muscat and Doha from August 1, 2016. “The early morning flight will leave Muscat at 6.45am will reach Doha at 7.25am. This will also help people, who generally opt for business travel to Qatar and return to Muscat in the evening,” he explained.

Besides this, the morning Qatar Airways flight will connect several cities of Africa, Europe and the Far East with Doha.

“The additional flight will provide seamless transfers to the Far East, Europe and Africa, offering you more choices to plan your

EXPANSION MODE: Qatar Airways has added an additional 10 flights per week from Doha to Salalah, Oman, to meet demand during the popular Khareef (monsoon) season, which runs from June 1 to September 30. – Supplied photo

holiday,” Rajadurai noted.

He also said they have already introduced the Dreamliner service in Oman, with two flights a day from the Muscat International Airport. “While one Dreamliner aircraft arrives at the Muscat International Airport in the morning, the other arrives in the evening from the Hamad International Airport, Doha,” he said.

Additional flights Rajadurai also revealed that Qatar Airways has added an additional 10 flights per week from Doha to Salalah, Oman, to meet demand during the popular Khareef (monsoon) season, which runs from June 1 to September 30. “During this period we are flying three times a day and from October we will be flying twice daily to Salalah,” he said.

Salalah is the ideal getaway in the summer months. Its unique climate, especially during the

cooler Khareef season, provides a welcome respite from the soaring heat the rest of the region experiences between June and September.

“The increasing popularity of Salalah has prompted us to meet our customers’ demands by increasing our flight frequency throughout the busy period, providing them with more options so that their travel experience is as smooth and convenient as possible,” he said.

Rajadurai also said Qatar Airways proudly accepted three separate accolades at the 2016 Skytrax World Airline Awards held at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom.

Air travellers chose Qatar Airways as the World’s Best Business Class during the 2016 World Airline Awards, also voting the airline as the top most for Best Business Class Airline Lounge and the Best Airline Staff Service in the

Middle East. “The consumer-voted awards recognised the airline for its commitment to offering passengers an unrivalled travelling experience,” he added.

The Skytrax World Airline Awards are widely known as the Passengers Choice Awards, with millions of travellers from 160 different countries, participating in passenger satisfaction surveys to decide the winners each year.

Network expansion Over the last year, Qatar Airways announced an unprecedented expansion of its network with 13 new destinations launched in 2016, including Adelaide, Atlanta, Birmingham, Boston, Chiang Mai, Seychelles and Sydney.

The airline continued to grow in 2017, and will commence services to further new destinations, including Auckland, which will be the world’s longest flight, Lusaka, Skopje and Nice.

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EVENT

Dhofar Arab Film Forum to highlight Arab, Iranian cinema DEEBA HASAN

deeba@timesofoman.com

CLASSY FARE: A glittering opening ceremony will be held on the

first day of the film forum. – Supplied

MUSCAT: Iranian and Indian film delegations will be the special highlights of the third Dhofar Arab Film Forum, which will take place in Salalah from August 15 to 20.

A glittering opening ceremony will be held on the first day of the film forum where a six-person Iranian delegation will be honoured by the executive heads and members of the Oman Film Society (OFS), which is the host organisation.

Guests at the opening night will be able to watch some top Iranian films and be able to meet and interact with the Iranian delegation, out of which three will be visiting

‘Oman-France ties growing on diverse fronts’ Celebrated on July 14, Bastille Day marks the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789, and is now a major public holiday

Roland Dubertrand, French ambassador to Oman.

– OK Mohammed Ali

DEEBA HASAN

deeba@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman and France are building ties on various economic, military and social fronts, and working on special projects, including tourism and cultural exchanges, and development of an Omani-French museum, said Roland Dubertrand, French ambassador to Oman, on the occasion of his country’s National Day (Bastille Day).

“On this day, we assess the relationship between France and Oman and I have to say that we appreciate the role of Oman in the region as it always finds peaceful solutions for conflicts and tensions in the region. France being a permanent member of the UN Security Council, and for all European nations, this peaceful, constructive, and proactive role of Oman in the region is important,” the ambassador said in an interview with the Times of Oman.

A major cultural project that the two countries are currently working on is the renovation of the Omani French museum. “We are working out the renovation plans for the last two years, ever since

the two governments entered into an agreement in 2014,” Ambassador Dubertrand explained.

The Omani French Museum was established in 1992 to preserve historical relations between the two nations, and is located in the former residence of the French Consul in Old Muscat.

The French government is also working to attract more Omani students to France. “We have scholarships from the embassy and we hope that the Omani government will also send students with Omani scholarships.”

“We also want to develop the French language in the country together with the ‘Centre FrancoOmanais (CFO),’ which offers French language courses here.”

As part of this, the government of Oman, in cooperation with the French embassy has launched an experimental programme to offer French as an optional language after Arabic and English in four Omani state schools. “We hope that this will be extended to other public schools in the country and the embassy is doing its best to support this.”

Besides this, France has also

eased the process of granting visas to Omanis. “We issue Schengen visas to Omanis within 48 hours. We are witnessing a rise in the number of Omanis visiting France. In 2015, 10,500 visas were issued to people in Oman; likewise 50,000 tourists from France visit Oman on average each year,” he said.

Stressing that the two governments aim to develop human exchange on multiple fronts including tourism, the ambassador said, “We want to strengthen links between the two countries through political dialogue, military cooperation and economic exchanges, culture and tourism visits.”

The two countries are also making great strides in the economic field, “Our (bilateral) trade stood at 500 million Euros in 2015, and now France has a stock of 1.2 billion Euros in Oman which is quite an important share.”

Promoting entrepreneurship, the Omani France Friendship Association (OFFA) was formed in 2015, and is chaired by Hind Bahwan, working to develop economic links between the two countries.

Dubertrand hails from the south of France and has been in Oman for two years now, “I am very interested in the culture and history of the country, it has a very long history and one of the symbols of that are the forts, and I try to visit them with great interest.”

“French nationals living in Oman say the Omani people are very smart and hospitable and I share the feeling too. The country is beautiful and interesting with a long history and people are very welcoming.” Celebrated on July 14, Bastille Day marks the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789, and is now a major public holiday. A big reception is planned at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Muscat to celebrate the occasion.

film directors and the other three will be members of the Iranian consulate in Oman.

Regional cinema Day two will include the screening of films from both Iran and ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY

Strategy to phase out anti-ozone substances MUSCAT: Second phase of the national strategy to phase out the ozone depleting hydrochlorofluorocarbon substances has been launched.

It was launched by Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, in collaboration with United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

Also released were results of a field survey of alternatives to substances depleting the ozone layer in order to complete national efforts in protecting the ozone layer and to help the Sultanate in achieving compliance requirements project with the Montreal Protocol during the next phase. The project is implemented, in cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). -ONA

Oman and a symposium highlighting Omani and regional cinema at the Dhofar University. Apart from this, guests from all over the Middle East, who are coming to the forum, will be taken for a tour of the scenic Salalah city on the same day.

Film screenings from Oman, Iran, India and the rest of the Middle East will be on schedule for the remaining days, including another symposium being held at the Dhofar University, also involving its students.

A major highlight of this forum is the Khareef (monsoon) season in Salalah, which draws tourists from all over the Arab world and beyond at this time of the year.

The itinerary for guests is planned

in such a way that it covers major landmarks in the city.

Awards to be presented The last two days of the forum will include the presence of a south Indian delegation, in the presence of which films from India will be screened for all the visitors at the forum’s venues. A closing ceremony will also be held on the eve of the last day of the festival where awards will be presented to the winners. A major highlight of the closing ceremony will be the screening of top films from the south Indian film industry.

More details on the event venues, films and the visiting delegations will be announced close to the event dates.

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THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016

OMAN

Tips to stay cool this summer

With the magical season of Ramadan concluding, getting back to the daily norm may not particularly be as exciting to some who have the explorer spirit. The summer season is here and those looking for a getaway need not be deterred by the heat.

Here are 5 fun ways to get away from the heat and enjoy your summer in Oman!

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The mountains There are many spectacular mountains in the Sultanate, Jabel Akhdar and Jabel Shams are the most popular, but mountains off the coast of Musandam like Jabel Hareem also have that wonderful trait that mountains in Oman have, they are much cooler than the towns below them. Jabel Akhdar is a particularly attractive destination this summer, as its not only around 15 degrees cooler than the towns and the capital, but it also has a rich harvest season in summer.

Throughout July to September, you can see the fresh harvests of pomegranate, peaches, grapes, figs, pears, walnuts, almonds and apples!

2

The beaches A cool dip in the water is a perfect way to wash away the summer heat. There are many spectacular beaches along the coast of the Sultanate.

The waters around the coastline blend the brilliant greens and blues and bring in the most beautiful and versatile marine life. The waters are temperate and pleasant, especially the areas around the eastern side of Oman like Sur and Ashkhara.

One of the most popular areas to escape the summer is Masairah Island, with a multitude of water sport activities like kitesurfing, fishing and scuba diving available, Masairah Island has made a name for itself as one of the best watersport playgrounds in the Sultanate.

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The wadis If the open waters and coasts don’t satisfy your need for a cool swim, then the Wadis surely will. The Wadis in Oman are often surrounded by green farms that cool down the whole area and provide a comforting shade ideal for picnics. The waters of the Wadis often pass through rocks that have been shaded from the sun, cooling the water in the process, which makes the waters of the Wadis particularly attractive to swim in, especially in summer. If you are looking for a wadi to enjoy while not venturing too far from Muscat, then look no further than Wadi Ad Dayqah. The pools of water glisten against the majestic background of the mountains, and the waters of the Wadi are plentiful all year round.

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Agricultural villages Agricultural villages are spread all across the Sultanate, producing delicious produce and providing magnificent touristicattractions. The villages are often much cooler than anywhere else due to their location, availability of running ground water and the shade and cool air provided by the trees.

Recently, Wikan village came into the spotlight, and for good reason. The gorgeous village is a saturation of green colors and is the ideal place to take your camera. Another village is also known for its picturesque views and tantalizing produce, BiladSayt showcases the traditional Omani culture in one of the most photogenic locations in the Sultanate.

5

Salalah With the Khareef season arriving in Salalah, the temperature is in its perfect range of 20s and the landscape is covered with gorgeous greens. Salalah’s Khareef season is celebrated with many activities, cultural experiences and natural attractions. You can see the beautiful landscapes on the Taqah Plateau or head to the “well of birds” sinkhole, Tawi Attair is one of the largest sinkholes in the world and its greens attract a multitude of bird species that perfectly pose for the camera. Salalah has a unique cultural offering with spectacular ruins located at Samahram and archeological marvels Al Baleed archeological park. Whether you are looking for adventure, serenity or culture, Salalah has the perfect mix to enjoy while staying cool.

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Students’ video educates about Ramadan fast

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OMAN SAFETY TIPS

Omani students are planning another film in September asking

FIRE RISK: The common causes of farm fires are the spontaneous flaming of fertilisers and dry grass due to high temperatures. – Supplied picture

people about their knowledge of Oman NOBLE EXPERIMENT: The three Omani students of the University of South Florida who made the YouTube video.

HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

hassan@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A group of Omani students studying abroad conducted a social experiment to introduce Ramadan fasting to non-Muslims in the United States.

They created a YouTube video entitled,“I am fasting ask me why?” which was released on June 3.

It features three Omani students asking students at the University of South Florida (USF) about whether they know if Muslims fast or not.

In the eight-minute clip, the boys from the Omani Association at USF appear wearing white shirts with the text “I am fasting ask me why?” written on them to get people’s attention. The idea was brought up by a member of the association, ahead of Ramadan.

The video, which took four days to make, shows three Omanis

walking around the university’s campus, asking people “Why do you think Muslims around the world fast in the Holy Month of Ramadan?”

The response to Omani students queries was overwhelming as they shared a lot of knowledge about fasting. “It humbles you when you are not feeding your mouth,” an elderly American said, “In the Bible, when you have deep needs, you are asked to pray and fast.”

“Fasting and prayer go together.

It’s something that Muslims and Christians share,” he added.

Another woman said, “I am under the impression that in addition to fasting you—Muslims—undertake prayers and that it is a period of reflection.

Another student was in shock, “Oh my gosh, you know how hard that would be for me!”

A student explained that even other cultures had adopted the same concept.

“In Hinduism, we fast for one day in the year,” she said.

At the end of the video, an Omani student said religion is a subject that is avoided by a lot of people, “because it raises a lot of controversy and a lot of people don’t want to get into debates and conversations that have a lot of controversy.”

Interestingly, the YouTubers told the Times of Oman that they are planning to film another social experiment next September about asking people about their knowledge of Oman, and the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). “We want to inform people here about our beloved country, Oman, especially given that many here are unaware about Oman,” Hamdan Al Fahdi, a member of the association said.

Farm owners neglect fire safety guidelines: PACDA TARIQ ZIAD AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: High summer temperatures have posed fire risks to farm lands as the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA) said it considers such cases the most commonly dealt with.

Despite numerous directives and advice to follow safety guidelines, some farm owners have neglected these warnings and suffer the consequences after fires spread throughout their farms.

According to PACDA, it dealt with 682 farm fires in 2015, compared with 626 and 835 in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

PACDA said the common causes of farms fires are the spontane-

ous flaming of fertilisers and dry grass due to high temperatures, neglect, or not using safety procedures or intentionally lighting objects on fire.

“To decrease and limit the risk of farm fires, keep the fertilisers in areas not exposed to direct sunlight and keep cigarette butts away from flammable materials,” advised PACDA. They also advised not to cook near trees and dry grass or have barbeques.

Farms commonly have palm trees planted all around and the only way to dispose of them, as with other agricultural debris, is by burning them.

PACDA advised that agricultural remains should be eliminated by burning a special area

designed for that purpose, provided it is located at a safe distance from other flammable objects and contains a water source to be used when necessary.

When asked why it makes a difference to avoid burning anything during windy weather, the PACDA official stated, “It pollutes the air and spreads it around. Some people can smell the smoke from miles away.”

PACDA also added some tips to deal with fires breaking out in their farms. They said people should seek help from nearby farms and try their best to prevent the fire from spreading to grass and trees; they should also contact PACDA at 9999 or 24343666, should they need help from fire fighters.

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THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016

OMAN Islam exhibition conveys Oman’s message of peace The exhibition introduces Islam in Oman in its purest image through the real life of tolerance, understanding and coexistence

QUEENSLAND: “Message of Islam” exhibition, which continues its global tours to advocate the values of peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding and positive dialogue under the title “Peace to the Whole World” was

PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE: The exhibition showcases efforts made by the Sultanate in the dissemination of noble human values. – ONA

held at the Multi-Religious Studies Centre at Australia’s Griffith University, which is one of the most important centres seeking to spread the values of peace and mutual respect.

The exhibition will continue until July 22.

Dr. Brian Adams, head of the

centre said: “What distinguishes this exhibition is that it introduces Islam in Oman in its purest image through the real life of tolerance, understanding and coexistence with all human beings and acceptance of others while preserving the customs and traditions of their community, and this R E S P I T E F R O M H E AT

< FROM

A1 ‘Give workers a break’ “Workers would often feel at risk of losing their job if they reported any such violation so the general public should report any sightings of outdoor work being undertaken during the break period,” Gray emphasised.

Earlier, the Ministry of Manpower had told the Times of Oman that violations can be reported at 80077000.

According to the doctors in Sultanate, people should avoid going out between 12 pm and 3 pm.

“The mid-day break is something that is very essential as the heat is hovering around 45 degrees these days,” Pradeep Kumar, a construction worker in Darsait said.

“We feel drained out before 12 nowadays,” he added.

Outdoor workers “It is very essential to give a break to the outdoor workers as the mercury’s level is getting higher,” Mathew John, a resident of Muscat, noted.

The rule, which is effective from June 1 until the end of August, bans work at outdoor sites between 12.30pm and 3.30pm when the summer heat is at its peak.

According to the Article 118 of the Oman Labour Law, violators can be penalised with fines ranging from OMR100 to OMR500, or a jail term of not more than one month, or both.

The penalty is doubled for repeat violations.

Temperatures in Oman are expected to gradually decrease during this week, Oman’s Meteorological Department said.

is an important lesson for all human beings.”

He added: “We at the Multi-Religious Studies Centre aim to find respect for different religions by building bridges of understanding about customs and traditions that are enjoyed by other religions.”

“When we respect each other, we can turn our society into a productive one, and this is what the exhibition calls for by transferring the experience of Oman to us.”

Mohammed bin Said Al Ma’amari, supervisor general of the exhibition, said in a speech: “The exhibition in its first tour in Australia has acquired a new partnership with prestigious institutions and centres to deliver (the message of peace) of Oman to the world.”

He further stressed that “young people in the world need to have real initiative to enlighten them with spiritual values and the im-

portance of the role of universities and scientific centres in this aspect.”

He pointed out that, “The aim of the exhibition is the delivery of Oman’s experience in shared values and common human values for a better tomorrow for the present generations and the coming future.”

Human values The exhibition falls within the context of the efforts made by the Sultanate in the dissemination of noble human values and bringing the message of peace to the world, amidst an atmosphere of regional tensions, and the spillover of extremism, terrorism and violence, and to be the voice of (the message of peace) in response to all of these inhuman practices that are inconsistent with the teachings of religions and cultures, which love mercy and peace. -ONA

SOHAR

Tender for 153 housing units awarded MUSCAT: Internal Tender Committee at the Ministry of Housing awarded two projects for the completion of 153 housing units in the wilayats of Sohar and Al Suwaiq in North Al Batinah Governorate.

The meeting was chaired by Saif bin Amer Al Shaqsi, undersecretary of the Ministry of Housing.

The construction of 153 units comes as part of a project for the construction of 2,200 housing units coupled with building of internal roads and lighting of Al Batinah Coastal Road at a total cost of OMR4, 518, 664.

Tender The committee also awarded the tender on completion of the works for construction of 60 housing units at site (3) of the 2,200 construction project along with the construction of internal roads and lighting project of Al Batinah Coastal Road in the wilayat of Sohar at a cost of OMR1, 894, 458. -ONA

W O R L D P O P U L AT I O N D AY

Meeting organised to review UNFPA goals, programmes MUSCAT: To review goals and programmes of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in the Sultanate, and existing areas of cooperation with the relevant authorities in the Sultanate, a press conference was held on the occasion of the World Population Day, which falls on July 11 every year.

The meeting was held by the UNFPA Sub-Regional office for the GCC countries.

Salah bin Murtadha Al Saleh, Head of the Programmes and UNFPA in-charge said during the briefing, that the Fund is working with its partners in the GCC countries in order to achieve several objectives, including capac-

ity-building support for the integration of reproductive health, gender equality, population issues, in line with the decisions of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) beyond 2015, the goals of

sustainable development, support the availability of data and development indicators on population, and facilitate their use in a timely manner by the decision makers.

He added that the most important goals of the UNFPA are to support national capacity to integrate health services and information on good reproductive health in the healthcare systems of the competent authorities of youth and women, raising awareness on reproductive health and women’s empowerment, with a focus on participation and barriers to women’s access to reproductive health and youth development services. -ONA

GRUESOME MURDER

< FROM

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Indian expatriate’s body to be repatriated soon

“He used to stay in the office until 12.30 in the afternoon and after that he would leave for his room with the day’s collection amount.

Later in the evening, he deposited that money in our office in Muttrah,” he said.

“He used to carry a plastic bag in which he kept his purse, which had the company’s daily collections, and he used to travel in taxis,” Satyan’s relative, who is also a flatmate, said.

“He was a good human being.

Nobody had a complaint about him and he had given jobs to many,” the relative added.

He added that the company officials have informed him that the body will be repatriated soon as the post-mortem gets over and police release the body.

“His daughter’s education and her getting a good job was his dream. He used to spend a lot for that. Without seeing the success, he has gone,” Prakash Kesavan, the victim’s elder brother, said,

speaking from the family home in Kerala, India.

“After completing B. Tech, Swati was attending coaching classes in Bangalore, Karnataka, to appear for her Master’s in Technology entrance examinations. “She is a studious girl. As she was their only child, he had high hopes. Unfortunately, without seeing his dream come true of his one and only daughter getting a good job, he has gone,” Prakash added.

Satyan, who had last visited home at the end of 2014, had been working in Oman for 24 years and had plans to visit home in the coming weeks, according to his elder brother.

Hearing the news, his devastated wife, Praseeda Satyan, collapsed and was rushed to hospital.

“Satyan used to call his wife at 8am and 2pm daily. However, on Tuesday, he failed to call at 2pm. As she sensed it unusual, she made calls to his friends. As they were also not picking up her

calls, she panicked. Since then, she is not in a normal condition,” Prakash added.

Meanwhile, shocked neighbours told the Times of Oman that Satyan was a kind person.

“He didn’t have any bad habits.

He was a god-fearing person and loved his family a lot. He was good with us all. He used to share time with us whenever he used to come on leave. We can’t believe that this kind of tragedy could happen to him,” Satyan’s neighbours told Times of Oman.

In June an Indian fuel station employee in Sunainah, near Ibri, was kidnapped and his body was found three days later by police in Masrooq with gunshot wounds.

Six Omanis were held over the kidnapping, robbery and murder.

Last April, an Indian nurse was murdered at her residence in Salalah province, southern Oman.

She had stab marks on her body and her husband is in police custody as part of the investigation.

DIRECTIVE

Uploading of services manual MUSCAT: A circular was issued yesterday by Sheikh Khalid bin Omar Al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Service to all ministries and government units to upload government services manual to their websites.

The circular referred to the Council of Ministers’ decision taken during its session No. (8/2015) dated 10th Joumada Al Oula 1436 AH, corresponding to the first of March 2015, regarding the adoption of proposals for developing the government performance.

It includes the development of a manual for government services provided by the government units to their customers, and the need to upload the manual of their services to their websites and link them with official portal. -ONA

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THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016

REGION Machar leaves Juba, not seeking war: Spokesman Machar would stay away from Juba until ceasefire details were worked out, said South Sudan’s vice president’s spokesman James Gatdet Dak

JUBA: South Sudan’s vice president has withdrawn with his troops to outside of Juba but is not planning for war, his spokesman said on Wednesday, as a ceasefire that ended heavy fighting with the president’s forces entered its third day.

Forces loyal to longtime rivals Vice-president Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir fought street battles in the capital during a fiveday period until a ceasefire was reached on Monday.

The events mirror those of December 2013, when a two-year civil war began after Machar, sacked from his post as Kiir’s deputy, withdrew his forces from Juba and launched a full-scale insurgency. “We had to move away from our base (in Juba) to avoid further confrontation,” Machar’s spokesman James Gatdet Dak in Nairobi told Reuters, saying he was in contact with Machar’s forces. “He is around the capital. I cannot say the location.”

It was not clear what caused the latest rift between the two men who have long jostled for power, even before South Sudan’s independence from Sudan in 2011.

The flare-up was apparently sparked on Thursday when Kiir’s

MUCH-NEEDED RELIEF: Families leave Saint Joseph’s church compound in Juba, after receiving small food ratios by the Red cross and other NGO’s on Tuesday in Juba. The latest upsurge in fighting has left many South Sudanese angry and uncertain. – AFP

forces stopped and demanded to search vehicles with Machar’s troops. Gatdet Dak said Machar would stay away from Juba until ceasefire details were worked out.

“He is not returning to the bush, nor is he organising for war,” the spokesman said, calling for an outside force to be deployed to act as a “buffer” between Machar and Kiir’s forces.

Other demands from Machar’s side are to implement a joint command, an integrated armed force

and a joint police force securing Juba, all issues laid out in a peace deal but not yet implemented, said Gatdet Dak. “This is the time for diplomacy... in an attempt to return the government of national unity into its position,” said Ateny Wek Ateny, the spokesman for President Kiir, adding Kiir had held a cabinet meeting with some opposition members on Tuesday.

Kenya Airways, which suspended all its scheduled flights to Juba on Sunday, said it would restart

them on Thursday, putting on a larger aircraft to clear the backlog.

In another apparent parallel with 2013, Uganda said it was sending troops to South Sudan but this time they would only help evacuate Ugandans, Uganda government spokesman Ofwono Opondo said. In 2013, they had entered at Kiir’s invitation to support his government as well help with evacuation, Opondo said. The latest upsurge in fighting has left many South

Sudanese angry and uncertain.

“Both Kiir and Machar should be held responsible for the killing of their own people, and for their soldiers who looted our property and killed my husband,” said a tearful Juba resident Rose Juru, 28. Kiir and Machar signed the peace deal in August 2015, but spent months arguing over details. Machar returned to Juba in April and was reinstated as Kiir’s deputy, a move that was meant to help cement the process. — Reuters

WA R W I T H I N NAT I O N

Air strikes kill 24 in rebel-held Syrian towns BEIRUT: At least 12 people were killed in air strikes on the rebelheld western Syrian town of Rastan on Wednesday, a local doctor and a monitoring group said, despite a government-declared nationwide temporary truce.

The British-based monitoring group, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, also said another 12 people were killed in rebelcontrolled Ariha, north of Rastan, including three children. Pictures from Ariha showed “White Helmet” rescue workers lifting slabs of broken grey concrete as they searched for survivors in the crumbled wreckage of a building.

Syrian government forces, backed

by Russia’s air force and President Bashar Al Assad’s regional allies, said this week they had extended a nationwide “regime of calm” until just before midnight on Thursday.

But fighting has continued on several fronts.

The doctor in Rastan, about 100 miles (160 km) north of Damascus, said 12 people had been killed in the air strikes and the death toll was likely to rise because many others were seriously wounded.

The Observatory put the death toll at 16. Rastan is part of a rebel-held pocket of territory surrounded by government forces. Ariha, further north, is in the rebel-controlled province of Idlib, bordering Turkey. The air strikes came as progovernment forces fought rebels and Islamist factions in the northern city of Aleppo.

The rebel half of the city has been effectively cut off for nearly a week after government forces advanced to within a few hundred metres (yards) of the only road into the rebel districts. The United Nations and other aid agencies have enough food in eastern Aleppo to feed 145,000 people for one month, as 200,000-300,000 in the Syrian city are at risk of being besieged by Syrian government forces, the UN said on Wednesday.— Reuters

P E N U LT I M AT E L E G O F W O R L D T O U R

FUEL-FREE FLIGHT: Solar Impulse 2, the solar powered plane, piloted by Swiss pioneer André Borschberg, is seen during the flyover of the pyramids of Giza on Wednesday prior to landing in Cairo, Egypt. – AFP/Solar Impulse2/Jean Revillard

Solar plane lands in Egypt CAIRO: An airplane powered by energy from the sun arrived on Wednesday in Egypt, the penultimate stop on the first fuel-free flight around the globe.

Solar Impulse 2, a spindly single-seat plane, flew over the Pyramids to make a smooth landing at Cairo airport at about 7:10am (0510 GMT) ending a flight leg that lasted 48 hours and 50 minutes. The plane, which began its journey in Abu Dhabi in March 2015 and is due to end it there, has been piloted in turns by Swiss aviators Andre Borschberg and Bertrand Piccard in a campaign to build support for clean energy technologies.

Final leg Solar Impulse flies without a drop of fuel, its four engines powered solely by energy collected from more than 17,000 solar cells in its wings. Surplus power is stored in batteries during the day to keep the plane aloft on long-distance flights.

The Solar Impulse team will now prepare for the final leg of the journey to United Arab Emirates, they said. — Reuters

WARM GREETINGS: Andre Borschberg, right, the Swiss pilot of Solar Impulse 2, a solar powered plane, is greeted by fellow pilot and countryman Bertrand Piccard after landing at Cairo Airport, Egypt on Wednesday. – Reuters

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INDIA

One dead in fresh Kashmir violence; curfew continues A police officer said that the forces exercise ‘restraint’ but when the protesters charged towards them with stones, one of the guards opened fire

PROTEST: A supporter of a separatist political leader shouts slogans atop a police vehicle during a protest in Srinagar against the recent killings in Kashmir, on Wednesday. - PTI

SRINAGAR: One person was killed on Wednesday in firing by police on a group of people who attacked forces with stones in the restive Indian-administered Kashmir battling the deadliest spell of violence in years.

The killing took place in south Kashmir, the worst hit in the ongoing turmoil after police fired at the mob throwing stones near Anantnag town, some 50km from here. A police officer said that the forces exercise “restraint” but when the protesters charged to-

wards them with rocks, one of the guards opened fire. Another person was injured in the shooting.

Earlier, two more persons wounded in street fighting in the past four days died here, taking the death to 37 in the violence triggered by the death of a top militant last week. Barring the Anantnag shooting, theregion appeared calm but tense amid sporadic incidents of stone-pelting clashes at various places even as large areas continued to be under strict curfew for the fifth day.

RAIN

Monsoon covers entire country NEW DELHI: Life is limping back to normal in flood-ravaged parts of Madhya Pradesh even as heavy rains lashed some places in Rajasthan, central Maharashtra and New Delhi as the southwest monsoon advanced in remaining parts of Arabian sea and Kutch area to cover entire country.

At least six places in Rajasthan received precipitation in excess of 13cm. Rains also lashed the national capital which kept the mercury within comfortable range but pushed humidity levels up (between 63-91 per cent) making life difficult for Delhiites.

The Safdarjung observatory recorded 16.3mm of rainfall between 8.30am and 5.30pm while weather stations at Palam, Lodhi Road, Ayanagar and Ridge recorded 10mm, 21.6mm, 38mm and traces of rain respectively during the same period.

The flood situation in Assam remained unchanged in the deluge hit Lakhimpur, Golaghat, Morigaon, Barpeta, Biswanath and Jorhat districts where 1,11,000 lakh people are affected.

An Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletin said the southwest monsoon has advanced into remaining parts of north Arabian Sea, Kutch and West Rajasthan thus it has covered the entire country on Wednesday.

The MeT department in Uttarakhand has issued a heavy rain alert for one or two places in Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Almora, Nainital and Champawat district and asked chardham yatris to remain watchful during the

72-hour period beginning tomorrow evening.

Rajasthan In Rajasthan, Galiakot town of Dungarpur district recorded 20 cm rainfall in the 24 hours ending on Wednesday morning. Dungarpur town recorded 15 cm rains while Arnod (Pratapgarh), Arthuna (Banswara), Chikali (Dungarpur), Dungla (Chittorgarh) and Railmagra (Rajsamand) recorded 13cm each during that period, according to Met department in the state.

In Punjab and Haryana, the monsoon, which has been subdued after its onset in the two states about 10 days back, is likely to pick up the pace and good rains are expected in the next two-three days. In the absence of widespread rains so far, the maximum temperatures have been settling in the range of 35-37 degrees Celsius at most places in the two states.

The MeT department in Himachal Pradesh has warned of heavy rains in several parts of the state during next three days as the axis of monsoon trough is likely to shift northwards close to foothills of Himalayas during in the next two days.

In Bihar, though cloudy sky prevailed, rain gave a miss to all parts of the state but Purnea received 13.3mm of rainfall during the day. Patna remained the hottest place with maximum temperature at 35.1 degrees Celsius.

West Bengal today witnessed a generally overcast sky with rainfalls in some places including in Birbhum district. - PTI

A P O L L O H O S P I TA L

Doctors quizzed in kidney racket NEW DELHI: Two senior doctors of Apollo Hospital have been questioned in connection with the kidney trading racket unearthed in the national capital last month, police said on Wednesday.

The doctors and few others were issued notices under CrPC Section 160, with the investigators asking them to join the probe into the matter at the earliest.

A Special Investigation Team questioned Ashok Sarin and D. K. Aggarwal, both nephrologists at Apollo Hospital, in connection with kidney transplants facilitated by the racket, on Tuesday evening. They were asked to come for another round of questioning on Wednesday as well, a

senior police official said.

Meanwhile, the police are also in the process of sending notices to three other senior doctors, who are members of the hospital’s committee for verifying documents pertaining to transplants. They too will be asked to join investigation into the case in connection with which the police have so far registered 2 FIRs and arrested 13 persons, including doctor’s assistants, middlemen, the kingpin Rajkumar Rao, few donors and one recipient.

In a statement, Apollo Hospital said, “Indraprastha Medical Corporation Limited (Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals) has been a victim of a well-orchestrated operation.” - PTI

Life paralysed Life remained paralysed almost across the valley due to the restriction and separatist called shutdown.

South Kashmir - the worst hit in the latest bout of unrest - was virtually cut off from the rest of the state amid snapped private cellphone services and strict prohibitory orders.

However, the state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) cellphone network was functional.

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The Jammu-Srinagar highway, the only all-weather motorable link to the valley that passes through south Kashmir, was blocked due to continuous curfew.

Private traffic to and from Srinagar on the highway is allowed only at night, officials said.

In Srinagar, roads were deserted while shops and other businesses, banks and private offices were closed.

There was a thin presence of employees in the government secretariat. People in the old city

complained of hardships as supplies of essentials had begun to dry up in the five days of curfew.

On Wednesday, the separatists had called for a march to observe ‘Martyrs’ Day’ in remembrance of Kashmiris killed in police firing on protesters against the Dogra rule on July 13, 1931.

Top separatists Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Syed Ali Shah Geelani, in house detention for five days, defied the restrictions and tried to walk towards the martyrs’ graveyard in curfew-bound old Srinagar. Police detained them briefly.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, however, visited the graveyard under a heavy security cover with her senior cabinet colleagues.

She paid tributes to the 1931 martyrs and made a fresh appeal for calm in the valley where more than 1,500 people have been injured in clashes between security forces and protesters since the killing of the militant commander, Burhan Wani. - IANS

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2014

Youth gets life term for killing parents of his girlfriend VADODARA: A 23-year-old youth has been sentenced for life by a local court for killing the parents of his girlfriend here in 2014.

According to the prosecution, the victims – Shrihari Vinod (63) and his wife Sneha (60) - were allegedly killed by their adopted daughter, who was around 16 years old at the time of the incident, and her boyfriend Sapan Purani (then aged 21) at their bungalow in Tirupati society in Manjalpur area of the city in the west Indian Gujarat state on August 3, 2014.

The girl and her boyfriend allegedly offered sedative-laced food to her parents and later they both smothered them to death with a pillow. The incident came to light a couple of days later, after the society’s residents complained to police about foul smell coming from the locked house.

Later, the police broke open the house and the two bodies were found. The girl was adopted by the childless couple when she was about one-year-old. The teenage girl, who was a Class X student at a private school in the city, had been staying with her boyfriend after the couple’s murder.

Her boyfriend used to visit the murdered couple’s house. - PTI

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THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016

INDIA Court restores Congress government in Arunachal Supreme Court order

Opposition attacks Modi government, BJP critical of ruling

restoring Congress government in Arunachal is the third major legal setback for the Narendra Modi government and came two months after the court had restored the Congress dispensation in Uttarakhand

NEW DELHI: Reeling under a huge setback, the government on Wednesday said a structured examination of the Supreme Court order restoring the Nabam Tuki-led Congress government in Arunachal Pradesh will be carried out while considering that a new dispensation was ruling the state after proving majority in the assembly.

Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, answering a barrage of questions at a media briefing, at the same time said the judgement by the apex court was ‘supreme’ and that government was studying the ‘implications’ of the verdict.

Prasad, who assumed charge of the Law Ministry last week for a second time in the present government, said government will go for a detailed examination of the order and ‘thereafter we can take a call’.

The Supreme Court’s order on Arunachal calling sacking of the Tuki government “unconstitutional” came two months after the apex BRIEFS

M. J. Akbar to look after India’s ties with the Gulf NEW DELHI: Newly appointed Minister of State for External Affairs M. J. Akbar has been tasked with looking after India’s engagement with West Asia, a strategically key region with which the Modi government has stepped up its engagement.

Responsibility given to Akbar, a journalist-turnedpolitician, also includes India’s relations with the European Union, central and western Europe, except the big three — France, Germany and Britain.

Website launched for transgenders MANGALURU: A first of its kind website offering round the clock support to transgenders and providing a forum for them to share experiences was launched on Wednesday. The website — www.transgenderindia.com — was launched by Neysara Rai, a 33-year-old transgender from the city.

21kg heroin seized along border AMRITSAR: Over 20kg heroin with a street value of around Rs1billion, which was smuggled in by Pakistani nationals, was on Wednesday seized by BSF along the Indo-Pak border here. The smugglers hurled packets of the drug across the border fence into Indian territory and were challenged by BSF troops deployed in the area.

No recruitment ban in Kerala THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPI(M)-led LDF government in Kerala, facing a severe financial crisis, today made it clear that there would be no ban on recruitments. This was announced

by Kerala Finance Minister T. M. Thomas Issac while speaking at the concluding debate on the general discussion on the 2016-17 state budget. - Agencies

NEW DELHI: BJP on Wednesday criticised the Supreme Court verdict on Arunachal Pradesh wondering whether it strengthens or weakens democracy while the entire opposition hit out at the Modi government accusing it of “misuse of power” and “transgression” of constitutional structure.

In a sharp reaction, the BJP, which heads the government at the Centre, calling the verdict a very strange order that the leader with majority support and running the government was being asked to sit in the opposition.

Reacting to the apex court order restoring her party government in the state, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the federal government saying those who

court had restored the Congress dispensation in Uttarakhand.

When asked whether the government will approach the apex court for a review of the verdict, he said “we will have to undertake a very structured examination of the entire direction and thereafter we can take a call.”

Prasad said government was yet to get a copy of the order.

“From the media reports, I have seen that the Supreme Court has directed status quo ante as in December 2015.

“I can very safely recall that lot of developments had taken place post December, namely the President’s Rule was withdrawn, a new government was sworn in and the new government had proved ma-

judgement, that firmly establishes the democratic values enshrined in our constitution, will deter the Union Government from any further misuse of power,” Sonia said.

Democratic values She also welcomed the “historic” verdict reinstating the “democratically-elected and unconstitutionally-removed” government. She hoped that the judgement, which firmly establishes democratic values enshrined in the constitution, will deter the union government from any further “misuse of power”.

Rahul took a dig at Modi and thanked the Supreme Court for explaining to him what democracy is.

Congress parliamentarian and senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, who argued for the Speaker in the Supreme Court, demanded

Sonia Gandh. – File

trampled upon constitutional propriety and democratic norms stand defeated.

“Those who had trampled upon constitutional propriety and democratic norms have been defeated today. This

jority on the floor of the House.

“Now in the light of all these, what is required to be done in terms of Supreme Court’s direction — that is paramount, and requires detail consideration,” the minister said.

Studying judgement He further said, “We will study the judgement in detail and go for its implications. Obviously, the Supreme Court judgement is supreme,” he said.

Asked whether the government had failed to learn lessons from the Uttarakhand episode, Prasad said the matter pertaining to Arunachal Pradesh was pending before the Constitution Bench even before the Uttarakhand issue came up.

To a poser whether it was a “failure of law management” on the part of the government, Prasad retorted, “I completely disagree with your comment on law management. Supreme Court is completely independent and free.”

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court ordered restoration of the Congress government in Arunachal by quashing all decisions of the governor that had precipitated its fall in January, holding them ‘violative’ of the Constitution.

The landmark unanimous judgement by a five-judge bench set aside among other things Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa’s message directing the preponing

the immediate sacking of Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa and an apology from all those involved in the decision of toppling the government.

Late in the evening, Home Minister Rajnath Singh convened a high-level meeting in which Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi were present to study the judgement.

Later, they are believed to have met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue.

At a media briefing on the cabinet meeting, Prasad raised questions over developments in the state after December 15, including the withdrawal of President’s Rule and Kalikho Pul proving his majority subsequently in the Assembly following the “legislative procedures” and forming the government. - PTI

of the session and the manner of holding the proceedings of sixth session of the assembly scheduled from January 14, 2016, to December 16-18, 2015.

The constitution bench, headed

by Justice J. S. Khehar, ordered that status quo ante as prevailed on December 15, 2015 be restored in Arunachal Pradesh Assembly.

Arunachal Pradesh was placed under President’s Rule in January after the Congress faced dissidence. - PTI

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AV I AT I O N

Pay less for flight ticket cancellations from August 1 NEW DELHI: Airline passengers will soon have a reason to smile as the revised norms that caps ticket cancellation charges and bars airlines from levying additional amount for refund process are coming into force from August 1.

Besides, carriers would have to indicate in an ‘unambiguous manner’ the amount of refund admissible on cancellation of a ticket.

“Under no circumstances, the airline shall levy cancellation charge more than the basic fare plus fuel surcharge,” aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said.

The DGCA has also made it clear that airlines cannot levy additional charge to process the refund. The move would come as a relief to air passengers against the backdrop of many carriers hiking the cancellation charges in recent times.

Coming out with the fresh set of rules, the watchdog said carriers should refund all statutory taxes and User Development Fee (UDF)/Airport Development Fee (ADF)/Passenger Service Fee (PSF) to the passengers in case of “cancellation/non-utilisation of tickets/no show”.

“This provision shall also be applicable for all types of fares offered including promos/special fares and where the basic fare is non-refundable,” the DGCA said.

The changes were first proposed by the Civil Aviation Ministry in June as part of putting in place passenger friendly measures.

These norms would be effective from August 1, according to the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) issued

by DGCA chief M. Sathiyavathy on Tuesday. To ensure more transparency, carriers would be required to indicate the refund amount in case of ticket cancellations.

The amount and its break-up may be indicated on the ticket itself or through separate form used for the purpose. Also, the policy and amount of refund shall be displayed by the airlines on their respective websites, it said. - PTI

V IOLENCE-HIT

Military aircraft to evacuate Indians in South Sudan NEW DELHI: India will send two C-17 military transport aircraft to war torn South Sudan’s capital city Juba on Thursday to evacuate over 300 Indians stranded there, an exercise which will be led by Minister of State for External Affairs V. K, Singh.

“The General takes charge again! 2 C-17s proceeding to Juba tomorrow with @Gen_VKSingh leading evacuation from South Sudan,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted. Singh had also supervised evacuation of nearly 4,000 Indians from conflict-ridden Yemen last year.

The relief flight is expected to

The relief flight is expected to reach Juba on Thursday morning, an official advisory said, adding only Indian nationals with valid Indian travel document will be allowed boarding with maximum 5 kg cabin baggage

reach Juba on Thursday morning, an official advisory said, adding only Indian nationals with valid Indian travel document will be allowed boarding with maximum five kg cabin baggage and no

check-in pieces. It also said that women and children will be accommodated on priority.

Apart from Singh, Amar Sinha, Secretary (Economic Relations) will also travel to Juba. India has

been closely monitoring developments in South Sudan, which is witnessing heavy fighting between former rebels and government soldiers in several parts of the city.

A task force has been set up for the purpose.

600 Indians According to the ministry, there are around 600 Indians in South Sudan, of them 450 are in Juba and nearly 150 are outside the capital. According to official sources, so far nearly 300 Indians have registered with the Indian embassy for evacuation.

Later, in a series of tweets on

evacuation, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, “We are launching Operation #SankatMochan to evacuate Indian nationals from South Sudan. My colleague @Gen_VKSingh is leading this operation.”

“He will be accompanied by Secretary Amar Sinha, J, S. Satbir Singh and Director Anjani Kumar.

Our Ambassador in South sudan Srikumar Menon and his team is organising this operation on the ground.

“Thanks to my colleague @ manoharparrikar and my best wishes to the brave Indian Air force who are carrying out OP #SankatMochan”. - PTI

FREE LED BULBS TO THE POOR United States-born Meera Vashisht holds LED bulbs with beneficiaries at a function where she distributed them to underprivileged people in New Delhi on Wednesday. Meera, in the US, raised funds to buy and distribute LED bulbs for free to poor people in India. — PTI

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PAKISTAN

PIGEON RACE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP (Left) A Pakistani racing pigeon owner feeds his pigeon after a day of flying during the pigeon race national championship in Islamabad on May 30, 2016, in this picture released on Wednesday; (Right)Pakistani competitors, spectators and officials watch racing pigeons fly overhead during the pigeon race Bird cages and enthusiasts can be found on rooftops in the old districts of cities across the country. Millions of fans across the country are enthralled by low and high altitude flying competitions, and races in which opponents attempt to distract each others’ birds. — AFP

US drone strike kills army school attack mastermind “It’s a huge loss to the small but most effective Taliban faction of Khalifa Umar Mansoor,” the commander said. “There is no such prominent figure of his status to run his organisation.”

The strike was the second in the space of two months against a senior insurgent leader close to the frontier between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

General Asim Bajwa, director general of the Pakistani army’s media division, reported the death

Killing of Mullah Mansour In May, Mullah Mohammad Akhtar Mansour, leader of the Afghan Taliban, was killed by a drone on the Pakistani side of the border. The Pakistani Taliban is waging war against the Pakistani state and is separate from the Afghan Taliban.

It claimed responsibility for the attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar, in northwest Pakistan in December 2014 in which at least 132 children, nine staff and several attackers were killed.

of Umar Narai, also known as Khalifa Umar Mansoor or Khalid Khurasani, in a message on Twitter

PESHAWAR: The alleged mastermind of the 2014 attack on a school in Pakistan in which more than 150 people died, most of them children, has been killed in an American drone strike in Afghanistan, the Pakistan military and sources in the Pakistani Taliban said.

General Asim Bajwa, director general of the Pakistani army’s

JUSTICE: Pakistani parents gather at the Army Public School with their children after it was reopened following an attack there by Taliban militants in Peshawar on January 12, 2015. — AFP file photo

media division, reported the death of Umar Narai, also known as Khalifa Umar Mansoor or Khalid Khurasani, in a message on Twitter. In Kabul, the US military con-

firmed it had conducted a counterterrorism strike in the eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar on Sunday but gave no details.

The Pakistani Taliban made no

official comment.

One senior member of the group said the movement had decided not to comment on the death until a successor had been chosen.

Charsadda attack Umar Mansoor claimed responsibility for planning the attack as well as a separate attack on Bacha Khan University in Charsadda on January 20 this year, in which 22 people, most of them students and teachers, were killed. — Reuters

TRIBUTE

State Bank to issue special coin to honour Edhi

Abdul Sattar Edhi

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) will issue a commemorative coin in honour of humanitarian Abdul Sattar Edhi, who passed away last week.

Speaking to The Express Tribune on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the central bank said the SBP will issue the commemorative coin at a memorial service at its headquarters on Saturday.

The governor and other senior central bankers will be present on the occasion, he added.

Higher than Rs10 While the spokesperson refused to reveal the denomination of the commemorative coin, he said it would most likely be of a denomination higher than Rs10.

Commemorative coins are typi-

cally issued in higher denominations as they are not meant for usual circulation in the economy.

Such coins are usually made of copper, zinc and nickel and depict the waxing crescent moon and a five-pointed star.

Last year, the SBP issued a Rs20 commemorative coin to mark the Pakistan-China Year of Friendly Exchange 2015.

Edhi founded and managed Pakistan’s biggest private social welfare organisation for over six decades.

He died last week at the age of 88 and was buried on July 9, following a state funeral attended by the President Mamnoon Hussain and army chief General Raheel Sharif.

— Express Tribune

CRUISERWEIGHT CLASSIC

Prince Mustafa Ali

First Pakistani origin wrestler to compete in WWE tourney KARACHI: Prince Mustafa Ali, the first muscleman of Pakistani origin to make it to WWE. Ali is part of the Cruiserweight Classic tournament, which will be aired exclusively on the WWE Network.

Born in Chicago, Ali has been in the ring for 13 years now. In an email interview with The Express Tribune, he says, “I knew I wanted to be a wrestler ever since I was young.” Idolising Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart while growing up, Ali added Eddie Guerrero, Rey Mysterio, Hardy Boyz, Chris Jericho, and Hayabusa to his list of favourites.

To compete in WWE is the ultimate goal for most wrestlers. For Ali, it was not any different. He reveals that he has been in contact with the company for three years.

He even had a tryout at their Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, back in 2013. “I was told that I wrestle well, but I don’t look like what they needed at that moment.”

Three years later, WWE rolled out Cruiserweight Classic and asked him if he’d be interested.

“To wrestle for WWE is such a huge deal to me. It’s what I grew up on. “It’s what I chased for 13 years.

It’s what I’ve broken bones for. It’s what I’ve missed birthdays for.

To be able to live that moment of standing in a WWE ring is … I don’t know how to describe it,” he says.

“Looking the part” has always been an issue in WWE. It was wrestlers like CM Punk and Daniel Bryan who eventually changed the game for independent wrestlers by winning over millions with their incredible skills. — Express Tribune

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MAC MARGOLIS

Something new is happening.

For the first time in memory, representatives of Brazil’s nearly untouchable class of cordial men -- multibillionaires included -- are being brought to justice in a massive corruption crackdown. Cuadros mentions this only as his story ends. Maybe that’s a topic for another book

Thanking developer for free app This refers to report ‚ 3D image of Al Alam Palace on new Omani rial note (July 13) It is very wonderful news. Thanks to the app developer for making it free for us, to enjoy.

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STEPHEN JAY GOULD

Need to defuse Asia’s spiralling arms race he ruling against China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague will be met with relief in the region’s capitals. But it is unlikely to reverse one of Asia’s most worrying trends: an alarming regional arms build-up.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Asia now accounts for almost half of the world’s arms expenditure, which is more than twice the total expenditure of countries in the Middle East and four times greater than that of Europe.

Vietnam, which restored diplomatic relations with the United States only in 1995, is now considering allowing the US Navy to use its Cam Ranh Naval Base – which was built and used by the US Air Force during the Vietnam War (and then by the Soviet and Russian navies). It has also purchased a clutch of Russian-made submarines, and it spent eight times more in arms procurement between 2011 and 2015 than it did in the previous five years. Thailand, too, wants submarines for its navy, despite having only shallow waters in the Gulf of Thailand and no territorial claims in the South China Sea. The Philippines, which brought the case against China in The Hague, is beefing up its military as well, with the procurement of fighter jets from South Korea and new investments in its navy, supported not only by the US, but also

by Japan. The Philippines has also rehabilitated its defence alliance with the US, marking a Uturn from its decision to expel the US Navy from its base at Subic Bay in 1991. In the same spirit, the American Seventh Fleet has stepped up its Freedom of Navigation Operational Patrols (FONOPs) in the South China Sea. Lastly, Japan is gaining influence in the region by inching away from its post-war “peace constitution.” So far, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s government has reinterpreted Article 9, which renounces war, to allow for Japan to come to the defence of its allies. The government has also revised security laws to allow exports of weapons technology to its partners in the region, thereby buttressing their defence capabilities.

All of these countries are responding to China’s rapid emergence as the foremost threat to regional stability. On the headwaters of the Mekong River, China has constructed upriver dams that deprive downstream countries like Cambo-

dia and Vietnam of vital water resources. In the South China Sea, China has built artificial islands and militarised them with airstrips and defence facilities; and it is flexing its naval muscles with a newly minted aircraft carrier group, with more on the way.

In the run-up to the PCA’s decision, China drummed up support in far-flung African countries, where it has investments, and among more easily influenced members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, such as Brunei, Cambodia, and Laos. China’s goal is to prevent ASEAN members from uniting against it and to diminish the role of international law in a region where it seeks strategic dominance.

More ominously, China ramped up its South China Sea activities in spite of the tribunal’s proceedings, vowing long ago to ignore any ruling that invalidated its claims.

Asia’s arms race is the biggest since the Cold War, and it is accelerating against an increasingly unfavorable international backdrop. The US is preoccupied with the Islamic State and other terrorist threats abroad, and now with the presidential campaign at home. And Europe is in disarray after the United Kingdom’s vote to leave the European Union, which followed eight years of weak growth, austerity, and prolonged crises.

If anything, this should be Asia’s moment to assume a global leadership role. Sadly, the region’s bitter geopolitical rivalries stand in the way, owing to the absence of an institutional framework to prevent, mitigate, and settle territorial disputes. Unless, and until, such arrangements are established, the risk of conflict will grow, jeopardizing the region’s economic transformation – which in recent decades has lifted a billion Asians out of poverty.

Creating a viable regional security framework will not be easy, given the seeming intractability of many of Asia’s geopolitical fault lines.

These include the standoff between India and Pakistan over Kashmir; the confrontation between North and South Korea; the tumultuous relationship between China and Taiwan; and China’s claims on the sovereign territory of Japan and India, in addition to that of the Philippines and Vietnam. — Project Syndicate

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES JULY 2001 Majlis team leaves for Yemen MUSCAT: A delegation from the Majlis Al Shura left for Sanaa yesterday to participate in the 39th session of the Council of the Arab Parliamentary Union which is dedicated for the support of the Palestinian intifada, and will be held there today and tomorrow. The delegation is headed by Fahd bin Majid Al Ma’amari, the Majlis deputy president, and comprises Ishaq bin Salim Al Siyabi and Amir bin Ahmed Qatan, members of the Majlis, besides Dr Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Ansari, assistant secretary-general for sessions affairs, and Badr bin Salim Al Ma’amari, director of public relations and protocol.

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1536: France and Portugal sign the Treaty of Lyons, aligning themselves against Spain.

1789: The Bastille, a fortress in Paris used to hold political prisoners, is stormed by a mob.

1900: European Allies retake Tientsin, China, from the Boxers.

1964: The United States sends 600 more troops to Vietnam.

Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016

ASIA Taiwan seeks two Russian suspects in $2m ATM heist Suspects may have used a cellphone to trigger 41 First Bank ATMs to dispense fat wads of bills, investigators said

TAIPEI: Taiwan investigators suspect two Russian nationals hacked into a major domestic bank’s ATMs last weekend, using malware to withdraw more than $2 million from dozens of machines in the country’s first recorded case of its kind.

Combining cybercrime with daylight robbery after a typhoon battered greater Taipei, the suspects may have used a cellphone to trigger 41 First Bank ATMs to dispense fat wads of bills, investigators said on Wednesday.

In each case, the still-at-large suspects took the money and left quickly, filmed on close-circuit TV cameras.

As Taiwan officials continue to piece together how the crime was committed, the theft shows growing boldness in attacks on ATMs in Asia. In May, a gang stole $13 million from Japanese ATMs in a threehour, 14,000 withdrawal spree.

Since discovering the theft on Monday, a range of Taiwan’s biggest state-run banks have frozen withdrawals from nearly 1,000 ATMs of the kind used in the heist, supplied by Germany’s Wincor Nixdorf. About 4 per cent of Taiwan’s national ATM network of 27,200 machines is affected, leaving customers obliged to use other machines.

The Ministry of Justice’s Investigation Bureau on Wednesday said two Russian suspects have been identified, but declined to disclose their names. It said it believed the pair left Taiwan early on Monday, and was still investigating whether a possible third one might have been involved.

“So far we think it could have been

SUSPENDED: Taiwanese First Bank automated teller machines (ATM) suspended after T$70 million ($2.2 million) was reported stolen from its ATM in Taipei, Taiwan, on Wednesday. - Reuters

done remotely, such as via a cellphone, laptop or hacked First Bank staff PC,” said Lin Cheng-hsien, a spokesperson for the bureau.

First Bank reported T$70 million ($2.2 million) was stolen from its ATMs in hits that investigators said took place at various times during both daytime and nightfall.

Investigators have identified three different malware programmes that were used to trigger withdrawals. “After testing the malware, we confirmed hacked ATMs will dispense cash immediately according to the malware,” the bureau said.

The raid on Wincor machines comes as its agreed €1.7 billion ($1.88 billion) acquisition by United States peer Diebold moves closer to its expected closure this summer, creating a global leader in ATMs with a market share of about 35 per cent.

Similar pattern Wincor said it had been informed about concerted attacks on its ATMs in Taiwan. “Attacks follow a similar pattern, irrespective of their make or brand, and we as well as the banks are aware of them,” a Wincor official in Ger-

many told Reuters by email. “The details of the attack are being examined by the police, banks as well as experts from Wincor Nixdorf. To support the local teams we have sent security experts.”

Officials of Taiwan’s banking regulator, the Banking Bureau, declined to comment on the details of the incident, beyond saying First Bank will have to take the loss.

It said, however, First Bank’s users will not be affected and it will ask local banks to establish monitoring system of their ATMs over the next month.

At least four major state-run financial institutions, including First Bank, Chang Hwa Bank, Taiwan Cooperative Bank and Chunghwa Post, suspended cash withdrawals service on their ATMs as a precaution. They didn’t say when the service would be restored, nor whether the suspension might affect their financial performance. - Reuters

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THE HAGUE VERDICT

Beijing pledges to protect South China Sea sovereignty BEIJING/MANILA: China vowed to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty over the South China Sea and said it had the right to set up an air defence zone, after rejecting an international tribunal’s ruling denying its claims to the energy-rich waters.

Chinese state media called the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague a ‘puppet’ of external forces after it ruled that China had breached the Philippines’ sovereign rights by endangering its ships and fishing and oil projects.

Beijing has repeatedly blamed the United States for stirring up trouble in the South China Sea, where its territorial claims overlap in parts with Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. “China will take all necessary measures to protect its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” the ruling Communist Party’s official ‘People’s Daily’ said in a front page commentary on Wednesday.

Trade route The case, covering a region that is home to one of the world’s busiest trade routes, has been seen as a test of China’s rising power and its economic and strategic rivalry with the United States. Underscoring China’s rebuffing of the ruling, state media said that two new airports in the Spratlys, on Mischief Reef and Subi Reef, both received test flights from civilian aircraft on Wednesday.

Beijing called the Philippines’ claims of sovereignty in the South China Sea ‘baseless’ and an ‘act of bad faith’.

In a government white paper published on Wednesday, China also said its fishing boats had been harassed and attacked by the Philippines around the disputed Spratly Islands. - Reuters

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May becomes UK prime minister Theresa promises to govern for people, not ‘privileged few’ as Cameron bows out after shock of Brexit referendum

LONDON: Theresa May became Britain’s new prime minister on Wednesday, promising to carve out a bold new future in the world as she embarks on the monumental task of leading the country out of the European Union.

May, 59 assumed office after an audience with Queen Elizabeth and drove straight to her new home of 10 Downing Street, vacated hours earlier by David Cameron.

“We will rise to the challenge. As we leave the European Union we will forge a bold new positive role for ourselves in the world, and we will make Britain a country that works not for a privileged few, but for every one of us,” she said.

Cameron stepped down after Britons rejected his entreaties and voted to leave the EU in a referendum last month, severely undermining European efforts to forge greater unity and creating economic uncertainty across the 28-nation bloc.

May must try to limit the damage to British trade and investment as she renegotiates the country’s ties with its 27 EU partners.

She will also attempt to unite a divided ruling Conservative party and a fractured nation in which many, on the evidence of the vote, feel angry with the political elite and left behind by the forces of globalisation.

Acknowledging the struggles S E R I OU S T H R E AT

French closes missions in Turkey, citing security fears ISTANBUL/ANKARA: French diplomatic missions in Turkey’s two main cities have shut until further notice and cancelled planned events to mark France’s July 14 National Day due to security concerns, the embassy in Ankara said on Wednesday.

The French consulate general in Istanbul had been due to hold a reception on Wednesday evening to mark National Day, while French missions in Ankara and the Aegean coastal city of Izmir had planned events for Thursday.

“For security reasons, July 14th receptions planned in Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir are cancelled,” the embassy said in a statement, adding that it had informed the Turkish authorities of the decision and was in close contact with them. “The embassy of France in Ankara, as well as the consulate general in Istanbul will be closed from Wednesday July 13, 1pm (1000 GMT), until further notice,” it said. The consulate general in Istanbul said earlier that there was information suggesting a “serious threat against plans for the celebration of the July 14 national holiday in Turkey”. — Reuters

NEW FUTURE: Britain’s Prime Minister, Theresa May, and husband Philip pose for the media outside number 10 Downing Street, in central London, Britain on Wednesday. – Reuters

faced by many Britons, May declared: “The government I lead will be driven not be the interests of the privileged few, but by yours. We will do everything we can to give you more control over your lives.

“When we take the big calls we’ll think not of the powerful but you, when we pass new laws we’ll listen

not to the mighty but to you, when it comes to taxes we’ll prioritise not the wealthy but you.”

The United States congratulated May and said it was confident in her ability to steer Britain through the Brexit negotiations.

“Based on the public comments we’ve seen from the incoming

prime minister, she intends to pursue a course that’s consistent with the prescription that President Obama has offered,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest said.

An official photograph showed May curtseying to a smiling Queen Elizabeth, for whom she is the 13th prime minister in a line that start-

ed with Winston Churchill.

She is also Britain’s second female head of government after Margaret Thatcher.

EU leaders, keen to move forward after the shock of ‘Brexit’, want May to launch formal divorce proceedings as soon as possible to help resolve the uncertainty.

But she has said the process should not be launched before the end of year, to give time for Britain to draw up its negotiating strategy.

Although she favoured Britain remaining in Europe, May has repeatedly declared that “Brexit means Brexit” and that there can be no attempt to reverse the referendum outcome.

The shock vote partly reflected discontent with EU rules on freedom of movement that have contributed to record-high immigration - an issue on which May, as interior minister for the past six years, is politically vulnerable.

But EU leaders have made clear that free movement is a fundamental principle that goes handin-hand with access to the bloc’s tariff-free single market, a stance that will hugely complicate May’s task in hammering out new terms of trade. “My advice to my successor, who is a brilliant negotiator, is that we should try to be as close to the European Union as we can be for the benefits of trade, cooperation and of security,” Cameron told parliament in his last appearance before resigning.

Appearing later in Downing Street with his wife Samantha and their three children, he delivered his parting remarks to the nation after six years dominated by the Europe question and the aftermath of the global financial crisis.

“It’s not been an easy journey and of course we’ve not got every decision right,” he said, “but I do believe that today our country is much stronger.”

In parliament, Cameron took the opportunity to trumpet his government’s achievements in generating one of the fastest growth rates among western economies, chopping the budget deficit and creating 2.5 million jobs.

Yet his legacy will be overshadowed by his failed referendum gamble, which he had hoped would keep Britain at the heart of a reformed EU. — Reuters

HARMONISING PROCEDURES

EU proposes new asylum rules to stop migrants BRUSSELS: The European Commission proposed more unified EU asylum rules on Wednesday, in a bid to stop people waiting for refugee status moving around the bloc and disrupting its passport-free zone.

In an unprecedented wave of migration last year, 1.3 million people reached the EU and most ignored legal restrictions, trekking from the Mediterranean coast to apply for asylum in wealthy Germany, prompting some EU countries to suspend the Schengen system that allows free passage between most EU states.

“The changes will create a genuine common asylum procedure,” said EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos. “At the same time, we set clear obligations and duties for asylum seekers to prevent secondary movements and abuse of procedures.”

The proposal would standardise refugee reception facilities across the bloc and unify the level of state support they can get, setting common rules on residence permits, travel papers, access to jobs, schools, social welfare and healthcare. It would grant prospective refugees swifter rights to work but also put more obligations on them, meaning if they do not effectively cooperate with the

PREVENTING MOVEMENT: Police officers guarding a local refugee camp in the village of Roszke at the Serbian-Hungarian border on September 4, 2015 where migrants were being held. – AFP

authorities or head to an EU state of their choice rather than staying put, their asylum application could be jeopardised. The fiveyear waiting period after which refugees are eligible for long-term residence would be restarted if they move from their designated country, the Commission said.

The plan, which will now be reviewed by national governments

and the European Parliament, comes after the Commission proposed in May a system for distributing asylum seekers around the bloc, an idea that angered eastern EU states which refuse to take in refugees. Only 3,056 people have so far been relocated under the scheme that was meant for 160,000 people, the Commission said. Hungary and Slovakia have

challenged the quotas for receiving asylum-seekers in the courts.

Asked whether Brussels would punish countries, that also include Poland and the Czech Republic, for not complying with the relocation quotas, Avramopoulos said: “Were not here to punish, we are here to persuade. But if this persuasion doesn’t succeed, then yes, we’re thinking of doing that.

But we’re not there yet.”

Last year’s record arrivals triggered bitter political disputes in the EU, where the wealthier states that ended up hosting most of the people accused the newer members in the east of showing no solidarity. A deal with Turkey in March has since cut the arrivals to Greece to a trickle but has prompted concerns about human rights.

Unlike the Turkey route, however, which mainly brought Syrians and other people with a strong cases for asylum into Europe, the bloc is now worried over a rise in arrivals from Africa through Libya. Most people on that route do not qualify for asylum and, under the EU rules, should be sent back.

The Commission wants to draw up lists of “safe countries” outside the bloc, which would help EU states return people, after Athens’ refusal to recognise Turkey as such a place hindered deportations from the Greek islands back to Turkey. To discourage chaotic flows by facilitating legal migration, the Commission also proposed an EU-wide system for resettlement directly from refugee camps. It said Brussels would pay 10,000 euros for each person EU states bring in. — Reuters

FIRESTORM OF CRITICISM

Trump calls Justice Ginsburg mentally unfit, calls for her resignation WASHINGTON: US Republican presidential contender Donald Trump called on Wednesday for the resignation of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, describing her as mentally unfit after she lambasted him in a series of media interviews.

In interviews this week, Ginsburg told CNN she viewed Trump as a “faker” and said she was worried about the country’s future if he won the White House in November. Her comments have sparked a firestorm of criticism and have enraged Republicans.

Republican House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, in a CNN interview on Tuesday, called Ginsburg’s comments “biased and out of the realm”.

Trump, who has called Ginsburg’s comments inappropriate, stepped up his criticism on

Wednesday in a Twitter post.

Ginsburg, 83, had “embarrassed all by making very dumb political statements,” he said, adding, “Her mind is shot - resign.”

Trump was not alone in the rebuke. In an editorial on Wednesday, the New York Times said that while there was no legal requirement for her to refrain from commenting on the presidential campaign, Ginsburg should uphold the court’s tradition of silence in political campaigns and drop the “punditry and name-calling.”

The furore over Ginsburg’s comments comes as Trump prepares for the Republicans’ July 18-21 convention that will formally nominate him as the party’s presidential candidate for the November 8 election. Trump, who needs to energise conservatives in his party who are divided over his

FURORE US Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, left, and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. – AFP

unorthodox candidacy, has emphasised the importance of naming conservative justices to the Supreme Court.

Ginsburg is among the liberals on the court, which has been ideologically split between four liberals and four conservatives since conservative Justice Antonin

Scalia died in February.

US Supreme Court justices are not required to follow the code of judicial conduct that applies to judges on lower federal courts.

The code, set by the US Judicial Conference, says judges should not “make speeches for a political organisation or candidate, or pub-

licly endorse or oppose a candidate for public office.” Still, the judges on the country’s top court typically try to stay out of the political fray.

In public remarks earlier this year, Chief Justice John Roberts stressed it was important for the justices not to be seen as political players, saying criticisms of partisanship, which he described as inaccurate, were damaging to the court’s reputation. “We don’t work as Democrats or Republicans,” he said. Ginsburg was not immediately available for comment on Trump’s remarks and the Times editorial. The Supreme Court, whose nine justices are nominated by the US president to lifetime appointments, is in the spotlight this presidential election cycle after Scalia’s death. The Republicancontrolled US Senate has refused to take up Democratic President Barack Obama’s nominee to re-

place Scalia, Merrick Garland.

Republicans have said the next president should be allowed to nominate a replacement for Scalia.

The next president, potentially serving two four-year terms, could have the opportunity to appoint up to three new justices, not including Scalia’s replacement. Ginsburg is the oldest of the justices. Justice Anthony Kennedy turns 80 on July 23, while Justice Stephen Breyer turns 78 in August.

US Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who dropped his presidential bid on Tuesday and endorsed rival Hillary Clinton to be the Democratic candidate for the election, told ABC’s “Good Morning America” he agreed with Ginsburg. “I think that Trump is a total opportunist,” Sanders said. “I do not believe anything that comes out of his mouth.” — Reuters

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016

A15

WORLD South Korea chooses site to deploy US THAAD system South Korea’s defence ministry has said it aims to have the system operational by the end of 2017

SEOUL: South Korea announced on Wednesday the site where a US THAAD anti-missile defence unit will be deployed against North Korea’s missile and nuclear threats, a plan that has angered China and prompted a North Korean warning of retaliation.

South Korea and the United States said last Friday they had made a final decision to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system in the South.

Tension on the Korean peninsula has been high since North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear test in January and followed that with a satellite launch and a string of test launches of various missiles.

The South Korean Defence Ministry said the THAAD system would be deployed in the southeastern county of Seongju to maximise its effectiveness while minimising any impact on residents and the environment.

“By operating the US THAAD battery in Seongju, we will be able to better protect one half to two-thirds of our citizens from North Korean nuclear and missile threats,” the ministry said in a statement.

“It will dramatically strengthen the military capabilities and readiness to defend critical national infrastructure such as nuclear power plants and oil storage facili-

PROTEST AGAINST DEPLOYMENT: South Korean activists hold placards during a rally against a plan on deployment of the US-built Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), outside the Defence Ministry in Seoul on Wednesday. – AFP

ties, as well as the military forces of the South Korea-US alliance.”

North Korea’s military on Monday threatened to retaliate against the deployment of the system with a “physical response” once its location and time of installation were decided.

South Korea’s defence ministry has said it aims to have the system

operational by the end of 2017.

The decision to deploy THAAD is the latest move to squeeze the increasingly isolated North Korea, but China worries the system’s radar will be able to track its military capabilities. Russia also opposes the deployment.

South Korea and the United States have said THAAD will only

be used in defence against North Korean ballistic missiles, but China has warned it would destabilise the regional security balance.

THAAD is built by Lockheed Martin Corp and designed to defend against short- and medium-range ballistic missiles by intercepting them high in the atmosphere, or outside it. The United States already has a THAAD system on the island of Guam.

Putting THAAD in Seongju would also allow for protection of major US military installations in the South, while limiting the range of its radar’s reach into China, South Korean media said.

The United States has about 28,000 troops in South Korea. It

will pay for the THAAD system.

South Korean Finance Minister Yoo Il-ho told parliament the government was making contingency plans in case China took action in response to the deployment.

But he added: “I don’t think there will be a major retaliatory action in terms of the economy.”

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang repeated China’s opposition to THAAD. “China will resolutely take the necessary steps to protect our reasonable interests,” Lu added, without elaborating.

Recent media speculation about possible THAAD sites had fuelled protests from residents, including those of Seongju. — Reuters

WA R N I N G

‘Germany will recall soldiers from Turkey if lawmakers visit blocked’ BERLIN: Germany will recall soldiers serving at the Incirlik airbase in Turkey if Ankara continues blocking German lawmakers from visiting the troops, Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel said in remarks published on Wednesday.

Turkey has denied German lawmakers access to the base.

“The German army answers to parliament,” Gabriel told the regional newspaper Mitteldeutsche Zeitung. “And if parliament cannot visit its army, then the army cannot stay there. This is absolutely clear.”

His threat to pull out the 250 soldiers at the base, who are part of NATO operations against IS militants in Iraq, is the clearest sign yet of escalating tensions between the two members of the military alliance. Though they are crucial partners in the effort to stem mass migration to Europe, Germany and Turkey’s relations have taken several blows in recent months.

President Tayyip Erdogan was perturbed by the broadcast of a satirical song about him on German television and in April launched legal action against the comedian who wrote it. The Armenian resolution last month, which prompted Ankara to recall its ambassador, compounded the rift.

Gabriel’s remarks echoed earlier demands by some German lawmakers that the soldiers should be recalled if Turkey did not change its position.

German forces are currently on missions in around 13 countries, including Afghanistan and Kosovo, as well as conducting monitoring in the Mediterranean.

Lawmakers have often visited deployed soldiers, mainly in Afghanistan. Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Tuesday that German lawmakers must be allowed to visit the soldiers and that she would try to solve the issue with the Turkish government. — Reuters

B

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM THU RS DAY, JULY 14, 2016

MARKE

OMAN OIL PRICE RISES Oman Crude (September delivery) increased by 84 cents to $44.33 per barrel, said Dubai Mercantile Exchange (DME). The average price of Oman Crude (July delivery) stabilised at $44.33 per barrel, $4.93 higher than June delivery. – ONA

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

Muscat 5,915.46 + 66.57 + 1.14%

Dubai 3,483.94 + 46.43 + 1.35%

Abu Dhabi 4,574.13 + 31.39 + 0.69%

Saudi Arabia

6,687.27 + 61.49 + 0.93%

Kuwait 5,386.10 + 8.35 + 0.16%

Bahrain 1,174.44 + 7.72 + 0.66%

Qatar 10,161.84 + 21.05 + 0.21%

CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.32 Pound ........................................... 1.93 Indian Rs ............................. 174.03 Pak Rs ....................................267.59 Bangla Taka.......................201.05

Indian Rs ...................................174.05 Pakistan Rs .............................272.00 Sri Lanka Rs .................................. N/A Bangla Taka........................... 203.50 Phil Peso ................................... 122.50

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) ........ 17.10

Oman Crude............. (Spot) ........ $43.57 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) ........ $43.57 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) ........ $45.87 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) .........$44.17 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) .........$47.63

* Rates are as of Jul 13 Source: Bank Muscat

West Texas Int ....... (Spot) .........$46.14

* Rates as of Jul 13 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

Bank Muscat’s net profit rises in second quarter

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......16.35 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ........... 162.00 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) ............ 152.00 * Rates as of Jul 13 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

S E C O N D Q U A R T E R R E S U LT S

Omantel net profit rises 9% in first quarter Times News Service

THE BIGGER PICTURE The bank posted a net profit of OMR90.47m

Net interest income from conventional banking stood at OMR124.42 million for the six months of 2016 compared to OMR115.45 million for the same period of 2015.

Non-interest income at OMR74.58 million for the six month period ended on June 30, 2016 was lower by 1.2per cent compared to OMR75.51 million for the same period in 2015.

Net Loans and advances increased by 7.1 per cent to OMR6,848 million as against OMR6,392 million as of June30, 2015.

Customer deposits decreased by 0.1 per cent to OMR6,908 million as against OMR6,914 million as of June 30, 2015.

in second quarter ending June 30, compared to OMR89.82m reported during the same period in 2015, an increase of 0.7 per cent

Times News Service MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial institution in the Sultanate, announced its preliminary results for the six months ended on June 30, 2016.

The bank posted net profit of OMR90.47million for the period compared to OMR89.82 million reported during the same period in 2015, an increase of 0.7 per cent.

The bank in s press statement said that the net interest income

from conventional banking stood at OMR124.42 million for the six months of 2016 compared to OMR115.45 million for the same period of 2015,an increase of 7.8 per cent.

Islamic financing Net income from Islamic financing was OMR11.76 million for the six months of 2016 compared to OMR9.21 million for the same period of 2015, an increase of 27.7 per cent. Non-interest income

SMEs SECTOR

Sharakah finances 9 projects until June Times News Service MUSCAT: Sharakah provided financial support to nine projects valued at a total of OMR438,000 in June, against the target to finance 10 to 12 projects valued at OMR780,000 in 2016, the closed joint stock company announced.

Despite the market slow down, there has been significant activity in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector.

“We anticipated earlier this year that SMEs would still continue to grow despite the market conditions. Start-ups in general have a better advantage when entering a market that is being affected by an economic downturn.

They are very much aware of the challenges in the market and can align their strategies to overcome them,” General Manager Abdullah Al Jufaili said.

Asked if Sharakah will stop taking new applications, Al Jufaili responded “No, we will continue to accept applications. However, we would be more prudent

to align (them) with our diversification of sectors strategy. To date, the majority of businesses that we have supported are in the services sectors,” he added.

Al Jufaili pointed out that more than 70 per cent of the supported businesses are from the food and beverages sectors.

“That has been in response to the changes in consumers’ lifestyle, increasing the number of tourists and in garnering interest from business owners themselves to own a food joint,” he explained.

Mohamed Al Lawati, marketing specialist said, “The number of inquiries and people walking in has noticeably increased this year.”

Recently this year, Sharakah received an award for being the “Best Inspiring Organisation” from the World Confederation of Business at a ceremony held in Monte Carlo. Indeed, the objective is not just to provide financial support, but rather to take these SMEs to the next level.

CRUDE SUPPLIES

Oil production from Middle East climbs LONDON: Oil production from the Middle East has climbed to a record while US output slumps, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said, in a sign that Opec’s strategy of defending market share is succeeding.

Middle Eastern output exceeded 31 million barrels a day for a third month in June amid near-record supply from Saudi Arabia, while US oil production slid 140,000 barrels a day to 12.45 million, the Paris-based agency said in its monthly market report. The IEA, which mostly kept forecasts for supply and demand unchanged, said that while the re-balancing of global oil markets is progressing, record-high inventories remain “a threat to the recent stability of oil prices.”

“When US shale production was moving upwards very fast it became fashionable to talk of lower reliance on traditional suppliers,” the IEA said. The Middle East’s resurgence is “an eloquent

reminder that even when US shale production does resume its growth, older producers will remain essential for oil markets.”

Oil has recovered more than 70 per cent from the 12-year low reached in January. Elevated output from the Middle East pushed the region’s share of world supplies to 35 per cent, the highest since the late 1970s, according to the IEA. Production from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) climbed to an eight-year high last month, boosted by the re-admission of Gabon, which swelled the number of members to 14, the IEA said. The group’s crude output rose 400,000 barrels a day to 33.21 million a day as Saudi Arabia boosted production to meet peak domestic demand during the summer and as Iran continued its export recovery following the end of international sanctions in January. — Bloomerg News

at OMR74.58 million for the six month period ended on June 30, 2016 was lower by 1.2per cent compared to OMR75.51 million for the same period in 2015.

Operating expenses for the six month period ended on June30, 2016 was OMR86.12 million as

compared to OMR84.13 million for the same period in 2015, an increase of 2.4 per cent.

Impairment for credit losses for the six month period in 2016 was OMR32.72 million as against OMR27.60 million for the same period in 2015. Recoveries from

impairment for credit losses was OMR15.66 million for the six month period of 2016as against OMR16.49 million for the same period in 2015.

Share of income from an associate for the six months period in 2016 was OMR481,000 against OMR1.07 million for the same period in 2015.

Net loans and advances increased by 7.1 per cent to OMR6,848 million as against OMR6,392 million as of June30, 2015. Customer deposits decreased by 0.1 per cent to OMR6,908 million as against OMR6,914 million as of June 30, 2015.

Islamic financing receivables amounted to OMR749 million as of June 30, 2016 compared to OMR465 million in the same period of 2015. Islamic customer deposits amounted to OMR733 million as of June 30, 2016 compared to OMR510 million reported in June 30, 2015.

MUSCAT: Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel), announced the company’s preliminary unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended on June 30, 2016.

The group’s net profit is OMR66.8 million compared to OMR61.3 million in 2015, an increase of 9 per cent.

The net profit is propelled by strong domestic performance, which witnessed an impressive revenue growth of 6.7 per cent contributed mainly by revenues from fixed and mobile broadband services and submarine capacity sales.

The group revenue recorded a growth of 5.9 per cent to OMR271.6 million compared to OMR256.6 million in the corresponding period of 2015.

Cost of sales increased by 7.9 per cent, while operating expenses recorded a decrease of 2.4 per cent for the period.

B2

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016

MARKET MSM index ends higher

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................5,921.14 .............. 5,848.89 ....................5,915.46 ...................5,848.89................. 66.57 ................... 1.14 Financial Index .....................................7,502.38 ...............7,383.62 ................... 7,490.95 ................... 7,383.62................107.33 ................... 1.45 Industrial Index ....................................7,486.57 ...............7,464.91 ....................7,486.57 ................... 7,465.06.................. 21.51 ...................0.29 Services Index ...................................... 3,274.33 ...............3,257.27 ................... 3,274.27 ................... 3,258.77..................15.50 ...................0.48 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................901.50 ..................896.42 .......................901.38 .......................896.77.................... 4.61 ................... 0.51 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 13,149,181 ...................2,381,015 .....................971 ................ 17,177,612,970 ................20 ........................4 .................... 18 .........................42

Al Batinah Development, up 9.20 per cent, remained the top gainer while Al Izz Bank

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 13

was the top loser, down 1.64 per cent.

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 .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ...................... 478,700 ...........45,294..................... 47 ........... 0.093 ........... 0.095 ...........0.093........... 0.095 .............0.087 ........... 0.008............. 9.195 ................0.095..............0.094...................0.095....................2,850,000 ..........0.100 OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ................ 114,217 ............. 16,114......................12 ............0.145 ........... 0.145 ...........0.136 ............0.141 ............. 0.135............ 0.006.............4.444 ................0.136 .............. 0.136...................0.145.................. 28,200,000 ........0.100 OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................ 138,600 ............33,413........................7 ........... 0.242...........0.242 ...........0.241........... 0.241 .............0.232 ........... 0.009............. 3.879 ................0.241..............0.234...................0.250 .................409,507,537........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES .......................................... 404,298........... 88,676..................... 29 ............0.215 ...........0.220 ...........0.215 ........... 0.219 .............0.212 ........... 0.007............. 3.302 ................0.220 ............ 0.220...................0.226 .................. 13,403,736 .........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO.........................................................................63,308 ............ 48,566........................6 ............0.744 ........... 0.768 ...........0.744............0.768 .............0.744............ 0.024............. 3.226 ................0.764 ..............0.744...................0.764..................499,925,169........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 327,984 ........... 94,744..................... 23 ........... 0.285 ...........0.290 ...........0.285........... 0.289 .............0.280 ........... 0.009............. 3.214 ................0.290..............0.288...................0.292 ..................28,900,000 ........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 1,495,619.......275,440..................... 32 ............0.185 ........... 0.185 ...........0.182........... 0.184 ............. 0.179............ 0.005............. 2.793 ................0.183 .............. 0.183...................0.185..................295,227,879........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK .................................................................... 167,100 .............30,891......................14 ............0.184 ........... 0.188 ...........0.180............0.185 ............. 0.181............ 0.004............. 2.210 ................0.180..............0.180...................0.183..................263,631,687 ........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING.............69,000 ...............9,573........................6 ............0.140 ........... 0.140 ...........0.137 ............0.139 ............. 0.136............ 0.003.............2.206 ................0.139 .............. 0.135...................0.137 ...................16,940,625 .........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 272,216 ........... 54,905..................... 25 ........... 0.202...........0.202 ...........0.200 .......... 0.202 ............. 0.198............ 0.004.............2.020 ................0.200 .............0.199...................0.200 ................. 40,400,000 ........0.100

MUSCAT: Positive cues in regional markets and institutional buying in banking stocks lifted the MSM30 Index to 5,915.46 points, up 1.14 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index closed at 901.38 points, up 0.51 per cent. Gulf Investment Services was the most active in terms of volume while Bank Sohar led in terms of turnover. Al Batinah Development, up 9.20 per cent, remained the top gainer while Al Izz Bank was the top loser, down 1.64 per cent.

OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ........................................................5,739 ...............2,575........................3 ........... 0.440...........0.450 ...........0.440 .......... 0.448 .............0.440 ........... 0.008..............1.818.................0.450..............0.442...................0.450...................27,104,000 .........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 174,726 .............52,767......................12 ........... 0.302 ...........0.302 ...........0.302........... 0.302 .............0.297 ........... 0.005............. 1.684 ................0.302..............0.302...................0.304 .................. 87,776,608 .........0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................. 145,700............ 36,266........................8 ........... 0.246 ...........0.250 ...........0.245........... 0.249 .............0.245 ........... 0.004............. 1.633 ................0.250..............0.246...................0.249 .................367,220,537........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 654,038 ......... 251,452...................256 ........... 0.384 ...........0.390 ...........0.380........... 0.384 .............0.380 ........... 0.004............. 1.053 ................0.382..............0.382...................0.384 .................958,560,099 .......0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ..............42,750 ............. 11,164........................9 ........... 0.260...........0.263 ...........0.260 .......... 0.261 .............0.259 ........... 0.002............. 0.772 ................0.262..............0.262...................0.263 ................... 5,481,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ....................................................... 60,000 ............ 82,850........................4 ............1.380 ........... 1.385 ...........1.380........... 1.380 ............. 1.370.............0.010 ............. 0.730 ................1.385 .............. 1.385...................1.455 ................. 276,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS ........................................................... 131,625 ............ 81,042..................... 26 ........... 0.620 ...........0.620 ...........0.612 ............0.616 ............. 0.612............ 0.004............. 0.654 ................0.616 .............. 0.612...................0.616 ...................33,880,000.........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 1,087,352 .......192,131..................... 95 ............0.178 ........... 0.178 ...........0.176 ............0.177 ............. 0.176.............0.001 ............. 0.568 ................0.176 .............. 0.176...................0.177 ...................30,975,435 .........0.100 OM0000001319 ............NATIONAL ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS .................4,000 ..................984........................1 ........... 0.246 ...........0.246 ...........0.246........... 0.246 .............0.246 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.246............. 0.240...................0.246 ................... 8,258,577 ..........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 120,000 ............ 11,760........................8 ........... 0.098 ...........0.098 ...........0.098........... 0.098 .............0.098 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.098..............0.098...................0.100..................196,030,653 ........0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST ..................................................................... 94,822 ............ 53,809........................4 ........... 0.568 ........... 0.568 ...........0.566........... 0.568 .............0.568 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.566..............0.560...................0.566..................361,129,224 ........0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY..................................... 25,000 ............ 45,500........................1 ............1.820 ........... 1.820 ...........1.820........... 1.820 .............1.820 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................1.820............. 0.000...................1.825..................163,254,000 .......0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT .............................................................19,219 ............... 9,071........................3 ........... 0.472 ........... 0.472 ...........0.472........... 0.472 .............0.472 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.472..............0.460...................0.472.................. 156,171,919 ........0.100

20 advanced A total number of 971 trades were executed on Wednesday, generating turnover of OMR2.4 million with 13.1 million shares changing hands. Out of 42 traded securities, 20 advanced, four declined and 18 remained unchanged. At the session close, Omani investors were net buyers for OMR36,000 while foreign investors were net sellers for OMR20,000 followed by GCC & Arab Investors for OMR16,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index rallied strongly by 1.45 per cent to end at 7,490.95 points. Al Batinah Development, Global Financial Investments, Bank Dhofar, Oman United Insurance and Bank Sohar gained 9.20 per cent, 4.44 per cent, 3.88 per cent, 3.21 per cent and 2.79 per cent respectively. Al Izz Bank and Al Sharqia Investment declined 1.64 per cent and 1.35 per cent respectively. Industrial Index closed at 7,486.57 points, up 0.29 per cent.

OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 350,000 ...........22,050......................15 ........... 0.063 ...........0.063 ...........0.063........... 0.063 .............0.063 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.063..............0.062...................0.064 .................. 13,050,537 .........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ............................... 212,000 ........... 51,940........................6 ........... 0.245 ...........0.245 ...........0.245........... 0.245 .............0.245 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.245............. 0.242...................0.244 ..................72,572,352.........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ........................ 342,303 ............77,018......................19 ........... 0.225 ...........0.225 ...........0.225........... 0.225 .............0.225 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.225..............0.223...................0.227 ..................28,102,041 .........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 1,793,500 .......211,723.....................80 ............0.118 ........... 0.120 ...........0.118 ............0.118 ............. 0.118............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.118 ...............0.117................... 0.118 ....................6,943,500 ..........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ..........................43,235 ............72,420......................17 ............1.675 ........... 1.680 ...........1.670 ............1.675 ............. 1.675............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.670 ..............1.660...................1.675 ................1,256,250,000 ......0.100 OM0000003281............TAAGEER FINANCE ...................................................24,679 ............... 3,110........................1 ............0.126 ........... 0.126 ...........0.126........... 0.126 .............0.126............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.126 ..............0.124...................0.126...................31,952,340 .........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 410,999 ........... 44,124..................... 38 ............0.107 ........... 0.109 ...........0.107 ........... 0.107 .............0.107............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.107 ..............0.107...................0.109...................31,027,928 .........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL.............................................. 30,900 ...............2,323........................4 ............0.075 ........... 0.076 ...........0.075........... 0.075 .............0.075 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.076..............0.073...................0.076...................13,125,000 .........0.100 – Times file picture

OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ..................................................40,017 .............18,888......................15 ........... 0.472 ........... 0.472 ...........0.472........... 0.472 .............0.472 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.472............. 0.000...................0.470...................24,780,000.........0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ........................ 46,800 ............. 11,138........................1 ........... 0.238 ...........0.238 ...........0.238........... 0.238 .............0.240 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.833 ...............0.238..............0.232...................0.240 ..................22,619,520 .........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ........... 468,269 ............68,541..................... 28 ............0.149 ........... 0.149 ...........0.145 ........... 0.146 .............0.148............-0.002 ............-1.351 ................0.145 .............. 0.145...................0.146...................13,140,000 .........0.100

Al Hassan Engineering, Voltamp Energy, Gulf International Chemicals and Raysut Cement gained 2.56 per cent, 1.82 per cent, 0.77 per cent and 0.73 per cent respectively.

Services Index gained 0.48 per cent to finish at 3,274.27 points. Al Jazeera Services, Ooredoo, OIFC, Renaissance Services and National Gas increased 3.30 per cent, 3.23 per cent, 2.02 per cent, 1.68 per cent and 0.65 per cent respectively. Port Services and Phoenix Power declined 0.83 per cent and 0.62 per cent respectively.

.............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 9,858,715.... 2,112,261...................855 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......34........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING....................................22,201 ................1,776........................1 ........... 0.080 ...........0.080 ...........0.080........... 0.080 .............0.078 ........... 0.002.............2.564 ................0.080..............0.078...................0.080 ................... 6,016,640 ..........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 1,532,580 ...... 120,645..................... 49 ........... 0.079 ...........0.080 ...........0.078........... 0.079 .............0.078 ............0.001 ............. 1.282 ................0.078..............0.078...................0.079..................118,500,000........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. .................... 68,185 ............... 2,114........................6 ............0.031 ........... 0.031 ...........0.031 ............0.031 ............. 0.031............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.031 ..............0.030...................0.031....................2,635,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ...................................................... 68,400 .............. 4,240..................... 10 ........... 0.062 ...........0.062 ...........0.061 ........... 0.062 .............0.062 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.062..............0.061...................0.062 ................... 7,750,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001897 ............MAJAN COLLEGE ..........................................................5,000 ...............2,520........................1 ........... 0.504 ...........0.504 ...........0.504........... 0.510 ............. 0.510............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.504..............0.500...................0.520 ..................15,300,000.........0.100 OM0000004776 ...........TAKAFUL OMAN INSURANCE ............................. 20,000 .............. 2,400........................1 ............0.120 ........... 0.120 ...........0.120........... 0.120 .............0.120 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.120..............0.120...................0.122...................12,000,000.........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 402,300 .......... 64,770..................... 32 ............0.161 ........... 0.161............0.161 ............0.161 .............0.162............-0.001 ............-0.617................0.161 ..............0.160...................0.162..................235,478,835........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK.............................................. 1,171,800......... 70,288......................16 ........... 0.060 ...........0.060 ...........0.059........... 0.060 ............. 0.061............-0.001 ............-1.639................0.060..............0.059...................0.060 ..................60,000,000 ........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 3,290,466......268,754....................116 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 8........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

— United Securities

NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

NAT I O NA L B U S I N E S S C E N T R E

GIB Capital appoints top executive Women entrepreneurs from Times News Service MUSCAT: Gulf International Bank (GIB) announced the appointment of Osamah Mohammed Shaker as the new Chief Executive Officer of GIB Capital, a wholly owned subsidiary of GIB, effective since June 29, 2016.

Shaker comes with substantial banking experience in both international and domestic financial

institutions within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Most recently, Shaker held the position of Director General of Banking Control overseeing and regulating all the commercial banks in Saudi Arabia and Senior Advisor to the Deputy Governor for Supervision at SAMA. Prior to that, Shaker gained over 16 years of banking and investment experience in the King-

dom with the Saudi British Bank and HSBC Saudi Arabia. During his time at HSBC Saudi Arabia, Shaker held executive level positions as Managing Director – Head of Investments, and subsequently Managing Director – Head of Financial Markets.

Shaker is a holder of a Bachelor of Administrative Sciences Degree in Quantitative Methods from King Saud University, Riyadh.

South Al Batinah visit NBC Times News Service MUSCAT: A delegation comprising female entrepreneurs from South Al Batinah governorate visited on Wednesday the National Business Centre (NBC) at the Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM).

The visit, which was organised in coordination with Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), aimed at highlighting the vision, objectives and services of NBC to the entrepreneurs.

The centre was launched by the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE) in 2013 to offer promising Omani entrepreneurs a platform to develop their business ideas and advance them into growing ventures.

Mulkie Al Hashmi, Director of Marketing at NBC, explained that the centre provides an ultimate platform for the Omani entrepreneurs by offering business development support and guidance, training and mentoring, access to markets and industry experts,

MAKING A POINT: The visit, which was organised in coordination with OCCI, aimed at highlighting the vision, objectives and services of NBC to the entrepreneurs. - Supplied picture

and state-of-the-art and fully equipped office space, meeting rooms and presentation facilities.

Al Hashmi pointed out that the services of NBC are divided into three phases, comprising pre-incubation, during incubation, and acceleration phase.

NBC aspires to facilitate and support the growth of investable

ideas into successful businesses; build entrepreneurial skills through dedicated and focused training, coaching and mentoring; and provide business support facilities from office space, administrative support, financial support and consultancy services that are crucial in ensuring the success and survival of new ventures.

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016

B3

MARKET Margin financing to boost bourse liquidity margin financing activity. This includes the companies listed on both the regular and parallel markets, and not only the companies listed on the market index, which are pegged at 30. This would allow for more opportunities in trading volumes and a more active market besides increasing the funds the licensed companies are providing to the client OMR500,000 to pave the way for the clients with higher solvency to avail the investment benefits in the market.

Recent amendments to the margin financing rules are more flexible with regards to the available options in the trading

Ahmed Sulaiman Al Sibani.

— Supplied picture

transactions to achieve the investment goals

Times News Service MUSCAT: Margin financing contributes to boosting liquidity levels in the stock markets, Ahmed Sulaiman Al Sibani, director of the Department of Compliance and Inspection at the Capital Market Authority (CMA), said.

This also activates trading transactions because it is a financial facility provided to the client to invest in the market collateralised by the securities.

The client contributes as initial margin, which is half of the total value of the portfolio in accordance with certain provisions regulating the relationship between the client and the company, which must be licensed to carry out margin financing activity by CMA. On the Muscat Securities Market’s (MSM’s) experience in regulating margin financing, Al Sibani pointed out it started early, whereas brokerages were providing the facility to the clients to attract the largest number, however, such activity is not regulated and there were no limits for financ-

ing or follow up of the margins.

He added that to maintain the market’s integrity and protect the brokers from the risks of clients’ default in payment of their obligations and the impact of the same on the market and the financial position of the companies, margin financing rules were announced, whereby margin financing can be provided to protect both parties.

Al Sibani added the recent amendments were made after an assessment of the previous rules and the developments in the local and global securities markets and evaluation of the points of weakness to provide adequate protection for market participants to enhance the regulations for more flexibility required for trading transactions in the market and for risk management in view of market volatility.

Financing Al Sibani said the recent amendments to the margin financing rules are more flexible with regards to the available options in the trading transactions to achieve the investment goals in addition to the benefits for brokerage companies due to increased trading volumes. He further said the new rules include the expansion of the base of companies’ license to carry out

Increased margin Al Sibani also explained that the new amendments include raising the maintenance margin in five trading days instead of three so as to allow the broker to meet the margin maintenance ratio from the client.

The licensed companies are allowed to deal with the securities listed on the regular and parallel markets based on standards set out by the companies.

Where the actual margin falls below the agreed maintenance margin, the legislator obligates the broker to inform the client immediately after the trading session by any means of communication to top up the actual margin to the level of the agreed maintenance margin in not more than five trading days from the trading date on which the fall had occurred so that the broker can meet the margin maintenance level because transferring cash from the client to the broker’s account will take longer than the previously allowed term.

On the other hand, amendments have been allowed in the company licensed for secured financing to offer financial facilities for trading purposes, provided the client pay the facilities in not more than three months from the date of the transaction. The company can source the financing from the company’s total assets, and not the net assets, provided

MOBILE BANKING SOLUTIONS

Digital payments to generate $2 trillion in revenue by 2020 Times News Service MUSCAT: FinTech (technology-enabled banking and finance) solutions are transitioning from start-up offices to the mainstream, and experts predict revenue of $2 trillion in digital payments globally by 2020.

Companies such as PayPal, the now ubiquitous online payment portal, are becoming the norm for many financial product consumers. In response, mainstream banks are beginning to adopt mobile banking solutions to meet the demands of their clients.

Gitex Technology Week 2016 will welcome an exceptional line up of finance and technology experts, including James Barrese, formally CTO of PayPal, and Andres Wolberg-Stok, Global Head of Emerging Platforms and Services from Citi to shed light on the state of FinTech.

Immersive technology “Banks, start-ups and non-banking players are disrupting the global banking and finance industry with mobile apps, immersive technology and non-traditional payments. Emerging markets like the Middle East have the drive for innovation and opportunity to build next-gen infrastructure, enabling them to become global leaders in the digital payments revolution while providing a lifeline for billions of under-banked people,” said James Barrese, PayPal’s former Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President of Payment Services.

Emerging markets represent 90 per cent of mobile growth, according to industry body GSMA, and these figures are set to grow.

With the UAE’s on-going progress in becoming a hub for FinTech, the potential for GCC-home grown innovation is apparent. As many FinTech solutions begin as small businesses and startups the Gitex Startup Movement at Gitex Technology Week 2016 is set to provide support for up-and-coming FinTech entrepreneurs.

Currently, 2 billion people use at least one of 270 available mo-

FINTECH TECHNOLOGY: With the UAE’s on-going progress in becoming a hub for FinTech, the potential for GCC-home grown innovation is apparent. - Supplied picture

bile money services, and industry studies show the need for further easy-to-use digital payment solutions. Frequent mobile banking users are 40 per cent less likely to switch banks, and customers who primarily use bank branches are three times more likely to switch banks, according to a report by consultancy Bain & Company.

Big Data analytics Across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), 96 per cent of banks are deploying end-to-end digital transformation strategies, with cloud computing, Big Data analytics, and mobile apps for enhancing the customer experience, according to a new report by IDC Financial Insights and global technology company SAP. Half of EMEA banks report that they will hire a Chief Digital Officer by 2020 to support these strategies, according to the report.

“Mobile apps have become a game-changer for global banking and finance, as in every other industry. Firstly, they have trained consumers to demand that every service should be simple and pleasant to use. Secondly, they have demolished entry barriers and levelled the playing field,

enabling emerging markets to compete on an equal footing for primacy in the next wave of innovation,” said Andres WolbergStok, Global Head of Emerging Platforms and Services at Citi.

Wolberg-Stok will be taking the stage during Gitex Technology Week’s Finance Tuesday, an industry vertical conference that will expand on new technologies and innovations, the “omni-channel” approach and the integration of digital and physical banking.

Wolberg-Stok has led development of Citi’s mobile apps, including the first Apple Watch app from a major bank. “Wearables hold major potential for banks, providing unprecedented intimacy and knowledge about customers,” said Wolberg-Stok.

Also at Gitex Technology Week’s Finance Tuesday conference, Deniz Devrim Gegniz, Head of Digital Banking, Turkish Economy Bank (TEB) will present on launching debit cards with a built-in keypad, and a Google Glass financial app.

Padmanaban TA, Assistant Vice President for Digital Banking at IndusInd Bank in India will explain fingerprint or swipe identification instead of PINs.

the financing does not exceed 50 per cent and the risks will be controlled through capital adequacy requirements, which were issued recently vide the Administrative Decision No. 41/2016.

The amount the company is allowed to grant as financing has been increased to OMR500,000 from OMR250,000, provided the sum will not be more than 15 per cent of the funds the licensed company provides for such activity.

To regulate the relationship between the client and the broker, the Director of Compliance and Inspection said the broker shall not open more than one financing account for any client alone or together with his minor children or his enterprises; furthermore, the amendments added certain rules obligating the client to acknowledge the other margin financing accounts held with other companies and to undertake to report any future accounts.

The minimum limit may be specified for the turnover of the portfolio and the required time.

The broker may require the client to pay and close the facilities’ account if it becomes unviable or for any other reason.

Responsibility Al Sibani urged the companies operating in securities and those licensed to carry out margin financing to exercise due diligence and to monitor the maintenance of the a minimum financing margin so that the broker is not forced to sell all the client’s shares to ensure the payment of his rights, which would lead to a large number of sell offers, resulting in a price drop. The broker shall also ensure the client is aware of the risks and rewards attached to investment by margin financing, including, but not limited to high losses exceeding the amounts contributed at the inception of the contract.

FA R N B O R O U G H A I R S H O W

EgyptAir orders nine Boeing 737-800s jets Times News Service MUSCAT: Boeing and EgyptAir announced an order on Wednesday for nine Next-Generation 737800s at the 2016 Farnborough International Airshow.

The deal, valued at $864 million at current list prices, was previously attributed to an unidentified customer on Boeing’s Order & Deliveries website.

Eight of the airplanes will be financed by Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The announcement coincides with 50 years of partnership between Boeing and the airline that began with an order for a 707 in 1966. EgyptAir placed its first 737 order in 1975.

“Over the years, Boeing has played an important role in our growth plan,” said Safwat Musallam, Chairman and CEO, EgyptAir Holding Company.

“The Next-Generation 737-800s

have earned an excellent reputation for reliability, performance and cost efficiency and has added tremendous value to our operations. The addition of several more of this airplane will definitely enable us to continue with our plans to introduce modern, efficient aircraft on our short to medium haul destination network. We are pleased to be working with Dubai Aerospace Enterprise to finance eight of these airplanes.”

EgyptAir currently operates 20 737-800NGs and when the nine airplanes on order have been delivered will comprise the largest single-aisle aircraft type in its fleet. The airline also has six 777300ERs and two 777-200ERs. EgyptAir forecast significant growth of their total fleet by 2026.

The 737-800 is the best-selling version of the successful NextGeneration 737 family. The operating benefits will carry over to the future 737 MAX, the first of which is scheduled for delivery in 2017.

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THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016

FEATURE

A U TO P I LOT FATA L I TY B R I N G S A WA R N I N G F O R D E V E LO P E R S very car on the roads is an accident waiting to happen. It’s about time Silicon Valley woke up to the fact. The boom in autonomous-driving technology offers the prospect of one day reducing the roughly 90 per cent of road accidents caused by so-called human factors — drivers or pedestrians who are drunk, or distracted, or tired. But Tesla’s first fatality from a car crashing in its self-driving mode is a sad reminder that the industry has a long way to go, and perhaps needs to slow down.

A two-tonne car travelling at 70 miles per hour (113 kilometres per hour) carries about the same energy as a kilogram of TNT exploding, so it shouldn't be a shock to learn that maneuvering hunks of metal along crowded highways at speed carries risks. About 32,719 people were killed in road accidents in the US during 2013, according to the World Health Organisation, or one person every 16 minutes. Even if self-driving vehicles could reduce those fa-

tality rates by 90 per cent, they still would be causing more deaths than the September 11 attacks, every year.

And getting to that point will involve climbing a mountain of road deaths.

As Gadfly wrote in April, there’s a longstanding dynamic where new transport technologies tend to produce spikes in fatalities before engineers learn the lessons of real-world accidents and make systems safer than the status quo. Driverless cars are unlikely to be an exception.

Rand’s Nidhi Kalra ran the numbers on this and estimates that to prove even a 20 per cent improvement in safety would require selfdriving cars to put in 5 billion miles on the roads — equivalent to driving to the planet Neptune and back, or running a fleet of 100 autonomous test vehicles 24/7 for 225 years.

That’s obviously not practical, and waiting for statistical proof might even result in avoidable deaths if an excess of caution were to hold back the adoption of technology that ultimately is safer.

Still, Silicon Valley’s condescension toward traditional automakers

Tesla is unlucky to suffer the first fatality from autonomous driving, but the tragedy contains a salutary warning: Even the best transportation technologies regularly kill people.

for their caution over autonomous driving needs to stop. One might also expect a pause in the tendency for carmakers’forecasts to advance from an adoption date around 2025 to 2020 or even sooner. (Tesla’ s Elon Musk has said the technology will be ready by 2018.) Google’s autonomous car has had difficulty distinguishing between rolled-up balls of newspaper and rocks in the road, while Tesla’s crash occurred after the car’s autopilot failed to spot a tractor trailer crossing the roadway because its white side was hard to distinguish from the sky behind it .

A more realistic outlook may also have knock-on effects on the capital flowing into the industry. Start-ups in the automotive and transportation sector have attracted $21 billion of funding over the past five years, according to data provider CB Insights. It’s likely that only a small slice of that money will have gone to autonomous cars — the bulk of it was probably to Uber. But the likes of Zoox, Drive.ai, and New York-traded Delphi Automotive, which have obtained permits to test self-driving

autos in California, could find that capital is more reluctant to bet on a quick return than it was previously.

Internal autonomous-driving teams at companies such as BMW, Toyota, General Motors and Volkswagen may also find that managements have more pressing priorities.

It’s possible that Elon Musk, too, will pause. He’s already got a lot on his plate: The planned merger with SolarCity received a lukewarm reception from investors, and the US highway safety regulator is looking into a potential issue with the Model S’s suspension .

Beyond that, Musk plans to send a spaceship to Mars in 2018 and has a non-commercial interest in a 760 mile-per-hour levitating train.

Tesla is unlucky to suffer the first fatality from autonomous driving, but the tragedy contains a salutary warning: Even the best transportation technologies regularly kill people. The Silicon Valley approach roll out a beta version and let users figure out potential problems — was always going to be a risk when sent out on the roads. — Bloomberg News

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ROUND-UP

Ramadan promotion on Renault ends next week Renault Oman’s unique Ramadan offer boasts of a host of benefits for customers purchasing its top selling models as well as its latest models

MUSCAT: Renault Oman from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles has launched an exclusive Ramadan promotion for the benefit of customers who buy Renualt vehicles during the scheme period.

The Renault Ramadan promotion which began on May 22 will go on till July 21. Renault Oman’s unique Ramadan offer boasts of a host of benefits for customers purchasing its top selling models as well as its latest models, says a press release.

Renault’s sedan segment encompasses an impressive lineup of cars including the sleek Renault Fluence, outstanding Renault Safrane, stylish Renault Symbol and unprecedented Renault Megane.

The SUV range includes the Renault Duster, Renault Koleos and the all-new Renault Captur.

Assured cash gift As part of Ramadan promotion, Renault Oman has worked out a lot of special offers which the customers can avail during the period.

Those looking to purchase the following Renault cars during the scheme period are assured of cash gifts of different values.

The Renault Symbol 1.6 ltr: Customers will be entitled to receive free registration, free unlimited warranty period of up to 6 years/ unlimited mileage, AAA road side assistance card and assured cash gift of OMR500. Customers are entitled to a scratch and win card through which they can win an assured service package. Customers will be eligible to win an assured service package gift up to 100,000km Periodic Maintenance Service with minimum assured service package of 30,000km Periodic Maintenance Service. Customers are entitled to a scratch and win card through which they can win any one of the products comprising Apple iPhone 6s, Dell Laptop-Intel Core i5 or LG 32 inch LED TV. The Renault Megane 1.6 ltr SE CVT: Customers will be entitled to receive free registration, free unlimited warranty period of up to 6 years/ unlimited mileage, AAA

road side assistance card and assured cash gift of OMR600. Customers are entitled to a scratch and win card through which they can win an assured service package. Customers will be eligible to win an assured service package gift up to 100,000km Periodic Maintenance Service with minimum assured service package of 30,000km Periodic Maintenance Service. Customers are entitled to a scratch and win card through which they can win any one of the products comprising Apple iPhone 6s, Dell Laptop-Intel Core i5 or LG 32 inch LED TV. The Renault Fluence 1.6 ltr and 2.0 ltr: Customers will be entitled to receive free registration, free unlimited warranty period of up to 6 years/ unlimited mileage, AAA road side assistance card and assured cash gift of OMR1,000. Customers are entitled to a scratch and win card through which they can win an assured service package. Customers will be eligible to win an assured service package gift up to 100,000km Periodic Maintenance Service with minimum assured service package of 30,000km Periodic Maintenance Service. Customers are entitled to a scratch and win card through which they can win any one of the products comprising Apple iPhone 6s, Dell Laptop-Intel Core i5 or LG 32 inch LED TV. Renault Safrane 2.0 ltr, 2.5 ltr and 3.5 ltr: Customer benefits include free registration, free unlimited warranty period of up to 6 years/ unlimited mileage, AAA road side assistance card and assured cash gift of OMR1,000. Customers are entitled to a scratch and win card through which they can win an assured service package. Customers will be eligible to win an assured service package gift up to 100,000km Periodic Maintenance Service with minimum assured service package of 30,000km Periodic Maintenance Service. Customers are entitled to a scratch and win card through which they can win any one of the products comprising Apple iPhone 6s, Dell Laptop-Intel Core i5 or LG 32 inch LED TV. The upbeat Renault Captur 1.2 ltr PE, SE and LE models comes with free registration, free un-

limited warranty period of up to 6 years/ unlimited mileage. AAA road side assistance card and a cash gift of OMR1,000. Customers are entitled to a scratch and win card through which they can win an assured service package. Customers will be eligible to win an assured service package gift up to 100,000km Periodic Maintenance Service with minimum assured service package of 30,000km Periodic Maintenance Service. Customers are entitled to a scratch and win card through which they can win any one of the products comprising Apple iPhone 6s, Dell Laptop-Intel Core i5 or LG 32 inch LED TV. Renault Koleos 2.5 ltr: Customers will be entitled to free registration, free unlimited warranty period of up to 6 years/ unlimited mileage, AAA road side assistance card, and assured cash gift of OMR1,500. Customers are entitled to a scratch and win card through which they can win an assured service package. Customers will be eligible to win an assured service package gift up to 100,000km Periodic Maintenance Service with minimum assured service package of 30,000km Periodic Maintenance Service. Customers are entitled to a scratch and win card through which they can win any one of the products comprising Apple iPhone 6s, Dell Laptop-Intel Core i5 or LG 32 inch LED TV. Renault Duster 2.0 ltr PE and SE model (2 wheel drive & 4 wheel drive) attractions comprise of free registration, free unlimited warranty period of up to 6 years/ unlimited mileage, AAA road side assistance card and assured cash gift of OMR750. Customers are entitled to a scratch and win card through which they can win an assured service package. Customers will be eligible to win an assured service package gift up to 100,000km Periodic Maintenance Service with minimum assured service package of 30,000km Periodic Maintenance Service. Customers are entitled to a scratch and win card through which they can win any one of the products comprising Apple iPhone 6s, Dell Laptop-Intel Core i5 or LG 32 inch LED TV. Renault Dokker LE 1.2 ltr M/T

D O NAT I O N

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model (with and without partition) comes with free registration, AAA road side assistance card and a cash gift of OMR500. Customers are entitled to a scratch and win card through which they can win an assured service package. Customers will be eligible to win an assured service package gift up to 100,000km Periodic Maintenance Service with minimum assured service package of 30,000km Periodic Maintenance Service. Customers are entitled to a scratch and win card through which they can win any one of the products comprising Apple iPhone 6s, Dell Laptop-Intel Core i5 or LG 32 inch LED TV. AAA/Roadside assistance Customers will also get a AAA Roadside Assistance card for the first year and as supported by AAA Oman.

Raffle draw Customers purchasing any of the Renault models during the scheme period will be eligible to participate in a raffle draw and stand a chance to win five Renault Symbols throughout the offer period.

A senior official for SBA said, “The Ramadan offer is our way of rewarding our valued customers for their love and trust in the brand. We are driven with the singular objective of offering the best for our customers.”

Easy financing options Customers can avail easy financing option with attractive interest rates which in turn offers hassle free way to own a desired Renault vehicle. Renault has always made pioneering efforts to offer world class facilities and services to its cherished customers.

SBA commitment SBA is largely committed to supporting Renault Oman’s growth in the Sultanate through major emphasis on customer satisfaction and by providing world-class after-sales services in Oman. With a national network of more than 80 outlets – showrooms, service centres and parts outlets, SBA has further built upon its legacy of trust, excellent customer service and providing value for money to each of its customers.

BURJEEL MEDICAL CENTRE

Specialist explains what causes, and prevents, back pain MUSCAT: Back pain is a symptom that can arise from many causes. It can range from a dull, annoying ache to absolute agony. Many cases of back pain are caused by stresses on the muscles and ligaments that support the spine. Sedentary jobs and lifestyles may create a vulnerability to this type of stress or damage.

Siriyaporn, the physiotherapist at Burjeel Medical Centre, says obesity, which increases both the weight on the spine and the pressure on the discs, is another factor. Strenuous sports such as football and gymnastics can also damage the back.

She completed her bachelor’s in physiotherapy from the Thammasat University in 2005, Thailand. She completed her postgraduate certification in manipulation physiotherapy in 2009 from the Mahidol University, Thailand. Siriyaporn started her career in 2005 at the Phuket Hospital, Thailand as a physiotherapist. In 2011, she moved to the Bangkok Hospital. She has also successfully handled her own physiotherapy practice in Thailand, says a press release.

Siriyaporn explains the horrors of back pain and possible remedies. Back pain can occur for no apparent reason and at any point on your spine. The most common site for pain is your lower back because it bears the most weight and stress.

Although back pain is common, it’s also quite possible for you to prevent most back problems with simple steps such as exercise and adopting new ways to sit and stand. Even if you’ve injured your back before, you can learn techniques to help avoid recurrent injuries.

Causes of back pain Muscle strains: Strained muscles, tendons or ligaments or inflamed joints may cause pain along your spine.

Spasms: Muscle spasm is a common response to injury. The spasm is designed to immobilise the painful area and prevent further damage.

Osteoarthritis: This degenerative joint condition affects nearly everyone past age 60. Overloading, injury and aging can slowly cause deterioration of cartilage, the protective tissue that covers the surface of the joints of your vertebrae.

Treatment Because most back problems aren’t life-threatening, many doctors recommend home treatment first. Regardless of the type of treatment, most people find that their back pain gets better within 6 weeks. If you have strained liga-

ments or severe muscle strain, your recovery could take as long as 12 weeks. But with time and proper care, even pain from a herniated disk can often be overcome.

Treatments may include: Medications and physiotherapy Prevention With a little care and attention, you may be able to avoid an aching back in the first place. Getting in better physical condition may help prevent back pain.

To keep your back healthy and strong: Exercise. Regular aerobic activities that don’t strain or jolt your back can increase strength and endurance in your lower back, allowing your muscles to function better. These aerobic exercises may include walking, swimming or biking. Talk with your doctor about which activity is best for you.

Build muscle strength and flexibility. Conditioned abdominal and back muscles work together like a natural corset for your back.

Flexibility in your hips and upper legs allows for proper pelvic bone alignment, which improves how your back feels. Doing several simple exercises on a regular basis can help support and align your back.

In addition, use proper body mechanics in everyday activities: Stand smart. Maintain a neutral pelvic position. If you must stand for long periods of time, alternate placing your feet on a low footstool to take some of the load off your lower back.

Sit smart. Choose a seat with good lower back support or place a pillow or rolled towel in the small of your back to maintain its normal curve. Keep your knees and hips level.

Lift smart. Let your legs do the work. Move straight up and down.

Keep your back straight and bend only at the knees. Hold the load close to your body. Avoid lifting and twisting simultaneously.

Sleep smart. Lie on a firm mattress. Use pillows for support, but don’t use a pillow that forces your neck up at a severe angle.

NAT I O NA L B U S I N E S S C E N T R E

Taageer supports Dar Al Atta’a

NBC inks incubation agreement with Advanced Safety Solutions

MUSCAT: Taageer Finance Company has donated a sum of OMR2,500 as charitable contribution to Dar Al Atta’a as part of its corporate responsibility programme.

The support was targeted to bring smile on the faces of the needy people during the holy month of Ramadan.

A contribution of such a nature has not been the first of its kind for Taageer, but rather a continuation of its contribution towards all charitable causes in the past too, says a press release.

“Beyond business objectives, we at Taageer try to reach out for human welfare whenever we

can,” said Mohammed Redha A. Jawad, CEO of Taageer Finance Company. “It is the company’s ongoing endeavour to support worthy causes that make a difference to our society that brings us the satisfaction of having given our share back to the society,” he added.

MUSCAT: National Business Centre (NBC), which pertains to the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE), signed an incubation agreement with Advanced Safety Solutions (ADS) recently.

The company shall benefit from the services offered by Riyada incubator, which is managed by NBC. The agreement was signed between Malak Al Shaibani, director-general of NBC and Adil Khan, director of Advanced Safety Solutions.

“Advanced Safety Solutions is an independent fire protection engineering and life safety code

consulting firm authorised by the Fire Risk Prevention Department of Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance Services (PACDA),” said Adil Khan, adding: “Advanced Safety Solutions was established in the mid of 2014 to provide unbiased expert analysis, advice and solutions on a wide range of fire safety issues to promoters, owners, developers, architects and consultants.

Ever since, Advanced Safety Solutions has steadily grown to be one of the most renowned fire protection consultancy firms in Oman. We aspire to benefit from the incentives offered by NBC to

develop and expand our efforts in this field.”

The National Business Centre is an initiative launched by PEIE at the Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM) to offer promising Omani entrepreneurs a platform to develop their business ideas and advance them into growing ventures. The centre offers a premier platform for Omani entrepreneurs by providing business development support and guidance, training and mentoring, access to markets and industry experts, and state-of-the-art and fully equipped office space, meeting rooms and presentation facilities.

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THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016

ROUND-UP

Unbeatable benefits on GMC until July 25 Discerning customers can look forward to buying a vehicle that ‘commands respect’ due to its unparalleled combination of comfort, style and safety factors and avail of the value added packages for a few more days before the Ramadan offer ends

MUSCAT: Competitive prices, unparalleled gifts and unbeatable benefits on all GMC vehicles are still up for grabs until July 25.

Discerning customers can look forward to buying a vehicle that ‘commands respect’ due to its unparalleled combination of comfort, style and safety factors and avail of the value added packages for a few more days before the Ramadan offer ends, says a press release.

Along with each purchase, the customer will be eligible to an array of takeaway gifts that include a complimentary Samsung 40-inch LED TV, OMR100 Lulu gift vouchers, installation of 3M sun control film on select models and 500 litres or OMR77 worth of petrol.

In addition, every buyer will

be entitled to 30,000km service, five years unlimited km warranty, three years roadside assistance and complimentary registration on all models. An added benefit is that all GMC vehicles only need to be serviced at intervals of 10,000km.

“Owning a GMC in itself is an investment that delivers the best in performance and luxury. The value-packed offers are just an icing to the cake. We hope to see more customers make the most of the pricing and alluring offers that will continue be on offer for just a couple of more days,” stated Virendra Aggarwal CEO, Moosa Abdul Rahman and Co. At a starting price of OMR11,995 for an Acadia SLE, the spacious 8-seater model comes with Intellink Bluetooth, rear view camera, parking sensors, remote start and cooling as well as cruise control as standard features. The high end Denali is equipped with unrivalled safety feature which includes the industry’s first Front Centre Air Bag, part of a 360-degree safety system, that helps protect the driver and front passenger in a side impact collision.

It is also equipped with a Side Blind Zone alert and rear cross traffic alert systems that use radar to watch blind spots and provides visible and audible warnings to avoid possible collisions. Standard features include head curtain side airbags with rollover protection and StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology.

Yet another power-packed performer, the Terrain, starts at OMR8,995 for 2.4L SLE. The popular five-seater offers a combination of safety, comfort and convenience along with features that have proven to be immensely popular with the customers. These include keyless entry, rear view camera, power mirrors, cruise control, Intellink audio system that includes Bluetooth for phone and music, personal cell phone connectivity to vehicle audio system, music navigator and steaming audio in addition to stability control system and traction control.

Among the most recognisable SUVs on the road to date are the iconic Yukon and Yukon XL from RO 16,995 onwards. The 2016 GMC Yukon highlights bold, refined exterior design, full LED turn signals and daytime running lamps featuring GMC’s graphic light signature along with the option of 18- and 20- inch brushed aluminium wheels. Keyless entry and push button start are standard on SLT models along with adaptive cruise control. The innovative safety alert seat available in the Yukon vibrates to alert the driver to potential hazards depending on the direction of the hazard.

The built-in protective features include the industry’s first front centre airbag to protect driver and passenger, seat-mounted side impact airbags and a reinforced steel safety cage among others.

The Sierra line-up is led by the light duty Sierra 1500 Regular Cab Work Truck 4.3L starting at an attractive price from RO11,995. Complementing the line-up is the Sierra 1500 Regular Cab 5.3L at RO13,995.

Available in Double Cab, Crew Cab and Denali variants, the pickup offers the longest list of standard features ever seen in a full-size pickup. The updated engine offers increased power and torque with the best fuel economy of any V-8 pickup.

Available IntelliLink connectivity incorporates an eight-inch colour touch screen, Bluetooth phone features and navigation with 3-D map displays. Safety features include Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning along with Driver Alert Seat that generates vibrating pulse patterns to alert the driver of an unsignalled lane change or approaching another vehicle too quickly. Drivers have the option of selecting either audible or vibrating alerts.

The GMC portfolio has a wide range of models to appeal to different segments and the current competitive pricing on offer have made it even more attractive and within reach for those aspiring to own and ride a GMC. Moosa Abdul Rahman Hassan & Co is the exclusive distributor of GMC vehicles in Oman with branches and a service network that covers all major locations across Oman.

CASH PRIZES

17 people win big with OAB Hassad Savings Scheme MUSCAT: Rewarding its valued customers like never before, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) recently distributed OMR157,500 to the 17 lucky winners of its monthly, Elite and Eid Al Fitr Hassad savings scheme draws.

Unveiled in January 2016 to encourage personal savings, the bank has provided more than 72 customers with a total of OMR420,000 cash prizes since the beginning of the year, says a press release.

The heirs of S.S. Al Harthi were unveiled as the lucky winners of OAB’s Elite prize, winning a total of OMR100,000.

Meanwhile, Nasser Al Jabri from Al Amrat branch collected the OMR40,000 Regional Prize for the month of June.

The rewards also extended to reach five female account holders and five young savers under the age of 18, who were each rewarded with OMR1,500 and OMR1,000 respectively. Additionally and as part of OAB’s Eid Al Fitr draw, five lucky accounts individually winning OMR1,000.

Hana Al Hinai, assistant general manager, head of Wealth Management, Bancassurance and Liabilities at OAB, expressed: “On behalf of OAB, I would like to congratulate our 17 winners.

With Hassad, we continue to reward our loyal customers by giving them the opportunity to win big as an added benefit to saving for the future. Our customers have plenty to look forward to with an upcoming super draw offering two people the chance to win OMR50,000 each and a mega prize of OMR100,000 exclusively for Elite Priority Banking.”

Under the Hassad Savings programme, all OAB Hassad Account Holders are automati-

With Hassad, we continue to reward our loyal customers by giving them the opportunity to win big as an added benefit to saving for the future. Our customers have plenty to look forward to with an upcoming super draw offering two people the chance to win OMR50,000 each and a mega prize of OMR100,000 exclusively for Elite Priority Banking

Hana Al Hinai Assistant general manager, head of Wealth Management

cally entered into prize draws by simply maintaining a balance of OMR100 or more. In addition to its monthly cash prizes, the bank has more bonus draws lined up for its customers with special prizes set to be distributed on Omani Women’s Day and the 46th Omani National Day.

LUXURY COLLECTIONS

Phantom Zenith collection makes debut in Oman MUSCAT: Al Jenaibi International Automobiles celebrated the arrival in the Sultanate of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Zenith Collection, which represents some of the very last Phantom Drophead Coupé and Phantom Coupé motor cars ever to be built.

Only 50 of these highly-sought collectibles will be built, commissioned by connoisseur customers who will add them to some of the world’s most significant luxury collections, safe in the knowledge that their numbers will never grow and their value will never be eroded by proliferation, says a press release. From its foundation 113 years ago, the story of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has been defined by a restless commitment to setting and raising the standard by which all other luxury goods are judged. On January 1, 2003, this philosophy was realised emphatically with the handover of the first seventh generation Phantom to its customer at the newly established Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England.

The world’s most discerning patrons of luxury and respected commentators across the globe were instantly endeared to a powerful yet elegant statement of unabashed contemporary luxury.

Rolls-Royce had once again established its legend as maker of the ‘Best Car in the World’.

Four years later, Phantom Drophead Coupé revived the notion of uncompromised open-top luxury touring; a legacy that is being continued with beautiful effect with 2016’s Rolls-Royce Dawn. Phan-

tom Coupé followed in 2008, taking its place as one of the rarest and most celebrated Continental Grand Tourers of all time – paving the way for its natural heir: Wraith which took its place as the ultimate gentleman’s Gran Turismo in 2013.

Today, the marque stands on the cusp of a bold new era, following the announcement of the eighth generation Phantom limousine and its all-new aluminium architecture that promises to underpin all future Rolls-Royce motor cars.

Now the time has come for Phantom Drophead Coupé and Phantom Coupé to leave the stage, a moment that will be marked with a remarkable Bespoke Collection, conceived with one purpose; to once again set the highest standard by which everything is judged.

Phantom Zenith Collection serves to celebrate these two extraordinary motor cars with a suite of exquisitely executed bespoke pieces, designed to amplify the beauty and luxury of two of the rarest and best-loved luxury goods in the world.

In conceiving these two motor cars, the Bespoke design team dedicated themselves to understanding how both cars augment the lifestyles of the marque’s discerning customers. Every possible detail was considered. For example, the split-tailgate has been enhanced with the addition of a beautifully engineered companion to a perfect touring day’s picnic. A glass shelf, housed within the rear section of the tailgate can be effortlessly deployed serving as the perfect place

from which to serve Champagne.

No concession has been made to compromise. A champagne fridge, large enough to hold two standard bottles and eight Rolls-Royce glasses, occupies a large portion of the boot, whilst the comfort of those who wish to sit on the reartailgate is ensured with the use of the finest padded leathers.

Phantom Zenith Collection customers were invited to complete their collection in the finest style with the addition of a special Bespoke version of the Rolls-Royce Picnic Hamper. This unique accessory – created to add a touch of glamour to a day’s touring – will be personalised further to match the materials and colour palette of the customer.

On opening the coach doors, owners are greeted with an intricately executed nod to the history of these remarkable motor cars

– beautiful laser etching to the armrest cappings. These stylishly express the locations of the global debut of the experimental version of each car (Villa D’Este on the shores of Lake Como for 100EX – Phantom Drophead Coupé’s forebear and Lake Geneva for the 101EX, the car that would become Phantom Coupé).

So much of what has endeared the world’s most discerning patrons of luxury to Phantom can be found in its exhaustively conceived and executed details. Phantom Zenith Collection celebrates this with a hallmark deftness of touch. The central fascia drawer has been used to house a priceless memento signifying each car’s status as one of the very last.

On opening, owners discover a removable polished aluminium case, laser engraved with their motor car’s unique identification number

surrounded with a beautiful application of Best English Blacking – a technique most commonly associated with fine gun-making. Within this, sits a piece of automotive history, not attainable by any other means; a single piece of the Phantom Assembly Line at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England. Co-ordinates, stating the exact part of the line from where the metal was extracted completes a remarkable collectors’ piece.

Both Phantom Drophead Coupé and Phantom Coupé did much to bring Rolls-Royce customers from the rear compartment to the drivers’ seat. This is elegantly referenced with three key design touches. The speedometer, is presented in brushed steel – serving to draw the eye towards a key signifier of the car’s unique, effortless power delivery. The interior design colour scheme further nods through the use of a highlight leather colour for the front seats that harmonises perfectly with a darker rear compartment.

Finally, the Starlight Headliner, a design that made its debut on Phantom Coupé is given a subtle Bespoke treatment to reflect this, with the individually hand-woven stars clustered to the front and faded to the rear – bathing the driver and front passenger in a warm and inviting celestial glow.

In styling the exterior and interior colour and materials palette, designers drew from Rolls-Royce history to create schemes inspired by some of the most celebrated Phantoms in Rolls-Royce history.

The subtle contrast presented in

the Madeira Red and Jubilee Silver Phantom Coupé, for example, is inspired by a 1930s Phantom II. A bolder, more defined contrast can be seen in timeless yet highly contemporary presentation of Midnight Blue and Artic White that echoes the genteel ambiance of a very special 1930s Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental, whilst a new glass clearcoat has been engineered to enhance Phantom’s mirror-like shine.

Design touches from the marque’s recent history also served to inspire. Hints of the 2011 Phantom Coupé Aviator Collection can be seen in the presentation of the central tunnel, whilst Blood-Orange tips to the instrument dials reference Wraith’s aviation inspired motif. Further attention to detail is expressed with cupholders, machined from aluminium, serving as a perfect visual and tactile reminder of Phantom’s blend of timeless elegance melded to contemporary design. Further use of highly modern materials can be seen in the masterful use of book-matched metal foiling across the fascia of both cars.

These extraordinary motor cars, among the last ever Phantom Drophead Coupé and Phantom Coupés are currently being crafted at the Home of Rolls-Royce. 2016 also represents the final year of production for the seventh generation Phantom limousine, with connoisseur customers invited to take the last opportunity to commission deeply personal, Bespoke expressions of this most seminal motor car.

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Isuzu D-MAX: Rugged sophistication The D-MAX is a tough workhorse; load up the cab with all your gear, and tow a boat, caravan or trailer; take whatever, wherever

MUSCAT: All the refinements you need to ride in comfort, with Isuzu DNA, the D-MAX is built tough to get the job done.

People rely on you, and you can rely on your D-MAX. Available in two variants; the 2.4 litre 4JK1-TC engine with 109ps (3400rpm) and 280Nm torque (1800-2200rpm), and 2.4 litre 4JA1-L engine with 79ps (3800rpm) and 176nm torque (1800rpm), the D-MAX has highly-efficient Isuzu diesel engines that use leading technology

to provide precise fuel control, so it does more work and burns less fuel, says a press release.

The D-MAX is a tough workhorse; load up the cab with all your gear, and tow a boat, caravan or trailer; take whatever, wherever.

And the ample 3.67 sq.m cargo Area ensures you make the most of it on every trip, anywhere. Tools?

Materials? Equipment? The DMAX’s truck-based chassis will carry upto a tonne of gear in the back, and has a towing capacity of upto 3 tonnes.

With a wide stance and heavy duty suspension, you can drive D-MAX into the toughest terrain.

Whether you’re going off-road for work or for fun, D-MAX will get you there and back. The ladder chassis has also been specifically designed for the D-MAX to serve the purpose. Its heavy duty design ensures long term durability, and improves stability whether loaded or towing.

A perfect combination of precision engineering and contemporary design, the D-MAX puts forward a tough, muscular stance.

A longer wheelbase, wider wheel track and a low centre of gravity

lend the D-MAX maximum stability when turning corners or changing lanes at freeway speeds—even when fully loaded.

Short front and rear overhangs allow steep approach and descent angles. The specifically developed Flex-Ride suspension

‘ S E A S O N O F R E WA R D S ’

balances firmness (for load carrying) with suppleness, offering a comfortable ride without compromising handling.

And the 5-speed manual transmission gives you total flexibility in all situations; from tackling rocky embankments to cruising

down the highway – things are completely under your control.

Isuzu’s diesel engines are built to withstand high temperatures and pressures. Not only that – the engines are highly efficient too.

And there is one simple reason behind it: Isuzu’s engineers have

decades of experience in commercial transport, where every litre counts. You’ll be surprised at how far you can go without needing to pull in for fuel.

For precise control over fuel injection timing and the quantity of fuel delivered, common rail technology is unsurpassed.

The Isuzu super-high pressure common rail technology ensures you burn minimal fuel while still getting maximum performance, making the D-MAX highly fuel efficient.

The interior of the D-MAX has been designed for comfort and ease of use. Quiet cabin, comfortable seats, plenty of legroom in the rear — everything is right where you expect it to be and surprisingly spacious. Multiple cup holders and storage points throughout the cabin make it easy to store your gear.

Including dual glove boxes and centre console bin and for items large and small.

Imbibing the values that have made Isuzu famous; the D-MAX is not only robust, reliable, dependable — but also refined. It has the spirit of a truck, and offers the sophistication of a car.

2 0 1 6 S K Y T R A X W O R L D A I R L I N E AWA R D S

Bouquet of benefits waiting Qatar Airways wins world’s for Nissan Maxima customers best business class award MUSCAT: Nissan Oman from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles (SBA) is offering a wide range of rewards for the patrons of Nissan Maxima.

Assuring its customers of a special buying experience, Nissan Oman has worked out attractive bargains that customers of Nissan Maxima are guaranteed to find interesting.

The ongoing ‘Season of Rewards’ offer ensures that customers can enjoy attractive cash gift, free periodic maintenance service package, fuel card, free registration and extended mileage warranty.

With unlimited benefits on offer, this is the right season to book a Nissan Maxima known for its comfort quotient, smoothness and power, says a press release.

Assured cash gift Under the ‘Season of Rewards’ offer, customers can avail an assured cash gift of OMR1,000 on buying Nissan Maxima.

Scratch and win gifts Customers buying Nissan Maxima will get a scratch and win card which will entitle them to two assured gifts comprising free periodic maintenance service upto lifetime of the car (minimum assured 1 year/ 10,000km PMS; offer includes new service intervals of (10,000km) and free fuel up to OMR1000 (minimum assured of OMR50).

Special EMI rate Customers can avail a special EMI rate starting OMR174 (terms and conditions apply) on Maxima.

Extra benefits Nissan Maxima patrons can enjoy extra benefits such as free registration, 6 years unlimited mileage extended warranty and loyalty card benefits among others.

Suitable financing options SBA has designed some easy and convenient financing options to ease the convenience of owning a Nissan Maxima. Flexible EMIs can also be tailor-made for any individual requirement from inhouse auto finance team.

Additional benefits Loyal customers stand to enjoy additional benefits on purchase of a second Nissan vehicle in the family. To avail additional benefits under the scheme, the second car can be purchased either in the name of existing Nissan owner or his/her immediate family members.

Grand raffle Nissan patrons have a chance to win two X-Trails 2.5S 7STR CVT 16 MY in the “grand SMS and win raffle draw”. Anybody can SMS to 90466 to enter the contest.

The Nissan Maxima is a great fusion between a sedan and the soul of a sports car. And this com-

bination of sports sedan styling along with ample comfort and luxury that the Maxima provides has made it a favourite among the youngsters in the Sultanate.

While at its core, the Nissan Maxima is a family sedan that seats five people, it offers enough performance and handling to please young drivers who really value these two qualities.

In addition, the Maxima has abundant amount of standard features and a modernised, comfortable interior, together with the guarantee of customer-centric and outstanding services of the SBA. SBA is largely committed to supporting Nissan’s growth in the Sultanate through major emphasis on customer satisfaction and by providing world-class after-sales services in Oman.

FARNBOROUGH: Qatar Airways accepted three separate accolades at the 2016 Skytrax World Airline Awards held at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom.

Air travellers chose Qatar Airways as the World’s Best Business Class in the 2016 World Airline Awards, also voting the airline top for Best Business Class Airline Lounge and the Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East. The consumer-voted awards recognised the airline for its commitment to offering passengers an unrivalled travelling experience, says a press release.

Akbar Al Baker, group chief executive, Qatar Airways, said: “It is a very proud moment for Qatar Airways to be named World’s Best Business Class, Best Business Class Airline Lounge and Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East by the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards, not only for myself, but for every individual at Qatar Airways who creates the passengers’ experience – from our on-board cabin crew to the chefs overseeing our catering, to the technicians who ensure the cabin is in perfect working order.

“Our commitment to continued success is unwavering and a testament to the dedication of our glob-

Don’t litter a beautiful country like OMAN. Ensure proper disposal of garbage.

al teams. The airline’s renowned service, modern aircraft and luxurious cabins, combined with an expanding global network, continue to set Qatar Airways apart from the competition.”

The Skytrax World Airline Awards are widely known as the Passengers Choice Awards with millions of travellers, from 160 different countries, participating in passenger satisfaction surveys to decide the winners each year.

Commenting on the awards, Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax said: “Qatar Airways remains a favourite amongst air travellers year-on-year and achieved strong results across many of the 2016 awards categories, ranking No.

2 in the world. The top prize for World’s Best Business Class is notable as this is amongst the most competitive in the customer survey. Airlines globally continue to develop and introduce new product and service concepts in Business Class and it takes a great deal of hard work to stay ahead in this market. The recognition of the Al Mourjan lounge as the world’s best is another great achievement for Qatar Airways.”

Over the last year Qatar Airways announced an unprecedented expansion of its network with 13 new destinations launching in 2016 including Adelaide, Atlanta, Birmingham, Boston, Chiang Mai, Seychelles and Sydney.

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ROUND-UP

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Ooredoo launches 1st international calling app with unbeatable rates The secure app for Android devices is available free of cost on the Google Play Store,

The launch of OoredooTalk, the first Omani Voice Over IP (VoIP) application, is an important milestone for the telecommunications industry in the Sultanate. Ooredoo is proud to lead the way in connectivity in Oman, offering the highest levels of user-friendly technology and enhancing daily life by making communication easier, more versatile and always rewarding

making it easier than ever to connect with the people that matter most

MUSCAT: Ooredoo has announced the launch of its exciting and innovative new app, OoredooTalk, enabling its customers to make high quality calls to mobile phones and fixed lines in over 200 destinations worldwide at the lowest rates in the Sultanate.

The secure app for Android devices is available free of cost on the Google Play Store, making it easier than ever to connect with the people that matter most. An iOS version of

OoredooTalk will be available in the near future, says a press release.

Commenting on the first-of-itskind in Oman-based App, Greg Young, Ooredoo CEO, said: “The launch of OoredooTalk, the first Omani Voice Over IP (VoIP) application, is an important milestone for the telecommunications industry in the Sultanate.

By addressing customer demand for VoIP services, we are providing a means for them to connect

Greg Young CEO, Ooredoo

E X PA N S I O N

more conveniently than ever with friends, family, colleagues and clients across the globe, while enjoying an uninterrupted and clear calling experience, and of course, unbeatable value.”

He added: “Ooredoo is proud to lead the way in connectivity in Oman, offering the highest levels of user-friendly technology and enhancing daily life by making communication easier, more versatile and always rewarding.”

To use the OoredooTalk App and benefit from the best international call rates in Oman, pre and post paid Ooredoo customers with Android devices simply need to download the App and follow the easy one step registration process. Ooredoo mobile customers need to recharge their OoredooTalk account via the app using one of Ooredoo’s available recharge vouchers. After a call setup fee of 35 baisas, calls cost from as little as 10 baisas per minute.

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

Bank Sohar makes OWA’s Eid celebrations special

McDonald’s opens its newest drive-thru outlet at Oasis Mall MUSCAT: McDonald’s opened its newest drive-thru restaurant at Oasis Mall in Al Khuwair, bringing in a new exciting element to the newly opened establishment.

The new McDonald’s restaurant boasts of its cosy, welcoming and friendly atmosphere with the convenience of its drive-thru, says a press release.

Located just in front of the mall entrance, McDonald’s restaurant provides a spacious dining area, with modern décor and welcoming staff, making it a comfortable place to hang out with friends and family members.

The newest McDonald’s drivethru restaurant is equipped with free Wi-Fi facility and serves breakfast menu from seven until 11 o’clock in the morning. McDonald’s Oasis Mall brings the iconic global brand closer to everyone.

Ali K. Daud, development licensee and president of McDonald’s

Supporting communityoriented associations such as the Omani Women’s Association, as well as events like these that spread the joy to those less fortunate than us, is something that we as a bank will always stand by and encourage Munira Abdulnabi Macki GM of HR and Corporate Support, Bank Sohar

Oman, commented: “Like any other McDonald’s newly opened restaurants, the newest McDonald’s restaurant has a contemporary look and feel, providing all customers with a great eating out experience.

The newest restaurant will be catering to school tour and special occasions, providing quality fresh

food, beverages, coffee and desserts with great value for money.

McDonald’s restaurant at Oasis Mall is another testimony to the brand’s ongoing commitment to provide quality, service, convenience and value to all its customers and hereby provide job opportunities for all Omanis.

MUSCAT: Continuing in its efforts to support the communities in which it operates, Bank Sohar sponsored Omani Women’s Association’s Jalaan Bani Bu Hassan Branch Eid celebrations.

The celebrations included visits to less fortunate families, hospital visits and a celebratory event at the association itself, says a press release.

Commenting on the bank’s sponsorship of the event, Munira Abdulnabi Macki, GM of HR and Corporate Support at Bank Sohar said, “Supporting the communi-

ties in which we operate has always been a vital part of our operations in Oman.

“Furthermore, supporting community-oriented associations such as the Omani Women’s Association, as well as events like these that spread the joy to those less fortunate than us, is something that we as a bank will always stand by and encourage.”

The association’s event started one day prior to Eid where volunteers from the Omani Women’s Association made multiple visits to low income families and retirees; providing them with Eid related gifts including material for stitching new clothes, readymade clothes, toys and accessories for kids. The first and second day of Eid included visits to hospitals

in Jalaan Bani Bu Ali and Jalaan Bani Bu Hassan with cartoon characters to distribute gifts and spread the joy of Eid with the patients. On the third and final day of the celebrations, a special family event was held at the association itself. The event included face painting and competitions for children; together with several other events for the entire family to enjoy.

“On behalf of the bank I would like to commend the Omani Women’s Association for successfully organising such a wellplanned community event.

“We are honoured to have sponsored it and look forward to supporting many more similar events in the future,” added Munira Abdulnabi Macki.

S U P P O R T F O R O M A N I L I T E R AT U R E

Zubair’s ‘Iqra’ initiative opens libraries in Samail Hospital MUSCAT: Motivated by the encouraging response to the ‘Iqra’ initiative which aims at establishing libraries in public spaces across the Sultanate, The Zubair Corporation (Z-Corp) in association with Samail Hospital management, opened libraries on the hospital premises.

Ibrahim Al Salmi, Social Communication manager at Z-Corp, said, “The ‘Iqra’ initiative is part of the company’s social responsibility that is aligned with its strategy and keenness to engage with the community. ‘Iqra’, which is a project of Z-Corp’s Social Advisory Committee, has received encouraging response.”

Several libraries have already been opened across the country including six in Royal Hospital Salalah, three each in Nizwa, Rustaq and Ibra hospitals, another four in Royal Hospital in Muscat and some libraries at the National Cardiology Centre at the Royal Hospital in Muscat, says a press release.

Al Salmi added that the main aim of the ‘Iqra’ has been to promote a reading culture and endorse Omani literature and authors.

“This is a community-based

programme that gives importance to the needs of the society. We plan to open libraries in more hospitals and public buildings. We are happy that ‘Iqra’ initiative is helping to inculcate the culture of reading as well as encourage Omani writers.

Promoting books and writings by

Omanis is a main goal and that is why we stock libraries with books written by them.

“We are happy that the Omani community is introducing themselves to the books authored by local writers. We are confident that this worthy effort will go a

long way in inspiring a culture of reading and widening the quest for knowledge,” Al Salmi said.

Thanking the Zubair Corporation, a representative of Samail Hospital said, “The ‘Iqra’ initiative is dedicated to nurturing the development of knowledge insti-

tuting libraries in hospitals where people have access to good books is a great move. Having good books to read in a hospital setting is a blessing for patients and bystanders.”

“We have got good response from hospitals we have established libraries in,” a member of

Social Advisory Committee in the Zubair Corporation said.

He also added, “Role of libraries is very significant as they are key institutions of information, education and learning. Boosting reading habits, especially among young generation, through libraries is important in the process of nation building.”

This initiative comes as part of the Zubair Corporation’s strategy and vision to support the Omani society with sustainable programmes.

The ‘Iqra’ initiative was officially launched at the Bait Al Zubair in early 2015 in the presence of Khalid bin Mohammed Al Zubair, managing director of the Zubair Corporation. Omani writers, prominent personalities belonging to the local literary scene, in addition and cultural institutions had attended the opening.

The ‘Iqra’ initiative is the brainchild of the Social Advisory Committee formed by the Zubair Corporation. The committee consists of eminent personalities from the Omani society who choose social responsibility projects to be undertaken by them.

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Tendulkar calls for more help from pitches for bowlers

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Focus on Amir as England and Pakistan lock horns at Lord’s Doubts persist over

LONDON: Cricket pitches need to be more bowler-friendly if the rising imbalance between bat and ball is to be addressed, Indian batting great Sachin Tendulkar has said.

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) world cricket committee on Tuesday recommended limitations on the thickness and depth of bats amid concerns that the sport has tilted heavily in favour of the batsmen in recent years.

A report commissioned by the MCC, the guardian of the game’s laws, in 2014 found the thickness of bats had marginally increased in the last century and that edges had broadened by 300 percent, meaning even mistimed shots could still find the boundary.

Tendulkar, who quit international cricket in 2013 as the game’s most prolific batsman both in Tests and the 50-over format, demanded more assistance for the bowlers from the playing surface. “The wickets need to change; they need to be more helpful for bowlers,” Tendulkar said.

“In T20s, the greatest of bowlers are being reverse-swept.

Three-hundred is no longer competitive in ODIs. “So there should be at least one format where bowlers have a better chance of executing their skills and making it more interesting for spectators. I don’t think it’s got much to do with bats, but I’m sure people on the (relevant) panel will be able to look into it.”

Tendulkar’s views echoed the sentiments of Australian opener David Warner who said last week that flat pitches rather than bats with thicker edges are the reason batsmen have the upper hand in Test cricket.

Tendulkar was part of the panel that recommended Anil Kumble for the India coach’s job and he expects the team to benefit from the vast experience of the former leg-spinner. “A fabulous player, a hard competitor and will not make any compromises on the field,” Tendulkar said.

“He will be out there to win each and every moment. He played for almost 20 years, so there is plenty to share. I’ll just tell the players to grasp as much information from Anil as possible.” — Reuters

the opening pair of Mohammed Hafeez and Shan Masood, just as there are concerns as to whether Alex Hales, still looking for his first Test hundred, is the best man to partner Alastair Cook at the top of England’s order

LONDON: Mohammed Amir will return to the longest format after six years as England and Pakistan lock horns in the first Test at Lord’s from Thursday.

Incidentally, Amir’s last Test, in August 2010, was at the same venue when he took 6 for 84 in the first innings. He retains his ability to swing the ball late at a sharp pace, as he showed with a first-innings haul of 3 for 36 in Pakistan’s tour opener against Somerset.

But Amir is far from the only threat in a Pakistan bowling lineup also featuring Wahab Riaz, his fellow left-arm quick, Sohail Khan and Yasir Shah, the legspinner.

The key to the series could lie with both teams’ top-order batsmen. England was repeatedly bailed out of early collapses against Sri Lanka by Jonny Bairstow, the in-form middle-order batsman.

Pakistan has a strong middle order in Misbah-ul Haq, the skipper, fellow veteran Younis Khan and Asad Shafiq, another form batsman.

But doubts persist over the opening pair of Mohammed Hafeez and Shan Masood, just as there are concerns as to whether Alex Hales, still looking for his first Test hundred, is the best man to partner Alastair Cook at the top of England’s order.

England will be without James Anderson, its all-time leading

LET’S PLAY: Pakistan’s Misbah-ul Haq and England’s Alastair Cook pose with the Test series trophy. – Reuters

Jake (Ball) will make his debut. Unfortunately Jimmy (Anderson) has missed out but it’s a great opportunity for Jake. I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes, he’s had a great year for Notts Alastair Cook, England captain

injured wicket-taker, and Ben Stokes, the sidelined allrounder, which means Cook’s men will not have things all their own way as they did in the preceding 2-0 home series win over Sri Lanka.

Missing Anderson will be a huge a blow for England. However, when he was ruled out of last year’s fourth Test, fellow quick Stuart

WORLD BEACH HANDBALL

Oman bounce back with wins over Spain, Uruguay

CELEBRATION: Oman players celebrate after beating Spain in the World Beach Handball Championship. Oman continued to beat Uruguay on Wednesday.

Times News Service MUSCAT: After a narrow loss to Croatia, Oman bounced back with a upset win over Spain on Tuesday night and enhanced their grip in Group B with a thumping win over Uruguay Wednesday morning in the ongoing Men’s World Beach Handball Championship at Budapest.

According to information received here, Oman caused one of the first real upsets in the men’s competition as they beat the strong Spain side 13-12 on penalty shots.

At the final buzzer there were rapturous scenes on court as the Omanis celebrated wildly.

Oman’s final verdict read 2-1.

After winning the first set 17-16, Spain bounced back 17-19 to force the penalty shoot out, which went in Oman’s favour 13-12.

Delghted After the match, Azan Ali Al Azan of Oman Handball Association could not hide his delight in beating Spain.

“I’m happy because we won and I hope we can give the fans some more wins here,” he was quoted

by IHF.info.

“Spain are a good team and very strong, this is our first time we have beaten them and it is something big for me. I want to thank all and we want more.”

The new found confidence reflected in the performance

against Uruguay on Wednesday morning.

Group B threw open on the second day as Spain got back to winning ways beating hosts Hungary 2-0 and Oman beat Uruguay by the same score.

But the real thrill came when Croatia stunned Australia 2-1 via penalties.

Oman eased past Uruguay 1716, 17-16.

In Group A matches on Wednesday, Ukraine got off of the mark following their opening loss against USA as they beat Bahrain 2-1 after a tense shootout (7-6).

In the unofficial Pan American championship, Brazil asserted their authority in the region with a 2-0 win with ease against USA.

Broad took 8 for 15 on his Trent Bridge home ground, as Australia was dismissed for 60, to set up an Ashes-clinching win.

The match will mark the return to Test cricket of Gary Ballance after he was dropped last year.

Ball to debut England’s Nottinghamshire pace-

man Jake Ball will make his debut in the first Test, captain Alastair Cook said. “Jake will make his debut. Unfortunately Jimmy has missed out but it’s a great opportunity for Jake,” Cook told reporters.

Ball, who was in the squad for all three Tests during the 2-0 series win over Sri Lanka earlier this month. was selected ahead of fellow uncapped seamer Toby Roland-Jones.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes, he’s had a great year with Notts and looks a fine bowler.

He’s got wicket-taking balls in him, the ability to get good players out on flat wickets, and he puts the ball in good areas with good pace.”

‘Trash talk’ England batting mainstay Joe Root has dismissed ‘trash talk’ by Pakistan paceman Wahab Riaz who claimed he has got the batsman’s number going into the first Test.

Root will return to the crucial number three position in the batting line-up against Pakistan and Wahab has already turned the heat on him, claiming the visitors have

plans ready for the 25-year-old.

“I heard about that. It’s the same before every series, you generally get a bit of trash talk,” Root told reporters.

“It’s getting a bit like boxing now. He is a fantastic bowler. Good pace, gets the ball to reverse swing, so it will be interesting to see how that goes throughout the series.”

Root has excelled at number four and five and the right-hander is now keen to justify his promotion to top three.“I’ve matured quite a lot as a player and my game has developed a lot,” he said. “It will be interesting to see how it goes.”

Wahab reiterated Pakistan’s plans to unsettle Root in Tuesday’s news conference.

“You want me to tell you the plans? Every batsman has a strong point and a weak point and obviously you have to work hard on that and practise hard on that,” said the 31-year-old left-arm paceman.

“Joe Root is the backbone of the England team and getting him out early will put the pressure on England. If he thinks it is just trash talk then hats off to him.” - Reuters, ICC

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THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016

SPORTS

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Oman Airports by Oman Sail sailing smooth in Tour de France a la Voile Targeting a top five place on their debut Tour de France a la Voile on the new Diam 24 trimaran, with 23 other teams in contention, the challenging weather conditions

MUSCAT: After five days of fullon racing in high winds and big seas, Oman Airports by Oman Sail had claimed a top ten position in the prestigious 2016 Tour de France a la Voile (TDFV) with two weeks still to go to work their way up the rankings.

Targeting a top five place on their debut TDFV on the new Diam 24 trimaran, with 23 other teams in contention, the challenging weather conditions have tested the full range of crew skills and stamina, according to co-skippers Stevie Morrison and Thierry Douillard, and given the boats a battering. “It has been very windy with strong tides and big sea states

TOUGH JOB: Oman Airports by Oman Sail skippered by Stevie Morrison with Pierre Leboucher and Abdulhaman Al Mashari in thick of action. – Supplied photo

and most of the boats have suffered some kind of gear failure,” said Morrison who twice represented Britain in the 49er class at the Olympic Games.

“We had a problem with our rudder in the Dieppe inshore series just as we were coming into form – we’d had three second plac-

es and a third so that was frustrating but overall we are doing pretty well considering the other teams are very, very strong.”

Oman’s Ali Al Balushi and Abdulhaman Al Mashari have been training hard as members of the Oman Airports by Oman Sail crew since March for the TDFV and

have high expectations so losing their rudder was a brief setback.

“We had some good starts and some good tactical moments. We’d been fighting hard and had qualified for the grand final in Dieppe which was our objective,” said Al Balushi, competing in his 6th TDFV. “But then the rudder came

off and our race was over. But the Tour is long and we still have a long way to go. We’ve been training hard for this and being 7th after just two stages is not bad!

“Today is a day off so a bit of chilling out will be nice – last night was a long night of packing up the boat and then driving to the next stage.”

HOCKEY

The daily logistical rigours of the event, where the teams have to rig their boats, race then derig and move onto the next venue were proving as big a test as the competition on the water, added Morrison. “We are on the water from 10am to 5pm every day and as soon as racing is over, we have to derig the boats and prepare for the following day. It is tiring but then this is what the event is all about and the team who copes best with the demands on and off the water is the team that will win.

“All the time we are improving and are really enjoying it. Our speeds are more consistent and we are definitely getting better but so is everyone else so we are not expecting it to get any easier. We need to tighten up our game to avoid making any silly mistakes but we will do that.”

The Oman Airports by Oman Sail crew of Morrison, Douillard, Al Balushi, Al Mashari and France’s Pierre Leboucher are rotating across the three-week tour around France’s coast to fill the three spaces up for grabs in each of the 9 stages of the race which started on 8 July in Dunkirk and finishes on 31 July in Nice.

Next stop is Roscoff where the fleet will complete a coastal race followed by a day of inshore racing, battling once more with strong tides and shifty winds.

Crew members: Ali Al Balu shi, Abdulhaman Al Mashari, Pierre Leboucher, Stevie Morrison and Thierry Douillard.

FOOTBALL

Oman’s former assistant hockey coach Antic no more

Oman U-16 lose to Japan

Sports Editor MUSCAT: India Olympian and former Oman assistant hockey coach Joe Antic, who had been hospitalised a few days ago, died on Tuesday, according to family sources. He was 90.

Antic, the centre half of the Rome Olympics squad in 1960 that won the silver medal, is survived by son William and daughter Rita.

He had lost his wife in 2011.

“He was unwell and did not come out of ICU. Please highlight the fact that no one bothered to come to his financial aid although he had brought laurels to the country,” Antic’s son William informed Indian told PTI. Antic represented India in the Rome Games where Pakistan ended India’s glorious 32-year golden run by winning the final between the arch-foes 1-0. A centre half, Antic also was part of the hockey squad that finished runner-up, again to Pakistan, in the Asian Games at Jakarta two years later.

According to William, the former international player, who toured East Africa and Europe with the senior team in the late 1950s, had retired from Western Railway in the mid-1980s.

After his playing days, he took up coaching. After being one of the coaches in the Indian team’s

The passing of Antic is another blow. I sincerely offer my deepest condolences on his sad demise S.A.S. Naqvi Oman Hockey

PICTURE FROM THE PAST: File picture of Joe Antic, who served Oman hockey for two years, as assistant coach.

World Cup camp in 1973, he became the assistant coach of the Oman team, deputising for Saiyed Ali Sibatin Naqvi, during the 1982 Asian Games in Delhi.

“He was the Oman national team’s assistant coach for two years,” William was quoted mentioning to PTI. S.A.S Naqvi, who was his former Bombay (now Mumbai) and Western Railway teammate, wrote on his Facebook page that one by one the stalwarts of Indian hockey during its Golden

era (1928-1964 when the country won seven of its eight gold medals in Olympics) are departing from this world.

“The Golden era stalwarts are now leaving one by one. The passing of Antic is another blow. I sincerely offer my deepest condolences on his sad demise. May the Almighty bless his soul to rest in peace. I pray the Almighty to give patience for the greatest loss to Antic dynasty,” said Naqvi, who is still based in Muscat continuing his service for

Oman hockey as an adviser. “I may add that Antic and myself started playing for Western Railway, Bombay XI and the Indian Railways as well as coached at the 1973 World Cup camp at NIS Patiala and Calcutta. We both had captained the Bombay XI, Western Railway. The greatest centre half was most outstanding defender,” said Naqvi.

“I express my deep sorrow and grief and send my condolences to the bereaved family in Mumbai.

I join them in their most difficult

time and share their sorrow,” said Naqvi in his message to Times Sport.

“This is the very shocking news for me and the hockey fraternity of Oman,” he added.

In fact Antic was neighbour of Naqvi in Mumbai and had played with him from 1953 to 1973.

“I still remember when he accompanied me to Oman to assist me when I was appointed as the chief coach of Oman Hockey team in 1982,” said Naqvi.

MUSCAT: The Japan Under-16 football team played their first of the scheduled two friendly games against the Oman Under-16 national team at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher on Wednesay and emerged on the winning side with a 2-0 verdict.

The friendlies are part of the training camp with both teams preparing for the AFC U-16 Championship in India.

Oman is having a domestic camp under the guidance of coach Yaquob Al Sabaahi, while Japan arrived two days ago.

The AFC Under-16 Championship is to be held in India from September 13 to October 2.

The second friendly will be played on July 17 and both the match will kick-off at 7.15pm.

In the Asian U-16, Oman has been grouped with South Korea, Malaysia and Iraq and will open campaign with a match against Malaysia on September 16.

Oman plays South Korea on September 19 and Iraq on September 22.

The Japan U-16 team, who also takes part in the Asian tournament will arrive on Tuesday. Japan is grouped with Australia, Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan.

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016

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SPORTS CRICKET

Afghanistan hopes to play bilateral cricket series in India NEW DELHI: Afghanistan are attempting to have more OneDay International (ODI) cricket fixtures leading into September 2017 cut-off for 2019 World Cup qualification by proposing annual bilateral games against India and teams touring the country starting from next year.

“If we sign the MOU which we sent to India, potentially Afghanistan Cricket Board will be in a better position than where we are right now, scheduling ODIs with India and scheduling ODIs with teams travelling to India on an annual basis,” ACB Chief Executive Shafiq Stanikzai was quoted as saying by espncricinfo.

“But still it will be bilateral ties. If a travelling team to India wants to play us in India, it is totally up to them.”

Stanikzai also said he had already sent the draft to Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Anurag Thakur and had a word or two with him during the International Cricket Council (ICC) annual conference in Edinburgh a few days back. — IANS

Froome on attack again as Sagan takes another stage Team Sky’s Froome, along with his lieutenant Geraint Thomas, jumped into the wheel of Sagan when the Slovak broke away from the bunch 12km from the finish with his Tinkoff team mate Maciej Bodnar of Poland

MONTPELLIER: Chris Froome showed again he will attack his rivals on every terrain as the Briton extended his overall lead in the Tour de France with a surprising move in Wednesday’s 11th stage, which was won with panache by world champion Peter Sagan.

Team Sky’s Froome, along with his lieutenant Geraint Thomas, jumped into the wheel of Sagan when the Slovak broke away from the bunch 12km from the finish with his Tinkoff team mate Maciej Bodnar of Poland.

The four built an advantage of about 20 seconds until the sprinters’ teams started their effort, but they could not catch the late fugitives. Sagan, already a stage winner in Cherbourg, outsprinted

Froome to take the day’s laurels and deliver an almost final blow to Mark Cavendish in the green jersey race after the Briton was left behind in the finale because of a mechanical problem.

“I won a stage that was made for the pure sprinters. It was a crazy day,” Sagan said.

Sagan, Froome and Bodnar finished six seconds ahead of the pack, which means the defending Tour champion extended his lead by 12 seconds as he collected six bonus seconds for his second place ahead of Thursday’s much-feared 12th stage which ends up Mont Ventoux. “This is bike racing at its best,” said Froome.

“I feel like I’m enjoying it, I’m not feeling I’m being forced into

BISIYA LIONS CLINCH NMC CUP Bisiya Lions beat Royal Challengers by five wickets to clinch the NMC Cup 2016 organised by Oman Indo-Pak Friends at the Azaiba Cultural Sports ground. In the final of the National Metal Can sponsored tournament, Royal Challengers were 45 all out in 7.4 overs batting first. Sachin (17) was the top scorer, while man of the final Bilal Khan (4 for 8) caused the damage. In reply Bisiya Lions made 46 for 5 in 5.4 overs with Yaseen making unbeaten 14. Best bowler award went to Sachin of Royal Challengers, best batsman was Tikloo of Bisiya and player of the tournament was Bilal Khan. Raffle draw winners who got air ticket (Muscat-Karachi-Muscat) or (Muscat-Mumbai-Muscat) were Javed and Aquib Illyas of OEC (both players) and Hiba Zeeshan and Rubab Tariq (spectators). The awards were presented by Chaitanya Gulabsi and Mohit Chaitanya. — Supplied photo

Don’t litter a beautiful country like OMAN. Ensure proper disposal of garbage.

this because of pressure.”

Froome had already taken his opponents by surprise when he attacked on the final descent of the eighth stage last Saturday.

He now leads fellow Briton Adam Yates (Orica-Bike Exchange) by 28 seconds and Ireland’s Dan Martin (Etixx-Quick Step) by 31 while last year’s runner-up Nairo Quintana (Movistar) of Colombia lies fourth 35 seconds off the pace. “It was a stage for the sprint and wind specialists.

Froome took advantage of this and gained a few seconds but I want to remain positive, I did not crash,” said Quintana “Organisers want a show but they should think about the safety of the riders. We risk our lives every day, especially in these stages.”

Spain’s Joaquim Rodriguez, tipped as a potential podium finisher, ended up 1:09 adrift of Sagan after being trapped behind following a bunch split on a windy day.

Sagan tried to offer the victory to his team mate Bodnar as a reward for his efforts but Froome accelerated again as the finish line loomed and he was therefore forced to sprint ahead of the Briton. “He’s like the grandson of Eddy Merckx, he’s a genius, he’s having fun on the bike,” FDJ manager Marc Madiot said of Sagan. - Reuters

GOOD WIN: Slovakia’s Peter Sagan, wearing the best sprinter’s

green jersey celebrates as he crosses the finish line ahead of Great Britain’s Christopher Froome, wearing the overall leader’s yellow jersey at the end of the 162,5 km eleventh stage of the 103rd edition of the Tour de France. – AFP

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THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016

SPORTS Dustin will be tough to beat at British Open, says Jason Day The Open ‘the one you want to get your hands on’ says Willett

Dustin has a lot of spotlight on him this week because he has won the last two events he’s played and they’ve been pretty big events Jason Day, World No. 1

Johnson has finished in the top 14 in four of his seven trips to the British Open and came within a whisker of landing the coveted Claret Jug in 2011 when he wound up in a tie for second place behind Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke

TROON: The last six British Opens held at Royal Troon have been won by Americans and Dustin Johnson, the hottest player in golf, looks like he has all the credentials to send the U.S. into seventh heaven this week.

Not only did the big-hitting 32-year-old follow up his victory at last month’s U.S. Open by capturing the prestigious WGC-Bridgestone Invitational title in Ohio, he also has a good record to boast about in the world’s oldest major.

Johnson has finished in the top 14 in four of his seven trips to the British Open and came within a whisker of landing the coveted

Claret Jug in 2011 when he wound up in a tie for second place behind Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke.

“He has a lot of spotlight on him this week because he has won the last two events he’s played and they’ve been pretty big events,” world number one Jason Day told reporters on the windswept Ayrshire coastline.

“He’s typically played pretty well in the Open championship so he’s obviously going to be a very tough guy to beat.”

Johnson’s surge to second in the world rankings has come as a surprise to some. His namesake Zach Johnson, however, believes it was

always destined to happen. “He’s a supreme athlete and it just so happens that his sport for all of us, unfortunately, is golf,” said British Open title holder Zach. “Not many guys can do what he does.”

Day’s form has also been pretty spectacular, having triumphed seven times in the past 12 months to rise to the summit of the rankings.

The Australian suffered a nearmiss last year when he ended up in a share of fourth place at St Andrews.

Top spot Winning a first British Open is clearly number one on Day’s list of immediate priorities but hanging on to top spot in the rankings comes a close second.

“I think the stress of being number one in the world is a motivating factor for me just because I don’t want to lose it,” he said.

“It’s really important for me to make sure I stick to my processes and do all the hard work I can to try to stay there for as long as I can.”

Jordan Spieth won the U.S. Masters and U.S. Open in 2015 and is almost certain to figure prominently on the Troon leaderboard.

The 22-year-old American, however, has been the subject of intense scrutiny this week follow-

ing his decision on Monday to opt out of next month’s Rio Olympics due to health concerns.

With the benefit of hindsight, Spieth clearly would have made his announcement before Monday’s Games deadline.

“I wish I could have made it as early as possible, not only for myself but also for Olympic golf, USA Golf,” said the world number three.

“I certainly was not trying to wait until the last minute. I just couldn’t make a decision and ... I was very indecisive with it.”

The other member of the socalled ‘Big Four’ of world golf, Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, is pleased to be back at his home Open after being sidelined last year because of an injury he sustained while playing a friendly game of soccer.

“I guess it’s the start of a new chapter for me in the Open championship,” said the 2014 winner.

“It was very disappointing to miss last year but I’m determined not to miss any more for the foreseeable future and it’s great to be back and have another chance to win another Claret Jug,” added world number four McIlroy.

The year’s third major begins on Thursday. - Reuters

TROON: Danny Willett comes to Royal Troon as both a major championship winner and as a contender for last year’s British Open championship, and that is not a coincidence.

Willet was within a shot of the lead in the second round of the Open at St Andrews.

He fell back a bit in the third round, but he was still doing well enough to be paired with Zach Johnson, the eventual winner, in the final round, and watching Johnson was instructive.

“The one thing that’s impressive about Zach is Zach never changes the game plan for anyone, any golf course.

Regardless who he’s playing against, he just does his own thing,” Willett said at a press conference at Troon on Tuesday. Nine months later, Willett was patiently creeping up on Jordan Spieth in the final round of the Masters.

And then Spieth rapidly came back to meet him, throwing away a five-shot lead.

Willett applied the lesson he had learned from Johnson.

“You’re not going to do anything different,” he said. “The reason you’re in that position is because you’re a very good player and you can do what you can do, and hopefully on a Sunday afternoon it’s good enough.”

It was good enough to bring him his first major. It’s something of a cliche that winning the first major is the hardest, that they come easier once you know how. Willett is not sure that’s true, at least not for him this year.

“If anything, (it’s) probably a bit tougher, because you know you’ve done it and played well and competed and won against the best guys.

“It’s a tough one now to make sure that you get back to the place where you were before you actually won and try not to have too much expectation on yourself every day. Otherwise, it’s a pretty lonely game when things aren’t going your way, and you struggle a little bit, because all you have to do is be reminiscing about how well you played a few months ago.”

He also comes into Troon as the most recent Englishman to win a major and to contend at a British Open.

That may well be an advantage when he tees off two days from now.

“Being British, this is the one you want to get your hands on ... and to be able to come here as a major champion and get the crowds with us, obviously would be fantastic Thursday morning.

Yeah, it will be really, really special.” - Reuters

CONFIDENT: Danny Willett of England hits out of a bunker on the eighth hole. – Reuters

BADMINTON

Adapting to Rio the key for India shuttler Nehwal I am going there as an athlete, there is not a single thing other than badminton that I’m thinking about now. There are a lot of things like time difference that will affect us only after we go there. How well you prepare here is not the main thing, but how you take care of the other aspects there is important Saina Nehwal India

BENGALURU: Adapting quickly to playing conditions at the Rio Olympics will pose the biggest challenge for players, says India’s Saina Nehwal, who is aiming to better the badminton bronze she won in London four years ago.

After fighting her way back to fitness following an Achilles injury sustained at the end of last year, the 26-year-old’s confidence was given a boost ahead of her third Olympics when she won the Australian Open Super Series title last month.

The Indian shuttler said, however, that victory would have little bearing on her chances at the Aug. 5-21 Olympics and she was more concerned about hitting the ground running in Brazil.

“It all depends on how you get adjusted to the conditions there, that’s more important,” she told Reuters in an interview in Bengaluru. “If the Australian Open was

one week before Olympics, maybe it would have an effect, but the gap has given all players time to prepare. They will all come stronger.

“There are a lot of things like time difference that will affect us only after we go there. How well you prepare here is not the main thing, but how you take care of the other aspects there is important.”

More aggression Nehwal added that she had surprised herself by her aggressiveness during her second Australian Open win in Sydney and wants to carry that trait into Rio. “I was not playing like that in the last couple of months. My net (play) was good, and I was very attacking in the tournament,” she said.

“I want to play at the Olympics the same way I play at the tournament.”

Nehwal, the first Indian shuttler to win an Olympic medal, topped the

women’s singles rankings in April last year but injuries stalled her progress. The shuttler is targeting greater consistency to counter the threat posed by world number one Carolina Marin, defending Olympic champion Li Xuerui and London silver medallist Wang Yihan of China.

“I am at a stage where I have improved a lot, but there is a lot more to go. There are players like Carolina who are faster, Li Xuerui has a good technical game, Nozomi Okuhara is good in rallies,” she added.

“I feel I need time to match these players. To be at your best you need the seven-eight weeks. Till now it’s pretty good.”

On health concerns over the Zika virus, Nehwal said her mind was focused only on one thing. “I am going there as an athlete, there is not a single thing other than badminton that I’m thinking about now,” she added. - Reuters

C

SECTION

LIFESTYLE

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016

Culture WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

SHADES OF I MEMORY

“To Damascus, years are only moments, decades are only flitting trifles of time. She measures time, not by days and months and years, but by the empires she has seen rise, and prosper and crumble to ruin. She is a type of immortality....She has looked upon the dry bones of a thousand empires, and will see the tombs of a thousand more before she dies. Though another claims the name, old Damascus is by right the Eternal City.”

-Mark Twain

Story Mohammed Shafeeqe

Photography Fadi Masri Zada and Shabin E.

t was a cold evening in Old Damascus in 1995. Fadi was walking around the eternal city looking for a barber for a haircut. On a very narrow street he found a tiny barbershop and the barber was peculiar enough to draw attention.

Fadi was surprised when the barber told him that his hair doesn’t need to be cut, instead he invited Fadi to listen to his music and oud.

The barber held his oud and played some Arabic music for the guest and offered a cup of tea. It was some 20 years ago, but still Fadi feels that it happened yesterday, it was an unforgettable moment for him. “I spent some more time in the barbershop and we became friends, and I took many photos of that barber-musician,” said Fadi.

Continue to Page 7 >

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016

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Ghostbusters - (3D) (Action | Comedy | Sci-Fi) (PG) VIP LOUNGE Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon 3:45, 6:45 & 11:15PM

Marauders - (2D) (Action) (12+) Cast: Bruce Willis, Christopher Meloni, Dave Bautista 2:15, 9:45 & 11:45PM

Shajahan um-Pareekuttiyum (Mal) (2D) (Romance | Comedy | Drama) (PG) Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Jayasurya, Amala Paul 7:00, 9:00 PM

Central Intelligence (Action) (12+) Cast: Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart 5:00 & 11:45PM The Purge (Horror) (12+) Cast: Elizabeth Mitchel, Frank Gillo 4:15PM

Cast: Salman Khan, Anushka Sharma 8:15PM Sultan - (2D) (PG12) (Hindi | Action) 6:30, 8:15 & 11:30PM Independence Day: Resurgence - (3D) (Action| Adventure | Sci-Fi) (PG12) Cast: Liam Hemsworth, Bill Pullman 4:15 & 9:30PM Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - (3D) (Action | Adventure | Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Megan Fox, Will Arnett, Tyler Perry 7:15PM Finding Dory - (3D) (Animation) (PG) 2:15, 4:15 & 6:15PM

Independence Day: Resurgence (3D) (Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi) (PG12) Cast: Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum 11:45 PM Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-Out of the Shadows (3D) (Action | Adventure) (PG12) Cast: Megan Fox, Will Arnett, Tyler Perry 3:00, 9:40 PM Finding Dory (3D) (Animation) (PG) 2:15, 4:15, 5:15 PM

SUR Marauders ( Action ) ( 12+ ) Cast : Bruce Willis, Christopher Meloni 3:00, 6:30, 11:45 PM Sultan (Hindi) ( Action ) ( PG12 ) 3:15, 8:30, 11:30 PM Central Intelligence ( Action) (12+) Cast : Dwayne Johonson, Kevin Hart, Danielle 5:00, 9:00 PM Shajahanum - Pareekittiyum ( Mal) ( PG ) Cast : Kunchako Boban, Jayasurya, Amala Paul 7:00 PM

PANORAMA MALL Ghostbusters - (3D) (Action | Comedy | Sci-Fi) (PG) VIP LOUNGE Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon 3:45, 6:00 & 11:30PM Ghostbusters - (4D) (Action | Comedy | Sci-Fi) (PG) MX4D 3:45, 6:30, 9:00 & 11:15PM Ghostbusters - (3D) (Action/ Sci-Fi) (PG) 2:45 & 11:45PM Marauders - (2D) (Action) (12+) Cast: Bruce Willis, Christopher Meloni, Dave Bautista 2:15, 9:45 & 11:45PM The Achy Breaky Hearts - (2D) (Tagalog| Comedy | Romance) (PG12) Cast: Ian Veneracion, Richard Yap, Jodi Sta. Maria 5:00PM Sultan - (2D) (PG12) (Hindi | Action) VIP LOUNGE

RUWI Screen 1 Ghostbusters (2D) (Action | Sci-Fi ) (PG12) Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon 2:30, 4:45, 9:45 PM Screen 2 Sultan (Hindi) (2D) (Action) (PG12) Cast: Salman Khan, Anushka Sharma 2:00, 2:45, 5:15, 5:50, 8:30, 11:45 PM Screen 3 Shajahanum-Pareekuttiyum (Mal) (2D) (Romance | Comedy | Drama) (PG) Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Jayasurya, Amala Paul 7:00, 9:00 PM

AZAIBA Shajahanum-Pareekuttiyum (Mal) (2D) (Romance | Comedy | Drama) (TBC) Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Jayasurya, Amala Paul 6:15, 9:00 PM Ghostbusters (3D) (Action | Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon 2:00, 4:15, 11:45 PM Sultan (Hindi) (2D) (Action) (PG12) Cast: Salman Khan, Anushka Sharma 2:00, 5:20, 6:30, 7:15, 8:25, 10:30, 11:30 PM

SOHAR Independence Independence Day: Resurgence – 3D (Action/Sci-Fi) (PG12) Cast: Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum 5:00, 11:30PM Finding Dory – 3D (Animation) (PG) 2:15PM Finding Dory – 2D (Animation) (PG) 5:00PM Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows – 3D (Action/Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Megan Fox, Will Arnett, Tyler Perry 4:15, 9:45PM Central Intelligence-2D (Action) (12+) 9:30PM

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

15:00 15:00 15:00

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

16:30 18:00 19:30

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

08:50 Daily 11:00 Daily 14:30 Daily via Ibri 15:45 Daily 17:40 Daily 18.35 Daily 20:20 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

37 31

Daily Daily

07:00

Ruwi

10:25

Daily

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

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

Daily Daily

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

Fahud Yibal

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

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

Daily Daily

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

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

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

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

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

Next Change : Kabali (Tamil) Programmes are subject to change

SINCHAN SANJAY RAO July 14, 2006

Minimum

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RELATIVE HUMIDITY RITVIKA PRADHAN July 15, 2013

76-62 %

Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 17 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to extra@ timesofoman.com

LISTINGS

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Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

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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

Sultan ( Hindi) ( Action\Sports) Cast: Salman Khan & Anushka Sharma 3-30 & 6-30PM Cinema -2; 10-00 Pm Cinema Main Shajahan-um-Pareekuttiyum ( Mal)( Comedy\ Romance) Cast : Kunchacko Boban, Jayasurya & Amala Paul 3-00 & 6-30 Cinema Main; 9-30 PM Cinema -2; 9-45 pm Cinema -4 Dhilluku Dhuddu (Tamil) (Comedy) Cast : Santhanam & Sharanya 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 pm Cinema -3 Kammati Paddam ( Mal) (Act) Cast: Dulquer Salman & Anjali Aneesh 3-45 & 6-45 pm Cinema -4

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) Sur Sur

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

ABISHEK VIJAYAKUMAR July 14, 2008

ROYAL OMAN POLICE 07:30 14:30

STAR CINEMA

0

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

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

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

Central Intelligence (Action / Comedy) Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Danielle Nicolet 2.00, 4.00, 10.00 & 11.55 p.m.

CP No : 1820 (12+) Hell in India (Arabic) (Comedy) Cast:Mohamed Emam, Yasmine Sabry, Bayomi Fouad 11.55 p.m.

CP No: 1821 (12+) Sultan (Hindi Film) (Action/Drama/Sport) Cast: Salman Khan, Anushka Sharma 3.00, 6.00 & 9.00pm CP No : 1812 (PG12) The Purge: Election Year (Action/Horror/Sc:Fi:) Cast: Frank Grillo, Elizebeth Mitchel 1.00 & 8.00 pm CP No : 1810 (12+) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (Action/Adventure) Cast: Megan Fox, Will Amet, Tyler Perry 6.00 pm CP No : 1811 (PG12 )

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 20:50

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

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

SALALAH Central Intelligence (2D) (12+) (Action) Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart 2:45, 9:30, 11:35PM Finding Dory (3D) (PG) (Animation) 5:00PM Sultan (2D) (PG12) (Action) Cast: Salman Khan, Marko Zaror 4:15, 8:00, 11:15PM Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (3D) (PG12) (Action | Adventure) Cast: Megan Fox, Will Arnett, Tyler Perry 3:30PM Ghostbusters (3D) (PG12) (Action) 5:45, 9:45PM Ghostbusters (2D) (PG12) (Action ) 2:00PM Marauders (2D) (12+) (Action) Cast: Bruce Willis, Christopher Meloni 7:30, 11:55PM Shajahanum (2D) (PG) (Mal) (Comedy) 7:00PM

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

WEATHER

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

BURAIMI Ghostbusters (3D) PG (Action | Comedy) Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig 2.45, 6.15 & 9.00 PM Central Intelligence 12+ (Action | Comedy ) Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart 5.00 & 11.30 PM Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (3D) PG 12 (Action | Adventure ) 5.00 & 9.45 PM Sultan PG12 (Hindi) (Action) 3.30, 8.30 & 11.15 PM Marauders 12+ (Action) Cast: Bruce Willis, Dave Bautista 3.00, 7.00 & 11:45 PM Shajahan-um-Pareekuttiyum TBA (Mal) Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Jayasurya, Amala 7.00 PM (Comedy)

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

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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

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THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016

C7

LIFESTYLE COLUMN

The Fortune of a Labourer

It is a unique photo among thousands of photographs from Syria taken by Fadi Masri Zada. For him every photo is a story. Every frame reflects the history, the land, and its people. His collection of photography is like a book of people’s stories. Fadi’s photography reflects his deep desire to understand people and to show their uniqueness and beauty. “My entire photo reflects the people of Syria, who are the most important subject in all my photography. If there is no human element in my frame, I won’t put it to depict Syria. The land, the people, the nature, and the diversity and the mix inspire me and trigger me into photography,” said Fadi.

Fadi used his mastery in filmphotography to depict the land he was born. It is a journey through scenes of life in all of its manifestations and transformations in the ancient land. In this exploration of the land and people of Syria, Fadi takes us from the columns and temples of Palmyra, to Busra, Aleppo and Old Damascus.

“I have to link my history in Syria to what is happening now. I never imagined that this would happen anytime because I know as we Syrians we live for thousands of years together. I felt that I need to show the real image of Syria, which I experienced since I was born and I left the country in 2003 — the simplicity, the beauty, the nature of the geographical aspect of the country from desert to mountains, and the ancient cit-

ies. I have to remind people of the country’s importance in human history and I felt like it is time to re unite. Let people of Syria solve their problems themselves,” an emotional Fadi said, who had conducted an exhibition of his photographs recently in Bait Al Zubair.

Fadi started painting when he was a student. “Later on I found myself more with cameras than paint and brush. I felt like I can express myself more in photography. I was born into a family, which loves all sorts of art forms.

My family encouraged me to go through this. I am an engineer by profession, but art is in my heart,” he said. Photography has to reflect your personality and the day-today life. You cannot separate your personality and your passion.

Photography is a kind of art to reflect your message and you have to follow your heart.”

Fadi’s collection of photographs depicts the Syria before it was devastated. “I never imagined at the moment of clicking that those places are going to remain only in photos. Some of the places where I lived and spent time are not there anymore. Palmyra is such a place where in every ten metres you will have to stop to see the history. Whenever I go to Palmyra I stay there for a day and wait for the sunrise and the sunset to grab the exact moment and the desired effect I want. Those are the places I am emotionally connected and it is much painful that these places

Now Palmyra is in our hand. The whole world is going to help us rebuild again. Still there is hope, the sun will rise again.

Those people and places are not there anymore. The arc is not there, the sun is there and the bird will come back.” are not there anymore and the people are not there anymore.”

One of the works of Fadi depicts the Arc of Triumph in Palmyra, in, which we see the rays of sun glimpse behind the edge of the ancient structure while a lonely bird flies across the clear blue sky. “Without this light of hope we cannot live. Now Palmyra is in our hand. The whole world is going to help us rebuild again. Still there is hope, the sun will rise again. Those people and places are not there anymore. The arc is not there, the sun is there and the bird will come back,” Fadi is pinning hope.

The acclaimed photographer has used the old film techniques, in normal and 120mm format.

“I use many cameras and many lenses from 20mm wide to macro and long focal point ones, but my favourite is the normal lens.

When you are close to the subject especially when you are taking photos of people you have to con-

PHOTOGRAPHY: FADI MASRI ZADA AND SHABIN E.

T

nect with the subject. So 35mm or 50mm would be ideal for partying people. But it is again the man behind the camera is more important than whatever lens you are using,” Fadi says.

Fadi had shot many of the Syrian photos in black and white films. “There are some moments you feel that this should be shot in black and white, don’t know why. All the photos are original; I haven’t photoshopped any images. I just want to reflect the truth behind every image,” Fadi said.

For the aspiring photographers Fadi has one advice. “You have to love photography and have to be close to the subject. You have to dig up more in history. If you want to take the photos of the people, you have to live with the people.

It is not just clicking and passing.

You should know the history of the area and the people.”

Fadi is now working on some photography projects in Oman.

“Oman is a continuation of my land. I really like Omani people and they really can be a subject of photography. One subject is combining photos with poems. Very famous Arab poets are writing poems on photos of Syria. Another project is the Mountains of Oman, which I am planning to finish this year,” Fadi added.

-shafeeqe@timesofoman.com

Fadi is an engineer working with the PDO. Follow him on Facebook at Facebook.com/fadi.m.zada, Instagram @fadimasrizada.

Email: fmasrizada@hotmail.com

hree construction workers stepped out from their dilapidated labour camp and stopped to cross the road. One of them pointed a finger to a rubbish bin. They looked at the rotting mound of food overflowing the rusty tin container. The smell was overpowering. They exchanged words while they had their eyes on the decaying food. They were still looking at the bin as they were crossing the road. It was just a day after the blessed Eid. After a month long period of fasting, many people were in the mood of celebration and feasting was a big part of the plan.

As usual, they went overboard. It is as if they had a vendetta for the occasion. Needless to say, the only sensible thing they had to do was to give away the surplus food to the labourers instead of letting the worms feasting on it. What amazes me most is that tens of thousands of Omani nationals and residents, with a few exceptions, put labourers in the lowest category of the social order. The food wasted in this Eid in the Sultanate would have fed thousands of poor people living in the country. Most of them are south Asians earning too little to treat themselves for the occasion.

People are more worried during the Eid of not missing the festive times than feeding the poor. I know for a fact that the majority of the faithful who attended the Eid prayers in all mosques were construction workers. The rest, including expatriates enjoying the privilege of highly paid office jobs, did not bother at all. To paraphrase my mother, these lowly paid workers carried the torch to regenerate the true spirit of the holy festival day by being happy by what little they have, while their socalled employers and masters, overfeed themselves to a stupor.

It is not just Eid but the same can be said with other religious events such as Diwali and Christmas. These labourers would be overlooked and the true spirit of the occasions would pass them by. Their spon-

sors would ‘forget’ to include them in the celebrations but remember to return them to work just a day later, depriving them the holiday they are entitled. I was appalled but not shocked when a building contractor told me that only 15 percent of his profit go to the wages of the workers for the entire project.

Despite the huge profit they make, these contractors never treat their labourers when the building is completed or pay them bonuses.

Silently and ever so grateful for the pittance they receive, the workers would gladly move to another site to start all over again and increase the wealth of their ungrateful bosses. Having said that, whatever happened to the worker’s union we have heard so much about? Like in developed countries, such unions usually look after the skilled workers and ignore the rest. I doubt if they will ever find a proper representation even if the union is in place and working properly.

I hear that, due to the current slowdown, many labourers were not flown back in the expense of their sponsors. The people who made money out of them during the construction boom, now claim that they cannot afford the air fares. A lot of them are allowed to stay in the country and work elsewhere on ‘free visa’ but pay a monthly commission to the sponsors.

They are seen as an important source of income even though construction projects are drying out. But that consideration does not extend to the spirit of festivity when they get isolated to fend for themselves.

SO TO SPEAK SALEH AL SHAIBANY

C8

T H UR S DAY, JULY 14, 2016 THURSDAY,

LIFESTYLE

ON A ROLL BY WORKING WITH DIRECTORS WHO MATTER

F

rom being a part of late legend Yash Chopra’s last film Jab Tak Hain Jaan to working with Karan Johar, who directs her in her forthcoming Ae Dil Hain Mushkil — Anushka Sharma, in eight years since her Bollywood debut, has been working with all the directors who matter in tinsel town.

Ali Abbas Zafar, who has directed her in her latest film Sultan, says she is immensely talented.

“I couldn’t have got a better Aarfa for Sultan. She is a soulful actress with immense talent,” says Zafar, who cast Anushka in the role of a wrestler in the Salman Khan starrer. Even Salman has praised

her, saying she is “good”.

“It’s good to work with people, especially with talented people,” Salman had once said when asked about his experience of working with Anushka, who comes from an army background.

The actress, whose only connect to movies before she stepped in front of the camera was that she watched them, has been on a roll since Yash Raj Films launched her with Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi — an Aditya Chopra directorial — in 2008.

And she has always been thankful to the team for believing in her.

Her second impressive role was in Band Baaja Baaraat with Maneesh Sharma, who made his debut with the movie in

2010 and has since become a well-known name having helmed Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, Shuddh Desi Romance and the Shah Rukh Khan starrer Fan. The fact that she has worked with filmmakers as varied as Vishal Bhardwaj (Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola), Anurag Kashyap (Bombay Velvet), Rajkumar Hirani (PK) and Zoya Akhtar (Dil Dhadakne Do) has given the film fraternity and the audience a dekko at her versatility.

When she turned producer with NH10, she ensured she made the most of working with Manorama Six Feet Under fame director Navdeep Singh. Singh lauded her for her dedication. “I have not seen a dedicated actress like Anushka. She is

extremely talented,” he said. As for the future, she is also going to begin work with Imtiaz Ali soon in a film which will see her share screen space with Shah Rukh for the third time after Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Jab Tak Hai Jaan.

Interestingly, Anushka has already worked with the top three Khans of Bollywood — SRK, Aamir Khan (PK) and with Salman in Sultan. It has been a learning experience for her.

“They all are unique and fun to work with, you get to learn so much from them.

I am lucky that I got a chance to work with all of them,” said the actress, who sticks by the mantra “Do your work and mind your own business” to survive in filmdom.-IANS

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DAILY GUIDE FOR RENT

*Tourist visa arranged

New 2B/R behind bank Muscat, Bausher directly from owner.

Contact: 92158031

1000 sqm Industrial plot compound wall & two room at Misfah I/A. Contact: 99342733

1 BHK Flats are available near Lulu Darsait (Opp. to Min. of Defense) Contact: 93202733 / 94771769

Flat for rent in Al Mawaleh South 3, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, hall, kitchen & store with air condition.

Contact 98575157

Commercial/Residential land (24000 sqm) at Izz for lease.

Contact 92334696

5 rooms, 2 hall villa 18th Road at North Azaiba. Contact: 99224748 / 99425665

I BHK Flat -3 Nos at Hamriya – R.O. 175/-3 Bed Room/ 3 Bath room/ Very big sitting area/ kitchen - Villa 1st floor with A/C at Al Khuwair Near Rayyan Residence.

R.O 360/-For families. Contact: 94934353 - 9 am to 7 Pm. Email – forrentksd@gmail.com

1 BHK, 1 hall Al Khoudh.

Contact: 99224748 / 99425665

1BHK near medical Darsait R.O 175/-.

Contact: 95076261 2 bedrooms flats R.O 370/- & one bedroom flat R.O 325/- in South Ghubra, behind Asalah Bhawan building. Contact: 96202490

3 Rooms, 2 Toilets Flat for Rent.

18 November Street. Near Mars Hypermarket and The Chedi.

Ghobrah -Good for Commercial or Residential use. OMR 295/- month.

Call 94477222 Flats for rent, location: Darsait AENT. Contact: 99885957 / 24488075 Shop for rent good location main road behind whole sale Al Amerat space 11 MT long 4mt Wide.

Contact: 92877449 Flats shops for rent in Ruwi, MBD, Mumtaz area Al Qurum.

Contact: 97293708 / 92433127 2 Bedroom flat for rent in Azaiba with split AC 300/- monthly.

Contact: 92447365 Flat behind Mazoon Mosque with 3 room + 3 toilets, RO 230.

Contact 99738881 / 99420346 Luxury fully furnished 2 bedroom flat at Al Khuwair, for short or long term lease contract. Contact Atlas Real Estate & Rent A Car LLC. Contact 99436312 /92888376 / 94617563, tel: 24833848 Villa available –Built up 300m2, 3 bedrooms, sitting, family lounge, kitchen, 3 toilets, near 100 meters from Indian School SoharContact: 26843530, 95856630 3 bedroom well maintained flat (villa type only 2 flats in one bldg) in Al Khuwair, behind Al Aktham restaurant villa no 1839, Way no 3922 block 239.

Contact: 99462980 2 Bedroom, 1 sitting room, 1 toilet, 1 kitchen at Darsait.

Contact: 99022487

One & two bedroom apartments available for rent close to the Avenues mall, opposite Panorama Mall at South Ghubra. Contact: 99833747 / 24562526 6 Bedroom villas available for rent at Al Hail North close to the wave, common swimming pool & GYM available. Contact: 24562526 / 99833747 Two flats in Al Wadi Al Kabeer near to the Al Kuwaiti Mosque.

Contact: 99425958 Apartment for rent in Darsait: 3 bedrooms plus two bathrooms.

Contact : 99459342 Land 2500m2 with p/cabins at Yitti. Contact 99221683 Studio flat for rent at Al Hail.

Contact 92817777 Flat with 2 room + kitchen +hall, 3 toilets in al Quram Breeiq Al Shatti RO 650.Contact 99738881 / 99314314 1,2,3 BHK flats & villas.

Contact: 91760884 3BHK Al Khuwair R.O. 350/-.

Contact: 91760884 / 92144045 2BHK Darsait R.O 315/-.

Contact: 91760884 / 92144045 1BHK Mumtaz R.O 225/-.

Contact: 92144045 / 91760884 1 &2 BHK Ghubra 250/- , 275/& 300/-.Contact: 92144045 / 91750884 110 SQM shop for rent next to Honda Signal light.

Contact: 99061408 / 99024039 Flats for rent near Indian School in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99777122

1 BHK fully furnish flat in Hamriya for short terms. Contact – 99792181 5 BHK Villa in Al Khuwair, for Staff Accommodation.

Contact 99792181

Ruwi office space for rent, Saravana Bhava Building.

Contact: 95729549 Office with economical rent in CBD area. Contact: 92466268

1 Bed room, bathroom & kitchen in Al Hail South R.O 120/- monthly.

Contact: 93993354

2 BHK Wadi Kabir 260/- R.O & 270/- R.O with A/C. Contact : 99024730

Apartment 2 bed room, sitting room at Al Ansab R.O 280/- monthly. Contact: 93993354

1& 2 BHK Ruwi & Al Khuwair.

Contact: 99024730

Villa in Al Khuwair 6 bed rooms, 2 halls & sitting room R.O 700/monthly. Contact: 93993354

1 Room for sharing accommodation in Al Khuwair.

Contact - 99792181

C.B.D 1 & 2 BHK. Contact: 99024730

3 & 5 BHK villa staff accommodation in Al Khuwair.

Contact - 99792181

Staff accommodation in Ghala 13 rooms & bathrooms.

Contact: 97616158

1 BHK flat in Al Khuwair for 2 months. Contact – 99792181 Flats, shops & store for rent in MBD area Ruwi, Mumtaz area.

Contact: 97293708 / 92433127 Ghubra & Al Khuwair, 1 bed room, hall. Contact: 90991079 Flats for rent in Mumtaz, 2 bedrooms , hall Way no 3352 building no. 3447 & 3668.

Contact: 90991079 Two bedrooms flat behind German Embassy near to Al Nahda Hospital. Contact: 99209354 Wadi Kabeer Industrial 80 sm show rooms for rent 400/- R.O. Contact: 99879939 Flat for rent in South AlGhubrah 3 rooms, hall and 3 toilets, kitchen rent 450/-. Contact: 99335580 Flat for rent in Al Khoud, 2 rooms & hall. Contact: 91763665 2BHK split A/C 200/- Monthly & 1BHK spilt A/C 150/- monthly new building good location Barka Market. contact 99342661 Flat in Al Khuwair opp grand mall 4 room 3 toilet + hall kitchen in 3 floor 400. Contact 99420346

2BHK, 1Hall and sitting room Azaiba. Contact: 99224748 / 99425665

Studio flats in Al Khuwair.

Contact: 97616158 Ground floor flat in South Al Hail consisting 3 rooms, 3 bathrooms, kitchen, hall parking, location near Al Hail Hypermarket.

Contact: 92602050 / 93214010 Flat for rent Wadi Al Kabir.

Contact: 99379950 / 92925173 For rent in Al Bustan area two apartments each apartment consists of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living room & kitchen.

Contact: 92384572 2 BHK flat at Wadi Kabir 2 bathrooms with split A/Cs near Indian Kindergarten School.

Contact: 99367627 Flats for rent South Al Mabela.

Contact: 95233117 / 95230355 House in Darsait, 3 rooms, 1 bathroom, kitchen with A/C. Contact: 95522405 2 BHK at Mawaleh North near Masjid Sadiq Al Amin.

Contact : 99224748 / 99425665 2BHK flat for rent in Wattaya behind Honda Showroom very spacious at RO 250 only.

Contact 97880278

2 bed rooms flat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat Municipality.

Contact: 92584715/ 24700120 3000 Sqr mtrs compound land in Misfah. Contact 99792181 1700 sqr mtrs open Land + small store + garage for Rent in Ruwi.

Contact 99792181 Labor Camp available with all facilities near Sohar Port.

Contact: 98050654 / 99015826 Flat for Rent 2 bed room Near ISM muscat Indian Scoole Darsate Tel : 00 968 95158570 Flat for rent 2 BHK 2 split A/C, 2 toilets, Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Masjid. Contact 97007934 / 92629232 2BHK Big Size Flat Behind Bank Muscat, Wadi Kabir. Near ISWK. 97826454, 24815012.

1BHK at Hamriya near Muscat Pharmacy & 2 BHK at Mawaleh near Mosque Sadiq Al Amin.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297 2BHK split A/C for rent Muttrah near Oman House.

Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 Spacious 3 BHK apartment + store room with split A/C Al Seeb, Mabelah South near Goat market, near Expressway R.O 320 negotiable. Contact: 96920789 / 98309890

1 Bed room, sharing K& T, R.O 100, 2 bedrooms , sharing K& T R.O 200/- in AL Khuwair.

Contact 95154331 Warehouse at Wadikabir - total area 3500 sqm - covered warehouse (500sqm), office, accommodation (1000sqm), open area (2000sqm) please contact: 99273774 - 99202278 Furnished office (61M2) for sale / rent Al Khuwair near Zawawi Mosque. Contact: 95611569 2 & 3 BHK Flat in Al Khuwair & Ghubra. Contact 99792181 4 BHK Villa in Bowsher Heights.

Contact 99792181

FOR HIRE JCB 426 TOOL CARRIER with Operator available.

Contact 92334696

AVAILABLE Party & Wedding equipment rentals. Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

WANTED Urgently required looking to immediately buy used Grit blasting & airless spray equipment 1 No each.

Contact: 968 24810930 / 93203772 / 93203773 / 93203778 IELTS Coaching (academic) required nearby wadi Kabir area.

Please call on mobile or msg on Whats up.

Mobile # 92927880/99012165

BUYING Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299 Buying cars for cash.

Contact 90202090

T H U R S DAY, J U LY 1 4 , 2 0 1 6

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DAILY GUIDE

RENT A CAR

FOR SALE SHUTTERING PLYWOOD SIZE : 4’ X 8’ X 18MM GSM: 92835445,93205253,93205423

ACC. AVAILABLE

FOR SALE

ACC. AVAILABLE

Dental chairs for sale sparingly used dental units for sale.

Contact Mr. Ansari 92616343.

Kumar 99570284

Furnished apartment for rent, two rooms, majlis, hall, kitchen.

Near Carrefour al-mawalah.

Contact 99336776

Coffee shop Shawarma & Grill in the prime location at Masamal Shatti Al Qurum for sale. Only serious buyers can Contact: 94034778

Single room with common bathroom and kitchen is available for rent in al khuwair near al Aktham restaurant. # 99562884 / 99786172

A medical clinic located in Al Amerat is for sale. Interested parties can contact 92704439.

Furnished room with bath room available in Ruwi (close to Qaboos Masjid) looking for Keralites Executive bachelor Rent: R.O 100/-.

Contact: 92683045

For sale brand new 4D ultra sound machine with in the warranty.

Iinterested candidates Contact: 91274373 / 99062817 Coffee shop with tandoor & six visa, clearance in prime location in Ghubra for sale R.O 7000/-. Contact urgently 99803363 / 94959572 HD Scaffoldings, Shuttering Jacks, Wooden Planks, Shuttering wood assorted, Tower hoist (lift), Concrete Mixer, Bending Machine, Steel Fabrication Machinery (Searing/Cutting, lathe & Welding) including tools for immediate sale: Contact 99273774/ 99202278 1No brand new containerized package type STP 100 m3/ day with blower equipments (suitable for camps). Serious Buyers may.

Contact: 99445367 Single colorful Bed and Sofa for Sale at Al Khuwair. Contact 92881849 / What`s up No 97290565 Steel Scrap materials for immediate sale. # 99273774/ 99202278 Space for printing press available at wadikabir with or without machinery. Contact 99328430 Urgent sale of steel scrap only serious buyers kindly contact 96725423 for viewing the items.

Restaurant for sale heart of Ruwi.

Contact 93687466

Room available in Mumtaz area 1 room, 1 Bathroom, Kitchen & 1 room, common bathroom. Interested please contact 92680041 Mr. Altaf Sharing accommodation near ISD. Contact: 99657340

ACC. WANTED Accommodation Wanted for an Executive Bachelor, Single Flat / Sharing Room @ Wadi Kabir.

Pls call: 93883674 / 98103169

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS

Fully furnished two bed flat for 4 - 6 months rent available, location KFC building, Wadi Kabir, Ruwi.

Contact: 98763645 / 93894257

Welcome to Salalah book your rent a car. www.salalahrentals.com. or call 93970005, 92889579

Furnished rooms with kitchen at Ruwi. # 91214897 / 98049288.

Gulf link rent car get the best rate daily weekly monthly & long term.

Contact: Tel: 24348106 G.S.M: 98265073 /96023931 Email: gulflink403@gmail.com

One single room available for executive bachelor at CBO area fully furnished and WIFI available.

Contact 92779732

25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver.

CONTACT 99839898

Room, bath room for executives in Wadi kabir. Contact 99336206 Room with attached bathroom for a family in Wadi Kabir. # 97167857 Furnished room attached bath for Indian bachelor, Al-Falaj Ruwi & lady Wadi Kabir near Mars hypermarket. Contact: 96202458/96761960 1 BHK appartment for rent in Al Khoud Shabiya near mazoon mosque for rent (next to alkhoud medical center and squ) MOB: 93913224 Sharing Accommodation available for working ladies opposite Al Nadhah Hospital. Preferably Indians.

Room with seperate toilet and sharing kitchen.RO.90. #96524717

DRIVING INVESTOR PARTNER REQUIRED For a successfully Catering Restaurant Investor cum Partner is required.

MV SALE

Investor with fixed returns also welcome.

Please contact – 95213273

Email: muscatcoffeeshop@gmail.com

TRANSPORTATION Transportation.Contact: 94510847

Furnish bedroom with attach bathroom for executive bachelor.

Contact: 97704794

Almost new beach/ garden lounge chairs /bar stools/ counter.

Photos can be sent 95865457

Room with attached bathroom and sharing kitchen available for Executive bachelor or small family at wadikabir. Contact 93049849

Shop for sale near Oman House, Muttrah. Contact 99024362.

Room available for Executive bachelor at Al Hail.#96234708

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

Transportation available Al Khuwair, Ghobrah, Azaiba, Al Hail & Al Khoud. Drop & pick.

Contact 95250161

30 years running clinic in Seeb .

We have Gynecology department.

If anybody interested to run the department under sponsorship can Contact: 96644371

Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909 Transportation. Contact 99508282

TOYOTA CAMRY : Good condition,Colour White, Make 2004, Automatic Transmission, Done 236000 Kms. Contact: 93667236

2015 Toyota Yaris sedan for sale immaculate condition like new asking price OMR 4000.

97323199

Nissan Qashqai 2013 Kms 30,000 VGC comprehensive Insurance UAE / Oman.

Contact: 96995430

Toyota Corolla 2006, 1.3, full automatic Expat driven. # 99045803

TRANSPORTATION Transportation required from Qurum to WadiKabir at afternoon only 1 PM. Contact - 99012165 Transportation. Contact 92015894 Transportation. Contact94510847

Mazda 2; 2013 ; 4 Door Hatchback ; Grey color ; Low Mileage : 4350 Kms; Single Expat Driven; Excellent Condition; Price: 3000 OMR(Negotiable).

Contact 99857123 TOYOTA Camry for sale, 2010, 1,00,000 kms, full option, silver colour, warranty up to Sept 2016, full showroom service, Indian expat leaving the country.

Mob 97462122

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T H U R S D AY, J U LY 1 4 , 2 0 1 6 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT Excellent Grade Construction Company Requires the following.

ADMIN Indian male MBA, BCA 2 yrs exp as HR co-ordinator, & offer documentation specialist.

Contact : 93060770, Email: vijaypm5480@gmail.com

1. Finance Manager 2. Internal Auditor 3. Chief Accountant 4. Senior Accountant Working experience not less than 10 years.

Interested Candidates send CV to below email.

25 BBA Male Administration officer, HR, Procurement, accounts, 5 years experience with NOC. Contact 91329571

info@durat.om ADMIN Required Office Assistant with driving license present in Oman 175+ 25 + accommodation.

Contact: 99454425

ADVOCATE Wanted Indian female law Graduated to join advocacy office.

Contact: 92303603 Email: lawyeroffice4all@gmail.com

ACCOUNTS Wanted experienced Assistant Finance Manager, Salesman (Ceramic, Sanitary, doors, furniture), purchase Executive for a building material showroom. Send CV to eacmd@omanmcc.com An Omani Audit firm is seeking audit partner to join the firm, the candidate should be completed any certificate course CIA,CPA, CA, ACC, and 4 years’ experience, interested candidates to submit their CVs to : auditbureau2016@gmail.com

CATERING Shawarma / grill / Salad / Asian Cook. Contact: 95529970

MEDICAL Wanted Staff Nurse for a dermatology clinic in Muscat .

Must have MOH license and NOC. Attractive salary offered. Email: clinicvacancy2015@gmail.com Wanted Doctor, Nurse for clinic at Saham permanent or locum.

Contact : 92260496 Required gynecologist GEN: practitioner lady lab Technician and pharmacologist immediately for a clinic in Suwaiq.

Contact 95081010 Email: umchealthcare@gmail.com A medical centre is looking to hire immediately a talented Nurse to join our successful team, required 3 years of experience, Oman prometric, data flow. Send your CV to- issalibi@gmail.com or Whatsapp - 91254820

MISCELLANEOUS Required candidates for following posts: Accountant, Storekeeper, Foreman Building Maintenance, Van-salesman (water), Helpers.

Candidates with Omani driving license preferred.

Contact 99273774/99202278

SKILLED / UNSKILLED DOMESTIC HELPER House maid for Omani family.

Contact: 99773100

DRIVER Wanted a experience Driver for Capital and Interior work.

Gsm : 942-888-63 Required Omani Driver for a restaurant. Contact 95929911

Tailor shop requires Master Cutter & hand embroidery. Contact – 99359700 Immediate requirement cast aluminum, Stainless steel, window glass, MS, Factory Site Engineer, Supervisor, Cast Aluminum fabricator, SS fabricator, (Cast Aluminum), Site Worker, Stainless Steel Tig Welder buffing & polisher, Site Supervisor, Cast Aluminum molders. Send CVs to tdnewgates@gmail.com or Wahtsapp 99197060 / 98046537

ENG./TECHNICIAN Require Engineer with oil & Gas experience proficient in Management reporting to CEO, NOC required for Expat. Send your CV to recuitment855hr@gmail.com Required Electrical B.Tech with 5 years of Oman experience & D/L. Electrical with ITI - Industrial & MEDC license. Contact: 99454425

EDUCATION/TRAINING Required English, computer and science female Teachers up to grad 4. Contact - 95054916, aa77345@gmail.com. contact time after 5PM

IT Required Shop Sales man + Hardware Technician for IT Company with minimum 2 years experience.

Contact: 98825806 / 98825806, Email: info@rns-group.com

MEDICAL Care Medical Centre Al Seeb requires Gynecologist and General Practitioner. Mail CV to: sarita_h23@yahoo.com Physiotherapist male and female required to a clinic in Azaiba.

Contact 99470550 A private clinic in Oman requires a Pharmacist (Indian preferably).

Salary negotiable interested candidates kindly mail their resumes / CV with contact details to medicalclinic2014@gmail.com or call 00968 90990851 General Practitioner with MBBS degree, Prometric passes & dataflow completed, wants to join any hospital or polyclinic in and around Muscat, Sohar or Salalah.

Contact dr.saiful.bd@gmail.com, 960775 9159 GP doctor needed for reputed clinic. Preferably with MOH license or with Dataflow & Paramatics pass Contact: 95388934

SITUATION WANTED

Required Indian Mason – 5 nos., eligibility (minimum 5 yrs experience in road construction field).

Contact: 99882127 Email: georgymv@yahoo.com

SALES / MARKETING Carpentry and Aluminum workshop located at Muscat looking for Marketing Executive with GCC driving license & NOC. Send C.V to kwk585@gmail.com Required following candidates in a reputed company in Oman Sales Person (Indoor & outdoor) , Accountants, Logistic Incharge, Visual Merchandiser.

Contact: 95175354 or email: tasleem77@hotmail.com Urgently required a ‘Purchase Manager’ to handle all the procurements for a reputed Readymix concrete Company, having its branches all over Oman. The candidate should possess required experience, product knowledge and excellent communication skills. Interested candidates may send their CV to sndakshin@gmail. com / Contact: 99256757 Required marketing / PR manager for a modern restaurant group in Oman , proficient in illustrator & Photoshop charismatic , proactive , creative & flexible excellent writing / Editing skills degree in relevant area fluent in English.

Send CV to marketingpr2016@gmail.com Required smart, young, dynamic Sales & Marketing Executive having 2-3 years sales experience for a reputed manufacturing company in Oman, having its Head Office in Ruwi. Experience in building materials is an added advantage. Omani Driving License and NOC is a must.

Attractive remuneration package.

Apply with photograph to E-mail: salesjobds@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 With 15 years of gulf experience in HR- Admin logistics looking for suitable position fluent in Arabic & Eng NOC available. Contact: 95824598 Indian male, 20 years experience in Oman as personal assistant / Executive Office Manager / Executive Secretary / Administration/ business development asst with Omani driving license & valid visa. local release available – 99168054 Indian female with nearly 10 years of experience in Administration and HR , in an oil industry company , seeking for a suitable placement .

NOC available. Contact: 99242841 Pakistani male MA (Economics) with 13yrs Experience in Administration, Procurement, HR & Accounts for suitable placement call@92639838 Education M.B.A (HR) experience 1 year & 11 months exp. in HR, 24 yrs. Contact: 98746259 Indian male with 11 years experience in Data Entry, Admin / HR currently on Visit visa from 9 to 23 July seeking suitable job.

Contact 95669937 7 yrs Exp Office Admin / HR/ IT Admin, MCA, BCA, MBA NOC Available, With Driving License PH: 97086686 Filipino HRD especialist / material controller supervisor with 18 yrs experience looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact: (+968) 98037142 / (+968) 92659817

ARCHITECT Senior Architect, Indian male 15 years exp having D/L NOC, looking for suitable position.

Contact: 92319009 Email: abdul_muq2000@yahoo.co.uk Junior Architect (female), from NIT looking for a suitable placement. Contact: 99329289 Architect Engineer seeking for suitable job, 8 years experience.

GSM : 96075000, Email : haytham_201046@yahoo.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian male age 26, Accountant one year experience in accounts looking for suitable job. Contact Email: Anishkhan991867@gmail.

Com Mobile: +968 9565 9415 Qualified and experienced MBA post graduate with proven work exposure in Middle East & India, having more than 5.5 years of rich experience in accounts , project coordination and administration in (3.5 years UAE experience) oil and gas projects is currently looking for suitable job. Contact 93953613, Email-allen.mathew83@gmail.com Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ finance field. On visit visa. Immediately available.

Contact 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com ACCA member with 6 yrs of experience in Oman looking for a suitable job in finance. # 99284193 Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for suitable placement. contact 94879615,Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com Indian, Kerala Male B.COM & B.PE, Currently on Visit Visa. Looking for a suitable job in Accounts, Store Keeper, Sales etc. Ready to join as early as possible. Contact: 96988923 email:- sajith3969@gmail.com 28/male/MBA - finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement.

Contact : 90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE IND female 12 years exp in Banking, insurance customer service secretarial skills analysis communication, client handling, coordination, Team handling, qualification, M.Com looking suitable position current visit visa.

Contact: 95166496 Chief / Senior Accountant, having 12 years Oman experience looking for a job NOC / Release with D/L available.

Contact: 97385562 Indian female 24 yrs, MBA finance B.Com Computer currently on family visa looking for suitable placements. Contact: 93839846 Email: abmiesummy92@gmail.com Part Time Accounting, Audit Preparation, Internal Audit, Monthly Reports, Accounting set up for new companies, GSM : 96975454, email: ibfc.gcc@gmail.com Indian/MBA/male Chief Accountant 18Yrs Experience, MIS, C.Flow, Budgeting, ERP, Cost accounting &Liasing with auditors. NOC available.

Contact: 92254691/97826674 email: khader2305@gmail.com Indian male/ B.Com/MBA /4 years in Larsen & Toubro/ total 26 years/ Gulf experience English, Arabic speaking with driving license/ NOC available. Contact: 95588565 Indian male 26 years, looking for an opportunity as HSE Office / Jr. Accountant, presently working in Oman (2Y) & worked in oil & gas shut down projects (Dubai). NOC available. Contact: 95486674 MPA- MBA Master of professional Accounting - Master of Business Administration 26 years, Indian male looking for an accounting job & recently graduated from James Cook University Brisbane, Australia currently in Oman.

Contact: 96038898 Indian male 3.5 years experience in handling key accounts looking for similar sales job, valid Oman diving license and NOC available.

Contact: 94974767 Indian female M.Com DCA having 10+ years experience in accountant & administration in Oman, with Oman driving license seeking suitable job. Contact: 91609799 Accountant Pakistani female with more than 2 years experience up to finalization tally & accounts receivables & payables having Oman D/L. Contact: +968 95287396 mail: mariamnaaz92@hotmail.com Srilankan female, 26 yrs, B.Sc, Mgt Degree, 4 yrs experience as Accounts & Admin Executive, looking for a suitable placement in Accounts, Finance or Administration fields. Contact 92544237 / 99640850 Accountant B.Com Indian male 10 yrs experience in Oman with D/L & NOC, local change is available specialized in Tally ERP9 & focus up to finalization. Contact: 99622639

SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

EDUCATION/TRAINING

Indian (Male) having 17+years Experience in Trading & Healthcare seeking senior Position in Accounts (11 years GCC Experience)currently on Resident Visa (NOC Available) and has a valid Omani Driving Licence. Contact: 91335026; skumartp@gmail.com

Mathematics Lecturer , Indian Female, M Sc Mathematics from a Prestigious University, B.Ed qualified, distinction holder with 7 yrs teaching experience in colleges.

Contact: 91360147.

Indian Male 22 , Graduate , Specialized in Tally ERP 9.0, SAP B 1& Professional in Indian & Foreign Accounting (CPIFA) with 1 year work experience , on visit visa in Muscat , Contact no:91782545

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN Autocad works / Boq. freelance / part time, exp team in Civil, MEP, HVAC, 2d, 3d, interior.

Contact : 97103168 Architectural Draftsmen diploma in construction technology with 6 years experience in drafting and detailing as per British standard in Oman with valid Omani license looking for suitable opportunity Noc available. Call 94375897.

Revit, Autocad D/man, expected salary 200 OMR PH :92279784 Filipino Senior Revit/AutoCAD Draftsman with 20 years professional experience is looking for suitable job in Oman. Please Contact: 96489798, (+974) 66653780.

DOMESTIC HELPER Looking for job as an Office boy / light driving. Contact: 94640906

DRIVER Light driver. Contact: 96252524

Indian female 28 yrs B.Com 4 yrs experience in MNC’s currently in Muscat seeking suitable placement in Finance / Admin.

Contact :94743790 7 Years experience as Financial Analyst, MBA in finance. Responsibilities- research contributor, financial statement analysis, generating MIS & efficiency report, managing TAT, business & clients.

On visit visa in Muscat.

Contact- 90191628 / 96175780 Part time accounting workers up to finalization, on monthly basis & yearly finalization works.

Contact : 96247295 Accountant 8Years Experience with D/L and NOC. Contact: 97712084 Accountant available with NOC, 7 years experience in Oman.

Ready to join immediately.

Contact 98263394

Driver 3 years experience.

Contact: 96420742

Female B. Ed English teacher, 7 yrs exp seeking suitable placement. Contact: 99739415 / 92091528

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. AutoCAD Draughtsman with 7 years experience in Oman in Civil & MEP with D/L & NOC. Contact: 97059394 Email: anilsunny1986@gmail.com Indian male Civil Engineer 1.6 yrs exp, having Omani D/L, looking for suitable position. NOC available.

Contact – 92157694 / mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com Indian, 30 years, M.E thermal, B.E Mech Engg , 8 years experience at Management posts.

Contact: 90465607 Mechanical Engineer have 3 years experience in air conditioning (HVAC), fire fighting system.

Contact: 94906447 / 96654019 B.Tech Engineer with 6 years experience & expert in AutoCAD, PDMS & other, 3D software’s (NOC Available) Contact: 93735166 Email: remisashraf@gmail.com Electrical Engineer (B.SC) with 1 year experience currently seeking job on 3 month visit.

Contact: 91791568 Architectural Engineer ( B- Arch) 25 yrs Pakistani female 4 yrs experience Architecture & Construction teaching certified AutoCAD 3D, Max , Photoshop , 3D Sketch up looking for job in Oman, visit visa.

Contact: 96654925 / 99107804 Email: fabiha-kh@gmail.com

Driver job needed. Contact: 94435912 Job Wanted driver available with Car 1 year experience.

Contact: 97118292 Male driver exp. 1 year.

Contact 96938315 / 91895932 Looking for driving job.

Contact: 94706179 Search job as light driver, experience 3 years language Hindi, English, Arabic. Contact: 97941771 Looking for driving job light 2 years exp. Contact: 91625977 Looking for job light vehicle driver. Contact : 94554216 Light Duty Driver looking for driving job. Contact: 00968 97671459

Indian Keralite, B.Com, male 25 yrs, 1.5 yrs exp.,looking for suitable job in Muscat currently on visiting visa. Contact: 90931930 Email: shijin.p450@gmail.com

L/D having 5 years exp in Oman seeks job. Contact: 94608755

Sudanese Accountant, Alexandria University Graduate bachelor of commerce Diploma of Marketing professional photographer worked in PR and social media for 2 years looking for a job in public relations media, social media or marketing.

Contact: 96976240

Light duty driver, 1 yr experience seeks placement. Contact: 94284645

Looking for driving job.

Contact: 91122145 / 95992137

Light Driver / Supervisor Fluent in English & Arabic, Well knowledge of Muscat Areas Looking for suitable placement.

Contact Tariq: 97950869

Civil Engineer, Indian male more than 18 years experience in construction & consultancy, looking for suitable position.

Contact: 92319009 Email: saleemrs2@yahoo.com Civil Engineer (B.Tech) with 10 years experience in Oman as a Project Engineer for public & private sector projects seeking suitable position, having valid driving license. NOC available.

Contact: 95992820 Email: sumeshcsss@gmail.com Driver with sales with 5 yrs in Oman Diploma in Mechanical looking suitable job in Oman for preference Sohar N.O.C available.

Contact : 96953996 Diploma Civil Engineer Indian male, 14 yrs GCC experience, valid Oman D/L, NOC available, seeking suitable placement.

Contact : 99794456 Civil Engineer 8 years experience, Driving license, NOC, 98078095.

Diploma Civil Engineer 12 years work experience & 2 years in Oman, currently on visit visa certificate attested seeks suitable placement Contact: 00968-92360709 Email: alwinthomas1981@gmail.com

T H U R S DAY, J U LY 1 4 , 2 0 1 6

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED An MBA (Marketing and Finance)

Indian Male MBA (UK),

An MBA (Marketing and Finance)

Contact -

After BCom (Office management and secretarial practice) Graduation with SAP ERP and Accounts (SAP Certified), diploma in International Financial Reporting Standards (IAAP-UK), peach tree accounting and considerable experience seeks suitable placement.

9 years experience in Dubai/London/ Mumbai in Management Consulting, Sales & Marketing, Business Development for Real Estate/Banking seeks similar placement with D/L.

With SAP erp and accounts (SAP Certified), diploma in lnternational Financial Reporting Standards (IAAP-UK), peach tree accounting and considerable experience seeks suitable placement

97281023 / 90631567

Gsm:+958 98103250

Contact: 95168205

Gsm: +968 98103247

Administrator, 30 yrs experience as Office Manager Project Executive Secretary, document Controller, Commercial Officer with driving license on release.

MISCELLANEOUS

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Diploma in Mechanical Engg, 10 years exp in steel fabrication site work with valid Oman driving license. Contact: 94696192 Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available.

Contact 96789711 B.E Mechanical Engineer, age 24 with almost 1 year experience as Production Shift Engineer, has achieved training on HVAC Engineering design and has good hands on software like AutoCAD and HAP.Currently in Oman on a visit visa, looking for a suitable placement.Contact: 95065955 email: mjs.jazeb@gmail.com Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine. Available NOC release. Contact: 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com Indian male Electrical Engineer, having 6 years gulf experience in designing, assembling, commissioning execution etc having valid GCC license too looking for a suitable. Contact: 00968-98052942 Email: azamjeelani78@gmail.com Degree Indian male FMCG working 2 yrs at Dubai, Mobile repairing, 2 yrs at India D/L. Contact: 95797971 / 90214432 Email: nihuaz888@gmail.com Electrical & Electronics Engr, knows autocad & revit.

PH: 93837973 Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech) Indian male with 1 year experience on visit visa looking for job, qualification in QA - QC, HVAC & Piping Engineering.

Contact: 90510800 Email: muhammedjaseem07@gmail.com Electrical Engineer Indian with 4 years experience presently in Oman family visit visa.

Contact: +968 – 90921140 Email: zsebinz@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer, 27 years experience in mechanical work, expert in hydraulic and pneumatic system, expert in plastic industry, juice industry, and all type of mechanical machine.

Contact: 99663174 & Email: shakil2004pk14@yahoo.com Available fresh Mechanical Engineer with Oman driving license.

Contact: 97792809 / 99417584 Engineer, with Oman Driving license seeks job. Contact: 98007513 Iraqi Civil Engineer with 30 years experience looking for a job, N.O.C available. Contact: 96561306 Email: iq.bgd.mnsr@gmail.com Indian male 24 Engineering Graduate in Mechanical, being a fresher searching for a suitable placement to grow up my career.

Contact: 97277067 Email: roshan_job_09@yahoo.com Power Systems Engineer experience in digsilent, Cymcap & Etap, Graduation with distinction.

Contact: 98133281 Indian, 30 yrs, male B.E (Electrical Eng) Project Engr & Design Engr total experience 6 years Gulf experience 1 year, 2 months, NOC Available. Contact: 97225924 Email: nsasi55@gmail.com Civil Engineer (Indian male) 5 years experience in Oman with valid Omani driving license & NOC looking for suitable opportunity.

Contact: 93101283 Electrical Engineer with 8 years Experience Looking for a suitable job. (Driving License and NOC available). Ph#91293519, Email: nomee987@gmail.com BE mechanical Engineer having 6+ years experience in structural and piping job looking suitable position. Contact: 96115463 Email: jijoraju085@yahoo.com Indian male B-tech 8 years experience as senior electrical project engineer / QC engineer on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact 94094543 Email: anwar425@gmail.com

Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).

Looking for a Suitable position.

Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa.

Contact 92157694. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com An Iraqi civil with more than 30 years experience in (Iraq and G.C.C) looking for a job, (N.O.C) available. Contact: 96561306 Email: iq.bgd.mnsr@gmail.com Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact:97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912 Young Indian, Engineering in Bio-technology, Bio-chemical and Chemical, looking for a challenging placement in Oman.

Contact 97607000. Email: sivasankarjayakumar@gmail.com Electrical Engineer: Indian male 30 years, having 5 years of experience in industrial automation & utility maintenance in Indian, holding valid Oman D/L. Contact: 92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Indian male BE Mechanical with 11 years experience in Automotive Engineering and Industrial Maintenance in Oman with valid driving license seeks suitable job.

On release in Oman-92880593 Civil Engineer B.Tech with 6+ years in supervision designing planning and QC expert in Mech, civil software.

Contact: 90719263 Project co-odinater & AutoCAD draftsman Indian male, 8 yrs exp in Oman in civil, interior, precasting with D/L & NOC. Contact: 92188496, Email: vimalg.kannur@gamil.com Quantity surveyor (B.E Civil) 5+ years experience in buildings and mosque N.O.C available ready to join immediately. Contact: +97826597 / +919171430681 Email: sai.praba.777@gmail.com Indian male, Structural Engineer looking for job in structural design field. Having 6 years of experience in design field. Residing in Muscat. Contact: 91176187 Email: syam036@gmail.com Indian male, B.Tech in Electronics & Communication Engineering having 2 years of Sales experience looking for suitable position currently in Oman on visit visa.

Contact: 97932879 Email: kuchipudisunilkumar@gmail.com Civil Engineer, young Indian having almost 2 years experience looking for a challenging position seeks suitable position in Oman/ GCC. Please contact 92718490, Email ID: uvais.pk82@gmail.com Indian male 24 ,B.E ( E.C.E ) graduate with 3 years of experience in the fields of BMS and Low current systems and has good knowledge about Electronic Security Systems, currently working in Oman, NOC Available.

Contact:- 94737033/ mohdmuhafez45@gmail.com Pakistani male Diploma Civil Engineer 4yrs exp in Oman bulling & mega projects, valid license Oman. Contact: 98921022 Site Supervisor, Diploma in Civil Engg (cert attested) knows autocad revit, salary exp: 250 Ph : 92279784 Sr. Electrical Engineer with17+ yrs of exceptional exp in spear heading strategic planning and project management initiatives & executing various high rise residential & commercial building as well as roads and highway project with proficiency in installation, seeking a challenging position in a dynamic organization.

Contact 96570891

B.Tech Instrumentation & control (Engineer) (course completed) on family visit experience as control room operator / plant operator looking for suitable position.

Contact: 98686090 / 98423284 Email: shehinsha.k.b@gmail.com Diploma in Civil Engineer looking for job. Contact : 93148323

HOSPITALITY Young, female, diploma in aviation, hospitality, travel management, with family visit visa, seeks suitable placement in airlines / hospitality / company. Gsm 9259-2487 Indian male 31yrs old with hotel management degree, 03 yrs experience in F&B services at 5 star hotel Dubai, 05 yrs in American 06 star cruiseliner has butler.

Has Oman driving license.

Contact No 99859150.

IT Indian Male, B.Tech IT, 4 years Oman Experience in IT & NETWORKING, holding Oman D/L, seeks suitable placement. NOC available. Contact: 92462578 Indian male 35 yrs, 13 years experience in IT & Marketing looking for suitable job, having valid Omani D/L. Contact: 92488424 Bachelor Business Management holder, Electrical I.T.I holder 7+ years experience in F.M.C.G line, 7 years experience in sharp valid driving license. Contact: 98545572 / 98271036 Indian male 3 years experience in IT as Linux Administrator & 1 year experience in Amazon EC2 Cloud at WIPRO technologies Bangalore seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 92889678 Email: amalpathikal@gmail.com Indian female, bachelors in IT with CGPA of 8.3%, pursuing CCNA & doing Masters in IT, good knowledge in networking & Web designing. Contact: 94909075 Indian female M.Sc Computer Science seeking suitable placement in Muscat area.

Contact 98660672 IT Support Engineer, Exp 3 years in Oman 2 years in India.

Contact: 94672759 Indian Male, MCA Graduate, 15 yrs exp in ERP, CSM Certified, seeking suitable role.NOC Available. Contact : GSM : 90189284 Email: meetlibran@gmail.com Indian male 4 years experience in IT as Programmer / Web Support/ CCNA/ Network on visit visa seeking placement. Contact: 93069694 Email: mrabrar14@gmail.com

MEDICAL Veterinary Doctor: Indian Female looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 96906534 / 99014885, Email: monishmajeed@gmail.com Indian male Nurse with 6.5 years experience prometric completed with 66% looking for a suitable job presently available in Oman on visit visa.

Contact: 98275068 / 93519957 Email: mammenv24@gmail.com

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Chief Accountant/Finance Manager – Indian male, CA Finalist, having 20 years’ experience in Finance, Accounts, Audit, Finalization of Accounts, preparation of Project Reports etc., looking for immediate placement.

12 yrs. in Oman in Construction and Consultancy co., have Omani D/L, knows Tally. Contact 94041048, email: jobmuscat49@gmail.com Male - 44, MBA /CIM (UK) qualified business Manager in FMCG with 3 years’ experience across Oman and 10 years in GCC looking for a suitable position.

Contact -99160550

Indian Female, 25 Years - MSc Biotechnology, 1yr exp. in Clinical Microbiology & 6 months working exp. in international crop reserch institute of semi arid crops (ICRISAT) Looking for suitable job.

Contact 92619048, Email: anusreeg1991@gmail.com Nebosh, IOSH Occupational Management safety on family visit looking for suitable position Contact: 98686090 / 98423284 Email: shehinsha.k.b@gmail.com Indian male, 28, post graduate, 6+ yrs exp in Oman in sales (back office) & credit control with valid Oman D/L looking for suitable lacements. NOC available.

Contact: 92066 523 Sudanese male bachelor geology and mining with 3 years experience in MUD logging and training in soil investigation.

Contact: 92956848 BS in Electrical Engineering, Experience: 5 years(Power Plants).

Contact: 92475206 Email: zahaibzafar007@gmail.com Indian male 28yrs Bcom 3yrs exp. in warehouse operations (including pharmaceutical). Well knowledge in WMS & ERP, looking for suitable job. Ph. 95576686, E: sijofranz@gmail.com (UAE visa holder, currently in Oman)

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Sales/office coordinator, Indian male 27 yrs bsc.5yrs experience.

Contact 90649152 Lady Secretary / Sales Co-coordinator 12 years experience in Oman in reputed companies, seek immediate Employment. Call: 95244761 Looking for part time job Secretarial / Data Entry / Documentation available every day after 5:00 pm Friday / Saturday full day area preferred Ruwi/ CBD/ MBD / Al Khuwair. Contact: 90414827

Indian male MBA Finance & Marketing 26 yrs having 1.9 years of experience in Finance & Marketing Contact: 95206140/ 96992013 Email:

bonnythomas007@gmail.com SALES / MARKETING Indian Male, 26 M.Com with 4 yrs of Experience in Accounting & Administration in a Financial Company in India, seeks suitable job, Currently in India.

Contact India:-+918907212253 Akhil:-93626288, Email: Sumeshpsmkr1989@gmail.com Indian male 1 yr exp in sales automotive (TBL) looking for best opportunity , NOC available.

Contact: 97793879 Email: shyampkn@gmail.com Indian male 26 years of experience of sales & marketing in surgical and laboratory equipments.

Looking for good replacement.

Contact – 92015894 / 95774854 Indian male Graduate with 18 years of Marketing experience presently in Oman on family visit visa, looking for best opportunity.

Contact: 96168687 Email: dhibupaul@gmail.com Indian Male, MBA marketing 5 yrs exp. in sales & 4 yrs in FMCG sector, looking for best opportunity.

NOC available. Contact: 96001877 Indian female 29 years Post Graduate with computer Knowledge 2 years of Oman experience in coordinator & 5 years of experience in customer service, client relation officer with excellent communication skill seeks suitable placement. Contact: 95337665 Indian male 37 years MBA graduate in marketing with 9yrs of experience in UAE in field of brand promotions & marketing with UAE D/L on a visit seeking suitable position. Conatct 95792820

MISCELLANEOUS SALES / MARKETING Resident in Oman 18 years, 10 years experience in setup marketing plans and strategies, sales, import & logistics, procurement, Omani government tenders, organizing projects & events, import fireworks for festivals, NOC available, have car. #94123939.

Email: 002015r@gmail.com Indian expat MBA, more than 12 yrs of Sales and Marketing experience in Oman market, good in Arabic and having driving license looking for a suitable position.

Contact: 98908634 U.S. National, 10 yrs experience in customer service, fluent in English, Bachelors degree in Business Admin, Management, MS Office, word, excel, typing with driving license seeks suitable placement. Contact 98038438, baloch86@gmail.com Indian male Graduate, 10 years experience Oman seeks job in Sales & Marketing.

Contact: 92133277 Indian male 13 years & 1 year Oman experience in Sales & marketing (automotive) NOC & D/L available.

Contact: 91395728 Pakistani male 30 yrs BBA graduate 8 yrs exp in sales & marketing having 3 yrs UK exp & 5 yrs in Pakistan presently available in Oman on visit visa, seeking for suitable placement.

Contact : 95474705, Email: khuramsky@gmail.com BBA male Graduate seeking suitable job holds valid license currently under family visa.

Contact: 97853013 Indian male 26, BBA Graduate 3.5 years experience in Sales having valid Omani driving license seeks opportunity in sales and marketing, NOC available. Contact: 94743988 Email: rijaskhan09@gmail.com Indian male 24 yrs, B.Com 3 years exp in Marketing (Advertising firm) having valid Omani D/L looking for suitable placement NOC available. Contact: 98983247

Male, Electrical Engineer, 4 years of experience in India /Oman. NOC available. Contact Mob: 94579857, Email: zahirpb@gmail.com, Indian Male, 22, Diploma in Automobile Engineering (DC), Experience In Restaurant Management and in sales looking for suitable position. Contact: 90801420, Email: anwaar223969@gmail.com Mathematics Lecturer Indian Female, M. Phil in Mathematics with 5 years of experience in school and colleges. Now in Oman on Visit Visa. Contact- 92119428, 96714746 Indian female 23 Oracle ERP technical consultant 2+exp skills: oaf, forms & reports, bipublisher email: ramyaoracleapps02@gmail. com, Contact: 91156571 Sr Project Engineer, 30 Years, Mechanical, 8 Yrs. experience in Oman & Qatar, Qatar Petroleum approved, Experienced in EPIC Projects Tanks, Vessels, Piping, Steel structures. Ph-00974 66772193 Mail: snu057@gmail.com.

4 Years experience as Electronics Service Engineer. Knowledge in all type of Electronics items, looking for suitable placement.

GSM- 99105043 Female Architect on visiting visa, two years’ experience, graduated from School of Planning and Architecture (under MHRD). Proficient in AutoCAD, Google Sketchup and creative visualization. Email saatvika.frozenmusic@gmail.com.

Contact 00968-94057427.

Indian male, 28 YEARS Msc Bed Chemistry 2 years, experience In Teaching In India seeking suitable Job. Mob No-00919505671750, Email;bbroshini53@gmail.com INDIAN male, 33 yrs, BSC Chemistry 8years, experience as Medical Representative In Zydus company in India, seeking suitable Job. Contact -00919505671750, Email;bbroshini53@gmail.com

FINANCE MANAGER 16 years experienced Chartered Accountant (Sri Lankan) looking for a suitable post.

NOC available.

Email : manomuscat@gmail.com Mobile: 92194926

MISCELLANEOUS Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech) Indian male with 2 year experience, AREA OF INTEREST Work on Oil Rigs, Work as an QA/QC inspector, Ultrasonic testing, Radiographic testing.

Contact: +91 9567526566 Email: adujohnson10@gmail.com Electronic Systems Engineer (UK Graduate) with skills in Robotics, Programming Languages, IC, PCB Design seeking suitable position.

Indian female on Visit Visa.

Contact: 97848075 s.dinesh1508@gmail.com Filipino Graphic Designer / I.T. looking for a suitable job with 10 years experience. Very good in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Photography, Knowledge in CCTV & Access Controls.

Pls. Call 95098512.

Indian male, Civil Engineer (Diploma) having 5Year exp. in oman both construction &Consultancy with valid oman D/L, seeking suitable job.

Contact: 96057857, Email Id: srsakku&gmail.Com Indian Female, 25 Years - MSc Looking for suitable job.

Mobile: 92619048, Email: anusreeg1991@gmail.com Indian Male, Post graduate with 10yrs experience in Gulf & 4.6yrs in Oil & Gas experience with SAP and ERP exposure. Finalization, MIS, Auditing, Budgeting, AP &AR, Tax, etc., with Oman D/L seeking suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact: 91743376 Pakistani Male, Land Surveyor with work experience in Dubai Seeks suitable job in Oman.

Contact 94347288 Indian Male, 23, BBA graduate, fresher, looking for a job in sales (indoor). No driving license.

Contact: 94032041 Mail: azzamsiddique1@gmail.com Indian Male, 24, B.Com Graduate with 1 year experience in Oman looking for a job in accounting.

Contact – 96619348 Indian male electrician(EEE ).

Two years good working experience searching for suitable job.

Gmail ; antonyajin15@gmail.com.

Antony Ajin.G, Contact: 91 8148336160 / 91 8300136160 Construction Machinery repairs Engineer, 5 years, driving license, Contact - 94001961 Indian male, M.Com , 7 years oman experience in the field of accounts and valid oman driving license & NOC . Good knowledge in SAP,Tally, oracle , MS office and Excel seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92859733 Indian male 33 yrs, MBA-HR, worked on Recruitments, Training, OD, PMS, Site-HR, Omanisation and development plans of nationals ,10.yrs exp. seeking a job.NOC avl.

Contact 94179499 saiprasad_18@yahoo.com Indian Female 10 years exp as cook in Oman, South Indian & Gujarati special .looking for job, Contact 95795971 Fire & Safety Technician, 22 Years old, Indian expatriate seeking for a suitable placement. 2 years of experience. Ready for immediate joining. Please Contact : +968-97682273, Email: maniavbah555@gmail.com MECHANICAL/PRODUCTION ENGINEER, 3 years’ experience in production industry, B tech in Mech engg, Proficiency in AutoCAD, Primavera certified, Contact arn9895@gmail.com, Mob 00919895233155 Indian female 23 ORACLE ERP Technical consultant 2+exp skills: oaf, forms reports and bipublisher.

Contact - 91156571 email: ramyaoracleapps02@gmail.com

D6

T H U R S D AY, J U LY 1 4 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED MISCELLANEOUS MECHANICAL ENGINEER, Indian Male, 26 years, 3 Years’ experience in Projects of Tanks, Boilers and Steel structures Aware of int.

Standards, B.Tech in Mech engg.

Contact-rahulkunnath23@gmail. com, Mob-00917350860889 Indian female MCA, seeking placement in IT, Admin.

Contact: 94133849 Fresh Mechanical Engineer B.Tech with Omani driving license on visit, seeking suitable placement. Contact:: 99417584 / 97792809 Indian male, 24 yrs Civil Engineering Graduate, on visit visa looking for a suitable placement. Contact: 92724814 Indian male, 25 years old, (exp.)

Civil Engineer diploma, looking suitable position. Contact: 00919746443745 / 92861980 Indian, Keralite, female, M.Com, Montessori trained now on family visa seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 93101269 Email: sreeja.l.u@gmail.com Electrical Foreman, 25 years experience, Indian male currently in Oman looking for suitable position.

Gsm – 96718013 Email: manikandan1196@gmail.com Indian Male B-Com graduate 2 year experience in various Fields Valid Oman Driving License.

Looking for any suitable post.

Please contact: 94409500 Indian Male, B.Com + Dip. Logistics 2year experience looking for a job in Accounts/Logistics Field. Presently on Visit Visa Contact 93884951 Email:mehreenraiz@gmail.com Indian male 25 years- BE- Computer Engineer with CISA and CCNA, having 3 years work experience in Oman, valid Omani driving license, seeking for suitable placement in IT companies or Audit companies for IT Audit job, NOC can be obtained.

Contact:99253011 4years and 7months experienced Female seeking job related to Office Job, Data Entry and Desktop Administration. Completed diploma in Computer Science.

Contact: 94653264 Master in Aeronautical engineering (PhD) having 4 years experience. Seeking job in universities, colleges, schools and industries.

Contact 98259462 binoaero87@gmail.com Indian Male 30 year GCC driving license and past experience as project coordinator looking for a suitable position. Project coordination, Sales executive, marketing executive or any other suitable post.

Contact -97070427 Master in Aeronautical Engineering (PhD) having 4 years experience. Seeking job in universities, colleges, schools and industries.

Contact 98259462 binoaero87@gmail.com Qualified banking & Accounts management profesional seeking suitable job opportunities. Currently working in India with ICIC Bank.

Email: sheemoljohn@rediffmail.com Contact# 919755550181 Mechanical Engineer 3 years of experience in HVAC mechanical engineer one year experience in Auto Cad B.E (mechanical engineering) revit mep, auto cad, stcw, huet.mobile: +97430384909 email: kijomonc@gmail.com

Indian Male 24 years, HSE , 3 years Experienced as WELDING SUPERVISOR, PIPE FITTER, NONDESTRUCTIVE TEST, ASNT-NDT level II, per SNT-TC-LA (Radiographic Testing (RT)Penetrate testing (PT) Magnetic Particle Testing(MT)Ultrasonic Testing (UT)RTFI, looking for a suitable job. Contact 99334770 Indian Male, 22, Experienced, Looking for job in sales (no DL).

Contact: 90801420; Email: anwaar223969@gmail.com Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant, doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact: 98803439 Indian male 21, Graduate in commerce (B.com ) having 2 years of experience in cash counter (National trading & spare parts)looking for a suitable placement on a visit visa. Contact 95919647, 94245753/ uzairzain786@gmail.com Indian Male, 23, BBA Graduate, fresher, no D/L, looking for a suitable job. Contact: 94032041; Email: azzamsiddique1@gmail.com Project Engineer, Mechanical Indian Male, 26 years 3 Years experience in Projects of Tanks, Boilers and Steel structures Aware of int.

Standards B.Tech in Mech engg Contact-rahulkunnath23@gmail. com Mob-00917350860889 25, Indian female (BCA- Computer Application). 1yr experience as teacher and graphic designer.

Knowledge in Photoshop, illustrator, in design. Looking for suitable job in office administration, teaching and graphic designing.

Contact - 98426509 Filipino Cabin steward / Linen vallet is looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact: +968 91065438 or email: blonglive@gmail.com Indian male Administrative officer Four years experience in same field. Well known MS office tools, Specialization in handling back office operations, inter office correspondence, confidential mails, Quotations, Monthly billing.

Searching for suitable job in Oman.

Contact: +91 9750572088/ E-mail id: vijaypmk99@gmail.com Indian Driver, with Oman driving license having 10 years experience in Oman, looking for suitable positions. Contact-91519047 Indian male network cabling technician (19-years gulf experience) seeking for suitable placement.

Contact: 0091-8089909265 (India) email: mohithavp@gmail.com HSE Engineer, Indian male 5 years experience in Oil & Gas. Working in Shclumberger, NEBOSH, IOSH, & NDT Certified, M Tech in HSE. Contact-krish.569@gmail.com +91 9867016808 Indian male MBA, 24 yrs having experience in Sales & marketing seeks suitable placement.

Contact GSM: 93833563 email: arundulala@gmail.com.

Indian male, 24 yrs, B. Com Graduate more than 1 year experienced in accounts planning to come for a family visit in oman seeking for a suitable placement.

Contact 99334770/ 99743709 Indian male 33 years, B.Com, having 6 years experience in Oman.

Tally & ERP looking for suitable placement.

Mobile no :98492921

Mechanical Engineer, Indian, (B.E.) on visit visa, seeking suitable post. Contact no: 99534733 email: rajesh92prince@gmail.com Economics Specialist: Female , MA & M.Phil/PhD_ in ECONOMICS .

10 years experience Banking/Lecturer/Customer Service/Trainer currently Looking for job Call: 97457248 Female Architect on visiting visa, two years’ experience, graduated from School of Planning and Architecture (under MHRD). Proficient in AutoCAD, Google Sketchup and creative visualization. Email saatvika.frozenmusic@gmail.com.

Contact 00968-94057427.

Economist: Female, MA & M. Phil/ PhD_ in ECONOMICS. 10 years experience Banking/Lecturer/ Customer Service/Trainer, currently looking for job contact: 97457248 Indian Architectural Engineer with 2.5 yrs experience in architectural consultancy firms, currently on visit visa, looking for suitable placement Contact no: +96894955793 hassanfaizalthariq@gmail.com.

Indian male 25, Graduate in commerce (B.com) having 2 years of experience in purchase (supply chain management) looking for a suitable placement presently on a visit visa. Contact: 93979084 / 97351786 / E-mail: mohammednsr126@gmail.com Indian Female 23 Years, Post Graduated in Sanskrit (language), Seeking for Suitable Jobs, (Teaching or Clerical), Knowledge in MS Office, Good Communication Skill Contact 96141317, 94614317, Email: sou93madam@gmail.com Indian male electrician (EEE), 2 years good working experience searching for suitable job.

Gmail id ; antonyajin15@gmail. com, Contact; 918148336160 / 918300136160 Indian male Electrician(EEE) 2 years good working experience searching for suitable job. mail ; antonyajin15@gmail.com, Contact; 918148336160 / 918300136160 Indian male 33 yrs, MBA - HR, worked on Recruitments,Training,Site-HR, Omanisation and development plans of nationals ,10 yrs exp.

Seeking a job.NOC avl.

Contact 94179499 saiprasad_18@yahoo.com Indian Male, 23, BBA Graduate, Fresher, on visit visa looking for job in sales/marketing.

Contact - 94032041; Email azzamsiddique1@gmail.com Indian male 25, Graduate in commerce (B.com) having 4 years of experience in Office Administration (admin) looking for a suitable placement presently on a visit visa. Contact: 93979084 / 97351786 E-mail: mohammednsr126@gmail.com Indian male, 30.System administrator/desktop support professional.5 years of GCC exp.

Visa status: visit (Dubai) mob: 00971565598176/ aneeshngr@gmail.com Indian male, 26 years 3 Years’ experience in Projects of Tanks, Boilers and Steel structures Aware of int. Standards, B tech in Mech Engg. Contactrahulkunnath23@gmail.com Mob-00917350860889

SITUATION WANTED MISCELLANEOUS Indian male 25, Graduate in commerce (B.com) having 4 years of experience in same field looking for a suitable placement presently on a visit visa. Contact : 93979084 / 97351786, E-mail : mohammednsr126@gmail.com Indian male 25, Graduate in commerce (B.com) having 2 years of experience in same field looking for a suitable placement presently on a visit visa.Contact 93979084 / 97351786, mail: mohammednsr126@gmail.com Indian male Electrician(EEE ).

Two years good working experience searching for suitable job.

Gmail id ; antonyajin15@gmail. com, Name; Antony Ajin.

G : 918148336160 / 918300136160 Female Architect on visiting visa, two years’ experience, graduated from School of Planning and Architecture (under MHRD). Proficient in AutoCAD, Google Sketchup and creative visualization. Email saatvika.frozenmusic@gmail.com.

Contact 00968-94057427.

Sudanese male, 5 years experience in supply chain (warehouse management, logistics and procurement) Contact : 90644186 Indian female , M.B.A, 8 Yrs of Experience in Oil and Gas industry, Trading & contracting companies. working as an Unit Manager for MNC, HR Coordinator and Office admin for local companies. seeking suitable placement immediately. Contact 99179709.

Indian male, 44 Years, Plumbing Supervisor, holding Omani Driving license, having 14 Years of experience in Oman and 8 years in India.

Looking for suitable placement.

Contact - 95154414 Email- pthariff@yahoo.com B.E (Mechanical) 12 years industrial sales, 1 year Muscat experience, presently in India , immediately ready to join. Contact :917338899372 , email id : ganesh2008sep@gmail.com

Filipino Male, 28 years Old. Looking for job, Have experience in Rent a Car/ Cargo & Logistics / Real Estate/ Customer Care Executive / Sale Executive & Marketing/ Shop In- Charge. Hard working w/ good computer and communication skill.

GSM: 97761075 Chief Accountant, well experienced available.#95598477 Indian male 27 yrs, MBA finance with 4 years experience currently in Muscat on visit visa seeking suitable placement in finance / admin.

Contact: 90921724 Indian male 43 yrs accountant presently on tourist visa looking for suitable placement in a company 18yrs experience in managing finance in Indian and abroad. Contact 90190648 Indian female having D/L with 12 years experience in corporate / retail sales & B/D. Looking for a suitable job in training / IT / Education companies. Contact: 91751077 Email: alamelusara@hotmail.com Indian male Accountant 2.5 years exp in Oman with valid D/L NOC available. Contact: 98870112 Sales & Marketing executive MBA with 3 years exp , 6 months exp in Oman with NOC , looking for suitable placement. Contact: 91345727 Sales & Marketing Executive Indian national with valid Omani D/L with good command of languages, 18 yrs exp in Middle East. Looking for suitable placement.

Contact - 98103829 Indian male 1.5 yrs exp a sales & merchandising in Oman looking for best opportunity NOC available.

Contact: 93039342 Indian male 5+ years of experience as a sales & marketing executive with valid Oman D/L. #95434902 Indian female MCA having 3 yrs experience in teaching looking for any suitable job in reputed organic station on visit skilled in programming language VB, JAVA ,C,C,TT & also WEB development.

Contact 90595322

Indian male 4 years experience in IT as programmer / Web support / CCNA / Network on visit visa seeking placement. #93069694 Email: mrabrar14@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer 2 years experience as HVAC design & drafting, CAD, MEP Engg.

Contact: 90150913 Civil Engineer with 6+ years in Supervision designing & Q.C expert in much civil softwares, NOC available. Contact: 90719263 Automobile Mechanic ITI 3 years experience marine mechanical fitter 2 yrs experience.#93674847 Indian male 24 years dynamic & professional B.Tech (Mech. Engg) with 1 year experience working on BPCL project in India seeks opening for suitable post, currently in Oman. #: 93672286 / 97772272 Mechanical Engineer experience maintenance of pumping stations production line machinery turbine for power plant good communications skills, planning follow up Engineer projects HSE awareness trained multiple design software looking for job. # 949064473 / 96654019 Accountant male Indian, 2 years experience, doing accounts in tally & excel seeks suitable job.

EMAIL – regin1690@gmail.com, Contact +91 7373387282 Indian male (B.E) Quality Controller and Supervising. 3 year good working experience. Better knowledge in quality control technique.

Searching for suitable job. Mail: muthujagadeeshjkm@gmail.com, Contact: GSM : +91 9786418033 / 968 91894487 Regin Accountant male Indian, 2 years experience doing accounts in tally and excel searching for suitable job. No : +91 7373387282 EMAIL – regin1690@gmail.com, Indian male, 25 yrs, more than 5 years experience in Dubai, Looking for a suitable placement for jobs related to sales, marketing, coordination and support. #95140445, syedfaraz97681@gmail.com

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DAILY GUIDE

SITUATION WANTED COMPUTER/WEB./ EDUCATION/CLASSES

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi

• Learn in two months • Satisfaction guaranteed

Karate and self defense classes at Azaiba 18 Nov Street. RO 10 per month twice a week Monday and Tuesday 6. 30 TO 7. 30. PM. Contact: 98294551

Tel: 95244310

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

SIT.WANTED Indian male 24 ,B.E ( E.C.E ) graduate with 3 years of experience in the fields of BMS ,Low current systems and has good knowledge of HV and LV, currently working in Oman, NOC Available.

Contact : 94737033, mail : mohdmuhafez45@gmail.com

MANPOWER

TOURS

Indian male, M.Com, 7 years Oman experience in the field of accounts and valid oman driving license & NOC. Good knowledge in SAP, Tally, Oracle, MS office and Excel seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92859733 Indian Male, Post graduate with 10yrs experience in gulf & 4.6yrs in Oil & Gas experience with SAP and ERP exposure. Finalisation, MIS, Auditing, Budgeting, AP &AR, Tax, etc., with Oman D/L seeking suitable placement. NOC available. Contact: 91743376 Sri Lankan female, 27 years, qualified English Language professional with 6 years of lecturing, managerial, marketing experience, seeking suitable position in education industry.

Contact (+968) 93017330, (+968) 98445287/ wijayawardane.bhagya@gmail. com

Manpower available: cleaning male/female staff, loading unloading and helpers staff available on con-

Sr. Accountant, WITH Oman D/L & 8.5 yrs exp, 7.5 yrs Oman & 1 yr India in manufacturing, trading & contracting Cos, independently handling all accounting, finance, banking, L/C, import, export & finalization seeks placement, srjob12@gmail.com

Ayurvedic treatments & massage – Ayurvedic Clinic Al Khuwair.

Contact 97263637 / 93309131

B.E. (Mechanical) 12years industrial sales one year Muscat experience, Presently in India, Immediately ready to join. Contact :917338899372 , email id : ganesh2008sep@gmail.com

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

GOOD NEWS

MATRIMONIAL Muscat born and brought-up, Palakkad, Ezhuthachan Girl, 23, Pooyam, pursuing Final MBA, Coimbatore. Contact 99639965, dr.pgurudas@yahoo.com Hindu Ezhava boy 27 years, working in Ministry of defense seeking for good alliance.

Contact : 93365778 , 93365939 Indian male Roman Catholic 40yrs divorcee working in Muscat. Seeks suitable alliance from widow/ divorcee/ single.Contact 96059801.

Parent of Thrissur based Hindu Ezhava girl aged 20, Slim,Atham star, Studying for B. Pharm seeking alliance from well employed Graduates, preferably in Engineering Contact :96425102 Malankara Catholic Male Nurse (28) from Thiruvalla working in Nizwa Private Co. Alliance invites parents/nurses working in Oman.

Contact 968 98267338, 0091 9287215726

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours contact 98029602, 92808636 We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman.

Contact 99839898

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T H U R S D AY, J U LY 1 4 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

SERVICES We Provide Cleaners, Office boys, Cleaning Contracts, General cleaning etc.

Al Mudakhir National Est. LLC Contact : 94277020

WE SERVE OMAN

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. #24793614/ 99314807

Pest control & Building cleaning all kinds of pest control building. Cleaning tiles / Marble polishing monthly/ Yearly contracts available.

Contact: 98814733 /98814740 Al Husn Cleaning L.L.C

Window & split unit A.C servicing & repairing.

Contact: 99557080 Split unit & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance.

Contact: 96236476

A/C Maintenance & Servicing, Fridge, Washing machine & Dish washer repairing, Painting & Cleaning services, Electrical & plumbing.

Contact 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281

Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 /94285064

Marble crystallization & grinding, Ocean center LLC Contact: 99344723

CAD drawings Archi/ MEP CAD – comply BIM. Contact: 91233975

Marble crystallization & grinding, cleaning & carpet shampooing.

Ocean center LLC. Contact 99344723

Modern stylish interior design in oman with attractive prices and guarantees best quality job for renovations room, home, garden kitchen, landscaping, decoration, offices, shops, restaurants and many variety services call 98584853.

Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

House shifting. Contact 99708138

House shifting packing.

Contact: 99657644/98518013

Pest control Gulfa international.

Contact: 92326955

Pest control treatments, Ocean center LLC Contact 99344723

For any 3d signboard, acrylic works with painting please contact us on 90786240 or follow us in instagram: silver_concepts Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

Split unit & widow unit A.C servicing & maintenance.

Contact: 95323517 / 93769089 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting,Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. Contact: 24810137, 99450130