Times of Oman - January 15, 2017

SUNDAY

January 15, 2017 16 Rabi Al Thani 1438 AH

FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

On the occasion of the Opening of the Council of Oman, 1997

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’

MORNING MINUTE

We are fully confident that you are fit to bear the trust placed in you, and we have great hopes that you will carry out your momentous tasks capably and with a spirit of allegiance and loyalty to this dear country.

Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. 265 | 36 Pages . Baisas 200 . Subscription OMR63 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company | Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali | Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group

COURT TO SPEED UP RESOLUTION OF LABOUR DISPUTES

Amid rising labour disputes, the new court is expected to be set up this year

REJIMON K CHIEF REPORTER

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A special court to deal with labour disputes will be set up this year to minimise the time it takes to resolve cases, a senior official at the Ministry of Manpower said.

“We hope it will be set up this year itself. A lot of correspond-

ence and discussions are happening with the Ministry of Justice as the court will be coming under their authority,” Said bin Naser Al Sadi, advisor to the Minister of Manpower, said.

“We are aware that workers, both Omanis and expatriates, have to wait for a long time to get their grievances addressed. We want to minimise the time. We don’t want a worker to be stuck

with legal issues. So, we are working seriously to set up the court.

Different government offices are working on it.”

While 2017 has begun with optimism, with the oil price stabilising and Oman’s State Budget being praised for its measures and the Tanfeedh process progressing, it will take time for improvements to filter down into the economy.

Meanwhile, according to a legal advisor in Oman, the number of labour disputes are rising due to the difficult conditions.

“Every day, we get labour dispute cases. Some are related to noobjection certificates and some are about delays in salaries and layoffs,” MU Solomon, the legal

PA K I S TA N S C H O O L M U S C AT

Blessing for labourers “Stranded workers fighting a case against their employer without a salary and many a time even without proper shelter and food is a pathetic situation. A special labour court will be a blessing for those who are stuck in labour-related legal issues,” the legal advisor added.

One Indian worker, who came to Oman in 2014 September, told the Times of Oman that he had to file a case in October 2015 claiming his dues, and he has been fighting for it since then. >A7 TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

No amount of money can replace my son: Bus crash victim’s dad

OMAN

More flights between Muscat and Colombo

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With growing trade and tourism links between Sri Lanka and Sultanate of Oman, the SriLankan Airlines, is to introduce daily flights between Muscat and Colombo. SriLankan Airlines came into Muscat after its sister airline, Mihin Lanka ceased operations on this route from October 2016. >A4

RAHUL DAS

rahuldas@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: No amount of money can replace Abdul Aziz’s son, who still cannot recognise family or friends three years after being critically injured in the 2014 Pakistan school bus accident.

Abdul’s son Faizal and his friend, Jawad Habib, were injured, while three other students from Pakistan School Muscat were killed, when their bus struck a vehicle belonging to Muscat Municipality on Qurum Heights Road on January 22, 2014.

Three years after the deadly accident, the injured children from Pakistan School are yet to lead their normal lives.

“Neither is he able to speak, nor is he able to recognise anybody.

We consulted many doctors in Oman and back home in Pakistan.

But everybody is saying that we should pray to God, so that he can lead a normal life,” Aziz said.

Aziz, who recently received compensation from the insurance company following the deadly accident, added, “No amount of money can replace my son.

What will I do with the money?

Can I get back my son? Can I re-

advisor in Oman, said and added that a special labour court will be a time-saving one for both parties.

REGION

Iraqi forces fight IS at Mosul University IN BAD SHAPE: Three years after the crash, the injured children

from Pakistan School are yet to lead their normal lives. – Shabin E

turn to him the last three years?” he asked.

Faizal suffered injuries to his head, chest, arms and legs during the bus accident. “His injuries were too severe, as he was sitting next to the conductor’s seat,” family members said.

The condition of another injured student, Jawad Habib is, however, better than Aziz. “Now he has started reacting to things and started behaving properly.

But we can’t send him to school unless he fully recovers mentally,” his father, Habibul Rehman, said.

Habib was sitting in front after boarding the bus from Al Hail South, when it was involved in the accident at Qurum Heights Road.

While Faizal and Habib were injured in the accident, three other children, Fareeha, Owais Nasser, and Syed Fahad Abdul Haq, died in the crash. >A6

2

Iraqi special forces drove back IS militants in the strategic Mosul University campus while elite police units took over large areas along the Tigris river, military officials said. The head of Iraq’s Counter Terrorism Service said forces were close to recapturing the entire east bank of the Tigris.>A8

MARKET

Oman’s investment income to fall

3 Hope for endangered Arabian leopards: Omani wildlife expert

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A substantial fall in investment income of Oman government is expected this year, mainly due to a drop in yield and drawing on reserves in recent years to meet budget deficits. According to the state budget, income from government investment is expected to fall by 60% to OMR200 million this year. >B1

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WORLD

Japan, Australia agree to strengthen defence ties Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met his Australian counterpart Malcolm Turnbull in Sydney on Saturday where the pair agreed to deepen defence ties through joint military training and exercises >A12

LIFESTYLE

Dealing with vertigo Dizziness is a subjective term; nobody other than the patient can understand what the person is going through. Many people with this disorder are inadequately evaluated. For some people, dizziness or vertigo is a feeling of unsteadiness, with the experience that the whole room spinning around them. >A14

BUSINESS

Crude oil production of Sultanate declines

OMAN

More cruise ships do not mean more business , say Muttrah Souq traders Increasing numbers of cruise ships and tourists visiting Muttrah Souq are not converting into extra cash for shopkeepers, complain traders. Although the cruise season is in full swing, with at least one vessel docking almost daily at Port Sultan Qaboos, the increase in visits is not putting money in retailers’ pockets, they say. >A4

OMAN

Ministry sets output cap on oil companies

INDIA

1 dead, 10 injured as boat capsizes in Patna

Delivering on the pact with the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) in Vienna last year, the Ministry of Oil and gas has set an output limit on producers in Oman.

Crude oil prices bounced back late last week. >A5

REGION

Shifting of US embassy will hurt peace: Abbas Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas discussed the Middle East with Pope Francis and said prospects for peace will suffer if Donald Trump moves Washington’s embassy in Israel to occupied Jerusalem. >A8

Oman’s total production of crude oil and condensates in December 2016 fell by 1.76 per cent to 30.85 million barrels, indicating an average daily production of 995,191 barrels, according to a new report. >B1 One person was drowned while ten others sustained serious injuries after a country boat capsized in the Ganga River here on Saturday evening. Patna City Superintendent of Police Chandan Kushwaha said one person died by drowning while ten others have been taken to Patna Medical College and Hospital after receiving injuries in the boat tragedy. >A9

SPORTS

CISM World Cup kicks off with Oman-Guinea tie The second edition CISM World Cup Football Championship, a 16-team tournament for national military squads, will be kicked off on Sunday with hosts Oman taking on Guinea in the inaugural match at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. . >C1

THE BRIEFING

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OMAN

‘All not lost for Arabian leopard’ Once seen throughout the region, from Palestine in the north-west to Oman in the south-east of Arabia, in pockets like the Dhofar mountains

GAUTAM VISWANATHAN

gautam@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: With fewer than 200 Arabian leopards now roaming the wild, one Omani zoologist is taking steps to ensure the majestic cat does not become extinct.

The animal has been listed as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of animals that are close to extinction.

Hadi Al Hikmani is a wildlife specialist with the Office for Conservation of the Environment, which is under the jurisdiction of the Diwan of the Royal Court of Oman. He is currently leading the field efforts of the Arabian Leopard Project, which he has been a part of for the last 10 years.

The project aims to provide scientific data on available leopards, in terms of populations and habitats. With verified populations only found in Oman and Yemen, Al Hikmani says one of the main reasons for the fall in the number of the big cats is human encroach-

ment into their habitat.

“They used to be seen throughout the region, from Palestine in the north-west to Oman in the south-east of Arabia,” said Al Hikmani. “But now they have disappeared from over 98 per cent of their historical range. In Oman, they are now only found in the Dhofar mountains.

“The Dhofar mountains are now considered to be their last stronghold in the world,” added Al Hikmani, who is writing his PhD on the population and genetics of the Arabian leopard at the University of Kent in the UK. “The illegal killing of the leopard and the species they hunt for food, as well as urbanisation since the 1960s and 1970s, has led to a loss of habitat for the leopard.

“Limestone quarrying in the leopard habitat and human disturbances in Dhofar have also contributed to the decline of the leopard,” he said. “Frankincense harvesters are also a threat to the leopard, because they are pushing it out of its natural areas and

ENDANGERED: The Arabian leopard has been listed as Critically Endangered on the International Un-

ion for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of animals that are close to extinction.

towards towns, where it will come into contact with humans and attack their livestock. This causes other people to kill them in revenge for their loss of livestock.”

When it comes to conserving the Arabian leopard, though, Al Hikmani says plenty is being done.

In Oman, the leopard is protected from hunting and capture

AV I AT I O N

MUSCAT: With growing trade and tourism links between the Sultanate and Sri Lanka, SriLankan Airlines, is to introduce daily flights between Muscat and Colombo.

Siva Ramachandran, chief commercial officer, SriLankan Airlines, said that the daily flights are planned from April/May this year.

“Currently, we are flying five times a week. But from this summer we will be flying seven times a week as we want to give our passengers increased connectivity,” Ramachandran said, on a visit to Muscat on Thursday.

“Through the increase in frequencies, we extend Oman the in-

Penalty Under Royal Decree 6/2003, the penalty for the hunting or capture of leopards is imprisonment for not less than six months, and not exceeding five years, and a fine of

not less than OMR1,000 and not exceeding OMR5,000.

“Our study in Oman has recorded only 35 individuals, and we estimate the population in Dhofar to be between 44 to 58 leopards,” he said.

“Based on the historical range and distribution, we feel that there might have been more in the past,

TOURISM

SriLankan Airlines to fly daily between Muscat and Colombo Times News Service

by Ministerial Decision 101/02 and Royal Decrees 111/96, 75/98, 114/2001 and 6/2003.

but they have been restricted to some small areas along the mountains.

“The best solution is for people not to settle in these areas,” he added. “Even if frankincense harvesters are setting up camp, it is best that they do so in areas away from where the leopards live.”

“Fortunately, the Oman government is taking steps, and we’ve seen newborns, and the population is breeding. The leopard still has hope, especially in Jabal Samhan, which has all the elements to conserve leopards. We also have a nature reserve in Jabal Samhan. It is one of the largest nature reserves in Oman and has the only established leopard habitat in Oman,” he explained. “There are some 20 to 25 leopards in the Jabal Samhan nature reserve.

“We have done a lot of work in raising awareness about the Arabian leopard in Oman in local schools and the local communities,” said Al Hikmani. “Through international schemes, the first ever film on the Arabian leopards was completed by our office, we have published a book on Arabian leopards in Oman, we have also published in many international and scientific journals to raise the profile about the Arabian leopard, and we’ve seen that it has contributed towards our efforts in conserving leopards in Oman.

“Hopefully the leopard in Oman will not go the same way as the cheetah, the last of which was seen in 1976.”

vitation to travel to Sri Lanka, to find the ideal holiday getaway or investment opportunity. With the latest addition, SriLankan Airlines also offers a convenient solution to the passengers travelling to India and Far East destinations,” he said.

More than 16,000 Omanis visited Sri Lanka in 2016.

SriLankan Airlines came into Muscat after its sister airline, Mihin Lanka ceased operations on this route from October 2016.

“Mihin Lanka was running up huge losses, so the Government of Sri Lanka decided to cease its operations,” Ramachandran said. Mihin Lanka started flights to Muscat on October 25, 2015, with four weekly flights, raising the frequency later

to daily. It ferried more than 40,000 people in the last one year.

Deepal Pallegangoda, country manager of SriLankan Airlines in Muscat, said, “Sri Lanka is increasingly becoming one of the most sought-after destinations among the Omani tourists who view the island as an ideal family holiday getaway for relaxing and recuperating. We are hoping to carry more passengers in 2017.”

“With the beckoning blue beaches and inherent hospitality that runs deep in the islanders’ blood, Sri Lanka today has become one of the most frequented tourist destinations in Asia, which caters to tourists with diverse travel needs,” Pallegangoda added.

More cruise ships do not mean more business, say Muttrah Souq traders

A L -A Q E E R /A L - WA JA JA H R O A D

Ministry to open new section of Batinah Expressway today Times News Service MUSCAT: A new section of the Batinah Expressway will be opened by the Ministry of Transport and Communications today.

This 18 km section starts at Al-

Aqeer/Al-Wajajah Road intersection and continues until the end of the road in Khutmat Al Milahah in Shinas. With four lanes on each side, it has 3m wide external shoulders, 2m wide internal shoulder s and four flyovers connecting the

current Batinah dual carriageway to villages and mountain regions.

It also has 65 box culverts for flood water and wadi drainage besides truck weighing stations. It has lit safety signs, safety accessories, iron fences and concrete barriers.

LITTLE TIME: There is not enough time to buy a lot of things said a tourist. -Deeba hasan

DEEBA HASAN

deeba@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Increasing numbers of cruise ships and tourists visiting Muttrah Souq are not converting into extra cash for shopkeepers, complain traders.

Although the cruise season is in full swing, with at least one vessel docking almost daily at Port Sultan Qaboos, the increase in visits is not putting money in retailers’ pockets, they say.

Mohammed Rafiq is a store supervisor at a shop that sells Pashminas and other handwork from India, “We have been here for 35 years, and for the last 10 years I have noticed a constant fall in business, and especially in the last few years I have noticed business reducing year by year.

“We are trying to revive our business, but sometimes we notice that people are not willing to spend, especially considering the year of austerity. We have original Pashminas which come from Kashmir in India and other traditional handwork items from Jaipur in Rajasthan. We are offering original items and we have been this way for 35 years.”

Not really buying Samit Saha is a seller at one of the stores selling traditional items, as well as jewellery, handicrafts and lamps. He noted, “A lot of people are coming, but they are not really buying as much.

“They spend maybe one or two Euros to 10 Euros. Also, 20 per cent of the people are buying jewellery and spending $200 or $300 dollars, but sales are much lower, when compared to the number of tourists we see here.

“Some just come take photos and look around, and most prob-

ably come via Dubai and then here, so there are similar kinds of things being sold there, too, and that is a problem for us. The rest of the year we are getting some business.”

Shami is a seller of traditional clothes, frankincense and jewellery at the Muttrah Souq. He recalled that the shop had begun by selling handwork and showpieces, however, they later changed to traditional items.

Location helps “We changed our items and also the location of the shop. We were located in the alleys in the middle, but then we moved to the front because we wanted more exposure. Most cruise ship passengers are only here for a short time, and sometimes they don’t go all around the souq, so we changed the location of our store and thought that should help. It has improved our business, but this year has not been very kind, though we are selling better in the high season, which is now, than during the rest of the year.”

The Times of Oman had earlier reported that Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat is expected to receive more than 150 cruise liners during the 2016-2017 season, which will run until March 2017.

Monika, a passenger from one of the AIDA aura ships which came from Germany said, “This is our second time in Oman. We were here before in 2010. It’s a beautiful place, but this time we are only here for 12 hours.

We came at 6am and will leave by 6pm, so there is not enough time to buy a lot of things from the souq, though I bought a small lamp as a souvenir here.”

Said Al Mahrooqi, a freelance tour guide who has been in the industry eight years said, “At this time of the year its high season and we get better business. I perform day tours and take small groups around for the number of days they want. I just was with a family for seven days, and before that there was another family. It’s fun because I meet so many interesting people from all sorts of nationalities.”

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O P E C PAC T

Ministry sets output cap on oil companies SYED HAITHAM HASAN

haitham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Delivering on the pact with the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) in Vienna last year, the Ministry of Oil and gas has set an output limit on producers in Oman.

Crude oil prices bounced back late last week, as compliance by GCC producers, and forecasts for Chinese demand, beat rising shale oil output as sentiment drivers. Oman’s crude traded at $54.38 on Friday, up by $0.66 on Thursday.

A spokesperson from Petroleum Development of Oman (PDO), which extracts more than two-thirds of the crude oil in Oman, confirmed to Times of Oman that PDO has reduced production across its southern and northern fields, consistent with assigned production ceilings from the Ministry of Oil and Gas. The production cap is being enforced beginning this month, according to the Opec agreement which aims to cut global production by 1.8 million barrels a day.

Oman has committed to slashing 45,000 barrels per day, which would cap Oman’s total production at 970,094 bpd, down from some 1.1 million bpd, on average, in 2016.

Energy experts noted that compliance by Oman, the largest non-Opec producer in the Middle East, is a significant step to stabilising prices.

“Opec members complying is an excellent step towards demand and supply equilibrium.

Oman is an important player in global oil markets and it’s agreement to cut production can be significant in driving prices higher,” said a financial expert in Oman.

The compliance rate by Opec has sent oil prices on an upward spiral.

DON’T TEXT AND DRIVE ARRIVE ALIVE

OMAN

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OMAN Pakistan invites Sultanate to invest in energy sector

S TAT E C O U N C I L

Mantheri returns MUSCAT: Dr. Yahya bin Mahfoudh Al Mantheri, Chairman of the State Council, returned from Pakistan yesterday.

He met Pakistani president Mamnoon Hussain; Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif; and Sartaj Aziz, Adviser to the Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs.

During the visit, Al Mantheri also held talks with Mian Raza Rabbani chairman of the Senate of Pakistan.

On his return, Al Mantheri was received by the vice chairmans of the State Council and the ambassador of Pakistan. —ONA

Welcomes ferry service idea

Omani investment in energy, infrastructure

consumer-based sectors welcome, says Pakistan PM

Times News Service ISLAMABAD: Dr. Yahya bin Mahfoudh Al Manthei, Chairman of the State Council, and his accompanying delegation called on Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in Islamabad.

Sharif said that Pakistan is grateful to Oman for its support in connection with Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement.

He stated that Pakistan would welcome their Omani brothers to invest in Pakistan, particularly in energy-related projects, infrastructure development and the

BILATERAL MEETING: Dr. Yahya bin Mahfoudh Al Manthei, Chairman of the State Council with Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in Islamabad. -ONA

consumer-based industry, as the current investment policy of Pakistan has created an investmentfriendly environment by all sectors for FDI, guaranteeing equal treatment of foreign and domestic investments, and protecting foreign investment with a high rate of dividends.

While commenting on the people-to-people contact, the PM said Oman has a sizeable Pakistani diaspora working in various sectors and Pakistan can further provide both unskilled and highly professional manpower in various fields such as medicine, engineering, information technology, ac-

countancy, education and technical work.

He further said that both countries can benefit immensely through mutual exchange of experts in the field of Education, Science and Technology.

The Omani delegation comprised Sheikh Hamed Mohammed Abdallah Bahwan Al Mukhaini, member of the Education and Research Committee, Mohamed Ahmed Ali Al Rawas, member of the Culture Media and Tourism Committee, Dr. Ahmed Sulaiman Saleh Al Maimani, member of the Economic Committee, Wafa Salim Ali Al Harrasi, deputy

M E T E O R O L O G Y D E PA R T M E N T

MUSCAT: Sea along the Oman coast will be rough under the impact of fresh wind in Musandum, the Oman Meteorology Department said yesterday.

“The blowing of fresh wind over Musandam will make the sea rough along the coasts with waves rising to three metres and in the Sea of Oman the waves are expect-

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif welcomed the idea of proposed ferry service between Karachi, Gwadar and Muscat during his meeting with Oman’s Parliamentary delegation, led by Oman’s State Council Chairman.

This initiative would start a new chapter of friendship

chairman of the Social Committee, and Dr. Aisha Ahmed Yousuf Al Washahi, member of the Social Committee. Mian Raza Rabbani, chairman Senate of Pakistan, senator Taj Haider and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.

Earlier, the prime minister warmly welcomed the delegation and stated that Pakistan and

PSM

< FROM

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Bus crash

School authorities said, “It was the most tragic incident in the history of PSM, where we lost three of our students, and two of the injured ones are still under treatment because of their severe cerebral injuries.” “Life on the buses is still full of fear, as a lot of students have to travel from faraway places for their schooling in Muscat,” parents said.

It has been close to three years since the three students from Pakistan School were killed in the bus accident. that shook the nation, though parents say little has changed to improve school bus safety.

Oman are natural allies due to their geographical proximity and leadership. The government and the people of Pakistan hold His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said and the people of Oman in high esteem.

He conveyed the prayers and wishes from the people and the government to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and the people of Oman.

S AV I N G P O W E R

Sea along coast of Oman to remain rough; fog hits flights Staff Reporter

between both the countries and the service will provide an affordable alternative source of movement for a large number of people who move on these routes on a regular basis, he added.

“Oman and Pakistan are natural allies and the start of a ferry service will herald a new chapter of friendship between the two brotherly countries,” the PM added.

Times News Service

development and

ed to rise to 2.5 metres,” the Oman meteorology department tweeted on its official twitter handle.

Muscat flights to and from Dubai have been delayed due to heavy fog at the Dubai International Airport on Thursday.

A tweet from Dubai Airport authorities read, ‘operations at DXB have been disrupted due to fog this morning, check with your airline for flight updates.’

flydubai operates three flights from the Muscat international Airport. Two flights were delayed and one was cancelled considering weather conditions in Dubai.

“Flight FZ 042, scheduled to depart in the morning was delayed by five hours. Passengers from flight FZ 046 which was scheduled at 9:50am were transferred to the delayed FZ 042 flight. FZ 046 was cancelled,” said an airline official.

Eco-house will open soon at Sultan Qaboos University Staff Reporter MUSCAT: A two-storey ecohouse will open soon at the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU).

The house will open for the public from February 21, according to a SQU media official.

“The building form, shading system, special thermal insulation material, and climbing plants have been used to build the house and it will contribute to a saving of 40 per cent of the electricity compared to the average energy consumption of modern Omani houses,” Professor Awni Shaban of the Civil and Architectural Engineering department said to the Times of Oman.

He said that the size of each floor is 142 metres. Solar panels cover the roof and provide all the electricity to the house.

“The plants were carefully selected to stop sunlight from heating the house. We picked plants that do not need lots of water and don’t cause issues with the soil,”

the SQU professor said.

“We designed the house in a way that cool air will enter lower windows of the house to cool the house and exit at upper openings, similar to traditional Omani architecture,” Shaban said.

A water fountain is also neatly placed in the house, and together with the plants keep the place cool,” he explained. “The fountain pumps cool water that is stored 4 metres under the ground,” Shaban said.

Black water (waste water) is cleaned and recycled to irrigate the plants. Researchers, engineers, environmentalists, and students have been invited to visit the house next February.

RAFO TO HOLD JOINT EXERCISE

A number of pilots of the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) will take part in a joint exercise with the Indian Air Force, from January 14 to 22 in India. The pilots and technicians were seen off by Air Vice marshal Mattar bin Ali Al Obaidani, commander of RAFO in the presence of air commodore Al Zubair bin Mohammed Al Zubair. -ONA

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2017

51

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was the number of Omani companies subject to the Foreign Investment Law registered in 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, represented by the Commercial Enterprises Control Department

ASSIGNED BY HIS MAJESTY

Ithraa boss set for 47th WEF meeting MUSCAT: Assigned by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Dr Salim bin Nasser Al Ismaily, Chairman of the Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (Ithraa) will take part in the meetings of the 47th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum which will be held in Davos, Switzerland from 17 to 20 January.

The forum will focus on international cooperation and enhancement of comprehensive

and fair economic growth.

The organisers of the forum have stressed the necessity for improvement of the leadership systems and creation of constructive solutions to deal with the international economic challenges.

“The forum represents an opportunity for communicating with business leaders / entrepreneurs to discuss the modern economic challenges”, said chairman of Ithraa. -ONA

Certificates of origin to 10,964 export products The certificates speed up clearance procedures, said Talal bin Hamoud Al Balushi, Head of the Commercial

N C S I D ATA

Licence Department at the Ministry

Child health, education improvement recorded MUSCAT: Educational and heath condition of the Sultanate’s children is improving, according to National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) data.

The number of children (aged 17 and below) stood at 2,006,651 in 2016 of whom 41 per cent were in Muscat and North Al Batinah Governorates.

The health condition index showed that all children under one year were vaccinated in 2015.

The raw birth rate (the number

of children born in a year for each 1,000 of the population in the middle of the year) was 34.1 and the death rate stood at 2.9 per 1000 population. The infant death rate stood at 9.5 per 1,000 live births. The death rate for children below 5 years stood at 10.1 per cent in 2014 which rose to 11. 5 per cent in 2015.

In 2014, 80. 7 per cent of children within the age group 36- 59 months were encouraged by one adult at least for education. -ONA

of Commerce and Industry

MUSCAT: As many as 10,964 certificates of origin were registered at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) for domestic products exported to GCC countries and Arab states in 2016.

Talal bin Hamoud Al Balushi, Head of the Commercial Licence Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said the issuing of the certificates sped up clearance procedures. The exemption of customs taxes on goods is enough to encourage enterprise owners to purchase certificates of origin to take ad-

vantage of the privileges offered to them.

He added that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are interested in marketing and promoting their products in different countries, as do families and craftsmen who seek to take advantage of the features offered by the certificates of origin in countries in which there are agreements, as these categories are required to prove that these products are local by concerned authorities in the Sultanate, prior to being awarded a certificate of origin.

NAT U R A L H I S T O RY M U S E U M

Showcase of Oman’s biodiversity MUSCAT: Oman’s rich marine, plain, desert and mountainous biodiversity is well highlighted by the Natural History Museum (NHM) located at the Ministry of Heritage and Culture in Muscat.

The museum displays the contrasting terrain, geology, plants, insects and wild marine animals.

It houses the mummified rare animals, which are among types and species living in the Sultanate, in addition to the skeletons of sea creatures, birds and reptiles that lived in the Omani environment and died naturally.

Hanan bint Mansour Al Nabhaniyah, museum specialist at the NHM at the Ministry of Heritage and Culture, said that the National Collection of Animals, Bones and Skeletons contains more than 1,961 samples from the bones of vertebrates with a solid structure, land mammals, birds and marine mammals, amphibians and turtles, as well as several models of wild fungus, such as myriapoda, sponges, spiders, freshwater fish and crustaceans.

She added that the museum

has different samples that are saved in various methods and places of preservation. She further said that there are in the museum’s stores and halls, 399 samples of vertebrates that are stored by drying, alcohol and cooling, as well as 409 bird samples that are stored by drying and cooling, along with 248 reptile and amphibian samples that stored by drying, alcohol and cooling, as well as 347 samples of bones of whales and dolphins that have been stored by drying.

She added that there are invertebrates in the museum’s stores, including 57 scorpion samples, 294 sample of shellfish and 209

samples of fish and invertebrates that are all saved in alcohol and some by drying.

Al Nabhaniyah added that this group was well prepared, and was classified in a scientific way. The group contains the best models for land and wildlife in the Sultanate. All samples are documented in a special database, which contains a tremendous amount of information for each sample in the group, including the number of registration, source, date, method of acquisition, description and name of the collector.

The National Collection of Animals, Bones and Skeletons attracted many scientists and

2 0 1 6 D ATA

Ferry passenger traffic rises 7% MUSCAT: National Ferry Company registered a seven per cent increase in passenger traffic in 2016 (220,859) compared with 2015 (205,579).

It also transported 54,078 ve-

hicles during the same period compared to 52, 771 vehicles in 2015, an increase of 2 per cent.

The shipments on the fleet of the company stood at 15,179 tonnes against 8,232 tonnes in 2015. The

number of passengers in the second half of 2016 was 120,988 (55 per cent of the year’s total).

The number of passengers on sea voyages launched to the ports of Iran stood at 1, 703.—ONA

LABOUR DISPUTES

< FROM

A1 Court cases consume time “When a court gives a verdict in favour of me, the company will file an appeal. It keeps on going.

I asked for my five months unpaid salary. Now, for the last 15 months, I am stuck in Oman without shelter and food,” he said.

“Many a time, I don’t even have money to go to the court for the hearings. Sometimes, I have to walk all the way to court alone,” he added. Shameer PTK, a social worker in Oman, said that number of labour dispute cases are increasing in number, and delays are also hurting the workers.

“In the labour disputes department it will take 30 days.If it is not settled there, it will go to court. There, there would be at least three hearings, which will take a year. Then if the court gives a verdict in favour of a worker, it will be challenged in the appeal court. There too it will take time and when the final order is announced, its execution will again take time,” Shameer said.

“If the government is working on a special labour court, then it is

an appreciable move, but it should be done soon so that workers are not stuck in a difficult situation,” Shameer added.

Recently, to avoid delays, the Ministry of Manpower had introduced an online complaint system to help the workers.

Sharan Burrow, General Secretary International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), said that a labour court for migrant workers in Oman would be a huge step forward for the rights of workers.

“We hope 2017 will be the year that these rights are realised. Migrant workers in Oman deserve a labour court that quickly addresses employment issues. Case numbers are rising each year, and the sooner a labour court is in place, the sooner we can address workplace rights for all workers in Oman,” the ITUC chief told the Times of Oman.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Al Farji, a trade union leader who regularly attends meetings with the ministry, said that if setting up of an exclusive labour court is

delayed the government should activate the Tanfeedh proposals made on resolving labour issues.

“There is a discussion going on to empower the labour dispute departments. Even if it is activated, it would be a blessing for the workers. We stand for and fight for an exclusive labour court. But if that is getting delayed, government should listen to the Tanfeedh proposals and empower labour dispute departments for speedy redressal of labour related grievances,” the trade unionist said.

According to Tanfeedh findings, the average length of labour disputes in Oman is 585 days and they have proposed to bring it down to 204 days, which is, on average, a 30 per cent reduction in time. Mohammed Khaldi, a trade union activist in Oman, said that a lack of speedy redressal mechanism is hurting workers.

“Without doubt, we can say that employees are the ones who suffer. Those who do not wish to be entangled in the fight are forced to accept injustice,” Khaldi added.

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researchers to conduct studies on the holdings of the group, including skulls and structures of whales and dolphins found in the shores of the Sultanate in order to discover more facts and information about the species that live in the Omani waters. Many of them believe that it is possible to find rare species that have not been discovered yet.

In March 1990, the museum was visited by Dr. Van Leary, a mammal’s expert at the University of Amsterdam who studied toothed whale skeletons.

He presented to the museum some of the recommendations, including the importance of issuing the rank of whales kept by the museum, and to find the crew to monitor the coasts where there are many drift whales, including Al Batinah coast, the coast stretching from Al Duqm to the Niyabat of Al Lakbi in the Wilayat of Al Jazir in the Governorate of Al Wusta, and the coast stretching from Al Shuwaimiyah to the Wilayat of Mirbat and from Dhofar to the Yemeni border. -ONA

Company registrations The Ministry, represented by the Commercial Enterprises Control Department, registered 51 Omani companies subject to the Foreign Investment Law, along with Omani joint stock companies with capital of OMR88,292,700 in 2016.

“The figure includes 43 closed joint stock companies whose capital stands at OMR71,367,700, and 8 companies subject to the Foreign Investment Law with capital of OMR16,925,000,” said Khalid bin Khamis Al Masrori, Head of the Commercial Enterprises Control Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

He added that 27 firms received administrative licences. These licences aim to encourage Omani and foreign investors to set up joint stock firms with capital not less than OMR500,000 each, with the exception of the holding companies, whose capital should not be less than OMR2 million each and whose promoters should not be fewer than three natural or juristic persons. -ONA

NEW CIRCULAR

Government vehicles to use regular petrol only MUSCAT: All government vehicles will have to use M91 petrol (regular), unless the vehicle is designed to use M95 type (super grade) only, Oman News Agency reported citing a new circular issued by the Ministry of Financial Affairs.

“All government vehicles should be fuelled by M91 petrol by coordinating with different petrol stations and all government bodies should activate the use of fuel cards with limited use of fuel for each vehicle,” the ONA report said.

“The current fuel cards should also be changed with the new ones with details of the vehicles, including plate numbers of the vehicles, amount of fuel allotted for each vehicle and the type of petrol, as the ministry has already communicated the oil distributing companies in Oman to facilitate the card change process,” the report adds.

According to the circular, M95 petrol should used in vehicles manufactured to use this type of fuel and a proof should be submitted to the Ministry of Finance. -ONA

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2017

REGION Iraqi special forces fight IS on Mosul university campus Capture of the eastern bank of the river will allow the military to begin attacks on western Mosul, which IS still fully holds

MOSUL: Iraqi special forces drove back IS militants in the strategic Mosul University campus on Saturday while elite police units took over large areas along the Tigris river, military officials said.

The head of Iraq’s Counter Terrorism Service (CTS) said security forces were close to recapturing the entire east bank of the Tigris, which bisects Mosul from north to south, a gain that will bring at least half of IS’s last major stronghold in Iraq under their control.

Iraqi forces made rapid advances the day before in a nearly 3-month US-backed offensive to recapture Mosul, loss of which would probably spell the end of the Iraqi side of the ultra-hardline group’s self-styled caliphate, declared in 2014. Capture of the eastern bank of the river will allow the military to begin attacks on western Mosul, which IS still fully holds. The militants have fought back fiercely with car bombs and snipers, and have used civilians as cover. An air raid during the week targeting a senior IS militant killed up to 30 people, residents said late on Friday. CTS forces battled IS militants at the university on Saturday in a second day of clashes there.

“There are still clashes. We entered the university and cleared

ALL SET FOR BATTLE: A member of Iraqi Special Operations Forces (ISOF) carries a rocket launcher at the University of Mosul during a

battle with IS militants, in Mosul, Iraq, on Saturday. – Reuters

the technical institute, dentistry and antiquities departments,” Lieutenant General Abdelwahab Al Saadi of the CTS told a Reuters reporter in the complex.

“In the coming hours it will be liberated completely,” he said.

CTS troops had gathered in the university canteen. As they unfurled a map of the area, a suspected IS drone flew overhead and they shot at it. The Iraqi forces also found chemical substances IS had used to try to make weapons, CTS commander Sami Al Aridhi said.

The United Nations says the militants seized nuclear materials used for scientific research from the university when they overran Mosul and vast areas of northern Iraq and eastern Syria in 2014.

IS militants have used chemical agents including mustard gas in a number of attacks in Iraq and

Syria, US officials, rights groups and residents say. Seizing the university would be a crucial strategic gain and allow Iraqi forces to advance more quickly towards the Tigris in the city’s northeast, military officials have said.

Parallel advances in the southeast of the city on Saturday, led by elite rapid response units, put Iraq’s federal police in control of large areas along the river bank, a spokesman said. “The Yarimja area... has been liberated, a large number of Daesh (IS) elements were killed, and the rest fled to the right-hand side (western bank),” Lieutenant Colonel Abdel Amir Al Mohammedawi told Reuters.

Forces had stopped suicide car bomb attacks by firing at them during their advance, and the federal police also captured a field hospital the militants had been

using, he said. The federal police forces were backed by the Iraqi army’s 9th armoured division and

by US coalition air support, Mohammedawi said.

A separate military statement said the federal police in the area also captured a highway linking Mosul to the city of Kirkuk, to the southeast. Improved coordination between different military branches, plus new tactics and better defences against the car bombs has helped them gain new momentum against IS in Mosul since the turn of the year, US and Iraqi military officials say.

Lieutenant General Talib Shaghati told state television the entire eastern bank of the Tigris would soon be under Iraqi control.

“Hopefully today we will celebrate the end of Daesh (IS),” he added.

Advances had slowed in late No-

vember and December as troops became bogged down in tough urban warfare after entering the city itself, and IS fought from denselypopulated residential areas.

An air raid targeting a senior IS militant on Thursday killed up to 30 people in a western Mosul district, residents said. It was not immediately clear if the strike was carried out by Iraqi forces or the US-led coalition. Iraq Body Count (IBC), a group run by academics and peace activists that has been counting violent deaths in the country since 2003, said 21 to 25 civilians had died that day in a strike on that area. Reuters could not independently verify the reports.

Iraqi forces have tried to avoid causing civilian casualties while IS has deliberately shelled and shot at residents. — Reuters

SYRIA

Dozens dead as IS attacks Deir Al Zor BEIRUT: IS militants launched their biggest attack in months on government-held areas of the Syrian city of Deir Al Zor on Saturday, leaving dozens of dead, a war monitor said.

At least six large explosions rocked the city since dawn as the militants clashed with the army and allied forces, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.

Syrian government warplanes hit back against IS positions, the Observatory and state media said.

Syrian state news agency SANA said the army was repelling attacks by the ultra-hardline militant group along several frontlines, including around the military airport controlled by the government.

IS shelling killed three people and wounded nine in residential government-held districts, SANA reported. The fighting and bombardment killed at least 12 government forces and 20 IS militants, the Observatory said. IS controls most of Deir Al Zor province, which borders Iraq, including more than half the city, and has besieged the remaining governmentheld areas of the city for nearly two years. The Syrian government and its Russian ally have made regular aid drops into the encircled zone, where about 200,000 people live, lacking food and medicine.

Meanwhile, a Syrian refugee whose selfie with German Chancellor Angela Merkel went viral is suing Facebook for defamation, his lawyer said, after the social networking site failed to take down a series of posts accusing him of being a militant and criminal.

Anas Modamani, a 19-year-old refugee from Damascus, was pictured in September 2015 taking a selfie with Merkel during her visit to a refugee shelter in Berlin’s Spandau district.

The image came to define Germany’s response to the refugee crisis, when Merkel opened the country’s borders to hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers. — Reuters

NEAR MOSUL

Field hospital helps treat injured Iraqi civilians, soldiers NEAR MOSUL: Civilians and soldiers wounded as Iraqi forces attempt to retake Mosul from IS are receiving treatment in a high-tech field hospital about 20km from the frontlines.

Treating shrapnel, bullet and bomb wounds, the facility - complete with emergency rooms, intensive care units and a fullystocked pharmacy - was set up by US relief organisation Samaritan’s Purse after Christmas in a patch of desert about half an hour’s drive from clashes in eastern Mosul.

It has shaved considerable time off the journey to the Kurdish city of Erbil, the nearest place with fixed healthcare facilities, and more than 100 patients have already been treated. “We’ve seen teenagers with sniper fire to the back of

their heads, six-year-olds shot in the abdomen, people with wounds in their back as they were trying to run away,” said David Gettle, 68, the hospital’s administrator.

“When they were injured in Mosul, they had to make a two to three-hour trip through checkpoints, ambulance transfer, and people were actually dying trying to get help.”

An ambulance transfer is required at the border with the autonomous Kurdistan region, which heavily restricts entry.

Around 145,000 people have been displaced from Mosul in the first three months of the campaign, the biggest battle in Iraq since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein, according to the International Organization

HIGH-TECH : A new field hospital for civilians and soldiers wounded in clashes is seen in Bartella, Iraq, on Saturday. – Reuters

for Migration. Almost the entire eastern half of the city has been retaken by elite counter-terrorism forces, the army and militarised police in fierce street-to-street fighting, but IS still has full control

of the western side. Half a dozen camps for people displaced from Mosul and outlying areas dot the desert around the city and on the way to Erbil.

The United Nations had warned

that the operation to retake Mosul, IS’s largest urban stronghold anywhere in Iraq or neighbouring Syria, could displace up to 1.5 million people.

Most people have chosen to stay in their homes or move in temporarily with relatives in other neighbourhoods, and the militants have prevented many others from fleeing. People at the camps say they struggle to get adequate healthcare.

At Khazer, east of Mosul, one woman said her husband died last month after feeling unwell at night, because there were no ambulances available.

“The driver said he didn’t have gas,” she said outside her blue and white tent flanked by her children, adding that a guard told them ambulances would not come at night.

“If they had come earlier, he would probably still be alive.”

A doctor at the camp told Reuters that healthcare facilities were inadequate. “We need more specialists and I’m limited in the number of people I can send to Erbil - but some people need that help,” the doctor said, asking that no name be revealed for fear of reprisal.

A recent report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that more ambulances and better organisation were needed.

Back at the new field hospital, doctors and nurses are pleased with their ability to help.

“We have all the different things that I work with in a hospital in the United States,” said intensive care nurse Brittany Barclay, 27. — Reuters

STOP IN ROME

US embassy move will hurt peace, says Mahmoud Abbas VATICAN CITY: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas discussed the Middle East with Pope Francis on Saturday and said prospects for peace there will suffer if US president-elect Donald Trump moves Washington’s embassy in Israel to occupied Jerusalem.

“We are waiting to see if it happens. If it does, it will not help peace and we hope it does not happen,” Abbas told reporters outside the Vatican gates minutes after 25 minutes of talks with the pope. Abbas, who spoke through an interpreter, stopped in Rome to open the new embassy of the State of Palestine to the Vatican.

Trump’s promise to relocate the US embassy from Tel Aviv to occupied Jerusalem would upend decades of US policy. Israel and the Palestinians, who are seeking a state of their own, both claim occupied Jerusalem as their capital.

Successive US administrations have said the city’s status must be negotiated. Occupied Jerusalem, which Israeli has declared

EXCHANGE OF GIFTS: Pope Francis exchanges gifts with Palestin-

ian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Vatican on Saturday. – Reuters

its “united and eternal capital,” is home to sacred sites.

The Vatican, which keeps its embassy to Israel in Jaffa and also backs a two-state solution, implicitly recognised a Palestinian state for years but in 2015 made it official by signing a treaty with the State of Palestine. As he was leaving the pope’s study, Abbas said the opening of the new embassy to the Vatican was “a sign

that the pope loves the people of Palestine and loves peace.”

In a statement, the Vatican called for a resumption of direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians “to bring an end to the violence that causes unacceptable suffering to civilian populations, and to find a just and lasting solution.” It called for a climate that could lead to “courageous decisions”. — Reuters

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INDIA

Anil Vij makes ‘insulting’ remarks against Gandhi The senior BJP leader in Haryana,

As far as the statement is concerned, Anil Vij is our senior minister and makes statement with due care, but still what one says in his personal capacity, it is not linked with the party...

said it was good that Gandhi’s image has been replaced with that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the calendar and diary of KVIC as Modi is a ‘better brand’

AMBALA: Haryana Minister Anil Vij on Saturday courted controversy with remarks that Mahatma Gandhi’s image did not help Khadi and caused devaluation of the currency, sparking widespread outrage with even his party BJP condemning the statements following which he withdrew them.

The senior BJP leader in Haryana, who is not a stranger to controversies, said it was good that Gandhi’s image has been replaced with that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the calendar and diary of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) as Modi is a “better brand” and went on to add that Gandhi’s image would be removed gradually from the currency notes too.

The “insulting” remarks by Vij, were slammed by Tushar Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi’s great-grandson, who alleged that it was “well orchestrated” campaign from the “high command” and the minis-

Manohar Lal Khattar

Haryana chief minister

ter was speaking the language of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

The Congress said Gandhi “can be killed, his photographs can be removed but he remains in the soul of India”.

Asked about the controversy over Modi’s photo, Vij, a five-time MLA from Ambala Cantt, told reporters, “Gandhiji’s name has no patent over Khadi. Since Gandhi’s name has been attached with Khadi, it has only gone down.

“When Gandhi’s image was put on notes, the currency also got devalued,” Vij said.

“It is a good move to replace Gandhi’s image with Modi. Modi is a better brand than Gandhi.

With the Modi brand name, Khadi sales increased,” he said in reply to queries from reporters. On why the BJP government continued with Gandhi’s image on the

new currency notes introduced after demonetisation, he said, “It will also go gradually.” Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala attacked the Modi government over the remarks saying it is doing what the Britishers did.

“Subjugate people and institutions and use the power of the state to stifle every dissenting voice but Modiji, Anil Vij and BJP must remember that Mahatma Gandhi, you can kill him, you can remove his photograph, you can abuse Mahatma Gandhi, but Gandhi has always lived in the soul of India,” he said.

An embarrassed BJP condemned Vij’s remarks. “We condemn these remarks. These are his personal comments,” BJP spokesperson Shrikant Sharma said Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar also quickly distanced

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himself, saying the remarks have been made by the minister in his personal capacity and the party does not endorse them and has nothing to do with them. Vij later withdrew his remarks.

“The statement given by me in connection with Mahatma Gandhi was given in my personal capacity. To avoid hurting anyone’s sentiments, I am withdrawing it,” the minister tweeted.

“As far as the statement is concerned, Anil Vij is our senior minister and makes statement with due care, but still what one says in his personal capacity, it is not linked with the party...,” Khattar said when asked about Vij’s remarks at a press conference.

Rashtriya Janata Dal Chief Lalu Yadav said “it is unfortunate for the country that Mahatma Gandhi is being insulted”. “Bapu gave us

F O R M U L AT I N G A L L I A N C E

our freedom. Is the minister not ashamed of using such words for Gandhiji,” the former Bihar chief minister said.

Reacting to the remarks against the Father of the Nation, Tushar Gandhi said, “This is not only his (Vij’s) voice. It is a very well orchestrated, organised, and conducted campaign from the high command. “The ideology which got Bapu murdered is now going to overturn and tarnish his legacy.

This is just a part of that strategy.

Vij is speaking the voice of BJP, government and the RSS.” Vij, a popular face of the party in the state, was pipped by Khattar in the the race for chief ministership after BJP won in Haryana in 2014. His remarks that those who cannot live without beef should not come to Haryana where a stringent cow protection law has been implemented had raised eyebrows. Over a year back, he had accused his own government of spying on him after coming across a constable standing outside his office. He was also involved with a verbal spat with a woman IPS officer in November 2015. The IPS officer had then refused to leave a public grievance meeting on direction of Vij who was irked with her response to a query on illicit liquor trade in the area.

Vij’s remarks came even as the opposition had been criticising the move to use photo of Modi in the calendar and the diary of KVIC and not that of Gandhi. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), while dismissing the controversy over Modi’ photo as “unnecessary”, had said “there is no rule in KVIC that its diary and calendar should have only Gandhiji’s photo.” KVIC chairman V. K. Saxena had also defended the move, saying there is “no rule or tradition” that only Mahatma Gandhi’s picture can be published on these items. - PTI

R E S P I R AT O RY P R O B L E M

Surjit Singh Barnala passes away CHANDIGARH: Former Punjab chief minister Surjit Singh Barnala, who took over reins of the state in the difficult period when militancy was at its peak in the mid-80s, died here on Saturday at the age of 91.

Barnala, who served as chief minister from 1985 to 1987, was admitted to the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) here on Thursday. A moderate leader of the Akali Dal, he became chief minister after the Rajiv-Longowal accord to usher in peace in the troubled state was reached in the summer of 1985. Barnala was admitted to the Cardiac Care Unit of PGI and was shifted this morning to respiratory ICU where he breathed his last.

As governor of Tamil Nadu, Barnala had famously refused to recommend dismissal of the DMK government in 1991 when the late Chandrashekhar was the prime minister for a short time.

When he was transferred to Bihar following his refusal, he chose to resign as governor. The government headed by Chandrashekhar then dismissed the Karunanidhi ministry using the “otherwise” provision in Article 356 of the Constitution after Barnala’s refusal to make a recommendation. He had also served as governor of Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. - PTI

PROBE ORDERED

Uttar Pradesh assembly elections to see Dimple Yadav come out of family shadow

One dead, 10 injured as boat capsizes in Patna

LUCKNOW: Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav might have stayed in the shadows of her family seniors so far, but political insiders say that she might emerge as a force to reckon with in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls.

Dimple, second-term MP from Kannauj, is lending a strong support to her husband Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav in building an alliance with Congress for the crucial state polls.

Since Akhilesh is mired in family and party affairs, Dimple is being used as an emissary by him to convey the message for formulating a strong alliance, a Congress leader said. With Dimple taking the role of the main negotiator for her party, Priyanka Gandhi appears to be donning the same role for Congress as the two have had atleast one meeting in New Delhi a couple of days ago, he said.

Akhilesh Yadav has public-

PATNA: One person was drowned while ten others sustained serious injuries after a country boat capsized in the Ganga river here on Saturday evening.

Patna City Superintendent of Police Chandan Kushwaha said one person, whose identity was yet to ascertained, died by drowning while ten others have been taken to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) after receiving injuries in the boat tragedy. About 40 persons were on board the boat which was coming to Ranighat in Patna from Sabalpur diara (riverine) on the other side of River Ganga after watching kite flying on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.

Some persons swam to safety, while some families were complaining of missing members, the SP said adding, a search operation is on.

District Magistrate Sanjay Ku-

MAIN NEGOTIATOR: Dimple Yadav is lending a strong support to

her husband Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav in building an alliance with Congress for the crucial state polls. - PTI file photo

ly supported an alliance with the Congress saying that it will help win over 300 seats in the 403 constituencies in the state, whereas his father and party su-

premo Mulayam Singh has opposed such a tie-up.

Although posters featuring Dimple and Priyanka came up in Allahabad recently, party func-

tionaries said it was an act of a few individuals.

“It seems that some individuals have worked on their own in this regard (posters)....we will go ahead on any such thing only after a green signal from the party high command,” district unit president of Congress Anil Dwivedi said.

The party insiders believe that the coming together of Samajwadi Party and Congress will be in the interest of both, especially the latter, which has been out of power for 27 years.

Another Congress leader said the alliance will be formally announced as soon as the Election Commission gives its verdict on the Samajwadi Party symbol, with some smaller outfits also finding a place in the tie-up.

The Mulayam and Akhilesh Yadav camps of the ruling Samajwadi Party have staked claim over ‘cycle’ symbol of the party. - PTI

mar Aggarwal and the SP have reached the spot.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has expressed grief over the boat tragedy and ordered a probe.

Kumar has ordered cancellation of all subsequent events organised in the diara (riverine) area as part of the Makar Sankranti festival and has instructed senior officials to seek details about the programme organised from which people were returning and whether proper arrangements were made for the event, an official statement said here.

The CM instructed Principal Secretary of Health R. K. Mahajan and the Patna District Magistrate to ensure proper treatment of the victims of the boat tragedy.

Kumar has also instructed Principal Secretary of Disaster Management Pratyay Amrit and DIG Shalin to supervise relief and rescue operations. - PTI

BITING COLD

Cold wave keeps up intensity, Patna records 4.8 degrees Celsius NEW DELHI: The wintry chill kept up its intensity with Patna recording the season’s lowest at 4.8 degrees Celsius and water bodies freezing in Srinagar, which experienced the coldest night in January in the last five years.

Cold conditions persisted in plains of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana, while the weatherman said there was no cold wave in Rajasthan. The chill in the morning in the national capital gave way to a sunny day. The city had a minimum of 3.2 and maximum of 19.3 degrees Celsius.

Bihar’s capital of Patna gauged the season’s lowest temperature at 4.8 degrees Celsius, mainly due to westerly wind and snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

The MeT office said the temperature will gradually edge upward starting from Sunday.

The temperature was spiralling downward due to a clear sky, westerly wind blowing at a speed of 1820 kmph and snowfall in northern states, it said.

Gaya was also in the grip of cold at 4.9 degree Celsius, while Bhagalpur had a low of 7.5 and Purnea 5.1 degrees Celsius.

Things in Uttarakhand moved at a snail’s pace as many places in the state recorded sub-zero temperatures. For Dehradun, it was one of the coldest days of the season at 2.9 degrees Celsius.

Mukteshwar was the coldest place in the state at minus 1.7, followed by New Tehri minus at 0.3 and Pantnagar at 0.8 degree Celsius. In Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar recorded the coldest night for January in the last five years at minus 6.8 degrees Celsius.

Water supply lines and water bodies, including the fringes of the famous Dal Lake, in the city froze due to intense cold. Gulmarg also experienced the season’s lowest night temperature at minus 14.4 degrees Celsius. Pahalgam’s minimum settled at minus 12, while Kokernag had a low of minus 8.3 and Kupwara town minus 7.8 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, the MeT office in

Rajsthan said that barring a few places, there was “no cold wave” as the night temperature increased across the state due to a Western Disturbance.

However, Alwar continued to reel under cold weather at 1.4 degrees Celsius and was the coldest place in the state. Mount Abu had a low of 2 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature was recorded below normal in most parts of Punjab and Haryana. Hisar in Haryana was the coldest place in the region at 1.7 degrees.

Karnal and Narnaul braved piercing cold at 1.8 and 3.1 degrees Celsius respectively. Amritsar in Punjab shivered at 2.2 degrees Celsius. Dense fog added to the woes of people due to cold weather in Uttar Pradesh. Muzaffarnagar was in the grip of the wintry chill at 1.2 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature fell in Agra and was recorded markedly below normal in Gorakhpur and appreciately below normal in Vasranasi, Faizabad, Allahabad, Lucknow, Bareilly and Meerut. - PTI

FROZEN LAKE: Kashmiri men walk on a foot bridge over a frozen portion of Dal Lake in Srinagar on Saturday. The night temperature in Kashmir and Ladakh regions continued its downward spiral as the mercury dipped at many places, with Srinagar experiencing the coldest night of the season so far. - AFP

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2017

PAKISTAN WINTER’S FIRST SNOWFALL

People enjoy the first snow of the season in Quetta on Saturday. The first snowfall of the winter season hit several parts of Balochistan province including Quetta. — AFP

Raheel to speak at WEF meet The former military chief will highlight Pakistan Army’s counter-insurgency operations besides discussing opportunities under multi-billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor project

M U C H - D E L AY E D P R O J E C T

Country’s first deep-water terminal at Karachi Port to be ready in April KARACHI: The much-delayed Pakistan’s first deep-water container terminal at the Karachi Port has eventually entered the final phase of infrastructure development to welcome mother vessels by mid-April this year, say officials.

Mother vessels have the capacity to carry 17,000-18,000 containers of 20-foot each. Existing container terminals in the country house vessels of the capacity of around 8,000 TEUs (twentyfoot equivalent units) due to deep water and other handling constraints.

Dredging of the outer approach channel to 16-metre depth is the last project of the Pakistan Deep Water Container Port (PDWCP), which is in progress.

“KPT (Karachi Port Trust) has awarded the dredging contract to Van Oord Dredging and Marine Contractors BV of the Netherlands for Rs2.98 billion,” a KPT official told The Express Tribune.

It was among four shortlisted firms including companies of China and Belgium.

The firm is to complete dredging work within 120 days from the date of issuance of the letter of commencement on December 5, 2016. “It must finish the assignment by April 4-5,” he said.

The Prime Minister’s Secretariat wants the PDWCP to be inaugurated in the middle or at the end of February – much earlier than it is ready to welcome mother vessels. South Asia Pakistan Terminals (SAPT), a subsidiary of Hutchison Port Holdings of Hong Kong, is a partner of the KPT in the project.

KPT has provided land for the terminal, facilitated the dredging of approach channel and port basin, and developed roads to transport import and export cargo to and from the terminal.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s former army chief General Raheel Sharif will speak at the annual meeting of World Economic Forum in Switzerland, discussing security issues.

This is the first time that a former army chief of Pakistan has been invited to speak at the WEF, The Express Tribune reported.

Though, General Pervez Musharraf also addressed the forum but as the head of a state.

Raheel would highlight Pakistan Army’s counter-insurgency operations and improved security environment in the country as well as in the region besides discussing opportunities under multi-billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

Munich conference The annual WEF meetings will start from January 17 and continue for four days.

He will address three sessions of the WEF in addition to speaking at as many events arranged on the sidelines of the sessions.

This includes a dinner by Munich Security Conference.

General Raheel Sharif

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif last week said that Raheel had been appointed the commander of the Saudi-led 39-nation military coalition to combat terrorism.

Later, he backtracked from his statement and said Raheel did not seek government’s permission before joining the Saudi-led alliance.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will lead the Pakistani delegation to the meeting, which will be chaired jointly by Brian T Moynihan of the Bank of America, award-winning documentary maker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Frans van Houten and Meg Whitman, reports said. — PTI

M U Z A F FA R G A R H

PM rejects proposal to shelf LNG plant

SET TO WELCOME MOTHER SHIPS: The Prime Minister’s Secretariat wants the Pakistan Deep Water Container Port to be inaugurated in the middle or at the end of February – much earlier than it is ready to welcome mother vessels. — Bloomberg file photo

SAPT is responsible for constructing and developing the terminal, deploying equipment and operating the terminal.

Total cost of the project is $1.4 billion including KPT’s share of $800 million and SAPT’s contribution of $600 million.

A SAPT official said, “The terminal is 100 per cent ready to welcome mother vessels, but… the much-delayed dredging of approach channel is now finally in progress.”

The project, initiated in 2007, was originally scheduled to start operations in 2011-12. However, slow pace of progress on infrastructure development kept delaying the commencement of operations. Major delay was seen

in dredging of the outer approach channel.

Earlier, China Water and Electric had done dredging of the port basin at a cost of Rs19.28 billion.

However, it refused dredging of the outer approach channel, arguing it was not part of the contract awarded to it.

Later, the KPT tried to do it by itself, but it did not succeed. The SAPT official explained that at present large to very large vessels carrying cargo for Pakistan went to deep-sea ports like Jebel Ali in the UAE to offload and reload the cargo on smaller vessels that can be accommodated on Pakistan’s shores. “The percentage of such cargo is big…All this means extra costs, time delays, higher risks,

more documentation and overall inefficiency,” he said. According to the official, Pakistan has recorded a growth of 12 per cent in containerised cargo traffic from January-October 2016 compared to the same period of last year.

“We foresee 15 per cent growth in calendar year 2017,” he said.

The official said first two of the total of four berths of 375-metre each would be ready by April or May 2017 and the remaining two would be completed by December 2020. “Work on the first berth is over.” In phase-II, the depth of the outer approach channel will be enhanced to 18 metres by December 2018. SAPT has plans to invest another $200 million in the phase. — Express Tribune

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has rejected a proposal to abandon a planned 1,200-megawatt LNG-based power plant as it is likely to be completed after the end of tenure of the present government.

The government is working on a plan to set up the 1,200MW LNG power plant in Muzaffargarh, Punjab.

In a high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister, a senior official of the Ministry of Water and Power said the premier was informed about progress on the bidding process of the power plant.

Already, the Private Power and Infrastructure Board had approved the project processing framework and request for proposals (RFP) on October 28, 2016.

The board also granted the project one-off exemption from its earlier decision that no new imported fuel-based power plants would be approved.

Additionally, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) set a benchmark tariff and approved the RFP on November 2, 2016.

A pre-bid meeting had been held

on November 23, 2016 and six potential investors expressed their interest in the project.

The power ministry official told the high-level meeting that prospective bidders had raised some issues pertaining to the bid submission deadline, the time frame for open-cycle operation, the commissioning date and deadlines for key project activities.

Capping liquidity damages They also requested for waiving the commitment guarantee amounting to $100 million and asked for capping liquidity damages in case of default by international LNG suppliers as per sales and purchase agreement.

The prospective investors also sought permission for arranging some financing in local currency and suggested that the benchmark tariff should be determined on minimum efficiency of 60 per cent instead of 62.45 per cent. The prime minister was informed that the 1,200MW to be generated by the power plant had not been included in the power generation projection of the Ministry of Water and Power. — Express Tribune

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2017

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GLOBAL EYE

COLOMBIA: The view of Medellin, Colombia, seen from Comuna 13 shanty town on Friday. — AFP

BELARUS: People in costume take part in a traditional rite of Koniki (Horses) as they celebrate a New AFGHANISTAN: A man covers his head walks on a hilltop on a snowy day in Kabul, Afghanistan, on

Saturday. — Reuters

Year according to the Julian calendar in the small town of Davyd-Gorodok, some 300 km south of Minsk, Belarus, on Friday. — AFP

SOUTH KOREA: A woman casts a line through a hole created in the surface of a frozen river during annual ice fishing festival in Hwacheon, some 120km northeast of Seoul, South Korea, on Saturday. — AFP

SOUTH AFRICA: Firefighters battle a bush fire on Signal Hill, on the side of the central city, on January 13, 2016, in Cape Town, South Africa. Wildfires have ravaged the Western Cape Province for the last two weeks, sometimes with several in different locations at the same time. Homes, farms, and other structures have been burnt during the last two weeks. — AFP

JAPAN: Students make their way in the snow as they head to

National Center Test for University Admissions in Nagoya, Aichi prefecture, Japan, on Saturday. — Kyodo/via REUTERS

FRANCE: People walk along the Trocadero Plaza as the sunrises behind the Eiffel Tower, on a cold Paris morning on Saturday. — AFP

HAWAII: Justin Thomas of the United States plays his shot from the 17th tee during the second round of the Sony Open In Hawaii at Waialae Country Club on Friday in Honolulu, Hawaii. — Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images/AFP

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2017

WORLD Japan and Australia agree to strengthen defence ties Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to Australia comes amid heightened regional tension as China asserts its claims over disputed territory in the South China Sea

SYDNEY: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met his Australian counterpart Malcolm Turnbull in Sydney on Saturday where the pair agreed to deepen defence ties through joint military training and exercises.

Abe’s visit to Australia is the first since Turnbull became prime minister in late 2015, and comes amid heightened regional tension as China asserts its claims over disputed territory in the South China Sea.

CONVERGENCE: Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, second right, his wife Akie, third right, and Australia’s Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, second left, listen as Australia’s Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, right, addresses a reception at Kirribilli House in Sydney on Saturday. — AFP/POOL/Brook Mitchell

“We have confirmed our commitment to the rule of law, free trade and open markets in our region,” Turnbull told reporters at a joint press conference on Saturday.

Abe said the increasingly un-

certain geopolitical landscape made the relationship between Japan and Australia more important than ever. “It is important to guard and increase the robustness of the free, open and rules-based international order,” Abe said.

The two leaders announced the signing of an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), which will increase cooperation in combined exercises, training and peace-keeping operations. The agreement is expected

to be finalised by the end of 2017.

The announcement comes nearly nine months after Australia chose a French bid over a Japanese design for a new fleet of submarines. The loss of the $40 billion contract was a major blow for Abe’s ambitions to develop Japan’s defence export capabilities as part of a more muscular security agenda.

Japan, as well as Australia, is looking to protect its strategic and trade interests in Asia-Pacific, especially as China becomes increasingly assertive in the South China Sea. Both leaders also reaffirmed the importance of their respective security alliances with the United States on Saturday.

China’s recent naval exercises in the South China Sea and the building of islands there, with military assets, has unnerved its neighbours and risks a fallout with the United States.

US President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, has said China should be denied access to islands it has built in the South China Sea. China claims most of the resource-rich South China Sea through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. Neighbours Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims. — Reuters

IS LINKED GROUP

Cafe attack suspect arrested in Bangladesh DHAKA: Bangladesh police said on Saturday they had arrested one of the men behind a militant attack on a Dhaka cafe last year that killed 22 people, mostly foreigners.

Jahangir Alam was detained late on Friday during a raid in Tangail, about 100 km (60 miles) northwest of the capital, the head of the counter-terrorism police, Monirul Islam, told reporters.

“He was one of the masterminds,” Islam said.

July 1 assault IS group has claimed responsibility for the July 1 assault, when gunmen charged into the cafe in the diplomatic quarter.

Nine Italians, seven Japanese, an American and an Indian were among the dead.

Bangladeshi authorities say they suspect the involvement of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), an outlawed domestic group that has pledged allegiance to IS. Islam said the arrested man had been a commander for the group in the north of the country.

Tamim A. Chowdhury Police have killed about 50 suspected militants in shootouts since the attack, including the man they say was its main planner, Bangladesh-born Canadian citizen Tamim A. Chowdhury. — Reuters

A I R Q UA L I T Y TA R G E T F O R 2 0 17

Air pollution goal set

by Beijing at more than double WHO’s acceptable standard BEIJING: Beijing’s air quality target for 2017 is more than double the acceptable standard set by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the mayor announced on Saturday in the wake of weeks of hazardous air pollution in the Chinese capital.

“We will work hard to keep PM2.5 at an annual average of around 60 micrograms per cubic metre,” Beijing mayor Cai Qi said during his delivery of the city’s annual work report at the opening of the Beijing People’s Congress on Saturday. PM2.5 refers to damaging air particles so small they can pass through humans’ lungs to affect other organs.

The acceptable PM2.5 annual average set by the WHO is 20-25 micrograms per cubic metre. Bei-

DRIED RIVER SHELLS FOR SALE IN CAMBODIA

Mak Sobin offers a packet of dried river shells for sale to a woman along a street in Phnom Penh on Saturday. Mak Sobin, 25, who has been selling dried river shells as a snack for seven years, started wearing the opera costume 1.5 months ago as an attempt to attract more customers. He sells the dried river shells for 2500 Riels ($0.625) per serving. — AFP

jing’s air quality likely improved 9.9 per cent in 2016, the municipal government said in a document, and PM2.5 likely sat at an annual average of 73, better than the 2016 target of around 76.6. But smog has engulfed Beijing and large swathes of the north and centre of the country for days at a time in recent weeks, disrupting flights, port operations and schools.

Environmental authorities on Saturday said bad air would strike provinces around Beijing in the coming days, the state news agency Xinhua reported.

Last week, Beijing said it would establish a police force to deal specifically with environmental offences as part of efforts to clean up its air and crack down on persistent polluters. — Reuters

ABDUCTED IN OCTOBER 2016

Philippine Abu Sayyaf militants free Korean and Filipino from cargo ship WOES: People wearing masks cycle past Tiananmen Gate during the smog after a red alert was issued for heavy air pollution in Beijing, China, December 20, 2016. — Reuters/Jason Lee/File Photo

A N N UA L C H I L D R E N ’ S D AY

Thai army invites in children for gun play BANGKOK: Thailand’s army opened up some of its military barracks to children on Saturday to let them handle and pose with weapons and other hardware on the country’s annual Children’s Day. The army plays a big role in Thailand’s public and political life.

It seized power during political turmoil in 2014 in the 19th coup since absolute monarchy was abolished in 1932.

The armed forces traditionally opens up facilities on the second Saturday in January, when many attractions grant free entry to kids for Children’s Day.

One event in southern Thailand was marred on Saturday by the crash of a jet fighter in which the pilot was killed.

Nobody else was hurt and the crowd was far away.

At barracks across Thailand, children get to play with everything from small arms to tanks.

They were not allowed to fire the weapons.

The military government has promised to restore democracy, but delays in finalising a new constitution are widely expected to push a general election beyond the end of this year. — Reuters

MANILA: Extremist militants in the Philippines allied with IS freed on Saturday a South Korean cargo ship captain and a Filipino member of his crew held captive for more than three months on a southern island, an army spokesman said.

Park Chulhong, skipper of the South Korea-registered carrier DongBang Giant 2, and Filipino Glenn Alindajao, were brought to the house of the island’s governor after they were released by the militants of the Abu Sayyaf group, Major Filemon Tan said.

Members of a Muslim rebel faction cooperating with the government in the south of the country had helped arrange the release, Tan told reporters.

“They were freed this morning with the help of rebels belonging to the Moro National Liberation Front,” Tan said, adding the two were flown out of the island by a presidential adviser on peace efforts.

The cargo vessel was sailing to Australia from South Korea when 10 Abu Sayyaf militants boarded it in October and abducted Park and Alindajao.

LUCKY TO BE ALIVE: Captain Chul Hong Park, left, a South Korean national, and 2nd officer Filipino Glenn Alindajao, second left, two hostages released in Jolo Sulu, arrive in Davao City with Philippine Peace Adviser Secretary Jesus Dureza, second right, on Saturday. — AFP

Presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza told reporters the government had not paid a ransom, though some media reported that some sort of payment was believed to have been made.

“You know the policy of the government, we don’t pay ransom. But, if there was some form

of payment made, the government did not play any role in it,” the adviser, Jesus Dureza, told reporters.

The Moro National Liberation Front signed a peace deal with the government in 1996 and promised to help President Rodrigo Duterte free hostages and defeat the small

but violent Abu Sayyaf, known for kidnappings, beheadings, bombings and extortion.

The Abu Sayyaf group is still holding two dozen captives on Jolo island, its stronghold where more than 10,000 troops have been deployed to fight the militants. — Reuters

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Looking back on Barack

Photo: anita.manix

ny assessment of Barack Obama’s eightyear US presidency should start at the beginning: his first inauguration, on January 20, 2009. The US economy was in free-fall: financial markets had seized up, GDP was shrinking, and employment was plummeting, with some 800,000 jobs being lost each month. And two ill-conceived and badly executed foreign wars were underway.

In short, upon entering office, Obama confronted conditions more adverse than any incoming president had faced in many decades.

True, Franklin D. Roosevelt inherited the Great Depression and Abraham Lincoln took office as the Civil War erupted. But who else entered the White House facing both an economic and a nationalsecurity crisis?

To tackle the economic crisis, Obama launched a fiscal stimulus and rescue programmes for the financial system and the auto industry – policies that complemented and reinforced the US Federal Reserve’s aggressive and innovative monetary easing. Republicans nearly unanimously opposed the stimulus. And almost everybody was critical of the rescue programmes, urging Obama either to nationalise the banks and auto companies or let them collapse.

Against all odds, the Obama administration made the middle path work. The recession ended in June 2009 – an achievement for which the administration did not get enough credit, despite the clarity of the turnaround. In the last quarter of 2008, economic output had declined by an astonishing 8.2 per cent per annum. Yet, almost immediately after the stimulus programme was implemented, the output decline and employment losses slowed sharply.

The bottom came in June 2009, with output growth turning positive in the next quarter. Net job creation followed early in 2010. Employment growth persisted for the remainder of Obama’s time in office, reaching record-breaking levels: the US economy added more than 15 million jobs during Obama’s remaining years. By the latter part of Obama’s second term, unemployment had fallen by half, to below 5 per cent; wages were rising; and real median family incomes were finally increasing, by a record-high 5.2 per cent in the most recently reported year, with lower-income groups benefiting from even higher gains.

True, the recovery was disappointingly long and slow. One reason was the depth and financial origins of the 2007-2008 crash. Another was the

efforts of the Republicans, who secured a majority in Congress in 2010, to block further stimulus, even though more infrastructure spending and well-designed tax cuts were precisely what the US economy needed in 2011-2014. Republicans, it seems, support fiscal expansion only when they control the White House.

Obama managed two other major achievements before Republican obstructionism took hold: the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill and the Affordable Care Act (ACA, also known as “Obamacare”).

Despite Republicans’ subsequent steps to weaken Dodd-Frank and the ACA, both reforms did much more good than most people realise.

Dodd-Frank helped make a repeat of the 20072008 financial crisis less likely, and the ACA has given more than 20 million Americans access to health insurance while slowing the rise in overall health-care costs.

The two wars that Obama inherited were intractable. But he made the difficult decisions that led to the elimination of the instigator of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Osama bin Laden – a goal that his predecessor, George W. Bush, in his eagerness to invade Iraq, had lost interest in pursuing.

Moreover, in 2015, just as the press began labelling him a lame duck, Obama achieved a string of foreign-policy successes – namely, a much-needed nuclear agreement with Iran, normalisation of relations with Cuba, and agreement on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). He also helped to secure a global deal to fight climate change, particularly by first achieving a breakthrough with China.

President-elect Donald Trump, who takes over the presidency this month, faces far easier conditions than Obama. Nevertheless, he has announced plans to reverse most, if not all, of Obama’s achievements. The TPP, for example, is dead. And four years from now will probably be too late to revive it, because by then East Asian countries may have been drawn into a China-led trade grouping instead.

In some cases, however, Trump will run into obstacles in translating his crowd-pleasing sound bites into reality. In repealing Obamacare, for example, Republicans are likely to be stymied by the absence of an alternative that does not take away the health insurance of 20 million Americans or raise health-care costs. - Project Syndicate

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READERS’ FORUM Kandahar attack is not on UAE, but against humanity The Kandahar terrorist strike, in which five UAE officials involved in humanitarian and development initiatives were killed, was quite upsetting (January 12). It is obvious that people cannot accept escalation of such violence, as the campaign of human aggressiveness is seen on the rise in recent times. The region has been on the stride of development in every aspect of life, and such gruesome incidents should not be looked at targeting a particular country or the region. There should not be any compromise with a section of the ‘uncivilised community’ confronting with Scan this QR code arms and playing with the life of innocent to send letters to the people. In reality the Kandahar attack Readers’ Forum, is not on the UAE, but against humanity containing not more than 200 words with and all countries involved in aid works in full name, address Afghanistan and elsewhere in conflict-hit and telephone countries are directly affected. After the number, may be sent recent shooting in Turkey, which killed the by e-mail (akhtar@ timesofoman.com).

Russian ambassador, diplomatic missions have become a target of militancy. The sad part is that despite the world has been so much developed and advancing in countering such threats, the increase in violence is a real concern. The lapse needs to be addressed for which all hands to be joined together and work unanimously. — Ramachandran Nair, Ruwi

QUOTE OF THE DAY Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.

GEORGE S. PATTON

Is the economics profession “in crisis”? Many policymakers, such as Andy Haldane, the Bank of England’s chief economist, believe that it is. Indeed, a decade ago, economists failed to see a massive storm on the horizon, until it culminated in the most destructive global financial crisis in nearly 80 years.

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES JANUARY 2002 Majlis meet reviews minister’s reply MUSCAT: The Majlis Al Shura office yesterday held its fifth regular meeting of the year under the chairmanship of Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Qatabi, Majlis president.

After approving the minutes of the previous meeting, the office reviewed the reply of the education minister on an enquiry on Al Dhuhr prayers at the basic education schools. The office reviewed the similar reply from the manpower minister who was inquired by the Majlis on retirement pensions.

PICTOGRAPH

FOREIGN TRADE NON-OIL PRODUCTS (in million Omani Rials) Total end of June 2015

2016

1,636.3 1,247.8

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

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

1929: The US Senate ratifies the Kellogg-Briand anti-war pact.

1973: US President Richard Nixon announces the suspension of offensive action by US troops in Vietnam 1976: Sara Jane Moore sentenced to life in prison for her failed attempt to assassinate US President Gerald Ford.

0

2001: Wikipedia goes online.

Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

A 14

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2017

LIFESTYLE WELLNESS DEALING WITH

VERTIGO

H

aving the right balance is essential and for this complex integration of sensory information regarding the position of the body, the ability to generate appropriate motor responses to control body movement is required. Systems involved are vision, vestibular sense (inner ear), sense of position, muscle strength, and reaction time.

Dizziness is a subjective term; nobody other than the patient can experience what that person is experiencing. Many people with this disorder are inadequately evaluated. For some people, dizziness or vertigo is a feeling of unsteadiness, with the experience that the whole room isspinning around them.

Dizziness or vertigo can affect a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s independence, ability to work, and their quality of life. Many times I have patients who cannot explain their exact feeling, but they just know there is something different.

A lot of people say they feel dizzy, but what they are actually feeling is an unsteadiness on their feet. Dizziness and balance disorders may also lead to other problems including fatigue, difficulty walking, depression, or disinterest in everyday activities.

Generally, if someone has feelings of nausea, wooziness, and a sensation of spinning, it is usually referred to as vertigo. With increasing age there could be a progressive loss of function of these systems due to normal ageing or to a speciďŹ c pathology affecting a particular compo-

Story Dr Hilmi Abdul Salam

nent. Studies say that approximately one in ďŹ ve elderly people experiences dizziness or balance problems, associated with positional instability, and tendency to fall, spinning, and ďŹ&#x201A;oating sensation. Factors such as diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and thyroid disorders do not help it either.

Vertigo is a symptom of several different conditions. There are two types of vertigo, known as peripheral and central, depending on the cause. Since many types of vertigo go away without treatment, initial evaluation by a general practitioner or family doctor is appropriate early on, reserving specialty care for chronic cases.

A combined approach, involving Otolaryngologist (ENT), Ophthalmologist, and Neurologist for a detailed evaluation and assessment is advised. It is extremely rare, but not impossible, for young children to have vertigo. It becomes more common in the early 20s and affects all ages commonly after that. Its consequences, however, become more substantial as you get older because loss of balance in the elderly commonly leads to major fractures.

Can the symptoms of vertigo be confused with the symptoms of other diseases or conditions?

This is a common occurrence. Usually they are mistaken because of use of the word dizziness. Dizziness can refer to lightheadedness, which is not vertigo and is commonly produced by vascular problems. Diz-

ziness can also mean vertigo, and there are very few causes of vertigo that do not come from the inner ear. Occasionally, rare types of strokes can cause vertigo, but these are usually associated with other neurological symptoms as well.

Is dizziness the same for all people?

For some people it is lightheadedness. Some people feel faint. Some feel as if they are moving when they are not. Others feel a spinning sensation in which either they are doing the spinning or the world around them is spinning. For people over the age of 65, dizziness is one of the most frequent reasons for physician visits and hospital admissions. Dizziness is actually the second most common complaint reported to a physician next to back pain.Â

How does physical therapy help?

In forms of vertigo, where the inner ear has suffered damage and the function of that ear is ďŹ xed, not changing over time, physical therapy can be quite helpful. The reason physical therapy is helpful is that it helps train the brain to compensate for the loss of function in the ear.

What kind of physical therapy works to reduce vertigo?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s called vestibular rehabilitation. Not all physical therapists are trained in the practice. Common exercises include moving the eyes from side to side and rotating the head from side to side.

Is anxiety associated with vertigo?

Vertigo causes extreme anxiety in most people. Anxiety, by itself, does not proIs there any treatment for dizziness? duce vertigo. However, in association with Treatment for dizziness varies according conditions that do produce vertigo, anxito the diagnosis. Depending on the under- ety can make the vertigo much worse. Peolying cause, treatment options may include ple with certain anxiety disorders such as medication, changes in diet, physical thera- panic attacks can sometimes also experipy, or even surgery in the most severe cases. ence vertigo.

Are there any surgical procedures to correct vertigo?

There are surgical procedures to correct certain types of vertigo. If the vertigo is caused by a disease such as Meniereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease, where the function of the involved ear changes over time, and these changes do not respond to medical therapy, then surgical intervention may eliminate the vertigo.

Can a child get vertigo from playing a video game?

Three-dimensional video games can cause a brief sensation of vertigo, but it would not persist. Mental stress can make many forms of vertigo worse, but will not, by itself, produce vertigo. Positional vertigo refers to when a change in the position of your head produces a sense of vertigo.

How do doctors treat vertigo?

Diagnosis of most vertigo disorders is based on meticulous history. Some use the technique of elimination. If all fails, there is plan B consisting of diuretics, antivert, antinausea, anti-anxiety, anti-migraine, and more. Therapies including head position manoeuvres, balance therapy, and psychotherapy have been successful in managing many dizziness. Surgical and destructive procedures should be opted when all roads have failed and dizziness is debilitating.

Always opt for a second or third opinion before surgical intervention is adopted.

Dizziness usually goes away on its own. If it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, consider the following tips: Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014; 1 , Ĺ&#x2014;) Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;*)--# & Ĺ&#x2014;1 ,(#(!Ĺ&#x2014; signs before dizziness, which can lead to fall and serious injury. Avoid moving suddenly or driving, and use a cane if needed. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; % Ĺ&#x2014;3)/,Ĺ&#x2014;")' Ĺ&#x2014; &&Ä&#x161;*,)) Ĺ&#x2014; 3Ĺ&#x2014;, ')0#(!Ĺ&#x2014; tripping hazards. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; #.Ĺ&#x2014;),Ĺ&#x2014;&# Ĺ&#x2014; )1(Ĺ&#x2014;#'' # . &3Ĺ&#x2014;# Ĺ&#x2014; &#(!Ĺ&#x2014; dizzy. Lie still in dark room. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; 0)# Ĺ&#x2014; ,#0#(!Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014; ,Ĺ&#x2014;),Ĺ&#x2014;)* , .#(!Ĺ&#x2014;" 03Ĺ&#x2014; machinery. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; 0)# Ĺ&#x2014; ĂŽ #( Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; & )")&Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014;- &.Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014;.) )Ä&#x201E; Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; ,#(%Ĺ&#x2014; ()/!"Ĺ&#x2014;1 . ,Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; .Ĺ&#x2014;" &."3Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014;-& *Ĺ&#x2014; well, and avoid stress. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; #- )(.#(/ Ĺ&#x2014;' # .#)(Ĺ&#x2014;." .Ĺ&#x2014; /- Ĺ&#x2014; #4ziness. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; )(-/&.Ĺ&#x2014; (Ĺ&#x2014; .)& ,3(!)&)!#-.Ĺ&#x2014;),Ĺ&#x2014; (Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x201E; Dr Hilmi Abdul Salam, is specialist â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ENT at Burjeel Medical Centre, Azaiba

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2017 TEMPERATURE

WEATHER

HUMIDITY

24 - 16 75-43% 0

0

PRAYER TIMINGS

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

12.21pm 3.25pm 5.46pm 7.01pm 5.32am

A1 5

LIFESTYLE

Senior-Friendly Workout

E

xercise is good for everyone, but seniors with mobility or balance issues may wonder what kind of exercise they can do that will be safe, easy, and effective. Jogging outdoors, running on a treadmill or lifting weights at the gym arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always practical â&#x20AC;&#x201D; or enjoyable â&#x20AC;&#x201D;activities for everyone. However, one type of exercise works for everyone, no matter your age or ability, because it relies on improving practical movements often involved in everyday activities.

Natural movement is universal, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about bringing movement back to the basics, says Bradly Prigge, wellness exercise specialist with the Mayo Clinicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Healthy Living Programme in the US. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not about following the latest ďŹ tness craze or learning the new-

est secret to weight loss. Natural movement is about connecting with your body and cultivating an awareness of your full abilities.â&#x20AC;?

Rather than engaging in strenuous activity for its own sake alone, natural movement training emphasises improving the efficiency of practical movements which can include rising from a seated to a standing position, getting up off the ďŹ&#x201A;oor, crawling, stepping under or over objects, and more.

The objective, Prigge explains, is not just to improve health but also enhance how well you can perform each movement.

Efficient movement can help with balance, inspire more healthful activity, and provide practical beneďŹ ts in everyday life â&#x20AC;&#x201D; all of which are especially valuable to seniors facing mobility or health challenges.

The practice and training of movement shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel like a chore or something you have to do, Prigge says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rather, it should empower and liberate you, and, as a result, enhance your life. Natural movement training can help improve your strength, mobility and conditioning, but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not the direct goal.

Those improvements are the result of practising and developing movement skills that are directly transferable to real world situations, like rising from a seated to a standing position, walking with balance and conďŹ dence, and lifting a bag of groceries without injury.â&#x20AC;?

Natural movement is for everyone because at its most basic level it incorporates movements that are instinctual to all humans.

For example, a natural movement workout might include crawling

FITNESS NOTE

Select the Best Yoga Mat Trouble selecting the right yoga pad to purchase? With the possibilities, selecting a yoga pad could be a daunting task. There are lots of factors to choosing the right yoga pad.

Kind of yoga The kind of yoga you practice determines the kind of pad you will need. Determine your yoga prior to making a large purchase.

If you are just beginning, you should use pre-existing ones before you know which type of mat you want. Should you practice intensive yoga or sweat a great deal, you should think about a pad that does not absorb odours, and is anti-microbial. An exercise thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about ďŹ&#x201A;owing (vinyasa) postures need a pad with superior grip. A light practice does not require just as much, so there are lots more options to select from.

What sort of material?

The fabric you select determines a the stickiness, sponginess, and sturdiness of the pad. There some pretty standard materials, and today a lot of companies use a blend of materials to produce still better products.

PVC/Vinyl A lot more durable than other

mats, PVC mats can last as long as ten years. PVC mats are be the smoothest mats available on the market, and if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re okay with their texture these could be just the ones you want. These mats arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sustainable though and may release toxins as they are used. PVC mats are the most spongy ones available.

PVC (phthalate and latexfree) You can also buy a phthalatefree PVC mat, which do not release dangerous toxins over time.

Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also a great alternative to rubber mats for those who have a latex allergy.

Rubber (natural and recycled) A lot more earth friendly, natural rubber mats can be found in a multitude of textures, thicknesses, and designs.

They do not release toxins but frequently have a characteristic rubber odour, especially after youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve just bought them. While theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re spongy, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not as spongy as PVC mats. The traction is generally excellent, particularly with thicker mats.

Jute An excellent eco-friendly material. Jute mats donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t contain the

smell that rubber mats do. There is a rough, almost tickly texture that may bother some. Though they absorb many odours, they do need more cleaning. They do not possess a spongy feel, it but nonetheless, have superb grip.

Organic cotton These mats are ideal for individuals who require more cushioning. They do not have the standard gripping as compared to the above mats, so they are better for slower paced practices. These are typically very comfortable.

What thickness is appropriate?

The thickness youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need depends on a couple of factors. A thicker pad is great for somebody who has sensitive knees, ankles, wrists, or if you have a joint disease or any other issues. Thicker mats are designed for more intensive practices, while you avoid slipping.

Think about a thin pad in case your yoga practice is not too intense. If you are planning to hold your pad around a great deal or travel with it, a thinner, lighterweight pad is simpler to handle.

Also, thin mats give a more stable centre of gravity, which may be ideal for stability.â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Artipot

Efficient movement can help with balance, inspire more healthful activity, and provide practical benefits in everyday life â&#x20AC;&#x201D; all of which are especially valuable to seniors facing mobility or health challenges

move? How does shifting your on your hands and knees for 30 body weight or changing position seconds to a few minutes, sitting alter those sensations? on the ďŹ&#x201A;oor and swiveling hips and knees to facilitate standing up, or balancing while walking across a Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; (&3Ĺ&#x2014; * , ),'Ĺ&#x2014; ')0 ' (.-Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014; positions that your body allows beam. I realised just how organic without producing pain. Just this type of exercise is after attendas walking, sitting, standing ing a natural movement training and other everyday movements class, Prigge says. shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cause pain, your natuâ&#x20AC;&#x153;I came home and saw my ral movement workout should 2-year-old daughter doing the also be pain-free. same kind of moves Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d just learned in training, without anyone teachÄ&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; .Ä&#x201C;-Ĺ&#x2014; &,#!".Ĺ&#x2014;Ä&#x153;Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014; 0 (Ĺ&#x2014; 0#- & Ĺ&#x2014; ing her to do them.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to use your hands for support Prigge offers some advice for or raise your hips with bolsters or making the most of your natural pillows until you develop greater movement workout: mobility and strength. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; 3Ĺ&#x2014; .. (.#)(Ĺ&#x2014;.)Ĺ&#x2014;3)/,Ĺ&#x2014;')0 ' (.Ĺ&#x2014; and strive to develop awareness of your bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sensations, and Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014; %#( Ĺ&#x2014; .)Ĺ&#x2014; 3)/,- & Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014; , &#- Ĺ&#x2014; it is important to meet yourself how different movements feel. where you currently are, rather For example, where do you feel than where you used to be or feel pressure and tension in your you should be.-BPT body when making a particular

A16

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2017

LIFESTYLE 10 Surprising Sources of Protein

W

hen it comes to including protein-packed food into your diet beef, chicken, beans, and eggs aren’t your only options. There are plenty of other options too.

1

Kale Kale is a leafy green vegetable that is high in protein. It is a versatile food. With a bit of oil and a pan you can make kale chips or you can add in your morning smoothie.

2

Watercress Watercress is usually eaten fresh, and has 0.8g of protein in a cup, plus 100% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin K. It also helps in preventing cancer.

3

Alfalfa Sprouts Alfalfa sprouts provide a good source of protein. Top it with your favourite veggies and a squeeze of lemon. You have a great vitamin and mineralpacked lunch. Eating alfalfa

sprouts regularly may help to reduce cholesterol levels.

4

Avocado Avocado provides a significant amount of protein along with providing heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. A cup of avocado provides 4 grams of protein. The protein provided by avocado is easily absorbed because it also contains fibre.

5

Chickpeas Like other legumes chickpeas are a good source of protein.

Top your salads with them, make hummus, or eat them roasted. Because they are low in saturated fat and are cholesterol-free, they can be a good substitute for meat.

6

Sundried Tomatoes It might be hard to believe, and people normally do not associate protein with tomatoes but the truth is there are 6 grams of protein in a cup of sundried tomatoes. Use it in your pasta sauce, salads, and sandwiches to add a new flavour.

7

Peas Peas contain more than 5% protein. The best part of having green peas is that they can be cooked in a variety of ways, ensuring that one ends up getting the most both in terms of taste and goodness.

8

Spinach Spinach is known as a “superfood” because of its antioxidant properties. However, it is also a good source of protein.

There are three grams of protein in half cup of spinach.

9

Broccoli Broccoli is not just filled with fibre but also a great source of protein, with two grams per serving.

10

Corn Half cup of corn kernels provide two grams of filling protein. Have it grilled or add on to your salads. Either way they add to your protein intake.

— lifestyle@timesofoman.com

B INDIAN SHARES ADVANCE

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2017

Markets extended gains for the third consecutive week on persistent buying with Sensex crossing the psychological 27,000-level after nine weeks on rise in industrial output and fall in inflation figure. – PTI

MARKE

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH THE VIDEO

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

Oman’s investment income to fall on drawings from reserves Income from government investment is expected to fall by 60 per cent to OMR200 million this year, from as high as OMR500 million in the 2016 budget estimate, according to the state budgets.

A E JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A substantial fall in investment income of Oman government is expected this year, mainly due to a drop in yield and drawing on reserves in recent years to meet budget deficits.

According to the state budget, income from government investment is expected to fall by 60 per cent to OMR200 million this year, from as high as OMR500 million in

the proposed 2016 budget.

Although a large portion of deficit financing is coming from borrowings, there are withdrawals from sovereign wealth funds, as well. “So, this is resulting in a significant decline in income from government investments,” said Ashok Hariharan, Partner and Head of Tax for KPMG in the Lower Gulf.

In response to the projected deficit of OMR3 billion for 2017, the Omani government plans to borrow OMR2.1 billion from overseas

PERFORMANCE

markets, OMR400 million from the domestic market and OMR500 million by way of drawing on the sovereign fund.

The recent disinvestments, especially diluting its stake in Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel), also resulted in a drop in income from investments. The Omani government sold 19 per cent of its holding in Omantel in 2013 as part of its privatisation efforts.

Hariharan, who was delivering a detailed presentation on the state budget last week, said that miscellaneous revenue in 2017 is going to increase by 714 per cent to OMR298 million, from OMR36 million. Also, revenue from corporate income taxes is estimated to decline to OMR400 million, indicating a 23 per cent fall from the 2016 budget proposal of OMR520 million.

Total tax and fee revenues is estimated at OMR1,423 million for 2017, against OMR1,329 million in the previous year.

Debt servicing cost of government to go up Times News Service MUSCAT: Interest on loans or debt servicing costs for the Omani government is expected to shoot up by 194 per cent this year, mainly due to higher borrowings and an increase in the rate of interest.

The budget proposal projected OMR265 million to be set aside to pay interest on loans this year, against OMR90 million for the budget proposal in 2016.

“The rate is going up and the ratings of the Oman government are declining, which have an impact on the rate of interest,” said Ashok Hariharan, Partner and Head of Tax for

Ashok Hariharan

KPMG in the Lower Gulf.

In fact, last year the government relied on external borrowings for a major proportion of its debt needs, which allowed the private sector to

depend on the domestic market for their funding needs.

In order to plug the deficit, the Omani government issued $4 billion worth of international bonds last year, $5 billion in syndicated loans, $500 million in Islamic bonds and $2 billion from export credit agencies.

Further, debt issues accounted for 72 per cent of the total deficit, while the remaining 28 per cent was covered by drawing on reserves.

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 M O N T H LY R E P O R T

HSBC Bank Oman Crude oil production of Oman falls posts higher profit MUSCAT: Oman’s total production of crude oil and condensates in December 2016 fell by 1.76 per cent to 30.85 million barrels, indicating an average daily production of 995,191 barrels, according to the monthly report published by the Ministry of Oil and Gas. The total quantity of crude oil exported abroad in December 2016 stood at 25.49 million barrels, a daily average of 822,313 barrels – representing a decline of 11.17 per cent compared to November 2016, when calculating the daily average.

Times News Service MUSCAT: HSBC Bank Oman reported that its net profit for 2016 soared by 31 per cent to OMR16.9 million, from OMR12.9 million in 2015.

According to the initial unaudited financial results, net loans and advances moved up by 18.1 per cent to OMR1,418.40 million by end-December 2016, from OMR1,200.80 million in the same period in 2015. However, customer deposits increased 3.6 per cent to OMR1,866.7 million from OMR1,802.3 million during the period under review, according to a disclosure statement posted on the MSM website.

Also, the bank’s operating income edged up by 2.3 per cent to OMR75.2 million, from OMR73.5 million, while operating expenses were down to OMR48.4 million from OMR54.7 million.

Additionally, loan impairment

charges were higher, at OMR5.6 million for 2016, against OMR3.4 million for 2015.

Total assets of the bank also moved up by 2.5 per cent to OMR2,253.9 million from OMR2,199.9 million.

The initial results are subject to approval of the board, the Central Bank of Oman and shareholders of the bank.

Exports The report also said that the exported volume to China was 92.05 per cent, an increase of 8.46 per cent compared to November.

The exportsto Japan registered a slight increase of 3.61 per cent, while exportsto Malaysia declined to 2.38 per cent. Meanwhile, exports to India stood at 1.69 per cent of total exports.

The report pointed out that the price of crude oil for the reference

VITAL RESOURCE: The report also said that the exported volume to China was 92.05 per cent, an in-

crease of 8.46 per cent compared to November. - Times file picture

oil around the world witnessed a remarkable rise in December 2016, compared to the previous month. The average price of West Texas crude grade in New York stood at $52.84 per barrel in December 2016, constituting a rise of$6.66 per barrel, in comparison with November.

The average price of North Sea Brent grade reached $54.92 per barrel, constituting a rise by $7.83

N C S I L AT E S T B U L L E T I N

Higher transportation cost drives Oman’s December inflation rate to 1.13 per cent MUSCAT: Oman’s consumer price inflation (CPI) in December 2016 increased by 1.13 per cent compared with prices in the same month of 2015, according to the latest bulletin issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

A price escalation of 9.42 per cent in the transport segment, along with a 0.58 per cent rise in prices of housing, water, electricity and fuels set contributed significantly to the inflation.

Other sub-segment The other sub-segment in the CPI basket of goods and services that logged a price rise included restaurants and hotels at 0.48 per cent, education at 2.85 per cent, and furnishings, household equipment and maintenance at 0.62 per cent. The health segment too registered an upward price movement at 0.66 per cent in the month of December compared with last year.

Interestingly, the tobacco products witnessed a whopping 21.88 per cent growth.

However, a nearly 3 per cent fall in prices of foods and nonalcoholic beverages sub-segment reined in the inflationary pressure to an extent. Also, easing of prices in the clothing and footwear at 0.42 per cent, along with a 3 per cent drop in prices of the communication segment and a 0.45 per cent fall in recreation

DROP IN PRICES: In the foods segment, vegetable prices went down by 14.52 per cent, while prices

of fruits dropped by 5.37 per cent. - Times file picture

and culture segment helped tame the inflationary pressure in December 2016. Other products and services witnessed a 0.20 per cent rise in prices.

In the foods segment, vegetable prices went down by 14.52 per cent, while prices of fruits dropped by 5.37 per cent. Further, the prices of bread and cereals fell

by 1.12 per cent, while fish and seafood declined by 3.29 per cent.

Milk, cheese and eggs too turned cheaper by 2.25 per cent. The oils and fats sub-segment saw prices cool off by a marginal 0.15 per cent in the month.

In contrast, meat products witnessed an inflationary pressure of 0.21 per cent along with a 0.42 per

cent price rise in the sugar, jam, honey and confectionary sub-segment. Other food products logged a price fall of 0.32 per cent. Nonalcoholic beverages prices edged up by 0.77 per cent in December from the same month of 2015. In 2016, Oman’s average consumer inflation stood at 1.12 per cent compared with 2015.— ONA

per barrel over November 2016.

The trading of Oman Crude Oil Future Contract at Dubai Mercantile Exchange (DME Oman) rose by 18.4 per cent compared with last month. Oman oil price (February Delivery 2017) stood at $52.72 per barrel, an increase of $8.18 compared to January 2017, in which it averaged between $49.71 a barrel and $54.65 a barrel.

The increase in the settlement

price for this month is attributed to a number of key factors that had direct effect on prices, including the historic agreement between Opec and non-Opec members to cut production to reduce oversupply at the world markets at a quickened pace, the remarkable decline in the US commercial crude oil reserves and devaluation of the US dollar against a basket of foreign currencies. — ONA

B2

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2017

MARKET WA L L S T R E E T

US bank stocks to stay in favour on better earnings

RIBBON CUTTING: City Centre Qurum now has approximately 26,500 square metres of retail space, offering more than 13 diverse dining

and café options, 91 retail destinations and distinct entertainment options. — Supplied picture

City Centre Qurum’s expansion completed These new retail outlets add to an already strong line-up of retail, restaurant and entertainment options, including Carrefour Hypermarket, VOX Cinemasand Magic Planet

Times News Service MUSCAT: City Centre Qurum, which is owned by the UAE-based Majid Al Futtaim group, last week announced the completion of the final stage of its OMR5 million redevelopment project.

The redevelopment work, which began in April 2016, includes 3,150 square metres Centrepoint — the multi-brand retail concept of Landmark Group, which includes Babyshop, Splash, Lifestyle and Shoe Mart. These new retail outlets add to an already strong

line-up of retail, restaurant and entertainment options including Carrefour Hypermarket, VOX Cinemas, H&M and Magic Planet, said a company release. The expansion also includes 177 additional car parking spaces, bringing the total number of parking spaces available to shoppers to 1,055 spaces.

City Centre Qurum now has approximately 26,500 square metres of retail, offering more than 13 diverse dining and café options, 91 retail destinations and distinct entertainment options.

“I am pleased to confirm that the redevelopment project is now complete and that we were able to deliver it in a timely and cost-effective manner,” said Watfa Humaid Al Harthy, senior mall manager, City Centre Qurum. “Centrepoint

FOURTH EDITION

is a welcomed addition to City Centre Qurum’s comprehensive retail line-up and the latest addition is a testament to our commitment to introduce the latest retail concepts to meet the needs of our community while creating great moments for everyone, everyday.”

Since opening, Centrepoint has performed well and we have seen an increase in both footfall and sales. Our launch in City Centre Qurum had been one of the most successful to date – commented by Centrepoint management team.

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

NEW YORK: US bank stocks will stay in favour with investors as long as earnings reports in the coming week show an improving profit outlook while investors wait to see if US President-elect Donald Trump lives up to his campaign promises.

Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase Bank of America kicked off the earnings season on a positive note on Friday, sending the S&P 500’s banking sub-sector up as much as 2.3 per cent to its highest since February 2008 before paring gains. It closed trading up 0.8 per cent compared with a 0.2 per cent gain for the broader S&P 500.

Expressed optimism The banks’ top executives expressed optimism on Friday about 2017 in their first public comments about earnings since Trump won the presidential election on Nov. 8.

The bank index rose 24.8 per cent between Nov. 8 and Dec. 9 then traded sideways for a month as bond yields fell. Investors were waiting for earnings and for concrete plans from Trump who has said he supports lower taxes, fiscal stimulus and lighter regulation, which would all help banks.

Results and guidance from the big banks scheduled to report in the week ahead could boost the sector, according to John Praveen, chief investment strategist at Prudential International Investments Advisers in Newark, New Jersey.

“Results are likely to be good and the outlook is going to be positive so there’s room for further gains,” said Praveen.

The S&P banks index has traded recently at 13.6 times earnings estimates for the next 12 months compared with its five-year average multiple of about 11 but in line with the 10-year average of

F I V E - NAT I O N B L O C

F I V E - D AY E X H I B I T I O N

Oman to host major interior ‘Brics establishing design exhibition in February themselves as key economic force’

MUSCAT: An exhibition on interior design, decor and furniture will be organised on February 13 at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre under the auspices of Dr Rasheed bin Al Safi Al Huraibi, chairman of the Tender Board.

The expo, to be organised by Al Nimr Expo, aims at displaying the latest technological solutions, services and products in the field of design, interior and exterior décor and furniture.

130 companies to attend As more as 130 local and foreign companies specialised in interior design, décor and furniture will

take part in the expo.

The expo is expected to attract a large number of businessmen, representatives of companies and visitors who are keen to familiarise with the latest developments in these fields and enter into transactions with exhibitors.

Accessories of kitchen The exhibition will have corners for accessories of kitchen, bathrooms, furniture, bed covers, interior and exterior decor, lighting, surfaces, finishing, textile and carpets. It will also have corners for designing the decors of shops, schools, spas, homes and external landscaping,

such as fountains, gardens and others. Additionally, it will have corners for renovation of old buildings and archeological sites.

Remarkable growth Eng. Salim Al Hashmi, Chairman of Al Nimr Expo said that the number of exhibitors has witnessed a remarkable growth from 70 companies in 2014 to 85 companies in 2015, 107 companies in 2016 and this year it may be increased to 130 companies. He also noted that the number of visitors stood at 3500 in 2014, 4200 visitors in 2015, 4700 visitors in 2016 and is expected to be higher this year. — ONA

BEIJING: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (Brics) nations are establishing themselves as an economic force, eminent Indian banker and New Development Bank (NDB) chief K V Kamath has said, expressing confidence that the cooperation among the five-nation bloc will be further strengthened during the Chinese presidency this year.

With China to host the ninth Brics annual summit in the southeastern coastal city of Xiamen in September, Kamath said Shanghai-based NDB, established by the bloc, plans to showcase its progress to the leaders of the five countries.

The eminent banker said he believes the Xiamen summit will let people know where the Brics countries stand today, their current agenda and “how we could benefit by working in a cooperative manner.”

“Importantly, the summit comes at a time when you can clearly see the five countries establishing themselves as an economic force,” he told state-run Xinhua news agency. He said the cooperation among Brics nations will be strengthened during Chinese presidency over the bloc in 2017.

13.1, including the 2008 financial crisis, according to Thomson Reuters data.

The banks’ multiple is well below the broader S&P 500’s forward price/earnings ratio of 17. But the banks’ discount to the broader market has been shrinking since before the election.

Praveen sees a bigger multiple expansion for the banking sector than for the S&P as a whole as more defensive sectors like utilities or consumer staples that are sensitive to interest rate hikes will likely not enjoy as much expansion. Among banks reporting in the coming week Morgan Stanley is expected to post results on Tuesday followed by Citibank on Wednesday. BB&T Corp, KeyCorp and Bank of New York Mellon Corp all report on Thursday.

Fred Cannon, director of research at KBW in New York, said banks’ expanded valuations make them a “show-me” story but as long as earnings estimates are rising they should stay popular.

“Until we see the blue skies get cloudy it will probably still be a sector in favour,” he said.

Some investors are more cautious going into earnings. For instance traders in Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund options have moved to protect post-election gains. Open contracts on the fund’s shares are now the most defensive in about four weeks, according to options analytics firm Trade Alert.

“The banks’ stocks are likely to chop along in sideways volatility through earnings season,” said Jeff Morris, head of US equities for Standard Life Investments in Boston, who doesn’t see earnings as a big catalyst at a time when there is still uncertainty about whether Trump will be able to enact policies expected to help banks and accelerate economic growth. — Reuters

“The Chinese government has been very hospitable towards the NDB, enabling us to set up and operate the bank in a very short time,” Kamath said.

“All of these would not have been possible without the support and guidance we received from China,” he said. This year opens the second decade of the emerging-market bloc.

In the first decade of its existence, Brics moved forward on the economic front establishing NDB, which was established with initial subscribed capital of $50 billion with total paid-in capital of $10 billion.

The bank has started disbursing loans for various green infrastructure projects in the five countries. In December 2016, the NDB signed its first loan agreement, providing 525 million yuan ($76 million) for a solar power project in Shanghai.

“The fact we were able to appraise our first project in a record time has set a new benchmark for the NDB to follow,” he said.

Last year, the NDB issued three billion yuan worth of fiveyear green bonds, its first bond to raise funds worldwide for clean energy projects. — PTI

Iran solo expo to begin on January 23 MUSCAT: The third edition of Iran Solo Country Exhibition will start at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre on January 23 under the patronage of Dr Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Minister of Commerce and Industry. It will be held in the presence of Eng. Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh, Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade of Iran. The exhibition will be organised by Omanexpo, in conjunction with the Iranian Embassy in the Sultanate.

The five-day exhibition comes this year to boost commerce between Oman and Iran, facilitate the development of business and investment prospects, and strengthen economic relations between the two countries.

The exhibition is a platform for more than 100 Iranian companies to showcase high-quality products to new and developing markets in the Sultanate. It is also a venue for SMEs, manufacturers and distributors who are seeking to increase their business prospects and expand their businesses.

B2B meetings will be held on the sidelines of the exhibition between businessmen from both countries to look for agents for Iranian trademarks, as well as striking trade deals. — ONA

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2017

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MARKET BankDhofar unveils 2017 savings scheme with more cash offerings BankDhofar is increasing the number of winners and offering more valuable cash prizes in its weekly, monthly and quarterly draws.

Times News Service MUSCAT: BankDhofar has unveiled its new savings programme for 2017, increasing the number of winners and offering more valuable cash prizes in its weekly, monthly and quarterly draws.

Elaborating on the scheme, Faisal Hamad Al Wahaibi, chief retail banking officer at BankDhofar, said, “The new savings scheme for 2017 comes following the resounding success of the sav-

ings scheme last year, in which we saw an improved awareness and emphasis on the culture of saving.

Today, we continue celebrating the success of the scheme, which comes within the framework of our concentrated efforts to enrich our customer experience and to reward those who save. We strive to provide the best services and products in the market, as our banking solutions are customised to suit customers’ needs and requirements. We did not only increase

U S I N V E S T I G AT I O N

the number and the value of cash prizes this year, but also added customised winner categories and allocated prizes to cover all governorates and all branches in the Sultanate, ensuring more customers were included in the scheme.”

On his part, Khalid Rabia Al Amri,head of the branches network at BankDhofar, noted, “Like last year, prize draws will be conducted across BankDhofar branches in all governorates throughout the year. Every week, the draw will be conducted in one of the governorates and will exclusively include customers from that governorate, giving more customers the chance to win. The scheme will continue through December 2017 with the total value of weekly prizes reaching OMR750,000 for 750 winners, while the value of monthly prizes is OMR240,000 for 24 winners. For Al Riadah customers, the value of monthly prizes is

OMR300,000 for 12 winners and the value of quarterly prizes is OMR200,000 for 4 winners.”

As per the prize draw scheme, BankDhofar customers who save a minimum of OMR100 in their accounts are eligible to enter the weekly and monthly draws, in which 15 customers will win cash prizes worth OMR15,000 (OMR1,000 for each winner) every week, while two customers will win OMR10,000 every month. As for Al Riadah customers, one customer will win anOMR50,000 cash prize every three months, while one customer will win a OMR25,000 cash prize every month.

“The total value of cash prizes is OMR1,490,000, in which customers who save can enter weekly, monthly and quarterly draws (for Al Riadah customers). Every OMR100 saved by customers gives them one chance to win, and the more you save, the more chances you get,” said Al Amri.

PERFORMANCE

Moody’s agrees to pay $864 million to settle subprime ratings claim in US NEW YORK: Moody’s Investors Service agreed to pay almost $864 million to resolve a multiyear US investigation into credit ratings on subprime mortgage securities, helping to clear the way for the firm to move beyond its crisis-era litigation.

Moody’s reached the agreement with the US Justice Department and 21 states, which accused the company of inflating ratings on mortgage securities that were at the centre of the 2008 financial crisis, the Justice Department said on Friday in a statement.

That penalty is about a third of the $2.5 billion that Moody’s earned in the four years leading up to the crisis. Standard and Poor’s settled similar claims with the US for $1.5 billion last year.

“The agreement acknowledges the considerable measures Moody’s has put in place to strengthen and promote the integrity, independence and quality of its credit ratings,” the company said in an e-mailed statement. “As part of the resolution, Moody’s has agreed to maintain, for the next five years, a number of existing compliance measures and to implement and maintain certain additional measures over the same period.” Since the crisis, the bulk of government settlements have been shouldered by the biggest banks, which have paid more than $162 billion in fines and penalties. Few executives on Wall Street have been individually charged or held personally responsible for misconduct.

Still, the settlement with Moody’s helps the Obama administration move closer to wrapping up investigations of Wall Street

firms for their actions leading up to the 2008 mortgage meltdown, a catastrophe that the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission said wiped out $11 trillion of American household wealth. The credit ratings industry has been the target of these investigations into Wall Street for years.

Justice Department The Justice Department sued Barclays Plc in December for fraud over its sale of mortgage bonds after the bank balked at paying the amount the government sought in negotiations. The lawsuit is rare for big banks, which typically settle with the government rather than risk drawn-out litigation and a possible trial.

The next day, Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse Group said they had agreed to pay a combined $12.5 billion to resolve similar cases, though final settlements with the government haven’t yet been announced.

Both Moody’s Investors Ser-

vice, a unit of Moody’s Corp., and S&P played key roles in Wall Street’s making of toxic, subprime mortgage bonds. While subprime home loans typically go to borrowers with the weakest credit, bonds backed by those mortgages received top-flight, AAA credit ratings. The bonds began coming apart in 2007 as the housing market collapsed, contributing to more than $1.9 trillion in losses at financial firms worldwide during a crisis that almost collapsed the global banking system.

Investigators in Congress found after the crash that in some cases, credit rating firms were giving out top grades to junk deals simply to win business from the banks preparing the securities.

In 2007, Moody’s said in public filings that it had ratings relationships with more than 11,000 corporate issuers, 26,000 public finance issuers, and that it had rated more than 110,000 structured finance securities, comprised primarily of mortgage bonds. As

housing prices began to tumble that year, Moody’s downgraded 83 per cent of the $869 billion in mortgage bonds it had rated AAA in 2006.

“This crisis could not have happened without the rating agencies,” the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission concluded in 2011.

Today, Moody’s remains the second-largest ratings company after S&P, and together with Fitch Ratings, these three bond graders still have over 96 per cent market share — a bigger hold than the government reported last year.

In 2007, the triopoly graded 98.8 per cent of bonds outstanding, according to government data.

In troves of e-mails made public by Congress, S&P executives were caught criticising their own ratings. “We rate every deal. It could be structured by cows, and we would rate it,” read one e-mail exchange between S&P executives. The Justice Department later included that exchange in its own lawsuit against S&P. Whereas many outside observers viewed S&P’s e-mails as severely damaging and an indictment in the public perception, few such e-mails from within Moody’s have emerged. That stoked a broadly held view in the industry that the Justice Department could have a harder time proving misconduct of Moody’s.

“We’ve known for years that conflicts of interest at credit-rating firms were a significant factor in causing the 2008 financial crisis,” Sen. Al Franken told Bloomberg when Moody’s announced that it expected to be sued. “We can’t let Wall Street be above the law,” he said. — Bloomberg News

NET INCOME: Total net operating income of the bank edged up by 0.3 per cent to OMR136.1 million in 2016, from OMR135.7 million in 2015. - Times file picture

NBO reports 7.2 per cent fall in net profit Times News Service MUSCAT: National Bank of Oman has reported that its net profit declined by 7.2 per cent to OMR55.8 million in 2016, from OMR60.10 million in 2015. However, the bank’s net interest income and income from Islamic financing rose by 7.3 per cent to OMR101.6 million in 2016 from OMR94.70 million in 2015.

According to preliminary unaudited results, net loans and advances grew by 5.4 per cent to OMR2.67 billion for 2016, from OMR2.53 billion in 2015. Also, customer deposits and unrestricted investment accounts grew by 6.6 per cent to OMR2.40 billion, from OMR2.25 billion.

Total net operating income for the bank edged up 0.3 per cent to OMR136.1 million in 2016, from OMR135.7 million in 2015. Also, operating expenses increased

OMR101.6m Was the bank’s net interest income and income from Islamic financing in 2016, up from OMR94.70 million reported in 2015.

by 4.5 per cent to OMR62.7 million from OMR60 million during the period under review, while total assets grew by 8.3 per cent to OMR3.53 billion in 2016, from OMR3.26 billion. The financial results are subject to the approval of external auditors, the board of directors, Central Bank of Oman and the shareholders of the bank, according to a disclosure statement posted on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) website.

BANK OF ENGLAND

UK’s rising inflation to pave the way for interest rate revision LONDON: Faster UK inflation is putting the Bank of England (BOE) on track for a rate hike. Eventually.

That’s according to the latest Bloomberg News survey of economists, which has 65 per cent forecasting that the next move in the benchmark interest rate is more likely to be an increase rather than a cut. But any such move may be some time away, with the median

forecast in a separate poll showing no rate change until 2019.

BOE policy makers are facing a sharp pickup in consumer-price growth because of the pound’s drop since the Brexit vote, with data next week forecast to show an acceleration to 1.4 per cent, the strongest since 2014. That’s just one concern for Governor Mark Carney, who will deliver

his first speech of the year on Monday evening, and is keeping a neutral bias on rates as he monitors the potential economic fallout from the decision to quit the European Union.

“Inflation is going to move up quite markedly as we get toward the middle of the year,” Victoria Clarke, an economist at Investec Securities in London, said in a

telephone interview. “So for us, certainly not this year or next but down the line, the next move is up rather than down.”

Pound’s depreciation As the pound’s depreciation and higher oil costs feed through to UK shops, the BOE expects inflation to breach its 2 per cent goal within months. That may make

life uncomfortable for policy makers, who are trying to balance the trade-off between supporting the economy and making sure price expectations don’t become dislodged.

The inflation data on Tuesday will come hours after Carney speaks on the BOE’s future policy challenges on Monday evening in London. The governor may give his

latest thinking on the outlook after the United Kingdom’s economy surprised many with a strongerthan-expected performance since the Brexit vote.

Carney signalled this week that the BOE could raise its economic forecasts for the second time since the June referendum when it publishes its next policy decision early next month. — Bloomberg News

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2017

FEATURE

GENERAL

ELECTRIC'S

AMBITIOUS

OUTLOOK SETS

UP ANOTHER

eneral Electric (GE) did not need to go big with its sales guidance ... again. The maker of industrial software, jet engines and wind turbines held its 2017 outlook event in early December and forecast revenue gains of 3 per cent to 5 per cent next year, excluding the impact of acquisitions and currency swings.

For that to happen, GE’s downtrodden oil and gas business needs to stabilise somewhat and the sluggish global growth that’s plagued industrial companies this year needs to stop being so sluggish.

It is possible that GE can deliver, but CEO Jeff Immelt also runs a risk of over-promising and under-delivering.

(RBC analyst Deane Dray, for one, estimates 2017 organic growth will work out to more like 3.5 per cent, below the midpoint of GE’s guidance.)

This time last year, Immelt also came out swinging on organic growth, projecting expansion of 2 per cent to 4 per cent in one of the more ambitious calls among his peers.

The $278 billion conglomerate had to walk that back in the third quarter, admitting sales might be flat year over year.

The fumbled messaging muddled GE’s coming-out party as a more-focused industrial company and is one reason why the stock is up less than a dollar from where it was this time in 2015. And it might not even be higher at all, were it not for the market’s post-election rally.

It seems there were few lessons learned from that experience. GE is again leading the pack on organic growth forecasts and to what end?

There should not be any shame in playing things more conservatively. Consider that Danaher Corp., a company that’s barely an industrial anymore after taking a hard turn into the much faster-growing life sciences industry, is calling for organic growth of as much as 4 per cent next year. No offense, GE, but you are not Danaher. United Technologies, which also held its outlook call recently, projected core revenue would grow by 2 per cent to 4 per cent in 2017.

The company’s new jet engine was already a boon to sales this year and that should continue in an even bigger way 2017, despite the delivery glitches that have plagued the rollout.

While CEO Greg Hayes echoed Immelt’s optimism for the US economy, he was less sanguine about global growth, calling for a 2.8 per cent expansion in GDP, a modest improvement from this year’s 2.4 per cent.

Investors are likely to give GE a pass on its exuberant growth forecast for now because the company was able to show it doesn’t necessarily need that big of a boost to reach its goal of $2 in earnings per share by 2018.

The declines in its oil and gas business have set GE back about 10 cents to 15 cents, but it’s making up for that with share buybacks, the planned combination of its energy assets with Baker Hughes Inc. and a new $1 billion cost-cutting plan.

Should its sales numbers turn out less rosy, GE has $10 billion in unallocated capital that it can put toward buybacks and M&A to help it get across the finish line on the EPS goal.

Immelt said the organic growth forecast was achievable in part because it’s in keeping with the company’s historical average. But the past isn’t what investors care about and their patience may wane if GE doesn’t deliver the goods (and the stock price) to back up that enthusiastic view.

Activist investor Trian Fund Management disclosed a stake in GE last year and thus far has been largely supportive of the company’s strategy.

But the firm’s base case called for a valuation of about $43 a share by the end of 2017, not including dividends.

GE currently trades for about $31.50 and analysts are targeting a price of about $33 on average over the next 12 months.

GE will need a message investors can have faith in to bridge that gap. No one wants 2016 to be renewed for another season.

— BROOKE SUTHERLAND/Bloomberg News

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2017

ROUND-UP

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ROLE OF MEDIA

Nama Group holds its first annual media gathering MUSCAT: In recognition of the positive role and efforts of various media representatives, Nama Group held its first annual media gathering at Crowne Plaza Muscat with the attendance of communication and media staff from all subsidiaries.

During the gathering, Atif Sulaiman Al Alawi, manager- Group Branding and Communication at Nama Holding, highlighted the role of media representatives in supporting the group’s communication mission to 'Leverage technology for effective communication campaigns, reputation and change management to build brand equity and deliver sustainable stakeholder value' and the importance of their effective contribution by continuously engaging with the communication team, says a press release.

Atif also presented the Nama Group’s communication plan for 2017 and discussed plans for collaboration, and discussed the first Nama Group’s sustainability report (Global Reporting Initiative) with all media representatives.

Furthermore, the communication team launched the new 'Nama Ring Tone' as part of the communication plan. The tone will support the group’s sustainability policy with all sales proceeds to be contributed to local charities.

Ghada Mohamed Al Yousef, executive manager - Nama Group Communication and Sustainability said: “We strongly believe in the media’s role in reaching our stakeholders and we aim to create an environment where continuous and prompt responses are provided to all media representatives.”

Nama Group plans to hold annual media gatherings to engage the media in the communication plan and to measure the effectiveness of Nama Group’s audience reach.

Ooredoo opens its 1st FTTH kiosk in Muscat City Centre The company’s stand will provide customers with a host of Ooredoo’s latest fibre services, including its revamped portfolio of unlimited Superfast Fibre bundles

MUSCAT: Ooredoo recently opened its first fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) kiosk in Muscat City Centre to connect more customers to its unlimited and high capacity fibre optic network.

Set to meet the needs of its rapidly growing customer base, the new outlet will be open from 10am to 10pm weekdays and from 10am to 12am weekends, says a press release. The company’s stand will provide customers with a host of Ooredoo’s latest fibre services, including its revamped portfolio of unlimited Superfast Fibre bundles. Comprising five new data plans, the packages feature two top-tier speeds of 300 Mbps and 1

Gbps in addition to 1,000 national minutes per month.

Customers can also choose from no contract variants with no early termination charges, as well as a one or two year contract option with zero upfront fees for installation and equipment.

The introduction of the new kiosk comes as part of the company’s long-standing commitment to champion the growth of local communities through value added services and the latest technology.

Ooredoo’s efforts have led to the development of a wide variety of cost-efficient products, services and investments to its state-ofthe-art fibre optic network.

ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK

Izdihar Savings Account offers attractive expected investment returns MUSCAT: ‘Izdihar’ Savings Account from Alizz Islamic Bank, an innovative multi-tiered savings product, continues to reward savers with expected high returns while offering flexibility.

The Izdihar Savings Account is based on the Sharia principle ‘Mudaraba’. It comes with various benefits and features such as attractive weightages based on deposit tier, rewarding savers for growing and maintaining their balances and offering immediate access to funds with no minimum investment period, says a press release.

The Izdihar Savings Account is a savings account linked to a current account with an automatic sweeping facility to make sure any money you deposit is automatically moved to the savings account and earning you anticipated profits, in addition to permitting flexible withdrawals through a checkbook facility. Profit on the account is accrued daily and paid monthly. Customers will get access to

online banking and mobile banking and receives SMS alerts for any transaction. As an account, ‘Izdihar’ has been designed to meet all customer banking requirements in accordance with Sharia principles. Alizz Islamic Bank is the only bank Sultanate-wide that offers more than 28 Sharia-compliant products that meet the needs of individuals and businesses.Moosa Al Jadidi, chief operating officer stated, “Alizz Islamic Bank is committed to delivering quality and excellence in everything we do, with the objective of providing our customers with an unsurpassed banking experience.

We strive to ensure maximum value to our customers, fast turnaround and ease of carrying out transactions.

All in all, we want to ensure that from start to finish, our valued customers’ needs and convenience is at the heart of our approach to all of our products and services.”

“These are the qualities customers look for in any product, banking or otherwise, and we are grateful that

our banking solutions have proven time and time again to be competitive, popular with consumers and ultimately successful. The Izdihar Savings Account is yet another testament to our continued efforts to provide our customers with genuine value.

"The Izdihar Savings Account starts from OMR30,000,offering flexibility through a checkbook facility and higher weightages on savings with multiple tiers so that the more you save, the more you can earn. You receive expected profit rates of 2 per cent on deposits between OMR30,000 to OMR99,999, expected profit rates of 2.75 per cent on deposits from OMR100,000 to OMR499,999, expected profit rates of 3 per cent for deposits of OMR500,000 and to OMR899,999, and expected profit rates of 3.5 per cent for deposits of OMR900,000 and above,” he explained.

Earlier, the bank also announced the launch of the first Sharia-compliant prize savings account, the

Alizz Islamic Bank is committed to delivering quality and excellence in everything we do, with the objective of providing our customers with an unsurpassed banking experience. All in all, we want to ensure that from start to finish, our valued customers’ needs and convenience is at the heart of our approach to all of our products and services

Moosa Al Jadidi

Chief operating officer, Alizz Islamic Bank

Bushra Savings Account. The account gives customers a chance to enter a cash prize draw on adaily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly basis. All cash prizes are gifted from shareholders’ funds. The Bushra Savings Account is based

on the Sharia principle of ‘Mudaraba’ whereby the bank invests customer savings in Sharia-compliant financing in order to generate the best possible returns and profits.

The customer acts as a capital provider while the bank as ‘Mudarib’ or

entrepreneur. All customer funds along with the bank’s own capital will be pooled and invested in Sharia-compliant modes of investment and the resulting profit is shared between the bank and customers according to predetermined ratios.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2017

ROUND-UP Toyota reaches out to its customers ‘Ahsas Toyota campaign makes it even easier for people to touch, try and test-drive their favourite Toyota models,’ said a Toyota spokesperson

MUSCAT: Toyota is reaching out to its customers via ‘Ahsas Toyota’ - a test drive campaign for the 2017 models of Prius Hybrid, New Corolla and Camry.

According to the Toyota spokesperson, “Ahsas Toyota campaign makes it even easier for people to touch, try and test-drive their favourite Toyota models. Since it takes place closer to peoples’ homes, it adds to their convenience and ease.”

The spokesperson continued, “There are many attributes of a Toyota that words and images just cannot convey… hence, Ahsas Toyota represents a unique opportunity for customers to take a handson test drive in their favourite Toyota - to check out the features and quality. Only when customers sit in the car and drive it, can they understand what makes a Toyota special - from the cutting-edge technology to the comfortable interiors, to the safety features everything is designed to make the ownership experience even more rewarding. Hence, I do invite everyone to check the schedule for

Ahsas Toyota in their wilayat and to not forget that it is a time-bound campaign that will end by February 9 2017. ” The campaign will feature a model that has gained fame for spearheading a new era in hybrid technology across the Middle East. Toyota Prius is today by far the world’s most successful hybrid car. The fourth-generation Prius brings groundbreaking environmental performance along with a striking new design, in addition to a fun-to-drive spirit that promises to appeal to eco-conscious customers as well as driving enthusiasts.

With a striking, new design that complements its refined interiors, the Prius stands out as a global hybrid icon. It delivers on superb driving dynamics with remarkable results in terms of engine performance and fuel economy. The advanced safety technologies signify comprehensive protection for passengers. An ever-growing number of customers enjoy the combined benefits of its improved aerodynamics, excellent handling and comprehensive safety features,

with an elegant interior. What is more, unlike most of other hybrids, the Prius can be driven completely on electrical power or with a combination of electric motor and gasoline engine depending on the driving behaviour.

Based on advanced Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), the all-new Prius takes the hybrid driving experience to another level, thanks to a lower centre of gravity, increased body rigidity and improved suspension. In addition, Toyota’s Iconic Human-tech design philosophy fuses emotional and rational vehicle factors. No wonder then that the Prius has become a symbol of Toyota’s innovative nature and inherits Toyota’s legendary QDR (Quality, Durability and Reliability).

To the many enthusiasts in the automotive industry, the 11th Generation of the world famous Toyota Corolla is no less than an icon. Not

only does it have a legendary reputation, it offers a truly impressive resale value, even after years of use. The 2017YM Toyota Corolla with Multi Drive 7S transmission has become a favourite of customers within a short span of its introduction. Its new and improved aesthetics include new design front bumper, grille, headlamps and rear combination lamps.

The Toyota Corolla with Multi Drive 7S allows owners to ‘Drive Smooth and Save Smart.’ It does so by delivering a very smooth, yet powerful driving performance; topping it up with class leading fuel efficiency. Making a strong design statement with its unique visual signature, the Corolla Multi Drive 7S signifies Toyota’s brand evolution. The new Multi Drive 7S continuously variable transmission meticulously controls the speed and shifting pattern to realise excellent power train perfor-

mance while ensuring a powerful and linear acceleration. It also has a 7-speed sequential shiftmatic mode with manual gear shiftinglike characteristics that give the driver complete control when required. Under the bonnet lies, a 2.0 litre engine mated with the new Multi Drive 7S transmission that ensures smooth shifting and high fuel efficiency.

A fuel efficient 1.6 litre engine model is also available. This particular model comes with all the safety, comfort and convenience specifications that add to customers’ delight - including ABS with EBD and brake assist, airbags, leather upholstery, cruise control, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a new design display audio system that can play CDs, DVDs, USB devices and has a Bluetooth connection. In addition, the Corolla Multi Drive 7S also features other class-leading

features such as LED projector headlamps with integratedtype daylight running lights, smart entry system + start/stop button, new audio system with USB+AUX, 3.5’’ TFT multi-information display, retractable outer mirrors with turn signals and moonroof, amongst others.

The 2017 model Camry design has been given subtle enhancements to make it look even better, feel even more exciting. It also has a rigid body structure, enhanced aerodynamics and offers the quietest ride ever. The upscale interior, and advanced instrumentation with intuitive controls help keep the driver safely focused on the road. This may be the besthandling and the most comfortable-riding Camry ever. Beneath the bolder bodylines, the Camry’s body structure has been bolstered with additional spot welds to enhance rigidity. Refined suspension systems in all models put an edge on handling agility while taking the edge off bumps.

In the areas of performance and safety, the Camry delivers outstanding power coupled with superb efficiency. The key attributes include a 2.5L Dual VVT-i Engine delivering 181HP and 6-speed Multi-Mode Transmission. Safety enhancements in the Camry include vehicle stability control, traction control, ABS, EBD, engine immobiliser, braking assist system, back view monitor with rear parking sensors, which facilitate easy parking and airbags that include the front side and curtain airbags.

OMAN MEDICAL COLLEGE

AUTONOMOUS DRIVING SUPPORT TECHNOLOGIES

Infiniti previews ‘co-pilot’ at NAIAS

OMC celebrates graduation day

DETROIT: Infiniti previewed ‘co-pilot’, an evolving suite of autonomous drive support technologies, at the 2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, USA, recently.

Central to the strategy for the development of all future ‘co-pilot’ systems is that they should ensure the driver retains ultimate control over their vehicle – in keeping with Infiniti’s focus on driver engagement, says a press release.

Empowering rather than replacing the driver, ‘co-pilot’ will act as a ‘co-pilot’ and take on the management of less rewarding driving tasks, such as ensuring safe progress in stop-start traffic on the highway or keeping track of the position of surrounding vehicles.

The ‘co-pilot’ technologies showcased at NAIAS feature on

the QX50 Concept, which demonstrates how a future Infiniti premium mid-sized SUV could look and also makes its debut at the show.

Since its inception in 1989, Infiniti has brought pioneering driver-assistive technologies to the customer. The company has been responsible for a series of worldfirst semi-autonomous technologies, including Predictive Forward Collision Warning, drive-by-wire Direct Adaptive Steering and Active Lane Control.

Roland Krueger, president of Infiniti, commented: “Infiniti customers love to drive and our approach to autonomous driving reflects this. Equipping drivers with their very own co-pilot, the QX50 Concept lights a path to the future integration of Infiniti’s autonomous drive ‘co-pilot’ technologies,

reimagining how the driver interacts with the car.”

‘Co-pilot’ is designed to improve on-road safety by supporting the driver in identifying and responding to other road users and potential hazards.

The technologies draw on inputs from laser scanners, radar and camera to read the road ahead and monitor the vehicle’s surroundings, and allow the car to react accordingly.

‘Co-pilot’ wraps up all of Infiniti’s existing and near-future autonomous drive support technologies under one brand. The QX50 Concept’s ‘co-pilot’ system previews the first production-ready incarnation of this technology package ahead of its roll-out – and further development – in the coming years.

MUSCAT: Oman Medical College (OMC) celebrated the graduation of its 8th batch of 90 medical doctors (MD degree)), its eighth batch of 127 pharmacists (B. Pharm. degree) and nine students with a degree in Health Sciences (BSc degree) under the patronage of Dr Hamad bin Said Al Aufi, undersecretary to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries .

The graduation function was also attended by Dr Clay March, vice president and executive dean of Health Sciences, West Virginia University, and Dr Christopher Martin, director, Global Engagement Office, Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University and also representative of West Virginia University on the Governing Council of OMC. Sheikh Salim bin Said bin Hamed Al Fannah Al Araimi, chairman of the Board of Directors, Khulood bint Mohammed Al Fannah Al Araimi, Fadwa bint Salim bin Said Al Fannah Al Araimi, Mohiuddin Mohammed Ali, the board members were also present. The college officials included Dr Saleh bin Mohammed Al Khusaibi, the dean, vice deans, faculty and staff, says a press release.

Graduating the ninth batch of medical doctors and 10th batch of pharmacists is a great achievement for Oman Medical College, a young institution, founded in 2001 in academic partnership with West Virginia University School of Medicine specifically to educate young Omanis to become capable physicians who will serve the needs of the Sultanate of Oman. Currently, approximately, 30% of physicians in the Ministry

of Health are Omanis, and hence there is a need to increase the number of Omani doctors in the country. In 2003, Oman Medical College initiated a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm.) programme based on the pharmacy programme taught at West Virginia University to provide well qualified pharmacists to serve Oman.

To date, Oman Medical College has graduated a total of: 569 medical doctors; 432 pharmacists; and 87 in health sciences.

The college has provided excellent teaching and physical facilities, thanks to the generous support from the government and the commitment of the owners. OMC acknowledged and thanked the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Higher Education for their continued support to its college and programmes, which has been critical to its success.

OMC has attracted an excellent faculty of professionals from many parts of the world who provide the students with the latest scientific and professional training. The West Virginia University guides the college to maintain internationally accepted academic standards. Moreover, both the Bausher and the Sohar campuses

have spacious facilities, with several modern multimedia lecture halls, well-equipped scientific laboratories, libraries, and student services.

The current intake of students is 130 pre-medical and 50 pharmacy students per year; approximately 80 % of its students are Omanis with the remaining students coming from various regional, Arabic, and global nationalities. Similarly the faculty has been recruited from the United States, the United Kingdom, as well as Asian and Middle Eastern countries including Oman. Currently Oman Medical College has a total number of more than 1,294 students.

To motivate students with excellent academic performance and to encourage students who participate in extracurricular activities, two special awards have been initiated. The Academic Excellence Award is given to the student with the highest Cumulative GPA, and the extracurricular activity award is given to two members of student councils (from Bausher and Sohar) who have performed outstandingly in non-academic activities, both internally (within the college) and externally (at the societal level).

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ROUND-UP

Holistic harmony at Anantara Resort

RECOGNITION

AUB named ‘Best Regional Bank - GCC 2016’ by Capital Finance International

Incorporating balance, Anantara’s innovative wellness concept, the resort

This award is a strong testimony to AUB’s well-managed business model based on prudent and diversified growth, proactive risk management and intelligent cost spend

offers total flexibility with a variety of health, wellbeing and healing elements, along with the freedom to relax and indulge at the luxurious spa

MUSCAT: Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, the highest fivestar resort in the Middle East, recently opened its doors in Oman to offer untouched tranquillity for those looking to unwind, restore and reconnect.

Clinging to the edge of a dramatic gorge in the spectacular setting of the secluded Al Hajar mountain range, the restorative powers of nature are harnessed in a calming environment, delivering pampered serenity in a sanctuary of wellness. Rooted in the beautiful Kingdom of Thailand, the essence of Anantara’s wellness philosophy stems from ancient Sanskrit origins.

At Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, this philosophy is expressed in perfect harmony with the Middle East’s rich cultural traditions, resulting in a radiant sense of wellbeing, says a press release. Incorporating balance, Anantara’s innovative wellness

concept, the resort offers total flexibility with a variety of health, wellbeing and healing elements, along with the freedom to relax and indulge at the luxurious spa.

Guests are invited to book private consultations and treatments with the expert team, take healthy cooking classes and incorporate juicing into their diet, or work out in the privacy and convenience of their room with Anantara’s gym kit service. The Anantara Spa features holistic therapies, combining a healing touch and pure active botanicals to restore vitality, balance and spirit to the mind and body. Guests are enveloped by a sense of peace as they relax under the soothing touch of trained therapists in one of the five beautifully appointed suites.

Post treatment, spa-goers continue the blissful experiences, reclining beside the indoor swimming pool or in the Jacuzzi, in the separate women’s and men’s hydro-facilities, or at the outdoor relaxation areas which offer a high level of privacy.

A range of healing massages, stimulating scrubs, radiant facials and replenishing wraps use indigenous ingredients harvested from nearby pomegranate trees, rose

terraces and frankincense plantations. Locally inspired treatments include the ‘Revitalising Pomegranate Journey’ which utilises the nourishing and regenerating properties of fresh pomegranates blended with salt in a revitalising body scrub, complemented with an Arabian massage and a milk and oriental spice foot cleansing ritual. Guests can embark on a journey to inner peace at the traditional hammam. Enhanced by the luxurious setting, the experience leaves guests feeling refreshed and renewed, as it has done since ancient times.

A tradition that has evolved over thousands of years, spa visitors can enjoy an exhilarating salt scrub before relaxing with a purifying body wrap and cleansing with an olive foam soaping, all surrounded by heated marble.

Meanwhile, the Himalayan Salt Room combines ancient reverence for salt from the Himalayas with advanced modern therapy, allowing guests to experience how salt-filled air rejuvenates naturally and powerfully to draw out toxins, deep cleansing the skin and purifying the body.

A fitness centre and tennis court helps guests to keep fit and

achieve their personal targets even whilst on holiday. Stateof-the-art equipment includes a freedom-climber – the first outside of the US. Its revolutionary rotating surface creates a realistic climbing experience in a safe, lowlevel environment. Meanwhile, a range of group exercise classes include aerobics, boot camp and aqua aerobics to help tone and energise the body, complemented by holistic exercise such as mountaintop yoga to de-stress the mind and body. Inspirational and bespoke experiences such as trail walking, summit biking and sky running, an extreme form of altitude running, make the most of the surrounding mountainscape.

Guests can boost their wellbeing further with Anantara’s Balance Wellness Programme, which includes three-day de-stress and relax, detox and weight loss or peaking fitness packages.

Freshly blended juices packed with natural goodness are available alongside wellness cuisine that offers delicious and nutritional options. Specialist cookery classes using local produce and techniques allow guests to incorporate healthier eating habits in their own kitchens.

19TH MEETING

Bank Nizwa holds Sharia Supervisory Board meeting MUSCAT: Bank Nizwa’s Shari’a Supervisory Board held its 19th meeting since inception to review and assess the bank’s overall Sharia Governance Framework.

During the meeting, which was led by Sheikh Dr Abdul Sattar Abou Ghuddah, chairman, the Shari’a Board approved proposals for the introduction of new products and business propositions to meet the evolving sophisticated financial needs of its growing customer base, says a press release.

The meeting was also attended by members of the bank’s dedicated Sharia Division, who were on hand to update the board on its 2017 Sharia Master Plan.

The internal roadmap covers a wide range of Sharia Structuring and Compliance initiatives de-

signed to support the bank’s end-toend operations, including the Sharia Audit plan and Sharia Training Strategy. Mohamad Noranuar bin Sajari, head of Sharia Structuring at Bank Nizwa, said, “The guidance of our Sharia Supervisory Board allows us to remain true to the principles of Islamic finance and embed

them in all that we do. Every products, services, and processes are reviewed by the Sharia Board, enabling us to continue pioneering the development of tailored need-based Sharia-compliant financing solutions and spearhead growth.

“Thanks to the synergy between our renowned scholars and every

department within the bank, we are well positioned to achieve even greater success in the future.”

Bank Nizwa’s Sharia Supervisory Board is comprised prominent scholars specialising in Islamic jurisprudence and finance. Joining Sheikh Dr Ghuddah, its other members include Sheikh Dr Mohammad bin Rashed Al-Gharbi, assistant professor at Sultan Qaboos University and Sheikh Ibrahim bin Nasser Al Sawwafi, Fatwa Trustee at the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs. The board operates in complete alignment with the Central Bank of Oman’s Islamic Banking Regulatory Framework and the Sharia standards issued by the international Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI).

Hamad Al-Humaidhi

Chairman of Ahli United Bank

MUSCAT: Ahli United Bank (AUB) has been named ‘Best Regional Bank – GCC 2016’ by Capital Finance International.

This is the second time AUB has won this prestigious award from the London based publication following the first award in 2014, says a press release.

The CFI.co award identifies organisations that truly add value to the banking industry. The CFI.co judging panel recognised AUB’s exemplary financial performance over the years while adopting and adhering to a strict corporate governance framework, in line with the best international practices.

Hamad Al-Humaidhi, chairman of Ahli United Bank, commented: “This award is a strong testimony

to AUB’s well-managed business model based on prudent and diversified growth, proactive risk management, intelligent cost spend and focus on cross border business development. Despite tighter fiscal policy and weaker private sector activity resulting in moderate regional economic growth, AUB continued to deliver strong performance on its strategic and financial objectives during 2016.”

This latest award joins a string of regional accolades awarded to AUB by the leading publications like The Banker, Global Finance and Euromoney over the years.

AUB has also recently received recognition as ‘Best Bank in the Middle East - 2016’ from The Banker magazine.

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OMAN MINERALS & MINING EXHIBITION

Ports to bolster prospective mining ventures in Oman MUSCAT: The port sector plays a pivotal role in sustaining growth in the country’s trade and commerce. Ports in Oman have an important role in fulfilling Oman’s dream of achieving greater global engagement and integration with its trading partners. Mineral resources have always been a key aspect in Oman’s port development.

As mining resumes in a big way in Oman, handling of export of minerals surges at major ports.

With Oman Minerals & Mining Exhibition & Conference just a fortnight away, investments in mining sector is expected to receive a major boost. Little wonder then, Oman’s gateway ports - the Port of Salalah, Duqm and Sohar - have lent full patronage to the Oman Minerals & Mining Exhibition, says a press release.

Currently more than 300 mining operations are active and is expected to increase dramatically.

Ports play a major part in mining investments. For eg, Oman exported its entire production of 2,300 tonnes of copper cathodes earning revenues of OMR6.1m.

So, the Port of Salalah, Duqm and Sohar will serve as anchors

of the Omani mining sector and as such will play a significant role in the economic diversification of the Oman economy. It will further play a pivotal part in helping the Sultanate move away from oil-based income.

As Oman eyes a resurgence in port-led activities in the country, the government need to focus on further developing the ports at Salalah, Duqm and Sohar to highest standards.

Port of Salalah Strategically located at the major East-West Shipping Lane, the Port of Salalah has moved a step ahead of others. Port of Salalah is a made up of a Container Terminal with six berths of up to 18m draft and a General Cargo Terminal of Fifteen berths of up to 18m draft, with infrastructure to handle the world’s largest container vessels, as well as bulk cargo, bunkering and warehousing.

During 2015, Salalah Port Services handled 2.6 million 20-foot containers (TEUs) at its Container Terminal. The General Cargo Terminal at the Port of Salalah enjoyed a milestone year in

2015 handling a record 12.5 million tonnes of cargo as diverse as limestone and gypsum, fuel, flour, steel, cars and livestock.

Driving the strategy for developing of the Port of Salalah is a 20year master-plan (2011-2030).

It envisions the establishment of the Salalah Hub that includes a railway connection and distribution centre, food reserve and processing centres among warehousing and other logistics facilities, dedicated terminals for cruise tourism and liquid storage along with dedicated facilities that can boost SME entrepreneurship for the community.

SOHAR Port SOHAR Port is a deep-sea port in the Sultanate of Oman, managed

by Sohar Industrial Port Company (SIPC) a 50:50 joint venture between Port of Rotterdam and the Sultanate of Oman. The port greeted its first ship in 2004, and now handles over 2,500 ships a year and averages over one million tonnes of cargo each week. It is ranked as the largest bulk port in the Gulf and South Asia region.

The Port’s three major clusters

– logistics, petrochemicals and metals – will soon be joined by the region’s first ever terminal dedicated to the handling of agricultural bulk.

As the port stretches out to reach new horizons through another international class terminal, its past experiences will stand it in good stead. Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries (Orpic) is expanding the capacity of its refinery at SOHAR to 180,000 barrels per day. Additionally, new ferrochrome smelters are under construction in the Freezone, along with a new Chinese steel mill for seamless tubular products, and a new copper tube mill.

Port of Duqm Located strategically in the southeastern seaboard of the Sultanate of Oman, overlooking the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean the Port of Duqm is fast becoming an important reality of the Middle East region’s rapidly transforming maritime landscape. With its deep draft, lengthy quay walls, and expansive basin, Port of Duqm has the trappings of a world-class, multipurpose commercial gate-

way. And as the principal anchor of a huge Special Economic Zone envisioned at Duqm and enjoying proximity to easily available natural resources, it also has the potential to develop into one of the Middle East’s largest ports over the long term. The usage by mining companies of Duqm Port’s 300-metre dedicated dry bulk terminal to export their minerals, including limestone and dolomite, to several countries has been significant. The terminal has a capacity of up to 5 million tonnes per annum in a first phase. Planning for a rail connection to the principal mineral deposits in the country, boosting the export volume potential, Port of Duqm aims to become the major regional dry bulk hub on the mid and longer term.

Oman Shipping Company Oman Shipping Company (OSC), the official shipping arm of the Omani government, is playing a leading role in connecting the Sultanate with the rest of the world.

OSC was incorporated in 2003 with the mandate to provide maritime transport to Oman’s import/ export trade and enhance Omani

6% GROWTH

TEA HOUSE, BOUTIQUE

Porsche sets new sales record

Angelina to open its first outlet at MGM

DUBAI: In 2016, Porsche AG far exceeded its 2015 record.

The Stuttgart-based sportscar manufacturer delivered a total of 237,778 vehicles around the world, some 6 per cent more than the previous record.

The key drivers of growth were Europe, the USA and China. The Macan and the new 718 Boxster had a particularly positive effect on the result. The excellent response to the new Panamera provides an additional boost, says a press release.

“Our strong product range has enabled us to once again exceed the high levels from the previous year,” said Oliver Blume, chairman of the executive board of Porsche AG. “Porsche is synonymous with emotion and quality.

The positive trend in the global markets confirms how enthusiastic our customers are.”

MUSCAT: As part of its ongoing expansion works, expected to be launched in the coming months, MGM announced that the mall will be home to the first ever Angelina tea house and boutique outlet in Oman.

Hassan Jaboub, GM of MGM said, “At MGM we are on the constant lookout for new and unique brand experiences that we can introduce to Oman. Angelina is one such brand that will bring with it a range of world famous pastries, macarons and chocolates along with a wide range of teas. The menu will no doubt also include Angelina’s world renowned African Hot Chocolate, considered to be among the best hot chocolate in the world, alongside its trademark Mont-Blanc pastry.

Bank Muscat extends support to Muscat Fest The Muscat Festival partnership is an earnest attempt by the bank to propagate the core family values held dear by Omanis

MUSCAT:Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, in step with its ‘Let’s Do More’ vision and commitment to partnership in events of national importance, has extended support to Muscat Festival, the Sultanate’s annual tourism and cultural celebration to be held from January 19 to February 11.

Over the years, Bank Muscat has extended support to Muscat Festival and remains committed to ensuring the success of the most

celebrated annual tourism and cultural event in Oman. Bank Muscat aims to fulfil its commitment to national initiatives, uniting citizens and residents in sharing the good times and discovering the joy of being connected. The Muscat Festival partnership is an earnest attempt by the bank to propagate the core family values held dear by Omanis, says a press release.

Bank Muscat’s presence in the event highlights its role in facilitating the exchange of traditions

and culture between nations.

The bank attaches importance to preservation of Oman’s rich heritage and culture, familiarising people, especially youth and children, with the country’s glorious legacy. The ethos of national events like Muscat Festival runs parallel to the stated objective of Bank Muscat in serving the nation as the banking partner of choice.

While Muscat Festival showcases varied expressions of Omani heritage and culture, Bank Muscat utilises the occasion to help people understand, appreciate and preserve Oman’s rich legacy.

Muscat Festival serves as a window to Oman’s heritage and culture, offering numerous avenues for fun and entertainment for children and families. The participation of Bank Muscat complements in making the festival a memorable experience.

INTER-CHURCH CONTEST

Ecumenical Christmas Carol Competition 2017 MUSCAT: Ghala St Paul’s Mar Thoma Yuvajana Sakhyam organised the seventh edition of the Ecumenical Christmas Carol Competition at Catholic Hall, Ghala recently.

St Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ruwi bagged the first place, while Mar Gregorios Orthodox Maha Edavaka, Ruwi and St Ephraim Knanaya Church, Ghala bagged the second and third place respectively. James Philip and Shyline D’Mello were the judges for the competition, says a press release.

maritime traditions to make it distinct from others in the region.

It is also involved in ship owning, chartering and technical management activities through its subsidiary companies: Oman Charter Company, Oman Ship Management Company and Oman Container Line. In a bold move to boost trade links, Oman Shipping Company has launched a new freight service linking all Omani ports with the United Arab Emirates. OSC’s new fortnightly Oman Express Service is the first freight feeder operator to connect all Omani ports and is run by Oman Container Lines. OSC expects to offer competitive transport solutions to the mining industry.

OSC is also a sponsor for the Oman Minerals & Mining Exhibition & Conference.

Amid recently discovered mineral deposits and the foreseen increase in bulk mineral exports in Oman’s premier ports — Sohar Port and Freezone, Port of Duqm and Port of Salalah — opportunity for investment in mineral development, mining and quarrying exploration and operations have increased manifold.

NON-STOP SERVICE

Qatar Airways prepares to land in Las Vegas in 2018 DOHA: In response to passenger demand, Qatar Airways has announced it will commence four times weekly, non-stop service to Las Vegas, Nevada, starting January 8, 2018.

The new route will be the airline’s 11th to the United States, connecting McCarran International Airport to Hamad International Airport in Doha, making Qatar Airways the first Gulf carrier to provide regular scheduled service to Las Vegas, says a press release.

“Las Vegas is a thriving leisure destination and adding the city to our route map has been long overdue. Growing our western United States network is important to the airline as we are seeing exponential growth in passenger demand from the East via our state of the art hub in Doha,” said Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways group chief executive. “Our passengers appreciate the glamour, style and allure of Las Vegas and beginning in 2018, we are going to give our passengers from around the world direct and convenient access to this unique capital of entertainment.”

The new route also provides US-based flyers with an additional point of departure, when travelling abroad to Qatar Airways’ global network of over 150 destinations. It will be Qatar Airways’ second route from the American west, after the airline launched their popular Los Angeles to Doha route, in January 2016.

“International travel has been on an exponential rise and Qatar Airways serves more than 150 destinations, providing US passengers with shorter travel times to popular destinations in Thailand, Africa, the Middle East and India,” continued Al Baker. “With each new US destination, we are bringing our sig-

The new route will be the airline’s 11th to the United States, connecting McCarran International Airport to Hamad International Airport in Doha, making Qatar Airways the first Gulf carrier to provide regular scheduled service to Las Vegas. The new route also provides US-based flyers with an additional point of departure, when travelling abroad to Qatar Airways’ global network of over 150 destinations

nature Qatar Airways hospitality to more Americans and raising their expectations for the services and sophistication a global airline can offer.”

This year, Qatar Airways is celebrating its 10th anniversary of serving the United States, having started serving New York/New-

ark in 2007. Qatar Airways currently serves 10 American cities.

Las Vegas will join Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City/JFK International Airport, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. The new route will operate with a Boeing 777-200LR.

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KANE ’TRICKS FOR SPURS, ARSENAL ROUT SWANSEA

Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane enjoyed a special day with a brilliant hat-trick as his side and neighbours Arsenal maintained their pursuit of London rivals Chelsea at the top of the Premier League with four-goal wins. >C3

CISM World Cup kicks off with Oman-Guinea match The championship, which sees participation of military teams from 16 countries, will be officially inaugurated

by His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said and runs till January 28

MUSCAT: The second CISM World Cup Football Championship will be kicked off on Sunday with hosts Oman taking on Guinea in the inaugural match at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.

The championship, which sees participation of military teams from 16 countries, will be officially inaugurated by His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, Adviser to His Majesty the Sultan, in the presence a number of ministers, commanders of the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF), military and security agencies, a number of employees of the Ministry of Defence and SAF, the Royal Guard of Oman (RGO) and Royal Oman Police (ROP).

While declaring Oman’s readiness to host a successful CISM World Cup, Lt. Col. Khalid bin Ali Al Jabri, Acting Director of Military Sports and Deputy Chairman of the Organising Committee, said the inaugural ceremony will be simple but yet impressive.

“The opening ceremony will be a simple affair. But it will be an impressive and unique one that will depict the history of Oman’s civilisation and culture and the country’s relations with the other nations and the people.”

The inaugural ceremony will

THE HOSTS: A file photo of Oman military football team.

also include musical and cultural programmes that will depict Omani traditional arts. The music bands of Royal Army of Oman, the Royal Navy of Oman, Royal Guard of Oman and the Royal Oman Police as well as shows by Sultan’s Armed Forces and the Royal Cavalry of Royal Court Affairs will also form part of inaugural ceremony.

All praise The Organising Committee, meanwhile, held a meeting with representatives of the CISM at the headquarters of Military Sports Directorate. The meeting re-

viewed all aspects of the preparations and readiness for the start of the tournament.

The representatives of the CISM also visited the venues and they were all praise for the venues and the attention being given to the World Cup by the hosts.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Khalid bin Ali Al Jabri informed that all the participating teams have arrived in the capital city.

“The latest teams to arrive are the United States, Canada and Ireland. And with that all the teams have arrived for the championship,” he said.

The matches will be played at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, which will also host closing ceremony, Royal Oman Police Stadium in Al Wattayah and Seeb Sports Stadium.

Hosts Oman, who are placed in Group A, play their second match against Bahrain on January 18 before completing their group engagements with a match against France on January 20.

The hosts will play all their group matches at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher.

Group B comprises Algeria, Iran, Germany and Brazil while

TEST CRICKET

Qatar, Iraq, United States and Mali form Group C. Egypt, Syria, Poland and Canada are placed in Group D. The quarterfinals will take place on January 24. The semifinals will be played on January 26.The thirdplace play-off and the final are scheduled for January 28.

Al Ruzaiqi injured Meanwhile, Oman were forced to make a change to their final squad following an injury to Said Al Ruzaiqi, who was injured during Oman’s practice match against Al Shabab Club.

Coach Mohanna Said Al Adawi

has replaced Al Ruzaiqi with Said Obaid Al Abdulsalam.

The other members of the Sultanate’s team are Mohammed Al Mashri, Fayeez Al Rashdi, Riyadh Subait, Hareb Jameel Al Saadi, Hisham Al Shuaibi, Nader Awadh, Said Al Araimi, Mahmoud Al Mushaifri, Said Al Faris, Jameel Al Yahmadi, Saad Suhail Al Mukhaini, Mohammed Sheibi Al Balushi, Mohammed Al Musallami, Alabd Al Noufali, Yassin Al Shaidi, Mohsen Jawhar, Mohammed Taqi, Anwar Al Alawi, Abdulaziz Al Maqbali, Qasim Said, Juma Darwish and Basil Al Rawahi.

CRICKET

team to start Sublime South Africa smash Sri Lanka Oman Desert T20 campaign JOHANNESBURG: South Africa took 16 Sri Lanka wickets in a little over two sessions to secure a ruthless victory by an innings and 118 runs in the third and final Test at the Wanderers on Saturday.

After posting 426 in their first innings on Friday, South Africa bowled Sri Lanka out for 131 before lunch on day three, before dismissing the out-gunned sub-continent side again for 177 to complete a 3-0 series sweep.

All of the home seamers claimed wickets on a pitch that had plenty of steep bounce and more than enough lateral movement to leave the Sri Lanka batsmen flailing.

Left-arm fast bowler Wayne Parnell, who took six wickets for 89 runs over the two innings, was perhaps the pick, while Kagiso Rabada (5-94) was unlucky not to pick up more with some hostile spells.

Debutant seamer Duanne Olivier (5-57) will be pleased with his return in helpful conditions, while Vernon Philander (4-63) also pitched in.

“Once again it was a complete performance,” South Africa captain Faf du Plessis said at the postmatch presentation.

“It started with the bat on a tough wicket and our bowlers were once again spectacular.

“We wanted to make sure we step up in this game and dominate and do so 3-0... right through the series Sri Lanka didn’t have a session where they were controlling us.

“Consistency in test cricket is very hard, so I am proud with how the boys played.”

South Africa made short work of wrapping up the tourists’ first innings after Sri Lanka resumed the day on 80 for four.

Rabada grabbed the key wicket of

SCOREBOARD

CELEBRATION: South African bowler Kagiso Rabada is congratulated after scalping a wicket at the Wanderers Cricket Stadium. – AFP

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Matthews (19) as wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock produced a magnificent diving catch in front of first slip.

Olivier then claimed his first test wicket when Herath top-edged a vicious bouncer and the home side then tore through the tail.

Du Plessis enforced the followon and Sri Lanka were quickly on the back foot again as Rabada accounted for opener Kaushal Silva for a first-ball duck.

The impressive Olivier snapped up two more quick wickets, with Du Plessis leaping to an almost

impossible height at second slip to pluck the ball out of the air as Mathews was dismissed for 10.

The game was up for Sri Lanka when Rabada rattled the stumps of opener Dimuth Karunaratne (50), who had a provided lone resistance.

“Congratulations to South Africa, they outplayed us in every department,” Mathews said.

“We kept repeating the same mistakes. We knew we would not get slow, turning wickets in South Africa and that we would have to play really good cricket, but unfortunately we haven’t.” - Reuters

South Africa 1st innings: 426 (J. Duminy 155, H. Amla 134; N. Pradeep 4-78, L. Kumara 4-107) Sri Lanka 1st innings: D. Karunaratne c de Kock b Philander 0 K. Silva c de Kock b Rabada 13 K. Mendis c Duminy b Rabada 41 D. de Silva c Bavuma b Philander 10 A. Mathews c de Kock b Rabada 19 D. Chandimal c de Kock b Philander 5 U. Tharanga c Elgar b Olivier 24 R. Herath c Cook b Olivier 8 S. Lakmal c Rabada b Parnell 4 L. Kumara not out 1 N. Pradeep c & b Parnell 4 Extras (lb-2) 2 Total (all out, 45.4 overs) 131 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-47, 3-62, 4-70, 5-90, 6-100, 7-108, 8-126, 9-126, 10-131 Bowling: V. Philander 14-5-28-3, W. Parnell 10.4-2-38-2, D. Olivier 9-3-19-2, K. Rabada 12-3-44-3 Sri Lanka 2nd innings: D. Karunaratne b Rabada 50 K. Silva c de Kock b Rabada 0 K. Mendis b Parnell 24 D. de Silva c du Plessis b Olivier 12 A. Mathews c du Plessis b Olivier 10 D. Chandimal c Amla b Philander 10 U. Tharanga c Duminy b Parnell 26 R. Herath c Bavuma b Parnell 10 S. Lakmal c Philander b Parnell 31 L. Kumara c Cook b Olivier 0 N. Pradeep not out 0 Extras (lb-2, nb-1, w-1) 4 Total (all out, 42.3 overs) 177 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-39, 3-59, 4-87, 5-108, 6-108, 7-134, 8-177, 9-177, 10-177 Bowling: V. Philander 10-1-35-1, K. Rabada 12-3-50-2 (w-1), W. Parnell 10.3-1-51-4, D. Olivier 9-2-38-3 (nb-1), J. Duminy 1-0-1-0 Umpires: B. Oxenford & R.Tucker TV umpire: Aleem Dar Match referee: David Boon Result: South Africa won by an innings and 118 runs

against the Dutch

MUSCAT: Buoyed by a thrilling victory in a practice match against formidable United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman will be confident as they launch their Desert T20 International Tournament against the Netherlands in the UAE on Sunday.

The eight-team tournament, being hosted by the Emirates Cricket Board under the auspices of the International Cricket Council (ICC), lasts January 21.

Ahead of their first match of the tournament against the Dutch, Duleep Mendis-coached Oman achieved a morale boosting tworun victory over the hosts.

Besides the result and the way it was achieved, what would have further boosted Sultan Ahmedskippered team were the individual performances, both in the batting and bowling departments.

While Khurram Nawaz Khan smashed unbeaten 60, Mohammed Nadeem and young Aaqib Ilyas contributed 32 and 30 runs respectively. Pace bowler Bilal Khan with figures of three for 17 and leg-spinner Zeeshan Maqsood with two for two also contributed to Oman’s victory.

If the team plays a similar kind of positive cricket at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Oman can surely hope to make a winning start in Group B. In the group stage, Oman are also scheduled to play Hong Kong and Scotland on January 16 and 19 respectively. The semifinals and final are scheduled for January 20.

Afghanistan heads Group A, which also comprises Ireland,

Namibia and the hosts UAE. The tournament kicked off on Saturday with Scotland defeating Hong Kong by 24 runs and Afghanistan overcoming Ireland for a five-wicket victory.

In the first match, Scotland batted first and piled up 189 for three in 20 overs. Then they restricted Hong Kong to 165 for six.

In the second match, Ireland scored 125 for six in 20 overs. Afghanistan then overcame a midinnings wobble to reach 126 for five in 18.4 overs.

Munis, Amir nominated Meanwhile, Oman’s spinning all-rounder Amir Ali and pace bowler Munis Ansari have been nominated in ESPNcricinfo’s Associate batting and bowling honours for the year 2016.

Amir Ali, who played a key role in Oman’s historic victory over Ireland in the World T20 preliminary round in India, is nominated in the best batting performances among the Associate teams. In the five-player list there are three Afghans Mohammad Shahzad, Gulbadin Naib and Najibullah Zadran. There is also one Irish cricketer in the form of Ed Joyce.

Amir Ali is nominated for his match-winning 32 against Ireland in a World T20 match played in Dharamsala. Munis Ansari’s nominated for his three for 37 in the same match against Ireland. The other nominees for the bowling honours are Afghanistan’s Amir Hamza, Mohammad Nabi, Paul van Meekeren of the Netherlands and Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan.

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Latham scores century as Kiwis chase Bangladesh’s huge total SCOREBOARD

Bangladesh 1st innings (Overnight: 542-7) T. Iqbal lbw b Boult 56 I. Kayes c Boult b Southee 1 M. Haque c Watling b Southee 64 Mahmudullah c Watling b Wagner 26 S. Al Hasan b Wagner 217 M. Rahim c Watling b Boult 159 S. Rahman not out 54 M. Hasan c Southee b Wagner 0 T. Ahmed c Southee b Wagner 3 K. Rabbi not out 6 Extras (b-2, lb-6, nb-1) 9 Total (for 8 wickets decl, 152 overs) 595 Fall of wickets: 1-16, 2-60, 3-145, 4-160, 5-519, 6-536, 7-542, 8-566 Did not bat: S. Roy Bowling: T. Boult 34-5-131-2, T. Southee 34-5-158-2, C. de Grandhomme 20-2-65-0, N. Wagner 44-8-151-4,(nb-1), M. Santner

Bangladesh had declared their first innings closed at 595 for eight before lunch, shortly after Sabbir Rahman had brought up his second Test half century

WELLINGTON: Tom Latham scored his sixth Test century as New Zealand made a steady 292 for three in reply to Bangladesh’s mammoth first innings total when bad light stopped play with three overs remaining on the third day of the first Test on Saturday.

Latham was on 119 not out with Henry Nicholls on 35.

The visitors had declared their first innings closed at 595 for eight before lunch, shortly after Sabbir Rahman had brought up his second Test half century.

Sabbir was 54 not out when cap-

FINE KNOCK: Tom Latham celebrating his sixth Test century. – AFP

tain Mushfiqur Rahim brought his side’s innings to a close about an hour into the day’s play.

Mushfiqur (159) and Shakib Al Hasan (217) had essentially batted New Zealand out of the Test with a record partnership of 359 runs for the fifth wicket on Friday.

Bangladesh’s total was their second highest in Test cricket, hav-

ing scored 638 against Sri Lanka at Galle in 2013. Mushfiqur, who is also the wicketkeeper, did not take the field on Saturday after being struck in the hands twice while batting, with Imrul Kayes taking the gloves and Tamim Iqbal leading the side in his absence.

Tamim produced something of a surprise with off-spinner Mehedi

Hasan opening the bowling and while he got some drift in the blustery northerly wind and some turn from the Basin Reserve wicket he was unable to make an early breakthrough. Latham and Jeet Raval (27) put on 54 for the first wicket before Kamrul Islam had Raval caught

by Imrul just before the lunch break.

Captain Kane Williamson looked keen to get his side scoring quickly in an effort to drive the game on after the break as he raced to his 25th half century, but fell

17-2-62-0, K. Williamson 3-0-20-0 New Zealand 1st innings: J. Raval c Kayes b Rabbi 27 T. Latham not out 119 K. Williamson c Kayes b Ahmed 53 R. Taylor c Mahmudullah b Rabbi 40 H. Nicholls not out 35 Extras (b-1, lb-1, nb-1, w-15) 18 Total (for 3 wickets, 77 overs) 292 Fall of wickets: 1-54, 2-131, 3-205 To bat: C. de Grandhomme, B. Watling, M. Santner, T. Southee, N. Wagner, T. Boult Bowling: M. Hasan 26-4-82-0, S. Roy 164-46-0 (nb-1), T. Ahmed 15-2-79-1 (w-2), K. Rabbi 13-2-53-2 (w-1), S. Al Hasan 7-0-30-0 Umpires: M. Erasmus & P. Reiffel TV umpire: Nigel Llong Match referee: Javagal Srinath

shortly afterwards for 53 when he became Taskin Ahmed’s first Test wicket. Ross Taylor continued the counter-punching approach with six boundaries in his first 27 runs from 17 balls but he had slowed down when he became Kamrul’s second wicket, holing out to square leg for 40 to leave New Zealand on 205 for three.

Nicholls and Latham, who brought up his century with three runs off his hip, then safely negotiated the rest of the day. - Reuters

CRICKET

Scrap T20Is to save ODIs, says Arthur SYDNEY: Cricket’s shortest Twenty20 format should be restricted to domestic franchises to maintain the relevance of One-day Internationals, Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur has said. With the rise of the shorter and action-packed T20 format in recent years, the 50-over version of international cricket has suffered a dip in attendance.

Arthur, the former South Africa and Australia coach, was in the stands on Wednesday to watch the Perth Scorchers beat the Brisbane Heat by 27 runs in the Big Bash League, the popular, franchise-based domestic T20 league Down Under. “It was an amazing atmosphere - it’s show business, that reminded me of going to basketball,” said the 48-year-old. “It was brilliant.

As pure cricket, (it was) okay.”

Critics have long raised questions about the relevance of ODIs outside the International Cricket Council tournaments in the age of Twenty20.

Domestic Twenty20 leagues have mushroomed across the world and its slam-bang format has managed the catch the imagination of fans who have thronged to the stadiums to watch the matches, which last just about three hours. — Reuters

O N E - D AY I N T E R N A -

Dhoni will be giving his views, I will take decisions, says Kohli PUNE: Virat Kohli feels that the transition of captaincy will be a smooth one as he will now be in charge of taking a final call even as Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s “priceless suggestions” will always be welcome. “It’s the same thing. It’s just that I am in charge of decisions now and he (Dhoni) will be giving his views, which was the case before as well. I think we both understand as professional cricketers and it’ll be pretty smooth (transition),” Kohli said at the pre-match conference.

“When Dhoni was in-charge, I have always shared my point of view and thoughts with him.

Eventually he has made those decisions. Sometimes it may immediately click and he makes those changes right away. Sometimes he still takes time to follow his instinct more and keep that as option B. As cricketers, we understand it is a pretty natural thing to have different perspectives about the game, about captaincy as well.”

But Kohli mentioned that Dhoni’s view are priceless to him.

“His views will be priceless for me, as well. But I will have my preparation first and keeping his views in mind, maybe I will follow my instinct for a bit more (time) and then maybe switch to a different plan B from a different point of view.”

Challenge is huge, but not insurmountable, says Morgan PUNE: The challenge of beating India at their home soil in the three-match ODI series beginning here tomorrow was huge but not insurmountable, said visiting team skipper Eoin Morgan on Sunday.

“The challenge of winning in India is huge, (but) it is one that’s not impossible, it has happened recently. South Africa turned India over, New Zealand pushed them close,” said the Irish-born Morgan. He was referring to South Africa’s 3-2 ODI

Having already led the Test team for two years, Kohli doesn’t feel any different.

“Honestly, I don’t feel any different. The only thing is I am excited about is that when I will walk out for the toss, I will be India’s full-time captain. Apart from that, I don’t think anything has

series win in 2015 and New Zealand’s 2-3 loss against India last year.

“One of the biggest challenges here is adapting to conditions,” Morgan added.

Morgan said the experience of having played in India ten months ago in the World T20 Championships and entering the final was a confidence booster. “I think the thing that we draw from it is the confidence in knowing that we have played in these conditions before,” said Morgan. — Reuters

changed mentally or in terms of environment. Everything is the same; that I have been made the captain is the only change, but my mindset hasn’t changed at all,” said Kohli.

Just like every batsman devises own technique to get success, it’s the same for the captains, their

own unique way of thinking.

“Everyone has their own ways of expressing themselves as captain or operating things on the field, but one thing that remains constant is to win cricket games.

People have different techniques but they are still able to score runs.

Doesn’t mean necessarily everyone has to bat like one person. Me and MS have always understood our kind of operation out there in the middle. It doesn’t make anything difficult as far as I am concerned.”

For Kohli nothing changes at the toss on Sundaysave the fact that he will walk-out for the first time as a full-time India captain.

“Honestly, I don’t feel any different. The only thing is I am excited about is that when I will walk out for the toss tomorrow, I will be India’s full-time captain. Apart from that, I don’t think anything has changed mentally or in terms of environment. Everything is the same; that I have been made the captain is the only change, but my mindset hasn’t changed at all,” he said.

Now that the burden of captaincy is not there, Kohli saw Dhoni play the sort of freedom with which he used to bat when he came into the Indian team in 2004.

“Now knowing that I am willing to take up more responsibility, he can be more expressive.” - PTI

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2017

C3

SPORTS Kane ’tricks in Spurs victory, Arsenal thrash Swansea City tovic netted twice, but the goal of the day came from West Ham’s Andy Carroll who blasted home a mid-air volley in their 3-0 win over struggling Crystal Palace.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane scored thrice in their 4-0 demolition of West Bromwich Albion and Arsenal routed Swansea City by a similar margin

LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane enjoyed a special day with a brilliant hat-trick as his side and neighbours Arsenal maintained their pursuit of London rivals Chelsea at the top of the Premier League with four-goal wins on Saturday.

Kane celebrated his return to action after becoming a father last Sunday with a treble in the 4-0 demolition of West Bromwich Albion that saw Spurs jump into sec-

ond place on 45 points, four behind Chelsea. Arsenal moved into third above Liverpool on goal difference, just one point behind Tottenham, as Olivier Giroud struck his fifth goal in as many games to set them on the way to a 4-0 trouncing of Swansea City, who are now bottom of the table.

Between Giroud’s opener and Alexis Sanchez’s 73rd minute effort, Paul Clement, in his first league game in charge of the

HAT-TRICK MAN: Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane celebrates after

completing his hat-trick during their Premier League match against West Bromwich Albion at White Hart Lane on Saturday. – Reuters

Swans, also had to watch miserably as Jack Cork and Kyle Naughton put past their own keeper from Alex Iwobi shots.

Hull City recovered to beat Bournemouth 3-1 with a double from Abel Hernandez giving new

manager Marco Silva the ideal league debut as they leapt from last place above Swansea and Sunderland, who were beaten 3-1 at home

by Stoke City. Peter Crouch scored his 99th Premier League goal for the Potters while Marko Arnau-

OMAN CRICKET

A DIVISION: Renaissance players celebrate after defeating MDC Enhance Eagles. – Supplied photos

Renaissance, Salman Stores record victories dan top scored with an unbeaten 56. Yousuf Rahim claimed three wickets for Seeb.

MUSCAT: Renaissance defeated MDC Enhance Eagles by six wickets in an Oman Cricket-organised A Division match on Friday.

Batting first, MDC Enhance Eagles were bowled out for 128 in 27.3 overs.

Malik Anwar claimed five wickets for Renaissance.

In reply, Renaissance scored 129 for four in 24 overs. Ghazanfar Iqbal top scored with 35.

Brief scores: MDC Enhance Eagles 128 in 27.4 overs (Malik Anwar 5/37) lost to Renaissance 129 for 4 in 24 overs (Iqbal 35). Points: Renaissance – 5, MDC Enhance Eagles – 0.

OUA Travel lose In another A Division match, Salman Stores defeated OUA Travel by four wickets. Batting first, OUA Travel were all out for 156 in 36.4 overs. Chirag Deepak top scored with 43. Imran Haider claimed five wickets for Salma Stores.

Brief scores: Powertech 119 for 5 in 16 overs (Prasanth Manikandan 56 n.o.) bt OCT Seeb 118 in 26.5 overs (Younis Al Balushi 3/10). Points: OCT Seeb – 0, Powertech – 3.

A DIVISION: Salman Stores pose for a group photo after their win

over OUA Travel. – Supplied photo

In reply, Salman Stores scored 157 for six in 30.5 overs with Imran Haider top scoring with 86.

Brief scores: OUA Travel 156 in 36.4 overs (Chirag Deepak 43; Imran Haider 5/20) lost to Salman Stores 157 for 6 in 30.5 overs (Imran Haider 86). Points: Salman Stores – 5, OUA Travel – 0.

Powertech win In a B Division match, Powertech defeated OCT Seeb by five wickets. Batting first, Seeb were all out for 118 in 26.5 overs. Younis Al Balushi claimed three wickets for Powertech team.

In reply, Powertech scored 119 for five in 16 overs. Manikan-

SARCO beat Al Mada In another B Division match, SARCO defeated Al Mada Engineering by eight runs. Batting first, SARCO put on 244 for five in 30 overs. Rakesh Patel top scored with an unbeaten 127.

In reply, Al Mada Engineering scored 236 for seven in 30 overs.

Imran Ali and Nishanth Menon scored 75 and 52 runs respectively for Al Mada.

Brief scores: SARCO 244 for 5 in 30 overs (Rakesh Patel 127 n.o.) bt Al Mada Engineering 236 for 7 in 30 overs (Imran Ali 75). Points: Al Mada Engineering – 0, SARCO – 2.

OMAN CRICKET

Diamond City, Muscat Pharmacy, United Professional and Al Qasid win in Salalah MUSCAT: Diamond City, Muscat Pharmacy, United Professionals and Al Qasid recorded contrasting victories in the Pocari Sweat Salalah Cricket League.

In the morning session, Diamond City defeated Al Dhaman by 26 runs and Muscat Pharmacy posted a 50-run win over Samra United. In the afternoon session, United Professional defeated Ghazal Al Kadra by six wickets and Al Qasid defeated Al Aetimad by five wickets.

Results: Group C: Muscat Pharmacy 191 for 8 in 20 overs (Asif 48 runs, Shabir 39 n.o., Rinto 34; Abdul

MAN OF THE MATCH: Muscat Pharmacy’s Asif, left photo, and Mo-

hammed Jaffar of Diamond City receive their awards. – Supplied photos

Jabbar 4/28, Eisa Mohammed 2/34 runs) bt Samra United 141 for 9 in 18.2 overs (M. Mujahid 49, Mohammed Hanif 20, Yousuf 2/29, Riju 1/18, Hafees 1/18). Man

of the match: Asif (1 wkt, 48 runs).

Group D: Diamond City 197 for 6 in 20 overs (Mohammed Jaffar 45, Khawar 42; Ratheesh Raghavan 2/15, Hasam 2/24, Rakesh 2/31) bt

Al Dhaman Trading 171 for 4 in 20 overs (Mohammed Esham 47, Vinu 42 runs). Man of the match: Mohammed Jaffar (45 runs).

Group E: United Professional 120 for 4 in 18.2 overs (Shuhaib 40 n.o., Shabeer 22) bt Ghazal Al Kadra 117 for 10 in 19.5 overs (Vinay Raj 30, Vijay 18, Shuhaib 3/16, Fais 2/11, Rahat 2/22 ).

Man of the match: Shuhaib (40 n.o., 3 wickets).

Group F: Al Aitemad 109 for 10 in 13.5 overs (Akheel 23, Sigil 21, Harish 6/18, Sunil 2/33) lost to Al Qasid 110 for 5 in 11.4 overs (Harish 31, Ratheesh 21, Shigil 2/13, Akheel 2/25). Man of the match: Harish (31 runs, 6 wkts).

Tribute to Taylor It was an emotional afternoon at Vicarage Road as Watford fans paid a lovely tribute to Graham Taylor, the former England manager who died on Thursday, before facing Middlesbrough.

At the club he took from the old fourth division into the top flight, the chant of “One Graham Taylor” rang around the ground, fans in the stand named after him held up cards that spelt out “Love G.T” and others were reduced to tears.

However, after a long round of applause for their old manager, the Hornets could not deliver the result the supporters craved as they missed chances and were held to a 0-0 draw. - Reuters

FOOTBALL

Barcelona ease past Las Palmas MADRID: Luis Suarez scored a brace and Lionel Messi was also on target as Barcelona thrashed Las Palmas 5-0 on Saturday with a ruthless second-half display at the Nou Camp to provisionally go second and cut the gap with leaders Real Madrid to two points.

Suarez scored his 101st goal for Barcelona by stroking in Andre Gomes’ cutback in the 15th minute as the Portuguese midfielder recorded his first assist for the club since his 35-million-euro move from Valencia last summer.

Barca coach Luis Enrique had rotated his side after Wednesday’s 3-1 win over Athletic Bilbao in the King’s Cup, resting Neymar, Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta and Sergi Roberto but still watched his side dominate Las Palmas.

Barcelona are second in the standings, two points behind Real Madrid, who face third placed Sevilla on Sunday. - Reuters

C4

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2017

SPORTS

World’s best young sailors to make their mark at Musannah Race Week In its seventh year and growing in popularity with each edition, Al Musannah Race Week has attracted around 120 entries from 20 nations, all drawn from the top league of youth sailing teams competing in Optimist and Laser classes around the world CLOSE ACTION: A file photo of a previous edition of Al Musannah Race Week. – Supplied photo

MUSCAT: Some of the world’s best young sailing prospects will be in action in Oman when the 2017 Musannah Race Week kicks off at Oman Sail’s racing centre in Al Musannah Sports City.

In its seventh year and growing in popularity with each edition, Al

Musannah Race Week has attracted around 120 entries from 20 nations, all drawn from the top league of youth sailing teams competing in the Optimist, and Laser classes around the world.

For the first time, the best young

S Y D N E Y I N T E R NAT I O NA L

windsurfers will also get the opportunity to kick off their year with a medal as a new class, the Techno 293, is being rolled out on the waters of the Gulf of Oman, building on the success of RS:X World Windsurfing Champion-

ships held there in 2015. Among those taking part in the hotly contested Optimist class are Malta’s Antonia Schulteis, 13, who won the girl’s division at the 2016 Optimist European Championships and her 11-year old brother Richard.

Mewes Wieduwild from Germany, winner of the Optimist European Championships in Italy last year will get the chance to pit his wits against recently crowned South American Optimist champion Stefano Viale from Peru and Singaporean talent Daniel Kei, Asia’s Optimist champion.

Lucas Videla, Argentina’s young champion who finished an impressive 6th out of 250 contenders at the Optimist Worlds at Vilamoura in Portugal last June will line up once more against Ryan Littlechild, a member of Australia’s National Optimist Squad who came second at Australian Optimist Championships and Sweden’s Marius Westerlind.

Both boys finished in the top 20 at the Worlds.

With the best young Omani talent also aiming for honours in front of a home crowd, competition is expected to be intense with up to 12 races a day scheduled for each of the Optimist, Laser Radial, Laser 4.4m and Techno 293 classes and gold, silver and bronze medals all up for grabs.

Prior to racing which starts in earnest on January 18th, Oman Sail will stage a three-day training camp for all sailors, making available a group of high profile professionals to provide coaching ses-

sions. They will feature a range of on water sessions plus theoretical courses and lectures ashore covering racing strategy, rules, fitness and nutrition and psychology.

As well as racing, the focus will be on cultural exchanges and a series of fun team building activities to build confidence and encourage friendship between sailors from different countries has been arranged.

These will also give the sailors a taste of the local Omani culture with music, dance, food and a few camels on hand as a mix entertainment and education.

The five-day event from January 15 to 21 would provide the perfect opportunity to lay on world-class action at a world-class venue, said Salma Al Hashmi, Chief Marketing Officer of Oman Sail.

“Musannah Sport City is an ideal venue for hosting international sailing events,” she said. “Musannah Race Week offers an educational platform for the sailors and provides an opportunity for Oman Sail youth sailors to interact with other sailors to gain more knowledge in sailing and learn new techniques.

“We look forward to seeing these youngsters use our fantastic venue as a platform to forge successful sailing careers and have a bit of fun in the process.”

AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Djokovic wary of over-confidence

SMILING TRIO: Gilles Muller of Luxembourg holds his trophy

with his two sons Lenny and Nils after beating Daniel Evans of Britain in the men’s singles final in Sydney. - AFP

Tearful Muller wins SYDNEY: An emotional Gilles Muller clinched a first ATP Tour title in his 17th year as a professional when he beat Briton Dan Evans 7-6(5), 6-2 to win the Sydney International on Saturday.

The 33-year-old left-hander from Luxembourg had lost all five of his previous tour finals but prevailed at the sixth attempt in the Australian Open warm-up event at the Olympic Tennis Centre.

Muller raised his arms aloft in triumph after converting his

third championship point off his second serve to conclude the final in a shade under an hour-and-ahalf on Ken Rosewall Arena.

“Wow, what a night, I’ve waited a long time for this,” the world number 34 said after receiving the trophy from Australian tennis great Rod Laver.

“I’m sorry,” he added, fighting in vain to hold back the tears. “It just means so much to me to win the first time on the ATP in front of my boys and my wife.” - Reuters

AUCKLAND OPEN

Redemption for Sock AUCKLAND: American Jack Sock put the disappointment of withdrawing from last year’s Auckland Classic final behind him on Saturday by clinching the 2017 title with a 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 victory over Portugal’s Joao Sousa.

Sock had to pull out of last year’s decider due to a heavy bout of flu, which affected him the following week at the Australian Open where he needed five sets to beat 155th-ranked Taylor Fritz in his opening match. He then crashed out in the second round against the Czech Republic’s Lukas Rosol.

Sock, who had won just one previous ATP Tour title, at Houston on clay in 2015, took the crucial points in the first set, which went with serve until the seventh

Jack Sock with trophy.

game when Sousa double faulted to give the American the break.

The fourth seed consolidated to take a 5-3 lead and clinched the set in the ninth game when the Portuguese hit a forehand into the net.

The American wasted little time wrapping up the title, sealing victory in a match that lasted a little under two hours. - Reuters

MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic has dominated the blue courts of Melbourne Park for the best part of a decade but the defending champion still fears over-confidence could prove his undoing at the Australian Open.

Set to bid for a record seventh title and a second hat-trick of trophies after his 2011-13 run, the Serb has often seemed invincible in Australia.

This time, however, he has arrived Down Under in a more humble position, without the top seed for the first time in three years after conceding the number one ranking to Briton Andy Murray.

“I never had an invincibility, although I thank you for the compliment,” he told reporters at Melbourne Park on Saturday, two days before the first Grand Slam of the season starts.

“Nobody is invincible. I never thought of myself as a superior player on the court, even though of course at times I was very confident, I was winning a lot of matches. But, you know, knowing how it feels on the court, if you get overconfident, that’s why I don’t want to get into that kind of state of mind.

“I still want to put myself in a position where I’m quite even to other players, fight for this trophy as anybody else, even though I’m defending champion.”

After completing a sweep of the Grand Slam titles at last year’s French Open, Djokovic suffered a form slump and Murray poached his number one ranking at the World Tour finals, but winning back the top spot was not the Serb’s “main priority”.

“As a consequence of the results, if I become number one, that’s great. Of course, that’s what I want,” he added. “I really would like to take one tournament at a time and try to win as many matches as possible. Then, as I said, as a consequence to that, if I become number one, I’ll be thrilled.”

While hardly putting him back in the pack, 29-year-old Djokovic’s second seeding has resulted in a tougher draw than in years past.

Kerber an inspiration for WTA’s frustrated bridesmaids MELBOURNE: Angelique Kerber’s sudden emergence as a Grand Slam champion is an inspiration to the other players who are regulars in the top 10 but have yet to bag one of the major prizes, Agnieszka Radwanska said on Saturday.

The German had enjoyed marginal Grand Slam success with a couple of semifinal appearances to her name over a nine-year span before she stunned the world and Serena Williams to capture the Australian Open crown last year.

The 28-year-old opens her Melbourne Park title defence as world number one this week having proved last year’s triumph was no fluke by also claiming the U.S. Open title and reaching the Wimbledon final.

“I think this is big inspiration for everyone,” Radwanska, third seed at Melbourne Park, said on Saturday. “Winning two Grand Slams the same year, other couple big finals.

That’s for sure something amazing.

“She really played unbelievable tennis whole season. She just proved that she can do it.

I mean, two Grand Slams just from pretty much nowhere.”

Radwanska, who has enjoyed an intense rivalry with Kerber, has reached one major final over her decade-long career, losing the 2012 Wimbledon title decider to Williams.

He faces a stern opening test against Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco, who dumped Rafa Nadal out of the first round last year and held five match points over the Serb at the Qatar Open.

A possible fourth round match against Bulgarian talent Grigor

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS: Angelique Kerber of Germany, right, and Novak Djokovic of Serbia carry the trophies ahead of the Australian Open tennis tournament draw. – AFP

Simona Halep, the Romanian fourth seed, has also played and lost a solitary Grand Slam final, as has Slovakian sixth seed Dominika Cibulkova, who was runner-up in Melbourne to Li Na in 2014 but arrives this year as the WTA Finals champion.

Karolina Pliskova joined the club last September when she lost to Kerber at the U.S. Open, the first time she had got past the third round at a Grand Slam.

The 24-year-old big-serving Czech broke into the top five in the world on the back of her Flushing Meadows run and clinched her seventh career title in Brisbane two weeks ago.

Her dominant form in the most prestigious Australian Open warm-up had some local media tipping her for a maiden

Dimitrov, in red-hot form after upsetting Kei Nishikori and Milos Raonic to win the Brisbane International, follows.

But Djokovic has also enjoyed sound preparation and landed a psychological blow against Murray by beating him in the final at

Grand Slam crown in 2017 but she was reluctant to claim a place among the contenders at Melbourne Park.

“I would definitely not take me as a favourite of this tournament. It’s a big draw,” the 2010 Australian Open junior champion said.

“There is still, I think, many more players better than me. I guess everyone is in shape and everyone is excited to play this Grand Slam.

“Everyone was working hard in the off-season, so it’s tough to say. We will just see after few rounds here.”

Garbine Muguruza had also played and lost her maiden Grand Slam final before she exacted revenge on Williams in her second trip to a major title decider to secure the Roland Garros title last June. — Reuters

Qatar last week to snap the Scot’s 28-match winning streak.

“I couldn’t ask for a better start of the season,” Djokovic said. “I still haven’t had any nightmares, so I can’t call it a nightmare draw.

I just see it as a huge challenge. I hope I’ll be able to deliver.” - Reuters

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2 Story villa for rent in Bousher, Block No.273, Way No. 7317, House No 1225 A ; 3 Bed room, 2 Hall, 1 Sitting room ,1 Kitchen and 5 Toilets with split A/C. To view the Villa please contact 94044636/ 99153620 Work shop, ware house for renting prime location Ghala 22.5x12.5 x 2M. Contact: 95981722 2 BHK commercial flat with split AC available for rent at Al Khuwair 33. Contact: 94057023 Villa at Al Khuwair 33 – Very next to newly opened Al Shifa Hospital - Ground Floor - 3 Bed room/ 3 bathroom / Hall/ dining area with A/C’s. R.O. 400/-. I BHK flat at Hamriya – Yiti road next to Hamriya Flower shopping Supermarket.

R.O. 150.000. Contact: 94934353 Call 9 am to 7 Pm. Email – forrentksd@gmail.com

House ground floor in Madinat Sultan Qaboos, 3 rooms, Majlis, living room, 3 toilets & 7 A/C, Rent 600/- monthly. Contact: 96322883 2 Bedrooms flats with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat municipality.

Contact: 24700120 / 92584715 1 & 2 BHK flat for rent at Wadi Adai, Opp Al Nahdha, Al Khoud, Mabela Industrial area & shop at Al Khoud Souq. Contact: 24834644 / 93994401, 02, 03 Single bedroom flat near Indian School Al Ghobrah.

Contact: 99428764

6 BHK Villa in Amerat.

Contact- 99792181 3 BHK flat In Azaiba.

Contact- 99792181 Studio Flat In Madinat Qaboos.

Contact- 99792181 4 BHK villa in Madinat Ilham.

Contact- 99792181 5 BHK Villa in near Seeb Airport.

Contact- 99792181 2 BHK Flat in Amerat.

Contact- 99792181 2 Bed room with attach, bathroom with A/C at Al Khuwair 33 at main road, clean building RO.280/-.

Contact: 99335411 Spacious 2 BR in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99713489

2 BHK R.O 180/- behind Bahwan building near Khimji. H.O. Contact: 95865686

2 BHK flats Honda road, Ruwi.

Contact: 99224748/ 99332297

3 BHK Flat in Madinat Qaboos.

Contact- 99792181

1BHK near medical Darsait R.O 175/-. Contact: 95076261

S U N DAY, JA N UA RY 1 5 , 2 0 1 7

D3

DAILY GUIDE

FOR SALE

- New Brand Building in Bowsher for sale - Twin villa in Azaiba & Ghubra for sale - Commercial/ Residential khuwair for sale.

Land in Al

Contact Hood: 91155779

MANPOWER

FOR SALE 2014 MODEL VOLVO PENTA 650 KVA GENSETS (02NOS) 2000 KVA (01 NO) VOLTAMP TRANSFORMER CONCEALED PANEL SYSTEM FOR ABOVE. ALL ITEMS HARDLY USED IN A COMPLETED PROJECT OF 2YRS AND CAN BE REUSED. ONLY SERIOUS BUYERS CONTACT GSM :

92886778/99455690

FOR SALE 1. Porta Cabin 2. Book Loader (New Holland) 3. Water Tanker (Hino 2000 Gallon) 4. Roller (JCB 3 Ton) 5. Roller (JCB & Wacker, 1 Ton) ϲ͘ ^ĐĂī ŽůĚŝŶŐƐ 7. HDPE Duct Pipes (300 mm to 1800mm) 8. Tower Hoist

FOR RENT One / Two, B/R flats in new building near Dolphin near dolphin complex, Bausher directly from owner.

Contact: 92158031 Flats at Al Khuwair 33.

Contact: 92800007

Villa for rent in South Mabellah, 3 bedrooms, sitting room, family Lounge, kitchen, three Toilets Contact 92212212 between 10 AM to 5 PM

Shops for rent in Ghala industrial area near Toco. Contact 92884775

Apartment for rent three rooms and a hall - kichen-4bath-Next to City Centre Almwalh.

Contact 99336776

Villa Boushar, 5 BHK 500/- R.O. Contact: 95202430

1-4 bedroom villa at Al Ansab.

Contact: 96788070

For rent with good price for families and brides amazing flats at Wadi Al Kabir and Sidab with reasonable rent. Contact: 95755953 / 95555162

New apartment flat for rent, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms & kitchen, behind Indian School, short way to Lulu Darsait & Muttrah traditional Soqu.

Contact or Whatsapp: 91013331

Room for rent in Qurum near Mars hypermarket for small family.

Contact: 95711449 / 96570147 Flat for rent 2BHK split A/c near Oman house in Muttrah .

Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 6 Bedroom villas available for rent at North Al Hail, near Wave, complex with swimming pool and Gym. Contact: 99833747 3 BHK villa MadinatSultan Qaboos, R.O 550/-.

Contact: 97799175 /92144045 House for rent in Mabelah North, 3 rooms, living room, 3 toilets, kitchen & majlis.

Contact: 99350456 New villa for rent in Azaiba 18 November Street. 6 Bedrooms, 2 kitchens & 7 toilets. To view the villa contact - 95919059 Brand new 1 & 2 BR flat in Walja.

Contact: 99713489 1 Bedroom first floor apartment with sitting & 1 baths + kitchen close to Indian school maintenance just finished near to Maya supermarket Wadi Al Kabir.

Contact: 99485834 Residential & commercial flats in a new building, at Muttrahfor office or shops any kind of commercial activates. More details.

Contact: 99364735/ 95729711

2 bed room flat in Azaiba, behind Zubair. Contact: 96788070 Villa complex for lease renovated deluxe villa complex with separate three flats , location AL Ghobra north ( near tourist hotels) is available for lease.

Contact: Ali : 99411607, Luoy : 92466266 Flat for rent 2BHK split A/c near Kuwaiti Mosque in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 New 3 story 4 bedroom villa in Al Hail near to radio station. The spacious master bedroom has a sea view. It has a maids room.

All bedrooms have bathrooms and one extra bathroom between dining and sitting room. It has split A/c’s. 6 months advance payment required. Price is OMR 750 monthly.

Telephone: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955. No Brokers Please.

Flats & shops for rent at Ruwi Honda road Mumtaz area.

Contact: 97293708 / 92433127

FOR SALE Industrial land AL Misfah Boushar area 30.000 SQM attractive location. Contact: 95202430 Empty shop / laundry near Camelia café. Contact: 92868123 / 92841089

Contact 93990154

Skilled / unskilled Labors available under single sponsorship for hire. Contact: 92841089

AVAILABLE House shifting and Transport.

Contact: 96737158 Perfumes cosmetics shop available Darsait near Oman house.

Contact: 92150455 Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299

MV SALE FOR SALE Ice-cream shop for sale Ruwi, good location. Contact: 92150455 Shop for sale at Rex Road, Honda Road. Contact: 96093266 Two story five bedroom villa built on 600 square meters land in Azaiba 6 not far from Sultan centre. It has split A/C’s. Extra place for small garden and BBQ. The villa is not new. It has provision for extra room and penthouse and housemaid room. OMR 255 Thousand. No Brokers Please.

Telephone: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955 Restaurant & kitchen newly made kitchen (with catering license) and restaurant with clearance for sale at Mabela, Muscat. Contact: 91334783 Twin villa for sale in Azaiba near Sultan Centre. Each side has three floors, five bedroom plus maid room.

Each room has its own bathroom and one extra toilet between dining and sitting room. The villas are now about 5 years old and very clean and well maintained. It has split A/C’s. OMR 198,500 each villa. Telephone: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955 No Brokers Please.

Industrial land in Rusail.4000 sqm.

Contact 99323957 / 95490842.

House for sale at Wadi Kabir rented to the company asking for (55 thousand rial) negotiable.

Contact: 92882414

Toyota Yaris for sale 2009 September 93,000km white colour expat driven, in good condition accident free for sale. Contact: 93461297

BUYING Buying cars for cash. # 90202090

Pharmacy for sale in Mabela.

Contact: 92893890 / 98838252 Villa Shatti Al Qurum area 920 SQM. Contact: 95202430 Well running reputed travel agency for sale. Contact: 97992388 Twin Villa for sale in Azaiba near Sultan Centre. Each side has three floors, five bedroom plus maid room. Each room has it’s own bathroom and one extra toilet between dining and sitting room. The villas are now about 5 years old and very clean and well maintained.

It has split A/C’s. OMR 215,000 each villa. Telephone: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955.

No Brokers Please.

400 square meters residential land in Al Ghubra south near Millenium Hypermarket. OMR 134 thousand. Telephone: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955.

No Brokers Please.

Running coffee shop sale Al Mawalah, Rusayl.

Contact: 92992940

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

ACC. AVAILABLE Furnished room for Executive Bachelor near OK Center, RUWI. Contact - 99591669

FOR EXPATS

Furnished rooms available at Ruwi, phone: 98650994 / 98049288

Two house in Zanzibar first line form the beach at Kibweni near the palace (R.O 77000) Contact Owner: 99348943

Looking for female/ couple to share 3 BHK flat in Azaiba. Couple OMR 150 per room / female OMR 65 for sharing room.

Contact: 94662690

FOR SALE 603 sq mtrs residential land in Al Hail North Block 45 NE near Radio station. OMR 83 Thousand.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955 No Brokers Please 603 sq mtrs residential land in Al Hail North Block 45 NE near Radio station. OMR 96 Thousand.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 - or 97509955. No Brokers Please BUILDING MATERIAL SHOP FOR SALEWell-furnished running building material-electrical shop (4 shutter / 200sqm) in Al- Khoudh- 6, for immediate sale- shop with stock or stock only.

Serious buyers may please Contact: 94320909

Room, bath attached executives, Wadi Kabir. Contac: 99336206 Furnished room for Executive bachelor near Honda Road (Walja) Contact – 99016546 Furnished room Indian bachelor near Al Falaj Hotel Ruwi& lady in WadiKabir. RO 100. Call 96202458.

Furnished room CBD area for Executive bachelor free Wi-Fi, advance deposit. Contact: 90631572 Room for rent near Hamriya R/A for executive bachelor, Sharing kitchen. Contact 99640850, 97983501, 97443614 Sharing accommodation in W/K. Contact: 94986587

D4

S U N DAY, JA N UA RY 1 5, 2 0 1 7

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classiďŹ eds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT Marketing Sales Person Should have experience in kitchens, wardrobes & sanitary wares Experience 2-3yrs Having valid Omani license Knowledge of Oman market

Reputed mineral water company required the following HEAVY/LIGHT DUTY DRIVERS VAN SALESMAN with Omani driving license

SALES SUPERVISOR/SALES KÍłKZ /E dKZ with Omani driving license , >W Z^ Íł Experience 3 to5 years

Contact - 90372638

WANTED Female/male Physiotherapist and female/male GP, and one female Lab Technician with or without MOH license & data Ĺ&#x2021; Ĺ˝Ç Ä¨Ĺ˝Ć&#x152; ĹŻ ^Ä&#x201A;Ä&#x201A;Ä&#x161;Ĺ?

Specialized Medical Centre, Musanna.

Contact 92025033, Email : chillapalli76@gmail.com

Contact No: +968 91717230 Mail.Id: shana@omantd.com

ACCOUNTANT REQUIRED BCOM OR MEMBERSHIP IN ANY PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANCY BODY AT LEAST 5 YEARS INDEPENDENT EXPERIENCE IN OMAN, UP TO FINALIZATION EXCELLENT WRITTEN AND SPOKEN COMMUNICATION IN ENGLISH GOOD KNOWLEDGE OF MICROSOFT OFFICE AND TALLY SOFTWARE DRIVING LICENCE ĹľÄ&#x201A;Ĺ?ĹŻ Ç&#x2021;ŽƾĆ&#x152; sĆ?Í&#x2014;

ĹśÄ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ç&#x20AC;ŽžÄ&#x201A;ŜώϏϭϲÎ&#x203A;Ĺ?ĹľÄ&#x201A;Ĺ?ĹŻÍ&#x2DC;Ä?Žž

URGENTLY REQUIRED Filipino/Nepalese female sales associate for a fashion accessories outlet in one of the leading malls in Muscat.

Applicants on visit visa or with NOC only.

2 years experience is a must (GCC experience preferred)

>ŽŽŏĹ?ĹśĹ? ĨŽĆ&#x152; Ć&#x152;Ä&#x201A;Ä?Ĺ?Ä? Ć?Ć&#x2030;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;ĹŹĹ?ĹśĹ? DÄ&#x201A;Ć&#x152;ĹŹÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x; ĹśĹ? Ç&#x2020;Ä&#x17E;Ä?ĆľĆ&#x; Ç&#x20AC;Ä&#x17E; ĨŽĆ&#x152; ^Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x17E;ĹŻ &Ä&#x201A;Ä?Ć&#x152;Ĺ?Ä?Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x; ŽŜ ƾŜĹ?Ć&#x161;Í&#x2022; Ä?Ä&#x201A;Ć?Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x161; Ĺ?Ĺś ^Ĺ˝Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Í&#x2022; KĹľÄ&#x201A;ĹśÍ&#x2DC;

Please send CV to

irfan@krasa.co.uk

ZÄ&#x17E;Ć?Ć&#x2030;ŽŜĆ?Ĺ?Ä?ĹŻÄ&#x17E; ĨŽĆ&#x152; Ç&#x20AC;Ĺ?Ć?Ĺ?Ć&#x; ĹśĹ? Ä?ĆľĆ?Ć&#x161;ŽžÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ć?Í&#x2022; ĹľÄ&#x201A;Ć&#x152;ĹŹÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x; ĹśĹ? Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; ŽŜÄ&#x17E; Ć&#x2030;Ĺ˝Ĺ?ĹśĆ&#x161; Ä?ŽŜĆ&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ä?Ć&#x161; ĨŽĆ&#x152; Ä?ĆľĆ?Ć&#x161;ŽžÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ć? ĨĆ&#x152;Žž Ć&#x2030;ĹŻÄ&#x201A;Ä?Ĺ?ĹśĹ? Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E; Ĺ˝Ć&#x152;Ä&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152; Ć&#x161;Ĺ˝ Ä?ŽžĆ&#x2030;ĹŻÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x; ŽŜ ŽĨ Ä&#x17E;Ç&#x2020;Ä&#x17E;Ä?ĆľĆ&#x; ĹśĹ? Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E; Ĺ˝Ć&#x152;Ä&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Í&#x2DC; tĹ?ĹŻĹŻ Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ç&#x20AC;Ä&#x17E; Ć&#x161;Ĺ˝ Ć&#x161;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x201A;Ç&#x20AC;Ä&#x17E;ĹŻ Ä&#x201A;Ä?Ć&#x152;Ĺ˝Ć?Ć? ' ĨŽĆ&#x152; ĹľÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x; ĹśĹ? Ç Ĺ?Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161; Ä?ĆľĆ?Ć&#x161;ŽžÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ć?Í&#x2DC;

REQUIRED SALESMAN FOR ONE OF THE BEST PERFUME COMPANY

^Ć&#x161;Ć&#x152;ŽŜĹ? Ç Ć&#x152;Ĺ?ĆŠ Ä&#x17E;Ĺś Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; Ä?ŽžžƾŜĹ?Ä?Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x; ŽŜĆ? Ć?ĹŹĹ?ĹŻĹŻĆ? Ĺ?Ć? Ä&#x201A; žƾĆ?Ć&#x161;Í&#x2DC; dÄ&#x17E;Ä?Ĺ&#x161;ĹśĹ?Ä?Ä&#x201A;ĹŻ Ć&#x2039;ĆľÄ&#x201A;ĹŻĹ?ÄŽ Ä?Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x; ŽŜ Ĺ?Ć? Ä&#x201A; Ä?Ĺ?Ĺ? Ć&#x2030;ĹŻĆľĆ?Í&#x2DC; DĹ?Ĺś Ďł Ç&#x2021;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Ć? ŽĨ Ä&#x17E;Ç&#x2020;Ć&#x2030;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ĺ?Ä&#x17E;ĹśÄ?Ä&#x17E;Í&#x2DC;

Attractive Salary & Other Perks Candidate must have following requirement. t t t

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.645 #& " $0.165&3 -*5&3"5& .*/*.6. :&"34 &91&3*&/$& */ 4&--*/( */ 1&3'6.&4 8&-- (300.&% 4."35 -00,*/( (00% $0..6/*$"5*0/ 4,*--4 '&-9*#-& "/% "#-& 50 803, */ 13&463& .645 )"7& $0.."/% 0/ &/(-*4) "/% "3"#*$ /0$ .645 3&26*3&

Please send your resume at info@cabrolgroup.com

CANDIDATE CAN SEND THEIR CV at

vacancy052016@gmail.com

LOOKING FOR A GENERAL MANAGER ĨŽĆ&#x152; ^Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x17E;ĹŻ &Ä&#x201A;Ä?Ć&#x152;Ĺ?Ä?Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x; ŽŜ ƾŜĹ?Ć&#x161;Í&#x2022; Ä?Ä&#x201A;Ć?Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x161; Ĺ?Ĺś ^Ĺ˝Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Í&#x2022; KĹľÄ&#x201A;ĹśÍ&#x2DC; ZÄ&#x17E;Ć?Ć&#x2030;ŽŜĆ?Ĺ?Ä?ĹŻÄ&#x17E; ĨŽĆ&#x152; Ć&#x152;ƾŜŜĹ?ĹśĹ? Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E; Ĺ˝Ć&#x2030;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x; ŽŜĆ?Í&#x2022; Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x2030;Ĺ˝Ć&#x152;Ć&#x; ĹśĹ? to the Board in form of reports & Budgets, achieving monthly targets, managing manpower, ĹľÄ&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x201A;Ĺ?Ĺ?ĹśĹ? Ć?Ç&#x2021;Ć?Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E;ĹľĆ?Í&#x2022; Ĺ?ĹľĆ&#x2030;ĹŻÄ&#x17E;ĹľÄ&#x17E;ĹśĆ&#x; ĹśĹ? ĹśÄ&#x17E;Ç Ć?Ç&#x2021;Ć?Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E;ĹľĆ? Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x161;Ä?Í&#x2013; &Ä&#x201A;Ä?Ć&#x152;Ĺ?Ä?Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x; ŽŜ Ä?Ä&#x201A;Ä?ĹŹĹ?Ć&#x152;ŽƾŜÄ&#x161; Ä&#x201A; Ä?Ĺ?Ĺ? Ć&#x2030;ĹŻĆľĆ?Í&#x2DC;

SALES / MARKETING IT marketing executive, required experiences + driving license. Contact - dreamstravel 66@gmail.com

Please send your resume at info@cabrolgroup.com ACCOUNTS

Wanted Freelance Sales person for a running laundry. A well equipped laundry requires a free lance sales person to get contracts from hotels, serviced apartments, restaurants, labor camps, hospitals etc. good salary n commission guaranteed. Mail resume to: magiclaundryoman@gmail.com or call 9145 8547

DRIVER MEDICAL

Required Accountant for office with min 2 years experience. Visa Available.Contact-24691193, Send CV to: info@gmuco.com

HR/ ADMIN Required Omani PRO with driving license. Contact-24691193, Send CV to: info@gmuco.com

Reputed Excellent Grade Electrical Company requires the following: Trailer/Heavy Drivers (5) Lorry Crane (HIAB) Operators (5) With GCC driving license. Please send CV to: hv.jobsoman@gmail. com, contact: 95170802 Wanted expert Driver.

Contact: 97165972

EDUCATION/TRAINING CATERING Looking for qualiďŹ ed & well experienced cook -continental with some Arabic style a plus, ďŹ&#x201A;uent in English, to work with a CEO in Govt. service. Salary negotiable. Send CV to: dgpm2003@hotmail.com / 99046569

Urgently required Science, Math and English Teachers for a bilingual school in Al-Ansab.

Applicants should possess qualiďŹ cations of B.Sc/B.A/B.Ed and IELTS band 6 with minimum two years of experience. Forward your CVs to amal73@moe.om, Contact: 92515777

Looking for valid MOH license Nurse for Sharqiyah / Fanja / Quriyat. Contact: 99782853 / 92917156 email: alsawaisdcbuali@gmail.com Urgently required Internist, Orthodontist, Physiotherapist & Lab Technician for a reputed medical center in Salalah.

Contact 99714300 Email - hrmdimc2010@gmail.com Gynecologist, GP and Radiographer with prometric dataďŹ&#x201A;ow required for Polyclinic Muscat.

Kindly send your documents on dsm.reqruitment@gmail.com Required MBBS Doctor for a well established private clinic in Al Hail, Seeb. Contact: 99468166

DOMESTIC HELP ENGINEER Wanted experienced Housemaid / House keeper for reputed house in Qurum. Salary and beneďŹ ts are best in market.

Contact: 99466062 Required part time Indian cook in Darsait. Contact: 93322009

Wanted Indian Civil Engineer BE/ Diploma with experience in tendering, liaison with consultancy and client for a construction company. Salary R.O 300-400.

Contact: 99215560 Email: bvcsmuscat@gmail.com

Full time Malayalee housemaid required for a Keralite family.

Contact: 92103688

Maintenance person driving license + civil works experience.

Email: dreamstravel 66@gmail.com

DRIVER Driver required with valid Omani driving license, visa available.

Contact-24691193.

Send CV to:info@gmuco.com Driver required with valid Omani driving license, visa will be provided, subject to NOC. Contact: 94868626 Send CV to sudhakaran@bsalman.com Required a full time driver for an Omani family in Muscat. Interested contact (Gsm). 99417499 Omani light Drivers 2 Nos with PDO driving license passed.

Contact: 96269676 Requirement - Omani Drivers for 3T Truck needed immediately for Natural Water Distribution Company with 3to5 years driving experience.

Candidates from Muscat/Sharqia is also required. Interested candidates contact: Mobile 99273774/ 99202278/95060390

IT Urgently required an SEO professional with experience in optimizing websites and improving organic SE rankings with knowledge of Analytics, keyword research, social media optimization and link building. Email: hr@cityvago.com

Urgently required staff Nurse, Lab tech, Optometrist & Specialist Radiologist Doctor.

Preferably Indian for a medical centre in Ruwi Muscat.

Cont No.95220350 or bmdcsg@yahoo.com GP Doctors required for clinic.

Contact - Email: dreamstravel 66@gmail.com Urgently required GP (MBBS) doctor with MOH license for locum in a reputed clinic.

Contact - 99048170 Required female Dentist, Nurses, Pharmacist, Lab Technician for a Polyclinic at Ibra.

Contact 71100596, joharaajmal2016@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS MEDICAL Required female Nurse urgently with MOH license.

Contact: 97304519 Email: drshehabclinic@gmail.com Urgently required for Doctor, Staff Nurse & Lab Technician with or without MOH license.

Contact: 93824902 Urgently needed female dermatologist (priority for Omani) with minimum ďŹ ve years experience.

Please send CV to elixirhealthcenter@yahoo.com, P.S details of salary and beneďŹ ts will be sent after submitting the CV.

Required: -Telecom Engineer/ Technicians. - Accountant - Fiber optical technician.-HSE officer.

Email: joboman2017@gmail.com IT Marketing Executive (Required experiences +driving license) Maintenance person with driving license. dreamstravel66@gmail.com Insurance broker looking to recruit commission based sales people if monthly targets achieved,bonus will be paid in addition to commission, If you are interested to work with us , send your name & phone to this email: policysalesmct@gmail.com

Speedy Enterprises United LLC Travel/ Tourism and Car Rental required Sales Executive with valid Oman driving license and ďŹ&#x201A;uent spoken written English, experienced candidate will be preferable. Interested candidates send resume to: Anil@speedyoman.com Wanted Salesman, Merchandiser with minimum experience 3 years driving license.

Contact: 99440252

SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNTS MANAGER Marketing Manager: candidates with Chemical / Mechanical Engineering, 10 years experience in marketing oilďŹ eld items, tendering process, MS Office programs and with Omani driving license, may please mil CV: msindco@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Sales Executive â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cosmetics products. Experience: Minimum 4 - 5 years, Should have knowledge about Oman market, Valid Oman Driving License must. Forward CV to muscatjobs2001@gmail.com Sales man with / without Omani driver license. Contact: Whatsapp- 94756618 Looking for an Expat staff, with experience in Oman in real estate ďŹ eld not exceed the age of the employee 28 & Send CV with photos.

Email: aburashid94dd@gmail.com

Chartered accountant Indian currently working in Oman 10+ years experience ms office m SAP oracle, focus. Contact: 94641805 MBA- Finance Indian male 14 years experience in Finance & Accounting (10 years in Oman). NOC available.

Contact: 99206781 MBA- Finance Indian male 14+ years experience in Finance & Accounting (9 Years in Oman) Valid D/L, NOC available.

Contact: 97628676 Indian female 22 years, B.Com with 1 year experience in India as accountant / Clerk, looking for suitable opening. Now on visiting visa.

Contact: 97754830 QualiďŹ ed Chartered Accountant & ACS 10 +years Managerial experience, working in Bank, looking for suitable opening, Open to any GCC, MBL: +968-90788509, Email: kartirevy@gmail.com

Required Sales Manager / Sales Man 5 years experience, driver license preferable marble, natural stone. Contact: 95322037

Experienced indian accountant 24 years,Mcom,BBA and having accounting diploma certiďŹ cate from IAB .Currently on family visa in oman,seeking suitable job opportunities.Contact : 99076506 Email: rebi.rsf@gmail.com

Sales & Marketing Executive for interior design & Con. Co, Oman driving license , basic knowledge in computer). Contact: 92851122 Email: smathousemct@gmail.com

Indian male, seeking for job MBA in Finance and PGDM in HR, having one year experience, on visiting visa. Contact: 92265303 Email: jovin8910@gmail.com

Sales Executive (Textiles) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3 Nos. Sales Executive (Paints) - 1 No. Sales Executive (Building Materials) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2 Nos. With valid Oman D/L.Experience of 2 years in selling Textiles or Building Materials in Oman.Degree in any discipline. Mail resume to fashionwear2016@gmail.com for Textiles vacancies and sales.buildex7777@gmail.com for building material vacancies.

Accountant (Indian male) B.Com, 12 years (4 years in Gulf) exp seeking job. Contact: 93685995 Finance Manager, MBA Finance, 21 yrs of MNC contracting experience looking for a job, thorough knowledge in MIS, ext / Int Audit, income tax, budget, trade ďŹ nance treasury system implementation.

Contact: 94652975 Email: ramu2587@hotmail.com

Indian male 30 years on visit visa, B.Com (Comp) 4 years experience in accounts. Seeks position in administration or accounts assistant.

Contact â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 97047327 / shaikmasiuddin430@gmail.com Experienced business development investment consultant with 10 years experience in the ďŹ nancial management ďŹ eld, holds a masters degree in ďŹ nance and management from the UK. Contact: 90157073 Accounts Manager looking for job in accounts or ďŹ nance, 4 years Oman exp with accountancy degree & Omani D/L with NOC available.

Contact: 95661169 Email: moshin_zaman4u@hotmail.com MBA Finance Indian 25 Male 2 years experience seeking opportunities in Finance sector. Immediately available.Contact:92498840 sachu_0318@yahoo.com Indian (M), QualiďŹ ed CPA, CMA, CIA (USA), MBA (Finance) & M.Com, 15 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in Finance, Accounting & Audit, (3 years in Oman) looking for suitable Senior/Middle level position in Finance/Accounting/Audit. NOC available.

E-mail soji_ansu@yahoo.com, MOB â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 91595436 Experienced Financial Controller / Finance Manager / Audit Manager, CPA ,ACCA , MBA .Expert in ďŹ nancial leadership policies ,procedures, Budgets ,Bank Facilities , Financial strategies & guidance on complex issues with Guaranteed Best Financial Results& ProďŹ ts, Expert in ERPs ,NOC call 94886226 Accountant male 25 India with 3 year experience seeking suitable placement Mob.91425506 Indian male, 6 yrs exp in ďŹ nance, marketing & admin with NOC join immediately. Contact: 90986882/ 99043221

S U N DAY, JA N UA RY 1 5, 2 0 1 7

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED Indian Male 32 Yrs, MBA, BCA ǁŝƚŚ ϵ͘ϳ zƌƐ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ ^ĂůĞƐ Θ DĂƌŬĞƟ ŶŐ͕ ĚŵŝŶŝƐƚƌĂƟ ŽŶ͕ WƵƌĐŚĂƐĞ͕ /^K Θ Y ͬY ŽĐƵŵĞŶƚĂƟ ŽŶ͕ ^ƚŽƌĞƐ Θ WƌŽũĞĐƚ DĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ͘ With valid Oman driving license.

NOC available. Looking for any kind of desk job in Oman or Dubai.

with 4 Yrs experience in Accounts, HR, ĚŵŝŶŝƐƚƌĂƟ ŽŶ͕ WƌŽĐƵƌĞŵĞŶƚ Θ ^ĂůĞƐ ŽͲŽƌĚŝŶĂƟ ŽŶ ŝŶ KŵĂŶ͘ NOC available and ready to join in Oman or Dubai.

Please contact: +91-7397754465 Whatsapp: +968-93483736 ŵĂŝů͗ ŬŝƩ Ƶ͘ϭϵϴϰΛŚŽƚŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ

Please contact: +91-7397795465 Whatsapp: +968-94617734 Email: reshmiarunz@gmail.com

Indian Female 27 Yrs, B.Com

Looking for Administrative or clinic administrative job, immediate hire. Contact: 98868692

ACCOUNTS

ACCOUNTS 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, Emailallen.mathew83@gmail.com Indian male age 26, Accountant one year experience in accounts looking for suitable job. Contact Email: anishkhan991867@gmail. com Mobile: +968 9565 9415 Experienced business development and investment consultant with 10 years experience in the financial management field. Holds a masters degree in finance and management from the UK. Contact : 90157073 Indian female, 12 years experience in call center banking team management, 1 year exp in Oman as secretary to the G.M, seeking suitable position. Contact: 95166496 M.Com, Indian, Chief Accountant 10 years experience in Oman looking for a suitable position. NOC available. Contact: 96973776.

Freelancer / part time Indian CA accounts / Tax / Audit / MIS finalization with tax queries answering, above 20 years Oman experience.

Contact: 95140332 / 99104151 Accounts & Admin 3 years experience in GCC, BBA graduate, Indian male 29 yrs, looking for suitable placement. Contact: 79103778 Indian female ACCA with 3 years experience in UAE and Oman looking for suitable position in accounting and finance. Contact: 91784650 Finance / Account professional 18 yrs Oman experience can work independentor head the division looking for opening.

Contact: 92168401 / 92787747 Male Accountant(B.Com) having 2 years exp. Contact: 90357503 Indian male, age 26, visit visa, B.SC Mathematics 4 years experience as an accountant seeks suitable job. Contact: 98615171 / (Father no) 95374978.

Email: worksite.tinson@gmail.com Female Indian Accountant 28, CA Inter & MBA (Finance & I B) with 2 years Experience in Muscat available to join immediately.

GSM:- 90324530

Indian female (26) CA Intermediate with 3 years experience (incl.

Big 4 Exp) in Accounting and Internal Audit. Worked in Oman for short project. Contact: 93475921/ +91 9167079909 Email: anu.aravindan90@gmail.com Senior Accountant 16 years experience handle accounts up to finalization MIS cash flow, NOC &, D/L available. Contact: 94117616 Email: praveen78oman@gmail.com Indian female M.Com, having 4 years experience in Accounts looking for Accountant/suitable job. Contact: 98418533 / 99338639 Finance/M.Com Accountant 5+ yrs of exp including GCC seeking for suitable placement.

Contact: 91329254 aneeshkrishnan007@gmail.Com Indian female (27), CA Intermediate, B.Com, 3.5 years experience in Audit, 2 years as Accounts Manager, looking for suitable positions.

Contact: GSM-94873369, Email : sarikasureshs@gmail.com Internal audit ACCA (finalist) 14years of experience including Gulf in internal audit field, on visit visa. Contact: 95916716 Email: usman.eshaal2016@gmail.com Sales & Accounts Manager, Indian male having long track proven record in all aspects of finance, total 9 years experience in GCC, NOC available, Ready to join immediately Mob-97200823 Email- dhirenbapodra@outlook. com Highly Experienced Finance Manager, CPA, ACCA-UK. MBAUSA , Professional of Banking , Audits ,ERPs Sap , Management as Team Leader and Problem Solver call - 94 504505 /94403270 Indian Chartered Accountant 14+ years experience in Accounts & Finance working in Muscat looking for suitable change with Oman driving license and NOC Available.

Contact: 97728130 Email : vinoth77ca@gmail.com Srilankan male Accountant, holder of Diploma Chartered Accountancy Inter have 4 years experience in finance, available at Muscat, join immediately.

Contact: 79049355 / 93598736 Indian (M) MBA (f) more than 6 years of experience in accounts, proficiency in various A/C software SAP (F1/CO) seeking for suitable placement.

Contact: 95920740 Email Id: abdulhameed1527@gmail.com

ADMIN

Master of Business Administration (finance) Bachelor of Sciencediploma in Islamic banking & finance Somali lady 24 years old, languages known Somali, English and Arabic, one year experience.

Contact: + 971527626329 / istabraq66@hotmail.com

Indian Male Graduate over 15 years Gulf experience, Oman-4 in HR & Admin. With NOC and valid Driving License looking suitable placement.

Contact: 71121424 Email: prasanthrn0@gmail.com

Accounts part time services available to handle all accounts up to finalization on monthly basis and finalization works.

Contact: 96247295

Omani lawyer & legal adviser experience in Business administration,HR, staff training.

Contact: 97243393 Email: mum30033@yahoo.com

Part time Senior Accountant 10 yrs exp. Contact: 91126314

Indian male (24yr) B.Tech (IT) with 2years experience in office admin, looking for suitable position in Muscat on visit vis.

Contact: 91124306 Email: irfanmd1676@gmail.com

Indian male having long track proven record in all aspects of all management, rich in project management, business development & expansion and finance control, 16 years of experience in GCC and India, looking for suitable managerial post.

NOC available. Contact: 95207317 Email: mehulmodha@hotmail.com Indian chartered accountant, well experienced in manufacturing,service & telecom industries in Oman,Oman, as finance manager, seeks suitable placement. Contact: 92221129/ 97400600

Pakistani male, MBA (HRM) Honor, B.Com, 4 years experience HRM & Admin 1 year experience in construction, experience in sales & marketing . Currently on visit visa. Contact: 94939319 8 years experience in administration, sales and purchasing in Oman with valid GCC driving searching suitable job.

Contact 98145825, email: sibitommy8844@gmail.com.

7 years experienced in Administration & Sales with valid Oman driving license searching for a suitable job. Contact: 93347156 Young Omani male have experience 12 years as P.R.O, CLERK Helper Supervisor Admin Supervisor, H.R Manager have vocational M.B.A diploma in H.S.E, IT and P.D.O license, looking for H.R position or P.R.O part time or full time.

Contact: 95933288

ARCHITECT Indian Female Architect NIT Calicut, 1 Year exp. in design of residential & commercial buildings. Seeking suitable position.

Contact- 95293638. arayilakathsafa@gmail.com Architect with 3 yrs experience (interior, extensor shop drawings, revit and has good skills on 3ds, Max (vary) and cad software’s looking for a suitable job.

Contact: 94866328 Email: jenokeer@gmail.com

CATERING Chef Cook 20 years (15 yrs in Oman) experience male in Continental, Indian, Chinese and Arabic cuisine looking for suitable job NOC available. Contact: 93421606

DRIVER Pakistani male light vehicle driver release available, looking for job. Contact: 96069753 Looking for job exp having driving license. Contact: 97363138 Pakistani male light driver with 6 yrs exp in Oman.

Contact: 92171166 Pakistani male light vehicle driver looking for job.

Contact: 96651070 Light vehicle driver 4 years exp know, Hindi, English and Arabic.

Contact:98522914 Heavy duty driver seeks placement. Contact: 94939865 / 79039204 Light duty driver, 3 yrs exp, seeks placement. Contact: 97829730 Light duty driver seeks placement. Contact: 96381406 Driver looking for job.

Contact: 91788481 / 92231714 Male 40 yrs, 15 yrs exp, D/L seeking job (Sales & driving) English, Hindi, Arabic.

Contact: 97003340 Driver with car have good experience in Oman. Contact: 94039796

DESIGNER/ DRAUGHTSMAN DRIVER Looking for job light duty driver, 6 years exp. Contact: 92602182 / 97002975 Looking for any driving job.

Contact: 98549627 Looking for job with car without car and know real estate business & maintenance work all are have 5 years experience in Oman.

Contact: 97747243 5 Years driver with car.

Contact: 94178094 Driver light 5 years exp in Muscat. Contact: 93904217 Pakistani male light driver, 6 month in Oman, holding I.D.P license. Contact: 96914164 Pakistani male light driver, 5 yrs exp in Oman. Contact: 96207485 Light duty driver looking for job 5 years experience.

Contact: 92247724 Driver with car 2016 model.

Contact: 97291042 Pakistani, light driver, 4 yrs exp in Oman, 6 yrs exp in Saudi Arabia. Contact: 93852437 Look for job. Contact: 95371235 Light driver job 3 yrs exp.

Contact: 95939050 Looking for driving job.

Contact: 97403245 Bangladesh male, Oman driving license looking for job, 7 yrs exp Oman all location , 3 yrs exp for Dubai. Contact: 99327665 Looking for jobs light vehicle license 5 years experience with Toyota Corolla car.

Contact: 97034500 Light driver, 8 yrs exp.

Contact: 94214212 Bangladesh male 30 years light driver exp 2 years looking for job.

Contact: 95728771.

Light driver, private, commercial.

Contact - 93729950 Driver with Oman driving license, looking for job. Contact: 94235254 Driver with car. Contact: 91355972

Contact # 92839516

ůĞĐƚƌŽŶŝĐƐͬ /ŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚĂƟ ŽŶ Engineer With 3 years experience in a renowned Oil ĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ ; ŝƌ ĐƌĂŌ ƌĞĨƵĞůŝŶŐ ĞƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚƐ Y ͕ ŝŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚĂƟ ŽŶ W ĞůĞĐƚƌŝĐĂů ƐLJƐƚĞŵƐͿ 1 year on job training at sea port (electricaland PLC systems) Having and HSE, IT and management trainings.

abdallah.baloch@outlook.com Contact: 96116969

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

ADMIN

Indian male 14 years experience Dubai, Oman insurance,banking,office administration, seeking for suitable position immediately NOC available.

Contact: 98019340

džƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞĚ /d WƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů ǁŝƚŚ ŽǀĞƌ ϮϬ LJĞĂƌƐ ŝŶ KŵĂŶ͘ Can manage ERP systems, Hardware, Network, tŝͲ&ŝ ĂŶĚ ŝŽŵĞƚƌŝĐ ĞǀŝĐĞƐ͘

AutoCAD Draftsman 9 years Gulf experienced. Contact: 93528255 Interior design and estimation with 7 years experience, holding D/L, NOC available seeking placement. Contact: 95973878 Email: vmehanas@gmail.com Interior Designer & Finishing Manager, over 20 Years Exp, including 10 years in Luxury hotels and resorts, seeking for a job. Has employee Visa / Omani Driving License. Contact: 95810483 Indian male , having wide experience of 4 years in GCC & 5 years in Indian for 3 D interior & exterior designing , AutoCAD drafting & NOC available & ready to join immediately. Contact: 91282841 Email: thankijb@gmail.com Indian male, 26 experience in web design & development currently in Muscat on visit visa looking for a suitable position. Contact: 95923554 Email: jabirmukkoth@gmail.com Indian (M) well experienced draughtsman total 9 years experience , 4 years in Oman seeks suitable jobs, NOC available , immediate joining. Contact: 96705245/ 99758076

Indian male, 26 years of age, Mechanical Engineer .B.Tech from Trivandrum Engineering College 2013. M.Tech from NIT Warangal .Specialty, Materials and Systems Engineering Design. Looking for suitable placement, Contact: 99753809.

Indian male 25 years of age EEE Qualified from reputed university in T. Nadu India seeking suitable job possess professional experience for 1.5 years working with Maruti Suzuki Motors Pvlmt India destination for team leader.

Contact: 93985324 Email: areefm92@gmail.com Indian male BE Mechanical Engineer CSWIP, 4 yrs Gulf experience on visit visa Qatar driving license holder. Contact: + 968 96550807 Email: vishnusohanlal@gmail.com Arch’l Site Engineer more than 15 years exp in Saudi Arabia & Oman (finishing & marble field).

Contact: 91220168 Civil Engineer Sudanese male having 3 .5 years experience in Oman with D/L & NOC looking for suitable job. Contact: 96998267 Qualified Civil Engineer / Quantity Surveyor looking for suitable job in Muscat. Currently on visit.

Contact: 71180781 Civil Engineer 3 years experience.

Contact: 91958821 Sudanese Telecom Engineer, resident has driving license, 3 years experience looking for a job.

Contact: 95810703 B.Tech Civil Engineering having 2 years work experience, looking suitable replacement.

Contact: 71215478 Electrical Engg with 3 yrs of exp in data center, steel industry, & facilities management, looking for suitable placement NOC available. Contact: 97324057 Email: shihab4eee@gmail.com Electrical Engineer female, 4 years exp, location MCT- Seeb.

Contact: 90118928 Indian Male - Mechanical Engineering PhD graduate with eight years of experience relating to design and development of rigs, numerical modelling, FE simulation, composites, mechanical testing and composite manufacturing, looking forward for an opportunity as an experienced mechanical engineer to execute and manage projects relating to product development and testing. Would be available in Oman on visit visa – Contact 94133658

Indian lady (37) looking job in nursery or school 5 yrs exp in nursery (baby sitter) 10 years expin Oman, NOC available.

Contact: 99839187 Looking for full time caretaker or Housemaid. Contact: 93904732

BE in Electrical Electronics Engg from India having 19+ yrs of exp in MEP projects ( 5 yrs in Saudi Arabia 14 yrs in India) looking suitable job. Contact: 0091-7353905687 Email: 90malim@gmail.com Indian Elec. Engineer 7 yrs exp in operations manufacturing quality flexible to handle any responsibility on visit. Contact: 97604106 Civil Engineer Indian 8+ years experience, NOC available.

Contact: 95831929 Indian male 29 years, Electrical / Instrumentation Engineer (4 years) experience in Oman looking for a suitable position, having valid Oman driving license. Contact: 93363104 Email: ma.mahboobkhan02@gmail.com Indian female (22 Y) Electrical Engineer presently on a visit visa (fresher) looking for a job as Engineer / Teacher Engineer, Coordinator / office work. Contact: 91178172 (preferable location Salalah) Indian male 30 years Civil Engineer Diploma holder 4 years experience in Oman N.O.C available.

Contact: 99498671 Electrical Engineer - 9 Yrs Exp (6 Yrs in Oman) with D/L seeks job - Contact 96946044 Indian male 24 years BE in electronics & communication 2 years experience in visit visa, looking for suitable placement. Contact: 096890885967 / 0091- 919591693246 Email: mohammedazween256@ gmail.com Civil Engineer looking for a job 6 years experience in building construction post Site Engineer.

Contact: 93304128

Young Indian Civil Engineer, experience in India and Oman seeks suitable career in the field of Civil Engineering. Contact: 91620300, Email: lushyaraj@gmail.com

Indian candidate currently working in Oman studied Diploma Mechanical Engineering, 1 year experience in sales in Oman with D/L wanted job in sales, NOC available. Contact: 90494114 Email: mashoo66@gmail.com

Indian female, full time looking house made job. Contact: 79039479

Mechanical Engineer with a Bachelor Degree honors with first class seeking a suitable job.

Contact: 94957250

Mechanical Engineer with 3 years exp in teaching and 1 year in QC line. Contact: 00919447658341 Email: sujithdaniel@yahoo.co.in

Free lance / part time autocad works / make boq 2d /3d arch , structural, shop drawings interior drawings. Contact 97103168 mkgroupoman@gmail.com

DOMESTIC HELP

Civil Engineer (Diploma) Indian, having 23 yrs experience in Oman with valid D/L, looking for suitable position, NOC available.

Contact: 94984890 Email: riyaspmd@gmail.com

Indian male 25 years masters, Post Graduate in Petroleum Engineering (Australia) degree B.E Mechanical Engineering (India).

Contact: 98430330 Email: rovinyvincent@gmail.com

Indian male Civil Engineer 5 years exp, D/L, NOC available.

Contact: 91176609

Revit, Autocad D/man, expected salary 200 OMR. PH : 92279784

Indian Architect Engineer (MS from UK) specialized in sustainable architecture, 6.5 years experience in buildings design, preparation of construction drawings construction Administration.

Contact: 94401556

30 yrs. experienced Degree Civil Engineer in consultancy and construction of buildings, seeks jobs in building design.

Contact - 95036240 Email: engrgeojos@gmail.com

Filipino Senior Revit/AutoCAD Draftsman with 20 years professional experience is looking for suitable job in Oman.Please Contact: 96489798, (+974) 66653780

Free lance Autocad works experienced (arch, struct, MEP, shop drw) rate a0/a1 sheet ( 10-17 OMR) ph : 97103168.

10 Years Cad Civil 3D D/Men highway design 5 yrs experience in architectural and structural drafting D/L available.

Contact: 93935786

Microwave Transmission & Commissioning Engineer 2.5 years experience B.SC & B.Tech (E.C) on visit visa. Contact: 96756964 Indian Female Architect NIT Calicut, 1 Year exp. in design of residential & commercial buildings. Seeking suitable position.

Contact- 95293638. arayilakathsafa@gmail.com

Civil Engineer with 2.7 years experience currently working in Oman seeking suitable job, license under progress (driving) NOC available from sponsor, fluent in English,Hindi, Malayalam & Tamil.

Contact 97331023 Civil Engineer (Diploma) 8 years experience, bolding Oman D/L, NOC available seeking suitable placement. Contact: 95118939 Email: siyansiyad@gmail.com PMP Civil Engineer, Sudanese 14 years experience 8 years UAE & Oman hotels, villas &malls, costing,tendering, planning & site management. Contact: 95476702

HSE officer, 12 years experience in construction oil & gas, seeking to join reputed organization.

Contact: 99626821

Indian male Mechanical Engineer having knowledge in alarm & firefighting system &AutoCAD with license, valid visa and NOC available. Contact: + 968 90355201 / 95444052 Email: jkkannau6@gmail.com

Syrian Civil Engineer with 3 years experience in construction having D/L, NOC available.

Contact: 96649038

Indian Male, 26 years, Aeronautical Engineer with 4 years of experience is looking for a placement.

Contact 97127523

D6

S U N DAY, JA N UA RY 1 5 , 2 0 1 7

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Master in Civil Engineering with 5 years exp. Contact: 96658456 MBA B.Tech (InformationTechnology) male technical course M.S Office,computer hardware, 4 months exp. Contact: 99040662 Email: mshihab27@gmail.com Indian male 26 years Mechanical Engineer with 2 yrs exp in Oman.

Looking for suitable placement.

Contact - 91328079 Mechanical Engineer have experience in air-conditioning& MEP systems also HSE awareness and engineering design software.

Contact: 94906447 / 96654019 BEMechanical Engineer, 22, Indian malefresher, looking for opportunity in mechanical field trained in HVAC & fire lighting.

Contact: 97489256 Email: abdulmgid.ak@gmail.com Indian male 23 fresher, Mechanical Engineer looking for job in mechanical field special interest in HVAC and MEP, will be happy to hear from you.

Email: mdajaib@yahoo.com

HOSPITALITY

MISCELLANEOUS

Chef de partie, 10 years (6 years in Oman) experience in food production at hospitality industry. Specialized in Grill kitchen, South Indian, Arabic, Butchery, Vegetable and Ice Carving.

NOC available Contact: 96768312

Indian Female, completed graduation with 4 years of work experience in India and 8 months of work experience in Oman, currently on family visa looking for suitable job position.

Contact- 94647421.

Indian male, 24 years, diploma hotel management, 3 years experience as front office executive at star hotels in Dubai & India, on visit visa.

Contact: 97937504 Email: febinpalathingal01@gmail.com

IT Indian Female-MCA Software Designer with 11 years’ experience -in database designing, database programming and Oracle, ERP application seeking job from reputed organization. Contact – 9119 2543 priyakthomas@gmail.com IT & Network Engineer certified MCSA, CCNA virtualization have D/L. Contact: 98207829 IT Support with a Bachelor Degree and CCNA, seeking a suitable job in a good company.

Contact: 97286908

Mechanical Engineer, B.Tech,male,Indian, having 1 year experience, on visit visa seeks suitable job. Contact: + 96894959233, +96897474225 Email: anandsunil94@gmail.com

Indian male, Masters in Electronics, having 7.5 years of experience in IT Hardware/ Networking with valid Oman D/L seeking job placement.

Contact: 97202522 Email: connectjinomjohn@yahoo.com

B.Sc Civil Engineer 5+ years experience in Building construction & Steel structural building with having valid D/L. Contact: 93850440/ shahadat033@gmail.com

M.Tech in Software Systems, 2 years of experience in JAVA. Looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 94461855, email:softenggmct@gmail.com

Indian female M.Tech biotechnology seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 91287047 Email: valliammai1000@gmail.com

Sr. DBA, MSSQL Sybase Oracle C# PL/ SQL, T-SQL 6 years experience.

Contact: 97624323

British National, 34, M.B.A young & energetic male, looking for any managerial position in Oman, having 12 years of experience in managing different types of businesses. Contact: 96056963 Email: asim_shah199@yahoo.com

MEDICAL Male Dentist BDS with MOH license seeks for a job.

Contact – 94397499 Indian Female, Bachelor in Prosthetics & Orthotics, 2 Years Experience (SVNIRTAR, Mobility India Rehabilitation Research & Training Center).

Specialized in Clinical Prosthetics & Orthotics, Evaluation, Designing & Modification of Prostheses & Orthoses. Contact: 96676984. E-Mail: supriya.pradhan11@gmail.com Female Dentist Indian with MOH license & NOC looking for a job in Muscat. Contact-96035981 Homeopathic doctor with MOH license looking for a business partner to start a homeopath clinic in Muscat. Contact: 90872012 Email: homeo64319@gmail.com Indian Male (30 yrs) –BSC Bio Chemistry-10 yrs experience as chemist –with good communication skills-looking for suitable opening – Tel: 95562725 / Email: sanuksabu866@gmail.com

MANAGER / SUPERVISOR

15 years experienced MEP Engineer seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 99046313 / 91709409

Indian male B.Tech ELE , Key skills VHPL C++ , C telecom and wireless rapar systems fiber optics microprocessor / controller Pixel IC station. Contact: 90696324

Electronics and Communication Engineer, male 24,1 yearexperience as Junior & network Admin in India,on visit visa, looking for job.

Contact: 90107380 Email: anoojgkrishnan@gmail.com

15 Years Oman experienced, VMware, ITIL, MCSE, CCNP, DELL certified Sr. IT infrastructure, network specialist, NOC D/L available. Contact; 98582078 Email: jobplan2017@gmail.com

NOC-Obtained professional with 30 years experience (Oman) in Purchase, Warehousing, and Logistics managerial roles seeks suitable placement-Contact 99022102

Indian Engineer 25, B.E& Diploma in HSE with 3 years India exp, on visit Visa available to join immediately Contact: 93472629.

Email: jithujay.in@gmail.com

IT & Network Engineer with a Bachelor Degree, CCNA & ITIL certified & valid driving license looking for a suitable job.

Contact: 98141623 Email: mm.sanhoury1@gmail.com

CEO, Managing Director, Senior level manager, A senior level business developments executive with 18 Years of experiences in USA, Africa, GCC, with MBA from Texas A&M,USA) Contact - 92010247

BE Elec & Telecom Engineer, 2years Muscat experience. Exp in electronic integration & IT OSP & ISP &fiber optic implement, worked under Omantel & Hawaiiprojects as projected lead. Contact: 92440406 Email: mzeeshanshaikh89@gmail. com

Project Manager (interior fit outs) specializing in shops, restaurants, offices etc, having 10 years experience looking to work in a reputed firm NOC available.

Contact: 94274437

Graduate female, with driving license, looking for a suitable position. Contact: 96234434 Indian male 28 civil engineer 1 year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 99206630 / 94471305 Civil Eng B.SC holder 6 yrs exp in Oman having D/L. Contact: 93654862 Electrical B.Tech Indian 26, 3 years exp in PLC/ SCADA IND. automation &supervision.

Contact: 97207570 / 90481773 Electrical Engineer with experience, 9 years in Oman.

Contact: 98148034 Keralite (m) Electrical Engineer seeks placement. Contact: 92757534 Email: arundevd588@yahoo.com Indian male, B.E Mechanical with 2 years experience as Maintenance Engineer in Cochin Refinery and 1 year experience in Chevrolet seeking job.

Ph number: 97964862, Email: jossyabraham20@gmail.com Sr. Electrical Engineer with 17+ 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

HOSPITALITY Front Office Manager with over 20 years of experience in the Middle East & preopening expertise with hospitality giants like Burj Al Arab, Address hotels &Millennium looking for similar opportunities.

Contact: 96383636 Indian male 32 years with Hotel Management Degree, 4 years experience in F & B in Dubai and India and 5 years of experience as Butler in 6 star American Cruiseline, looking for suitable job.

Contact- 99859150.

IT Engineer Graduated from Britain5+ years experience specializing in IT marketing and IT department management can implement effective IT strategiclocal and global NOC D/L available. Contact: 94423351 dany_daring@hotmail.com Network, system & IT Engineer Indian 27 years, male MCA, CCNA,MCSEhave D/L S, 2.5 yrs experience, NOC available seeking suitable placement. Contact: 97703253 Email: albinmperakkattu@gmail.com IT and Network Engineer with Omani license certified CCNP, MCSA and MCSE. Contact 97069110

MISCELLANEOUS Sudanese male Geologist seeking for a job, has one year experience in the field. Contact: 99549050 Tunisian girl, having diploma in Natural science, speaks french, Italian, English, looking for administration job. Contact : 95910371 Procurement, warehouse &logistics, Pakistani male,Graduate, over 10 years experience looking for suitable placement, currently on visit visa.

Contact: 91257663 Indian, experience in logistics purchasing, advertisement. 13 Years in Oman with D/L NOC. Contact: 98020195 Omani male, with experience in purchasing, driver, administration, PRO & tourist guide, with very good English skills and costumer oriented person, looking for a suitable job. Contact: +96894129254.

2nd mate Officer, Indian 10 yrs experience in Tanker / chemical vessels, looking for an on shore job / port operations / TWG master.

Contact: 94972789

Purchase Office / Manager 16 years GCC experience in construction (Civil & MEP) Seeks suitable placement NOC available.

Contact: 99109533

Project Manager (interiorfit outs) in shops,offices,restaurantetc having 10 years experience looking to work in a reputed firm, NOC available. Contact: 94274437

SECRETARY / OFFICE Tunisian girl, 26 yrs, speaks french, Italian, English, looking for job. Contact : 95910371

SALES / MARKETING Indian National with 8 years experience in Sales & Marketing, Holding valid Omani GCC driving license with NOC available looking for Managerial Opportunities.

Contact: 94575633 Email: reni4uall@gmail.com Indian Buyer/Purchase Officer having 6 years experience, looking for suitable job, on visit visa.

Contact: 94782695

SALES / MARKETING MBA Graduate in Marketing currently working in Oman seeking suitable placement NOC and driving license available.

Contact: 94553097 IndianMale 30 years, MBA, 5 plus years of work experience in Sales/ Services/Marketing. G.C.C Valid driving license, In Oman work visa.

Contact - 91739031.

Indian male looking for suitable job, MBA 4 years of experience in Sales & Marketing, having D/L & NOC. Contact – 96648175 / assetmedical.mf@gmail.com Filipina, 35 years old, looking for job can join immediately with NOC, have experience in 15 years as Sales / Marketing and Office Staff. Knowledgeable in different office procedure. Accounting, Inventory and Purchasing.

Please contact +968 93560951 Looking for job sales executive good experience in scaffolding and foam work. Contact: 99592382 / 93222482/ Suresh Indian graduate 10+ years of experience (5 years in sales & marketing & 5 years in procurement) seeking suitable position, fluent in English & Arabic, NOC D/L available. Contact: 95524488 Indian male 22 years old & graduated in commerce with professional knowledge in accounting MCFA,experienced in marketing field and looking for related job presently on visit visa seeks a suitable placement.

Contact: 98692907 / 98332412 Indian candidate (age 22) studied BSC in interior, designing, 2 yr experience in sales IN India. Wanted job in sales NOW on visit visa.

Contact: 96190070 Email: shohibujire@gmail.com Indian male, 37 male 8 yrs exp in Saudi Arabic, Sales cum driver, having license seeking for suitable job. Contact: 92057353 Indian male having 10 years experience in Oman as sales coordinator, Admin and business development, presently working in an oil company in Muscat, holding valid Oman driving license seeks placement. Contact: 96287767

33 Indian male, Graduate with 11 years Oman experience in sales & hospitality, looking for a job with NOC. Contact: 90307873 Marketing sales (Driver) Sohar preference N.O.C available .

Contact: 96953996 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. +918907212253 Akhil:-93626288, Email: Sumeshpsmkr1989@gmail. com Oil & gas experienced Indian lady with 6 years in sales & marketing to PDO and having valid Omani driving license. Contact 96143430 / 99875919 Indian Male, with 8+ years experience in sales, currently in visit visa and seeking suitable placement. Contact 90181557 / 99386144 MBA (UK), raised in Oman & with 2 yrs work experience holding valid Oman driving license, seeks job in sales / business development. Contact: 99513132

SKILLED LABOUR 7 years experience in aquaculture shrimp farming construction light license NOC. Contact: 92635313

TOURS Travels / tour reservation & ticketing staff Indian male IATA consultant, 23 years, 1 year experience in India Knows: Galilea, Amadeus.

Contact: 93052934/ Email: arjunsreedhark19@gmail.com Reservation and ticketing staff, Indian male, IATA consultant, 22 years, having 1 year experience in India, knows abacus,sabre.

Contact: 94602731 Email: azimkhot@gmail.com Indian female 25 years, bachelor in Travel & Tourism and 2 year experience in Oman as Travel consultant GDS-Sabre, Amdeus. NOC available.

Contact- 95883404

TECHNICIAN Indian 15 yrs exp sales supervising flexible to hand lean with D/L visa. Contact: 98604960 Indian male, MBA in marketing, 10 years sales experience as Sales Supervisor Assistant Sales Manager in Dubai holder Dubai driving license, seeking suitable position.

Contact: 96428186 Email: abdulazeezbnglr@gmail.com Indian male seeking opportunities in Oman visiting visa, MBA from UK 8+ years experience in UK, New Zealand & India valid license.

Contact: 90938161 Email: shinaskm@gmail.com Indian male masters in Petroleum Engineering with 1 year Oman experience in sales & marketing holding D/L, currently on visit visa looking for oil / gas industry field related or sales related job.

Contact - 93789123 27 Years old male having D/L & more than 3 years experience as document controller & sales NOC available. Contact: 96439119 Indian Male (25), BSc Electronics, M.B.A seeking suitable openings, Having 3 years’ experience in, sales and Marketing of financial products with Oman Driving License. Contact: 94774550

Looking for a job in Automobile service: DME with 4 years of experience in automobile Car service unit in India, working as a Technician; Contact no. in India 9843068896 & Local ref. 99256457

MISCELLANEOUS Qualified driver looking job, NOC available. Contact: 94750442 Indian male 25, Graduate in Civil Engineering (B.E) having 3.5 years of experience in Site Engineer & Quantity Survivor Seeking for a Suitable Placement Currently Visit Visa Available to Join Immediately .Contact : 94874762 / 96240153 E-mail: boora.nagendar@gmail.com Young professional, Energetic looking for Finance/Audit Job.BSC (Accounting) ACCA (Affiliate), CAT (Affiliate). Currently working in GOV as Auditor. Experience of 4 Years in Accounts/Audit.

NOC available. Age 26.

Email:: saleemraza218@gmail.com B.E Civil, 23years old (Male), Indian Expat (Currently on family visa) with 1 year experience as Site Engineer and valid driving license is looking for a suitable job in Oman. Contact: - 94866948, email: - irfanq654@gmail.com

Multinational FMGC experienced, qualified Sri Lankan lady seeking employment in Muscat. Marketing, Brands, Sales, Communication. Oman exp& DL available.

98250829

Indian male 27 years, 3.5 years experience of Oman as sales executive. Looking for suitable job.

NOC or Release available.

Contact - 93192277

Engineering Graduate having 5+ years of exp as Marketing coordinator in Advertisement Company and 6 months as security system service engineer.

Mobile No. 79059197

Male Accountant, MBA (Finance) 5 years Experience including UAE and India up to finalization Available immediately (On Visit) Contact: 91704866 Email: anees0989@gmail.com

Indain male P.G, 10 years experience in purches looking for any suitable job. NOC available.

Contact: 99145776

Indian male 25, BSC with more than 2 years experience in India as sales & marketing searching for suitable vacancy currently on visit visa. Contact: 96332519 Email: ashrafajeesh@gmail.com

Indian Female MBA in (HR &Marketing) Having 3 Year of Experience as HR & Admin, Looking Suitable Placement. #92337629 Email: Anjuvs81@gmail.com

INDIAN male, BBA with 4 years experience in SALES & MARKETING, holding omani driving license. seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 95607037 Email: raaz0jannat@gmail.com.

Indian male 24 yrs exp in various trading including purchases sales marketing and handling overall business looking for suitable opportunity NOC&release available.

Contact: 99259543 / 92106768

Looking for job in procurement & marketing having more the 15 yrs experience with degree certificate in marketing & SCM. Contact: 94306203 / 91250339 Indian male 10 years exp in Sales & Marketing looking for Sales Manager position. NOC & D/L Available.

Contact: 93528057 Indian male 27 yrs 3.5 yrs experience of Oman sales executive looking for suitable job Noc or Release available Mob 93192277

B.Com, 2 years experience in Oman, Indian Male, 25 yrs. with Driving License. Handling day today accounts activities upto finalization. Proficient in Tally.

Looking for suitable placement.

Ph. 91470665

MISCELLANEOUS Indian female pharmacist, 8 years experience in Oman, having MOH license.NOC available. Seeking suitable placement.

Contact- 92142835, 93327963 Indian female PhD, M. Phil, M.A in English, B.Ed, Diploma TESOL,16 years teaching experience seeks suitable teaching, editing or relevant job.

Contact: 92245591, 95221665 A Filipino female searching for a job, with visit visa exp February 2017.hospitality and sales job will be a Good offer to me.

Contact no: 98271658 Indian female 16 years experience in Admin, Accounts, Sales & Logistics Co Coordinator, CRM and documentation also. Having good communication skills, seeking for job from reputed organization.

Currently on visit visa: 95332668, Mail: laksmi.b1122@gmail.com Experienced restaurant bar catering manager also can do purchasing & accounts with driving license looking for suitable placement release available.

Contact 96024158 / 90287443 Indian male, 25 years, B.Com, MBA (Finance) with overall 3 years experience in accounts/ finance field. On Visit Visa.

Contact: 90115058 safwanmeadows@gmail.com Indian female PhD, M.Phil, M.A in English, B.Ed., Diploma TESOL,16 years teaching experience seeks suitable teaching, editing or relevant job. # 92245591, 95221665 Specialist, Petrochemicals /Oil & Gas /AUTOMOBILE /CONSTRUCTION /PLASTIC POLYMER/PACKAGE MATERIAL PROCUREMENT /Contract Specialist , MBA &18 YEARS seeking suitable job, NOC available. Contact: 97813849 vved76@gmail.com Indian male store keeper and sales person have four years good experience searching for suitable job. 95694990/ +918056761888/ ajinantony9@gmail.com Accountant Indian, 13 years experience can handle accounts up to finalization. Tally, Busy Accounting. Smart Accounting, NOC/Release available. Contact- 96133146 Email: kkcjob786@gmail.com Indian Male (25), BSc Electronics, M.B.A seeking suitable openings, Having 3 years’ experience in, sales and Marketing of financial products with Oman Driving License. Contact - 94774550 Pakistani male, ACCA (finalist) with M.A and B.Com Degree, holding Omani driving license and NOC available, can join immediately. Contact: 94066698 Indian Male 23 years B.com graduate Holding a valid Oman driving License searching for a suitable placement, currently on visit visa. Contact: 94175848.

Fresh B.Com Graduate in visit visa looking for a job. CONTACT: 93518923 / 99075027.

Email: sheikcok@yahoo.com Indian male (26) MBA 2 years experience in procurement, coordination and distribution management. With valid Oman license.

Availablefor immediate joining.

Contact: 92536194 EMAIL: suhailbs@gmail.com Indian male 34 years, MBA-HR with 10.9 years exp in Recruitment, Training, PMS, OD, Sites-HR and Omani nationals development, seeking a job, NOC available.

Contact saiprasad_18@yahoo.com 94179499 CIVIL/QS ENGINEER: B. Tech, Indian Female with 3 years’ experience in Oman, with D/L. Seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 91361356/92882797 Electronics Systems Engineer (UK Graduate ) with skills in robotics , programming languages, IC, PCB design seeking suitable position , Indian female on visiting visa. Contact: 97848075 Email: s.dinesh1508@gmail.com Bio- MedicalEngineer (M.Tech) Indian 27 yrs, 1 plus years of research experience looking for a suitable job. Email: amluprasannan@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer, B.Tech, 6 month experience, well versed in MEP, AutoCAD etc. looking for job. Contact 94811072

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

SITUATION WANTED TOURS

KTT & CO. LLC –Logistics Division- Customs Clearance & delivery (Airport& Seaport)Worldwide Air& Sea Cargo Services.Road Transportation inside Oman & GCC. Door to Door Services to India.

CONTACT: Mr. Deepak GSM: 93908980 Email: deepak@kttcustoms.com

SIT.WANTED BE/Diploma Mechanical Engineering with 4 years exp. in Oman, Looking for suitable positions.

NOC available. Having valid driving license Contact-99335742 Indian male, M.Com, B.Com, looking for suitable opening, now on visiting visa. Contact 79103798, email- malikfaheem284@gmail.com IT professional, B.E. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3+yrs exp. in IT, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 91496939.

Indian Male, 11 years’ experience as an Senior Accountant looking for part time Accounting job up to finalization of Accounts. Software knows MS office, Tally9 ERP MOBILE: 93884951Email:mehreenraiz@gmail.com Indian male BE Mechanical Engineer with two and a half years experience in production department, searching suitable job.

Contact no: 9500927480

We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman. Contact 99839898

SITUATION WANTSIT.WANTED Indian female looking for an accounts part time job. area preferred Ruwi/CBD/MBD/ wk.contact-95482970.

Male Accountant, MBA (Finance) 5 years Experience including UAE and India up to finalization Available immediately (On Visit).

Contact: 91704866, Email: anees0989@gmail.com

Indian male, 26 years of age, mechanical engineer .B.Tech from Trivandrum engineering college 2013. M.Tech from NIT Warangal .Specialty, Materials and Systems Engineering Design. Looking for suitable placement, #99753809

Electrical and electronics engineering graduate, 23yrs Indian male, NOC available, 2 yrs site experience in industrial and commercial building sites(MEP ELECTRICAL), expert in autocad, etap, ms office, electrical engineering design, fluent in English and Hindi, exp in handling a team of 20 workers, Ph: 92201939.

Electrical Engineer (Indian) B.E in Electrical and 3.6 years of experience. Have experience in construction field. Seeking for a suitable job. NOC available.

Contact: 91120129 Email: mpshareef313@gmail.com

INDIAN male, BBA graduate and diploma in IATA Cargo Supply Chain and Transport Modes with DGR Initial Category 6.Holds Omani driving license. Presently in family visa.

Seeks suitable placement in Cargo section. Contact- 96370022

Indian male 23 Fresher. Mechanical Engineer looking for job in Mechanical field special interest in HVAC &MEP. Contact : 9586 1251 Email : ajaibmd39@gmail.com

Young professional, Energetic looking for Finance/Audit Job. BSC (Accounting) ACCA (Affiliate), CAT (Affiliate). Currently working in GOV. Experience of 4 Years .NOC available. saleemraza218@gmail.com

Indian, male, BBA graduate and diploma in IATA Cargo Supply Chain and Transport Modes with DGR Initial Category 6.Holds Omani driving license. Presently in family visa. Seeks suitable placement in Cargo section.

Contact: 96370022

Indian male B-com Graduate1.5 Year exp. in various office works, valid Oman driving license. Looking for any suitable post. Please contact: 95322175 / 91987965

35 female Filipino searching for a job, hospitality and sales job will be good offer for me, on visit visa.

Contact me 94833556 Indian Male B-com graduate, 1.5 Year exp. in various office works, Valid Oman driving license looking for any suitable post.

Contact: 95322175 / 91987965

Indian male 23 Fresh Mechanical Engineer looking for job in Mechanical field special interest in HVAC & MEP. Contact : +968 9586 1251, Email : mdajaib@yahoo.com Mechanical Engineer/ HVAC/ Indian: 1year experienced mechanical engineer with piping engineering & quality control certification, on visit visa. email:nishadphoenix@gmail.com Contact: 90957740

SIT.WANTED

BUSINESS

MATRIMONIAL

Indian Male 29 years MBA, B.Com having 8 years experience in Gulf and India as a HR and Admin looking for suitable placement.

Contact :97914340.

Email: kvraj30@gmail.com

Need to buy, excellent or first grade Construction Company, including it assets, projects and staff. Prefer to be registered at tender board and oil & gas companies.

Contact: 79016082 / Email: kwk585@gmail.com

Parents of a North Indian sheikh Sunni, Muslim, Engineer 33 with Canada PR, looking for a professionallyqualified tall and smart bride.

Mail details with photo to: bridesearch2017@gmail.com

Indian/male (26)/ca finalist and b.Com/3 years expereince in audit & assurance services, financial reporting & analysis on visit visa.

Available for immediate joining.

Contact: 98078321 email: shahir.Usman.Su@gmail.Com Indian/male(26)/MBA/ 2 years expereince in proccurement, cordination and distribution management.With valid oman licenece. Available for immediate joining. Contact: 92536194 EMAIL: suhailbs@gmail.com Indian male, 24 yrs, looking for professional job my qualification is Diploma in Electronics, having 3 years of Exp and i am having Gulf driving license you can contact me on : - +96897017866.

Indian female PhD, M.Phil, M.A in English, B.Ed, Diploma TESOL,16 years teaching experience seeks suitable teaching, editing or relevant job. Contact 92245591, 95221665 INDIAN male, BBA graduate and diploma in IATA Cargo Supply Chain and Transport Modes with DGR Initial Category 6.Holds Omani driving license. Presently in family visa, seeks suitable placement in Cargo section. Contact :-96370022 Indian Male (25), BSc Electronics, M.B.A seeking suitable openings, Having 3 years’ experience in, sales and Marketing of financial products with Oman Driving License. Contact 94774550

Looking for investor for sugar factory project in Sohar Industrial Area - Contact: 99246127

SITUATION WANTSIT.WANTED Indian Male age 23) an i am looking for suitable job my qualification is Diploma in Electronics an i am having 3 years of experience in the hardware an networking field an i am having Gulf driving license you can contact me on : - +96897017866.

Indian Male 23 years B.com graduate Holding a valid Oman driving License searching for a suitable placement, currently on visit visa. Contact: 94175848.

Indian male 23 Fresh Mechanical Engineer looking for job in Mechanical field special interest in HVAC & MEP. Contact : 9586 1251, Email : mdajaib@yahoo.com Indian/male (26)/CA finalist and b.com/3 years experience in audit & assurance services, financial reporting & analysis on visit visa. available for immediate joining.

Contact: 98078321, email: shahir.usman.su@gmail.com Indian/male(26)/ca finalist and b.com/3 years experience in audit & assurance services, financial reporting & analysis on visit visa, available for immediate joining.

Contact: 98078321 email: shahir.usman.su@gmail.com

Orthodox Boy (32/171) Engineer, Working Muscat. Inviting Suitable Proposal. Contact: 90725150 Kerala Christian Orthodox girl, 23 years, MBA final year, having family visa in Oman.

Seeks suitable marriage proposal.

Contact: - 99780896 Pakistani 29 years old boy, MBA, working as Accounts head in Muscat looking for suitable proposal Contact: 96605624 Orthodoxgirl 24/5.1ft. BDS, seeking alliance from well settled orthodox Jacobite R.C Marthoma boy MDS, M.D, MBA (business). Contact: 99371509/ 92336530

WANTED Urgently required looking to immediately buy used Grit blasting & airless spray equipment 1 No each. Contact 968 24810930 / 93203772 / 93203773 / 93203778

SITUATION WANTGOOD NEWS Swimming lessons in Ruwi Hotel Muscat. Sunday to Wednesday (10 am to 4 pm), Friday & Saturday (10am to 12 pm). Group lessons (5 students in a group) and individual lessons also available conduct by well experienced swimming & life saving coach.

Contact: 93958739

NRI

FOR SALE

6.5 cents of Land Sq Plot In Ravipuram Near Ernakulam Shipyard in MG Road, behind Chaitanya eye clinic Expected Price – INR 30 Lakhs per cent Ƶƚ EĞŐŽƟ ĂďůĞ Only Genuine Buyer Contact Oman – 968-94102519 Contact Kochi – 91 85477 01946 Suitable for 3 Storey building & Žĸ ĐĞ WƌĞŵŝƐĞƐ͘ Property for sale in Kottayam, Kerala Ideal property for residential / Go- down, 40 cents EACH in Vadavathoor & Thiruvanchoor, off state highway with compound wall for immediate sale. Contact: 99326929 Residential plots 5 to 7 cents for sale at Trivandrum, Kerala.

Price 2.90lakhs/cent.

Contact- 93278263.

SITUATION WANTGOOD NEWS 30th anniversary (January to February 2017) Anwar dental clinic , Ruwi offers free dental consultation and 50% reduction in treatment charges as 30th anniversary celebration Call Dr. Philip Thomas 24702086 / 99747481 Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis massage, steam bath, obesity, spondylitis, Ideal Care Ayurvedic clinic, 18th November Street Al Ghubra (North).

Contact: 99639695 / 97397320 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

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S U N DAY, JA N UA RY 1 5 , 2 0 1 7

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

RENT A CAR

25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver. Contact 99839898

SITUATION WANTED COMPUTER/WEB./ EDU./CLASSES

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES WE SERVE OMAN

SERVICES tĞ WƌŽǀŝĚĞ ůĞĂŶĞƌƐ͕ Kĸ ĐĞ ďŽLJƐ͕ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ General cleaning etc. ů DƵĚĂŬŚŝƌ EĂƟ ŽŶĂů Ɛƚ͘ >> Contact : 94277020

LOST Meenu Jithu has lost India Passport No. K 7838359. Finder please handover to ROP

We undertake new construction & maintenance & gypsum works.

Contact 92711506, ammarayyub@gmail.com

CHANGE OF NAME

DRIVING

Pest control & Building cleaning all kinds of pest control ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ͘ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ Ɵ ůĞƐ ͬ Marble polishing monthly/ YĞĂƌůLJ ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͘ Contact: 98814733 /98814740 Al Husn Cleaning L.L.C

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

SITUATION WANTFOR LADIES

in Azaiba and Ruwi earn in two months

tion guaranteed

Tel: 95244310 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 GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 Pest Control Treatments.

Ocean Center L.L.C. Contact: 99344723 A/C maintenance & Servicing, Fridge / Washing Machine / dish washer repairing, 2) Painting and cleaning service, Electrical & Plumbing. Contact: 94147874 / 24504281, mail: globalaccessunited@gmail.com

Installation & maintenance for Modular Kitchen, UPVC Doors & Windows, Furniture, Electrical & Air-conditions Contact @ 92383882/91443786 Marble Crystallization & Grinding, Ocean Center L.L.C. Contact: 92705130 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 House shifting packing.

Contact: 99657644 / 98518013

Pest control Gulfa international L.L.C .Contact: 92326955 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir AlRizaiqi trading. L.L.C. # 24810137, 99450130 Caret & Sofa Shampooing General Cleaning & Polishing.

Ocean Center L.L.C. Contact 24707833

Special packages, Facial, Pedicure, Eyebrow, only 10 RO. (home service also) Al doom Beauty Parlour #99619409

TRANSPORTATION Transportation. Contact: 90558627 Transportation. Contact: 96968411

TRANSPORTATION Transportation. Contact 92015894

Driver with car transportation available. Contact: 95396905 Picking & drop Ruwi to Rusail.

Contact: 98957524 / 91287470 Transportation.Contact 94087276

I Nathan Radhika (holder of Indian passport No. G 1488900) Son of / Daughter of Manthaiyan having permanent residence in 265Madurat Road, sivagangai post Sivagangai-TK & Dist (complete postal address in India) and presently residing in Ghala, P.B No. 1256 Post code – 130, Athibah , Sultanate of Oman (complete postal in Oman) intend to change my name from Nathan Radhika (old name) to Gandhinathan (Husband), Saraswathi (Given name) (new name) for all practical purpose.

Any objection towards my name change may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, P. Box No, 1727 postal code 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman.

I Sakariya Cherukunhon –holder of Indian Passport Z 2049263, son of Kutton Hamza Haji, having permanent address in Yayha Manzil, Near Vattappara,Mukkola, Taliparamba, Kannur, Kerala, India, residing in PO Bx 105, PC 511,Ibri,Sultnate of Oman, intend to change my name from Sakariya Cherukunhon to Zakariya Cherukunnon for all practical purpose. Any objection towards my name change may please be communicated to the Embassy of India, Muscat, Diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, PO 1727, PC 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman.