Times Of Oman - March 15, 2015

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SUNDAY, March 15, 2015 /24 Jumada Al Ula 1436 AH

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% influenza positive (As for March 6, 2015)

0-10

11-20

21-30

The influenza virus particle or virion can measure between 80 and 120 nanometres (billionths of a metre) in diameter and is usually spherical although filamentous forms can occur.

Ecuator

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Here, the virus is amplified 200,000 times

30<

Children had no preexisting immunity to the new strain but adults, those over 60, had some degree of immunity

In northern Africa and the Middle East, influenza activity was decreasing in most of the region. Influenza A was predominant in the region.

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The virus is believed to spread in much the same way as seasonal flu. The usual transmission is by droplets from coughs and sneezes and also by touching a surface or the hand of a person affected by the virus and then touching one’s eyes, nose or mouth.

INDIA

18 25,000 cases

cases In Oman, 18 H1N1 cases were recorded in February 2015 and all of them recovered

H1N1 flu affected more than 25,000 people in India, claimed over 1,370 lives and continues to expand.

In Oman, A(H1N1) pdm09, represents so far 11% of the cases of influenza

In India, A(H1N1) pdm09 represents 75% of the cases of influenza

Decision to ban poultry imports from north India due to avian flu was issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries

rahuldas@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman has banned poultry products, including eggs, from north India following reports of outbreak of avian influenza virus there, but is not banning travel despite a surge in H1N1 cases.

“There is no need to put any travel ban. The only advisory to all is to maintain personal hygiene and proper respiratory etiquette which can protect any individual from this seasonal influenza virus,” Dr Abdallah Assaedi, WHO Representative in Oman, said.

In Oman, 18 H1N1 cases were recorded in February 2015 but all of the patients recovered, according to the Ministry of Health.

Since the H1N1 virus outbreak this year, 1,370 persons have died of the disease and 25,000 are con-

firmed to be carrying the infection in India.

A week back, the United Arab Emirate’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned its citizens against travelling to India due to the spread of H1N1 flu virus in some parts of the country.

It has also urged citizens who are currently in India to avoid H1N1 flu–affected areas and public places where there is more likelihood of the disease to spread.

Assaedi said that the WHO is not aware of this warning in the UAE. “However, the UAE is not obliged to inform the WHO unless it imposes a travel ban in which case, it is required to notify the WHO under IHR (2005) citing the reasons for the ban,” he told the Times of Oman. The UAE has not banned travel to India yet.

Avian Influenza Meanwhile, Oman has banned import of poultry products including eggs from north India following the avian influenza virus outbreak there. A ministerial decision to ban the import of poultry from Chandigarh was issued by Dr Fuad bin Jaafar bin Mohammed Al Sajwani, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

“Avian influenza (AI) is an infectious viral disease of birds (especially wild water fowl such as ducks and geese), often causing no apparent signs of illness. The primary risk factor for human infection appears to be direct or indirect exposure to infected live or dead poultry or contaminated environments, such as live bird markets,” according to the WHO. Assaedi said that the influenza A (H1N1) pdm 2009 virus first emerged as a new virus that was responsible for pandemic influenza in 2009.

“It was then called H1N1 flu. The WHO declared the end of the pandemic influenza in August 2010.

Since then, this virus has been circulating among human beings as seasonal influenza virus. Seasonal influenza viruses can cause mild to severe illness including TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

OMAN

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No fall in tourist outflow from Oman to India Times News Service MUSCAT: In spite of the rising number of H1N1 flu deaths in India, the number of Omani tourists arriving in the South Asian country remains unchanged.

Riyaz Kuttery, General Manager, Jet Airways in Oman said there has been no change in the traffic flow from Oman to India. “Why would tourists avoid India when there are no advisories, either from the Omani government or from the Indian embassy in Muscat?” he asked.

Echoing similar feelings, the CEO of Travel Point, Sunil Prabhakar, said there has been no decline in tourists to India. “But we always advise tourists to avoid (affected) areas,” he said.

GRAPHICS

Oman bans poultry imports from north India, but not travel RAHUL DAS

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Tiny but effective killer

Influenza activity remained high in the northern hemisphere with influenza A (H3N2) viruses predominating

Source: Influenza Update N° 232 (March 2015), World Health Organization

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H1N1 FLU

INFLUENZA 2015

Some countries in Africa, Asia and southern parts of Europe reported an increased influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 activity. The following map shows the percentage of respiratory cases that tested positive for influenza.

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deaths,” he said, adding the old, the ailing, small children and pregnant women are at higher risk of severe complication,” he said.

Cover mouth and nose To prevent spread of the disease, sick people should cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and wash their hands regularly, stay home when they are unwell, and keep a distance of more than one metre from healthy people, as much as possible.

“The WHO recommends vaccination against seasonal influenza every year,” he said adding that the currently available vaccine protects against all the circulating flu viruses.

People should seek medical care if they suffer from shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing, or if the fever continues for more than three to five days.

“For any sick young child, parents should seek medical care if the child displays quickened or difficult breathing, continuing fever or convulsions. In most cases, resting at home through the duration of symptoms, drinking plenty of fluids, and using pain reliever for aches and pain is adequate for recovery,” he added.

However, reactions have started coming in with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government advising its citizens against travelling to India, due to the H1N1 flu outbreak.

Travel agents consider India an important market. “While business visitors go year round, leisure tourists from Oman visit India when schools close. Omanis mostly visit Mumbai, Kerala and Delhi,” they said.

Travel agents also said that Omanis are among the high spending tourists to India and the average length of their stay there is about one week when on a leisure visit.

“While we don’t see a significant impact immediately, there could be cancellations if the H1N1 flu outbreak is not brought under control,” a travel agent added.

Between January and November 2014, 75,000 visas were issued by the Indian Embassy in Muscat.

In 2014, 7.7 million foreign tourists visited India, an increase of 10.6 per cent over 2013. The tourism ministry has yet to release data for 2014.

“Incidents of H1N1 flu are isolated and restricted to certain pockets of India,” said Mohammed

7.7M

was the total number of foreign tourists who visited India in 2014. This is an increase of 10.6 per cent over 2013 Shafiqul Islam Bhuiyan, general manager of New Star International Travel and Tour LLC. “There is unnecessary hype, which is ruining the already-fragile image of the country. I booked several tickets to India for Omanis today. They are all travelling to Kochi,” he added.

Doctors, however, have suggested that Omani residents travelling to H1N1 flu hotspots in India should take precautions, including receiving flu vaccines to protect them from the infectious disease.

“As a preventive step, we advise people to take the seasonal flu shot, as it can give some protection,” a doctor at a private clinic said.

Although the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Ministry of Health have not issued health alerts this season, the high frequency of air travel between India and Oman and the quick people-topeople transmission of the disease has led to uneasy questions.

“Any epidemic is a source of concern, especially if it follows a gap of four years. Oman has a substantial population of Indian expatriates, so it is important to educate people,” a doctor said.

Doctors advise simple preventive steps, such as frequent washing of the hand with soap and water, gargling with salt water twice a day, covering the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and avoiding close contact with those persons who show symptoms of the flu.

IN DEMAND: Between January and November 2014, 75,000 visas

were issued by Indian Embassy in Muscat. — Times file picture

V I O L AT I O N O F L AW

100 cases lodged against Haj campaign organisers FAHAD AL GHADANI

fahadnews@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: One hundred cases were registered against Haj campaign organisers for violating rules, a reliable source in Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs revealed through their twitter account.

This includes 75 administrative staff, as well as 25 criminal cases, involving bribery, forgery and conducting fake campaigns.

There were also administrative cases which were due to poor management, both in terms of food and of pilgrims.

Dissatisfied Dissatisfied with some trips offered by these operators, along with concerns recently raised by pilgrims, the Majlis Al Shura has been seeking to devise a mechanism to regulate these trips.

Further, the Services and Social Development Committee at the Shura Council addressed

the issue of Haj expenses, among others, at a meeting.

The committee discussed many local issues, the foremost of which was the rise of Haj expenses charged by owners of Haj caravans, and services provided to pilgrims.

Communicating directly Many, expressing their opinions in social media, said in communicating directly with the public, the Majlis Al Shura needs to open channels for the public to raise their concerns about services provided by Haj and Umrah trip organisers.

Welcoming the recent legal action taken by the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs against Haj campaign organisers for violating rules, Saeed Khalfan, who works in the government sector said, “Such procedures will benefit the public, especially since several Haj campaign organisers were charged with violations.”

“My father in law organises Haj and Umrah campaigns and many times he discussed with me about fraud cases that occur with other campaigns,” he added.

Saeed said that the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs must monitor the campaigns and deal with violators.

The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs official statistics reveal that almost 7,071 pilgrims, out of the total 11,163 pilgrims recorded last September, travelled by road.

Most of them travelled among those in organised campaigns.

The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs previously banned buses over 10 years old from ferrying pilgrims for the Haj or Umrah.

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SU N DAY, MARCH 15, 2015

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From birth till six years is the age when children need education because of their developing personalities Lubna Al Kharusi, board member of Dar Al Atta’a

I N I T I AT I V E

PACP starts mobile office for complaints

PUBLIC SERVICE: The mobile office includes a mini office that can

accommodate two employees. Upon receiving any complaint, they will move quickly to take action as per the complaint.- Supplied photo

STAFF REPORTER MUSCAT: A mobile office to receive complaints and provide services to the public, was recently launched by the Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP). The service was launched under the patronage of Dr Saeed bin Khamis al Kaabi, Chairman of the PACP. The mobile office aims to reach consumers and receive complaints and inquiries as part of the efforts being made by the PACP to streamline its functioning.

It also aims to communicate effectively with consumers and provide them services wherever they are and be accessible to those who are unable to visit the headquarters. On his part, Al Kaabi said the mobile office is a very important instrument to spread awareness and education

in order to consolidate PACP’s communication with consumers.

“By doing so, it will help achieve its goals. The hard work of the employees of the PACP will ensure consumer protection at home and help achieve a balance in the market, thus guaranteeing the rights of all parties,” said Al Kaabi.

The mobile office includes a mini office that can accommodate two employees. Upon receiving any complaint, they will move quickly to take action as per the complaint. It also includes a screen to display messages and exhibit awareness raising films.

It will also have publications that promote awareness among consumers.

The initiative will start take off in the Muscat Governorate at certain allocated points, and will be expanded next month to other various wilayats.

FALAJ CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN ORGANISED IN BAUSHER, BANI BU ALI

Civic authorities, members of the society and school students launched a drive to clean up the ‘falaj’ in Bausher(left) and Bani Bu Ali (right). This is the primary local irrigation and water supply system in the wilayats.— ONA

Slogans on buildings, bridges to be checked FAHAD AL GHADANI fahadnews@timesofoman.com

The circular issued by the Supreme Committee for National Day Celebrations, has asked municipalities, to monitor individuals and companies who wish to install boards on their own or public properties

MUSCAT: Putting up stickers or boards containing expressions and slogans on buildings is subject to regulations, says a circular issued recently by the Supreme Committee for National Day Celebrations to municipalities.

Speaking to the Times of Oman a reliable source at the Muscat Municipality explained, “The government cannot leave the choice of expression to the public.”

The circular, addressed to municipalities, asked them to set controls on individuals and companies who wish to install boards on their own or public properties.

It also bans the installing of stickers and boards on roads, pedestrian over-bridges and bridges.

“The municipalities will moni-

tor these places and report any violations,” said the source.

Moreover, the circular allows individuals to install boards with slogans and photos in open areas.

Limited in size “If they limit the size to 4x2 metres, individuals can put up their boards and stickers in open areas,” said the source, and added that the circular also allows individuals and companies to install boards in lighting columns but in sizes of 80x200 centimetres.”

“While individuals have to abide by the mentioned restrictions, companies must obtain prior approval from the municipality,” clarified the source.

“The municipalities will allow stickers and boards only for a month and any individual or company found violating this rule

will have to pay the penalty,” said the source.

Welcoming the move, Mohammed Khalfan, working in the government sector, said that the move was expected a long time ago.

“There are many people who choose expressions without considering the culture of Omani society,” he said, while adding that the municipalities should remind the public before special occasions.

On the other hand, Basheer Al Ghunaimi, a college student, felt that the municipality should allow certain expressions and slogans for public use.

“The government will not be able to control everybody,” he said. Allocating certain expressions and slogans will allow better control of the public and will also popularise the image.

PRE-SCHOOL PROJECT

Dutch Night support for Dar Al Atta’a school plans

SOCIAL IMPACT: The Dutch Night (formerly called Oranjebal) is officially affiliated with Dar Al

Atta’a to support its charity programmes in the field of Student Care. They donated OMR6,000 after the dinner and expect more collections in the future.–Supplied photo

TARIQ AL HAREMI MUSCAT: Barbara Joziasse, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Oman, hosted a dinner for the Dutch Night’s sponsors, and proceeds from the event will be donated to Dar Al Atta’a’s pre-school project.

The pre-school project aims at providing children with educational facilities in the rural areas of the Sultanate.

“The first Dutch Night was held in 1989. The Dutch community gathers and socialises, engaging with different issues, and celebrates the King’s birthday. This year, we want to add a charity element on the part of the sponsors,” said Wouter Smits, one of the organisers.

“We are donating OMR6,000 at the moment, and it may be more after tonight. We want to give back to society,” he added.

For the first time, the Dutch

Night (formerly called Oranjebal) is officially affiliated with Dar Al Atta’a to support its charity programmes in the field of Student Care.

Early childhood Lubna Al Kharusi, board member of Dar Al Atta’a, briefed the guests about the Dar Al Atta’a pre-school project and its significance in early childhood development.

Al Kharusi also expressed her gratitude to the Dutch community, the Dutch Embassy and all the sponsors for joining hands with Dar Al Atta’a.

“From birth till six years is the age when children need education because of their developing personalities,” said Lubna Al Kharusi.

The Dutch Ambassador expressed the need for schools and the importance of education for children. “We cannot stress the need for safe and functioning

schools. They carry the values that we need for our children,” said Barbara Joziasse.

The Dutch Night event is organized once a year by the Dutch community in Muscat to celebrate the King’s birthday.

Proceeds of the event, the amount gained from the entrance tickets and sponsors, will be used to finance improvement of facilities and provisions in pre-school classes in remote areas of the Sultanate. This event will be held on Friday, at the PDO club at Ras al Hamra.

Amongst the sponsors are OHI, KLM, Carillion Alawi, SIROCCO/OUA, Millennium Resort Mussanah, Oman Cables Industry, Wipro, Port of Sohar, Truck Oman Oil & Gas Services, Worley Parsons and Dealim Construction South Korea. Together with many other sponsors, they have made a significant contribution to this year’s charity.

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C O M M E N TA RY

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More sports centres needed to beat growing obesity among children SUNDAY BEAT

Oman has allocated OMR684 million in 2015 for medical care but the emphasis is on treating the ailments rather than preventing the cause of health problems affecting the people

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substantial investment in youth sports centres is urgently needed in Oman to prevent obesity, which is becoming a major health problem among young people that doctors say is leading to deadly illnesses such as diabetes and heart problems.

It is very obvious that every rial that will be spent on such centres will translate into savings of millions in health care to lower the incidence of preventable lifestyle diseases. Oman has allocated OMR684 million in 2015 for medical care but the emphasis is on treating ailments rather than preventing the cause of health problems.

Medical experts in our hospitals know that endless and costly prescriptions of medicine cannot not solve the problem of obesity but regular physical exercises can. A United Nation’s study conducted by State of Food and Agriculture said 22 percent of Oman’s population is obese. The only consolation is that the Sultanate has the lowest obesity cases in the Gulf countries but it is going to catch up very quickly with the rest if nothing is done about it.

It is very alarming considering that half of the population in Oman is under the age of 20 years, which means that ten years from now the obesity case is set to increase even further when youths in that age bracket reach the age of 30 years. The other alarming factor is that local doctors note that obesity starts very early at the age of 5 years. Most schools, both public and private, do not invest enough money in physical exercises. Teachers also do not emphasise enough and many of them see physical education as secondary to science and maths subjects. Parents on the other hand, are interested only to see As in academic subjects so their children can win scholarships but take no notice in physical education’s achievements.

Outside schools, parents see no need to encourage their children to participate in sports either. Most of the parents take their children to shopping malls instead, where they eat junk food which doctors see as part of the problem that fuels obesity. During the weekends and long summer holidays, parents are happy to see their

children at home while playing with their electronic games or watch televisions. But most parents argue that they don’t have any other alternatives to keep their children occupied.

The alternative will be for the government to invest more money in youth centres across the country. These centres should have trained physical trainers and exercise facilities for every age. At the moment, such centres are precious few.

They can also be part of the school curriculum if linked with the Ministry of Education.

They will be a boon to private schools that do not have the budget for physical activities set-up. The government school too are struggling to establish organised sports infrastructure.

The advantages are many, apart from savings on health care bills. Such centres will create employment, cut down obesity, lower the rate of diabetes but most important of all, get children out of the house a few hours a day to get some exercise. A 2012 survey conducted in the United Kingdom, showed children between the ages of 5 to 16 years, who exercise regularly are less likely

GCC TRAFFIC WEEK

Symposium pitches for safety MUSCAT: A traffic education symposium was organised on Thursday by the Ministry of Defense and the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF), to coincide with the GCC Traffic Week, under the theme ‘Your Decision Determines Your Destiny’.

The function was held under the auspices of Maj Gen Salim bin Musallam Qatan, Commandant of the National Defense

College . The symposium, which was held at SAF Al Shafaq Club, also presented a documentary on traffic accidents.

Participation of ROP A discussion session was also conducted with the participation of the Royal Oman Police, SAF Transport, Armed Forces Medical Services, Ministry of Social Development, and Oman Road

Safety Association.

The participants at the meeting talked about the accidents and their causes, and also touched on statistics. The ceremony was attended by a number of senior officers and officers at the Ministry of Defence and various arms of the Sultan’s Armed Forces, the Royal Guard of Oman, the Royal Oman Police, and a number of military and civil invitees.–ONA

to have depression than those who do not exercise at all. It proves that one of the most important benefits of physical exercise is good mental health.

The same survey showed that trimmer and healthier children are less likely to be bullied in schools by their peers than fatter students. Since their self-esteem is much better than overweight children, they tend to perform better with their studies. So, without doubt, the government’s investments in youth centres of physical activities will reap rich benefits for empowerment of youths.

It also makes economical sense as well. Since children are the future business leaders, the right investment to trim down their weight will reap rich rewards at a time when Oman needs local talent to steer the economy away from oil dependence. Healthier people make better decision, too.

The same centres will also encourage parents to exercise, instead of them sitting idle at coffee shops smoking sheesha which contributes to other health problems. saleh@timesofoman.com

Tourism meet draws response in Belgium BRUSSELS: A large number of Belgian air and travel companies representatives turned out at the Omani tourism promotion seminar organised by the Ministry of Tourism in Brussels on Thursday. The seminar is part of a series of three promotion seminars that will be held in Paris, Brussels and Milan.

Salim Al Maamari, Director General of Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Tourism said that Belgium has become one of the important tourism markets as the number of tourists who visited the Sultanate last year stood at 8,000; a growth by 4 per cent compared to 2013.

He added that the Belgian tour-

ists are looking for qualitative tourism, such as culture, history and natural beauty; which the Sultanate can provide in abundance.

Representatives of 40 tourism companies, including 12 from Belgium and 28 from the Netherlands will visit the Sultanate to study the tourism potential and environment.

He also said that the seminar is part of a series of promotional events organised by the Ministry under the theme ‘Welcome’ during which there will be a number of presentations and business meetings among the Omani Air and travel companies and their counterparts abroad.–ONA

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SU N DAY, MARCH 15, 2015

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Oman’s top chefs to join global French food fiesta

GASTRONOMIC TREAT: Muscat’s The Chedi, has been picked to take part in the prestigious gastronomic event ‘Gout de France’ also known as ‘Good France’.– Supplied photo

Times News Service

Celebrated French chef, Alain Ducasse.

MUSCAT: A global event that will see 1,000 handpicked chefs serving French dishes simultaneously across five continents will include Muscat’s The Chedi, which has been picked to take part in the prestigious gastronomic event ‘Gout de France’ also known as ‘Good France’.

This global event, to take place on March 19 is supported by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs

and International Development as well as celebrated French chef, Alain Ducasse.

Chefs of every kind will celebrate the excellence and diversity of French cuisine on the same evening as they delight diners with a specially crafted menu.

Sébastien Cassagnol, Frenchborn executive chef at The Chedi Muscat, will be leading the event with his expert culinary team at the award-wining Beach Restaurant with a menu that is KOBRAH AREA

Civil Defence rescues boat with 6 people STAFF REPORTER

sure to please.

Born in the south of France and raised in a typically traditional French culinary background, Cassagnol’s cooking philosophy and style has evolved over 15 years of international experience, having worked in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Lebanon and Indonesia to name a few.

In accordance with the guidelines from ‘Gout de France’, the menu will consist of a traditional French aperitif, a cold starter, a

hot starter, fish or shellfish, meat or poultry, a French cheese (or cheeseboard), a chocolate dessert all paired with French vintages and digestifs.

Local ingredients Highlights from the French-inspired menu include local ingredients such as an entrée of Omani prawn served with vegetable potau-feu, followed by a main course that includes grilled tuna steak with ratatouille garnished with

black olive foam.

“It gives me great pride in my role at The Chedi Muscat to have been selected to share my heritage of French cuisine amongst our guests to celebrate this worldwide event. My inspiration for this menu combines my own personal gastronomic journey as well as the beautiful fresh local produce in the Sultanate of Oman” said Cassagnol.

The menu is priced at OMR89 (plus applicable taxes) per person.

Date palm: Pride of the Sultanate

MUSCAT: The Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA), rescued six persons in Korbah area of the wilayat of Seeb on Saturday afternoon.

An official said that the rescue operation followed a report that a boat engine broke down and water had leaked inside while it was in the middle of the sea.

PACDA personnel rushed to the incident spot and rescued all the persons just before the boat capsized. The official informed that all the people on board are in stable health condition.

SLOW DOWN ENJOY THE RIDE

FARM EXPERTISE: The pollination takes place when the farmer places an entire male flower spathe

in the crown of the female date palm. –ONA

The annual journey in which date palms come to fruition, has begun and will go through various stages, starting from pollination to dates harvesting and then selling the produce

MUSCAT: A strong relationship has linked Omanis to the date palm since ancient times as it is a prized farm produce which rewards them with lots of fruits throughout the year.

Omanis use their fronds to make craft products, a skill handed down through generations, and that has served as an additional resource since Omanis sell these products, mainly linked to agriculture and dates harvesting, in the market.

The annual journey in which date palms come to fruition, has begun and will go through various stages, starting from pollination to dates harvesting to storage of dates, eating these in winter or selling them.

The pollination stage begins in the Sultanate during very cold season. In case of some varieties, pollination begins early.

These are famous for early “Rattab” stage in summer, such as “Al Battash, Al Miznaj, Al Manhi, Al

Qidmi,” etc.

The pollination takes place when the farmer places an entire male flower spathe in the crown of the female date palm, or packaging them in a certain way with a light tape so that they gradually open with the growth of the bracts to finally liberate themselves .This technique is used with certain type of date palms like “Al Khunaizi” and “Al Khasab” with long spathes.

Choosing the appropriate pollen is very important for pollination. Selection of male date palm with many flowers that produce the pollen is essential for successful pollination. Farmers avoid pollination in rainy days because the rain ruins the whole process of pollination.

Pollination process varies depending on the type of plant, its quality, and type of date palm, nature of the climate and humidity level.

Pollination takes several days,

depending on time spent by farmers. Some farmers prefer to wait until all flowers unfold, others pollinate flowers separately.

Late pollination might cause failure of pollination, like in “Al Naghal” date palms, except with some types like “Al Khunaizi and “Al Khasab.”

Pollination stage takes more than two months. The second stage is called “Inhidhar” or descending stage. Locally, it means bringing a bunch of the date palm down to a level that can be reached by the farmers to reap the “Rattab” in the future.

Descending technique is of two types: either bringing the bunch to the level of the leaves or below the leaves with a rope, plastic tape or fibril made of the leaves of the date palm.

After almost four months of the second stage, harvesting season begins, whether “Rattab” or fully matured “Tamar” that could be stored later.– ONA

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Travel business upbeat over outbound tourism Holiday Souq was organised by Bahwan Tourism to introduce new holiday packages and tour destinations for those seeking to travel overseas

TOURISM TIME: Representatives from Asian embassies in Oman and 12 travel partners displayed new packages and attractions to lure more travellers to their destinations.–OK Mohammed Ali/TIMES OF OMAN

Nadeem Ulde

REJIMON K reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Outbound tourism is growing exponentially along with inbound tourism, according to experts from the travel industry.

“Even though we don’t have the exact statistics, we can say that, compared to previous years, there is definitely a 25 per cent increase in the number of nationals and expatriates travelling to destinations outside Oman to make their holidays enjoyable.

The trend is growing and we expect positive results in the coming years, too,” Nadeem Ulde, head of leisure at Bahwan Tourism, told Times of Oman.

Nadeem was talking to Times of Oman on the sidelines of Holiday Souq, an event organised to introduce new holiday packages and tour destinations for those seeking to travel.

Representatives from Asian embassies in Oman and 12 travel partners associated with Bahwan Tourism displayed new packages and attractions to lure more travellers to their destinations.

“Recently, to earn more revenue from tourism, most of the countries have made their visa processing simpler, as they consider the visitors’ convenience. So, people are nowadays more willing to visit foreign destinations, as there are not many hassles in processing visas,” Nadeem added.

According to Nadeem, Omanis prefer to travel to European destinations, especially to the

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United Kingdom.

“Visa procedures for Omanis visiting the UK are now being made simpler. In addition to this, the beauty of the country and the feelings they enjoy are prompting more and more Omanis to visit UK,” Nadeem added.

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation 2014 report, Europe is still the world’s most popular destination, generating over half of the world’s international arrivals, followed by Asia and Pacific (23 per cent), the Americas (16 per cent), the Middle East (3 per cent) and Africa (3 per cent).

The UNTWO report adds that the large majority of international travel takes place within travellers’ own regions, with about four out of five worldwide arrivals originating from the same region.

Confirming this, an official from Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority also said that there has been an increase in the num-

ber of Omanis visiting Abu Dhabi each year.

“The cultural similarity and facilities available are the main points which helps us to attract more tourists to Abu Dhabi,” Sultan A. Al Mansoori, KSA country manager at Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, said.

Detailing plans to attract more tourists, the official said that two travel shows and other special programmes will be conducted in May and September in Oman.

“We will conduct two, threeday-long road shows in Oman.

The number of Omanis visiting Abu Dhabi is increasing day by day. Worldwide, we were expecting 3.1 million visitors in Abu Dhabi in 2014. Interestingly, we received 3.4 million, passing our target,” Sultan added.

Meanwhile, another expert from the travel industry said the cruise tourism market is also picking up in Oman.

“Vacationers who want to en-

I N N O VAT I O N S

Gulf College to host Arab technology conference Times News Service MUSCAT: The Omani Society of Educational Technology (OSET) will organise its ‘Third Conference of Education Technology – ICOET2015’ at the Gulf College in Muscat from March 24 to 26.

Dr Said bin Hamed Al Rubaii will inaugurate the conference where a large number of Omani, local, Arab and international experts, teachers and professionals will be present.

The main theme of the conference is ‘Ambition towards Technology-Understanding Educational Innovations.’ The event is aimed at satisfying the specialists’ interest in this field. It focuses on discussing many important issues related to exploring updated technologies and their relation to teaching and learning. It will also discuss research, training and development findings in Oman, Gulf and the wider Arab world.

The conference will help exchange experiences, explore possible educational implications in the field of technology and possible solutions to employ them in education.

It will provide opportunities to participants from different contexts to share their best practices in using technology in education such as tablets, Open Educational Resources (OER), cloud computing, flip classrooms etc. It will also discuss using social networks in learning and teaching, open education courses (MOOCS), educational games, open software applications, virtual labs in teaching of science, e-books, and virtual visits. In addition, the conference will also shed light on training, research, and development in the field of educational technology.

The conference programme

There is definitely a 25 per cent increase in the number of nationals and expatriates travelling to destinations outside the Sultanate

includes keynote addresses delivered by Professor Muhammad Ali, Professor of e-Learning at Athabasca University in Canada, and Dr Salah Al Sharhan, Vice President for Planning and Development, and Director of the e-Learning Centre of Excellence at the Kuwaiti Gulf University for Science and Technology.

The conference will be preceded by training workshops for interested participants on a selected range of software applications, and ways to integrate them into teaching and learning process.

Dr Ali Al-Musawi, OSET Chair, said that the Society, since its establishment in 2007, has had a tradition of hosting this biennial conference to explore important issues and updates regarding developments in the field of educational technology.

He added that this year’s conference is an extension of the previous two conferences which were successful and featured a distinguished presence.

He invited all Omani professionals to contribute to the conference with their creative ideas in the field of linking technology and its applications to education and learning. He said that this conference is an educational platform and will interest all professionals and those who are interested in Gulf and Arab states and dissemination of ideas and support. Al Musawi encouraged all professionals and educators in the Sultanate to support the OSET’s activities and efforts of its volunteers, as it is the only professional educational IT Society currently operating in Oman.

Malik Al Nomani, OSET board member, said that research abstracts and or queries about the conference can be sent through

official email icoet2015@omanset.org. He added that all abstracts will be reviewed and evaluated by the scientific committee of the conference. He also added that the conference will include sessions for open discussions about the information technology curriculum in the Sultanate of Oman, educational technology in the Sultanate and teacher’s technical competencies in the twentieth century. Researchers from Oman, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Egypt, Algeria, Iran, India, the Philippines, Austria, the USA, and other countries, will also provide research papers in concurrent sessions. Researchers will demonstrate findings drawn from PhD and MA studies, and The Research Council (TRC) funded research projects.

While Nargis Al-Hinai, OSET board member, indicated that all scientific papers and academic posts will go through a rigorous review in order to publish them in the next issue of the Omani Journal of Educational Technology, a research periodical is soon to be issued by the Society. She noted that it will be an opportunity for teachers, educators and students from schools and universities to present their distinct educational technology projects.

Ozear Al Zadjali, OSET board member, called for all researchers in the Sultanate to participate actively in the conference to highlight the national efforts in the field of technology applications in Education and highlight any related research and development. He added that the Society hopes to communicate with them through the conference’s official website in order to coordinate with the ICOET2015 organisation and scientific committees.

joy time with family and connect both land and sea experiences are now opting for cruise tourism in Oman. Omani families now prefer to visit tour destinations with a sea cruise,” V.N. Lakshmy Narayanan, manager at Bahwan Tourism, said.

“In 2013, from October till March we had three tourist ships per week docking in Oman ports.

Now, the number has increased to four. The industry is growing.

The transformation of Sultan Qaboos Port in Muttrah from a commercial port into an exclusive tourism port is helping the industry a lot,” he said, while adding that more tourism projects are planned in Oman, which will be an added advantage.

According to reports, with the number of cruise tourists increasing year-on-year, the Sultanate is expecting 1.6 million cruise tourists by 2020 and 2.1 million by 2030.

Recently, Oman Tourism joined with Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and Dubai’s Department of Tourism to peg the Arabian Peninsula as an emerging cruise destination for the world.

HERITAGE DAY HELD AT SAHAM

Heritage Day celebrations were held in the Wilayat of Saham , during which horse and camel races were held to mark Oman’s traditional culture.—ONA

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SU N DAY, MARCH 15, 2015

OMAN

We believe that the best way to make improvements is to work together, listen to what people need and join forces with local government entities to tailor-make programmes that will improve their day-to-day lives Sergio Espeschit, Chief Executive Officer of Vale in Oman

Al Maamari to open solo exhibition ‘Drop’

U P D AT E

85 Indians detained in Oman jail, lowest in GCC countries REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com

Title of this

MUSCAT: Around 2,900 Indians, including 85 in Oman, are languishing in different jails in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, according to details tabled by the Indian external affairs minister in the lower house of the parliament last week.

exhibition refers to Al Maamari’s painting style, whereby he drips paint strategically to create a stylised looks that give the – Supplied picture

viewer a deeper emotional response

Mohammed Al Maamari. — Supplied picture

Times News Service

Omani scenes. The opening reception will be on March 16 at 7:30pm and will be inaugurated by His Highness Sayyid Tarik bin Shabib bin Taimur Al Said.

The title of this exhibition, Drops, refers to Al Maamari’s painting style, whereby he drips paint strategically to create a stylised looks that gives the viewer a deeper emotional response.

MUSCAT: Omani artist Mohammed Al Maamari, is opening a solo exhibition, Drops, at Bait Muzna gallery on Wednesday.

Al Maamari, is a realistic fine arts painter.

This exhibition, Drops, focuses on the human expressions of Omani males in traditional and cultural

This exhibition showcases the artist’s strong talent in portraiture, demonstrating great skill and artistry. Drops, truly represents Al Maamari’s love of his Omani culture.

The artist beautifully pauses life’s fast-paced motion in his paintings. In order to achieve this look, Al Maamari works from photographs that he takes while

attending many events during the colourful commemoration of Eid in Oman, as well as other festive occasions.

He says that working from photographs of strangers makes it easier for him to project his own feelings and emotions into his characters.

Al Maamari aspires to master portraits and to further explore other possibilities with his own signature style. This exhibition, Drops, is a wonderful opportunity to see amazing portraiture of a beloved culture.

In all, there are 2,863 Indians detained in different jails in the GCC countries. While, 1,534 Indians are jailed in Saudi Arabia topping the list among GCC countries, Oman is placed at the bottom of the list.

833 Indians jailed in UAE There are 833 Indians jailed in the United Arab Emirates, 209 in Kuwait, 106 in Bahrain and 96 in Qatar.

“Every migrant worker is obliged to follow the laws of the country where he is working. In Oman, the judicial system does not discriminate whether the violator is a national or a migrant worker. Everyone is considered equal in the eyes of the law,” said Deepa Sudhir, an Indian embassy panel lawyer, while adding that there was a need of

legal awareness among Indian migrants in Oman.

“While some Indians are jailed for crimes like violation of immigration/visa rules, illegal entry, non-possession of valid travel documents, overstaying and others, others are jailed for grave criminal offences,” added the lawyer.

Recently, a legal and judicial assistance agreement was signed between the Sultanate of Oman and India to improve co-operation in the field of investigation, prosecution and proceedings in criminal matters.

The agreement will enable India and Oman to make the detained persons available to testify or assist in investigations and also co-operate in probing terror funding. Irrespective of whether the assistance is sought or to be provided by a court or some other official authority, the new agreement will provide assistance and shall be without prejudice to other obligations between India and Oman pursuant to other treaties or arrangements.

According to the tabled paper in the parliament there are 6,443 Indian nationals detained in jails in 71 countries.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITY

Over 60 professionals to showcase talent at Muriya fishing challenge Times News Service MUSCAT: More than 60 professional anglers and enthusiasts are set to participate in the third Jebel Sifah Fishing Challenge this year to showcase their talent, display their catches and win prizes.

Muriya, Oman’s leading tourism development company, is orgnising the event, which will be held from March 27 to 28th. It is being supported by the Muscat Game Fishing Association (MFGA).

“The Jebel Sifah Fishing Challenge is one of the key events on Muriya’s calendar of community activities and plays a major role in transforming the Jebel Sifah destination into a bustling town that provides more than real estate and hospitality for guests,” said Marko Randjelovic, Marina Manager at Muriya. “It is an exciting opportunity for participants to explore the breath-taking marine environment around Sifah, put their fishing skills to the test and promote sport fishing by follow-

The Jebel Sifah Fishing Challenge is one of the key events on Muriya’s calendar of community activities and plays a major role in transforming the Jebel Sifah destination into a bustling town that provides more than real estate and hospitality for guest Marko Randjelovic Marina Manager at Muriya

ing the competition’s catch-andrelease rules.”

Held at Muriya’s Integrated Tourism Complex, Jebel Sifah, the competition features two categories: the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) that includes Rod &

Line and Fly Fishing, as well as the Open category, where participants can fish according to Omani methods. Contestants can participate in only one category and prizes are awarded on a cumulative weight basis for the top three catches. Also,

if a billfish is caught in the IGFA category, it will be caught-photographed-released with the weight estimated and added to the angler’s total weight, while each fish in the Open category will be weighed to determine the winner.

BEST FISHING PRACTICES

Vale distributes 55 GPS and fish finder devices to local fishermen in Liwa Times News Service LIWA: Fifty-five global positioning systems (GPS) and fish finder devices were distributed to local fishermen in Wilayat Liwa by Vale in Oman at a special ceremony held under the patronage of Dr. Fuad bin Ja’afar bin Mohammed Al Sajwani, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries earlier this year.

A member of the community committed to the environment and the public, Vale distributed the GPS devices at the Harmool Village Majlis to promote best fishing practices to assure the sustainability of both natural resources and livelihoods.

Training courses were also organised at the Harmool Village Majlis and Nibr Village Majlis in Liwa to guide fishermen on how to use the Arabic-enabled devices.

Over two days, fishermen learned how to refer to the device manuals, map courses to rich fishing sites and protect marine life while casting lines. They were also taught the benefits of utilising technology for the sustainability of natural resources.

Vale’s joint initiative with the Ministry’s Department of Fisheries in Liwa integrates the advantages of the space-based global navigation satellite system with local fishing practices. Now armed with the knowledge and

TECH-FRIENDLY: Vale’s initiative in Liwa integrates the advantages of the space-based global

navigation satellite system with local fishing practices. — Supplied picture

tools, fishermen in Liwa are able to set routes across the seas and mark rich casting sites, especially during fish migrations and changes in sea conditions.

Sergio Espeschit, Chief Executive Officer of Vale in Oman said, “We believe that the best way to make improvements is to work together, listen to what people need and join forces with local government entities to tailor-make programs that will improve their day-to-day lives. We concentrate our social development efforts to understanding the community’s dynamics through open dialogue and engagement and look to posi-

tively contribute to its growth.”

Local fisherman Mohammed Saleh said, “Vale and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’ efforts have always been in tune with our way of life, and we are grateful for their contribution to the growth of this community.

We enjoy strong relationships with both Vale and the Ministry because we all share an innate understanding of the importance of keeping to tradition, while embracing new practices. With the GPS devices Vale has provided, we are able to use the tried and tested methods of our forefathers with the added benefits of plan-

ning and mapping out routes and identifying rich fishing sites.”

An extension of Vale’s corporate social responsibility agenda in Oman, this program follows a partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries that saw 400 artificial reefs dropped in four locations along the coast of Liwa. The project resulted in enhanced biodiversity and an increase in the number of fish in non-restricted fishing areas for commercial use. Also, four demarcation buoys equipped with solar powered navigation beacons were installed to mark and protect natural reef locations.

S U N DAY, MAR C H 1 5, 2 0 1 5

REGION

The idea to build the new city originated from our awareness that Cairo’s current population will double in the next 40 years Mustafa Kamel Madbuli, Egypt’s Housing Minister

SAUDI ARABIA

US warns Western oil workers of attacks RIYADH: Western oil workers in Saudi Arabia risk being attacked or kidnapped by “terrorist” groups in the kingdom, the US embassy in Riyadh said in a warning posted online.

The US mission said it “has information stating that, as of early March, individuals associated with a terrorist organisation could be targeting Western oil workers, possibly to include those US citizens working for oil companies in the Eastern Province, for an attack(s) and/or kidnapping(s)”.

Source not identified The statement, which was published on the embassy website late on Friday, did not identify the source of the threats and said no details were available on the planned attacks. Saudi Arabia is taking part in US-led air strikes that began in September against the IS militant group in Syria, raising concerns about possible retaliation.

Westerners in Saudi Arabia have come under attack four times since October. The latest was last month when US defence contractor Vinnell Arabia said two of its American employees were shot at in Eastern Province, where most of the kingdom’s oil wealth is concentrated. Saudi police said that one of them was wounded but results of the investigation that followed have not yet been revealed.

In October, another Vinnell employee was shot dead and another wounded at a petrol station in Riyadh, in what Saudi authorities have said was not a “terrorist-related” incident.

A Dane was wounded in November as he was driving away from his workplace when he was fired upon from another car.

Authorities said the three Saudis arrested on suspicion of involvement in that attack had acted “in support of” the IS militant group.

A week after the Dane’s shooting, someone stabbed and wounded a Canadian while he shopped at a mall on Saudi Arabia’s Gulf coast.

“All US citizens are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings, and take extra precautions when travelling throughout the country,” said the US embassy, urging citizens to “carefully consider the risks of travelling to Saudi Arabia”. — AFP

Egypt hails Gulf countries’ $12b aid as support to Sisi Planning Minister Ashraf Al Arabi said the Gulf nations’ pledge showed their support was ‘political, and this political support is very important in this phase’

SHARM EL SHEIKH: Egypt said on Saturday that the $12 billion pledged to it by three Gulf states to help its economy shows their strong support for President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi and his fight against militants.

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) each offered $4 billion (3.8 billion euros) in investment aid at a conference attended on Friday by hundreds of business and political leaders in the coastal resort of Sharm El Sheikh.

Sisi, who ousted former president Mohamed Morsi in 2013 and crushed his supporters, has sought to persuade allies that his country is on the front lines of a war against regional militants.

He has called for building a unified Arab force to fight the IS militant group that has captured territory in Iraq and Syria, and which commands an affiliate in Egypt.

Cairo has carried out air strikes against the militant group inside Libya, where IS also appears to have gained a foothold.

Planning Minister Ashraf Al Arabi said the Gulf nations’ pledge showed their support was “political, and this political support is very important in this phase”.

‘Message is clear’ “I believe that the message is clear that most of the world is supporting Egypt in building the new Egypt,” he said.

“The (funding) announcement... makes us very comfort-

MEGA PLANS: A man looks at a scale model of the new Egyptian capital displayed at the Congress hall in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh on Saturday. Egypt plans to build a new administrative and business capital east of Cairo that will house five million people and feature a theme park “four times bigger than Disneyland”, a minister announced at a global investor conference. – AFP

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

able, and it is a certificate of trust that Egypt will develop and become better than before.”

About 100 countries and international organisations are attending the three-day conference aimed at attracting billions of dollars for Egypt’s economy, which has been battered by years of political turmoil. Sisi, who has positioned himself as a bulwark against militants, said investing in the Arab world’s most populous country would help stabilise the entire region. Egypt’s stability “is a cornerstone in regional stability”, he told the conference.

Sisi, who won elections after toppling Morsi, has been criti-

WA R A G A I N S T I S M I L I TA N T S

Troops wait for reinforcements, halt full-scale Tikrit offensive BAGHDAD: Iraqi forces and militiamen battling to wrest full control of the city of Tikrit from IS group militants paused their offensive for a second day on Saturday as they awaited reinforcements, a military source said.

More than 20,000 troops and militia fighters entered Tikrit on Wednesday, having retaken areas to the north and south in a campaign launched almost two weeks ago, Iraq’s biggest offensive against the militants yet.

IS militants still hold about half the city and have booby-trapped buildings and laid improvised explosive devices and roadside bombs, the source in the local military command centre said.

More “well-trained forces” were needed for the street-bystreet battles that recapturing the whole city would require, the source said, speaking by phone from Tikrit. He did not give a timeline for their arrival.

Victory for Iraq’s government in Tikrit against the militants would set the tone for a broader confrontation in Mosul, the largest city in the north.

“We do not need a large number, just one or two thousand. We need professional personnel and soldiers,” the source said.

Carefully set plan Military commanders had “reached a decision to halt the operation until a suitable, carefully set plan is in place” to break into central Tikrit, the source said.

IS group overran Iraq’s weakened army last year, seizing large amounts of territory where they have declared a caliphate and imposed brutal rule.

In Tikrit, which lies about 160km (100 miles) north of Baghdad, the extremist group still con-

A7

ALL SET FOR BIG BATTLE: An Iraqi army tank prepares to

attack IS extremists in Tikrit, 130kilometers (80 miles) north of Baghdad, Iraq, on Friday. Iraqi military officials have said they expect to reach the center of Tikrit within two to three days. – AP/PTI

trols central districts and a complex of palaces built by Saddam Hussein, the former Iraqi leader.

Iraqi security expert Hisham Al Hashemi doubted the city could be retaken with ground forces only, saying airpower was required to clear the many buildings which the IS fighters had rigged with explosives.

While the offensive on Tikrit has been put on hold, clashes in the environs continue. In the town to the north of Al Malha, near the Beiji oil refinery, IS fighters were fighting police and Hashid Shaabi forces, local police said.

Iraqi forces were advancing toward the strategically important Al Fatha bridge, which was blown up by the militants this week, Interior Ministry spokesman Brigadier General Saad Maan said.

Kurdish peshmerga forces, backed by militia fighters, have been attacking IS-held towns and villages south and west of the city of Kirkuk, peshmerga sources said. Their advances, unlike the

Tikrit battle to the southwest, have been backed by sustained air strikes from a US-led coalition.

IS also carried out attacks in Ramadi, about 90km west of Baghdad. Two suicide car bombers attacked security personnel positions, killing two policemen, a police source said.

The attacks were followed by clashes between IS militants and Iraqi security forces in the city centre, he added.

And on the outskirts of Samarra, a city being used as a rear base for the Tikrit offensive further north, militants attacked an Iraqi army unit on Friday, two security officials said. One said 11 soldiers had been captured by the militants while the second said some soldiers had gone missing.

A bomb near a busy market killed 4 people and wounded 11 in the Sab Al Bour neighbourhood of northern Baghdad, police and medics said. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks. — Reuters

cised for unleashing a crackdown on dissent.

The former army chief has portrayed his opponents as no different from radical militants such as IS. “Egypt presents a model for Arab civilisation,” Sisi said on Friday. “A country that rejects violence and terrorism and extremism, a country that strengthens regional stability and peace.”

Restoring the economy and attracting foreign investment have been key tenets of Sisi’s presidency. In one of the biggest deals expected at the conference, British Petroleum is to sign a $12 billion agreement — shared with its Russian partner DEA — to develop Egyptian gas fields. Plans were also unveiled for a new administrative and business capital east of Cairo that will house five million people and feature a theme park “four times bigger than Disneyland”.

Housing Minister Mustafa Kamel Madbuli said the new city would relieve pressure on overcrowded Cairo, with its population of 18 million expected to double in coming decades.

“The idea to build the new city originated from our awareness that Cairo’s current population will double in the next 40 years,” Madbuli said on Friday in a presentation showcasing the details.

US military aid US Secretary of State John Kerry, who met Sisi and the leaders of Jordan and the Palestinian Authority, told businessmen on Friday that Washington was “eager and ready and willing” to help Egypt’s economic development.

Kerry on Saturday also said that Washington will decide “very soon” on freeing military aid to Egypt frozen since the army toppled Morsi in 2013.

“With respect to aid and assistance, I really expect a decision very soon,” Kerry told reporters in response to a question on when Washington planned to release the $650 million in military aid it froze after Morsi’s overthrow.

Washington annually offers about $1.5 billion in aid to Egypt, including $1.3 billion in military aid.

A part of it was frozen at the height of a deadly crackdown on Morsi’s followers after his overthrow and arrest.

Washington says that freeing this aid depends on Egypt progress in democratic reforms.

Washington had released some military aid, including the delivery of Apache helicopters Egypt says are important for its fight against the insurgents in Sinai.

“The US is committed to strengthening the partnership with Egypt,” Kerry said. — AFP

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SU N DAY, MARCH 15, 2015

INDIA

We are charging the government, condemning it and strongly deprecating this kind of conduct. It is not only specific to Congress and Rahul Gandhi but in general against all political opponents Abhishek Singhvi, Congress spokesperson

ATT R AC T I N V E S T M E N T S

TWO KILLED AS TRUCK HITS COMMUTERS

‘Government to ease process of doing business in India’

A view of a truck which hit commuters at a Railway crossing on Tanda road in Jalandhar on Saturday. Two people died and a few others got injured in the incident. A total of 126 deaths due to negligence of road users at unmanned level crossing have been reported this year till February. - PTI

Modi seeks respect for all citizens in Sri Lanka Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jaffna came a day after he had met President Maithripala Sirisena in Colombo and favoured a life

HOUSE WARMING CEREMONY: Prime Minister Narendra Modi stirs

of equality, justice,

a pot of milk, a customary ritual that marks an opening, during the handing over of homes under the Indian Housing Project in Jaffna in Sri Lanka on Saturday. - PTI

peace and dignity in a unified Sri Lanka

JAFFNA: Making a historic visit to a region once ravaged by strife, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called for equitable development and respect for all citizens in Sri Lanka, seen as an oblique reference to Tamils who had suffered during the war between the LTTE and forces.

Winding up his public engagements on his two-day trip to the island with a hugely-symbolic visit

to Tamil-dominated Jaffna, the first by an Indian Prime Minister, he said he was glad that it “is one to wipe tears from the eyes of those who suffered”.

The prime minister, who is also the second international leader to visit the region after Premier David Cameron in 2013, handed over 27,000 new homes to Tamils who became homeless during the civil war. The houses were built with Indian assistance as part of India’s efforts to help in the reconciliation process.

Modi’s visit came a day after he

had met President Maithripala Sirisena in Colombo and favoured a life of equality, justice, peace and dignity in a unified Sri Lanka.

He had also urged the Sri Lankan government to ensure early and full implementation of the 13th Amendment relating to devolution of powers to Tamils and to go beyond that in finding a political solution.

Laying the foundation on Friday for a Cultural Centre being built here by India, Modi said, “Sri Lanka should also progress.

Unity, peace and amity are essen-

tial ingredients for equitable development where there is respect for all citizens.”

Northern Province Chief Minister and Tamil leader C. V. Wigneswaran, who was present at the event, made a strong pitch for replacing the 13th Amendment with a more dynamic system of devolution of powers.

“13th amendment (to Sri Lankan Constitution) cannot be a final solution,” he said, noting that Modi himself is a proponent of devolution of powers and cooperative federalism.

Earlier, Modi flagged off a train service in the north-western town of Talaimannar — the closest point to India — restored after decades of civil war, completing the reconstruction of the entire Northern Province Railway Line.

At Ilavalai in Jaffna, where India is assisting in a housing project, Modi participated in a housewarming ceremony and lent a helping hand in the traditional milk boiling before a family moved into a new home.

He was received by women who performed the traditional ‘aarti’ to the accompaniment of Nadaswaram music. Modi also offered prayers at the Naguleswaram Temple in Jaffna.”Feeling blessed,” he tweeted later. - PTI

LONDON: Indian government is fairly determined and is introducing changes to ease the process of doing business and attract investments in India while trying to rationalise and lower taxes, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said.

He also said that the GDP growth rate this year would be 7.5 per cent and hopefully higher in the next year.

“We are trying to rationalise taxes, lower taxes and introduce a non-adversarial and fair system of taxation. There is a raging ideological battle between reform and obstruction. The government is fairly determined.

“The roadmap for us is very clear. We need a lot of investment in India and we need to ease the process of doing business in India and therefore slowly we are introducing changes in that direction,” he said addressing a gathering of international investors on ‘Investment Opportunities in India’ here last night.

Priority Jaitley stressed that the new government’s priority was to improve the credibility of the Indian economy.

“Fiscal deficits are on the downside. There is a flurry of activities, we are correcting aberrations in taxation structure, we are concentrating on infrastructure and trying to bring about fairness

in our system. In an attack on the previous UPA government, Jaitley stressed on how scandals such as the Spectrum and coal field allocations are a thing of the past.

“If (former prime minister Manmohan) Singh had his way,the crisis would never have taken place but there was a sense of helplessness.

“With regard to coal, he had announced an auction process within months of taking over but for 10 years he was unable to go through with it. How can we allow such a system to continue,” he said at the event organised by FICCI and UK Indian Business Council.

Speaking at another function launching the Union Bank of India (UK), a subsidiary of the Union Bank of India, Jaitley noted that India is emerging as one of the fastest growing economies and said that this year the GDP growth rate will be 7.5 per cent and next year hopefully it would be higher.

He said that since the new government came to power the economy has regained.

“During the last few years we had fallen off the radar,our growth had slowed down, our priorities were blurred and the world was accusing us of policy paralysis. Finally people of India decided to bring about a change,” he said. - PTI

U N E D UC AT E D

Bride dumps groom for bad maths in UP LUCKNOW: An Indian bride walked out of her wedding after the bridegroom failed to solve a simple maths problem, leaving hundreds of disgruntled guests behind.

Police in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh where the wedding had been organised said the woman’s relatives put the groom to the test after becoming concerned about his level of education. Despite pleas from the groom’s family, the bride-to-

be stormed out of the wedding, which took place on Wednesday, after he failed to come up with the correct answer for 15 plus six.

“As soon as she learned that the man was uneducated, she refused to marry him,” local police official Iddu Hasan said.

Police were called to intervene in the row, but it was eventually resolved by the families, who returned all the jewellery, gifts and cash traditionally exchanged at an Indian wedding. - AFP

ROUTINE EXERCISE

Congress creates furore over police visiting Rahul’s house NEW DELHI: Congress on Saturday created a furore over Delhi Police officials visiting Rahul Gandhi’s residence and making queries about him even as the police chief rejected allegations of snooping, saying it was a routine exercise of being in touch with dignitaries.

Congress accused the Narendra Modi government of carrying out “political espionage” on Gandhi and demanded a “comprehensive explanation from no less than the home minister and the prime minister” while rejecting the police claim that the episode as merely a security issue.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said Delhi police officials, who visited the party vice president’s residence, had made “unwarranted and weird” enquiries about him.

Asserting that no law permits such a procedure, he said the issue of “snooping and surveillance” on Rahul would be raised in Parliament.

“Through you, we have raised it nationally. It is wider. We will raise it in all fora,” he told reporters. Rahul is on a sabbatical since the start of the Budget session of Parliament on February 23.

Some police officials went to his residence on March 12 and reportedly asked how he looks like and what is the colour of his eyes etc.

Condemning action “This kind of political espionage, snooping and surveillance, this kind of intrusion in politcial opponents’ life — this may be Gujarat model. It is not India’s model. The track record shows it is a model perfected in Gujarat especially for political opponents, judges, journalists and private persons...

MAKING QUERIES: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi in his

office at AICC headquarters in New Delhi recently. Rahul is on a sabbatical since the start of the Budget session of Parliament on February 23. - PTI file photo

“We are charging the government, condemning it and strongly deprecating this kind of conduct.

It is not only specific to Congress and Rahul Gandhi but in general against all political opponents,” Singhvi said. Refusing to see it as a matter only concerning police, he said they have better things to do than to “listen to the dictates of their political masters.”

Calling it a “serious national issue,” Singhvi drew its parallels with incidents of alleged phonetapping and snooping in Gujarat when Modi was chief minister and said “it is something against which parties irrespective of political colour should stand up.”

Confirming that some police personnel visited Rahul Gandhi’s residence, Delhi Police Commissioner B. S. Bassi rejected the allegation of snooping and said such visits are a routine practice of being in touch with the dignitaries and there was no malafide in it.

“Rahul Gandhi was not targeted by the police. It was a routine activity which is done to keep records of vulnerable personalities.

“Police also visited houses of

Veerappa Moily, L. K. Advani, K. Chandrasekhar Rao among others. There was no malafide intension behind seeking details about Gandhi,” he said.

Bassi said police was never asked either by Prime Minister Office or Home Ministry to visit Rahul’s residence and asserted that there was no political pressure on police.

The police chief said such surveys are conducted at the offices of all protected persons from time to time for prevention and detection of crime and maintaining of law and order.

“Two cops went to Rahul Gandhi’s residence. Our beat officer Rameshwar Dayal went to his house on March 12 and sought details about him. As beat officers are not able to directly meet such persons, they contact their office staff and leave proforma pertaining to required details,” he said.

Beat officers are instructed to meet the staff of important people living in the area falling under their jurisdiction and keep a personal information about them, he also said. - PTI

S U N DAY, MAR C H 1 5, 2 0 1 5

INDIA

This statue celebrates the incredibly special friendship between the world’s oldest democracy and its largest, as well as the universal power of Gandhi’s message David Cameron, British prime minister

Historic Gandhi statue unveiled A galaxy of political leaders led by British Prime Minister David Cameron and India’s Finance Minister Arun Jaitley were joined by Bollywood legend Amitabh

TRIBUTE: Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley unveils a 9-foot

Bachchan and

bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Parliament Square, in London, on Saturday. - Reuters

Gandhi’s grandson Gopalkrishna Gandhi at the ceremony

LONDON: A historic bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled on Saturday at the Parliament Square here, standing adjacent to iconic leaders like Britain’s war-time prime minister Winston Churchill and antiapartheid icon Nelson Mandela.

A galaxy of political leaders led

by British Prime Minister David Cameron and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley were joined by Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan and Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson Gopalkrishna Gandhi at the ceremony to unveil the 9-foot statue of India’s Father of the Nation.

Gandhi is the first Indian and the only person never to have been in a public office to be honoured with a statue at the Square.

The statue was unveiled jointly

by Cameron and Jaitley as chants of “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram”, a popular bhajan (devotional song) that was Gandhi’s favourite, reverberated in the air.

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“This statue is a magnificent tribute to one of the most towering figures in the history of world politics and by putting Mahatma Gandhi in this famous Square we are giving him an eternal home in our country,” said Cameron.

Quoting some of Gandhi’s famous words, Cameron highlighted how his teachings remain as potent on Saturday. “This statue celebrates the incredibly special friendship between the world’s oldest democracy and its largest, as well as the universal power of Gandhi’s message,” Cameron said.

“Our ties with India have remained close throughout history and continue to go from strength to strength His words were echoed by UK Treasury minister and Indian Diaspora Champion Priti Patel, who said: “Gandhiji was a man who became a great agitator of the British government back then. We have now got him coming to Parliament Square in front of the mother of all Parliaments.

It is incredibly symbolic.”

The sculptor, Philip Jackson, described his creation as an important symbol in the global fight against terror.

“We live in an age where terrorism and acts of random violence are used in an attempt to effect change. Gandhi’s sculpture reminds us all that great change can be achieved peacefully and without violence,” said the wellknown British figurative artist.

NRI economist and founder of the Gandhi Statue Memorial Trust, Lord Meghnad Desai, described the unveiling as “great occasion for India, UK and the world.”

“Gandhi belongs to the whole world but has now found a home in the centre of London, a city which he loved. Let everyone come from everywhere and see for themselves Gandhi in Parliament Square in London,” he said.

The sculpture is aimed as a focal point for commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa to start India’s struggle for freedom, as well as the passing of 70 years since his death in 2018, and the 150th anniversary of his birth in 2019. - PTI

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AHMEDABAD

Bad weather delays Solar Impulse-2 AHMEDABAD: Solar Impulse-2, claimed to be the world’s first ‘no fuel’ aircraft, which arrived here on a round-the-world trip on March 10, has delayed its departure due to the cloudy weather conditions.

“The aircraft will remain at the city airport until Tuesday due to bad weather conditions,” Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport

Director R. K. Singh said.

“D-4 (departure minus four) before RTW (Round the world) Flight 3 from Ahmedabad to Varanasi, India,” said Solar Impulse-2 project’s Twitter handle.

The aircraft does not use “a drop of fuel”, according to the project website. It runs on lithium batteries that are charged by solar cells on its wings.

Many parts of Gujarat, including Ahmedabad, have had unseasonal rains and overcast skies in the last two days. Swiss pilot Bertrand Piccard flew the plane from Muscat to Ahmedabad on Tuesday night after a fifteen-hour flight.

From Varanasi, the SI-2 would fly on to Mandalay in Myanmar, Chongqing and Nanjing in China and thereon to USA. - PTI

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T IME S O F O MAN

SUN DAY, MARCH 15, 2015

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Turkey fast drifting away from Nato THE INDEPENDENT

T

he website of Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledges that Nato has played a “central role” in the country’s security and insists that Turkey, which became a member in 1952, “attaches utmost importance” to it. Yet Turkey’s commitment to the alliance has never seemed more ambivalent than it does now. On crucial issues — from fighting the IS to fielding integrated defence systems, which share information and operate together, to standing firm against Russian aggression in Ukraine — President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his government either are not cooperating fully or are acting in outright defiance of NATO’s priorities and interests.

Add the fact that Turkey under Erdogan has become increasingly authoritarian, and it becomes apparent that the country is drifting away from an alliance whose treaty says it is “founded on the principles of democracy” as much as defence. For months, the Western allies have pressured Turkey to close its porous border, which has allowed thousands of extremists to cross into Syria to join the IS and has enabled it to smuggle in weapons and smuggle out oil on which it relies for revenue. Although the Turkish government has taken some steps to make transit harder, it has been unwilling, or unable, to stem the flow.

Completely shutting down the long border may be impossible, but given the country’s large military and well-regarded intelligence service, it is inexcusable that Turkey is not doing a better job. Turkey should also be making military bases and troops available to the American-led coalition, but James Clapper Jr., the director of national intelligence, told Congress recently that he was not optimistic that Turkey would do more against IS because it had “other priorities and other interests.” Public opinion polls show that the Turks don’t consider IS a primary threat, and Erdogan is more concerned with opposing Kurdish autonomy within Syria and with bringing down the Syrian president, Bashar Al Assad.

There are other troubling aspects of Turkey’s behaviour. The government says it is still considering buying from China a $3.4 billion air defence system that involves radars and long-range ground-to-air missiles that can shoot down enemy missiles. The purchase is opposed by the American and European allies because they view this military purchase from China as a risk.

Moreover, the Turkish defence minister last month said the government did not plan to integrate whatever air defence system it bought with Nato’s air defences and radars so that the various parts would work together, though the presidential spokesman later said the system would be integrated with Nato’s. American officials say they don’t think Turkey will ever withdraw from Nato. Of course, such a move would be a catastrophic mistake. But the fact that the possibility is even raised by officials and defence experts shows how concerned the allies are about relying on Turkey in any crisis. - The New York Times News Service

MATTER OF FACT

But, why did India ban India’s Daughter?

I DEBASISH MITRA

Stop Shafqat’s execution

W

hen Shafqat Hussain, now aged 25 years, makes that long, final walk to the gallows on March 19, which is to happen soon, he will be representing the flaws that exist within our judicial system and the potential for injustice that stems from these.

The black warrants for Shafqat were issued after the government lifted a moratorium on death sentences on March 10, which had been in place since 2008. Executions for acts of terrorism had been resumed earlier, and Shafqat’s date for hanging was originally set for January.

A local and international campaign, including a petition by a human rights law firm before the Sindh High Court, had led to a deferral.

The outcry is centred around the fact that Shafqat, from a desperately poor family, was only 14-year-old in 2006 when he committed the act of kidnapping and murder for which he was awarded the death penalty. He has also said that his confession was extracted after nine days of police torture while campaigners point out that his juvenile status was not brought to the court’s attention by his lawyer during the trial process.

These are serious matters. No one should die at the gallows, or in any other fashion, at the hands of the state when there are doubts about the investigation and trial process. These doubts evidently exist in the case of Shafqat. It is also true that our own laws bar capital punishment for child offenders. In the interest of building a safer, more just and more humane nation, these factors must be considered. There is a body of evidence out there which points to the fact that Shafqat was unfairly tried. With the world watching us, in this matter we need to demonstrate that we will not allow injustice to be done. It is also important to show that we are committed to building a system of justice that offers fair play to all. This did not happen, going by what we know, in Shafqat’s case. It is important then to step back, review the situation, and see what exactly is to be gained — and what lost — by going through with the hanging.

- The Express Tribune

The job market in Oman is not too good now This refers to the news story, Too many graduates fight for fewer job opportunities (March 14). Definitely the conditions here in Oman are not good.

Unemployment is on a rise. The future looks not so bright for the youth right now.

Musallam Baqi Salalah

It will be wise to seek a career in private sector This refers to the news story, Too many graduates fight for fewer job opportunities (March 14). I wonder why people in Oman don’t opt for jobs in private sector. If Omanisation is the objective, it can be achieved only when people will opt of careers

in private companies as well.

The situation is undoubtedly tough at present and that makes it all the more imperative for the fresh and young graduates to try and build careers in private sector. After all, it makes sense to have a job than waiting jobless for government vacancies.

Engkab Chilmarzai Muscat

Expats in Oman should leave behind a legacy This refers to the article, Get job, gain experience, then seek higher salary (March 12). Good thing that I am working with smart and sensible Omanis who signed up for the knowledge and experience they will gain rather than money.

Expatriates, share your knowledge, train, motivate and develop your

Banning the documentary was sheer stupidity. Could Modi government prevent Indians watching India’s Daughter? But his government certainly invited a tsunami of negative publicity which painted India in the darkest of the hues and Leslee Udwin a martyr of free expression

did not want to jump into any conclusion neither did I want to form an opinion in haste. Therefore, I gave myself enough time, over a week to be precise, to gauge the raison d’être of banning India’s Daughter. And what I deduced isn’t what my fellow countrymen in Oman would be able to stomach.

Our government, presided over by Narendra Modi and run by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — a Hindu nationalist party, would not mind Indian women getting raped but will step in with a ban if one would try to talk about the felony. And all the more if a foreigner would dare to speak of our national malady.

Or how else, my beloved countrymen and the BJP machos, can you justify banning of India’s Daughter — a BBC documentary produced on the gang rape and murder of Nirbhaya in Delhi by over half a dozen beasts inside a running bus on a freezing December night in 2012? Or, may be because, as Kamlesh Singh has said, the government would allow rapes to happen but would not permit any documentaries on it.

Whatever! The rationale of banning the documentary was warped. Why would a British documentary maker speak on behalf of our women, our rape victims; what authority does she have to create anti-rape awareness among the Indians?

The rationale of banning India’s Daughter is conclusively hypocrisy — the reality of India. Oh! What a shame! And even more when the police commissioner of Delhi sheepishly asserts that the capital city of India is absolutely safe for young women.

In her blog, Sharmila Ravinder, says, there are many Indians scattered world wide who are now whispering under their breaths that they are glad they are not living in a society like ours and probably processing their foreign passport applications at a furious pace.

Honestly, I too am contemplating doing the same to escape the shame my government in India and my prime minister have heaped on me.

Rape in India isn’t endemic and, admittedly, is not a part of our culture. Therefore, when a German professor, Annette Beck-Sickinger of Leipzig University, turns down internship application of a male Indian student ‘citing the issue of rape in the country’ the professor was certainly over reacting.

India, I agree with the German ambassador in India, is not a country of rapists.

The scourge isn’t as pervasive as in South Africa, Congo, Nigeria and in other Sub-Saharan African nations. As a country, Britain still doesn’t take rape survivors seriously. A 2009 study revealed that Britain has the lowest conviction rate of 33 European countries: it’s a shockingly pathetic 6.5 per cent.

South Africa has the highest number of declared rapes in the world, with nearly half of

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Let not thy will roar, when thy power can but whisper THOMAS FULLER

the victims younger than 18. Half of the women population in the country of modern day Gandhi Nelson Mandela is raped.

No woman in South Africa is safe. And most chilling is the fact that nine out of every ten men accused of the beastly sin walk free virtually licensed to rape again and again.

In almost all the eighteen Sub-Saharan African nations rape of women and girls constitute 76 per cent to 90 per cent of the crimes committed. In Congo alone nine out of ten girls get raped at least five times before they reach the age of 18.

And so endemic has this bane become in Congo Kenya that it provoked the United Nations Security Council to say that rape has become a weapon and a tactic of war. In 2008 the Council “officially deemed rape a weapon that particularly targets women and girls to “humiliate, dominate, instil fear in, disperse, and/or forcibly relocate civilian members of a community or ethnic group.”

That more rapes are taking place elsewhere in the world doesn’t console the daughters of India.

They too are getting raped and at an alarming rate.

One of India’s daughters is getting ravaged every 20 minutes.

And in India too rape is a weapon — a weapon to satisfy personal vendetta, a weapon to subjugate, a weapon to settle ethnic, communal, group and other scores, a weapon to quell dissension, a weapon to launch ethnic cleansing, a weapon to crush movements and is also used as a political weapon.

In the badlands of the country, in insurgency affected regions of India this scourge has been used, is still used and will be used as the most effective means to dominate and subjugate. A few rape to feed fat to their ancient grudge against the upper middle class.

Well, going back to my original predicament, I dare say that between the government we have in India and the proverbial dunce the difference is as thin as a strand of hair. Banning the documentary was sheer stupidity. Could Modi government prevent Indians watching India’s Daughter? But his government certainly invited a tsunami of negative publicity which painted India in the darkest of the hues and Leslee Udwin a martyr of free expression.

Modi’s Home Minister, Rajnath Singh, had taken serious umbrage because the documentary was made by a ‘white feminist’. Mr. Modi and Mr. Singh, would you have allowed telecast of India’s Daughter if it was made by an Indian feminist and not Leslee Udwin?

The author is the Opinion Editor of Times of Oman.

All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not reflect those of Times of Oman. He can be reached at opinioneditor@ timesofoman.com

Omani workforce. There should be no competition. They may emerge better later, but then the legacy you will leave behind makes the difference. At the end of the day, you’ll go back to your homeland.

Allen Gallardo Muscat

Muscat assured of a place in global aviation history Muscat has become part of aviation history when the Solar Impulse Plane landed in Muscat from Abu Dhabi. Andre Borschberg and Bertand Piccard have shown the world that even planes can be flown with solar energy. World over, especially people in Muscat were thrilled with new technology innovation and promotion of green fuel.

Lateef Shahdad Qurum

Bowlers are architects of India’s World Cup success Once again, for the sixth successive time in the current ICC World Cup, India bowled out all the batsmen of the opposition team by bowling out all Zimbabwe . In effect, Indian bowlers took sixty wickets in the tournament, which is unique. This shows that Indian bowling has improved and is now capable of bowling out an entire team in fifty overs. The men in blue bowled out the South African and Pakistani teams which are known for their batting prowess. I am in agreement with the former Indian captain Saurav Ganguly that bowlers are the reasons for India’s World Cup success. This is indeed a massive tranformation which will augur well for Indian cricket.

Ashok Panicker Seeb

Letters, containing not more than 200 words with full name, address and telephone number, may be sent by mail (Times of Oman, P.O. Box 770, P.C. 112, Ruwi), by fax (24813153) or by e-mail (times@omantel.net.om)

T I M E S OF OM A N

S U N DAY, MAR C H 1 5, 2 0 1 5

A1 3

PERSPEC IVE Zardari outfoxes Nawaz Britain in the Sharif with a ‘larger’ heart wilderness Y

ou need a PhD to understand his politics, veteran politician Javed Hashmi, once famously said of Asif Zardari, the wily old fox, who has once again stamped his acumen, leaving political rivals to bite the dust with how the Senate elections turned out.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif appeared shaken at how the march was stolen on his ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) even though he tried to put on a brave face by suggesting the decision to endorse Zardari’s nominee for the chairmanship, as well as relinquishing the race for the deputy chair was down to “large-heartedness”.

The situation and facts are contrary to the “large-heartedness” the PM claims although the eventual convergence on electing Raza Rabbani as the chairman couldn’t have been bettertimed to consolidate Project Democracy.

In the run-up to elect candidates to replace half the retiring Senators, the PML-N made desperate attempts to first, keep its own flock in check against potential buyers; secondly, try in vain to seek support for a constitutional amendment that would make it impossible to do so; thirdly, issue an overnight presidential decree to stop candidates from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas from polling four votes each allowed to them under the statute; and fourthly, spread their net, if belatedly, to find the votes needed to have their own chairman and deputy elected — all in vain.

The eventual results are a telling indictment of the ruling party’s failure; they have been in power for almost two years now, and the one sticking critique in what is Sharif ’s third stint as PM is that he and his party have been too lazy to take decisions, and when they do, much of the steam has already escaped the nozzle.

This negates the one corollary of domestic politics: that the ruling party always has an edge by virtue of having its hand on the till. That loyalties are bartered— vote in this case — is a well-known, if piquant, reality. But the PML-N’s problem runs deeper than how much it would take for the cookie to crumble.

The Sharifs are known to be stingy with sharing spoils. That the PML-N has a twothird majority both in the Punjab province — the pivot in the country’s power matrix — and the Centre, most likely, lulled it into thinking it did not really have to engage deep with other parties or groups even though naysayers could see signs of the Titanic wobbling. That sense of hubris proved to be its undoing.

Indeed, the PM was in Saudi Arabia on the poll day!His absence could only mean he took the results for granted; thereby, underesti-

KAMRAN REHMAT

Zardari, the cochairperson of the PPP and former president, on the other hand, played such a deft hand that all his opponents were left shaking their heads in disbelief. He crisscrossed to the leader of virtually every political party to whom he could offer seat adjustment and spoils

mating the resolve of the opposition to make the upper cut (Senate is the upper house of Pakistan’s bicameral legislature).

Zardari, the co-chairperson of the PPP and former president, on the other hand, played such a deft hand that all his opponents were left shaking their heads in disbelief.

He first reached out to the estranged Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) — a daring gambit given that the latter had only just metaphorically, lynched the PPP for its alleged targeting of the ethnic-based party in Karachi — with a basket of freebies (Senate seats, up for grabs, if they joined hands in Sindh).

Zardari then crisscrossed to the leader of virtually every political party to whom he could offer seat adjustment and spoils, later. The famed smarmy smile knocked off the ruling party’s sails and even though murmurs of goodies changing hands at a frenetic pace grew louder, what became visible was that four parties — the MQM, Jamiat Ulema Islam, Pakistan Muslim LeagueQuiad, Awami National Party — were on the PPP’s side.

The reason is simple enough to understand; while the PPP was willing to share spoils to the extent of even handing the bigger pie to the supporting parties, the PML-N remained captive to its own greed.

To expose this, as well as how PML-N’s own flock was unhappy with the party, Zardari even took the unusual step of fielding Nadeem Afzal Chan as a candidate from Punjab province despite knowing he had no chance with the numbers.

Chan lost, of course, but managed to win 27 votes despite the maximum of 16 available to him along party lines (8 from his PPP and an equal number from PML-Q). Of the additional votes he polled, astonishingly, eight were from Sharif ’s party and three Independents (this does not take into account another three PML-N votes which were declared invalid and another eight which were left blank, according to Chan)!

A somewhat similar streak was evident in Balochistan province, too, where the PM’s own favourite candidates lost despite a majority.

But the smartest card Zardari pulled was at the end, when he threw Rabbani’s hat in the ring for chairmanship. So immensely respected is Rabbani across the divide for his services to constitution and parliament that his winning was a foregone conclusion.

The author is a senior journalist based in Islamabad. All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely his and not of Times of Oman.

He changed the way we see Alzheimer’s

T

erry Pratchett once said that “the first step is to talk openly about dementia because it’s a fact, well enshrined in folklore, that if we are to kill the demon then first we have to say its name. Once we have recognised the demon, without secrecy or shame, we can find its weaknesses.”

Terry faced that demon fearlessly. Once upon a time, Alzheimer’s was a disease that didn’t get talked about. Thanks to Terry, this is no longer the case.

During the many times Terry supported Alzheimer’s Society, publicly and privately, I was struck by his passion, resilience and courage to fight and kill the demon of dementia. When thanked for his work, he’d simply smile and shake his head modestly, insisting it was nothing. Never dwelling on his own dementia, he used his voice to shout out for others when they could not.

JEREMY HUGHES

Since his diagnosis in late 2007 to his death, his passion for making people aware of dementia fundamentally changed the way dementia is seen and understood.

Terry had a rare form of dementia called Posterior Cortical Atrophy or PCA. It affected his vision and coordination, but not his determination to be the truest of champions for people with the condition.

In 2009 he made a poignant film that was broadcast on BBC2 called Terry Pratchett: Living with Alzheimer’s, sharing with the world, and his millions of fans, his private struggle with the condition. This took great courage but Terry was a fearless advocate.

He was not afraid of shouting from the rooftops about the absurdity of how little funding dementia research receives, and fighting for good quality dementia care. He took on politicians making sure they do more to improve life for dementia patients

and fund research into dementia drugs. He spoke out about the need for funding and research on many other numerous occasions, notably on Newsnight in December 2013, during the first ever G8 summit on dementia.

When the Alzheimer’s Society launched the Dementia Friends initiative to tackle stigma, Terry was quick to offer his support.

Despite failing health, he graced our television screens last year with a host of other celebrities urging the general public to find out more about a condition which affects as many as 850,000 people in the UK. Our deepest condolences go to his wife, Lyn, his daughter, Rhianna, and his friend and business manager, Rob Wilkins, who accompanied and supported Sir Terry on all his charitable work.

Terry helped to bring dementia out of the shadows and into the light. - The Independent

GORDON BROWN

E

urope is once again divided between East and West — only this time the fault line runs through the European Union. The eastern members — most notably Poland and the Baltic states — are clinging fast to the EU in the face of Russian aggression.

At the other geographic and political extreme, the United Kingdom is threatening to walk out on Europe for good.

It is not difficult to imagine Europe after a British withdrawal: a French-German axis in control, Russia empowered, America bypassing a nowweakened Britain, pro-EU Scotland threatening once again to leave the UK, and England turning inward as Eurosceptics convince themselves that Britain always is strongest when alone.

And, given the effects of UK Euroscepticism so far, no crystal ball is needed to foresee the impact on Britain of withdrawal from the EU. As former European Commission President José Manuel Barroso put it in December, “I have never seen in all my years in the European Council…a big country as isolated as Britain.”

The price of exit would be enormous, putting at risk three million jobs, 25,000 companies, annual exports worth £200 billion ($301.4 billion), and £450 billion of inward investment. Moreover, London’s unique role in bringing together the full range of financial services that serve the continent — the City is home to 250 global banks with 160,000 employees and accounts for 80 per cent of Europe’s hedge funds, 78 per cent of its foreignexchange trades, 74 per cent of its derivatives, and 57 per cent of its private equity — would be jeopardised as well.

The world’s largest economy, the United States, needs the North American Free Trade Agreement, and Southeast Asia’s rising economies need ASEAN. Likewise, Britain — which at its peak generated nearly 20 per cent of world economic activity but soon will account for no more than 2.5 per cent — is much stronger as a part of Europe.

EU membership strengthens the UK’s competitiveness by enabling it to negotiate the best deals on trade, tax rules, patents, money laundering,

corruption, and security with China, India, and the rest of the world.

But economic arguments alone will likely not be enough to persuade a Britain that, in the late journalist and political columnist Hugo Young’s words, is caught between the past it cannot forget and the future it cannot avoid.

According to this view, British ambivalence toward Europe may reflect a persistent inability to leave behind the days of imperial grandeur.

Nonetheless, economic insecurity — owing to the rapid pace and, at times, destructiveness of the global economy — evidently is driving much of the public’s nostalgia for British sovereignty. Millions of Britons long for someone or something to protect them from the seemingly alien forces that threaten to steal their livelihoods.

This fear has found its voice in the anti-European UK Independence Party, which has risen in opinion polls by converting economic discontent into a culture war in which foreigners and immigrants — and, indeed, Europe as a whole — are the enemy. Britain, UKIP’s leaders and supporters believe, is not the Britain they once knew.

Though economic statistics must be part of the argument for Europe, such data will not convince those who fear that Britain is becoming a foreign country. Nor will it be enough to recall the historic benefits of engagement and Britain’s distinguished centuriesold role in ensuring that no country ever gained sole mastery of Europe.

What needs to be said is this: Britain is at its best when it sees itself as a leader in Europe. Just as Britain once led Europe in fighting fascism, supporting democratic aspirations, and charting the continent’s response to the global recession of 2008, it should be inside Europe leading from the front ranks.

The Britain that has always championed liberty, tolerance, and social responsibility should be ready once again to lead a progressive movement, spearheading action to fight climate change, resist protectionism, and encourage sustainable growth.

It must lead in mobilising Europe to make the global economy work for people, protecting them from injustice and inequity. Globalisation needs a human face, and the face of modern Britain can provide it.

Some say that the best way to secure European reform is to threaten to leave. My experience is that Britain does best when it works to bring people together, set the agenda, promote its values, and champion change. It is then that Britain can channel its unforgettable past while embracing its unavoidable future. - Project Syndicate

Four years of Syria’s civil war Refugees Turkey 1,698,472

Opposition forces IS Syrian army Kurdish

Lebanon 1,172,170 3.9 million 6.5 million others are displaced within Syria

Egypt 136,661

DEATHS 200,000

Aleppo

Kobane

TURKEY Al Hasakah

Idlib Raqqah

Latakia Tartus

Hama

Deir az Zawr

Homs S Y R I A Damascus

IRAQ

44BC Julius Caesar is assassinated by highranking Roman Senators.

Dera’a Iraq 244,731

100km

Jordan 625,178

Jan 2015: Kurdish forces push IS out of Kobane after four months of fighting

(cumulative total)

May 2014: Rebel withdrawal from Homs ends three years of resistance

Aug 2013: Regime 150,000 uses chemical weapons in Damascus suburbs, killing hundreds of civilians 100,000 Jul 2012: Rebel group Free Syrian Army blows up three security chiefs in Damascus 50,000 and seizes Aleppo Mar 2011: Uprising begins 2011

2012

2013

2014

Source: Stratfor, Norwegian Refugee Council, Syrian Centre for Policy Research

109,087 Combatants, including 45,385 Syrian army soldiers 35,827 rebels and 24,989 foreign fighters 100,973 Civilians, including 10,664 children and 6,783 women over age 18 2015

Graphic News /

Graphics

OPINION POLL

TODAY IN HISTORY 933

Henry the Fowler routs the raiding Magyars at Merseburg, Germany.

1493

Christopher Columbus returns to Spain after his first voyage to the New World.

1904 Three hundred Russians are killed as the Japanese shell Port Arthur in Korea.

1909 Italy proposes a European conference on the Balkans.

1939

Germany occupies Bohemia and Moravia, Czechoslovakia.

HISTORYNET.COM

FROM OUR ARCHIVES WORKSHOP ON QUALITY TOURISM

MUSCAT: The Directorate General of Tourism at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry will hold a workshop on the importance of management quality in the tourism sector, at Al Haffa Hotel here today.

The three-day event is held in collaboration with the International College for Hotel Management and the Australian Tourism Council. As many as 50 person from the Directorate General of Tourism and the Omani establishments operating in tourism sector, will take part in the workshop.

Will employment opportunities in Oman’s public sector shrink further if oil price remains low?

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LAST POLL RESULT Yes

80.6%

No

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3%

Do you think that the demands for high wages by fresh Omani job seekers are unrealistic?

A 14

SU N DAY, MARCH 15, 2015

PAKISTAN TERRORISM CHARGES

Pakistani set to be deported from US after prison release WASHINGTON: After serving nearly fourteen years of imprisonment on terrorism charges in the US, a Pakistani national now faces deportation to his native country, officials said.

Native Pakistani Imran Farooq Mandhai was sentenced to 14 years in prison after his arrest in February 2002 on charges of plotting bomb attacks on electrical power substations and a National Guard armoury.

On completion of his sentencing, he was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for removal (deportation) proceedings on March 9.

Removal proceedings “Imran Farooq Mandhai was transferred to ICE custody March 9, 2015 from the Bureau of Prisons after completing his federal prison sentence. He will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings,” an ICE spokesman said.

At the time of his arrest, Mandhai lived in Florida and attended the Darul Uloom Institute mosque in Pembroke Pines.

It is the same mosque where Al Qaeda notable and Mandhai associate Adnan El Shukrijumah sought spiritual solace. — PTI

Is what the Taliban have done over the last 12 years any less than what the IS could do?

Lieutenant General Hidayatur Rehman, Corps Commander Peshawar

PPP ill-spent Rs125b in bid to win elections in 2013 The ‘Express Tribune’

A total of 5,212 projects were initiated at the behest of lawmakers in their constituencies and were authorised by former prime ministers Yousuf Raza Gilani and his successor Raja Pervez Ashraf, between 2008 and 2013, worth a collective Rs125 billion

reported that Rs125 billion spent by Pakistan Peoples’ Party in five years was nearly four times Raja Pervez Ashraf

Yousuf Raza Gilani

larger than Rs33.8 billion spent by all lawmakers between 1985 and 2008

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s former ruling party Pakistan Peoples’ Party PPP reportedly doled out Rs125 billion of taxpayers’ money to lawmakers for development projects ahead of the 2013 polls but failed to garner support among voters, a media report said, which also cited impropriety in handling the funds.

Pakistan’s former president and

PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari spent the money through its lawmakers ostensibly on development projects during its five-year tenure from 2008 to 2013.

The Express Tribune reported that Rs 125billion spent by PPP in five years was nearly four times larger than Rs33.8 billion spent by all lawmakers in the preceding 23 years (1985-2008) combined.

“Through a review of government documents and background interviews, The Express Tribune has found the scale of the PPP’s attempts to win the affections of voters, and the monumental futility of its efforts,” the report said.

“And yet, six out of the 10 most profligate spenders (lawmakers) for the PPP were voted out of office,” it said.

Money pocketed The paper also said that apparently the money was pocketed as a look at the record suggests that there was massive impropriety and negligence in record-keeping with these development funds, if not outright embezzlement, it said.

A total of 5,212 projects were initiated at the behest of lawmakers in their constituencies and were authorised by former prime ministers Yousuf Raza Gilani and

his successor Raja Pervez Ashraf, between 2008 and 2013, worth a collective Rs125 billion.

Of these, there is absolutely no financial or other record for 1,930 projects, worth Rs20 billion, the report said.

In a majority of cases, government rules on awarding contracts were not followed, leading to allegations of corruption.

Of the projects commissioned, 1,823 (35 per cent) were never completed, with some having a progress rate of less than 9 per cent.

And the Public Works Department as well as the Auditor General conducted special audits on

only 330 projects and even that on orders from the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

The government’s top financial watchdog failed to conduct any audits on 1,930 (37 per cent) projects.

The distribution of the projects reflects how desperate the PPP leadership was to use development funding to retain its political foothold in Punjab.

Of the Rs125 billion total spending, Rs59.5 billion went to Punjab, Rs31 billion to Sindh, Rs19 billion in Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa, Rs8.7 billion to Balochistan and Rs7.3 billion in the tribal areas. — PTI

ALLEGED MASTERMIND

Mumbai attacks suspect Lakhvi detained again ISLAMABAD: The alleged mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks was detained afresh for one month after a Pakistani court cancelled a detention order against him, his lawyer said on Saturday.

It is the latest round in a tussle over Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, accused over the terror siege that left 166 dead, which has worsened already strained ties with India.

Lakhvi was granted bail by an anti-terror court in December, infuriating New Delhi, but quickly slapped with a detention order under public order laws.

The Islamabad High Court suspended that order, only for the Supreme Court to reinstate it in January.

On Friday the high court once again set aside the detention order, only for a new one to be issued hours later.

“The new order detaining Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi for one month was issued late on Friday,” Lakhvi’s lawyer Rizwan Abbasi told AFP. Abbasi claimed that the new order was “illegal, unconstitutional and contemptuous,” arguing that detention orders could not be issued repeatedly.

“We will challenge it in the high court.”

No Punjab officials were immediately able to confirm the issuance of any new order.

For now, Lakhvi remains in jail, but India has reacted angrily to news of his possible release.

Releasing Lakhvi would violate “Pakistan’s professed com-

Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi,

mitment to combat terrorism, including its recently stated policy of not differentiating amongst terrorists”, India’s foreign ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said Friday, adding that his government had “conveyed its outrage” to Pakistan.

Throughout the three-month back and forth over Lakhvi’s detention, he has never been let out of Adiyala Prison in Rawalpindi.

The Mumbai attacks were blamed on banned Pakistani militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). India has long seethed at Pakistan’s failure either to hand over or prosecute those accused of planning and organising the violence.

Lakhvi and six other suspects have been charged in Pakistan but their cases have made virtually no progress in more than five years.

Delhi accuses Islamabad of prevaricating over the trials, while Pakistan has claimed India failed to hand over crucial evidence. — AFP

SECURITY FORCES ALERT

‘IS cannot be bigger threat than Taliban’ PESHAWAR: Corps Commander Peshawar Lieutenant General Hidayatur Rehman on Saturday denied that militant group IS posed a great threat to Pakistan.

“Is what the Taliban have done over the last 12 years any less than what the IS could do?” General Rehman questioned.

The Peshawer corps commander was addressing a joint press conference with Governor Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Sardar Mehtab Abbasi at the Governor House in Peshawar.

“Defections are taking place among militants; however, law enforcement agencies are on alert,” he added.

The corps commander’s state-

ment comes weeks after the Foreign Office said the militant group, which has taken over large swathes of land in Iraq and Syria, posed a threat to the country.

“The government is on alert to the IS threat in the region,” Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said, while briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on February 23.

Further, the Abbasi announced that phase I of the repatriation of temporarily displaced persons would start from March 16.

He said, “2,500 families from Sarwakai and Sararogha tehsils of South Waziristan would return to their homes.” — Express Tribune

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ANIMAL FURY

Buffalo gores butchers, rampages through Manila MANILA: A water buffalo gored two butchers at a slaughterhouse before going on a rampage through the Philippine capital on Saturday, terrorising hundreds of people and tossing furniture in the lobby of a small hotel.

The three-year-old female, weighing nearly half a tonne, injured a total of three people with its 18-inch (46-centimetre) horns and caused the evacuation of about 200 call centre workers during its two-hour bid for freedom. “I ran, but it was faster. It tossed me into the air with its horns and when I woke up, I was being stitched up in hospital,” said butcher Jonet Rufino, the first victim.

“In my 14 years at work, this is the first time I was attacked by an animal,” said the 35-year-old, who required 14 stitches to a wound on his backside.

The animal broke loose as it arrived by truck at a central Manila abattoir and went after the butchers with its potentially lethal horns, said police investigator James Bagay.

It then galloped through some of Manila’s busiest streets, goring a woman bystander before reaching the Cubao business district, more than a kilometre (0.6-mile) away.

There, Bagay said, it entered the lobby of a small hotel and tossed some furniture, before breaking into a call centre building.

It broke some glass panels at reception, but no one was hurt — although the building had to be evacuated, he said. The huge animal was eventually trapped about two hours after the rampage began. “I’ve been a policeman in this city for 15 years. I have never seen anything like it,” Bagay said.

“The animal was probably stressed after the overnight trip.

Its handlers should have paid more attention,” he added.

Bagay said the buffalo, which was taken to a police station, would likely still be destined for the abattoir. — AFP

Super Cyclone Pam batters Pacific island of Vanuatu Dozens feared dead as aid agencies scramble for information and prepare to send teams to Vanuatu

SUVA (FIJI): A terrifying tropical cyclone which smashed into Vanuatu in the South Pacific wreaked widespread devastation, aid agencies said on Saturday, raising fears that dozens may have died in what may be one of the region’s worst weather disasters.

The full extent of the damage is unknown, with limited communications in place after Super Cyclone Pam, a maximum category five storm, slammed directly into the island country late Friday with gusts up to 320 kilometres (200 miles) an hour. The UN had unconfirmed reports of 44 people killed in one province, and said late Saturday that there was no clear number of deaths or injuries but that the impact of the cyclone had been “catastrophic”.

Ferocity “A disaster of this magnitude has not been experienced by Vanuatu in recent history — particularly in terms of the reach of the potential damage and the ferocity of the storm,” said Sune Gudnitz, who heads the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the Pacific. Aid agencies were scrambling for information and preparing to send teams to Vanuatu — with a UN disaster assessment and coordination team expected to arrive late Sunday.

DESTRUCTION: Debris is strewn across a road as local residents walk nearby in Port Vila, the capital city of the Pacific island nation of

Vanuatu on Saturday. – Reuters/UNICEF Pacific/Handout

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“While it is too early to say for certain, early reports are indicating that this weather disaster could potentially be one of the worst in Pacific history,” UNICEF New Zealand’s executive director Vivien Maidaborn said in a statement. “The sheer force of the storm combined with communities just not set up to withstand it, could have devastating results for thousands across the region.”

Aurelia Balpe, head of the Pacific regional office of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), said there were unconfirmed reports of casualties in the capital Port Vila.

But they had greater fears for

M O R O I S L A M I C L I B E R AT I O N F R O N T

Rebels warn of ‘eroding trust’ CAMP DARAPANAN: The trust that the largest guerrilla group, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), has in the Philippines government, has been eroded by a clash in January in which 44 police commandos and 18 rebels were killed, a rebel leader told Reuters in an interview this week.

The violence has throw into doubt a peace process aimed at ending a 45-year conflict that

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has killed 120,000 people, displaced 2 million and stunted growth in the resource-rich south of the Philippines.

Public outrage over the killing of the policemen and questions surrounding President Benigno Aqunio’s handling of the issue have blow up into his biggest political crisis.

“Trust has been affected,” Al Haj Ebrahim Murad, chairman

of the MILF guerrilla group, told Reuters in an interview at his base on Mindano island.

“We are studying to see if the approval of the police operation came from the highest level of government.”

Murad did not say what the MILF will do if Aquino was found liable for the police mission but said it was a violation of the ceasefire. — Reuters

outlying southern islands, home to more than 33,000 people, where communication had been cut.

“We are starting to get a picture from Port Vila, but there’s nothing from the south,” she said from Suva. “We are very worried just because there are less permanent structures in that part of the country. There’s probably less infrastructure to be evacuated to, it’s a less developed part of the country.”

Hunkering down Residents of Port Vila spent the night hunkering down as the terrifying storm raged, waking to find trees had been uprooted, homes destroyed and areas flooded.

“The scene here this morning is complete devastation -- houses are destroyed, trees are down, roads are blocked and people are wandering the streets looking for help,” said Save the Children’s Tom Skirrow.

UNICEF spokeswoman Alice Clements described the cyclone as “15-30 minutes of absolute terror” for “everybody in this country” as it passed over.

Care International’s Charlie Damon added: “Homes have been blown to pieces, and even evacuation shelters, where people had sought refuge, have been flooded and left exposed to Cyclone Pam. “If this is the level of impact in communities where emergency shelters were an option, we are deeply concerned about what has happened in remote communities without them.”

The storm crossed the main Vanuatu island, home to more than 65,000 people, and a group of islands further south where 33,000 live after affecting the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu, where there were no reports of fatalities.

Aid agencies have launched appeals and are hoping to start flying in emergency supplies of food,

shelter and medicine from Sunday, when the airport in Port Vila is expected to reopen.

United Nations chief Ban Kimoon, speaking from Japan, said while the impact was not yet clear “we fear the destruction and damage would be widespread”, as he offered his deepest condolences to the people of Vanuatu.

Fiji Weather Service meteorologist Neville Koop said the cyclone was weakening as it slowly moved away from Vanuatu, and would pass between Fiji and New Caledonia before brushing the North Island of New Zealand on Monday.

Australia’s Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said that Canberra stood ready to assist, and had medical and search and rescue staff on standby while New Zealand immediately announced NZ$1 million in an initial funds to assist Vanuatu, Fiji, Tuvalu and the Solomon Islands. — AFP

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SU N DAY, MARCH 15, 2015

WORLD

The purpose of these negotiations is not just to get a deal, it is to get the right deal John Kerry, US Secretary of State

SEARCH ON FOR SURVIVORS

CHILE WILDFIRE THREATENS ‘JEWEL OF PACIFIC’

Smoke billows from the forest around Valparaiso, in Chile, on Saturday as the fire threatens to reach the city’s port. Authorities have declared a red alert in the area. The fire started on Friday in an area of grassland and pine forests near a major thoroughfare connecting Valparaiso – a UNESCO world heritage site once dubbed “the jewel of the Pacific” – with several villages. — AFP

N U C L E A R S TA N D O F F

Kerry unsure about chance of Iran deal by deadline SHARM EL SHEIKH (EGYPT): On the eve of fresh talks with Iran, US Secretary of State John Kerry said it was unclear whether an interim agreement over its nuclear power programme was within reach.

“I can’t tell you whether or not we can get a deal, whether we are close,” Kerry told a news conference on Saturday in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh.

“The purpose of these negotiations is not just to get a deal, it is to get the right deal,” he added.

The United States, Britain, Germany, France, China and Russia will resume negotiations with Iran in Lausanne, Switzerland, from Sunday. They hope to clinch a framework agreement by the end of the month.

The two sides would then seek to negotiate by June 30 a final agreement to would curb Iran’s most sensitive nuclear activities for at least 10 years. — Reuters

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33 die as ferry sinks off Myanmar coast YANGON: Rescuers were frantically searching for survivors on Saturday after an overloaded ferry sank in rough waters off the coast of western Myanmar killing more than 30 people and leaving at least a dozen more missing.

The “Aung Takon 3” went down late Friday after leaving the town of Kyaukphyu on its way to Sittwe in western Rakhine state, police said.

“The latest death toll is 33 -four men including a monk and 29 women. At least 12 persons are still missing,” a police officer in Sittwe town told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

He added 169 people had now been rescued, and that no foreigners were believed to be on board the ship.

“We suspect that the boat sank because it was overloaded with goods,” the police officer said, adding that the ship was listed as carrying 214 passengers and crew.

But locals said they feared the ferry was packed with unregistered ticket holders who would not have shown up on the ship’s manifest, a common practice on the impoverished nation’s often overcrowded ferry network.

“We don’t know how many are

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still missing because some people were on board without official tickets,” Hla Shwe, a local from Ngaputhone village, which lies a few kilometres (miles) away from where the ship went down, told AFP by telephone.

“There are many dead bodies which didn’t appear yet,” local MP Maung Lone added, also by telephone. “We estimate about 300 people were on board.”

Three navy boats and a host of private vessels were sent to scour the area after news emerged that the ferry had sunk shortly after 8.30 pm (1400 GMT).

Many Myanmar citizens living along the nation’s lengthy coastline and flood-prone river systems rely heavily on poorly-maintained ferries for transportation.

Sinkings are not uncommon.

Ten people were killed in 2010 when a ferry capsized in the Irrawaddy delta region, while 38 perished in 2008 when a ship went down in the Yway River. — AFP

Yemen political forces unite to form anti-Houthi alliance The newly formed National Salvation Bloc groups the majority sect and secular parties, as well youth groups, tribal alliances and members of the Southern Movement

SANAA: Yemeni political forces who oppose the Houthi militia that has seized control of Sanaa formed an alliance against it on Saturday, saying they want to restore state authority and rebuild weakened security forces.

COMMON ENEMY: Anti-Houthi protesters demonstrate in Yemen’s central city of Ibb on Saturday. — Reuters

Yemen descended into chaos after the militia, known as Houthis, seized Sanaa in September and then began a push to spread their influence further afield.

The Houthis dissolved the government and parliament in February, forming a presidential council, after Western- and Gulf-backed

President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi submitted his resignation.

But Hadi slipped through a Houthi siege of his Sanaa home and fled to Aden, where he rescinded his resignation and declared the southern port city to be Yemen’s new capital.

The newly formed National

Salvation Bloc groups majority sect and secular parties, as well youth groups, tribal alliances and members of the Southern Movement, which seeks greater autonomy for the formerly independent south.

It also includes dissident southern members of the General People’s Congress, the party of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, who is suspected of backing the Houthis.

It aims to restore state authority and “prevent the collapse of the army and security forces and rebuild them,” said a statement after a formational meeting in Sanaa.

And it criticised “illegitimate” measures taken by the Houthis and rejected the state being controlled by militias.

The challenges threatening Yemen led them to unite in face of what they called the “destructive” consequences of the latest developments in the impoverished and deeply tribal country.

The bloc includes such major political parties as Muslim Broth-

erhood-linked Al Islah, hardline majority sect extremist group Al Rashad and the Nasserist Unionist People’s party.

In other developments on Saturday, Houthi gunmen attacked the Sanaa office of local human rights advocacy group Siraj Development, said a Siraj official.

Najla Al Zamari told AFP they destroyed computers and accused staff of “collaborating with foreign countries, of “immoral activity” and allowing men and women to mix.

Yemen, which lies next to oilrich Saudi Arabia on a key shipping route, is also home to Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) which, along with majority sect tribes and Al Islah supporters, has battled Houthi attempts to expand further south. — AFP

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GADDAMAH PROSPECT

Savannah Resources finds gold, copper in Oman Times News Service MUSCAT: Gold and copper deposits have been identified in Oman, Savannah Resources has said. The company said it discovered the gold and copper after completing a rock chipping and geological mapping programme in Block 4.

Savannah noted that rock

chip sampling results from the Gaddamah prospect have shown grades of up to 5.7 per cent copper and 3.7 grammes of gold per tonne. It added that the results from the Gaddamah prospect have also confirmed historical drilling intercepts, including 15.9 metres at 1.91gm of gold per tonne and 1.2 per cent copper.

Diamond drilling is underway

in both the Sarami (Block 5) and Ghayth (Block 4) with five of the planned 10-hole diamond drill programme completed to date. “A further update on the programme will be provided in coming weeks, once it has been completed,” the company statement added. The Semail Ophiolite belt has been found to contain clusters of relatively high grade copper deposits.

David Archer, chief executive officer of Ores Savannah, added, “Work is progressing well on our Blocks 4, 5 and 6 projects, with the primary focus being on VMS style copper deposits Recent results demonstrate there are also high levels of gold anomalism present, which is highly exciting and can often be found with copper mineralisations, in

addition to being prospective in its own right. “Our review and analysis of the historical database has highlighted many gold occurrences throughout the Semail Ophiolite belt, many of which have not been followed up or their significance fully understood.”

The geological mapping and rock chip sampling programme’s initial work has focused on the

Three organisations plan sukuk issue in Sultanate If all the agencies come out with their planned issues, sukuk will constitute around 4% of total banking assets, besides doubling the asset size of Islamic banks in Oman

A. E. JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: At least three Omani organisations, including the government, are planning to float sukuk or Islamic debt instruments this year, which is expected to create a secondary market for this Sharia-compliant instrument.

Apart from Oman government’s sovereign issue of OMR200 mil-

lion, Bank Muscat plans a sukuk programme of up to OMR500 million and Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) will seek shareholders’ approval on March 22 for a relatively small issue of OMR50 million.

If all the agencies come out with their planned issues, sukuk will constitute around four per cent of total banking assets, besides doubling the asset size of Islamic

banks in Oman, Khalid Yousaf, director, Islamic Finance Advisory Services at KPMG, told the Times of Oman.

Yousaf said the market is still hungry for such instruments. Sharia-compliant Islamic banks need sukuk for deploying their excess funds for getting better returns.

“They are looking for investing their funds.”

Excess funds Presently, Islamic banks keep their excess funds with the central bank on a wakala basis. The availability of products where the banks can invest immediately is rather limited.

Islamic bank growth initially is happening on the liability side much faster than on the asset side, which causes a problem in managing excess liquidity. Islamic banks and the Islamic capital market

will play a key role in meeting the funding requirements of the country and growth in the economy, including for the small and medium enterprises. Developing a vibrant sukuk market is important for government to raise money for funding infrastructure projects in a Sharia-compliant manner.

The government of Oman is committed to several infrastructure projects. So far, the government has been able to meet those commitments through its own resources, thanks to high oil prices.

By channelising domestic money into infrastructure projects, the government can have a much more comfortable position in the market by having a reasonable leverage against the debt in a Sharia-compliant way.

Oman government’s proposed sovereign sukuk issue will give confidence and act as a bench-

mark for corporate issuers. A small amount issued by the government can be easily absorbed by Omani institutions.

Secondary market Yousaf said that availability of more sukuk would also help to create a secondary market for the debt instrument. The subscribers of the first sukuk issue from Tilal Development are not selling their instrument due to attractive interest of 5.5 per cent since returns on other avenues of investment are low. “Once more companies float primary issues, the secondary market will be active.”

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Gaddamah, Zuha and Ghayth prospects in Block 4 with reconnaissance mapping and sampling completed over each prospect with a total of 22 rock chip samples collected. Results from these 22 rock chip samples returned some encouraging results, with some particularly elevated gold results obtained, especially from the Gaddamah prospect.

S TAT E S U B S I D Y

EU talks tough over subsidies to Gulf airlines BRUSSELS: European Union’s transport chief plans to seek a new mandate from EU governments to fight alleged unfair subsidies to airlines based in the Gulf.

European Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc said that current EU talks with the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on fair aviation competition have failed to curb market-distorting government aid to carriers such as Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways.

“The dialogue has not produced any tangible results,” Bulc told reporters in Brussels after a meeting of transport ministers from the 28-nation EU. “We are going to ask” European governments “for the new mandate to negotiate directly with the Gulf states, and we hope to progress in this way.”

The commission, the EU’s executive arm, is gearing up for a bigger battle over state aid to Gulf-based operators. - Bloomberg News

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AUTOMOTIVE

First Oman petrochemical meet to start on Monday

BMW sales soar to record high in February

MUSCAT: The first Oman Refining and Petrochemical Exhibition and Conference will start on Monday at the Oman International Exhibition Centre under the auspices of Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil and Gas. Themed “Strategies to Develop the Petrochemical and Refining Sector of Oman,” the 3-day exhibition will be organised by Oman Expo, in cooperation with Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company and Clarion Aventis.

Times News Service

Central bank issues CDs MUSCAT: A tender for certificates of deposits was held at the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) last week. The total amount allotted for the issue was OMR360 million. A bulletin issued by the CBO said that the average interest rate of these certificates was 0.12 per cent, while the maximum accepted interest rate was 0.13 per cent. The tenor of these certificates is 28 days.

The maturity date is April 8. - Times News Service/ONA

MUSCAT: BMW Group has achieved its best-ever February sales with 151,952 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand vehicles delivered worldwide. Also a record number of 294,112 automobiles have been delivered to customers since the start of the year — an increase of 7.3 per cent compared to the same period last year.

“We’ve had a good start to the year with February setting another sales record,” said Ian Robertson, member of the board of management of BMW, Sales and Marketing BMW. “I am confident that our fresh model line-up, including the brand new BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer and the updated BMW 1

is strong with a total of 7,302 vehicles delivered to customers in February. The 2 Series Active Tourer accounted for most of those sales with 5,360 units of the innovative compact vehicles delivered to customers worldwide in the second month of the year.

Series we’ve just premiered at the Geneva Motor Show, will provide the momentum to keep us growing in 2015,” Robertson added.

The BMW brand enjoyed its best ever February with 131,416 BMW vehicles delivered to customers worldwide, an increase of 5.2 per cent. Year-to-date sales rose 5.7 per cent compared to the same period last year, totalling 255,981.

Demand for the BMW 2 Series

Seven-seater The larger BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer, which will be the first seven-seater in its segment available with four-wheel drive, is expected to build on the Active Tourer’s success when it comes onto the European market in June. The BMW 4 Series was delivered to a total of 9,636 customers in February while the BMW X4, launched in summer last year, achieved sales of 4,040.

The BMW X5 continues to be a strong growth driver for the brand with sales up 46 per cent on the same month last year and the BMW X6 also saw an increase in sales, up 5.9 per cent to a total of 2,819. Sales of BMW i vehicles totalled 2,165 in February with 1,824 BMW i3s and 341 BMW i8s delivered to customers.

In 2014 – its first year on sale — the BMW i3 was the world’s third most popular electric car with around 16,000 units sold.

Globally, the BMW Group achieved higher sales in all regions compared with February last year.

Year-to-date figures are also up around the world, in line with the corporate strategy of balanced growth worldwide.

World paint giant AkzoNobel plans to expand in Oman IN A NUTSHELL Apart from the yacht

In 2013, AkzoNobel signed a joint venture agreement with Omar Zawawi Establishment, promoter and shareholder of Sadolin Paints, to manufacture and sell decorative paints and performance coatings in the Sultanate

coatings market, AkzoNobel believes it can offer wood coating and other protective coatings

Peter Tomlinson – Jun Estrada

to Omani industries, said the managing director of AkzoNobel Middle East

BUSINESS REPORTER

MUSCAT: AkzoNobel, a global market leader in paints and performance coatings, plans to explore new opportunities and expand its activities within the Sultanate, according to a senior company official.

Apart from the yacht coatings market, AkzoNobel believes it can offer wood coating and other protective coatings to Omani industries, Peter Tomlinson, managing director, AkzoNobel Middle East, told reporters at a recent event.

In 2013, AkzoNobel signed a joint venture agreement with Omar Zawawi Establishment, promoter and shareholder of Sadolin Paints, to manufacture and sell decorative paints and performance coatings in Oman.

In 2014, the new ‘Sadolin’ identity was launched in Oman and ‘Sadolin Velvet Touch Range’, a new product, was offered in 2015, said Tomlinson. He was speak-

ing to the media prior to the start of Extreme Sailing Series 2015, which commenced its Act 2 of the race at Almouj Golf Club in Muscat on March 11. The race concluded on Saturday.

AkzoNobel, together with its Awlgrip brand, the world leader in yacht professional topside paint, provided high performance hull coatings for the Extreme Sailing Seriesas part of a threeyear partnership agreement that AkzoNobel signed last year with the international inshore stadium racing sailing series.

Over 200 production sites Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, AkzoNobel, with €14.6 billion in revenue, has more than 200 production sites and some 49,600 employees in over 80 countries.

Tomlinson explained that the products of the company, which is a leading global paint and coatings company and a major manufacturer of specialty chemicals, have been used in almost every field, including buildings and infrastructure, transportation, consumer goods and industrial sectors.

AkzoNobel supplies market leading brands to many of the world’s leading companies, including Airbus, BP, Boeing, Bosch,

Dell, Ford, IKEA, Philips, Samsung, Shell, Toyota and Whirlpool.

Human Cities initiative Tomlinson also explained that AkzoNobel Oman is committed to creating brighter futures and celebrating Omani heritage through its ‘Human Cities Initiative’, which aims to make the cities more ‘human’ by inspiring an emotional connection through the use of colour.

According to Tomlinson, the initiative focuses on six pillars: color, sport and leisure, heritage, transportation, education, and climate change.

Asked about the impact of lower oil prices on the business activities of AkzoNobel, the official said the company sees opportunities in the market and is determined to grow its Omani business.

The AkzoNobel portfolio, which has been consistently ranked as one of the leaders in the area of sustainability, includes well-known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International and Eka.

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S U N DAY, MAR C H 1 5, 2 0 1 5

MARKET Oman improves position in global growth indices Oman improved its rankings in the third quarter of 2014 on the back of strong fundamentals. Petroleum, non-petroleum, services and industrial sector performed quite well, according to NCSI

MUSCAT: Oman improved its rankings in various global indices in the third quarter of 2014 on the back of strong fundamentals. Petroleum, non-petroleum, services and industrial activities performed quite well, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

A review of Oman’s economy for the third quarter indicated that public finances recorded a surplus of OMR55.5 million, despite the ongoing global economic crisis.

Of note, the global economic growth forecast for 2014 was reduced by 0.4 percentage points to 3.3 per cent, compared to the estimates in the April 2014 World Economic Outlook. Continuing the trend, global growth forecasts for 2015 were also reduced to 3.8 per cent, which were marginally better that last year.

In the face of these adversities, however, Oman was ranked

31st globally, and third at both the Arab and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) levels in the Global Enabling Trade Index 2014, by obtaining 4.7 out of 7 points.

Global competitiveness In the Global Competitiveness Index (2014-2015), the Sultanate came in globally at 46th ranking, and sixth place among the Arab and GCC states, by obtaining 4.46 out of 7 points. As for the Economic Freedom Index 2015, Oman secured 56th place globally, and fifth and fourth at the Arab World and GCC countries level, respectively, scoring 66.7 out of 100 points.

The Sultanate’s impressive performance was also reflected in the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index, where it came in at 57th place globally and fourth place at the Arab World and the GCC countries level, with a score

ENERGY PROFESSIONALS

Oil and gas institute to start operation in 2016 MUSCAT: Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, undersecretary at the Ministry of Oil and Gas, said that Takatuf Petrofac Oman Institute, scheduled to be set up in the wilayat of Manah to provide qualified Omani professionals in energy and its associated industries, will receive its first group of trainees at the end of 2016.

Al Aufi added that the first group would include 500 trainees who are holders of general education diplomas and technical diplomas, as well as graduates of technical institutes.

The institute’s capacity could later be increased to 1,000 trainees, he noted.

Ibrahim Al Harthy, acting chief executive officer of Takatuf Oman, said the institute, a partnership project between Takatuf Oman (60 per cent) and Petrofac (40 per cent), would provide twoyear training programmes in oil and gas related fields.

The programme will seek to

improve the trainees’ skills in operations, engineering, mechanical repairs, electricity and health, as well as safety and environment (HSE). Trainees will also enroll in courses in English language, project management and developing personal skills.

Real work experience The institute would benefit from Petrofac International’s experience in the oil, gas and engineering sectors, he added.

One of the main features of the institute, which is the first of its kind in the Sultanate, is to provide a simulator for oil and gas operations, to expose trainees to real work experiences.

Graduates of the institute will be employed at oil and gas companies operating in the Sultanate.

While Takatuf Oman is a specialised company in providing human resources solutions, Petrofac is one of the major international oil services companies. – ONA

ECONOMY

Treasury bills tender MUSCAT: A treasury bills tender was held at the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) on March 8. The total amount applied for issue No. 405 was OMR140.8 million. The tenor of these bills is 91 days. The settlement date is March 11 and the maturity is on June 10.

A bulletin issued by the CBO stated that the total amount allotted for these bills was OMR60 million. The average accepted price of these bills was (99.950 per cent), the weighted average

discount rate was (0.20122 per cent), the weighted average yield was (0.20132 per cent) while the minimum accepted price was (99.945 per cent).

Treasury bills are short-term highly secured financial instruments of the government that helps the licensed commercial banks to gainfully invest their surplus funds, with added advantage of ready liquidity through discounting and repurchasing facilities (Repo). - ONA

of 4.29 out of 7 points.

Additionally, the GDP at current prices recorded a 5.2 per cent growth year-on-year in the third quarter of 2014, increasing from OMR22.5 billion to OMR23.6 billion at the end of September 2014.

Oil sector growth Meanwhile, the oil sector witnessed growth of 1.4 per cent in the third quarter of 2014, reaching OMR11.4 billion due to a 2 per cent increase in crude oil prices.

At the same time, the added value of natural gas fell 6.8 per cent, compared to third quarter of 2013.

Also, added value of non-petroleum activities rose 8.2 per cent in the quarter ending September 2014, reaching OMR13.6 billion compared to OMR12.5 billion during the same period of 2013.

This increase is attributed to the 9.2 per cent increase in the added value of agricultural and fisheries activities, in addition to the 12.6 per cent increase in the added value of the service activities that reached OMR0 billion.

Also, the added value of industrial activities decreased by 3.5 per cent due to a weak basic chemicals industry.

Further, public finance of the state in the third quarter logged a financial surplus of OMR55.5 million, recording an 84.2 per cent decrease, compared to figures for the same period in 2013, which stood at OMR351.3 million. - ONA

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

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SU N DAY, MARCH 15, 2015

MARKET PA R T I

Political stability FATCA implications for Omani entities in the Sultanate to F attract investors KHALID YOUSAF*

Commitment to provide necessary infrastructure, such as Sohar Industrial Port, industrial estates and freezones, are attractive for potential investors MUSCAT: In a bid to attract local and foreign investments, Oman has put in place various measures to improve the investment climate in the country.

The government’s commitment to provide necessary infrastructure, such as Sohar Industrial Port, industrial estates and freezones, besides the free transfer of commodities, services and capital, are attractive for potential investors.

Additionally, Oman has joined many international organisations, including the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States, as well as passed amendments to some Omani laws to meet the requirements of globalisation and integration into the world economy, making the country an increasingly attractive hub for investments.

Further, banks operating in Oman also provide loans at low interest rates for different industrial projects and guarantees for

exports. The government also offers planned industrial land plots that are provided with the required infrastructure to meet the needs of industrial projects.

International rating agencies have pointed out that political stability is one of the attractive features in the Sultanate. They noted that political stability encourages a large number of foreign companies to invest in different economic, production, service and business sectors.

Foreign capital As part of the export-based diversification plan, the Sultanate sought to ensure the maximum utilisation of its resources, such as natural gas, and to increase the benefit of these resources. To this end, the government intensified its promotional efforts, which resulted in signing agreements to set up major industries with foreign capital, such as a fertiliser project in Sur, as well as a steel and iron

factory, aluminum smelter and other projects.

Government encourages foreign capital to invest in untapped resources in the Sultanate, as well as to provide technology, and to allow the country to learn from foreign administrative experiences and from communication with multinational companies by opening new markets for Omani products.

The country has been committed to opening the economic market, as per free competition rules.

To this end, it has encouraged the private sector and provided it with resources that help it play an active role in the growth of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). It also offered investors with a number of packages, incentives, guarantees, tax exemptions and simplified procedures, and promoted the transparent management of investments.

Oman, which has adopted an ambitious privatisation policy, has integrated infrastructure and advanced communication and banking networks. It also enacted policies that are investor-friendly in a bid to attract foreign investments.

The Sultanate has a well-regulated capital market. - ONA

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oreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) is a United States tax legislation aimed at increasing transparency for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with respect to US persons who may be investing and earning income through non-US institutions. While the primary goal of FATCA is to gain information about US persons, it imposes a punitive tax withholding where the applicable documentation and reporting requirements are not met.

The United States collaborated with other governments to develop two model intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) to implement FATCA. All IGAs contemplate that a partner government will require all foreign financial institutions (FFIs) located in its jurisdiction (that are not otherwise exempt) to identify US accounts and report information about US accounts. Both Model 1 and Model 2 IGAs can be implemented without having in effect a double tax convention or tax information exchange agreement with the US. The IGAs with partner jurisdictions facilitate the effective and efficient implementation of FATCA. They remove domestic legal impediments to compliance. They also reduce burdens on FFIs located in partner jurisdictions.

FATCA application Any entity making or receiving a payment of US source income must consider whether it is subject to FATCA before making further distributions. FATCA may apply to both financial and non-financial operating companies. Due to this breadth, FATCA impacts virtually all non-US entities, directly or indirectly, receiving most types of US source income, including gross proceeds from the sale or disposition of US property which can produce interest or dividends.

The application of FATCA rules is not driven solely by whether an FFI actually has US clients. The rules are more focused on non-US entities receiving certain types of US source income and gross proceeds from the sale or disposition of US property which can produce US source interest or dividends. Therefore, even if an FFI has just a few US Persons or Entities accounts, closing such accounts will not exempt it from Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act .

US entities, both financial and non-financial, that make payments of most types of US source income to non-US persons will also be impacted as they may now be required to withhold a 30 per cent tax on that income paid to a non-US person under FATCA. This will require the US entities

Any entity making or receiving a payment of US source income must consider whether it is subject to FATCA before making further distributions. FATCA may apply to both financial and nonfinancial operating companies

to maintain documentation on those non-US persons and also track how those persons are classified under Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act. US source income is income that arises from sources within the US. The source of income is determined based on the type of income.

The source of compensation income is where the services giving rise to the income were performed. The source of certain income, such as dividends and interest, is based on residence of the payer.

The source of income from property is based on where the property is used.

FATCA provisions apply to ‘withhold-able’ payments which are defined as: Payment of interest Any payment of interest (including any portfolio interest and original issue discount), dividends, rents, royalties, salaries, wages, annuities, licensing fees and other fixed, determinable, annual, periodical (FDAP) income; income, gains, and profits, if such payments are from sources within the US; any gross proceeds from the sale or disposition of US property of a type that can produce interest or dividends; interest paid by foreign branches of US banks. Income effectively connected with a United States business is generally exempt from withholding under FATCA. Withhold-able payments do not include foreign exchange (FX) payments. Similarly, remittances being mere transfer of money from someone in the United States to someone in a foreign country will not trigger FATCA withholding.

However, money transferred into, and income earned in, a US account may be subject to the FATCA reporting requirements. Further, instructions to transfer money to an account within the United States, is one of the indicia of

US status.

If a country has privacy or secrecy laws that prohibit sharing customer information with the US government, the FATCA rules require that you ask any US customer to waive their rights under the privacy or secrecy rules so that you can report their information to the US government. If they refuse to provide this waiver then you are required to close the account.

Whether you are impacted by the FATCA rules is not driven by whether you have a business in the US. It is solely determined by whether you receive any ‘withhold-able’ payments If a non-US entity does not, directly or indirectly, invest in any US securities, receive any FDAP income, or receive any bank deposit interest from foreign branches of United States banks, then it will not be subject to FATCA withholding. The non-US entity will need to monitor income sources and investments to make sure that no US sourced investments are maintained, thus subjecting it to FATCA requirements. If you receive US source income from any indirect sources, then you will have income, or gross proceeds, subject to 30 per cent withholding.

Due to the potential risk and withholding exposure, there is also the possibility that certain large financial institutions may not do business with entities that are not FATCA-compliant.

If a joint account is held by a US person and a non-US person and even if they are not United States residents, their joint account is treated as a US account and the entire account is subject to reporting as a US person.

The ability to align all key stakeholders, including operations, technology, risk, legal, and tax, are critical to successfully complying with FATCA. Both financial institutions and nonfinancial institutions should consider certain steps, including (1) Analysing legal entity structures, preparing withholding arrangements and withholding certificates and registering FFIs, if required (2) Conducting gap analyses to identify systems and processes that must be updated (3) Developing implementation plans for the changes required for FATCA compliance (4) Performing due diligence on pre-existing account holders and remediate non-compliant accounts (5) Having appropriate onboarding procedures for new clients and (6) Evaluating controls related to FATCA compliance.

*Khalid Yousaf is the director of Financial Advisory Services at KPMG Oman. He may be contacted at kyousaf1@ kpmg.com (To be concluded)

S U N DAY, MAR C H 1 5, 2 0 1 5

ROUND-UP

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Signature Couture Show displays luxury, magnificence of fashion With masterful choreography and a well-conceived setup, the show was definitely the most sought-after fashion event of the year

MUSCAT: As the confetti covered the runway after the finale show, it was a fitting testament to the success of the second edition of the Signature Couture Show 2015, the Sultanate’s foremost fashion event.

Brought to you by Signature, Oman’s No. 1 luxury lifestyle magazine, and presented by MercedesBenz in Oman, the show was supported by inspiring partner Ooredoo, banking partner Oman Arab Bank, airline partner Oman Air and health partner Khafeef.

Other partners included beauty partner Vibes Salon, insurance partner Falcon Insurance, print partner Oman Printers & Stationers, official media partners Times of Oman and Al Shabiba,and official radio partners Merge FM and Al Wisal, says a press release.

The amphitheatre at ShangriLa’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa was converted into a beautiful stage that displayed the magnificence of fashion and luxury.

World-famous designers Varun Bahl and Masaba Gupta were joined

by Amal Al Raisi of Dar Al Aseel and

Mrunal Khimji of Mrunal’s Boutique to showcase their exclusive collections — it all made for a beautiful mélange of styles and colours, something that has never before been seen in Oman.

As elite guests enjoyed the gorgeous location, the triumph of fashion was clearly visible. The Signature Couture Show, which put the city on the fashion map of the world with its first edition in 2013, was again a very memorable event. The fashion shows had the perfect foil in the official launch of Mercedes-Benz’s latest models — the progressively designed CLA Class four-door coupe and the first luxury crossover GLA Class. Both cars elicited an enthusiastic response from the gathering.

At the unveiling, Clive Hammond, CEO of Zawawi Trading Company-Automotive, Authorized General Distributor for Mercedes-Benz in Oman said, “Mercedes-Benz is no stranger to fashion, and has been a partner of choice to some of the world’s major shows in Paris, Milan and London, to name but a few. This rich history that goes back for decades is founded on a common philosophy that centres on design; as an expression, as a way of life and as a definition of one’s self.”

He added, “While fashion often creates short-lived trends, the design of every Mercedes-Benz automobile is geared toward modernity and long-lasting desirability. The result is sometimes even iconic. Innovation and perfection, elegance and style — these are the ties that bind Mercedes-Benz and luxury fashion.”

As some of the region’s top models — handpicked from six countries – took to the ramp, the elegance and exclusivity of the evening enthralled everyone. With masterful choreography and a wellconceived set-up, the Signature Couture Show was definitely the most sought-after event of the year.

Artistic Varun Bahl showcased an artistic couture collection that was inspired by the Sultanate, and his patented blend of classic and contemporary was inspirational. The colour palette moved from black to white to red, while his signature rose motif added a vibrant zeal to the clothes. The designer, who has been applauded at Milan Fashion Week, received a very positive response to his collection.

Said Varun Bahl, “My first section had a the Middle Eastern essence, and the black flowy silhou-

I N T E R NAT I O NA L B R A N D

ettes were inspired the region. I think the local designers here are making clothes that the Omanis want. What I wanted to bring in for the Omanis was something they don’t have, but something they want. The whole setting, the location, the showcase… it was very elegantly done. I hope I can spend a lot of time here, getting to know Oman and Omanis.”

Like Varun, Masaba Gupta also showcased the best of his line, in keeping with the special tastes of Oman. Her collection, which was a youthful, energetic blend of classic Indian sensibilities, bright colours and contemporary silhouettes, was different and fresh.

Said Masaba Gupta, “I love this city and I think that women in the Middle East in general have a great sense of dressing, and are very fashion-forward. So, it’s an honour to be here. I know that the prints will be well-received, and the styles will be something that the locals will like. My clothes are oversized, loose, pretty and stylish, so it should work very well.”

Amal Al Raisi, the brilliant selftaught Omani designer who is the creative genius behind Muscat’s renowned Dar Al Aseel boutique, showcased her first ever Westerninfluenced collection. The ap-

plause to her collection was just a small indication of how popular her new collection will be, across the Middle East. The designer also made a rare public appearance at the show.

Mrunal Khimji of Mrunal’s Boutique in Muscat, the exclusive designer store that caters to the fashion-conscious, also debuted her first collection. Said Mrunal Khimji, “I wanted to create a collection that was very wearable.

The women of Oman have a very distinct style requirement, and I’m glad I was able to create something that was well-received. This is the first time I have created a collection, and I am very humbled that it has received the response it did. I strive to make couture available to everyone, which is also the ethic of my business.”

Omani Designers Round The event was a salute to fashion, and a special round — the Omani Designers Round by Ooredoo — was a fitting platform for local talent. By being able to harness the stage that showcased established names, the emerging local designers got a chance to up their game and get an insight into the business and the best practices. Oordeoo created a special social campaign

#OurOman, which invited local designers to submit their designs.

The winners were picked by Masaba Gupta, and the lucky six were Manal Al Kiyumi, Asma Al Mustahil, Marwa Alajmi, Nasra Al Habsi, Anfal Al Subhi and Noora Al Balushi. They received a special welcome from the esteemed guests.

The Signature Couture Show underlined the basic premise of the exclusive magazine that Signature is. Said Alpana Roy, Executive Vice President, United Media Services, the publishers of Signature, “The Signature Couture Show 2015 is the most intimate extension of the magazine’s philosophy to highlight the best things in life. It was a great platform for style and luxury, and highlighted the aspirational value of Signature. We are proud to have partnered with Mercedes-Benz for the second time. And, of course, all our other partners also deserve a special mention.”

The event also included some amazing raffles, presented by Mercedes-Benz, and some gift hampers from Chanel. That wasn’t all, of course. All the guests received beautiful gifts from Clarins from Capital Stores, Oman Arab bank and Ooredoo. Glamour and elegance were the words that came to mind immediately.

The second edition of the Signature Couture Show was undoubtedly a night to remember, and furthered Signature’s footprint in the luxury market. In fact, guests were even overheard enquiring about the date for the next edition of the show, because they wanted to block their calendars. The made-for-the-occasion creations dazzled the guests, and the beautiful landscape of the Sultanate got a fresh new glaze of colour, luxury and style.

R E L O C AT I O N

Al Felaij introduces Titoni in Oman GAC Oman’s new Sohar office MUSCAT: Al Felaij Watches introduces the international watch brand Titoni in its retail outlets at Seeb City Centre, Muscat Grand Mall, Sabco and Al Araimi Centre.

The partnership brings a 95-year-old heritage for the customers seeking a creation of timeless models based on new technology and precision work.

The inauguration of Titoni brand in the retail outlets was marked by the visit of Daniel Schluep, CEO of Titoni, says a press release.

Schluep’s first impressions of the Oman market for Titoni were very optimistic. He believes, “Tito-

ni’s corporate culture is marked by its family character and longstanding international partnerships. Although our world has long become a global village, every place has its unique rhythm of time.

Titoni as an international brand integrates the unique needs and culture of customers worldwide into refined watch products –

E L I M I NAT I N G L I TT E R

Cleanup campaign organised by be’ah MUSCAT: In collaboration with Sohar Municipality, Oman Environmental Services Holding Company (be’ah) recently organised a cleaning campaign in Wadi Al Jizi in North Al Batinah Governorate. Apart from Al Nima sports team and Ruwad Al-Tataawu, numerous volunteers from local community came together to do their part and raise awareness of the need to eliminate litter in tourist sites, to preserve the beautiful environment of these sites, as many of them have become collecting spots for litter and debris which impact the habitat and inhabitants, says a press release.

The campaign reflects be’ah’s strategies in waste management and its commitment to conserve the beauty of Oman. As well to spread awareness among different spectrums of society and entities concerned to undertake initiatives to reduce the amount of waste and promote recycling in everyday life. The company is

committed to support the society and its development by provide the best solutions in waste management in a sustainable development method, emphasises on the need to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

The enthusiastic volunteers and authorities concerned from Sohar Municipality collected varied wastes include plastic bags, plastic bottles, tissue papers, glass bottles, paper cups and camping remnants left by the visitors, along with other waste. be’ah hopes the cleaning campaign will generate social responsibility awareness and raise public concern of the need to protect the Sultanate’s varied tourist attractions.

Meanwhile, the authorities concerned in Sohar Municipality committed to recruit their continuous efforts to support community service and maintain the cleanliness and safety of the environment.

characterised by the particular Titoni series.”Shahid Bashir, Managing Director at Al Felaij, believes in the tradition to continue to introduce to its customers high quality Swiss-Made watches.

He mentions, “Titoni for three generations now, has been specialising in the manufacture of high-quality watches. I have had the privilege to visit the manufacturing facilities of Titoni, which employ state-of-the-art technology, enabling the company’s skilled watchmakers to produce certified, “Swiss Made” quality. The complete series of Titoni is now available at all Al Felaij outlets.”

to boost customer access MUSCAT: GAC Oman’s customer access and service in the growing port of Sohar has been boosted with the relocation of its branch office to ground floor premises on the port’s main street — as part of the company’s support of the government drive to develop the port as a global shipping hub, says a press release.

General Manager Daniel Nordberg says that the larger, more easily accessible office will enable GAC Oman to respond to customer requests on the ground even

faster and more efficiently. GAC Oman has been a part of the country’s business prospects for over four decades. It is now considered to be the country’s only fully inte-

grated and independent logistics and shipping services provider.

Since its inception in 1972, GAC Oman has supported the country’s business and social development through a number of community ventures and charitable initiatives. GAC Oman is renowned for meeting the logistics needs of manufacturers, distributors and retailers with particular emphasis on the oil and gas, construction and development, fast moving consumer goods, automotive parts and events sectors.

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ROUND-UP D R I V E - T H R U R E S TAU R A N T

Best performing bank award for Bank Sohar Al Roya Economic Award 2015 was presented by Al Roya Press and Publishing

MUSCAT: Continuing in its journey towards banking excellence, Bank Sohar has been presented with the ‘Best Banking Performance’ Award at the fourth edition of the Al Roya Economic Award 2015, marking the bank’s first award in year 2015.

The prestigious award ceremony was organised by Al Roya Press and Publishing at the Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, on March 11 under the auspices of Dr Fuad bin Jaafar Al Sajwani, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, who handed over the award to Rashad Ali Al Musafir, Acting CEO, Bank Sohar. Also present at the event was Hatim bin Hamad

Al Taie, Publisher and CEO of Al Roya Press and Publishing, says a press release.

Commenting on the significance of the award for Bank Sohar, Al Musafir said, “We are proud to have won such a prestigious recognition which reflects the outstanding performance of the bank in 2014.

“Receiving such recognition will no doubt continue to motivate us in order to excel in all facets of our operations and actively contribute to the overall financial per-

formance of the Banking Sector in Oman. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our esteemed Board Members for their guidance, our loyal customers for their trust in us, as well as our management and staff for their continued dedication and hard work.”

Bank Sohar continues to reflect exceptional results, where year 2014 saw the bank record a net profit of OMR29.878 million, translating to an increase of 11.19% when compared to previous year’s net profit of OMR26.871

HIGH PROFILE EVENT

million. The operating profit for year 2014 was OMR38.988 million as compared to OMR31.735 million in 2013 resulting an increase of 22.85%.

Bank Sohar was carefully chosen for this award following a rigorous selection process by the judging panel which included a number of renowned economists.

The award ceremony witnessed more than 130 participants across five categories including ‘Best Governmental Project’, ‘Best Private Project’, ‘CSR award’, ‘Best Banking Performance’ and ‘Women Craft Projects’.

“We would like to thank the organisers of the Al Roya Economic Awards for highlighting the pioneering economic leaders in the country. This recognition motivates winning organisations to continue on their path of excellence. I would also like to thank them for bestowing us with such an honour,” added Al Musafir.

This is the first recognition of Bank Sohar in 2015 and another valued addition to the various accolades the bank has received over the eight years of operations.

McDonald’s opens outlet in Salalah MUSCAT: McDonald’s restaurant is now the newest landmark in Salalah. Situated at Al Wadi, Rabat road opposite of Salalah Gardens Mall, the newest McDonald’s restaurant provides great value for money and quality food, providing an enjoyable eating out experience to all the residents and visitors in Salalah with an added convenience of McDonald’s world-renowned drive-thru, says a press release.

The McDonald’s drive-thru restaurant is designed in contemporary style with cosy dining atmosphere with over 200 sitting capacity. It has a large Playland

area and a spacious party room for children.

The McDonald’s drive-thru restaurant – the latest addition to McDonald’s Oman’s chain of restaurants boasts the kind of charm, warmth and intimacy that has made McDonald’s around the world so popular for families, children, individuals, young adults, groups and people of all ages and walks of life.

The restaurant provides a welcoming atmosphere with its vibrant feel and modern décor. The location of McDonald’s drivethru restaurant makes it an ideal venue for people on the go.

PA N E L D I S C U S S I O N

ITA supports Big Data seminar HSBC discusses challenges faced by women in workplace

MUSCAT: Think Bigger - Big Data Seminar, a high profile event, scheduled to be held on April 8 at Shangri-la’s Barr Al Jissah Resort, Muscat is being supported by the Information Technology Authority (ITA) - E-transformation.

The keynote speakers will be Patrick Schwedtfeger and Jorge Sebastiao, world-renowned experts in the fields of Big Data, global business trends including demographics and the social media revolution. It will be a first of its kind seminar in the Sultanate of Oman. The seminar is being organised by Oman Advertising Agency’s (OmanAd) Conferences and Seminar Management Division, says a press release.

The Big Data revolution is already changing the way governments and international corporates think, analyse and make their longterm strategic plans. The Middle East nations are at a pivotal stage with regard to installations in Big Data infrastructure and business analytics investments.

“Whether at the federal, state or municipal level, governments must effectively use large data volumes to coordinate programmes within and across agencies, share information and use actionable

intelligence to influence decisions with more reliable and predictable outcomes,” wrote David Loshin in a recent Forbes magazine article.

By laying a solid foundation for the effective use of Big Data, government agencies can, make better decisions more quickly, improve mission outcomes, identify and reduce inefficiencies, eliminate waste, fraud and abuse, improve productivity, enhance transparency and service, reduce security threats and crime.

Governments and corporate leaders across the region are beginning to understand the poten-

tial that Big Data analytics can bring to their businesses. Big Data concepts will see a major revolution throughout the public and private sector according to major IT Research Analysts.

The seminar will focus on the practical applications of Big Data and highlight case studies and Big Data innovations. The seminar will be an ideal platform for exchanging key industry insights, knowledge sharing and networking between government agencies, banks and financial institutions, telecoms, oil & gas sector, retailers, etc.

MUSCAT: In celebration of International Women’s Day 2015, HSBC Bank Oman organised a panel discussion at its head office in Al Khuwair to discuss the challenges and opportunities women face in the workplace.

This event is in line with the bank’s efforts to foster an open dialogue culture and enrich staff engagement. The panel included Naashia Al Kharusi, State Council Member as well as HSBC Bank Oman CEO, Andrew Long, and the bank’s Deputy General Manager and Head of Business Management, Commercial Banking, Nahla Al Kharusi, says a press release.

The panel had a lively interaction from attending staff who had the opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable lessons from the panellists’ experience.

During the event, the panellists discussed the various opportunities and challenges women face in the evolving corporate world; topics discussed included gender equality; improving work life balance and working in a male dominated culture.

Naashia Al Kharusi provided an inspiring glimpse into her career life, the challenges she faced, and the means of overcoming them. She said that every women has to continuously seek further education and knowledge to truly succeed.

HSBC’s Nahla Al Kharusi also provided some insight into her life, sharing her experience as an Omani professional woman holding a senior role within a large multinational bank and how she successfully managed to be a full time mother, wife and daughter

while performing as a full time banking professional.

Andrew Long, HSBC Bank Oman’s CEO, said that career progression should be genderindependent with development opportunities to be earned based on competencies and proven achievements rather than on gender.

Long went on to outline HSBC Bank Oman’s efforts in providing equal opportunities to male and female staff and had plans put in place by the bank to ensure female career progression.

EXHIBITION

Ghedex seeks to bridge gap between educators and learners MUSCAT: The public expenditure on higher education in Oman is expected to increase to 48 per cent during 2011-2015. In the 8th Five Year Plan 2011–2015, 34 per cent of the total current expenditure has been allotted to improving the quality of learning.

The percentage of Omani students within the age group of 18-24 pursuing higher studies locally and abroad, is estimated to

increase to 50% by 2020.

In line with trends, Ghedex 2015 will support the government’s vision of improving higher education within the country by hosting accredited and reputed universities and colleges offering their programmes to more than 18,000 visitors from Oman, from April 20-22 at the Oman International Exhibition Centre, under the patronage of the Ministry of Higher Education,

says a press release.

“Omani and expatriate students seeking quality education and opportunities for evolvement through internships and related career planning programmes will benefit from visiting Ghedex to pursue their higher education goals. “Having received confirmation from higher education representative bodies like the Embassy of the USA- Muscat, Education

USA, Amideast, British Council, UK Trade and Investment, Enterprise Ireland and Austrade has brought in participation of leading universities from these countries, among others.

“Within the coming months, we expect higher levels of participation from universities and colleges at Ghedex 2015,” says Ashit Barnes, Exhibition Director, OITE Trade Fairs.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

ISC Karnataka Wing holds blood donation campaign MUSCAT: As part of its ongoing community engagement initiatives and activities, ISC- Karnataka Wing, community members rolled up their sleeves for the annual blood drive held on March 7 in association with Ministry of Health, Blood Bank.

This successful drive saw overwhelming response as community members as well as visitors donated blood to make a difference and support healthcare services in Oman to cope with the growing demand for blood supplies.

This blood donation campaign also raised awareness among the members about the importance of blood donation, need of it in the society, says a press release.

S.D.T. Prasad, Convener of Kar-

nataka Wing committee thanked Bank Muscat, Al Maha Petroleum Products Marketing Co. and Muscat Pharmacy for sponsoring the event. Sponsors also awarded gift hampers, memento and refreshment to generous donors for their commitment and spirit towards this noble cause.

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2015 Ford Expedition comes with 3.5l EcoBoost engine The 2015 Expedition was engineered to be a technologically advanced utility that is easy to drive and offers refinement for all types of drivers

MUSCAT: Ford enthusiasts longing to own a family-sized powerful SUV that doesn’t compromise an inch on comfort and pleasure now have a huge reason to rejoice, with the introduction of the new 2015 Ford Expedition with all new 3.5 litre EcoBoost engine.

With the new powerplant, Expedition will be among the fullsize SUV leaders for capability, generating 365 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. Add best-inclass maximum cargo space for the extended-length version and available best-in-class towing of up to 9,200 pounds when properly

equipped, and customers will find a truly useful utility vehicle, says a press release.

Expedition, which debuted in 1996, is Ford’s largest utility vehicle, with seating for eight. The 2015 Expedition was engineered to be a technologically advanced utility that is easy to drive and offers refinement for all types of drivers. It has a quieter cabin with more technology than previousgeneration vehicles.

Expedition will continue to feature an independent rear suspension to deliver a more confident ride and great handling characteristics. The suspension also allows a more convenient fold-flat third-row bench seat and low load-floor height.

With the vehicle’s capabil-

ity and cargo space comes a cabin, customers will find to be even quieter than the current Expedition.

A host of changes helps minimise noise. These include improved seals on the body that reduce air leaks by 20 per cent. New sound dampening material in the cabin pillars improves quietness. The material is also packed into the centre console to further reduce unwanted road and engine noise.

More sound deadening material has been added to the headliner and door trim panels, while the cabin features new carpeting that is able to better absorb sounds.

New sound insulation used in the wheel wells also helps create a quieter experience. Finally, acoustic glass – which debuted on Expedition in 2007 – is used for the

ALL-TERRAIN-VEHICLES

MUSCAT: Combining performance and off-road capabilities, Alfardan Motors has launched the latest breed of Arctic Cat All-Terrain-Vehicles (ATVs).

The new models, one-seater Wildcat 450 XC, two-seater Wildcat X Limited OS, four-seater Wildcat 4 Limited, allow riders to explore Oman’s diverse terrain like never before. Versatile in nature and design, the ATVs offer an all-year-all-climate solution for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, delivering a unique off-road experience that appeals to a broader range of users with sport and recreational needs, says a press release.

“Whether our clients are hooked on exploring mountain trails, crossing shallow wadis or going deep into the rugged deserts of Oman, the new Arctic Cat Series promises to deliver an experience that is second to none within the ATV arena,” said Muhanad Abualia, manager of Alfardan Motors Oman.

“Known for their industryleading performance and innovative features, these machines will not back down to even the most challenging terrain, and now, our clients will no longer have to either. We are confident that the unique and true identity of these machines will purr life into the Sultanate’s wildest and most challenging trail-riding attractions.”

Featuring a DuramaticTM Automatic Transmission system and indispensable ground clearance, the sporty Wildcat 450 XC guarantees an eager-to-please performance. Its superstrong featherweight chassis sits on a front/rear suspension that delivers a 7 inch travel distance via a preloaded adjustable shock design, upscaling the level of comfort experienced on even the most mountainous terrain. Consistency in the 450 XC’s

windshield across all trim levels to reduce undesirable interior noise.

The updated interior of Expedition incorporates a fresh centre stack to accommodate new technologies, including an available 8-inch touch screen for SYNC with MyFord Touch that features driver information in the gauge cluster shown on two full-colour 4.2-inch screens. Other available new technologies on the 2015 Expedition include a Sony Audio System; passive entry with push-button start; Blind Spot Information System; rear view camera; front and rear parking sensors; sevencolour ambient interior LED lighting; and Ford truck apps to help make trailer towing and off-road driving easier.

The new 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, using direct injection and twin turbochargers, provides more power, efficiency and performance than the 5.4-litre V8 in the current model. To maximise performance and control, the vehicle will be equipped with a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission featuring a manual mode that allows the driver to use a shift-mounted rocker switch to select the desired gear.

A suite of sensors detects 46 unique body, steering and braking C A R E E R FA I R

Alfardan launches Arctic Cat series

Known for their industry-leading performance and innovative features, these machines will not back down to even the most challenging terrain, and now, our clients will no longer have to either Muhanad Abualia

Manager of Alfardan Motors Oman

performance is assured through innovative mechanical attributes such as the electronic fuel injection, which is essential to riding across different landscapes with any level of climate activity.

Designed in tandem, the Wildcat X Limited OS and the Wildcat 4 Limited, deliver exemplary performance of 1,000cc with an unparalleled suspension system,

comprised by a Double A Arm on the front with a 5-Link Trailing Arm on the rear.

With front and rear wheel drive as an interchangeable feature, the Wildcat X Limited OS had no problem being modified to cater for double the passenger load, using raised seating to maintain a ‘driver seat experience’ in the creation of the Wildcat 4 Limited.

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inputs. By monitoring Expedition body motion, the system can automatically adjust damping in milliseconds. Continuously controlled damping technology analyses the weight of the vehicle, steering feedback and road undulations and reacts accordingly to help control wheel and body motions so passengers experience an orderly, comfortable ride.

The new Expedition also features Ford’s innovative electric power-assisted steering, which gives drivers improved manoeuvrability at low speeds and better feel at high speeds, and helps save fuel by operating more efficiently than traditional pump-driven systems. The technology, which has been tuned specifically for the new model, reduces steering effort and makes Expedition more engaging to drive.

Ford vehicles are known the world over for their exceptional safety, luxury and unsurpassed technological superiority. Ford ploughs in millions of dollars into R&D each year to ensure that every Ford offers maximum safety and motoring pleasure for its customers.

In Oman, Ford vehicles are brought to you by Arabian Car Marketing Co. LLC.

E N G L I S H O LY M P I A D

Students of IS Rustaq excel in competition MUSCAT: Anupama Ashok, Class V student of Indian School Rustaq has won 15th rank in the international level and 1st rank in the state level of the 5th International English Olympiad conducted by the Science Olympiad Foundation, Delhi, recently.

She secured a gold medal, cash award of Rs5,000 along with gifts worth Rs1,000 and merit certificate for her excellent performance, says a press release.

Afrah Abdullah (Class VI) of Indian School Rustaq achieved 18th rank in the state level in the same examination; she will receive a medal of excellence, and a merit certificate.

E X PA N S I O N

Omanisation career fair to be held from April 20 to 22 MUSCAT: OITE Trade Fairs announced the introduction of Omanisation Career Fair (OCF), an integration and re-branding of the Jobex and Trainex exhibitions that have seen much success over the years.

To be held under the patronage of the Ministry of Manpower, OCF 2015 will strive to accommodate for the mounting demand for Omani workers within the Sultanate and will be hosted alongside OITE’s Global Higher Education Exhibition (Ghedex) at the Oman International Exhibition Centre from April 20-22, says a press release.

As Oman’s largest and most comprehensive career fair, OCF 2015 will be exhibiting some of the leading companies from across the spectrum of Oman’s private and public sectors and throughout the Gulf region, offering Omanis the chance to market themselves to potential employers, meet with career counsellors on a personal level, and gain valuable information about current vacancies and upcoming opportunities in the job market.

“A new initiative that we will be introducing this year is OCF workshops where training companies can present training demos to their prospective clients at the venue,” says Tarek Ali, General Manager at OITE Trade Fairs.

New Majan Exchange outlet opens in Misfa MUSCAT: Misfa witnessed the grand opening of Majan Exchange recently. Majan Exchange celebrated this special occasion with a grand musical concert featuring super hits from Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam films.

The mega event received an overwhelming response from people across all age groups. Majan Exchange made this occasion even more exciting by offering fantastic prizes to its customers, says a press release.

Majan Exchange currently has four branches in Oman, apart from Misfa they also have their presence in Sohar, Gala and Ruwi and is soon planning to expand their presence in the other cities of Oman.

“Majan Exchange has always been committed to providing the best services at the best possible rates. With the opening of this new

branch, people can now enjoy a world of services, with even more convenience,” said, Antony Jos, Director, Majan Exchange.

Majan Exchange innovative and inventive services are powered by a strong and reliable network built across the world. That ensures customer’s money transfers and exchange needs are completely met at all times, and they stay connected to their loved ones wherever they are. Their benefits include better exchange rates, lower charges, extended working hours, drafts. They also have a separate wholesale foreign exchange division that trades bank notes of foreign countries with banks and other financial institutions.

They provide foreign exchange, flash remittance, credit card bill payments and variety of other services, at the best possible rates.

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Mubadala Group CEO inspires youth at NBO Chairman’s Speaker Series

The National Bank of Oman Chairman’s Speaker Series was designed to bridge the gap between Oman’s future leaders and seasoned professionals, providing an interactive platform to learn and share experiences, ideas and aspirations

MUSCAT: Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Mubadala Development Company, has kicked-off the first National Bank of Oman Chairman’s Speaker Series event of 2015.

Speaking in Muscat, he shared the story of the Abu Dhabi-based investment and development company with an audience of students, public officials, business leaders and bank customers, says a press release.

The National Bank of Oman Chairman’s Speaker Series was designed to bridge the gap between

Oman’s future leaders and seasoned professionals, providing an interactive platform to learn and share experiences, ideas and aspirations. Each quarter, one of the leading influencers is invited to share their expertise, knowledge and best practice at an exclusive evening event in Oman.

Since formation in 2002, Mubadala has grown into one of the region’s most respected companies, with a portfolio valued at US$60.8 billion. During his address, Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak talked about the Government of Abu Dhabi’s vision

for economic diversification and explained Mubadala’s role in driving this. He outlined Mubadala’s approach, which is built on the creation of partnerships and on long-term, capital-intensive investments that deliver strong financial returns, contribute to the growth and diversification of Abu Dhabi’s economy, and create opportunities for current and future generations in the United Arab Emirates.

Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak,

Group Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Mubadala Development Company, commented: “Creating opportunities for current and future generations of UAE citizens is at the heart of Mubadala’s mission, so it was an honour to share the Mubadala story and engage with Oman’s youth, who are our region’s business leaders of tomorrow.”

Mohammed Mahfoodh Al Ardhi, Chairman of National Bank of Oman, said: “We are honoured that

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Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak was able to share the remarkable story of Mubadala to delegates in Muscat. Mubadala and National Bank of Oman have a shared sense of purpose to support the economic diversification of their countries, and I applaud him on the enormous contribution that Mubadala has made to not only Abu Dhabi, but also the UAE and wider region.

I am particularly pleased that so many young Omanis including students from various universities

and colleges were able to attend and be inspired by a talk from one of the region’s most dynamic and innovative business leaders.”

The inaugural National Bank of Oman Chairman’s Speaker Series was held in December 2014 with Sir Terence Clark, renowned author and former British Ambassador to Oman, giving an address on the subject: “Oman; A century of oil exploration and development.”

The next event is scheduled to take place in June.

ACADEMICS

Nissan’s ‘Fantastic 5-Day offer’ is back

Modern College holds graduation ceremony

MUSCAT: Nissan from Suhail Bahwan Automobiles have yet again launched their much anticipated ‘Fantastic 5-Day Offer’ for their valued customers across 19 Nissan showrooms in Oman starting today till March 19.

Back by popular demand from auto enthusiasts, the promotion is mainly aimed at offering customers with some of the most competitive offers on Nissan vehicles along with a host of other benefits, says a press release.

During the ‘Fantastic 5-Day Offer’, customers will get an opportunity to enjoy exclusive briefings, tips, advices and suggestions from Nissan officials on the entire Nissan range. Visitors will also get a chance to take a test drive of any of their favourite Nissan vehicle with Nissan officials to assist and guide through the aesthetics of the vehicles at all times.

This limited period offer is an opportunity for Nissan officials to give back to their dedicated customers a week filled with unlimited benefits, surprises and an opportunity for auto enthusiasts to own Nissan vehicles at attractive prices. A huge turnout of crowd was recorded at the Nissan showrooms in last months’ event and record numbers of new Nissan vehicles were booked by customers under this promotion.

‘Innovation that excites’ Nissan’s iconic vehicles deliver a refreshed vision of ‘innovation that excites’ with introduction of new levels of sophistication and state of the art features. Nissan vehicles are known to offer smoother ride comfort, more refinement and benchmark fit and finish, while delivering breathtaking performance and road-holding.

Their ‘multi-dimensional performance’ means the driver can enjoy the full depth of a Nissan’s capabilities whether navigating the corners of a winding mountain road, cruising on a motorway or even travelling in an urban environment.

Exciting offer Nissan is offering a host of benefits during this week as part of the ‘Fantastic 5-day Offer’ promotion that includes free insurance, free registration, free 2 years / 35,000km service package and six years unlimited mileage extended warranty. Customers will also receive cash gift of up to OMR1,000 on select models.

Nissan Oman is known to offer some of the firsts in the country as they are committed to offer some of the best services to their valued customers. “We consider understanding and anticipating customer needs as crucial to our continued success. We believe in

‘customers for life’ concept and strive to provide the best value for money to our customers by offering world-class products and services. With our current ‘Fantastic 5-day Offer’ we want to reach out to as many customers and auto enthusiasts and give them back something special which is essential to our continued success,” said a senior official of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles.

Added surprise One of the major highlights of this week’s offer is that Nissan is giving away an exciting iPhone 6 (16 GB) every day. Customers just have to book their favourite Nissan model between today and March 19 and get ready to be surprised.

Easy finance options Customers are guaranteed hasslefree financing process while purchasing any Nissan vehicle during this week as there is no processing fee or documentation charge to be paid. Also, customers’ will get to avail attractive interest rates with a loan term up to eight years (through Bank Muscat only) and lastly have an option for customised financing and enjoy spot approvals too. During this promotion, trade-in offers will also be available. Customers will get an opportunity to exchange their ex-

isting vehicles for a new Nissan model of their choice.

Key focus “When it comes to providing good service, the firms that are able to build strong relationships with their customers are more likely to maintain a solid core of enthusiastic supporters. Quickly resolving issues and going beyond customers’ expectations encourages repeat business from patrons, and in many cases, we go further than that. High quality customer service helps to create customer loyalty. Customers today are not only interested in the product they are being offered, but also all the additional elements of service that they receive starting from the greeting when they enter a retail outlet,” the key spokesperson opined.

SBA commitment Suhail Bahwan Automobiles is largely committed to supporting Nissan’s growth in the Sultanate through major emphasis on customer satisfaction and by providing world-class after-sales services in Oman. With a national network of more than 19 showrooms, 22 service centres and 35 spare parts outlets, SBA has further built upon its legacy of trust, excellent customer service and providing value for money to each of its customers.

MUSCAT: Fifty-four students of the class of 2015 at the Modern College of Business & Science (MCBS) received their bachelors and associate degrees in various disciplines at the college’s 19th graduation ceremony held at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel on March 9, under the head of Prof. Thomas George, the Chancellor of University of Missouri, St. Louis, USA, and in the presence of dignitaries, says a press release.

The highest number of bachelors were from Business Administration stream (19) followed by Science (12 in Airport Management, and 4 in Information Systems). Nineteen students were conferred Associate Degrees in Business Administration and ICT. One of the graduates in Business Administration bagged the

highest Latin honour “summa cum laude”, while seven graduates received “cum laude.”

In his address, Dr Khalfan Al Asmi, Assistant Dean at MCBS, appreciated the successful academic association the college has had, since its inception, with the University of Missouri.

He exhorted the graduates and the student community in general to develop humane values along with knowledge and professional skills, and contribute to building beneficial democratic structures compatible with Islam.

The degrees were conferred

by Dr. Joel Glassman, Associate Provost at University of Missouri; and presented by Dr Muneer bin Mohammed Al Maskery, founder and Executive Chairman of MCBS, along with Prof George.

CROWNE PLAZA SOHAR

Women’s Day celebrated MUSCAT: The Crowne Plaza Sohar recently celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8.

A group of 10 women from various nationalities including Omanis celebrated their achievements at the work as well as in their personal lives, says a press release.

Activities and quizzes were conducted with valuable gifts being awarded to honour the hard working female staff.

“At Crowne Plaza Sohar, we make it a meaningful celebration to say thank you to our dedicated

female employees who have and continue to play a major role in the growing hospitality industry,” said Youssef Alonzo, Director of Sales.

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RAINA’S CENTURY HELPS INDIA BEAT ZIMBABWE Suresh Raina, after surviving two dropped catches, hit his maiden World Cup century as India spoiled Brendan Taylor’s farewell party with a hardfought six-wicket victory in the World Cup Pool B match played in Auckland on Saturday. >C3

The Wave retain crown

AT H L E T I C S

The Wave, Muscat won a thrilling final race to retain the SUPERB SHOW: Oman 4x100m relay team after winning the gold.

crown while a mixed day for

Oman clinch relay gold at GCC Women’s Games

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MUSCAT: The Wave, Muscat took a last gasp win in the final race of the Extreme Sailing Series Muscat to retain their crown for the third year in a row while a mixed day for Oman Air ended with an optimistic nod to the future.

The new team on Oman Air had exceptional support ashore for the final day with members of the Oman national football team, also supported by their sponsor Oman Air, watching from the race village.

Pre-sailing, Omani football stars Raed Ibrahim Saleh and Ali Al Jabri along with their French coach Paul Le Guen joined the team to learn more about the sport and to meet the Oman Air sailors including Ali Al Balushi who was a semi-professional football player before launching his sailing career.

“Oman Air is a leader in national sports development and their support in arranging for us to meet the Oman national football team players today was enormously appreciated, it provided huge inspiration to us and was quite an honour, especially for me who loves football almost as much as I love sailing!” said Ali Al Balushi.

After 28 races over four sunny days in Oman, Leigh McMillan’s crew on The Wave, Muscat were neck and neck with rivals SAP

LAST GASP WIN: The top three finishers pose on the podium. – Supplied photo

Extreme Sailing Team, needing to beat them in the last double points race to hang onto the title they earned in 2013 and again last year.

A storming start to the race was converted into a resounding win, by approximately 200 metres, which elevated McMillan and crew to the top of the Muscat leaderboard and tied on points for the overall lead in 2015 with SAP Extreme Sailing Team and Red Bull Sailing Team, all of them with 18 points after two Acts.

The easy win in the final race belied the nerve-wracking intensity of the final day, a relieved McMillan said afterwards: “We had a really tough day and SAP were sailing much better than us. They had the measure of us on the start lines and really put the pressure on.

It came down to the last race and having been on the back foot all day and not making the most of the situation, we just had to beat them.

“Thankfully we managed to sneak away from them at the start.

It was touch and go and they were making it difficult for us but we managed to pull it off.

“It’s pretty exhausting winning like this – lots of highs and lows but we managed to pull it off in the end. It was great having all the families here too but if I’m honest,

that added to the pressure!”

Until the end that is, when the sight of families and friends waving and cheering on the beach at Almouj in celebration of their win saw the pressure give way to euphoria.

“It was great to see my relatives standing there cheering proudly at the end when we won. It made me feel very proud,” said The Wave, Muscat bowman Nasser Al Mashari whose performances were watched by his family, including his father, children, sisters and nephews.

“Sailing here in Muscat is obviously different from the other Extreme events but I found it very exciting, especially when we won.”

Oman Air found themselves disqualified from Race 25 as penalty for a collision in the previous race, which ended Red Bull Sailing Team’s Muscat campaign but they still managed to hold on to their fourth position.

It was an unfortunate mistake, explained skipper Stevie Morrison which they put down to their limited experience with the boats, this being only their second Extreme event, and an enthusiasm to succeed.

“They were bearing away slowly as we went round the mark and we thought we saw a gap inside them but they firmly shut the door. We were only a couple of inches from

getting round the back of them but as soon as you start turning these boats, they stop.

“I felt really sorry for them but I hope they understand it was a racing incident and a mistake.”

Morrison’s crew of Ted Hackney, Ed Powys, Nic Asher and Ali Al Balushi finished fourth which puts them in second place on the overall leaderboard, just five points behind the leaders. It had been a tough event for them but they felt like they were making major inroads on the fleet, Morrison said.

“We feel like we made a big jump.

At the start of this event, everyone was talking about a runaway Top 3 but now maybe there is a Top 4.

“We have no illusions that we have a fair way to go, but hopefully we have shown we can play the game and we can build on that.

We have absolutely loved racing in Muscat – it was my first time here but I reckon it must be one of the best sailing venues in the world.”

The Extreme Sailing Series moves to Qingdao in China for the third Act where each of the Top 3 teams, including The Wave, Muscat will be pulling out all the stops to close out an advantage over their rivals. The action starts in Fushan Bay on April 30 and continues through to May 3.

MUSCAT: The Omani relay squad added another gold to the hosts medal tally in the ongoing GCC Women’s Games on Saturday. In the athletics action at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, the team of Khadija Al Manji, Shnoona Al Habsi, Mazoon Al Alawi and Buthaina Al Yaqoobi ran like champions to bag the 4x100m gold medal.

Oman’s Hana Al Qasmi, meanwhile, won the bronze medal in the 400m competition finishing behind the eventual champions Salha Mohammed of Bahrain and silver medallist Maryam Fareed of Qatar.

In the discus throw, Salha’s compatriot Noorah Jassim won the gold medal. Fatma Al Hosni of the UAE took silver and Kuwaiti girl Aisha Waleed won bronze.

Bahraini girls won two more gold medals with Raja Lamadi winning top honours in 800m race and Sabreen Yousuf taking

first place in the triple jump.

The 800m silver went to Mahra Jassim of the UAE while Qatar’s Mubaraka Al Manaie and Bashayir Al Manwari took silver and bronze respectively in the triple jump competition.

The Sultanate’s handball team are assured of a medal thanks to their 28-21 win over Bahrain. In another match, Kuwait defeated the UAE 17-16. The medals will be decided after the last round of matches of the round robin league tournament.

Meanwhile, the bowling action is scheduled to start on Sunday.

The draw of the event took place at the Oman Bowling Centre in Al Khuwair on Saturday.

On Friday evening, Qatar were crowned the basketball champions after their 48-26 victory over Bahrain. The UAE, who defeated Oman 94-17, took silver while Bahrain settled for bronze.

READY FOR ACTION: Bowling teams of five GCC nations that will

take part in the GCC Women’s Games pose for a group photo at Oman Bowling Centre on Saturday. – JUN ESTRADA/Times of Oman

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SU N DAY, MARCH 15, 2015

SPORTS

Giroud helps Arsenal bolster top four bid Arsene Wenger’s third-placed side are aiming to qualify for the Champions League via a top-four finish for the 18th

STUNNING STRIKE: Oliver Giroud, centre, celebrates his goal. – AFP

year in a row

LONDON: Arsenal cemented their position in the Premier League’s top four as Olivier Giroud’s blistering strike inspired a 3-0 rout of West Ham on Saturday.

Arsene Wenger’s third-placed side are aiming to qualify for the Champions League via a top-four finish for the 18th year in a row and they are well on course after a fifth successive league victory.

It was also the ideal preparation for next week’s Champions League last 16 trip to Monaco, who hold a 3-1 lead from the first leg.

Giroud broke the deadlock seconds before the break as the

France striker cut in from the right edge of the penalty area to lash an unstoppable left-footed shot into the far corner.

Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey got Arsenal’s second, and his first since December, in the 81st minute when he played a one-two with Giroud and finished with aplomb.

Mathieu Flamini came off the bench to seal the points with an 84th minute goal that lifted the Gunners four points ahead of fourth-placed Manchester United and six clear of fifth-placed Liverpool.

Aston Villa’s revival under new manager Tim Sherwood gathered pace as they boosted their bid to avoid relegation with a crucial 4-0 win at fellow strugglers Sunderland.

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Villa had scored only four away league goals all season, but they have been transformed since former Tottenham boss Sherwood took charge and have now won their last two league games to climb above Sunderland, who drop to fourth bottom after their sixth consecutive game without a win.

The visitors took the lead when Belgian striker Christian Benteke fired home in the 16th minute for his fifth goal of the season.

Just two minutes later, Gabriel Agbonlahor ran clear to slot home after Sunderland defender John O’Shea made a hash of dealing with Ciaran Clark’s pass.

Agbonlahor netted again eight minutes before half-time, promptFOOTBALL

ing a group of angry Sunderland fans to surround the home bench to berate boss Gus Poyet.

Stewards and police moved in to protect Poyet and the majority of the crowd were streaming towards the exit by the 44th minute as Benteke netted. The chaos enveloping Sunderland was summed up when they played several minutes at the start of the second half down to 10 men after Seb Larsson emerged late from the dressing room.

Crystal Palace pushed QPR deeper into the relegation mire with a 3-1 victory over their London rivals at Selhurst Park.

QPR’s fourth successive Premier League loss extended their miserable run to nine defeats in their last 10 games, leaving the west Londoners third bottom and four points from safety.

Leicester wasted a chance to improve their survival hopes as 10man Hull held on for a 0-0 draw at the King Power Stadium.

West Brom ground out a 1-0 win against Stoke at the Hawthorns.

Chelsea, currently five points clear, are in action at home to Southampton on Sunday. Also on Sunday, Manchester United host Tottenham and Everton face Newcastle, while Liverpool travel to Swansea on Monday. - AFP

F1

Hamilton grabs pole at Australian Grand Prix MELBOURNE: World champion Lewis Hamilton took pole position for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on Saturday ahead of Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg as the Silver Arrows continued to underline their dominance in Formula One. The Briton recorded a fastest lap of one minute and 26.327 seconds, trouncing Rosberg by nearly six-tenths of a second while leaving the Williams of Felipe Massa well adrift in third.

Hamilton set the early running in the final session before roaring home to capture his 39th pole on a windy afternoon at Albert Park.

“It’s been a great start to the weekend,” Hamilton told reporters after capturing his first pole since the Russian Grand Prix last October. “A big rush and a huge effort from all the guys back at the factory to enable us to come here and have this performance so I feel incredibly blessed to have this car.”

The two-time world champion’s pole was Mercedes’ 12th in succession and victory in Sunday’s race would appear a formality for the team that raffled 16 of last year’s 19 race wins.

Rosberg led Hamilton in two of the three practice sessions but locked up and spun into the grass in the final qualifying phase after complaining of an engine

cut-out in the second. However, last year’s championship runnerup blamed himself for being off Hamilton’s pace.

“It wasn’t a great day today,” he said. “For me, the speed was there. I just didn’t get it together.”

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel will start fourth on the grid on his debut for Ferrari with his Finnish team mate Kimi Raikkonen fifth.

Valtteri Bottas will start sixth in the other Williams, although the Finn will rue an error on the final straight that denied him a chance of claiming a spot on the second row. Though the sessions produced no major incidents, team radios blared throughout as drivers reported a myriad technical problems and occasionally skidded off track.

McLaren’s dismal weekend continued after troubled winter testing, with Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen to line up from the back of the grid after failing to be in the top 15 cars that advanced through to Q2.

Red Bull are also well off the pace and Australian Daniel Ricciardo complained from the outset that his car lacked power.

He will line up seventh on the grid while his Russian teammate, Daniil Kvyat, was knocked out in Q2 and will start 13th. - Reuters

OMAN CRICKET

Sur blank Al Nahda in HM’s Cup MUSCAT: Sur blanked Al Nahda 2-0 in the first match of their two-leg quarterfinal in His Majesty’s Cup Football Championship on Saturday.

In a match played at Sur Sports Complex, the hosts scored both the goals in the first half with Saud Al Farsi finding the net in the 31st minute and Mohammed Mubarak doubling the lead in the 42nd minute.

The second leg match will be played at Buraimi Sports Complex on April 8.

Meanwhile, Seeb and Al Khabourah also recorded victories in their first leg quarterfinal matches played on Wednesday.

Seeb got the better of AhliSidab in a 2-1 victory while Al Khabourah defeated Al Nasr 4-2.

Al Khabourah are scheduled to host Al Nasr in their second leg match at Sohar Sports Complex on April 8, when Seeb will be playing Ahli-Sidab at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.

G DIVISION: Professional Trading celebrate their title-winning performance. – Supplied photo

Attic Outdoors, Professional Trading take top honours MUSCAT: A brilliant bowling performance from skipper Sandeep Datta and Usama Bhati, who claimed four wickets each, helped Attic Outdoors tie their F Division T20 match with Oasis Water.

The result helped Attic Outdoors clinch the championship honours.

Invited to bat first, Oasis Water were bowled out for 152 in 19.2 overs with Shiju S. scoring 27 runs while Delowar Hussain and Ashfaq Khalifa made 23 and 20 respectively.

Attic Outdoors in reply were bowled out for 152 in 20 overs.

Opening batsman Madhur Bhatnagar scored 47 and Ghufran Anjum chipped in with 38. Ramesh P.P. bagged four wickets in four overs.

Brief scores: Oasis Water 152 in 19.2 overs (Shiju S. 27, Delowar Hussain 23, Ashfaq Khalifa 20; Sandeep Datta 4/15, Usama Bhati 4/26, Rajesh Rao 2/27) tied with Attic Outdoors 152 in 20overs (Madhur Bhatnagar 47, Ghufran Anjum 38; Ramesh P.P. 4/39). Points: Attic Outdoors - 1 (8 games, 14 pts), Oasis Water - Nil (7 games, 5 pts).

GME rout Huawei Global Money Exchange (GME) trounced Huawei by five wickets to claim the G Division runnersup position.

Opting to bat first, Huawei were restricted to 130 for nine wickets in 20 stipulated overs. Midhun Karat Nair top scored with 47.

Global Money Exchange replied with 133 for the loss of five

G DIVISION: Runners-up Global Money Exchange. – Supplied photo

wickets in 14.4 overs. Opening batsman Ashok Patel scored 44, Rahul Rajeev made 35 (25b, 5x4) while Shaheer Najeeb remained not out on 31.

Brief scores: Huawei 130 for 9 in 20 overs (Midhun Karat Nair 47; Shaheer Najeeb 2/16, Jerrin George 2/27) lost to Global Money Exchange 133 for 5 in 14.4 overs(Ashok Patel 44, Rahul Rajeev 35, Shaheer Najeeb 31 n.o.; Sanjeev Kumar 2/34). Points: Global Money Exchange - 2 (8 games, 14 pts), Huawei – Nil (7 games, 7 pts).

RAY down Al Fairuz In an H Division T20 match, Rukun Al Yaqeen (RAY) defeated Al Fairuz Trading by two wickets.

Electing to bat in a match reduced to 19 overs a side due to late submission of team list, Al Fairuz Trading scored 129 for nine wickets. Opening batsman Manikandan S.P. top scored with 35. Mohan Babu bagged four wickets.

Ten-man RAY reached their target scoring 139 for the loss of eight wickets in 19 overs with Ra-

gunath M. contributed 40 runs.

Brief scores: Al Fairuz Trading 129 for 9 in 19 overs (Manikandan S.P. 35, Saravana Kumar 21; Mohan Babu 4/26, Armstrong M. 2/17) lost to RAY 130 for 8 in 19 overs (Ragunath M. 40).

Points: RAY - 2 (8 games, 4 pts), Al Fairuz Trading - Nil (8 games, 9 pts).

Binu stars Skipper Binu B.V. claimed five wickets to help Professional Trading to a six-wicket win against OUA Travels and take top honours in the G Division T20 league. Batting first, OUA Travels were bowled out for 128 in 20 overs.

In reply, Professional Trading scored 130 runs for four wickets in 17.3 overs.

Brief scores: OUA Travels 128 in 20 overs (Mohammad Imtiyaz 46 n.o., Vishal Manoj 20; Binu 5/25, Rasik G.P. 2/23) lost to Professional Trading 130 for 4 in 17.3 overs (M. Muthumurugan 49, Dibin P.K. 32 n.o., Nandakumar B.J. 27; Rajkumar Nambalath 2/23). Points: Professional Trading - 2 (8 games, 16 pts), OUA Travels - Nil (8 games, 7 pts).

A DIVISION

Raha ease to win over Enhance MUSCAT: Raha Cricket Team recorded an easy six-wicket win against Enhance in a Muscat Pharmacy & Stores-sponsored A Division 50 overs-a-side League match.

Opting to field first, Raha CT did well to bowl out Enhance for 238 runs in 48 overs. For Enhance good contributions came from Khawar Ali (57), Mehran Khan (43), Unnikrishnan G.P. (36)

and Ravi Baradkane (22). Tariq Hussain and David S.S. claimed three wickets each while Waseem Aktar bagged two. In reply, Raha CT scored 242 for the loss of four wickets in 40.3 overs. Sultan Ahmed made unbeaten 83 to earn the man of the match award.

Shahid Naseem (79) and opening batsman Shazad Akmal (34) made valuable contributions. Nester

Dhamba picked up two wickets.

Brief scores: Enhance 238 in 48 overs (Khawar Ali 57, Mehran Khan 43, Unnikrishnan G.P. 36, Ravi Baradkane 22; Tariq Hussain 3/29, David S.S. 3/65, Waseem Aktar 2/46) lost to Raha CT 242 for 4 in 40.3 overs (Sultan Ahmed 83 n.o., Shahid Naseem 79, Shazad Akmal 34; Nester Dhamba 2/27). Points: Raha CT - 5 (8 games, 29 pts), Enhance - Nil (8 games, 23 pts).

S U N DAY, MAR C H 1 5, 2 0 1 5

C3

TODAY’S POOL B: WEST INDIES V UAE (2:00AM OMAN TIME) MATCHES POOL B: PAKISTAN V IRELAND (7:30AM OMAN TIME)

Raina, Dhoni steer Team India past Taylor-inspired Zimbabwe Suresh Raina survived two

SURESH RAINA

dropped catches

110*

during his unbeaten 104-

runs from 104 balls 9 fours, 4 sixes

MS DHONI

ball 110 as India chased down a

85*

stiff 288-run target

runs from 76 balls 8 fours, 2 sixes

in 48.4 overs for their sixth win in as many matches

AUCKLAND: Suresh Raina hit a century as India spoiled Brendan Taylor’s farewell party with a hard-fought six-wicket win in the World Cup Pool B match in Auckland on Saturday. Raina survived two dropped catches during his unbeaten 104-ball 110 as India chased down a stiff 288-run target in 48.4 overs for their sixth win in as many matches.

Departing Zimbabwe batsman Taylor had anchored Zimbabwe’s 287 all out with a punishing 110-ball 138 in what was his last international after signing a deal with English county Nottinghamshire.

With India on 158-4, and Raina on 47, Zimbabwe spurned a good chance of pressing for a win when Hamilton Masakadza dropped a sitter at short fine-leg off Sikander Raza.

It was Masakadza who was at the receiving end of the second chance when wicket-keeper Taylor dropped Raina off his bowling with his score on 71.

The left-hander punished Zimbabwe by completing his fifth oneday hundred — his first in World Cups — reaching the three-figure mark off 94 balls. In all he hit nine boundaries and four sixes.

With India in a spot of bother at 92-4, when Raza bowled Virat Kohli for 38, Raina found an able partner in skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the experienced duo

EMOTIONAL: Retiring Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor leaves the field after losing to India. – AFP

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added 196 for an unbroken fifth wicket stand.

Dhoni finished with 85 not out off 76 balls, hitting the winning six off Tinashe Panyangara, his second in addition to eight boundaries. India had lost opener Rohit Sharma (16), in-form Shikhar Dhawan (four) and Ajinkya Rahane (19), with two of the wickets going to Panyangara.

Earlier Taylor smashed 15 boundaries and five towering sixes in his brilliant knock.

His ton anchored his team, unable to qualify for the quarter-finals, after they were sent into bat by the defending champions.

He added an invaluable 93 for the fourth wicket with Sean Williams (50) and another 109 for the next with Craig Ervine (27) to help Zimbabwe recover from a struggling 33 for three.

Taylor guided paceman Mohammad Shami’s short-pitched ball over the third man boundary for a six to reach his succes-

sive hundred in this World Cup off 99 balls. In the process Taylor became the only Zimbabwe batsman to hit back-to-back hundreds at the World Cup, with this innings following his 121 against Ireland.

Taylor then smashed left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja for three boundaries and two sixes in one over to complete his 400 runs in the tournament — another Zimbabwe first at a World Cup. He was eventually out off paceman Mohit Sharma, who also ended Ervine’s knock to finish with three for 48. Shami and Umesh Yadav also took three wickets apiece.

Before Taylor came into his own, Zimbabwe had lost Masakadza (two), Chamu Chibhabha (seven) and Solomon Mire (nine) by the 11th over.

Pakistan-born Raza chipped in with a 15-ball 28, including three sixes and a four, to give the innings some much-needed impetus.

For the first time in the tournament, India’s bowling was tested as spinners Ravichandran Ashwin went for 75 and Jadeja for 71 respectively in their ten overs apiece.

India will face Bangladesh in thee quarterfinals in Melbourne on March 19. -AFP

ZIMBABWE C. Chibhabha c Dhawan b Shami 7 H. Masakadza c Dhoni b Yadav 2 S. Mire c Dhoni b M Sharma 9 B. Taylor c Dhawan b Shami 138 S. Williams c and b Ashwin 50 C. Ervine c and b M Sharma 27 Sikander Raza b M Sharma 28 R. Chakabva c Rohit b Yadav 10 T. Panyangara c Yadav b Shami 6 T. Mupariwa not out 1 T. Chatara b Yadav 0 Extras: (lb-2, w-7) 9 Total (all out, 48.5 overs) 287 Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Masakadza), 2-13

(Chibhabha), 3-33 (Mire), 4-126 (Williams), 5-235 (Taylor), 6-241 (Ervine), 7-276 (Raza), 8-285 (Panyangara), 9-286 (Chakbva), 10-287 (Chatara) Bowling: Shami 9-2-48-3 (3w); Yadav 9.5-143-3 (2w); M Sharma 10-1-48-3 (1w); Ashwin 10-0-75-1 (1w); Jadeja 10-0-71-0; INDIA R. Sharma c Raza b Panyangara 16 S. Dhawan b Panyangara 4 V. Kohli b Raza 38 A. Rahane run out (Sikandar Raza/Taylor) 19 S. Raina not out 110 M. Dhoni not out 85 Extras: (b-1, lb-2, nb-1, w-12) 16

Total (4 wkts, 48.4 overs) 288 Did not bat: A. Jadeja, R. Ashwin, M. Sharma, M. Shami, U. Yadav Fall of wickets: 1-21 (Rohit), 2-21 (Dhawan), 3-71 (Rahane), 4-92 (Kohli) Bowling: Panyangara 8.4-1-53-2 (2w); Chatara 10-1-59-0 (1nb, 6w); Mupariwa 10-0-61-0 (2w); Mire 5-0-29-0 (1w); Williams 5-0-31-0; Raza 8-0-37-1 (1w); Masakadza 2-0-15-0 (1w); Result: India won by six wickets Man of the match: Suresh Raina Toss: India Umpires: Bruce Oxenford, Chris Gaffaney TV umpire: Rod Tucker (AUS) Match referee: Roshan Mahanama (SRI)

C4

SU N DAY, MARCH 15, 2015

F U L LY T E S T E D

Emotional farewell The 29-year-old Brendan Taylor will play for Nottinghamshire in England on a threeyear deal which will put his Zimbabwe

FINISHING IN STYLE: Indian skipper MS Dhoni pulls a six

to finish the match with conviction. – AFP

Everyone withstood the pressure: Dhoni AUCKLAND: Mahendra Singh Dhoni feels the biggest positive to draw from India’s unbeaten league campaign in the World Cup was that the entire side withstood pressure in some way or the other, preparing it perfectly for the knockouts.

India finished on top of pool B after beating Zimbabwe by six wickets in their final group game and Dhoni said it was good that all his players weathered tough situations.

“Everyone has been put under pressure, whether the three fast bowlers or the spinners, or the top order in a few games. This is the difference between playing here and a bilateral series, where the lower order is hardly tested.

That’s why these games can be tough as the lower order has not got a lot of chance to bat. Our lower order got a bit to bat today,” Dhoni said in the post-match presentation.

“Even when Virat (Kohli) went in to bat (today), we felt a bit of pressure. Zimbabwe are a good side, but we were expected to win.

The wicket was slow and the ball wasn’t coming on nicely, and we didn’t have enough pace to work with,” he said.

Heaping praise on Man of the Match Suresh Raina for his 110run knock, Dhoni said, “Raina is a key player for us at No. 5.The partnership between Raina and I was very good.”

On what changed for the team since the disastrous bilateral se-

ries against Australia before the World Cup, Dhoni said, “I think it is more the processes than the results. Also the boys have taken on their responsibilities quite well. We have been here for over three months now, and we need to give the guys some break in between, so getting fresh has helped as well.”

Raina, meanwhile, said it was good to steer India to victory in the company of his ever-encouraging skipper. “I am glad the hard work came off. Once MS came, it certainly helped as well. When the team needed me the most, I just wanted to be positive and smart, especially in the powerplays. I am glad we were able to do it really well in the end,” he said.

“MS and I have played a lot of matches together, and have finished a lot of matches together.

MS told me that I just can’t smash every ball, but he did back my strengths on the field,” he added.

Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor, who was playing his last international match, rued the missed opportunities.

“We played some brilliant cricket, and have been shoddy at times. Just a few dropped catches, and maybe finishing off the death bowling, but overall we have played some good cricket,” he said.

“India proved why they are the top of the group. It is nice to get a few runs, but it is sad to have ended. It has been a joyful ride though,” he added. -PTI

career on hold — and there is the possibility that he may never turn out for his country again

AUCKLAND: Zimbabwe batsman Brendan Taylor says he will miss representing his country after playing his last One-day International against India in Auckland on Saturday but insisted life goes on.

The 29-year-old will play for Nottinghamshire in England on a three-year deal which will put his Zimbabwe career on hold — and there is the possibility that he may never turn out for his country again.

Asked what he will miss, Taylor replied: “Not wearing the shirt. I think every international player is extremely proud of putting on his country’s shirt.

“I will miss my teammates and the camaraderie that we have, the good and bad times we go through.

“It’s been 11 years and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

There have been special times through good and bad,” said Taylor, who smashed a brilliant 138 in his team’s 287 all out against India in their concluding World Cup Pool B match at Eden Park on Saturday.

Suresh Raina ruined Taylor’s farewell party with an unbeaten 110 as defending champions India overhauled their target with eight balls to spare for a six-wicket win.

“Definitely it’s a sense of sadness and sense of disappointment the way we have gone about this tournament,” said Taylor of a Zimbabwe side who won only one

of their six games.

“Sad because I am leaving my teammates and leaving my home country for a number of years.

That is always going to be difficult to comprehend but I think life goes on and you take different challenges and choices but it’s a positive one.”

Taylor hoped he matures into a better cricketer in England.

“It’s a positive decision that I

have taken and I am looking forward to it being a good ride and hopefully I can have some decent successes there and try and become a good cricketer.”

Taylor scored 5,258 runs in 167 one-day internationals. He also played 23 Tests and 26 Twenty20 internationals for his country.

When Taylor was leaving the field, Zimbabwe and Indian players gave him a warm send-off,

which Taylor said was touching.

“It was nice from so many Indian players (Shikhar) Dhawan, Virat (Kohli) and Suresh (Raina) came to me and that was touching coming from so many established players. It was a nice gesture.

“My teammates also wished me well and thanked me for my contribution and it was enjoyable, it was pretty tough to swallow but it was good.” - AFP MILESTONE

Dhoni’s team setting records AUCKLAND: With 10 successive World Cup wins under their belt, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s India on Saturday bettered Clive Lloyd’s fearsome outfit of the late 1970’ and 80’ in terms of consecutive victories in the quadrennial extravaganza.

Lloyd’s team, which triumphed in the inaugural 1975 and 1979 World Cups, had nine wins in its kitty. Dhoni’s men surpassed them with their sixwicket result against Zimbabwe.

Now, the Men in Blue stand only second to Ricky Ponting’s Australian side that registered a staggering 24 consecutive victories in the showpiece event.

Dhoni is also credited with most wins (13) by an Indian captain in the World Cups.

He has overtaken Kapil Dev (11), Mohammed Azharuddin (10) and Saurav Ganguly (9).

Dhoni’s India surpassed Ganguly’s record of 58 overseas wins in 110 matches. “As far as the records are concerned, the most important thing is winning the game, Dhoni said. - PTI

S U N DAY, MAR C H 1 5, 2 0 1 5

C5

CELEBRATION: Australian cricketers congratulate teammate Mitchell Starc, fourth from left, after taking the wicket of Scotland batsman Josh Davey at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart. – AFP

Starc stars as Aussies pummel Scots SCOREBOARD

SCOTLAND K. Coetzer c Smith b Starc 0 C. MacLeod c Warner b Starc 22 M. Machan c Faulkner b Cummins 40 P. Mommsen c Starc b Watson 0 F. Coleman c Clarke b Johnson 0 R. Berrington c Warner b Maxwell 1 M. Cross c Haddin b Cummins 9 J. Davey b Starc 26 R. Taylor c Haddin b Cummins 0 M. Leask not out 23 I. Wardlaw b Starc 0 Extras (lb-1, w-8) 9 Total (all out, 25.4 overs) 130 Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Coetzer), 2-36 (MacLeod), 3-37 (Mommsen), 4-50 (Coleman), 5-51 (Berrington), 6-78 (Machan), 7-79 (Cross), 8-95 (Taylor), 9-130 (Davey), 10-130 (Wardlaw) Bowling: Starc 4.4-1-14-4 (1w); Cummins 7-1-42-3 (1w); Watson 3-0-18-1; Johnson

Left-arm paceman Starc took four for 14 in 4.4 overs as Scotland, in their last Pool A match of this tournament, collapsed to 130 all out in barely half their alloted overs after losing the toss at Bellerive Oval

HOBART: Mitchell Starc continued his impressive World Cup campaign with a four-wicket haul as Australia overpowered Scotland by seven wickets in Hobart on Saturday.

Left-arm paceman Starc took four for 14 in 4.4 overs as Scotland, in their last Pool A match of this tournament, collapsed to 130 all out in barely half their alloted overs after losing the toss at Bellerive Oval.

There were five ducks in the innings, with fast bowler Pat Cummins, recalled in place of dropped spinner Xavier Doherty, taking three for 42 in seven overs.

Matt Machan, who plays for English county side Sussex, topscored with 40 and Calum MacLeod made 22 but at 79 for seven there was a real chance Scotland would be dismissed for under 100.

However, bold hitting from the ninth-wicket duo of Josh Davey

(26) and Michael Leask (23 not out) took the non-Test side to three figures.

Australia captain Michael Clarke — passed fit after missing training in midweek to rest his hamstring injury — then decided to give himself some batting practice ahead of the quarter-final in Adelaide on March 20 by making a run-a-ball 47 opening the innings.

There was a worrying moment for Australia, when with 39 still needed for victory, rain stopped play.

But when the match resumed, new batsman David Warner — usually an opener - settled Australia’s nerves with a straight six and a four off the first two balls he faced.

Warner finished on 21 not out, off just six balls, while James Faulkner (16 not out) ended the match with a six as Australia finished on 133 for three in 15.2 overs.

Scotland have still to win a

GOOD BATTING PRACTICE: Australian captain Michael Clarke spent

some time in the middle in his new avatar as opener. – AFP

World Cup match, having now taken part in three editions — a run of 14 games — and all four of their previous one-day internationals against Australia had ended in thumping defeats — by six wickets in 1999, 203 runs in 2007, 189 runs in 2005 and 200 runs in 2013.

Opener Kyle Coetzer — who made 253 runs in Scotland’s first four matches of this tournament — fell for nought, his second suc-

S TA N D I N G S

M 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

W 6 4 4 3 2 1 0

L 0 1 2 2 4 5 6

T 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

N/R 0 1 0 1 0 0 0

Pts 12 9 8 7 4 2 0

Net RR +2.564 +2.257 +0.371 +0.136 -0.753 -1.853 -2.218

6 6 5 5 5 6 5

6 4 3 3 2 1 0

0 2 2 2 3 5 5

0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0

12 8 6 6 4 2 0

+1.827 +1.707 -0.194 -1.014 -0.511 -0.527 -1.961

POOL B

*India *South Africa Pakistan Ireland West Indies Zimbabwe U.A.E.

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

POOL A

Teams *New Zealand *Australia *Sri Lanka *Bangladesh England Afghanistan Scotland

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cessive duck, when his flat-footed drive off Starc was caught by Steven Smith at third slip.

Wickets fell in clusters and 36 for two became 37 for three when Scotland captain Preston Mommsen fell for a second-ball duck when he mishooked a Shane Watson bouncer to Starc at deep backward square leg.

Then 50 for four was soon transformed into 51 for five when off-

spinner Glenn Maxwell struck first ball, Richie Berrington chipping tamely to cover.

Left-hander Machan’s enterprising 35-ball innings, including six fours, ended when he turned a short ball from Cummins to James Faulkner at long leg.

Scotland were 130 for eight off 25 overs when rain fell and their innings was finished four balls

4-1-16-1 (1w); Maxwell 4-0-24-1 (1w); Faulkner 3-0-15-0 (1w); AUSTRALIA M. Clarke c Leask b Wardlaw 47 A. Finch c Coleman b Taylor 20 S. Watson c Cross b Davey 24 J. Faulkner not out 16 D. Warner not out 21 Extras (lb-2, w-3) 5 Total (3 wkts, 15.2 overs) 133 Fall of wickets: 1-30 (Finch), 2-88 (Watson), 3-92 (Clarke) Bowling: Wardlaw 5-0-57-1 (1w); Taylor 5-0-29-1; Davey 5-1-38-1 (1w); 0.2-0-7-0 (1w) Result: Australia won by seven wickets Man of the match: Mitchell Starc Toss: Australia Umpires: Richard Illingworth, Ian Gould TV umpire: Joel Wilson (WIS) Match referee: Jeff Crowe (NZL)

after the resumption, with Davey and Iain Wardlaw (nought) both undone by Starc yorkers.

Australia lost Aaron Finch early in their chase before Clarke and Watson (24) put on 58 for the second wicket.

Watson became Davey’s 15th wicket of the World Cup when he top-edged a sweep and was caught by wicket-keeper Matthew Cross.

Clarke’s quickfire innings, including seven fours and two sixes, came to end when a pull off Wardlaw was brilliantly caught by the diving Leask, running round the boundary. - AFP

C6

SU N DAY, MARCH 15, 2015

Mitchell Starc glad as plan comes together Four-wicket haul against Scotland

Australia switched on for knockout stage, says Clarke

left Mitchell Starc topping the bowling charts with 16 wickets in five matches at a stunningly low average of 8.50 apiece

HOBART: Australia’s Mitchell Starc looked forward to the knockout stages of the World Cup with confidence after taking four wickets in the co-hosts’ comfortable win over Scotland in their final Pool A match in Hobart on Saturday. Michael Clarke’s men were already through to the quarterfinals but there was no easing up from left-arm fast bowler Starc at Bellerive Oval.

The 25-year-old took four for 14 in just 4.4 overs as Scotland were shot out for 130 after Clarke won the toss.That left Starc topping the tournament bowling charts with 16 wickets in five matches at a stunningly low average of 8.50 apiece.

“I’ve been working quite hard with Craig McDermott (Australia’s bowling coach) since the one-day series in Zimbabwe. I look forward to continue with (my form) through the back-end (of the

HOBART: Australia captain Michael Clarke is pleased with whatever batting opportunity he and his team mates had against Scotland on Saturday and said every member of the squad was ‘switched on’ for the knockout stage of the World Cup. In a rejigged batting order, Clarke opened the innings and Watson came at number three, followed by Faulkner.

“I dearly would have liked all three of us to get a hundred each,” Clarke said.

“I think we did whatever we could. We made the most of whatever opportunity we had. I think most importantly, everybody in the squad mentally is ready to go,” said

World Cup),” said Starc. “Yeah, the ball is coming out nicely, I can’t complain at all. Well, it’s coming out consistently, but more importantly we’re winning games and that’s all that matters,” the New South Wales paceman added.

Starc’s brilliant six for 28 almost rescued an improbable win for Australia over fellow co-hosts New Zealand at Auckland’s Eden Park in a match they eventually

the right-hander who hit a run-a-ball 47.

“I still felt a little bit rusty there with the bat,” Clarke said.

“I don’t think Watty would have played that shot if he wasn’t putting the team first and Jimmy Faulkner had to come in and try and smack it at the end there.”

Australia have fielded all 15 players in the tournament.

“Mentally all the guys are switched on, and because they’re training so well that makes life a lot easier, it’s just today things worked out nicely,” Clarke said. “It would have been ideal for us to spend as much time in the middle as possible.” - Reuters

lost by just one wicket. But since then it’s been a largely smooth ride into the quarterfinals for Clarke’s men, bidding to win Australia’s fifth World Cup title and first on home soil.

“As long as we’re winning games, confidence is going to be high, and especially going into the knockout stages, taking a bit of momentum,” said Starc.

“I think we’re all bowling quite

well, we’re training well, so yeah, personally it’s just nice to see the ball coming out consistently.

We’re working on different plans, whether it be in training or in the game, but it’s nice to see them coming off.”

Australia recalled Pat Cummins for Saturday’s match, in place of spinner Xavier Doherty. Although Cummins took three wickets, his seven overs cost 42 runs. But Clarke said the match situation when Cummins was bowling had to be taken into account.

“He’s obviously had a little bit of a niggle there and he’s come back well,” said Clarke. “He bowled quick, bowled really good balls, got three wickets, and he went for a couple of runs, but I think the writing was on the wall for them; they (Scotland) were seven down and chancing their arm.

“I don’t think he bowled badly at all. He bowled some really good balls that got hit for runs. He’s only going to get better. He’s only 21. He’s had a couple days off from bowling.

He’ll be better off for the run.”

Australia will play as yet to be determined opponent in a quarterfinal at the Adelaide Oval on Friday, March 20.

Asked how much he enjoyed playing in Adelaide, Sydney native Clarke jokingly replied: “Not as much as I enjoy Sydney. It’s always nice to play in Australia, it’s a ground that we’ve all played some cricket at and we all know quite well.

“We’ll prepare well, as we have done for the whole World Cup, and be ready to go no matter what we face.” - AFP VIEW POINT

I’m worried about Pakistan batting, says Shoaib Akhtar NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar is worried about the team’s inconsistent batting ahead of their clash against giant-killers Ireland in a must-win final Pool B league encounter of the World Cup in Adelaide on Sunday.

The Misbah-ul Haq-led side have won three out of five games to be locked on six points with Ireland and both teams need a win to stay above West Indies, who are likely to get past UAE, in the points table.

For Shoaib, Pakistan’s batting effort will be key in the crucial clash in Adelaide. “I am not worried about our bowling attack, it is our batting which I’m worried about, especially while chasing a target,” Akhtar, who is part of the Star Sports Hindi commentary panel, told PTI. The team has failed to cross the 250-run mark barring the instance when they posted 339 for six against an inexperienced UAE attack while Misbah is the only

Shoaib Akhtar

batsman in the ranks to average above 50.

Akhtar believes Pakistan are a better side while defending a target. “In my opinion, Pakistan should choose to bat first if they win the toss and set a big target which is difficult for Ireland to chase against the revitalised bowling attack of Pakistan,” said Akhtar.

Even Pakistan’s batting coach Grant Flower has asked the batsmen to pull up up their socks in

time or it might get too late.

“I would like to believe our best is yet to come. If we don’t, I don’t think we will go much further in the tournament,” the former Zimbabwean star said.

But Pakistan, who have had bad memories of an Ireland World Cup clash after they were beaten by the minnows in 2007 to bow out of the tournament, want to avoid a repeat of that.

They also saw the death of coach Bob Woolmer a day after the loss and veteran batsman Younis Khan, who was part of the squad in West Indies, wants to win the match in Woolmer’s honour.

“This is surely a very emotional game for me and all of us,” Khan said, remembering the man who coached Pakistan from 2004 till his death. “I remember Bob a lot, he contributed so much to Pakistan cricket. Hope we can win this game and some more in the World Cup. There would be nothing better to dedicate to Bob’s memory.” - PTI

S U N DAY, MAR C H 1 5, 2 0 1 5

C7

Skipper Misbah urges Pakistan not to waste the ‘new life’ gained The last league match in the monthlong group stage will steer the winner into the quarterfinals and leave the loser facing a tricky run-rate countback against West Indies

ADELAIDE: Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq urged his team to build on the momentum gained over the last two weeks as they clash with Ireland in a must-win World Cup game at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday. The last league match in the month-long group stage will steer the winner into the quarter-finals and leave the loser facing a tricky run-rate countback against the West Indies.

A likely win for the West Indies over the United Arab Emirates earlier on Sunday will bring them level with Pakistan and Ireland on six points to set up a keen finish for the knock-out rounds.

Pakistan lost their opening two matches against old foes India and the West Indies, but bounced back to win the next three to prove once again they are one of the most unpredictable sides in world cricket.

One of those included a stunning success over mighty South Africa in Auckland where they bowled the Proteas out for 202 after making just 222.

“We have got a new life in this tournament and we must ensure we do not waste it,” said the 40-year-old Misbah, who along with team-mate Shahid Afridi, will quit one-day cricket once their World Cup ends. “There are four must-wins games to play starting with the one against Ireland. Then three more and you could win the tournament, so our approach has to be straightforward.

“There will be no second chance.

Just go there, be positive, try to get

TRAINING HARD: Pakistan cricket players warm up before a training session ahead of their next 2015 Cricket World Cup Pool B match against Ireland at Adelaide Oval – AFP FA C T B O X

Pakistan just another game, says Porterfield ADELAIDE: Ireland captain William Porterfield is confident his side has prepared well for Sunday’s must-win World Cup match against Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval, but insisted it was just another game.

The final Pool B match in the month-long group stage will lift the winner into the quarterfinals and leave the loser facing a tricky run-rate countback against the West Indies.

Both teams go into the winner-take-all game at par with three wins from five

wickets when you bowl and score runs when you bat. The bowlers have done very well so far, it’s now the turn of the batsmen to deliver.”

Misbah’s four half-centuries in five matches have stood out in an otherwise uninspiring batting display where Pakistan have

matches, but Porterfield said it did not help to take it as a special day out in the field. “It’s just another game of the group in terms of preparation,” he told reporters on Saturday.

“Obviously result-wise it’s a key match, but you are still going to prepare like you do for each match. The opposition is what’s in front of you, and you have to prepare to beat them. I don’t think you can think about the outcome and put pressure on yourself. Some lads may think about it more than oth-

crossed 250 just once when they hammered 339 for six against the amateurs from the United Arab Emirates. “The key in this World Cup has been to keep wickets in hand till the 35th over and then go for the runs. I think teams who have been able to do this have won

ers and that may be an extra motivation factor for them. But as long as we prepare how we have done for each individual game, then we’ll be fine.”

Debutants Ireland scored a memorable win over Pakistan when the teams last met in the World Cup in 2007, but Porterfield said another victory this time will not be a surprise.

“That was our first taste of a World Cup and it was our second game in the competition,” said the skipper who was part of that match in Jamaica. — AFP

90 percent of the time. “We would like someone to take responsibility and bat the entire innings so that the momentum can be built from the other end. We have four good seamers in form, its now up to the batsmen to put runs on the board.”

Ireland scored a famous three-

M AT C H P R E V I E W

Cyclone Pam threatens Windies hope NAPIER: The West Indies will be looking to dispose of the United Arab Emirates in swift fashion on Sunday, captain Jason Holder said as a looming storm threatened their World Cup play-off chances. The West Indies must beat the amateurs to make the quarterfinals, but it will be an early flight home if they lose, or if approaching Cyclone Pam forces the game to be abandoned.

“It’s a must-win game for us.

Obviously if the weather plays a part, it’s beyond our control, but we just need to control what we can control, and that’s the game,” Holder said Saturday.

“If we can wrap it up as quickly as possible, that’s a plus for us.”

The West Indies go into the match two points behind Pakistan and Ireland with all three sides in contention for the remaining two quarterfinal spots from Pool B behind India and South Africa.

A win to the West Indies should put them into the play offs with a superior run rate over the loser of the Pakistan-Ireland match to be played later Sunday in Adelaide.

FA C T B O X

WEST INDIES Captain: Jason Holder Coach: Stuart Williams Squad: Holder, Marlon Samuels, Sulieman Benn, Johnson Charles, Jonathan Carter, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Gayle, Nikita Miller, Denesh Ramdin, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Darren Sammy, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Jerome Taylor Results so far at 2015 World Cup: Lost to Ireland by four wickets Beat Pakistan by 150 runs Beat Zimbabwe by 73 runs (D/L method) Lost to South Africa by 257 runs Lost to India by four wickets Top performers: Gayle (279 runs), Marlon Samuels (194 runs); Jerome Taylor (11 wkts)

Holder was also not shy in outlining their plans for UAE who struggled against a barrage of short deliveries when they faced South Africa’s battery of quicks.

“Obviously they seem to not like the aggressive stuff, so it’s in our nature to be aggressive and we just need to be aggressive and play

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Captain: Mohammed Tauqir Coach: Aaqib Javed Squad: Mohammed Tauqir, Khurram Khan, Amjad Ali, Amjad Javed, Andri Berenger, Fahad Alhashmi, Manjula Guruge, Kamran Shazad, Krishna Chandran, Mohammed Naveed, Nasir Aziz, Swapnil Patil, Rohan Mustafa, Saqlain Haider, Shaiman Anwar Results so far at 2015 World Cup: Lost to Zimbabwe by four wickets Lost to Ireland by two wickets Lost to India by nine wickets Lost to Pakistan by 129 runs Lost to South Africa by 146 runs Top performers: Shaiman Anwar (309 runs), Khurram Khan (150 runs); Mohammad Naveed (eight wickets)

aggressive cricket.”

With rain forecast late in the day in Napier, the West Indies cannot afford a washout as the one point for an abandoned game will not be enough to get them through. “I can’t play the weather.

If it comes, it comes. If it doesn’t, we just need to do what’s required

of us,” Holder said, emphasising the need to have the game sewn up before the rain arrives, but to do so without taking unnecessary risks.

“It’s ideal that we probably wrap it up as quickly as possible, but we still have to play the cricket, and to win it on merit is the best way to do it,” he said. “I don’t think we should think too far ahead but we should take it stage by stage and just try to come out with a win, which is most important.”

It has been an up and down tournament for the West Indies who started with a shock loss to Ireland and were beaten by India and South Africa. But they picked up comprehensive wins against Pakistan and Zimbabwe, when Chris Gayle burst into life after a series of low scores to smack a tournament record 215.

Holder, a surprise choice to captain the side, said that before the World Cup, he did not expect to be in a fight for survival come their final pool game. “I think any team would love to have qualified by now, heading into the quarterfinals stage,” he said. - AFP

PAKISTAN Captain: Misbah ul-Haq Coach: Waqar Younis Squad: Nasir Jamshed, Ahmed Shehzad, Haris Sohail, Misbah-ul Haq, Sohaib Maqsood, Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Khan, Rahat Ali, Mohammad Irfan, Younus Khan, Safraz Ahmed, Yasir Shah, Ehsan Adil.

Results so far at 2015 World Cup: Lost to India by 76 runs Lost to West Indies by 150 runs Beat Zimbabwe by 20 runs Beat UAE by 129 runs Beat South Africa by 29 runs (D/L method) Best performers: Misbah-ul Haq (277 runs); Wahab Riaz (11 wickets) *** IRELAND Captain: William Porterfield Coach: Phil Simmons

wicket win over Pakistan when the teams last met in the World Cup in 2007 and Misbah conceded his team needed to be at their best to make the quarterfinals. “That was eight years ago and we are not looking back, but I agree Ireland are a dangerous team. Everybody knows their strength is batting.

Squad: William Porterfield, Paul Stirling, Ed Joyce, Niall O’Brien, Andrew Balbirnie, Gary Wilson, Kevin O’Brien, John Mooney, George Dockrell, Max Sorensen, Andrew McBrine, Peter Chase, Alex Cusack, Stuart Thompson, Craig Young Results so far at 2015 World Cup: Beat West Indies by four wickets Beat UAE by two wickets Lost to South Africa by 201 runs Beat Zimbabwe by five runs Lost to India by 8 wickets Best performers: Ed Joyce (235 runs); Alex Cusack, Kevin O’Brien (six wickets) *** Head-to-head Total played: five Pakistan won three, Ireland won one, tied one.

Last match: Pakistan won by two wickets at Dublin on May 26, 2013.

They have a pretty mature batting line-up. We really have to play our best cricket to beat them.”

Pakistan’s progress is similar to the one by Imran Khan’s men when the tournament was last played Down Under in 1992, rising from the brink of elimination to be crowned champions. - AFP

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SU N DAY, MARCH 15, 2015

Bangladesh want to build on ‘remarkable’ progress to quarters

WORDS OF PRIDE

High on confidence after their tough fight against Pool A tabletoppers New Zealand on Friday, a match won by the co-hosts

No favours for West Indies, says UAE captain

by just three wickets, Bangladesh now face defending champions India in quarterfinals in Melbourne on March 19

NAPIER: There won’t be any favours for the West Indies in their must-win World Cup clash against the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, with UAE skipper Mohammad Tauqir saying they want to knock the former champions out of the tourmament.

The West Indies, the 1975 and 1979 winners, are locked in a three-way battle with Pakistan and Ireland to fill the final two qualifying spots in Pool B behind India and South Africa.

They will sneak into the quarterfinals with a win over the UAE and at the expense of whoever loses the match in Adelaide between Pakistan and Ireland later Sunday.

Although the UAE have yet to register a point, Tauqir said Ireland’s win over the West Indies early in the pool play has given them hope they too can topple the Caribbean side.

“They’re not playing as consistent cricket as they should be, but that’s an opportunity for us,’ he said.

“But we need to do our basics right. We need to bowl well, bat well, field well. We have to play very good cricket to beat them, but I can see that’s possible.

Although the West Indies’ Chris Gayle-led batting line up is capable of feasting off the UAE bowlers, who have been further weakened by the loss of the injured Fahad Al Hashmi, Tauqir feels they are also vulnerable.

“They’ll be under pressure of chasing a run rate, and I think it gives us opportunity to play freely and express ourselves either batting or bowling,” he said.

“West Indies will be under pressure of getting qualified for the knockout stage.”

Although the UAE are definite underdogs, opener Andri Berenger described the atmosphere in their camp as “positive, confident” as they look for an

We need to bowl well, bat well, field well. We have to play very good cricket to beat them, but I can see that’s possible Mohammed Tauqir UAE captain

elusive first win.

“We saw Ireland beat the West Indies, it gives us a lot of confidence, and I think we can do that as well,” he said.

“The West Indies team is also a very unpredictable side. They heavily rely on Chris Gayle, so we can see some opportunity playing against them.”

But win or lose against the West Indies, one thing for certain is the UAE side will fly home on Monday at the end of their pool matches in their second World Cup campaign and first since 1996.

Tauqir said they were far from despondent with their lack of success so far.

“We started the tournament well, the two games against Zimbabwe and Ireland. I think we had one bad game against India, but I would say even the games against Pakistan and South Africa were decent performances from our side,” he said.

“Although it has been a long tournament, we were getting a few good breaks between the games. Everybody is fit and looking forward to tomorrow’s game and to end this tournament on a winning note.” - AFP

AUCKLAND: Bangladesh hope their “remarkable” progress into the World Cup quarter-finals will help the passionate cricketing nation build for the future and compete on a regular basis with stronger rivals.

Ranked number nine in the oneday standings, Bangladesh defeated number six England to qualify for the knockout round for the first time.

High on confidence after their tough fight against Pool A tabletoppers New Zealand on Friday, a match won by the co-hosts by just three wickets, Bangladesh now face defending champions India in the quarterfinals in Melbourne on March 19.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief executive Nizam Uddin Chowdhury described Bangladesh’s progress as remarkable.

“This has been a remarkable success and validates our faith in the team,” Chowdhury told AFP. “It is also important to look at the bigger picture. Achievements like this go a long way in further popularising the game, unearthing talent, drumming up support and attracting opportunities and investment in cricket.”

Chowdhury believed the performance will help in building for the future.

“There are always challenges in the path of development and progress but we have been patient with our system. We have seen a steady improvement across all formats of the game in recent years,” he said.

“I am confident that Bangladesh cricket is ready to take the next step forward.”

A cricket-mad country of 156 million people, Bangladesh inherited their passion for the game from Pakistan, of which they were part until independence in 1971.

TOP MOMENTS: Bangladesh bowler Shakib Al Hasan, left, is congratulated by Nasir Hossain, centre,

and wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim during the Pool A 2015 Cricket World Cup match against New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Friday. – AFP

They were granted Test status in 2000 but have shown little progress in the five-day format, losing all but seven of their 88 Tests.

Five wins were against Zimbabwe and two against a depleted West Indies.

But in the last few years Bangladesh have shown improvement in one-day internationals and Twenty20 by beating top nations like England, India and Sri Lanka.

Their recent progress has impressed New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum.

“I think the development of their skills in general has improved a lot over the last few years. They’ve always been tough at home,” said McCullum.

“But their ability to now travel, I

think you’re seeing their skills-set develop as well.

“I think what we saw the other night with a couple of the guys there (against England in Adelaide), the threat that they pose with ball in hand for their quick bowlers is a lot more dangerous than a few years ago.

“So I guess that is the sheer weight of numbers as well that Bangladesh possesses, and the passion for the game is starting to flow through so you’re starting to see talent rise to the top, and they’ll become a very tough proposition over the next few years.”

Bangladesh’s chief selector Faruque Ahmed predicted the team will continue to improve after the World Cup.

“This World Cup showing means a lot to us,” Ahmed told AFP. “We have great passion for the game which is evident in all corners of the country and by watching the Bangladesh team do well will inspire a whole generation.”

Journalist Azad Majumdar said recent performances will boost Bangladesh’s status at international level as well as their coffers.

“A quarter-final berth will give them a financial boost. Bangladesh badly needed to perform at some level to keep the other countries interested in playing against them.

“Bangladesh is slowly becoming a force to reckon with at home.

But a quarterfinal berth will also now give them confidence to do well abroad.” - AFP

C

LIFE & STYLE

SECTION

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM S U N DAY, MAR C H 1 5, 2 0 1 5

Just about everybody has one raging ging narcissist to deal with, sooner or later — on n the job job,, in social situations or in the home.

How did he get this way, we wonder? What was his childhood like?

F

or what appears to be the first time, researchers have taken a stab at that question by following and surveying 565 children ages 7 through 11 and their parents — 415 mothers and 290 fathers.

The results are quite clear: Parents who “overvalue” children during this developmental stage, telling them they are superior to others and entitled to special treatment, are more likely to produce narcissistic children — who can grow up to become narcissistic adults, unless something is done about it.

“When children are seen by their parents as being more special and more entitled than other children, they may internalise the view that they are superior individuals, a view that is at the core of narcissism,” the researchers wrote in a study released online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. “But

when children are treated by their parents with affection and appreciation, they may internalise the view that they are valuable individuals, a view that is at the core of self-esteem.”

This seems to make sense intuitively, but as the authors — Brad Bushman of Ohio State University and Eddie Brummelman, a post-doctoral researcher at Holland’s University of Amsterdam and Utrecht University — point out, this was not the prevailing explanation all along.

Psychoanalytic theory suggested that narcissists were the result of parents who showed them too little warmth.

So Bushman and Brummelman pitted social learning theory — the idea that you learn through modelled behaviour — against the psychoanalytic argument and found that, indeed, children learn their narcissism from parents who teach them that they are more than special.

The authors also wanted to determine what differentiated narcissists — who tend to be more aggressive and even violent than other people, and are at higher risk for depression, anxiety and drug addiction — from people with strong selfesteem. As mentioned above, parents who show their kids warmth and appreciation without promoting the idea that they are superior tend to raise children with solid self-esteem.

Previous studies have looked at narcissistic adults, but in 2008, Brummelman said in an interview, reliable testing instruments became available for young children. By the age of 7 or 8, he said, children develop the ability to describe whether they are happy with themselves and are very likely to compare themselves with others. “It‘s an age when they maybe especially sensitive to parental influence,” he added.

The researchers did note that they couldn’t quite come out and show cause and effect. “Of course, parental over valuation is not the sole origin of narcissism,” they wrote. “Like other personality traits, narcissism is moderately heritable and partly rooted in early-emerging temperamental traits. Some children, due to their temperamental traits, might be more likely than others to become narcissistic when exposed to parental over valuation.”

Aside from having to deal with someone like this, why should any of us care? Well, narcissism has been on the rise among Western youth in recent decades. Bushman wasn’t available for an interview, but he put his concerns nicely when my colleague Rachel Feltman interviewed him for another study last summer: “I’ve been studying aggression for about 30 years,” he said, “and I’ve seen that the most harmful belief that a person can

have is that they’re superior to others.

Men are better than women, my race is better than your race, my religion is superior to your religion.’ When people believe they’re better than other people, they act accordingly.”

He and Brummelman wrote in this paper: “Narcissistic individuals feel superior to others, fantasise about personal successes, and believe they deserve special treatment. When they feel humiliated, they often lash out aggressively or even violently.”

So can anything be done to halt this process? Brummelman said yes, both during the ages of 7-12, when the sentiment develops, and later. “Perhaps we can develop a way to help parents convey affection and appreciation for a child without necessarily putting a child on a pedestal, without telling the child he is better than others,” he said. — Lenny Bernstein/The Washington Post

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SUN DAY, MARCH 15, 2015

PRAYER TIMINGS

FIND-IT-ALL Y O U R B I R T H D AY

BORN today, you rely on strength of spirit and personal beliefs to see you through. You are almost certain to be known for taking stands that, while not necessarily popular, are certainly right — at least for you. You are not the kind to be swayed by anyone else’s opinion, and your mind is going to be made up about a thing only after you have been given hard evidence and empirical proof of its certainty. Interestingly, your definition for “proof” is unique to you; others may not, in fact, see things as proven in the same way you do. That, in itself, is why your own personal belief system is so very important to you.

You have great confidence in both your professional life and your personal affairs, and you will always go after what you want — or whom you want — with courage and conviction. You’re not one to take “no” for an answer — at least not without putting up something of a fight!

Also born on this date are: Eva Longoria, actress; Andrew Jackson, US president; Sly Stone, musician; Dee Snider, singer; Fabio, model; Judd Hirsch, actor; Mark McGrath, singer; Harry James, musician; Kevin Youkilis, baseball player; Jimmy Swaggart, televangelist.

W E AT H E R

M

WORLD

Max 27 Min 18 Max 11 Min 2

Max 23 Min 17

Max 28 Min 19 Max 8 Min 4

Max 24 Min 17

Max 7 Min -4

Max 32 Min 18

Max 25 Min 17

Max 30 Min 14

Max 27 Min 18

Max 28 Min 19

[Feb. 19-March 20] Max 28 Min 23

Max 31 Min 17

-www.met.gov.om

Max 32 Min 22 Max 24 Min 17

Min

GULF Abu Dhabi Doha Dubai Kuwait Manama Riyadh

28 26 30 29 26 34

19 21 28 15 19 20

WORLD Athens Baghdad Beijing Berlin Boston Cairo Colombo Frankfurt Hong Kong Istanbul Johannesburg Kuala Lumpur Lisbon Paris Perth Singapore Tokyo Toronto

16 28 18 11 4 23 32 11 23 9 29 34 18 9 29 32 13 4

3 12 1 8 -4 11 23 2 19 6 15 24 7 2 18 20 6 1

L O N G D I S TA N C E B U S T I M I N G S ( O M A N N AT I O N A L T R A N S P O R T C O M PA N Y S A O C ) * S U B J E C T T O C H A N G E

[March 21-APRIL 19] No one is more aware of your limitations than you are, and no one but you can anticipate what you will do with your strengths.

TAURUS [APRIL 20-MAY 20] Giving another an inch is not a sign of weakness; rather, it’s a sign that you’re willing to work toward a productive compromise.

GEMINI [MAY 21-JUNE 20] “Yes” is the answer you’re looking for, but you may have to wait much longer than expected. A certain someone may not be quite ready.

CANCER [JUNE 21-JULY 22] The best way to feel better about a certain troubling situation is to put it out of your mind. Thinking about it only makes it worse.

LEO [JULY 23-AUG. 22] You’re getting into a habit that can only make things more difficult for you if it becomes truly ingrained.

Break it now!

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (Route 36) Dept Destination Arrival Time Time 15:00 Quriyat 16:30 15:00 Sur 18:00 15:00 Jaalan 19:30 TO AL BURAIMI (Route 41) 06:30 Sohar 06:30 Buraimi 08:00 Buraimi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Buraimi 16.00 Sohar 16.00 Buraimi TO SINAW (Route 52) 17:30 Sinaw

[AUG. 23-SEPT. 22] You’ll want to make room in your schedule for a certain activity that you know is good for you, but which is not altogether enjoyable.

LIBRA L [[SEPT. [S S 23-OCT. 22] You’ll want to discuss more freely the issues that are affecting you right now — but some may be stubbornly clinging to a frustrating ignorance.

SCORPIO S [[OCT. 23-NOV. 21] You’re able to put your best foot forward, but this is only the first step.

Soon, you’ll be taking many such steps, much more quickly.

SAGITTARIUS S [[NOV. 22-DEC. 21] Promises made are promises kept — or so it must be! Now is no time for any kind of deception — intentional or otherwise.

CAPRICORN [DEC. 22-JAN 19] You may not be working under the most ideal conditions, but you’re used to making something out of nothing — and things aren’t that bad!

AQUARIUS [JAN. 20-FEB. 18] Others may not understand completely just how you feel when faced with a certain threat. It’s real, but you can tackle it!

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Operating Days Daily Daily Daily

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (Route 36) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 05:30 Sur 06:45 Daily 05:30 Quriyat 08:30 Daily 05:30 Ruwi 10:00 Daily

08:50 11:00 14:30 15:45 17:40 18.35 20:20

Daily Daily Daily via Ibri Daily Daily Daily Daily

20:50

Daily

TO AL BURAIMI (Route 41) 07:00 Sohar 07:00 Ruwi 13:30 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 17:00 Ruwi TO SINAW (Route 52) 07:00 Ruwi

To Yanqul (Route 54) 14:30 Nizwa 14:30 Yanqul

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (Route 54) 08:00 Nizwa 08:00 Al Araqi

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (Route 55) 07:30 Sur 14:30 Sur TO FAHUD - YIBAL (Route 62) 06:30 Fahud 06:30 Yibal

08:55 11:40 20:20 14:55 17:40 19:20 22:15

Daily Daily Daily via Ibri Daily Daily Daily Daily

10:25

Daily

To Yanqul (Route 54) 06:00 Nizwa 06:00 Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

Daily Daily

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (Route 54) 15:40 Nizwa 15:40 Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

TO SUR (Route 55) 06:00 Ruwi 14:30 Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

10:30 11:15

Daily Daily

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (Route 62) 12:30 Fahud 12:30 Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (Route 100) 07:00 Salalah 20:00 10:00 Marmul 20:30 10:00 Salalah 23:30 19:00 Salalah 07:40

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (Route 100) 07:00 Ruwi 19:50 10:00 Marmul 13:15 10:00 Ruwi 22:30 19:00 Ruwi 07:30

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101) 06:00 Marmul

Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101) 06:00 Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (Route 102) 15:00 Salalah 07:00

Daily

16:50

SALALAH TO DUBAI (Route 102) 15:00 Dubai 07:00

VIRGO

Sunset Sunrise (Tomorrow) High tide Low tide

4.37pm 9.52pm

6:15pm 6:16am 3:06am 10:40am

the Sultanate coasts with maximum wave height of 1.0 meters.

HORIZONTAL VISIBILITY: Good over most of the Sultanate becoming poor during fog.

THE NEXT 48 HOURS OUTLOOK: Mainly clear skies over most of the sultanate with chance of clouds developments over al Hajar mountains.

Chance of late night to early morning low level clouds or fog patches along most of the governorates of South al Sharqiya, al Wusta and Dhofar. Chance of blowing dust over deserts and open areas with relative slight increase in surface temperatures.

Max

OMAN

ARIES

12.21pm 3.46pm 6.21pm 7.31pm 5.01am

AIRLINES

ainly clear skies over most of the Sultanate with chance of late night to early morning low level clouds and fog patches formation over governorates of south al Sharqiya, Alwusta and northern part of Dhofar.

EXPECTED WINDS: Wind will be northerly light to moderate along the coastal areas of South Al Sharqiya and west of Musandam while wind will be Southeasterly light to moderate over the rest of the Sultanate.

SEA STATE: Moderate along governorates Muscat and south al Sharqiya coasts with maximum wave height of 2.0 metres, and slight along the rest of

PISCES Your suitability for a certain task is likely to be put to the test; you can come through with flying colours.

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

TO DUBAI (Route 201) 06:00 Sohar 06:00 Dubai 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Dubai 15:00 Sohar 15:00 Dubai

08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (Route 204) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 07:00 Fujairah 11.45 Daily 07:00 Sharjah 13.30 Daily 07:00 Dubai 14.00 Daily

TO DUBAI (Route 201) 07:30 Sohar 07:30 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Ruwi 15:30 Sohar 15:30 Ruwi

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (Route 204) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 16:00 Sharjah 16:30 Daily 16.00 Fujairah 18.15 Daily 16.00 Ruwi 23.00 Daily

LISTINGS

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi: 24783334; Appolo Medical Centre, Hamriya: 24782666; Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi: 24702542, Salalah: 23291635; Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra: 24503585 Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya. Tel: 24787766 Muscat, A Seeb Market. Tel: 24421691 Muscat, Al Khuwair. Tel: 24485740 Muscat, Al Hail South. Tel: 24537080 Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah.

Tel: 23291635 HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre: 24485052 Atlas Hospital: Ruwi: 24811743/ Ghubra: 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic: 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi: 24563641, Azaiba: 24499269, Sohar: 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital: 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory: 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre: 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya: 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic: 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi: 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb: 24420740 Ceregem National Raak: 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic: 24563217 Elixir Health Centre: 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre: 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre: 24472274 Hamdan Hospital: 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC: 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital: 24760100

24 Hrs Emergency: 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar: 26751128, MBD: 24799077, Al Khuwair: 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital: 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital: 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair: 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC: 22004000 ROYAL OMAN POLICE Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence: 24569603 Directorate General of Customs: 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries: 24510228 Public Relations Admin: 24560099 ACCOMMODATION Al Bahjah Hotel: 24424400 Al Bustan Palace: 24764000 Al Khuwair Hotel Apartments: 24478171 Al Madina Holiday Inn: 24596400 Al Maha International Hotel: 24494949 Al Fanar Hotel: 24712385 Al Falaj Hotel: 24702311 Al Qurum Resort: 24605945 Azaiba Hotel Apartments: 24490979 Beach Hotel: 24696601 Bowshar Hotel: 24491105 Coral Hotel Muscat: 24692121 Crowne Plaza Muscat: 24660660 Crystal Suites: 24826100 Golden Tulip Seeb: 24510300 Grand Hyatt Muscat: 24641234 Haffa House Hotel: 24707207 Hotel Muscat Holiday: 24487123 InterContinental Muscat: 24680000 Majan Continental Hotel: 24592900 Marina Hotel: 24711711 Midan Hotel Suites: 24499565 Mina Hotel: 24711828 Muttrah Hotel: 24798401

Nuzha Hotel Apartments: 24789199 Oman Dive Centre: 24824240 Park Inn: 24507888 Qurum Beach House Hotel: 24564070 Radisson Blu Hotel: 24487777 Ramee Dream Resort Seeb: 24453399 Ramee Guestline Hotel: 24564443 Ruwi Hotel: 24704244 Safeer Hotel Suites: 24691200 Sheraton Oman Hotel: 24772772 Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa: 24776666 The Chedi Muscat: 24524400 The Treasurebox Muscat Hotel: 24502570 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours): 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot: 24704455, Air Arabia: 24700828, Air France: 24562153, Air India: 24799801, Air New Zealand: 24700732, Biman Bangladesh Airlines: 24701128, British Airways: 24568777, Cathay Pacific: 24789818, Egypt Air: 24794113, Emirates Air: 24404400, Ethiopian Airlines: 24660313, Gulf Air: 80072424, Indian: 24791914, Iran Air: 24787423, Japan Airlines: 24704455, Jazeera Airways: 23294848, Jet Airways: 24787248, Kenya Airways: 24660300, KML Royal Dutch Airlines: 24566737, Kuwait Airways: 24701262, LOT Polish Airlines: 24796387, Lufthansa: 24796692, Malaysian Airlines: 24560796, Middle East Airlines: 24796680, Oman Air: 24531111, Pakistan International Airlines: 24792471, Qatar Airways: 24771900, Qantas: 24559941, Royal Jordanian: 24796693, Saudi Arabian Airlines: 24789485, Singapore Airlines: 24791233, Shaheen Air: 24816565, SriLankan Airlines:

24784545, Swiss International Airlines: 24796692, Thai Airways: 24705934, Turkish Airlines: 24703033 MUSEUMS Bait Al Baranda: Corniche (seafront opp fish market), Open from Saturday to Thursday 9am to 1pm and 4 to 6pm Natural History Museum: Al Khuwair, Tel: 24604957, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm; Thursday: 9am to 1pm Museum of Omani Heritage: (former Omani Museum), Madinat Al Alam, Sat-Wed 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday 9am to 1pm, Tel: 24600946 Armed Forces Museum: Bait Al Falaj, Tel: 24312651, Open from Sat to Wed: 8am to 1:30pm; Thurs 9-12pm and 3-6pm; Fri 9-11am and 3-6pm. Al Hoota Caves 24498258; Turtle Beach 96550606/96550707 Children’s Science Museum: Shatti Al Qurum, Tel: 24605368, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday: 9am to 1pm Oman-French Museum: near Muscat Police Station, Tel: 24736613, Open from Sat to Wed: 8am to 1:30pm, Thurs: 9am to 1pm Bait Al Zubair, Muscat: Tel: 24736688, Al Saidiya St., Muscat museum@baitalzubairmuseum.com Open from Sat to Thurs: 9:30am to 6pm.

National Museum Ruwi: Tel: 24701289, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday: 9am to 1pm Sohar Fort Museum: Tel: 26844758, Open from Saturday to Wed: 8 to 1:30pm Thurs: 9am to 1pm Muscat Gate Museum: at Al Bahri Road, Muscat open from Sat to Wed 8am to 2pm

SUNDAY

MONDAY FLT NO

ARRIVALS FROM

CAIRO 0005 RIYADH 0005 JEDDAH 0005 KUWAIT 0010 BANGKOK 0015 SALALAH 0030 SALALAH 0125 SIALKOT 0200 KARACHI 0210 ISTANBUL-BAHRAIN 0255 DOHA 0345 ADDIS ABABA 0350 DUBAI 0355 BAHRAIN 0405 ABU DHABI 0405 DUBAI 0415 FRANKFURT 0630 LUXORE 0635 BAHRAIN 0640 JEDDAH 0645 ABU DHABI 0650 SALALAH 0655 RIYADH 0700 KARACHI 0700 MALPENSA 0720 ZURICH 0720 DAMMAM 0725 JEDDAH 0730 KUWAIT 0735 DOHA 0735 PARIS 0800 DUBAI 0805 SOHAR 0815 BOMBAY 0815 LONDON HEATHROW 0820 DUBAI 0850 JAIPUR 0855 LAHORE 0900 SHARJAH 0915 LAHORE 0920 HYDERABAD 0920 DELHI 0920 COCHIN 0930 TRIVANDRUM 0940 MADRAS 0940 DUBAI 0940 BANGALORE 1000 DOHA 1010 ABU DHABI 1015 TRIVANDRUM 1020 DUQUM OMAN 1045 MUKHAIZNA 1045 DUBAI 1110 KHASAB 1115 RAS AL KHAIMA 1120 DUBAI 1200 MALE 1205 CALICUT 1210 SALALAH 1215 BANGKOK 1305 DUBAI 1330 SALALAH 1445 KHASAB 1445 KHASAB 1445 ABU DHABI 1530 DUBAI 1555 DOHA 1600 ISLAM ABBAD 1625 BOMBAY 1710 CALICUT 1720 DUBAI 1730 DELHI 1730 LUCKNOW 1735 HYDERABAD 1740 DOHA 1745 DUBAI 1750 BAHRAIN 1810 MUKHAIZNA 1845 KUALA LUMPUR 1910 SHARJAH 1915 MADRAS 1920 KUWAIT 1925 BANGKOK-KARACHI 1935 TEHRAN 1940 DUBAI 1945 KATHMANDU 2010 DUBAI 2030 JAKARTA 2055 MUNICH 2105 MALE 2110 AMSTERDAM-DOHA 2120 DELHI 2125 DUBAI 2125 BOMBAY 2130 COLOMBO 2140 CHITTAGONG 2140 DUBAI 2145 MADRAS 2200 AMMAN 2205 DOHA 2210 2225 COLOMBO BAHRAIN 2240 MEDINA 2250 MEDINA 2250 ABU DHABI 2250 KARACHI 2255 LONDON HEATHROW-ABU DHABI 2255 SALALAH 2305 AHMEDABAD-BOMBAY 2310 DOHA 2315 ZURICH-DUBAI 2320 BOMBAY 2325 FRANKFURT-ABU DHABI 2330 DUBAI 2335 DUBAI 2335 BAHRAIN 2340 DAMMAM 2350 DAMMAM 2350 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 2355

WY682 WY406 WY636 WY648 WY816 WY910 BG021 4H583 WY3916 PK229 TK776 QR1132 EK866 EY384 GF560 FZ041 WY114 WY658 WY638 WY902 WY154 WY144 WY674 WY668 WY644 WY602 WY202 WY102 FZ043 WY272 G9114 WY342 WY242 WY236 WY346 WY226 WY212 EK862 WY252 WY282 QR1128 EY382 9W530 WY604 WY844 WY918 GF562 WY372 FZ037 WY384 IX337 WY902 PA450 WY716 WY3302 WY324 WY818 WY606 WY906 WY920 WY632 FZ045 WY204 WY292 WY3304 WY610 WY246 WY264 WY284 WY232 WY664 QR1126 EK864 WY3922 GF564 WY822 WY694 WY684 G9116 WY254 WY646 WY434 FZ047 WY338 WY614 WY848 WY124 AI977 4H561 KL441 WY624 AI973 6.00E+81 WY312 WY914 9W534 FZ049 AI907 WY414 QR1134 WY928 GF566 BA073 EY388 WY326 SG061 WY908 AI985 WY662 LX242 9W540 LH618 WY612 WY654 WY696

RIYADH 0005 CAIRO 0005 ABU DHABI 0005 KUWAIT 0010 BANGKOK 0015 SALALAH 0030 DACCA-CHITTAGONG 0100 DACCA 0145 SALALAH 0205 LAHORE 0215 ISTANBUL-BAHRAIN 0255 DOHA 0345 DUBAI 0355 ABU DHABI 0405 BAHRAIN 0405 DUBAI 0415 FRANKFURT 0610 BAHRAIN 0640 ABU DHABI 0650 SALALAH 0655 ZURICH 0720 MALPENSA 0720 JEDDAH 0730 DOHA 0735 KUWAIT 0735 DUBAI 0805 BOMBAY 0815 LONDON HEATHROW 0820 DUBAI 0850 JAIPUR 0855 SHARJAH 0915 LAHORE 0920 DELHI 0920 HYDERABAD 0920 ISLAM ABBAD 0930 COCHIN 0930 TRIVANDRUM 0940 DUBAI 0940 MADRAS 0940 BANGALORE 1000 DOHA 1010 ABU DHABI 1015 TRIVANDRUM 1035 DUBAI 1110 MANILA 1110 KHASAB 1115 BAHRAIN 1130 COLOMBO 1140 DUBAI 1200 MALE 1205 CALICUT 1210 SALALAH 1215 LAHORE 1215 ZANZIBAR 1225 MUKHAIZNA 1230 KARACHI 1230 BANGKOK 1305 DUBAI 1330 SALALAH 1445 KHASAB 1445 ABU DHABI 1530 DUBAI 1555 BOMBAY 1710 CALICUT 1720 MUKHAIZNA 1730 DUBAI 1730 DELHI 1730 LUCKNOW 1735 BANGALORE 1740 HYDERABAD 1740 DOHA 1745 DOHA 1745 DUBAI 1750 DUQUM OMAN 1755 BAHRAIN 1810 KUALA LUMPUR 1910 DAMMAM 1910 RIYADH 1910 SHARJAH 1915 MADRAS 1920 KUWAIT 1925 TEHRAN 1940 DUBAI 1945 KATHMANDU 2010 DUBAI 2030 JAKARTA 2055 MUNICH 2105 BANGALORE-HYDERABAD 2105 DACCA 2115 AMSTERDAM-DOHA 2120 DUBAI 2125 DELHI 2125 BOMBAY 2130 CHITTAGONG 2140 SALALAH 2140 COCHIN 2140 DUBAI 2145 MADRAS 2200 AMMAN 2205 DOHA 2210 SALALAH 2220 BAHRAIN 2240 LONDON HEATHROW-ABU DHABI 2250 ABU DHABI 2250 KARACHI 2255 AHMEDABAD 2300 SALALAH 2305 AHMEDABAD-BOMBAY 2310 DOHA 2315 ZURICH-DUBAI 2320 BOMBAY 2325 FRANKFURT-ABU DHABI 2330 DUBAI 2335 BAHRAIN 2340 DAMMAM 2350

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DEPARTURES TO

AI986 LX243 9W539 BA072 LH619 WY685 WY211 WY251 WY201 WY225 WY235 WY341 WY281 WY601 WY241 WY271 WY643 WY637 WY821 WY657 WY123 WY667 WY323 WY691 WY383 WY901 WY847 PK260 NL772 TK777 ET625 EK867 FZ042 QR1133 EY385 WY3931 WY3301 WY3921 4H562 GF561 WY903 WY603 CV732 WY917 WY291 WY263 WY347 FZ044 WY385 WY231 WY245 WY843 G9115 WY815 NL769 WY905 WY203 WY605 WY373 WY253 WY337 WY717 EK863 WY311 EY383 IX554 QR1129 WY3303 WY919 WY663 G9842 WY631 IX350 FZ038 WY433 WY113 WY101 WY413 WY645 WY153 WY143 WY927 WY609 WY405 WY3305 WY671 WY675 WY613 FZ046 WY913 WY623 WY325 QR1127 WY681 WY907 GF565 WY647 WY661 EK865 WY695 G9117 WY909 WY611 WY635 FZ048 TG508 WY915 FZ050 KL442 WY817 6.00E+82 AI908 AI974 QR1135 GF567 UL206 EY381

BOMBAY 0005 DUBAI-ZURICH 0020 BOMBAY 0025 ABU DHABI-LONDON HEATHROW 0025 ABU DHABI-FRANKFURT 0050 RIYADH 0105 TRIVANDRUM 0110 MADRAS 0110 BOMBAY 0120 COCHIN 0125 HYDERABAD 0135 LAHORE 0150 BANGALORE 0150 DUBAI 0150 DELHI 0155 JAIPUR 0200 KUWAIT 0200 ABU DHABI 0205 KUALA LUMPUR 0205 BAHRAIN 0205 MUNICH 0210 DOHA 0225 KARACHI 0225 DAMMAM 0235 MALE 0235 SALALAH 0240 JAKARTA 0245 PESHAWAR 0310 PESHAWAR 0330 BAHRAIN-ISTANBUL 0350 ADDIS ABABA 0450 DUBAI 0455 DUBAI 0510 DOHA 0520 ABU DHABI 0525 SOHAR 0600 MUKHAIZNA 0715 DUQUM OMAN 0745 DACCA 0745 BAHRAIN 0745 SALALAH 0800 DUBAI 0800 HONG KONG 0805 KHASAB 0815 CALICUT 0920 LUCKNOW 0920 ISLAM ABBAD 0920 DUBAI 0935 MALE 0940 HYDERABAD 0955 DELHI 0955 MANILA 1000 SHARJAH 1005 BANGKOK 1010 LAHORE 1030 SALALAH 1030 BOMBAY 1030 DUBAI 1030 COLOMBO 1040 MADRAS 1040 KATHMANDU 1040 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 1045 DUBAI 1055 CHITTAGONG 1100 ABU DHABI 1105 TRIVANDRUM 1110 DOHA 1115 MUKHAIZNA 1115 KHASAB 1145 DOHA 1145 RAS AL KHAIMA 1210 ABU DHABI 1220 CALICUT 1310 DUBAI 1315 TEHRAN 1330 FRANKFURT 1400 LONDON HEATHROW 1400 AMMAN 1405 KUWAIT 1405 ZURICH 1405 MALPENSA 1415 SALALAH 1415 DUBAI 1420 CAIRO 1430 MUKHAIZNA 1515 MEDINA 1535 JEDDAH 1630 DUBAI 1700 DUBAI 1700 SALALAH 1810 DUBAI 1820 KARACHI 1830 DOHA 1845 RIYADH 1845 SALALAH 1850 BAHRAIN 1855 KUWAIT 1900 DOHA 1900 DUBAI 1905 DAMMAM 1910 SHARJAH 2005 SALALAH 2015 DUBAI 2025 ABU DHABI 2040 DUBAI 2040 KARACHI-BANGKOK 2040 SALALAH 2110 DUBAI 2225 DOHA-AMSTERDAM 2230 BANGKOK 2235 BOMBAY 2245 MADRAS 2300 DELHI 2310 DOHA 2320 BAHRAIN 2325 COLOMBO 2335 ABU DHABI 2350

AI986 LX243 9W539 BA072 WY715 LH619 WY211 WY251 WY201 WY225 WY235 WY601 WY281 WY345 WY341 WY241 WY271 WY643 WY637 WY657 WY821 WY123 WY371 WY667 WY383 WY901 WY847 4H584 BG022 PK230 TK777 EK867 FZ042 QR1133 EY385 GF561 WY603 WY3301 WY903 WY323 WY917 WY263 WY291 FZ044 WY283 WY245 WY231 G9115 WY815 WY203 WY905 WY605 WY337 WY253 EK863 WY311 EY383 QR1129 9W533 WY919 GF563 WY631 IX350 FZ038 PA451 WY683 WY3303 WY433 WY663 WY113 WY101 WY645 WY413 WY153 WY143 WY131 WY609 WY405 WY693 WY3921 WY675 WY613 FZ046 WY913 WY623 WY325 QR1127 WY681 WY907 GF565 WY647 WY661 EK865 WY695 WY653 WY653 G9117 WY909 WY611 FZ048 WY635 WY915 AI978 4H561 FZ050 KL442 WY817 9W529 WY411 6.00E+82 AI908 AI974 WY677 QR1135 GF567 WY673 EY381

BOMBAY 0005 DUBAI-ZURICH 0020 BOMBAY 0025 ABU DHABI-LONDON HEATHROW 0025 ZANZIBAR 0040 ABU DHABI-FRANKFURT 0050 TRIVANDRUM 0110 MADRAS 0110 BOMBAY 0120 COCHIN 0125 HYDERABAD 0135 DUBAI 0150 BANGALORE 0150 ISLAM ABBAD 0150 LAHORE 0150 DELHI 0155 JAIPUR 0200 KUWAIT 0200 ABU DHABI 0205 BAHRAIN 0205 KUALA LUMPUR 0205 MUNICH 0210 COLOMBO 0210 DOHA 0225 MALE 0235 SALALAH 0240 JAKARTA 0245 DACCA 0245 CHITTAGONG-DACCA 0250 LAHORE 0315 BAHRAIN-ISTANBUL 0350 DUBAI 0455 DUBAI 0510 DOHA 0520 ABU DHABI 0525 BAHRAIN 0745 DUBAI 0800 MUKHAIZNA 0800 SALALAH 0800 KARACHI 0800 KHASAB 0815 LUCKNOW 0920 CALICUT 0920 DUBAI 0935 BANGALORE 0940 DELHI 0955 HYDERABAD 0955 SHARJAH 1005 BANGKOK 1010 BOMBAY 1030 SALALAH 1030 DUBAI 1030 KATHMANDU 1040 MADRAS 1040 DUBAI 1055 CHITTAGONG 1100 ABU DHABI 1105 DOHA 1115 COCHIN 1135 KHASAB 1145 BAHRAIN 1215 ABU DHABI 1220 CALICUT 1310 DUBAI 1315 LAHORE 1315 RIYADH 1320 MUKHAIZNA 1330 TEHRAN 1330 DOHA 1330 FRANKFURT 1400 LONDON HEATHROW 1400 KUWAIT 1405 AMMAN 1405 ZURICH 1405 MALPENSA 1415 PARIS 1420 DUBAI 1420 CAIRO 1430 DAMMAM 1430 DUQUM OMAN 1455 JEDDAH 1630 DUBAI 1700 DUBAI 1700 SALALAH 1735 DUBAI 1820 KARACHI 1830 DOHA 1845 RIYADH 1845 SALALAH 1850 BAHRAIN 1855 KUWAIT 1900 DOHA 1900 DUBAI 1905 DAMMAM 1910 BAHRAIN 1920 BAHRAIN 1920 SHARJAH 2005 SALALAH 2015 DUBAI 2025 DUBAI 2040 ABU DHABI 2040 SALALAH 2110 HYDERABAD-BANGALORE 2200 JEDDAH 2215 DUBAI 2225 DOHA-AMSTERDAM 2230 BANGKOK 2235 TRIVANDRUM 2240 AMMAN 2240 BOMBAY 2245 MADRAS 2300 DELHI 2310 MEDINA 2310 DOHA 2320 BAHRAIN 2325 JEDDAH 2350 ABU DHABI 2350

FLT NO

ARRIVALS FROM

WY406 WY682 WY676 WY648 WY816 WY910 WY916 NL669 PK225 TK776 QR1132 ET624 EK866 GF560 EY384 FZ041 WY114 CV732 WY658 4H562 WY638 WY902 WY686 WY324 WY144 WY154 WY692 WY674 WY644 WY668 WY132 WY602 WY3932 WY202 WY102 FZ043 WY272 NL768 G9114 WY342 WY236 WY242 WY226 WY212 WY252 EK862 WY282 QR1128 EY382 IX549 WY3922 WY3302 WY604 WY918 G9841 FZ037 WY384 IX337 WY904 WY818 WY606 WY906 WY920 WY920 WY632 FZ045 WY664 WY348 WY204 WY292 WY610 WY246 WY264 WY232 QR1126 EK864 GF564 WY3306 WY822 G9116 WY254 WY646 TG507 WY434 FZ047 WY338 WY614 WY848 WY124 WY386 KL441 AI973 WY624 6.00E+81 WY374 WY312 FZ049 AI907 WY414 QR1134 UL205 GF566 WY672 WY672 EY388 WY326 BA073 WY908 AI985 WY662 LX242 9W540 LH618 WY612 WY612 WY654 WY696 WY696 WY717

ETA

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S U N DAY, MAR C H 1 5, 2 0 1 5

C11

ENTERTAINMENT CINEMA SCHEDULE

BAHJA CINEMA Run All Night (2D) (Action)(15+) Cast: Liam Neeson, Ed Harris 2:45, 5:00, 9 :30, 11:45 pm Cinderella (2D) (Adventure) (PG) Cast: Lily James, Hayley Atwell 3:45, 5:45, 7:45 PM Superfast! (2D) (Comedy) (15+) Cast: Lili Mirojnick, Dale Pavinski 2:00, 8:15 PM Walking on Sunshine (2D) (Musical) Cast: Greg Wise, Adrian Quinton 6:20 PM(12+) Before I go to Sleep (2D) (Mystery) Cast: Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth, Mark Strong (12+) 2:00, 9:45 PM Outcast (3D) (Action) (15+) Cast: Nicolas Cage, Hayden Christensen, Andy On 11:30 PM Demonic (2D) (Horror I Thriller) (12+) Cast: Maria Bello, Frank Grillo, Cody Horn 10:10, 11:45 PM American Heist (2D) (Action/ Adventure) (15+) Cast: Adrien Brody, Hayden Christensen, Jordana Brewster 4:00, 7:15 PM

Cinderella (2D)(Adventure) (PG) Cast: Lily James, Hayley Atwell 10:00am, 12:00, 4:15 & 7:40pm Gold Class: 1:30 & 7:30 pm Run All Night (2D) (Action) (15+) Cast: Liam Neeson, Ed Harris 5:30, 9:35 & 11:45pm Gold Class: 5:15 & 11:15 pm

SCREEN 3

The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out Of Water (3D) (Animation/Comedy) 10:05am (PG) American Heist (2D) (Action) (12+) Cast: Hayden Christensen, Adrien Brody 11:05 am Superfast!(2D) (Comedy) (15+) Cast: Lili Mirojnick, Dale Pavinski 8:15pm; 2:00 & 6:10 pm Before I Go TO Sleep (2D) (Mystery) (12+) Cast: Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth, Mark Strong 3:45 PM; Gold Class: 3:30 PM Cairo Time (2D) (Arabic) (Comedy) Cast: Ayten Amer, Mervat Amin 2:05PM; (12+) NH 10 (Hindi) (2D) (Crime/Drama) Cast: Anushka Sharma, Neil Bhoopalam, Ravi Jhankal, Darshan Kumaar 8:00 PM Demonic (2D) (Horror/Comedy) (12+) Cast: Maria Bello, Frank Grillo, Cody Horn 10:15 PM & 11:45 PM Gold Class: 9:30 PM

Cast: Anushka Sharma, Neil Bhoopalam, Ravi Jhankal, Darshan Kumaar 9:00 & 11:15 PM American Heist– 2D (15+) (Action) Cast: Adrien Brody, Hayden 3:00 & 7:15 PM

Badlapur (Action | Drama) (Hindi) (15+) 3.45, 6.45, 9.45 pm Cast: Varun Dhawan, Huma Qureshi, Yami Gautamhi

Run All Night – 2D (15+) (Action) Cast: Liam Neeson, Ed Harris, Joel Kinnaman 3:15, 7:30, 9:15, 11:30 PM Before I Go to Sleep – 2D (12+) (Mystery | Thriller) Cast: Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth 5:30, 9:30 PM Cinderella – 2D (PG) (Adventure) Cast: Lily James, Hayley Atwell, Richard Madden 3:30, 5:30, 6:45 PM Superfast! – 2D (15+) (Comedy) Cast: Lili Mirojnick, Dale Pavinski, Andrea Navedo 3:45, 9:45 & 11:45 PM Cairo Time – 2D (12+) (Comedy| Drama | Romance) Cast: Ayten Amer, Mervat Amin, Nour El-Sherif 7:15 PM Demonic – 2D (15+) (Horror | Thriller) Cast: Maria Bello, Frank Grillo, Cody Horn 5:30 & 11:15 PM Apartment 143 – 2D (15+)(Horror | Thriller) Cast: Kai Lennox, Gia Mantegna, Michael O’Keefe 5:00 PM NH10 – 2D (TBC ) (Crime | Drama | Mystery)

SCREEN 1 NH 10 – Hindi (Suspense/ Thriller) Cast: Anushka Sharma, Neil Bhoopalam, Ravi Jhankal, Darshan Kumaar 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM Screen 2 Run All Night (Action/Suspense) (15+) Cast: Genesis Rodriguez, Liam Neeson, Joel Kinnaman 3.45, 6.45, 9.45 PM

Run All Night – 2D (15+) (Action) Cast: Liam Neeson, Ed Harris, Joel Kinnaman 3:45, 7:45, 9:45, 11:45PM Cinderella – 2D (PG) (Adventure) Cast: Lily James, Hayley Atwell 3:15, 5:45 PM Before I Go to Sleep – 2D (12+) (Mystery, Thriller) Cast: Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth 3:15, 5:00PM NH10– 2D (Hindi) (Crime, Drama) Cast: Neil Bhoopalam, Ravi Jhankal, Darshan Kumaar 6:45, 9:00, 11:15 PM Demonic – 2D (12+) (Horror, Thriller) Cast: Maria Bello, Frank Grillo, Cody Horn 5:15, 8:30, 11:45PM Superfast! 2D (15+) Comedy Cast: Lili Mirojnick, Dale Pavinski, Andrea Navedo 6:45, 10:00 PM

Superfast! (Comedy) (15+) Cast: Lili Mirojnick, Dale Pavinski, Andrea Navedo 4:30, 7:45, 11:45 PM Run All Night (Action | Crime | Drama) (15+)

Cast: Liam Neeson, Ed Harris, Joel Kinnaman 7:45, 9:45 PM Cinderella (Adventure/ Family) (PG) Cast: Lily James, Hayley Atwell 4:00, 5:50 PM Demonic (Horror | Thriller) (TBC) Cast: Maria Bello, Frank Grillo, Cody Horn 6:15 PM NH 10 (Hindi) (Crime |Mystery) Cast: Anushka Sharma, Neil 9:30, 11.45 PM

Before I Go to Sleep (2D)(12+) Cast: Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth 5:00, 9:30 & 11:30PM (Mystery) Run All Night (2D)(15+) (Action) Cast: Liam Neeson, Ed Harris 3:00, 7:00, 9:00 & 11:15PM Cinderalla (2D)(PG) (Adventure) Cast: Lily James, Hayley Atwell 11:00AM, 1:00 & 4:15 PM Superfast! (2D)(15+) (Comedy) Cast: Lili Mirojnick, Dale Pavinski 11:00AM, 12:45 & 2:30PM Walking Sunshine (2D) (Musical) Cast: Greg Wise, Adrian Quinton 6:15PM(12+) NH10 (2D) (Crime/Drama/Mystery) Cast: Anushka Sharma, Darshan 8:00PM Outcast (3D)(15+) (Action) Cast: Nicolas Cage, Andy 11:30AM, 1:15 & 5:15PM Youm Maloush Lazmah (2D)(12+) (Comedy) Cast: Noah Taylor, Kodi Smit-McPhee, 3:00 & 7:30PM Demonic (2D)(12+)(Horror/Thriller) Cast: Maria Bello, Frank Grillo 10:15 & 11:50PM

Run All Night (Action/Crime / Drama ) Cast: Liam Neeson, Ed Harris, John C’ Reilly 4.00, 8.00, 10.00 & 11.55 pm CP No: 668 (15+) Before I Go TO Sleep (Thriller) Cast: Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth, Mark Strong 2.00 pm & 6.00 pm CP No: 6669 (12+) Superfast! (Comedy) Cast: Lili Mirojinick, Dale Pavanski, Andrea Navedo 2.00, 4.00, 8.00 & 10.00 pm CP No: 667 (15+) Apartment 143 (Horror/Thriller) Cast: Kai Lenox, Gia Mantegna, Michael O’Keefe 6.00 & 11.55 pm; CP No: 701 (15+)

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

STARS CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Fireman (Mal) (Act /Thriller) Cast: Mammootty, Unni Mukundan & Nyla Usha 3:30, 6:30 & 9:30pm Cinema Main NH 10 (Hindi) (Action/Thriller) Cast: Anushka Sharma, Deepti Naval & Nril Bhoopalam 3:45, 6:45, 9.45pm at Cinema – 3 Kakki Sattai (Tamil) ( Com/Act) Cast: Shiva Karthikeyan, Sri Divya & Prabhu; 3:30, 6.30 & 9.30pm Cinema -2 Temper (Telugu) (Act) Cast: Jr Ntr, Kajal Agarwal & Prakash Raj; 3:45pm Cinema-4 Picket 43 (Mal) (Act) Cast: Prithviraj, Javed Jafry & Renji Panikker 6:45 & 9:45pm at Cinema -4

For More Information 24789032, 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

ACES ON BRIDGE

It can help if you guess well

SUDOKU

8

1 7 3 4 9 4 6

4 5 2 8

4 8 7 1 3 7 4 1 2 5 8 9 3 7 1

6

4 3 1 2

6 1 9

HOW TO PLAY Fill the empty cells with the numbers 1 to 9, so that each number appears once in each row, column and area.

— Seven Galaxies

8 4 9 6 2 1 3 5 7 2 5 1 4 3 7 9 8 6 7 6 3 8 5 9 2 1 4

4 9 2 5 1 6 7 3 8 3 8 5 9 7 4 1 6 2 1 7 6 2 8 3 5 4 9

MARMADUKE

CROSSWORD

B I G NAT E

41 45 49 50 51 52 53 54 55

Croquet hoops Was appropriate “Terrible” tsar Viking name Natural resource Verne skipper Crying shame Opposite of “paleo” Ballooned

DOWN 1 Chair parts 2 Europe-Asia range 3 Beatles’ meter maid 4 Zoo employees 5 Bit part 6 Dressed 7 Knight’s address 8 Put together piece by piece 9 Rural lodging 10 Road map info 11 Fleck 17 Stalemates 19 Laptops, briefly 22 “Nova” network 23 A Guthrie 24 Mortgage, e.g.

25 Self-satisfied

26 27 28 29 32 33 35 36 38 39

Storybook bear Omani title Mimicked Leo mo.

Casino action Slowing down Clingy fabric Photo Uplift Film on cassette

41 Had been 42 Next-to-last fairy tale word 43 Unlikely to bite 44 Deceive with charm 45 Move jauntily 46 Yale alumnus 47 Frying medium 48 Cargo unit

Answer to previous puzzle

ACROSS 1 Wait in concealment 5 Vaccine meas.

8 Feeder frequenter 12 Old barge canal 13 MacGraw of films 14 A law — itself 15 Slalom obstacle 16 Strict taskmaster 18 Gave a high-five 20 Peoria loc.

21 Environmental prefix 22 Organ features 26 Anjou, Bosc and Bartlett 29 Pecs neighbour 30 Outer edge 31 Elec. units 32 Travel choice 33 Roquefort hue 34 Crusty dessert 35 Cookout cask 36 Antler tip 37 Burning with desire 39 Travel word 40 Prince Harry’s mom

POOJA OM PRAKASH March 15, 2000

JESWIN GEO March 15

6 3 7 1 9 8 4 2 5 9 2 8 3 4 5 6 7 1 5 1 4 7 6 2 8 9 3

Previous puzzle Solution

AGNES de Mille, a dancer and choreographer who died in 1993, said, “Living is a form of not being sure, not knowing what next or how ... We guess. We may be wrong, but we take leap after leap in the dark.”

At the bridge table, we try not to guess, but sometimes we are forced to take a leap in the dark. Today’s deal is an example. How should South plan the play in three notrump after West leads the spade king?

The auction was simple and quantitative. South just hoped for the best in spades. If he had opened one club and partner had responded in a suit, South would have had no suitable rebid.

Declarer starts with eight top tricks: one spade, three hearts and four diamonds. He must score a club trick — but should he play low to his jack (hoping East has the queen) or to his king (playing East for the ace)?

To help in the decision, South should duck the first two spade tricks in order to learn about that suit’s split. What should declarer do if he discovers that West either has five spades or started with only four?

When West has five spades, there is no club guess. Declarer must play a club to his king, because if West has the club ace, the contract cannot be made. West would take at least one club and four spades.

Here, though, the spades break 4-3. Now South will have a pure guess in clubs — assuming East does not give the game away by pausing when a club is led from the dummy. Second hand low is a reliable defensive rule.

Phillip Alder

WITH LOVE

BORN LOSER

Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 16 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to extra@timesofoman.com

KIDSPOT

H E A LT H C A P S U L E

C12

SU N DAY, MARCH 15, 2015

EXTRA

DON’T TURN A BLIND EYE TO YOUR VISION Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is the most common cause of sight loss. It affects

a tiny part of the retina at the back of your eye which is called the macula and causes problems with central vision. Early diagnosis and treatment can allow sufferers to live a normal life

T

hough she recently declared old age to be just a number “imposed” upon the elderly, Dame Judi Dench now admits that she can no longer travel alone for fear of bumping into things.

The much-loved actress, who recently filmed The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in India, said that her eyesight has now deteriorated to the extent that she needs a chaperone to stop her falling over “like a mad, drunk lady” and she can no longer read her own scripts.

The Oscar-winner, now 80, has been battling age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of blindness, since 2012 and has to rely on friends and family to help her learn her lines.

AMD is an eye condition that affects a tiny part of the retina at the back of your eye which is called the macula and causes problems with central vision.

There are two main types of AMD, “wet” and “dry” based on the appearance of the eye. Dry AMD is by far the most common form of the disease and there is no treatment. However sight-saving treatment exists for wet AMD if it is diagnosed in time. Dame Judi has dry AMD in one eye and wet AMD in the other.

Symptoms vary but usually the first problem sufferers notice is an inability to see fine detail. Central vision may become blurred, straight lines become

curvy, distorted or wavy and small print becomes unclear, even when wearing reading glasses.

Wet AMD, which affects about 40,000 people every year in the UK, can cause sight loss in as little as three months, so it is vital to report symptoms to your optometrist as soon as you experience them.

Treatments for wet AMD (eye injections with drugs such as Lucentis) work by stopping the growth of new blood vessels which means they usually need to be given fairly quickly once the blood vessels start to grow in the eye.

If the blood vessels are allowed to grow for too long, they may scar the retina which cannot be treated.

Retired teacher Monica Trinder, 61, from Bath, first noticed wavy lines in her vision when taking the school register in October 2009. She visited her optician the same day and was referred to hospital that afternoon.

The following day she was told she had wet AMD and would need regular eye injections and monthly scans to monitor the progress of the disease.

“The treatment and support I received has allowed me to lead a normal life,” says Monica. “I continued to teach for a further 18 months but ultimately gave it up after marking and other admin tasks got a bit difficult.

“However I can still read and drive.

I recently visited the optician for some new prescription sunglasses and he said the sight in my right eye had im-

AMD: WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS? Age: The condition develops as people grow older and is most often seen in those over 65, although it can develop in your 40s and 50s. ? Gender: More women have AMD than men, probably because women tend to live longer than men.

Genes: Some genes have been identified which seem to be linked to the development of AMD in some sufferers.

Smoking: Studies show that stopping smoking can reduce your risk of developing AMD. Sunlight: Some studies suggest that exposure to high levels of sunlight (particularly the UV light in it) throughout your life may increase your risk of developing AMD. Wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from the UV light is a good idea.

Diet: A number of studies have looked at diet as a risk factor for someone developing AMD. At the moment there isn’t agreement on how much of a risk factor diet is. There is some evidence that a combination of the vitamins A, C and E and zinc may help to slow the progression of AMD in people who already have the condition.

proved which could be down to the treatment I’m getting.”

Before her diagnosis Monica wasn’t aware of AMD or that there were ways of reducing the risks such as protecting your eyes with sunglasses and eating a healthy balanced diet.

She has now set up the UK Macular Degeneration Friendship Facebook group with a friend to share tips with other sufferers about how to keep your eyes healthy. “People should be aware of changes they notice and also that there is treatment available,” she says.

“Losing your central vision can have profound consequences with many people unable to carry out basic tasks such as driving, chopping vegetables, reading a newspaper or writing a shopping list,” says Clara Eaglen of the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) in the UK. “However it doesn’t have to be this way and people should not be losing their sight unnecessarily when there is treatment available.”

She says everyone should have their eyes examined at least once every two years - even if there is no change in your vision. “An examination can often pick up the first signs of an eye condition before you notice any changes in your vision. This can lead to you getting vital treatment at the right time which could save your sight.” — Laura Milne/Daily Express

H E A LT H

Worried about losing your hair?

Brushing your teeth can help NEW RESEARCH has found that dental cavities can be caused by mutations in a protein called keratin which also leads to hair loss.

It is believed the tooth enamel of those suffering from keratin mutations may have the same abnormal structure that results in hair weakness.

As a result, a study has suggested that those experiencing problems in hair loss may benefit from giving their teeth an extra brush.

Dr Olivier Duverger from Maryland’s US National Institutes of Health said mutations in hair keratins that leads to hair loss is linked to tooth decay.

He said: “Functional analyses revealed that mutations in hair keratins result in altered enamel structure and reduced enamel micro-hardness.”

The hair shaft is mainly made up of the keratin protein, which is also found in tooth enamel.

In the study of humans and

mice researchers looked at the presence and function of a specific set of hair keratins in enamel. These lacked the DLX3 chemical which regulates the protein’s expression.

This is the way protein is synthesised, modified and regulated

in living organisms. Scans found several epithelial keratins which are essential for healthy hair and expressed in tooth enamel.

These are significantly damaged in the absence of DLX3. They are produced by tooth cells and are in mature human enamel.

The researchers’ findings were presented at an International Association for Dental Research meeting in Boston.

The experts found epithelial hair keratins are crucial components of tooth enamel and mutations in these keratins increase the risk for dental defects and decay.

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and has a unique combination of hardness and fracture toughness that protects teeth from decay. Last year a study found the tooth enamel of those suffering from keratin mutations may have abnormal structure that results in hair weakness. — Dion Dassanayake/The Independent

D

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

SECTION

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

RENT

D2

VACANCY

D4

CARGO

D7

D2

S U N DAY, M A R C H 1 5, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

FOR RENT

OFFICES FOR RENT Premium offices to let a very good location on the main road very close to Zakher Mall, Al Khawiar. Business Center has offices with sizes of 50m2, 110m2, 180m2, 207m2, 230m2, 437m2.

Showroom also available at Business Center, Area 500m2 with central A/c.

Offices with Central Air-conditions, Security System with CCTV cameras, and Security presence in the building.

Contact: 97377355 / 97307476, Email id: aaleem@ggcoman.com

500 SqM Built up Area well divided with 85(SqM) Office space ACP cladding front, 85 SqM Covered Workshop/Store space, compound and gated. Partly construct Labor accommodation, ample open space available for rent at Misfah opposite Al Maha Fuel Station.

Call: 93850385 or 96060699 1 bedroom attached toilet in Al Khuwair bachelors/ family R.O 140/-. Contact 95154331

Full furniture for rent for family.

Contact 99251975

Villa for rent with 4 bedroom at Al Khodh, Rent 750/-RO.#92888115

Industrial /commercial shops at Wadi Kabir 4 x 5.6 x 4.6 MTR height.

Showroom with mezzanine & office at Al Noor Street near Switz bakery & Al Masa hall corner building all on roads & parkings in front of shops & show room. Contact 99065900 or 99354975

2BHK with split AC in W.K behind Sana Fashion. Contact 96708000

2 Bedroom flats at prime location of Azaiba Contact: 92197959 New building near the Bousher Al Misfah high way, with showroom, offices, and shops. Great for banks, medical clinics and companies 95202430 2 B/R Luxury Fully Furnished @ AZAIBA, 2 B/R Luxury Fully Furnished @ Al Khuwair 33, 1 B/R Luxury Fully Furnished @ Al Khuwair, 3 B/R Luxury Fully Furnished @ Al Khuwair 25. 5 B/R Fully Furnished villa @ Madinat Al Ilam. For Daily, Weekly, monthly or Yearly contract. Contact: Atlas Real Estate & Rent A Car LLC 99249069 / 99436312/92888376, Email: info@alshahiintl.com Villa sharing rooms at Al Khuwair.

Contact 94638876

2BHK in Al Ghubra near Indian School. Contact 96708000 2BHK & 3BHK in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99024730 2 rooms attached bathroom with kitchen South Mabellah.

Contact 94090550 Room for rent for family or working lady at Mabella Sanaya.

Contact 94330490 Flat 4 rent south Al Mabelah.

Contact 95331177 / 95230355

2 bedrooms flat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat Municipality. Contact 92584715 / 24700120 Shop in Wadi Kabir & Azaiba.

Contact 99024730 Commercial Villa in Al Khuwair with Private Parking’s,7 Rooms Hall and Reception and Kitchen Contact 95202430

We have 150 sqm office in Ghubra main road prime location already glass partition done. Office with pantry & 2 washrooms. Contact 9378235 / 99208033

We have 2050 sqm land in Ghala 800 sqm constructed Warehouse and other area open land. Prime location near Coco Cola Ware house very nice place. Contact 93782735 / 99208033

We have 2 BHK flat & 100 sqm office & 60 sqm shop for rent in Ghala brand new building. Contact 93782735 / 99208033

Flat for rent, 2BHK in Sidab Muscat. Contact 92440012

Furnished room available on Seeb share with small family for couple working ladies. Contact 96996938

2 Bedrooms flat in Al Ghobrah near Oman oil 18 November Street.

OMR 330. Monthly. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

1 Bedroom attached toilet Al Khuwair area only for ladies or husband and wife without children. Contact 9:00 pm to 7:00 am 95765719

Flats & shops for rent at MBD, Wadi Kabir, AL Khoud & villa at Azaiba.

Contact 93994401/02/03

3BR top class fitting flat ideal for top executives Mumtaz area, Ruwi.

Contact 91287824

Villa 2 bed rooms, hall, sitting room in AL Hail south R.O. 320/Monthly. Contact 93993354

Flats shops and store for rent in Ruwi, Honda road, Rex Road. Contact 95902218/ 92433127 / 97293708

1 Bed room in Al Hail south R. O 160/- Monthly. Contact 93993354

Single room with A/C having separate entrance for non –cooking Indian Executive, near Rawasco, Al Khuwair rent 130/- including (W& E). Contact 92888691/95397442/97201100

1BHK flats at Muttrah.

Contact 93231403

Flat at Darsait. Contact 99326879

2 shop in prime location with material one north Ghobrah & on Honda road. Contact 94676848

Single room RO 100/- including A/C, water, electricity Wadi Kabir.

Contact 99376454

Flats consists 2 Rooms, 2 toilet and a kitchen in the southern Al Mawalah to call 96935360

Show room with sales counter attached with store and racks location near Wadi Kabir old Round about.

Contact 99474197 / 95403957

Deluxe 1 bedroom flat, ideal for office / residence at Qurum near PDO. Contact: 97721313 / 95070421

Villas & flats. Contact 92144045

2BHK Wadi Kabeer R.O 325/- & 300/-. Contact 92144045

We have flats, offices, villa, shops & ware house for rent in Ghubra, Azaiba, Bousher, Ruwi, Mumtaz , Darsait, Mabela. Contact 93782735 / 99208033

2BHK Al Khuwair 350/- .

Contact 92144045

Independent rooms in Qurum / Al Hail. Contact 95529970

1BHK with A/C Ghubra R.O 275/-.

Contact 92144045

NEW WAREHOUSE For rent at Ghala Ind. Area. 578 & 1170 approx sqms Near Hotel Al-Madinah Holiday, Ghala. Container can enter. Immediate access to roads & highways.

Contact : 92078090

3BHK Wattaya. Contact 92144045

2 BHK Mumtaz. Contact 92144045 House for rent in Al Amerat Madinat Al Nahda consists of 3 bedrooms and 3 toilet & 2 Majlis away from school one kilometer. Contact 99351337

We have 1BHK , 2BHK flats & office available in Mabela 7, brand new building main road, 1BHK RO 175/- , 2BHK RO 220/- only. Contact 93782735 / 99208033

Brand new deluxe flats located near Seeb flyover on the right band side of the main road coming from the Seeb palace round about, 2 bedrooms family, hall, kitchen, 3 toilets with split unit ACs. Contact 97755586

Commercial /Non - commercial double story villa for rent in Al Khuwair suitable for offices.

Contact 95526871

Villa for rent in Halban in a compound, 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms living room, 400/- OMR Monthly.

Contact 92500225

New building under construction in Bowshar consists of three rooms and a hall and the sitting room, 4 bathrooms, at the second floor.

Contact 92711504 finishes

Villa in Mawallah rent, 2 bedroom, 2 bath room, 1 sitting room & kitchen with parking. Contact 99595866

2bed room /18 flats Madeenath Al Nahda Phase 6. Contact 99061408 / 99024039

Upper portion of beautiful villa for rent in prime location of Mawalah Ahmed clinic three bedrooms, attach bathroom, kitchen, Majlis, living room. Contact 95526871 Full staff accommodation for rent in Azaiba, 15 rooms with attached bath and kitchen with parking and yard.

Contact 95526871 4 BHK villas for rent at Al Ghoubra North 18th November Street near new mars hyper market.

Contact 97681599 Bachelor villa at Ansab.

Contact 98458542 Room for rent Al Khuwair.

Contact 99743569/97004265

Prim location, nice finishing villa for RENT. 2 big bedrooms . Main large sitting room. Small maid room. Kitchen and 3 bathrooms.

At Alkhuwair. near Holiday Inn & Oman Club. 99426662, PDC only.

For families & college girls.

1BHK near Oman house behind Khimji, HO. Contact 95865686 Room for rent Honda road. Contact 92540125/ 97605342/ 94053366 85 SQM shops in Ruwi only on 350/- OMR. Contact – 95122188 / 96441499 Spacious 2 BHK flats in Ruwi MBD area only on 350/- OMR. Contact – 95122188 / 96441499

1,000 sq mtrs industrial land in Misfah Industrial area near to Khan co. OMR 1,500 Monthly. Electricity and boundary wall will be provided.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 1 / 3 BHK Flat Ghobrah, close to ISG Way 4041, building 4390.

Contact 99319880 1,000 sq mtrs industrial land in Misfah Industrial area near to Khan co. OMR 1,500 Monthly. Electricity and boundary wall will be provided.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Flat Wadi AL Kabeer, 2BHK, sitting room, 3 bathroom balcony split /AC 300/- R.O Contact 99324402 Villas & flats at Ansab.

Contact 98458542 Al.Khuwair studio behind platinum hotel rent 130/-R.O PDC. Contact 99879939

Beautiful office space available in Ruwi MBD area only on 2/- OMR per sqm. Contact – 95122188 / 96441499

AL Khuwair behind platinum hotel 4 BHK, 3bathrrom, sitting dinning split AC. Contact 99879939

Deluxe 3 bedroom apartment for rent in Mumtaz area for more information. Contact 99336263

2BHK in Muttrah near Oman house with split ac. Contact 97007934 / 92629232

S U N DAY, M A R C H 1 5 , 2 0 1 5

D3

DAILY GUIDE

WANTED Clinic required, One Established new Clinic in Muscat, with Valid License & Clearance is required to purchase interested Parties can contact 91283188 or send your inquiries to mohamedsfarah@hotmail.com

M.V. FOR SALE

FOR SALE

BUYING/SELLING Looking for purchase of Used Portable Compressor (350 CFM, 7 Bar Pressure) powered with Diesel run Generator.

Kindly Contact 99014686 or operation@khancogroup.com

AVAILABLE Established Restaurant for rent with sponsorship. Contact 97628242 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. www.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

ACC. WANTED Established Running Restaurant for sale in Salalah. Contact casualdining767@gmail.com Double burner Shawarma machine at Ruwi for sale. Contact 95395378 / 91374871 Ready mix concrete for sale.

Contact 99054673

FOR RENT Family flats and villas at Ansab.

Contact 98458542 Industrial Land in Misfah.

Contact 93009999 Flats and shops. Contact 93009999 1000 sq mtrs industrial land for rent in Ghala suitable for Ware house workshop.

Contact 24700120 / 925 Villa Al Khuwair, 8 bedroom, 7 bathroom, 3kittchen. 950/-.

Contact 99358589/ 95121126/95570288 Flat Wadi AL Kabeer, 2BHK, sitting room, 3 bathroom balcony split /AC 300/- R.O Contact 99324402 2BHK flat Al Khuwair with split A/C. 350/- Contact 95121126/99358589/97079146 If require flats for rent in Wadi Kabir please send messages through Whatsapp or call – 99376454 Flats/villas owned by ROP pension fund available for rent in Muscat.

Contact 99349526

Well furnished with net and phone connection ready to occupy office in prime location in AlGhubra South on Sultan Qaboos Road, kindly contact 93441134 Food counter for sale new bainmary with glass cover suitable for food Court and restaurant 2 pcs.

Contact 99656863 Restaurant for sale well running with open area and good parking area. 3 new clearance also in Wadi Kabeer near Mars hyper market.

Contact 99656863 For sale laundry shop in Azaiba 4 clearance for sale work shop carpenter Wadi Kabir, 4 clearances.

Contact 99345137 Commercial registration with excellent name Grade A for business software for sale. Contact 92959251 Building Material shop for sale at Suwaiq A running 5 shutter building material shop with two paint machines available for immediate sale. Also available warehouse and yard at the same place. Interested parties please contact the following numbers: 93223382 / 99874936

Wanted a 2 bedroom flat in around Ruwi area. Gsm 99761216

FOR SALE

ACC. AVAILABLE

23,886 Sq Mtrs Agriculture land with water well in Al Salwa, Barka.

OMR 260 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Available furnished single room with attached bath sharing Kitchen for Exe- bachelor near Mars Hyper market Al Ghobrah. Contact 94478424

New barber shop on sale at Misfah.

Contact 93833107

Family sharing accommodation available in Al Khodh.

Contact 98292798

Dental clinic for sale or rent running last 2 yrs in center of Sohar.#97004100 Coffee shop for sale a well running coffee shop for at Wadi Kabir Sanaya.

Contact 94159356/91039293 5 Flats of 1 bedroom for Sale in Boushar: OMR 35 Thousand each.

Monthly income OMR 270 Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 3 floor building in Muttrah behind Police. Generating income of OMR 18 Thousand annually. Neat and well maintained. Built on 197 sq mtrs land. 2 tailor shops on ground floor and 6 flats. OMR 207 Thousand.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Shop for sale Honda road.

Contact 94053366 / 97605342 2 Prime Movers Man 2008 with 40 ton petrol tank each working at the moment in Al Maha. Price OMR 35 Thousand each. Tel: 97000155 or 92688692 Dental Clinic with license for sale in Sohar. Contact 92816015 Shop for sale at Ruwi. #99103077

Sharing family accommodation in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99335057 Sharing accommodation available for working lady or small family near Ruwi Church. Contact 99318980 Sharing accommodation available near Kuwaiti Mosque Wadi Kabir attached room sharing, kitchen. Contact 95882866 / 96575016 after 6 pm.

Room, hall, kitchen toilet in South Mabela RO 140/-. Contact 98869198 Fully furnished single room available in CBD area. Contact 92162623 Executive bachelor near Mars one room with bath furnished room R.O 125/-. Contact 98376464 / 92446858 100% furnished sharing acc. brand new and perfectly maintained attached bath room, spacious kitchen etc for couples or upper class executives. Contact 99013344 Sharing accommodation available near Walja School for Indian bachelor. Contact 99459121

Mazda 3 hatch back, Model 2014(registered in May), automatic, white colour, with full warranty, expat lady driven single owner and km 2100. Price RO.5800.

Call 99230708 / 99312201.

Mazda 6, 2007 full options, Manual gear, excellent condition very low mileage, 76,000 km only, alloy wheels, accident free dealer maintained. Price 2,300 Only. #93642176 Car for sale Toyota Yaris 1.3, 2008 model 90000 km, hatchback.

Contact 99354340

ACC. AVAILABLE 1B/R available for bachelors in REX ROAD, Ruwi. Contact 99889590 Semi furnished room for bachelor at Muttrah rent R.O 75/- .

Contact 92828615 Sharing room with A/C available behind Oman house.

Contact 99354340 One bedroom flat with hall for rent in AL Khuwair area near Radisson blue hotel. Contact 97646492 Spacious 3 BR long hall, 3 bathrooms new spit A/Cs - Qurum (PDO Road) Direct owner. #99431708/ 24571963 Gubrah furnished room, attached bath dish TV, WIFI, kitchen available for Executive single person, couple.

Contact 99658689 Room in CBD area for non cooking Executive bachelors free WIFI, Advance deposit. Contact 95934642 Room for executive bachelors (no Kitchen) including W/E. 125 RO. Contact 98949724

Dodge Nitro 4.0 ltr engine 2007 model 130000 kms, red colour, registration valid for one year. RO.2700/-.

Contact - 91251966 Toyota Camry white 2011 km -51000 R.O 4800/-.

Contact 99561562 Honda CRV , 2012 EX 2012 model , twilight blue liters , 34000 Km , free service package up to 60000 km expat single owner , insurance valid Oman & UAE up to August 2015 , R.O 7750/- . Contact 99069741

FOR HIRE

TRUCK FOR HIRE Isuzu 10 ton cargo body truck (2012 FVR) with UAE experienced driver available for long term / short term rent.

Contact: 95346950 Hire Generators, Air conditioners.

Contact 98927220 Running truck wash for rent in Ouhi Sunia Sohar. Serious people can. Contact on 97864747 50 seater bus with PDO specification for rent or lease.

Contact 99839898

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

D4

S U N DAY, M A R C H 1 5, 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

SITUATION WANTED

ARCHITECTURE Urgently required, Architect with knowledge of interior design.

Minimum 2-3 years experience.

Interested candidate may please send CV to fax: 24694998 Email: fareedadesign@gmail.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

CATERING

ENGI./ELECT./TECH..

Required a Bakery man for a catering company to be posted in interior site. Apply with NOC. #95332694, Email : ccs_oman@yahoo.com

A well reputed Steel fabrication & machining workshop company in Oman requires following urgently: Machinist 5 years experience in milling, turning & surface grinding 2 Nos. Contact 99228046 Email: oman518@gmail.com

Experience cook for Omani family 1Nos. Contact 99228046 Email: oman518@gmail.com Shawarma /BBQ/Tandoor /helper wanted. Contact 95529970 Required urgently Yemani Cook.

Contact 99443236 muscat@oigoman.com

DRIVER Wanted one light driver. Indians only should apply.

Contact 95451713 Expatriate heavy duty drivers / crane operators and forklift operators with PDO license and Noc. Contact 99465358/99348352

DOMESTIC HELPER Part time maid at Al Ansab-3.

Contact 98458542 Required Housemaid for Indian family, Visa will be provided.

Contact: 94291473

ENGI./ELECT./TECH..

Wanted Mechanical Engineers with min. 5 yrs experience. Apply with bio data to hr_oman1@yahoo. com, immediately.

Required MEP Engineer with minimum Diploma or degree 5 yrs experience & with driving license.

Fax : 24478522, Email : gh1.careers@gmail.com Urgent requirement Civil Engineers 8 nos for Supervision 5 yrs experience. Contact: 99244481 Email: secons.engineers@gmail.com Wanted Computer Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Communication Engineer & Commercial Manager 10 yrs experience salary for each RO 1500.

Email:lulubd2012@gmail.com Urgently required experienced Civil Project Managers site Engineers, MEP draughtsman, MEP quantity surveyor for an excellent grade Civil Construction company.

Interested candidates can contact on 00968-99885931 / 99881459 and send CVs on mohamed@oasisgrace.com Contact 24826566 Fax: 24812226

Leading metal fabrication group requires Sales Engineer, minimum 2 yrs exp. with valid Oman D/L. Contact: 99102383 Email: hr@khancogroup.com

IT Required IT Technician for computer shop. Send your CV at khalid@rayyancomputer.com

MEDICAL Temporary Pharmacist required in Ibra. Candidates with License & NOC, contact 98883100 Urgently require for the Polyclinic in Sur. positions, General practitioner, (GP) Pediatrician, Gynecologist, Orthopedics, Physiotherapist, Lab technician, with MOH license, or without license.

Contact- GSM, 968 99567864 mail:alrawdahpolyclinic@gmail.com Require GP doctors and Staff Nurse for a medical centre in Mabela. Contact 95200180, amanammc@gmail.com Urgently required a female nurse with MOH license to work permanent or leave vacancy for a reputed clinic. Salary Negotiable.

Contact 94618483 Wanted labs Technician to work in a polyclinic. Candidates who have passed their prometric examination can also apply.

Attractive salary offered. Contact 91173571 Urgently required exp Pharmacist with MOH license and NOC. Contact: 97164554 or royalmedicalservice@gmail.com Urgently required an Orthodontist with MOH to work at a reputed Dental Center in Muscat.

Contact 968 99694723, Email : dr.bdohc@gmail.com Require female Nurse with MOH License urgently for Clinic in Ruwi.

Contact (99013455) Urgently required Pharmacist.

Contact 94200385/ 95206905/ 97433142 Email: anitho@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Looking for Qualified and experienced Sales Executives in industrial and mechanical field items & building materials. Please send your CV to slayhawk@yahoo.com Required promoter for promoting Perfumes in shopping centre please.

Contact 95663682 or send CV atugt15@gmail.com Required promoter for promoting Perfumes in shopping centre please.

Contact 95663682 or send CV atugt15@gmail.com Our company CHABROS LLC is seeking for Indian salesman.

Have an experienced in building materials. Please send CV to chabros@omantel.net.om Urgently required out door sales executive for furnishing company with valid Oman license and minimum 3 years experience in furniture field.

Contact 93231403 or mail: rainbowfurnishing156@gmail.com Sales Executive with 2 years experience in corporate sales and driving license. Working experience with IT or Security systems preferred.

Contact 99351673 Email: tgmuscat@outlook.com Wanted Salesman with driving licence and car. Gsm : 98805474 or email id: jobssales2015@gmail.com

Oil marketing and trading company require Sales Executives. The desire candidate should have Oman driving license, with Oman experience and required on urgent basis for oil company.

Please post the CV on fakhare@gmail.com Office no 00968-24467177 Urgently required an excellent grade construction firm based in Muscat has immediate vacancy for Marketing Executive minimum 5 years experience with D/L. Email your CV to info@omannc.com Marketing Executive for printing press, minimum 2 years experience with D/L. Email: arshedkm@gmail.com

TRAVEL/TOURS Wanted an experienced person in reservations and ticketing using airlines Sabre system for a new travel agency; please send your CV to sunairways1@gmail.com

SECRETARIAL / OFFICE Wanted for immediate appointment : Male Secretary, HR Personnel with minimum 5 yrs experience for all posts. Apply with bio data to hr_oman1@yahoo.com immediately

SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian Accounts / Audit assistant with 2 years of experience currently on a visit visa looking for suitable job openings.

Contact: 94677338, 97041086 Email: ajeeshkcy1989@gmail.com ACCA finalist and BSc from Oxford Brookes University UK, having 18 months working experience, currently in Muscat on visit, seeking immediate and suitable position.

Contact : 95375282

22 years of experience in Multinational Companies & reputed firms in Financial Management, Project Management, Budgeting and Cost control, seeking a strategic Financial/Management Accounting role in a dynamic organization . # +971-506178139, Email.georg_vargis01@yahoo.com A Fresh ACCA Affiliate, Pakistani male, 24 yrs, open for positions of Accounts, Audit and finance. 94541539 email: wasiqnasir_3@yahoo.com

ACCA-UK +2.5 years of experience in Accounts, Bookeeping and Audit.

Looking for job in Accounts /Finance /Internal Audit. Also worked on Oracle R12, Tally, Quick Books and PeachTree. Gsm: +968-95459488 Email: mr.shoaibaslam@gmail.com

Chartered accountant (FCA), Indian male, 18 years total experience, including 11 years in GCC. Solid experience in diversified business segments seeking suitable senior position available immediately.

Email: jobsmuscat2015@gmail.com

ACCA-UK, B.Sc (OBU-UK) having 2.8 years of experience in Accounts, Bookeeping and Audit. Looking for job in Accounts/Finance department. Also worked on Oracle R12, Tally, Quick Books and PeachTree.

Email: AliRiazMughal@Outlook. com, Gsm: +968-95459936

Female M.com with tally seven years Indian experience in audit and accounting on family visit. #93213138

Accountant 25 years experience M.Com Accounts up to finalization 14 years in Oman. NOC release available. Contact 99640490 email: mathutb@gmail.com Indian male BBM 23 yrs having 2 yrs experience seeking suitable job in accounts, admin, HR, Operation Coordination logistics etc.

Contact 97623267 Accountant: a well experienced Indian male, M.Com, more than 20 years experience in accounting field (GCC & India), looking for job as accountant or accounts manager in oman. presently working in India and ready to join immediately.

Contact :99087175 C.A with 11 yrs experience (6 years in Oman) as Finance Manager. Contact 93731296 CA India, CPA (Australia) Qualified Indian male with more than 20 years experience in Senior position (12 yrs in Oman with valid D/L) currently on visit, seeks immediate & suitable position in a dynamic organization.

Contact 93910095 Email: reji.thomas07@gmail.com Indian male 32 years M.B.A, 5 years experience as Accountant in Qatar and 3 years experience in Marketing and Purchase department valid Qatar license is advantage, seeking suitable placement. # 93011814 Mail: shajusr@yahoo.com MBA finance graduate Indian male on visit visa one year’s internship experience in financing/marketing looking suitable marketing /finance position. Contact 95394938 Email: safeer.buzz@gmail.com Accountant male 25 CA finalist from Pakistan having 4 years experience looking for suitable position in accounts /audit currently on visit visa.

Contact 98845617 Email: usmanmaqsood.ca@gmail.com Accountant (B.Com, MBA pursuing) Indian male 25 years, 2 years experience in India, seeking better placement on visit visa. Contact 97709327 Indian male 27 yrs MBA HR & marketing 1 yr exp in HR supporting looking for suitable job.

Contact 97484159

Indian male 34 years b.com with 7 years experience in Oman. accounting upto finalization. management accounting, budget looking for suitable post. NOC not available.

Contact 97427897.

CA Finalist having big four experience of more than three years seeking suitable position currently on visit visa. Contact 94663269 Email: rizwan_ravian@yahoo.com Finance Manager, CPA, with more than 15 yrs. of experience in GCC. Fully knowledgeable in Finance, General & Management Accounting .

NOC available. Contact 96209331 Indian female, M. Com with 6 years experience in finance, HR & Administration with Oman D/L . On family joining visa. Contact 99864846 Email: b_ralitha@yahoo.com Indian male postgraduate 7.5 yrs experience in Admin /accounts /HR logistics and procurement seeking suitable placement immediately available. Contact 93164413 Indian female post Graduate MIB, B.Com 2 years experience in accounting field well versed in tally, ERP-9 Peach tree, MS Office.

Contact 97235401 Indian female 28 MBA (HR) B. Sc, 3+ years exp India & Oman HR/Admin looking for suitable placement.

Contact 95619537 Accountant Indian male M.B.A, B.com having 5 years GCC exp with valid Oman driving license & Noc available. Contact 91719385 mail: shinuyesodharan@gmail.com Indian, MBA finance looking job in accounts, finance, cost controlling 9 years experience 3 years in GCC. Contact 97138592 on visit visa.

Seeking for a job on Indian male aged 23 years qualification are BCA bachelor & computer application & accountant 1 years experience.

Contact 95386434 Email: mohammedshanid5@gmail.com Indian male, B.COM, currently in Oman on Visit Visa, Urgent seeking suitable Job Accountant / Administrative/ HR dept. have 6y. UAE experience, Valid Driving License, Knowledge of Internet ,Tally ERP9, Microsoft Office. MS EXCEL, immediately available.

Contact +968-92718733 , Email : sahashankar@gmail.com

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D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED ENGG. / TECHNICAL

ADMIN/HR

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE B.com doing CA Accounts/ office job male now working in Oman Noc, release available. Contact 92715465 Email: alsabathehm@gmail.com Part time Accountant with 15 years exp in Accounts, finance, audit tax management. Contact 95857199 Indian female B.com CA Inter 3 years internship completed 2 years accounting experience currently on visit visa seeking for suitable job . Contact 94682798/95736496 Email: giby2605@gmail.com Male, total 17 years experience in India & Oman - India - 9 years & Oman - 8 years In the field of procurement, material controller and accountancy - Local release available (Noc) Cont no. 91680124 , 98606546 India Accountant: Male, M com, 7 Yrs experience in Accounts up to finalization, having knowledge of ERP, Tally, seeks suitable placement. Contact:93950138 Email: lijinrajan123@gmail.com B.Com India. Languages : English, Hindi & Malayalam. #92954613 Indian male 22 yrs B. Com Graduate 1 year exp in Accounts, currently on visit visa. Looking for suitable job.

Contact – 94341848 / Email – mohdhaji7272@gmail.com Indian M.Com Finance exp 1 year now in visiting visa. #96970734 Pakistani male, 25 yrs, MBA Finance, 1.6 yrs exp in Accounts seeking placement in Accounts, Administration or Business Management.# 92651927 / 94250149

Indian male, 27 yrs, MBA having 3 yrs. experience in advertising company and have through knowledge in office Co-ordination& administration, good computer proficiency on visit visa looking for suitable placement. Contact 91361534 sreejith. mv63@gmail.com Indian female, MBA (HR) and B. Sc Microbiology holder, with computer knowledge confident and enthusiastic. 6 months experience looking for immediate placement in any sector.

Contact 97151308 M.Sc / MBA. Over 12 Years including GCC Experience in Admin/HR/ Operation/Procurement and Logistic.

Valid GCC DL. Looking for Suitable Position. Contact 99706618 Smart, excellent English, double masters, 10 years Oman experience.

Immediate NOC. Contact 91229392 Over 14 years of gulf experience in Admin /HR /Logistic fluent in Arabic & English with D/L , looking for suitable position. Contact 95824598 Indian female with excellent communication skills, confident, dedicated to work and enthusiastic.

Knowledge about ms office. Has 6 years of experience in customer service, telecommunication, HR.Looking for immediate placement. Contact # 97348819 Young Indian male with 5 years Muscat experience in admin, purchase & Masters from UK seeks placement. Possess driving license.

Contact 94400671 Indian male MBA 32 yrs having 10 yrs of exp seeking suitable placement in Admin/ HR/ Operations/ Coordination/ Logistics etc. Holding valid Oman D/L .Contact - 99054786

ADVERTISING Indian male 26 years, with 4 years experience in accounts and administration looking for suitable placement. Contact 93008891 Female with MBA finance, financial and tax professional four and half years of experience seeks suitable opportunities in reputed organizations. Contact- 99792457 Email: msparveen1@gmail.com Indian male, B.Com, Accountant – 6yrs exp in Oman, NOC availableReady to join.contact: 98162671 ; email: prasanths3@gmail.com Indian Male, 25 yrs currently in Oman on visit looking for suitable vacancies in accounts, B.Com completed 1 yr experience.

Contact 92024380 Indian Male, MBA 2 yrs experience in Accounts, Admin & HR on visit visa. Contact 92045306 Accounting up to finalization, auditing & contact for tally ERP software Contact– 91720465 Indian male, 32 years, M. Com. 7 out of 9 years experience in Oman in Accounts/finance. Having NOC and valid Oman D/L. #98277143, Email: anzarks@gmail.com Indian male- B.Com/B.Ed/15 years Exp – 5 in Oman, seeks job in Accts/Sales/Logistics have NOC and Oman D/L with car. Contact – 92919625/93511425/ 93424828; Email- seshadricpioman@gmail.com

Indian Male, 28 years, have Omani driving license. NOC available, seeks job. Phone: 96245690

ARCHI./ DRAUGHTSMAN Indian male AutoCAD, 3ds Max , 5 years of experience here on visiting visa looking for a job.

Contact 98360268 / 99881264 Indian male, Autocad draughtman with 2 years of experience currently working in oman.seeking suitable placement.NOC available.

Contact: 94123480 Email: fahadhundred@gmail.com Architect (B. Arch) 3 years experience in 2D/3D CAD and construction detailing for design consultancies seeking suitable position in reputed firm. Contact 99083386 Email: nitish.nadaraajan@gmail.com Autocad D/man, Civil Engg Diploma 3 yrs, Gulf exp in architectural, structural, interior, security systems, knows 3d , NOC available.

Contact 98225740 AutoCAD operator, Indian male 3 yrs experience in Auto CAD 2D & 3Ds Civil Draftsman, MAX and Photo shop, presently on visit visa seek suitable placement.#91764358 Email: mohdsiraj02@yahoo.com Auotcad knows 3D,REVIT, MAX Ph : 97103168

BEAUTICIAN ADMIN/HR MBA in Marketing and HR seeking suitable jobs. Contact 91250149 Email: hameem.husain@gmail.com

Beautician gulf exp (overseas) looking job. Contact 95175192

CATERING Indian female MBA (HR) with Good computer proficiency and 3 years of experience. Holding Oman Driving License. Contact:-93554207 humanresourceoman@gmail.com Wanted job as Administrative, Assistant, Supervisor 10 yrs exp.

Contact 99014612 MBA Admin CRM exp female Indian.

Contact 92135280 Indian female B.Com with excellent communication available for immediate joining full time or part time in HR & Admin coordination. #98460262

Arabic conti Indian B.B.Q salads Gulf experience 10 years looking for good opportunity. NOC available. Contact 97004585 / 95451027 Indian cook, Tandoori cook, male, 32 yrs, having 4 yrs of experience in Muscat in India, looking for a cook job in Hotel. Contact 93753523 / 98744307 / 92175119.

DESIGNER Modular kitchen designer with 4 years Bahrain /Dubai experience plus 10 years AutoCAD, 3D, Photoshop& 20-20 Fusion. #+96896467673, cristobabu@gmail.com Keralite Bachelor professional building designer with AutoCAD, 3D Max & Accounts. Contact 96535497, email : bhaviwky90@gmail.com

DRIVER Light Driver having own visa looking for job as driver.Contact 92303692 Light driver. Contact 91376612 Light & heavy duty driver JCB, Shovel operator valid GCC license Indian Pakistani looking for job.

Contact 95175192 Driver available in Ruwi.

Contact 97460056 Indian male Qatar GCC heavy driver license holder looking for a good placement now on a visiting visa.

Contact 98739710.

Light duty driver with 3 years experience in Oman +5 years in Saudi Arabia speaking Hindi Arabic English. Contact 96088707 Light duty driver looking for job 2 yrs exp. Contact 98356230

ENGG. / TECHNICAL B. Sc Civil Engineer with 5 years experience and valid Omani driving license and PDO driving and safety license and OSHA safety license looking for suitable job.

Contact 92548097 Sudanese chemist resident, 3 years experience in chemical industry.

Contact 97399073 Sudanese Graduate with 3 years Diploma in Civil Engineering have 5 years experience in building construction industry materials, specification & testing.

Contact 96995670 B.E Mechanical Engineer, Indian male, 4 yrs experience in sales, Seeking suitable job on visit visa.

Contact 96137079 , 93095565, Email : elangovivek@yahoo.co.in Looking Part time Job in HVACContact - 93198128 Quantity Surveyor (Civil Building) looking for Part time job Contact no:-94391712 E-mail addressinayathhussain@yahoo.com B.Sc Electronics, Tech, C.C.T.V, Security System Saudi exp 2 years total 10 years exp now on visit visa Indian. Contact 97364750 Email: bijumonjk1@gmail.com Civil Engineer (Diploma) with exp. looking for placement.

Contact 95200650

D.A.E Civil 4 years experience D/L Oman. Contact 96719649 Email: qamarsaleem52@yahoo.com .

Civil Engineer 4 years exp (3 in Oman as a Quantity Surveyor & planning engineer for road works & bridges in a big project) fluent in English & Arabic.

Contact - 93477660 Indian male B-Tech Civil having 2 year experience in Visit visa seeks suitable position. Contact 92609893 Computer Engineer holding bachelors degree in Computer Science with 7 years of total experience with 2 years in UAE, looking for a suitable job in Oman. Contact 92076362 Elet.Engr 9+ yrs exp Noc available can join immediately. #99148940 Email: jobluk.om@gmail.com Civil Engineer B Tech, Site Engineer Experienced, Drafting on Visit Visa Ph : 91642050 Quality Assurance Design, BTech Elec, MBA (TQM) , IT Infrastructure(WLAN , TETRA) Security systems(CCTV AACS),Project control Engineering, Document Control / CAD Managing /Change management, Exp in Major projects, NOC available Ph : 99506977 B.Tech electronics & instrument, Indian male having 4 years exp in oil & gas field one years experience in Saudi, looking for suitable vacancy.

Contact 98854946 Email: alfredtjose@gmail.com Civil Engineer having 4 and Half years experience in building construction looking for suitable placement valid D/L available.

Contact 91253392 Experienced female Electrical Engineer. Contact 93800906

Light driver job. Contact 96756014 Light driver looking for job.

Contact 92791678 Light driver looking for job.

Contact 91376612 LV Driver- 2 yrs Exp-know English- Contact 95292064

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Seeking job Electronics and Instrumentation Engineer (Indian) Indian male, Instrumentation Engineer having total 5 years of experience in electrical site execution, 1 year in Uae,presently in oman (visit visa) seeking suitable job Contact. 95690915 Email. Syam.andrews@gmail.Com Indian male 24 years, Mechanical Engineer,pdms.1 yr experience in pipeline,16years in oman seeking immediate placement # 95775742 BE Civil Engineer looking for suitable placement.

Please contact - 98478376 Elet Engr (13+yrs exp.) Diploma presently working as Site Engr HV & LV OHL, U/G having NOC & valid Oman D/L . # 96274568 / 95129698 Indian- B.E Mechanical with MBA, 25 years experience last 12 years in Oil & Gas Sector in Oman. Skilled in Business Development, Sales & Marketing looking opening in oil gas trading or drilling or service companies as General manager/ country manager/ Business Development Manager. Contact -94688594 gmbdm2015oilandgas@gmail.com Indian B.Tech Mechanical Engineer, 26 yrs, 4 yrs experience in HVAC/MEP. Contact 94669629, rajeevhpd15@yahoo.com 25 years old Indian male BE in Electronics and Communication / NEBOSH presently working as Safety Officer in reputed company in India looking for suitable placement.

Contact India: 0091- 9605114343 Email: harishharinarayan@gmail.com Indian male, 24 years, BE Computers Science & Engn, worked as Network Engn/Network Analysis, well versed with CISCO devices. Smart, confident and good English command, ready to join ASAP, available on Contact 99797616 / 94208353 Email: abrar_met@hotmail.com Sudanese Electrical plants equipment Engineer with 3 years Diploma degree of Electrical Engineer have 5 years experience in building constructing industry operation installation maintenance asphalt crushers stone plants and automation systems.

Contact 94549609

Mechanical Diploma Engineer Indian male 17 yrs experience include 6 yrs in Oman. Steel structural fabrication & maint. in heavy equipments. Oman driving license & NOC available seeking suitable placement. Contact 96728805 Email: jansanjosep@yahoo.co.in Indian male Mechanical Piping Engineer (BE) Done NDT course fresher on visit visa looking for job.

Contact 97359171 Keralite bachelor with B.Tech Mechanical Engineering looking for job in oman with three year of experience. on visiting visa. mob-91296354 manurpr88@gmail.com BE Mechanical 3 years experience in maintenance of ship, boiler & desalination unit. Contact 99795073, Email: sankarvijayan.mace@gmail.com Graduate Indian male with 19 yrs experience in civil projects, commercial and procurement departments in oil & gas sector seeking suitable position. Contact 91251912 Email: suprarmct1975@gmail.com Civil Engineer 7 years experience in building line in Oman valid Oman D/L. NOC letter available looking for suitable placement. #96936406 BE Mechanical 3year experience in shipboiler, engine maintenance & desalination 99795073

Civil Engineer with 12 years Experience Looking For Job. Contact 98162295 Generator maintenance in charge with 4 yrs experience with Cummins, caterpillar, kirloskar and voltas. Contact - email: shibinmundakkal@gmail.com Indian Male, IT Support Engineer, 2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experience. Contact 97311847 Aircraft Maintenance Technician with one year experience seeks suitable placement. Contact amaljohn2002@gmail.com Project Engineer, civil engineer BSC, Building Construction 5 Years Exp in Oman fluent Arabic, English and good Indian .Contact - 97858589 B.Tech Mechanical Engineer (Automobile)&Diploma in QC with 2yrs experience in oil & gas company seek suitable placement job currently on Visit Visa. Contact no.96071081, 99214308 , Email: rahulvarikkat@gmail.com Indian male, 28 diploma in fire and safety Engineering computer hardware net working 1 yr customer service experience trouble shooting technical support on visit visa.

Contact 91025050 / 98856803 Email: purujith8797@gmail.com

Indian male B.E / B.Tech Civil /Site Engineer 3 years experience NOC D/L available. Contact 93883136 mohammedcivilengineer.mct@ gmail.com

BE/EEE Electrical Engineer Indian male 25 years having 2.5 years experience currently on visit visa looking for suitable placement.

Contact 00968-96522624 / 92770316 contact India +91- 9994024477 / 9597539520

Mechanical Engineer seeking a senior position having 15 years of GCC experience operating in markets Oman, Kuwait , Bahrain & Saudi Arabia speculated in gas analysis and detection systems for Oil & Gas and petrochemical industries.

Contact 99230888

Electrical Engineer Indian male 29 years, having 5 years of experience in Industrial Automation & utility maintenance in India (MRF Tyres) seeking suitable placement. #92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com

H.S.E & ELE Engineer have electrical license 4 years experience.

Contact 96076470 Email: aiashf@yahoo.com

Sudanese Mechanical Engineer 11 years exp in oil & gas industry.

Contact - 95928035

Diploma in Architect 2.5 years experience in Oman having driving.

Contact 92967404

Telecom Engineer with 4.5 years Oman experience looking for a suitable opportunity, interested even in Marketing also. Possess valid Oman driving license. Contact 94145460

Electrical Engineer B.E Engineer, 6 years experience in Dubai, Bahrain with G.C.C. professional licenses holding GCC driving license.

Contact 98063081 Email: imran.engr08@gmail.com

DAE (Civil) having 3.5 years Experience 2 years from Oman with driving licences, seeking for suitable position in Construction field NOC and release available . Contact 96968554 Email: mehranahmad26@yahoo.com

Male 27 diploma in civil engineering, 8 years experience in building constriction, 6th years in Oman now looking for the job permanent base or contract base immediately also I have a Noc for permanent base.

Contact 94619501/98925718 Email: engineertanoli@gmail@gmail.com

24 years Indian female diploma in computer science and engineering now on visit visa seek suitable placement. Contact 96314974/99107369 Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp.

Email: mohd.ateeq.khan@gmail.com

Mechanical Engineer, Gulf Exp in Design and Manufacturing Ph: 97097688 B.E /B.Tech civil 2-3 years.

Contact 93850875/95283064 Diploma of Associate Civil Engineering, Diploma of AutoCad, having 3.5 yrs experience, 2 yrs experience of Oman in Building Construction, valid transferrable ID Card. # 94378581 Indian male, 26 yrs B-Tech (ECE) with MBA in Marketing / HR looking for a suitable placement. Currently on visit visa valid up to 30 January 2015. Contact 93754428, email : shijosirius709@gmail.com

EDUCATION Indian Female (M.Com, B.ED) 2Yrs Experience in teaching seeks suitable placement . Specialization in ( Accounting, Business studies, Human resource management, Economics). Presently in Visit Visa Status. Contact:97342709, Email: sininair27@gmail.com Pakistani Female: looking for job as English lecturer, having 5 years teaching experience in Pakistani universities, qualification M. phil English linguistics Contact no 93534255 1 year experience in teaching all subject to KG classes, currently working as a teacher in Oman, seeking suitable placement, Family visa.

Contact 92178304 / 99036256

HOSPITALITY 27 yrs Indian male, Hospitality science, Graduate with New zealand business diploma having Oman experience in money exchange firm, looking for suitable opportunities in reputed organization.NOC available.

Contact.91383167

IT MCA, MBA, CCNA, MCSE, Indian male with 10 years of experience, holding Oman driving license on visit visa seeks any suitable placement. Contact 92716116 / 91266535 Email: sijuayur@gmail.com Omani citizen searching a job in the field of computer Especially in data base professional in operating oracle SQL , PL/ SQL , form6i , Report 6i .

Contact 96977368 Email: talaloml@yahoo.com Indian male Graduate IT Engineer Hardware networking MCITP, CCNA RHCE 3 years of experience on visit visa seeking job. Contact 94647824 Email: azharpo@gmail.com Indian female IT professional (B.Tech) on visiting visa, 1.5 yrs experience in .Net, worked in MNC, seeks suitable positions.

Contact 94389666 Indian male IT prof, MCA 2 yrs exp in Oman and 3+ yrs exp in India (system admin, hardware, networking, SharePoint, PHP, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, Ajax MySQL).

NOC available. Contact 97496998 Indian Male M.Sc Electronics, having 7.5 years of experience in IT Computer Hardware and Networking seeking job placement. Contact: 97202522 email:connectjinomjohn@yahoo.com IT Prof, MCA having 6+ yrs exp, seeks suitable position.

Contact 94543668 Hardware and Network Technician with 6 years experience one year in Oman, good experience in security systems and net work cabling looking for suitable placement..

Contact 96365220 ERP Software professional, Indian male, 20 yrs (5 yrs Oman) experienced. Interested in ERP/ CRM, Development, Implementation, support position. Contact 93501977 Email: go4nadeem@gmail.com Indian male MBA (marketing & IT) with 1 yr exp looking for suitable placement presently on visit visa.

Contact 97327997 Email: irshad.alimc@gmai.com Indian male 25 B.Tech (IT) Engineer 2.5 yrs exp in hardware networking.

Currently on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact – 94359564 Hardware specialist B.Tech M.Tech electronics with 10 years experience seeks suitable opportunities in reputed organizations.

Contact 91289459 Email: shrn.shrf@gmail.com

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S U N DAY, M A R C H 1 5, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED INFORMATION TECH

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR

SALES / MARKETING

Looking for job Tunisian Bachelor with experience 5 years in Network/IT. Cont.:91368102

Restaurant /Catering Manager – Operations with 21 years experience with 2 years in Saudi is available on visit. Contact 98894682

10 years experience in medicine & surgical equipment sales. Fluent in English, Arabic, Bengali & Hindi .

Presently on visit visa, looking for an opening in the similar field.

Contact 91747258

B.Tech IT Professional, Indian Male with 3 yrs of Exp. In System Admin, IT Support, Networking, Installing Active Directory, DHCP, DNS,RAS, configuring maintaining and managing servers, configuring cisco routers, Exp in handling SQL database, With Valid Driving Licence. Contact - 968 98863507

Smart, excellent English, double masters. 10 years Oman experience immediate, NOC . Contact 91229392 Indian female with nine years of experience in 5 Star hotels as Assistant Food & Beverage Manager looking for a suitable placement in a reputed Star hotel. Contact: 91219787

MISCELLANEOUS SKILLED / UNSKILLED Looking for job of Salesman, office boy or helper. I can speak Hindi and Arabic but can read English.

Contact 94432608 Helper, Electrician, Plumber, exp Gulf & India looking for job.

Contact 95175192 Indian male M. Sc Graduate with telecom AV experience for 6 years looking for suitable position. Contact 00971-557041574 / 95135218 email: nazid83@gmail.com Logistics Officer, Experience in Store keeping. Contact : 99505934

MEDICAL Female Dentist Indian, 28 years Dental Surgeon, 3 years of experience, Oman prometric passed with 64%, looking for a suitable placement in Muscat region. Contact 91377681 Email: hashmisarwat@gmail.com Medical- Indian female, 27 yrs, masters in hospital administration, fellowship in HTA studied in a super specialty medical sciences and research center in India and done project in an established hospital in sultanate of Oman.

Contact 93200827, 91026506 Lab Technician, Civil (8yrs Gulf experience) looking for a suitable job (NOC available) Contact-93344378 Female pharmacist with 3 years experience and MOH license currently in Oman, CONTACT 92455124

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Young Indian male, MBA, around 5 years experience in a reputed multinational company as branch head well experience in management and coordination, looking for suitable position in Suwaiq, Barka, Sohar area.

Contact 92700670 Email fardhaan@gmail.com Purchase Manager with 14 years experience in construction industry with valid D/L & NOC .

Contact 92884811 Email: bati.rajesh@gmail.com 10 years experience in Supermarket as a Manager. Fluent in English, Arabic, Bengali & Hindi presently on visit visa, looking for an opening in the similar field. Contact 91747258 Projects/ contracts Manager total 31 yrs (26 yrs in Oman) experienced in managing & coordination of multi-million R.O projects of government & private sector, post Graduate Structural Engineer with structural & QS Background looking for senior position. Contact +00968-91400599 Qualified Manager: (12+ yrs. Oman Exp.) Vast knowledge in A/c & Admin, Costing, Banking, Credit Control, Insurance, International Purchase/ Logistics & Finance, With D/L looking for suitable position.

Contact 93826090 Email: jskanchan01@gmail.com

Welder, 3G, 6G, TIG, Exp in Fabrication , Gulf Exp Ph : 97103168 Care taker, Gulf Exp knows Hindi, Arabic Ph: 94238840

SECRETARIAL/OFFICE

Indian male 25 yrs M.B.A having More than 2 years experience in sales & marketing good communication skills Looking for a suitable job.

Contact 92152913 email: May4senthil@gmail.com Young female, having experience of working in Oman with expertise in the field of Event Management, Advertising, Marketing and Hotel Management. Currently on a visit visa. Seeking for a suitable Job. Contact 96153578 Indian male, with 3.5 years Oman experience in Sales looking for a suitable placement NOC available.

Contact 99142951

Indian female with 10 yrs of experience in HR/Banking/Operations seeks a suitable placement. Can be contacted on 98919015 or sherianne.coelho@gmail.com

Indian female 7 yrs experience in Admin /Sales Coordination in Oman with valid Oman driving license urgently seeks suitable placement.

Contact 94176308

Indian female, well experienced in secretarial, administration, customer care & supervisory jobs.

5 years experience in Muscat.

Immediately available for joining.

Contact: 92139298

MBA with Oman D/L seeking marketing or sales jobs.

Contact 94143154 email: rinojnathen008@hmail.com

SALES / MARKETING

Indian male, with 8 yrs exp in Sales Operations & accounts handling, expert in SAP & ERP applications seeks job. Contact 93345990

Indian male, 15 years experience in managing department stores, in Karnataka, India, looking for placement.# 93086105 or 99016546

Indian Male, 7 yrs experience in building materials trading having Oman D/L, immediate release available. Contact 98676713

MBA (marketing & operations) with 2 years experience in marketing & operations looking for suitable placement, presently on visit visa.

Contact 97920125 Email: hareeshg111@gmail.com

Indian male, B.Com, 20 yrs experience in Sales & Marketing having UAE light D/L looking for suitable post. Contact +91 9946699062, email : sajim40@gmail.com

Indian male 23 with 2 years Oman experience looking for suitable placement in sales and marketing.

NOC available with valid D/L. Contact 96392009 Male 22, BFT Graduate, seeking job as Merchandiser, Marketing.

Contact 98660360 Indian male 34 years, having 5 years experience in Saudi as Safety Officer looking for suitable jobs in this field. Contact 94349820 Indian male, B.Com Graduate, good experience in purchase, worked in SAOC company seeks suitable position. Contact 93219971 18 yrs Oman experience in building materials seeking suitable placement, NOC available Contact 93105775 Indian B.Com 2.5 years back office, 1.5 yrs sales, 27 yrs, MS Office, MS word, Excel. Contact 95612321 Email: jkadavil@gmail.com Salesman, building materials, Gulf exp, knows Hindi, Arabic & English.

Contact : 95516807 Indian male 9+ years experience in GCC and Indian in hardcore sales and customer service looking for buffer opportunity, holding valid Oman driving license visit visa.

Experience shipping, banking, safety products (PPE) Contact : 97132606 Indian Male having 7 yrs in experience in Oman Sales & Marketing Office Automation Printer, Copier, MFP, IT products & Stationery. Looking for Suitable Placement NOC Available Contact :97384748

Well experienced restaurant Manager with Ample knowledge of sales and operations seeking suitable placement Noc available.

Contact 92953199

MISCELLANEOUS Indian male 28yr age having 6 years Gulf+ Indian experience in HR field, looking for suitable placement. Contact: 97914340, Email: rajkv3086@gmail.com MBA fresher, with fluency in English, Arabic, Hindi, Tamil & Malayalam, looking for suitable job.

Currently in Oman on visit visa.

Mob : +968-93730345 Indian male Executive secretary having vast experience in admin, logistics & procurement well versed with computer seek suitable placement.

Contact : 99514286 B.tech Mechanical Engineer : Keralite bachelor with B. Tech looking for job in Oman with three year of experience ,on Visiting Visa. Contact no.-0096891296354, Email-manurpr88@gmail.com Marketing executive + Warehouse manager ,Male 24years, 2 years exp with NOC available, GCC driving license, looking for suitable opening, please contact 97307863 Indian Male more than 10 years gulf experience in Office / Sales Coordinator, Admin (employees visa processes), Secretarial and purchase with good computer skills. Having Driving license and NOC available.

Looking for suitable placement.

Contact 99709336

MISCELLANEOUS Indian male, 14 years Experience in maintenance & Supervisor in hotel ( Electrical, Ac Mechanical & Plumber ) mob : 95 25 36 40 27 years, Indian optometrist , female , 3years experience looking for suitable placement in Muscat.

Contact : 92066532 EMAIL : aradhanaarun88@gmail.com Sales manager (be-mech/mba) in oman since-2005; (omn-d/l); seeking immediate replacement in marketing and sales or, bdm profile, contact-96040977, kvmssn@gmail.Com ACCA+2.5 years of experience in Accounts, Bookeeping and Audit.

Looking for job in Accounts/Finance/Internal Audit. Also worked on Oracle R12, Tally, Quick Books and PeachTree.

Gsm: 91717234 Email: xhoaib101@hotmail.com, Indian Male 22 years, B.Com looking for suitable placement.

Contact no. - 99894520 email- fouzishaque@gmail.com 28 year Indian male Art specialist with 7.5 yrs of experience in Healthcare industries in AR analyst (US Based Project - M.BA., Finance) seeking suitable placement. Contact +91 9841906431, E-mail: aru1986k@gmail.com Part- Time Accountant, well versed with all accounting, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact : 98803439 B.tech Mechanical Engineer, Keralite bachelor with B.tech looking for job in oman with a year of experience on Visiting Visa.

Contact no.-0096891296354, Email-manurpr88@gmail.com Sr. Sales Manager (BE/MBA) 9 yrs in Oman; (GCC/omn-d/l); seeking immediate replacement in mktg, sales or, bdm profile, # 96040977, kvmssn@gmail.com Planning Engineer 7 years of Experience in project planning and control in oil and gas, PDO & QP Approved Planner,PRIMAVERA6,B.Tech in Mechanical engineering from CUSAT Contactullasprabhakaran@yahoo.co.in, ph-00974 70230223 Indian male total 17 yrs exp in field of procurement, inventory, controlling & accountancy. Local release available, seeking suitable placement. # 91680124 / 98606546 Indian female, B.Com. knowledge of Ms .Office & Tally, 4yrs experience in A/Cing & admin dept .looking for good placement in any field. Contact.98928220 British Beauty Therapist Looking for suitable position Mob: 97175240 ACCA-UK, B.Sc (OBU-UK) having 2.8 years of experience in Accounts, Bookeeping and Audit.

Looking for job in Accounts/Finance department. Also worked on Oracle R12, Tally, Quick Books and Peach Tree. Email: AliRiazMughal@Outlook.com, Gsm: +968-95459936 Indian Male 28yr age having 6year gulf+ Indian experience in HR field, looking for suitable placement. Contact:97914340,Email: rajkv3086@gmail.com Indian male, 11 years exp.

In accounting, knowledge in tally also. Looking for a part time job.

Contact . 98983122

Female Executive Assistant/ Executive Secretary with 27+ experience, worked with top management/Board in financial services with shorthand skills & Omani driving license, seeks suitable placement. Call 95941515 Indian Female, 24 yrs MS. Software Engg. Currently on family visa, 1 year experience in SAP WM & IT seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 95490105 Senior Accounts Professional, Indian Male, 35 years, M.Com, MBA (Fin) 8 years in Oman, with valid Oman DL and NOC available.

Capable to handle accounts up to finalization. Contact 9602 3965.

Indian female, Graduate, Certified in IATA, with 8 months experience in Travel and 2 and half years experience in Operations and HR looking for job in Field of Travel/ Office Management. Contact -92816803/ 92459686. Emailvijetadevilishangel@gmail.com MBA (international business) with 2.5 years experience in sales and also experience in vehicle spare parts (in-charge) looking for a suitable job presently on visit visa. Contact 93539456, 95765868, E mail: mathewsantony936@gmail.com INDIAN FEMALE ,Graduate, Certified in IATA, with 2 and half years experience in Admin/ Accounts and Office coordinator looking for job in Field of Travel/Office Management. Contact -92459686/ 92816803, Emailkrupa_patel1984@yahoo.com Part Time Accounting Job Complete Data Entry, Reporting and Finalization. Any Time Available.

Location Ruwi to Bharka. Please Contact- +968-92049215 Email:- aiafe.oman@gmail.com CAT (UK) , ACCA (UK) , 3 year experience. (including one year experience in EY world 3rd largest audit firm) looking for reputed company for a job of Internal Audit, Finance and Accounting.

Contact no: 00923008833525 Indian female, 24yrs, M.Com (Accounts) having 3 yrs experience in Accounts, HR, Administration, Customer Service. Good Computer Proficiency seeks suitable Position. Visa Transfer/NOC Available. Contact: 99654913 Indian female B.Com Graduate, 4yrs experience in accounts, admin dept looking for placement in any field 98928220 Sudanese/Bsc IT/ 2 years experience/ excellent English-Arabic speaking/ Omani driving license/ Contact: 96387227, henrykarrar@gmail.com Indian Female, B.tech bio-technology graduate. Knowledgeable in food processing techniques, having 2 yrs experieince as associate research analyst(media monitoring) in Nasdaq Omx, seeking for growth oriented job. Contact 92044603, angeline.babithac@gmail.com.

Female, MSc Chemistry, BEd, with 1.5yrs of experience as research officer in a chemical manufacturing company in India. Ph: 95243584 Diploma in Fire and Safety Engineering, 3.5 year experience as a Safety Advisor in Carillion Alawi 27 year Indian male also having valid Omani driving license, looking for job Email:govindansreejit@gmail.com, Contact 968 9808527, 96176872

Experienced, male 25, hardworking, looking for permanent job in Accounting, Finance and Auditing field, ACCA UK and B.Sc in applied accounting (OBU-UK). 2-years of practical experience with an audit firm in Pakistan. Email: AliRiazMughal@Outlook.com, Gsm:+968-95459936 Accountant , Indian Male,24 years , 3+ years experience in Finance and Accounts, M.com Finance , Exposure in SAP & Tally ERP 9 , Good communication skill, on visit Visa. Contact 95366407 B.Tech Mechanical Engineer (Automobile) & Diploma in QC with 2yrs experience in oil & gas company seek suitable placement job currently on Visit Visa. Contact no.96071081, 99214308 Email: rahulvarikkat@gmail.com 37 years Indian Male with 10 years PDO experience Store Keeper seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 95849804 Diploma in Fire and Safety Engineering, Completed IOSH, have PDO Passport.3.5 year experience as a Safety Advisor in Carillion Alawi 27 year Indian male also having valid Omani driving license, looking for job. Email:govindansreejit@ gmail.com Contact: 9689808527,96896176872 Indian female, 24yrs, M.COM (Accounts) having 3yrs experience in Accounts, HR, Administration, Customer Service. Good Computer Proficiency seeking Suitable Position. Visa Transfer/NOC Available.

Contact: 99654913 Job seeker with ten years of experience in management, banking, and marketing. Muscat, mobile number: 91262609 Omani Citizen Mechanical Engineer with 1 yr exp looking for job.

Contact:95993315 email:eaz-s@hotmail.com Accountant , Indian Male,24 years , 3+ years experience in Finance and Accounts, M.com Finance , Exposure in SAP & Tally ERP 9 , Good communication skill, on visit Visa.

Contact ( 95366407 ,96921443) IT support 6 yrs experience, male, Filipino Desktop Support, Backup administrator, Wireless Networking, server admin, laptop support, DB admin.

Contact +96896126502 Indian Male, 31 years of Rich Oman experience in Multifunctional Management, Admistration, Business Development, Purchase & Operations. Seeking suitable Manager/ Supervisory Position. Visa transfer/ NOC Available. GSM: 95036410 Indian male, 31 years of Rich Oman experience in Multifunctional Management, Administration, Business Development, Purchase & Operations seeking suitable Manager/ Supervisory Position. Visa transfer/ NOC Available. GSM: 95036410 Young Indian with 8 years experience in Multi faceted exposure in various ITES domains is looking for job in IT client/sales/delivery relationship manager. Immediate availability 98885188, fahad079@gmail.com Accountant, Indian male, 24 years. Presently working in Oman as Accountant. 2 years experience in Accounts with Oman Driving license. NOC available seeks suitable opportunity.GSM: 93409315

S U N DAY, M A R C H 1 5 , 2 0 1 5

D7

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

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

TOURS

TOURS

RENT A CAR

TRANSPORTATION Transportation. Contact 98505294 Transport with driver available in Muscat region any time any where with luxury cars very low price.

98294551

RENT A CAR

Transportation. Contact 99664703 Picking and drop. Contact 96743215 Transportation. Contact 98518979 Transport to ISWK. Contact 93172589 Transportation . Contact 98178135 Transport available. Contact 95356877 Transportation available.

Contact 95570429 Transportation. Contact 91379976 Pick & Drop any time.

Contact 97014786 Pick & drop anytime in al Khuwair.

Contact 99764307

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

D8

S U N DAY, M A R C H 1 5, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

WEBSITE

MANPOWER

COMPUTER

Canada, Legal Job for Construction staffs, Gas & Oil, Hotel Staffs & Medical staffs. Free Recruitment.

Please send CV to margholdingimmigration@gmail.com

CLASSES WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

Available construction workers, hospital staff with Oman parametric, housemaids Indian, Uganda.

Contact 9629417/98408488 Email: alkubratrading@gmail.com

Split & window unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact 99557080

DRIVING

Window & spilt unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 96236476 AC service repair and maintenance.

Contact 95356877

MATRIMONIAL Tamil Muslim parents looking for boys from good reputed family B.S.C smart, 23 yrs. Contact 99443236 after 6 pm

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

Keralite Syrian Christian Parents seeking alliance from any Syrian Christian Denominations Graduated working girls preferably in Oman or UAE for their son MBA 29/175-born brought up in Muscat working in a reputed organization.

Contact 97226324 email: m4proposal@yahoo.com

Lady Trainer available for driving classes in Seeb area. Knows Hindi, English, Arabic & Baluchi.

Contact 98869198

BUSINESS

Female BSC Nurse Christians RC Kannur Kerala inviting proposals from employed boys . Contact 00919496840556 /0096892490393

Carpet & sofa shampooing. Ocean Centre LLC. Contact 99884591 / 92682970 Tutoring ACCA/CAT subjects, passing exams by expert lectures.

Contact +( 968) 99229700

Cleaning services, carpet & sofa shampooing, marble restoration (grinding) and polishing, pest control, fogging service. Contact 99448057, 95401996

NRI

SIT.WANTED Indian male, graduate with 7 years experience in hospitality industry, sales & marketing .M.B.A in human resource management.

Contact 92115860 MBA graduate having more than 2 years of experience in event management company as event coordinator. Looking for a suitable job in your esteemed organization which will commensurate with my qualifications#+96894560161, Email- qaisebukhari@gmail.com

Air conditioning split A/C, Ducted split & package A/C, maintenance & installation. Contact 98667326 Cheapest prices all types window, curtains and Blinds.

Contact 99539521

Well qualified Christian girls looking for suitable alliance from well qualified and born again Christians (age 40 & 43).

Contact 92560192 Email: pastorphilipmathew@gmail.com We are looking for a Muslim Girl for our son interested parents or daughter May. Contact 97664009

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807

Spacious, 2BHK flat for sale at Hebbal Bangalore.

Contact 96263157

Coffee shop business partner required. Contact 95212017

Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. # 24810137, 99450130

Cheapest Prices, all types window, curtains and blind.

Contact 99539521 Computer service/ AMC/ Networking. Contact 91339882

A/C maintenance split A/C servicing. Contact 94217681/ 99210141

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

Marble polishing & crystallization, building cleaning floor, floor polishing, carpet, sofa shampooing, pest control, anti termite shifting, maintenance. Contact 99504275

House shifting packing.

Contact 99657644, 98518013

GOOD NEWS

Door to Door Computers repair specialist laptop software Website cartridges. Contact 99199376

Pest Control Treatments, Termites, Cockroaches, Bedbugs. Contact Ocean Centre LLC. Contact 99344723

House shifting. Contact 99708138 Tunisian women looking for job, knows english, frensh, Italian and arabic. Contact: 91171838

Feasibility study, market research, financial analysis of companies.

(968) 99229700

Cheap website / software development, SEO, SMO, SMM, APP store optimization, apps for IOS, Android, windows, blackberry. Contact 95526871, www.ashterzsoft.com

Pest control & cleaning services professionals in pest control service bedbugs treatment, rodent, treatment, snake treatment and termite treatment, pre and post construction. Contact 93098450, 96408964, fax : 24472116

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

SIT.WANTED

Cold store freezer, chiller A/C installation and maintenance.

Contact 92279370

GULF INTERNATIONAL LLC. all kind of pest control. Contact 92326955

Carpet & sofa shampooing. Ocean Centre LLC. Contact 99884591 / 92682970

Taimour Ayurvedic Clinic, Ruwi offers genuine & effective treatment for back pain, paralysis, cervical and lumbar spondylitis, osteoarthritis, joint pains, sinusitis, migraine, allergic problems, varicose vein and all other health related problems. Kerala massage and rejuvenation package available. For details please contact: 92197920/ 24799689 Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis massage, steam bath, obesity, spondylitis IDEAL , CARE Ayurvedic Clinic 18 November street, Azaiba. Contact 99639695 / 99117987 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).

Contact 24475280 / 95371554 / 92504980 , www.siddhayur.com FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 96050000, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit: www.islamfact.com