Times of Oman - December 15, 2015

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FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

Before The Council of Oman, 2001

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ We repeat our call to the private sector to take the lead in this respect and to work hard with a high national spirit towards increasing the level of Omanisation in both the large and small enterprises and companies in the private sector.

TUESDAY, December 15, 2015 / 3 Rabi Al Awal 1437 AH timesofoman.com

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FAHD INAUGURATES NATIONAL MUSEUM

HM receives thanks from Bahrain, Algeria

His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers, on Monday patronised over the opening ceremony of the National Museum in Muscat. The opening of the museum coincides with Oman’s 45th National Day celebrations. -ONA See also >A4

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received a cable of thanks from His Majesty King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, in reply to His Majesty’s condolences cable on the death of Sheikh Issa bin Ali bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

In his cable, King Issa expressed his utmost thanks and appreciation for His Majesty’s sincere condolences and sympathy, praying to the Allah the Almighty to rest the deceased’s soul in peace and protect His Majesty against all harms.

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin

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HM honour for officers

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His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, conferred the excellent service and Royal commendation medals on commissioned and noncommissioned officers. >A6

MARKET

‘Islamic banks must focus on innovation’

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Islamic banking institutions in Oman need to develop human resources, identify the opportunities and help increase public awareness, said Central Bank of Oman Executive President Hamoud bin Sangour Al Zadjali. >B1

MARKET

Port of Salalah opens OMR55m liquid berth

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A new deep-water general cargo and liquid bulk terminal has been opened by the Port of Salalah in a major step to a make it a Gulf regional gateway port and trans-shipment hub on the Arabian Sea. >B3

Said has also received a cable of thanks form President Abdelaziz Bouteflika of People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria in reply to His Majesty’s congratulatory cable on the occasion of his county’s National Day. In his cable, President Bouteflika expressed his utmost thanks and appreciation for His Majesty the Sultan’s congratulations and best wishes, praying to Allah the Almighty to grant His Majesty good health and well-being to achieve further progress and prosperity for the Omani people. -ONA

‘Regulate our fares’, say taxi drivers to officials To Al Hail, it will cost just 500 baizas, as per the agreed pricing among the drivers.

An official from the Ministry of Transport and Communications told Times of Oman that taxis pose problems and cause accidents while Mwasalat service is better and safer.

A single regulator for all transport should be created, say drivers, whose income has been hit by new bus services

TARIQ AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Taxi drivers are calling for the unification of transport services in the Sultanate under one umbrella for regulating fares, creating designated parking stations and monitoring taxi activity.

Soon after the launch of Mwasalat, taxi drivers are saying they have been negatively affected by the introduction of the low-cost bus service which has prompted many passengers to travel by the bus rather than take taxis.

During the trial period, Mwasalat transported passengers for free which did not sit well with taxi drivers.

“The trial period after the

CONCERNED: Taxi drivers are complaining of losses in earnings since Mwasalat’s launch. – Supplied photo

launch of Mwasalat affected us greatly,” said Suleiman Al Jardani, one of six taxi drivers who have been elected by more than 600 taxi drivers to speak for them.

“Who will refuse a ride for free?

We have financial obligations by paying car instalments, whether they are minibuses or saloons.

How will we pay our bills and feed our family? Some of us have jobs but the majority doesn’t,” he added.

On the list of requests is the

establishment of a union consisting of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Muscat Municipality, and the Directorate General of Traffic, providing designated parking areas, and Oman National Transport Company (ONTC) ticket prices to be equal to that of taxis.

Many taxi drivers are demanding price regulations to provide a fair deal to passengers.

While the ‘good guys’ are compliant to the agreed fares, the ‘bad

guys’ often rip off unsuspecting passengers.

Al Jardani said that the ONTC charges 300 baizas to transport passengers from Ruwi to Mabellah, while minibuses and saloons charge 800 and 900 baizas respectively.

Similarly, the minibus charges 400 baizas from the Azaiba traffic lights to the pedestrian crossing across the way from Zubair Automotive to the Shell station at the highway.

Price regulations In response, Al Jardani said, “Most of the taxi drivers are not compliant because there isn’t a governing body to regulate prices.”

He added, “For years, we have been asking for price regulations; and if there would have been one, we would have followed it.

“One taxi driver was not compliant with the agreed fare, so we took to the public prosecution after we heard that he had hiked his cab fare.”

Adil Al Balushi, another taxi driver said that some passengers ask for a receipt from the taxi.

“Some people ask me for a receipt and I will be glad to give them one, but I can’t because the prices are not approved.”

When the Times of Oman asked whether they accept the idea of being monitored, Al Jardani, without hesitation, said they welcome the idea since it would be safer for the passenger and themselves as well. >A6

N O R T H A L B AT I NA H

13 burglars arrested for 81 cases of theft Times News Service MUSCAT: Three gangs comprising 13 burglars have been arrested in North Al Batinah for allegedly committing 81 thefts, a top Royal Oman Police (ROP) official announced on Monday.

The official said that only 33 of the thefts had been reported to the police headquarters in North Al Batinah, while there were no complaints for the remaining crime incidents.

According to the official, the criminals had targeted houses, commercial shops and companies

and had also robbed people inside their cars. “The accused were caught erasing evidence at a crime scene,” the official said.

After investigations, the suspects were arrested and detained by the police.

Cases have been filed against all the accused and they have been referred to the public prosecution for further investigations before being produced in court.

Khat smuggling Meanwhile, police officers in Dhofar foiled an attempt to smuggle 1,495 bundles of the (Khat) drug,

tious and report any crime to the nearest police station. They must make sure not to tamper with the crime scene, ROP added.

which was being brought to the Sultanate from sea using a boat.

“The three accused were Arab nationals,” ROP said.

ROP has also advised citizens and residents to be wary and cau-

50 infiltrators The ROP, in collaboration with other military and security departments, last week arrested 50 infiltrators of different nationalities in a number of wilayats.

They had all entered the Sultanate illegally.

The ROP also deported 83 infiltrators after taking necessary legal actions, in coordination with their respective embassies.

Two top GCC commanders killed in Yemen

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SERVICE TO COMMUNITY

A pillar of support for Bangladeshi workers in distress Staff Reporter

Bangladesh Social Club president Shafiqul Islam Bhuiyan.

MUSCAT: Whether it is sending home a poor Bangladeshi worker or treatment of a patient with medical complications, or helping expatriates with visa issues, Mohammed Shafiqul Islam Bhuiyan, 54, is always ready to help his compatriots in Oman.

“Thanks to the social club, we are able to deal with different situations,” Bhuiyan told the Times of Oman.

The President of the Bangladesh Social Club in Oman has been running a travel agency and offering Haj and Umrah packages for the past 35 years. He also runs a petrol

pump in Oman. When he is free from his daily business responsibilities, he is seen at the club office in Ruwi signing papers, or meeting club members, or advising what he says “gullible Bangladeshi workers” resentful of brokers back home.

Big promises “This is one of the big issues here.

We get to meet Bangladeshis, who have been sent by brokers of small companies on the promise of great jobs, permanent visas, hefty salaries and what not. When they reach Oman, they find a different world out here,” he stated.

Such workers, Bhuiyan said, are

either sent back home with free tickets or taken care of until they adjust in Oman.

Bhuiyan has also helped in the repatriation of hundreds of illegal workers.

“Thank God our embassy and Oman’s Ministry of Manpower are always there to help in such efforts,” he said.

The club also helps poor Bangladeshis with serious medical conditions in getting free treatment at various hospitals.

“Yesterday, we came to know about a poor Bangladeshi, who needed immediate hospitalisation.

We got him free treatment. Normally, such a treatment would cost

OMR1,500. But the club made efforts and got him free treatment,” Bhuiyan said.

Monetary help Recently, the club got monetary help from the government for the treatment of a newborn baby, who had a hole in his heart.

“The baby is being treated at the Royal Hospital,” he said.

Bhuiyan’s efforts have seen the club finally acquire land, where a new social club would come up soon. He said that more branches are coming up in Salalah, Sur and other areas of the country, “which will help us reach out and help more Bangladeshis in Oman.”

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A R M E D F O R C E S D AY

Oman’s telecom regulator to launch Exhibition on HM’s biography held updated online application system Times News Service MUSCAT: An updated online application system will be launched soon by the Type Approval Department, Oman’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) announced.

Following this, the current sys-

tem will be shut down from 3pm on December until 7am on December 21. TRA has advised its customers to avoid inconvenience, and to submit all urgent applications before 3pm on December 16.

It has also asked authorised signatories to ensure that they have the latest PKI-enabled ID, resi-

dent and SIM cards, as well as ensure their activation through the e.Oman kiosks that are located at several commercial centres.

For any further clarifications, customers can contact the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority’s Type Approval Department at ta@tra.gov.om

MUSCAT: An exhibition containing photographs of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, was inaugurated

by Sayyid Badr bin Saud bin Harib Al Busaidi, Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs.

Armed Forces Day Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) museum recently organised the exhibition themed ‘Leader Biography and Country Renaissance’, on the occasion of the Armed Forces Day, which falls on December 11 every year.

The chief guest toured the various sections of the exhibition that displayed a collection of photographs of His Majesty the Sultan and reflected scenes

from Royal visits, His Majesty’s inspection visits to military sites, and His Majesty while presiding over the national celebrations and military parades.

The exhibition also includes other photographs that narrate the generous care His Majesty has devoted to nation-building.

Painters and artists representing personnel at SAF, Royal Guard of Oman (RGO), Engineering Services and Oman Innovators Society took part in the exhibition.

The opening ceremony was attended by Mohammed bin Nasser Al Rasbi, secretary-general of the Ministry of Defence; Lieutenant-General Ahmed bin Harith Al Nabhani, SAF chief of staff; Major General Mattar bin

Salim Al Balushi, commander of the Royal Army of Oman (RAO); Air Vice Marshal Mattar bin Ali Al Obaidani, commander of the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO); Rear Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al Ra’eesi, commander of the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO).

Major General Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Junaibi, RGO commander and Major General Salim bin Musallam Qatan, commandant of the National Defence College also attended the event. - ONA

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Unlicensed training institutes ordered to shut operations tions,” the ministry warned.

It’s not allowed to advertise, permit or execute any training programme without a licence, the Ministry of Manpower has notified all individuals and establishments

Staff Reporter MUSCAT: Private training institutes without licences have been asked to immediately halt operations across the country, a statement from the Ministry of Manpower said on Monday.

“The Ministry of Manpower notifies all individuals and establishments that it’s not allowed to

advertise, permit or execute any training programme without getting a licence for practising training activity in pursuant to Article (3) of the Regulations on Training Institutions issued by Ministerial Decision no 490/2010 on 10/10/2010,” the statement read.

“Executing such unapproved activities and programmes is an explicit breach of the regula-

Appeal The statement also called on citizens and residents not to enrol in any academic training programme marketed by private training institutions and investigate the presence of accredited trainers for such programmes through the organisational structure approved and displayed in the reception halls of each accredited private training institution.

“The ministry is ready to clarify all procedures adopted by the private training institutions,” it stated.

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T U E S DAY, D E C E MB E R 1 5, 2 0 1 5

Plans for 3 new Indian schools in Sultanate Indian School Board is working on opening new schools in Al Amerat, Al Ansab and Barka

Times News Service MUSCAT: To cater to the growing needs of the Indian community, the Indian School Board in Oman is working on opening new schools in Al Amerat, Al Ansab and Barka, Wilson V. George, chairman, board of directors of Indian Schools in the Sultanate of Oman, said.

He also informed that a branch of the Indian School Muscat (ISM) in Ghubrah will open from the next academic year.

“The school for smaller classes of ISM at Ghubrah will open in April 2016 and will cater to more than 300 students,” he told the Times of Oman on Monday.

Expansion projects The capacity enhancement planned for Indian schools is in addition to the current expansion projects ongoing at existing schools, such as the Indian School Al Maabela, which inaugurated its Phase-III building recently.

The Indian School Al Maabela’s extension comprises 12 classrooms, with a multi-purpose hall that can accommodate more than

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500 students. Every year, there is heavy rush for admissions at Indian schools, where the board receives around 5,000 applicants.

“Hopefully, with the new schools coming up and the capacity increases in existing schools, the pressure on admissions will ease and we may be able to get rid of the two-shift system in some of the existing schools in the near future,” George said.

Available seats The number of seats available for the 2014-2015 academic year was around 3,000.

“But we had to accommodate around 5,000 students, which was very challenging. However, we could take up that challenge by creating additional seats with the help of the Ministry of Education,” he added.

Indian schools are the largest community schools in Oman, where over 40,000 students are enrolled. The third phase of the Indian School Al Maabela school building was officially inaugurated by George.

The other guests present on the occasion included Thulasidas, director-in-charge, board of directors, Indian School in Oman, Kiran Asher, vice-chairman, board of directors, Indian schools in Oman, Ambujakshan M. K, president, School Management Committee ISAM, and members of the School Management Committee, ISAM were present.

In his inaugural address, George thanked and praised the School Management Task Force Committee members for being there throughout and appreciated the progress made.

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AWA R D

British School Muscat student is ‘UK Young Geographer of the Year’ Times News Service MUSCAT: Rohan Woodcock, a Year 6 pupil at the British School Muscat (BSM), performed exceptionally well in the Key Stage 2 category (students aged 9-11) of the United Kingdom’s Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) ‘Young Geographer of the Year 2015’ competition, and recently attended the ceremony in London to receive his award.

This is the second year BSM has sent its students to participate in the Society’s Young Geographer of the Year competition and also its

to explore why Antarctica matters.

To celebrate the centenary of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance Expedition, students were also asked to respond to the question, ‘Why does Antarctica matter?’

second successful in the competition, with Flurina Briner receiving a commendation award last year in the KS2 category.

This year’s competition was an opportunity for geography pupils

Scientific endeavour Dr Rita Gardner CBE, director of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), said: “Shackleton’s amazing story of leadership and survival is part of the UK’s great Antarctic heritage and tradition of scientific endeavours. Antarctica is still vitally important today, not least for its role in helping us

understand climate change. We asked school children to consider the importance of Antarctica and have got a fantastic response.

Thousands of pupils from over 300 schools submitted entries to the competition recognising the importance of the world’s last great wilderness.”

In support of the competition, the society has asked a range of experts, who work on issues surrounding Antarctica, to tell us why Antarctica matters to them. The videos can be seen on the Royal Geographical Society’s #WhyDoesAntarcticaMatter? page.

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NATIONAL MUSEUM SHOWCASES RICH HERITAGE National Museum hosts the first Museum Education Centre in Oman and facilities for preventive conservation, which are designed according to the standards of the International Council of Museums

Times News Service MUSCAT: His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers, on Monday patronised over the opening ceremony of the National Museum in the Governorate of Muscat.

The opening of the museum coincides with the Sultanate’s celebrations of the 45th Glorious National Day. Sayyid Fahd unveiled the plaque at the main entrance declaring open the National Muse-

um. Entry ticket no. “1” was issued to Sayyid Fahd.

Sayyid Fahd said the National Museum is a source of pride and one of the major achievements made during the blessed era of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said , who attaches great care to history, culture and heritage in this country. “Oman is very rich in history and heritage and it is our duty to transfer them to our sons because they play an important role in our daily life in this country,” he added.

The entrance fees for Omanis

and residents in Oman are OMR1, and OMR5 for tourists.

The National Museum was established as per the Royal Decree No. (62/2013) issued on Muharram 16, 1435 AH corresponding to November 20, 2013 to be a significant project tasked with preserving the Omani heritage and material and non-material collectables of all manifestations of the history, culture and arts of the Sultanate, in a form that highlights the cultural, historical and cultural dimensions of the Sultanate.

National Museum aims to preserve the components of Omani cultural heritage by supporting research and scientific and historical studies, and plans for the conservation, in addition to education and community outreach, which is achieved through the Learning Center, which provides excellent educational services for all visitors and different age groups especially for children and students, as well as provision of services to visitors and special groups.

National Museum hosts the first

Museum Education Centre in the Sultanate and the first facilities for the preventive conservation, which are designed according to the standards of the International Council of Museums.

“Children and people with special needs can access the museum for free,” said Khawla Al Habsi, a supervisor at the National Museum while adding that the museum features advanced facilities for people with special needs, including people with visual and physical challenges, by employing the language of symbols (Braille) in Arabic as part of the museum’s open store system where a visitor can see live the stages of the archaeological artefacts.

National Museum is the first public building in the Sultanate that includes advanced facilities for people with special needs, including the blind and persons with physical disability by using Braille language in Arabic, and open display for direct interaction with its contents.

This is the first museum in the

Middle East that uses Braille language in Arabic in the context of the Arab interpretation of museum and open storage system. The construction area of the museum is 13.700 square metres of which 4,000 square metres area is dedicated to 15 fixed display halls, including the Earth and Man Hall, Maritime History Hall, Hall of Arms, Hall of Civilizational Achievements, Aflaj Hall, Currency Hall, Prehistory Hall, Hall of Oman and the Outside World, Hall of Greatness of Islam, and Renaissance Hall along with a hall dedicated to temporary exhibition, which has been designed in accordance with the international regulations and standards used for this kind of facilities.

The museum contains more than 7,000 collectables distributed into various fixed display halls.

Sayyid Fahd, their highnesses, ministers and advisers toured the halls of the museum during which they were briefed by the museum staff. A documentary titled “Oman: Pearl of Orient in the Land of Hope”, was screened in the audio-

visual presentations hall using HD technology.

Oman aspires through this museum to assume its prestigious position in the field of museum industry and keep pace with the technical and technological developments in the museums sector by adopting the best standards and techniques used in the field of museum management.

The museum will have its own website to allow researchers and scholars read the available research and studies and get acquainted with these items.

The museum, in comparison to similar projects in the region, has its roots in Omani history and stems from the soil of this country.

It specializes in Omani cultural heritage through the ages as the exhibits are either Omani in origin or related to Oman.

Between 2010 and 2014, the museum invited 30 experts and scholars from within and outside and was assisted by 21 archaeological missions for the preparation of the contents of the museum. -ONA

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SAYYID KHALID RECEIVES SAUDI ARABIAN AMBASSADOR

Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal bin Saud Al Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court, received in his office Eid Mohammed Al Thaqafi, ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the Sultanate, on Monday. The meeting reviewed bilateral relations between Oman and Saudi Arabia. — ONA

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9 young creative writers awarded The competition was first initiated in 2014 to commemorate the late Omani poet, Ali Mehdi, who died at a very young age

Times News Service

GHUBRA

31 universities take part in career fair at Indian school Times News Service MUSCAT: Some 31 reputed universities and colleges from Australia, Germany, Dubai, the UK and the US participated in a Career Fair organised at the Indian School Al Ghubra auditorium on December 7.

The fair provided students and parents the opportunity to explore a spectrum of disciplines.

Mohiuddin Mohammed Ali, director at the Galfar Engineering and Contracting Company, was the chief guest on the occasion and inaugurated the Indian School Al Ghubra’s Career Fair 2015. Nitin Rajdawas was the guest speaker.

Setting goals In his address, the chief guest asked students to set goals for themselves and strive hard to achieve them. He insisted on students remaining focussed, dreaming big and never giving up their goals.

EXPLORING OPTIONS: Parents and students, who attended the fair,

appreciated the initiative taken by the school. – Supplied photo

Guest Speaker Rajdawas, who is a Chartered Accountant, spoke about chartered accountancy as a field of study in great depth.

Good initiative Parents and students, who attend-

ed the fair, hailed the initiative as it helped them gain new insights into career options. It not only benefitted the students, but also offered them an excellent chance to map out their future courses and careers.

MUSCAT: Nine young writers were awarded by the Cultural Club in Al Qurm for their creative writings submitted as part of the ‘Penned Thoughts: Ali Mehdi’s young writers’ annual competition, held recently under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Faisal bin Turki Al Said.

The competition was first initiated in 2014 to commemorate the late Omani poet, Ali Mehdi, who died at a very young age.

90 entries Nearly 90 entries were submitted covering three genres of poetry, essay and short story from young writers aged between 16 and 23 years.

“Ali Mehdi’s Young Writers’ Annual Competition, successfully managed over the past two consecutive years to attract potential writers to come forward and be identified for their creative work,” said Mehdi, father of the late poet and member of the organising committee.

Mehdi added that the competition aims to provide the right platform to talented youth to come forward and reflect their literary skills in the language they see fit.

Zahra Al Abri, Rana Al Sariri and Abir Al Busaidi were selected as winners in the poetry category,

while the winners in the essay category were: Ashwaq Al Maskery, Dvita Kapadia and Maryam Abdul Hamid.

Second consecutive time For the second consecutive time, Mahnoor Anees Khan won the first prize in the short story category, followed by Houriya Al Balushi and Dvita Kapadia. All winners were female.

Around 85 per cent of all participants were female. However, the male contribution reflected an increase of 8 per cent, compared to last year. The entrants were from different governorates in Oman, with Muscat leading with 47 per cent of the total participants.

The judging panel for this year consisted of Adrian Roscoe, Susanne Shunnaq, Faryal Ahmed, Adil Al Khafaji and Chandrika Balasubramanian. All the judges belong to reputable educational institutions and have volunteered for assessing the work of the youth and selected the winners, based on specific criteria for each category.

Award winning ceremony was co-sponsored by the Cultural Club and the National Youth Committee.

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These kinds of exhibitions help in knowing other countries’ culture and heritage Sayyida Alia bint Thuwaini Al Said

HM honour conferred on officers for dedicated duty

BOOSTING TIES

Majlis, Iraqi Council discuss cooperation MUSCAT: A meeting of Majlis Al Shura and the Iraqi Council of Representatives was held on Monday, where they discussed the means of supporting the consultative cooperation between the two countries at all levels, particularly in the legislative areas.

The Omani side was led by Khalid bin Hilal Al Ma’awali, Chairman of the Majlis Al Shura and the Iraqi side was led by Dr. Saleem Al Jabouri, Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives.

ROYAL HONOUR: Sayyid Badr bin Saud bin Harib Al Busaidi, Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs, congratulated the officers and personnel for the honour. – ONA

The Royal commendation medals were conferred at Bait Al Falaj Camp

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, conferred the excellent service and Royal commendation medals on commissioned and non-commissioned officers and personnel of the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF), and other departments at the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Guard of Oman (RGO), in appreciation for their dedication

ASSIGNED BY HIS MAJESTY

in serving their country and carrying out the sacred duty.

The excellent service and Royal commendation medals were conferred at Bait Al Falaj Camp on Monday by Sayyid Badr bin Saud bin Harib Al Busaidi, Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs.

Sayyid Badr congratulated the officers and personnel for this Royal honour. He urged them to

exert more efforts to develop this dear country under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

The medals presentation ceremony was attended by Mohammed bin Nasser Al Rasbi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence, Lt.Gen Ahmed bin Harith Al Nabhani, SAF Chief of Staff, Maj.Gen Mattar bin Salim Al Balushi, Commander of the Royal

Army of Oman (RAO), Air Vice Marshal Mattar bin Ali Al Obaidani, Commander of the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO), Rear Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al Ra’eesi, Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO), Maj. Gen Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Junaibi, RGO Commander and Maj. Gen Salim bin Musallam Qatan, Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC). -ONA

Cooperation The session was attended from the Omani side by Rashid bin Ahmed Al Shamsi, Deputy Chairman of the Majlis Al Shura, Mohammed bin Abu Bakr Al Ghassani, Deputy Chairman of the Majlis Al Shura, members of the Majlis Al Shura Office and Sheikh Ali bin Nassir Al Mahrouqi, Secretary General of the Majlis.

The Iraqi guest and his accompanying delegation also toured the Council of Oman.

Dr. Saleem al-Jabouri, Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives and his accompanying delegation arrived on an official two-day visit to the Sultanate. -ONA

TURKISH PRODUCTS

Holy Quran contest winners honoured MUSCAT: Assigned by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Salmi, Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, on Monday patronized over the honouring ceremony of the winners of the 25th edition of Sultan Qaboos Holy Quran Memorization Competition.

The ceremony was attended by His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Khalili, Grand Mufti of the Sultanate, ministers, undersecretaries and judges.

The competition aims at urging the Omanis to memorise the Holy Quran, learning from its

lessons and meanings, preparing excellent reciters of the Holy Quran and enhancing the Sultanate’s presence at the international competitions for the Holy Quran memorisation.

Habib bin Mohammed Al Riyami, Secretary General of the Sultan Qaboos Higher Centre for Culture and Science (SQHCCS), said that the 25th edition of the competition witnessed a qualitative shift in terms of increasing number of the registered competitors that rose to 100 per cent compared to the previous competitions. -ONA FOR THE BENEFIT OF CHILDREN: Most of the items exhibited at the Turkish Charity Bazaar have been brought by the Embassy from

various art centres in Turkey. – Mohammed Ali

Turkish Embassy opens charity exhibition Staff Reporter MUSCAT: A two-day charity exhibition titled the Turkish Charity Bazaar was opened by the embassy of the Republic of Turkey yesterday, in the premises of the Omani Women’s Association.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Her Highness Sayyida Alia bint Thuwaini Al Said.

Culture and heritage “These kinds of exhibitions help in knowing other countries’ culture and heritage. This is one way

to know what other countries produce,” Sayyida Alia told the Times of Oman. “I have been to Turkey before but I have never seen these types of items here. They (Turkish Embassy) are doing an amazing thing, moreover it’s for charity,” she added.

Charity Bazaar Unique Turkish products, such as handicrafts, textiles, silverware and foodstuff were displayed and being sold at the Charity Bazaar.

Most of the items exhibited have been brought by the Embassy

from various art centres in Turkey. According to the Embassy officials, the revenue from this event will go to the benefit of children in need.

Sayyida Alia reiterated that such exhibitions should be encouraged to identify the needy in different countries.

“I encourage having more of such exhibitions from different culture so that we get to know about that country,” she said.

She also added that after attending the exhibition, she has decided to visit the country again.

Raffle draw A raffle draw will be held at the end of the event for the visitors of the exhibition. The winners will be awarded a Muscat-Istanbul round trip for two persons via Turkish Airlines. Many voucher tickets from reputed brands in Muscat will be also distributed among the raffle draw winners.

The Charity Bazaar can be visited between 10:30am and 8pm.

Many officials from other friendly countries, as well as special guests of the Turkish Embassy, attended the ceremony.

REVENUE DIPS

< FROM

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Mwasalat hits orange taxi business

Some drivers do illegal acts in the cabs which would put the country’s reputation on the line but due to them decent drivers face problems, Al Jardani said.

“If there had been a governing body for taxis, we would have complained against a driver for any wrongdoing but there isn’t one,” said Al Jardani.

“What we do is confront the driver and warn him about his actions and his usual reply is ‘it is my car, and I will do as I like’,” added Al Jardani.

One of the requests that taxi drivers are making is the designation of parking areas or stations for taxis in the Wilayats of Muscat, Barka, Bidbid, Samail and Quriyat. There are only three locations in Muscat for taxi parking: Muttrah Corniche, Souq A’Seeb and Mabellah.

“We’ve been asking for parking areas for years. We need specific station for taxi drivers as it is our dream for passengers to get in the taxi comfortably just like any

how to counter the problem if the government does not act for the welfare of their citizens.

“There is a lot of competition, especially when Mwasalat came into the picture. I used to make OMR30 a day from Wadi Kabir to Ruwi before Mwasalat, now I’m lucky to make OMR3 a day. I haven’t had work for 5 days now,” said Sami Al Hadhrami, a distraught taxi driver.

STIFF COMPETITION: ONTC charges 300 baizas to transport

passengers from Ruwi to Mabellah, while minibuses and saloons charge 800 and 900 baizas respectively. – Supplied photo

other country in the world,” said Al Jardani.

“We have been prevented from parking in Ruwi near OK Center, in organised parking lanes. Now

there is a sign that says no parking at anytime,” he further added.

The orange taxis are being possibly driven out of the business at the moment and one must wonder

Insurance payment “We are considering selling our taxis to pay off our insurance and feed our family,” he added, saying that the average insurance cost for minibuses are about OMR1,200.

Dr Nithin RS, CEO of Axis group of companies, suggested one solution would be to give free insurance and registration to all taxis and then utilise the taxi body space for private advertisement on monthly/per taxi rates which can be charged to private companies as an additional income to Government.

T U E S DAY, D E C E MB E R 1 5, 2 0 1 5

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REGION Top UAE, Saudi commanders killed in Yemen rocket strike Sultan Mohammed Ali Al Kitbi, an Emirati officer, and Saudi officer Colonel Abdullah Al Sahian were among scores killed in a rocket attack near Bab Al Mandab on the Red Sea coast

DUBAI: Two senior commanders from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were among dozens of Gulf, Yemeni and Sudanese soldiers killed in a rocket strike in Yemen as fighting flared before Tuesday’s peace talks, local media and Yemeni sources said.

The Tochka rocket strike on a Red Sea army camp south-west of the besieged city of Taiz early on Monday appears to be one of the bloodiest setbacks for Gulf forces in months of fighting against Houthi forces and Yemeni army units loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh. Sultan Mohammed Ali Al Kitbi, an Emirati officer, was killed near Taiz, Emirati state news agency WAM reported.

Saudi Press Agency SPA said Colonel Abdullah Al Sahian and Kitbi “were martyred at dawn on Monday while shouldering their duties in overseeing operations to liberate Taiz”.

Photographs of Sahian, who had been decorated by Saudibacked Yemeni President Abdrabbo Mansour Hadi for bravery two days earlier, were displayed

MEDAL OF COURAGE: Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, right, shakes hands with Saudi

Colonel Abdullah Al Sahyan after he was awarded with a medal of courage in Aden in this file picture.

A top Saudi commander was killed during Arab coalition operations against Houthi rebels. – AFP

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by Saudi-owned Al Hadath television channel.

The Houthis said via their own media outlets that the two commanders were among scores killed in a rocket attack near Bab Al Mandab on the Red Sea coast.

A source in Hadi’s forces confirmed that a rocket had been fired at coalition forces in the Dhubab area, north of Bab Al Mandab and south-west of the city of Taiz, adding that “tens were killed” in a camp that houses Yemenis, Sudanese, Emiratis and Saudis.

Saudi Arabia has led an Arab coalition in a military campaign

since late March to stop the Houthis from taking complete control of Yemen after they seized the capital Sanaa last year and advanced south towards the port city of Aden. The Saudi-led campaign has retaken Aden and the city of Marib, east of Sanaa, but has failed to oust the Houthis from Taiz or end attacks on the Saudi border that have killed scores of the kingdom’s soldiers.

Monday’s strike was the worst reported since more than 60 Saudi and Emirati troops were killed in September when another Tochka rocket hit the Al Safer air base near Marib in northeastern Yemen. The Houthis and Saleh’s former political party, the General People’s Congress, are sending representatives to Switzerland on Tuesday for talks with Yemen’s internationally recognised govern-

RUSSIA VISIT’’

Kerry to discuss Assad’s role in talks at Moscow PARIS: US Secretary of State John Kerry will use talks in Moscow on Tuesday to try to narrow differences with Russian leader Vladimir Putin over the role of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad in any political transition, a senior State Department official said on Monday.

He will also seek to prepare the ground for a third round of talks of world powers on Syria amid doubts over whether a meeting pencilled in for Friday in New York will go ahead.

Russia’s foreign ministry said late on Monday that Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister SerREPORT

‘No evidence of terrorism in Russian plane crash’ CAIRO: Egypt said on Monday it had found no evidence so far of terrorism or other illegal action linked to the crash of a Russian passenger plane in Sinai that killed all 224 people on board on October 31.

Russia and Western governments have said the Airbus A321 operated by Metrojet was likely brought down by a bomb, and the IS militant group said it had smuggled an explosive on board. But Egypt’s civil aviation ministry said it had completed a preliminary report on the crash and said it had so far found no evidence of a criminal act.

Illegal intervention “The technical investigative committee has so far not found anything indicating any illegal intervention or terrorist action,” the ministry said in a statement.

The crash hit Egypt’s tourism industry, a cornerstone of the economy. — Reuters

gei Lavrov had agreed in a phone call on the need for specific preconditions to be met before any new meeting, throwing its timing into doubt.

Russia is one of Assad’s staunchest allies and launched a campaign of air strikes to support his forces against insurgents on September 30. It says only the Syrian people and not external powers should decide his political fate.

Speaking in Paris before Kerry visits Moscow on Tuesday, the State Department official said Kerry would raise concerns about Russia’s continued bombing of

Syrian opposition forces instead of IS militants, an approach likely to anger Moscow.

Ahead of the talks, the Russian foreign ministry issued a statement criticising US policy on Syria, complaining that Washington was not ready to fully cooperate in the struggle against IS militants and needed to rethink its policy of “dividing terrorists into good and bad ones”. Kerry’s meeting with Putin follows a meeting last week in Riyadh which agreed to unite a number of opposition groups excluding IS to negotiate with Damascus in Syrian peace talks. — Reuters

ment under President Hadi.

Alarmed by the rise of IS, under pressure from the West and with stalemate on the battlefield, Yemen’s civil war rivals are expected to launch their most serious peace efforts so far at UN-mediated talks in Geneva starting on Tuesday. The nine-month-old conflict between a Saudi-led Arab alliance and Houthis has outlasted two earlier UN attempts at peace making, caused one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises and pushed Yemen towards total chaos. Fuelling the urgency behind Tuesday’s talks is a perception in the West that the war is a dangerous distraction diverting regional attention from what should be the pre-eminent task of fighting IS on its home turf and ending Syria’s larger war.

“There is an opportunity now

more than at any of the previous talks and negotiations to stop this war... to confront terrorism and challenges,” a spokesman for the Saudis’ adversary, the Houthi militia group, Mohammed Abdul Salam, said.

According to officials in the government of President Hadi, Western countries are keen to avoid a power vacuum that could give militants the haven they now enjoy in the southern port of Aden and other lawless areas.

The newest branch of IS has exploited the chaos to launch spectacular attacks in Yemen on both the mosques of the Houthis and senior officials and troops loyal to the government. “In recent weeks, Washington and London have exerted intense pressure on President Hadi and the government side to make concessions and not to be extreme in terms of executing the Security Council Resolution,” one senior Yemeni government official told Reuters.

The official was referring to a UN Security Council Resolution in April that called on the Houthis to quit the capital, Sanaa, and other cities they seized in late 2014 and early 2015. “There’s an international inclination toward preserving the Houthis and allowing them to continue having an active political role, especially in terms of... confronting terrorism,” the official said.

Unstable ever since a 2011 revolt toppled veteran president Saleh, Yemen finally plunged into civil war last year when the exleader joined forces with the Houthis to seize power, triggering a Arab military intervention.

Neither side has prevailed militarily and in the wake of a rash of attacks claimed by Islamic State, the United States has increased calls for the Gulf to divert their diplomatic and military attention away from Yemen back toward the militants’ main base in Syria and Iraq. — Reuters

AFTER PROTEST

Turkish troops leave Iraqi camp ANKARA: Some Turkish troops started leaving their camp in Iraq and moving north on Monday, a Turkish military source and a senior official said, days after Baghdad protested to the United Nations and ordered them out.

Any move northwards would take them back closer to Iraq’s border with Turkey, but the officials did not say where they were going and it was unclear how far Ankara was bowing to pressure to bring its soldiers home. Iraq said in early December hundreds of Turkish troops had arrived in its territory without its knowledge, calling it a hostile act. Turkey said at the time the troops were meant to guard an international mission training and equipping Iraqi forces who are preparing for an offensive to retake the Iraqi city of Mosul, seized by IS militants more than a year ago.

But the move was widely seen as a Turkish attempt to establish a greater foothold in the simmering conflicts across its border, which have already pulled in other regional and global powers.

The office of Turkey’s Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on Friday it would reorganise its military personnel at the Bashiqa camp near Mosul after talks with Iraqi officials to settle the dispute.

Last week President Tayyip Erdogan said it was out of the question that the troops would withdraw entirely from Iraq. “Within the scope of the new arrangement, a convoy of 10-12 vehicles carrying some of our troops in Bashiqa have moved towards northern Iraq,” a senior Turkish official said.

Meanwhile, US Vice President Joe Biden welcomed the reported withdrawal of Turkish troops and urged Turkey to continue trying to cooperate with Baghdad, the White House said on Monday.

“The Vice President encouraged the Turkish government to continue its dialogue with Baghdad on additional measures to improve relations between Turkey and Iraq,” it said. — Reuters

A8

TU ESDAY, DECEMB ER 15, 2015 As I understand, one of the topics trending on Whatsapp is the statement that at the end of the year notes with writing will not be accepted. This is absolutely false. Those notes continue to be a legal tender Raghuram Rajan, RBI governor

INDIA

Rights of minorities must be respected, says Pranab Focus should remain on raising standards of living and reducing existing disparities in power, wealth, income, consumption and utilisation of social services like education and health, the President said.

The Indian President said focus should remain on raising standards of living and reducing existing disparities in power, wealth, income, consumption and utilisation of social services like

PAYING RESPECT: President Pranab Mukherjee and others pay

education and health

one minute silence in the memory of Asiatic Society president Ramakanta Chakraborty’s spouse, at Indira Gandhi Memorial Lecture on National Integration in Kolkata on Monday. - PTI

KOLKATA: President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said the “rights and sensitivities” of the minorities must be respected “in letter and spirit” to ensure every community is a part of the “national narrative”, remarks that come against the backdrop of the row over religious intolerance.

Pranb also said the State must do its best to provide equal treatment to every citizen and asked people to rise above caste and communal loyalties.

Broad human outlook “We must encourage a broad human outlook in all our citizens and

educate them to rise above caste or communal loyalties.

We must learn to respect the rights and sensitivities of minorities, both in letter and spirit,” he said while delivering the Indira Gandhi Memorial Lecture of the Asiatic Society at Kolkata in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal.

WINTER SESSION

Deadlock over GST bill continues NEW DELHI: Hopes of an agreement on the GST Bill apperared to fade despite talks between the government and the Congress on Monday even as Finance Minister Arun Jaitley apprehended a “wash out” of the current Winter session.

The deadlock continued on the Constitution amendment bill to provide for a uniform Goods and Services Tax after inconclusive talks between Jaitley and Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Anand Sharma with the party making it clear that the engagement cannot be restricted to only one issue.

With just seven days left from Tuesday for the winter session, Jaitley and Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu hosted a lunch for the Congress leaders along with Chief Whip in Lok Sabha Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Jaitley himself described the talks as a “non meeting”.

Citing the absence of Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, who was not in Delhi, the Congress leaders sought another meeting, which was readily accepted by the government, which is to keen to break the logjam.

“Today’s talks remain inconclusive. It is a work in progress.

There was no structured discussion today,” Sharma said noting that it was the first such meeting after Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Congress President Sonia Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh.

Over-obsessed He insisted, “Engagement between Government and Opposition cannot be restricted to one issue. After not engaging Opposition for 18 months, Government is desperate to discuss with us just one bill. First they should not be over-obsessed with one bill as other important legislations are also pending.” - PTI

Reduce regional imbalances “The State must do its best to reduce regional imbalances and provide a just, fair and good administration which will ensure equal treatment to every individual irrespective of his caste, religion, race, colour, sex or place of birth,” Pranab said.

The president said: “Sometimes it does happen that regional interests overtake our commitment to the national interest and one has to guard against such tendencies.”

“We must cultivate a secular and democratic outlook, and promote a way of life that is inclusive and that does not interfere with civic duties and rights as well as responsibilities,” he said.

Calling for maintaining an atmosphere where every community feels a part of the “national narrative”, Pranab said national integration demands that every citizen recognise the primacy of national interest over group or in-

dividual interests. The President said an individual owes loyalty to family, his profession, residence, language, religion, country to which he belongs.

“Loyalties to these different groups do not however need to be in conflict with one another. They can exist in harmony and whenever these interest collide, methods of reconciling them should be worked out,” he said.

The President said in a nation every individual belongs to certain groups and interests simultaneously which makes groups as important as individuals.

“It is is therefore necessary to also lay the foundations for national integration at that level,” the president said.

Appreciating the role of Asiatic Society, the president said it was founded by William Jones and was declared an Institution of National importance by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984 through an Act of Parliament.

“It can be said that the revival of India’s spirit originated here.

The world’s attention was drawn to India’s philosophical thought, literature, mathematics, astronomy, and scientific investigations,” he said. - PTI

LEGAL TENDER

RBI dismisses social media rumours over scribbled notes MUMBAI: Dismissing rumours on the social media, the Reserve Bank on Monday said all notes including those with scribbling will continue to be legal.

“As I understand, one of the topics trending on Whatsapp is the statement that at the end of the year notes with writing will not be accepted. This is absolutely false.

Those notes continue to be a legal tender,” RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan said in an audio message.

“RBI has had the policy in the past of disfigured note being withdrawn from circulation to be replaced by clean notes. That does not mean that they are not legal tender, they can be used everywhere, they can be accepted everywhere. There is no terminal date for acceptance, so please disregard those rumours, they are not correct,” he said.

RBI denied having issued a communication circulating on the social media alerting members of public that banks will not accept currency notes with scribbling on them from January 1, 2016. All currency notes issued by it are legal tender and banks and members can freely and without fear accept them in exchange for good and services, RBI said in a statement. - PTI

R A L LY

Kerala coalitions indulge in ‘loot’ of state by turns: Modi

GARNERING SUPPORT: Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with other BJP leaders waves to the

crowd at a BJP rally in Thrissur on Monday. - PTI

THRISSUR: On his first visit to the south Indian state of Kerala after assuming office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a strong attack on the ruling Congress-led UDF and the CPI(M), accusing them of indulging in ”loot” of the state by turns during their tenure in power and hiding their “sins”.

Addressing a public meeting organised by the party, he asserted that BJP has emerged as the “third force” in Kerala that will replace the two fronts in the next year’s Assembly elections and transform the state’s fortunes.

“Unfortunately, Kerala’s politics is such that two coalitions have been ruling the state and looting its people. One coalition comes to power and loots. People get angry every five years and throw it out and another coalition comes. This cycle has been continuing so far.

“Both the coalitions are busy hiding each other’s sins and then continue with their loot.

Corruption “Now the people of Kerala need not get angry any more. A third force has emerged in Kerala. It is like deity Shiva’s third eye, which will destroy the sins and free the state from the evils and corruption. The emergence of the third

force will change Kerala’s future and bring prosperity and peace in the state,” Modi said.

Likening the third force to the ‘third eye’ of Shiva in this temple town, where the famous Wadakunathar Temple for Shiva is located, he said it would destroy the “evils” of the two fronts, an apparent reference to the Congress-led UDF and CPI(M)-led Left Front.

The Prime Minister, who was on his first visit to Kerala after assuming office, was addressing a public meeting organised by his party at the Thekkinkadu ground in front of the temple where the annual world-famous Pooram festival is conducted.

Looking at the good crowd and its response, Modi said the gathering is an indication that Kerala has decided to bring a “change” by electing BJP to power in the next elections.

Referring to the dominance of the two rival fronts in Kerala for decades, Modi said in a state where social reformers like Sree Narayana Guru had fought and removed social untouchability, a climate of political untouchability is still prevalent in Kerala.

“This untouchability is carried to such lengths and those opposed to their political ideology are harassed and sometimes physically eliminated. Their (fronts’) think-

ing process is such,” he said. Modi said that at least over 200 BJP workers have been killed in the last 50 years just because of ideological differences.

Political vendetta “If you see the political history of any state in India, Kerala is probably the only one where in the last 50 years BJP has suffered political vendetta and probably no other party has suffered that much like in Kerala,” he said.

The Prime Minister the BJP worker in Kerala stands tall and is a shining example of commitment and perseverance to the party workers throughout the country.

“I tell BJP men everywhere to look at the dedication of BJP workers in Kerala. There is no victory in sight, no power or positions in sight. But they have been fighting for the nationalist cause.

After every election, the only review they used to undertake is to check whether they have retained their deposits, whether the defeat margin is bigger or smaller than the previous results,” he said. -PTI

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DEMOLITION DRIVE

Slugfest over toddler’s death intensifies NEW DELHI: A case of death due to negligence has been lodged by police probing loss of life of a toddler in a West Delhi slum cluster demolished by railways even as political slugfest over it intensified on Monday with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal asserting that no such razing will be allowed without rehabilitation.

Stepping into the demolition row, the Delhi High Court came down heavily on the Railway Ministry and police for razing the

slum cluster and directed the authorities to immediately rehabilitate over 5,000 people rendered homeless in this biting cold.

Amid AAP’s offensive against the Centre and Rahul Gandhi, Kejriwal held a 30-minute meeting with Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu where ways to remove encroachment of land belonging to the railways was discussed threadbare. As the slum dwellers braved cold and hunger, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi de-

scended at the demolition site and targeted both AAP government and the Centre and assured the homeless that he will fight their “battle”. The post mortem report of the six-month-old girl said she died due to shock and injuries on chest and head due to impact of blunt force and mentioned about fractures in ribs and head. The report said the toddler died 30 hours before the autopsy indicating she might have died around 9.30am. - PTI

T U E S DAY, D E C E MB E R 1 5, 2 0 1 5

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A9

Talks with Pakistan to herald a new chapter of peace: Sushma expedite the Mumbai terrorist attack trial,” Sushma Swaraj said.

“The Indian side was assured of the steps being taken to expedite its early conclusion.”

Making a statement on her visit to Pakistan in both houses of parliament, Sushma Swaraj said it was decided that a ‘Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue’ will start and foreign secretaries of the two countries will work out the modalities under the ‘new dialogue’

MESSAGE OF PEACE: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj

speaks in the Lok Sabha in New Delhi on Monday. -PTI /TV GRAB

NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday expressed the hope that the renewed dialogue between India and Pakistan will open a new chapter of peace and development in the region.

Making a statement on her visit to Pakistan in both houses of par-

liament, Sushma Swaraj said it was decided that a “Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue” will start and foreign secretaries of the two countries will work out the modalities under the “new dialogue”.

“The new dialogue, we sincerely hope, marks a new beginning also for peace and development in the

whole region,” she said.

Sushma said India emphasised the need to speed up the judicial process in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack by terrorists.

The minister said her meetings with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz in

Islamabad were held against the backdrop of “positive developments” of the talks earlier between the two national security advisers in Bangkok.

“Both sides condemned terrorism and resolved to cooperate to eliminate this menace. There we dwelt on the need for Pakistan to

Priority “This government accords the highest priority to the country’s security. In order to meet the threats, the government will take all steps, including through diplomatic channels,” she added.

“At the same time, the government is also committed to building an environment of peaceful and cooperative relations with all our neighbours, including Pakistan, so that the efforts for peace and development in South Asia, initiated by the government on the day of assuming office itself, are taken further forward,” she said.

The minister said there were two aims of the dialogue: Addressing the issues of concern through

dialogue, and establishing cooperative relations.

She said that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Pakistan Premier Sharif during the Conference of Parties (CoP) 21 climate chnge summit meeting in Paris on November 30, “there was a discussion on how the two countries could build an atmosphere conducive for again re-engaging with each other”.

“Following PM’s conversation with PM Nawaz Sharif in Paris, the two leaders decided that both sides should hold the NSA-level meeting,” Sushma Swaraj said.

The national security advisers met in Bangkok on December 6.

“They focused on peace and security, terrorism, tranquillity along the Line of Control, and Indian-administered-Kashmir, the state which has been most directly impacted by terrorism and violation of LoC,” she said. - IANS

A10

TU ESDAY, DECEMB ER 15, 2015

PAKISTAN FORMER PUNJAB GOVERNOR’S KILLING

BRIDAL COUTURE WEEK

Models present creations by designer Nabila on the last day of the Fashion Bridal Couture Week in Lahore, on Sunday. The country’s biggest bridal fashion show stunned the attendees while presenting the latest bridal trends and styles by most famous Pakistani and international fashion designers under one roof. - AFP

Supreme Court rejects Qadri’s review petition against death penalty ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a review petition against the death sentence of former elite force guard Mumtaz Qadri for killing former Punjab governor Salmaan Taseer.

A three-judge bench of the apex court headed by Justice Asif Saeed Khan Khosa took up Qadri’s review petition against the court’s October 6 order for maintaining his death penalty.

During the hearing, which continued for almost 45 minutes, former Lahore High Court (LHC) judge Mian Nazir Akhtar failed to point out any error in the court’s judgement, resulting in dismissal of the review petition over nonmaintainability.

The former commando of the Punjab Police’s Elite Force had challenged the Islamabad High

Pakistan bears the worst of climate change effects With rising population already feeding on scarce resources, the climate change time bomb is ticking for the country

KARACHI: Massive flooding displacing millions, prolonged heat waves with temperatures averaging above 38 degrees centigrade, ravaging hurricanes and deluges caused by excessive rainfall.

These are not exceptional catastrophes but have been continuous in their pattern in Pakistan.

According to the Climate Risk Index 2015 prepared by German watch between 1994 and 2013, more than 530,000 people have died worldwide and losses worth $2.17 trillion (purchasing power parity) were inflicted as a direct result of over 15,000 extreme weather events.

With rising population already

INUNDATED: Pakistani people look at flood waters at Kala Shah Kako on August 18, 2013. Year after year, Pakistan faces huge economic costs in terms of damage to property and infrastructure, agricultural productivity losses and rebuilding and rehabilitation costs of those afflicted by environmental disasters. - AFP file photo

feeding on scarce resources, the climate change time bomb is ticking for the country.

Temperatures in northern Pakistan have already been estimated to have increased by 1.9 degrees centigrade in the past century and as a result glacial cover in Pakistan is on the decline.

Economic costs The latter is pivotal to feeding water to the Indus which through its tributaries irrigates the rest of the country.

Year after year Pakistan faces

huge economic costs in terms of damage to property and infrastructure, agricultural productivity losses and rebuilding and rehabilitation costs of those afflicted by environmental disasters.

The issue of environmental protection is critical and was first recognised as a problem of pertinent importance when the first World Climate Conference was held in 1979. More recently, it has been regarded as an issue of grave concern and became the subject of the recent 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations

Framework Convention on Climate Change from November 30 to December 11, 2015.

Policymakers of more than 190 countries in the world attended the conference and have pressed for the rise in global temperatures to remain below two degrees centigrade. This goal is imperative since it signifies the highest possible rise in global temperatures from pre-industrial levels that the world can afford to achieve a 50 per cent chance of avoiding the worst effects of climate change.

According to World Bank data on CO2 emissions, from 2011-15 United States and China have remained as the top producers of carbon emissions standing at 5.3 million and 9 million tons respectively. Pakistan has produced 0.2 million metric tons.

Although Pakistan has been a low producer of greenhouse gases, yet it has been one of the worst affected countries due to global warming. Even after having been consistently affected by climate exigencies year after year, its response to solve the issue has remained lacklustre.

Unfortunately, we have not even crossed the first step; immediate recognition of climate risk and environmental protection as an issue of critical concern remains absent from the policy landscape.

Promoting solar power, improving energy efficiency and adding to forest cover are some of the steps that can be taken by Pakistan to protect its environment.

In this context, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government’s Billion Tree Tsunami programme should be applauded as an effort toward to protect forest cover and should motivate other provincial governments to take concerted efforts in protecting their forests.

However, even this measure has become a victim of political bargaining and received no mention from our premier at the recent climate change conference.

The first step towards reducing carbon emissions and protecting the shared global environment should come from industrialised nations which are large producers of greenhouse gases.

Sizable investments are required to significantly reduce emissions particularly in sectors that emit large magnitude greenhouse gases.

In this regard several countries, multilateral development banks and multilateral climate funds have pledged hefty amounts of money for climate financing.

There are serious economic and environmental consequences if we fail to reduce carbon emissions quickly. - Express Tribune

Court (IHC)’s verdict on his death sentence in the country’s top court.

Lawyers for Mumtaz Qadri filed the plea in the apex court claiming that the matter was not about murder but provocation.

In its ruling, the Supreme Court also declared the IHC decision of annulling the death sentence under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) null and void.

The sentence was first awarded by an anti-terror court and was then upheld by the IHC before being challenged in the apex court.

Last month, Qadri threatened to commit suicide if he is not allowed to meet his family in a separate room. Qadri was sentenced to death for the murder of former Punjab Governor Salman Taseer in Islamabad’s Koshar Market on January 4, 2011. - Express Tribune MEMORY OF VICTIMS

PM approves naming 122 schools after APS victims ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif approved on Monday rechristening 122 schools and colleges of Islamabad after names of the December 16 Army Public School Peshawar attack victims.

The initiative has been undertaken to ensure the memory of the victims continues to persist in our nation’s history, announced the prime minister.

On December 16, 2014, Taliban gunmen slaughtered 150 people, more than 130 of them children aged between nine and 19, at the Army Public School in Peshawar in an assault that shocked and outraged the country.

National Action Plan Subsequently, a 20-point National Action Plan was approved by the country’s political leadership following the attack.

Military courts were later set up after the 21st constitutional amendment, and end of moratorium on execution of death penalties as a response to the deadly attack.

The prime minister said the intolerant do not want our children to learn but he will not give in to their demands. To fight back against enemies, we must promote tolerance, enlightenment and education in our homeland, added Nawaz. -Express Tribune

ONLINE SHOPPING

e-commerce enters a new era, surpasses $100m milestone KARACHI: Not long ago, ecommerce in Pakistan was primarily related to online sales of smartphones, laptops and fashion apparel and almost all online retail sales were generated from Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad — the largest urban centres constituting major markets for e-commerce even today.

Fast forward to 2015, Pakistan’s e-commerce sector held the country’s first ever ‘Black Friday’ in the last week of November.

The industry noticed people buying washing machines and televisions online with orders coming from as far as Tando Allahyar.

The rural town, as opposed to a daily average of one, placed 50 orders on Homeshopping.pk, a major player, which had 40,000 people on its website when the deal start-

ed at midnight (the night between Thursday and Friday).

According to major market players, one-third of the total Black Friday transactions were online — a major shift in the consumer habit from cash-on-delivery (CoD), which still accounts for more than 95 per cent of Pakistan’s e-commerce that has already surpassed the $100 million milestone.

Picking up These Black Friday trends indicate e-commerce in Pakistan is certainly picking up.

According to industry experts, e-commerce follows a four-phase growth cycle from infancy to maturity in any new region.

Some say China has entered the third phase while India is close to finishing the second.

However, when it comes to Pakistan, many say the country’s ecommerce is still in its infancy.

But a successful Black Friday, which received an overwhelming response from consumers across Pakistan, certainly merits a question: is the country’s e-commerce entering level two?

“Absolutely, Pakistan’s ecommerce is entering the second phase,” says Saman Javed, Head of Communications and PR at Daraz, which started Black Friday sales and invested heavily in its marketing for consumer awareness.

“One-third of the payments were online, which indicates a shift in consumers’ attitude who now trust online payment system,” Javed said, adding the response was beyond the company’s expectations, which shows the demand

people have here is almost similar to elsewhere in the world.

Though it didn’t disclose sales figures, Daraz said it offered Rs132 million in discounts during Black Friday sales when 1.5 million people visited its website.

Another factor indicating an overwhelming consumer response was the websites of Daraz.pk and Homeshopping.pk — which attracted almost all the traffic on November 27 — went down immediately after the sale began.

“We witnessed something we have never seen before,” Shayaan Tahir of Homeshopping said, adding there were 1,000 people on their page at a single point in time.“It will be even bigger next year.” Homeshopping sold Rs5.6 million worth of iPhones at more than one phone per minute during

the first hour of its ‘White Friday’ sale before running out of stock.

While smartphones remained the top-selling category on all major platforms, other sectors were also impressive.

Daraz says it had record-breaking sales for fashion while home appliances brands, such as Kenwood and Dawlance were also amongst the top sellers.

On the other hand, TVs were among top selling categories at Homeshopping.

Internet technology Though still in the 10 per cent range, the mobile broadband penetration is the real reason for the growth of e-commerce.

“Third-generation (3G) mobile Internet technology is reaching remote areas and adding new In-

ternet users thus boosting our traffic,” Tahir of Homeshopping said adding 50 per cent of their traffic is now coming from mobile phone platform, up from 20 per cent eight months ago.

Since the rollout of 3G, which started in mid-2014, Pakistan has been adding more than 1 million new users to its mobile Internet base every month.

The aforesaid e-commerce trends and telecom indicators certainly indicate the e-commerce is set to enter the second phase but there is still a long way to go before it becomes a major market.

“The country’s overall retail market is worth $40 billion but we are still 0.2 per cent of that,” Tahir said adding awareness is the key to further growth of the sector in the country. - Express Tribune

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BIG WAVES: A resident walks past big waves spilling over a wall onto a coastal road in Albay province, south of Manila, on Monday. – AFP

Typhoon Melor makes landfall in Philippines Heavy rain could cause flooding, landslides and storm surges, the authorities warned

MANILA/BANGKOK: Hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated from the central Philippines on Monday as a typhoon with winds of up to 150 kph (95 mph) made landfall, dumping heavy rain that could cause flooding, landslides and storm surges, authorities warned.

About 40 domestic flights were grounded, while 73 ferries and hundreds of fishing boats were ordered to remain in port as typhoon Melor hit the village of Batag on the northern tip of Samar island. Known locally as typhoon Nona, it was expected to roll across nearby islands before making landfall later close to Sorsogon, about 385 km (240 miles) southeast of the capital, Manila, on the heavily populated main island of Luzon.

Similar path to Haiyan Melor was plotting a similar path to Haiyan, a category 5 typhoon that struck the central Philippines in 2013. Almost 8,000 people were killed or left missing by Haiyan. Disaster authorities have temporarily closed schools and some offices and evacuated about 750,000 people in three provinces. About 8,000 people were stranded after the coast guard stopped ferries and fishing boats from leaving ports in the central Philippines. “Melor is a very compact typhoon, so that will prevent its most devastating impacts from

EVACUATION: Military personnel evacuate residents from a village in the city of Legaspi in Albay province, south of Manila on Monday. – AFP

extending too far from its centre,” said AccuWeather meteorologist Adam Douty.

He said the typhoon had weakened a little as it encountered drier air early on Monday. “While Melor will not slam onshore as a super typhoon as once feared, it still poses dangers to lives and property,” Douty said.

Alexander Pama, executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said typhoon Melor was expected to cause flooding, landslides and storm surges of up to 4 metres (13 feet) and disrupt power and communications.

About 20 provinces, some around Manila, are under public storm alert due to strong winds and torrential rains of up to 300 mm (12 inches) within a 300 km (185 miles) radius.

Meanwhile, aid agencies have prepared post-disaster assistance kits and put their response teams on standby as they monitor the impact of the typhoon. “We are closely monitoring the path of the typhoon and have pre-positioned stocks such as hygiene kits, water, and temporary shelter kits

in case these are needed,” Dennis O’Brien, Plan International’s director for the Philippines, said in a statement. “One of our main concerns is ensuring that children, as the most vulnerable to harm in times of disasters, and all those who might be affected, will have access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene kits to help prevent the spread of disease.”

The impact Reports from the Red Cross chapters affected by Typhoon Melor indicate “minimal impact so far”, with some damage to buildings, said Kate Marshall, a spokeswoman for the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in the Philippines.

“Rainfall is expected to be heavy to intense, but so far we have not had reports of that,” Marshall said in an email.

IFRC has its pre-positioned enough supplies for 17,500 families - including hygiene kits, blankets, sleeping mats, jerry cans - in the cities of Cebu, Subic and Mandaluyong in the metropolitan Manila area. — Reuters

ASIA

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READERS’ FORUM Trump exposes hypocrisy of American politicians This refers to the US presidential election campaign. It is interesting to note that controversial billionaire Donald Trump makes the most outrageous statement when his poll ratings begin to slide.

In my opinion, it is not he who is managing the campaign, but rather a group that wants to expose the hypocrisy of US political class. Until now both the other Republican and Democrat candidates have been successful in trashing Trump’s vitriol. Being a ‘non-politician’, Trump has successfully shown the US public who is fooling who. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Scan this QR code eventual nominees turn out to be political to send letters to the novices. — Rashid Kidwai, Mabella Readers’ Forum, containing not more than 200 words with full name, address and telephone number, may be sent by mail (Times of Oman, P.O. Box 770, P.C. 112, Ruwi).

Need for global leadership to end imperialist policies This refers to the climate deal arrived at in Paris. The conclusion of a deal does not mean success. The United Nations should instead focus on banning war and production of war-making technology. Also, what is needed, is a process whereby the global leadership considers itself a single nation and those powers indulging in divide and conquest policies are sanctioned. The best way for this is to dissolve the United Nations Security Council as it is a tool for the imperialists. The current wars are being fought only because of the imperialists.— Sandy Randal, Sur

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STEPHEN HAWKING

Rome conference on Libya a non-event

KENNETH ROGOFF

To the extent that demand factors drive an oil-price drop, one would not expect a major positive impact; the oil price is more of an automatic stabilizer than an exogenous force driving the global economy. Supply shocks, on the other hand, ought to have a significant positive impact. bit.ly/oilpricesggrowth

S

unday’s Rome Conference on Libya was a nonevent designed to please Western bureaucrats and achieve their aims, not help the Libyan people who have been sliced, diced, and divided since Gaddafi’s fall. For example, the conference did not give Libya 40 days to form a Presidential Council as was envisaged but gave all power to a nine-member council that will be formed ‘automatically’ on signing of the agreement. That council then was to be given 30 days to form a new government. Six of the names were not selected by Libyans as one would expect but by a Spaniard working for the UN! The last three have yet to be announced. The conference expects the two rival Libyan governments to sign a truce in Tunis on December 16, something highly unlikely. Even if some Libyans sign something who exactly will they be representing; it will be worthless.

For me these failures will simply give the green light for foreign Air Forces to start bombing in the near future IS in Libya. Good. As far as Britain is concerned, after a bruising House of Commons encounter on extending strikes to Syria, Prime Minister Cameron is facing a new dilemma - whether to go back to parliament to ask for air strikes in Libya.

That is a ‘Catch-22’ for him. Sunday’s Conference was rather a theatrical affair chaired by US Secretary of State John Kerry, with a notably absentee, Cameron’s Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond.

IS is growing leaps and bounds in Libya, and has now taken hold of the Libyan town of Sabratha, a UNESCO world heritage site and home to one of the world’s best-preserved Roman amphitheatres. Destruction is in store for this famous landmark.

More seriously IS threaten to cut off oil ports and dislocate what remains of Libya’s economy and seize the oil. France, pressured by a huge upsurge in the popularity of the National Front, needs to show decisiveness and its Prime Minister said last week the bombing sooner or later of IS in Libya was inevitable. In my opinion that could mean as soon as next week. In addition, Egypt and Tunisia, being hit

by Libya trained IS, are screaming for action, with Egypt contemplating military action on their own no doubt in concert with the popular but controversial Gen. Hafter based in East Libya. The Foreign office and State Department have a love-in with the Muslim Brotherhood that dates from post 9/11, pushing it as a non-extremist alternative movement to both IS and Al Qaida. A huge mistake. With the Brotherhood

on the back foot elsewhere in the MENA region, the Foreign office and State Department mandarins are nevertheless pushing a UN peace deal that gives the Brotherhood backed Libya Dawn militias control of Tripoli, the Central Bank and National Oil Company, to the fury of the last elected government which fled Tripoli for Tobruk which remains recognised by the UN. Senior military officials I spoke to are less concerned with the politics than the job at hand - bomb IS early, and you need less bombs. Leave it to fester and Libya will become a Caliphate on the Mediterranean, only this time controlling a large swathe of the North African coastline. Already IS holds 150 miles of coastline around its central base from Sirte.

Its failure so far to attack ships passing through the Med, is likely to be just tactical. It needs more time to grow and take firmer root; all that is lacking is more of a robust capability. Italy is rightly fearful of an attack by IS particularly directed at the Vatican.

Sunday’s Rome conference thus saw a degree of desperation on the part of Kerry and assorted diplomats particularly Italian, under the West’s unprecedented pressure to get a unity government agreed I believe so the bombers can be “invited” to strike.

What will the West do, should, like Syria and Iraq, the recognised Libyan Government invite Russia’s military help? That said, Cameron needs no Commons vote for strikes; the UN resolutions of 2011 giving authority to bomb anyone in Libya endangering civilians remain in place, and in fact those resolutions, under Chapter 7, are stronger than the Chapter 6 resolution passed by the UN in the case of Syria. Tactically, my guess is that the generals are encouraged they can succeed. IS units dug into three outposts, Benghazi and the hills above Derna in the east and Sabratha, west of the Tripoli, make good targets. This is because they are surrounded by militias of various stripes, some extremist, many not, who could help pick them off as they flee the bombing as the surrounding terrain leaves no place to hide.Sirte is more of a problem, with IS embedded amongst the relatively larger civilian population and the town, now a magnet for foreign fighters from Tunisia, Mali, Sudan and Yemen, its units pushing across the Sirte Basin, is home to Libya’s biggest concentration of oil fields. Libya’s militias are unwilling to sacrifice lives to winkle IS out of Sirte, but French and even Russian bombing may contain it, and at least keep the oil ports out of militant hands.

Regardless of whatever happens from now, chaos is guaranteed to prevail in Libya.

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES DECEMBER 2000 OCO to provide assistance to many families MUSCAT: The executive office of Omani Charitable Organisation (OCO) held its 26th meeting under the chairmanship of Mohammed bin Ali bin Nassir Al Alawi, minister of legal affairs and chairman of the board of the organisation, on the OCO premises in Al Khuwair. During the meeting, which was held on Monday night, it was decided to offer a financial aid of RO100,000 to social security families via the Ministry of Social Affairs, Labour and Vocational Training which will benefit 1,678 cases as well as offering cash assistance of RO85,600 to 484 citizens.

TODAY IN HISTORY INVITATION TO WRITERS We invite our readers to write articles on topics related to Oman. The articles should not exceed 800 words. Send us your article along with your picture to akhtar@timesofoman.com

PICTOGRAPH NUMBER OF HOTELS IN OMAN Number of stars One star and unclassified hotels

5

13

13

4

19

19 22 23

3

26 26 28 29

2

47 46 52 58

12

12

130 144 152 165

1944: The battle for Luzon begins.

1965: The United States drops 12 tons of bombs on an industrial centre near Haiphong Harbor, North Vietnam.

Total

1960: The Leaning Tower of Pisa reopens after an 11-year, $27m project to fortify it without eliminating its famed lean.

1972: The Commonwealth of Australia orders equal pay for women.

235 248 266 287 2011

2012

2013

2014

Source: National Centre for Statistics and Information

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WORLD

Germany should be a country that is open, curious, tolerant and even exciting Angela Merkel, German Chancellor

Merkel vows to stem high tide of refugees German Chancellor Angela Merkel averts rebellion with tougher rhetoric on migrants, and sticks with ‘we can do this’ pledge

KARLSRUHE (GERMANY): German Chancellor Angela Merkel promised at a congress of her conservative party on Monday to reduce substantially the number of migrants entering Germany, responding to rank-and-file concerns about the influx of a million refugees this year alone.

Despite being named person of the year by both Time magazine and the Financial Times for her bold response to the crisis, Merkel faces growing opposition at home to her open-door refugee policy and has begun hardening her position.

She told her centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU) that the decision in August to welcome the refugees fleeing war and deprivation in the Middle East was a “humanitarian imperative”, but she also vowed to stem the flow. “We want to, and we will, noticeably reduce the number of refugees,” she said to rapturous applause at the congress in Karlsruhe, in the southwestern state of BadenWurttemberg, which holds a state election next March.

Merkel, 61, received an eightminute standing ovation at the end of her speech to roughly 1,000 CDU delegates in a vast conference centre adorned with massive posters reading “For Germany and Europe”. Her use of the phrase

WARM WELOCME: German Chancellor Angela Merkel and leader of the Christian Democratic Union

(CDU) acknowledges applause after her keynote speech, while standing next to CDU secretary general Peter Tauber, CDU deputy head and Hesse’s state Premier Volker Bouffier, right, during the party congress in Karlsruhe, Germany on Monday. – AFP

“noticeably reduce” came directly from a resolution the CDU leadership hastily reworked on the eve of the congress to head off an open rebellion over her refugee policy.

In the updated resolution, the party leadership added: “A continuation of the current influx would in the long-term overwhelm the state and society, even in a country like Germany.”

Defence Merkel defended her catchphrase of “we can do this” during the refugee crisis by saying the party must show its Christian roots, and she likened it to pledges made by former conservative chancellors Konrad Adenauer and Helmut Kohl in troubled times.

She said Adenauer’s declaration during the Cold War that “we vote for freedom” and Kohl’s promise of “flourishing landscapes” after reunification had both come true, adding that Germany could

similarly deliver on the “we can do this” pledge. “Germany should be a country that is open, curious, tolerant and even exciting,” Merkel said, painting an upbeat vision for the future and stressing how far the country had come since she took power a decade ago.

“Ten years ago things were not good,” she said. “Europe was deeply divided over the Iraq war.

In Germany we had five million unemployed. People spoke of German angst, we were the sick man of Europe.”

Merkel, a Protestant pastor’s daughter who grew up in communist East Germany, has seen support for her party fall since the refugee crisis erupted in the late summer.

A poll by Emnid on Sunday put support for her conservative alliance of the CDU and their Bavarian allies at 37 percent, down from 43 percent in mid-August.

Merkel on Sunday also brushed

SETBACK TO MARINE LE PEN

Far-right fails to win any region in French elections PARIS: Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Front did not win any region in French elections on Sunday, in a setback to her hopes of being a serious presidential contender in 2017.

The regional election run-off, in which the conservatives won seven constituencies and the Socialists five, was no real victory for either of these two mainstream parties, shaken by the farright’s growing appeal to disillusioned voters.

Boosted by fears about security and immigration after the militant attacks in Paris a month ago that killed 130 people, the National Front (FN) had won more votes than any other party nationally in last week’s first round.

Although it won no region on Sunday after the Socialists pulled out of its key target regions and urged their supporters to back the conservatives of former President Nicolas Sarkozy, the FN still recorded its best showing in its history. “Tonight, there is no place for relief or triumphalism,” Socialist Prime Minister Manuel Valls said. “The danger posed by the far right has not gone away; far from it.”

Similar theme Sarkozy struck a similar theme, calling the strong FN showing a “warning sent to all politicians, ourselves included, in the first round”. “We now have to take the time for in-depth debates about what worries the French, who expect strong and precise answers,” he said, citing Europe, unemployment, security and national identity issues. Le Pen, who had hoped to use regional power as a springboard to boost her chances in 2017 presidential elections, lost by a huge margin in northern France on Sunday, where she led her party’s ticket, attracting 42.8 per cent of the votes in the run-off vs 57.2 per cent for the conservatives.

Long content with attracting protest votes, the FN has changed strategy since Le Pen took the party over from her father Jean-

BIG UPSET: Marion Marechal-Le Pen, centred, French far-right

National Front (FN) party top candidate in the Provence-AlpesCote d’Azur region, delivers a speech after the announcement of the results of the second round of the French regional elections in Marseille on Sunday, flanked by FN candidates Stephane Ravier, left, and Jeannine Douzon. – AFP

Marie in 2011, seeking to build a base of locally elected officials to target the top levels of power.

But while it has been winning more and more votes in each election since then, its isolation in France’s politics means it cannot strike the alliances it would need to win major constituencies. So it failed once more on Sunday to turn growing popularity into power.

In the southeast, another FN target where Le Pen’s niece Marion Marechal-Le Pen was the FN’s lead candidate, the conservatives scored 53.7 per cent and the FN 46.2 per cent, official results based on 84 per cent of the votes said. “There are victories that shame the winners,” Marechal-Le Pen said, slamming the Socialists’ decision to pull out of the race for the run-off.

Aside from immigration concerns, which have been boosting nationalistic parties in other European countries too, the FN’s rise has been built on deep disaffection with mainstream politics among French voters and a frustration with President Francois Hollande’s inability to reduce unemployment. With five regional wins out of 13, the Socialists did less badly than they had feared

but it was still a huge defeat. Regional boundaries were redrawn after the 2010 election, in which the Socialists had won 21 out of 22 regions. Sarkozy, weakened by his party’s poor showing in the first round, said the National Front’s high score should be a warning to all mainstream politicians.

Among those in his party elected thanks to left-wing voters and a much higher turnout in the runoffs, there was no triumphalism.

“I thank the voters for protecting our beautiful region,” said Xavier Bertrand, the Republicans’ main candidate in Nord-Pas de Calais-Picardie. “I also want to thank the voters of the Left who clearly voted to create a rampart” against the FN. The regional election, the last one before the 2017 presidential and parliamentary ballots, was seen as a test for its main contenders, Hollande, Sarkozy and Le Pen. “An immediate danger was avoided,” leftleaning Catholic daily La Croix wrote in an editorial.

“But if no answers are made to the French people’s concerns, the National Front will continue its rise until the presidential election,” it said in a front-page headlined: “Defeat for all.” — Reuters

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off what a Germany magazine said was a request from the United States to provide more military help in the fight against IS. “I believe Germany is fulfilling its part and we don’t need to talk about new issues related to this question at the moment,” Merkel told the ZDF broadcaster when asked about the Der Spiegel magazine report of the US request.

Der Spiegel reported on Saturday that US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter had sent a letter asking for a bigger military contribution from Germany, a week after parliament approved a plan to join the campaign in Syria.

A German Defence Ministry spokesman confirmed a letter had been received from the United States and its content was under consideration, giving no further details. Der Spiegel said the letter did not make specific demands and was similar to requests sent to other US partners. —Reuters

HIGH PROFILE CASE

Diplomats, reporters denied access to trial of China rights lawyer BEIJING: The trial of one of China’s most high profile human rights lawyers, on charges of inciting ethnic hatred and provoking trouble, lasted just three hours on Monday, with police blocking diplomats, foreign reporters and protesters from the Beijing court.

Also on Monday, a Beijing court has recommended a suspended death sentence for the wife of disgraced Politburo member Bo Xilai be commuted to life in prison, after she showed repentance and committed no further crime, Chinese media said on Monday.

Pu Zhiqiang, who has spent nearly 19 months in detention, faces up to eight years in prison if convicted, according to one of his lawyers, Shang Baojun.

As many as 11 diplomats from countries including the United States, Germany and France congregated near the courthouse seeking to observe the trial. They were refused admittance by the police. Dan Biers, deputy political counsellor of the US embassy in Beijing, called for Pu’s release and criticised the “vague charges” that have been handed down against Pu. Police tried to prevent Biers from reading out a statement near the courthouse, pushing him and foreign reporters out of the way. Dozens of police and plain clothes security surrounded the Beijing No. 2 Intermediate People’s Court, where they blocked foreign journalists attempting to report on the trial.

Neither the court nor public security authorities could immediately be reached for comment.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said “law enforcement authorities carried out order management at the scene in accordance with the law”.

“The relevant people should cooperate,” Hong said at a daily news briefing, urging all foreign countries to “respect China’s judicial sovereignty”.

TOUGH TIMES: Human rights lawyer Pu Zhiqiang. – AFP

China has charged many rights activists with “picking quarrels and provoking trouble”, saying it is a country with rule of law and dismissing any international criticism on its rights record.

The main accusations against Pu revolve around seven microblog posts on his online accounts, his lawyers say. The posts had criticised China’s ethnic policy in the troubled western region of Xinjiang and denounced several officials. Pu’s trial lasted a little over three hours, Mo Shaoping, another one of his lawyers, told Reuters. “He admitted the seven microblogs were written by him, there was no issue with it, this is a fact,” Mo said, recounting what Pu said in court.

“Secondly, he said that if these microblog posts had caused injury to other people, he apologises for it. Thirdly, he had no intention to incite ethnic hatred or pick quarrels and provoke trouble.”

Meanwhile, Gu Kailai was sentenced in 2012 for murdering British businessman Neil Heywood the previous year, kicking off China’s most sensational political scandal in years.

A suspended death sentence is normally commuted to life in jail.

The Beijing High Court is now making a formal recommendation for that, said state radio, which carried the court statement on its website. — Reuters

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

INDIA: A view of snow-covered Pir Panjal Ranges in the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday. – PTI

IVORY COAST: Ivorian singer Alasco poses with a sparrowhawk on GERMANY: A couple walks at the Tegeler lake in Berlin, Germany, on Monday as the sun goes down. – AFP

IRAQ: Camels walk in the southern desert of Samawa in an area used by Iraqi herdsmen to graze

their stock, in Iraq, on Monday. – AFP

IRAN: A general view taken from the west of Tehran shows the heavily polluted skyline of the Iranian capital on Monday. Air pollution in Iran’s capital hit its worst level — for a day without a sandstorm — in at least nine months, prompting warnings that all citizens should stay indoors. – AFP

his head before performing at the Grand Bassam street art festival in Grand-Bassam, Ivory Coast, on Sunday. – AFP

UNITED STATES: The Manhattan Bridge sits in morning fog on Monday in New York City. Temperatures across much of the New York metropolitan area continued to be unseasonably warm with mid 60’s being recorded in many areas over the weekend. – AFP

SINGAPORE: People take part in Christmas festivities among Supertrees structures at the Gardens by

the Bay in Singapore on Monday. – Reuters

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Teargas billowed in the city streets as armoured vehicles sped around and protesters lobbed stones at police. Shopkeepers shuttered their stores ahead of the protest, which the government said was banned

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Armoured police

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vehicles roamed

the restive region

education authorities. Locals, anticipating that the teachers were being recalled ahead of a curfew, formed queues at bakeries and shops to buy food, witnesses said.

Several thousand teachers are based in the towns.

The two towns of Cizre and Silopi were under tight security, with police armoured vehicles stationed at the entrances to both, witnesses said.

DIYARBAKIR: Seven people were killed in clashes with security forces in Turkey’s mainly Kurdish southeast, officials said on Monday, as authorities declared curfews across the restive region.

The clashes are the latest in months of violence following the collapse of a ceasefire between the government and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in July.

Since then, Ankara has imposed round-the-clock curfews in many areas. Two people were killed as police clashed with crowds protesting against a security crackdown in the main southeastern city of Diyarbakir, a hospital official and witnesses said.

Further south, five Kurdish mil-

Public order “A curfew is declared to neutralise separatist terror group members, remove explosives-laden barricades and ditches... and secure public order,” the Sirnak governor’s office said in a statement. It said the curfew would begin at 11 p.m. (2100 GMT).

A curfew was also imposed on Monday in the town of Nusaybin on the Syrian border to restore order “in response to increasing terror incidents”, state authorities in the town announced.

According to data compiled by the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey, 52 curfews have been imposed since mid-August across seven Turkish provinces in the region, affecting areas where some 1.3 million people live. — Reuters

Diyarbakir’s streets, firing water cannon and tear gas, while authorities declared curfews across

RISING TEMPERS: A barricade burns as Kurds clash with the Turkish police as they protest against the recent curfews imposed on Kurd-

ish towns, on Monday, in downtown Diyarbakir. – AFP

itants were killed in Mardin province’s Dargecit district, another area under curfew, security officials said. It was not clear exactly when they were killed.

Armoured police vehicles roamed Diyarbakir’s streets, firing water cannon and tear gas as hun-

GENERAL ELECTION

WARM GREETINGS: Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, left, one of the four leading candidates for Spain’s national election, greets Leopoldo Lopez, father of Venezuelan jailed politician Leopoldo Lopez, during a campaign rally in Las Rozas, outside Madrid, Spain, on Sunday. – Reuters

Spain’s ruling party consolidates lead but well short of majority MADRID: Spain’s ruling People’s Party (PP) held onto its lead in the last polls before Sunday’s general election, but looked set to fall well short of a majority, leaving the door open to potential pacts.

Surveys published on Monday suggested the conservative PP would top the poll, with the main opposition Socialists (PSOE) and two newcomers, liberal Ciudadanos and left-wing Podemos, following closely behind.

No new polls are permitted under Spanish voting rules after the end of today. The fragmented vote is unusual for Spain, where the PP and the PSOE have traditionally alternated in power.

A deep economic crisis marked by soaring unemployment and corruption scandals has broken their dominance, leaving many seeking alternatives.

Official survey With the last official survey on Dec. 3 showing as many as one in three voters were undecided or planning to abstain and the four main parties in such close proximity, the final outcome remains highly uncertain.

A minority government could also be on the cards, as Spains parliamentary system makes any

number of ad hoc alliances possible should the winner fail to gain an outright majority.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez will fight to win over undecided voters on Monday evening in last televised debate before the ballot.

The largest of the four polls published on Monday, by Sigma Dos for the conservative newspaper El Mundo, showed the PP winning with 27.2 per cent, followed by the PSOE on 20.3 percent, Ciudadanos with 19.6 percent and Podemos with 18.4 per cent.

A poll by Metroscopia for leftleaning El Pais also showed the PP winning, with 25.3 per cent, closely followed by the PSOE with 21 per cent and Podemos and Ciudadanos only slightly lagging on 19.1 per cent and 18.2 per cent respectively.

Smaller polls in newspapers La Razon and El Periodico also put PP in the lead with their three opponents close behind.

No poll gave the PP enough votes to form a majority in parliament, raising the prospect of potentially prolonged coalition talks or a minority government that could struggle to rule effectively. — Reuters

dreds gathered for a march called by the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) to protest a two-week-long curfew in the city’s district of Sur. Teargas billowed in the city streets as armoured vehicles sped around and protesters lobbed stones at police. Shopkeep-

ers shuttered their stores ahead of the protest, which the government said was banned. Few buses were operating, rubbish was not collected and most students did not go to school. Youths with scarves masking their faces tried to block streets with piles of bricks and

burning wood before police pursued them into side steets.

In Sirnak province, the governor imposed a curfew in two towns near the borders of both Syria and Iraq from Monday night, a day after teachers were seen streaming out of the area on the orders of

A16

TU ESDAY, DECEMB ER 15, 2015

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Obama ‘runs wild’ in Alaska The short trip with wilderness expert Bear Grylls for US president’s TV president of any nation to take part in “Running Wild with Bear Grylls,” following in the footsteps of celebrities like Ben Stiller, Kate Winslet and Zac Efron.

episode showed an intimate and fun side of Obama that has

THE OTHER SIDE: The episode was filmed in September on a

rarely been seen

trek to Alaska’s shrinking Exit Glacier that was aimed at drawing global attention to climate change. – Reuters

NEW YORK: They shared tea made out of catkins, ate wild salmon picked over by a bear, talked about being a dad and discussed climate change — all while snipers kept watch from the mountains and the official food taster looked on warily.

US President Barack Obama’s “Running Wild” Alaska episode

with wilderness expert Bear Grylls airs on NBC television on December 17, and Grylls said the short trip showed an intimate and fun side of Obama that has rarely been seen.

“He said it was one of the best days of his presidency,” Grylls told reporters. “There were times along the route I had to pinch myself and think, actually, this is the

president of America’.”

The episode was filmed in September on a trek to Alaska’s shrinking Exit Glacier that was aimed at drawing world attention to climate change. Last year alone, the Exit Glacier melted and retreated 187 ft (57 m) toward the Harding ice field, which has itself lost 10 per cent of its mass since 1950. Obama is the first sitting

Spoof Grylls, a British former SAS soldier turned adventurer and survival specialist, said the idea for the TV episode came from the White House. “They (the White House) approached us, saying would we consider taking the president on an adventure to Alaska. I almost didn’t really believe it. I thought this was a spoof,” Grylls said.

Grylls said a team of about 50 Secret Service personnel, a food taster, snipers and helicopters accompanied the pair during the

day-long trek through a forest and across a glacial outwash.

Obama threw himself into it, shrugging off the food taster, sharing Gryll’s water bottle, lighting fires and eating berries.

“He didn’t have any problems.

He wanted the physicality...he was up for everything,” Grylls said.

Along the way, Grylls said the pair talked not only about climate change but about being a father and the challenges of living in a bubble away from ordinary people. “I hope we did something that really put a smile on his face that lasted for a while,” Grylls said.

Asked what he had learned from the trip, Grylls quipped, “Whoever you are, everyone puts their trousers on one leg at a time.” — Reuters

JUDGES SWEARING IN

Thailand’s king makes public appearance BANGKOK: Thailand’s revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej made a rare public appearance on Monday after failing to show up for nationwide celebrations marking his birthday earlier this month.

Local television showed footage of the monarch, who turned 88 on December 5, swearing in dozens of judges at a reception room in a Bangkok hospital where he has been convalescing.

The king was last seen in public on September 1 and did not make an appearance on his birthday the second year running he missed the celebrations he would usually take part in.

He has spent the past few months at Siriraj Hospital where he was treated for hydrocephalus, a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain.

Last week, thousands of cyclists led by Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn rode through Bangkok to honour the king in an outpouring of loyalty. — Reuters

TRAGEDY

42 killed as police bus crashes into ravine in Argentina BUENOS AIRES: A bus carrying Argentine border patrol officers crashed into a ravine in the northern province of Salta on Monday, killing 42 people, while nine were being treated for injuries, provincial emergency official Francisco Marinaro told local television.

“We have 42 dead so far,” he said in a TV interview from the scene, where an overturned bus was shown, swarmed with emergency workers. Nine people were rescued and being treated in local clinics. “The bus fell about 18 meters (59 feet),” Marinaro said.

The vehicle was part of a threebus convoy carrying officers of Argentina’s gendarmerie, which patrols the country’s borders.

Salta borders Bolivia, Chile and

Paraguay. Passengers on the other two buses were the first people on site to attempt to save the officers trapped in the wreckage, officials said. Border security has become a hot issue in Argentina as the country has emerged as part of a route used for smuggling Andean drugs to Europe and for human traffickers.

President Mauricio Macri, elected last month on a platform that included improving Argentina’s rural roads, sent his condolences to families of the victims of the crash. “We need to improve our highways so these things don’t keep happening,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a news conference in Buenos Aires province. — Reuters

THE ILL-FATED BUS: Gendarmerie members at the scene after a bus drove off a bridge in the Salta

province, north of Argentina on Monday. – AFP

B

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CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.34 Pound ...........................................1.69 Indian Rs ............................. 173.43 Pak Rs ...................................266.03 Bangla Taka......................200.36

Indian Rs ...................................174.20 Pakistan Rs ............................ 270.00 Sri Lanka Rs .......................... 370.00 Bangla Taka............................ 204.15 Phil Peso ................................... 122.40

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) .......13.85

Oman Crude............. (Spot) ........$33.99 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) .........$34.74 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) ........$35.26 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ........ $32.57 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ........$36.48 West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ........$34.66

* Rates as of Dec. 14 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

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Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......13.40 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ............129.25 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) .............122.50 * Rates as of Dec. 14 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

CRUDE SUPPLIES

Oil prices fall below $35 for the first time since 2009 LONDON: Oil fell below $35 a barrel in New York for the first time since 2009 as Iran reiterated its pledge to boost crude exports, bolstering speculation Opec members will exacerbate the global oversupply.

Futures fell 1.8 per cent to $34.99 a barrel in New York, the lowest since February 19, 2009.

Crude lost almost 11 per cent last week, the biggest drop in a year.

There’s “absolutely no chance” Iran will delay its plan to increase shipments even as prices decline, said Amir Hossein Zamaninia, the nation’s deputy oil minister for international and commerce affairs.

Oil slumped last week to levels last seen during the global financial crisis, while speculators increased bets on falling US crude prices to an all-time high after the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) effectively abandoned production limits. The supply glut will persist at least until late 2016 as demand growth slows and Opec shows “renewed determination” to maximise output, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

“Gloom nourishes gloom,” said Eugen Weinberg, head of commodities research at Commerzbank in Frankfurt. “The market is

fully acknowledging that OPEC is no longer in price-control mode or providing a floor, and that the group is unlikely to change that strategy any time soon.”

Iran, which expects international sanctions over its nuclear programme to be lifted by the first week of January, has already secured customers for its planned supply expansion, Zamaninia said in an interview in Tehran.

The government is also preparing to offer oil and natural gas contracts to investors.

The country pumped 2.8 million barrels a day last month, data compiled by Bloomberg show.

‘Islamic banks need to focus on innovation’ There is also a need to focus on purposeful innovation in developing viable and acceptable Sharia-compliant

Hamoud bin Sangour Al Zadjali. — Supplied picture

products, said the central bank chief

BUSINESS REPORTER

MUSCAT: Islamic banking institutions in Oman need to develop human resources, identify the opportunities and help increase public awareness, said the executive president of the Central Bank of Oman (CBO).

There is also a need to focus on purposeful innovation in developing viable and acceptable Sharia-compliant products and services instead of replicating the conventional approach, Hamoud bin Sangour Al Zadjali told the 2nd Islamic Banking Knowledge Forum hosted by Bank Nizwa on Monday.

Several measures taken He said that the introduction of Islamic banking was aimed at diversifying banking services in the local market and the CBO has taken several measures to support this sector.

Al Zadjali hailed the good performance of Islamic banking in Oman, saying, “Islamic banks and windows in the Sultanate have succeeded in attracting a notable share in the domestic banking market due to demand for Shariacompliant products both on deposits and financing sides.”

The share of Islamic banking in the total assets of the Omani banking sector accounted for about 6.5 per cent at the end of September 2015, he noted.

Banking sector Commenting on the banking sector in general in Oman, the official said that it is operating soundly and banks are showing strong financial indicators in terms of asset quality, provision coverage, capital adequacy and profitability.

“The banking sector, between

the period of September 2014 to September 2015, recorded growth of 16.4 per cent in the total assets to reach OMR29.6 billion,” he said.

Al Zadjali said that the main objective of the CBO’s monetary

policy is to ensure the stability in the financial system and maintain liquidity in the banking sector.

“We will take steps to ensure the availability of sources of funds at banks, including the use of repurchase operations to inject liquidity in the local currency if the need arises, in addition to foreign currency Swap operations,” he noted.

Commenting on the challenges, Al Zadjali said, “The most important challenge facing the banks in the Sultanate at the moment is continuing to support the national economy by persisting to attract national savings and meet the various economic sectors’ needs in the country and providing sufficient flexibility to deal with different economic fluctuations, including, of course, the declining trend in oil prices in global markets.” >B4

CBO meet to discuss regulation on funding of small enterprises ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A decision requiring commercial banks to allocate 5 per cent of their total loans to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is expected to be discussed at an upcoming meeting as the deadline expires at the end of the year, said an official at the CBO. “There are continuous negotiations between the banks and the central bank, as well as the authority in charge of CMA (Capital Market Authority) regulations and functions,” Hatem Al Shanfari, member of the Board of Governors at CBO, told reporters on Monday.

In 2013, CBO had stipulated that commercial banks’ loans to SMEs must account for at least 5 per cent of their total loans.

Theywere given an extension until the end of 2015 to implement the same.

Preparedness Some risks may be associated with pushing the banks to comply with the decision in a short period of time without them being prepared, Al

Shanfari said on the sidelines of Bank Nizwa’s Islamic Banking Knowledge Forum.

“So, part of the partnership approach that the government is using is to make sure that everyone is ready for such a commitment. If it is going to take a little longer, I do not think there will be much harm as long as we do it right,” the official said.

Asked if the decision will be announced by the end of the year, he noted, “The Board of Governors will be meeting soon, and I think this may be one of the issues they will deliberate on.”

Commenting on whether lowering the percentage is being considered, he said, “It is always good to put high targets and if you do not get close to it, you will be close enough. If you put it low, then there will be no challenge.”

Asked about options for raising additional financial resources, he said, “There are a number of resources available internally, such as local debt market, direct borrowing and using the reserves that have been accumulated in the past.” > B4

Opec, which set aside its output quota at a December 4 meeting, is displaying hardened resolve to maintain sales, the IEA said in its monthly report Friday.

While the group’s strategy has affected other producers, triggering the steepest fall in non-Opec supply since 1992, world oil inventories will probably swell further once Iran restores exports, predicted the Paris- based energy adviser to developed economies.

World powers said they persuaded some of Libya’s feuding factions to form a new government of national unity and act against Islamic State. - Bloomberg News

VITAL RESOURCE: Iranian government is also preparing to offer oil

and natural gas contracts to investors. — Bloomberg file picture

N O V E M B E R D ATA

Oman’s crude production rises Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman’s crude oil production rose 3.05 per cent or by 995,708 barrels per day to 29.87 million barrels in November.

Also, the country exported 24.61 million barrels during the same month, which shows a daily export average of 820,206 barrels, said the monthly statistics released by the Ministry of Oil and Gas. Crude oil exports edged up 0.15 per cent in November, from the previous

month. China topped the list of crude oil importing countries from Oman, with an increase of 0.72 per cent and making up for 68.85 per cent of Oman’s crude exports. Taiwan and South Korea also imported Oman Crude, with a share of 15.25 per cent and 8.14 percent, respectively. These two nations did not import from Oman in October.

India’s imports increased by 1.23 per cent, while Thailand and Japan showed a marginal fall in their imports.

The average price of West Texas grade at the New York stock exchange was pegged at $43.73 per barrel, reflecting a $2.89 drop from October. The London ICE was recorded $46.23 per barrel, which indicated a fall of $3.24 per barrel, compared with October 2015.

Oman Crude witnessed a major fall in price at the Dubai exchange, where the price for the January 2016 futures trade was$42.28, dropping by $3.75per barrel, compared with December 2015.

B2

TU ESDAY, DECEMB ER 15, 2015

MARKET

Shell-BG Group deal clears ‘final regulatory’ hurdle The merger will transform Shell into the world’s top liquefied natural gas trader and a major offshore oil producer focused on Brazil’s rapidlydeveloping subsalt oil basin that would rival Exxon Mobil’s position as the world’s biggest international oil company

JOINING HANDS: Andrew Gould, chairman of BG Group (left), shakes hands with Jorma Ollila, chair-

man of Royal Dutch Shell, at the London Stock Exchange in London, UK. — Bloomberg file picture

LONDON: Royal Dutch Shell cleared the final regulatory hurdle for its takeover of BG Group after receiving the green light from China on Monday, leaving the deal on track for completion by early 2016 following shareholder votes.

The combination will transform Shell into the world’s top liquefied natural gas (LNG) trader and a ma-

jor offshore oil producer focused on Brazil’s rapidly-developing subsalt oil basin that would rival Exxon Mobil’s position as the world’s biggest international oil company.

The acquisition, worth about $70 billion when it was announced and the biggest in the sector in a decade, had already received mandatory and unconditional approv-

als from Australia, Brazil and the European Union.

Shares little changed Shell shares were little changes by 0815GMT, while BG shares traded nearly two per cent higher.

Last month, sources told Reuters that the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) had

pressed Shell to sweeten longterm LNG supply contracts as the world’s top energy consumer faces a large surfeit over the next five years. Since its announcement on April 8, when oil was at around $55 a barrel, Shell has had to battle a slump in oil prices and investor concerns over the financial merits of the deal in the face of an extend-

ed period of weak energy prices.

Heralding a “more resilient and competitive” business, the AngloDutch company slashed the combined group’s planned investment programme, highlighted cost savings of $3.5 billion and announced plans for $30 billion in asset disposals to pay for the acquisition while maintaining the cherished dividend.

With the regulatory approvals out of the way, Shell and BG turn their focus to shareholders and will publish within weeks a prospectus containing information on the deal and the change in the share structure and also announce dates for general meetings where the transaction will be put to vote.

“We will now seek approval from both sets of shareholders as we move towards deal completion in early 2016,” Shell CEO Ben van Beurden said, according to the company statement.

The integration of the two companies has been planned by a joint committee in recent months but could encounter some difficulties as BG’s small and relatively nimble operations are merged with Shell’s much larger structure. The deal could also result in job cuts where BG’s 5,000 jobs overlap with Shell’s nearly 100,000-strong work force. — Reuters

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SUPERJUMBO JETS

A380 owners tout for surplus Singapore planes FRANKFURT: Owners of five Airbus Group A380s leased to Singapore Airlines have begun touting the superjumbos around potential future operators while the Asian carrier evaluates whether to retain them.

Singapore Air must reach a decision by next September, though a clause requiring it to refurbish the jets at a total cost of as much as $125 million provides a strong incentive to extend 10-year leases that expire from 2017, according to Dr Peters Group, which owns four of the double-deckers.

Dr Peters and Doric, which controls the other plane and manages all five, has teamed with Airbus and former Doric partner Mark Lapidus to drum up interest in the A380s while Singapore Air mulls

its options. Carriers in the US, Turkey and China, as well as top European leisure operators, could be in the running.

“No airline wants to pay $125 million without having an aircraft,” Dr Peters Chief Executive Officer Anselm Gehling said in an interview. If the planes do become free, Turkish Airlines is a potential user, he said, though hasn’t decided if it wants new or old aircraft, while United States carriers will decide whether they see a role for second-hand superjumbos “in one or two years.”

Denser layout Airlines from China and other parts of Asia may also look at used A380s, with a fleet of four to five examples required to make the

model viable, according to Gehling. New operators may want denser seating arrangements than current customers, which generally view the A380 as a fleet flagship, so that capacity could grow to 700 or 800 people in a single class, he said.

Turkish Air, or Turk Hava Yollari, has already been looking at second-hand double-deckers, though said in June that it had decided against leasing relatively young A380s deemed surplus to requirements by Malaysian Airlines.

Efforts to secure customers for the Singapore A380s are in full swing even as Airbus struggles to find buyers for new superjumbos.

Among announced purchasers, Transaero Airlines of Russia is

now defunct and Skymark Airlines of Japan is in bankruptcy protection, while Hong Kong Airlines canceled orders and Virgin Atlantic Airways and Indian Ocean carrier Air Austral seem unlikely to take planes.

Rental rate The last new order was placed in 2014 by Lapidus, who has yet to find users for the 20 double-deckers he’s due to take.

Second-hand A380s are valued at between $90 million and $110 million by experts, Gehling said, though none have yet been sold.

That compares with a current list price of $428 million.

Singapore Air ordered the A380s in 2000, when the model sold for $235 million, though as an

early customer would most likely have received a significant discount. Dr Peters took over its four planes from 2007, the year deliveriesto the Asian carrier began, at a cost of about $200 million apiece.

Singapore is paying Dr Peters $1.71 million per month per aircraft, or about $205 million over the life of the lease, based on fees for the first plane, according to publicly available documents.

Obliged to return The airline is obliged to return the A380s in “full life” condition — meaning that their cabins, engines and other elements must be like new — or make a payment of up to $25 million for each plane handed back without being refurbished, Gehling said. — Bloomberg News

BRIEFS

Oman Agricultural Development Co to buy back shares MUSCAT: Majority shareholders of Oman Agricultural Development Company said that they are offering to purchase shares from minority shareholders (those who own 5,000 shares or less) at a price of OMR1.654 per share. It is for converting the company into a closely held company from public firm. This offer is valid for one month starting from December 20, 2015 and ends on January 19, 2016.

Al Madina Insurance not to pay dividend MUSCAT: Al Madina Insurance Company’s board decided to renounce the proposal of distribution of dividends to the shareholders according to the financial results audited as on June 30, 2015 to due to the closeness of yearend. — Times News Service

TOC MIDDLE EAST

Sohar Port to take part in major forum Times News Service MUSCAT: With investments in port development in the Middle East nearing $35 billion and set to rise over the next decade, the Sohar Port and Freezone headed to Dubai this week for the Terminal Operations Conference, which is known as TOC Middle East.

This year’s event, held at the La Meridien Hotel and Conference Centre, focused on analysing the shifts in regional container trades and the implications for ports, said a company release.

Terminal Operations Conference Middle East 2015 will offer attendees the chance to connect with the region’s strongest players, receive exclusive updates on current and future infrastructure projects and get a better understanding of how to benefit from the changing landscape of Middle East shipping.

The conference will also assess the sustainability of container demand generated in the Middle East/South Asia theatre, shipping lines strategies and related port developments.

Container throughput at the state-of-the-art container terminal in Sohar, operated

by OICT, has doubled over the past year.

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T U E S DAY, D E C E MB E R 1 5, 2 0 1 5

B3

MARKET Port of Salalah opens OMR55m liquid berth

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

The new terminal will add 20 tonnes of dry cargo and 6 tonnes of liquid bulk cargo

UPGRADED SERVICES: New services are available in all ministry departments and directorates across various governorates and Sanad offices in Muscat Governorate. - Supplied picture

in annual handling capacity. The 1,266m-long quay facility is located on the leeward side of the southern breakwater at the port and provides two 320 metre-long each general cargo and liquid bulk berths

Times News Service MUSCAT: A new deep-water general cargo and liquid bulk terminal has been opened by the Port of Salalah in a major step to a make it a Gulf regional gateway port and trans-shipment hub on the Arabian Sea. As delegated by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and on

RIBBON CUTTING: His Highness Sayyid Tariq bin Shabib Al Said cuts the ribbon to mark the open-

ing of the additional general cargo and liquid jetty at Salalah Port, flanked by public and private officials, sheikhs and other dignitaries and officials. — ONA

the occasion of the 45th National Day, His Highness Sayyid Tariq bin Shabib Al Said, sponsored the opening of the additional general cargo and liquid jetty at Salalah Port at a cost of OMR55 million.

The opening ceremony was attended by Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications, a number of their excellences, honourable, public & private officials, sheikhs and dignitaries of the Governorate of Dhofar attended the opening ceremony.

Said bin Hamdoon Al Harthy, undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport and Communications for Ports and Marine Affairs delivered a speech where he said that the project includes the construction of all supportive facilities and integrated infrastructure.

A C T I V I T Y D ATA

OIL AND GAS ASIA EXPO

China’s economy recovering, more support needed BEIJING: China’s activity data was stronger than expected in November, with factory output growth picking up to a five-month high, signalling that a flurry of stimulus measures from Beijing may have put a floor under a fragile economy.

Still, analysts believe more policy steps are needed to weather nagging headwinds from a cooling property market, risks from high domestic debt levels, and weak global demand as financial markets brace for interest rate rises by the US Federal Reserve.

“Real interest rates are still high due to falling producer prices,” Wang Jun, senior economist at the China Centre for International Economic Exchanges (CCIEE), a Beijing-based thinktank. “It’s still necessary to cut interest rates to support economic growth and combat deflation.”

Factory output grew an annual 6.2 per cent in November, data from the National Bureau of Statistics(NBS) showed, quickening from October’s 5.6 per cent and beating expectations of 5.6 per cent.

Growth in China’s fixed-asset investment, one of the main drivers of the economy, rose 10.2 per cent in the first 11 months, unchanged from the gain in January-October, and higher than an expected 10.1 per cent rise.

Retail sales grew an annual 11.2 per cent in November — the strongest expansion this year — compared with 11.0 per cent in October. Analysts had forecast 11.1 per cent growth in November.

“While low base could be the factor driving the headline growth, we still have to acknowledge that China’s data are illustrating signs of stabilisation, albeit at a low level,” said Zhao Hao, senior economist at Commerzbank in Singapore.

The data came after weak trade and inflation readings earlier this week, which underscored the persistent slack in the economy.

Weak demand, overcapacity The world’s second-biggest economy has been hit by weak demand at home and abroad, factory overcapacity and challenges posed by its transition to a consumption-led growth model from one reliant on investments.

With the Fed poised to raise interest rates for the first time in almost a decade at next week’s

The new terminal will add 20 million tonnes of dry cargo and six million tonnes of liquid bulk cargo in annual handling capacity. The 1,266 metre-long quay facility is located on the leeward side of the southern breakwater at the Port and provides two 320 metre-long general cargo berths, and two 300 metre-long liquid bulk berths, said a press release issued by the Port of Salalah.

“The new facility will be able to handle a wide range of vessels, ranging from naval ships, to vessels handling limestone, cement, livestock, project cargo and other dry bulk commodities as Salalah continues to grow as a key centre of trade and logistics for the region,” said David Gledhill, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Port of Salalah.

VITAL FACTS

November factory output was up 6.2 per cent

Jan-Nov fixed-asset investment was up 10.2 per cent

November retail sales growth stronger-thanexpected

Property investment growth slows to 1.3 per cent in Jan-Nov

More policy steps seen needed despite signs of steadying

review, the risk of intensifying capital outflows has added to Beijing’s policy challenge.

Supply-side reform Premier Li Keqiang has recently pledged to step up “supply-side” reform to generate new growth engines in the economy while tackling factory overcapacity and so-called zombie firms.

With its trade sector ailing, there are also signs China is ramping up efforts to send more excess production abroad with tax cuts for the export sector.

China’s output of key industrial commodities including coal and steel remained weak in November amid chronic oversupply as slowing construction demand took its toll.

“Supply-side management should be supported by loose fiscal and monetary policy,” Li Huiyong, an economist at Shenyin & Wanguo Securities said.

Li said the economy faced “increased uncertainties” from a cooling property market, excess factory capacity, high debt levels and Beijing’s anti-corruption drive. He expects the central bank to cut interest rates by 50 basis points in the next 12 months, on top of more cuts in bank reserve ratios.

Over the past year Chinese authorities have launched the most aggressive policy stimulus since the 2008/09 global financial crisis, including cutting interest rates six times since late 2014 and lowering bank reserve requirements. — Reuters

Conference on enhanced oil recovery to be held in March Times News Service MUSCAT: A major conference on enhanced oil recovery will be held in Muscat on the sidelines of Oil and Gas West Asia exhibition (OGWA) between March 21 and 23, 2016.

Organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers, the fifth edition of the SPE EOR Conference at OGWA will be held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Muscat. While the foundation for this internationally-recognised conference is enhanced oil recovery, each year the executive committee selects a theme in line with the current market situation, with this year’s theme being “The EOR Paradigm Shift.”

The opening ceremony on March 21 will feature remarks

by Dr. Saleh bin Ali Al Anboori, director general of Management of Petroleum Investments, Ministry of Oil and Gas and conference chairman; Raoul Restucci, managing director, Petroleum Development Oman. The executive plenary session on the same day will focus on the theme of the event, bringing to light factors influencing the EOR paradigm shift.

The technical programme committee has accepted 115 papers to be presented at the conference during 20 technical sessions, along with a number of panel sessions.

These selected papers bring knowledge and experiences from 49 companies spanning 21 different countries.

The new terminal was built by the Government of Oman at a cost of OMR55 million.

The quay wall is 1,266 metres in length, 84 metres wide, and is dredged to a depth of 18 metres.

The project also includes support structures, such as power substations, a fire pump house, a prayer hall, a canteen, and administrative offices. Liquid bulk cargoes are an increasingly important commodity for Omani industry and trade. “A dedicated pipe corridor links the new liquid bulk terminal directly with one of our customers operating within the port, and in the future, an extension will connect the Salalah Free Zone where new customers are setting up their plants.” said Port of Salalah deputy CEO Ahmed Akaak. — With inpouts from ONA

‘Invest Easy’ portal adds more features Times News Service MUSCAT: Additional features to ease company registration were incorporated in the Invest Easy portal by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. These services will provide many facilities for investors and the business sector, according to a press release.

The services include changing the commercial registration data (amending the trade name, legal form, capital data, fiscal year of the commercial registration, address of the company and headquarters data). Another feature is amending the business activities data, the investors and signatories data; as well as the cancellation and liquidation of companies.

Some electronic services will be available through service provision offices and the investors’ services offices at the ministry. These

services include selling contracts and determining the activities and licensing them.

The new services are available in all ministry departments and directorates across various governorates and Sanad offices in Muscat Governorate.

Invest Easy project seeks to improve the availability of data; i.e. providing a comprehensive and integrated file for the company through traditional channels and the internet for all the stakeholders. It also seeks to facilitate the company registration procedures and to activate all relevant transactions for the persons who carry the personal identification card authenticated by the electronic certification system (PKI). The project also endeavours to facilitate the procedures of getting licenses with all the requirements posted for investors.

B4

TU ESDAY, DECEMB ER 15, 2015

MARKET MSM index falls again

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ....................................... 5,408.57 ...............5,393.57 ................... 5,403.67 ................... 5,414.99................ -11.32 .................. -0.21 Financial Index .................................... 6,489.90 ...............6,475.92 ................... 6,489.03 ...................6,502.21................ -13.18 .................. -0.20 Industrial Index ....................................6,753.09 ............... 6,721.17 ....................6,721.33 ....................6,763.81............... -42.48 .................. -0.63 Services Index .......................................3,094.15 .............. 3,082.40 ................... 3,094.15 ...................3,089.50....................4.65 ................... 0.15 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................858.55 ..................855.64 ...................... 856.28 ...................... 858.56..................-2.28 .................. -0.27 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 4,635,334 ................... 1,094,258 .....................349 ................ 14,501,851,711 .................. 7 ......................11 .................... 19 .........................37

Phoenix Power was the most active in terms of volume, while Bank Muscat led in terms of market turnover MUSCAT: Share prices on the Muscat Securities Market touched the lowest level since August 2012, before partially recovering as the session progressed during a dull trading day. It declined by 0.21 per cent on Monday before closing at 5,403.67 points, the lowest level in more than three years.

The Sharia Index edged down by 0.27 per cent to close at 856.28 points. Phoenix Power was the most active in terms of volume while Bank Muscat led in terms of turnover. Today’s top gainer was Bank Nizwa, up by 1.41 per cent, while Gulf International Chemicals, down by 7.69 per cent, was the top loser.

As many as 349 trades were executed on Monday, generating turnover of OMR1.09 million with 4.6 million shares changing hands. Out of 37 traded securities, seven advanced, 11 declined and 19 remained unchanged. GCC and Arab investors remained net buyers for OMR171,000 followed

by Omani investors for OMR 33,000 while foreign investors were net sellers for OMR204,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index closed at 6,489.03 points, down by 0.20 per cent. Bank Nizwa and Bank Muscat advanced by 1.41 per cent and 1.27 per cent, respectively.

BankDhofar, Al Sharqia Investments, Al Madina Investments and Al Anwar Holding declined by 4.09 per cent, 2.06 per cent, 1.85 per cent and 0.64 per cent, respectively.

Industrial Index declined by 0.63 per cent to finish the session at 6,721.33 points. Al Jazeera Steel, up by 0.78 per cent, was the sole sector gainer. Gulf International Chemicals, Al Maha Ceramics, Raysut Cement, Oman Flour Mills and Voltamp Energy declined by 7.69 per cent, 4.31 per cent, 1.92 per cent, 0.85 per cent and 0.48 per cent, respectively.

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 14 ISIN ......................................SECURITY NAME ..................................................................VOLUME..... TURNOVER............TRADES ......OPEN PRICE......HIGH ............. LOW ........ CLOSE PR. ...PREV. CLOSE...DIFF (RO).........DIFF % .............LAST PR.....LAST BID .............LAST OFFER ........MARKET CAP.PAR VALUE

Services Index gained 0.15 per cent and ended at 3,094.15 points.

Al Batinah Power, Al Suwadi Power, Renaissance Services and Sharqiyah Desalination gained by 1.04 per cent, 1.04 per cent, 0.61 per cent and 0.33 per cent, respectively. Phoenix Power and OIFC declined by 0.69 per cent and 0.64 per cent, respectively.

Emerging markets fall Emerging-market currencies fell to a record and the benchmark equity gauge dropped toward a six-year low as a renewed selloff in commodities worsened risk appetite. South Africa’s rand gained as President Jacob Zuma decided to backtrack on his choice for finance minister.

Russia’s ruble led declines in developing countries as Brent crude slumped to $36 a barrel in London. The Brazilian real dropped for a third day as analysts in a central bank survey deepened their forecast for a recession in 2016. Stock indexes in Saudi Arabia, Brazil and Russia lost at least 1 per cent. The rand gained the most since 2011, reversing part of last week’s selloff, after Zuma appointed Pravin Gordhan as finance minister.

Slowing economic growth in China and commodity prices at 16-year lows are weighing on sentiment as traders predict the Federal Reserve will end a seven-year era of near-zero interest rates this week. Emerging-market currencies are on course for their worst annual performance since 1997, while shares are poised for the biggest drop in four years.

“Oil and metal prices are a signal of growth expectations and all emerging markets are hit,” said Aurelija Augulyte, a strategist at Nordea Markets in Copenhagen.

The South African rand “got punished too much and would benefit if the Fed is dovish.

REGULAR MARKET .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 484,998 .........232,189..................... 27 ........... 0.480 ...........0.480 ...........0.474........... 0.478 .............0.472 ........... 0.006..............1.271.................0.474..............0.474...................0.480 ............... 1,095,491,201 ......0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER...................................................97,851 .............18,974........................5 ............0.192 ........... 0.194 ...........0.192........... 0.194 .............0.192............ 0.002............. 1.042 ................0.194..............0.194...................0.195 ..................130,928,161 ........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 100,000 ............19,383........................5 ............0.192 ........... 0.194 ...........0.192........... 0.194 .............0.192............ 0.002............. 1.042 ................0.194..............0.192...................0.194..................138,594,830........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ..........................60,653 ................7,816......................14 ............0.127 ........... 0.130 ...........0.127 ........... 0.129 .............0.128.............0.001 ............. 0.781.................0.130 ..............0.130...................0.135 ....................16,111,837..........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES .......................................75,000 ............ 12,348........................4 ............0.163 ........... 0.165 ...........0.163 ............0.165 .............0.164.............0.001 ............. 0.610 ................0.165 ..............0.162...................0.165 ................... 47,957,418 .........0.100 OM0000004669 ...........SHARQIYAH DESALINATION .................................. 3,544 .............15,948........................7 ........... 4.500...........4.500 ...........4.500 .......... 4.500 .............4.485 ............0.015 ............. 0.334 ................4.500 .............4.100...................4.500 ..................44,010,972.........1.000 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ........................... 1,000 ...................136........................1 ............0.136 ........... 0.136 ...........0.136 ............0.139 ............. 0.139............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.136 ..............0.128...................0.136................... 13,210,560 .........0.100 OM0000001509............DHOFAR INT.DEV.AND INV. HOLD.........................3,613 ...............1,409........................2 ........... 0.390 ...........0.390 ...........0.390........... 0.398 .............0.398 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.390..............0.380...................0.000 ..................98,067,200.........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN ........................................................5,000 .................. 525........................1 ............0.105 ........... 0.105 ...........0.105 ........... 0.105 .............0.105............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.105 .............. 0.101...................0.107..................210,032,843........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ............................... 300,000...........90,000......................13 ........... 0.300...........0.300 ...........0.300 .......... 0.300 .............0.300 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.300 .............0.294...................0.300 ..................88,864,105 .........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK .................................................................... 100,000 ............19,300........................2 ............0.193 ........... 0.193 ...........0.193 ............0.193 ............. 0.193............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.193 .............. 0.178...................0.192..................275,031,976 ........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES .............................................. 1,000 .................. 336........................1 ........... 0.336 ...........0.336 ...........0.336........... 0.350 .............0.350 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.336..............0.320...................0.336...................21,421,496 .........0.100 OM0000002275 ...........SHELL OMAN MARKETING ...................................10,000 ............20,000........................2 ........... 2.000...........2.000 ...........2.000 .......... 2.000 .............2.000 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.000 ............ 0.000...................2.000 ................ 190,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000002341............OMAN CHLORINE.......................................................... 1,962 ...............1,004........................2 ............0.510 ...........0.520 ...........0.510 ........... 0.510 .............0.510............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.520............. 0.000...................0.512...................33,078,920.........0.100 OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE .........................................................5,000 .................. 545........................3 ............0.109 ........... 0.109 ...........0.109........... 0.109 .............0.109 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.109..............0.107...................0.109...................33,873,379 .........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 211,395 .............19,026......................12 ........... 0.090 ...........0.090 ...........0.090........... 0.090 .............0.090 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.090..............0.088...................0.090 ...................5,295,890 ..........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ..........................83,976 ...........128,521..................... 10 ............1.530 ........... 1.540 ...........1.530 ............1.530 ............. 1.530............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.540.............. 1.530...................1.540................ 1,147,500,000 ......0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 254,726 ............18,474......................17 ........... 0.072 ........... 0.074 ...........0.072........... 0.073 .............0.073 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.074..............0.073...................0.074................... 21,168,587 .........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 171,193 ..........122,274......................14 ........... 0.704 ........... 0.716............0.704............0.716 ............. 0.716............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.716 .............. 0.716...................0.720..................466,076,069 .......0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL................................................57,413 ...............4,470..................... 10 ........... 0.077 ........... 0.078 ...........0.077........... 0.078 .............0.078 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.078..............0.077...................0.078...................13,650,000 .........0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY .....................................................66,693 .............27,478........................4 ............0.412 ........... 0.412 ...........0.412 ........... 0.412 ............. 0.414............-0.002 ........... -0.483 ...............0.412 ..............0.412...................0.434 ..................24,926,000 ........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE................84,812 .............13,254......................12 ............0.152 ........... 0.159 ...........0.152 ............0.156 ............. 0.157............-0.001 ........... -0.637 ...............0.159 .............. 0.157...................0.162...................31,200,000.........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 381,812 ............ 59,560..................... 35 ............0.156 ........... 0.158 ...........0.155 ............0.156 ............. 0.157............-0.001 ........... -0.637 ...............0.157 .............. 0.157...................0.158................... 23,411,700 .........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT .....................................39,828 ...............2,130......................11 ............0.051 ........... 0.055 ...........0.051 ........... 0.053 .............0.054 ...........-0.001 ........... -1.852................0.054..............0.053...................0.054 ..................10,979,023 .........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ........................................................16,690 .............17,024........................7 ............1.020 ........... 1.020 ...........1.020........... 1.020 .............1.040 ...........-0.020 ........... -1.923................1.020..............1.000...................1.020................. 204,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ............. 91,128 ...............8,657......................11 ........... 0.095 ........... 0.095 ...........0.095........... 0.095 .............0.097 ...........-0.002 ........... -2.062 ...............0.095..............0.095...................0.096....................8,550,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................ 136,250 ............28,741........................9 ............0.210 ........... 0.212 ...........0.210............0.211 .............0.220 ...........-0.009 ........... -4.091 ...............0.211 ..............0.212...................0.220 .................325,937,723 ........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS .................................................... 6,828 ...............2,732........................8 ........... 0.402 ...........0.402 ...........0.400 .......... 0.400 ............. 0.418............-0.018 ........... -4.306 ...............0.400............. 0.400...................0.410...................21,000,000.........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ..............55,000 ............ 13,200........................1 ........... 0.240...........0.240 ...........0.240 .......... 0.240 .............0.260 ...........-0.020 ............-7.692................0.240 .............0.243...................0.250 ...................5,040,000 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 2,907,365 ......905,454...................250 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......29........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 675,838 ........... 48,659..................... 36 ............0.071 ........... 0.073 ...........0.071 ........... 0.072 ............. 0.071.............0.001 ............. 1.408 ................0.072..............0.072...................0.073................. 108,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001251 ............DHOFAR BEVERAGES FOOD STUFF .......................650 ...................169........................ 1 ........... 0.260...........0.260 ...........0.260 .......... 0.260 .............0.260 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.260............. 0.000...................0.000 ...................5,200,000..........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. .................... 77,692 ...............2,563........................8 ........... 0.033 ...........0.033 ...........0.032........... 0.033 .............0.033 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.032..............0.032...................0.033....................2,805,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES .........................................................5,000 ..................260........................1 ........... 0.052 ...........0.052 ...........0.052........... 0.052 .............0.052 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.052..............0.052...................0.053....................6,500,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK.................................................98,411 ...............6,401........................9 ........... 0.065 ...........0.066 ...........0.065........... 0.065 .............0.065 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.065..............0.065...................0.066...................65,000,000.........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 847,639 ..........121,212.....................42 ............0.143 ........... 0.143 ...........0.143 ........... 0.143 .............0.144 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.694 ...............0.143 ..............0.143...................0.144..................209,152,009........0.100 OM0000001400 ...........OMAN FLOUR MILLS ................................................ 20,000 ...............9,280........................1 ........... 0.464 ...........0.464 ...........0.464........... 0.464 .............0.468 ...........-0.004 ........... -0.855 ...............0.464............. 0.000...................0.464 ..................73,080,000.........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 1,725,230 ......188,544..................... 98 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 7........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BONDS AND SUKUK MARKET ......................................................................................................................................................................

OM0000005971 ............B.MUSCAT COMPL. CONVR. B.B.3.5 ....................... 2,739 ..................260........................1 ........... 0.095 ........... 0.095 ...........0.095........... 0.092 .............0.092 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.095..............0.096...................0.099...................29,822,868.........0.100 .............................................SUM: ...................................................................................... 2,739 ..................260........................1 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. .........1........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

-United Securities/Bloomberg News

INDIAN MARKET

SME DEVELOPMENT

ISLAMIC BANKING FORUM

Indian stock market recovers B1 'Role of B1 Growth of Islamic banks technology < FROM

< FROM

MUMBAI: India’s mid-cap stocks rebounded from a two- month low and materials producers helped the benchmark index to gain in volatile trading before the U.S. Federal Reserve’s final meeting of 2015 this week.

Reliance Communications Ltd. surged 6.2 per cent, the top gainer on the S&P MidCap Index. JSW Steel Ltd. rallied to a nine-month high and Jindal Steel & Power

Ltd. had the biggest advance this month after the government levied an anti-dumping duty on some products on Friday evening.

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. is set to sign an agreement to buy Italian car designer Pininfarina SpA, people familiar with the matter said. Shares of the Indian maker of sport utility vehicle rose 1.8 per cent.

The mid-cap gauge rose 0.7 per

cent at close. The S&P BSE Sensex changed direction at least eight times and moved into positive territory in the last half hour as European stocks rallied from a 10-week and Standard & Poor’s 500 futures pointed to stronger US equities.

Indian stocks capped a second week of losses on Friday as global funds pulled about $200 million last week before the Fed’s policy decision. - Bloomberg News

important' “Internationally, direct borrowing and raising debt instruments are normally the way forward for countries like Oman, not only specific to Oman, but all the countries in the region that are facing such challenges,” the official added.

He also highlighted the importance of technological innovation in the banking sector and said that it is an important enabler, which would help the banks enhance their efficiency and productivity.

Some milestones have been achieved in this regard, but still there is a lot of room for growth, Al Shanfari said.

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

In a speech, Jamil El Jaroudi, chief executive officer of Bank Nizwa, highlighted the growth of Islamic finance around the world and emphasised the importance of collaboration between public and private organisations to produce tangible results. He said, “Globally, the assets intermediated by the Islamic Banking industry have reached an estimated $2 trillion. This growth is expected to accelerate further global expansion in response to increasing demand for Shariacompliant financial products and services.”

Attended by more than 150 government and public sector representatives, the forum served as a platform for decision-makers and industry experts to address the challenges and opportunities within the Islamic banking especially against the backdrop of plummeting oil prices.

Speaking to Times of Oman, El Jaroudi said that Bank Nizwa will focus on enhancing efficiency and increasing its presence in the market across the Sultanate in 2016.

“When economic situation changes, I think the best way is to

look into efficiency,” he said, adding, “You have to take into consideration the growth around you.

So you cannot be overgrowing the market or you cannot be really going back.”

So the bank’s focus in the upcoming year is to enhance productivity and visit more cities in Oman,El Jaroudi noted. Bank Nizwa’s budget for next year is expected to be approved soon.

The forum consisted of two interactive panel discussions. The first, entitled ‘Economic Outlook in the Context of the Region’ was moderated by Hatem Al Shanfari, member of the Board of Governors of the CBO and featured Eng. Salim Al Aufi, undersecretary at the Ministry of Oil and Gas, as well as Sheikh Ahmed Al Marhoon, director general of Muscat Securities Market and Eng. Amran Al Marhoubi, technical director of Petroleum Development Oman.

Al Marhoon called for increased efforts to diversify the economy, saying that there is huge potential in a number of sectors such as fisheries, agriculture, mining and tourism.

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ROUND-UP

BEAUTIFUL COLOURS AND THEMES

Jotun’s 2016 Wall Trends: A journey of reflections and design MUSCAT: Jotun, the region’s leading paint manufacturer, has unveiled its 2016 Wall Trends.

Handpicked and developed by Jotun’s Global Colour and Creative Director, Lisbeth Larsen, together with regional colour experts, the Jotun 2016 Wall Trends is designed to cater to the design needs and aspirations of homeowners, both regionally and globally, says a press release.

The Jotun 2016 Wall Trends features a selection of beautiful colours and themes that are inspired by the world that surrounds us. It’s in the vintage blues of the forties, fifties and sixties, or nature’s glistening green leaves, and the simplicity of pure white; the Jotun 2016 Wall Trends are reflections of a journey — one that makes a house become a home.

For 2016, Jotun has designed three colour themes that are inspired by various social, cultural and environmental cues, translating them into shades that adorn walls and best express personalities. Each theme features complementary shades that come together to create the overall look and feel for a space; each of the three themes also function as mood boards to guide the colour selection process

for not just walls but surrounding furniture and accessories.

Stemming from Jotun’s most beautiful paint ever, Fenomastic My Home, in combination with the unique Lady Design special effect wall paint, the 2016 Wall Trends breathe life and character into spaces. Fenomastic My Home Rich Matt offers the best colour accuracy, ensuring homeowners achieve the exact look they desire.

Each colour from the 2016 Wall Trends collection is guaranteed to look stunning on walls as they’ve been tested on large surface areas before production.

Speaking about the 2016 Wall Trends, Tore Myrvang, sales and marketing manager at Jotun said: “Over the decades, we have experienced an evolution of interiors and design trends globally. As information becomes more and more accessible the world is literally at your fingertips. People are savvier than they were before and are inspired by the world of information that they’re exposed to.

“Social media channels offer a window into lives’ that homeowners aspire to own a slice of. Jotun’s 2016 Wall Trends offers homeowners the opportunity to bring those inspirational cues, tones

HARMONY OF HUES: Officials from Jotun Paints unveiled 2016 Wall Trends featuring a selection of beautiful colours and themes. – Jun Estrada/TIMES OF OMAN

and textures into their own homes with a high level of flexibility to personalise their spaces.”

Reflections of Time Exuding sophistication and luxury, Reflections of Time takes you through a journey in time.

The palette features variants of the sophisticated blues, warm neutrals, and a touch of gold or linen that represents the passage of time. Reflections of Time has drawn inspiration from the glamour and elegance predominant in the forties, fifties and sixties.

A brilliant representation of vintage meets modern luxury, homeowners can be lost in sweet nostal-

gia surrounded by soft walls and a rich ambience.

Reflections of Light Like pure light, Reflections of Light maintains that elegance lies in simplicity. The palette is a combination of clean white hues in contrast with terracotta and soft blacks, inspiring transformation in its simplest form. Silent and subtle, this palette creates spaces that are delicate, yet powerful.

Drawing inspiration from the functional way of living, Reflections of Light offers true order in design, and homes transform into luxurious yet minimalistic spaces that are warm and inviting.

Discovery Sport attracts worldwide customers taking into account any forward or backward tilt of the vehicle, before displaying the depth on the touch screen, emitting an audible warning signal to warn that the vehicle is approaching its maximum wading depth.

Land Rover shines spotlight on a suite of advanced

Stereo camera An advanced stereo camera mounted alongside the rear view mirror scans the road ahead looking for vehicles as potential obstructions.

The 3D imaging camera covers a 50-degree horizontal field of vision and spans up to 50 metres.

technologies in existing Discovery Sport designed to enhance passenger safety, comfort and convenience

DUBAI: Now available in 170 global markets, Land Rover’s Discovery Sport has already attracted 40,000 customers around the world with its combination of contemporary design, outstanding versatility and advanced engineering.

Advanced technology is integrated throughout, including a handful of discreet features delivered through a network of sensors which measure everything from the intensity of the sun’s rays and air quality in the cabin, to windscreen mist and rain – without any input from the driver, says a press release.

Sun load sensor The Discovery Sport features a sun load sensor on the dashboard that measures the intensity of the sun’s rays every 200 milliseconds, automatically adjusting the air conditioning to counteract solar

gain through the windscreen.

When driving out of the shade into the sun, the system imperceptibly increases the output of the air conditioning, even taking into account the angle of the sun to combat its effect on cabin temperature.

Cabin humidity is also measured, with the air conditioning finely adjusted to achieve the programmed temperature.

The flexible 5+2 seating of Discovery Sport features face-level air vents in second row seats to maximise the effects of the climate control system. An auxiliary air conditioning unit in the third row seats, also offering face level vents, is available for optimum performance in hot climates.

Sensing its surroundings The Discovery Sport is available with Dual Zone climate control with an air quality sensor, which monitors humidity and smog levels. Once it detects high pollution levels, the system switches automatically to re-circulation mode.

Rain sensitive wipers activate autonomously according to the conditions, while a sensor fitted to the windscreen automatically detects and clears windscreen misting.

In the event of driving through water, ultrasonic sensors fitted to the underside of the door mirrors measure the distance from the mirror to the water surface. The Wade Sensing control unit then calculates the depth of the water,

G R A D UAT I O N C E R E M O N Y

High beam assist The stereo camera also automatically activates and dips the beam to avoid dazzling other road users when an oncoming vehicle is detected. This ‘High Beam Assist’ function dips the headlamps within 500 milliseconds –faster than a traditional driver-operated switch.

Similarly, the auto-dimming rear view uses two sensors and instantly adjusts to maintain the optimum brightness to ensure another vehicle can’t dazzle the driver. A forward-facing sensor in the rear view mirror can measure the amount of light available to the driver, while a second rear-facing sensor scans up to 1,000 metres behind, monitoring the lights of upcoming vehicles.

For example, on dark rural roads the front sensor detects the low level of ambient light and can recognise that the driver will be more susceptible to glare. If the sensor then detects a vehicle behind with bright lights, the mirror will be darkened. If the driver is in a welllit city, the mirror will only fade by a small amount.

Reflections of Earth Taking inspiration from the great outdoors – the bark of a tree in the woods after the first rain, or the green of a pine leaf as the morning sun emerges – Reflections of Earth creates an ambience of natural warmth that is comforting. The palette features shades of green, warm tones of browns and concrete synonymous with nature and the natural way of living. Colours from the Reflections of Earth theme work well in minimalistic homes, sparsely decorated with key nature-inspired décor.

Mahira Saqib, assistant marketing manager at Jotun Oman said: “The Jotun 2016 Wall Trends encourages people to take design risks and transform their homes from blank canvases to on-trend spaces, allowing walls to move from the background to the foreground, or even taking centre stage. At the same time, our new collections offer solutions to those who prefer a more subtle look. For the first time, Jotun has also unveiled textured walls as key wall trends, and these are exclusive to the Middle East region. The different textures, especially natural materials including concrete, linen, bricks and stones, that are part

of the 2016 Wall Trends represent design brilliance and excellence, all achievable only using paint.”

Texture and depth Homeowners in the region have long been looking for ways to add natural elements or materials to create a rich cosy feel, or highlight areas in their homes with artinspired walls. Adding depth and texture with natural elements to a wall is a key design trend for the region, a trend that will continue to gain popularity in 2016. Whether it’s the industrial-chic concrete finish, or the elegant Roman-esque Timeless Stone and White Brick effects, texture can immediately transform the look and feel of a space. Also popular is the Linen textile finish and the Washed-Out Grey fade, all created using Jotun’s Lady Design range of products.

“Jotun’s 2016 Wall Trends encourages individuality and originality, therefore remaining true to our brand promise of enabling the creation of beautiful homes and iconic buildings,” added Larsen.

All colours and textures featured as part of the brand’s 2016 Wall Trends are now available across all Jotun multi colour stores across the region.

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

MJEC sponsors Sohar University’s energy conservation campaign MUSCAT: Majan Electricity Company (MJEC), one of the companies under the Nama Group, recently sponsored the energy conservation campaign organised by Sohar University.

Held recently, the campaign included events and sessions that aimed to educate students in the university about rationalisation of electricity consumption and how to effectively use electricity, says a press release.

Sponsoring this campaign is a part of the company’s commitment to social responsibility and spreading awareness regarding energy conservation to all segments of the society, and also strengthening the bonds of communication between the company and the community.

The campaign was launched with a presentation by the Energy Conservation Group of the university. This was followed by a speech by Eng. Ibrahim Ali Al Farsi, Customer Service S.M where he spoke about the concept of conservation and its importance in saving energy for the future generations. He also talked about the need to awaken

the sense of responsibility and commitment in the younger generation towards preserving the environment. The launch also included a presentation by the students of electrical engineering department about the importance of renewable energy and case study on how to produce power to light up the parking area using renewable sources.

As part of the campaign, students held an exhibition on electricity consumption, in which representatives of MJEC spread awareness regarding steps to conserve electricity, including the use of energy-saving electrical devices. It also introduced students to modern techniques of conserving electricity, along with ways to reduce electricity bills and increase the lifespan of electrical appliances.

Furthermore, fliers with all relevant information on the company and electricity distribution were widely distributed as part of the campaign.

MJEC also gave away gifts to the students and the audience to motivate them to adopt energy conservation methods.

STUDENT LEADERS

Oath-taking ceremony held at PSM

Renaissance supports Omani students MUSCAT: Fifteen aspiring Omani students and their families attended an international graduation ceremony in Muscat Hall at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently.

The students were sponsored by Renaissance to study abroad and bring their newly certified skills and training to the developing hospitality economy, here in Oman, says a press release.

Each student has completed a two-year Advanced Diploma in Hospitality with the Colombo Academy of Hospitality Management (CAHM) at the William Angliss Institute, Sri Lanka Institute

of Information Technology.

The ceremony was hosted by Renaissance and speakers included Stephen Thomas, CEO of Renaissance, Steven Bradie-Miles, CEO of CAHM and Professor Lakshman Ratnayake, chairman of the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology.

The particular commitment and dedication of the Omani students shone through in their results, with two receiving special awards for their performance at CAHM: Mohammed Salim Al Hajri, was recognised as the Best Student in Hospitality Operations/Finance Management and Ahad Abdullah

Al Jabri was recognised as Most Outstanding Graduate, due to her outstanding academic record (she scored a perfect ‘A’ in all 61 exams), as well as her leadership and management skills.

Al Jabri said: “I am truly honoured that I have been chosen as the outstanding student this year.

I am sure that for all of my fellow graduates there have been times of stress that put us out of our comfort zones.”

She continued: “And I would like to add a thank you to Renaissance for giving me this opportunity to add a lot to my professional life and our SME company, Meshan.”

MUSCAT: A splendid oathtaking ceremony was held at Pakistan Junior School Muscat recently.

In the ceremony, the responsibilities of proctorship were given to Class II to Class IV students.

Adnan Shahzad, chairman, Board of Directors, Usman Lakhan, Mohammad Hafeez Malik, Waseem Iqbal, directors board, members of parents council, Atta Ullah Niazi, senior principal, Khalid Jadoon, principal, Munazza Ghafoor, principal, parents, teachers and students attended this ceremony, says a press release.

The ceremony started with recitation from the Holy Quran in a beautiful voice by Shifaa Haider from Class IV. Munazza welcomed the guests and informed the audience about the purpose of the event.

Munazza commented that the sole purpose of giving these responsibilities to the students is to sharpen their leadership skills and to inculcate the sense of responsibility and discipline among

the children. The badges were distributed among the students in the event by the chairman BoDs, board directors and senior principal.

An oath was taken by the senior principal from the proctors that they would perform their duties with full responsibil-

ity and honesty. Atta Ullah Niazi stated that the students are selected on the basis of merit and they will become the role model for other students. He also thanked Munazza for conducting the outstanding event.

The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem of Pakistan.

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ROUND-UP All-new Nissan Maxima: Modern and charismatic The completely redesigned 8th generation model is the sportiest and most powerful Maxima ever

MUSCAT: Suhail Bahwan Automobiles, the exclusive distributors of Nissan vehicles in Oman, unveiled the all-new game-changing Nissan Maxima 2016.

The completely redesigned 8th generation model is the sportiest andmost powerful Maxima ever. The all-new 2016 Maxima is a modern and charismatic vehicle over-delivering on the fundamentals earned over eight generations for quality, reliability and classabove in innovation, safety features, dynamic performance and premium styling.

Aura Nissan Maxima’s styling showcases Nissan’s new design language - including V-Motion front end, signature boomerang lights, kickup C-pillars and unique floating roof appearance. Inside, the Nissan Maxima’s premium class-above, bespoke interior is anchored by a driver’s cockpit that rivals luxury vehicles. The new vehicle was developed under the inspiration of the Blue Angels at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola – Florida, United States. It holds a specific style inspired by the ‘jet fighter’ styling theme and ergonomic layout.

The futuristic appearance is finished with large dual exhaust chrome tailpipe finishers and 18inch machined aluminium-alloy wheels. The Nissan Maxima SR adds 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels that use a unique diamondcut machined finish.

The Nissan Maxima’s totally redesigned interior is anchored by a “command centre” driver’s cockpit and a premium bespoke style crafted execution. The console also features luxurious padding on the sides with contrasted stitch-

ing. A new Display Commander control on the console allows fingertip control of the center display as befitting a premium sport sedan.

The Nissan Maxima’s interior execution was a strong focus from the onset of development, with the goal of offering an interior that truly rivals luxury vehicles.

It offers genuine stitching on the instrument panel, doors and console, available ambient lighting, available premium leather seating surfaces with diamond-quilted inserts, unique faceted finishers and a sporty D-shaped (flat-bottom) steering wheel.

The all-new Nissan Maxima 2016’s comfort is inspired by Nissan’s ‘Zero Gravity Seats’ design with added foam topper pad for initial softness and long-term comfort that consists of acoustic laminated glass (windshield and front side glass), and Active Noise Cancellation System for a quieter cabin.

As with the exterior, interior colours were carefully considered to fit with Maxima’s exclusive sports-premium personality.

Performance In a number of aspects the Nissan Maxima’s performance substantially eclipses market performance and is on a par with many sports cars, moving it closer to its big brother - the Nissan GT-R. The Nissan Maxima’s 3.5-litre VQ-series V6 has been redesigned with more than 60 percent new parts (compared to the previous generation 3.5-litre V6). With 300 horsepower, the Nissan Maxima has a high specific output of 85.7 horsepower/litre. The revised engine helps it achieve an anticipat-

ed 15 percent increase in highway fuel economy to an EPA estimated 30 miles per gallon.

Complementing the revised powerplant is a new, performanceoriented Xtronic transmission featuring a wider ratio range, which allows for stronger acceleration from a standing start and an allnew D-Step shifting logic that provides rapid shifts at high throttle openings.

Technology The Nissan Maxima’s next-generation premium-level technology features include an 8.0-inch colour display features multi-touch control for intuitive smartphonelike gestures such as swiping and pinch-to-zoom. The system is paired with a standard 7.0-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display (ADAD) within the instrument cluster.

The vehicle boasts an extensive range of safety, security and driving aids, including Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Forward Emergency Braking (FEB), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) and Blind Spot Warning (BSW). The Nissan Maxima also offers an available Driver Attention Alert (DAA) system which monitors steering input patterns to establish a baseline and helps alert the driver when drowsy or inattentive driving is detected (only on Nissan Maxima SR grade).

Safety Standard safety and security features on all 2016 Maxima trim levels include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with sup-

H E AV Y- D U T Y P E R F O R M A N C E

plemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection; front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and adjustable upper anchors; and LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children).

Every Maxima also offers child safety rear door locks; Zone Body construction featuring front and rear crumple zones and occupant zone; Nissan Immobiliser system and anti-theft alarm system. Maxima offers a variety of advanced technologies that are standard on three trim levels include Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), class-exclusive Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Forward Emergency Braking (FEB), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

Suhail Bahwan Automobiles over the years have institutionalised robust systems and people processes to continuously monitor and measure customer satisfaction levels at point of sale and vehicle service. This is done through periodic surveys with customers, analysing key consideration factors for improving customer satisfaction and implementing them.

Good reliable customer service has helped SBA to build a loyal following thus ensuring additional revenue streams and enhanced its reputation in Oman.

“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,” a key SBA spokesperson opined.

S O F T WA R E T E C H N O L O G Y

Tibiaan Properties rolls out smart property management solution MUSCAT: Well-known real estate service firm Tibiaan Properties is leveraging software technology to better serve its growing clientele of property owners and tenants.

The company, which manages an expanding portfolio of commercial and residential projects across Oman, is preparing to roll out a smart new property management programme designed to enhance the delivery of services to its diverse customers, says a press release.

To the end, Tibiaan has enlisted the expertise of Ozone United Company, a leading technology services and software solutions provider, in the development of a comprehensive web-based solution customised to the brokerage firm’s distinctive brand of services.

The innovative programme promises to transform the way how Tibiaan’s staff manage their day to day operations. From the convenience of their desktops, laptops or other devices, staff can enjoy instant access to information on client properties under company management - in real time. Likewise, the tenant management feature can be easily accessed to ascertain the registration particulars or rent payment schedules of individual tenants, and so on.

Most notably, maintenance management of Tibiaan’s portfolio of properties will be fully streamlined once the new solution is fully deployed. It allows for maintenance requests to be registered and followed-up online. Furthermore, as a customercentric solution, the new property management system will help

Tibiaan connect better with its tenants. Automatic SMS alerts, for example, will provide tenants with a timely heads-up on upcoming rental payments. Tenants can also log in to track the status of their post-dated cheques and thereby keep a close tab on their rental payment history.

According to Faisal Musthafa Ebrahim, CEO of Ozone United, the new programme will inject a great deal of efficiency and quality in the way how Tibiaan manages its property and tenancy portfolios.

“All of the processes, tasks and duties associated with property management will be automated as a result of this initiative, allowing Tibiaan’s staff to devote more time to business growth and enhanced customer service delivery. Besides, as all of the client and tenant data is recorded systematically, the programme makes it convenient for information to be easily accessed, analysed and evaluated to help with speedy decision-making. Dashboard reports offer a bird’s eye view on the overall performance of the business. So it helps drive performance and add value to the overall business.”

Welcoming the deployment of the solution, Fahad Al Ismaili, founder and CEO of Tibiaan Properties, commented: “Tibiaan’s decision to embrace this new property management solution is in line with our broader strategy to modernise our service delivery and stay better connected with our growing client base. It enables us to work faster and smarter, albeit in cost-effective way.”

A D VA N C E D C O N C E P T S

A’Saffa conducts training for staff

Powered by Cummins engine, JAC trucks make transportation efficient and reliable MUSCAT: The 3 Ton (2.8L) and 4 Ton (3.8L) JAC Motors lightduty trucks available in Oman exclusively at Towell Auto Centre (TAC) offer heavy-duty performance and are reliable, rigid, safe and suitable for various road conditions, due to their world-class independent technology diesel engines, says a press release.

A senior spokesperson of TAC commented: “JAC trucks integrate global advanced technology and are equipped with internationally renowned Cummins engine that offers impressive fuel efficiency, environmental performance, excellent value and ulti-

mate safety. JAC 4 ton trucks use a Cummins ISF diesel engine that meets Euro III emission standards. Cummins ISF engines are also fairly responsive and make the truck feel pretty lively and flexible, regardless of what load is carried at the back, being able to merge well with the city traffic.”

The 2.8L JAC truck boasts maximum power of 107hp at 3600rpm with maximum torque of 240Nm at 2000rpm while the 3.8L model delivers maximum power of 141hp at 2600 rpm and 450Nm of torque at 1200 - 2200rpm, giving them performance comparable and at times

exceeding that of their rivals.

Officially known as Jianghuai Automobile Co Ltd, JAC Motors was established in 1964 and has been listed in Shanghai Stock Exchange since 2001.

Today, JAC Motors is the number one commercial vehicle brand in China, selling passenger and commercial vehicles to over 100 countries worldwide.

In Oman, TAC is the sole distributor of JAC light-duty trucks.

With a network of 11 showrooms, 13 service outlets and 10 parts outlets spread across Oman, TAC is one of the leading automobile distributors in the region.

MUSCAT: A’Saffa Foods, Oman’s leading producer of natural, tasty, halal and healthy food products, recently held a specialised training exercise for their senior management and staff on ‘Advanced Marketing and Sales Concepts’ at the Modern College of Business and Science.

During the intensive two-day seminar managers and executives were given a comprehensive insight into various issues in advanced marketing concepts and to ensure the company keeps pace with a leading competitive edge, says a press release.

The course was focused at strengthening employee’s analytical capabilities and improvising their skill-set in order so that they could be abreast with the developments impacting their performance. Employees who are well-versed with their functional and business roles often commit errors in management, and the company feels that even if they don’t, they need to enhance their business knowledge and technical skills required. The staff members were also taken through an intensive workshop that also focused on the concepts of marketing that provided both offensive and defen-

sive strategic context to identify opportunities and threats.

Innovative and hugely successful marketing and sales strategies have helped A’Saffa become a recognised leader in the poultry business and across its rapidly growing frozen food product ranges as the business grows into an Omani food manufacturing powerhouse. The Advanced Programme on Marketing and Sales for Supervisory Staff dealt with various aspects on contemporary issues in the field of marketing and sales along with executive behavioural dimensions towards self-development.

Commenting on the training

workshop, Sidhartha Lenka, head of Sales and Marketing, A’Saffa Foods, said: “This was the latest in a series of workshops that the company has invested in to help with the continuing development and enhancement of the skills and capabilities of our senior management team. As a business A’Saffa Foods is committed to investing in the talent and careers of its staff at every level of the business and the recent workshops are a continuation of that philosophy that has helped us to achieve excellent staff retention levels and make our company an employer of choice for talented individuals in the Sultanate.”

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S T R E N G T H E N I N G T R A D E R E L AT I O N S

Bank Muscat leads delegation to Malta, explores SME cooperation MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, in pursuance of the private sector role in the economic development of Oman, led a delegation to Malta comprising members from the bank and Riyada – the Public Authority for SME Development (PASMED).

Ilham Al Hamaid, AGM – SME Credit, Marketing & Regional Corporates, led the delegation which visited Malta Enterprise; Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry; Malta Confederation of Women’s Organisations; Institute of Tourism Studies; Life Science Park; University of Malta; Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology; Women Directors in Malta and Bank of Valletta, says a press release.

Ilham Al Hamaid said: “Bank Muscat is proud to be closely involved in the strengthening of trade and investment relations between Oman and Malta. Based on the outcome of the meetings with the various Malta entities, possible avenues for cooperation

are being identified and an appropriate strategy formulated for embarking on a new frontier of mutually beneficial association with counterparts in Malta, thereby contributing to strengthening of relations between the two friendly countries.”

SME forum The two sides discussed the execution strategy of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in April this year between Malta Enterprise, the development agency that facilitates international investment in Malta, and Bank Muscat for setting up a Business Forum for SMEs. Taking forward the strategy for investment collaboration between Oman and Malta, an SME forum will be organised in Oman in the first quarter of 2016.

Oman’s favourable investment climate covering various sectors and the thrust on SME development were highlighted in the meetings.

The delegation mooted steps to explore avenues for better collaboration between the two sides.

The discussions noted that huge potential exists for cooperation in different sectors of the economies of Malta and Oman. There is political commitment and willingness on both sides to enhance coopera-

tion between the two countries, making it easier to achieve the set objectives. Malta and Oman can take advantage of the strategic geographical position they both occupy in their respective regions,

Omantel to pick SME award winners today All applications for the Business Excellence SME Awards were assessed by independent assessors that include Ernst & Young and a number of SME experts

MUSCAT: Omantel will organise a celebration today to announce the winners of the Omantel Business Excellence SME Awards.

The celebration will be held under the auspices of Hamood Sang-

our Al Zadjali, executive president of the Central Bank of Oman, CEOs and entrepreneurs, says a press release.

Omantel had earlier announced in October the opening of regis-

tration for the fourth edition of Omantel Business Excellence SME Awards. Applicants compete in the six main categories of the award, namely, Best Performing Company - Small Enterprise, Best Performing Company - Medium Enterprise, Best New Entrant, Turnaround Success Story of the Year, Community Contribution and Best Business Idea for the Year. The award comes in line with Omantel’s efforts to support SME sector and recognise the successful entrepreneurs.

Commenting on the ceremony, Shaikha Hamid Al Awfi, manager, Marketing Communications at

AGM AND HEAD OF BUSINESS BANKING

bringing a wealth of extensive experience he accumulated during his previous posts in several reputed banks and financial institutions, including his role as a member of the credit committee of Al Rafd Fund. Hussain holds a BA in Accounting from the Uni-

versity of Mumbai and a Diploma in Management from the Institute of Leadership & Management, UK. He is also an International Certified Expert in SME Finance from Frankfort School of Finance & Management.

BankDhofar has been a leader in the market in terms of senior leadership development and Omanisation. The bank prides itself as one of the best workplaces in the Sultanate, and it continues to attract talented human resources and experts in the banking industry. Today BankDhofar is recognised as one of the most talent-attracting private sector organisations in the Sultanate. The bank has achieved high levels of Omanisation in all departments and units, with over 92% Omanis.

PRODUCTIVE DISCUSSION

Sheida conducts workshop on ‘Gas Detection Solutions for Life’ MUSCAT: Detection of various gases had been the concern and challenge of all the industries in general to protect precious lives.

With this objective in focus and to support the entire industry, Sheida International organised a workshop ‘Gas Detection Solutions for Life’ for the benefit of all the organisations facing this challenge, at Grand Hyatt Muscat, recently.

It was organised along with Industrial Scientific of USA, the world leader in the areas of gas detection and services. All the specialists in this field from the industries like oil and gas, construction, sewage treatment took part in this event and generated productive discussion to address the cause. The event was dedicated to the 45th National Day of Oman, says a press release.

The programme was attended by senior delegates from PDO, BP, Oxy, Haya, Orpic, Weatherford, Galfar, Majan Shipping, Arabian Industries, etc. The event generated considerable discussion on various concerns facing the

industry due to loss of life when working in confined safety. The issues were addressed and solutions recommended.

The programme is designed specifically to cover the day to day problems faced by the all the organisations. The programme also covered the latest international standards, the major criteria of choosing the right gas monitors,

O N E - O F -A- K I N D TA X I

Land Rover Defender taxi cab spotted on streets of London LONDON: Londoners were delighted when they spotted a oneof-a-kind Land Rover Defender ‘taxi’ driving through the streets of the capital.

The Defender, one of the world’s best loved 4x4s, was starring in a commemorative film to celebrate this global automotive icon and to promote the forthcoming charity auction of the Defender 2,000,000 being held at Bonhams New Bond Street headquarters on December 16, says a press release.

The film also stars a number of other more unusual, specially modified vehicles including a Series II Land Rover ice cream van, a specially tailored Paul Smith Defender and the first

ever Series Land Rover show car, displayed at the Amsterdam Motor Show in 1948, all taking in London’s famous landmarks as they tell the story of the Defender’s rich history.

All proceeds from the auction of ‘Defender 2,000,000’ will be donated in their entirety to Land Rover’s humanitarian and conservation partners — the IFRC and the Born Free Foundation.

SPECIAL OCCASION

BankDhofar promotes Hussain Al Lawati MUSCAT: BankDhofar has announced the promotion of Hussain Ali Ibrahim Al Lawati as assistant general manager (AGM) and head of Business Banking, says a press release.

Kamal Hassan Al Murazza, Chief Wholesale Banking Officer at BankDhofar, said Hussain’s promotion comes within the bank’s efforts to support and nurture the small and medium size enterprises sector in the Sultanate. “His contribution to grow the SME portfolio at the bank and the new initiatives he introduced to enrich our SME customer experience made BankDhofar one of the leading drivers of the SME sector growth.”

Hussain joined BankDhofar in 2014 as head of Corporate Marketing and Business Development,

Omantel Business Unit, said: “Omantel is committed to supporting the growth of SMEs by all means to ensure their viability and competitiveness in the marketplace.

“The turnout for this version of edition of Omantel Business Excellence SME Awards has been great by the SMEs operating in different sectors in the various governorates. All applications were assessed by independent assessors that include Ernst & Young and a number of SME experts. The winner of each category award has been selected according to very clear and transparent criteria,” she added.

the officials added.

In October, Riyada organised a video conference with the participation of Bank Muscat and a number of entrepreneurs from the Omani side and the public and

private sector representatives from the Maltese side. Aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the field of SME development, the conference discussed steps to identify the most promising SME business opportunities in the two countries; exchange of experiences and information relating to entrepreneurship; and creation of partnerships between the Omani and Maltese sides.

Early this year, Bank Muscat led a successful Omani business delegation to Malta to explore investment and trade opportunities between the two countries, followed by a reciprocal visit by the Malta Business Delegation to Oman.

The Mediterranean island nation of Malta connecting Europe with African markets is an offshore financial centre with world class facilities in ports, logistics and education. Malta offers logistical facilities to Omani business community, particularly SMEs, to tap European as well as African markets.

maintain them effectively, monitoring and updating the critical safety records.

Fahad Ubaid, business manager, Sheida welcomed the participants, the experts from Industrial Scientific USA, Stefan Scheiper, Ridha Bellamine. Ashiq Mustafa addressed the audience and Ummer Koya, ED, Sheida, thanked the participants.

ISD hosts Christmas celebrations MUSCAT: With traditional gaiety, enthusiasm and exuberance to its full, Indian School Darsait (ISD) organised Christmas celebrations recently.

A special assembly was held to instil the spirit of Christmas among children. The celebration started with melodious carols by the students who took everybody to Christmas ambience and festivity. Earlier the students and staff had put up beautiful decorations and coloured lights in the auditorium that made one and all feel Christmassy, says a press release.

The highlights of the day were the inter-house crib making and tree decoration competition and a one hour programme that consisted of a Biblical presentation.

It was Santa Claus who stole

the show through his melodramatic arrival. The gestures and jovial movements on the part of that customary ‘Father Christmas’ made everyone spellbound throughout the programme. The children singing ‘Jingle bell, Jingle bell’ accompanied Santa who in turn conveyed the best wishes and greetings of the season

through surprise gifts and sweets.

Dr. Sridevi P. Thashnath, principal, addressing the gathering gave the Christmas message and shared her experience.

She said: “Christmas symbolises love and peace and it’s the time for caring and sharing. It is the time that our dreams and aspirations in life come true.”

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Deutsche Bank chief addresses NBO Chairman’s Speaker Series

Dr Paul Achleitner shared his perspective on ‘Capital Markets in a post-crisis environment’ MUSCAT: The Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Germany’s leading bank, Deutsche Bank, Dr Paul Achleitner was the speaker at the December edition of the National Bank of Oman (NBO) Chairman’s Speaker Series.

Dr Achleitner shared his perspective on ‘Capital Markets in a postcrisis environment’ with an audience of dignitaries, entrepreneurs, students, NBO customers and employees at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Muscat, says a press release.

The NBO Chairman’s Speaker Series was launched in 2014 as a platform for inspirational leaders from diverse disciplines to share their experiences, knowledge and innovative ideas with a crosssection of Omani society, particularly students, youth in the early

stages of their careers and aspiring entrepreneurs.

“This series continues to attract international speakers of the very highest calibre,” said Mohammed Mahfoodh Al Ardhi, Chairman of NBO. “We are delighted Dr Achleitner was able to join us in Muscat to share his fascinating insights into how capital markets function through challenging economic conditions. With an increasing number of Omani companies and individuals operating in the global capital markets, Dr

Achleitner’s views carried great weight with the audience and will have sparked many fresh ideas.”

Dr Paul Achleitner has been Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Bank AG since 2012. After four years at Bain & Co. in Boston he joined Goldman Sachs in 1988 where he served in New York, London and Frankfurt in various capacities, since 1994 as a partner of the firm. Between 2000and 2012 he was CFO of Allianz in Munich. Besides chairing the Supervisory Board of Deutsche

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PERSONALISED PROGRAMMES

Signature to host Luxury Awards night tomorrow MUSCAT: At a gala function to be held at the sprawling grounds of Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, tomorrow, Signature, Oman’s top luxury magazine, will host the Sultanate’s most prominent Luxury Awards night, while also debuting The Luxury 100 limited edition coffee-table book.

Attended by the country’s top diplomats, business owners and senior managers, the event has all the makings of a Signature classic. ID Design, the Sultanate’s renowned luxury décor brand, is the luxury partner for the event, says a press release.

“The Luxury 100 book lists the most dynamic luxury products of the year, and is Signature’s endeavour to recognise the best of the best. We have meticulously gone through hundreds of products to come up with The Luxury 100 list.

Like all of Signature’s other ventures, this will become a benchmark of luxury in the Sultanate and in the region,” said Alpana Roy, executive vice president, United Media Services.

Unique initiative The Luxury 100 is a unique initiative that is the region’s only list of the most iconic luxury products of the year, and is set to become an

Bank Paul Achleitner serves on the Supervisory Boards of Bayer and Daimler as well as on the Shareholders’ Committee of Henkel.

The NBO Chairman’s Speaker Series has previously welcomed guests including Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, group chief executive officer and managing director of Mubadala; Mohamed Alabbar, founder and chairman of Emaar Properties; Sir Terrence Clarke, former British ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman; and space pioneer Dr Anousheh Ansari.

‘The Luxury 100’ is a unique initiative that is the region’s only list of the most iconic luxury products of the year

annual property. While luxury has many iterations, no one can dispute its visual quality. It looks the part. Signature has almost a decade of expertise, and after months of study and research, the editors, a select mix of readers and industry experts have weighed in to create this list. Each product that has been included belongs in the topend of its respective category, and has proven its luxury credentials with its popularity. The categories include personal luxury goods, luxury cars and luxury hospitality.

Limited edition book The superlative compilation of luxury that is The Luxury 100 is

not a ranking. It is what Signature likes to call a consolidated ‘List of Lists’ that embodies the spirit of luxury. The brands are listed alphabetically in the book, which will have a special limited collector’s edition print-run.

In addition to the limited edition book, special awards will be presented across categories to the products that are the best of the best. Totalling 26 in all, these awards signify a dedication to craftsmanship and salutes the brand’s luxury credentials.

These include awards for Luxury Sports Timepiece of the Year, Tourbillon Timepiece of the Year, Collector’s Timepiece of the Year, High Jewellery Collection of the Year, Sports Car of the Year, SUV of the Year, Fragrance of the Year, Beauty Product of the Year and Most Coveted Community, among others.

Signature, the Sultanate’s most dynamic luxury media brand, has once again created an innovative property that will help recognise luxury, while giving the local market a medium of regional and global exposure.

The event is supported by Times of Oman and Al Shabiba as media partners, and Oman Printers & Stationers as print partner.

Six Senses Integrated Wellness: An innovative approach to fitness MUSCAT: Six Senses Spas has spent the last two years working with some of the most highly respected doctors and wellness professionals including Dr Mehmet Oz, Dr Michael Breus and Dr Steven Gundry to develop an approach to wellness which addresses some of the most common issues people face as a result of their ultra-stressed daily lives.

The result is Six Senses Integrated Wellness - an innovative approach to wellness that allows the group’s in-house experts to measure and analyse key physiological biomarkers to provide guests with lifestyle and nutritional advice, and design a personalised programme of spa treatments, fitness and wellness activities based on the preventative principles of the Eastern medicine approach and the result-oriented Western influences, says a press release.

There are several building blocks that form the foundations of this concept, including nutrition to help guests understand the basic principles of healthy and nutritionally-balanced eating; sleep health to optimise sleep and understand its benefits on their overall well-being; movement through the variation of high and low intensity exercise; alternative therapies; holistic spa treatments as well as yoga, meditation and mindfulness to balance the nervous system.

The ultimate goal is to offer guests real benefits and guidance by providing in-depth information about their health and personalizing every aspect of their stay at Six Senses resorts to enhance their lives and well-being.

This winter sees the introduction of Six Senses Integrated Wellness through the launch of personalised wellness programmes designed by Six Senses in-house wellness experts.

Each personalised wellness programme begins with a wellness screening which uses a finger oximeter to observe the heart rate, tissue oxygen uptake and

distribution, arterial stiffness and stress parameters. Furthermore, the screening technology uses the Electro Interstitial Scan-Galvanic Skin system that provides useful information by measuring and interpreting resistance to the flow of gentle electric current through interstitial fluid (fluid between the cells) throughout the body. In addition, bioelectrical impedance analysis, BIA, is a widely recognised technique for estimating body composition.

This information together with in-depth discussions about the guest’s lifestyle, concerns and personal goals, enables Six Senses wellness experts to recommend a personalised wellness programme, including daily spa treatments, fitness and wellness activities as well as nutritional advice on foods to favour or avoid during their stay. Each screening is performed by an educated and experienced integrative wellness professional, who is competent to lead guests through results and able to develop customised, results-driven programmes.

The programmes help to address the most common concerns around digestion, weight loss, elimination of built up toxins, weakened immune system, sleep, stress relief, muscle toning or building better stamina. It also helps guests achieve their full potential should they wish to be challenged and improve their current performance.

At the end of the stay, each guest receives a post-programme

follow up consultation during which Six Senses wellness experts provide advice and tools on how to continue and maintain a healthy lifestyle at home.

A follow-up wellness screening session is recommended for programmes of one week and beyond.

The underlying principle of this approach is for guests to take charge of their health, while experiencing joy and fulfilment in what they do. At Six Senses, they believe that without enjoyment, incentive diminishes and the results are simply more difficult to achieve and maintain long term into the future.

Six Senses Wellness Screening and programme personalisation are now available at Six Senses Zighy Bay, Six Senses Laamu, Six Senses Yao Noi and Six Senses Douro Valley as well as partner Six Senses spas at Puente Romano Resort & Spa in Marbella, Al Bustan Palace in Oman, SonevaKiri in Thailand and SonevaFushi in the Maldives.

Personalised programmes at Six Senses Yao Noi and Six Senses Spa at SonevaKiri also incorporate a performance test with Fusionetics, an evidence-based sports science platform to help guests understand, monitor and improve their personal fitness levels. The test involves conducting six different movements and the execution of these being registered on a platform. The results optimise performance and reduce the risk of injury through a variety of training techniques.

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Kiwis grind down stubborn Lankans The visitors were bowled out for 282 having been set 405 runs to win and while they were always chasing the game from day one, they made it difficult for Brendon McCullum’s side

BIG WICKET: Tim Southee of New Zealand successfully appeals for a leg before call call on Kithuruwan Vithanage, centre, during Day Five of the first International Test cricket match against Sri Lanka in Dunedin at University Oval. – AFP

TEST SERIES

‘Frenetic start set game up, bowlers’ toil sealed it’

HAPPY CAPTAIN: New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum laughs with teammate Trent Boult. – AFP

DUNEDIN: A frenetic first innings set up New Zealand’s 122run victory over Sri Lanka in the first test on Monday, but captain Brendon McCullum was pleased with the way his bowlers stuck to their task without tangible reward.

New Zealand ended Sri Lanka’s stubborn resistance after lunch on the fifth day at University Oval in Dunedin with the visitors bowled out for 282 when chasing 405 runs for victory.

The match had begun terribly for McCullum, who lost his 17th toss in 28 tests as captain.

His team was sent in to bat and his counterpart Angelo Mathews could barely suppress his glee at the amount of grass cover still left on the pitch. Martin Guptill and Tom Latham, however, blunted the Sri Lankan attack and raced along at more than four runs an over in an opening stand of 56 that set the tone.

“The way Martin Guptill and Tom Latham started, it was going to be tricky that first hour or two and ... the guys played exceptionally well,” McCullum said.

“They hit the ball down the

Sometimes you have to risk losing to win as well and we felt that we needed enough time to bowl Sri Lanka out Brendon McCullum New Zealand skipper

ground and every time the Sri Lankans missed they were able to capitalise and we got off to a fouran-over start and in a test match that’s not easy to do.

“We gathered momentum from there and to put on 400 on the first day, yeah, we probably lost a couple more wickets we would have liked but it advanced the game.”

New Zealand were 409-8 at stumps on day one, with time to

bowl the tourists out twice on a wicket not expected to deteriorate quickly.

Sri Lanka proved defiant in their batting and it took New Zealand 117 overs to bowl them out for 294 in their first innings.

McCullum surprised many on Sunday with a declaration that set a target of 405 to win, when a total above 450 might have been safer.

“Sometimes you have to risk losing to win as well and we felt that we needed enough time to bowl Sri Lanka out,” McCullum said. Rain and hail showers, which forced players off the field three times on Sunday, also played a part.

“If the weather had come into play a bit more today we would have desperately needed that time,” he added.

“But when you have guys like Neil Wagner who is going to come in and bowl long and hostile spells leading up to a new ball then you know you’re going to be in the game.

“In the end you have to back your bowlers and I think the way they went about it was outstanding.” - Reuters

DUNEDIN: Trent Boult took two quick wickets after lunch to help New Zealand complete a 122-run victory over Sri Lanka on the fifth day of the first Test at University Oval in Dunedin on Monday.

The visitors were bowled out for 282 having been set 405 runs to win and while they were always chasing the game from day one, they made it difficult for Brendon McCullum’s side.

Having put 431 on the board after being sent in to bat, New Zealand needed 117 overs to bowl Sri Lanka out for 294 in their first innings, and were in the 96th over of the tourists’ second innings before seamer Doug Bracewell took a caught and bowled from Suranga Lakmal to end the game. “It was a pretty professional display but gee, we had to work pretty hard as well to get 20 wickets,” McCullum said in a televised interview.

“I think the bowlers did an outstanding job. Obviously when you don’t bowl first on a wicket like that, it’s going to be tough,” he added of the green-tinged wicket presented last Thursday. “But the guys batted well, so over all a pretty professional performance and one we’re pleased with.”

Sri Lanka were 224-6 at the lunch break on Monday before paceman Boult grabbed both Rangana Herath (six) and Milinda Sarawardana (29) in the first 20 minutes of the middle session.

Spin-bowling all-rounder

Mitchell Santner bowled Dushmantha Chameera for 14 and Lakmal belted four boundaries in his 23 before hitting the ball straight back to Bracewell.

“I thought we fought really hard,” Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews said. “We showed a lot of guts, especially the bowlers in the way they batted in both innings but unfortunately we couldn’t hang in there.”

The match swung sharply in New Zealand’s favour when Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal both suffered brain explosions at the crease during the extended first session. The pair had looked comfortable on the benign pitch but both were out in quick succession for failing to offer shots.

Mathews was first to go, bowled

for 25 by Neil Wagner, before Chandimal was trapped lbw for 58 by Santner. The pair, who had put on 56 runs, were both dismissed with the score on 165, and that ultimately proved the beginning of the end despite some lusty blows from the tail.

“There is always a little bit of concern and you have to pretend that you have things under control,” McCullum said with a grin.

“It was more a case of getting the two big Sri Lankan wickets, Angelo and Dinesh, then once we were able to do that then we were able to get a bit of momentum.”

“We are a little bit disappointed with the way we went in the first innings with the way we bowled, especially on that wicket,” Mathews said in a televised interview. “There was a lot of grass on that wicket and after we won the toss I expected a little bit more from the bowlers. But we didn’t land the ball on the right spot and they capitalised on that.

“With the batting lineup they have if you bowl too loose they will capitalise (and) unfortunately they got off to a flier.”

The second match of the twoTest series starts at Seddon Park in Hamilton on December 18. - Reuters

SCOREBOARD

New Zealand 1st innings: 431 (M. Guptill 156, K. Williamson 88, B. McCullum 75; N. Pradeep 4-112) Sri Lanka 1st innings: 294 (D. Karunaratne 84, D. Chandimal 83) New Zealand 2nd innings 267 for 3 decl.

(T. Latham 109no, K. Williamson 71) Sri Lanka 2nd innings: D. Karunaratne c Watling b Southee 29 K. Mendis c Watling b Southee 46 U. Jayasundara c Watling b Wagner 3 D. Chandimal lbw b Santner 58 A. Mathews b Wagner 25 K. Vithanage lbw b Southee 38 M. Siriwardana c B. McCullum b Boult 29 R. Herath c Guptill b Boult 6

D. Chameera b Santner 14 S. Lakmal c & b Bracewell 23 N. Pradeep not out 4 Extras (b-2, lb-4, w-1) 7 Total (all out, 95.2 overs) 282 Fall of wickets: 1-54, 2-64, 3-109, 4-165, 5-165, 6-213, 7-236, 8-249, 9-268, 10-282 Bowling: T. Boult 15-2-58-2, T. Southee 21-6-52-3, D. Bracewell 19.2-5-46-1, M. Santner 22-6-53-2, N. Wagner 17-5-56-2, K. Williamson 1-0-11-0 (w-1) Umpires: Richard Kettleborough, Nigel Llong TV umpire: Paul Reiffel Match referee: David Boon Result: New Zealand won by 122 runs

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Chappell backs Kohli, Shastri, says nothing wrong with Nagpur pitch Former Australian captain Ian Chappell

Why should a pitch that spins on the opening day be deemed worse than one that seams first up?

has virtually backed the Indian position and does not see anything wrong in the spin-friendly Nagpur pitch which saw India thrash

Ian Chappell

South Africa inside

Former Australia captain

three days in a recent Test, saying matches played elsewhere on seaming tracks have ended ‘in the blink of an eye’

NEW DELHI: Ian Chappell, former Australian skipper, has backed the arguments of Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Team Director Ravi Shastri that there was nothing wrong in the Nagpur pitch.

Former Australian captain Ian Chappell has virtually backed the Indian position and does not see anything wrong in the spinfriendly Nagpur pitch which saw India thrash South Africa inside three days in a recent Test, saying matches played elsewhere on seaming tracks have ended “in the blink of an eye”.

On a wicket which spun from day one, India thrashed South Africa by 124 runs inside three days CRICKET

Finn to join England squad in South Africa

LONDON: England have added fast bowler Steven Finn to their squad for the four-match series in South Africa that starts with the first Test on Boxing Day. He was initially left out because of a foot injury but proved his fitness on the England Lions tour of the United Arab Emirates, playing in two Twenty20s against Pakistan A last weekend.

“I’ve been really pleased with the way things have gone with the Lions,” Finn said in a news release on Monday.

“I’ve bowled my overs and my foot has come through fine.

I’m excited by the prospect of linking up with the team out in South Africa.”

Finn, 26, played the last of his 26 Tests against Australia at the Oval in August.

The second Test against South Africa will be played in Cape Town from January 2, with further matches in Johannesburg (January 14-18) and Pretoria (January 22-26). - Reuters

in the third Test at the VCA stadium at Nagpur last month, prompting the ICC to seek a report from BCCI regarding the “poor” condition of the track.

Chappell virtually supported all those arguments put forward by the likes of Indian Team Director Shastri and captain Virat Kohli, who have pointed out that some Test matches on seaming pitches in Australia and South Africa have ended inside three days and hence there was nothing wrong with the Nagpur wicket.

“With controversy surrounding the surfaces prepared for Test matches in Nagpur and Adelaide, it’s time to ask the question: is it the pitches or the performers who are responsible for Test matches being over in the blink of an eye?”

Chappell wrote in a column which appeared in ‘Cricinfo’.

“Ravi Shastri, the Indian team director, quite rightly made the point that if the ICC was investigating the surface in Nagpur, then why wasn’t a similar forensic examination being conducted on the Adelaide pitch, where the match

was completed in a similarly short time frame?” said Chappell.

In the first ever day-night Test match in Adelaide last month, Australia had beaten New Zealand inside three days.

Chappell wondered why a track offering spin on the first day can be worse than a wicket which assists seam and pace on the opening day.

“A good batsman prides himself on his ability to prosper under any conditions, enjoying whatever challenge is presented. Why should a pitch that spins on the opening day be deemed worse than one that seams first up?” asked the 72-year-old Chappell who played for Australia in 75 Tests between 1964 and 1980.

“That brings us to the question: What is a good pitch? A good pitch is one that provides a contest between bat and ball and hopefully a close finish. That means a good pitch can vary from region to region. In some places the surface will suit faster bowlers and in others, it will favour spinners,” added Chappell.

Chappell advised international

teams to start looking at the technique of their own players and stop blaming curators.

“Both teams have to play on a Test pitch and it’s not the curator’s fault if one side is either technically unable to cope or is beaten before a ball is delivered,” he said.

“There’s certainly a need for an investigation but it should be looking at how cricket is evolving and what is the best way for the game to progress. It’s time to start looking at the players and stop blaming the curators.”

He felt the South African team, which lost to India 0-3 in the recent four-match Test series, lacked the technique to cope with the conditions.

“I watched some of South Africa’s batting in Delhi, on a pitch that was even for both sides, and I’m not surprised they were exterminated in Nagpur. If South Africa continue to utilise flawed techniques and mindsets, it won’t matter where they are playing, they will encounter difficulty.

“In many cases the technique and mindset were designed purely

for survival. If you allow spinners to dictate terms for long periods, with fielders hovering round the bat, on pitches providing assistance, then survival will be brief,” said Chappell.

“The better the spinner, the more aggressive the batsman’s thought process should be, as this promotes decisive footwork rather than a feeling that your sprigs are stuck in freshly laid tar. An aggressive thought process doesn’t necessarily mean seeking regular boundaries; a succession of singles can disrupt the line and length of the best spinner. With a string of singles he’s got to constantly change plans, and unless he’s patient, that will drive him to distraction,” he said.

The former captain said that there would not be this issue of advantage of home-town-pitches if the teams were well-balanced.

“If Test teams are well balanced and capable of performing adequately under any conditions then there would be no advantage gained by preparing ‘home-town pitches’. In fact a trend towards Test pitches that provide encouragement to bowlers might actually convince batsmen of the need to seek a well-rounded technique, one that’s equally adept at combining aggressive and survival techniques.”

Talking about the Adelaide pitch, he said, “In Adelaide, the debate raged over the amount of grass left on the pitch. Bearing in mind the surface had to cope with Test cricket under lights for the first time and the use of a Pink ball, I thought the pitch was fair. It certainly provided a keen contest.

“I was accustomed to seeing Australian pitches covered with an even mat of grass, and if this again becomes a trend it will be good for the game. I found the Adelaide Test enthralling but what preceded it on a dull Perth pitch and followed at Bellerive with a lifeless and utterly inept West Indies team, less than inspiring.” - PTI

EPL

Low points tally could seal title, says City’s Pellegrini LONDON: The closeness of this season’s Premier League race has led Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini to predict that the title could be won by a team with less than 80 points for just the fourth time in the competition’s history.

Manchester United have achieved the feat twice in the Premier League era (in 1996-97 and 1998-99) and are the last club to lift the title with less than 80 points.

Arsenal won the league with 78 points in the 1997-98 season, becoming the only other club to match United, and Pellegrini said this season’s title could won by a team with one of the lowest points totals on record.

“It is a very difficult title to win because the amount of points all the teams have now is not normal,” the Chilean told reporters after his side’s 2-1 win over Swansea City at the weekend.

“You don’t have that in every Premier League season. Maybe this season the teams are stronger, maybe the games are closer. Every season is different but to win the Premier League this season will be very difficult.

Pellegrini also suggested that he was more concerned with ensuring domestic success than winning the Champions League.

I always think the Premier League is the most important,” he said. “In the Champions League you can have a bad game, go out in the semifinal and nobody remembers what you did.

The Premier League is the work of the whole year. I always say it must not be an obsession to win the Champions League.

“It’s a very important title and beautiful to do it but you must not try to win that and lose focus on the Premier League.” - Reuters

FOOTBALL

Club World Cup finds adulation in S.America OSAKA: Club World Cup still adored in South America, ignored in Europe Unloved in Europe, the Club World Cup is still adored in South America where players regard the tournament as the pinnacle of their careers and clubs as the high point in their history.

Thousands of fans of South American champions River Plate have been arriving in Japan over the last week, hoping their team can pull off a major upset and dethrone European champions Barcelona.

In contrast to the indifference among European media and fans, READY FOR THE BATTLE: Argentina’s River Plate head coach Marcelo Gallardo (top centre, with ball) speaks to players prior to their footthe build-up in South America ball training session in Osaka. – AFP lasts for weeks and is often comparable to the World Cup itself.

The tournament, featuring the name European side at stake.

“This is a unique moment and I An estimated 25,000 flag-wavSpanish champions Barcelona, Curiously, as the gap has widwho have squeezed the tourna- ing, drum-banging fans lined the wouldn’t change it for anything,” six continental club champions ment into their busy schedule, 30-kilometre route, letting off midfielder Carlos Sanchez told plus national champions of the ened, South American enthusiarrived in Japan on Monday, fireworks, and dozens of private reporters after a training session. host nation, has existed in its cur- asm appears to have grown, the three days before their semi-final car followed the team bus, hoot- “I’m not going to have another op- rent form since 2005, having suc- appeal now being that a team such ceeded the Intercontinental Cup, as River Plate, made up largely of against Asian champions Guang- ing incessantly, to form a huge portunity like this.”

Veteran Javier Saviola, who a one-off played in Tokyo between journeymen players, can have a and rowdy convoy which blocked zhou Evergrande on Thursday. has returned to end his career at the European and South American pop at trying to beat star-studded River Plate, on the other hand, the highway.

Barcelona.

In all, River are expected to re- River after he was raised at the champions. have coasted through the last few Former Porto and Olympique The 1980s saw South American months since winning the Lib- ceive the backing of around 15,000 club, said the Millionaires had alertadores Cup, clearly with their fans who have defied a 30-hour ways been obsessed with beating dominance but the momentum Marseille midfielder Luis Gonzachanged with the globalisation lez said he had fond memories of minds on Japan, and arrived more flight and enormous expense to Europe’s best.

“I started playing for the club of the sport which has turned the getting up at dawn to watch the fixthan one week ahead of Wednes- make the trip.

River, who won the old Inter- when I was eight and it (River’s region’s clubs into feeders for Eu- ture during the 1980s. day’s semifinal in Osaka against “Those live broadcasts early in Sanfrecce Hiroshima, champions continental Cup in 1986 but lost obsession) has been there all the rope-based teams.

The South Americans are now the morning,” he told FIFA.com. “I to Juventus 10 years later, were time,” he said. of the host nation.

“The club has always seen it closer to the standard of teams never thought I’d have the chance For their send-off from Argen- also given rapturous reception tina, River held a public train- as they arrived by bullet train in as an opportunity for glory but, if from Asia and Africa and often to play in such an amazing compeing session in their stadium and Osaka from Tokyo as several hun- anything, there’s more expectation find the semi-final a real strug- tition. For us, playing in the Club a carnival-like procession to dred supporters crowded onto this time than there was in 96 with gle, especially with the tantalizing World Cup is like touching the prospect of a match against a big- heavens.” - Reuters Juventus.” the platform. the airport.

T U E S DAY, D E C E MB E R 1 5, 2 0 1 5

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SPORTS Dhoni, Rahane and Jadeja up for grabs Sanjeev Goenka’s New Rising won the bid for the Pune franchise while Intex won the bid for Rajkot after a reverse bidding process held in Delhi on Decmber 8 to replace suspended teams Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals for the next two Indian Premier League editions to be held in 2016, 2017

MUMBAI: India’s limited-overs skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, along with his teammates Ravindra Jadeja, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina and Ravichandran Ashwin, among others, will be up for grabs for the two new IPL teams in the draft to be held here on Tuesday.

Sanjeev Goenka’s New Rising won the bid for the Pune franchise while Intex won the bid for Rajkot after a reverse bidding process held in Delhi on Decmber 8 to replace suspended teams Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals for the next two editions to be held in 2016 and 2017.

Also available for picking by the Twenty20 League’s two new franchises are other top international stars such as New Zealander Brendon McCullum, Australia’s Shane Watson, now retired from international cricket, and current captain Steven Smith, and West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo from a total of 50 cricketers, who played for suspended IPL teams CSK and RR in the last edition earlier this year.

Pune will be given the choice to pick the players first because they were the lowest bidders (negative bids) to buy the new team for two years in the draft to be held at the Mumbai Cricket Association’s recereation centre at the Bandra Kurla Complex.

The bidding process for the two new franchises was necessitated by the suspension of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals for the involvement of some of their officials and co-owners in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal, which was probed by the Supreme Court-appointed Justice (retd) R M Lodha committee.

However, both the CSK and RR

It would be interesting to see whether India’s T20 and World Cup winning skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni still commands the sort of appeal that he generated when CSK gunned for him and won with a stunning million-dollar bid, unheard of in cricket then, in the first-ever players auction held in eight years ago

will be allowed back in the league after serving out their suspension.

The cricketers from the two suspended franchises will be divided into two groups of capped and uncapped and the top names will be sold through the draft system. The two new teams will have a minimum of Rs 400 million and a maximum of Rs 660 million to buy players.

“The two new franchises have the option to pick a maximum of five players from the draft.

Those players who are unsold will be put up for being chosen at the players’ auction to be held in next February,” a BCCI source told PTI ahead of the draft.

“The trading window (for buying players left free by other franchises) also commences on December 15 and ends on December

31,” the source added.

It would be interesting to see whether India’s T20 and World Cup winning skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni still commands the sort of appeal that he generated when CSK gunned for him and won with a stunning million-dollar bid, unheard of in cricket then, in the first-ever players auction held in eight years ago.

Dhoni, who led the Super Kings for eight seasons, is expected to be in the first list and the franchises, choosing the first two players in the draft in which one player each will be put up to be chosen alternately, would have to shell out Rs 125 million.

It would also be interesting to note whether Rajkot guns for its home player Jadeja whose stocks have risen after he made his

FATMA-ANGELINA COMBO ADVANCE IN BANGKOK Oman’s Fatma Al Nabhani opened their campaign $25,000 Bangkok ITF Tournament with a win in the doubles opener on Monday. Fatma Al Nabhani paired with Angelina Gabueva of Russia survived a tense tie-breaker set against Thailand combo of Chompoothip Jandakate and Tamachan Momkoonthod to advance to the second round. Fatma and Angelina won the first round match 6-1, 4-6 (10-4). Meanwhile, Fatma Al Nabhani will play her opening singles against Yuuki Tanaka of Japan on Tuesday.

comeback into the Indian squad in the Test series against South Africa and shone with both ball and bat.

Other leading players who would be in the draft are CSK’s Suresh Raina, Ravichandran Ashwin, Dwayne Bravo and Brendon McCullum and RR s Ajinkya Rahane, Steve Smith and Shane Watson.

As per the tender for the two new teams, the first capped player would be paid 125 million while the remaining four capped players are to get Rs 95 million, Rs 75 million, Rs 55 million, and Rs 40million respectively.

Uncapped players can be picked for a stipulated fee of Rs 40 million. The ninth edition of the IPL is scheduled from April 9 to May 29, 2016. - PTI

NOT FIT YET

Usman Khawaja suffers setback in Test return bid SYDNEY: Top order batsman Usman Khawaja has suffered a setback in his bid to return to the Australia team for the second Test against West Indies after being ruled out of a domestic Twenty20 match by his Sydney Thunder side on Monday.

Khawaja suffered a hamstring strain in the second Test against New Zealand last month and missed the final Test in that series as well as the innings and 212-run victory over West Indies in Hobart. The 28-year-old was included in a 13-man squad for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne but told by coach Darren Lehmann that he would have to prove his fitness in Australia’s Big Bash League.

The Thunder will play only two matches before the second test and Khawaja has now been scratched from the first — a derby with Sydney Sixers on Thursday.

“Cricket Australia have been working with Thunder medical staff on Usman’s return to play criteria following his hamstring injury,” said a statement on the Sydney Thunder website (www. sydneythunder.com.au).

“At this stage the plan is to have him return for the Thunder’s second match against the Melbourne Stars at the MCG on Sunday. His participation will be confirmed later in the week.” Grasping his third opportunity in Test cricket,

Khawaja had laid a solid claim to the number three spot in the Australian batting line-up with centuries in the first two tests against New Zealand.

The stylish lefthander’s potential return will give the Australian selectors a dilemma after Shaun Marsh came into the side for Khawaja and scored 182 in a world record partnership of 445 with Adam Voges against West Indies.

Lehmann has said all-rounder Mitchell Marsh is assured of his place in the side because of the potential for injury in the bowling unit, leaving space for only five specialist batsmen in the line-up.

The unbeaten 269 Adam Voges scored in Hobart means he will surely join David Warner and Steve Smith as an automatic pick, leaving Shaun Marsh, opener Joe Burns and Khawaja battling it out for the remaining two spots.

Burns has not impressed in his five innings since scoring a century against New Zealand in Brisbane last month but Lehmann has questioned whether Smith would want to use Shaun Marsh, who batted at number five against West Indies, as an opener.

Khawaja is widely considered the most likely batsman to nail down the tricky number three spot in the Australian line-up, making him a certainty to play if he can prove his fitness. - Reuters

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SPORTS

BAE Systems, Oman Sail launch schools’ leadership initiative The students, from schools in Al Batinah South Governorate, took part in outdoor challenges on land and in the water using Oman Sail’s facilitators to develop valuable transferable skills such as problemsolving, integrity and creativity

MUSCAT: BAE Systems, the global defence, aerospace and security company, the Ministry of Education of the Sultanate of Oman and Oman Sail have joined forces to launch a schools’ leadership development initiative aimed at

HONING SKILLS: Participants of the ‘Leadership in Schools’ initiative organised by Oman Sail and supported by BAE Systems. – Supplied photo

teaching eighty 15 and 16-year old Omani High School students, male and female, skills to enhance their decision making, communication and confidence.

The ‘Leadership in Schools’ initiative was delivered by Oman Sail at the Corporate and Personal Development Centre in Mussanah over two days on 9 and 10 December. The students, from schools in Al Batinah South Governorate, took part in outdoor challenges on land

and in the water using Oman Sail’s facilitators to develop valuable transferable skills such as problemsolving, integrity and creativity.

Matthew Foster, BAE Systems Oman General Manager, commented: “As part of our commitment to the youth of Oman, we are delighted to be working with Oman Sail to develop the leadership attributes and skills of young Omanis through the ‘Leadership in Schools’ programme. This ex-

citing and dynamic programme takes schoolchildren out of their day-to-day routine and uses the power of sport and outdoor education to teach them softer skills that will be beneficial in later life. BAE Systems’ education programmes in Oman ensure that young people experience new opportunities which will help them to be more productive, competitive and successful in the workplace and play a key role in their personal development.”

Ahmed Al Mamari, CPD Senior Facilitator at Oman Sail, said: “Together with BAE Systems, we are offering students a unique opportunity to learn how to work as a team, develop themselves, communicate more effectively and perform outside their comfort zone. The ultimate aim is to provide students with motivation and self-awareness by using sailing and outdoor activities to teach the skills that colleges and employers

look for in an individual.”

On both days, forty students took part in practical exercises to instil leadership and teamwork values through to those requiring mental and physical agility.

Sailing has been proven to be an effective teaching tool and, as a result of Oman Sail’s commitment to increase participation, has provided opportunities for young Omani men and women to excel in new roles and explore diverse career paths. The ‘Leadership in Schools’ initiative forms part of Oman Sail’s Corporate and Personal Development programme (CPD), an initiative that uses the company’s expertise in developing international-level sporting athletes to teach the Omani youth skills that will help them succeed in education and their career, and to fulfil their ambitions.

BAE Systems is a strong supporter of education and training as part of the company’s commitment to developing the skills of young people in the wider community in which they operate. In Oman the company actively supports education and skills development in schools and colleges, as well as offering opportunities for Omani students to join its graduate programme in the UK and supporting Chevening Scholarships in Oman.

JUNIOR CRICKET

AL FAISAL CLINCH GOB TROPHY

Al Faisal CT won the GOB champions trophy organised by GOB cricket team with support of Asia Express Exchange. A total of 22 top teams participated in the two-day tournament.

In the final, Al Faisal beat Bisiya Lions by 40 runs. Al Faisal batting first scored 83 in six overs and then restricted Bisiya to 43 for 9 in six overs. Al Faisal’s Ifrat was the man of the final. Shami of Al faisal earned the best sixes awards, while Wasem of Bisiya was adjudged the best batsman and Adnan od Al faisal was declared the best bowler and player of the tournament . Chief organiser Gaddafi Irfan handed over the prizes. — Supplied photo

ISG U-13 trounce PSM MUSCAT: The Under-13 Division Oman Cricket Junior League match between ISG and PSM took place at the Municipality 2 ground saw ISG winning by 10 wickets.

Batting first, PSM posted 92/7 in 20 overs. Sai Madhu was the chief destroyer with 2 wickets for ISG. In response, ISG scored 95 in 8.1 overs for no loss. Sanin and Piyush scored 32 not out and 47 not out respectively to claim the bonus point.

Brief scores: PSM: 92 for 7 in 20 overs. (ISG) Sai Madhu – 2/13 of 4 lost to ISG: 95 no loss in 8.1 overs (Sanin 32no, Piyush 47no).

Points: ISG – 3 (BP) ; PSM - 0 ISAS win In another U-13 division match between ISAS beat ISM ‘B’ by 32 runs at the Municipality 1 ground.

Batting first, ISAS posted 202 for 4 in 20 overs. Sameet and Sahil top scored with 72 and 80 not out respectively. In response, ISM ‘B’ scored 171 for 9 in 20 overs, with Indraneel top scoring with 34.

GOOD SHOW: Bharat Srinivasan of ISM ‘A’. – Supplied photo

Sonu claimed 2 wickets for ISAS. Brief scores: ISAS 202 for 4 in 20 overs (Sameet 72, Sahil 80 not out beat ISM ‘B’ 171 for 9 in 20 overs (Indraneel 34, Sonu 2 for 20). Points: ISAS 2 ; ISM ‘B’ 0 Bharat shines ISM A beat BOC A by 8 wickets in another U-13 match.

Batting first, BOC ‘A’ posted 85

all out in 18.5 overs. Bharat Srinivasan claimed four scalps for ISM ‘A’. In response, ISM ‘A’ scored 86 for 2 in 10.2 overs to claim the bonus point. Azam Ali top scored with 42 not out for ISM ‘A’.

Brief scores: BOC ‘A’ 85 all out in 18.5 overs. (Bharat Srinivasan 4 for 12) lost to ISM ‘A’ 86 for 2 in 10.2 overs (Azam Ali 42 not out).

Points: ISM ‘A’ 3 (BP) ; BOC ‘A’ 0

GOLF

Rome to host 2022 Ryder Cup matches LONDON: Rome will become only the third Ryder Cup host from Continental Europe after Italy pipped Germany, Spain and Austria on Monday in the bidding race to stage the 44th edition of the matches in 2022.

The Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, situated 17km from the centre of the Italian capital, is to follow in the footsteps of Valderrama, Spain in 1997 and Le Golf National, on the outskirts of Paris, in 2018.

There were initially seven bidders but Denmark, Portugal and Turkey withdrew their interest in the early stages.

“I would like to offer my congratulations to Italy whose bold and ambitious bid has seen them become the host nation for the

There were initially seven bidders but Denmark, Portugal and Turkey withdrew their interest in the early stages 2022 Ryder Cup,” said European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley in a statement.

“History has shown time and again the Ryder Cup is pure theatre with the players the stars, and there is no question the Eternal City of Rome will provide a wonderful backdrop for one of the great occasions in world golf.”

The tour said it was particularly pleased by the pledge to undertake a complete reconstruction of Marco Simone to meet

the highest standards demanded by the matches. There was also a commitment to guarantee a prize fund of seven million euros ($7.67 million) at the Italian Open for 11 years beginning in 2017.

Prize money at the 2016 Italian Open will also double from 1.5 million euros to a minimum of three million.

“The Italian bid was consistently strong and impressive across the board in terms of infrastructure, commercial structure and government support,”

said Europe’s Ryder Cup director Richard Hills.

“The plans outlined for the golf course at Marco Simone are spectacular alongside the commitment to develop all levels of golf in Italy.”

Costantino Rocca was the first Italian golfer to play in the Ryder Cup, at The Belfry in England in 1993. The Molinari brothers, Francesco and Edoardo, also made their debuts in the matches at Celtic Manor in Wales in 2010.

The next edition of the biennial team event will be held at Hazeltine, Minnesota in September 2016 while Whistling Straits, Wisconsin is to stage the matches in 2020.

Europe have won the last three Ryder Cups against the United States. - Reuters

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Angel di Maria’s football career in just the last three years has seen him be a part of the biggest teams in Spain, England and now France. The hope for the player is that he stays with the Parisian club for a long while and helps it assert world dominance

FINDING HIS FEET IN PARIS AFTER A TOUGH TIME AT OLD TRAFFORD W

HEN Angel di Maria arrived in Paris, excitement was very high. The side had bought a star. The 27-year-old’s debut had to wait because he arrived at PSG with a bit of a hamstring issue.

It was against Monaco in the fourth game week that he could make his first appearance for the club and sure enough, it was obvious just why PSG spent such a massive amount for him.

Fine start Indeed, if we just look at stats, the Argentinean has done well with seven goals and six assists so far. He averages

an impressive 3.9 key passes every 90 minutes in the league. Not a bad output for the opening part of a new season at a new club and country. Not to mention, he comes to Paris at the back of which would make you question all the people calling him a flop.

The knee-jerk reaction has been uncalled for, but it is undoubted that he is still trying to find his feet in the team and it will take some more time for the fans to see the player integrated in PSG’s style of play.

The former Benfica star has been the first one to admit that he needs to adapt to the club’s way as there is more pa-

tience and build-up required as opposed to Real Madrid, where counterattacking was of utmost importance.

Back to his favorite position Di Maria has been operating on the right side of Blanc’s 4-3-3 system, as he did in his early days at both Benfica and Real Madrid.

As a winger, his main task was the stretch opposing defences and increase the width in PSG’s attack. Recently, Blanc has asked the player to cut inwards to ensure his technical abilities can be exploited.

Given Blanc has a bit of a selection co-

nundrum up-front, perhaps it wouldn’t be the worst idea to use di Maria on the left flank and start Lucas Moura on his preferred right side.

Ibrahimovic, once fit, will lead the line which means Edinson Cavani would be the benched player. El Matador has been disappointing in on many occasions this season and Blanc, who would most certainly be concerned, must also consider benching the Uruguayan.

PSG are not relying on the player for goals and he is not someone who has especially prolific seasons. But Blanc using Di María in that advanced role is providing him with the opportunity to get more

shots away and he averages 3.9 shots 90 minutes too.

He can certainly play an even more decisive role at the club as the player has gone missing in a few games, notably the 0-0 draw against former team Real Madrid. But by and large, his form has been good since he started at his new club and it also makes you question if Manchester United should have tried to hold on to him a little harder.

Then again, it certainly seems as though the player never wanted Manchester United and it was just a stopgap before the eventual PSG dream could be realised. - Aakriti Mehrotra/o-posts.com

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Barca face Arsenal, Chelsea play PSG again in Champions League Spanish league leaders Barcelona, chasing a sixth title, prevailed 2-1 in the 2006 final at the Stade de France in Paris and also triumphed in the knockout phase in 2010 and 2011

NYON: Holders and Spanish league leaders Barcelona will play Premier League leaders Arsenal in the last 16 of the Champions League, 10 years after the sides faced each other in the final, following Monday’s draw for the first knockout stage.

Spanish league leaders Barcelo- CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW: UEFA Champions League final ambassador Javier Zanetti shows the name of FC Barcelona football club na, chasing a sixth title, prevailed during the draw for the Champions league round of sixteen at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon. – AFP 2-1 in the 2006 final at the Stade de France in Paris and also tri“Barca are used to playing under could go on, but we have our own “We are certain to see a sporting umphed in the knockout phase in the upper hand in the quarter-fispectacular,” said Barca director pressure in every sense. But we are world class players and I am sure nals the previous year.

2010 and 2011. the reigning champions and that they will be fantastic games in Another clash between big guns Albert Soler.

Chelsea, who are enduring a torLondon and in Barcelona.”

“Arsenal and Barcelona have a gives you an edge.” rid time in the Premier League, will feature former winners JuThere is also a familiar feel Arsenal club secretary David will face French league leaders ventus and Bayern Munich, while similar style of play. The fans will Paris St Germain in the knockout 10-times champions Real Madrid enjoy themselves, we’re two sides Miles said: “It is not easy and about the Chelsea v PSG tie.

“There is not much we don’t with a similar understanding of the one to avoid at this stage, stages for the third year in succes- were drawn against AS Roma.

It is the game between the pace- the game. They will be two great but it is up to us and we will give know about Paris,” said Chelsea sion after the French champions general secretary David Barnard. triumphed at the same stage last setters in Spain and Arsenal which matches. We must have maximum them a game.

“You only know if it’s a good “Messi, Neymar, Suarez... you respect for Arsenal.” season and the London club had most catches the eye, however.

F I FA E L E C T I O N S

FOOTBALL

Decision to bar Nakhid upheld BERNE: Former Trinidad and Tobago player David Nakhid cannot run for the presidency of football’s scandal-plagued governing body FIFA, said the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

CAS explained in a statement on Monday that it had dismissed his appeal against a decision taken by FIFA’s electoral committee on Oct. 28 during which his candidacy was refused. Under the organisation’s electoral rules, Nakhid needed written backing from five national football associations to be eligible for the Feb. 26 election that will decide who replaces outgoing president Sepp Blatter.

draw after the tie. We are ambitious, we have two-and-a-half months to prepare,” PSG sports director Olivier Letang said.

Real Madrid and Roma have also seen a lot of each other in the competition, though not since 2008 when the Italians won 201 home and away in the last 16.

“You have to be very much on your guard. If we see ourselves as favourites things won’t go well for us,” said Real director Emilio Butragueno. “We know what can happen if you have 10 poor minutes on a European night.”

Juventus could come to regret having blown their finale in the group stage, leaving Manchester City, who will take on Dynamo Kiev, with the better draw on paper.

“Everybody wanted to avoid Barca and Bayern so we are not so lucky but Bayern will not be glad they drew Juve,” said Juventus ambassador Pavel Nedved.

Manchester City director of football Txiki Begiristain said: “They have a good side (Kiev)and it will be difficult for us. They are growing in the competition and it will be a big challenge but we hope to be ready. They are a strong side, but they like to play football and it is just 11 v 11. We are improving and gaining experience in the competition so we hope to do well.”

PSV Eindhoven will take on Atletico Madrid and Benfica will be against Zenit St Petersburg.

Gent, in their first participation in the competition, will take on Germany’s VfL Wolfsburg. The first legs of the ties are spread over four days in February, with the returns on March 8, 9 and 15, when there are two matches. - Reuters

The Trinidadian was barred from registering by FIFA’s electoral committee because one association had signed letters of support for Nakhid and a rival candidate.

Last month FIFA’s electoral committee said five candidates had passed integrity checks and were approved for the election.

The five were Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan, Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa of Bahrain, former FIFA official Jerome Champagne of France, UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino of Switzerland and South African businessman Tokyo Sexwale. - Reuters

United go into unknown in Europa League NYON: Triple European champions Manchester United and their under-fire coach Louis van Gaal face a tricky task against littleknown Midtjylland in the last 32 of the Europa League following Monday’s draw.

United, knocked out of the Champions League last week, meet the Danish league winners, an unsung club backed by owner Matthew Benham who eliminated Southampton earlier in the competition.

Midtjylland’s pony-tailed chairman Rasmus Ankersen, appointed by former financier and professional gambler Benham, who also owns English secondtier club Brentford, issued a warning after the draw. “We have already beaten one English team so we are not afraid,” said Ankersen.

“We are a small club with a small budget and we know we can’t outspend them so we have to out-think them and, so far, this way has worked for us in the Europa League.

“We know we have a chance and we will take up the challenge.

If we can beat Southampton we can beat Manchester United and the players will feel that and believe it.”

Midtjylland have adopted the use of mathematical modelling and key performance indicators in their management and style of play, factors Van Gaal will need to

study after a probable call to fellow Dutchman and Southampton manager Ronald Koeman. Van Gaal has received a lot of criticism following his team’s Champions League exit and their 2-1 defeat by promoted Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.

In other eye-catching ties Liv-

erpool manager Juergen Klopp returns to Germany to face Augsburg, another club in their maiden European campaign, while Sevilla, bidding for a hat-trick of Europa League titles, meet Norwegian team Molde.

Former Champions League winners Borussia Dortmund and

Porto also lock horns while Olympique de Marseille take on Athletic Bilbao, Anderlecht play Olympiakos Piraeus, Shakhtar Donetsk face Schalke 04 and Lazio meet Galatasaray.

The first legs will be played on February 18 and the return matches seven days later. - Reuters

INDIAN SUPER LEAGUE

FC Goa under pressure in semifinals MARGAO: FC Goa are keen to avoid another loss at the semi-finals as they prepare to overturn a 0-1 deficit against Delhi Dynamos in the second leg semi-final clash of the Indian Super League (ISL) here on Tuesday.

FC Goa lost the first leg semifinal 0-1 in New Delhi on December 11. They have added impetus of playing the final of the tournament at their home on December 20.

Last year, FC Goa lost to eventual champions Atletico de Kolkata at the same stage on penalties.

But coach Zico feels his team is better prepared to tackle their semifinal opponents this time.

“Delhi Dynamos did not have supremacy over us in the last game. Both teams had chances but Delhi took theirs and we didn’t,” Zico told reporters during the prematch media briefing on Monday.

Zico is expected to change his

Goa coach Zico feels his team is better prepared to tackle their semifinal opponents Delhi this time

line-up and tweak team formation as Brazilian striker Reinaldo and defender Raju Gaekwad are both unavailable.

Another Brazilian striker Rafael Coelho may replace Reinaldo.

Goa beat Delhi Dynamos 2-0 in their opening league clash at home earlier in the tournament.

Asked what had changed between then and now, Zico said, “nothing much has changed. Both have the same players and if I can see any change, it’s just that the players are a little bit tired.”

Dynamos could have killed the contest in the first leg but missed plenty of chances.

Coach Roberto Carlos knows that his team was superior in the first leg after losing both the league clashes and was confident that they can be the first team to seal a place in the final.

“My team will always attack.

The formation will always be attacking. It will be almost the same. We will shoot on goal,” said Carlos, when asked if he would try and defend the win that they

secured in New Delhi. Dynamos have been a low scoring team all through the league but Carlos said he had nothing to worry as attacking players like Gustavo dos Santos, Robin Singh, Florent Malouda, Richard Gadze and Adil Nabi were all capable of scoring goals in crucial matches.

“The players are motivated and confident. We have to set up some details for this match and then we are ready. It’s our most important match,” said Carlos.

Former Chelsea winger FRenchman Florent Malouda, who was also present for the media briefing, was equally confident.

“For us, it’s better not to make any calculation. Whenever we have tried to calculate, it’s not been good for us. We lost twice to Goa (in the league stage) and learnt our lessons from those losses,” said Malouda. - IANS

C

SECTION

LIFESTYLE

T U ES DAY, D EC EMB ER 1 5, 2 0 1 5

Dining WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

Succulent Sliders S T O RY PA L L AV I N I G A M | P H O T O G R A P H Y S H A B I N E .

There are millions of types of fast food out there, but I think we all will agree that a big fat burger is king of all. Sliders are just reformed burgers with controlled portions that look almost too cute to eat. The best part is their versatility.

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LIFESTYLE TANDOORI CHICKEN SLIDERS Ingredients Ċ 250g, chicken minced Ċ 1/2 onion, chopped Ċ 1tsp ginger paste Ċ 1tsp garlic paste Ċ 1tsp red chilli powder Ċ 1tsp cumin powder Ċ 1tbsp, finely chopped coriander leaves Ċ 1tbsp coriander powder Ċ 1tbsp garam masala Ċ 1tsp chat masala powder Ċ Slider buns Ċ 2 tomatoes Ċ 2 onions, julienne Ċ Cheddar cheese slices For green chutney mayo Ċ 1 green chilli Ċ 1 clove of garlic Ċ Few mint leaves Ċ Few coriander leaves Ċ Lime juice Ċ 4tbsp, mayonnaise white Preparation Ċ To make tandoori chicken pattice, put the chicken mince in a bowl, add chopped onion, ginger garlic paste, red chilli powder, cumin powder, coriander leaves, coriander powder, garam masala, chat masala powder, mix everything together properly, and make pattice, heat a pan, grill the pattice till cooked. Ċ To make the green chutney mayo: put green chilli, garlic, mint leaves, coriander leaves, lime juice in a mixer, grind it, then take out in a bowl, and add mayonnaise, mix properly. Ċ To assemble the sliders, grill the buns, apply chutney on the lower bun, place a slice of tomato, place the pattice on top, again spread chutney, place cheddar slice, and close it.

MUSHROOM PATTY SLIDERS Ingredients Ċ 5-6, white mushrooms, sliced Ċ 1tsp dried oregano Ċ 1 garlic clove, minced Ċ 1/2 onion, finely chopped Ċ 1tbsp rolled oats Ċ 1tbsp breadcrumbs Ċ 1/2 egg, beaten Ċ Salt & pepper Ċ Tomato roundels Ċ Lettuce Ċ Tomato ketchup Preparation Ċ Sauté sliced mushroom till cooked, then chop it, add oregano, garlic clove, onion, oats, bread crumbs, beaten egg, salt and pepper. Mix everything together, make a pattice.

Grill it till golden brown. Assemble your slider with tomato roundels, lettuce and tomato ketchup.

LAMB KIBBEH SLIDERS

Pallavi Nigam

Preparation Ċ Take out lamb mince in a bowl; add chopped red bell pepper, onion, garlic clove, toasted pine nuts, Ras al hanout, breadcrumbs, egg, rosemary, salt and pepper. Mix properly, make a pattice, grill it till cooked. Ċ Now to assemble the slider, toast the buns, place tomato slice on the lower bun, place some lettuce, then patty, then on top spread barbecue sauce, then close with top slider.

Enjoy hot with some more barbecue sauce.

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

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

DATES

SELECT A SUBSTITUTE

Photography: Shabin E

Ingredients Ċ 250g lamb mince Ċ 1 red bell pepper, chopped Ċ 1 onion (small), chopped Ċ 1 garlic clove, chopped Ċ 1tsp pine nuts, toasted Ċ 1tsp Ras al hanout Ċ 2tsp breadcrumbs Ċ1/2 beaten egg Ċ 1tsp chopped rosemary Ċ Salt & pepper Ċ Slider buns Ċ Tomato, sliced round Ċ Lettuce Ċ 1tbsp barbecue sauce

SUBSTITUTE Dried figs or dried raisins Equivalents

Dates are soft and sweet, and can be eaten fresh or dried 2 cups whole pitted dates = 340g or used in sweet desserts like breads, cakes, and cookies.

450g unpitted = 60 dates or 2 1/2 cups pitted

swati@timesofoman.com

T U E S DAY, D E C E MB E R 1 5, 2 0 1 5

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LIFESTYLE

FOOD IS A CENTRAL PART TO ANY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION, BUT AFTER HAVING THE SAME RECIPE FOR THE FIFTH OR SIXTH TIME, EVEN BELOVED DISHES CAN FEEL BLAND AND BORING. THIS YEAR, SPICE UP TRADITIONAL FARE WITH A FEW UNIQUE TWISTS GUARANTEED TO HAVE GUESTS RAVING. Preparation ĊŗPreheat oven to 230C. Place sweet potatoes on cookie sheet and bake for 30 minutes.

Flip over and return to oven to bake until tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.

Mushrooms give earthy appeal to stuffing The golden turkey is the star of the show at most holiday meals, leaving the meagre stuffing beside it looking downright sad. It’s the stuffing’s time to shine when you give it a hearty upgrade with mushrooms. Simply chop your favourite mushroom variety like porcini, shiitake or cremini and add to your favourite recipe for a rich earthy flavour that is incredible satisfying.

Jalapenos infuse heat into sweet cranberry sauce Cranberry sauce is a holiday essential, yet it’s the side dish that gets ignored the most. This year spice up your cranberry sauce with spicy jalapenos and watch it disappear fast. Simply seed and mince one to three jalapenos and add when boil-

ing cranberries. The sweet heat is delectable on meats or as a relish to complement appetizers.

Cheese is the ideal topping for rolls The lonely bread basket gets a holiday upgrade when you sprinkle tasty cheese to the top crust of baking bread. Hard cheeses like parmesan, asiago and fontina are good options. Grab your favourite shredded variety of Stella cheese when grocery shopping and you’ll be set for this incredibly simple, yet superbly savoury addition to your rolls.

Nuts add rich crunch to green bean casserole Green bean casserole is a holiday staple that is often topped with fried onions. This year think bigger with rich, delectable flavours. Start by

making your traditional recipe, but update the topping by using chopped walnuts with crumbled corn bread for a tasty crunch that will garner rave reviews from guests.

Tangy romano cheese enhances asparagus Sautéed asparagus is a colourful addition to any holiday meal. Give the dish an elegant upgrade by sprinkling cooked asparagus with tangy Stella Romano cheese. The sharp, salty cheese mingles with the pungent flavours of the asparagus for a side dish that is as tasty as it is eye-catching. This dish is great with turkey, duck or beef.

Turmeric brings out savoury notes in vegetables As one of today’s most talked about spices, a quick dash of tur-

meric is perfect for adding a little pizazz to classic side dishes.

For example, the warm, peppery flavour of turmeric brings out the savoury notes of roasted vegetables. It’s also a fantastic addition when sprinkled on braised greens like kale or collards.

Gorgonzola adds zip to creamy potatoes Starches are a must for any holiday meal, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with basic mashed.

Instantly upgrade your favourite spuds when you add flavourful Stella gorgonzola. The robust flavour of gorgonzola pairs perfectly with white or sweet potatoes.

Mash directly into potatoes for a rich, creamy dish or sprinkle on top for a tasty topping like in this sweet potato recipe.

ĊŗŗWhen cool enough to do so Baked Sweet Potatoes with Cranberry Gorgonzola Gremolata Makes 6 servings Ingredients: Ċ 6 medium sweet potatoes Ċ 1/4 cup butter, melted Ċŗ1/2 tsp salt Ċ 1/4 cup maple syrup Ċ 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced Ċŗ1 lemon zested Ċ 1 clove garlic, minced finely Ċ3 tbsp pecans, minced Ċŗ3 tbsp dried cranberries, finely chopped Ċ1 scallion, minced Ċŗÿú! Stella gorgonzola, crumbled

safely, peel sweet potatoes.

Place in a medium skillet over low heat with butter, salt and maple syrup for 5 minutes, basting the potatoes with the butter mixture occasionally.

Lightly smash the potatoes until there is an even consistency. Hold over low heat.

ĊŗIn a small bowl, toss together parsley, lemon zest, garlic, pecans, cranberries and scallion.

Gently fold in the gorgonzola.

ĊŗMove sweet potatoes to a serving dish and sprinkle with the cranberry blue cheese gremolata. Serve hot.

Courtesy of Brandpoint

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TU ESDAY, DECEMB ER 15, 2015

FIND-IT-ALL

PRAYER TIMINGS

@SUR

@PANORAMA MALL

@SHATTI

Screen 3 Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (Family) – PG 3.45, 9.45 PM Salt Mango Tree (Drama) – Malyalam – PG Cast : Biju Menon, Lakshmi Priya 6.45 PM

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68 www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI In the Heart of the Sea (3D) (Action) (PG12) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy 2:30, 9:15 PM Bridge of Spies (Biography | Drama) (PG) Cast: Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Alan Alda 4:45 PM Bus 657 (Action | Crime | Thriller) (12+) Cast: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Dave Bautista 2:45 PM The Good Dinosaur (3D) (Animation | ) (U) 2:30, 4:30, 7:00 PM Hyena Road (Drama | War) (15+) Cast: Rossif Sutherland, Paul Gross 4:45, 9:00, 11:30 PM Howl (Horror) (18+) Cast: Mark Huckerby, Nick Ostler 10:15, 11:45 PM Close Range (Action | Crime) (12+) Cast: Scott Adkins, Nick Chinlund, Caitlin 8:30, 11:30 PM Victor Frankenstein (Horror | Drama) (12+) Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, James McAvoy 6:30 PM Zinzana (Arabic) (Crime | Drama) (PG12) Cast: Ali Suliman, Ahd, Saleh Bakri 7:30 PM MUSCAT GRAND MALL The Good Dinosaur-3D (Animation) U 11:00AM, 1:00, 2:30, 4:30 & 7:15PM Gold Class: 7:00PM Macbeth (Drama | War) 12+ Cast : Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard 9:15 & 11:30PM Gold Class :2:30 & 9:00PM Close Range (Action | Crime) 12+ Cast: Scott Adkins, Nick Chinlund 3:00 & 11:30PM Gold Class : 2:30 & 9:00PM In the Heart of the Sea (Action) PG12

Howl (Horror ) (18+) Cast: Mark Huckerby, Nick Ostler 4:45, 10:00, 11:30 PM

Harbinger Down (Horror, Sci-Fi)(2D)(15+) Cast: Lance Henriksen, Matt Winston 7:30, 11:45 pm

Cast : Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy 12:15 & 9:00PM Gold Class: 4:45 & 11:15PM The Hunger Games: Mockingjay-2 : 3D Cast : Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson 4:45PM; (Sci-Fi) PG12 A Second Chance (Romance / Drama) PG12 Cast : Bea Alonzo, John Lloyd Cruz

6:30PM PANORAMA MALL In The Heart of The Sea (Action)(3D (PG12) 7:00, 9:15 pm In The Heart of The Sea (Action, Adventure) (MX4D)(PG12) 2:45, 5:45, 8:30, 11.30 PM In The Heart of The Sea (Action, Adventure) (3D)(PG12)- VIP LOUNGE Cast : Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy Timings : 8:45 PM Creed (Drama, Sport)(2D)(15+) 4:30 pm Bridge of Spies (Biography, Drama)(2D)(PG) 9:00 pm Hyena Road (2D)(15+) Cast: Rossif Sutherland, Paul Gross 3:15, 9:15, 11:30 pm

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

15:00 15:00 15:00

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

16:30 18:00 19:30

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

08:50 Daily 11:00 Daily 14:30 Daily via Ibri 15:45 Daily 17:40 Daily 18.35 Daily 20:20 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

20:50

Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Sur Sur

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

Fahud Yibal

Daily Daily

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

Daily Daily

Marmul

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

Daily Daily Daily Daily

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

08:40 11:00

07:00

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

06:00 14:30

Ruwi Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

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

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

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

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

11.45 13.30 14.00

SALALAH In the Heart of the Sea (3D) (PG12) (Action) 12:00, 6:45, 11:15PM Hyena Road (2D) (15+) (Drama | War) 10:00AM, 2:00, 9:00, 11:35PM Close Range (2D) (12+) (Action | Crime) 12:15, 8:15, 9:55, 11:55PM Howl (2D) (18+) (Horror) Cast: Mark Huckerby, Nick Ostler 4:30, 10:05PM Creed (2D) (15+) (Drama | Sport) Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone 2:05PM The Good Dinosaur (3D) (U) (Animation) Voice Overs: Jeffrey Wright, Frances 10:05AM, 12:10, 2:15, 6:15PM Tamasha (2D) (PG12) (Romance| Drama) 4:10PM Larry Gaye: Renegade Male Flight Attandant (2D) (18+) (Comedy) Cast: Rebecca Romijn, Jessica Lowndes, 10:30AM, 4:15PM Zinzana (2D) (PG12) (Arabic) (Crime/Drama) Cast: Ali Suliman, Ahd, Saleh Bakri 6:05PM Salt Mango Tree (2D) (PG) (Malayalam) Cast: Biju Menon, Lakshmi Priya 7:45PM

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

Pathemari (Mal) (Rom/Drama) Cast: Mammootty, Jewel Mary & Srinivasn 6-30 pm at Cinema Main; 9-45 pm at Cinema -3 Anarkali (Mal) (Rom/Drama) Cast: Prithviraj, Biju Menon & Priya Glor 3-30 pm Cinema -2; 6-45 pm Cinema-3 Amar Akbar Anthony (Mal) (Act/Drama) Cast : Prithviraj & Jaya Surya 3-45 Cinema -3; 9-30 pm at Cinema Main Salt Mango Tree (Mal) (Com) Cast Biju Menon, Sohasani & Mani Ratnam 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 pm at Cinema -4 Bengal Tiger (Telugu) (Act) Cast : Ravi Teja, & Tamannaah 6-30 & 9-30 pm Cinema-2 3-30 pm at Cinema Main Next change: Dilwale (Hindi); Tanga Magan (Tamil); Bajirao Mastani (Hindi) Programmes are subject to change

ABHINAV SANTHOSH December 15, 2009

Minimum

0

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

40-70%

MYTHILI RAMESH December 15, 2005

ADITHYA VIJU December 15, 2003

Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 16 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to extra@timesofoman.com

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

LISTINGS

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

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Close Range (Action / Crime) Cast: Scott Adkins, Nick Chinlund, Caitlin Keats 4.00, 8.15, 10.00 & 11.55 pm CP No : 3041 (12+) Howl (Horror) Cast: Ed Speleers, Holly Weston, Shauna Macdonald 2.00, 6.00 & 10.00 pm CP No : 3042 (18+) Hyena Road (Drama / War) Cast: Rossif Sutherland, Paul Gross, Clark Johnson 1.30, 3.45, 7.45 & 11.55 pm CP No : 3043 (15+) In the Heart of the Sea (Action / Adventure / Biography) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy, Brendan Gleeson 6.00 pm CP No : 3031 (PG12)

0

Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

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

Nizwa Ruwi

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

06:00 06:00

BURAIMI In the Heart of the Sea– 3D (Action) (PG12) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy 5:15, 9:15PM Close Range– 2D (Action, Crime) (12+) Cast: Scott Adkins, Nick Chinlund 3:30, 9:45, 11:30PM The Good Dinosaur – 3D (Animation) (U) 3:00, 5:00, 7:30PM Harbinger Down – 2D (Horror, Sci-Fi) (15+) Cast: Lance Henriksen, Matt Winston 5:15, 11:45PM Macbeth– 2D (Drama, War) (12+) Cast: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard 3:15, 7:30, 9:30, 11:30PM Salt Mango Tree – 2D (Comedy, Drama) (PG) Cast: Biju Menon, Lakshmi Priya 7:00PM

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

Daily

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100)

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

10:25

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

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

Ruwi

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

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

07:00

BAHJA CINEMA

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 07:30 14:30

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

25 16

Cast : Ali Suliman, Ahd, Saleh Bakri 2:30, 9:30 PM Salt Mango Tree - 2D (PG) Comedy | Drama Cast : Biju Menon, Lakshmi Priya 9:00 PM

WITH LOVE

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

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

Daily Daily Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

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

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

RUWI Screen 1 Hate Story 3 (Thriller) – PG12 Cast : Zarine Khan, Daisy Shah, Karan Singh 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM Screen 2 Tamasha (Romance/Drama) – PG12 Cast : Deepika Padukone, Ranbir Kapoor 3.45, 9.45 PM Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (Drama) – PG Cast : Salman Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Neil NitinMukesh 6.45 PM

SOHAR In the Heart of the Sea - 3D (PG12) Action 6:25, 11:45 PM In the Heart of the Sea - 2D (PG12) Action 3:00 PM Victor Frankenstein - 2D (12+) Drama Cast : Daniel Radcliffe, James McAvoy 11:30 PM Pathemari - 2D (M) (PG12) Drama Cast : Mammoty, Joy Methew, Srinivasan 7:00 PM Hate Story 3 - 2D (PG12) Thriller Cast : Zarine Khan, Sharman Joshi 6:15 PM Macbeth - 2D (12+)Drama | War Cast : Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard 3:00, 9:30, 11:45 PM The Good Dinosaur - 3D (U) Animation 2:30, 5:30, 7:30 PM The Good Dinosaur - 2D (U) Animation 4:15 PM Larry Gaye: Renegade Male Flight Attandant - 2D (18+) Comedy Cast : Rebecca Romijn, Jessica Lowndes 4:30 PM Bengal Tiger - 2D (Telgu) (TBC) Action 4:30 PM Harbinger Down- 2D (15+) Horror | Sci-Fi Cast : Lance Henriksen, Matt Winston 5:15, 11:30 PM Zinzana - 2D (PG12) Crime | Drama | Thriller

WEATHER

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

Hate Story – 2D (PG12)Thriller Cast – Zarine Khan, Sharman Joshi, Daisy 2:00, 4:20, 6:40, 9:05, 11:30 PM Pathemari – 2D (PG12) Drama 6:45 PM Tamasha – 2D (PG12) Romance, Drama 2:30, 4:35, 9:00, 11:00 PM Prem Ratan Dhan Payo – 2D (PG) Family 3:00 PM Bengal Tiger – 2D (TBC) Action Cast – Ravi Teja, Tamannaah, Rashi Khanna, Boman Irani 6:15 PM

AZAIBA Close Range – 2D (12+) Action, Crime Cast – Scott Adkins, Nick Chinlund 5:15, 9:15, 11:45 PM In the Heart of the Sea – 2D (PG12) Action 2:15, 11:55 PM Salt Mango Tree – 2D (PG) Comedy, Drama Cast – Biju Menon, Lakshmi Priya 7:10, 9:30 PM

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

SUR Close Range (Action | Crime ) (12+) Cast: Scott Adkins, Nick Chinlund, 3:15, 8:30, 11:45 PM Howl (Horror ) (18+) Cast: Mark Huckerby, Nick Ostler 4:45, 10:00, 11:30 PM The Good Dinosaur 3D ( Animation ( U ) 3:00, 5:00, 6:30 PM Salt Mango Tree ( Malayalam) ( PG) Cast : Biju Menon, Lakshmi Priya 6:45 PM In the Heart of the Sea 3D (Action) (PG12) 9:15 PM

Hyena Road (Drama | War) (15+) Cast: Rossif Sutherland, Paul Gross 4:45, 9:00, 11:30 PM

Lary Gaye (Comedy)(2D)(15+) Cast: Rebecca Romijn, Jessica Lowndes 5:30 pm Harbinger Down (Horror, Sci-Fi)(2D)(15+) Cast: Lance Henriksen, Matt Winston 7:30, 11:45 pm Macbeth (Drama, War)(2D)(12+) Cast: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard 2:45, 11:30 pm The Godd Dinasaur (Animation)(3D)(U) 2:30, 5:00, 7:00 pm Hyena Road (2D)(15+)-VIP LOUNGE Cast: Rossif Sutherland, Paul Gross 3:45, 11:00 pm Macbeth (Drama, War)(2D)(12+)-VIP LOUNGE Cast: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard 6:30 pm

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

Destination

12.07pm 3.07pm 5.27pm 6.43pm 5.20am

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

CINEMA SCHEDULE

Dept time

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

Daily Daily Daily

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

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

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

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

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

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

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

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

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

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

T U E S DAY, D E C E MB E R 1 5, 2 0 1 5

C11

LIFESTYLE Sesame adds a delicious, nutty flavour to both sweet and savoury dishes from the Middle East to the Far East.

Story Swati Dasgupta

OW KN UR YO ICE SP

What’s It? Known to be a very ancient spice, sesame is one of the first plants used for its seeds. It has been in use from hundreds of years before, mostly for the oil. They are tiny, flat oval seeds which is either creamy white or black in colour. The seeds are sold dried and whole or ground. It has a rich, nutty flavour, with a buttery taste and is a common ingredient in many cuisines across the world.

Select and Store Store them in airtight containers preferably in the dark as they turn rancid quickly. If you refrigerate them you can use it for six months; or freeze up to 1 year. If you have made tahini paste from it then keep the paste in a tightly sealed glass jar and stir before use.

History Sesame is a flowering plant mostly grown in Africa and India. It grows in pods and is one of the oldest oilseed crops. Sesame has one of the highest oil contents of any seed and is available throughout the year.

Matches well with: bread, chicken, chickpeas, eggplant, fish, lamb, noodles, shellfish, tahini.

Culinary Use Sesame seeds are sprinkled over cakes and breads. In some of the Middle Eastern countries, sesame seeds are mixed with sumac and thyme to make zataar, a wonderful Middle Eastern condiment often used as paste on grilled lamb, or as a dip. It is also the main ingredient in halwa that is made in the Middle East and in tahini. Sesame oil is also used in cooking. Black sesame seeds are used mostly in Japanese cuisine, and other colourful rice and noodle dishes. swati@timesofoman.com

ART OF COOKING

How to Make the Perfect Grilled Chicken Grilling can be a fun, family activity during weekends. Spend your lazy afternoons in your backyard, and take out those grillers for a grilled chicken for your dinner LEARNING HOW to grill is not as hard as you would see on television.

All you need is the proper temperature for your griller especially if you are using an electric grill.

Nevertheless, if you have the conventional griller, try to find some dried wood or charcoal. Ignite the coals or wood by placing crumpled papers below each coal and then set the papers on fire. Do not pour gasoline on the coals or dried wood.

The smoke coming from the coals will give a gasoline-like aroma to your grilled meat. These are your best weapons in grilling.

Choose the best part of the chicken. I usually use chicken thighs and legs since they are the fattiest parts of the chicken. These parts will yield a juicy, barbecued chicken. Although these may sound unhealthy, the taste is incredibly delicious.

Some would still prefer grilling chicken breasts with the skins on.

Before you start grilling your chicken, do not forget to marinate it at least overnight. The longer you marinade your meat, the better it absorbs the flavours. I prefer to use readymade marinades as these save much preparation time in the kitchen. The downside of most readymade marinades is their high sodium content. But if you have time, you can make your own marinade from scratch. In the recipe below, the marinade and the chicken were simmered together to speed up the process of grilling and also to let the flavours marry together. I like Asian-style marinades such as this: For every kg of chicken Ċŗŗ1/2 cup light soy sauce (available in the Asian section of grocery stores) Ċŗŗ2-3 tbsp of freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice Ċŗŗ4tbsp brown sugar

Ċŗŗ1 medium stalk of lemon grass (pounded) Ċŗŗ3 cloves crushed garlic Ċŗŗ1tsp sesame oil (optional) Combine all the above ingredients in a heavy skillet and let it boil for two minutes. Add in the chicken and simmer for another five minutes. Drain the chicken in a colander and reserve the marinade for basting during grilling.

Basting is necessary so that the chicken won’t dry out. The marinade can also be made as a sauce by making a basic roux.

This is simply done by placing a tablespoon of butter on a nonstick pan and let it cook for minutes. Pour over the marinade and whisk until the sauce thickens.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings accordingly.

You can also opt to make a dry, rub marinade. This dry rub is comprised

of herbs and spices and a little oil.

For chicken, dried or fresh tarragon and rosemary blends together very well. If you want a spicier, grilled chicken, add a pinch of chilli powder and cayenne pepper. There are limitless marinades for grilled chicken.

A little imagination and creativity are the keys. Make sure that when grilling the chicken, never let the flame flare up. This will result in burnt chicken. This does not appeal both to the eyes and to the palate. If this occurs, sprinkle a little water over the flame. Some also like their grillers to be covered during the grilling process.

Personally, I liked mine uncovered. There is just something about the smoke which is, for me, the essence of grilling. Grilled foods are best served warm, right off the grill with some salads or other vegetables of your choice.

— Angelica Florin/Courtesy Article City

C12

TU ESDAY, DECEMB ER 15, 2015

LIFESTYLE E ONDIENT RE G N I

Kale

AYS W E FIV

This dark leafy vegetable is a powerhouse of nutrition that can be used in a lot of different ways.

Make Pesto Add kale to your basil pesto, or use it exclusively in place of basil or other herbs.

Sauté It

Chop and Top

Take little extra-virgin olive oil and sauté kale with onions and garlic for an easy side dish.

Coarsely chop kale for a pizza topping. Put it with the cheese for the crispy flavour.

Wrap-it-up

Puree It

Use kale leaves to roll up spring rolls or wontons.

Toss kale leaves into the food processor with a can of chickpeas, a squeeze of lemon, olive oil, and a dollop of tahini sauce to make kale hummus.

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M T U E S DAY, D E C E M B E R 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

D8

Business in Oman for Sale Profitable business in Oman running since 20 years having more than 3 outlets in various locations.

Serious parties may send email to :

sprtnftns@gmail.com

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

D2

T U E S D AY, D E C E M B E R 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

*Tourist visa arranged

E t &ůĂƚƐ Θ ^ŚŽǁƌŽŽŵƐ ĨŽƌ ZĞŶƚ 1/2/3 BHK Flats & Showrooms at DƵƩ ƌĂŚ͕ ŶĞĂƌ KŵĂŶ Ň ŽƵƌ ŵŝůůƐ͕ ϭϬ ŵŝŶ͘ ĨƌŽŵ ĐŽƌŶŝĐŚĞ͘ ĞƋƵŝƉƉĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ƐƉůŝƚͬ ĐĂƐƐĞƩ Ğ ƵŶŝƚ Ɛ͕ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĞƚ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͕ ĨƌĞĞͲ ƚŽͲĂŝƌ ĚŝƐŚ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƟ ŽŶ͕ ds ŵŽŶŝƚŽƌĞĚ͕ ďĂƐĞŵĞŶƚ ƉĂƌŬŝŶŐ͘ ZĞŶƚ ZK͘ϮϱϬͬϯϱϬͬϰϱϬ ;EĞŐŽƟ ĂďůĞͿ ƉĞƌ ŵŽŶƚŚ͘

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ ϵϵϮϮϵϮϲϯ͖ ϵϯϮϮϭϬϱϰ͖ ϵϱϮϭϱϮϴϵ

WAREHOUSE IN MABELA

Industrial Area Brand new with raised floor, dock leveler, office space.Total covered area 1300 Sqm. With 10 meters height.

Contact - 92525766 Emailproperties@alsirajholdings.com

^W &KZ Z Ed ů EĂŚĚĂ dŽǁĞƌ Ϯ͕ Į ƌƐƚ Ň ŽŽƌ͕ ϭϬϮ Ň Ăƚ ŶŽ͘ KƉƉŽƐŝƚĞ Ͳ WŝŽŶĞĞƌ ϯ ŝŐ ďĞĚƌŽŽŵƐ ĨŽƌ ĂĐĐŽŵŵŽĚĂƟ ŽŶ ďĞƐŝĚĞ 'ƵůĨ DŝŶŝŶŐ ŽŵƉĂŶLJ 'ŚĂůĂ Ͳ DƵƐĐĂƚ

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ ϵϵϱϵϭϵϭϮ ͬ ϵϮϳϭϴϳϯϯ

FOR RENT 2BHK, 3 washroom Flat with Split Air Conditioners Near Lulu Darsait CONTACT :

93202733 2 Bedrooms Flat for rent in front of Indian School Ghubra.

Contact: 92197959 / 92502497 2 Bedroom Townhouse with Swimming pool, free Wi-Fi for Rent near British Council in Madinat Sultan Qaboos. Contact: 92197959 / 92502497.

Showroom / Office for rent located in Prime location of Azaiba Main Highway. Contact: 92197959 / 92502497.

Flat for rent 3BRM hall, 2 toilets, kitchen, store payment R.O 350/payment 12 cheques monthly in Darsait (ENT) . Contact: Morean 98292846

2 Bedrooms Flat for rent located in Prime location of Al Khuwair.

Contact: 92197959 / 24527852.

Profs / jack. Contact 93219378

Villa for rent in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95562646 Rent for flat in Wadi Adai, big room big hall one toilet, one Kitchen. Contact : 99345137 Flat villa type for rent - in al khuwair 33/, 4 Bed Rooms .4 bath Rooms, 1 Family Hall, 1 Dining Room, 1 Living Room, 1 Kitchen, Store. Contact 99315515 1& 2 BHK CBD Ruwi Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99024730

V. Nice flat in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95755953 /95555162 2 BHK flat for rent opp. Sheraton, CBD. Contact 99046569 At Al Athaiba ground floor with split AC, 2beds, 2bathrooms, kitchen & sitting room Behind AL Zubair rent 350/-PDC. Contact: 99879939 At Wadi Kabir Industrial two floor showrooms, 80 sm each, rent 450/R.O (PDC). Contact: 99879939

3 Room flat in North Ghubra, 18 November Street with three toilets.

For residential or commercial use.

RO. 315/- Contact 94477222.

At Al Athaiba (2nd floor) 2 bed, sitting room , 1 bathroom , kitchen , split AC rent 310/- PDC. Contact: 99879939 2bed rooms flat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat Municipality. Contact: 92584715 / 24700120 House for rent in Al Amerat .

Contact: 92532371 / 92294259

One / two B/R RES / comm. flat near Oman Medical College directly from owner. Contact: 92158031 1BHK R.O 170/-, & 2BHK R.O 215 near medical Darsait Muttrah house. Contact : 95076261 1 Flat for rent 4 BRM hall 4 toilets, kitchen, store rent R.O 400/- (per month) in Darsait 12 cheques monthly . Contact: Morean 98292846 New deluxe 1BHK for rent in Darsait behind ISD School.

Contact 99142314

1BHK R.O 225 close to Indian Nursery, Darsait, 2BHK close to ISWKG Wadi Kabir bldg 1690 R.O 300/-.

Contact : 99476728 1000sqmtrs industrial land for rent in Ghala suitable for warehouse workshop etc. Contact 24700120 /92584715 Shops for rent good for offices + stores behind bldg, behind whole sale center Al Amerat space 11 x4 meters R.O 250/- per month.

Contact: 92877449

6 B/R villa for office use in Al Khoudh, 2 & 3 B/R flat in AL Khuwair for office.

Contact: 99776071 /99057348 NEW WAREHOUSE FOR RENT at Ghala Ind. Area. 800 & 2500 approx sqms Near Hotel Al-Madinah Holiday, Ghala. Container can enter.

Immediate access to roads & highways. Contact : 94583320 4 B/R, 3 flats building in Azaiba behind Al Meera. Contact: 99776071 /99057348 Single flat sharing for Keralite bachelor in Ruwi near Qaboos Mosque R.O 95 (W/E). #98478286 2 B/R flat in Wattaya and Azaiba.

Contact: 99776071 /99057348

T U E S DAY, D E C E M B E R 1 5 , 2 0 1 5

D3

DAILY GUIDE

ACC. AVAILABLE Furnished sharing accommodation in ruwi near O.K. Center for non-cooking indian bachelor. #98805474 Single room, toilet, sharing, and kitchen near Azaibah Bank Muscat family only. Contact 96755127

FOR SALE Beauty Salon for urgent sale in Azaiba prime location behind Al Fardan building. With sponsor and 1 staff and 1 ready visa clearance. Call: 95318629 / 95169411 Used supermarket shelving’s Godolas . Contact: 97752395

FOR RENT

Running restaurant with seven clearance for sale Awabi Muscat.

Contact: 95497007

STOCK CLEARANCE SALE Indian Granite 600x300x20 - 15000 sq mts Indian Granite Slabs 20000 Sq mts Our factory yard at Ghala Industrial area.

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Contact 99337723 / 95118906

NEAR AL FALAJ HOTEL : Furnished Flat WEEKLY/ MONTHLY. ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗

FOR SALE Dozer Kom 355A -3 Dozer Kom 155A- 3 Grader Champion 780 Excavator PC 400 with breaker Man green water tanker 5000 IG All are in good condition

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99310448/99612010/95208455 3 BHK behind Oman House, Muttrah. Contact: 99319149 Shops, studio flat and spacious outlet and offices (good for clinic) are offered for rent in Al Amarat opp. ROP police station.

Contact: 91231380 2 bedroom luxury fully furnished flat for rent at Ghala short or long term basis. Contact: 99886386 / 99881653 New apartment for rent at Al Amerat second floor consists of two rooms with two toilets, reception with toilet, kitchen.

Contact: 95588568 Villa, 2 flats at Al Khuwair (17/2) Contact: 99444786 Ghubra-Beautiful Room, attached bath, separate entrance, huge terrace, near Shell & Bank Muscat, for Male/Female - Indian/Asian/Western. OMR 180. Strictly for Vegetarian, non-drinker. Contact 99283938 (No Kitchen).

Big room attach bath kitchen in Muscat near Palace R.O 90/-.

Contact: 95094028 1& 2 BHK flats for rent at Hamriya Mabela and Al Khoud shop at Al Khoud. Contact: 24834644 / GSM : 93994401 /02/03/3lines Showroom space available at MBD area near old manpower building ground floor 220 Sq.MTR Mezzanine floor 320 SQ. mtrs, rent R.O 2650/per month. Contact: 99449885 02 BHK commercial / residential (with split AC) flats at Honda Road.

Contact: 99342733 / 99795241

FOR RENT 02 BHK residential flat opposite to Al Nadha hospital. Contact: 99342733 / 99795241

Flat in Wadi Kabir, 3 BHK rent 280/- R.O. Contact: 99330810

1000 sqm industrial land with compound wall & two rooms at Misfah.

Contact: 99342733 / 99795241

2BHK Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti mosque. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232

1&2 BHK M.B.D R.O 280/- & 300/-.

Contact: 92144045

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

1,2 BHK Ghubra R.O 300/-, 325/- & 350/-. Contact: 97799175 1 BHK Mumtaz R.O 250/-.

Contact: 92144045

2 BHK Flats for rent Muttrah near Oman house. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232

2 BHK Ghubra R.O 300/-.

Contact: 92144045

1BHK flat near Star Cinema 220/-.

Contact 99358589 /95570288

1BR, 3BR Mars hypermarket Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99338133 / 92103604

Flats for rent in Wadi Kabeer.

Contact: 99388994

2BHK flats available for near PDO gate no 2 Qurum. Contact: 94057023 Flats for rent at Al Mablah block eight. Contact: 99445177 Restaurant for lease running restaurant at excellent location in Wadi Kabir is available on lease.

Contact: 93334685 / 91760712 1 Bed room in Al hail south R.O 130/- Monthly. Contact: 93993354 Flats shops & store for rent in Ruwi Honda road Mumtaz.

Contact: 97293708 / 92433127 Single BHK flat available in Honda road Ruwi. Contact 24833972/ 24833974/99367448

Flats for rent in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99376454 7 Bedrooms villa in Ghobrah North.

Contact - 96420432 Flat for Rent 1/2 BHK Flat at Muttrah, near Oman flour mills, 10 min. from Corniche.Equipped with split unit ACs, internet points, free-to-air dish connection, CCTV monitored, basement parking. Rent RO.250/350 per month. Contact: 99229263; 93221054; 95215289 One flats for rent 2 bedroom all with bath al Ghobrah north near Indian school (hot burger restaurant) Tel. 9976610

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ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ ϵϮϴϴϭϮϲϮ MV SALE Jeep Wrangler 2012 20,000km, Expat from new, dealer serviced, RO6500 Contact 99440320 Sohar BMW 7301car for sale, model 2007. One handed used car and service with BMW for sale.

Contact: 99231676 or 24667405 New car Pathfinder Classic 4X4,4L V6.Only 11500 OMR. Zero KM.Call 99416162 Yaris 2011, full automatic Toyota warranty, 90,000 km, expat use R.O 3100/-. Contact: 92227165 Mazda 626 in VGC, 2001 model, single expat Owner, full service history with dealer, 180000 kms.

Offer price OMR 1000.

Contact 99296768 Single owner Ford Escape 2012 white, 2.5L, 10100 kms. All tyres recently replaced, Comprehensive insurance including UAE Mulkiya valid Oct 2016. OMR 5250 92320155 divadmuscat@gmail.com FOR SALE or rent Tata Dawoo Truck 12 ton 2014 Model.

Contact: 92719681 Chaverlet Epica 2004 model RO -700, for sale. Contact 92194205 BMW 318/ 2003 for sale.

Contact 96364990 Ford focus, automatic, 2010 model, silver colour, expat driven, 58000 kms, dealer serviced, registration till sep 2016, price ro 2750.

Contact- 93207590

ACC. WANTED Single room required for an Executive with reasonable rent.

Contact 95405033

Al Qurum, 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sitting, kitchen, split ACs price 65,000 R.O. Contact : 99879939 Sports shop for sale at Ruwi.

Contact: 98453599 /93050776 Top Quality sparingly used Outdoor Catering & Bakery Equipments including chairs etc for sale in Muscat .Please call for viewing 99471085.Serious buyers only.

Scrap available for sale, power cables & accessories.

Contact – 24446399 / Email – ravi.ztc@omzest.com Zawawi Trading Road no.8 Rusayl 3Ton Forklift, Special made for Oman market, Japanese Isuze C240 Engine, Cascade side shifter, High amount exhaust, 3m lifting height, Solid tyres, One year warranty. Contact: 98883445

A Bedroom along with separate bathroom available for rent for an Executive Bachelor in Al Khuwair (near Zawawi Mosque). Contact 92138451 Room for rent available in a flat for Executive bachelor at Azaiba, behind Al Meera Hypermarket with attached bath with cot & A/c, rent inclusive of water & electricity. Contact 96404166 / 97433992 Single room bathroom in Darsait R.O 140/-. Contact: 93289652 Independent rooms in Qurum / Al Hail. Contact 95529970 Furnished single room bathroom separate for bachelors, near Kuwait Mosque, Wadi Kabir, facilities Cooking & Wifi, rent RO 110/- including Electricity & Water.

Contact 96228168 Big room available near Hamriya R/A for Muslim couple / small family / Executive bachelor rent 150/- per month including W+ E. Contact : 99495131 Furnished room in new building for working Muslim lady/ Muslim couple only. Location AINT, Darsait. Contact - 99008069 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sitting room, Kitchen & store including utilities bills at Al hail. #92817777

We have laundry for sale in Ghala prime location 3 visa clearances available. Contact: 93782735 / 99208033

Single room for expat Indian bachelors near Al Aktham restaurant Al khuwair for RO 120. Water and electricity included.

Contact: 98803261

Shop for sale at Ghala Sanaya main junction (prime location) shop for sale. Contact: Kamil 92696479

1 Bedroom with attached Bath, fully furnished, separate entrance at Mabela for ladies only.

Contact: 99634841

60,000 Sq Mtrs Agriculture Land in Misfah, can be changed to Industrial Land. OMR 29 Per Square Meter. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 400 sq mtrs Commercial/Residential land in Maabela Phase 5 Block 2. OMR 155 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 5 plots of fertile agriculture lands in Misfah East totaling 4,532 sq mtrs having date trees and using falaj water for irrigation. OMR 158 Thousand for all 5 plots. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 2,688 sq mtrs commercial land in MBD North. OMR 1.39 Million.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Window AC 30 Nos (general make all good conditions), refrigerator, freezer & mess equipments for sale. Contact: 98064113/ 99315878 Quotation fax on: 24448101 /24448103 Mangalorean restaurant at Wadi Kabir & shop at Ruwi for sale.

Contact: 98428507 / 93655003 Sale house & office furniture & electronic items. Contact : 99834373/ 96642500/22010080 Barber shop for sale in Ghubra.

Contact 92955874

LOST Haasher Tasawar has lost Pakistani Passport No. KG 567558.

Finder please handover to ROP Raheel Arshad has lost Pakistani Passport No. BU 1911021. Finder please handover to ROP MD Rubel has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. C 1650811. Finder please handover to ROP

CHANGE OF NAME I Sameer Imtiyaz Lokde (holder of Indian passport No. G 0693660) son of Imtiyaz Rehman Lokde having permanent residence in India - Shalimar Bldg 4th floor R.N 79 Mumbra (complete postal address in India ) and presently residing in Muscat P.O Box -291 P.C 116 Mina Fahal (complete postal address in Oman) intend to change my name from Sameer Imtiyaz Lokde (old name) to Sameer Imtiyaz logde (new name) for all practical purpose. Any objection towards my name change may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, Diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, P.Box No, 1727 Postal Code 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman.

D4

T U E S D AY, D E C E M B E R 1 5, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classiďŹ eds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT A reputed Dairy Company in Oman is looking for following Vacancies.

SITUATION WANTED Urgent requirement of t 4UPSF LFFQFS t .BJOUFOBODe Technician

Van Salesman:

(Air-condition)

3 Year experience with NOC

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Drivers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Omani National Only: 2 year experience with Valid Omani D/L Omani National with 4 years experience with Valid Omani D/L Please forward your CVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to

With experience of 5 years for a reputed organization in the glass industry.

Interested candidates may send their resumes at:

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WANTED

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Debt collector:

PROJECT MANAGER Required for a reputed Construction Company, having degree or diploma in civil with 10 to 15 years experience with valid Oman driving license.

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Interested candidates can send their CV onprojectshr2015@gmail.com

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URGENTLY REQUIRED

SALES / MARKETING

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An Indian female HOUSEMAID (Muslim) to take care of an Omani lady.

Salary best in the industry.

Insurance agency company require Sales Executive with experience Oman driving license.

Clearance available. Send CV to: ahiginsurance@gmail.com Looking for experienced sales candidates in (outdoor & industrial signage, exhibition stands & media locations). Fluent English.

Email : creativityeast@gmail.com

Contact - 99250595 or mail to tc.subi@yahoo.com

Urgently required experienced Sales man for a leading FMCG co. located at Seeb. Please forward your CV at our email: recruityarek@gmail.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Wanted an Accountant. Contact: lawďŹ rmfm@gmail.com We are looking for Chief Financial Officer, Male 40- 45 years old, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy with 5 - 15 yrs. of experience.

Contact: +968 24702133 Email: admin-dept@daud.om

CATERING Shawarma / griller / helper wanted. Contact 95529970

DRIVER Driver cum maintenance person.

Wanted cheerful, caring, clean and honest young man for an Indian family. Must have excellent driving skills and a valid GCC license. Can do and helpful attitude. Age 28 to 35, good references and English.

Attractive salary, please apply to jobscharismat@gmail.com or call 99471085 for interview.

Light duty driver. Contact: 98505294

ENGINEER PLANNING ENGINEER (HVAC) Degree/Diploma in Mechanical Engineering with minimum 7 years of experience in the planning and coordination of multiple projects, cost evaluation/ control and handing over. Good communication skills. Contactvacancyforoman@gmail.com Urgently Required: Civil Engineer with an experience minimum in 5 years in building construction, MUST have NOC and immediately join. Apply, fax 00968â&#x20AC;&#x201C;24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com.

Civil Site Supervisor for telecom tower projects across Oman. Send CV to fyjo@spec-link.com or call +968 9946 7227

IT (SALES)

MEDICAL Looking for new private clinic GP Doctor who ďŹ nish license in Oman, Muscat. Contact: 97882811 Leading medical services company looking for GP Doctors, Nurses male & female. Preference given to candidates in oman with MOH/ prometric. Send resume to athirababylon@gmail.com, tamara@babylon-om.com. ph: 24613069 Urgently required Philipina Nurse with MOH license at prometric parsed. Contact: 99724013

Required Graphic designer and sales person for Advertising agency. Contact: 97982406 Email: choice.ap@gmail.com

DOMESTIC HELPER Looking for full-time housemaid - please call 99385119

EDUCATION A well known private school is in need of English, Mathematics, Science and Computer Teachers.

Contact: 96910649 Email: staffing.oman@gmail.com

ENGINEER DESIGN & ESTIMATION ENGINEER (HVAC+ FIRE FIGHTING) Degree/ Diploma in Mechanical Engineering with 3 to 4 years of experience in estimation, designing and tendering.

Working knowledge of AutoCAD is must. Should have good communication skills. Contactvacancyforoman@gmail.com A Grade Construction company in Muscat urgently requires â&#x20AC;&#x153;Safety Officerâ&#x20AC;?. Send C.V hr.azatllc@gmail. com or fax C.V to 24422458 Experienced Petrol Mechanic, denter required.

Contact: 98045373 Electrical Technician: candidates with ITI / diploma in Electrical Engg & minimum 7 years experience in a process plant , preferably with some exposure to instrumentation also, may places mail CV: msindco@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Sales Ladies wanted for Ladies Boutique. Age: 20-35 yrs.

Al Khoudh. Send CV to sameer916@hotmail.com or call 91159905 Urgently required for a reputed company in Oman (Tyre, Battery & Lubricant division) Sr. Executives/Executive-5 nos (Sohar, Nizwa & Muscat), Techno Commercial Professional-5nos, Driver (Omani)-1no. Required minimum 3-5 yrs experience in the same ďŹ eld with market exposure holding valid Omani driving license or GCC. Kindly fwd your CVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to ashwin@taasintl.org Contact: (+968)93891700 Looking for a FOREIGN STAFF has experience in Oman in real estate ďŹ eld. Interested contact: Mobile: 99109094 Email: aburashid94dd@gmail.com Instrumentation & controls Technician with 2-3 years experience preferably in water sector and having valid driving license Send CV to shiju@spec-link.com or call Ph:+968 99450811

MEDICAL Wanted Lab Technician for Ibra clinic. Very attractive salary for MOH license holders. Send biodata to jmjmedicare@gmail.com 99373493

TECHNICIAN /MECH. Urgently required cold room refrigeration Technician must know up to commissioning gulf experience preferred .Pls forward CV to nasmatmasirah@gmail.com Contact: 97982623/ 95183616 Instrumentation & controls Technician with 2-3 years experience preferably in water sector and having valid driving license call Ph:+968 99450811 Send CV to shiju@spec-link.com

Wanted a Staff Nurse with MOH license for a well running clinic in Seeb. Contact: 99442701

SKILLED / UNSKILLED

Wanted GP Doctor with MOH license, job location in Muscat with good salary and beneďŹ ts. Drop your cv at careerhr1972@gmail.com.

Game operators & gardener, with at least relevant ďŹ eld experience.

Please send your CV to fuad@hadidmajan.com

DESIGNER An IT Company dealing with wireless connectivity /networking requires a Salesman urgently.

Forward your CV to vctsjobsoman@gmail.com

Kitchen cabinet manufacturing company is looking sales person, most have Oman D/L and must know any kitchen designed software and two years experience.

Contact: 93326636

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Wanted Project Manager. Contact: almoosaengineering@gmail.com Urgently required Project Managers, Civil Engineers, Foreman, Electrical Engineer, Electrical quantity surveyors for a reputed construction company. Send your CVs to mohamed@oasisgrace.com Contact: 99881459 / 24826566 can send fax: 24812226 Traveling agency Manager Director. Contact: 92223669

SECT. /OFFICE Urgently required Female Secretary : Oman based leading manufacturing company has immediate requirement Graduate with min. 5 yrs of experience & capable to handle Management office work independently & Secretarial work, knowledge of computers & accounts will be an advantage. Age limit upto 30 yrs.

Send CVs to vacancyinoman123@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Reputed building materials company looking for outdoor Sales executive having valid Omani driving license with more than 2 years local sales experience in tiles / sanitary ware. Please fax CV to 24798709 Email: united@omantel.net.om Urgently required Salesman having experience in marble and granite D/L and NOC must.

Contact: 93484330 Email: preciousmrbl@gmail.com

Required expatriate manpower goods loading & unloading labors. For inquiry Contact: 98111363

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian male , B.Com, 21 yrs, accountant with 1 and half years experience looking for suitable job for more discussion. Contact: 96512733 Email: azazahemad968@gmail.com Male Indian with 7 years experience in accounting & 6 years experience in sales and marketing very good knowledge of tally currently in Muscat on a visit visa. # 96148427 Email: jijokurianp@gmail.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, with 13yrs experience, 6 yrs Oman in manufacturing, trading & contracting Cos, capable of handling all accounting, ďŹ nance, banking, L/C, import, export & ďŹ nalization seeks placement. NOC Available. Call+968-98932752, mail:jjohnmuscat@hotmail.com 28/ male MBA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ďŹ nance /B.com â&#x20AC;&#x201C; accountant with 4 years of Dubai / India experience looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 90187483 Email: shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com Senior Accounts Admin Manager B.com M.com 25 years experience accounts up to ďŹ nalization holding light duty license seeks suitable placement. Contact: 93064975 Accountant Bachelor of commerce English, 2 years experience visit visa. Contact: 98584398/ 95539923

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Accountant, Indian Male, 15 Years experience (8 Years in Oman with Driving License & NOC) Seeks suitable placement, Contact 94117616, 91238272 Email: praveen78oman@gmail.com Hard working and 2 years experienced Indian male MBA (ďŹ n & mktg) on visit visa looking suitable jobs. Contact: 93279943 / 97876709 Indian male 29 yrs, M.Com, MBA, ICWA (pursuing) 5 years experience in ďŹ nance & accounts, Tally, SAP , Sage &MS Office on visit visa till December . Contact: 92840519 / 98450609 Indian male, MBA ďŹ nance, B.Com have 1 and half years experienced as Accountant and office assistant of India, on visit visa.

Contact: 97445488 Accountant looking part time job.

Contact: 99867456 Email: ashkar7673@gmail.com Indian male 37 yrs,(M. Com ďŹ nance) with 12 yrs experience (9 yrs in Oman) in accounts up to ďŹ nalization can join immediately having NOC & Oman driving license looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 90194907 Email: ke.jinson@gmail.com Filipino, 29, Male, BS Commerce, 5years experience Payables/Receivables/Payroll/Document Control.

Excellent Communication/MS Office skills. Contact: 95057206 patrick110486@yahoo.com Indian Female, CA Final, 5+ yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in A/cs. Currently in Oman.Ph:94704800 email id: vinithsavith@gmail.com Indian male accountant cum admin with good experience in India & Oman knowledge of tally ERP.9 currently on visit visa seeking suitable placement. Contact: 94834687 Indian male MBA, 8 years experience in hospitality industry, accounting looking for a job, now in visit visa. Contact: 92115860 Indian male 9 years experienced Accountant cum store keeper with D/L Oman & UAE transfer available.

Contact: 97085435 Email: sudhimohd@gmail.com Part time Accountant services, yearly ďŹ nalization works, monthly report, proďŹ t& loss report, consulting and audit works. Contact: 96247295 Pakistani male age 28 years MBA ďŹ nance work experience 3 years as Accountant currently in Muscat Oman on visit visa. Contact: 99685330 Email: hussain_ca87@yahoo.com Indian male 28 yrs, 3 years experience Oman driving license available accounts/ assistant accounts/ sales representatives, Tally, focus experienced Graduated, diploma in Accounting +2 SSLC. Contact: 96565010 Indian Male 28. B.Com with 11yrs experience in in secretarial and document controller ďŹ eld in Saudi Arabia with Saudi license looking for a vacancy contact 00966501913557 and yarajunun@gmail.com Indian CA, 8 yrs + Exp (6 yr in Oman & UAE ) in Finance , Accounts & Auditing , seeking suitable position in Muscat/Dubai, Can Join Immediately, NOC Available , Contact: 98707434 / Email: casmart007@gmail.com CPA AUS with 5 years PWC exp in ďŹ eld of accountant ďŹ nance audit seeking urgent placement now available on visit visa.

Contact 94150073 Indian male 20 years in Oman experience with language institute (registrar, admin, account clerk) seeking a suitable position. NOC available. Contact: 96553961 Email: u.m.sulďŹ @gmail.com Chief Accountant IndianMale, B.Com Graduate+ PGDCA, Total 18 Years Experience, 13 Year in GCC, 7 Years in Oman. Exposure in Tally ERP9, Peach Tree, MS Office.

Having NOC Available for Immediate Joining. Contact - 97060826 Email-tomnedum71@yahoo.co.in Accountant Indian female, 26 yrs, B.Com 2 yrs experience in accounting, purchase vouchers, bank reconciliation. Contact: 95690207 Email: pereira.rita08@gmail.com Indian male 26 years B.Com jiC.A Inter tally ERPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3 years experience in accounts, audit on visit visa. Contact: 90185373 Email: shaheervahid@gmail.com

CA (Inter), MBA, 25 yrs exp. in Accounts, Sales, Marketing & Administration in poultry industry seeks suitable placement immediately.

Contact 91 9704075855, +968 96500893, Email : sanaullah.sheikh@rediffmail.com 28/male/MBA - Finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ india experience looking for a suitable placement. shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com 90187483 Indian male MBA 2 years experience on visit visa.

Contact: 90196322 Email: nithinvarghese19@gmail.com Chartered Accountant with ICWA Inter having 5 years experience in Finance, Accounts, Costing, Budgeting, Insurance, Treasury & Banking operations - NOC Available + Oman Driving License Contact : 97881548 Email-ďŹ nancecost2@gmail.com Indian lady, bachelor degree in Preparatory Programme (BPP) and Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), completed training course in MS Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook from KTI looking for full time / part time job opportunity in Oman.

Contact 92437568, 96795853, Email: linda_navs@yahoo.com Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ ďŹ nance ďŹ eld. On visit visa.

Immediately available.

Contact â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com 25 years (20 years in Oman & 5 years in Indian) well experienced ďŹ nance controller seeking for suitable position, with valid Oman driving license. Contact: 99756765

ARCHITECT Senior Architect with 16+ years experience in Multi turnkey prestigious in KSA, UAE, Qatar, Libya, Oman, India.

Contact: +974 433657155 Email: aftab1706@gamil.com

ADMIN HR & Admin Executive (MBA) Indian male 26 years, with more than 4 years experiences in HR / Admin (16 months in Oman) looking for suitable placement. NOC available. Contact: 968-98757304 / 968 -98314238 Email: muroollah789@gmail.com Now in visiting visa looking for job, ďŹ&#x201A;uency in Arabic writing, typing, reading & speaking, looking in Admin, document controller secretary translator & HR Assistance. do needful. Contact: 968- 97240204 Email: dmethaju@gmail.com 15 yrs experience in administration (rent a car) in UAE, holder of UAE driving license on visit in Oman seeking suitable post. Contact: 98606800 / 99431708 HR/ Admin with total 7 years GCC experience looking for immediate change over with suitable position NOC available. Contact 95521535 Email: kbino110@gmail.com 10 years experience in secretarial / Admin job. Contact: 94868626 Indian female, Masters in HR, having 4 + years Oman experience in media management and HR, looking for openings in HR, Education, Admin, Corporate communications. Contact 98252030 Indian male MBA- UK 18 yrs Gulf exp in Administration/ HR & Public relationship. Fluent in Arabic/ English with D/L. Looking for suitable position.

Contact - 99897280 Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/ HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, Now on Visit Visa, looking for suitable position. Contact: 90196235

CATERING Cooks (Arabic Indian) gulf exp looking job. Contact: 99531802

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN 25 years male BA. English , QualiďŹ ed as mast in digital animation having 5 yrs ex in character animation specialized Auto Desk mago and motion building software knowledge, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 97917357

T U E S DAY, D E C E M B E R 1 5 , 2 0 1 5

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN Autocad , Oman exp in ARCh, structural, interior, knows 3D ph : 96946306 Professional architect 3ds max (interior, exterior) looking for private work. Contact: 96041201

DRIVER Experienced Light Duty Driver, Fluent in English, Arabic Well knowledge of Oman Areas Seeking Suitable placement 97950869 Driver with car available.

Contact: 93015630 Driver with big Pajero only pick, drop. Contact: 91800277 Light driver looking for job.

Contact: 98549627 10 yrs exp in GCC driver.

Contact: 93722881 Pakistani with light duty driver license seeks job.

Contact: 92789805 3 years experience driver available. Contact: 95859247 Light driver, looking for job.

Contact: 98372745/99090362 Looking for Job driving.

Contact: 97418036 Driver with new car looking for job.contact: 95873286 Driver (light & heavy duty) valid gulf /Indian) looking job.

Contact: 95175192

DOMESTIC HELP House maid looking for job.

Contact: 98257659

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Indian male, Mechanical Engineer on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact:97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com Indian Male, 35 years old, ITI – Mechanical Maintenance Technician (Total 14 years) 7years Oman experience. Ready for NOC , VISA transfer, ready to join immediately, Mob .96254637 Email.abilashbt@gmail.com Indian Male, 36 years old, ITI – STEEL FABRICATION Supervisor (13 years) 11 Oman experience.

(6 years in Plant maintenance) Ready for NOC , VISA transfer, ready to join immediately, Mob + 92257422 Email: jacktcr@gmail.com Indian Female 25 BE.CS Engg with 2yrs Exp in Tech Support at Hewlett Packard & S/W Development at ISRO India,looking for a job in IT/TechnicalSupport/HR/ Administrative/Teaching field.

Contact : 92891427,24128682 reshmatj@gmail.com B.E Civil Engineer having 10 years experience (04 years in Oman) looking for a suitable placement NOC available.

Contact: 98065360 Email: shafeeqahmedr@gmail.com Robotics/Embedded Systems Engineer, Masters in Electronics Engineering, experience in software field & robotics, seeks suitable opportunities.

Email: mariaannajoseph@gmail.com Mob: 91306841 B.Tech (IT) Indian Male 2 years Oman experience in I.T & Networking, holding Oman Driving License, presently on employment visa, seeks for a suitable placement.

Ready to join immediately. NOC available. Contact: 92462578 Sudanese Civil Engineer with 5 years experienced AutoCAD primavera & GIS Arabic & English language looking for a suitable job.

Contact: 91340584

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. 10 year experience fit – out project Engineer, holding Omani driving license searching for a suitable placement. Contact: 95896061 Email: supreethshetty88@gmail. com Female Engineer material / controller 3 years experience in road companies, with D/L. Contact: 98001764 Civil Engineer (Diploma) looking for urgent placement (final exit).

Contact: 95200650 Electrical Engineer ( B.Tech) Indian female 4 years experience in India presently located at Al Ghubra on family visa.

Contact: 97228117 Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1Year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 97416564, Email: jovinmathias@gmail.com Indian male 24 yrs bachelor mechanical 2 yr experience looking for job. Contact: 95179021 / 96974981 Email: atharhussain54@gmail.com BCA & GNIIT Higher diploma in NIIT. Looking for job, .presently in Muscat oman. Looking for a suitable position, Able to get NOC from the present company. Network management in computer, software developing, Accounting. Contact 98631210 Civil Engineer 6 yrs Exp in Oman with license. Contact: 98975528 Diploma in Electrical Engineering with 6 years’ experience in Electrical Automation , Programming, Project, Power, Energy and Supervision in Civil Work.

Currently in Oman and looking for suitable position, Please contact 94873560/92406652 STP Operator having 25 yrs experience in Oman. Contact: 93089468 Project Manager / Site manager two years experience with BE Civil Engineer + DAE civil technology skills Primavera 6, Ms Office, age 26 years seeking suitable job.

Contact: 94842408 Email: engrali300@gmail.com

Well experienced team available to provide feasibility reports & business solutions, product development, risk management methods for startups, progressive, defunct operations.

Creating of ERP modules.

Contact - 93343251 (PDLO SUR¿ WRPDQ#JPDLO FRP

Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available.

Contact – 96789711

Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).

Looking for a Suitable position.

Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa.

Contact: 92835952. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com

Electrical Engineer Indian male having 5 yrs of exp in designing, execution & planning in electrical field.

Having valid GGC driving license.

Looking for a suitable job.

Contact – 98052942 / azamjeelani@gmail.com

Indian female civil engineer B.Tech having 3 years experience sound knowledge of software, REVIT STAD PRO structural detailing currently on family visa seeks suitable placement. Contact: 95345591 Indian male 23 yrs old PG Diploma in Petroleum Engineering and B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering having UAE driving license on visit visa seeks suitable placement immediately.

Contact: 95880127 / 95084905 Email: vijith2573459@gmail.com Sr. Civil Engineer, Indian male with 22 yrs of experience in building construction, pipeline work specialist in tendering, billing, quantity surveying with Gulf experience. contact 95225759 Email : rafiksimna@gmail.com Civil maintenance painting, tile works decor works, plumbing, electric, shop furnishing carpentary works and all other maintenance.

Contact 97897831, 92112094 (Indian, Keralite) Civil Engineer with 5 years in Oman with 5 years in Oman with driving license (Sudanese with bachelor degree). Contact: 91448244

QA Engineer 5+ years experience executing ISO internal audit implement QA document. NOC available.

Contact: 95361454 Email: mohamedshalifawaz@gmail.com

Bachelor Civil Engineer 6 Years in Oman experience Valid Driving License seeks suitable placement Phone 97619722 Email – golamrob@yahoo.com

QA/QC Engineer 10 yrs experience 7 yrs in GCC oil& gas industry looking for opportunity in Oman.

QMS Auditor CSWIP3.1, API 570 BE MECH, MBA-PM NOC available.

Contact 94663812 Email: srsaamy@hotmail.com

Mechanical Engineer M.Tech 2 years experience as HVAC design engineer rev IT M.E.P AutoCAD. Contact: 91050913 Email: rahmanmechengg@yahoo.com

Need for job Generator Mechanic 2 years auto diesel cores, exp. 7 years Pakistan 1 and half years in Oman oil filed. Contact: 92849823 Indian male Mechanical Engg with 6 yrs experience in MEP field, seeking suitable placement with GCC license now in visit visa.

Contact: 98086267 Email: khaleel1586@gmail.com Road and Construction Engineer with 5 years exp in Oman.

Contact: 97646908

Indian male diploma Civil Engineer having total 6 years experience in building continuation looking for suitable job. #94257287

Civil Engineer with 6 years exp in Oman. Contact: 93242103 Email: mohamedf91987@gmail.com

Indian Male 23 years B.Tech Civil having 2 years experience in quantity survey and site management looking for suitable placementContact:- 95042656

Mechanical Engineer with 3 Yrs experience in international Oil & Gas company looking for job Contacts: Tel: 90164236 Email: mustafaoshi-62@hotmail.com

Diploma in Mechanical Eng piping system in AutoCAD work, 21+ years experience with Driving license. Contact: 95267113 Email: rkakkaryil@gmail.com

Project Engineer 6 years experience in Oman, construction (site manager) fluent Arabic, English and good Hindi.

Tele 97858589

Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech) Indian m with good knowledge in MEP, currently in Oman on visit visa looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 90154793 Email: sangu.vazhoor@gmail.com

EDUCATION Teacher special education (MR, LD, Autism) Indian female 26 yrs on visiting visa, good experience looking suitable placement.

Contact: 95128634 Email: thomassabu35@gmail.com Computer Teacher M.SC Indian male 10 years teaching exp in Maldives as O level computer teacher presently located at Berha on family visa. Contact: 94867456 / 95262691 Indian female MSC, B, ED M.PHIL currently on visit visa seeking suitable placement, 2 years experience Contact: 96916534 / 91969756 Email: aryanair23@gmail.com

Indian male IT, CCNA, RHCE, MCITP, 3 years experience have GCC driving license seeking suitable position on visit visa (until 27th Dec).

Contact: 93311963 Email: sajal035@gmail.com An Indian male 27yrs, B. Tech in (Computer Science) 6 years of exp in technical support, troubleshooting and managing seeks suitable placement. Contact:- 97483775, email:- mir.jak89@gmail.com B.Tech (IT) Indian male 29 years having 4 years experience in software support, hardware & networking in Oman looking for IT / Admin job in Oman. NOC available with valid Oman D/L. Contact: 91906494 Email: rajanit1988@gmail.com CCNA MCITP network support /network technician with 2 years experience Indian male having bachelors degree on visit visa. Contact : 93080871 sean.f.peters@outlook.com Age 28 years experience 2years & 8 month in IT accounting technical skill, java, J.S.P tally Peachtree M.S excel, SQL ,Working java programmer India , accountant , Dubai ,Qualification MCA, B.C.A mathematic visit visa. Contact: 95673451

MEDICAL Prometric passed Indian male Nurse (ACLS & BLS) is looking for immediate placement.

Contact: 93831951

HOSPITALITY

Electrical Engineer (B.E) with 8 years experience valid Omani driving license looking for job.

Contact: 93909951

Buyer cum expeditor having more than 7 years of experience in oil& gas sector major client Oman gas company & British petroleum, knowledge in logistics and shipping clearance. NOC available.

Contact: 98708758 Email: sakthivigneshraj@gmail.com

Candidate with communication & analytical skills. Contact 90187827

IT

Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912

Civil Engineer (BE) having total 5 years experience in building construction looking for a suitable placement. D/L available Contact# 94450270

MISCELLANEOUS

WŚŽŶĞ ͗ нϵϭ ϵϳϳϯϴϮϴϲϲϯ͕ EŵĂŝů ͗ ũǀƉϮϵϭϯϲϳΛLJĂŚŽŽ͘ĐŽŵ

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

Electrical Project Engineer 5 years experience in primacy substation cables and OHL valid driving license. NOC available.

Contact: 91204243

Civil Supervisor, 5 yrs experience in high rise buildings worked in BP Khazzan projects. NOC available.

Contact: 96259407 Email: rp2251990@gmail.com

ƌĞƐƵůƚ ŽƌŝĞŶƚĞĚ ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů ͘ ͘;DĞĐŚͿ͕ ϯϬн LJĞĂƌƐ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ WƌŽũĞĐƚƐ͕ &ĂďƌŝĐĂƟ ŽŶ͕ Z Θ D ĂŶĚ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ͘ ^ĞĞŬŝŶŐ ũŽď ĂƐ 'D͕ K͕ ŽƵŶƚƌLJ ,ĞĂĚ͘ EK Θ ŝŵŵĞĚŝĂƚĞ ĂǀĂŝůĂďŝůŝƚLJ͘

Civil Engineer 6 yrs Exp in Oman with license. Contact: 98975518 Sri Lankan Engineer (27 Years old) – B.Sc Engineering (Hon) Mining / Geotechnical Presently in Muscat, 1.5 years experience. Contact 91295802 / acmfaslan123@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer (UK) , 28 years old male, having 4 years experience in Oman looking for suitable placement with valid Oman D/L immediate available, NOC available. Contact: 968 97612297 Email: ymirza11@caledonian.ac.uk Male, B.E in industrial & production engineering, 8 years experience (5 years in oil & gas) and 3 years in available currently on visit visa, seeking immediate placement.

Contact: 97863823

Hospitality/Hotel/ Restaurants Dynamic result oriented hospitality professional with 20 years of international exp. MBA in Hotel Management, specializing in Hotel/ Restaurant start ups, concepts & Franchise development with proven records. Seeking for Challenging positions in reputed groups as GM/ COO/CEO/Business Head. (NOC available) Contact: 96059470 Dutch male qualified commercial pilot (Faa-ME-IR certified) is looking for job openings in middle east. rutjestom@outlook.com

IT 7 years Gulf experienced Automatic door system technician. All type of automatic door, gate barrier, Access control, CCTV, working in Oman (NOC available). Contact 96707646 Email: pramod.raj.p@gmail.com B.Tech (IT) Indian Male 2 years Oman experience in I.T & Networking, holding Oman Driving License, presently on employment visa, seeks for a suitable placement.

Ready to join immediately. NOC available. Contact: 92462578 IT / Net work Engineer with MIT , CCNA certified CCNP and MCSE training , 2 years working experience currently on visit visa in Muscat. Contact: 94153542 Email: shahzadmahmood51@yahoo.com Indian female MCA IT 3years experience in the field of computer hardware and windows, Network Administration on visit visa.

Contact: 96730971 Email: anjuretankar@gmail.com Hardware & net working, 2 years exp. Contact: 96244031

Indian female 22 years old electrical engineer fresher currently in Oman visit visa B.Tech knowledge in AutoCAD /ECAD seeking placement in electrical related field. #90372125 Email: limisha93@gmail.com

Female, 24yrs, B-tech Computer Science, currently on visit,1yr experience and certified special training .skills in software testing,managem ent,administration,java,oracleDB,A ndroid,C++,C.seeking suitable placement.Contact:98741930, amruthamohandas515@gmail.com

Indian female on visit visa master of engineering (M.E) in computer science with 2 years experience software trainee, worked as mathematics and IT Teacher seeking for suitable job. Contact: 94528019 Email: indhu101291@gmail.com

Structural Steel Supervisor / foreman 12 and half experience in overseas, I.T.I fitter, NOC available.

Contact: 96195185 India: 917356668511

7 Yrs Exp. PM in Mech. Engg in the field of Building Const. Oil & Gas Seeking Job.94625598 29 yrs Indian male B.E (ECE) with more than 5 yrs experience in Oman with valid D/L. Contact 96652145

Omani 6 years excellent exp looking for opening in IT. # 95356166 Indian female M.Com qualified CME (INTER) good communication & computer skills fresher presently in Muscat seeking placement. Contact: 90387811 Email: ghazalasuhan@yahoo.com

An experienced Staff Nurse with MOH license and data flow cleared looking for job, NOC available.

Contact: 97045785 / 98899146 Experienced prometric cleared Indian female dentist seeks suitable placement in Muscat.

Contact: 94673720 /92880267 An experienced Sudanese female Dentist with MOH license looking for job. Contact: 96436517 /97396088

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR MBA (marketing) with 17 years experience in freight forwarding/ logistics industry in GCC & Oman.

Presently working as branch manager in Muscat. Looking for a suitable position. Release and NOC available. Contact: 99856331 MBA In Operations Management Indian male : MBA in Lean Operations And Systems with 3 years of experience seeks suitable placement in Oman.

Contact : 0096894369897 The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: construction(Very strong and qualified to bringing business for civil work Or any type of the construction work for many million per year with a good experience in pricing and collect payment and cash management of the company & marketing projects & investments& tenders & real estate. Contact: - 92385033 Indian male 4 years experience M.S.C Marine biotechnology, looking for Production Manager.

Contact: +919629032023 Email: evergreenram88@gmail.com The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: tenders& real estate& construction & marketing projects& investments& transportation & Marine services& companies management& develop business.

Contact :- 92385033 Indian male, with experience in operations management, information security, purchase & stores mgmt, hold UAE driving license, on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact : 91904541 Email: naushers@yahoo.com Sudanese male Manager & Accountant master degree in Economics, 15 years experience in accounts and Banking looking for job. Contact: 97396088 / 96436517

Indian Female, 24 Years - MSc Biotechnology. Worked in International Crops Research Institute For The Semi Arid Tropics for project work as trainee. Looking for suitable job. Mobile: 92619048, Email: anusreeg1991@gmail.com Indian Male, 34 years with 14 years oil & gas tankers sailing experience in reputed firm with Class 1 UK COC Master’s license seeking suitable placement in port/drydock/terminal facilities/ shipping and marine services.

Contact- 98842135/99090098 email:-menon.dhanesh@gmail.com Graduate, computer literate, experienced in sales, credit control, accounts, Omani D/L , seeks suitable placement. Gsm 9880-5474

SALES / MARKETING Indian Male 32, MBA (Marketing & Finance) with 10 years experience in Marketing of Banking Products & Insurance Industry.

Seeking for a Job in Oman.

Contact: 93576980, 97750460 Email: senthil.cbe83@gmail.com Candidate with good communication. Contact 90187827 Indian, 38 years with 15 years in sales & marketing filed with GCC valid license. Contact: 94744746 Sales & Marketing Executive MBA with 3 years experience in sales looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 91345727.

Indian male sales marketing with G.C.C license 7 years exp.

Contact: 98097459 Email: shl_kami@yahoo.com Age 26 Indian male B.Com completed 3 years outdoor sales experience, one year Gulf experience good marketing knowledge, having Oman driving license. NOC available seeking suitable placement. Contact: 98792682 Indian male with Oman driving license and 27 years’ Oman experience in FMCG sales /newspaper distribution across the Sultanate seeks job. No objection certificate/ release letter is available from the present employer. # 98962949 Graduate, computer literate, experienced in sales, credit control, accounts, Omani D/L , seeks suitable placement. Gsm 9880-5474 Indian male 23 years with 4 years experience in Purchase and Sales, graduate in EC, currently on visiting visa, seeking suitable job in Oman. Contact: 96761020. Email: adikmuthumuttam@gmail.com 12 years of experience in Oman; marketing strategies & operations, logistics, government tenders, public relations & dealing with international companies -4 years of experience in UK, engineering CNC & industrial areas, have dual nationality, fluent in English & Arabic speaking and writing , (I can travel abroad easily without visa, for finalizing business or any other purpose). Contact: 94123939 Indian male, with experience in sales, marketing, and client relation, with UAE driving license, on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact: 95269818 Email: naushers@yahoo.com Indian male, MBA Finance & Marketing 28 yrs,6+ Exp, with Driving license, Hospital Phrma Herbal Marketing, construction A/c & sales , F&B industry, 93379044 Indian male, MBA Marketing having 2.5 years Sales experience immediately looking for a suitable position. Contact: 91415145, Email: shariqs88@gmail.com Indian male 29 yrs, BHM , 6 years overall 3 yrs in Oman in sales with D/L. NOC available to join immediately. Contact: 92594055 Indian male 46 years, Sales Manager experience in modular kitchens & furnitures.

Contact: 94522616 Indian male, 24, MBA Marketing and HR, I year experience. On visit visa. Looking for suitable job.

Contact 94014073 Marketing Executive/Merchandiser, Omani License, BA 8 years Experience in Multinational Groups. Contact 97601343

D6

T U E S D AY, D E C E M B E R 1 5 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

HOME THEATER & KARAOKE BRING HOME - LIVE MUSIC & CINEMA GENERAL ELECTRONICS SERVICES LLC CONTACT: 99627299 / 93327841

SITUATION WANTED

Indian 18 years experience in Oman Driver cum Sales man fields NOC available. Contact: 92459603 Sales & marketing building materials (G. hardware, tiver, steel etc) Indian male fluent English, Arabic, Malayalam etc GCC D/L 8 years exp available release letter or NOC. Contact: 92882101 Email: sameermoul@gmail.com

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Indian lady with release paper. searching for admin or accounts asst or showroom sales job.

Contact 94417080 MCA, Indian female looking for a job in admin office works. 96370225 Secretary MBA Indian male 5 years exp in India, 1 yr exp as Secretary / document controller in tendering dept in Oman seeking urgent placement. Contact 91566118 / 93089367

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Looking for job as Mason, steel fixer, electrician.

Contact: 93015630 Masonry / finishing foreman 20 years experience NOC available.

Contact: 98435309/ India + 91 9446958838 Indian male, having 15 yrs of exp in site supervising, telephone line, supervising with valid D/L, looking for job. Contact: 93931162 Mason, SH / carpenter, steel fitter gulf & Indian exp looking job.

Contact: 95175192 Electrician, plumber (exp gulf / Indian) looking job.

Contact 95175192

TOURS & TRAVELS Indian female BSC IATA, 14 years exp in travel & tourism in Oman looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 96433490 Email: indu623@yahoo.co.in Indian female 24 yrs, Bachelor in Travel & Tourism and 2 year exp in Oman as ticketing executive.

GDS-Sabre, Amdeus, Galilio. seeking suitable job. Contact- 95883404

MISCELLANEOUS HR & Admin Executive ( MBA) Indian male 26 year old, with more than 4 years of experiences in HR& Admin (16 month in Oman) looking for suitable placement, NOC available. Contact: +968-98757304 Email: nuroollah789@gmail.com Indian Male, 28, MBA Finance & Mcom. more than 5yrs exp. in A/c & Finance (Including 2 yrs in Oman), NOC available, Seek Suitable Placement, Contact: 93939421, email: baleeq.ams@gmail.com

Planning Engineer: B.E(Electrical and Electronics Engineering): Indian Male 33 yrs with 10 years of experience in UAE & Muscat.

Skilled in the areas of project coordination, planning & procurements.

Contact: 00971503529608 Email Id: saravananbe44@gmail.com 29 year Indian male B-Tech Engineering, with 6 yrs of Professional experience in Manufacturing Oil & Gas Industries seeking for a suitable placement (NOC Available).

Kindly contact me on 94628362, email-mahinathdevani@yahoo. co.in MBA (F), B.COM. Indian female having knowledge of accounts with Tally looking for job. presently on family visit visa.

Contact :- 94704661. Email:bhumicapandya@gmail.com MBA - (F), M.Com,B.COM. Indian female having knowledge of accounts with Tally looking for part time or full time job. Presently on family visa. Contact :- 91892264.

Email: yashicapandya@gmail.com 31 year Indian male PG in HR with 5 yrs Professional experience in HR in Construction Oil & Gas Oman seeking for a suitable placement(NOC Available).Kindly contact me on 93488914, emailKaarthickshankar@gmail.com Indian Male, 26 years, With 7 years of experience in Sales Field in shipping company in “Dubai” , looking for suitable placement.

Experienced working in safety Marine equipment and well versed with MS Office. Contact: 90182494, Manojmallya999@gmail.com Indian male, totally 8+ years experience in IT Assistant, 5 Years in Oman, Looking for a suitable position in Oman, Holding Oman Driving license & also NOC is available. Contact: 98248024, email- bala.abins@gmail.com Indian male B.Eng. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3 yrs exp. in IT / networking/ server support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 ACCA (Associate Certified Chartered Accountant) with 2 years experience. Looking for opportunities in Finance, Accounts. Presently Available in Oman for Personal interviews -# 96124257, 93692578.

Email at naeemnoe5@gmail.com Indian male, QA/QC Instrument Inspector, 8 years exp in GCC, on visit visa. # 92430370 Email: rajeshgcc.kumar@gmail.com, Indian female, MBA HR & Finance, having 1 year experience, seeking suitable placement. Currently in Oman. Contact: 96052366.

Indian Accounts professioanl with 2 years of experience currently on visit visa looking for suitable job openings Contact: Gsm: 92395449 jaleelcabdul@gmail.com

Indian male 23yr BA TTM(Travel and Tourism Management) with Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Logisitics and Shipping Management, Experienced in Logisitics (Customs Clearance) seeking in suitable placement, currently on visit visa(Oman) Contact; 90291092 email:iyas.adhur@gmail.com

Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant ,doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact 98803439

Male 27, BCA, Diploma in Networking, CCNA certified engineer, 4 years experience in IT support & networking seeks job.

Contact-90193811

Post graduate master of social work having 5 years experience at present visit visa seeking suitable opportunity.Contact 99876307

NRI

MISCELLANEOUS

SALES / MARKETING

Indian male, 11 years exp. in accounting, knowledge in tally also.

Looking for a part time job.

Contact. 98983122

Indian female, 27, food technologist (MSc Food Technology), 2years experience in research and development - instant foods, seasonings. Contact -93987174 email :mayacnair@outlook.com 8 yrs exp 2d, 3d draughtsman (HOLDING OMANI DRIVING LICENSE) seeking job.

Contact 93790601

Indian female, Science Graduate, 3 year’s experience in Teaching English & Science seeking suitable placement. Also interested in Teaching Spoken English for student at any level.

Contact : 96431456 / 95704814l

Project Manager in Mechanical Engg. (M.sc.) with 8 years experience in Building Construction, oil & gas seeking job-94625598 (nima.azimzadeh@gmail.com)

Sudanese Manager and Accountant, master degree in Economics Diploma(Development and Planning).Egypt. More than 15 years Experience in Government Accounts..and Banking. Speaking arabic and English, skill full in M.S office, seeks suitable placement.

Contact 97396088

Indian male 23yr BA TTM(Travel and Tourism Management) with Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Logistics and Shipping Management, Experienced in Logistics(Customs Clearance) seeking in suitable placement.

Currently on visit visa (Oman) Contact; 90291092 email: iyas.adhur@gmail.com

Indian male 23 yr BA TTM (Travel and Tourism Management) with Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Logisitics and Shipping Management, exp in Logisitics (Customs Clearance) seeking in suitable placement, currently on visit visa(Oman) contact;90291092 email:iyas.adhur@gmail.com

Driver Cum Salesman Professional, Indian male having 7 Years of Experience in Oman Having Valid Driving License working as a Office Driver, Looking for a suitable Position, NOC available.

Contact: 99680429 Email:anzarkutty1975@gmail.com

Btech graduate, 26yr male, 4 years experience as system and network engineer. Looking for suitable placement. Mob : 93125669, Email : amritrajsasidharan@gmail. com.

31 year Indian male PG in HR ,with 5 yrs Professional experience in HR in Construction Oil & Gas Oman seeking for a suitable placement(NOC Available).Kindly contact me on 93488914, emailKaarthickshankar@gmail.com MBA(HR & Marketing) & B.Com, Indian male 28 yrs,2 yrs exp. in Qatar, having oman driving license, currently on family visa (NOC available).looking for hr, admin, assistant accountant, marketing & sales job in salalah.

Contact:98138376, email: subinabraham87@gmail.com Software Engineer , Oracle EBS R-12 Technical Consultant 9 Years Experience. HRMS/ Payroll, Education, Hotel, Textile, Shipping Container Terminal.

Email: sziahussain@hotmail.com.

Contact 97912264 Indian male 25 yrs, MBA (Finance, Marketing), Overall 2 yrs exp in Accounts/Finance field, On Visit Visa. Immediately available.

Contact - 92989197/94786544. abdulqhizer2004@gmail.com Indian male 24yrs, B. tech in (Computer Science) 4 years of exp in technical support, sales and networking, seeks suitable placement. Contact:- 95955696, email:- mir.jak89@gmail.com Indian male B.Eng. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3 yrs exp. in IT/ networking/ server support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 Indian male, 28 yrs, E & I Engineering diploma (3 years), 7 years exp.(India, Oman, KSA) in electrical and instrumentation with driving license, looking suitable job #91051803

Indian Male 23 years B.Tech Civil having 2 years experience in quantity survey and site management looking for suitable placement contact:- 95042656 Indian male, MBA, finance, having MNC 2 year experience in accounts and audit, skilled in sap, seeking suitable position.

Contact : 96930855 Indian male, 26 years, With 7 years of experience in Sales field in shipping company in “Dubai” , looking for suitable placement.

Experienced working in safety Marine equipment and well versed with MS Office.

Contact: 90182494, manojmallya999@gmail.com Indian male having 14years of experience in HR, Purchase Dept and Sales having Oman driving license looking for a suitable position at Salalah. Noc available. Mail.

Madhuvtk@ gmail.com 32 years Indian Male MSC,MBAHR having 8yrs Exp(HR /Payroll/ Admin) with Oman valid DL. Seeking suitable opening in Human Resource, Payroll & Admin/ backend jobs.

Contact :00968-99322978 Indian male 23yr BA TTM(Travel and Tourism Management) with Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Logistics and Shipping Management, exp in Logistics(CHA) seeking in suitable placement. Currently on visit visa (Oman) Contact; 90291092 email:iyas.adhur@gmail.com Indian male auto cad draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience .seeking for job in Dubai & Qatar.

Contact - 00968-99070584 (Mct):0091-9895061474 (India) email: remluvp@gmail.com

Iraqi pharmacist with 15 years experience as Senior med rep. regulatory affairs and Marketing & sales Manager seeking job in pharmaceutical co. Contact 96720441

Indian Female Accountant 5 Years of Experience in Accounting Tally, Office coordination, And Admin, Currently on Visit Visa Seeking Suitable Placement.

Contact: 95684179

Indian male B.Eng. in IT, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532

Indian male B.Eng. in IT, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532

royal castles

vakathanam, kottayam Luxurious villas in a Gated community with all the modern facili es at Vakathanam By-Pass (MC road-NH 220) Web: www.royalcastles.in email: info@royalcastles.in +968 92855909, +91 9961 11 9988

3 storey Building for sale Thiruvalla , near Nelladu building with 4 flats and 3 shops for sale. Contact : 97835464/ 0091 8606029166

MANPOWER

D EWKt Z dŝůĞ DĂƐŽŶƐ͕ DĂƐŽŶƐ͕ ůĞĐƚƌŝĐŝĂŶƐ͕ WůƵŵďĞƌƐ͕ &ĂůƐĞ ĞŝůŝŶŐ ͬ 'LJƉƐƵŵ tŽƌŬƐ ĂŶĚ ĂƌƉĞŶƚĞƌƐ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ ŝŵŵĞĚŝĂƚĞůLJ ŽŶ >ĂďŽƌ ƐƵƉƉůLJ ďĂƐŝƐ͘ /ŶƚĞƌĞƐƚĞĚ ƉĂƌƟ ĞƐ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ

'^D͗ ϵϲϳϳϱϬϮϯ ͬ ϵϲϳϳϱϬϮϰ

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

Plot for sale Shadnagar Municipality, Mahboob Nagar District, walk able distance to existing colonies, national highway and basic amenities at reasonable price.

Contact – 0091 8686631669 Plot, propeties for sale in prime location in pune 95272138,(+918390982975)

GOOD NEWS > Z / zhZs / >/E/ EĞĂƌ <Śŝŵũŝ DĂƌƚ͕ D ƌĞĂ͕ ZƵǁŝ KƵƌ LJƵƌǀĞĚŝĐ dƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞƐ ďŚLJĂŶŐĂŵ͕ <ŝnjŚŝ DĂƐƐĂŐĞ͕ ^ŚŝƌŽĚŚĂƌĂ͕ sĂƐƟ ͕ hĚǁĂƌƚŚŶĂŵ ϱϬй ŝƐĐŽƵŶƚ ŽŶ ĨƵůů ďŽĚLJ ŵĂƐƐĂŐĞ͘

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ϮϰϴϭϰϮϮϮ Žƌ ϵϳϭϭϮϱϭϬ ĨŽƌ ĂƉƉŽŝŶƚŵĞŶƚ Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage steambath, obesity, Spondylitis, Ideal Care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street Azaiba.

Contact: 99639695 / 98342990 FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 99250777, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133.

For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit:www.islamfact.com Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).

Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

SIT.WANTED Manager / Working Partner.

Indian M.Com with 20 years Dubai experience in media advertising industry, client service, marketing, production, gifts trading, branding with D/L. Contact -93031168 Indian male BE Electrical & electronics and pg in power systems (transmission & distribution) on visit, Seeking placement.

Contact – 94669679 Email prsabarish@gmail.Com BE electronics & instrumentation engineer, with one year of experience. Looking for suitable positions.

On visit visa. Contact-99339306, e-mail: kannanr101@gmail.com Indian male be electrical and pg in power systems (transmission & distribution) with 1 year experience on visit, seeking placement.

Contact – 94669679/ email prsabarish@gmail.com Looking for a part time accounting & admin job. Contact 99196621.

Indian (Kerala) Male, 32yrs, looking for a job as Accounts Assistant/ Cashier/ Salesman (indoor), having 5 yrs experience in Oman.

Currently on Visit Visa.

Contact-94410485, Email: visanthvijay@gmail.com

Required expatriate partner or investor, to invest various commercial fields. For inquiry.

Contact : 98209820 We will register LLC. trade license for foreign investors and do all actions. Contact: 92833566

MATRIMONIAL Kerala RC boy 31 yrs paramedical working in Oman hailing from Tellichery Dioces.

Contact: 92866673 Keralite, Thiruvananthapuram based “Young and Handsome Boy”, Hindu – Viswakarma (Carpenters), Birth Star – Pooyam, MCA, 29 years(05/11/1985, 01.30 AM), 176 cm height, Wheatish colour, Moderate family, Working as ‘Commercial Assistant’ in a reputed automotive company. seeking alliance of girls from the suitable family. Contact: Rejeesh 92801583, 94238934, Shanmughan - +919895891202, +914712619230 Indian male 32 years (Muslim) looking for alliance invites proposals from other nationals also.

Contact: 92148351 RCSC MOH Nurse working in Ministry hospital Sur seeking suitable alliance from Keralite Malayalees Christian boys (preference in Muscat, well educated).

Contact: Gince Sebastian 98055621 / 97929487 Kerala Ezhava boy 28 years MBA working in Oman seeking suitable alliance. Contact: 98185755 23 Years Malayalee Christian girl born & educated in Bangalore, seeking suitable alliances from well settled Keralite Malayalee Christian boys. Contact - 99494371 Muslim Girl, M.B.B.S 23 years 5’ 4” fair, looking for suitable alliance from Doctors from Kerala / Tamil Nadu.

Contact: 00968 98553628

FOR LADIES Home service for ladies only facial, waxing, body massage, (if you not waxing menicure pedicure) only 20 Riyal, Contact 9243 0239

T U E S DAY, D E C E M B E R 1 5 , 2 0 1 5

D7

DAILY GUIDE

RENT A CAR

RENT A CAR

CLASSES

IELTS PREPARATION Target Band 8.0

Classes for Spoken English TOEFL / GRE / GMAT / SAT Excellent Guidance and Coaching Satisfaction Guaranteed EAGLES INSTITUTE 92325542 | 93657915 | 93657917 | Email: engominst@gmail.com

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi earn in two months

tion guaranteed

Tel: 95244310

Ph # 24480800 / 99347202

Karate and self defense classes at Azaiba 18 Nov Street. RO 10 per month twice a week Monday and Tuesday 6. 30 TO 7. 30. PM. CONTACT 98294551

COMPUTER

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

IELTS & TOEFL Academic / General Target Band 8 TQT Institute.

WEBSITE

Rental car. Contact: 92516090

SITUATION WANTSERVICES

^ Zs/ ^ tĞ WƌŽǀŝĚĞ ůĞĂŶĞƌƐ͕ Kĸ ĐĞ ďŽLJƐ͕ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ 'ĞŶĞƌĂů ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ĞƚĐ͘ ů DƵĚĂŬŚŝƌ EĂƟ ŽŶĂů Ɛƚ͘ >> ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ ϵϰϮϳϳϬϮϬ

DRIVING

Learn driving with professional.

Contact: 94022250

AVAILABLE Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman. com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com Available office space in Prime location on 18th November Street, Azaiba Kindly. Contact: 99288664

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

SITUATION WANTSERVICES MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807 We are doing electrical, plumber, painting, & carpentering work any type of job small or big. Contact: 99208033 / 93782735 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

Marble grinding resurfacing & ceiling crystallization / polishing general cleaning of villas & flats.

Terrazzo floor scrubbing, ceiling, polishing & buffing. Contact: 98598280 /94134784 GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/ 24792998 Cleaning Sofa shampoo carpet shampoo house.

Contact: 92179395 Debt collection services your money we collect value commercial services. Fax: 0096824783669 Contact: 009682479815 /00968- 24701422 /00968- 94665476 Email: salim@valuedbtcollection.com

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422 Cleaning & Carpet Shampooing, Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723 Pest Control Treatments.

Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723 House shifting. Contact: 99657644/98518013

Split & window A/c servicing & maintenance. Contact : 93769089 / 95323517 Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 / 94285064 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722

A/C maintenance, installation spilt A.C and maintenance window A/C and ducted and package the reunites. Contact: Asad Abbas 98667326 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting,Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. Contact: 24810137, 99450130

D8

T U E S D AY, D E C E M B E R 1 5, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classiďŹ eds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

TOURS

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

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

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

ABDULHAKIM AL BIMANI TRADING & CONTRACTOR Expert in Shipping cargo by sea & air to Zanzibar, Pemba, Dar es Salam in Tanzania, Burundi, The Philippines, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.

Reasonable price.

Contact: 97440625/95416662 &NBJM BCEVMIBLJNBMCJNBOJ!IPUNBJM DPN

TRANSPORTATION

FOR HIRE Bobcat available for rent. # 97623299 Car with driver available for rent.

Contact: 93015630 Toyota Coaster 32 seater bus with driver available on monthly lease rent. Contact â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 99705821 / brightsilverllc@gmail.com

Transportation available Ruwi Seeb. Contact 99867456 Transportation. Contact: 98505294 Transportation. Contact: 95190627

TRANSPORTATION 7 Ton/ 10 Ton- Trailer Local transport- MCT- UAE

Contact 96609857 Amir Ali

Transportation & tours. Contact: 99324045 Pick & drop anytime in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99764307 Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909