Times of Oman - June 16, 2016

THURSDAY

June 16, 2016 10 Ramadan 1437 AH

RAMADAN PRAYER TIMINGS

FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

IFTAR

Dhuhr

12.13pm

7.00PM

Asr

3.31pm

Maghrib

7.00pm

Isha

8.23pm

Fajr (Tomorrow)

3.52am

FAJR 3.52AM

Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. 99

To Senior State Officials, 1978

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ There is no place in our society for anyone who steps out of line or fails to perform his duties in the manner required of him.

| 40 Pages . Baisas 200 . Subscription OMR63 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company | Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali | Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group

MURDER HUNT AS MISSING MAN FOUND DEAD The mystery behind the

O R L A N D O AT TA C K

HM sends condolences to Obama MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of condolences to US President Barack Obama for the victims of Orlando shooting in Florida.

In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy to President Obama, the US people and families of the victims, wishing the injured a speedy recovery. -ONA

disappearance of Indian TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

expatriate attendant

OMAN

of Ibri fuel station

Injured Indian doctor recovering slowly

ended on Wednesday as the police confirmed

1

An Indian doctor, who suffered multiple fractures and a brain injury during a road crash in Muscat, is showing signs of recovery, his wife said.

The doctor was injured in an accident on June 4 and was airlifted to India last week for treatment. Binoy was working as an assistant cardiologist at Badr Al Samaa Hospital, Ruwi. >A2

that his body has been found REJIMON K HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

reji@timesofoman.com hassan@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Missing fuel station attendant John Philip has been found dead and a murder investigation is underway, police have confirmed.

Philip, an Indian employee, had been missing since Friday night and police have been searching for him since Saturday morning after a colleague reported him missing.

“His body was found. He was murdered,” a senior police official told Times of Oman.

According to John’s company officials, money between OMR4,000 and OMR5,000 is missing from the station, at Sunaina, near Ibri, around 270km from Muscat.

Staff reported seeing bloodstains on the walls inside the office and CCTV cameras were damaged on Friday following his disappearance.

John, from the south Indian state

of Kerala, had been working in Oman for the lastt 13 years.

Police initiated ed a probe after a colleague reported ed for duty on Saturday morning. The colleague who informed the police lice was taken into custody and wass released on Monday. John is survived rvived by his wife Binu and two children. ildren.

John’s eldest son is a Class XII student and younger unger daughter studies in Class V. John’s relatives had approached roached the state government nt and the Indian centrall government to find him. m.

On Tuesday, hiss worried d wife Binu had pleaded with the authorities rities in n Oman to help find nd her husband.

She said: “Find nd my missing husband nd as early as possible.. It is the fourth day now. I don’t have anything ything else to say.”

OMAN

Bhiku dies; body to be sent back home

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The body of Bhiku Prasad, the undocumented Indian worker who passed away on Tuesday night, will be flown back to India at the Indian government’s expense, a senior embassy official said. Bhiku was battling for his life in a hospital in Muscat. >A6

MARKET

Muscat Finance aims OMR5m bond issue

D ATA

Inflation rate in May grows 1.14% compared to last year MUSCAT: Inflation in the Sultanate grew by 1.14 per cent in May compared to the same period a year ago, according to the latest data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) on the consumer price index.

When compared with the inflation rate in April this year, May’s figure slipped 0.02 per cent.

The increase in the price index in May from the corresponding month last year could be attributed to an appreciation in the main groups, such as housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuel groups (1.02 per cent), the transport group (4.83 per cent), shoes OMAN AIR

Sohar flight cancellation to hit tourism DEEBA HASAN HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

deeba@timesofoman.com hassan@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Tourism and investment will be negatively affected by Oman Air’s decision to cancel its weekly flights to Sohar, according to business leaders.

“Investors may think twice before investing in Sohar. Businessmen may reconsider investing in the wilayat after this decision. They were earlier excited to come and invest directly but now they will be forced to stop in Muscat and then drive all the way to Sohar,” said Hilal Al Sidrani, Shura council representative from Sohar region. >A8

and textile group (0.46 per cent) and home appliances and maintenance group (0.8 per cent).

Data also indicated that the groups, which reflected a fillip, are the health group (1.44 per cent) education group (3.03 per cent), restaurants and hotel group (0.1 per cent) and commodities and services group (0.23 per cent).

Drop in some groups The same data also showed groups, which reported a drop in inflation, namely the foodstuff and non-alcoholic group (0.67 per cent), the communication group (0.26 per cent), and the culture and entertainment group

(0.33 per cent).

On the governorate level, the Governorate of Dhofar saw the highest inflation rate at 2.37 per cent, followed by the Governorate A’Dakhiliyah (1.31 per cent) the Governorates of North and South A’Sharqiyah (1.19 per cent), the Governorate of North Al Batinah (1.11 per cent), the Governorate of Muscat (0.94 per cent), the Governorate of Al Dhahirah (0.48 per cent) and the Governorate of Al Buraimi (0.52 per cent).

Compared with April this year, the consumer price index fell by 0.02 per cent as the foodstuff and non-alcoholic group declined 0.23 per cent. -ONA

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Muscat Finance, one of the leading leasing and hire purchase companies listed on the MSM, plans to raise OMR5 million by way of a bond issue on private placement basis. The company plans to convene an extra ordinary general meeting of shareholders. >B1

MORNING MINUTE

JUNE 21

SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

13:35 : 00

(HH:MM : SS)

15

30

13:35:32 SUNSET: 18:55

SUNRISE: 05:20

Total Hours

JUNE

20

13:35:31 SUNSET: 18:55

SUNRISE: 05:20

Total Hours

JUNE

19

13:35:29 SUNSET: 18:55

SUNRISE: 05:19

Total Hours

JUNE

18

JUNE

16

13:35:26 SUNSET: 18:55

SUNRISE: 05:19

Total Hours

JUNE

17

60

Total Hours

JUNE

21

45

SUNRISE: 05:19

13:35:20 SUNSET: 18:54

Total Hours:

13:35:04 SUNRISE: 05:19 SUNSET: 18:54

Source: timeanddate.com

Graphics

Take care on longest day fast, say doctors RAHUL DAS

rahuldas@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Precautions must be taken when the longest fasting day arrives on June 21, say city doctors.

According to the Oman Astronomical Society, (OAS) citizens and residents will fast for 15 hours and eight minutes on Tuesday. It is to be noted that the fasting times do not tally with the sunrise and sunset times.

“There will not be much difference as people are already fasting for more than 15 hours now,” Mohammed Yahya Al Hijri, member of Oman Astronomical Society, said. Doctors, said

that precautions should be taken by fasting people. “People should drink plenty of water before fasting and should avoid going out in sun while they are fasting,” Dr Pradeep Maheswari, specialist of internal medicine at the Atlas Hospital, Ruwi said.

He also advised people to eat light and non-oily food during fasting. The sun will rise at 5.21am and set at 7.01pm in Muscat on Tuesday. Sunrise and sunset has a time difference of a few minutes in Oman.

“But people will start fasting from 3.53am and will be able to break their fast at 7.01 pm on Tuesday,” according to the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs. >A8

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Salalah airport marks first anniversary

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THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

OMAN

He is still in a semi-conscious state. He is responding to commands, but to bring him back to normal life may take a few more months Angel Binoy, wife of injured Badr Al Samaa medic Dr Binoy

SEMI-CONSCIOUS

Accident-hit Badr Al Samaa doctor shows recovery signs REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: An Indian doctor, who suffered multiple fractures and a brain injury during a road crash in Muscat that left his mother dead, is showing signs of recovery, his wife said.

The doctor was injured in an accident on June 4 and was airlifted to India last week for advanced treatment.

“He is still in a semi-conscious state. He is responding to commands, but to bring him back to normal life may take a few more months,” Angel Binoy, the wife of

Binoy said.

Binoy, who was working as an assistant cardiologist at the Badr Al Samaa Hospital in Ruwi, was left fighting for life after the accident that took place last Friday near Wattayah in Muscat.

“He has suffered a brain injury, a fractured rib and injured his facial bone. However, his current situation is better than what I saw after the accident,” Angel revealed.

“There will be difficulty in managing the motor ability, however, we hope for the best,” Angel, who is a dentist and is currently completing her higher studies

in India, said. Angel had flown to Muscat following the accident.

Binoy’s mother, who was killed in the accident, had been living with him for the last six years in Muscat. According to a report by the National Centre for Statistics and Information released in May, traffic accidents in Oman have decreased by 32.5 per cent.

“The number of such accidents stood at 1,413 by the end of April this year. They resulted in 210 deaths and 903 injuries. While the number of injuries has also dropped by 22.8 per cent, data showed that the death rate rose by 1.4 per cent,” the report added.

O C C I PA N E L M E E T I N G

Logistics sector discussed MUSCAT: A report on privatisation of some services provided by the government was discussed at a meeting of the Economic Committee of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and industry (OCCI).

The government will supervise and follow up the performance of the privatised sectors.

The report was discussed at the second meeting of the Committee for 2016 held at Bank Muscat Main Branch and headed by Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Member of OCCI Board and Head of the Committee.

Al Yousef presented a working paper on the role of e-government in the logistics sector in which he discussed the obstacles and challenges that are faced by companies operating in this field with the relevant government agencies, noting that there are a lot of procedures that should be completed faster than the way they are done now. -ONA

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THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

GLOBAL RAMADAN RECIPES MALI

{ Chicken-Peanut Stew }

FA S TI NG IFTAR

7:00

HE A LTH TI P

PM

During the month of fasting, those who have chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, renal, cardiac, or liver problems should always consult a doctor for proper guidelines. Dosage of some of the medications may need minor adjustments. Long acting daily drug formulations are available, which may be more convenient and safer for fasting persons.

INGREDIENTS

2 medium white onions, sliced liced 2 carrots, car peeled and cut into 5cm cm pieces 2 Scotch bonnet chillies, es, cu moved d cut in half, seeds and ribs removed r, One 8cm piece ginger, peeled and sliced 2 bay leaves 6 white peppercorns 4 cups water n 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, each cut into 4 pieces es 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, eaassttss, each cut into 4 pieces 2 cups unsalted peanuts 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 5cm cubes 4 tomatoes, t rs, cut into quarters, or 2 cups roughly chopped o canned tomatoes 1 teaspoon salt spinach, tough stems 1 pound p removed, washed cooked yellow rice, option for serving PREPA RATION

Combine the onions, carrots, chillies, ginger, bay leaves, peppercorns, and water in a medium pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium, add the chicken thighs, and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Add the chicken breasts and simmer until cooked, about 10 minutes.

While the chicken is simmering, toast the peanuts in a small dry sauté pan over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant. Let cool, th tthen en grind 1 cup of the toasted peanuts in a blender bllen b e de der er to a smooth paste. Set aside.

Using tongs, remove the chicken from the cooking liquid and set aside. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the vegetables to a food processor; discard the bay leaves. Puree the vegetables until smooth; set aside.

Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. When it begins to shimmer, add the potatoes and sauté until they are golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides, about 10 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat.

Stir in vegetable puree, the peanut puree, and the remaining cup of whole peanuts along with the tomatoes, chicken, and potatoes. Bring to boil, then reduce and simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes.

PLACE OF WORSH IP

This Ramadan is a great opportunity to go pray in beautiful houses of worship that you might not otherwise take the time to see. Whether for Taraweeh prayers or Dhuhr, pay a visit to one of Muscat’s architectural monuments of faith.

{ Jama’a Al Rawdha } Al Rawdha Mosque is located near the beach in North Al Hail. It is strategically tucked between a few houses near the corniche. Its exterior is eye-catching and very interesting; it’s covered with marble in different shades of brown and beige and features interesting elements such as metal grills dyed grey and black and Duaa verses in gold adorning the main gate.

The most appealing element is the hand carvings on the walls, which were expertly crafted by Moroccan master, Ahmed Al Maghrebi.

W H E RE TO SPE ND YOU R Z A K AT The literal meaning of Zakat is ‘to cleanse’ or ‘purification’. In the Islamic faith, Zakat means purifying your wealth for the will of Allah; to acknowledge that everything we own belongs to Allah and to work towards the betterment of the Muslim Ummah. According to Islamic regulations, Zakat is 2.5% of one year’s total cumulative wealth. Zakat is not always financial, and can include everything from volunteering your time to giving an encouraging word, but when it comes to financial donations to the less fortunate, it can be difficult to decide which causes speak most to your heart.

Here we will highlight worthy causes to help you decide.

{ Spotlight: Social Care } WHAT THEY DO

The main objective of Oman Charitable Organisation is supporting and financing social care programmes, which support and finance children, orphans, the disabled, and the elderly. The organisation also provides emergency relief during disasters such as fires and natural calamities.

WHERE

Remove from the heat and season to taste with salt. Add spinach and stir until spinach is wilted. yellow Serve with tth h yel e low rice.

Based and registered in Oman in Al Khuwair, with projects focusing on Oman for social care, and occasional international disaster relief.

TODAY ’ S VE RS E

FIND OUT MORE AND DONATE

Oman Charitable Organisation Sultanate of Oman - Muscat Chairman Office: +968 2429 7913 Reception: +968 2429 7993, +968 2429 7992 oco.org.om

“If you are grateful, I will give you more.”

(13:26, Surah Ibrahim, Verse 7)

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH TWITTER PAGE

Tweet all about it

OMAN

Funds for charities swell in Ramadan The public has donated OMR43,469.25 since the beginning of Ramadan and continuing through June 15

TARIQ ZIAD AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: Charities in Oman are witnessing the blessings of the holy month, as an abundance of donations are delivered to them at a rate greater than any other time of the year.

According to the online donations portal donate.om, the public has donated OMR43,469.25 since the beginning of Ramadan and continuing through June 15.

Further, donations since the start

of the year reached OMR38,017.89 for Sadaqahs followed by Zakat, which reported OMR33,026.94, Orphans Care with OMR27,211, Syria Help Campaign with OMR22,796 and the fifth largest amount of donations was delivered to the Ramadan Iftar Meal, in which OMR11,756 was raised through June 15.

Wijdan Ahmed, Marketing Executive at Dar Al Atta’a, noted that people are more generous during the holy month of Ramadan.

“It generally peaks during this

time of the year, since it is a month of blessing and giving,” said Ahmed.

Further, Abdullah Al Haji, Manah Charity Team Coordinator added, “There is a noticeable increase in donations during Ramadan, compared to other months, as happens every year.”

He said most donations go towards helping underprivileged families.

Saleh Al Qanoobi, Deputy Head of Charity and Alms Fund of Suwaiq, also acknowledged the large amount of donations that his organisation is receiving.

“Ramadan has its own quality

BUSINESS

Advance planning helps firms avoid Ramadan productivity dip TARIQ ZIAD AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: Companies that plan ahead of time won’t need to worry about the slow work environment during the holy month of Ramadan as implementing company strategies specific to this month could help curb dips in productivity.

Anvwar Al Balushi, chairman of Anwar Asian Investment, said shorter working hours would increase productivity, but not during Ramadan.

He added that the dip in productivity is time related due to the delays in processing certain requests.

“Some private sector companies are connected to the public sector and their work timings during Ramadan are only five hours so there isn’t much you can do in that time span, let alone plan your schedule,” said Al Balushi.

He added, “Also, another factor in the traffic. During Ramadan, most of the cars are on the roads, so even if you want to get somewhere to process your work, for example a visa, you will need to wait and it won’t be done until 12 pm.”

He further clarified that delays are causing a dip in productivity and not businesses themselves.

A parliamentary member of Oman also expressed his opinion, saying that some companies’ low productivity is based on the work attitude of its employees.

While some businesses will be struggling during Ramadan, others will have a strategy in place that will help them through the tough month

The member said some locals take Ramadan as an extended holiday and ask customers to come back the next day to process their requests.

While some businesses will be struggling during Ramadan, others will have a strategy in place that will help them through the tough month.

Ahmad Al Hooti, member of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), said, “It depends on the companies’ strategies.”

“If there are companies that depend on a certain work ethic to get the job done and give their em-

ployees time off, then they will be (negatively) affected; while other companies that do not require the employee to be available for long hours or can finish the work quickly is given a holiday, and this would not affect the company,” he added.

Some companies have devised a fail safe method to keep their heads above water in order to get through the month.

Retail, beauty and fashion stores will see a rise in sales and business will be booming during the final two weeks of Ramadan as the general public prepares for Eid-Al-Fitr.

C I T Y C E N T R E M U S C AT A N D C I T Y C E N T R E QU RU M

Ramadan charity campaign Times News Service MUSCAT: A month-long charity campaign is being hosted at City Centre Muscat and City Centre Qurum in celebration of the holy month of Ramadan.

The ‘Make A Difference’ campaign encourages the community to donate generously in associa-

tion with Dar Al Atta’a - a nonprofit volunteer- based charity in support of the poor.

The annual charity campaign with official hashtag #ShareAPartOfYou, is part of Majid Al Futtaim’s regional charity initiative.

The campaign started from the first day of Ramadan and will end on auspicious Eid-Al-Fitr. Visi-

tors can donate wearable clothes, non-perishable food, books, and toys – items that are truly usable and beneficial for those in need.

“We hope this campaign breaks the yearly results to reach the maximum number of benefiters (sic),” said May Al Bayat, head of Marketing Department, Dar Al Atta’a.

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and uniqueness, whether it is giving donations or doing good deeds. It is a special month,” said Al Qanoobi.

When asked what they do with the donations, he said the funding is used for the Social Research Committee, where research is performed so the Committee can identify underprivileged families in the region to determine whether they are eligible for charity and other assistance.

The Committee currently has over 1,000 families listed in their database, and who are receiving assistance, with the list being updated every 2 years.

Most of the donations are for Sadaqa, Zakat, helping families, creating school bags for children, Iftar meals and more. “We encourage people to donate because, in the end,donations are good deeds.

Whether it is Sadaqa or Zakat, it is the duty of every individual to help the underprivileged,” said Al Haji.

INFRASTRUCTURE

New water network announced for the port of Duqm Times News Service MUSCAT: A new 25 kilometre water network to supply potable water to the port of Duqm is underway.

The Public Authority for Electricity and Water (PAEW) has commissioned the project in partnership with the Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm (SEZAD).

Obaid bin Said Shukri, projects director at PAEW said, “A local company has been selected to implement the project according to the criteria approved for technical controls. The company began work on the project at the beginning of April 2015 and is expected to finish the project during the first quarter of next year.”

The network will cover a large area of the port and serve pro-

jects that have been completed or those that are planned for the near future.

The next three years will be crucial for the Port of Duqm to complete development work and begin full-fledged operations.

The $484 million port of Duqm, situated on the southeastern seaboard of Oman, overlooking the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean beyond, is the principal anchor for SEZAD.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

OMAN MISFORTUNE

Ailing undocumented Indian worker dies; embassy to repatriate body REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: The body of Bhiku Prasad, the undocumented Indian worker who passed away on Tuesday night, will be flown back to India at the Indian government’s expense, a senior embassy official said.

Bhiku was battling for his life in a hospital in Muscat for the last few days.

“We will fly back his body to India. His medical bill and expenses for the repatriation of the body will be taken care of by the Indian Embassy,” a senior official told the Times of Oman (TOO).

Prasad, from Uttar Pradesh in India, had come to the Sultanate hop-

ing for a new life on a visitor visa.

After three months of looking for a job, he got one.

However, after joining the company, he collapsed on the third day at work. As his papers were still being processed, he was classified as an ‘undocumented’ worker.

Without the correct papers, he was stuck in a bureaucratic limbo, with no one ready to pay his medical bills. Had he come to Oman through the proper channels, his hospital treatment would have been covered.

According to medics, from day one, Prasad was in a critical state.

“There was bleeding in his brain,” medics said.

TOO had reported Prasad’s story last Sunday. On Sunday night, Su-

shma Swaraj, the Indian Minister for External Affairs, responded to the story and tweeted that if medics permit, he would be flown back.

Retweeting TOO’s news report on Prasad, the minister said medics in Oman had denied the Indian government permission to fly him back home as he was too ill to be moved.

“We wanted to fly Bhiku Prasad of Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh in India. Oman doctors have denied permission. We are bearing his expenses because he is an Indian national,” the minister tweeted.

However, Prasad passed away on Tuesday night.

The Indian government had implemented the e-Migrate system in August 2015, to ensure safe migration.

CRIME

Buraimi man arrested on drugs charges Times News Service MUSCAT: One person has been arrested by the Royal Oman Police on charges of possessing drugs.

Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Directorate at Buraimi Police arrested a citizen on charges of possession of narcotic substances, the police said. More than 40 tablets of psychotropic substances were recovered from the accused. He was referred to the public prosecution for further legal action .

ROP has called on citzens and residents and inform about any activities of drugs dealers by contacting the hotline number 1444 or emergency phone 9999.

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

TRAGIC DEATH: Bhiku was battling for his life in a hospital in Muscat for the last few days.

Pakistan mangoes hit market shelves Fruit vendors are reporting roaring business as season’s Pakistani mangoes including Chaunsa hit the Omani market

SHAHZAD RAZA

shahzad@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: There is a sweetness in the air and an aromatic buzz in town. The number of shoppers at the sprawling fruit and vegetables market in Mawaleh has suddenly increased.

Pakistani mangoes have arrived, led by what is colloquially called ‘King Chaunsa,’ one of the best varieties of mango found around the world.

Following in the footsteps of the ‘Alphonso,’ the popular Indian variety of mango that hits Omani markets first — from April to July every year — Pakistani mangoes take Oman’s fruit shops by storm during the June to early September period.

While people wait anxiously for their favourite fruit, Pakistani mangoes come in great variety and taste. Chaunsa is proudly accompanied by the equally illustrious and popular varieties of Sindhri, Anwar Ratol, Dusehri, Langra, Fajri and Lal Badshah. Fruit vendors

in the Mawaleh market are reporting roaring business.

“I want six gift packs of Chaunsa and make sure I get the freshest and spotless pieces,” a company executive wanting to please his clients tells the sales staff at Zahrat Sunny Trading, a leading fruit importer from Pakistan at the Mawaleh market, known to supply Pakistani mangoes in cardboard gift packs.

Busy season Jahangir Khan, the general manager of Zahrat Sunny Trading, has been in business since 1999 and is fully prepared for a busy season ahead.

“Oman received the first shipment of Pakistani mangoes in May this year. We are the only company that brings them by air, which gives us an edge over our competitors, who receive Pakistani mango varieties much later,” claimed Khan while talking to the Times of Oman.

Pakistan has had a bumper mango crop this year and its exports to the Gulf region are likely to increase. Its mango production

is likely to cross 160,000 tonnes during this season due to an improvement in production amid better weather conditions. The country earns handsome foreign exchange through its mango exports to the world. In 2013, it shipped 165,000 tonnes of mangoes, valued at $60 million, compared with $38 million a year ago.

After a poor 2015, Pakistan is expecting to earn $75 million from its mango exports.

While many fruit suppliers import Pakistani mangoes directly from Pakistan, some of them import it from the United Arab Emirates, which is a major centre for Pakistani fruits and vegetables in the region.

First crop “The first crop of Pakistani mangoes comes to Oman from various parts of Sindh, led by Sindhri, which is a popular choice for milk shake. The next shipment comes when mangoes in Rahim Yar Khan are ready, followed by the last crop from Multan. This will help expand the tenure of their presence in Oman by a little this year,” Khan explained.

Some supermarkets which import mangoes by air will offer Chaunsa but at comparatively higher prices than those selling shipped varieties. The Al Dassar Supermarket in Ruwi, the Lulu hypermarkets and Zahrat Sunny Trading are some of the places where better varieties of Pakistani mangoes are available.

Those wanting to order mango gift packs can contact Jahangir Khan at 99738489 or Zahrat Sunny Trading at 94830995.

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016 We are delighted to be expanding Oman Air’s services to the city this summer, from both Muscat and Dubai. In fact, we will be increasing the available number of seats on the Salalah/Dubai route alone by nearly 22,000 Paul Gregorowitsch, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air

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OMAN

Salalah Airport celebrates first anniversary of its operations in driving economic and tourist growth in both the Dhofar region and the Sultanate as a whole. We are confident that the role played by the airport will be gradually enhanced in the coming years,” he added.

The airport, which was officially launched in

Two million passengers The Salalah Airport can currently accommodate as many as two million passengers annually, and has already catered to 1, 002,653 passengers from the time it opened for operations in June 2015 until the end of April 2016. However, given the expected rise in tourism, plans are already in place to increase the capacity of the airport to 4-6 million passengers in the future.

The airport is equipped with 24 kiosks to facilitate the completion of travel procedures, including an area dedicated to Oman Air flights, an area for other flights and an additional two independent self-service kiosks. The airport is built on an area of 65,638sq.m with a new runway area of 4,000x 60m capable of accommodating aircraft of various sizes, including the Airbus380.

The old runway is now used as a secondary runway.

November 2015, has since played a prominent role in driving economic and tourist growth in both the Dhofar region and the Sultanate as a whole, said Director General of Salalah Airport Salim bin Awadh Al Yafei

Times News Service MUSCAT: Salalah Airport yesterday celebrated its first anniversary, one year after the first flight landed at the airport on June 15, 2015.

The airport represents one of the most important recent developments in Oman under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

Commenting on the occasion Salim bin Awadh Al Yafei, Director General of Salalah Airport said, “The Civil aviation sector in Oman has witnessed tremendous growth. It is one of the most prominent sectors to have achieved qualitative and quantitative growth in various areas.

“These achievements reflect the importance and support given to the sector by the government, stemming from their comprehensive national strategic vision.

“This celebration marks the first anniversary of the vital secondary aviation gateway into the Country after Muscat International Airport.

Cultural landmark “The Salalah Airport has also become one of the cultural landmarks of the region, reflecting the success of the Omani Renaissance and the economic and social significance of the Dhofar region.”

Thanking the institutions that played an important role in the development and operation of the airport, Salim Al Yafei said: “On this occasion we would like to ex-

tend our thanks to the Ministry of Transport and Communication for providing the infrastructure necessary for the development of the airport.

“We would also like to thank our strategic partners including PACA, ROP, and Oman Air for their efforts, all of which have reflected positively in the success of

BOOSTING TOURISM

Oman Air plans 11 daily flights between Salalah and Muscat Staff Reporter MUSCAT: Oman Air will operate 11 daily flights between Salalah and Muscat with a capacity increase of 15,000 seats compared to the previous year, the national airline said in a statement.

The airline has deployed Boeing 737, Boeing 787 and an Airbus 330 aircraft on the Salalah/ Muscat/Salalah sectors to increase the availability of seats on the route.

Paul Gregorowitsch, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air, announcing the expansion, said that Salalah is becoming an increasingly important destination for visitors from the Gulf region and throughout Oman Air’s international network, especially during the Khareef season.

Increase “We are delighted to be expanding Oman Air’s services to the city this summer, from both Muscat and Dubai. In fact, we will be increasing the available number of seats on the Salalah/Dubai route alone by nearly 22,000,” the official said.

“As a result, tens of thousands more travellers will have the opportunity to enjoy the area’s cool and refreshing weather, which contrasts so sharply with the hot, dry climate to be found elsewhere within the region.

Visitors will also be able to

ber 1, Oman Air will deploy Boeing 737s on the Salalah to Dubai route, replacing smaller Embraer 175 regional jets which are currently in use,” the statement added.

EXPANSION: The airline has

deployed Boeing 737, Boeing 787 and an Airbus 330 aircraft on the Salalah/Muscat/Salalah sectors to increase the availability of seats on the route

make the most of Dhofar’s renowned hospitality, ancient culture and awe-inspiring landscapes,” he added.

“And to ensure that as many people as possible can experience this thrilling destination, Oman Air will be making a range of special offers available.

Competitive prices These will enable customers to appreciate Oman Air’s awardwinning interiors, onboard service and in-flight dining whilst flying from a range of destinations across our network at highly competitive prices. We look forward to announcing the details soon,” he added.

“The Dubai/Salalah route will witness the operation of one daily flight in the months of July and August.

“Furthermore, from Septem-

Warm hospitality “This will enable increased numbers of customers from the UAE to enjoy both Oman Air’s outstanding passenger experience and the warm hospitality offered to visitors in Salalah,” the statement added.

From January to December 2015, a record 52,274 seats were offered by Oman Air on flights between Salalah and Dubai.

“In 2016, Oman Air will increase that number to 74,176 seats (42 per cent),” the statement added.

Previous offers on flights to Salalah have included ‘Two fly for the price of one’ tickets, short-term sales on Business Class and Economy Class fares, and a range of Economy Class promotional fares.

The Khareef season runs from June to September and sees monsoon mists and rains sweep across the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. The cool, damp weather attracts thousands of visitors every year, especially from more northern parts of the Gulf region, where summer temperatures can rise to more than 50 degree Celsius.

Salalah Airport’s operations.

“OAMC staff along with our strategic partners are proud to celebrate this occasion, marking the first anniversary of the landing of

the first ever aircraft at the Salalah Airport on June 15, 2015.

The airport, which was officially launched in November 2015, has since played a prominent role

Eight gates The airport is also equipped with four passenger boarding bridges (PBB), complemented by two gates each, totalling eight gates leading to the passenger arrival and departure halls.

The PBB are state-of-the-art facilities used for the first time in Oman. They contribute significantly in the increase in passenger satisfaction, allowing passengers to board and disembark without having to go outside and thereby also improving the reliability factor.

State-of-the-art technology was also implemented for the baggage handling system of the airport. This system significantly improves the capacity of baggage handling at the airport while implementing a more reliable and efficient sorting system.

Additionally, a new system was also established at the Airport Operations Coordination Centre with the aim of improving operation response, and to facilitate future developments.

The system integrates operational teams in the new airport, providing accurate and instant information regarding flights to and from Salalah Airport.

It also helps in identifying and customising parking processes for the aircraft.

The system also controls the travel information screens used in different areas of the terminal.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

OMAN

Sports stars endorse yoga

D O NAT I O N S

omanoil plans to enrich lives of people

Last year, the Times News Service

Indian embassy had celebrated the 1st International Day of Yoga with the theme ‘Yoga for Healthy Oman’ wherein hundreds of Omani and Indian yoga enthusiasts, practitioners, and beginners participated

REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman’s top racing driver Ahmad Al Harthy and tennis player Fatma Al Nabhani have endorsed practice of yoga in a video made by the Indian embassy in Muscat for 2nd International Yoga Day which falls on June 21.

International Yoga Day or simply Yoga Day, was declared to be internationally recognised by the United Nations General Assembly

THUMBS UP: Yoga helps have better physical health, endurance, ACE STAR: Yoga can be a great fitness help, says tennis player

tennis player Fatma Al Nabhani. – Supplied photo

(UNGA) on December 11, 2014.

Under the title ‘Yoga for destressing’, Al Harthy says that yoga helps have better physical health, endurance, strength and flexibility.

“It leads to peace and happiness,” Al Harthy said while urging everyone to practice yoga every day.

Meanwhile, Fatma by focusing on the benefits of health gain by practicing yoga, said that to be fit yoga can help a lot.

Yoga is a physical, mental, and

spiritual practice or discipline that originated in India. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his UN address suggested the date of June 21, as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and shares special significance in many parts of the world.

Last year, the Indian embassy had celebrated the 1st International Day of Yoga with the theme ‘Yoga for Healthy Oman’ wherein hundreds of Omani and Indian yoga enthusiasts, practitioners, OBJECTIVES

ADVICE

A1 ‘Eating heavily can cause problems’

Majlis panel reviews private varsities’ status

ailments when you are fasting for long hours.

“So you have to take care of your food especially during Ramadan and if someone falls sick they should consult the doctors immediately,” Maheshwari said.

Residents, however, said that they have got adjusted to the new routine.

“So fasting for more a few minutes doesn’t really affect us on the longest day,” said Mohammed Akram, an Indian expat who has been fasting in Oman for few years.

MUSCAT: Team of the Education and Scientific Research Committee at Majlis Al Shura reviewed its final report on its study about the status of private universities and colleges in the Sultanate.

The report included several chapters that contained the reasons behind studying the status of private universities and colleges, objectives of the study, outcomes, recommendations and proposals of the team after paying several field visits to the universities and colleges. -ONA

< FROM

Known as the summer solstice, this phenomenon occurs when the Earth’s North Pole points right at the sun. At this time of the year, people living in the north of the Arctic Circle will see the sun all day and night, while those in Antarctica will not see the sun at all.

Doctors also said eating heavily and uncontrollably during Iftar, as well as the type of food eaten, could cause major complications, such as severe gastrointestinal problems, abdominal upsets, abdominal discomfort, among many other

strength and flexibility, says Oman’s top racing driver Ahmad Al Harthy. – Supplied photo

and beginners participated. The event was a great success in disseminating the benefits of yoga amongst Omanis and expatriates.

According to a statement for the embassy, this year, thousands of participants, including dignitaries, ambassadors, diplomats and members of Indian community in Oman are expected to join the event.

“The yoga session will follow a common yoga protocol, which will be practiced under the guidance of qualified instructors,” the

statement added.

Common yoga protocol is designed in a manner that participants need not have prior knowledge of yoga. The digital version of the protocol is available on online on YouTube. Participation in the session is free.

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

MUSCAT: Celebrating the values of Ramadan, the second edition of Oman Oil Marketing Company’s (omanoil) At’a campaign has been launched to enrich the lives of people across the Sultanate during the holy month.

Under the theme ‘Together We Give More’, omanoil will donate 10 per cent of all its sales from select ahlain convenience stores in the Governorates of Muscat, Al Batinah, Al Sharqiyah, Ad Dakhiliyah and Dhofar from the June 16 to June 25, 2016.

This year, the At’a initiative also features a nationwide media campaign, charitable donations and social media competitions all aimed to instill a culture of giving through lending a helping hand and acts of kindness.

Taking the company’s care beyond the pump to new levels, the campaign kicked off with a series of special videos that highlight the principles of generosity and compassion. Social media personality Ahmed Al Abri (@abu_aflah) has also joined At’a to drive the cause.

Jaber Sulaiman Al Busaidi, Corporate Affairs Manager at Oman Oil Marketing Company said, “Since our inception, omanoil has maintained its long-held commitment to enhancing the lives of people in the Sultanate. At’a is about giving back and supporting those less fortunate.”

OMAN AIR

< FROM

A1 Decision to affect business “The whole concept of launching this airport was to boost business activity in the wilayat and facilitate transportation to and from Muscat, but this decision will have a reverse impact.

“We still hope that the airport will become an international hub and operate flights to Salalah, and all over the world. The huge amount of money, and the millions spent on this airport should be questioned, where is the feasibility study and plans?” he asked.

Oman Air’s one-way ticket fare from Muscat to Sohar was OMR18, while a return ticket cost OMR25, before the national carrier cancelled its flights earlier this week.

Another businessman and Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) member expressed his disappointment with the decision to cancel the flights.

“Everyone already had their plans in place, and many hotels had started operations there after learning about the plans for the airport. However, if Oman Air does not fly to Sohar, it will affect tourism and investment activities in the area. Restaurants and other tourism related businesses will also suffer. Everyone was anticipating the airport project, however with the flights now cancelled, their hopes are shattered.

“I don’t think this is going to

have a direct impact on businesses, but it will affect the future plan for development. Oman Air only flew to Sohar three times a week, so that doesn’t hurt much, but the plans for future developments will be affected,” he said.

“We were also expecting the airport to become an international one in the next two or three years, as Oman Air was already flying in and that would have encouraged other carriers too. Last year, I flew from Sohar to Muscat and then London, it was a great experience, but at the same time they need to do something about marketing and promotions for Sohar flights and advertise this in newspapers. I am not happy with the withdrawal,” he added.

While businessmen and decision makers are not happy, the development does not seem to matter much for residents, such as Mohammed Al Balushi.

“I haven’t taken the flight to Muscat as I think the flight and travelling by car takes the same amount of time. We need to head to the airport an hour before the departure time, then it takes a while in the flight and then picking up your luggage and getting out of the place, that makes it approximately two hours, the same time it takes to travel by car,” he said.

Al Balushi also pointed out that

the return ticket price of OMR25 was too expensive.

Where the national carrier cancelled its flights to the industrial hub, other airlines were still exploring feasibility plans to fly to Sohar. Flydubai, the United Arab Emirates-based budget airline, said on Wednesday that they are still interested in flying to Sohar airport. “We are still conducting the feasibility study to start operations to Sohar from the Dubai international airport,” an official said.But he refused to put a time frame on when the operations will start. Responding to social media comments about Oman Air’s decision to stop flights to Sohar, the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) said the Sohar airport’s construction costs mentioned by some social media activists is incorrect.

“The original cost is OMR63 million for the first and second phases, while the third phase (Terminal) cost around OMR36 million,” the Ministry wrote in response to other tweets on its official Twitter account.

“The airport is still in the experimental phase and operational ineffectiveness of a certain airline does not reflect the futility of the airport,” the ministry added.

“It is too early to say that the airport has no economical feasibility,” MoTC tweeted.

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REGION ANARCHY

UNDER REPAIR

Workers repair the facade of the headquarters of the Lebanese Blom Bank, where an explosion occurred outside the bank on Sunday, in Beirut, Lebanon on Wednesday. — Reuters

Libya repels IS rebels in battle for Sirte city TRIPOLI: Forces backed by Libya’s unity government said on Wednesday they had consolidated positions on the edge of Sirte, repelling sniper, tank and mortar attacks as they seek to oust IS from its North African stronghold.

Fighting resumed on Wednesday near Sirte’s port, which government-backed forces captured last week.

There have also been intense clashes in the “700” neighbourhood and around the Ouagadougou conference hall, just south of a 5 km by 5 km area still controlled

by IS, security sources said.

The campaign in Sirte is led by brigades from the western city of Misrata that are aligned with Libya’s UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA).They launched a counter-attack against IS just under a month ago, rapidly recapturing positions on the coastal road west of Sirte and advancing to the outskirts of the city.

A brigades’ statement on Wednesday said they had “resisted IS attacks that used mortar fire and tanks backed by snipers positioned on tall buildings”.

They said they had been work-

ing to clear areas now under their control from mines and explosives and were preparing to launch a radio broadcast that would “respond to the widespread lies and deceptions of Daesh (IS)”.

Five brigade members were killed and more than 30 wounded on Tuesday, officials said.

More than 120 have died in the past month’s fighting, with more than 500 wounded.

The brigades say they have inflicted heavy losses on IS, though the militant group is still thought to have hundreds of fighters inside Sirte.

Most of Sirte’s residents have fled, with dozens more families leaving the city last week as the GNA-backed forces advanced.

The GNA is meant to replace two competing governments that were set up in Tripoli and eastern Libya in 2014 during a conflict between loose alliances of rival armed factions.

IS exploited the political turmoil to start building a presence in Libya the same year. It took full control of Sirte in 2015, but has struggled to retain territory elsewhere in the country. — Reuters

‘Falluja abuses hard to prevent’ Sohaib Al Rawi, governor of Anbar where Falluja is located, accused Popular Mobilisation Forces fighters on Sunday of detaining, torturing and killing civilians fleeing Falluja amid the battle to drive out IS group extremists

ON THE RUN: Displaced Iraqi people, who fled from Mosul because

of IS violence, gather at a refugee camp in the Makhmour area near Mosul, Iraq, on Wednesday. — Reuters

BAGHDAD: Iraq’s interior minister said it was difficult to prevent attacks against people fleeing the IS-held city of Falluja, but denied that such actions were systematic and pledged to punish anyone

proven guilty of abuses.

A regional governor said this week that 49 men had been executed after surrendering to a supporting the army offensive to retake Falluja, and more than 600

CONFLICT

Damascus says German special forces in Syria

DEADLY STRIKE: Rescuers and civilians inspect a site hit by an airstrike in the rebel-controlled city

of Idlib, Syria on Wednesday. — Reuters

BEIRUT: The Syrian government said on Wednesday that German special forces were present, alongside French and American military personnel, in northern Syria, an accusation denied by Germany.

Syrian state media said the government strongly condemned the presence of French and German forces in Ain al-Arab, also known as Kobani, and Manbij.

“Syria... considers it explicit and unjustified aggression towards (Syria’s) sovereignty and independence,” state news agency SANA quoted the foreign ministry as saying.

The US-backed Syria Demo-

cratic Forces (SDF) are staging an offensive against Islamic State near Manbij, while Kobani is under the control of the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia, part of the SDF. Germany’s defence ministry said repeated claims by the Syrian government that German special forces were in northern Syria were not and had never been true.

“There are no German special forces in Syria. The accusation is false,” a ministry spokesman said.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the Syrian civil war now in its sixth year, said French special forces were

building a base for themselves near Kobani.

France’s defence minister said last week that there were special forces operating in Syria helping the SDF advance towards Manbij.

The Observatory also said German, French and American military advisers, and French and American special forces, were assisting the SDF in its fight against IS but had so far remained in a support role and not fought on front lines.

A spokesman for the SDFallied Manbij Military Council said there were no German forces operating alongside them on the ground. — Reuters

had gone missing between June 3-5 after escaping the city.

Interior Minister Mohammed Al Ghabban, a senior member of the powerful political party the Badr Organisation, said paramilitary fighters from the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) had been referred to court over the alleged violations but that no police personnel appeared to be involved.

Badr is part of the government’s ruling coalition and has long been criticised for controlling the Interior Ministry. Its military wing, a leading force in the PMF, is participating in the campaign to retake Falluja, an hour’s drive west of Baghdad.

Sohaib Al Rawi, governor of Anbar where Falluja is located, accused PMF fighters on Sunday of detaining, torturing and killing civilians fleeing Falluja amid the battle to drive out IS. Ghabban told Reuters in an interview late on Tuesday that such

behaviour was not systematic but that he could not guarantee it would not occur, noting that violations by US-led coalition forces during their nine-year occupation of Iraq did not amount to a policy of rights abuse.

Some IS fighters disguise themselves as civilians, he said, “making it very difficult to distinguish between actual civilians and those who are pretending”.

“The diversity of formations, the large battlefield and its intersection with civilian areas is a challenge in itself which could lead to infringements, individual behaviour, violations of human rights or abuses.”

Ghabban said he supported investigating the claims and punishing anyone proven guilty, but warned against jumping to conclusions before the cases went to court.

“We do not want to get ahead of events and regard these as facts

before they are confirmed, nor do we want to be negligent and gloss over any crime,” he said.

IS, which has been pushed back from several key cities it seized in 2014 during a lightning sweep across Iraq’s north and west, has used residents as human shields to slow the troops’ advance and thwart a US-led air campaign backing them.

Prime Minister Haider alAbadi’s initial decision to assault Falluja appears to have gone against the plans of his US allies, who would prefer the government concentrate on the northern city of Mosul.

But a string of bombings last month in Baghdad which killed more than 150 people in one week, the highest death toll this year, cranked up pressure on Abadi to do something about Falluja, just 50 km west of Baghdad and seen by many Iraqis as an irredeemable bulwark of militancy. — Reuters

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INDIA

Pranab seeks new avenues for Indian businesses in Africa President Pranab Mukherjee said Cote d’Ivoire is expected to grow at a rate of 9.6 per cent which makes it a prime destination for investment in Africa

ABIDJAN: Scouting for new avenues for Indian businesses, President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday said that a considerable amount of the capital generated in India seeks new destinations outside the country, including in resource-rich Africa.

Recalling ancient trade and economic linkages between India and Africa, the president said business and economic activity has always been a major driver of India’s close and friendly ties with Africa.

HONOUR: President Pranab Mukherjee being honoured by Ivory

Coast President Alassane Ouattara, right, with the National Order of the Republic of Ivory Coast, the highest civilian award of the West African country at the Presidential Palace in Republic of Cote D’Ivoire, Abidjan on Tuesday. - PTI

Addressing the Business Forum of local businessmen, Mukherjee said Cote D’Ivoire is expected to grow at a rate of 9.6 per cent which makes it a prime destination for investment in Africa and second fastest growing economy after Ethiopia.

“For Ivorian businessmen, the opportunities offered by India are not new. India has recorded a steady growth at the rate of 7.6 per cent each year — for over a

decade now. The comprehensive reforms introduced in key areas of our economy have enhanced the ease of doing business in India,” he said.

Foreign investment The President said country’s foreign investment regime has been liberalised through simplified procedures and the removal of several restricting provisions.

Mukherjee said in 2014, India

A1 1

recorded 32 per cent growth in investments and late it emerged as emerged as one of the biggest global investment destinations.

“India as economy has grown and matured; a considerable amount of the capital generated in India seeks new destinations outside the country, including in Africa. Indian investors are aware of the potential of Cote D’Ivoire; with its large land mass, rich natural resources and youthful demography, as an important investment destination,” he said.

Mukherjee said India looks forward to partnering Cote d’Ivoire — particularly in the agricultural processing sector and the exploration and mining of minerals.

He asked businessmen of Cote D’Ivoire to take advantage of the Indian Government’s initiatives such as Make in India.

“India is the 5th largest trading partner of Ivory Coast — and yet, we continue to see that despite the positive environment of growth in our two countries, our bilateral trade has remained at modest levels. It has not grown beyond $840 million, which is far below the true potential that we can and must fully realise,” he said.

President Pranab Mukherjee has been accorded the highest

honour of Cote D’Ivoirie by its President Alassane Ouattara on his maiden visit here.

After an elaborate reception accorded at the airport, Mukherjee attended a banquet last evening hosted by Ouattara where he was accorded with Grand Cross National Order of the Republic of Cote D’Ivoirie in a simple ceremony in the President’s Palace. It is the first such honour accorded to Mukherjee, Press Secretary to the President Venu Rajamony said.

He said while Mukherjee has received number of honorary degrees, it is first such honour accorded to him by a country. In his speech at the banquet, Mukherjee who is on the second leg of his three-nation visit to Africa, said it is rightly believed that the mutual goodwill between India and Cote D’Ivoirie is inversely proportional to the geographical distance separating the two countries, longstanding friendship and fruitful cooperation has made it irrelevant.

“I feel greatly honoured, Excellency, by your gesture of conferring on me the National Order of the Republic of Cote D’Ivoirie. I consider it to be emblematic of the long standing mutual friendship between the peoples of our two countries,” he said. - PTI

ACCIDENT

30 killed as bus falls into gorge in Meghalaya SHILLONG: At least 30 people were killed and 11 injured when a bus they were travelling in skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge near Sonapur in East Khasi Hills district of east Indian state of Meghalaya, police said on Wednesday.

The accident took place at about 9:45pm. The bus was coming from Silchar to Guwahati in Assam, Meghalaya Director General of Police Rajiv Mehta said.

Eleven bodies have so far been retrieved from the accident site and Border Security Force personnel along with local people were making efforts to recover the rest.

The injured were admitted to a hospital in Shillong.

Expressed deep pain Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep pain over the loss of lives in the bus mishap in Meghalaya and said his prayers are with the families of the deceased.

“Deeply pained by the loss of lives caused by a bus mishap in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills District,” Modi tweeted.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased in this hour of grief,” he said in another tweet. -PTI

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READERS’ FORUM Not introducing income tax welcome news This refers to report No plans to tax expats income, (June 12) After the decrease in oil prices life became difficult in Oman particularly for expats. Many expats has been forced to lose there jobs while for those who are residing here it is difficult to match their income with spending due to inflation. Increase in cost of living is already tightening our pockets. Even though income tax will generate more income to the government the decision of not introducing income tax in Oman at present is welcome news for the residents. — Subbashini M, Al Khuwair Scan this QR code to send letters to the Readers’ Forum, containing not more than 200 words with full name, address and telephone number, may be sent by e-mail (akhtar@ timesofoman.com).

ANGUS DEATON

International development aid is based on the Robin Hood principle: take from the rich and give to the poor. National development agencies, multilateral organizations, and NGOs currently transfer more than $135 billion a year from rich countries to poor countries with this idea in mind.

Deliver vehicle registration card through Omanpost Congratulations to Royal Oman Police for introducing mobile application for vehicle registration renewal.I would suggest going a step further and delivering the registration card through Omanpost to vehicle owner’s doorstep. This will ensure that the owner does not need to step out from his home or office at all. This will take hundreds of vehicles off the road saving time and fuel. Owners won’t mind paying little more for this service. Another option could be o choose collection from ROP offices or delivery at door step. — Umesh Shah, Mina Al Fahal

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WINSTON CHURCHILL

S

andwiched between Angola and South Africa, Namibia suffered mightily during the long struggle against apartheid. Yet, since winning independence from South Africa in 1990, this country of 2.4 million people has achieved enormous gains, especially in the last couple of years.

A big reason for Namibia’s success has been the government’s focus on education. While people in advanced countries take for granted free primary and secondary education, in many poor countries, secondary education, and even primary schools, require tuition. Indeed, governments are often advised to impose tuition as a form of “cost recovery.”

In Namibia, however, public primary education is free; and, as of the current school year, so is public secondary education. Namibia’s government is also proactive in other important ways. Malaria eradication efforts have reduced annual cases by 97 per cent in about a decade. Bucking the global trend of increasing inequality, Namibia’s Gini coefficient (the standard measure of inequality in an income distribution) has fallen by some 15 points since 1993 (admittedly from one of the highest levels in the world). And the poverty rate has been more than halved, from 69 per cent in 1993 to under 30 per cent , with extreme poverty (the number of people living on less than $1.90 a day) falling by a similar margin, from just under 53 per cent to less than 23 per cent .

Namibia also has Africa’s highest ranking for press freedom from Reporters Without Borders – well ahead of the United States and other wealthy economies. The country also has favourable ratings – among the highest in Africa – on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.Even as commodity prices have been falling, Namibia has managed to maintain strong GDP growth – an estimated 4.5 per cent in 2015, following average growth of nearly 4.2 per cent from 1991-2014. At the same time, its debt-to-GDP ratio, at around 25 per cent , is less than a third of the debt ratio in Europe or the US. Of course, Namibia has its problems. The unemployment rate, at least as conventionally measured, remains stubbornly high, at nearly 28 per cent . And, like other countries in the region, it faces a high level of HIV/AIDS – nearly 17 per cent

of the population are HIV-positive.

The World Bank classifies Namibia as upper middle income, but the authorities insist that theirs is in fact a developing country. Namibia certainly has some of the difficulties we associate with less-developed economies. It has to develop a very large and arid country with a small population. This includes isolated desert communities of nomadic hunter-gatherers, who somehow must be integrated into a modern society without losing their identity. Integrating people who a quarter-century ago were on the fringes of the global economy would be an enormous task for any country. For Namibia, it is even harder: as much as any country in the world, it is confronting head-on the effects of climate change.

Nonetheless, Namibia has taken these problems in stride as it creates a diversified economy and cohesive society. Remarkably, rival political factions of the country’s freedom struggle have come together to work for the common good.

Indeed, Namibia provides low-cost health care not only for its own citizens, but also for its neighbours. Some 15-20 per cent of health-care visits in the north of Namibia are Angolan citizens. The manager of the hotel where we stayed, just across the border, regularly sends a little boat across the crocodile-infested river to bring over Angolans who want to buy provisions at the hotel canteen or see the visiting Namibian health-care workers.

No one in Namibia talks about building a wall between their country and its poor and corrupt neighbors. Rather, the Namibians we met understand that you can’t pick your neighbours, so it’s best to work with them by sharing scarce water resources, cooperating on regional health efforts, encouraging investment, and exchanging students.

Moreover, Namibia’s government has wisely understood that abundant natural resources can easily become a curse, enriching a few at the expense of the many. The authorities know that unless Namibia’s natural wealth is invested in infrastructure and its people’s productive capacities, resource exhaustion will leave the country poorer, not richer.

- Project Syndicate

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES JUNE 2001 OCCI calls for reviewing duration of labour card validity MUSCAT: The Ministry of Social Affairs, Labour and Vocational Training has notified the industry and specifications committee of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry that the validity of the labour card will remain for one year instead of the suggested two-year duration. The committee, in a meeting yesterday, proposed that the issue should be raised in the consultations between the OCCI and the ministry with a view to reaching a satisfactory conclusion on the matter that would be helpful to the private sector.

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PICTOGRAPH

UNIVERSITY & COLLEGE GRADUATES IN OMAN (in thousands)

2011

2012

2013

32.7

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

1925: France accepts a German proposal for a security pact.

1935: President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal legislation is passed by the House of Representatives.

1955: The US House of Representatives votes to extend Selective Service until 1959.

1977: Leonid Brezhnev is named president of the Soviet Union.

0 Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

A1 3

INDIA I N D I A M E T E O R O L O G I C A L D E PA R T M E N T

22% rain deficiency due to slow-progress of south-west monsoon NEW DELHI: The slow progress of the south-west monsoon has led to overall deficiency of rains by 22 per cent over the last fortnight, the MeT department on Wednesday said.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), from June 1 to 15, the country has received overall 43.6mm of rainfall as compared to normal level of 55.7mm —an overall deficiency of 22 per cent. The progress of the south-west monsoon has been relatively slow as it is not getting a favourable system to move forward and is held up at Karwar and Gadag in Karnataka and Ongole in Andhra Pradesh.

It is only the southern peninsula that has recorded 27 per cent excess rainfall while other parts of the country have seen deficient

rains. The eastern and northeastern part of the country have received 90.4mm of rainfall as compared to the normal level of 138.7 mm, while north-west India has recorded only 13.6 mm of precipitation, which is 36 per cent less than normal.

Similar is the case with central India that has recorded rainfall of 27.3mm as against the normal precipitation of 43.5mm, a decrease of 37 per cent.

The onset of monsoon was seven days late this year as against its normal arrival date of June 1.

Since conditions are not favourable for speedy progress of monsoon, north and central India will witness a delay in its arrival.

The normal date of arrival of monsoon in Mumbai is June 10

and July 1 in Delhi.

Meanwhile, the south-west monsoon has further advanced into remaining parts of Bay of Bengal and some parts of sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim.

“Conditions are favourable for further advancement of southwest monsoon into some more parts of central Arabian Sea, entire Goa, some parts of Konkan, south Madhya Maharashtra and Marathawada, remaining parts of North Interior Karnataka, Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra Pradesh, some parts of Telangana, remaining parts of Bay of Bengal and some parts of Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar during next 4 to 5 days,” the IMD said.

Monsoon was active over sub-

Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim since Tuesday.

Mercury hovered around normal levels as rain lashed many areas of northern and eastern India on Wednesday even though high levels of humidity caused discomfort to people.

In the national capital, maximum temperature was recorded at 38.4 degrees Celsius, a notch below normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 30.5 degrees Celsius, three notches above the season’s average, a MeT department official said.

However, high humidity, which oscillated between 73 and 48 per cent, caused discomfort to the people. Rains lashed many areas in Punjab and Haryana, leading to drop in day temperatures. - PTI

INUNDATED: Vehicles and rickshaws wades through the water logged area after a heavy rains in Guwahati on Wednesday. - PTI

New aviation policy pushes for affordable, convenient flying Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said the new policy was aimed at ease of doing business for airline operators, and ‘affordable, convenient and cheaper’ travel for fliers at large BRIEFING: Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajpati Raju, MoS for Civil Aviation Mahesh Chandra Sharma look on as Union Minister

NEW DELHI: In a major reform of the aviation sector, government on Wednesday scrapped the 5/20 overseas flying norm for domestic carriers in its new civil aviation policy while capping fares at Rs2,500 for one-hour flights and imposing a “small levy” on passengers towards regional connectivity fund.

The new policy which got approval from the Union Cabinet was aimed at ease of doing business for airline operators, and “affordable, convenient and cheaper” travel for fliers at large, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju told the media.

As part of the policy, the ministry will come out with initiatives to develop new airports, separate regulations for helicopters and measures to boost skill development in the aviation sector.

Airlines will also get tax incentives for operating on unserved routes under the regional connectivity scheme. The govern-

IT and communications, Ravi Shanker Prasad during a press conference on national civil aviation policy which approved by cabinet in New Delhi on Wednesday. - PTI

ment has scrapped the decadelong controversial 5/20 norm and now any domestic airline can fly overseas provided they deploy 20 planes or 20 per cent of their total capacity for domestic operations.

There has been a high decibel debate over the continuance of 5/20 norm — whereby only local airlines having at least five years of operational experience and a fleet of minimum 20 aircraft are allowed to fly overseas.

About the decision to scrap the rule, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “A questionable legacy has been thrown into the dustbin.”

Amid concerns over an earlier proposal to auction additional bilateral rights, the government has also decided that a final call on additional rights would be taken by a committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary.

The ministry said the 5/20

norm is being replaced by a “formulation which provides a level playing field and allows airlines, both new and old, to commence international operations provided they continue to meet some obligations for domestic operation”.

In efforts to increase air traffic into the country and ensure improve ease of doing business, the regime of bilateral rights and code share agreements would be liberalised. “Open skies will be implemented on a reciprocal basis for SAARC countries and countries beyond 5,000km from Delhi,” the ministry said in a release.

A committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary would decide on allotment of additional capacity entitlements for overseas carriers wherever designated Indian airlines have not utilised 80 per cent of their bilateral rights but the foreign counterparts have utilised their quota and are look-

ing for more. Seeking to provide a boost for the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) segment, the ministry would persuade state governments not to levy VAT on such activities.”

Airport royalty and additional charges will not be levied on MRO service providers for a period of five years from the date of approval of the policy,” the release said.

The Route Dispersal Guidelines (RDG) have been rationalised by making the criteria for declaring a route as Category I (trunk route) more transparent. “The criteria proposed for a Category I route are a flying distance of more than 700km, average seat factor of more than 70 per cent and annual traffic of 5 lakh passengers,” the release said. According to the ministry, the percentage of Category III would be reduced in view of regional connectivity scheme coming into operation.

Civil Aviation Secretary Rajeev Nayan Choubey said the idea is to enhance regional connectivity through fiscal support and infrastructure development. As part of this scheme, the government would connect under-served and un-served destinations for which the fares have been capped at Rs2,500 for one-hour flights.

Besides, regulator DGCA would be given necessary administrative and financial flexibility to ensure that an effective aviation oversight system is in place.

A transparent single window system for all aviation safety-related issues would also be set up.

Choubey said the aim is to increase domestic passenger ticketing to 300 million in five years from current level of 80 million.

At present, India is the fastest growing aviation market in the world with 22 per cent growth recorded in 2015-16. - PTI

C O N TA G I O U S D I S E A S E

300,000 children to be vaccinated after polio strain found NEW DELHI: India plans to urgently immunise around 300,000 children against the crippling polio virus after a strain of the highly contagious disease was detected in sewage in the southern city of Hyderabad, the ministry of health said on Wednesday.

India was declared polio free by the World Health Organization in March 2014 after an almost twodecade long, multi-million dollar effort -- lauded as one of the country’s biggest public health achievements in recent times.

A health ministry statement confirmed media reports that a strain of the virus was discovered in a sewage sample taken near Hyderabad’s Secunderabad railway station, but said that no children in area were found to be affected.

“India continues to be polio free as the country has eradicated wild polio virus and the last case was seen on 13th January, 2011, and it is more than five years that no wild polio virus has been detected,” the health ministry said.

The statement said a recent survey of the area found 94 percent of children had received at least three doses of the oral polio vaccine and therefore transmission was unlikely.

However “as a precautionary measure” a special immunisation drive would be held from June 20 in the high-risk districts of Hyderabad and Rangareddy, targeting around 300,000 children between the ages of six weeks and three years, it said. Vaccination booths will be set up, the ministry said, and parents encouraged to get their children injected with the Inactivated Polio Vaccine which will provide additional protection against all types of polio. Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only countries left in the world where the virus remains endemic. - Reuters

MONEY LAUNDERING PROBE

VVIP choppers deal: ED files fresh charge sheet; names Michel NEW DELHI: Enforcement Directorate has filed a fresh charge sheet, delving specifically into the role of British national and alleged middleman Christian Michel James and his few Indian associates, in connection with its money laundering probe in the Rs36 billion VVIP chopper deal.

The over 1,300 page prosecution complaint (ED’s equivalent for charge sheet) has been placed before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court here early this week and it has said that agency’s investigation into the case has found that Michel received euro 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from Ms AgustaWestland which was nothing but “kickbacks” paid by the firm to execute the 12 helicopter deal in favour of the firm in “guise of” of genuine transactions for performing multiple work contracts in the country.

The court is expected to soon take cognisance of the supplementary charge sheet, agency sources said.

Interpol Red Corner Notice Michel is one of the three middlemen being probed in the case, apart from Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa, by the Enforcement

On January 1, 2014, India scrapped the contract with AgustaWestland for supplying 12 AW-101 VVIP choppers to the IAF over alleged breach of contractual obligations and charges of paying kickbacks to the tune of Rs423 crore by it for securing the deal

Directorate and the CBI and both the agencies have also notified an Interpol Red Corner Notice (RCN) or the global arrest warrant against him after court issued a non-bailable warrant against him.

Michel was extensively interviewed by Indian media in Dubai recently and both the agencies want him to join probe.

This is the second charge sheet filed in the case by ED which goes into the detailed role of Michel in the deal, his multiple visits to India and his transactions.

The first charge sheet was filed by the agency in the case in November, 2014.

It is understood that filing a charge sheet against Michel was

necessary as ED has sought his extradition from the UK and hence such a court complaint against an accused is necessary in order to execute the treaty between the two countries.

Remittances The agency has also brought on record, in the charge sheet, that the three middlemen “managed to” make inroads into the Indian Air Force in order to influence and subvert the stand of the air force regarding reducing the service ceiling of the helicopters from 6,000-metres to 4,500 metres in 2005 after which AgustaWestland became eligible to supply the dozen helicopters for VVIP flying duties.

ED investigations have found that remittances made by Michel through his Dubai-based firm Ms Global Services, FZE to a media firm he floated in Delhi, along with two Indians, were made from the funds which he got from Ms AgustaWestland SpA through “criminal activity” and corruption being done in the chopper deal that led to the subsequent generation of proceeds of crime.

The PMLA probe found that AgustaWestland CEO Bruno Spagnolini was paying “kickbacks” to Michel and the two other middlemen in the guise of numerous “consultancy contracts” and Michel alone received euro 30 million in his Dubai company ac-

counts and others under this arrangement.

The agency has also detected that the media firm floated by Michel in Delhi, along with two Indians, was nothing but a “shell company” to “launder the proceeds of crime.”

At least two other associates of Michel in Delhi and the media firm, whose assets were attached

by ED last year, have been named in the charge sheet along with the statements made by various people connected to him including his driver Narayan Bahadur.

The probe also found that Michel had hired a firm to provide to him from India an analysis of market publications related to manufacturing industry active in Indian defence arena, the economic and financial trends in the country and overall views on private sector participation in Indian defence and manufacturing industry.

The probe in the deal had been in news recently after a Milan (Italy) based court sentenced Italian defence and aerospace major Finmeccanica’s former chief Giuseppe Orsi and Spagnolini on corruption charges in the sale of these helicopters to India.

The Milan court order also men-

tions the name of former IAF chief S. P. Tyagi at several points.

Post this, both the agencies began a fresh round of questioning the accused and collection of further evidences.

Scrapped contract ED had registered a PMLA case in this regard in 2014 and named 21 people including Tyagi in its money laundering FIR. It had also arrested Delhi-based businessman Gautam Khaitan in the case and he is out on bail at present.

It had earlier submitted that Khaitan was on the board of Chandigarh-based company Aeromatrix which was allegedly a front firm for the financial dealings in the chopper deal.

On January 1, 2014, India scrapped the contract with Finmeccanica’s British subsidiary AgustaWestland for supplying 12 AW-101 VVIP choppers to the IAF over alleged breach of contractual obligations and charges of paying kickbacks to the tune of Rs 423 crore by it for securing the deal.

ED and Central Bureau of Investigation had also issued Letters Rogatory (judicial requests) to multiple countries to gather more leads and evidences in this case. - PTI

A 14

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

PAKISTAN

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NEW CITY

Zulfikarabad to bring a revolution in Sindh, says Qaim Ali Shah KARACHI: The establishment of the new residential, industrial and recreational city of Zulfikarabad between twin districts of Sujawal and Thatta will bring about a revolution in residential and commercial activities in the province, said Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, adding that it will provide easy access to the coal rich Tharparkar district.

He was presiding over a meeting on the proposed city at CM House.

Chief secretary Siddique Memon, principal secretary to CM Alamuddin Bullo, Board of Revenue senior member Rizwan Memon, additional chief secretary for development Mohammad Waseem, irrigation secretary Zaheer Hyder Shah and others attended the meeting.

Zulfikarabad Development Authority (ZDA) managing director Ali Mumtaz Zaidi, while giving a presentation to the chief minister, proposed an alternative site of Haleji-Kohistan area, spreading over 60,000 acres, for Zulfikarabad city as it is close to the National and Super highways.

He added that it will carry the distinction of becoming the first city of the province that offers a lake view. The development of the new city will convert the deserted landscape of Haleji and Kohistan

BLACK SCORPIONS SEIZED AT AIRPORT

A wildlife official displays a black scorpion, which was seized with other black scorpions at the airport in Karachi by antinarcotics force while being shipped to Hong Kong, at a wildlife department in Karachi, Pakistan, on Wednesday. — Reuters

into resorts and horticultural and residential areas, said Zaidi.

Zaidi also proposed a cargo airport in private sector along the lines of Sialkot private cargo airport for the new city. He added that Karachi is getting more populated with each passing day, posing enormous problems to the citizens. He was of the view that planners should think about lessening the population pressure.

Economic zone The economic zone of Zulfikarabad city has already been designated at Shah Bandar, Kharochhan, on the east of River Indus.

The possibility of establishing a port and shipyard at Keti Bandar on the west of River Indus was also discussed during the presentation.

The chief minister said that he has urged the federal government to include Keti Bandar sea port project into the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. “I hope it will be included [considering] its strategic, geographic and commercial importance,” he said.

During the presentation, it was also proposed that the site of the 44-kilometre-long Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Expressway and six-kilometre-long bridge on River Indus. - Express Tribune

Pakistan troops fire heavy artillery at Afghan forces Afghanistan and Pakistan have blamed each other for the fighting that broke out on Sunday at the main crossing point between them over the construction of a new border post CRISIS: Pakistan’s army spokesman, Asim Saleem Bajwa addresses media representatives about the

details of Torkham border gate, in Rawalpindi on Wednesday. — AFP

PESHAWAR: Pakistani troops fired heavy artillery at Afghan forces at their main Khyber Pass border crossing on Wednesday, the Pakistani military said, an escalation after days of clashes that have killed four people and stranded thousands on both sides.

Relations between the United States allies have never been close but have been strained over the past 15 years by Afghan accusations that Pakistan supports the Taleban who are fighting to unseat the US-backed government in Kabul. Pakistan denies that.

The countries have blamed each other for the fighting that broke out on Sunday at the main crossing point between them over the construction of a new border post on the Pakistani side. “When our people began construction work on the gate on Wednesday, Afghan

LONG WAIT: A driver reacts while looking at trucks carrying goods while waiting to cross into Afghanistan at a compound in Peshawar, Pakistan, on Wednesday. — Reuters

forces again opened fire at our troops and construction workers,” said a Pakistani security official who declined to be identified.

He said Pakistan had retaliated

with long-range artillery and mortars. There was no word on any casualties. The Pakistani military spokesman’s office confirmed the Wednesday fighting.

Afghan officials, however, denied any fighting on Wednesday, but said an Afghan border guard was killed and five were wounded overnight on Tuesday. It was not immediately clear if the officials were talking about the same incident.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office summoned the Afghan ambassador to demand that Afghanistan put an end to the ‘unprovoked firing’ and to protest against the death of a Pakistani army major, shot on the border in a clash this week.

The US State Department on Tuesday urged ‘a calm resolution to the tension’.

Pakistan says the border gate it is building is well on its side of the border and it will help stop militants from crossing and help fight drug trafficking. Pakistan’s

foreign policy chief, Sartaj Aziz, expressed concern over what he called the Afghan army’s attempts to ‘disrupt border management efforts; by Pakistan.

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been particularly strained in recent months over Afghan anger with what it sees as insincere efforts by Pakistan to help with peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taleban.

Pakistan says it is trying to encourage the Taleban to talk to the Kabul government but has limited sway over the militants.

The United States on Wednesday urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to peacefully resolve ongoing tensions at Torkham border as cross-fire continued for a third day, an Express Tribune report.

“We are all watching the tensions very closely,” US State Department spokesperson John Kirby said during his weekly press briefing. The spokesperson said the US was in touch with officials on both sides. The US State Department spokesperson further said the United States did not want to see violence or escalation in tensions. “Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Ambassador Richard Olson, who was in the region at the time of the incident, shared these sentiments,” Kirby said.

Olson met with government officials, including Adviser to prime minister on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif in Islamabad and discussed a range of bilateral, regional issues,” the spokesperson added. - Reuters

TREMORS

Earthquake jolts

parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan

ISLAMABAD: An earthquake jolted parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar and Swat on Wednesday. The magnitude and epicenter of the earthquake is not yet known. Tremors were felt in Bunir, Malakand, Swat and Peshawar.

At least six people were killed when a powerful earthquake rocked parts of Pakistan in April.

Five people died in various remote regions of the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the National Disaster Management Authority said in a statement, and at least 20 homes were damaged.

One man was killed in the northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan when he was hit by falling rocks in the town of Chilas, an official said. The 6.6-magnitude quake struck neighbouring northeast Afghanistan at a depth of 210 kilometres at 2.58pm.

It was felt in the Afghan capital Kabul 282km to the south of the epicentre and in Islamabad, where some residents evacuated apartment blocks after tremors shook ceiling fans and furniture.

In April this year, at least five people were killed and many others injured in Pakistan as earthquake with a magnitude of 6.6 struck South Asia.

At least three died when tremors caused a landslide on the Karakar mountain range connecting Swat and Buner. Two others passed away in Shabqadar Shahbaz Khan Korona of district Charsadda when a boundary wall collapsed.

The earthquake hit parts of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa near the Afghan border, shaking buildings in the Afghanistan and Pakistan capitals. - Express Tribune

ECONOMIC CORRIDOR

Bidding terms for China-Pakistan corridor projects waived off ISLAMABAD: The government has permanently waived off the condition of international competitive bidding in Chinese deals and approved to award the construction contract of Eastbay expressway to link Gwadar port with coastal highway to one of three Chinese bidders.

It also gave legal cover to gift four horses of high breed to royal families of Qatar and Saudi Arabia in a non-transparent manner. In its meeting, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet approved the sale price formula of re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RNLG), passing on the cost of system’s inefficiencies and extra expenditures on import to the consumers.

The ECC also allowed hand over of Heavy Mechanical Complex

(HMC) to the military’s Strategic Plan Division (SPD), taking it from the Ministry of Industries.

Headed by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, the ECC made certain decisions that carry far-reaching implications for execution of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in addition to setting the base for future projects.

The ECC, once for all, settled the issue of international competitive bidding in execution of the CPEC projects. It approved a report of a sub-committee, which establishes the federation’s authority to override Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) Ordinance of 2002 in execution of strategic nature projects.

The subcommittee cited the Constitution’s Articles 90 and 99 that deal with exercising federa-

Chinese state-owned companies and Beijing has forwarded a set of three names.

The competition will be among China Communication Construction Company, China State Engineering Construction Company and CATIC Civil.

tion authority and conduct of business. The ECC allowed the Gwadar Port Authority to proceed with the procurement of one of the three listed Chinese Companies as well as preference for the use of the Chinese equipment, in accordance with the CPEC Framework Agreement, said the Finance Ministry.

The proposed 19km expressway will be constructed at an estimated

cost of $140 million and connect the Gwadar Port with the Makran Coastal Highway, passing along the Eastbay of Gwadar city. Since China is providing interest free loan for the project, the contracts will be awarded in government-togovernment mode, waiving off the condition of international competitive bidding. However, there will still be a competition among

Horses gift The government approved a gift of four horses to the royal families of Qatar and Saudi Arabia in a dubious manner. Each of the royal families will get two horses of high breed. The horses have already been exported after finance minister gave anticipatory approval, as chairperson of the ECC. He asked the ECC to regularise and give ex-post facto approval.

The government did not circulate the summary among the ECC

members. The ECC approved transfer of HMC to the Strategic Plan Division (SPD). The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission will administer the HMC on behalf of the SPD. The HMC, which manufactures high-end engineering goods, was highly mismanaged by the Ministry of Industries. The ECC assured that the HMC’s employees would be fully protected. It approved Rs500 million to cover essential expenditure of the company and paying salaries till the end of this month.

The ECC approved sale price formula of RLNG, which passes every kind of cost under the roof to the consumers including cost of inefficiency and leakages.

The sale price will be worked out by adding up delivered ex-ship price of the LNG. - Express Tribune

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

A1 5

WORLD Orlando club massacre inquiry focuses on gunman’s wife Noor Mateen made multiple calls to 911 emergency services during his rampage, which he used to declare his allegiance to various extremist militant groups, some of which are at odds with one another. He also called local channel, News 13, the station revealed on its website

Gunman Omar Mateen’s wife, Noor Salman, knew of his plans for what became the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history, was likely to face criminal charges after a federal grand jury was convened to study possible wrongdoing by her, a law enforcement

MEMORIAL: People hold up their cellphones instead of candles as names of those killed are read aloud during a memorial service at the University of Central Florida for the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting where Omar Mateen killed 49 people on Tuesday in Orlando, Florida. — Joe Raedle/Getty Images/AFP

source said

ORLANDO/WASHINGTON: The wife of the gunman who killed 50 people at an Orlando nightclub was likely to face criminal charges after a federal grand jury was convened to study possible wrongdoing by her, a law enforcement source said.

Omar Mateen’s wife, Noor Salman, knew of his plans for what became the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history, said the law enforcement source, who has been briefed on the matter.

US Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, which received a briefing on the investigation into Sunday’s massacre, told CNN it appeared Salman had “some knowledge” of what was going on.

“She definitely is, I guess you would say, a person of interest right now and appears to be cooperating and can provide us with some important information,” King said.

Salman was with Mateen when he cased possible targets in the past two months, including the Walt Disney World Resort in April, a shopping complex called Disney Springs and the Pulse nightclub in early June, CNN and NBC report-

ed. Salman could not be reached for comment.

The gunman’s father, Seddique Mateen, declined to comment specifically on the investigation on Wednesday, saying, “The FBI, they always do a professional job and to the maximum extent of my ability I will support them.”

The younger Mateen, a New York-born US citizen of Afghan heritage, was shot dead by police after a three-hour rampage

through the Pulse nightclub.

The attack was the deadliest on US soil since the hijacked plane attacks on New York and Washington on September 11, 2001.

Federal investigators have said Mateen, who was 29 and worked as a security guard, was likely self-radicalised and there was no evidence he received any help or instructions from outside groups such as IS. Salman’s mother, Ekbal Zahi Salman, lives in a middle-

class neighbourhood in Rodeo, California, about 25 miles (40 km) north of San Francisco.

A neighbour said Noor Salman visited her mother only once after she married Mateen.

Noor Salman’s mother “didn’t like him very much. He didn’t allow her (Noor) to come here,” said neighbour Rajinder Chahal.

He said he had spoken to Noor Salman’s mother after the Orlando attack and she “was crying, weep-

ing.” The shooting raised questions about how the United States should respond to the threat of violence from militant extremists at home and abroad.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation questioned Mateen in 2013 and 2014 for suspected ties to extremist militants but concluded he did not pose a threat. The shooting reverberated through the presidential election campaign.

President Barack Obama slammed Republican candidate Donald Trump for reiterating his proposed ban on Muslims entering the United States, joining fellow Democrat Hillary Clinton in portraying Trump as unfit for the White House.

Sunday’s attack followed a mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, in December in which a married couple inspired by IS killed 14 people.

US Senator Pat Toomey, a Republican who joined forces with Democrats in an unsuccessful push for gun control legislation after the killing of elementary school children in Connecticut in 2012, is now working on a bill to keep guns out of the hands of people on terrorism watch lists, a gun control group said on Wednesday.

Lizzie Ulmer, a spokeswoman for Everytown for Gun Safety, a group that has the backing of former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, said her organisation was involved in talks with Toomey on producing a bill that could pass Congress.

Toomey’s office could not be reached for immediate comment.

Gun purchases Trump said he would meet with the powerful National Rifle Association lobbying group, which has endorsed him, to discuss a similar idea for restricting gun purchases.

That marked a break with Republican Party orthodoxy, which typically opposes any restrictions on gun ownership. — Reuters

A16

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

WORLD

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General calls for martial law in southern Philippines

B R I TA I N O N K N I F E E D G E

Nicola Sturgeon

‘Brexit leave vote to force Scots to hold referendum for secession’

Abu Sayyaf executed Robert Hall on Monday in the remote island of Jolo, the second Canadian captive to be killed following John Ridsdel, after their ransom demand went unheeded

MANILA: A senior Philippine army general on Wednesday resumed a push for martial law to be imposed on a troubled southern island where extremist militants beheaded a Canadian captive, despite a recent decision by President Benigno Aquino not to adopt such curbs.

On Monday, militants of Abu Sayyaf, a small but brutal group linked to Al Qaeda, executed Robert Hall on the remote island of Jolo, the second Canadian captive to be killed following John Ridsdel, after their ransom demand went unheeded.

“Declare martial law, that is a right move,” said a senior Philippine army general, who declined to be identified as he was not authorised to speak to the media.

“If you want to immediately solve the problem, there should be a total control by the military in the area.”

Emergency powers were needed because the Abu Sayyaf was using its ransom proceeds to buy the loyalties of the surrounding community, he added.

HOPEFUL: Philippine President Benigno Aquino, third right, speaking while Interior Secretary Senen Sarmiento, right, and military officials listen at a press conference inside a military camp during a visit to Jolo town, Sulu province on the southern island of Mindanao.

President Aquino said on Wednesday he still hopes to recover foreign hostages in the hands of extremists despite the beheading of two Canadians in recent months. — AFP/BENHUR ARCAYAN/MPB

prime ministers of Canada and Norway by telephone, thanking them for their understanding and support of his government’s noransom policy. He said he apologised to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for the death of Robert Hall and John Ridsdel, who was executed in April.

Aquino said he considered declaring martial law on Jolo three weeks ago but decided against it because there was no guarantee it would work.

“You would need a large force to implement martial law and there

is no guarantee it will produce positive results,” he told reporters on a visit to Jolo to inspect troops pursuing Abu Sayyaf militants.

“It might generate more sympathy for the Abu Sayyaf.”

Aquino said he spoke with the

No payment Trudeau has condemned Hall’s execution, but said Canada cannot, and will not, pay ransom in such cases because it could encourage additional kidnappings.

Abu Sayyaf had initially de-

manded one billion pesos for each of the detainees, but cut that to 300 million early this year.

Hall’s family backed the Canadian government’s policy.

“Our family, even in our darkest hour, agrees wholeheartedly with Canada’s policy of not paying ransom,” it said in a statement. Abu Sayyaf is known for kidnapping, beheadings and extortion.

Security is precarious in the southern Philippines despite a 2014 peace pact between the government and the largest Muslim rebel group that ended 45 years of conflict. — Reuters

EDINBURGH: Britain’s referendum on European Union membership is on a knife edge and if England backs an exit that drags Scots out of the bloc against their will, Scotland may call a new vote on independence, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said.

Opinion polls have in the past few days shown unexpectedly strong support for leaving the European Union in a June 23 referendum, a step that could rock the EU, test the unity of the United Kingdom and unleash turmoil on global financial markets.

“Clearly the referendum is on a knife edge across the UK,” Sturgeon, the pro-EU leader of Scotland’s devolved government, told Reuters in an interview in the Scottish Parliament.

Voted to stay Sturgeon said that if England pulled the United Kingdom out of the EU and Scotland voted to stay, there would probably be sharp rise in support for calling a vote on Scottish independence. She declined to give any timescale.

Scots rejected independence by 55-45 per cent in a referendum in September 2014, though the vote energised Scottish politics and support for Sturgeon’s Scottish National Party (SNP) has surged seen then.

Because of the potential political uncertainty that a so-called Brexit would cause, it is unclear how much support there would be for secession if Scots were to vote on the issue again. — Reuters

B

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM THUR SDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

OMAN CRUDE DECLINES

MARKE

Oman Crude (August delivery) fell by 24 cents to $46.17 per barrel, said Dubai Mercantile Exchange (DME). The average price of Oman Crude (June delivery) stabilised at $39.40 per barrel, $3.06 higher than May delivery. - ONA

Muscat 5,826.46 - 12.41 - 0.21%

Dubai 3,324.70 - 5.01 - 0.15%

Abu Dhabi 4,340.93 - 45.49 - 1.04%

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Kuwait 5,390.36 - 21.78 - 0.40%

Saudi Arabia

9,763.72 - 37.68 - 0.38%

Bahrain 1,118.26 - 5.05 - 0.45%

Qatar 9,768.65 + 12.27 + 0.13%

CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.29 Pound ........................................... 1.82 Indian Rs ............................. 174.34 Pak Rs ................................... 267.02 Bangla Taka.......................201.53

Indian Rs ................................... 174.35 Pakistan Rs ..............................271.40 Sri Lanka Rs .................................. N/A Bangla Taka........................... 203.55 Phil Peso ................................... 120.20

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) .......16.40

Oman Crude............. (Spot) ........$45.64 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) ........$45.44 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) ........$48.46 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ........ $45.79 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) .........$49.16 West Texas Int ....... (Spot) .........$47.82

* Rates as of June 15 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

* Rates are as of June 15 Source: Bank Muscat

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) ....... 15.75 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ............155.25 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) ............. 145.75 * Rates as of June 15 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

M O O D Y ’ S R AT I N G

Oman’s bonds get better rating on low level of indebtedness Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman’s recent dollar denominated bond issuance has received a better rating from Moody’s Investors Service.

Moody’s Investors Service has assigned a definitive Baa1 rating to the Government of Oman’s US dollar bond issuance.

The issuance consisted of two

tranches - $1 billion due in 2021, and $1.5 billion due in 2026 - marking the first international bond issuance by the government since 1997. Moody’s definitive rating for these debt obligations follows the provisional rating assigned on June 3, 2016, according to a press release issued by the rating agency.

Oman’s Baa1 long-term government bond and issuer rating with

stable outlook is supported by high levels of wealth, fiscal space offered by relatively low levels of general government debt and still sizable government financial assets, and comparatively low risk that contingent liabilities from the banking system or wider nonfinancial public sector will crystallise on the government’s balance sheet as growth slows.

Although Moody’s expects government debt to rise to 33 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2017 from less than 5 per cent at the onset of the oil price shock in 2014, Oman’s fiscal buffers which the rating agency estimates at around 85 per cent of GDP in 2015 will provide support through the process of fiscal and external adjustment. Oman’s oil exports ac-

Muscat Finance plans bond issue of OMR5m The company plans to convene an extra ordinary general meeting (EGM) of shareholders to seek approval for the unsecured non-convertible subordinated bond ADDITIONAL FUNDING: The proceeds of the bond issue are for

issue on June 30

diversifying the company’s sources of funding and to help create a robust bond market in the country, — Times file picture

A E JAMES

The company plans to convene an extra ordinary general meeting (EGM) of shareholders to seek approval for the unsecured nonconvertible subordinated bond issue on June 30 at Hotel Intercontinental. Each bond has a face value of OMR1.

“At this point of time, we are seeking shareholder approval for

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Muscat Finance, one of the leading leasing and hire purchase companies listed on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM), plans to raise OMR5 million by way of a bond issue on private placement basis.

bond issue on private placement.

Post shareholders’ approval and other regulatory approval, we will open the issue,” Bikram S Rishi, chief executive officer of Muscat Finance, told Times of Oman.

The proceeds of the bond issue are for diversifying the company’s sources of funding and to help create a robust bond market in the

country, added Rishi. The EGM will decide on the bond interest, tenor of the bond and the minimum subscription.

Referring to the advantages of the bond issue, he said; “We normally source funds from Omani and offshore banks and a bond issue gives us one more option of sourcing our funds.”

The overall availability of funds seems to have improved marginally as oil prices have risen and due to the government’s efforts to source offshore funds.

Meanwhile, Muscat Finance has achieved a net profit of OMR1.21 million for the first quarter of 2016, against OMR1.26 million for the same period of last year.

The company grew the debtors’ portfolio by 13 per cent to OMR157.27 million by endMarch 2016, while operating expenses have reduced by 4 per cent to OMR820,000 for the first quarter of 2016.

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

counted for an average 67 per cent of total goods exports in 2010-15, while oil and gas revenues constituted 87 per cent of total government revenues over the same period. Upward pressure on the rating would stem from fasterthan-currently expected progress on containing government deficits and debt and diversifying the economy and state finances.

CEO RESIGNS

Orpic chief executive officer Musab resigns Times News Service MUSCAT: Stated-owned Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic) on Wednesday said that its chief executive officer Musab Al Mahruqi resigned from his current position.

“We would like to inform you that Musab Al Mahruqi, CEO - Orpic steps down from his position,” Orpic tweeted.

The company added that Al Mahruqi informed the Board of Directors of his intention to step down as the CEO of Orpic.

“The board accepted Musab’s decision,” Orpic said, adding that he will be leaving the company by

Musab Al Mahruqi. — Times file picture

the end of the year, latest.

The board will select a new chief executive officer to lead the company thereafter.

The new CEO will be announced at a later stage and until then, Al Mahruqi will continue in his position as the CEO.

WOOD MACKENZIE REPORT

Oil industry to slash $1 trillion in spending LONDON: The oil and gas industry will cut $1 trillion from planned spending on exploration and development because of the slump in prices, leading to slower growth in production, according to consultant Wood Mackenzie.

Worldwide investment in the

development of oil and gas resources from 2015 to 2020 will be 22 per cent, or $740 billion, lower than anticipated before prices plunged in 2014, with the deepest cuts in the US, Wood Mackenzie said in a report on Wednesday.

— Bloomberg News

B2

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

MARKET OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................5,839.74 .............. 5,824.80 ................... 5,826.46 ...................5,838.87................ -12.41 .................. -0.21 Financial Index .....................................7,403.16 ...............7,373.08 ................... 7,378.42 ...................7,402.38................-23.96 .................. -0.32 Industrial Index ................................... 7,344.62 ...............7,332.78 ....................7,341.29 ................... 7,332.78.................... 8.51 ................... 0.12 Services Index .......................................3,253.57 ...............3,252.61 ................... 3,253.52 ...................3,253.57.................. -0.05 ...................0.00 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................886.49 ..................885.06 ...................... 886.49 ...................... 885.09.................... 1.40 ................... 0.16 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 11,894,307 ..................1,886,438 .....................414 ............... 17,033,323,248 ................ 10 ........................8 ....................20 .........................38

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15 ISIN ......................................SECURITY NAME ..................................................................VOLUME..... TURNOVER............TRADES ......OPEN PRICE......HIGH ............. LOW ........ CLOSE PR. ...PREV. CLOSE...DIFF (RO).........DIFF % .............LAST PR.....LAST BID .............LAST OFFER ........MARKET CAP.PAR VALUE

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

Muscat Securities Market. – Times file picture

OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING.............62,401 ............... 8,752..................... 10 ............0.138 ........... 0.141............0.138 ........... 0.140 ............. 0.138............ 0.002............. 1.449 ................0.140.............. 0.138................... 0.141 ...................17,062,500 .........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL...............................................36,790 ...............2,722........................3 ........... 0.074 ........... 0.074 ...........0.074........... 0.074 .............0.073 ............0.001 ............. 1.370 ................0.074..............0.073...................0.075...................12,950,000.........0.100

MSM index ends lower

OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ................................................. 64,980 .............29,710........................9 ........... 0.454 ...........0.460 ...........0.454........... 0.458 .............0.452 ........... 0.006............. 1.327 ................0.460..............0.456...................0.460 ..................24,045,000 ........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 677,400 ............75,815..................... 46 ............0.113 ........... 0.113............ 0.111 ............0.112 ............. 0.111 .............0.001 ............. 0.901 ................ 0.111 ...............0.111................... 0.112 ................... 32,477,831 .........0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS .............................................................95,075 ............ 50,373......................15 ........... 0.530 ...........0.530 ...........0.526........... 0.530 .............0.526 ........... 0.004............. 0.760 ................0.530..............0.524...................0.530...................29,150,000 .........0.100 OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ..................10,000 ...............1,360........................1 ............0.136 ........... 0.136 ...........0.136 ............0.136 ............. 0.135.............0.001 ..............0.741.................0.136 .............. 0.135...................0.136...................27,200,000.........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 710,007 ..........135,573......................61 ............0.189 ........... 0.192 ...........0.189 ............0.191 .............0.190 ............0.001 ............. 0.526 ................0.190..............0.190................... 0.191 ...................33,425,469 .........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ........................................................14,000 .............18,480........................2 ............1.320 ........... 1.320 ...........1.320........... 1.320 .............1.320 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................1.320..............1.320...................1.330................. 264,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 359,013.............71,095......................12 ............0.198 ...........0.200 ...........0.198 ........... 0.198 ............. 0.198............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.200 ............ 0.200...................0.205 ..................39,600,000.........0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST ........................................................................ 3,629 ...............1,996........................1 ........... 0.550 ...........0.550 ...........0.550........... 0.570 .............0.570 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.550..............0.550...................0.570................. 362,400,806 .......0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY......................................15,000 ............ 27,300........................1 ............1.820 ........... 1.820 ...........1.820........... 1.820 .............1.820 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................1.820............. 0.000...................1.820..................163,254,000 .......0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT .............................................................. 7,060 ...............3,332........................4 ........... 0.472 ........... 0.472 ...........0.472........... 0.472 .............0.472 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.472..............0.470...................0.472.................. 156,171,919 ........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 148,413 ...............9,202........................6 ........... 0.062 ...........0.062 ...........0.062........... 0.062 .............0.062 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.062..............0.062...................0.063...................12,843,386 .........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ................ 2,750 ...................701........................4 ........... 0.255 ........... 0.255 ...........0.255........... 0.250 .............0.250 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.255..............0.250...................0.253....................5,250,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002275 ...........SHELL OMAN MARKETING ......................................7,100 .............13,206........................2 ............1.860 ........... 1.860 ...........1.860........... 1.860 .............1.860............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.860 ............. 0.000...................2.045 .................176,700,000........0.100

Top gainer was Al Izz Bank, up by 1.72 per

OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING .............69,647 ...............9,790......................14 ............0.141 ........... 0.141............0.140............0.141 ............. 0.141............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.141 .............. 0.141...................0.142...................12,690,000.........0.100

cent, while the top loser was Construction

OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 279,779..........108,892......................15 ........... 0.390 ...........0.390 ...........0.388........... 0.390 .............0.390 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.388..............0.388...................0.390 .................973,537,601 ........0.100

Materials, with a loss of 3.13 per cent.

OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ......................... 72,044 ...........116,351........................4 ............1.615 ............1.615............ 1.615 ............1.615 ............. 1.615 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................ 1.615 ...............1.615...................1.630................ 1,211,250,000 ......0.100

OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................ 222,760 ............52,571........................3 ........... 0.236 ...........0.236 ...........0.236........... 0.236 .............0.236 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.236..............0.234...................0.236..................401,011,530 ........0.100

OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ..............................9,713 ................1,136........................2 ............0.117 ........... 0.117............ 0.117 ............0.117 ............. 0.117 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.117 ...............0.117................... 0.119 ....................6,884,656 ..........0.100

OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 100,000 ........... 29,500........................8 ........... 0.295 ...........0.295 ...........0.295........... 0.295 .............0.295 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.295..............0.291...................0.294 .................. 85,742,051 .........0.100 OM0000003281............TAAGEER FINANCE .........................................................750 .....................95........................1 ............0.126 ........... 0.126 ...........0.126........... 0.126 .............0.126............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.126 ..............0.120...................0.126...................31,952,340 .........0.100

MUSCAT: Shares on the Muscat bourse continued its fall amid lack of any trigger factor to prop up the sentiment. The MSM30 Index continued to witness low trading volumes and ended at 5,826.46 points, down by 0.21 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index increased by 0.16 per cent to close at 886.49 points.

HSBC Bank Oman was the most active in terms of volume and turnover. Wednesday’s top gainer was Al Izz Bank, up by 1.72 per cent, while the top loser was Construction Materials, with a loss of 3.13 per cent.

As many as 414 trades were executed on Wednesday, generating turnover of OMR1.89 million with 11.9 million shares changing hands. Out of 38 traded securities, 10 advanced, eight declined and 20 remained unchanged.

Omani investors remained net buyers for OMR165,000 while GCC and Arab investors were net sellers for OMR102,000 followed by foreign investors for OMR63,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index declined by 0.32 per cent to close at 7,378.42 points. Al Izz Bank, Oman & Emirates Holding, Al Madina Takaful, Bank Nizwa and Global Financial Investment gained 1.72 per cent, 1.45 per cent, 1.37 per cent, 1.33 per cent and 0.74 per cent, respectively. Ahli Bank, Oman United Insurance, Bank Sohar and HSBC Bank declined by 1.74 per cent, 1.17 per cent, 1.13 per cent and 0.98 per cent, respectively.

Industrial Index ended at 7,341.29 points, up by 0.12 per cent. Oman Fisheries, Al Maha Ceramics and Galfar Engineering increased by 1.67 per cent, 1.33 per cent and 0.90 per cent, respectively. Construction Materials and Al Hassan Engineering declined by 3.13 per cent and 1.16 per cent, respectively. Services Index stayed flat at 3,253.52 points. National Gas was the only sector gainer.

Sohar Power and Phoenix Power declined by 0.66 per cent and 0.65 per cent, respectively.

OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO.............................................................................. 500 .................. 352........................1 ........... 0.704 ........... 0.704 ...........0.704............0.748 ............. 0.748............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.704..............0.708...................0.748................. 486,906,284 .......0.100 OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH.............................................. 305,000 ............74,725......................12 ........... 0.245 ...........0.245 ...........0.245........... 0.245 .............0.245 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.245..............0.235...................0.245 .................233,870,128........0.100 OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER..............................................................15,300 ...............4,621........................5 ........... 0.302 ...........0.302 ...........0.302........... 0.302 .............0.304 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.658 ...............0.302............. 0.290...................0.300 ..................66,745,020 .........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 4,246,250 .....428,581......................31 ............0.102 ........... 0.102 ...........0.100............0.101 .............0.102 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.980 ...............0.101 ..............0.100...................0.101 ..................202,031,592 .......0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 1,749,387.......306,035.....................44 ............0.176 ........... 0.176 ...........0.174 ............0.175 ............. 0.177............-0.002 ............-1.130................0.174 .............. 0.174...................0.176 ..................280,787,385 ........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 262,000........... 66,500..................... 10 ........... 0.255 ........... 0.255 ...........0.250........... 0.254 .............0.257 ...........-0.003 ............-1.167................0.250.............. 0.251...................0.255...................25,400,000.........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK .................................................................... 634,170 ..........107,166........................9 ............0.170 ........... 0.170 ...........0.168 ............0.169 ............. 0.172............-0.003 ............-1.744................0.168 ..............0.168...................0.170..................240,831,108........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 10,180,918......1,755,933 ...............336 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......29........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK.............................................. 336,000 ............19,977......................11 ........... 0.059 ........... 0.061 ...........0.059........... 0.059 .............0.058 ............0.001 ............. 1.724 ................0.059..............0.059...................0.060 ..................59,000,000.........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ...................................................... 72,000 ...............4,392........................4 ............0.061 ........... 0.061 ...........0.061 ........... 0.061 .............0.060 ............0.001 ............. 1.667 ................0.061 ..............0.060...................0.062 ................... 7,625,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 723,467 ........... 54,760......................18 ............0.075 ........... 0.076 ...........0.075........... 0.076 .............0.075 ............0.001 ............. 1.333 ................0.076..............0.075...................0.076..................114,000,000........0.100 OM0000001152 ............OMAN NATIONAL ENGINE. INVT. ............................126 .....................25........................1 ............0.195 ........... 0.195 ...........0.195 ............0.195 ............. 0.195............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.195 ............. 0.000...................0.195 ...................19,500,000 .........0.100 OM0000003265 ...........NATIONAL DETERGENT ......................................... 37,690 ............ 24,423........................9 ........... 0.648 ...........0.648 ...........0.648........... 0.648 .............0.648 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.648............. 0.000...................0.648................... 11,024,100 .........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ........................................................ 53,981 ...............8,330........................9 ............0.155 ........... 0.155 ...........0.154 ........... 0.154 ............. 0.155............-0.001 ........... -0.645 ...............0.155 .............. 0.155...................0.156................. 225,240,625 .......0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING....................................59,090 ...............5,022......................11 ........... 0.085 ...........0.085 ...........0.084........... 0.085 .............0.086 ...........-0.001 ............-1.163................0.085..............0.084...................0.085....................6,392,680 ..........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. .................. 427,918.............13,278..................... 10 ........... 0.032 ...........0.032 ...........0.031 ............0.031 .............0.032 ...........-0.001 ............-3.125................0.031 ..............0.030...................0.032 ...................2,635,000 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 1,710,272.......130,206..................... 73 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 8........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000005971 ............B.MUSCAT COMPL. CONVR. B.B.3.5 ........................3,117 .................. 299........................5 ........... 0.096 ...........0.096 ...........0.096........... 0.100 .............0.100 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.096..............0.096...................0.100................... 32,416,161 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .......................................................................................3,117 .................. 299........................5 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. .........1........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

— United Securities

CURRENCY SURVEY

PREFERRED FOOD

Dubai traders see UAE dirham As cities swell, West Africa’s peg unchanged in 2016: Poll appetite for rice is growing DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates won’t bow to investors betting low oil prices will force it to drop its currency peg this year, a Bloomberg survey of Dubai-based currency professionals shows.

The survey, conducted on May 26, showed 86 per cent believe the UAE’s dirham will remain pegged

to the dollar in 2016, with 41 per cent saying it would “definitely not” be broken.

Currency fixings in the sixnation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have been the subject of increasing speculation after the drop in oil prices over the past two years slashed revenue for govern-

ments highly dependent on crude exports.

Some investors are betting it may become too expensive to maintain the pegs as the GCC battles to plug fiscal shortfalls the International Monetary Fund says will total almost $900 billion through 2021. — Bloomberg News

ABIDJAN: Rice is fast becoming West Africa’s preferred food.

After four decades of importing the staple, the region now aims to grow enough rice to meet domestic demand.

Rice harvests in West Africa will probably reach an all-time high of 14.9 million metric tonnes this year, up from 14.6 million tonnes last year, when Senegal and Ghana produced record crops, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Mali’s crop is forecast to expand about 8 per cent, while output in several countries including Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone has climbed every year since 2011, the organisation said.

West African governments began investing in rice farming in the wake of the 2008 food crisis, when a worldwide spike in prices for food items triggered violent protests in cities in Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Burkina Faso, Concepcion Calpe, an economist

at the FAO, said from Rome.

“We saw a big surge in imports and at the same time in production, because there was this much higher price in the international market,” Calpe said.

“The fear that the food crisis provoked led a lot of West African countries to invest heavily in production.”They’re trying to meet a growing appetite for rice that’s coming at the expense of traditional staples such as cassava and corn. West Africa has been dependent on rice imports from Asia since 1975, when consumption by a fast-growing population began to outpace production.

Today, as incomes rise and African cities swell, more and more people eat rice because it’s easy to store and easy to prepare, according to Yacouba Dembele, head the National Office for Rice Development in Ivory Coast.

“Rice is tailored to city life,” Dembele said in an interview in the commercial capital, Abidjan.

Consumption in West Africa is forecast to rise to 53 kilograms (116.6 pounds) per person per year by 2025, from 44 kilograms in 2011, according to the Washington-based International Food Policy Research Institute. In 1990, West Africans consumed on average 32 kilograms of rice per person.

There’s of course a variety of consumption patterns: in some countries, including Mali, local rice is more popular, while the Senegalese prefer imported rice, according to AfricaRice, an Abidjan-based international research institute.

Senegalese President Macky Sall said that governments should consider boosting rice farming because it’s become a “strategic food” since China began importing the staple. Sall has repeatedly pledged to make Senegal self-sufficient in rice by 2017, a plan that has been criticised by the opposition as unfeasible. — Bloomberg News

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

B3

MARKET NEW TECHNOLOGY

Ooredoo and Ericsson partner for major project Times News Service MUSCAT: Ooredoo is set to start the trial of an innovative new telecommunications technology that addresses the anticipated surge in demand for data for video streaming, online gaming, social media and more across Oman, supported by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA).

The first of its kind in the region, the trial will test Microwave Solutions in E-Band (80 Ghz) technology, or microwave backhauling, across Ooredoo’s recently completed nationwide fibre backbone, providing the Gigabit capacity to deliver unparalleled premium speeds and unrivalled superior quality to

fast increasing numbers of data hungry customers.

Ooredoo will collaborate with internationally renowned telecommunications giant Ericsson on this exciting project, sharing expertise and technical know-how to demonstrate the enormous advantages and possibilities of the innovative system to operators in the Gulf and beyond.

“Ooredoo is constantly responding to changes in customer needs and providing them with the products, services and offers they want, through both mobile and fixed offerings,” said Wolfgang Wemhoff, chief technology officer at Ooredoo Oman.

“Our partnership with Erics-

MARKET LIQUIDITY

son on this regionally important ground-breaking project will allow us to pioneer new methods and deliver exciting new possibilities to meet the fast-evolving needs of our current and future customers and businesses in all sectors across the Sultanate of Oman,” he added.

Rafiah Ibrahim, president and head of Ericsson Region Middle East and Africa said; “We expect Microwave Backhaul to experience major growth and represent up to 20 per cent of new deployments in 2020. Our collaboration with Ooredoo Oman enables us to showcase the benefits of Microwave Backhaul for operators around the region, while empowering Ooredoo Oman to pave the

way for innovative traffic management solutions.”

Ooredoo is a leading data and Internet services provider, focused on bringing new products and services to Oman and enriching the lives of the people of the Sultanate through better communications services. It forms alliances and partnerships to accelerate its progress and to better meet the needs of its customers.

With a multi-year strategy of setting ambitious but achievable goals, it emphasises operational execution with consistency and continuity and places the customer, their satisfaction, wants and needs at the heart of all of its activities and plans.

Wolfgang Wemhoff. — Supplied picture

Iran clinches deal to acquire Boeing planes Hurdles remain Iran needs an estimated 400 jets to renew its fleet after decades of sanctions and prepare for projected growth, according to Iranian and Western estimates.

Two senior Iranian officials said last year that Iran was expected to buy 100 jets from Boeing once sanctions were lifted.

Both Airbus and Boeing would need US export licences to carry out their deals, due to the use of significant US technology in all modern jetliners.

Details of the agreement were left vague, but Western and Middle East BIG BOOST: Bahrain bourse has seen many initiatives in recent

months, aimed at enhancing local capital markets. - Bloomberg file picture

$100m fund unveiled to boost liquidity on Bahrain stock market

sources said that once approved, it would involve flag carrier Iranair acquiring more than

MEGA DEAL: Reuters had reported that Iran was edging towards

100 Boeing jets, both

a deal to buy jetliners from Boeing for a deal for more than 100 aircraft could be reached fairly soon. — Bloomberg file picture

directly from Boeing Times News Service MUSCAT: Investors in the Bahrain bourse are expected to see greater liquidity in future after a new fund was launched on Wednesday with the aim of enhancing the market’s depth.

The Bahrain Liquidity Fund is supported by a number of market participants and has been vested with $100m of assets in cash and shares. The fund will act as a market maker, providing two way quotes on most of the listed stocks with a reasonable spread to allow the investors to actively trade their stocks.

To ensure high governance standards, the fund’s activities and performance will be evaluated and monitored on timely basis by a supervisory board representing the seed investors.

Improving liquidity By improving liquidity, the fund aims to address one of the primary concerns that has made investing in stocks listed on Bahrain Bourse less attractive, albeit the prevailing attractive valuations. Restricted liquidity currently causes securities to trade at a discount to their underlying value and regional peers – the introduction of the Bahrain Liquidity Fund aims to help reduce that discount over the medium to long term.

Attract new investors The fund will help attract new investors and deepen Bahrain’s capital markets and is anticipated to help local businesses raise capital and have greater access to alternative courses of financing other than bank lending, making it easier for them to find the right funding to help them grow.

Bahrain Bourse has seen a number of initiatives in recent months, aimed at enhancing local capital

markets. These include the introduction of the Bahrain Islamic Index (the GCC’s first Shariacompliant index), the introduction of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) rules and the offering of Bahraini government bonds and treasury bills.

Create more jobs Sh. Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Bourse, said: “Capital markets have a very important role to play in funding the growth throughout Bahrain. They have the potential to enable businesses to grow faster and create more jobs and greater prosperity, but they will only be able to do this if they have enough liquidity. “The Bahrain Liquidity Fund is part of a series of reforms that will help to enhance and deepen Bahrain’s capital markets, helping the market to reach its potential and bringing benefits to businesses and investors.”

Najla M. Al Shirawi, Chief Executive Officer of Securities & Investment Company (SICO), also commented: “As the first approved market maker on the Bahrain Bourse, we are delighted to announce the launch of Bahrain Liquidity Fund. This has been collaboration between SICO and a number of prominent market participants,with the support of the Central Bank of Bahrain and Bahrain Bourse. I would like to thank everyone for their contribution and unprecedented support in realising this initiative.

“More liquid capital markets can provide real benefits to the economy. They are the heart of any economy through which savings are deployed into longterm investments. A well developed and vibrant capital market will contribute immensely to higher economic growth and a more diverse economy.”

and from leasing companies.

DUBAI/PARIS: Iran said it had reached an agreement with Boeing for the supply of jetliners on Tuesday, reopening the country’s skies to new US aircraft for the first time in decades under an international deal to ease sanctions.

Details of the agreement were left vague, but Western and Middle East sources said that once it is approved, it would involve the flag carrier Iranair acquiring more than 100 Boeing jets, both directly from Boeing and from leasing companies.

“In coming days details of the deal with this company will be

announced,” Roads and Urban Development Minister Abbas Akhoundi said, according to the semi-official Mehr news agency.

The sources said the agreement was so far only a broad outline of what a formal deal would look like once Boeing has the necessary US government approvals to sell planes to Iran, which has been banned from buying US jets for almost 40 years.

So far, Boeing has only been granted permission to present its products to Iranair and a handful of other airlines as it tries to catch up with Europe’s Airbus, which earlier this year won a provisional deal for 118 jets worth $27 billion.

“We have been engaged in discussions with Iranian airlines approved by the US government about potential purchases of Boeing commercial passenger

airplanes and services,” a Boeing spokesman said by email.

Ongoing conversations “We do not discuss the details of ongoing conversations we are having with customers, and our standard practice is to let customers announce any agreements that are reached. Any agreements reached will be contingent on the US government approval.”

Reuters reported last week that Iran was edging towards a historic deal to buy jetliners from Boeing for a deal for more than 100 aircraft could be reached fairly soon.

Chairman of Iranair said it was also talking to Boeing about providing support for its elderly fleet under last year’s deal between Tehran and six major powers to ease sanctions in return for curbs on Iran’s nuclear activities.

Uncertainty over financing Even then, industry sources caution that both deals could take some time to implement because of uncertainty over financing, with the US financial system still closed to Iran.

The Airbus deal is priced in euros instead of dollars, the currency usually by planemakers, but many banks remain reluctant to finance it because they fear losing their claim to the underlying assets if sanctions are re-introduced, bankers say.

BOC Aviation, a Singaporebased leasing company in which Boeing recently invested as part of its stock market debut, is in discussions with Boeing about financing part of the deal, two people familiar with the matter said.

BOC Aviation was not immediately available for comment.

Secretary of State John Kerry said in April Washington was not against foreign banks doing business with Iran under the nuclear deal, but Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has accused Washington of not being committed to the accord. — Reuters

N E W TA R G E T

Shell chief executive faces long haul in bid to surpass Exxon as top oil major LONDON: Royal Dutch Shell Chief Executive Officer Ben Van Beurden spelled out his main goal last week — surpass Exxon Mobil to become the best-performing oil major. “I am determined to get us to that number one place,” he said after outlining the company’s long-term strategy in London. “I want to create a world class investment case for Shell and our shareholders.”

There are signs Van Beurden is winning over some investors following his record $54 billion acquisition of BG Group. Shell has closed the gap on Exxon for total shareholder returns, which ac-

counts for share prices, dividend payouts and buybacks, after lagging behind for five years. Still, the Anglo-Dutch explorer trails its US rival on a range of other metrics from return on capital and assets to cash flow.

“In the past 15 to 20 years Shell has fallen behind Exxon, and now Ben is coming with the determination to take the company back up there,” said Iain Armstrong, a London-based analyst at Brewin Dolphin. “But it could take years for Shell to become the benchmark for the industry that Exxon is. It won’t happen this decade.”

To meet his target, Shell will

focus on increasing free cash flow per share, improving its returns and running its finances in a “conservative way,” according to Van Beurden, who is resetting the company to perform with lower oil prices.

To achieve this, Shell will cap annual capital investment at $30 billion until the end of the decade even if crude prices rise, Europe’s biggest oil company said June 7. If prices remain at the current level of $50 a barrel, or drop, Shell can cut spending below the lower end of its target range of $25 billion.

Shell plans to slow new investments in its liquefied natural gas

business as it seeks to increase cash flows. The BG deal gave it LNG assets from Australia to North America and consolidated its top position with liquefaction capacity more than double that of its nearest rival Exxon.

“Everybody really liked the focus on cap on capex and the reduced emphasis on investments in LNG because they’ve made a big investment already by buying BG,” said Iain Reid, analyst at Macquarie Capital. “They’ve got a good chance” of surpassing Exxon “if they can change the business in the way they outlined last week.”

— Bloomberg News

B4

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

FEATURE

CYBER SECURITY IN A HIGH-RISK WORLD Of greater concern than reputation-damaging events such as website overloads are online criminals’ threats to conducting monetary policy and providing services to banks — key central-bank functions that keep the heart of the US financial system pumping.

T

he Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s website crashed for less than a minute, brought down by a barrage of web traffic on May 12. When a hacker claimed responsibility on Twitter, it placed the attack as part of hashtag #OpIcarus, an assault the group Anonymous has been waging against global central banks.

In a world of escalating cyber risks, such hacktivist web page interruptions no longer top the Fed’s worry list. Of greater concern than reputation-damaging events such as website overloads are online criminals’ threats to conducting monetary policy and providing services to banks — key central-bank functions that keep the heart of the US financial system to keep on pumping.

“What we look at more is: What are the things that will impact us from achieving our mission?” said Don Anderson, chief information officer at the Boston Fed. “That’s where we really focus most of our efforts now — on the crown jewels of the organisation.”

Fed cyber security confronts mounting threats from sophisticated attackers and heightened scrutiny in the wake of a massive theft from Bangladesh’s central bank.

And while the Fed doesn’t disclose specifics on how procedures and technology are evolving, it says it is placing a very heavy emphasis on defending information and payment systems.

Biggest challenge “The biggest challenge for us is that this is a threat that is becoming more and more sophisticated, with a lot of money behind it, and obviously, at times, foreign governments,” John Williams, president of the San Francisco Fed, said last month in New York, explaining that the Fed invests heavily in making its systems as “bulletproof” as possible. “This is not the kid in Berkeley living in his parent’s garage anymore — we are way, way beyond that.”

Between 2011 and 2015, the Fed’s National Incident Response Team reported 51 cases that it labeled “information disclosure,” based on a Freedom of Information Act records request. The documents only cover attacks

ics. He said that’s reasonable.

“It’s a little bit like going to someone’s house and asking where the security camera is.”

Though public scrutiny of the Fed’s initiatives is limited, the central bank’s information security is reviewed by the Board’s Inspector General — and a 2015 audit underlined problems. While the chief information officer at the Fed Board in Washington had made progress in developing a risk management program, it said “the Board will face challenges in implementing the program Boardwide.”

It also found that some services from third-party providers didn’t meet all of the Board’s information security standards to follow.

against the Fed’s Board of Governors in Washington, excluding incidents at the 12 regional Fed banks, which are not subject to FOIA requests.

NIRT also reported one incident labeled “property loss/ theft,” based on the heavily redacted, 2,239-page document, which is first reported

by Reuters on Wednesday.

Robust security The Fed’s security programme and processes for detecting and countering attacks are robust, a Fed Board spokeswoman said, and its critical operations have never been affected despite the attempts.

That’s good news: Preserving the security of the Fed’s vast payment system is vital to financial stability because it helps to underpin the interconnected global banking system. Protecting sensitive information surrounding monetary policy is essential to the fair functioning of markets, because early clues about rate decisions could allow hackers to profit by trading in everything from Treasuries to stocks and currencies.

Major issue “If there was a breach that could drain the funds out of a major central bank, that’s a major issue,” said Ted Truman, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute in Washington and a former director of Division of International Finance at the Fed Board. “At a minimum, it would be very damaging to the reputation of the bank.”

Such a scenario seems increasingly less far-fetched.

News broke in March that hackers stole $81 million from the Bangladesh central bank’s account at the New York Fed, the biggest known cyber-heist in history. The regional Fed has said that the instructions to make the payments were authenticated by the Swift message system, which is widely used by financial institutions.

“It is important to note

that the recent incident with the Bangladesh Bank was not caused by a breach or compromise of the New York Fed’s systems,” the reserve bank said in a statement after the incident. Still, it said it had taken a “comprehensive look at its processes” and they had enhanced monitoring for some jurisdictions and transaction types.

That’s hardly a detailed description of what’s being done to avert crisis, but the Fed is vague about the system security for a reason — to avoid providing a road-map to would-be criminals.

Tight-lipped The Fed doesn’t break out spending on cyber security clearly in its financial accounts, nor does it disclose data on system-wide cyber attacks. While the Board of Governors does report information technology expenditures, that is a broader category.

The central bank’s cyber security program is fairly centralised with common standards. The Fed has a National IT group run out of the Richmond Fed, and a National Incident Response Team located mostly in East Rutherford, New Jersey. That team handles more serious events, according to a 2012 Office of Inspector General report, though what level of threat merits passing a case to NIRT isn’t made clear.

“Organisations with data are pretty tight-lipped about how they’re protecting it,” said V.S. Subrahmanian, a professor of computer science at the University of Maryland who specialises in big-data analyt-

New York review The cyber framework at the New York Fed could soon come under closer examination. House Science Committee Chairman Lamar Smith, a Texas Republican, on Tuesday sent a letter to New York Fed President William Dudley asking for a briefing and information related to the Bangladesh bank theft.

While acknowledging that the Bangladesh bank’s systems “appear to have been the weak link” in that case, the Smith letter states that it’s Congress’s responsibility to ensure that the New York Fed is “taking all precautions to protect American finances and aggressively execute its own role as overseer of Swift.”

A New York Fed spokeswoman said that the bank plans to respond to the request, but provided no other details. The Fed is constantly adapting and evolving alongside online threats and learns from attacks against other institutions, Boston’s Anderson said. When it comes to the attacks like those coming from Anonymous, “we have controls in place that when they do that, usually within a minute or two we recover, and again it hasn’t been anything critical to the Fed.” But a possible attack on core activities “is one of our top risks,” he said.

“If we were to have a cyber event, it could have an operational impact on our ability to do monetary policy, our ability to run the payments network, but it also would have a reputational impact, and people may lose trust in the Fed.” — Bloomberg News

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

ROUND-UP

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B5

Amazing offer on Kia Optima 2.4L EX SPL

STRENGTHENING BONDS

Kia Optima 2.4L EX SPL is available with

OAB Elite customers network over Iftar

a tempting offer during the 'Waffer Ma Kia' promotion

MUSCAT: A sleek fusion of bold style, heart-pounding performance and advanced technology, the Kia Optima confidently pushes the boundaries of the midsize sedan, with plenty of attitude to spare. Now, this winsome sedan is available on a limited period offer.

According to a company spokesperson, the highly desirable Kia Optima 2.4L EX SPL is available with an equally tempting offer during the 'Waffer Ma Kia' promotion.

“Every customer is presented with a cash gift of OMR1,300,” explained the spokesperson, “Before that, the customer has already been treated to 0% interest on EMI (2 years) or 2.99% interest on EMI for up to 5 years. It does not end there… the customer further gets a chance to participate in a grand raffle of OMR5,000 and in four raffle draws of OMR1,000. There also is an assured Scratch & Win coupon ‘Cash for Fuel’ up to OMR100.”

(Conditions apply. Please contact showroom for exact details) “Truly an incredible offer that can make anyone’s day,” said a cus-

tomer at the showroom.

The Optima is truly a great catch. A beautifully shaped, sleek automobile that has the power and performance to match. It is powered by a 2.4 L, 4 Cylinder, DOHC, Dual C.V.V.T Engine that generates 176 HP @ 6000rpm and torque of 23.2kgm @ 4000 rpm. The Optima is equipped with an Around View Monitor (AVM), which is a support technology that assists drivers to park more easily by better understanding the vehicle’s surroundings through a virtual bird’seye view from above the vehicle.

The Around View Monitor helps the driver visually confirm the vehicle’s position relative to the lines around parking spaces and adjacent objects, allowing the driver to manoeuvre into parking spots with more ease. The Optima also offers Navigation system for the car and the crisp instructions are heard from the exclusive Harman Kardon Speakers (apart from some enthralling music, of course!) Op-

tima has many more delightful features that include a smartphone wireless charger, smart key with push button start ignition, power driver memory seat, adaptive front lighting system, blind spot detection, lane departure warning system, ABS (Anti-lock Brake System), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), BAS (Brake force Assist System), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management), HAC (Hill-start Assist Control), and much more.

The Optima is passionately designed and obsessively crafted with European styling, a refined premium interior and significant ride and handling improvements.

Kia’s best-selling nameplate challenges the midsize sedan segment with all these features set in a roomier, more luxurious cabin that features an impressive level of craftsmanship.

“Now is the time to own the Kia Optima 2.4L EX SPL with the Waffer Ma Kia offer before it is all gone,” said the spokesperson, “It is

a good deal on a good car and that says it all!”

Reliable International Automotive (RIA), the distributor for Kia in Oman provides a rewarding ownership experience for customers.

Excellent product attributes and unmatched facilities easily ensure their absolute satisfaction, every mile of the way. No wonder then that Reliable International Automotive has been ranked amongst the top Kia distributors worldwide and has been honoured with prestigious accolades including the ‘Good Partnership award, ‘Family Like Care’ Service award’, and ‘Kia ‘Distributor of Distinction’ award.

The prestigious ‘Kia Award for Overall Excellence and Outstanding Performance’ amongst Kia distributors worldwide was bestowed most deservingly.

“You can like us on www.facebook.com/kiaoman and follow us on @kiaoman Twitter for the latest happenings on Kia in Oman,” invited the spokesperson.

MUSCAT: Under the auspices of Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Shahi, Minister of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) recently organised a special Iftar gathering for its Elite Priority Banking customers at the Grand Hyatt Muscat.

Attended by over 250 Elite customers including government officials, private sector business leaders and other high-profile dignitaries as well as the bank’s senior management, the dazzling event enabled the OAB team to foster stronger relationships with its clients in a unique Ramadan Iftar setting, says a press release.

“We are continuously identifying ways of enhancing the banking experience of all our customers with the aim of ensuring every moment with OAB is rich and filled with unique value,” said Amin Al Husseini, CEO Oman Arab Bank.

“The Iftar we organised served as a platform to take the ties that bind us with our stakeholders to new heights and foster deeper relationships while expressing our gratitude for their continued

dedication and support.”

The colourful event began with a renowned French artist, who surprised the guests by drawing a very stunning piece on stage that embodied the essence of Elite Priority Banking.

To add to the excitement, OAB also announced the name of the lucky winner of the OMR100,000 Hassad Savings Scheme Elite prize for June 2016. Attendees concluded the night by walking away with gifts designed to allow them to experience a day at Al Mouj Golf or the Shangri La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa. Rashad Al Shaikh, DGM Retail Banking at Oman Arab Bank, added, “We take pride in ourselves for providing a second to none premium banking proposition that promises customers a world of benefits, services and in-depth expertise to grow their wealth. Elite Priority Banking is more than just a product; it is an exclusive way of life that has been designed to fulfil the special requirements of high-networth individuals and meet their evolving needs.”

S P E C I A L O LY M P I C S O M A N A S S O C I AT I O N

AHLIBANK RAMADAN CAMPAIGN

Qais Al Hasni, (right) branch manager of ahlibank Oman Avenues Mall Branch presents a cheque to an official from Al Noor Association for the Blind – Muscat as part of the bank’s annual Ramadan campaign. — Supplied image

Bank Sohar extends support to Al Amal Association MUSCAT: As part of its ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, Bank Sohar has extended support to the Special Olympics Oman Association formally known as Al Amal Association for a fifth consecutive year by sponsoring membership for a comprehensive gymnasium training programme enabling children to enhance their skills and further develop their talents.

The donation cheque was handed over at the Bank Sohar’s head office in MBD to His Highness Sayyid Faisal bin Turki Al Said, the chairman of the Special Olympics Oman Association, by Mazin Mahmood Al Raisi, Sr. AGM – head of Marketing & Customer Experience, says a press release.

Munira Abdulnabi Macki, GM of HR and Corporate Support at Bank Sohar said, “We at Bank Sohar have always been deeply committed towards helping improve

the quality of life of those in need within the community. Through such support, we aim to give back to the society we serve, and support selfless organisations such

as the Special Olympics Oman Association and their various initiatives. The training programme has proved itself to be extremely useful in helping the students of the association develop and cultivate new skills that they can now more effectively utilise in their day-to-day lives. Given its success last year, we are glad and honoured to sponsor the programme once again this year.”

Sayyid Faisal said, “On behalf of everyone at the Special Olympics Oman Association, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Bank Sohar for their support over these past five years. Their support of the programme was a great help not just to the association, but also to our students as well.”

PRIZED POSSESSION

Award-winning Mazda MX-5 finds another fan in Oman MUSCAT: After capturing hearts globally, setting a Guinness World Record and winning the coveted TWCOTY & Best Design award, the 2016 Mazda MX-5 finds another fan in Oman.

“The all-new Mazda MX-5 is delightful to drive, beautiful to see and reliable to buy. It is shorter and lighter than the model that came before, with an excellent fuel economy and safety. It also looks fabulous and feels great and most importantly, it is a fantastic value for money,” said Zeyad Salim Al Mashjari, who bought the first new Skyactiv engineered Mazda MX-5 Roadster, out of the two available at Towell Auto Centre (TAC), a leading regional automobile distributor in Oman.

The Mazda MX-5, a sporty twoseat, fourth-generation convert-

ible is a fun-to-drive car that is almost as light as the original rolled out in 1989.

With the Skyactiv technology, it offers outstanding agility and driving dynamics with great fuel economy. Its thrilling rear wheel drive and the in-car connectivity adds to the excitement that an iconic sport car has to offer.

A senior spokesperson of TAC commented: “Our heartiest congratulations to Zeyad on being the first proud owner of an iconic roadster. The Mazda MX-5 has won many coveted titles and is popular as the best-selling twoseater convertible in the world.

With 3 generations, 25 successful years and many accolades associated with the Mazda MX-5, we hail #LongLiveTheRoadster”.

The Mazda MX-5 is all about

pure driving pleasure, responding to the driver with Jinba Ittai dynamics as though it were an extension of your own body. The first car built with the new Sky-

activ technology, the 2016 Mazda MX-5 is significantly lighter than the previous generation, with a sleeker, more rigid body and the lowest centre of gravity to date.

The advanced safety features offer an extra protection with helpful alerts, so you can just focus on enjoying the ride.

It boasts of rear vehicle monitoring system, traction control, Mazda connect with commander controls, touch screen 7 inch display screen, navigation system, cruise control, blue tooth, smart keyless entry with push start ignition, premium audio Bose speakers grafted on the seats, reverse parking sensors, LED signature lighting with day time running lights, gun metal finished alloys and paddle shift gears making this roadster a delight for those looking for a feature loaded package.

The all-new Mazda MX-5 has also evolved with Mazda’s awardwinning KODO: Soul of Motion design language to appeal to all your

senses. Its muscular stance and piercing LED headlights provide a captivating presence on the roads.

Elegant proportions and smooth contours flow from the exterior into the car’s interior, giving it a sense of continuity and oneness. Its stylish interior design features high quality craftsmanship, from the sporty seats to the intuitive controls in the driver’s cockpit.

Offering the trendiest of Japanese cars, the brand Mazda has brought in a lot of excitement in Oman’s automobile industry with their ‘stylish, spirited and insightful’ branding. These three unique qualities lie at the core of each Mazda you spot on the streets and form the brand’s DNA and TAC makes owning a Mazda extra pleasant with its efficient after sales service and quick response time.

B6

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

ROUND-UP Unlimited Ramadan benefits from Nissan Oman on wide sedan range cash gift of OMR750 on buying Nissan Sunny. Customers of Nissan Sunny will also get free periodic maintenance service package, fuel card, free registration and six years extended mileage warranty among other benefits.

With a variety of attractive value propositions on offer, Nissan patrons stand to profit much from Nissan Oman’s ‘Season of Rewards’ deal while opting for the sedan range

MUSCAT: Reinforcing its commitment to customers, Nissan Oman from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles (SBA), has announced unlimited Ramadan benefits on its sedan range as part of the ongoing ‘Season of Rewards’ offer.

With a variety of attractive value propositions on offer, Nissan patrons stand to profit much from Nissan Oman’s ‘Season of Rewards’ deal while opting for the sedan range. Giving more benefits than ever before, ‘Season of Rewards’ offer which started on May 15 will continue till July 14. The exciting offer is valid on all sedan range models purchased for personal use, says a press release.

Nissan Oman is offering attrac-

tive cash gift, free periodic maintenance service package, fuel card, free registration and six years extended mileage warranty on select sedan range models apart from chance to participate in a grand raffle. There are additional benefits on purchase of second vehicle in family as well as a part of loyalty scheme.

Commenting on the promotion on Nissan sedan range, a senior official of SBA said, “We are pleased to offer unlimited benefits to our customers which underscores Nissan Oman’s commitment to them.

We have taken into consideration the needs of a new car shopper while putting together the offer.

Sense of comfort, style, safety and innovation abound in Nissan’s sedan range and with great value deals on offer this is the right time to own this brand.”

Under the ‘Season of Rewards’ offer, Nissan sedan customers can avail assured cash gift ranging from OMR500 to OMR2,500 varying model-wise.

Customers buying any Nissan se-

dan vehicle will get a scratch and win card which will entitle them for two assured gifts comprising free periodic maintenance service upto lifetime of the car (minimum assured 1 year/ 10,000km PMS; offer includes new service intervals of 10,000km) and free fuel up to OMR1,000 (minimum assured of OMR50).

Nissan sedan customers can enjoy extra benefits such as free registration (on select models), 6 years unlimited mileage extended warranty (on select models), loyalty card benefits among others.

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

Nissan patrons have a chance to win two X-Trails 2.5S 7STR CVT 16 MY in the “grand SMS and win raffle draw” that will be held on June 20 and July 18, 2016 at Qurum showroom. Anybody can SMS to 90466

to enter the contest.

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

tomers can avail an assured cash gift of OMR750 on buying Nissan Tiida. Customers of Nissan Tiida will also get free periodic maintenance service package, fuel card, free registration and six years extended mileage warranty among other benefits.

Nissan Altima Now with an EMI starting from OMR133 (terms and conditions apply) customers can own a Nissan Altima. Besides under the ‘Season of Rewards’ offer, customers can avail an assured cash gift of OMR1,500 on buying Nissan Altima. Customers of Nissan Altima will also get free periodic maintenance service package, fuel card, free registration and six years extended mileage warranty among other benefits.

Nissan Micra Customers can avail a special EMI rate of OMR71 (terms and conditions apply) on Nissan Micra. Under the ‘Season of Rewards’ offer, customers can avail an assured cash gift of OMR500 on buying Nissan Micra. Customers of Nissan Micra will also get free periodic maintenance service package, fuel card, free registration and six years extended mileage warranty among other benefits.

Nissan Tiida The vehicle now comes with EMI starting from OMR101 (terms and conditions apply). Besides under the ‘Season of Rewards’ offer, cus-

SPECIALIST

Nissan Maxima Customers can own a Nissan Maxima with a special EMI rate of OMR174 (terms and conditions apply). Customers can avail an assured cash gift of OMR1,000 on buying Nissan Maxima known for its comfort quotient, smoothness and power.

Customers of Nissan Maxima will also get free periodic maintenance service package, fuel card, free registration and six years extended mileage warranty among other benefits.

SBA is largely committed to supporting Nissan’s growth in the Sultanate through major emphasis on customer satisfaction and by providing world-class after-sales services in Oman.

COUNTRY GENERAL MANAGER

IMC-Sugar Apollo appoints new dermatologist MUSCAT: IMC – Sugar Apollo has strengthened its ‘Unique Spectrum for Social Cause’ programme by adding new faculty in the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Cosmetology.

Dr Vandana Jadia, Specialist (dermatology, cosmetology & venereology), joined International Medical Center – Sugar Apollo, Ruwi. Dr Vandana did her MBBS from MUHS Nashik-India university and PG Mumbai- College of Physician & Surgeon from Mum-

Nissan Sunny The Nissan Sunny is now available with EMI starting from OMR75 (terms and conditions apply). Under the ‘Season of Rewards’ offer, customers can avail an assured

Nissan Sentra A special EMI rate of OMR98 (terms and conditions apply) is available for customers planning to buy Sentra. Customers also get an assured cash gift of OMR1,000 on buying Nissan Sentra 1.6L and 1.8L models. Customers of Nissan Sentra will also get free periodic maintenance service package, fuel card, free registration and six years extended mileage warranty among other benefits.

bai University, says a press release.

Speaking on the occasion Shyam Shailesh, director of IMC-Apollo Sugar said, “Her vast practical professional expertise in a wide range of dermatology, cosmetology and venereology procedures like, Botox injections for sweating, wrinkle and anti-aging. Dermal fillers for cheek, nasal fold and hands. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections for facial rejuvenation, extreme hair loss treatment, hyper pigmented skin and under

eye circle. In addition to above Dr Vandana is an expert at treating Melasma & Acne with hyper pigmentation. Full body whitening & polishing and all types of laser treatments, Vein laser treatment, Surgical mole, wart soft fibroma (skin tag) removal. Treatment for vitiligo, treatment for under eyedark circles. Lips, cheeks and had augmentation, treatment for lusterless nails and nail avulsions.

Shyam added that Dr Vandana is also an expert in treating post

‘LET US ACHIEVE THEIR DREAMS - 3’

surgery scars, in treating Alopecia & skin Carcinoma and also in skin rejuvenation & lip enhancement procedures. “We have a system where the patients are getting a comprehensive care through the consultation of dermatologist and endocrinologist which will help the patients for a more effective and result oriented treatment as the hormone related aspects of the conditions also are taken care along with the dermatology and cosmetic procedures.”

GBM Oman appoints new CGM MUSCAT: Gulf Business Machines (GBM), the region’s number one provider of IT solutions, has announced the appointment of Iyad Al Chammat as its new country general manager (CGM) for GBM Oman, says a press release.

“To be appointed the new country general manager for GBM Oman is both a tremendous honour and challenge. We have a very strong team at GBM Oman and I believe we will have a very successful future together,” said Chammat.

ACCOLADES

A’Saffa’s social initiative receives Awasr recognised with two positive response on Facebook bronze Transform awards MUSCAT: A unique social initiative launched by A’Saffa Foods - ‘Let Us Achieve Their Dreams - 3’ has been making waves all over Facebook.

The one-of-its-kind gesture from A’Saffa, that will help make dreams come true for 10 children living in special care homes has garnered an extremely positive response from Facebook users throughout the Sultanate; with an overwhelming number of them lending their support to the cause that will bring to life the dreams of 10 children, says a press release.

A’Saffa Foods ‘Let Us Achieve Their Dreams - 3’ campaign works towards the milestone of positively impacting the lives of 10 children. The company began the initiative with helping five children achieve their dreams in its first year, and decided to extend the same to 10 children belonging to the age group of 5 years to 7 years since last year.

“A’Saffa Foods has been committed to helping children within the Sultanate with hope and op-

portunity right from the time of its inception, as the company believes that children are an integral part of society and the future of tomorrow,” said Sidhartha Lenka, head of Sales and Marketing, A’Saffa Foods. “The organisation’s social outreach programme – ‘Let Us Achieve Their Dreams’ hence focuses its efforts on helping children live better lives by making their dreams come true.”

He continued, “To participate

and do your bit towards fulfilling the dreams of the 10 selected children this year, A’Saffa Foods urges one and all to visit our Facebook page and ‘Like’ the post with the theme – ‘Let Us Achieve their Dreams - 3’ until July 6. Every ‘Like’ will generate 100 baisa that will be donated

by A’Saffa Foods towards presents (bicycles and Play Stations) for the children: Abdullah, Nasser, Hamood, Issam, Majed, Ahmed, Yousuf, Assad, Muhannad, Idris.”

MUSCAT: Awasr, Oman’s pioneer provider of specialised broadband Internet services, announced that its brand has recently been recognised with two Transform awards.

Transform Awards Middle East and North Africa 2016 recognises excellence and innovation in branding and provides an important platform from which to benchmark and showcase creative brand work done by Mena companies and advertising agencies. Through the recognition process, it provides special impetus on brand strategy, execution and content.

Awasr won both bronze awards, alongside Bellwether Consultancy who helped them in the branding, for ‘Best Use of Typography’ and ‘Best Naming Strategy’. Attended by regional as well as global companies, the ceremony took place at a glittering event held in Dubai, says a press release.

Impressed by the result of the collaboration initiative, the judges lauded the word mark and bold

use of capitals of Awasr brand, which reflects speed, nimbleness and fluidity. Bellwether effectively employed well capitalised sans serif typeface with semi-joined letters to express agility, friendliness and speed.

The judges spoke highly of the strategy Bellwether employed to create and design the Awasr brand despite the challenges it had faced, given the saturated Omani telecommunications market. The name ‘Awasr’, meaning ‘bonds’ or ‘family relations’ in Arabic emphasises the company’s ability to build relationships through communications simultaneously differentiating themselves from competitors.

“We are proud to have been

recognised with these two awards despite our relatively short history. We worked closely with Bellwether to create a brand and a strategy that would innovatively reflect the values Awasr represents and the comprehensive solutions it delivers. We are a brand that fortifies its presence in local and global markets and this is further reflective of that,” commented Ghaith bin Mohammed Al Darmaki, chief technology officer, Awasr, who accepted the awards on the company’s behalf.

Expressing his happiness for this incredible achievement, Al Darmaki thanked loyal customers and congratulated all his colleagues for their outstanding performance, stressing the company’s unwavering commitment to continuing providing firstclass services to all customers across the Sultanate.

Issam Al Ismaili, head of Marketing, Awasr, said: “This award reflects the company’s clear vision and enhances its relationship with customers.”

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Exclusive discounts and special offers with BankDhofar credit & debit cards A wide array of products and services is available to BankDhofar customers in the Sultanate, ranging from hotel services, health and wellness outlets, dining, boutiques, travel, leisure and entertainment

MUSCAT: To further enrich its customer experience, BankDhofar has announced new tie-ups with various outlets where customers can enjoy exclusive discounts and special offers when using BankDhofar debit or credit cards.

A wide array of products and services is available to BankDhofar customers in the Sultanate, ranging from hotel services, health and wellness outlets, dining, boutiques, travel, leisure and entertainment, says a press release.

Ali Taqi, senior executive manager of Cards Services Centre at BankDhofar - highlighted the several benefits offered to BankDhofar card users.

“As part of our efforts to provide the best customer experience, we work constantly to expand our outreach and cater for the customers’ needs and requirements wherever they are. BankDhofar has excelled in

banking experience with its fullfledged collection of products and services, and to further boost that we tied-up with different outlets across Oman,” he noted.

Special offers include exclusive

discounts that range between 5% and 50% when using BankDhofar debit or credit cards.

The diverse range of services available to BankDhofar card users also include, but not lim-

E X PA N S I O N

ited to, cash withdrawal in OMR (AED & USD in some ATM’s), requests for mini statement, balance inquiry, self-fund transfer, third party transfer, card-less cash withdrawal. Additionally, BankD-

hofar has an extensive network of Cash Deposit Machines (CDM) to further ease transactions such as cash deposit in OMR, bill payment (water, electricity, internet and phone bills), mobile phone top-up, donation to registered charities that maintain an account with the bank, credit card payment, American Express card payment and cheque deposit.

Aspiring to be the best bank in the Sultanate and the wider Gulf area, BankDhofar is committed to provide its customers with the best banking experience. Today it is considered one of the fastest growing banks, with a strong presence in Corporate Banking, Consumer Banking, Treasury and Project Finance.

The bank has an extensive network of branches across the Sultanate, in addition to ATM and CDM facilities located in all parts of Oman.

CHARITY DRIVE

Shoexpress opens outlet in Oasis Mall MUSCAT: Shoexpress has increased its presence in Oman by opening a new store in Al Khuwair. This is the 8th store in the Sultanate, shortly after opening in Nizwa in March 2016.

The new 4,316 sq. ft store located on ground floor in Oasis Mall showcases women’s, kids’ and men’s fashion value footwear and accessories, says a press release.

The new store features the brand new look and feel that offers customers an international shopping experience, while providing them with the latest styles and trends at affordable prices.

Catch the new collection this Spring 2016 and be season savvy than the usual with impressive range of styles in a very competitive price, starting from OMR2.9 for ladies’ footwear, OMR5.9 for men’s shoes and OMR2.2 for kids’ footwear. Shoexpress provides an extensive collection of fun, fash-

ionable and eye-catching accessories, including costume jewellery, handbags and purses, as well as socks and belts for the entire family that are definitely affordable and are on trend.

Started in 2009, Shoexpress aims to offer customers a real

value experience, through an extensive assortment of fashionable footwear and accessories at truly unbelievable prices. I t currently operates more than 100 stores across the Middle East & North Africa with plans of opening a number of new stores each year.

The Shoexpress store design and concept is fresh, attractive and very efficient in its approach.

It uses open stock concept in which shoes are displayed neatly within each department, allowing customers to easily browse and find what they’re looking for.

ANDROID SET-TOP BOX

Omantel’s Humax H1 to bring a summer of sporting action MUSCAT: Oman’s sports enthusiasts are delighted as the Sultanate’s leading telecoms provider, Omantel, announced the launch of Humax H1 – an Android set-top box that bundles popular content providers including beIN Sports, ICFLIX, Starz Play, Mavshack, OSN GO, Kids content and YouTube.

Humax H1 marks the beginning of a new era of home entertainment in the Sultanate where all content, including live sport, movies and series, is streamed through a smart Over The Top (OTT) device that gives viewers the ability to access it at any time from any smart phone, tablet, PC or TV screen, says a press release.

To welcome customers to Humax H1, Omantel is providing a limited time bundle offer for new subscribers that includes

one month free access to Starz Play, OSN GO and Mavshack and twelve months free access to ICFLIX. Significantly, the bundle offer also includes the sought-after beIN Sports Summer Pass that enables viewers to watch the most anticipated sporting events of the season live including the Euro Cup, COPA America, Tour de France and Wimbledon and more, for three months completely free.

Saleh Al Maimani, senior man-

ager of Product Developmentat Consumer Business Unit noted, “The Humax H1 is yet another addition to the various entertainment options that we offer to our customers. We areexcited for enabling the customers to explore the world of features that this service brings. The set-top-box bundled with content rich offeris the firstof-its-kind in Oman and provides an unmatched experience for live and on-demand entertainment.

Humax H1 will change how we view content here in the Sultanate, it literally brings a world of entertainment straight to your home at the touch of a button.”

“Humax H1 marks a further step in our digital revolution. Rolling out digital smart home services is part of Omantel’s broader strategy ‘Omantel 3.0’, and a key area of

growth in the years ahead. We aim to be the nation’s digital partner of choice, helping to bridge the digital divide and pioneering the move towards rollout of the digital smart home eco-system,” Saleh Al Maimani added.

Introducing a number of never-before seen and convenient features to aid viewing pleasure, Humax H1 enables customers to use their mobile touchscreen to search and type rather than the cumbersome remote.

What’s more, the smart box’s multiscreen function enables viewers to access the different content providers simultaneously on different devices, making it perfect for the whole family where members want to watch sport, movies and children’s programmes at the same time.

Bank Sohar, Dar Al Atta’a distribute Ramadan ration packs in Bidbid MUSCAT: As part of its ongoing partnership with Dar Al Atta’a for the holy month of Ramadan, Bank Sohar staff in partnership with Dar Al Atta’a volunteered and participated in the distribution of Ramadan ration packs to families in the Wilayat of Bidbid.

This is the second in a series of distributions that took place in various wilayats of the Sultanate, with the first distribution having taken place in Wilayat of Quriyat, says a press release.

Commenting on the bank’s participation in the charity initiative, Munira Abdulnabi Macki, GM of HR and Corporate Support at Bank Sohar said, “Bank Sohar has always been a communityoriented organisation. It is also

great to see that our aspirations as an organisation are shared by our valued staff. Furthermore, charity drives such as these, operating in partnership with organisations such as Dar Al Atta’a, provide a great opportunity for our staff to connect with the community and truly understand how rewarding charitable work can be.”

The charity drive provided an opportunity for the volunteers representing the organisations to connect with the low-income families and understand the special challenges they face during the holy month. For the volunteers it was a chance to experience the rewarding nature of charity work and strengthened their commitment to future volunteering projects.

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Bank Muscat unveils Zeinah charity initiative at Iftar gathering for media Bank Muscat and the Ministry of Social Development signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to streamline the ‘Zeinah Cares’ donations to charitable organisations

MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan, unveiled ‘Zeinah Cares’, a first-of-its-kind initiative in association with the Ministry of Social Development, to support charitable organisations in the Sultanate.

Bringing together the bank’s women customers, the ‘Zeinah Cares’ initiative blends banking convenience with charity and community service in a seamless fashion.

Bank Muscat and the Ministry of Social Development signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to streamline the ‘Zeinah Cares’ donations to charitable organisations.

Abdullah Tamman Al Mashani, DGM - Institutional Sales & Products Development, and Khalfan bin Hareb Al Jabri, director-general of Planning and Research at the Ministry of Social Development, signed the MoU at the bank’s head office, says a press release.

Bank Muscat women customers holding a Zeinah savings account can sign up for ‘Zeinah Cares’, wherein the baisas available in

their account balance at the end of the month will automatically get transferred and donated towards charity. The participation is voluntary and optional.

The accumulated amount from all Zeinah customers will be transferred to Zeinah charity account and donated to charity organisations recommended by the Ministry of Social Development.

The unique ‘Zeinah Cares’ initiative was launched at the bank’s

annual Iftar gathering hosted for media and marketing representatives. The bank’s top management team members led by Waleed Al Hashar, deputy chief executive officer, were present at the Ramadan social gathering attended by chief editors, journalists, media and marketing representatives of leading print and electronic media houses.

The occasion was an opportunity for the media and the bank’s

NAT I O NA L D E T E R G E N T C O M PA N Y

management team to interact with each other.

Khalfan bin Hareb Al Jabri commended Bank Muscat for launching unique charitable initiatives that contribute to social development across the Sultanate. “The Ministry of Social Development and Bank Muscat enjoy strong cooperation in the field of social responsibility and these programmes have yielded successful results, benefiting social welfare

families. We wish the ‘Zeinah Cares’ charity initiative by Bank Muscat women customers all success,” he added.

In his address, Abdullah Tamman Al Mashani thanked the media for the strong support extended to the bank to positively reflect its performance and achievements.

The Ramadan social gathering marks yet another affirmation of the close relations between the bank and the media houses in Oman, which are key partners in the progress of Oman, he added.

Women customers opening a new Zeinah account can fill the ‘Zeinah Cares’ form to support the charity initiative. Existing Zeinah customers can also join the initiative by filling the ‘Zeinah Cares’ form available at all branches.

Oman is witnessing the increasing role of women in workplace and education. As women manage their financial responsibility, the need for new and specific banking products and services has emerged. Zeinah women’s account

addresses this need, offering a personal and comfortable banking environment for women.

The Zeinah suite of products and services is based on the premise that women prefer to use special banking services that preserve their privacy.

Catering to the unique needs, Zeinah offers privacy and a relaxed atmosphere for women at Bank Muscat branches. The specially designed Zeinah suite of products include exclusive debit and credit cards, auto finance and a unique health and beauty finance scheme.

Aimed at providing a distinct banking experience, Bank Muscat offers exclusive rewards for women in al Mazyona Savings Scheme.

Targeted at Zeinah customers maintaining a minimum balance of OMR100, al Mazyona offers two weekly prizes of OMR1,000 each, in addition to an exclusive Zeinah draw coinciding with the Omani Women’s Day offering a total of OMR100,000 to be shared by 10 winners.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

MGM to host blood donation drive MUSCAT: Muscat Grand Mall (MGM), Sultanate’s leading retail and entertainment destination, announced a blood donation drive to be held by Jawad Business Group, in co-ordination with the Department of Blood Services, Ministry of Health.

As a part of its corporate social responsibility, the mall recently organised the group’s maiden blood donation camp.

Sameer Al Oufi, HR/PR Manager from Jawad Business Group mentioned, “We personally believe that every individual has the responsibility towards his nation, business organisation, family and children, but also has to fulfil his/ her responsibility towards the society. In line with this thought, we are very proud to be organising this event in association with the Ministry of Health and Muscat

Grand Mall – and invite everyone to visit our camp and do their bit towards the community.”

He also added, “We all want our younger generation to be healthy for which it is our prime responsibility today to ensure that we fulfil our duties in contributing towards health care. One of the simplest and easiest methods to fulfil this social responsibility is to donate one’s blood.”

LUCKY WINNERS

NDC picks 34 more winners of ‘Win with Bahar’ promotion MUSCAT: National Detergent Company (NDC) has announced the remaining 34 winners out of 64 winners of ‘Win with Bahar’ summer promotion. The second draw was held at The Sultan Center in Amerat recently.

Lucky winners will take home from the range of gifts announced as part of ‘Win with Bahar’ summer promotion, which includes four iPhone 6 Plus, 10 Samsung Galaxy phones, 25 Samsung 40 inch LED TVs and 60 Samsung mobile phones, says a press release.

The two-month promotion, which began on March 28, continued till June 5. It was made available in all leading outlets like Lulu Hypermarkets, Nesto Hypermarket, The Sultan Center, Mars Hypermarket, Karama Hypermarket and K M Trading.

In the first draw that took place in April, 30 lucky winners won attractive prizes including five Samsung Galaxy S7 phones, 10 Samsung 40 inch LED TVs and 15 Samsung mobile phones.

A. K. Shaji, head of Business Development and Regional Sales, NDC, said: “We are delighted with the success of ‘Win with Bahar’ summer promotion. It offered our customers an opportunity to win valuable prizes. We will continue to provide customers with value-added promotions and deals

We are delighted with the success of ‘Win with Bahar’ summer promotion. It offered our customers an opportunity to win valuable prizes. We will continue to provide customers with valueadded promotions and deals throughout the year A. K. Shaji

Head of Business Development and Regional Sales, NDC

throughout the year.”

To enter the raffle draw, customers had to purchase NDC products worth OMR 3, which entitled them to a scratch and win card, and a raffle coupon. One additional coupon was given on purchase of Bahar/ No.1 48-medium pack. There were 100 Samsung mobile phones and 22,000 other gifts as scratch and win prizes. The full list of winners has been published in the NDC website, Facebook page and in selected hypermarkets.

Commenting on the ‘Win with Bahar’ summer promotion, Anwar Sadath, Commercial manager, Lulu Hypermarket, said: “We at Lulu make it a point to support local products like Bahar by giving them prominent display at our outlets. As witnessed over the last few years, customers visiting Lulu have been impressed by the amazing promotions offered by National Detergent Company.”

National Detergent’s promotions are supported by Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE). Through its Origin Oman campaign, PEIE promotes products manufactured in the Sultanate. The campaign creates awareness and increases the visibility of Omani products while encouraging residents to buy made in Oman products and avail of the quality services available in the country.

Malabar Gold reveals first 4 winners of ‘Win up to 10kg of Gold’ campaign MUSCAT: Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the renowned jewellery retailer revealed the first four lucky winners of the ‘Win up to 10 kilos of gold’ campaign which is running in its all the outlets in the GCC until July 24.

The four winners who won 1/4 kg gold each so far in the ongoing campaign were Febina Shabnam, an Indian tourist in UAE; Viswanath M., an Indian citizen residing in Oman; Aslam Riaz, an Indian citizen residing in UAE; and Dr Mercy Zachariah an Indian citizen residing in Oman, says a press release.

The campaign gives customers once in a life time opportunity to change their future. Through the campaign, customers can win up to 10 kilos of gold with purchase of gold and diamond jewellery.

With every purchase of gold jewellery worth OMR50, customers get a chance to enter raffle draws to win 1/4 kg of gold each in a week. Those who buy diamond jewelry worth OMR50 will get two raffle coupons, doubling their chances to win.

Adding to the above, the customers can update any of their old ornaments purchased from GCC with the brand new enticing collection of Malabar Gold & Diamonds without any loss. Any 22K old gold ornaments purchased from GCC can be exchanged

with Malabar Gold & Diamonds designs by paying only making charges ensuring they don’t lose any value on the rate of gold.

The customers also get a fabulous chance to buy 22K 8 gm gold coins with absolutely no making charges from any of Malabar Gold & Diamonds outlets in GCC during this period.

Customer satisfaction and convenience is the top priority at Malabar Gold & Diamonds. Keeping this in mind, it also provides additional services like unique exchange offers, buyback policies, lifetime free repair and maintenance service for all its products.

Adding more sparkle to the glitter of gold, Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ has also incorporated the latest designs in its collections to

suit the tastes of its multicultural customer segments. Customers can buy their favourite jewellery by using their credit/debit cards without paying any additional charge. Malabar Gold & Diamonds also gives its customers the advantage of converting their jewellery purchase into ‘Easy Payment Plans’ in association with various banks through which they can enjoy flexible payment options for up to 12 instalments without paying any interest.

This holiday season, Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ provides customers with the most attractive offers, definitely not worth a miss. its mesmerising collection and exclusive offers can be availed in all outlets of Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ in the Gulf.

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Slovakia make life difficult for Russia SLOVAKIA

2

RUSSIA

1

Just 24 hours after UEFA told Russia it

It was a collective effort, we fought for it. It is the first Euro win for Slovakia in history and we are happy

would be expelled from the tournament if their fans caused more crowd trouble,

Marek Hamsik

the Slovaks outplayed

Slovakia

them for large parts of a match contested under a closed roof because of forecasts of heavy rain

LILLE: Slovakia deepened Russia’s woes with classy first-half goals from Vladimir Weiss and the outstanding Marek Hamsik securing a tense 2-1 victory in their Euro 2016 Group B clash on Wednesday.

For the second game in a row, the Russians managed only two attempts on target and their wasteful finishing cost them dearly, with substitute Denis Glushakov’s 80th minute goal proving too little too late for them.

Their profligacy leaves Russia needing to beat Wales in their final group game if they are to have any chance of progressing but there was only joy for Slovakia, as they marked their debut at a European Championship finals with a first win.

Just 24 hours after UEFA told Russia it would be expelled from the tournament if their fans caused more crowd trouble, the Slovaks outplayed them for large parts of a match contested under a closed roof because of forecasts of heavy rain.

Man of the match Hamsik gave an early taste of what was to come when he fired a thundering shot just over in the 10th minute but the Russians had plenty of chances of their own in the first half-hour which they failed to convert.

Winger Fedor Smolov was particularly wasteful, often deciding

JUBILATION: Slovakia’s Martin Skrtel and Jan Durica celebrate at

the end of the match against Russia. – Reuters

to shoot when passing would have been a better option, and firing chance after chance wide Slovakia, who made three changes from the side that lost their opening game 2-1 to Wales, took the lead in the 32nd minute when Hamsik hit a superb long ball to Weiss, who cut in from the left edge

of the box past two defenders and curled his shot inside the far post.

Just before halftime Hamsik got on the scoresheet himself, picking up a short corner from Weiss on the left and striking his own superb curling shot across the goal and in off the right hand post.

“It was a collective effort, we

fought for it,” Hamsik said after the final whistle. “It is the first Euro win for Slovakia in history. We are happy we were able to get it.”

With the Russian attack in disarray, the Slovaks appeared to be heading towards a comfortable victory for much of the second half, but the game changed direction dramatically in the last 10 minutes. Glushakov threw his side a lifeline in the last 10 minutes when he reduced the deficit, heading home Oleg Shatov’s cross. Suddenly, Slovakia were on the back foot and the Russians looked capable of grabbing an equaliser.

Jan Durica in the centre of the Slovakian defence continued to throw himself about, chasing, harrying and covering shots in a desperate effort to protect his side’s slender lead. Glushakov had a chance to pull his side level late on but fired just wide, and an injurytime corner for Russia was headed clear as the final whistle went.

Despite the disappointing result for the Russians, there was no repeat of the scenes that followed Saturday’s draw with England when their fans charged at opposition supporters after the final whistle in Marseille. Instead, the Russian fans left the stadium quickly while the jubilant Slovaks danced in front of their ecstatic supporters.

The result leaves Russia with just a single point from a draw with England, and coach Leonid Slutski has not yet given up hope of making the knockout stages. “The situation is pretty unclear. Everyone is still in with a chance,” Slutski told reporters. Slovakia top the group on three points ahead of Wales on goal difference. The Welsh take on England in Lens on Thursday. - Reuters

DISAPPOINTED: Russia’s Fedor Smolov looks dejected at the end of the match against Slovakia. – Reuters

C O M M E N TA RY

For all his great class, Ronaldo is vulnerable

I

N the chorus of those complaining about the quality of this European Championships, you won’t hear my voice. Even rank outsiders like Wales, which beat Slovakia 2-1 thanks to a free kick scored

by Gareth Bale, as well as North Ireland (1-0 losers to Poland), Albania (1-0 losers to Switzerland) and Iceland (1-1 draw against Portugal) have played respectably well. There is genuine quality there. And the 2-0 win by reigning World Champions Germany over Ukraine was also a close affair. The match could have ended in a tie if it hadn’t been for the acrobatic artistry of defender Jerome Boateng in clearing a ball at his own goal line.

What was surprising was the 2-0 win by Hungary over their neighbours Austria, who were the heavy favourites. The two nations have played each other 136 times, a figure matched nowhere else in Europe. This time I suffered along with the Austrians.

They were a bit too over-ambitious, wanting to decide the match immediately. Even though they had a full 90 minutes, they were too hectic in their pace, and so at the end their strength was waning.

But now that the first round of matches in all six groups is finished, I didn’t see a single team that downright failed. In a major tournament, teams are a bit tentative in the opening match which often becomes one of watching and waiting. All the same, these first matches were truly exciting.

Italy actually rose above themselves in their highlydeserved 2-0 win over Belgium, many people’s dark horse favourites. And this with a starting team of an average age of 31.17 years making it the oldest one in the world. Of course, goalie Gianluigi Buffon with his 38 years does considerably boost the overall average.

But age also brings experience. Other teams field young, hungry players who, however, lack tournament experience. You have to have the right combination such as the Italians, the Spaniards and also the Germans.

Defending European champions Spain in fact is playing without their virtual national hero, Iker Casillas, in goal. And Fernando Torres and Diego Costa are not even in the team roster. Yet things appear to be working out.

Coach Vicente del Bosque, that old fox, has found a good mixture of tried and true players from FC Barcelona, augmented by players like Sergio Ramos, in charge

of the defense, who is the only Real Madrid player in the starting formation, though the roster also has Lucas Vazquez from Real Madrid.

Then there are a number of new players, of whom only one can be said to be truly young -- the 23-yearold forward Alvaro Morata from Juventus Turin. This is a great mixture of players and the Czechs didn’t stand a chance when Gerard Pique scored the winning 1-0 goal after an outstanding cross from Andres Iniesta, who appears to be in the form of his life.

Croatia is also wellstaffed, what with Luka Modric of Real Madrid and Ivan Rakitic of Barcelona being two playmakers who can maintain a high pace, even though the 1-0 win over Turkey was a tough grind. In any event I am keenly watching this Group D with Spain, Croatia, the Czechs and Turkey. Something is brewing there.

Given the tensions in France and the overall mood in the country it would be good if the French team could free itself of the blockade that was all too apparent in their 2-1 win over Romania to open the tournament. People reminisce fondly about the year 1984 when France, who were also the tournament hosts, won the championship, led on the field by midfield magician Michel Platini.

This year, however, the French side appears to be still pretty young for such a tournament.

Ahead of the match against Portugal, Iceland trainer Lars Lagerback was hoping to provoke superstar Cristiano Ronaldo with comments about his being like a Hollywood actor on on the field.

Okay, one can’t take such pre-game comments too seriously. Ronaldo does polarise, and looks like he feels insulted when an opposing player even dares to touch him.

But such moments actually make him human.

For all his great class, he is vulnerable. And it is great for a team to have such a personality in its ranks - the best, or second-best after Lionel Messi, footballer in the world. But, once again, as seen in the mere 1-1 draw against Iceland, it appears that Ronaldo won’t reach the very top with Portugal the way he is used to doing with his club Real Madrid.

Not even if he manages to grow beyond himself. — dpa

M AT C H R E P O R T

Switzerland on the brink of last 16 after Romania draw PARIS: Switzerland were on the brink of the Euro 2016 last 16 on Wednesday after they salvaged a 1-1 draw against Romania in a lively Group A clash at the Parc des Princes.

The Swiss, who owe their point to Admir Mehmedi’s second-half strike, have four points from two games while Romania have one after Bogdan Stancu opened the scoring in the first half.

Hosts France, on three points, will be the first team to reach the knockout phase if they beat Albania, who have yet to get off the mark, in Marseille later on Wednesday.

Although the Swiss have a good chance to qualify, at least as one of the four best third-placed teams, they may regret missing several chances in a game that could have

ROMANIA

1

seen them move into their first European Championship knockout phase. Romania, instead, earned a lifeline ahead of their final game against Albania.

After a 2-1 defeat in the tournament opener versus hosts France, Romania started cautiously, allowing their opponents to pick up momentum.

In the seventh minute, Switzerland’s Haris Seferovic beat defender Vlad Chichires in the box but his right-foot effort then went just wide.

The forward had another chance nine minutes later, only for goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu to deny him with his left foot.

SWITZERLAND 1 Romania, however, scored with their first chance.

Stancu penalty Switzerland captain Stephan Lichtsteiner grabbed Alexandru Chipciu’s shirt in the area and Stancu converted the resulting penalty, putting Romania ahead in the 18th minute against the run of play.

Stancu, who also netted from the spot against France last Friday, became the first Romanian player to score two goals at a European Championship. Two minutes later, Tatarusanu tipped Fabian Schaer’s fierce 20-metre volley over the bar as the game got livelier.

Romania had a huge opportuni-

ty t to double their tally but Cristian Sapuranu’s shot went just wide.

S Blerim Dzemaili’s header was off target as Switzerland missed yet another chance before halftime.

Romania defended well but there was nothing Tatarusanu could do in the 57th minute when Mehmedi drilled a half-volley into the far side of the net.

Switzerland continued to push and coach Vladimir Petkovic substituted Seferovic just past the hour mark for 19-year-old Breel Embolo, who had no impact in a disappointing performance.

Romania will start with the experienced Claudiu Keseru up front after coach Anghel Iordanescu made four changes to the team who lost 2-1 against hosts France in the tournament opener - Reuters

THE EQUALISER: Switzerland’s Admir Mehmedi, left, celebrates with Blerim Dzemaili after scoring the equaliser against Romania. – Reuters

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THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

ITALY CAN OVERCOME IBRAHIMOVIC THREAT TO BEAT SWEDEN: DE ROSSI

Germans know there’s more to Poland than ‘Lewa’ Poland are led by captain Robert Lewandowski, who scored 13 goals as his country became the highest-scoring team in qualifiers with 33

EVIAN: World champions Germany have warned that there is more to their biggest Euro 2016 group rivals Poland than Bundesliga top scorer Robert Lewandowski.

The Germans, fresh from their impressive 2-0 win over Ukraine, take on their neighbours in Paris on Thursday, knowing the Poles also made a winning start in Group C with a 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland.

Poland are led by captain Lewandowski, who scored 13 goals

as his country became the highestscoring team in the qualifiers with 33. They finished second in their qualifying group, a point behind the Germans who they beat for the first time ever.

‘Lewa’ earned his second Bundesliga top scorer title this season after netting 30 times in the league and securing the domestic league and Cup double with Bayern Munich.

“The Poles are very good opponents but if we pull our game through I am confident we will win,” defender Jerome Boateng told reporters.

“But we have to be careful. They have good forwards — and not just Lewandowski.”

The Poland captain did not score in their opening win, with 22-yearold forward Arkadiusz Milik, who also struck six times in the qualifying campaign, grabbing their winner against Northern Ireland.

“They have made a big leap in the past years, many players play abroad and more youngsters are coming up,” said Germany’s Polish-born forward Lukas Podolski.

“They are the most dangerous opponents in our group. I hope we will advance to the next round, with Poland in second place.

“They want more than just playing in the group stage. They have the quality to go beyond the round of 16.”

Germany coach Joachim Loew could have central defender Mats Hummels back fit, which would mean Shkodran Mustafi, who scored their opening goal against Ukraine, could return to the bench.

Loew may decide to bring in forward Mario Gomez, in place of attacking midfielder Mario Goetze who looked uncomfortable in the striker’s role against the Ukrainians.

Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny picked up a thigh injury in the opening game but is expected to be fit to play.

The Germans may have lost to Poland in the qualifiers but for Lewandowski they remain the team to beat.

“Germany are in my opinion the favourites for the whole tournament,” Lewandowski said. “We know how strong they are at the moment but anything can happen.

“We have to remain calm and self-confident, just like against Ireland. No fear, no stress and if we get a chance we can make it.

But we should not forget to enjoy ourselves.” - Reuters

Lewandowski won his second Bundesliga top scorer title this season after netting 30 times

PREVIEW

Northern Ireland need attacking spark against Ukraine

RIVAL MASTERS: A combination of pictures shows Ukraine’s coach Mikhail Fomenko, left, and Northern Ireland’s coach Michael O’Neill. – AFP

LYON: Northern Ireland need to come out of their shell in Thursday’s Euro 2016 Group C clash against Ukraine if their first major tournament appearance for 30 years is not to end in an anticlimax. Both sides are promising a more attacking approach than in their opening games, where the Northern Irish went down 1-0 to Poland and Ukraine were dispatched 2-0 by Germany.

The Ukrainians can at least take heart from the fact that they held the world champions to 1-0 until Bastian Schweinsteiger came on as substitute and scored in stoppage time. They also created chances of their own, at one point forcing a spectacular goal-

line clearance. Northern Ireland, by contrast, were a shadow of the side that qualified unexpectedly as winners of their group. They never looked like scoring against Poland and striker Kyle Lafferty, a lonely figure up front, lamented: “We didn’t turn up today.”

Coach Michael O’Neill has said the squad was devastated by the death of a 24-year-old fan, Darren Rodgers, in a fall from a sea-front railing in Nice early on Monday, and wants to make Thursday’s game a “fitting tribute”.

With Germany waiting as their next opponents, the Ukraine fixture is Northern Ireland’s best and perhaps only chance to pick up points. “We have to be more ag-

gressive,” defender Jonny Evans told reporters on Tuesday.

Ukraine have strong attacking options of their own, through pacy wingers Andriy Yarmolenko and Yevhen Konoplyanka.

“We are still thinking about the starting line-up. There is time to choose the right tactics for the game but one thing is clear: we will attack. At the same time, we need to be accurate, especially at the back,” assistant coach Andriy Shevchenko told the Football TV channel.

Ukraine midfielder Ruslan Rotan underlined the high stakes. “Northern Ireland plays purely a British style, with great physical preparation, strong flanks, high crosses and lots of scrambling,” he said. - Reuters

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

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RONALDO SULKS AFTER DRAW, PORTUGAL BLAME DOUR ICELAND

Anglo-Welsh rivalry to reach new peak Wales must drop deep to cope with new Rooney role: Ramsey

Wales have won only 14 of more than 100 previous meetings — the last in 1984 — and lost all four European Championship qualifying matches, in 1966-67 and 2011

LENS: A rivalry dating back 137 years will reach a new level of intensity in Lens on Thursday when England and Wales meet at a major tournament for the first time.

The fixture began in January 1879 and for exactly 100 years from 1884 was part of the now disbanded British Championship.

As the Welsh won their opening Group B game 2-1 against Slovakia before England conceded a last-minute goal in a 1-1 draw with Russia, they go into this encounter looking down on their neighbours, which has not often been the case.

Wales have won only 14 of more than 100 previous meetings — the last in 1984 — and lost all four Eu-

TRAINING HARD: From left, England’s James Milner, Gary Cahill, Chris Smalling, Wayne Rooney, Jamie Vardy and Dele Alli attend a train-

ing session in Chantilly, France. – AFP

ropean Championship qualifying matches, in 1966-67 and 2011.

Annual matches in rugby union, which the Welsh regard as their true national sport, fuel even greater passions based on complex socio-economic and cultural factors going back centuries to when the English invaded Wales and imposed their laws and language.

But those feelings will never have received greater outlet on a football pitch than in Thursday’s

game. Asked about the Welsh dislike of their neighbours, England midfielder Jack Wilshere was quoted in British media as saying, “We know that Wales don’t like us.

Do we like them? Not really!”

If that seemed harsh on his friend and fellow Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey, he was right in summing up what is likely to be the nature of the match.

“We know it is going to be a tough game and there are going

S PA N I S H C OAC H S P E A K S

Del Bosque reveals pain in dropping Casillas for De Gea LA ROCHELLE: Vicente del Bosque has said that leaving goalkeeper Iker Casillas on the bench for Spain’s Euro 2016 opener against the Czech Republic on Monday was the most “painful” decision he has ever made during his tenure as Spain coach.

Del Bosque waited until the last minute before announcing that Manchester United’s David de Gea would start the Group D game against the Czechs instead of the national team captain, who had been Spain’s first-choice keeper since 2002.

“That Iker doesn’t play is painful for me,” Del Bosque told Spanish channel Be Mad TV of his lineup for the 1-0 victory in Toulouse.

“He is a player that we have to respect because he has been here for 14 years,” he added. “I tried to approach things as normally as possible. I had a talk with him because I felt he deserved it. He has more than 160 caps (167).

“We always try to make the best choice and the difference (between them) is minimal.”

Casillas, who left long-time club Real Madrid last year to join Porto, started for Spain’s title-winning sides at the European Championships in 2008 and 2012, as well as for the victorious 2010 World Cup campaign.

However, he arrived at Spain’s

That Iker doesn’t play is painful for me Vicente del Bosque

Coach, Spain

training camp last month knowing his starting place was no longer assured.

De Gea, who made his senior debut in June 2014 and was included in Spain’s World Cup squad that year but did not feature, had only started in three of the country’s Euro 2016 qualifiers with Casillas still preferred.

Del Bosque, however, felt it was in everyone’s best interest to not reveal who would start against the Czechs until the day of the match.

“Even my children would ask me whether Iker or David would play, perhaps to boast that they knew, but I always told them that

they had to wait and see,” Del Bosque added.

“It’s my duty to be discreet until the last minute and I didn’t do it as a game.”

Del Bosque praised the 35-yearold Casillas and believes the goalkeeper remains important to the side. “I liked how Iker acted on the bench,” Del Bosque said.

“I saw he was very serene and relaxed. It’s good to see the substitutes living the game and feeling the success as if they were on the pitch. He can help us a lot.”

Spain take on Turkey on Friday in Nice and end the group stages against Croatia on June 21 in Bordeaux. - Reuters

MUST WIN

Belgium can’t afford mistakes against Ireland PARIS: Belgium can not afford any mistakes against Ireland in their second Euro 2016 Group E match on Saturday if they are to make up for the disappointment of their opening loss to Italy, striker Divock Origi has said.

Considered one of the tournament favourites by many, Belgium were outfoxed by a resolute Italian side in the 2-0 defeat on Monday, while Ireland were generally the better team in a 1-1 draw with

Sweden at the Stade de France earlier in the day. “We have to be ready for the next game. We know it will be tough because we have a lot of respect for Ireland and we’ll have to look at how we play the game tactically,” Origi said.

“It’s going to be an important game for us. We have to be ready.

After the loss against Italy, we’re obviously disappointed but we know that Ireland are a good team and we’ll have to be at 100 percent

to beat them, that’s for sure.”

Forward Romelu Lukaku was unable to find the back of the net against Italy and his poor display was highlighted by coach Marc Wilmots, who said he “didn’t have a particularly happy night”.

“A lot of people were talking before the tournament about what we can do but we had a reality check against Italy and sometimes that’s good to know you still have a long way to go,” Lukaku said. - Reuters

to be tackles. We know a lot of the players — most of them play in the Premier League. It is going to be like a derby,” he said.

That will apply off the pitch too for a match being played in the second smallest of the tournament venues.

England manager Roy Hodgson and captain Wayne Rooney have appealed to supporters to behave and Wales coach Chris Coleman is expected to follow suit at his pre-

match news conference.

When England played their other neighbours Ireland (in 1988 and 1990) and Scotland (1996) at past European Championship or World Cup tournaments, the football was passionate but mostly lacking in quality. Neither side will mind this time if they emerge with the right result, which in England’s case means a first Euro 2016 victory, whereas Wales probably could afford a draw. - Reuters

LENS: Wales will need to defend deep if they are to stifle England captain Wayne Rooney’s influence on their European Championship clash on Thursday, midfielder Aaron Ramsey has said.

Rooney was given a midfield role in England’s 1-1 draw with Russia.

Ramsey said the different role for Rooney would allow him more time on the ball and Wales had to make sure he did not pick them apart.

“Rooney is a fantastic player. He has great ability on the ball and a range of passing,” the Wales midfielder told reporters in France.

“We will have to look out for him, be wary of that. Hopefully we can keep him quiet.” - Reuters

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

S P O R S

India whitewash Zimbabwe There were two milestones for Dhoni — with 107 wins as captain, he equalled Allan Border for the second highest number of wins in ODI history behind Ricky Ponting (165) and he also became the first Indian wicketkeeperbatsman to complete 350 dismissals

Sports Club on Wednesday. – AFP

HARARE: A dominant India predictably completed a 3-0 whitewash by bulldozing a sub-par Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in the final One-day International (ODI) cricket match here on Wednesday in what turned out to be one of the most one-sided series in recent times.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s boys outclassed the hosts in all departments by first bowling them out for their lowest total of 123 in the series with Jasprit Bumrah grabbing four for 22 and then romping home in 21.5 overs. Openers KL Rahul (63 not out) and debutant Faiz Fazal (55 not out) flayed with what seemed like a club-level bowling attack to guide India home.

India also completed a hat-trick of whitewashes against the hosts, having won earlier ODI series by 5-0 and 3-0 margin in 2013 and 2015 when Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane led the sides respectively.

WIMBLEDON

For Dhoni, there were two milestones that he achieved from the series. With 107 wins as captain, he equalled Allan Border for the second highest number of wins in ODI history behind Ricky Ponting (165).

Also he became the first Indian wicketkeeper-batsman to complete 350 dismissals in 50-overs cricket.

However, there wasn’t much else to draw from the three matches as it was one rare series where only four batsmen — namely openers Rahul, Karun Nair, Fazal (this match) and Ambati Rayudu — got a decent hit in the middle.

The entire middle-order — skipper himself, Kedar Jadhav, and Manish Pandey (two balls) — did not get a chance to bat thanks to the impressive effort by the bowlers led by Jasprit Bumrah with nine wickets from three games.

The nature of the contest has been of very poor quality as there

SCOREBOARD

ZIMBABWE H. Masakadza c Rahul b Kulkarni 8 C. Chibhabha c Bumrah b Chahal 27 V. Sibanda c&b Chahal 38 T. Maruma b Bumrah 17 M. Waller run out 8 E. Chigumbura c Dhoni b Bumrah 0 R. Mutumbami c Rahul b Bumrah 4 G. Cremer lbw A. Patel 0 N. Madziva not out 10 T. Mupariwa c M. Pandey b Bumrah 1 D. Tiripano run out 2 Extras (lb-3, nb-1, w-4) 8 Total (all out, 42.2 overs) 123 Fall of wickets: 1-19, 2-55, 3-89, 4-104,

was only one team which had its foot on the pedal. While chasing, Rahul enjoyed the pedestrian bowling attack helping himself to a half century, his second 50 plus score after a hundred on debut

5-104, 6-104, 7-104, 8-108, 9-110.

Bowling: B. Sran 8-0-40-0 (w-1); D. Kulkarni 6.2-1-17-1 (w-2); J. Bumrah 101-22-4 (nb-1, w-1); A. Patel 10-2- 16-1; Y. Chahal 8-0-25-2.

INDIA L. Rahul not out 63 F. Fazal not out 55 Extras (b-1, lb-1, w-6) 8 Total (no loss, 21.5 overs) 126 Bowling: D. Tiripano 5-1-15-0 (w-3); N. Madziva 5-0-5- 0 (w-2); T. Mupariwa 6-0-430 (w-1); G. Cremer 4-0-26-0; C. Chibhabha 1.5-0-15-0.

while old domestic warhorse Faiz Fazal celebrated his maiden India cap with a polished knock.

With only 124 to get, the Indian openers did not need to take any risks yet scored runs at a quick clip

to finish off the formalities with minimum fuss.

Left-handed Fazal looked elegant as he hit a few gorgeous shots through the cover as well as back past the bowler. Fazal lifted skipper and leg-spinner Graeme Cremer for a straight six. While Fazal’s innings had seven fours and a six in 61 balls, Rahul was more partial towards the cut shot and he also hit some cover drives.

When Cremer tried to flight the ball, the Mangalore-lad was quick to pounce on it hitting him into the sightscreen for a six. He hit another six off Chamu Chibhabha over long-on. In all he hit four boundaries and two sixes in 70 balls.

The century stand came in 113 balls while Fazal finished the match with a pulled boundary.

Rahul finished the series with 196 runs from three innings that had a century and a half century. - PTI

HOCKEY

Brown handed wildcard LONDON: Dreadlocked German Dustin Brown will have the chance to follow up last year’s Wimbledon heroics after being handed a wildcard for the championships on Wednesday. Brown, ranked 87th in

ONE-SIDED SERIES: Indian players celebrate with the trophy after completing a 3-0 series triumph against Zimbabwe at the Harare

the world, provided the shock of the tournament 12 months ago when he came through qualifying before overwhelming twice Rafael Nadal in the second round with a scintillating display of attacking tennis. - Reuters

Confident India eager for good show against Aussies in Champions Trophy LONDON: A first-time entry into the final at stake, a confident India would aspire to rise to the challenge of taking on Australia in their last league outing of the 36th Hero Champions Trophy here on Thursday.

India were beaten by four goals in two encounters against Australia in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup tournament in Ipoh, Malaysia, two months ago, but are eager to produce a better show against the reigning world champions, who have already secured their place in the title match, at the Lee Valley Hockey Centre.

World No. 1 Australia prevailed 5-1 in their league fixture of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup

against India and then, when the teams again met in the final, the dominant side from Down Under triumphed 4-0.

India are drawing inspiration from their victory last year in a Test match at home, ahead of the World League Finals in Raipur.

India’s most notable performance against Australia recently was in the 2015 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup where striker Nikkin Thimmaiah’s hat-trick spurred them to victory, but that was an experimental Australian team.

Ahead of the Olympic Games, Australia have fielded a very strong side here, but are in a dilemma over penalty corner shooter Chris Ciriello’s fitness.

“The match against Australia is a very tough outing. We have to produce our best performance to put up a good contest,” said Indian coach Roelant Oltmans, who is happy to see the Indians stay in the hunt for a medal.

“A medal at the Champions Trophy was the target we set ourselves when we set off for London.

I’m happy that our game has improved with every tournament,” said Oltmans.

Australia are heading the round-robin league standings with 10 points from four outings, followed by India on seven from four matches.

A victory over Australia on Thursday would put India into the

KHIMJI RAMDAS FELICITATE MUSCAT CRICKET TEAM

final of the Champions Trophy, something they have not achieved so far, but even a draw could boost their prospects of making the title encounter. Great Britain and Belgium are the other teams that can win their last league match to edge out India from the final.

These two teams will clash in the last league engagement and will have the luxury of playing after the Australia-India fixture.

Britain are currently on five points and Belgium are on four. If Australia defeat India, hosts Britain will just need a win over Belgium to overtake India on points, but Belgium too can finish second on goal difference if they prevail in this match. - PTI

The directors of Khimji Ramdas felicitated the members of the Muscat Cricket Team for their commendable performances in the 2015-16 cricket season. The team won second place Oman Cricket Premier League 50-overs tournament, T20 League and 50-overs invitational knockout tournament. — Supplied photo

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

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SPORTS Omani sailors gear up for Kiel Week Kiel Week is part of ISAF’s World Cup and one of the last Olympic class event before the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro

MUSCAT: Trained and nurtured under the Omantel Youth Programme at Oman Sail, seven of Oman’s most promising young sailors will take a step towards fulfilling their Olympic dreams when they compete at the Kiel Week international regatta in Germany next week. Sixteen-year-old Zakariya Al Wahabi, who two years ago became

BIG CHALLENGE: Oman’s young sailing hopefuls are preparing for a major test in Kiel. – Supplied photo

Oman’s first ever Optimist national champion, and 16-year-old Marwan Al Jabri, his longstanding Optimist rival, have joined together to campaign a 29er, which represents the next class up on the traditional Olympic racing pathway.

Another pair joining in this class is 16-year-old Khamis Al Wahaibi, who achieved Oman’s best result at last year’s Laser 4.7m World Championships, and crew member Ahmed Al Wahaibi, also 17, who has also shown great promise.

BAKU GP

Hamilton hoping for another first BAKU: Formula One takes a step into the unknown this weekend with its first grand prix in Azerbaijan but triple world champion Lewis Hamilton hopes the race will take him back to familiar territory.

A win in Baku would not only complete a hat-trick of victories for the Briton but would also see him overtake Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg at the top of the standings for the first time this year.

After winning the last two races in Monaco and Montreal, while championship leader Rosberg finished off the podium, Hamilton slashed the gap between them from 43 points to nine.

If Hamilton makes it three in a row by winning a race billed as the ‘European Grand Prix’, Rosberg must finish second to avoid falling behind his rival, who has beaten him to the championship for the

last two years. “We need to try to keep on a roll if possible,” Hamilton said after winning in Canada on Sunday for the fifth time. “Onwards and upwards, hopefully.”

Closing the gap Rosberg, winner of the first four races of the season as well as the last three of 2015, needs to hit back in Baku. He won last season’s ‘new’ race, the Mexican Grand Prix that was returning for the first time since 1992, but Hamilton had just won his third title and taken his foot off the gas.

“Canada unfortunately didn’t work out as planned. But that’s how things go when you’re pushing the limits and I’m not going to change my approach or start backing down,” said the German after making a quick getaway from Montreal. “I’m in this champion-

PREMIER LEAGUE

Leicester begin title defence at Hull City LONDON: Champions Leicester City will begin their Premier League title defence with a trip to newly-promoted Hull City and Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United reign kicks off at Bournemouth. The release of the fixtures on Wednesday threw up some meaty first-day tussles with last season’s runners-up Arsenal hosting Juergen Klopp’s Liverpool.

The 2016-17 season kicks off earlier than usual on August 13.

Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester, who stunned the football world by claiming the Premier League title last season at pre-season odds of 5000-1, have a testing opening six weeks with Arsenal visiting them before away trips to Liverpool and Manchester United.

Leicester are listed as 25-1 seventh favourites to retain the title.

Pep Guardiola will make his league debut as Manchester City manager when his team, already marked out as favourites for the title, host Sunderland. Mourinho, who replaced Louis van Gaal as United manager last month, will be aiming to maintain his record of never having lost any of his seven opening-day fixtures in England.

He will not have to wait long to renew his old rivalry with Guardiola either, with the first Manchester derby being held at Old Trafford on September 10.

The drastic managerial shake-

up in the Premier League means Chelsea also venture into a new era with Antonio Conte, currently in charge of Italy at Euro 2016, at the helm.

His first assignment in English football will be a feisty London derby against West Ham United at Stamford Bridge. West Ham’s first match at their new Olympic Stadium home is against Bournemouth on August 20.

Mourinho will return to his old stomping ground when Chelsea host Manchester United on October 22, a week after the Portuguese’s former club host Leicester City. Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham Hotspur, who pushed Leicester for the title before finishing third, begin at Everton, who named Ronald Koeman as their manager on Tuesday.

Arsenal will host Tottenham in the first north London derby on Nov. 5 while the other eagerly anticipated derby clash, between Merseyside clubs Liverpool and Everton, takes place at Goodison Park on December 17.

Opening day fixtures (Aug 13): Arsenal vs Liverpool; Bournemouth vs Manchester United; Burnley vs Swansea City; Chelsea vs West Ham United; Crystal Palace vs West Bromwich Albion; Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur; Hull City vs Leicester City; Manchester City vs Sunderland; Middlesbrough vs Stoke City; Southampton vs Watford. - Reuters

ship battle to win it, not to settle for second best.”

While the spotlight remains on the fierce duel between the two Mercedes drivers, who have clashed on the opening lap twice in the last three races, the champions are no longer in a battle of their own.

Ferrari and Red Bull have closed the performance gap and could be a real threat in Baku with its long straight and tight turns around the old city. “The speed of both the Ferrari and Red Bull is pretty much where we are now,” commented Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff after Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel made a lightning start in Canada and finished second.

“We are seeing the convergence of performance between teams that naturally comes with stable regulations, and that has made the competition tougher than ever.” - Reuters

Kiel Week, part of ISAF’s World Cup and one of the last Olympic class event before the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, will be the first official competition for Al Wahabi and Al Jabri following a recent training camp in Oman where they sailed the 29er for the first time.

Earlier this year Al Wahabi showed his versatility when he swept to a resounding win in the Laser 4.7m class at Mussanah Race Week, with four straight wins from 12 races. Marwan Al Jabri was also in action and came fifth.The four team members will be competing against the most promising young 29er sailors around the world with the 2016 entry list showing 83 sailors entered from 12 nations.

“This will be a great opportunity for our sailors to get used to racing in a large fleet and all that entails,” explained Mohsin Al Busaidi, Oman Sail’s Youth Team Manager.

“So far they have experienced Mussanah Race Week but Kiel is a different league and it will be good for them to improve their skills at

this level before the 29er Worlds in Medemblik in Holland at the end of next month.”

In the highly competitive 96-strong Laser 4.7m class, Salim Al Alawi (aged 15) will be representing Oman’s best hopes.

Also in action from Oman are AbdulAziz Al Araimi (aged 16) and Mansoor Al Mahrouqi (aged 17) who started sailing Optimists in 2012 and have already had a taste of international competition after competing in the Laser Radial class at the ISAF Youth World Championships in 2014.

All three youngsters will be vying for selection as part of the Omani squad for the Laser 4.7m Youth World Championships, which will also be held in Kiel in July and August.

Hamdan Moosa Hamdan Al Harasi, Caretaker VP, Corporate Strategy Unit at Omantel, said: “Kiel Week will be a valuable opportunity for our sailors to fast track their learning and development and see how they compare to

ISC HOLDS KARATE GRADING

others. We wish them all the best and we look forward to welcoming them back to Oman enriched by this new experience. Omantel, as the leading telecom operator in Oman and one of the biggest investors in the community, continues to support youth programmes in various sectors and we are proud to be part of the Omani society”.

Kiel Week, which runs from June 8 to June 26, is Northern Europe’s largest sailing regatta, attracting more than 3,500 sailors every year. In 2014, Oman Sail’s MOD70 Musandam-Oman Sail set a new Kiel Week Welcome Race Record and returned last year to flag up Oman’s Ministry of Tourism’s new pavilion which was making its European debut.

The list of the competitors in Kiel Week (name, age, class): 1. Zakariya Al Wahabi, 16 years, 29er; 2. Marwan Al Jabri, 16, 29er; 3. Khamis Al Wahaibi 17, 29er; 4. Ahmed Al Wahaibi, 17, 29er; 5.

Salim Al Alawi, 15, Laser 4.7; 6. AbdulAziz Al Oraimi, 16, Laser 4.7; 7. Mansoor Al Mahrouqi, 17, Laser 4.7.

The Indian Social Club (ISC) Karate Do held its periodic grading ceremony for the trainees undergoing training under Karate Coach Sensei Jinil. Among those who received the grading certificates and belts were Parth D. Purecha, Brown Belt I, Sharin Rose Augustine (Brown II), Nikhil Shankar (Brown IV). Sreya Sreekumar, Sai Shreya Kishore, Amrutha S. Ganti, Amita S. Ganti and Nikilesh Matta received the purple belt while Aarthi KM received the blue belt. Joel Joby, Jenson Joby, Aarush D. Rao and Karishma Rajashekhar received the green belt. Orange belts were awarded to Shinjin V. Mathew and Mannat Ajmani and Anuj Nagarhali and Nisarga Hangarge received the yellow belt. Imtiaz Usman, Sports Secretary of the ISC, distributed the certificates while coach Jinil handed over the belts. — Supplied photo

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LIFESTYLE

SECTION

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

Culture WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM WWW.TIMESOFOMA A N.COM M

Art of Healing Story: T.A. Ameerudheen Photography: Shabin E

Raluca Oprescu helps many people in the Sultanate improve quality of their inner life and understand personal emotions through art therapy workshops

N

ot many in Oman would have heard about art therapy before Raluca Oprescu’s arrival three years ago. Since then, the Romanian-born management graduate, who went through a deep self development process before becoming a proponent of the innovative therapy, has been busy conducting workshops in different parts of the Sultanate, helping people improve quality of their inner life, and understand their personal emotions.

“Art therapy helps people raise awareness level, using their creativity as a platform,” she delves into the unique therapy, which is very popular in Australia, US, Canada and many countries in Europe.

According to her, art therapy will help people understand what’s going on within their bodies. “If you have a physical ailment, that means there are ailments at other levels as well, as everything is related in human

body,” says Oprescu, who had worked with people suffering from cancer and diabetes.

However, the most interesting aspect is that one doesn’t need to be an artist or have artistic tastes to undergo the therapy. “I started discovering my art after getting hooked to art therapy. It’s for anyone who is trying to understand more about him/her and about life. You need not be an artist, but if you are an artist, definitely this kind of process will add up to your creativity. You will discover new sides of yourself that you didn’t know, unlike the way you were taught in an art school. In self development process you will discover that the art techniques are just restrictions and you will realise you are a far bigger artist than that,” she says.

That is why Oprescu believes art therapy doesn’t care about conventional artistic values. “Art is self expression and nothing more.

We are interested only in personal meanings. Each material you use

– acrylic or crayons — might lead to a certain theme that you can access. In a workshop, we have fixed themes like polarities, masculine and feminine sides in oneself, vocations and discovering shapes and colours. Each colour interacts with us emotionally. Today you may like red and tomorrow you may find it disturbing. There’s a connection, and we can interact with that. People don’t really understand the importance of colours or what do they really mean.

Through this therapy, we discover our own associations with the colours,” she says.

Though the therapy uses artistic expressions, Oprescu says it should not necessarily enhance one’s artistic skills. “Actually art therapy places a mirror in front of you. Then if you discover there’s something that has to do with art, you can be an artist. But it happens very rarely. It happened in my case, but it’s not the main purpose. Art therapy is just a method to access self development.”

One doesn’t need to be an artist or have artistic tastes to undergo the therapy. But if you are an artist, definitely this kind of process will add up to your creativity. You will discover new sides of yourself that you didn’t know

Then how does the healing happen? “Healing happens not just in the process of painting, but when one talks about images and again become aware of things,” she says. Art therapists work with the images of the soul, the images inside us and now they are out on a paper. “Look at the picture of burning inner fire done by one woman who needed a change in her career,” she says pointing at the picture on the wall, and adds: “The theme had been ‘five elements’ and she unknowingly chose fire and depicted her inner fire that will goad her to make the changes.” Oprescu says art therapy work well with children. “Usually it works with children above seven years. Psychologically, their system needs to be defined. I even worked with a four-year-old boy and art therapy came handy in case of abused children. However, it’s with adults and teenagers you achieve the best results.”

While working with children,

art therapists use mediums of water colours, oil pastels, plain crayons, black crayons and sometimes clay in special workshops. “Clay process is very deep as you are in direct contact with the material.

But these are not complicated mediums. I tell them to use them as they wish, touch the material and be playful with it to explore it in any way they wanted. And they do so. When you enter the process you feel inside a force that’s trying to move you. It’s the movement of life, as we call it. You have to follow it and if you don’t, you will end up in creating something which your mind wants to create.

You have to surpass the mind level and it’s the impulse you have to follow. Pick a certain colour, make a certain movement and follow it without thinking why you chose to do so,” she says.

Contact Raluca Oprescu Art therapist, Life coach & Holistic Healer. Phone: +968 9137 5197 —ameerudheen@timesofoman.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

C7

FIND-IT-ALL CINEMA SCHEDULE

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

@ SHATTI

@ AZAIBA

@ PANORAMA MALL

@ MGM

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68 www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI Now You See Me 2 (2D) (Action | Comedy | Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson 9:00, 11:30 PM Road Games (2D) (Thriller) (12+) Cast: Andrew Simpson, Joséphine de La Baume, Frédéric Pierrot 11:45 PM Yoga Hosers (Comedy | Fantasy | Horror) (12+) Cast: Johnny Depp, Vanessa Paradis, LilyRose Melody Depp 9:45 PM The House on Pine Street (Drama | Horror) (15+) Cast: Emily Goss, Taylor Bottles, Cathy Barnett 11:45 PM Me Before You (2D) (Drama) (15+) Cast: Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin, Janet McTeer 9:30 PM

MUSCAT GRAND MALL Now You See Me 2 - (2D) (Action | Comedy |Thriller) (PG12) GOLD CLASS Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson 9:00 & 11:30PM Now You See Me 2 - (2D) (Action | Comedy |Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson 9:00 & 11:15PM Yoga Hosers - (2D) (Comedy | Fantasy | Horror) (12+) Cast: Johnny Depp, Vanessa Paradis, LilyRose Melody Depp 9:30PM Road Games - (2D) (Thriller) (12+)

The House on Pine Street (Drama | Horror) (15+) Cast: Emily Goss, Taylor Bottles, Cathy Barnett 11:45 PM

Yoga Hosers - (2D) (Comedy | Fantasy | Horror) (12+) Cast: Johnny Depp, Vanessa Paradis, LilyRose Melody Depp 9:45 & 11:30PM

Cast: Andrew Simpson, Joséphine de La Baume, Frédéric Pierrot 11:45PM

10:30PM The Jungle Book - (3D) Adventure | Drama| Family) (PG) Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 9:15PM

PANORAMA MALL Now You See Me 2 - (2D) (Action | Comedy |Thriller ) (PG12) VIP LOUNGE Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson 10:30PM Now You See Me 2 - (2D) (Action | Comedy |Thriller ) (PG12) Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson 9:15 & 11:45PM Yoga Hosers - (2D) (Comedy | Fantasy | Horror) (12+) Cast: Johnny Depp, Vanessa Paradis, LilyRose Melody Depp 9:45 & 11:30PM Road Games - (2D) (Thriller) (12+) Cast: Andrew Simpson, Joséphine de La Baume, Frédéric Pierrot 11:15PM Warcraft - (4D) (Action| Adventure | Fantasy) (PG12) MX4D Cast: Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster

Dept time

Destination

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

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

Sur Sur

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

Fahud Yibal

12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

Daily Daily

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

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

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

08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

11.45 13.30 14.00

Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om Kammati Paadam ( Mal) (Act\Drama) Cast : Dulquer Salmaan & Vinayakan 10-00 Pm Cinema Main Gentleman (Telugu)(Thriller\Romance) (From Friday) Cast: Nani & Surabhi Thomas 9-45 pm Cinema -4 Enakku Innoru Per Irukku ( Tamil) ( Act\ Comedy) (From Friday) Cast: G.V. Prakesh Kumar & Anandhi 9-30 pm Cinema -2 Aa.AA (Telugu) (Comedy\\Drama) (Only Thursday) Cast: Nithin & Samantha 9-45 Pm Cinema -4 Jacobinte Swargarajyam ( Mal) (Comedy\ Drama) Cast: Nivin Pauly Renji Panicker & Lakshmi Ramakrishna 9-30 pm Cinema -2 Iraivi ( Tamil) ( Act) (Only Thursday) Cast: Vijay Sethopathy & Anjali 9-30 pm Cinema -2 Next Change: Udta Punjab (Hindi)

Yoga Hosers (12+) (Comedy | Fantasy | Horror) Cast: Johnny Depp, Vanessa Paradis, LilyRose Melody Depp 9:30 PM Kammatti Paadam (12+) (Malayalam | Crime) Cast: Dulquer Salman, Shaun Romy 10:15 PM Road Games (2D)(12+) (Thriller) Cast: Andrew Simpson, Joséphine de La Baume, Frédéric Pierrot 11:15 PM

Programmes are subject to change WITH LOVE

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80-35%

Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 17 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/ her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to extra@timesofoman.com

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Daily Daily Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

07:00

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

Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

10:25

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

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

Ruwi

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

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

07:00

TO SUR (ROUTE 55)

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

37 31

STAR 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

SOHAR Now You See Me 2 - (2D) (Action | Comedy |Thriller ) (PG12) Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson 9:15 & 11:45PM Yoga Hosers - (2D) (Comedy | Fantasy | Horror) (12+) Cast: Johnny Depp, Vanessa Paradis, LilyRose Melody Depp 9:45 & 11:30PM Road Games - (2D) (Thriller) (12+) Cast: Andrew Simpson, Joséphine de La Baume, Frédéric Pierrot

Now You See Me 2: (Action/Thriller) Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo,Woody Harrelson 9.30 & 11.45 p.m.

CP No: 1254 (PG12) Road Games: (Thriller) Cast: Andrew Simpson, Josephine De La Baume, Federic Pierrot 11.45 p.m.

CP No: 1253 (12+) Yoga Hosers ( Comedy/Horror) Cast: Johny Depp, Lily Rose Melody Depp, Harley Quinn Smith 9.30 p.m.

CP No: 1255 ( 12+)

SALALAH Now You See Me 2 (PG12) (Action | Comedy |Thriller) Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson 9:15, 11:45 PM

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

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

Daily Daily Daily

Thriller ) ( PG12 ) Cast : Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson 9:00, 11:30 PM Road Games ( Thriller ) ( 12+ ) Cast : Andrew Simpson, Josephine de La Baume, Fredric Pierrot 9:15 PM Kammatti Paadam ( Malayalam | Crime) (12+) Cast : Dulquer Salman, Shaun Romy 11:00 PM

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

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

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Screen 3 Housefull 3 (2D) (Comedy / Drama) –PG12 Cast : Akshay Kumar, Ritesh Deshmukh, Nargis Fakhri, Jacqueline Fernandez 9.15 PM Dhanak (2D) (Drama) –TBC Cast : Hetal Gada, Krrish Chabria 11.55 PM

Now You See Me 2 - (2D) (Action | Comedy |Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson 9:00 & 11:15PM

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

BURAIMI Now You See Me 2 PG 12 (Action | Comedy |Thriller) Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson 9:15 & 11:45 PM Yoga Hosers TBC (Comedy | Fantasy | Horror) Cast: Johnny Depp, Vanessa Paradis, LilyRose Melody Depp 9:45 PM Road Games TBC (Thriller) Cast: Andrew Simpson, Joséphine de La Baume, Frédéric Pierrot 11:00 PM Kammatti Paadam 12+ (Malayalam) (Crime) Cast: Dulquer Salman, Shaun Romy 10:00 PM

WEATHER

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

Screen 2 Dhanak (2D) (Drama) –TBC Cast : Hetal Gada, Krrish Chabria 9.30 PM Housefull 3 (2D) (Comedy / Drama) –PG12 Cast : Akshay Kumar, Ritesh Deshmukh, Nargis Fakhri, Jacqueline Fernandez 11.45 PM

SUR Now You Can See Me 2 ( Action | Comedy |

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

RUWI Screen 1 Te3n (2D) (Suspense / Thriller) –TBC Cast : Amitabh Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Nawazuddin Siddiqi 9.15, 11.45 PM

AZAIBA Kammati Padaam (Mal) (2D) (Crime | Drama) (12+) Cast: Dulquer Salmaan, Vinayakan, Shine Tom Chacko 10:30 PM Dhanak (Hindi) (2D) (Drama) (TBC) Cast: Hetal Gada, Krrish Chabria 9:15, 11:30 PM Teen (Hindi) (2D) (Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Vidya Balan 9:00, 11:35 PM Houseful 3 (Hindi) (2D) (Romance | Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Jacquline Fernandes, Ritesh Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan 9:10, 11:45 PM

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

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

Kammati Padaam (Mal) (2D) (Crime | Drama) (12+) Cast: Dulquer Salmaan, Vinayakan, Shine Tom Chacko 10:30 PM

BAHJA CINEMA

9:30PM Kammatti Paadam - (2D) (Malayalam | Crime) (12+) Cast: Dulquer Salman, Shaun Romy 10:00PM The House on Pine Street- (2D) (Drama | Horror) (15+) Cast: Emily Goss, Taylor Bottles, Cathy Barnett 11:15PM

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 International Hospital, Al Ghubra 22004000, 94267068/97049520 Al Hayat Clinic, Al Hail 22009455

AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

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C8

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

LIFESTYLE IMPACT OF CRUISE TOURISM ON MUTRAH SOUQ

Photography Shabin E.

T

he impacts of international cruise tourism on one of Muscat’s most enduring attractions – Mutrah Souq – have been spotlighted in a special edition of the Finnish academic publication, Fennia International Geography Journal.

A tourism researcher based in Oman, Manuela Gutberlet, PhD candidate in Cultural Geography at RWTH Aachen University (Germany) and PR Manager at GUtech, contributed to this special issue with an article on cruise tourism.

Her paper entitled, ‘Socio-cultural impacts of large-scale cruise tourism in Mutrah Souq, Sultanate of Oman’, highlights the importance of the social level of tolerance and the local empowerment of all stakeholders in tourism development.

“Tourism is a large and growing global-scale phenomenon with a wide range of socio-cultural, economic, ecological and political impacts. While it has various elements and dimensions, tourism as an activity is often seen – sometimes solely – through an economic lens,” commented Prof Dr Jarkko Saarinen of the Department of Geography, University of Oulu, Finland, in a preface to the special issue on Tourism and Development.

“Tourism is a form of governing localities with implications for local livelihoods, ways of living, socio-political networks, culture, biopolitics, access to resources and the environment, and so on,” Prof. Jarkko Saarinen, who is a board member of the International Geography Union (IGU), stressed.

Mutrah Souq is one of the top tourist destinations in the Sultanate

of Oman. However, with an increase in tourist numbers, for example through mega cruise tourism, sociocultural impacts become more apparent, developing the space into a so-called “tourist bubble”.

In 2015 a total of 146,509 cruise tourists arrived in Oman, which is a sharp increase compared to only 25 cruise ships in 2005. One year later, in 2004 the first mega cruise liner arrived in Muscat. As a consequence, “the souq is crowded when mega cruise liners carrying more than 1,800 passengers and crew are in the port,” stressed Manuela Gutberlet while adding that “it seems the increase in number of cruise tourists arriving has been unexpected and surprising for the local resident community.” According to the locals in Mutrah Souq who were interviewed during her study, “there is no more room for more tourists inside the souq”.

The overall identity of the Mutrah Souq is changing. The local community perceives mega-cruise

tourists as low-spenders. “They just do a tour and then go,” said shopkeepers in Mutrah. Manuela’s survey revealed that 40% of the tourists did not spend any euros in the souq. Most of the tourists buy non-local products, such as pashmina scarves, bought by 43% of the tourists, postcards or other small items like magnets or key-chains.

“The majority just looks around and takes photos. This is similar in other destinations worldwide,” said Manuela. With an increase in tourist numbers in Mutrah Souq and a low spending behaviour the vendors have changed their selling approach. “Vendors along the main street of Mutrah Souq approached us in an aggressive way…we just wanted to leave,” said a tourist during an interview. According to Manuela, unfortunately old shops that were selling perfumes, herbs and spices and have been in the souq for 150-200 years have left their locations.

The tourists were also unhappy with the crowded space. “More than

The overall identity of the Mutrah Souq is changing.

The local community perceives mega-cruise tourists as low-spenders.

Most of the tourists buy non-local products, such as pashmina scarves, postcards or other small items like magnets or key-chains

60% of the tourists surveyed stated that there were too many people inside the souq,” said Manuela who conducted her field research between 2012 and 2014. A questionnaire survey in German was filled out by 830 German-speaking tourists. “To avoid crowding and to release social pressure, a quota for large-scale mega cruises could be introduced and strictly monitored. This is also an important aspect for the safety of tourists,” said Manuela. Moreover, a special Tourist Souq inside the port could help to release further pressure on Mutrah Souq. However, most German-speaking tourists wish ‘to explore’ the destination and go for a walk or take an excursion.

With the redevelopment of Mutrah area in the coming years, in the long term Manuela thinks that “citizens may feel increasingly alienated as their city is transformed into a tourist attraction, focusing on tourist needs rather than those of the local multi-ethnic community, who

live there and come for shopping to Mutrah Souq.” As mentioned in the paper, “Commercial pressure dominating the development of the souq, including the changing product range, leads to a loss of heritage and should be avoided.”

For a more responsible tourism development, Manuela suggests to establish a so-called “Mutrah Tourism Committee”includingmembersofvarious ministries and the local male and female resident community. Such a committee could then develop indicators for responsible tourism development in Mutrah Souq.

Manuela Gutberlet will be part of a panel discussion on impacts of tourism and whether tourism is a help or hindrance to global awareness and understanding, to be held during the next Geography Conference of the International Geography Union (IGU) in Beijing in August this year.

(The entire issue on Tourism and Development and the article on Mutrah Souq is available online: http:// ojs.tsv.fi/index.php/fennia/index)

COLUMN

A Real Test of Your Faith SO TO SPEAK SALEH AL SHAIBANY

PERHAPS it is time to reflect on our achievements during Ramadan, now that the Holy Month has begun. Do we care enough to reach for the needy or we just go through the ritual of staying hungry and thirsty just because it is a religious obligation? Are we cleaning our souls with goodness of knowing that we lived another year and enjoyed the bounty of God in the last twelve months?

Are we reflecting on our achievements and learning something from our mistakes so we can improve our failings by becoming good husbands, wives,

children, and responsible members of the society? The lines of people sitting on the mats outside the mosques waiting for the Iftar across the world are not getting shorter. It means that more people are in need of food. And some of us, who stay in the comforts of our own homes, take it for granted.

The good Samaritans who are sitting all day in the shopping malls waiting for you to drop in money for the poor are wondering whether the faith of Muslims is only limited to prayers, reading the Holy Quran and not eating all day. Perhaps there is

a misconception that if you do all that then you would win the grace of God and you do not need to part with your money to help the orphans and those in rags.

These charity boxes come in everyday empty and hardly gain any weight when the malls are closing. It is the culture of shoppers which takes precedence and the cash end up in the till instead, as people leave shops with bags of items, half of them they don’t need. The charity people say that people take pain of avoiding the donation stations and look sideways pretending they are not there.

I was joking with my wife that people who actually devote their time raising funds for the poor as they feel the pangs of hunger will be on the first line on the Gate of Heaven than those who closed

their wallets and slept in the mosques asking for repentance.

What a better way of repenting your sins than to put a smile on hungry mouths by generously donating to the good cause. Spending excessive time on asking God’s favour or forgiveness is like staying too long in the office then you need, just to earn more money for yourself. The extra money will not do any good and in a way, there is a question of selfishness if you consider that you could have divided that time to raise funds for the needy.

Am I speaking out of context here? I am not sure but since we share the world with other people then the best way to please God is to work for all. Let’s look at it this way, the showers of blessings need to sprinkle to your neighbours and community and

what a better way than to use your effort and cash to make sure it happens. I am forever amazed that, some people would buy new cars and furniture in Ramadan when their relatives cannot even afford a decent Iftar.

I am more amazed when I hear people saying that “I work so hard that I need to reward myself”, as if God is only favouring them and not their hungry neighbours. When the Imams of mosques say in their sermons to worshippers that you “are meant to share God’s blessings with others,” they would perhaps answer “others need to work hard, too, to get what we have”.

Yes, they are right but they would have been more right if they make sure that people around them are properly looked after before they go on a spending spree to celebrate the coming Eid.

D

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18 November Street. Near Mars Hypermarket and The Chedi.

Ghobrah -Good for Commercial or Residential use. OMR 295/- month.

Call 94477222 1000.00M2 Industrial plot compound wall & two room at Misfah I/A. Contact: 99342733 1BHK new bldg with A/C curtains near Khimji mart MBD. Contact: 99061408/99024039 1000 Sqmtrs industrial land for rent in Ghala suitable for warehouse workshop etc.

Contact 24700120 /92584715 2 Bed rooms flat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat Municipality.

Contact: 92584715/ 24700120 2 BHK flat near Indian school Wadi Kabir. Contact: 24714625 /91173997 Office / showroom with area approx.80m2 at Qurum prime location. #: 24714625 / 91173997 Villa for rent at Azaiba, near al Meera hypermarket. 4 Bedrooms, 3 toilets, kitchen, sitting room and dining room. This will include curtains and air conditioners.

Sharing is allowed ro.500/-.

Please call 99469203

1 BHK near medical Darsait, Muttrah house R.O 180/. Contact: 95076261 Villa for rent in South Mabellah, 3 bedrooms, sitting room, family Lounge, kitchen, three Toilets Contact 92212212 between 10 AM to 5 PM.

Deluxe two bedroom flat at Mumtaz area, two bathrooms, good size living/dining room, modern kitchen and a guest bathroom.

Contact 99310375

Just 2 OMR / Sqm, Showroom / store for rent Ground floor & basement, area - 1100 Sqm, location Seh Al Ahmer, 20 km to Rusayl.

Contact: 97714433 / 93437982

Flats for rent at Just RO 160/- 2 Bed room, hall, kitchen , 2 toilets, location Seh Al Ahmer, 20 KM to Rusayl, including AC & roof Garden.

Contact: 97714433 / 93437982

1 BHK fully furnish flat in Hamriya for short terms. Contact – 99792181

Athaiba 2 bed, 1 bath room, sitting, kitchen with split AC behind Zubair Showroom rent 310 R.O. Contact: 99879939

Flat for rent in Al Qurum, 3 rooms & hall. Contact: 91763660

Office 55SQ.Mtrs & 2B/R at Bausher directly from owner.# 92158031

1 BHK flat in Al Khuwair for 2 months. Contact – 99792181

Ruwi office space for rent, Saravana Bhava Building.

Contact: 95729549

1 Room for sharing accommodation in Al Khuwair.

Contact - 99792181

2 Bedroom villa with hall , 2 toilets , parking in Mawalah near City Center , 1 bedroom ,1 toilets , Kitchen & hall. Contact: 93930352 2 Bed room, 2 bath room, 1 hall and kitchen behind Bank Muscat for rent. Contact: 99313533 400 Labor accommodation space available in Misfah.

Contact: 99792181 1BHK flats in Al Khuwair33.

Contact: 99792181 5 BHK villa in Al Khuwair.

Contact: 99792181 New 1 & 3 BHK flat in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99792181 New flats for rent Muscat Al Zafarania, split units AC , all rooms & bed room R.O 200/-, 3 bedroom R.O 300/- negotiable.

Contact: 93393755 Running fabrication workshop with area of 3000 sq. mtrs in Barka Industrial Estate for rent.

Contact 99356748

2 BHK at Mawalah north near Masjid Sadiq Al Amin.

Contact: 99224748/99332297

Flats in Muttrah. Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Flats for rent in Mumtaz, 2 bedrooms , hall Way no 3352 building no. 3447 & 3668. Contact: 90991079

Flat for rent in Al Mawaleh South 3, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, hall, kitchen & store with air condition.

Contact 98575157 Offices and flats in Ghala.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Offices & Showrooms in Al Khood.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Flats in Qurum. Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Flats in Ghobrah. Contact 94051789 / 97201688

5 rooms 2 hall villa, 18th Nov. Road North Azaiba. Contact: 99224748 / 99332297

Flats in Darsait.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688

Flats for rent near Indian school in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99777122

Single room flat near Jibroo roundabout on Road Muttrah: 99373290, 24815012

One bedroom flat for rent near Indian School Darsait. Contact: 99322363 / 95453813

Flats in Al khuwair. Contact 94051789-97201688

Room for rent with sharing, kitchen in Al Khuwair behind Burger King. Contact: 92994415

2 BHK specious flat behind Bank Muscat Wadi Kabir near Indian School: 99373290, 24815012

Two bedrooms flat behind German Embassy near to Al Nahda Hospital. Contact: 99209354

Villa in Al Khuwair, 6 rooms, living room & hall.

Contact: 91153933

Shop, store for rent in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95455181

Double bedroom flats and shops available in Honda road, Ruwi and Mabela. Please contact24833972/24833974 -99367448

Villa for rent four spacious bath attached bed rooms, private swimming pool. gymnasium (common) with electrical equipment and free maintenance secured compound at Madinat AL Ilam.

Contact: 98027975

Flat for rent in Darsait 1BHK. Contact: 99357586 / 97500025 / 97500021

3 & 5 BHK villa staff accommodation in Al Khuwair.

Contact - 99792181

House in Darsait, 3 rooms, 1 bathroom, kitchen with A/C. Contact: 95522405 New villa for rent Al Hail north neat to Ramez near to Main road open sitting room with washing area 3 family hall, dining room , kitchen with store , laundry 5 BR with bathrooms. Contact: 93387732 / 99259977

2 Bedroom centrally air conditioned flat in CBD near central Bank. Contact: 24714625 / 99053493 Athaiba 2bed, 2 bathroom, sitting, kitchen with Split a/c behind Zubair show room rent 350/-R.O. Contact: 99879939

Apartment 2 bed room + sitting room with split A/C at Al Ansab heights R.O 300 monthly.

Contact: 93993354

2 BHK sea view flat Darsait.

Contact: 95311488

Ghubra & Al Khuwair, 1 bed room, hall. Contact: 90991079

Flat for rent 2 BHK in Darsait North near Indian School about 200 mtrs, rent RO 300/-.

Contact: 94101134

2 BHK 1 hall & seating room Athaibah. Contact: 99224748 / 99425665

Wadi Kabeer Industrial 80 sm show rooms for rent 400/- R.O. Contact: 99879939

Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35). Contact 94051789 / 97201688

Brand new villas in Al Ansab.

Contact 94051789-97201688

2BHK split A/C 200/- Monthly & 1BHK spilt A/C 150/- monthly new building good location Barka Market. contact 99342661 One bedroom detached unit Al Hail South includes room, modern kitchen, sitting & laundry R.O 175/Monthly including water, negotiable. Contact: 99207840 Villa for rent at Azaiba, near Al Meera hypermarket, 4 bedrooms, 3 toilets, kitchen, sitting room and dining room, this will include curtains and air conditioners.

RO 520/-. Contact 99469203

T H U R S DAY, J U N E 1 6, 2 0 1 6

D3

DAILY GUIDE

FOR RENT Contact 96177505

In

MSQ. Near ABA school one villa for rent 6 rooms + 4 bathrooms+ house maid room +AC split unit + swimming pool

One flat in CBD 2 bedrooms + sitting room + 2 bathrooms + Kitchen

One flat in Qurum 29 – two rooms + AC split unit + 2 bathrooms + Kitchen

In Al Hail one office space – (Near Main Road) one room attach with bathroom and kitchen.

FOR SALE 1 BHK and 2BHK Flats available near Lulu Darsait (Main road, Opp. to Min. of Defense).

Contact : 93202733 2000 sqft land with p/cabin, toilets at YETI. Contact 99221683 / 92830110 Flats, shops & store for rent in MBD area Ruwi, Mumtaz area.

Contact: 97293708 / 92433127 3 BHK flat at Azaiba, Opp. Sultan Centre. Contact 99261522 Shop for rent at Wadi Kabir Industrial area. Contact: 99888390 For rent New flats at Darsait Al Sahail. Contact: 99777351 Flat for rent in South AlGhubrah 3 rooms, hall and 3 toilets, kitchen rent 450/-. Contact: 99335580 Villa for rent in Al Khoud, 6 rooms, hall. Contact: 91763665 1 B/R Fully Furnished Luxury Apartment @ Al Khuwair 33, 2 B/R Fully Furnished Luxury Apartment @ Al Khuwair 33, 4 B/R Unfurnished Apartment with attached Split A/C @ Azaiba. For Short Term or Long Term lease.

Contact: Atlas Real Estate & Rent A Car LLC : 99249069 / 94617563/ 99436312/ 92888376, Email: info@alshahiintl.com

FOR SALE 1 Bed room, sharing K& T, R.O 100, 2 bedrooms , sharing K& T R.O 200/- in AL Khuwair.

Contact: 95154331 Warehouse at Wadikabir - total area 3500 sqm - covered warehouse (500sqm), office, accommodation (1000sqm), open area (2000sqm) please contact: 99273774 - 99202278 Flat in Al Khuwair opp grand mall 4 room 3 toilet + hall kitchen in 3 floor 400.

Contact 99420346 2 bed rooms flat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat Municipality.

Contact: 92584715/ 24700120 02 BHK residential flat opposite to Al Nahdha hospital.

Contact: 99342733 /99795241 5 BHK Villa in Al Khuwair, for Staff Accommodation.

Contact 99792181 2 & 3 BHK Flat in Al Khuwair & Ghubra. Contact 99792181 1700 sqr mtrs open Land + small store + garage for Rent in Ruwi.

Contact 99792181

3000 Sqr mtrs compound land in Misfah. Contact 99792181

4 BHK Villa in Bowsher Heights.

Contact 99792181

Flat for rent 2 BHK 2 split A/C, 2 toilets, Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Masjid. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232

Flat for Rent 2 bed room Near ISM muscat Indian Scoole Dar sate Tel : 00 968 95158570

2BHK Big Size Flat Behind Bank Muscat, Wadi Kabir. Near ISWK. 97826454, 24815012.

House in North Al Hail with 3 rooms, living room, hall, 4 toilets 300 RO. Contact 99738881 / 99439568 Plot at Barka next to Germany College & next to Aramex Company, next to Bahwan Warehouse, next to Omasco warehouse 37,074 SQM2 required 0.250 Baiza per SQM. Contact: 99888390 Flat for rent in Al Khuwair 33.

Contact: 92277419 1BHK at Hamriya near Muscat Pharmacy & 2 BHK at Mawaleh near Mosque Sadiq Al Amin.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297 Villa for rent in Al Ghubrah, 5 rooms, hall. Contact: 91763665 Flat for rent in Al Khoud, 2 rooms & hall. Contact: 917633665 Flats in Wadi Kabir. Contact 94051789 / 97201688 2BHK split A/C for rent Muttrah near Oman House.

Contact: 97007934 / 92629232

Furnished office (61M2) for sale / rent Al Khuwair near Zawawi Mosque. Contact: 95611569

MV SALE Mitsubishi Outlander 2008 model 4 cylinder, 2.4lt, Metallic grey , 135000km , excellent condition , expat driven , single owner Price R.O 3.500/- Neg. Contact: 99330486 2 No 40 feet flat trailers 50 Ton capacity with grill prime movers Volvo 97 & Mercedes 9.

Contact: 99454425 Mazda Cx 9 (2013 model) 89,000 KM and Geely Emgrad (2015 model) 24,000 KM. Both cars in excellent condition, single owner, company serviced. Please call 94194071 (Pradeep) for immediate sale Toyota Yaris, 2008 model, full automatic 1, 50,000km, RO 2.200.

Contact: 91013604 Nissan Qashqai 2013 Kms 30,000 VGC comprehensive Insurance UAE / Oman.

Contact: 96995430 Prado 2011. Contact: 99336093

SHUTTERING PLYWOOD SIZE : 4’ X 8’ X 18MM GSM: 92835445,93205253,93205423

Double Shutter 80 sq mtrs corner textile shop in Seeb Souq for sale.

Contact 99326339 HD Scaffoldings, Shuttering Jacks, Wooden Planks, Shuttering wood assorted, Tower hoist (lift), Concrete Mixer, Bending Machine, Steel Fabrication Machinery (Searing/Cutting, lathe & Welding) including tools for immediate sale: Contact 99273774/ 99202278 Expat Leaving, Electronics and Furniture for sale - Excellent Condition, LG TV 60” 3D Smart, Onkyo Receiver, A Show Case, Full length designer curtains, Dishwasher Siemens, Samsung Fridge, Washing Machine Samsung, portable table for TV, Inflatable beds and camp, sofa cum bed.

Contact Rajesh 99145246 For sale land in Barka Saqsooq industrial 1050 SQ with room inside the land for more information Contact: 98826915 Family restaurant for sale in Heart of Wadi Kabir party hall for 120 pp.

Contact: 99321792 3 BHK flats for sale/ rent at Greater Muttrah, Dar AL Maha.

Contact: 99321792

Dental chairs for sale sparingly used dental units for sale.

Contact Mr. Ansari 92616343.

Kumar 99570284 Single colorful Bed and Sofa for Sale at Al Khuwair. Contact 92881849 / What`s up No 97290565 Steel Scrap materials for immediate sale. # 99273774/ 99202278 Space for printing press available at wadikabir with or without machinery. Contact 99328430 Almost new beach/ garden lounge chairs /bar stools/ counter.

Photos can be sent 95865457 Villa for sale in Mabela 6 rooms, living room & hall. #91763665 Urgent sale of steel scrap only serious buyers kindly contact +968 96725423 for viewing the items.

Clinic license for Sale and Pharmacy for lease : specialized Clinic license with Pharmacy license for sale. Send your enquiry: moc.hrd2015@gmail.com Contact: 97092099 / 97253669

BUYING

Luxury Apartments in Boucher (35) / Ghala / Qurum. Contact 95056808 / 97201688

Used office house furniture & electronic items. Contact: 99834373 / 96642500

Shop for sale opp Towell Service Center, Wadi Kabir.

Contact 99221683

Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299

Atlas Copco Explorac R50 Drill Rig suitable to drill 100 mm to 600 mm dia hole mounted on Scania P124, 4x4 HZ 2007 model with 12” class DTH Hammer & 500 mm bit. Atlas Copco Air compressor XAHS 536 (25Bar, 1136 CFM) in good condition, prices negotiable.

Contact: 95244907 / 95229292 Book Shop in a busy shopping mall for sale, interested parties please contact 99851255 Shop for sale near Oman House, Muttrah. Contact 99024362.

Shop for sale at Ruwi high street.

Contact: 98787853 Furnished office at Ruwi near Sheraton Hotel. Contact: 93993897 1No brand new containerized package type STP 100 m3/ day with blower equipments (suitable for camps). Serious Buyers may.

Contact: 99445367

Buying cars for cash.

Contact 90202090

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

NRI NRI Property for Sale: 774Sq . 2 BHK flat with OC ready at Palava City Casa Rio, Dombivili, Mumbai Contact : 97003326, 96791085 For immediate sale an attractive 3 BHK villa with servant room plus adjoining plot at Lonavala, India.

Contact 91 8308009040

ACC. WANTED Urgently required Villa with 8 rooms near Bausher/Ghala/Al Ansab area for accommodation of Staff from a reputed company in Oman. Interested party may contact - Mr. Pramith 99694150 Accommodation Wanted for an Executive Bachelor, Single Flat / Sharing Room @ Wadi Kabir. Pls call: 93883674 / 98103169

ACC. AVAILABLE Room, bath room for executives in Wadi kabir. Contact 99336206 Room available for family / bachelor opposite to o.K. Center, Ruwi.

Gsm 942-888-63 Separate entrance attach bath for exertive bachelor.

Contact: 93231403 /93324458 Sharing accommodation (furnished & with A/C) with kitchen facility available near Al Falaj hotel in Ruwi. Contact 92704439 Furnished apartment for rent, two rooms, majlis, hall, kitchen.

Near Carrefour al-mawalah.

Contact 99336776 One room available in 2BHK in Al Falaj area for Executive bachelor only. Contact 99131742.

Furnished room attached bath for Indian bachelor, Al-Falaj Ruwi & lady Wadi Kabir near Mars hypermarket. Contact: 96202458/96761960 Sharing Accommodation available for working ladies opposite Al Nadhah Hospital. Preferably Indians. Room with seperate toilet and sharing kitchen.RO.90.

Contact 96524717 Room available in Mumtaz area 1 room, 1 Bathroom, Kitchen & 1 room, common bathroom. Interested pleasecontact 92680041 Mr. Altaf Room for rent in Qurum attached bathroom and kitchen.

Contact: 99664703 Sharing accommodation near ISD. Contact: 99657340 Furnished sharing accommodation available at Walja family / Ex bachelor. Contact: 93223278

Room with attached bathroom for a family in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 97167857 Room available for Executive bachelor at Al Hail.

Contact 96234708 Furnish bedroom with attach bathroom for executive bachelor.

Contact: 97704794 1 BHK appartment for rent in Al Khoud Shabiya near mazoon mosque for rent (next to alkhoud medical center and squ) MOB: 93913224 Room with attached bathroom and sharing kitchen available for Executive bachelor or small family at wadikabir.

Contact 93049849

CHANGE OF NAME I, THOMAS ABRAHAM NETTIKADAN (holder of Indian Passport No.F7857133) son of N.K.THOMAS having permanent residence in NETTIKADAN MELOOR, CHALAKUDI, TRICHUR, KERALA and presently residing in MUSCAT, P.O.BOX 1832, PC:112, RUWI (complete postal address in Oman) intend to change my name from THOMAS ABRAHAM NETTIKADAN (old name) to ABRAHAM NETTIKADAN THOMAS (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.

LOST Mani has lost Indian Passport No. M 6753023.

Finder please handover to ROP

D4

T H U R S D AY, J U N E 1 6, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT WE URGENTLY REQUIRE ;ϮͿ 'ĞŶĞƌĂů ĞĂƵƟ ĐŝĂŶ Ladies only for our new beauty salon in Al Amerat, Mahaj 5 near Sultan Center.

Applicants must have a minimum of 2 years experience in beauty salon ŽƉĞƌĂƟ ŽŶƐ Θ ŶŽƚ ĞdžĐĞĞĚ ϰϬ LJĞĂƌƐ ŽĨ ĂŐĞ͘ Ʃ ƌĂĐƟ ǀĞ ƐĂůĂƌLJ ǁŝůů ďĞ Žī ĞƌĞĚ to competent applicants.

If interested submit your CV with recent color photo to:

eleganceecho@gmail.com or Contact - 97233041

URGENTLY REQUIRED ZĞĐĞƉƟ ŽŶŝƐƚ ;KŵĂŶŝ EĂƟ ŽŶĂůͿ ,ĂǀŝŶŐ ^ĞĐŽŶĚĂƌLJ ĞƌƟ Į ĐĂƚĞ ǁŝƚŚ DŝŶŝŵƵŵ Ϯ LJĞĂƌƐ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŐŽŽĚ ĐŽŵŵĂŶĚ ŽǀĞƌ ŶŐůŝƐŚ Θ ƌĂďŝĐ͘ ^ŚŽƵůĚ ďĞ ĐĂƉĂďůĞ ŽĨ ŚĂŶĚůŝŶŐ Ăůů ƚLJƉĞ ŽĨ ĐŽƌƌĞƐƉŽŶĚĞŶĐĞ Θ ƌŽƵƟ ŶĞ Žĸ ĐĞ ǁŽƌŬƐ ŝŶĚĞƉĞŶĚĞŶƚůLJ͕ ĂŶĚ ŐŽŽĚ ƐŬŝůů ŝŶ D^ͲKĸ ĐĞ ŝƐ ŵƵƐƚ͘ /ŶƚĞƌĞƐƚĞĚ ĐĂŶĚŝĚĂƚĞƐ ŵĂLJ ƐĞŶĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞŝƌ sƐ ƚŽ

Fax # 24600217 or email on: hr@starslightllc.com & zeeshan@starslightllc.com

IMMEDIATE REQUIREMENT

Sales Engineer For reputed IT Company Preferred NOC and Oman Driving Licence Apply to : salesoman@technowavegroup.com

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ACCOUNTANTPART TIME

SKILLED / UNSKILLED

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Qualified Person (Female/ Male) on a part time basis is required to audit, supervise and complete all accounts work up to finalization on a day- today basis. The location is near Oman House-Mutt rah.

Apply to

Required Indian Mason – 5 nos., eligibility (minimum 5 yrs experience in road construction field).

Contact: 99882127 Email: georgymv@yahoo.com

Indian male 27 yrs, MBA finance with 4 years experience currently in Muscat on visit visa seeking suitable placement in finance / admin. Contact: 90921724

gm@alnoorprojects.com

Ticketing assistant, for immediate employment we are looking for a Filipino male good knowledge of computers and communication skills our travel agency in Ruwi, Please send your CV to info@venusinternationalgroup. com

Excellent grade construction company requires the following for its building material showroom Procurement Manager Sale Manager/B2C Expertise Marketing Manager/ B2B Expertise Showroom Manager Store Manager Warehouse Assistant Graphic Designer Cashier Kindly check conditions on our website & upload your CV in career page

WWW.DURAT.OM

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URGENTLY REQUIRED PROJECT MANAGER

FŽƌ ŽƵƌ ǁĂƚĐŚĞƐ ƌĞƚĂŝů ƐƚŽƌĞƐ ŝŶ major malls in Muscat. ƉƉůŝĐĂŶƚ ŵƵƐƚ ďĞ Ň ƵĞŶƚ ŝŶ ŶŐůŝƐŚ ĂůŽŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ ŝŶĚŽŽƌ ƐĂůĞƐ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ͘ <ŶŽǁůĞĚŐĞ ŽĨ ƌĂďŝĐ ƐƉĞĂŬŝŶŐ ǁŝůů ďĞ ĂĚĚŝƟ ŽŶĂů ĂĚǀĂŶƚĂŐĞ͘ Please apply with recent photograph on our email:

for a Construction Company.

The candidate should be a Civil Engineer Graduate with minimum 10 years Oman experience with valid driving license. He should have a proven track record in the field.

Please send CV to -

jobs.alfw@gmail.com

jobsteel85@gmai.com

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WANTED SALES ENGINEER

WANTED Female Gynaecologist, Female GP- Two Female Staff Nurse (From India or Pilipino)and One Female Dental Assist and Female Lab Technician.

A REPUTED TRADING COMPANY DEALING WITH AGENCY PRODUCTS IN OIL & GAS, PETROCHEMICALS AND POWER SECTORS, IS LOOKING FOR A

SALES ENGINEER

With MOH Licence and Data Flow for Al Saadi Specilised Medical Centre, Musanna.

HAVING AN EXPERIENCE OF 2-3 YEARS IN DEALING WITH PIPING MATERIALS, VALVES, INSTRUMENTATION ITEMS, CABLES, FLARE PACKAGES ETC.

Contact # 92025033, Email : dr.srininvas76@gmail.com

HAVING VALID OMAN DRIVING LICENCE AND CANDIDATES WHO CAN GET A NOC FROM THE CURRENT EMPLOYER MAY APPLY TO :

ARCHITECT

saleseng2016@gmail.com Construction Company looking for Architect with experience in Oman. Contact 97192707

SALES / MARKETING

ACCOUNTS

Advertising & interior company required Sales Executive with driving /L send CV to info@agloenterprises.com

An Omani Audit firm is seeking audit partner to join the firm, the candidate should be completed any certificate course CIA,CPA, CA, ACC, and 4 years’ experience, interested candidates to submit their CVs to : auditbureau2016@gmail.com An Omani Audit firm is seeking audit partner to join the firm, the candidate should be completed any certificate course CIA,CPA, CA, ACC, and 4 years’ experience, interested candidates to submit their CVs to : auditbureau2016@gmail.com

BEAUTICIAN Urgently required a Gulf experienced professional hair dresser cum beautician (lady) for a reputed beauty salon. Immediate appointment. Contact: 99816262 / 98557585 Fax: 24796211 Email: skin.hair.makeup@gmail.com Beauty salon needs lady for henna. Contact: 93336061

CATERING Shawarma / grill / Salad / Asian Cook. Contact: 95529970

DESIGNER Urgently required a Graphic designer with 2 years experience in graphic designing, Photoshop, illustrator. Send CV to email: hr@cityvago.com

Fabrication Engineer to run fabrication workshop on commission basis. Email: hrinfome@gmail.com CCTV & Burglar alarm Technician.

Urgently looking for an Expatriate with minimum 5 years experience with NOC. Email your CV with recent Photograph to: joyr@alasalaintl.com Building materials company need Sales Engineer with engineering graduate Omani driving license good experience, speak English fluently. Please send the CV through below mail homam_980@hotmail.com Testing / Protection Engineer with minimum 05 years of experience and should have Oman DCRP license, Interested candidates send resume to krishivan@gmail.com

DRIVER IT Required urgently driver, experience Omani or expat drivers with P.D.O. license. Contact: 98242478 Urgently required heavy duty Drivers with licence.

Contact 99344112 Wanted a experience Driver for Capital and Interior work.

Gsm : 942-888-63 Required Omani Driver for a restaurant. Contact 95929911 Looking for a full time driver with valid Omani license.

Contact: 95454033

Urgently required for a Medical Centre (male / female) GP Doctor, Pediatrician, Gynecologist with MOH license, for job or running the clinic. Send your CV moc.hrd2015@gmail.com Contact: 97092099 / 97253669

ENGI./TECH./MECH.

DOMESTIC HELPER House maid cooking cleaning experienced with babies required immediately. Contact: 95584060 / 98920399

MEDICAL

Required Shop Sales man + Hardware Technician for IT Company with minimum 2 years experience.

Contact: 98825806 / 98825806, Email: info@rns-group.com

Orthodontist for Dental Center in Muscat, Specialist Endodontist & General Dentist with MOH license from Oman. Nurses & Marketing female Executive. Contact: akdmuscat@hotmail.com Care Medical Centre Al Seeb requires Gynecologist and General Practitioner. Mail CV to: sarita_h23@yahoo.com Wanted Staff Nurse for a dermatology clinic in Muscat .

Must have MOH license and NOC. Attractive salary offered. Email: clinicvacancy2015@gmail.com Urgently required experienced female Lab Technician, with knowledge of histopathology & cytology, with MOH release, for a well-known laboratory in Al Khuwair. Contact: 95271561/98893034 Required gynecologist GEN: practitioner lady lab Technician and pharmacologist immediately for a clinic in Suwaiq.

Contact 95081010 Email: umchealthcare@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS

Urgently required Pharmacist for a Pharmacy in Barka.

Contact: 99452755

Required candidates for following posts: Accountant, Storekeeper, Foreman Building Maintenance, Van-salesman (water), Helpers.

Candidates with Omani driving license preferred.

Contact 99273774/99202278

GP doctor needed for reputed clinic. Preferably with MOH license or with Dataflow & Paramatics pass Contact: 95388934

Urgently required operator for a new stationary block factory. Send CV to alomranmcpllc@yahoo.com Contact: 97092070

MEDICAL

Urgent Required, Outdoor sales 3-5 years of experience in spare part. - Store Keeper 2 years experience. -Accountant 2-3 years experience.-4 Store labors.

All Candidates should be Indian, English speakers. NOC is a must.

Email: Muscat.supply13@gmail. com Fax: 24504723 Require Salesman with D/L for construction, Ind materials, hydraulic hoses & fittings.

Contact 99221683 / 92830110 Branch Manger required to manage entire Business. ftt@futuretarget.net 99110080 A new Sanitary ware Company looking for a Salesman who has experience in Oman markets not than 5 years. Send C.V : alkunzite@yahoo.com Required marketing / PR manager for a modern restaurant group in Oman , proficient in illustrator & Photoshop charismatic , proactive , creative & flexible excellent writing / Editing skills degree in relevant area fluent in English. Send CV to marketingpr2016@gmail.com Required smart, young, dynamic Sales & Marketing Executive having 2-3 years sales experience for a reputed manufacturing company in Oman, having its Head Office in Ruwi. Experience in building materials is an added advantage. Omani Driving License and NOC is a must.

Attractive remuneration package.

Apply with photograph to E-mail: salesjobds@gmail.com Required female person to work at the retail shop/Marketing.

Please send your CV on e mail: zeyanaalharmaly@yahoo.com

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Customer Service Executive, for immediate employment we are looking for a Filipino male with a minimum experience of one year or more in customer support.

Candidate should be well versed in English with good computer knowledge. Please send your CV to info@venusinternationalgroup. com or contact us on: 99189303

TOURS/ TRAVL

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian male Accountant 2.5 years exp in Oman with valid D/L NOC available. Contact: 98870112 Indian male, B.Com MBA, 4 yrs in L&T total 26 years Gulf experienced English, Arabic speaking driving license with NOC. Contact: 95588565 Indian male Chartered Accountant 2 years experience in Oman having Oman driving license looking for suitable placement in finance or audit field NOC available. Contact : 96357827 Email: ubaiskeeran@gmail.com Accountant Having 5 Years experience in reputed companies.

Currently working in Muscat (NOC AVAILABLE) GSM.91367217 Email Shahid0717@gmail.com Indian/MBA/male Chief Accountant 18Yrs Experience, MIS, C.Flow, Budgeting, ERP, Cost accounting &Liasing with auditors. NOC available.

Contact: 92254691/97826674 email: khader2305@gmail.com ACCA qualified professional lady with 5 years experience in finance management accounts is looking for a suitable placement NOC can be Contact: 94521899 Part Time Accounting, Audit Preparation, Internal Audit, Monthly Reports, Accounting set up for new companies, GSM: 96975454, email: ibfc.gcc@gmail.com Chief Accountant, well experienced available. Contact: 95598477 Indian male 43 yrs accountant presently on tourist visa looking for suitable placement in a company 18yrs experience in managing finance in Indian and abroad.

Contact: 90190648 Young Indian male 28 years CA Final first group completed MBA finance BBM 3 years CA training experience looking for suitable placement currently in visiting visa.

Contact: +968 99782750 Email: mohammedsabeer2317@gmail.com Accountant Indian male, 6 years experience up to finalization in tally with reporting knowledge & good knowledge of payroll, having Oman D/L, NOC. Contact: 92540313 Accountant , female , 1 &half years experience up to finalization in tally, good knowledge in reporting, pursuing ACCA, valid D/L. Contact: 95373751 Chief Accountant/Finance Manager – Indian male, CA Finalist, having 20 years’ experience in Finance, Accounts, Audit, Finalization of Accounts, preparation of Project Reports etc., looking for immediate placement. 12 yrs. in Oman in Construction and Consultancy co., have Omani D/L, knows Tally. Contact 94041048, Email : jobmuscat49@gmail.com Part time accounting workers up to finalization, on monthly basis & yearly finalization works.

Contact : 96247295 28/male/MBA - finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement. Contact 90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com Accountant available with NOC, 7 years experience in Oman.

Ready to join immediately.

Contact 98263394 Indian male 36 yrs B.Com having 10 yrs experience (5 yrs in K.S.A) with valid GCC License accounting (Tally) & Marketing looking for suitable placement available in Oman visit visa. Contact: 95352176 Email: shences1980@gmail.com

Indian (Male) having 17+years Experience in Trading & Healthcare seeking senior Position in Accounts (11 years GCC Experience)currently on Resident Visa (NOC Available) and has a valid Omani Driving Licence. Contact: 91335026; skumartp@gmail.com Indian male age 26, Accountant one year experience in accounts looking for suitable job. Contact Email: Anishkhan991867@gmail.

Com Mobile: +968 9565 9415 Qualified and experienced MBA post graduate with proven work exposure in Middle East & India, having more than 5.5 years of rich experience in accounts , project coordination and administration in (3.5 years UAE experience) oil and gas projects is currently looking for suitable job. Contact 93953613, Email-allen.mathew83@gmail.com Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ finance field. On visit visa. Immediately available.

Contact 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com Indian male, 34 years, B.Com, experience in Accounts, Marketing & Administration over all more than 9 years of experience in GCC (Bahrain & Oman) is currently looking for suitable job having D/L & NOC. Contact: 99548543 Well experienced Account M.Com available with NOC, Tally & ERP. Contact : 99035707 Indian female 28 yrs B.Com 4 yrs experience in MNC’s currently in Muscat seeking suitable placement in Finance / Admin.

Contact: 94743790 Indian male 34 yrs, M.Com – Finance with 5 yrs experience in Accounts in India, presently in visiting visa looking for a suitable placement. Contact: 93671785 Email: jeyan903@gmail.com Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for suitable placement. contact 94879615,Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com Sudanese Accountant, Alexandria University Graduate bachelor of commerce Diploma of Marketing professional photographer worked in PR and social media for 2 years looking for a job in public relations media, social media or marketing.

Contact: 96976240 ACCA member with 6 yrs of experience in Oman looking for a suitable job in finance. Contact: 99284193 Accountant 8Years Experience with D/L and NOC. Contact 97712084 Accountant MBA finance with 8 years experience on a visit visa.

Contact: 968 91736849 Indian, Kerala Male B.COM & B.PE, Currently on Visit Visa. Looking for a suitable job in Accounts, Store Keeper, Sales etc.

Ready to join as early as possible.

Contact: 96988923 email:- sajith3969@gmail.com

ARCHITECT Architect looking for a freelance work in designing am modeling in 3D program and architecture.

Contact: 96041201 Architect Engineer seeking for suitable job, 8 years experience.

GSM : 96075000, Email : haytham_201046@yahoo.com Indian female diploma architect 6 years exp in Oman Engineering consultancy, valid Oman driving license. Contact: 96683293 / 97750870 Architect female 5 years experience seeking job. Contact: 96146645 Email: anjuovil@gmail.com

ADMIN Young Omani male have experience 12 years as P.R.O, CLERK Helper Supervisor Admin Supervisor, H.R Manager have diploma in H.S.E, IT and P.D.O license, looking for H.R position or P.R.O part time or full time. Contact: 95933288

T H U R S DAY, J U N E 1 6, 2 0 1 6

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED ůĞĐƚƌŽŶŝĐƐ ĂŶĚ ŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƟ ŽŶ

ENGINEER

Sudanese Male 35 yrs B.Sc Electronic System Engineering

Indian male MBA Finance & Marketing 25 yrs having 1.9 years of experience Finance & Marketing Contact: 95206140/ 96992013

Contact : 93919943 agneljerin@yahoo.com

ǁŝƚŚ ϭϭ LJƌƐ͘ džƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ 'ŽǀͬWƌŝǀĂƚĞ͘ /^ K ; EWͲZΘ^Ϳ ĂŶĚ ƚŚŝĐĂů ŚĂĐŬŝŶŐ ; , ǀϴͿ ĞƌƟ Į ĞĚ͘ ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ŬŶŽǁůĞĚŐĞ ŽĨ ŶĞƚǁŽƌŬ ĂĚŵŝŶŝƐƚƌĂƟ ŽŶ ĂŶĚ /d services management.

Email: gabaroki2k@gmail.com Mob:+97450475034

bonnythomas007@gmail.com

ADMIN

An MBA (MĂƌŬĞƟ ŶŐ ĂŶĚ Finance)

Indian Male MBA (UK),

An MBA (MĂƌŬĞƟ ŶŐ ĂŶĚ Finance)

AŌ Ğƌ Žŵ ;Oĸ ĐĞ ŵĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ ƐĞĐƌĞƚĂƌŝĂů ƉƌĂĐƟ ĐĞͿ GƌĂĚƵĂƟ ŽŶ ǁŝƚŚ ^ W ZW ĂŶĚ ĐĐŽƵŶƚƐ ;^ W ĞƌƟ Į ĞĚͿ͕ ĚŝƉůŽŵĂ ŝŶ IŶƚĞƌŶĂƟ ŽŶĂů &ŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů ZĞƉŽƌƟ ŶŐ ^ƚĂŶĚĂƌĚƐ ;/ WͲh<Ϳ͕ ƉĞĂĐŚ ƚƌĞĞ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƟ ŶŐ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶƐŝĚĞƌĂďůĞ experience seeks suitable placement.

9 years experience in Dubai/London/ Mumbai in Management Consulting, Sales & Marketing, Business Development for Real Estate/Banking seeks similar placement with D/L.

WŝƚŚ ^ W ĞƌƉ ĂŶĚ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚƐ ;^ W ĞƌƟ Į ĞĚͿ͕ ĚŝƉůŽŵĂ ŝŶ ůŶƚĞƌŶĂƟ ŽŶĂů &ŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů ZĞƉŽƌƟ ŶŐ ^ƚĂŶĚĂƌĚƐ ;/ WͲh<Ϳ͕ ƉĞĂĐŚ ƚƌĞĞ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƟ ŶŐ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶƐŝĚĞƌĂďůĞ experience seeks suitable placement

Gsm:+958 98103250

Contact: 95168205

Gsm: +968 98103247

With 2 years exp in Telecom sector, currently on visit visa, looking for suitable placement.

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 Indian female MBA / HR, 2.5 experience seeking suitable job.

Contact: 99257214 Indian female, 27, MCA, 2 yrs experience in Administration and HR in India & Oman. Currently in family visa seeking suitable jobs preferably in Muscat.

Contact.99417993 Indian/ 23yrs female/ 5yrs GCC experience with NOC looking for a suitable position in HR/Admin/ Accounts/BD. Contact: +96890656997 Indian female with nearly 10 years of Oman experience in Administration & HR, seeking suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact: 99242841 Filipino HRD especialist / material controller supervisor with 18 yrs experience looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact: (+968) 98037142 / (+968) 92659817

CATERING

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available.

Contact 96789711 Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine.

Available NOC release.

Contact: 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com Indian male Electrical Engineer, having 6 years gulf experience in designing, assembling, commissioning execution etc having valid GCC license too looking for a suitable.

Contact: 00968-98052942 Email: azamjeelani78@gmail.com HSE Engineer (B.E Mech+Diploma Safety+NEBOSH+OSHA) over 10yrs. Exp, (Visa Release Letter (NOC) available), seeking suitable placement, Mob:97061817, Email:jayanammu1977@gmail.com

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN

Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).

Looking for a Suitable position.

Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa.

Contact 92157694. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com

Architectural Draftsmen diploma in construction technology with 6 years experience in drafting and detailing as per British standard in Oman with valid Omani license looking for suitable opportunity Noc available. Call 94375897.

Indian male 24 years dynamic & professional B.Tech (Mech. Engg) with 1 year experience working on BPCL project in India seeks opening for suitable post, currently in Oman. Contact: 93672286 / 97772272

Autocad works freelance, MEP, Civil works, Interior, 2d/3d, BOQ etc.

Contact 97103168

B.E Mechanical Engineer, age 24 with almost 1 year experience as Production Shift Engineer, has achieved training on HVAC Engineering design and has good hands on software like AutoCAD and HAP.Currently in Oman on a visit visa, looking for a suitable placement.Contact: 95065955 email: mjs.jazeb@gmail.com

Filipino Cabin steward / Linen vallet is looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact: +968 91065438 or email: blonglive@gmail.com

Revit, Autocad D/man, expected salary 200 OMR PH :92279784 Filipino Senior Revit/AutoCAD Draftsman with 20 years professional experience is looking for suitable job in Oman. Please Contact: 96489798, (+974) 66653780.

DRIVER Full or part time driver available.

Contact 93540898 /91624908 Driver with light duty license 10 yrs exp. Contact: 94566432 13 years experience driver.

Contact 95068976 Experience driver 12 years experience in GCC, seeks suitable placement. Contact: 93722881 Search job for light driver, experience 3 years, language Hindi, English & Arabic. Contact: 92458526/ 97941771 Looking for job heavy license P.D.O. Contact: 92073175 / 95606146 Looking for driver job (private).

Contact: 98053733 Looking for driving job.

Contact: 93650209 Driver with car Subaru 2008 model.

Contact: 99640986 Looking for driving job.

Contact: 99518533 Bangladeshi driver looking for job.

Contact: 97418036 Looking for driving job light 2 years exp.

Contact: 91625977

Email:

Mechanical diploma, Indian male 26, 4 years experienced MEP supervisor seeks suitable openings NOC / Release available.

Contact: 97901559 Indian male , 31yr , M.Tech electrical engineer , PGDBM , 2 years electrical experience , 4 years teaching , Oman valid driving license looking for suitable.

Contact: 93221395 Mechanical Engineer graduate graduates in business Admin 20 years experience in wood working industry managers position needed. Contact 94304757 Indian male 25 years experience with engineering dept Secretary – Document- controller – technical office with Oman driving license seeking better placement.

Contact: 92968712 Email: samjosh62@gmail.com Indian mechanical supervisor (diploma) 17 yrs experience in petrochemical construction (fabrication erection) in all steel structural and mechanical jobs, on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 90924467 Email: pnpraveen@yahoo.co.in Mechanical Engineer, B.Tech (Post Graduate) looking for suitable placement. Contact: 99576846 mail: rajeevt@modern-irrigation.com Civil Engineer holder three years, exp UAE & Oman 9 years, I want job in civil work civil site Engineer.

Contact: 95714327 Email: zafarullah727@gmail.com

An Iraqi civil with more than 30 years experience in (Iraq and G.C.C) looking for a job, (N.O.C) available. Contact: 96561306 Email: iq.bgd.mnsr@gmail.com Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact:97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912 Young Indian, Engineering in Bio-technology, Bio-chemical and Chemical, looking for a challenging placement in Oman.

Contact 97607000. Email: sivasankarjayakumar@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech) Indian male with 1 year experience on visit visa looking for job, qualification in QA-QC, HVAC& piping engineering.

Contact: 90510800 Email: muhammedjaseem07@gmail.com Electrical Engineer 1 year experience driving license, NOC available. Contact: 94879092 Highly experienced mechanical/ steel structural fabrication Engineer looking for suitable placement. NOC available. Contact: 99860714, Email: hussain20173@gmail.com.

Civil Engineer fresh Graduate with Omani driving license looking for job in any construction company.

Contact: 91745797 / 99190898 Email: alio_abdo@hotmail.com 8 years experience electrical engineer have knowledge MEP project have driving license can join shortly. Contact: 96535204 Civil Engineer (QS) 2 yrs exp seeking job UAE D/L. Contact: +96895641991 Quantity Surveyor / Site Engineer 6 years experience in Omani have valid driving license release available looking for immediate placement. Contact: 96394948 Chemical Engineer with MBA & experience looking for job.

Contact: 94908977 A Sudanese Mechanical Engineer Graduate from Malaysia, 6 years of work experience in projects, fluent in English & Arabic. NOC is available valid Omani driving license.

Contact: 95569340 Indian, B.Tech Civil Engineer, fresh, seeking suitable job.

Contact 99105402 / 91426175, Email : vairavi07@gmail.com Indian male 24 ,B.E ( E.C.E ) graduate with 3 years of experience in the fields of BMS and Low current systems and has good knowledge about Electronic Security Systems, currently working in Oman, NOC Available. Contact:-94737033/ mohdmuhafez45@gmail.com Indian female 25years M.E (power electronics) 3years experience in teaching profession looking for suitable job. Contact no 97003267 & 94214909 Email: laliped106@gmail.com HSE Engineer / Advisor safety Fire Engineering Nebosh, OSHA & PDO HSE courses 15 years exp.

NOC available seeking suitable placement. Contact: 94568700 Email: kurianjose2000@hayoo.com

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech) Indian male with 2 year experience, AREA OF INTEREST Work on Oil Rigs, Work as an QA/ QC inspector, Ultrasonic testing, Radiographic testing.

Contact: +91 9567526566 Email: adujohnson10@gmail.com

Automobile Mechanic ITI 3 years experience marine mechanical fitter 2 yrs experience.

Contact 93674847 Mechanical Engineer 2 years experience as HVAC design & drafting, CAD, MEP Engg.

Contact: 90150913

Electrical & Electronics Engr, knows autocad & revit.

PH: 93837973 Mechanical Engineer 7 years experience HVAC, plumbing, firefighting, metal formation, fluency in Arabic & English, driving license available. Contact: 90933863

B.E Mechanical Engineer, age 33 with 6+ years experience in GCC in MEP building construction field (execution and design of HVAC,firefighting,plumbing), with D/L, NOC available Contact 96978380, Email: prajithks@gmail.com Diploma Engineering Instrumentation Technician, 2 years experience skills calibration & installation etc.

Contact: 98963344 / 96946408 Email: anfeeranfu4@gmail.com Construction Machinery repairs Engineer, 5 years, driving license, Contact - 94001961 Indian male Civil Engg. 11 years experience having Omani driving license, NOC available.

Contact: 95797286 Email: nasim.anzar@yahoo.com Sr. Quantity surveyor B.Tech (Civil Tech) above 8 years (7 years in Oman) having driving license NOC available. Contact: 92324791 Mechanical Engineer experience maintenance of pumping stations production line machinery turbine for power plant good communications skills, planning follow up Engineer projects HSE awareness trained multiple design software looking for job.

Contact 949064473 / 96654019 Civil Engineer, young Indian having almost 2 years experience looking for a challenging position seeks suitable position in Oman/ GCC. Please contact 92718490, Email ID: uvais.pk82@gmail.com Instrumentation Engineer, Indian male 25 years having over 2 years experience in calibration, testing and maintenance of field instruments, looking for a suitable position, available in Oman for visit.

Contact: 91228010 Civil Engineer with 6+ years in Supervision designing & Q.C expert in much civil softwares, NOC available. Contact: 90719263 Mechanical Engineer (Sudanese) 3 years experience : Fire fighting, HSE, Design, Production.

Contact: 93642704 Email: mohamedfdl87@gmail.com Pakistani male Diploma Civil Engineer 4yrs exp in Oman bulling & mega projects, valid license Oman.Contact:98921022 Indian male, Structural Engineer looking for job in structural design field. Having 6 years of experience in design field. Residing in Muscat. Contact: 91176187 syam036@gmail.com Electrical Engineer Indian male 30 years having 5 years of experience in industrial automation & utility maintenance in India, holding valid Oman D/L. Contact: 92789995 mail: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Sr. Electrical Engineer with17+ yrs of exceptional exp in spear heading strategic planning and project management initiatives & executing various high rise residential & commercial building as well as roads and highway project with proficiency in installation, seeking a challenging position in a dynamic organization. Contact 96570891 Electrical Engineer with 16 years experience in switchgear / transformer / over head lines & trading, looking for sales / procurement & project planning & Execution with NOC & D/L. Contact: 95994727 Email: qurm340@gmail.com Senior Land Surveyor 23 yrs Oman, UAE & Egypt GPS, T.S Construction roads infrastructure oil feed electric works OHL, UGC grid , primary substation processing data.

Contact: 95326927 / 92928981 Email: sdsda802@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Civil Engineer (Indian male) 5 years experience in Oman with valid Omani driving license & NOC looking for suitable opportunity.

Contact: 93101283 Indian male B-tech 8 years experience as senior electrical project engineer / QC engineer on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact 94094543 Email: anwar425@gmail.com Site Supervisor, Diploma in Civil Engg (cert attested) knows autocad revit, salary exp: 250 Ph : 92279784

EDUCATION/TRAINING Female B. Ed English teacher, 7 yrs exp seeking suitable placement. Contact : 99739415 / 92091528 Indian male, M.Tech Graduate in Chemical Process Control Engineering looking for lecturing jobs, currently in Oman. Contact : 98352288 Indian male in English, M.Phill, B.Ed with 5 years experience in College teaching & good administrative skill is looking for a suitable placement in Education Institutions or offices.

Contact: 98260529 / 97297939 Email: samsundarlit@gmail.com

HOSPITALITY Indian male diploma in hotel management with 16 years of experience in Oman & Saudi , having Omani D/L seeking for suitable placement. Contact: 92100141 /92221956 Indian male 31yrs old with hotel management degree,03 yrs experience in F&B services at 5 star hotel Dubai, 05 yrs in American 06 star cruiseliner has butler. Has oman driving licence. Contact No 99859150.

IT Filipino Male: 35 yrs, with 3yrs Technical & Customer Service, 2yrs Online Ad Serving, 1yr dministrative work experiences looking for suitable job. Contact 97852816 Indian female MCA having 3 yrs experience in teaching looking for any suitable job in reputed organic station on visit skilled in programming language VB, JAVA ,C,C,TT & also WEB development. #90595322 Indian Male, MCA Graduate, 15 yrs exp in ERP, CSM Certified, seeking suitable role.NOC Available. Contact : GSM : 90189284 Email: meetlibran@gmail.com Indian male 3 years experience in IT as Linux Administrator & 1 year experience in Amazon EC2 Cloud at Wipro Technologies Bangalore seeking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 92889678 Email: amalpathikal@gmail.com Indian female M.Sc Computer Science seeking suitable placement in Muscat area.

Contact: 98660672 SAP Business Objects / Data Warehousing professional. 10 years experience with top 5 IT global companies (HP and Accenture) in team leading roles. Oman family visa. Looking for jobs in Muscat. Phone: 91487199 Indian male Networking Technician having 8 years experience (6 years in Gulf) seeking suitable jobs. Currently on visit visa.

Contact: 98269614 Email: saji.krishnan@gmail.com Indian male 4 years experience in IT as Programmer / Web Support/ CCNA/ Network on visit visa seeking placement. Contact: 93069694 Email: mrabrar14@gmail.com 3 years experience in IT Software field, seeking suitable jobs.

Contact: 96350234, Email : greeshmavkannan@gmail.com 4 years as Network Engineer (CCNA- MCTIP) very good in Arabic & English, having valid license.

Contact: 99813988

IT Indian male 40 years BSc & diploma in logistics, 16 yrs experience (6 yrs in GCC) in logistics, storekeeping & spare parts, seeking suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact: 98966849 IT Support Engineer, Exp 3 years in Oman 2 years in India.

Contact: 94672759

MEDICAL Indian female dentist specialized Endodontist, looking for suitable placement. Parametric completed.

Contact: 96410448 D- Pharm Pharmacist 17 years experience Ayurvedic Panchakarma Masseur’s 3 years experience.

Contact: 93672452 Senior female staff Nurse with MOH license, over 25 years experience in Operation Theatre, Gynaecology, Anaesthesia, General , Plastic and reconstructive surgery looking for suitable opportunities in Oman. NOC available.

Call: 92098423 Veterinary Doctor 7 years experience Indian male wife in MOH with family visa need job. # 98107162 Email: drnmpvet4u@yahoo.com

MANAGER/SUPER. Chief Accountant/Finance Manager – Indian male, CA Finalist, having 20 years’ experience in Finance, Accounts, Audit, Finalization of Accounts, preparation of Project Reports etc., looking for immediate placement. 12 yrs. in Oman in Construction and Consultancy co., have Omani D/L, knows Tally.

Contact 94041048, email: jobmuscat49@gmail.com Indian male 33 yrs, having 10 yes GCC experience (Oman, Qatar, UAE) in business development with driving license seeks suitable opportunity. Contact: 98260607 mail: amrish.sukumar@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Sudanese male bachelor geology and mining with 3 years experience in MUD logging and training in soil investigation. Contact: 92956848 BS in Electrical Engineering, Experience: 5 years(Power Plants).

Contact: 92475206 Email: zahaibzafar007@gmail.com Indian male GYM instructor fitness trainer on visit visa looking for a suitable job. Contact : 92802307 Indian male, 28, post graduate, 6+ yrs exp in Oman in sales (back office) & credit control with valid Oman D/L looking for suitable lacements. NOC available. # 92066 523 Indian male 28yrs Bcom 3yrs exp. in warehouse operations (including pharmaceutical). Well knowledge in WMS & ERP, looking for suitable job.

Ph. 95576686, E: sijofranz@gmail.com (UAE visa holder, currently in Oman)

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Indian, 20 years experience in Oman as personal assistant / office manager / executive secretary / administrator / business development asst. seeks job change. Release available. Contact 99168054.

Secretary coordinators 16 yrs experience Indian male 42 yrs owing Oman driving license release available. Contact: 98358897 Lady Secretary / Sales Co-coordinator 12 years experience in Oman in reputed companies, seek immediate Employment. Call: 95244761 Looking for part time job Secretarial / Data Entry / Documentation available every day after 5:00 pm Friday / Saturday full day area preferred Ruwi/ CBD/ MBD / Al Khuwair. Contact: 90414827

D6

T H U R S D AY, J U N E 1 6 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED COMPUTER/WEB./ EDUCATION/CLASSES

SITUATION WANTED SALES / MARKETING Indian female having D/L with 12 years experience in corporate / retail sales & B/D. Looking for a suitable job in training / IT / Education companies.

Contact: 91751077 Email: alamelusara@hotmail.com

Filipino Male, 28 years Old. Looking for job, Have experience in Rent a Car/ Cargo & Logistics / Real Estate/ Customer Care Executive / Sale Executive & Marketing/ Shop In- Charge. Hard working w/ good computer and communication skill. GSM: 97761075

Indian male 24 B.com, 2years of experience in sales & admin & proficient in M.S Office, Excel.

Contact: 98613373 Email: syedismailnoor@gmail.com

Indian male 37 years MBA graduate in marketing with 9yrs of experience in UAE in field of brand promotions & marketing with UAE D/L on a visit seeking suitable position. Conatct 95792820

Indian male MBA 5 yrs experience in Oman and India seeking suitable position in marketing & sales NOC available. Contact: 93059175 Email: pranodsathyan11@gmail.com Indian male 1.5 yrs exp a sales & merchandising in Oman looking for best opportunity NOC available.

Contact: 93039342 Indian male 1 yr exp in sales automotive (TBL) looking for best opportunity , NOC available.

Contact: 97793879 Email: shyampkn@gmail.com Sales & Marketing executive MBA with 3 years exp , 6 months exp in Oman with NOC , looking for suitable placement. Contact: 91345727

Indian Male, 26 M.Com with 4 yrs of Experience in Accounting & Administration in a Financial Company in India, seeks suitable job, Currently in India.

Contact: India:-+918907212253 Akhil:-93626288, Email: Sumeshpsmkr1989@gmail.com Indian male Graduate with 18 years of Marketing experience presently in Oman on family visit visa, looking for best opportunity.

Contact: 96168687 Email: dhibupaul@gmail.com

MANPOWER

Indian female, BSC, Bed, MBA (Marketing) 3years experience, seeks suitable in the marketing section.

Contact: 95041134 Email: divya.vini@gmail.com Sales & Marketing Executive Indian national with valid Omani D/L with good command of languages, 18 yrs exp in Middle East. Looking for suitable placement. Contact - 98103829 MBA - HR. 10+ years of experience (Age:29). Training, Team Management, Client Relationship Management and Customer Service. on visit visa - Sunil Balu 95434193 Indian male 24 yrs Sales cum Driver, 3 years experience in Saudi with valid Saudi D/L, on visit visa.

Contact: 98154352

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi earn in two months

tion guaranteed

FOR LADIES

Tel: 95244310

Experienced Salesman looking for job with Omani D/L. Contact 97900338 Indian male 25, brought up in Oman, with MBA from UK & 2yr W/E in Oman. Valid Oman D/L & readily available to join. Presently in visit visa. Looking for suitable placement. Contact: 99513132 Indian driver with car or car or without needs jobs as a driver or sales with good command of Laurence and familiar in market.

Contact: 98103829 Indian male 5+ years of experience as a sales & marketing executive with valid Oman D/L. Contact: 95434902 Seeking suitable placement in purchase stone with 8 years experience in Oman, now in visit visa.

Contact: 97332401 B. Com 2 years experience in Sales Marketing Logistics Accounts and Front office Contact 95506048 Sales 2 years B.Com male 24 yrs, Indian. Contact: 00968 94212636 naveed.ahmeed315@gmail.com B.Com, Sales Executive 30 yrs, 5 years experience with D/L. Contact: 94501264 Email: thajumalur66@yahoo.com / sirajmalurcity@gmail.com Indian Male MBA, 5 years Building Materials Project Sales experience in Oman, NOC available, seeking for placement.

Contact - 90655903,99325544 35 years male, Lebanese holding British passport, 10 years of experience in procurement, Omani Government tenders, setup marketing plans & strategies, importing, Organizing events, management, have car, NOC available. Contact 94123939 Email: 002015r@gmail.com Looking for job Executive purchase logistics 10 years experience with NOC & d/license.

Contact: 91432512 Indian Male, MBA marketing 5 yrs exp. in sales & 4 yrs in FMCG sector, looking for best opportunity.

NOC available. Contact: 96001877 Indian female 29 years Post Graduate with computer Knowledge 2 years of Oman experience in coordinator & 5 years of experience in customer service, client relation officer with excellent communication skill seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 95337665

Offer!! Treading Gold Facial & Pedicure just for 10 RO, Home service available, (Threading, facial, waxing, Head massage) R0. 20

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

SITUATION WANTSERVICES Split & window A/C servicing, repairing, installation ducted, package etc. Contact Abbas : 98667326

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

Contact 99619409

GOOD NEWS 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

Pest control & Building cleaning all kinds of pest control ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ͘ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ Ɵ ůĞƐ ͬ MĂƌďůĞ ƉŽůŝƐŚŝŶŐ ŵŽŶƚŚůLJͬ Yearly contracts available. ŽŶƚĂĐƚ͗ ϵϴϴϭϰϳϯϯ ͬϵϴϴϭϰϳϰ0 Al Husn Cleaning L.L.C

Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact:24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage, steambath, obesity, Spondylitis, Ideal Care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street, Azaiba.

Contact: 99639695 / 97397320

SITUATION WANTSERVICES Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

WE SERVE OMAN

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722 CAD drawings Archi/ MEP CAD – comply BIM. Contact: 91233975

SERVICES

A/C servicing maintenance.

Contact: 92279370 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 Marble crystallization & grinding, cleaning & carpet shampooing.

Ocean center LLC. Contact 99344723 Pest control Gulfa international.

Contact: 92326955 House Shifting Packing.

Contact: 99657644 / 98518013

We Provide Cleaners, Kĸ ĐĞ ďŽLJƐ͕ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ General cleaning etc. ů DƵĚĂŬŚŝƌ EĂƟ ŽŶĂů Ɛƚ͘ >> Contact : 94277020 Split unit A/C & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance.

Contact: 96236476

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

Split unit & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance.

Contact: 93769089 / 95323517

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422

Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 /94285064

All Maintenance and services electric, CCTV Camera, Plumbing A/C service and gas installation, painting tiles. Contact: 96524904 / 94285064

Window & split unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080 A/C Maintenance & Servicing, Fridge, Washing machine & Dish washer repairing, Painting & Cleaning services, Electrical & plumbing.

Contact 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281 House shifting. Contact 99708138

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807 Marble crystallization & grinding, Ocean center LLC Contact: 99344723 Pest control treatments, Ocean center LLC Contact 99344723

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

TOURS

TOURS

SITUATION WANTED BUSINESS ONE STOP SHOP BUSINESS SERVICES Public Relation Service (PRO) Document Clearance, Business setup, Formation new Companies, LLC Companies, Investor Visa, Legal Services.

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours contact 98029602, 92808636 We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman. Contact 99839898

DRIVING

RENT A CAR

Contact Saleh:

96723485

MATRIMONIAL

INVESTOR PARTNER REQUIRED For a successfully Catering Restaurant Investor cum Partner is required.

Investor with fixed returns also welcome.

Please contact – 95213273

Email: muscatcoffeeshop@gmail.com Omani investor has a real estate company in Shatti Al Qurum, looking for a financial investor to participate in the real estate company. For more details contact me by 00968 96225852 Email: aburashid94dd@gmail.com

WANTED Partner / investor 20% - 30% share transfer running building construction company.

Contact: 93163157 Urgently required looking to immediately buy used Grit blasting & airless spray equipment 1 No each.

Contact: 968 24810930 / 93203772 / 93203773 / 93203778 IELTS Coaching (academic) required nearby wadi Kabir area.

Please call on mobile or msg on Whats up.

Mobile # 92927880/99012165

For rent or investment garage full equipment in Al Misfah Bousher.

Contact: 99284707 WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

TRANSPORTATION Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909 Transportation available Al Khuwair, Ghobrah, Azaiba, Al Hail & Al Khoud. Drop & pick.

Contact - 95250161 Transportation. Contact: 96538078 Transportation. Contact 94510847 Transportation. Contact 99508282 Transportation. Contact 92015894 Transportation required from Qurum to WadiKabir at afternoon only 1 PM. Contact 99012165

Nair boy, MBA, 28/173 cm, Rohini, Pathanamthitta (district) working in Oman, seeks suitable alliances, Contact: 93722512/90651920 Ezhava male, 31yrs, height 5.6, star Magham, B. Tech aeronautical, administrative professional, parents in Oman, native Aluva (ekm).

Mob-99550870 Ezhava male, 31yrs, height 5.6, Star Magham, B-Tech Aeronautical, administrative professional, parents in Oman, native Aluva (Ekm). Contact 99550870 Indian male Roman Catholic 40yrs divorcee working in Muscat.

Seeks suitable alliance from widow/ divorcee/ single.Contact 96059801.

Parent of Thrissur based Hindu Ezhava girl aged 20, Slim,Atham star, Studying for B. Pharm seeking alliance from well employed Graduates, preferably in Engineering Contact :96425102 Malankara Catholic Male Nurse (28) from Thiruvalla working in Nizwa Private Co. Alliance invites parents/nurses working in Oman.

Contact 968 98267338, 0091 9287215726 Kerala Christian male 28, working as Admin & Support in MNC Muscat. Contact: 95826707

SITUATION WANTMATRIMONIAL Parents of 28 yrs, Indian Boy from Mumbai, ACCA working as a senior accountant in Muscat, seeks alliance from an Indian Sunni Muslim family. Contact no.(parent): 96408642 email id: khaledaoman@gmail.com

25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver. Contact 99839898 Al Ibtisama rent & leasing.

Contact: 91374879 / 96627562/ 99382001/ 24751177/ 24751188

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DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classiďŹ eds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624