Times of Oman - January 17, 2016

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FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

Speech of His Majesty before The Council of Oman, 2001

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ Nations are being built solely by the hands of the citizens: progress and prosperity can only be achieved through learning, experience, training and qualifications.

SUNDAY, January 17, 2016 / 7 Rabi Al Thani 1437 AH

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VEHICLE USERS

Read manuals before opting for petrol types FAHAD AL GHADANI REJIMON K

fahadnews@timesofoman.com reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Changing from super graded petrol to regular will not affect one’s vehicle performance, automobile engineers and mechanics said, even as some were of the view that it could cause wear and tear of the engine in the long run.

“Some of the vehicles come with specific user manual instructions that only super graded petrol should be used. For those vehicles, if we use regular petrol, then wear and tear for the engine may happen,” an engineer from Toyota in Muscat, told the Times of Oman . >A6

Oman’s popular tourist places

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Selfies on the wheel a road to disaster A6

S U LTA N Q A B O O S WAT E R F R O N T

The ROP has warned

Top players keen on port revamp project

people that clicking selfies while driving on highways, they are not only risking

Staff Reporter MUSCAT: Some of the biggest names in the hotel industry are interested in managing one of the seven iconic hotels of the Mina Sultan Qaboos Waterfront Project.

Emaar group’s The Address, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Hyatt, Viceroy Hotels and Resorts, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, Banyan Tree Luxury Hotels and Resorts, Chedi and Four Seasons have shown interest in developing one of the seven iconic hotels coming up at the Mina Sultan Qaboos Waterfront Project, said Omran, the group given the task of developing tourism in Oman.

Omran has boosted resources

their own lives but also of their fellow passengers

TARIQ AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com to establish a dedicated investor relations task force to field additional interest from private sector investors for the Mina Sultan Qaboos Waterfront Project and is also set to establish a new company to develop the waterfront project, 51 per cent of which is owned by Omran, and the remaining 49 per cent by pension and investment funds, together with private sector investors.>A6

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

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MARKET

A glimpse of old Omani lifestyle

IPOs needed to revive Muscat bourse

Oman plans to build 3 industrial estates

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Oman plans to build three new industrial estates — one each in Thumrait, Al Mudhaibi and Shinas — in a move to diversify the country’s economy and create employment. >B1

Heritage Village at Amerat Park provides a glimpse of the traditional Omani lifestyle to visitors.

Visitors experience a living example of traditional Omani life and culture. >A4

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The government must speed up its privatisation process by launching IPOs of the assets it’s owning in statecontrolled companies to stop further decline of the Muscat Securities Market. >A5

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MUSCAT: You are risking your as well as your co-passengers’ lives by taking selfies while driving on the Sultan Qaboos Highway and on other roads, warned the Royal Oman Police (ROP).

Officials reminded the public that it is everyone’s responsibility to remain safe while driving.

A selfie is a widespread phenomenon and many people are willing to take risks for the same — some use the cameras on their mobile phones to record memories or take photos for fun, while others seek the perfect picture … even while driving.

Talking to the Times of Oman, a senior ROP official noted, “Generally, anything that deters a driver’s focus is considered a traffic law violation,” including “talking, texting and taking selfies; and using the phone in any way is a serious violation of the law”.

“It is very sad to learn that young drivers feel it is socially acceptable to take pictures of them-

SERIOUS THREAT: Some people use the cameras on their mobile

to take photos for fun while driving.

selves while driving, often with two or three other passengers in the frame. This is an unacceptable and highly irresponsible behaviour,” said Mark Pudwell, Business Development and Training Manager of Competence HR, and a fire and rescue professional.

Safety of road users “Not only do they place their own safety in serious jeopardy, but also the safety of other road users,” he added.

Further, an Omani national, who wished to remain anonymous, recalled a recent incident while driving in his car. “While I was driving home from work, I noticed a car veering into my lane several times and back into its own lane on the highway. I

was in the fast lane while the car was in the carpool (middle) lane,” he said.

“As I sped up to pass the car, I saw the driver holding his phone high in front of him, obviously taking a selfie. I believe the ROP must impose harsher penalties for these kinds of acts.”

Locals and residents have voiced their concerns regarding the dangers these people pose on Omani roads, saying that taking selfies while driving is “dimwitted” and these drivers do not value their own lives.

“Their stupidity puts people’s lives around them in danger.

They should realise that it’s only themselves who don’t value their lives.” said Alistair, a Muscat resident. >A6

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Five members elected to Indian schools board of directors Staff Reporter

HUGE TURNOUT: Votes were counted by the authorities, under the supervision of a representative of the Ministry of Education. — Times picture NEW AMENDMENTS

Amendments to draft foreign investment law added MUSCAT: Amendments have been added to the draft of foreign investment law, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has revealed.

The new amendments included, among other issues, cancellation of the minimum investment value estimated at OMR150,000.

The draft law shows the regulatory responsibilities toward the foreign investments and provides further openness, said the ministry adding that it would be responsible for enforcement of the new investment law. The amendments aimed to provide clear investment rules which conform to the international practices and the Sultanate international obligations (toward the world trade organisation, the bilateral agreements and the agreements with the GCC states).

All the general terms of the licence shall apply and the government shall have the power to prepare the list of activities and business foreign investors are prohibited from exercising.

The law also included the entire scope of standard rights of investors and a special text on the obligations of investors. — ONA H E A LT H C A R E S E R V I C E S

SQU to host major forum Times News Service MUSCAT: The second International Conference on Advances in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ICAOG), organised by the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), will be held from January 21 to 23.

The conference will examine the research and development on the latest advances and updates in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology. The conference’s themes will include infertility, gynae-oncology, maternal foetal medicine, and urologygynaecology. In addition, there will be pre-conference workshops on perineal repair, laparoscopy, obstetric emergency, and hysteroscopy.

The aim of the conference is to update health care personnel involved in women’s health about the advances made in the various sub-specialties of obstetrics and gynaecology, and provide a forum for interactive discussion between a panel of international experts and participants.

It also aims to refine clinical skills at the point of delivery of care through workshops and clinical tips, to promote opportunities for research, and to encourage regional and international collaboration.

The organising committee has invited nine international speakers. The organisers expect 300 participants from various countries, such as United Kingdom, Germany, Egypt, India, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Sudan and the opening ceremony of the conference will be held on Thursday, January 21 under the patronage of Dr. Ali bin Talib Al Hinai, undersecretary of Ministry of Health for Planning Affairs.

MUSCAT: Five out of the 10 candidates who received the top five positions have been elected to the Indian schools board of directors’ (BoD) new term on Saturday.

According to unofficial results from sources, Wilson V George bagged 467 votes and came in the top position.

The second position was occupied by Mohammad Sabir Raza Faizi with 387 votes, Baby Samuel Kutty in third position with 351 votes, Dr. Chandrahas K Anchan in fourth position with 337 votes and Peri Jagannadha Mani in fifth position with 249 votes.

The other candidates who lost to gain the top five positions are Mohammad Basheer (181 votes), who was the former finance director in the BoD, Shameer Pookaprath Thazha Kuniyil (246), Thomas Philip (138), AjaykummarJanardhanan Pilaai (104) and Kumar Vembu (140), all fresh candidates.

37 invalid votes There were 37 invalid votes, sources said.

According to sources, 2,737 exercised their franchise in the election. This is the third election since the process was adopted in 2011.

Out of the 15 member board,

rest 10 are non-elected members, including four from two promoter schools, one each from Indian school Muscat and Darsait, two embassy nominees, one embassy official and one education advisor from the board.

In the coming days, the elected and nominated members will be selecting the chairman from the elected members either unanimously or through internal voting.

The voting took place at the Indian School Muscat (ISM) building in Darsait from 8am until 5pm. Votes were counted by the authorities, under the supervision of a Ministry of Education representative.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

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FUN FOR ALL: Heritage Village also allows visitors to ride donkeys and enjoy shopping in its many shops,which sell traditional perfumes, incense and clothing. — Pictures by Purushothaman

Amerat Heritage Village provides glimpse of ‘traditional Omani life’ Visitors experience a living example of traditional Omani life and culture.

A tour of the Village helps visitors get a glimpse of life from Oman’s past, as well as the well-maintained traditions Oman is known for

MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON

mobinmathew@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Heritage Village at Amerat Park provides a glimpse of traditional Omani lifestyle to visitors. Visitors experience a living example of traditional Omani life and culture.

A tour of the Village helps visitors get a glimpse of life from Oman’s past, as well as the well-maintained traditions Oman is known for. The Village has become the area’s largest attraction, drawing residents, Omanis and foreign visitors. Heritage Village includes examples of industries and professions that were part of early Omani history. This helps the younger generation learn about the legacy of ancient and traditional occupations. Some of these professions have been displayed here to showcase their importance in Omani society.

“I was born and raised in Muscat city and have never been to the interior before, but Heritage Village helps me to know about Oman’s arts and culture,” said resident Mohammed Alam.

Heritage Village also allows visitors to ride donkeys and enjoy shopping in its many shops,which sell traditional perfumes, incense and clothing.

One of the traditional Omani industries hosted by Heritage Village is the making of Omani halwa.

It is one of the popular foods in Arab society and is served at a variety of events, such as Eids and weddings. Omani coffee also is popular at festivals and is a symbol of Omani generosity.

Tillage is also on display. It is a very old profession, rarely seen, in which oxen were used for tilling the soil. Perhaps, modern machines are the reason for its disappearance.

Handmade pottery items are also on display in the Village.

“The pottery is shaped by hand and then baked in a traditional underground kiln for two to three days. It is again dried in the sun before it is put up for sale,” a

potter said. Other Omani skills, such as rope making, traditional games and folk arts,can be seen at the Village.

Omani women dressed in traditional attire can be seen selling perfumes, incense, food and other items at the Village.

Taking a tour of the market at Heritage Village also helps visitors understand the pride Omanis have in presenting their traditional products to the world.

Further, Omanis appreciate the efforts of the Muscat Municipality to allow them to exhibit their products, which are then introduced to the younger generation and expat community in the Sultanate.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

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C O M M E N TA RY

Initial public offerings needed to revive Muscat Securities Market SUNDAY BEAT SALEH AL SHAIBANY

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he government must stop dragging its feet and speed up the privatisation process by launching Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) for its various state-controlled companies, to stop the further decline of the Muscat Securities Market (MSM).

Signs of fear in the financial markets are spreading. The MSM has hit its lowest level in five years and investors are fast pulling out

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from the stock exchange to minimise their losses.

Share prices are tumbling down because of low oil prices.

MSM investors felt demoralised when OMR175 million was lost in market capitalisation during the last two weeks, while the average daily turnover fell to OMR2.2 million this year from OMR5.6 million in 2015. The bad news is that foreign investors are exiting MSM, leaving huge investment holes in the stock exchange.

It is misguided to think that equity prices will bounce back and go upwards in the expectation that oil prices will reverse. Last Thursday, the International Mon-

etary Fund (IMF) said it expects oil prices to decline further to a range between $15 and $25 per barrel this year.

Investor confidence Oil demand is a strong indicator of growth. While the government cannot do anything about oil prices, it can restore investor confidence and give the economy a shot in the arm by floating new IPOs in the companies it owns.

The government can inject equities into the local market worth more than OMR6 billion for investors in the Muscat Securities Market through different organisations under its control, by relinquishing ownership of just 30 per cent from each company.

There are more than a dozen companies that Oman can explore to offload shares of to the private sector. Candidate companies include the aviation flagship Oman

Air, Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC), Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Co. (ORPIC), Oman National Transportation Company (ONTC), Mining Development Oman (MDO), the Postal Services and power generation companies.

The decision to partially sell off these organisations to the private sector will increase efficiency and productivity.

It will also reduce the financial burden of the government by sharing the management and costs with the private sector to reduce the fiscal deficit.

At the moment, subsidies awarded to loss-making state-owned organisations sap much needed funds from the coffers.

Another advantage of giving an opportunity to the private sector to manage these companies is that it will cut down corruption.

MSM has always been short of

An eco-friendly way of delivering food packets parking fees and fuel costs, these bicycles are effective in travelling through congested areas of the city, and can deliver more food packages in a day than do motorbikes CLEAN INITIATIVE: Cafeterias purchase these bicycles from local markets in Muscat. — Times picture

babaumar@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: The old adage says that necessity breeds invention.

Today, inside the inner lanes of Ruwi’s busy markets, this maxim is playing out as human-powered, eco-friendly bicycles peddle throughout nearby areas to quickly deliver food.

“The idea is to deliver food conveniently in the areas close by,” Auradha Uzagare, Managing Partner of Khana Khazana [Food Treasure], told Times of Oman.

No maintenance costs “It doesn’t need a license. It’s lowcost. There is almost no maintenance costs and it is pollutionfree,” she added.

All three of Khana Khazana’s outlets have a fleet of bicycles,as well as motorbikes and vans, to deliver food.

Liquidity For most of private companies traded on the MSM, liquidity has always been an issue, a constant struggle for them when it comes to raising much needed funds from unwilling investors.

However, government’s IPOs have always attracted investors, both foreign and local. For example, Omantel enjoyed an overwhelming interest and so did power companies, such as Al Manah and Al Kamil.

Traditionally, IPO buyers raise funds from financial institutions.

With banks flush with money this year, they will be more than willing to support the sliding index of the stock exchange.

Investor liquidity will not be

An edge over motorbikes?

These bicycles are ordinary, not the ones seen in many European cities. Cafeterias purchase these bicycles from local markets in Muscat. A small cubical box is then attached behind the cycles, with or without the outlet’s name being displayed.

Bicycles are effective Untroubled by parking fees and fuel costs, these bicycles are effective in travelling through congested areas of the city, and can deliver more food packages in a day than do motorbikes.

“Even when the package is smaller, the cycles can always take turns at the cafeteria for more consignments,” said Mohamad Rayees, a front man at a small shawarma outlet.

But there are limitations.

The bicycles cannot travel on major roads, and there are almost

no cycling or motorbike paths in the capital.

“Also you can’t deliver food on bicycles during atrocious summers,” Rayees said.

The idea has also become a boon for many outlets that struggle to register or receive licenses for low-cost delivery motorbikes.

“Our frequency to reach places with food has increased,” says J Ramarao, in charge of another food retailer.

“If we had more bikes, we would reach many places. These days we take limited orders - something we can deliver in 45 minutes, that is close by,” he said.

Some exercise Until the government solves registration issues, bicycles - it appears - will slowly begin replacing motorbikes for food delivery.

“The government has limited expats from riding bikes because

some of them were using private bikes for commercial purposes or for catering. Those looking for motorbikes for their personal use or hobby are also affected,” officials of the Royal Oman Police (ROP) told Times of Oman.

A report was carried by Times of Oman on Tuesday [December 5] focusing on motorbike registrations and licensing of motorcycle dealers in the Sultanate.

The ROP officials noted that the police will develop solutions in the future “that should address this difficulty.”

Meanwhile, to Anuradha Uzagare, workers coming from outside quickly put on weight, noting that “it’s better to have some exercise, too”, she laughs.

“I hope,as in other EU cities such as Amsterdam, people here will start using bicycles to reduce some of the traffic on roads. For that, we need cycling lanes here.”

a problem this year because all leading banks have posted excellent net profits in 2015. The other opportunity to boost the ailing MSM, is for the government to encourage foreign companies in the Sultanate to offload shares to the public. Manufacturers in the Sohar Industrial Area and the Free Zones will be a good start.

This action will link MSM’s investors with other stock exchanges around the world and offer local shareholders a wider financial network.

The combination of both government and locally based foreign companies selling shares will make Oman a venue of financial choice for international investors. It will tap global markets and give MSM a much wider leverage and exposure.

It will also arrest the flight of non-Omani investors selling their shares in the local bourse.

SWEARING IN OF PRESIDENT

Oman’s ambassador attends inauguration function in Guatemala GUATEMALA: Dr Khalid bin Said Al Jaradi, the Sultanate’s ambassador to Brazil, participated in the inauguration of Jimmy Morales as the President of the Republic of Guatemala.

During the inauguration, the ambassador conveyed the greetings and wishes of success of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said

Untroubled by

BABA UMAR

big liquid stocks since its inception in 1980. Low oil prices have just exposed its fundamental weaknesses.

to the president and his country’s people further progress and prosperity.

On his turn, the president asked the ambassador to convey his greetings and wishes of good health and happiness to His Majesty the Sultan and the people of Sultanate of Oman further progress and prosperity. —ONA

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016 In this era of low interest rates, and low returns on more traditional investments, investors are looking for new markets and avenues to provide healthy and secure returns Salah Al Ghazali, chief investment officer at Omran

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

POPULAR TOURIST DESTINATIONS

Wahiba Sands and Wadi Dayqa Dam are among the popular tourist destinations of the Sultanate. As Oman plans to diversify its economy from the oil-based resources, revenues from the tourism sector will go a long way in boosting the country’s economy. - Photo: Edgar Allan Esteban

WATERFRONT PROJECT: The project will be developed over a

101-hectare site at the Sultan Qaboos Port. – Supplied photo

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for new markets

Three artists to explore styles at Bait Al Zubair While exploring their practices, the artists will create, exchange and showcase a wide variety of art genres and styles It’s an opportunity to work on the artistic skills in Muscat.

Times News Service MUSCAT: Beginning this month, three artists from different corners of the globe will create their art as part of the Bait Al Zubair International Residency Programme.

For one month, they will explore their artistic practices, while creating, exchanging and showcasing a

wide variety of art genres and styles.

The residency programme provides artists based outside the Sultanate of Oman with the opportunity to work on their artistic skills in Muscat.

The residencies allow visiting artists to develop projects in re-

sponse to their new environment, or to conduct research using Bait Al Zubair’s resources.

The first artist to arrive, on January 12,was Julia Forrest, an American artist based in Brooklyn, New York. Forrest is a photographer who works only with a film camera.

She says that art has always been her top priority in life, and regardless of today’s digital world, she continues to work with old processing techniques.

These days, photography can easily be manipulated using photo manipulation software, but Julia prefers to take the camera, a tool for capturing reality, and experiment with what she can do in front of the lens with just one shot. Her goal is for her audience to not only enjoy learning about photography, but to view the world in an entirely new way and continue to develop their interest in the arts.

“Using a medium format film

camera and no digital manipulation, I create an illusion within the lens. I am inspired by pictorialist photographers and how they create a purely photographic reality in their images. Early 20th century photographer Anne Brigman seamlessly met the human figure with a surreal landscape. Her figures have the same powerful presence that I strive to create in my photographs.

“Shooting in black and white, I make a historical reference to this period. I use infrared film to emphasize the grain and create a more surreal and distant reality. I challenge the notion of the landscape by referencing what makes a photograph: the women use their mirror to re-frame what I have framed and capture in their mirror, like a camera captures with a lens,” explained Forrest.

Bait Al Zubair will be working with Forrest to offer workshops and a presentation of her work.

POLICING

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road offenders’

Another Omani national, Khalid, suggested that harsher punishments should be in place. “In my opinion, a harsher punishment should be issued by the ROP to people who use their phones while driving, especially when being careless and cocky to take selfies. Stupidity at its finest, if I may.”

Although police patrols are common on the roads, Pudwell believes that the ROP has a valuable and useful weapon in their possession to crack down on this habit among youths.

“Resources are stretched at the best of times, in terms of actual patrol cars, but one additional weapon that the authorities have readily at hand is the monitoring

of social media sites, where offenders proudly post their photos for all to see,” said Pudwell.

Crime fighting “This particular method of “policing” is becoming more prevalent and is yielding greater results in all areas of crime fighting,” he added.

“Awareness campaigns across several platforms, such as schools, exhibitions and safety exhibitions, have caused voices to strain and messages often forgotten or ignored, but a simple task is only required from drivers,” he said.

Further, Pudwell noted, “The message is simple. When you drive a vehicle, don’t do anything else except focus on driving”.

“In this era of low interest rates, and low returns on more traditional investments, investors are looking for new markets and avenues to provide healthy and secure sustainable and recurring returns,” Salah Al Ghazali, chief investment officer at Omran, said.

“Following the recent announcement of the project, we’ve been very heartened by the strong expressions of interest shown by prominent local investors.

By taking a position in the waterfront development, investors clearly understand the attractive and enduring returns on offer with this state backed project.

Our priority is to offer opportunities to local investors, followed by the regional and international investment community,” he added.

The project, an OMR500 million tourism-based mixed-use waterfront destination, will be developed over a 101-hectare site in the Sultan Qaboos Port, which will boost the tourism sector, provide sustainable employment for citizens and set new standards for authentic waterfront destinations in the region.

“This really is a project of national significance, and will be considered as one of the prime visitor destinations in the region when phase one opens by 2020 ahead of the World Expo in Dubai in 2020. Expo Dubai is expected to deliver an additional 25 million visitors to Dubai and Omran is planning its marketing and project delivery to ensure its readiness for this influx of international tourism to the region.

The international hotel operators have clearly taken notice, and we are pleased to be talking with some of the leading names in the industry to operate the iconic waterfront hotels,” he said.

“The development will maintain the heritage and authenticity of the destination while adding modern components to completely reinvigorate the Muttrah Corniche. The project, in essence, is developed for local and global audiences, with all the uniquely Omani heritage and hospitality elements firmly incorporated,” he added.

The waterfront destination will be developed over four phases, with construction of phase one beginning in mid-2016 and its completion expected in 2020.

Phase one will include a number of entertainment and lifestyle attractions that will generate significant footfall and make the waterfront a day-long visitor experience.

Entertainment facilities Attractions will include leisure and entertainment facilities, such as an SME Incubator-Arts, crafts and organic farmers market (Emporium), a tourism visitor’s centre, boutique and destination shopping, restaurants and cafes, a marine heritage visitor centre featuring the tall ship Shabab Oman, Oman’s aquarium and an extensive children’s entertainment village.

The SME Incubator-Arts, crafts and organic farmers market (Emporium) is being modelled after the successful retail incubator “Watershed,” located at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.

Phase one also includes a Muttrah fisherman’s wharf, a fish market, a five-star marina hotel with a yacht club and marina, a four-star family hotel, hotel-operated residential apartments, starter apartments for first time home buyers, with extensive parking and park and ride locations.

C O N S U LT T H E S P E C I A L I S T

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Quality of petrol

“According to the user manual, if it is instructed that vehicles should only use petrol with an Octane value of 95 and above, then super graded petrol has to be filled. If the instruction says that Octane value 91 and above can be used, then regular petrol is okay,” the engineer added.

From January 15, the price of super unleaded petrol rose to 160 baisas per litre from 120 baisas; for regular, it rose to 140 baisas per litre from 114 baisas and for diesel, it rose to 160 baisas per litre from 146 baisas.

Following the price rise, it has been seen that many are switching to regular petrol from a super graded one.

Fawaz Al Farsi, another automobile engineer, said there was no merit in names or grades.

“Super grade petrol does not mean that its quality is better than regular grade petrol for your vehicle. The idea here is to know which one is suitable for your vehicle engine,” said Al Farsi, adding that the manual for each vehicle will indicate which is the best petrol.

Faisal, a mechanic and the owner of a garage in Mabela, said switching to regular grade petrol is not a big issue.

“Most of the vehicles, especially in the United States are manufactured to use regular grade petrol. However, people here in Oman and other Gulf countries feel that using super is more suitable for vehicles following the power of the two names, super and regular,” said Faisal.

He added that some motorists had come to him in the past after switching to regular grade petrol.

“Once these people started fuelling their vehicles with regular grade petrol, they felt their ve-

hicles shake while driving, with the little sounds and smoke. This aroused concern as they had started using regular grade petrol.

In fact, these are the normal side effects of switching between regular and super petrol,” said Faisal.

He added that such faults disappeared quickly after some time.

“These might reflect in vehicles for a week and then disappear forever unless there is another fault in the vehicle,” said Faisal. He added that this was true for most vehicles, but that he advised vehicles owners to read their vehicles’ manuals or maybe ask a specialist about this matter.

“I would like to advise those who have checked their vehicle’s fuel and decided to switch that they have to drain the remaining petrol in their vehicles before going to fuel with the other grade of petrol,” said Faisal.

He added that it’s better not to mix the two types of the petrol as motorists should at least wait till the fuel sign light to switch on and then go ahead and refuel.

George John, a mechanic at an automobile workshop in Wadi Kabir, said using regular gas in a car designed for premium would definitely damage the engine.

“We don’t believe that any modern engine claims to require premium will be damaged by using regular unleaded judiciously,” John said.

Meanwhile, a worker at a petrol station told TOO that he had not noticed any changes in demand for regular grade petrol so far.

“It’s almost the same, but some motorists have started asking about the difference between the regular and super grade petrol. It seems that they have started seriously thinking of switching to regular grade petrol,” said the worker.

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REGION

US and Iran in prisoners swap President Barack Obama pardoned three Iranians charged with sanction violations

VIENNA/WASHINGTON: Iran has released four American prisoners, including a Washington Post reporter, a Christian pastor and a former US Marine, Iranian television said on Saturday.

Iran released a fifth American, student Matthew Trevithick, a US official said on Saturday, separately from four other Americans who were released in a prisoner swap.

The Americans released included Jason Rezaian, the Washington Post’s Tehran correspondent, Saeed Abedini, a pastor from Idaho, Amir Hekmati, a former Marine from Flint, Michigan, and Nosratollah Khosravi, state television said. Iran’s IRNA news agency, however, said the fourth person was Iranian-American businessman Siamak Namazi.

Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz, welcomed the news but said he suspected that the deal would have disappointing elements as well.

Pardoned In Washington, President Barack Obama pardoned three Iranians charged with sanctions violations as US authorities moved to drop charges or commute prison sentences for five other men, according to court records and people familiar with the matter. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The men pardoned were Bahram Mechanic, Tooraj Faridi, and Khosrow Afghahi, according to Mechanic’s lawyer, Joel Androphy.

They were accused in 2015 of shipping electronics to Iran. Mechanic and Afghahi were being held with-

RELEASED: This file photo taken on September 10, 2013 shows Iranian-American Washington Post correspondent Jason Rezaian at Iran’s Foreign Ministry in Tehran, and right, a file handout photo from the American Center for Law and Justice legal advocacy group taken on March 7, 2010 shows Saeed Abedini posing for a picture at an unknown location. – AFP/American Centre for Law and Justice/Files

out bail in Houston, while Faridi was out on bail. All three are Iranian-American dual citizens and had pleaded not guilty.

“We’re ecstatic that the president has decided to pardon them for basically trade issues,” Androphy told Reuters.

Washington Post reporter Rezaian, 39, was arrested in July 2014 along with three other journalists, including his wife Yeganeh Salehi.

All were freed except for Rezaian, an Iranian-American who was convicted in a closed-door trial for espionage and other offenses including “collaborating with hostile governments.”

Former Marine Hekmati, 32, was detained while visiting an Iranian relative in August 2011 and sentenced to death for espionage.

He was re-sentenced to 10 years in jail in 2013 after the death sentence was overturned. Abedini, a 35-year-old American Christian pastor born in Iran, was sentenced to eight years in prison in 2013 on charges of attempting to undermine the Iranian government.

The inclusion of Nosratollah

Khosravi on the list came as a surprise and there were no biographical details about him immediately available.

Robert Levinson, a former FBI agent and DEA agent, who disappeared in Iran since 2007, was not among those released by Iran, according to the list of names broadcast by Iranian television. US officials have believed for several years that Levinson died in captivity. Iranian officials had repeatedly denied any knowledge of his disappearance or whereabouts.

The US Justice Department also moved to drop sanctions charges against four other men who are outside the United States, according to electronic court filings.

US authorities have considered three of them fugitives and had been seeking extradition from Malaysia for one.

A spokesman for the Justice Department referred questions to the White House.

Authorities were also working to obtain early release for Ali Saboonchi, convicted of export violations in 2014, according to people

familiar with the matter. Between 2009 and 2013, Saboonchi and several associates tried to export industrial parts to customers in Iran, according to an indictment filed in 2013. He was sentenced to two years in prison and was due to be released in November 2016.

Citing “significant foreign policy interests” of the United States, federal prosecutors in Massachusetts, New York, California, and Texas asked federal judges on early Saturday morning to dismiss charges against the four Iranians. Dozens of Iranians have been charged with US sanctions violations since 2008.

Iranian officials had called on President Barack Obama’s administration to pardon Iranians imprisoned in the United States on sanctions-related charges.

Iranian officials have met recently with some of the prisoners held in the United States to see if they would be willing to return to Iran if a swap was agreed, said a person familiar with the cases who asked not to be identified.

US Secretary of State John Ker-

ry had insisted during the nuclear talks that the Obama administration wanted to keep separate the issue of the Americans being held in Iran, while calling on Tehran to release them and drop all charges.

He has said that he didn’t want the US prisoners to be “hostage” to the nuclear negotiations.

Relief Meanwhile, US Republicans expressed relief with Tehran’s release of five Americans but renewed their attacks against President Barack Obama for entering an international nuclear deal .

“Essentially they get $150 billion plus seven (prisoners) and we get four people back,” Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump said at a campaign event in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Trump said he was happy the Americans were being released, “but I will tell you it’s a disgrace that they were there for so long.”

US House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan also expressed relief over the release of the Americans but is awaiting details on the

terms of that release, according to spokeswoman AshLee Strong.

“We’re glad that Iran has reportedly finally released four American citizens who were unjustly detained,” Strong told Reuters, adding, “They should never have been held in the first place. We’re awaiting details from the administration on the ransom paid for their freedom.”

In a tweet, Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio, a US senator from Florida, said, “Iran needs to also help locate Floridian Robert Levinson. This hostagetaking must stop.”

Meanwhile, Iran plans to buy 114 civil aircraft from European aircraft maker Airbus, the transport minister was quoted as saying on Saturday, “We have taken the first step in agreeing with Airbus to buy 114 planes,” Abbas Akhoondi was quoted as saying by the Tasnim news agency.

A deal for 114 airplanes would be worth more than $10 billion at catalogue prices, depending on the type of aircraft. — Reuters E AT E R N S Y R I A

Q ATA R I D O NAT I O N S

1,000 Gazans displaced by war get new homes

REBUILDING EFFORTS: Palestinians attend the opening of the

residential project in the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Younis on Saturday. – AFP

GAZA: Qatari-funded construction projects have provided 1,000 new dwellings for Palestinians left homeless by the 2014 Gaza war with Israel, and a similar number for low-income families in the territory, officials said on Saturday.

The Gulf state’s contribution is the sole significant sign of rebuilding in the Gaza Strip, where some 100,000 people remain displaced 18 months after the fighting, with economic growth stifled by Israeli and Egyptian blockades.

The Qatari donations have buoyed Gaza’s de facto Hamas rulers, irking Israel and the USbacked Palestinian administration based in the occupied West Bank. Past efforts by Qatar to me-

diate between Hamas and Israel yielded little. After the 2014 war, Qatar pledged $1 billion for building projects in Gaza, of which $50 million was paid to owners of destroyed houses to fund the rebuilding of shelters. Qatar envoy Mohammed Al Amadi said 1,000 new homes had been completed since. “Qatar exerts every effort to help the people of Gaza in the fields of electricity, agriculture, infrastructure and housing, including the rebuilding of completely destroyed houses,” Amadi told Reuters.

Gaza economist Maher Al Tabbaa said reconstruction efforts were being hampered by difficulties in bringing raw materials to Gaza. Israel bars the import

of products it suspects Hamas might use to rearm or build fortifications, although it began easing restrictions in October under a mechanism overseen by the United Nations. “Only 400,000 tonnes of cement have entered Gaza since October 2014, or the equivalent of Gaza’s need of cement in two months only,” said Tabbaa, who is also in charge of public relations at Gaza’s Chamber of Commerce.

Officials said on Saturday that Qatari funding had provided another 1,060 new homes in the Gaza town of Khan Younis for low-income families.

An Indonesian-funded hospital opened in Gaza last month, the first new medical centre in the territory in a decade. — Reuters

IS rebels kills 35 soldiers BEIRUT: The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said IS militants killed at least 35 Syrian soldiers and pro-government forces in an attack on several areas in the city of Deir Al Zor on Saturday.

“The fighters have infiltrated the northwestern side of the city and carried out the attacks,” said the Observatory which monitors the conflict in Syria via a wide network of local sources. IS group is in control of most of the eastern province while the government is holding parts of the city including a military airport. Deir Al Zor province links IS’s de facto capital in Raqqa with territory controlled by the group in Iraq. — Reuters

GLOBAL OIL PRICES PLUNGE

Economic ‘tsunami’ undermines war against IS in Iraq: Kurdish deputy premier ARBIL: Iraq’s Kurdistan region is in danger of being drowned by an economic “tsunami” as global oil prices plunge, its deputy prime minister said, warning it could undermine the war effort against IS militant group.

Four months in arrears and deeply in debt, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), which depends on oil revenue to survive, has been hit hard by oil’s slump below $30 per barrel this week from over $100 a barrel two years ago.

Even before oil’s most recent losses, the autonomous region was unable to meet a bloated public payroll including the salaries of its own armed forces, the peshmerga, which are on the front line against IS. “The world is focused on the war against ISIS but nobody wins a war bankrupt,” Qubad Talabani said in the interview on Thursday, using an acronym for IS. “I think this is something the coalition against ISIS really do need to factor into the equation.”

The peshmerga have emerged as a key component of the US-led coalition’s strategy to “degrade and destroy” the radical militants, driving them back in northern Iraq with the help of air strikes. But

Talabani said the economic crisis threatened progress on the battlefield: “The most dangerous impact it can have is on morale. We are getting desertions. People are leaving their posts -- it will increase.”

The oil price crash has compounded Kurdistan’s economic woes, which began in early 2014 when Baghdad slashed funding to the region to punish it for exporting crude on its own terms in pursuit of economic independence from Iraq.

Then IS overran a third of Iraq, driving more than one million refugees into the region of five million and scaring off foreign investors.

In an effort to tackle the crisis, Kurdistan ramped up independent oil exports last year to more than 600,000 barrels per day (bpd), but at current prices the region is still left with a monthly deficit of $717 million (380-400 billion Iraqi dinars). Asked whether the KRG was calculating it might be better off resuming oil exports under Baghdad’s auspices in return for a slice of the revenue from their combined exports of more than 3.8 million bpd, Talabani said it would make little difference. “I don’t think this is a calculation we’re thinking of or they’re thinking of

SPELLING OUT: Iraqi Kurdistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Qubad

Talabani during an interview with Reuters in Arbil. – Reuters

because it doesn’t actually change the equation for anyone.”

“At this oil price, a couple of hundred thousand barrels here or there is not going to fix Baghdad’s problems and it’s not going to fix ours. We have to think of another formula to fix our economic problems”.

A deal last year whereby the KRG agreed to export 550,000 bpd of crude through Iraq’s state oil marketing firm SOMO in ex-

change for the reinstatement of its budget share was never properly implemented.

The same arrangement is embedded in Iraq’s 2016 budget, but Talabani indicated the KRG did not intend to implement it.

“The fact that the control continues to lie 100 per cent with the central government and the lack of clarity with our share of the budget and how it’s calculated would restrict us from going along with

what’s written in the 2016 budget,” Talabani said.

“We don’t want to rule out a deal, but we want a deal that’s fair,” he said, adding that it need not entail the KRG exporting oil via SOMO. After the oil-fuelled economic boom it enjoyed in the wake of the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, the Kurdistan region faces spending cuts and economic reform, and is also looking efforts to raise nonoil revenue.

In December, the KRG cut the allowances of ministers and other officials by as much as 50 per cent and eliminated perks enjoyed by senior civil servants, and Talabani said bigger changes were on the way. “We’re not bankrupt yet but if we don’t enact structural and actual reforms the current situation is not sustainable,” Talabani said.

The reforms will target three main areas: fuel subsidies, the power sector and the public payroll, which costs the region $804 million (875 billion Iraqi dinars) per month.

The KRG has already opened up the fuel market to private companies and will consider selling parts of the electricity sector, Talabani said.

“This is a tsunami. Either we react and respond to it or get dragged

under. The initial step is to stop the ship from sinking”.

The region, which has racked up between $15-$18 billion of debt, is also considering ways of raising money abroad such as soft loans, bailouts, pre-payment agreements and monetising assets, including oil infrastructure, Talabani said.

Plans to issue a $500 million Eurobond were derailed last year by falling oil prices and rising political tensions but could be revived in the future: “We certainly haven’t scrapped that idea but it’s shelved for now.”

Despite recent gains on the battlefield, Talabani said he did not expect an offensive to retake the northern city of Mosul this year: “I don’t think the Iraqi armed forces are ready”.

The peshmerga will play a role in the offensive whenever it happens, but the Iraqi army must take the lead, he said. In the meantime, more needs to be done to find a political solution. “I don’t see any traction on political reconciliation in Iraq,” Talabani said.

“All of these are factors that are going to slow down our progress in the war to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIS”. — Reuters

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

INDIA

This Ma-Mati-Manush drama can’t be allowed to run any longer. We will save Bengal Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, Former West Bengal chief minister

D E F E AT T R I NA M O O L C O N G R E S S

PRANAB LAUNCHES PULSE POLIO PROGRAMME

President Pranab Mukherjee administers polio drops to a child to launch the Pulse Polio programme, at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Saturday. Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare J.P. Nadda is also seen. - PTI

Buddhadeb urges Congress and Left parties to join hands SINGUR: Virtually launching the campaign for the ensuing assembly election in West Bengal, former chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee on Saturday called upon Congress and other Left parties to join hands with the CPI(M) to defeat Trinamool Congress and indicated that industrialisation would be a major issue.

Visiting Singur, from where the Tata group had shifted their Nano car project to Gujarat, for the first time after eight years, Bhattacharjee said, “If the (Nano) factory was set up here, situation would have changed in Singur.

But only darkness prevailed”.

He kicked off the week-long procession from Singur to Salboni, where JSW group had promised to set up a Rs35,000 crore steel plant. Alleging that no new factory was set up in the state during the TMC rule, he said, “We will change the situation. We can do it,” adding, “We want the Congress to make its stand clear in this regard. We want Congress and other Left parties to join hands with us to oust the TMC

Government plans friendly tax regime for startups Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said besides ‘Start Up’, the government will launch ‘Stand Up’ India scheme under which, bank branches will lend to entrepreneurs belonging to SC/STs and women

NEW DELHI: Government in the Budget next month will announce a friendly tax regime that will encourage setting up of startups in the country, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Saturday.

“We have already worked upon an entrepreneur-friendly taxation regime. There are some steps, which can be taken up by notifications, which would be taken forthwith. Others require legislative provisions, which can only come as part of the Finance Bill when Budget is presented in order to create a friendly taxation regime for startups,” he said at the Start Up India conference here.

Recognising the need to encour-

LAUNCH: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley addresses the opening ses-

sion of launch of Start Up India, in New Delhi on Saturday. -

age startups, a fund was suggested in the Budget last year, he said.

He assured the startups that both the banking system and the government will make the resources available to them.

Besides Start Up, the finance minister said the government will launch Stand Up India scheme under which, bank branches will lend to entrepreneurs belonging to SC/ STs and women.

“On Independence Day Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) announced the Stand Up India scheme. The Stand Up India would be separately launched. It is a programme, which envisages women entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs belonging to the SC, STs

Another very significant difference of what makes it a landmark event is a final break or the ultimate break that you have with the conventional licence raj of India Arun Jaitley Finance Minister

PTI

(to get funding from banks). These were the segments which were not throwing up entrepreneurs.

“Each bank branch, public sector or private sector, would actually adopt one in the SC/ST category and one in the women category. So they will adopt two such entrepreneurs and fund them to set up establishments,” he said.

Ease of doing business By funding trading or manufacturing establishment of this segment, almost 300,000 new entrepreneurs over the next two years will be created, he said. To promote startups, the finance minister said the government is easing the process of doing business.

“Another very significant difference of what makes it a landmark event is a final break or the ultimate break that you have with the conventional licence raj of India,” he said.

“We did well to break off from it in 1991 but it was only partial. It was partial because who would be funded there was an invisible role of state, control over land permissions, foreign investment proposal and of course unless the political nods came to venture into newer areas which involved a lot of capital, a lot of energy going into it and an entrepreneur or investors was normally reluctant,” he said.

Emphasising that the government has limited potential to cre-

ate jobs, Jaitley said, the private sector has its own challenges.

“The private sector own expansion itself is throwing up a challenge because they have overstressed themselves and their stress in turn gets reflected on our banking system, something which the RBI and the government working in tandem, and over the next few months are going to add to the bankers ability to improve and be able to lend with a greater amounts,” he said.

Under these circumstances, the government had to explore new areas and it is among those newer areas that it conceived of the MUDRA scheme. Pradhan Mantri Micro Units Development Refinance Agency Yojana that government conceived of, is intended to target 25 per cent of the bottom part of India’s population.

“So people get loans from refinance agencies, public and private sector banks and other agencies.

Earlier, they were being exploited by lenders at very high rates and now they get at bank rate and I must say the programme has been reasonably successful.

“In the last 4-5 months, almost 1.73 crore entrepreneurs have been enabled with loans,” he said. :He expressed hope that the figure would be significantly higher by the end of this financial year.

“We are going to roll over that programme year after year and smaller entrepreneurs are being created by that process,” he added.

On the economy, Jaitley observed that India has its own challenges despite being the fastest growing economy in the world. - PTI

government”. Indicating that industrialisation of the state would be a big issue in the ensuing poll, Bhattacharjee said that both agriculture and industry are needed.

“But agriculture alone is not sufficient and industry is required as thousands of educated youth want employment. Mocking at the TMC government, he said, “This Ma-Mati-Manush drama can’t be allowed to run any longer. We will save Bengal”.

Bhattacharjee’s call to Congress came in the wake of similar statements by CPI(M) state secretary Surjya Kanta Mishra and another politburo member Mohammad Selim. Turning to the JSW group’s Salboni steel project, he said, “that would have been implemented by now but nothing came up. The state has turned into a hell and it lagged behind”. He alleged that whatever industry was there, they were closing down.

“The tea gardens, where everyday workers’ death is reported, never faced this kind of situation,” he said. - PTI MEETING

Top officials discuss steps to check IS influence NEW DELHI: Top officials of central intelligence and investigative agencies and police of 13 states on Saturday held a meeting with Home Minister Rajnath Singh and discussed steps to check the growing influence of IS among youngsters through social media and other sources.

Singh held the day-long meeting to review the situation arising out of some Indian youths getting attracted towards IS and how to deal with the emerging challenge.

“The issues that were discussed included misuse of social media, sources of impetus that attract persons, specially youth, to IS, the growth of IS influence in India’s neighbourhood and the best possible law enforcement response,” a Home Ministry spokesperson said.

The need for appropriate welfare schemes for minorities, social media strategies to be followed and capacity building of state police organisations, especially in the area of information technology were discussed.

In his remarks, Rajnath said India’s traditions and family values will triumph over even this evil, and that while the traction that IS has got in India is extremely limited, and almost insignificant relative to other countries, yet there is a need to keep up vigil on all fronts, and not let down the guard in any manner. Singh said a large number of people and most Muslim organisations in India had come out against both IS and other forms of terrorism. - PTI

I NA C T I O N O F S TAT E G O V E R N M E N T

BJP delegation raises Malda violence with president NEW DELHI: Stepping up the heat on the Mamata Banerjee government over the Malda violence, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday took the matter to the President’s doorstep and requested him to seek an independent report from the Governor on the issue.

The party accused the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal of promoting vote bank politics by protecting those involved in Malda violence and said that it posed a threat to national security.

A BJP delegation, led by party general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya met President Pranab Mukherjee and submitted a memorandum.

The party alleged inaction on part of the state government on the Malda violence and claimed that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government’s policy of ‘appeasement and vote bank’ politics posed a threat to national security.

They also raised the issue of violence in Birbhum in West Bengal.

The delegation also presented

another memorandum to the President on the inaction on the part of West Bengal government in arresting the accused in the hitand-run case involving the son of a TMC leader who killed an Air Force jawan while he was rehearsing for the Republic Day parade.

“The Malda incident is linked to the country’s internal security...

This vote bank politics poses a threat to internal security as the same mob also raised pro-Pakistan slogans. That is why we have requested the President to seek his own report from the Governor and the report sought by the central government from the state will help stop the threat caused to the country’s internal security,” Vijayvargiya told reporters after meeting the President.

He added that BJP is pained to know the West Bengal chief minister saying people had problems with BSF and that is why the violence took place.

“Why was the police station

burnt? The reality is that it was burnt as all those leading that violent clash are linked with fake currency and opium cultivation and are anti-social elements who burnt the police station to put an end to their criminal activities.

“Unfortunately, all those are being protected by Mamata Banerjee. A number of TMC leaders are involved in such activities and there is vote bank politics played there. The minority community there is somewhere linked in all these three incidents and due to this vote bank politics, the West Bengal chief minister is not acting against them,” he added.

The memorandum to President said, “TMC government wishes to brush the entire macabre fest under the carpet but BJP strongly believes that national interest cannot be traded for appeasement politics and therefore we request your good office to seek a detail report from the Hon’ble Governor of West Ben-

gal.” It further said under communal overtone the operation covertly had a larger planned conspiracy to hit the very roots of India’s national security.

Malda, the BJP memorandum said, is well known for fake currency rackets and drug trading across the border and the NIA had been actively investigating the anti-national operations taking place at Malda.

“It is understood that dossiers of key criminals were prepared and were kept at Kaliachak police station.

“As the police in Bengal are not allowed to act against the minority community due to the TMC government’s politics of appeasement, it can be safely inferred that the target was to destroy the records rather than a fight between the locals and BSF. “This cocktail promotes antisocial elements from across the border and jeopardises India’s internal security,” it said. -PTI

MEMORANDUM TO THE PRESIDENT: Members of a BJP delega-

tion address the media after meeting President Pranab Mukherjee regarding the recent incidents of Malda, at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi on Saturday. - PTI

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INDIA

‘Precautions taken to curb honey trap cases’ Recently, a 30-year old IAF official was dismissed from service and arrested for allegedly passing on official secrets to a suspected intelligence operative

SPELLING OUT STRATEGY: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar with MoS for Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan S. Rathore at a press conference in Jaipur on Saturday. - PTI

JAIPUR: Against the backdrop of an IAF official falling prey to a honey trap, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Saturday said all precautions are being taken to prevent such incidents which have so far been confined to the lower level.

“I do not think that such things (espionage) are at high level.

Few things came to light but they were at lower level and we have taken all precautions (to prevent them),” he told reporters here.

“Things like honey trap are generally avoided when we are alert.

We should be alert all the time.We take care of it at the time of recruitment and training. There are also clear guidelines and code of conduct (for personnel) to deal with social networking sites,” he said.

Recently, a 30-year old IAF of-

ficial Ranjith KK was dismissed from service and arrested for allegedly passing on official secrets to a suspected intelligence operative.

According to Delhi Police crime branch, the official had been compromised after falling prey to a honey trap set up by the suspected operative, Damini McNought, who posed as a journalist on Facebook. Parrikar was speaking at the Central Industrial Security Force ground near Amber to inaugurate an Army recruitment rally where he also interacted with the candidates before flagging off the rally.

Large number of candidates attended the open rally for which registrations were done online.

“We started the procedure of online application for the recruitment rally. It was feared that the number of candidates might drop

but the number of candidates has gone up instead,” he said.

“Indian youth is patriotic and has nationalistic mindset and therefore willing to join the Army,” he said.

Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and senior officers of the Army were present on the occasion.

A manufacturing unit in defence sector is likely to be set up in north Indian state of Rajasthan which would be located between Jaipur and Delhi, Parrikar said.

“There is no manufacturing unit in defence sector in Rajasthan and at least one such unit should be set up in the state. We are considering setting up of a unit to manufacture helicopter or fighter plane’s parts or something

CASE REGISTERED

Anna receives anonymous letter threatening to kill him PUNE: Anna Hazare has received an anonymous letter which threatens that the social activist would be killed on January 26, police said on Saturday.

The sender has also alleged that the anti-graft crusader has earned a lot of money and asked Hazare to declare him his heir, a senior police official said.

The hand-written letter was sent around four days back to Hazare’s office at his native Ralegan Siddhi village in Ahmednagar district, Additional Superintendent of Police Pankaj Deshmukh said.

“In the letter, the sender has threatened that January 26 will be the last day of Hazare,” Desh-

Anna Hazare

mukh added. The police officer said Hazare has previously also received similar anonymous threat letters.

Talking about the veteran ac-

tivist’s security cover in the wake of this letter, Deshmukh said, “We have already given adequate security cover to Hazare and on a daily basis, the security is being reviewed.”

Talking to PTI, Hazare’s personal assistant Shyam Pathade, said, “This could be the tenth such letter received by our office and Anna has chosen not to comment on such letters as he does not fall prey to such threats.”

ASP Deshmukh added that police are trying to ascertain whether it is an act of mischief.

However, a case has been registered against unidentified person in this regard. - PTI

A9

like that,” Parrikar told reporters.

He said that since the state shares border with Pakistan, the unit would be set up far from the border and close to Delhi though location has not been finalised yet.

“I had spoken to chief minister about it. There is land available with the state and the location of the unit will be decided later,” he said. The defence minister while choosing to evade saying anything related with Pathankot attack said that the air bases have been asked to do security audit and to block any points, if any, from where security can be breached.

“First security audit is to be done by base commander and the second security audit will be done next month by special unit,” Parrikar said at a media interaction here. - PTI

P O LY T E C H N I C S T U D E N T S

Eight students killed as bus rams into tree CUDDALORE: Eight polytechnic students, on a Pongal festival holiday tour, were killed and another was injured when their jampacked car rammed into a roadside tree here on Saturday, police said.

The nine, students of MIT Polytechnic in Salem, were proceeding to a temple at C N Palayam village in the car to witness the Pongal celebration there when the mishap occurred at Vanamadevi near Nellikuppam, police said.

District Superintendent of

Police C. Vijayakumar and DSP Ramamurthy visited the spot.

The DSP said police suspected the students were drunk at the time of the ghastly mishap which killed all the eight on the spot and left the car totally mangled.

One of the students Selvam, who was driving, lost control resulting in the car crashing into a roadside tamarind tree, they said. Police also said the car could accommodate only a maximum of five passengers and was overloaded. - PTI

A10

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

PAKISTAN SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES PROPOSAL SCRAPPED

‘Western passage of China corridor to be completed by 2018’ ISLAMABAD: Days after the government had failed to assuage the concerns of an all parties’ conference (APC) on the multibillion-dollar ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif scrapped a proposal for establishing 12 special economic zones in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) as he set a July 2018 deadline to complete the western passage of the corridor with a high-powered committee to oversee it.

Chairing an all parties’ conference in the Prime Minister’s House on Friday – attended by the chief ministers of Balochistan and K-P — the premier heard the concerns of political leaders and the government of K-P over the corridor.

Failed Earlier in the week, the planning and development minister, Ahsan Iqbal, had failed to assuage the concerns of an APC on the multibillion-dollar project that they claim will only benefit Punjab.

PAKISTANI WRITER LAUNCHES BOOK IN KOLKATA

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s niece Krishna Bose, left, talks with Pakistani writer Reema Abbasi during the launch of the latter’s book, ‘Historic Temples in Pakistan: A call to Conscience’, in Kolkata on Saturday. — AP/PTI

The APC had called upon the government to give preference to the western route of CPEC in accordance with a commitment he had made at an earlier APC in May, last year.

Periodic consultations After deliberations, Sharif set a two-and-a-half-year term for completion of the Western route of the CPEC – which he would personally oversee — and formed a high-powered 11-member committee to hold periodic consultations with the provinces on matters pertaining to CPEC. The committee, headed by Sharif, will include chief ministers of all the four provinces and Gilgit-Baltistan in addition to federal ministers of planning, water and power, railways, communications and the chairman of the parliamentary committee on CPEC. Chairman of the committee on CPEC, Mushahid Hussain Syed, said that he had floated the idea of a high-powered committee which was readily accepted by Sharif. — Express Tribune

Petition filed against Sindh Criminal Prosecution Bill A petitioner challenged the controversial bill, ‘which aims to abscond the criminal elements from the hands of law’, in the Supreme Court

ISLAMABAD: A petitioner challenged on Saturday the Sindh Criminal Prosecution Amended Bill 2016 in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, contending that by approving the bill the Sindh government misused its powers.

Mehmood Akhar Naqvi filed the constitutional petition in the apex court against the Bill, and prayed the court to disqualify Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, Speaker Sindh Assembly Shehla Raza, and Sindh Minister for Education and Literacy Nisar Khuhro.

“The Sindh Criminal Prosecution Amended Bill 2016 aims to abscond the criminal elements from the hands of law,” stated the petition.

Mala fide intention Naqvi maintained that the approval of Sindh Criminal Prosecution Amended Bill 2016 was based on “mala fide intention” and misuse of power by the Sindh government.

The petition named Shah, provincial assembly opposition leader Khwaja Izharul Hassan of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), chief secretary of the province and others as respondents in the petition.

On January 15, amid the opposition’s vehement protests, the Sindh Assembly passed a law

CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS: The petition named Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, provincial assembly opposition leader Khwaja Izharul Hassan of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), chief secretary of the province, and others as respondents in the petition. — File photo

allowing prosecutors to withdraw terrorism cases against any suspect at any stage with the court’s consent.

While the amendment bill was on Friday’s agenda just for introduction, the ruling Pakistan People’s Party put the proposal before the house for consideration.

All opposition parties, except the Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz, joined the protest against the bill.

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement lawmakers, who have also

expressed reservations against the Rangers targeted operation, went on to tear the agenda copies.

“No no. Go go…” shouted the protesting lawmakers in front of the speaker’s podium.

Save criminals Hasan said: “This law is being passed to save criminals and defend corruption.”

The prosecution law’s Clause-8, which was amended with majority votes, now reads: “The prosecutor general or any prosecutor au-

thorised by him may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, inform the court on behalf of the government that he/she shall not prosecute the accused.

“Therefore, all proceedings against the accused person shall be stayed and he shall be discharged: Such discharge shall not amount to an acquittal unless the court directs otherwise.”

Another amendment was regarding the tenures of prosecutor general. The term has been fixed for three years; giving a message

the government will not succumb to any pressure to remove the prosecutor from his post.

Earlier this sub-section read: “The government may remove the prosecutor prior to his tenure.”

This clause has now been omitted while the prosecutor general also given the powers of transferring and posting any officer in his department.

Earlier, this was done by the home department, which falls under the domain of the provincial chief executive. — Express Tribune

BLASPHEMOUS CONTENT

Official ban on YouTube may be lifted within days KARACHI: Pakistan is likely to lift the ban on YouTube within days to reciprocate the move

by Google, the parent company, which launched a localised version of the website in Pakistan earlier this week, officials at the helm of developments confirmed to The Express Tribune.

The internet giant, on Tuesday, announced the launch of YouTube’s localised versions for Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, addressing Islamabad’s long-standing dispute regarding the availability of blasphemous content on the world’s largest social video sharing platform.

YouTube has remained blocked in Pakistan since September 17, 2012, a move made by Islamabad after blasphemous content from its platform was not removed.

Islamabad had asked Google to launch a localised version of YouTube, which would have bound the latter to block Pakistani users’ access to blasphemous content as per its community guidelines.

Despite several attempts, Google and the Pakistani government failed to reach any agreement in this regard. The Silicon Valleybased internet giant did not accept the government’s demand, leading to the ban, which has now entered its fourth year.

However, Google has now removed those objectionable videos and launched a local version for Pakistan, which means it will continue to remove such videos in the future as well.

“We have clear community guidelines, and when videos violate those rules, we remove them. In addition, where we have launched YouTube locally and we are notified that a video is illegal in that country, we may restrict access to it after a thorough review,” Google’s Communications Manager Zeffri Yusof told this newspaper on Tuesday. “Government requests to remove content will continue to be tracked, and included in our Transparency Report.”

— Express Tribune

S E PA R AT I S T L E A D E R

Switzerland rejects rebel leader Brahamdagh’s asylum plea ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed gratitude to the Swiss government for turning down a political asylum plea submitted by self-exiled Baloch separatist leader Brahamdagh Bugti on Friday.

The chief of the outlawed Baloch Republican Party (BRP) sought asylum in Switzerland on February 2, 2011 following the death of Baloch chieftains Nawab Akbar Bugti and Balach Marri. ‘’We are satisfied that the Swiss authorities accepted our stance

over Baloch insurgency in Pakistan,” Home Secretary Balochistan Akbar Hussain Durrani told The Express Tribune on Saturday.

Brahamdagh Bugti left the country nine years ago when his grandfather Akbar Bugti was killed in a military raid, accusing the then Musharraf regime of attempting to kill him as well. ‘’Now the chief commander of BRP has no option but to have meaningful dialogue with Pakistan,” Durrani added.

Pakistan, while contesting Bugti’s request for a political asylum in Switzerland, had constantly maintained that he was responsible for several acts of subversion and terrorism causing deaths of hundreds of innocent civilians and security forces in Balochistan and other parts of the country in the recent years.

Former chief minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik had attended a series of talks with the separatist leader in Switzerland

The chief of outlawed Baloch Republican Party sought asylum after the deaths of Nawab Akbar Bugti and Balach Marri Brahamdagh Bugti

but without substantial progress till last month.

According to official sources, Islamabad had already rejected Bugti’s plea that Pakistan Army should be made part of the peace talks.

State of war “He [Brahamdagh Bugti] will have to surrender before the Pakistan’s law and Constitution as he is still in a state of war with Pakistan,” an official had said. — Express Tribune

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

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an even stronger mandate as

media earlier in the day, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office repeated it would not get involved in the election, saying only that it was “paying attention to across the Taiwan Strait”. Perhaps fearful of allowing discussion about democracy on an island Beijing says it owns, Chinese censors moved swiftly to block searches for Tsai’s name on Weibo, China’s answer to Twitter.

Some Chinese managed to post about the vote though.

the Democratic Progressive Party also won parliamentary polls which were being held the same day, though the margin of victory was not immediately clear

JUBILANT: Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen, centre,

gestures as she celebrates alongside counterpart Chen Chien-jen, right, after winning the elections in Taipei on Saturday. - AFP

TAIPEI: Taiwan’s independenceleaning opposition leader Tsai Ingwen won a convincing victory in presidential election on Saturday and pledged to maintain peace with China, which claims the island as its own, though vowed to firmly defend Taiwan’s sovereignty.

Tsai, leader of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), will be thrust into one of Asia’s toughest and most dangerous jobs, with China pointing hundreds of missiles at the island, decades after losing Nationalists fled from Mao Zedong’s Communists to Taiwan.

Risks Tsai risks antagonising China if she attempts to forcefully assert Taiwan’s sovereignty and reverses eight years of warming China ties under incumbent President Ma Ying-jeou of the Nationalists, whose forces retreated to Taiwan in 1949.

Tsai said she would establish “consistent, predictable and sustainable” relations with China and not be provocative, to ensure the status quo.

“Both sides have a responsibility to do their utmost to find mutually acceptable ways to interact with respect and reciprocity and ensure no provocation and no surprises,” Tsai added, having taken more than half the vote.

She added, however, that she would defend Taiwan’s interests and its sovereignty.

China has not renounced the use of force to ensure eventual unification with the island.

“Our democracy, national identity and international space must be fully respected and any suppression would undermine the stability of cross-Strait relations,” she said.

Support for the DPP has swelled since 2014, when hundreds of stu-

dents occupied Taiwan’s parliament for weeks protesting against a China trade bill in the largest display of anti-China sentiment the island had seen in years.

Outside DPP headquarters, supporters cried for joy.

Optometrist David Chen, 28, said he wanted Tsai to stand up to China.

“We’re not a part of China. I definitely think we should exist as two countries,” he said.

“If it’s possible for Tsai, I want her to push for independence.

More and more Taiwanese people want this.”

Tsai, a lawyer, got an even stronger mandate as the DPP also won parliamentary polls which were being held the same day, though the margin was not immediately clear. Tsai will have to balance the superpower interests of China, which is also Taiwan’s largest trading partner, and the

NORTH KOREA

‘Nuclear test self defence measure’ PYONGYANG: North Korea reiterated on Saturday that its hydrogen bomb test was a “selfdefence measure” and the US should recognize it as a nuclear weapons state.

In a statement issued by Pyongyang foreign ministry and carried by newspaper Rodong Sinmun, North Korea emphasized again that its H-bomb test was aimed at defending the country’s sover-

eignty and right to live, rather than exacerbate tensions on the Korean Peninsula, Xinhua reported.

The statement said that North Korea’s primary tasks for this year are economic development and the improvement of people’s livelihood, both of which require a climate of peace today “more than any time.” The statement echoed the words of top leader Kim Jong Un in his 2016 New Year address.

Pyongyang is “channelling all its efforts into the building of an economic power and feels no need to provoke anyone,” it added.

“Now the US should be accustomed to the status of the DPRK (North Korea) as a nuclear weapons state whether it likes or not,” the statement said. On January 6, North Korea announced that it has successfully carried out its first hydrogen bomb test. - IANS

A1 1

United States with those of her freewheeling, democratic home.

The United States State Department said it looked forward to working with Tsai.

“We share with the Taiwan people a profound interest in the continuation of cross-Strait peace and stability,” it said.

Still, underscoring investor worries about uncertainly following her possible victory, on Friday the Taiwan dollar ended lower against the US dollar in its weakest closing since April 2009.

Following the vote, a senior central bank official said that Taiwan’s central bank “always maintains stability in the market”.

There was no immediate reaction from Beijing to her election.

The official Xinhua news agency noted in a brief report that Tsai had won the “Taiwan region leaders’ election”.

In a statement carried by state

Relations strained Relations had already been strained by a 16-year-old Taiwan singer with a South Korean girl band who inadvertently shot to the top of the election agenda on polling day after she publicly apologised for holding a Taiwan flag, prompting China and Taiwan to trade accusations.

Tsai referred to the spat in her victory speech, saying the incident would remind her that as president her most important duty was to unite and strengthen the country. The election comes at a tricky time for Taiwan’s export-dependent economy, which slipped into recession in the third quarter last year.

China is also Taiwan’s top trading partner and Taiwan’s favourite investment destination. Tsai has the tide of history against her.

Ma and his predecessors all failed to bring about a lasting reconciliation with China, which considers Taiwan a rogue province to be taken by force if necessary. Shots were traded between the two sides as recently as the mid-1970s. At stake are relations with an ascendant and increasingly assertive China under President Xi Jinping. - Reuters

SOUTH CHINA SEA

China seeks investment for disputed islands; to launch flights BEIJING/WASHINGTON: China will invite private investment to build infrastructure on islands it controls in the disputed South China Sea and will start regular flights to one of them this year, state media said on Friday, moves likely to anger other claimants.

A US research institute, meanwhile, said China appeared to have stepped up construction work on artificial islands it has built in the South China Sea and was close to finishing two more military-length airstrips on them.

China claims almost all of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion of maritime trade passes each year. The Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia and Taiwan have overlapping claims. In 2012 China set up what it calls Sansha City, based on Woody Island in the Paracels, to administer its islands there.

Public-private-partnership Sansha’s deputy mayor, Feng Wenhai, said they will welcome private investment and “will initiate public-private-partnership programmes”, Xinhua said.

“The city will also push forward the planning and construction of a maritime medical rescue centre.

Submarine optical cables will be laid and put into use this year, and Wi-Fi will cover all inhabited islands and reefs,” Feng said.

The airport on Woody Island will also this year launch regular flights, Feng added, without elaborating. China took full control of the Paracels in 1974 after a naval showdown with Vietnam.

Asked about China’s investment plans, Gabrielle Price, a US State Department spokeswoman, said Washington continued to call on all claimants to halt land reclamation, construction of new facilities, and militarisation of outposts in the South China Sea. - Reuters

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READERS’ FORUM Mufti Sayeed will be remembered for peace efforts Indian expatriates from Kashmir, here in Oman, pay their homage to the departed soul of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, the state’s chief minister who died in Delhi. He will be remembered for his untiring peace efforts and out-of-the-box plans for bringing peace and tranquillity to the region. For this reason he made a great political decision by joining hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In his tenure, the region saw rapid development in spite of the flood disaster. He will also be remembered for being a Muslim Union Home Minister of in VP Singh cabinet. He Scan this QR code was indeed a great leader. to send letters to the — Lateef Shahdad, Qurum Readers’ Forum, containing not more than 200 words with full name, address and telephone number, may be sent by e-mail (akhtar@ timesofoman.com).

Hope Murray loses early so that he can join his pregnant wife This refers to the news story, Baby comes first for Australian Open contender Murray (January 16). The intention reveals Murray’s strength of character and his love for his family. However, if this was really so, he should not be playing the tournament in the first place. It seems that in order to gain more fame, Murray is trying to appear sweet, or maybe for some other sinister reason, he is not with his family. I am not his fan so I would be happy to wish well and hope that he loses early and gets to join his wife before the delivery. — Linda Mark, Al Hail

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his weekend, Sunday the 17th January to be precise, will mark the international community’s day of infamy, as it tries to push through a new Libyan government elected by nobody and answerable to nobody.

The United Nations has heralded the new government, a third one by my count, as a unifying force, capable of ending Libya’s civil war and persuade the violent militias to come together and crush the IS extremists. So runs the fantasy.

In fact, the grandly named Government of National Accord (GNA) is nothing of the sort.

It is a coup, by the United Nations. As Peter Oborne of Britain’s Spectator magazine wrote after a recent visit to the country. “As far as I can discover, this is the first time that the UN have sanctioned a coup d’etat against a democratically elected government.” He is right. In the summer of 2014 the United Nations supervised, paid for, and approved elections for Libya’s parliament, the House of Representatives.

Hardly was the ink dry on the election results than Libya Dawn, an alliance of extremists and Misratans, having lost the argument in the ballot box, rebelled and captured Tripoli, forcing the elected government to flee to Tobruk.

You would expect the UN, having given official recognition to the parliament, to back it up, and you would be wrong. Instead, the international community has spent the past year pressurising the elected parliament to share power with the militias of Libya Dawn.

The parliament has refused, sensibly saying that peace in Libya can come only from the ballot box, not the gun. In December, the UN, pushed

by America and Britain, turned its back on the elected government, conjuring a brand-new government to take its place.

In fact, this GNA is a farce. It is composed of a nine-strong presidency, headed by a prime minister, Faize Seraj, all men picked by the UN itself. Since being forced in December it has been unable even to visit Libya - Seraj made a brief visit earlier this month, just long enough to come under fire in Misrata and then be expelled by Libya Dawn from Tripoli back to his base in Tunis.

The one carrot the UN has to offer is international recognition - because this status means that, at the stroke of a pen, the GNA’s nine people will control Libya’s $109 billion in foreign reserves. This also makes the GNA utterly

beholden to the UN, and to the western nations who conjured it into existence.

UN envoy Martin Kobler told the BBC last week he hopes that the elected parliament in Tobruk will next week agree to the GNA taking all this money and control, but my contacts in Libya say there is absolutely no chance that will be agreed to. One told me it would be “suicide” for parliament in effect to vote itself out of existence.

While this farce is playing out, Libya’s war is going on as before, only worse.

In Tripoli, Libya Dawn militias are fighting each other. In recent months, they battled in turf wars, for who would control which district. Now they are fighting for pole position, aware that, as the capital has no regular army, some of them will be picked as “official” forces to protect the GNA. In eastern Libya, things are different. Tobruk, after months of sleeping at the wheel, has begun making moves to take control of oil production.

While western fields are out of use, and IS extremists has captured the Sirte Basin fields in central Libya, the eastern fields at Sarir are still producing, giving Libya almost its only income. General Khalifa Haftar, the armed forces commander of the elected government, last week secured them, and the precious pipeline north to the coast, by moving army units south to block any advance on them by IS. This is because Tobruk knows it holds all the cards: It has the democratic legitimacy, and with oil production, it has the income. UN officials insist that giving international recognition to the GNA means they will control oil sales, but Tobruk says different. It has already signed a deal to export two million barrels of oil a week to Egypt, its most valuable ally.

The international community, meanwhile, insists it is ready to pour in aid and help. EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has pledged 100 million Euros to the new government although with its $109 billion, the one thing the GNA will not be short of, if the UN gets its way, is money for the poker game it will need to play with all the many Libyan actors, especially the cash hungry militias. What it is short of is loyal troops. It has none. The only way it can get into Tripoli, let alone govern, is if Britain and Italy make good on promises in December to send several thousand troops to the capital.

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES JANUARY 2001 Sayyid Badr receives British defence chief MUSCAT: Sayyid Badr bin Saud bin Hareb Al Busaidi, minister responsible for defence affairs, received Lieutenant General Sir Charles Guthrie, chief of the British defence staff, in his office at Muaskar Bait Al Falaj yesterday. Sir Charles, who had come to bid farewell at the conclusion of his term of duty in that post, was accompanied by his designated successor, Admiral Sir Michael Boyce. During the meeting they reviewed the current military cooperation between the Sultanate and Britain.

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

1773: Captain James Cook becomes the first person to cross the Antarctic Circle.

1912: Robert Scott reaches the South Pole only a month after Roald Amundsen.

1985: A jury in New Jersey rules that terminally ill patients have the right to starve themselves.

0 Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

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A1 3

WORLD Jailed Nasheed allowed to travel to Britain for surgery ter a visit of India’s National Security Advisor S. Jaishankar, an unannounced visit by Sri Lanka’s two top ministers and ahead of a visit of Hugo Swire, British minister of state for Asia.

Hamid Abdul Ghafoor, Nasheed’s Maldivian Democratic Party spokesman, said a similar request was rejected two months ago, but was granted this time after Nasheed’s legal team headed by human rights lawyer Amal Clooney started lobbying for sanctions on Maldives leaders.

“This medical leave comes after heavy international pressure. The whole trial process is wrong,” he told Reuters.

The decision by Maldives President Abdullah Yameen’s government, which rejected the same request two months ago, comes after pressure by rights groups and the United Nations over the case

COLOMBO: The Maldives on Saturday granted permission for jailed former leader Mohamed Nasheed to travel to Britain for surgery after pressure from the international community including human rights groups and his lawyer Amal Clooney.

Nasheed, the Maldives’ first democratically elected leader, is serving a 13-year sentence on terrorism charges after a rapid trial

RELIEF: Maldives police try to move former president Mohamed Nasheed, centre, during a scuffle as

he arrives at a courthouse in Male on February 23, 2015. - AFP

last March. The case drew international criticism.

The decision by President Abdullah Yameen’s government, which rejected the same request two months ago, comes after pressure by rights groups and the

United Nations over the case.

“Maldives has granted permission to former President Mohamed Nasheed to travel to the United Kingdom to undertake a surgery at his request,” the Maldives foreign ministry said.

“Nasheed was granted permission under the condition to serve the remainder of the sentence upon return to the Maldives after the surgery.” Political colleagues say he is suffering from back pain.

The permission was granted af-

Disputed circumstances Nasheed was ousted in disputed circumstances in 2012 for ordering the arrest of a judge. The United Nations, the United States and human rights groups have said Yameen’s government failed to follow due process and that the case was politically motivated. Clooney, who is married to Hollywood actor George Clooney, early this week criticised Yameen’s administration.

“Democracy is dead in the Maldives,” Clooney told NBC News.

“Literally, if there were an election now there would be no one to run against the president. Every opposition leader is either behind bars or being pursued by the government through the courts.” — Reuters

S TA N D O F F

Italy won’t be ‘remote controlled’

by EU: Renzi ROME: Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said on Saturday that Rome would not be “remote controlled” by Brussels, ratcheting up a dispute with the European Union over deficit spending and immigration.

Renzi’s comments followed a heated, long-distance exchange with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on Friday and show the Italian premier is not ready to back down.

“Italy must make itself heard, and communicate...that the time when we could be remote controlled from the outside is over,” Renzi said in a speech in Caserta, Italy, on Saturday that was broadcast on TV. Bundle of rules “Europe cannot only be a bundle of rules that we have to follow,” he said while speaking at a ceremony to open new museum space to the public at the city’s 1,200-room Baroque palace of the Bourbon kings.

Juncker invited Renzi to tone down his criticism of the Commission “at every street corner” on Friday in Brussels, saying that he kept the bitterness resulting from attacks “in his pocket”.

In a TV interview from Rome, Renzi shot back that he would not be “intimidated by sound bites...

Italy deserves respect”. — Reuters

JA K A R TA T E R R O R AT TA C K

Indonesian police identify five suspects in terror attack

CAPTURED: Police officers escort a man, centre with a cap, who was

arrested during a raid in the Langgen village in Tegal, Indonesia Central Java, on Friday. - Reuters

JAKARTA: Indonesian police on Saturday named the five men they suspect launched this week’s gun and bomb attack in the heart of Jakarta and said they had arrested 12 others linked to the plot, which was claimed by IS. As investigators pieced together clues from the extremist group’s first strike on Indonesia, neighbouring Malaysia said it had arrested a man in Kuala Lumpur who had confessed to planning a suicide attack in the country.

“We... have carried out acts of force. We have done searches, we have made arrests and we have

R A L LY

Greek workers protest pension plans of Tsipras government ATHENS: Greek workers marched through the streets of Athens on Saturday to protest against the leftist-led government’s planned pension reform, which the country’s international creditors have demanded as part of its third bailout.

About 3,000 public and private sector workers, pensioners and students rallied peacefully outside parliament.

They held banners reading “You cannot bargain with social security” and chanted “Your hands off our pensions!”

“We will fight to protect our rights and force the government to withdraw this monstrous plan that it calls a reform,” the secretary-general of the private sector union GSEE, Nikos Kioutsoukis, told Reuters.

Turnout in recent protests has been weak, mainly due to austerity fatigue and resignation after five years of belt-tightening and two bailouts that have shut businesses and pushed up unemploy-

ment but have not pulled Greece out of crisis.

On February 4, labour unions will stage a 24-hour general strike against the planned reform, the third such walkout in three months.

Level of resistance Turnout will indicate the level of resistance the government faces as it pushes through unpopular measures. This week lawyers staged one of their biggest rallies in recent years.

They have threatened to step up labour action and farmers are also preparing pension protests.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras was first elected a year ago promising to end austerity.

After tough negotiations, he signed up to a third bailout in July and was re-elected in September on a mandate to implement it while protecting the vulnerable. Greece’s first bailout review is expected to officially begin next week.

The lenders currently see a fiscal gap of well over 1.5 per cent of GDP for 2016, according to sources close to the talks, and expect tough talks on pension reform.

“We will defend what is nonnegotiable for us,” Labour Minister George Katrougalos told Greek Skai TV, referring to pension cuts.

Economy Minister George Stathakis told the Real News newspaper he expected a compromise to be reached.

The government, which has a slim parliamentary majority, has sought broad political support for the reforms it needs to legislate to pass the review and start talks on debt relief.

But newly elected conservative leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis said this week his New Democracy party would reject the pension reform bill.

An Alco poll for Sunday’s Proto Thema newspaper put New Democracy 3.9 points ahead of Tsipras’s Syriza. — Reuters

obtained evidence connected with the terrorist bombing at Sarinah,” Jakarta police spokesman Mohammad Iqbal told a news conference.

“We will not say how many people or what sort of evidence we have as it will upset out strategy.

Be patient, when the case is closed and things are clear we will disclose them.”

Seven people, including the team of militants, were killed in Thursday’s attack near the Sarinah department store in the Indonesian capital’s commercial district.

About 30 people were wounded.

Police held up pictures of the dead and wounded at the news conference, including a man who kicked off the siege by blowing himself up in a Starbucks cafe.

Another attacker, who opened fire with a gun outside the cafe, was named as Afif.

Seven years in prison A National Counter-Terrorism Agency spokesman said Afif had served seven years in prison, where he refused to cooperate with a de-radicalisation programme.

The brazenness of the Jakarta assault, which had echoes of marauding gun and bomb attacks

such as the Paris siege in November, suggested a new brand of militancy in a country where extremists typically launch low-level strikes on police.

In Malaysia, the country’s police chief said that a suspected militant who was arrested in a metro station in Kuala Lumpur on Friday had confessed to planning a suicide attack.

Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said in a statement that the 28-year-old Malaysian confessed to planning a suicide attack in the country after receiving orders from a foreign member of IS in Syria. — Reuters

A 14

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

GLOBAL EYE

RUSSIA: Rescuers of the Russian Service Emergency Situations Ministry perform a rescue during exercises on the frozen Neva River in St. Petersburg, on Friday. Temperatures dropped to minus 21 degree Celsius in the second largest city in Russia, local media reports. — AFP

NETHERLANDS: People pick tulips that were placed in front of the Royal Palace at the Dam Square to celebrate the beginning of the tulip season in Amsterdam, the Netherlands on Saturday. — Reuters

IRAN: A picture taken on Saturday shows people aboard a horse-drawn carriage in the Iranian capital Tehran. — AFP

GERMANY: Snow kiters are seen at the snowy Wasserkuppe mountain near Fulda, western Germany, on Saturday. — AFP/dpa/Uwe ZUCCHI

SWITZERLAND: The Silberhorn mountain casts its shadow during a foggy day on Saturday above the resort of Wengen, Swiss Alps. — AFP

UNITED STATES: A sign for Bowie Street in the Texas capital of

Austin, named for a defender of the Alamo, is seen as it has been changed to ‘David Bowie Street’ to honour the music great who died a few days ago in Austin, Texas on Friday. - Reuters

BOSNIA: Women walk through Kamberovica park during snowfall in central Bosnian town of Zenica, on Saturday. — Reuters

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

A1 5

WORLD

Macedonia’s outgoing Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski’s commands enough votes in parliament to endorse his resignation and force an election regardless of opposition Social Democrat leader Zoran Zaev’s threats to boycott.

Refugee policy: Merkel under pressure Bavarian state premier Horst Seehofer is pressing German chancellor into taking immediate action to limit the influx of migrants at borders

BERLIN/ISTANBUL: A prominent ally of Germany’s Angela Merkel threatened on Saturday to take her government to court over its “open doors” refugee policy as political pressure grows for the chancellor to reduce the number of new arrivals.

Bavarian state premier Horst Seehofer said he would send the federal government a written request within the next two weeks to restore “orderly conditions” at the nation’s borders, through which one million migrants and refugees passed last year alone.

“If it doesn’t follow, the state government will have no other choice but to file a suit at the federal constitutional court,” See-

RESCUED: A Syrian woman reacts as refugees and migrants aboard an inflatable dinghy are about

to be rescued by MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station) while attempting to reach the Greek island of Agathonisi, Dodecanese, southeastern Agean Sea, overnight on Saturday. – AFP

hofer told Der Spiegel magazine.

Seehofer has issued a series of ultimatums to Merkel in recent months to press her into taking immediate action to limit the influx of migrants, only to back down at the last minute.

His comments reflect increasing doubt among Germans about Merkel’s “we can do this” mantra in the face of Europe’s biggest migrant crisis since World War II, especially since assaults in Cologne on New Year’s Eve were blamed on

POLITICAL CRISIS

MAKING A POINT: The leader of Macedonia’s biggest opposition party SDSM, Zoran Zaev, centre, talks to the media in Skopje on Saturday. – AFP

Macedonia opposition threatens to boycott parliamentary election SKOPJE: A European Unionbrokered deal to end a political crisis in Macedonia hung in the balance on Saturday after opponents of conservative Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski threatened to boycott an early parliamentary election in April.

All sides had agreed last year to an April 24 election, two years ahead of schedule, under EU mediation to end months of bitter standoff over allegations against Gruevski’s government of illegal phone-tapping and widespread abuse of office.

But opposition Social Democrat leader Zoran Zaev said overnight that not all conditions had been met for a free and fair election in the tiny ex-Yugoslav republic, citing a lack of media reform to reduce government influence and failure to conduct a thorough review of the electoral roll. “We won’t accept elections without timely regulation of the media or timely clearing of the voter list,” Zaev told reporters after emerging from late-night talks with Gruevski and the EU’s enlargement commissioner, Johannes Hahn, who brokered the original deal.

“If there are elections on April 24 we will not take part,” Zaev said.

“We will continue to fight for free, fair and democratic conditions in which to hold elections.”

Almost a decade in power, Gruevski’s government was bombarded last year by allegations of illegal surveillance, meddling in the media and judiciary, rigging elections and appointing party faithful to public sector jobs.

Accusations The accusations stemmed from a slew of phone-taps released by Zaev, who said the government had conducted the surveillance.

Gruevski denied this and dismissed the accusations as a plot to bring him down. He submitted his resignation to parliament on Friday, in line with the deal, but said it would become effective 100 days before the election,

All sides had agreed last year to an April 24 election under EU mediation to end months of bitter standoff over allegations against Gruevski’s government of illegal phone-tapping and widespread abuse of office

which has yet to be officially called. Gruevski accused Zaev of trying “to take the country even deeper into crisis”.

“He just wanted to postpone elections, without any serious arguments,” he told reporters.

Gruevski’s commands enough votes in parliament to endorse his resignation and force an election regardless of Zaev’s threats to boycott.

Hahn said he still expected all sides to stick to the election agreement, promising the poll would be closely monitored by European observers.

He warned of the need for an effective government capable of confronting the challenges the Balkan country faces in terms of the economy and a large wave of migrants crossing its territory from Greece en route to western Europe. “I will come back,” he said, “but now it is up to the political parties to take their decision. I can only urge everybody to participate in elections.” — Reuters

migrants. Merkel’s popularity has dropped following the assaults, a poll showed on Friday.

Main entry point Bavaria, a conservative state that borders Austria to the south, is the home of Seehofer’s Christian Social Union (CSU) — sister party to Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) — and is the main entry point for migrants and refugees. The state’s finance minister, Markus Soeder, told Der Spiegel

Merkel’s refugee policy was not democratically legitimised and said parliament should vote on the matter. Senior figures from the Social Democrats (SPD), Merkel’s second coalition partner, have also broken ranks in recent days by challenging her welcoming approach to asylum seekers.

SPD leader Sigmar Gabriel joined the critical voices on Saturday. “We have to get from a chaotic to an orderly immigration,” he told several regional newspapers. He

said border checks needed to be improved and refugee quotas should be introduced to maintain control over how many people come to Germany and when they arrive.

Germany could take in more than the 200,000 refugees proposed by Seehofer as an official cap for this year, Gabriel said. “But the quota also has to be significantly below the immigration numbers of the previous year,” he added, without giving a concrete figure.

Merkel has vowed to “measurably reduce” arrivals this year, but has refused to introduce a cap, saying it would be impossible to enforce without closing German borders.

Instead, she has tried to convince European partners to take on quotas of refugees, pushed for building “hotspot” reception centres on Europe’s external borders and led an EU campaign to convince Turkey to keep refugees from entering the bloc. Progress has been slow so far, however.

Meanwhile, the United Nations’ refugee agency will seek additional resources for Turkey and push for more resettlement, its head said on Saturday, as the civil war in Syria is set to enter its sixth year.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has called for a “massive resettlement” of Syrian and other refugees within Europe to distribute hundreds of thousands of people.

“We will do whatever we can to help the Turkish government find

additional resources for people who are living here under temporary protection to make their lives as good as we can,” Filippo Grandi, who took the helm at the UNHCR this month, told reporters in Istanbul.

“We will work on other aspects as well... We will work on more resettlement opportunities,” he said after meeting refugees at camps near the Syrian border in his first visit as commissioner at the agency.

The UNHCR currently supports Turkey with relief items, field monitoring and technical advice.

About 10 per cent of the 2.2 million Syrians sheltering in Turkey stay in camps. The rest struggle to make ends meet in cities around the country, often working illegally for a fraction of the minimum wage. Grandi praised Turkish plans to award more work permits to some refugees, calling it a “very courageous and important gesture... Work permits will help people live a better life, whether they’ll stay here long or short,” he said.

Otherwise, refugees depend on aid organisations’ handouts or must beg for money, he added. Only 7,300 work permits have been issued to date, officials said, but the government plans to offer more permits to discourage refugees from crossing illegally into Europe, a minister said this week, amid European Union pressure to reduce the flow of migrants. — Reuters

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

WORLD

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Dozens killed as forces end Burkina Faso hotel siege Al Qaeda group claims responsibility for the assault as French, US backed operation frees around 150 hostages

OUAGADOUGOU: Security forces in Burkina Faso retook a hotel in the capital on Saturday from Al Qaeda militants who seized it in an assault that killed two dozen people from at least 18 countries and marked a major escalation of militancy in West Africa.

Until Friday’s attacks the landlocked nation, an ally of Western governments against militant groups in the arid reaches of the southern Sahara, had largely been spared the kinds of attacks that have plagued its neighbours.

The assault follows a similar raid in November on a luxury hotel in Mali’s capital Bamako which killed 20 people, including citizens of Russia, China and the United States.

Expansion The Ouagadougou assault, claimed

by Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), signalled an expansion of operations for militants who are forging new alliances and stepping up their activities, echoing the growth of IS in the Middle East.

“The situation we’re experiencing since yesterday in Burkina Faso is unprecedented,” President Roch Marc Christian Kabore said when he visited the scene of the attack.

“These are vile, cowardly acts and the victims are innocent people.”

“We call upon the Burkinabe people to be vigilant and coura-

EXPLOSION

Five killed in suspected gas blast in Italy ROME: An explosion probably caused by a gas leak killed five people in a town in northwestern Italy early on Saturday, flattening a twostorey building and damaging several others, firefighters said.

Five bodies were recovered from the rubble of the residential building in Arnasco, a small town in the Liguria region, and a woman was taken to hospital in a serious condition, fire service spokesman Luca Cari said. “It was a large blast because it brought down an entire two-storey building,” Cari said. “We haven’t yet completed the investigation into the cause of the explosion, but it’s compatible with a gas leak, and that’s the only hypothesis we have at this point.”

All of the building’s residents were accounted for but firefighters continued to dig through the debris in case any of them had visitors. Inspections were also being carried out at nearby buildings damaged by the blast, Cari said. — Reuters CLASHES

MAJOR ESCALATION: People who escaped from the Cappuccino restaurant exit a Burkina Faso military vehicle in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on Saturday. – Reuters

gous because we must include terrorist acts as an integral part of our daily struggle,” he continued.

Kabore said 23 people from 18 different nationalities were killed in the assault on the Splendid Hotel and a nearby casino popular with Westerners and French soldiers based in Burkina Faso. The authorities gave no further details of the victims.

Gabriel Mueller, an Austrian aid worker staying at a different hotel, described the early scenes around the Splendid as a “complete bloodbath”. “A slight sense of safety is spreading. We can see the snipers from France and the USA, who are getting into position,” he told Austria’s Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper via text message.

French ambassador Gilles Thibault put the death toll at 27 and said on Twitter that around 150 hostages had been freed during an operation that received support from French and US forces. Burkinabe authorities said that around 33 people had been injured and that four assailants, including an “Arab” and two “black Africans”, were killed.

Kidnapping Meanwhile, an Austrian doctor and his wife were kidnapped overnight in the north near the border with Mali, the security ministry said.

The kidnapping occurred in the Baraboule area, and it was not immediately clear whether it was

linked to the hotel attack. The militant assault began at 8.30pm (2030 GMT) on Friday, when the area is typically packed with crowds. The attackers torched cars and fired in the air to drive people back from the building, before entering the hotel and taking hostages.

A doctor who treated some of those wounded in the initial attack said they had told him that the attackers appeared to target Westerners.

Burkina Faso security forces, assisted by French and US military personnel, began the assault to reclaim the Splendid Hotel in the early hours of Saturday, entering its lobby, part of which was on fire. France normally has up to 200 special forces troops in the

country as part of a regional antimilitant operation.

Progress through the 146-room establishment was slowed by explosives planted by the militants.

“What’s making our job more difficult is that they’ve rigged the access to the upper floors,” a senior Burkinabe gendarme officer, who asked not to be named, said.

A Reuters witness said major clashes ended after a period of sustained gunfire and explosions that appeared to focus on the Restaurant Cappuccino, located opposite the Splendid Hotel, early on Saturday. Sporadic gunfire continued throughout the morning however, and the final assailant was killed later in another nearby hotel, the Hotel Yibi, officials said. — Reuters

Turkish soldier dies of wounds DIYARBAKIR: A Turkish soldier died early on Saturday from wounds sustained during clashes with militants from the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and seven others were injured in the fighting, the chief of the General Staff said.

The soldiers had been in a firefight on Friday in the Sur district of the southeastern city of Diyarbakir, which has been under a round-the-clock curfew since early December. Hundreds of soldiers, thousands of insurgents and an estimated 170 civilians have died since Turkey’s three-decadelong conflict with the PKK started again in July. — Reuters

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WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

MARKE

Plan unveiled for three industrial estates in Oman In a move to diversify nation’s economy and create employment opportunities for youths, these industrial estates are being planned in Thumrait, Al Mudhaibi and Shinas

MUSCAT: Oman plans to build three new industrial estates - one each in Thumrait, Al Mudhaibi and Shinas - in a move to diversify the country’s economy and create employment opportunities for the youth.

In fact, work is currently underway in coordination with various government agencies, especially the Ministry of Housing, to complete the allocation of lands for Public Establishment for Industrial Estate (PEIE) in the wilayats of Thumrait, Al Mudhaibi and Shinas, said Hilal bin Hamad Al Hassani, chief executive officer of PEIE. Besides, Marmul and Qarn Al Alam are currently being studied in collaboration with the Ministry of Oil and Gas and Petroleum Development Oman to set up industrial estates. He added that hard work is needed to further develop the existing industrial estates in the wilayats of Sur and Al Buraimi.

Al Hassani added that PEIE

has proposed certain locations to the Ministry of Housing to in the wilayats of Al Suwaiq and Al Musana’ah, in addition to requests to extend some of the existing estates like Raysut, Nizwa and Sumail.

He pointed out that Ibri Logistic Area has been changed as the area’s location has become part of Al Dhahirah special economic zone as work is currently underway with the Supreme Council for Planning on this regard.

900 existing projects He pointed out that there are approximately 900 existing projects currently in the industrial zones in the Sultanate, which employ more than 15,000 local people, and there are 242 projects under construction that will enter the operating stage within two years and thus will provide 12,000 job opportunities, of which 4,500 jobs for the citizens.

Al Hassani states that lands were allocated for more than 500

projects, which are expected to enter operation stage in the next three years and they will provide more than 25,000 job opportunities, including 9,000 jobs for the citizens. This means that the projects under construction or those that have been allocated lands will provide more than 14,000 job opportunities for Omanis over the next three years. He also expressed hope that the number of Omanis working in industrial estates in the Sultanate will reach more than 30,000 citizens at the end of the Ninth Five-Year Plan.

The PEIE chief explained that the development of industrial estates in the country helps to create direct jobs in existing companies and provides self-employment opportunities through small and medium enterprises that provide investment opportunities for entrepreneurs.

The investment in industrial zones in the Sultanate exceeded OMR5 billion, hoping for higher investments in industrial estates in the coming years by focusing on value-added and relevant sectors of comparative advantage to activate the export role in the Sultanate to be the focus of the world station. - ONA

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ECONOMY

Sultanate’s inflation rate shows marginal growth MUSCAT: Oman’s consumer price index (CPI)-based average inflation rose marginally by 0.06 per cent in 2015, over the previous year. Inflation registered a 0.33 per cent growth in December 2015, from the previous month.

On a year-on-year basis, the Sultanate’s inflation marked a decline of 0.14 per cent in December 2015, according to the latest data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information .

Last year, the food and nonalcoholic beverages group (with a weightage of nearly 24 per cent in the CPI basket), saw an average price drop of 0.81 per cent, compared to 2014. Clothing and footwear, and transport groups were also down by 0.92 per cent and 0.05 per cent, respectively year-on-year in 2015. In contrast, the housing, electricity, water and fuels group marked a rise of 0.43 per cent, while the health segment posted a price rise of 3.42 per cent in 2015 on a year-on-year basis.

Hotel prices Communication, as well as furnishing, household equipment and maintenance groups too saw an average price increase last year of 0.54 per cent and 1.52 per cent respectively, compared to 2014.

Restaurants and hotels prices rose by 0.34 per cent. Education too registered an average annual price increase of 4.11 per cent last year, compared to the previous year.

The December prices of bread and cereals were down marginally by 0.01 per cent, from November,

while fish and seafood turned costlier by 10.76 per cent as also meat, which rose by 0.34 per cent. Milk, cheese and eggs, along with oil and fat prices fell by 0.02 per cent and 0.33 per cent. Vegetables too declined by 0.18 per cent, even as the price of fruits moved up 0.54 per cent. Non-alcoholic beverages saw prices rise by 0.05 per cent in December, compared with November, last year.

Clothing and footwear prices in December fell 0.07 per cent, while housing, water, electricity, fuel dipped 0.01 per cent, compared to November 2015 prices. Furnishing, household equipment and maintenance, and transport prices were also down 0.03 per cent and 0.39 per cent.

However, communication logged a price hike of 3.06 per cent in December. Prices of recreation and culture decreased 0.07 per cent, while restaurant and hotel prices declined 0.02 per cent in December, compared with November. - ONA

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

MARKET C A P I TA L M A R K E T

Share offers on Muscat bourse crosses OMR1.3 billion MUSCAT: Share offers on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM), including initial public offerings (IPOs), stock dividends, private placement and preferential shares, touched OMR1.31 billion last year.

There were 58 new issues on the Muscat course and some of these listings were from closed joint stock companies, funds and sukuk.

The value of the listings of the joint stock companies stood at OMR277.6 million, the most notable of which was Phoenix Energy with a capital of OMR146.2 million. The company offered 35 per cent of its capital for public subscription. More than 44,000 transactions worth of OMR74.5 million were made on share during

the offer period. The share, whose value ranged between 160 baisas to 141 baisas closed at 144 baisas; an increase by 34 biasas compared to the offer price of 110 baisas.

The market value of the company at the end of December 2015 stood at OMR210.6 million.

The company manages Sur power plant, the biggest independent power plant in the Sultanate. The company, which cost OMR632.5 million, started commercial operation in December 2014 with production capacity of 2,000 megawatt.

As many as 25 joint stock companies increased their capital base by providing shareholders with stock dividends or through private

placement and preferential rights last year.

The new shares from convertible bonds of Renaissance Services and Oman Finance Services were listed on the Muscat Securi-

ties Market and added new depth to the market and brought many benefits to shareholders.

Also, the market capitalisation of the joint stock companies increased by OMR131.3 million, of which the banks increased their capitals by about OMR86 million.

The securities and sukuk market has witnessed a remarkable shift after listing the first sovereign sukuk of the Sultanate, worth OMR250 million on the market.

The two issues of the government development bonds, worth of OMR200 million and OMR300, respectively, were listed on the market alongside with convertible bonds worth of OMR32.4 million by Bank Muscat and OMR1.8

million worth securities by Oman Financial Services Company. The value of the new listings at the securities and sukuk market thus crossed OMR784.2 million.

Closely-held companies As many as seven new closed joint stock companies were listed on the MSM in 2015, which were Canadian Innovation Company for Education Services, Musandam Power, Duqm Renaissance Holding, Renaissance Utility Management, Quriyat Desalination, Yiti Tourism Development and Oman and Brunei Asset Management.

Besides, 16 additional companies also increased their capitals. The value of the listing of the closed

joint stock companies stood at OMR235.1 million.

NIFCO Fund for Gulf shares, with a capital of 25 million units, was also listed at the market at $1 per each unit. Majan, Al Kawthar and Oman Developments Funds also increased their capitals through free units and preferential rights.

The new listings maintained the MSM capitalisation at OMR15.78 billion by the end of December 2015, a growth of 8.3 per cent compared to the same period of 2014 (OMR14.564 billion), despite the decline witnessed by share prices due to the slump in oil prices, the slow economic growth and poor performance of Gulf stock markets. – ONA

INVESTMENT POLICY

India to ease norms to support entrepreneurs NEW DELHI: India pledged to ease regulations to encourage entrepreneurs and fledgling businesses as Prime Minister Narendra Modi strives for the job opportunities needed in a developing nation of 1.3 billion people.

A friendlier tax regime is among the goals and the guiding principle is to reduce obstacles from complex rules, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said at a government-organised conference on startups on Saturday in New Delhi.

“Our effort over the last few years has been to restrict the role of the state essentially as a facilitator,” Jaitley said at the event, where billionaire Masayoshi Son, the founder of Japan’s SoftBank, and Uber Technologies chief executive officer Travis Kalanick are on the guest list. Modi is scheduled to speak there later.

Asia’s No. 3 economy is in the midst of an Internet startup boom that’s lured billions of dollars and raised questions about whether valuations are becoming stretched.

Much of the money is coming from foreign investors such as Son. A lack of tax breaks has curbed the involvement of local investors.

“About 70-80 per cent of the funding is coming from overseas,” said Harish Visweswara, a partner at consultant Grant Thornton India. The government needs to reduce red tape and get rid of the numerous permits and licenses required to run a simple business, he said. $2 billion investment Son said in New Delhi that he’s pumped almost $2 billion into India in the past year, and that he’d likely scale up rather than cut back his investments if he were to reconsider his plans.

The country is at the beginning of a ‘big bang’ and the 21st century belongs to it, he said, while adding challenges include slow Internet connections and the need for more wireless spectrum to be allotted to mobile-phone carriers.

Bank Muscat net profit rises 7.5% to OMR175m Net interest income from conventional

- Bloomberg News

banking and income from Islamic finance stood at OMR260.51 million for 2015 compared to OMR243.64 million in 2014

Times News Service MUSCAT: Bank Muscat has reported a 7.5 per cent growth in net profit at OMR175.45 million for the year ended 2015, up from OMR163.23 million posted in the previous year.

Net interest income from conventional banking and income from Islamic finance stood at OMR260.51 million for 2015 com-

pared to OMR243.64 million for the same period in 2014, an increase of 6.9per cent.

Also, non-interest income at OMR147.23 million was higher by 5.6 per cent compared to OMR139.47 million for the year ended December 2014.

Bank Muscat, the Sultanate’s leading bank, said its operating expenses for 2015at OMR171.06 million were higher by 8.3 per cent as

compared to OMR157.89 million for the same period in 2014.

Further, impairment for credit losses for the year of 2015was OMR71.98 million as against OMR64.33 million for the same period in 2014.

Recoveries from impairment for credit loss were OMR35.88 million last year as against OMR26.06 million for the same period in 2014.

Share of income from associates for the year of 2015 was OMR2.56 million against OMR1.52 million for the previous year.

Loans and advances Net loans and advances from conventional operation increased by 4.9 per cent to OMR6,695 million as against OMR6,386 million as at December 2014. Likewise, customer deposits, including certificate of deposits from the conven-

tional operations, increased by 6.2 per cent to OMR6,738 million as against OMR6,345 million by December 2014.

Islamic financing receivables amounted to OMR635million

by December 2015 compared to OMR400 million in the same period of 2014. Islamic banking customer deposits amounted to OMR625 million as of December 2015 compared to OMR283million reported in December 2014.

The financial results are subject to approval of external auditors, board of directors, Central Bank of Oman and shareholders of the bank.

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ECONOMY

Budget focuses on improving efficiency, says economist MUSCAT: Fall in crude oil prices by 70 per cent in the last 18 months and the remote possibility of recovery in prices in the short-term has prompted many countries to initiate measures to rectify their financial conditions, Mustafa Ruwais, an international economic expert said.

He also said that the improvement of financial conditions should be gradual, in proportion with the volume of reserves of each state.

The analyst, while explaining that Oman’s 2016 budget focussed on enhancing efficiency and reducing expenditure, said that the government could not afford to continue providing the same incentives that have been provided from 2011 to 2014. These incentives created an average of 3.8 per cent burden on the Sultanate’s gross domestic product (GDP), he added.

The financial policies associated with 2016 budget should be on the right track, as they will result in increasing tax revenues, limiting expenditure, especially on fuel subsidy and identifying the top priorities for development expenditure.

The tax revenue (one of the non-oil revenues) of the Sultanate in 2013 was 5.5 per cent — the biggest as compared to the other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Still, this rate is the lowest as compared to other oilexporting countries, such as In-

donesia and Mexico which levy double the tax Oman does.

Mustafa further said that the government will revise the tax exemptions and expand the tax base by levying added value and production tax, in addition to property and individual income tax. He affirmed that the decision to lift fuel subsidy is in the right direction because fuel energy exacerbates the financial imbalance and encourage excess consumption.

“Till 2014, the government expenditure trajectory on all elements, such as wages, subsidy and defence has been going upward, therefore containing such expenditure is considered a wise policy,” he explained.

Allocation of resources “Updating the budget system, which is assisted by the World Bank, augurs well in terms of ensuring proper allocation of resources and efficiency,” he said.

While the measures taken to rectify the financial conditions in the Sultanate are inevitable, they are still not enough to reduce reliance on oil revenues, Mustafa said.

“The Sultanate thus needs to introduce structural improvements in some fields, such as education, labour market, civil service and privatisation. It also needs to improve the business environment to enhance the growth of the private sector and ensure economic diversification,” he said.

While explaining that the main aim of privatisation is to ensure better efficiency and performance of the state-owned companies, he said from the theoretical point of view, there is no difference between private and public companies as they both operate in a competitive and liberal market. Still practical experience show that the private companies perform better than public companies.

The analyst said that one of the main aims of privatisation is to eliminate (or at least reduce) the direct and indirect subsidy which burdens the state budget allocated to public companies.

Moreover, the government needs to have a more comprehensive approach which includes all companies that should be privatised.

The approach should have a welldefined and clear timeline for implementation.

Currently there are 60 companies, and a large number of them have the largest part of investments, most of which in the oil and transport sector.

The other companies are relatively small and distributed onto a number of activities.

The financial expert said that the ranking of the Sultanate of Oman in the business environment, especially in the world competitiveness report, shows that the Sultanate’s ranking has been downgraded by 29 positions in three years alone. - ONA

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

B3

MARKET Oman’s oil output increases 4% to 358m barrels in 2015 Total crude oil exports stood at 308.13 million barrels last year, a daily average of 844,207 barrels

MUSCAT: Oman’s total crude PRODUCTION UP: Oman’s total production of crude oil in December alone stood at 31.21 million barrels, oil and condensates production a daily rate of 1,006,905 barrels, a growth of 1.12 per cent compared to the previous month. – File picture in 2015 grew almost 4 per cent to touch 358.10 million barrels, Further, the statistics showed compared to the previous month. compared to November, 2015. which is equivalent to 981,090 The report pointed out that the However, imports of Taiwan and barrels per day. This is against that the average of the Omani oil 344.37 million barrels production price last year stood at $56.45 per total crude oil exports in Decem- South Korea fell by 5.30 per cent in 2014, equivalent to 943,500 barrel, against an average price of ber 2015 stood at 25.62 million and 2.240 per cent, respectively, barrels, a daily rate of 826,547 bar- compared to November 2015. $103.23 per barrel in 2014. barrels per day.

The percentage of the Omani According to the monthly re- rels, showing a growth of 0.77 per Total crude oil exported in 2015 crude oil imported by India comstood at 308.13 million barrels, a port released by the Ministry of cent over the previous month.

The percentage of China’s im- prised 3.85 per cent, Japan 1.98 daily average of 844,207 barrels. Oil and Gas, the Sultanate’s total The statistics also pointed out production of crude oil in Decem- ports of the Omani crude oil in per cent and Thailand 0.03 per that China topped the list of im- ber alone stood at 31.21 million December 2015 comprised 68.16 cent in comparison with Novemporters of the Omani oil in 2015 by barrels, a daily rate of 1,006,905 per cent of the Omani oil exports, ber 2015. It should be noted that barrels, a growth of 1.12 per cent a marginal growth of 0.69 per cent Australia imported quantities of 77.1 per cent.

the Omani crude oil during December 2015.

The report reflects the critical times experienced by the world oil markets and the remarkable slump of the trading in energy exchanges all over the world. It also reflects the direct and clear implications of this situation on the settlement prices for most reference oils in the world, pushing them sharply and consistently downwards, including Oman Oil Future Contracts.

The trading was hovering around $30 during most days of the month. This slump is attributed to the US dollar appreciation and the high US crude oil reserves.

The Omani oil price rate for February 2016 delivery was at $34.59, showing a fall of$7.70, compared to the delivery price of January 2016. The trading price ranged between $40.54 and $31.21 per barrel. – ONA

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GLOBAL ROUT

World’s richest lose $305 billion SAN FRANCISCO: Plunging stock markets are exacting a toll on the world’s biggest fortunes.

The 400 richest people have lost $305 billion from their combined net worth this month as global equities tumbled for the worst start to a year on record as concern mounts that global growth is faltering.

The billionaires lost more than $115 billion this week, with 76 taking hits of at least $1 billion in January, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Seven shed more than $1 billion on Friday alone as the Dow Jones Industrial Average sank 391 points, European stocks fell into a bear market and the Shanghai Composite Index wiped out gains from an unprecedented state-rescue campaign.

Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos led decliners on the Bloomberg index, losing $8.9 billion since January 1 and $1.9 billion on Friday when the Internet retailer declined 3.85 per cent. Bill Gates, the world’s richest person, has lost $6.8 billion of his net worth this year and Wang Jianlin, China’s richest person, is down $6.4 billion.

Only nine of the 400 billionaires have increased their net worth in 2016, led by Indian oil billionaire Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries. - Bloomberg News

OIL

Al Jifnain fuel storage project to be completed in 2017

AGREEMENT: Orpic had signed an agreement to set up Orpic Logistics in partnership with Spain’s Logistica de Hidrocarburos to establish and operate a pipeline to transport oil products between the refineries of Muscat and Sohar and link them to a central storage facility in the Al Jifnain area. – File picture

THREE AGREEMENTS

ARAB FORUM

Ooredoo signs financing agreements with banks Times News Service MUSCAT: Ooredoo has signed three new financing agreements with local and international banks worth OMR68 million ($177 million).

The new funding will be used for general corporate purposes and will underpin continued investment in the company’s network and ongoing enhancement of services for the company’s growing business and consumer customers, Ooredoo said in a statement on Thursday.

Innovative products The company’s ability to secure the new financing facilities is reflective of the company’s strong balance sheet, positive brand equity and excellent market performance.

As the company’s customer base continues to grow, thanks to inspiring and innovative products and services, so too, does its strong relationship with both local and international banks.

MUSCAT: Work on the Al Jifnain station project in the Governorate of Muscat is progressing well as 20 per cent of the construction work has been completed, said Andres Suarez, general manager of Orpic Logistics. “The station is expected to be complete in the second quarter of 2017,” he added.

He pointed out that construction work had started sometime ago for the pipeline that will connect the Sohar refinery plant to the Al Jifnain station and that the construction of the pipeline linking the station with Mina Al Fahal has started. “Hopefully, the station will become the largest terminal for the storage and distribution of petroleum products in Oman,” he said.

Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic) had signed an agreement in January, 2014 to set up Orpic Logistics

FUNDING

The new funding will be used for general corporate purposes and will underpin continued investment in the company’s network and ongoing enhancement of services

The company has spent in excess of OMR124million solely on network modernisation over the last three years and this has resulted in population coverage growing to approximately 99 per cent.

“There has been huge interest from both local and foreign banks in our new facility. With our clear vision and strategy, Ooredoo has attracted many banks, who want to participate and support our strategic ambitions,” said Jorgen Latte, chief financial officer at Ooredoo.

Forum to discuss fishing harbours MUSCAT: Arab Forum, which is scheduled to discuss the prospects of developing fishing harbours in the Arab world, will begin on Sunday under the patronage of Said bin Hamdoon bin Saif Al Harthy, undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport and Communications for Ports and Marine Affairs. The event is being organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. - ONA

in partnership with the Spain’s Logistica de Hidrocarburos, in order to establish and operate a pipeline to transport multiple oil products in both directions between the refineries of Muscat and Sohar and linkthem to a central storage facility in the Al Jifnain area.

Orpic laid the foundation stone in March 2014 for the pipeline and the Al Jifnain terminal as part of its efforts to increase efficiency in the Sultanate to keep pace with the continued growth in fuel consumption and contribute to improving environmental aspects and road safety.

The project is divided into four parts that include a 40 kilometre/10inch pipeline extending from the Mina Al Fahal Refinery to the Al Jifnain Station, a 30 kilometre/10inch pipeline extending from the Al Jifnain station to the Muscat

International Airport, and a 220 kilometre/18-inch pipeline extending from Sohar to the Al Jifnain station for filling tankers.

Modern control systems The project will use the latest modern control systems, data collection and detection of leaks and techniques of visual communications networks systems, as well as loading ports designed to load more than 500 trucks of fuel per day.

Suarez said the Al Jifnain station project includes several sections, such as a storage space for fuel containing 12 reservoirs to store four types of fuel, in addition to a station for transferring fuel to the Muscat International Airport and 16 outlets that can supply fuel to about 500 trucks a day heading to a number of governorates, such as the Governorates of South Al

Batinah, Muscat and Al Dakhiliyah, and to water tanks, a building for administrative operations, elements of traffic safety devices, an automatic fire alarm and surveillance cameras.

He said the Al Jifnain station, once operational, will reduce fuel tanker traffic on the roads of the Governorate of Muscat by 70 per cent. The number of trucks is expected to be less than 400 per month in 2020, something which will lead to the promotion of road safety in Oman and thus a decrease the number of accidents and increase the proportion of safety, as well as reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere in the Governorate of Muscat because of the transfer of tonnes of oil products and enhance the efficiency of the provision of aircraft fuel efficiency and logistics. - ONA

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FEATURE

I

magine a depositor in the US state of Arizona being permitted to withdraw only small amounts of cash weekly and facing restrictions on how much money he or she could wire to a bank account in California. Such capital controls, if they ever came about, would spell the end of the dollar as a single currency, because such constraints are utterly incompatible with a monetary union.

Greece today (and Cyprus before it) offers a case study of how capital controls bifurcate a currency and distort business incentives. The process is straightforward. Once euro deposits are imprisoned within a national banking system, the currency essentially splits into two: bank euros (BE) and paper, or free, euros (FE). Suddenly, an informal exchange rate between the two currencies emerges.

Consider a Greek depositor keen to convert a large sum of BE into FE (say, to pay for medical expenses abroad, or to repay a company debt to a non-Greek entity). Assuming such depositors find FE holders willing to purchase their BE, a substantial BE-FE exchange rate emerges, varying with the size of the transaction, BE holders’ relative impa-

tience, and the expected duration of capital controls.

On August 18, 2015, a few weeks after pulling the plug from Greece’s banks (thus making capital controls inevitable), the European Central Bank and its Greek branch, the Bank of Greece, actually formalised a dual-currency currency regime. A government decree stated that “Transfer of the early, partial, or total prepayment of a loan in a credit institution is prohibited, excluding repayment by cash or remittance from abroad.”

The eurozone authorities thus permitted the Greek banks to deny their customers the right to repay their loans or mortgages in BE, thereby boosting the effective BE-FE exchange rate. And, by continuing to allow payments of tax arrears to be made in BE, while prescribing FE as a separate, harder currency uniquely able to extinguish commercial bank debt, Europe’s authorities have acknowledged that Greece now has two euros. The real effects of the dual-currency regime on Greece’s economy and society can be gleaned only from the pernicious interaction between the capital controls and the “reforms” (essentially the tax hikes, pension reductions, and other con-

THE DUAL-CURRENCY REGIME PRODUCES UNFORESEEN INCENTIVES FOR INFORMAL TRANSACTIONS IN A COUNTRY THAT DESPERATELY NEEDS TO DEFEAT INFORMALITY tractionary measures) imposed on the country by the eurozone authorities. To Consider the following beguiling example.

Greece’s companies fall roughly into two categories. In one category are a large number of small firms asphyxiating under the tax office’s demand that they pay in advance, and immediately, 100 per cent of next year’s corporate tax (as estimated by the tax authorities). The second group of comprises listed companies whose depressed turnover jeopardises their already diminished share value and that their standing with banks, suppliers, and also potential customers (all of which are reluctant to sign longterm contracts with an underper-

forming company).

The coexistence, in the same depressed economy, of these two types of businesses gives rise to unexpected opportunities for shadowy trades without which countless businesses might close their doors permanently. One widespread practice involves two such firms, say, Micro (a small family firm facing a large advance tax payment) and Macro (a publicly traded limited liability company that needs to demonstrate higher turnover than it has).

Macro agrees to issue invoices for (non-existent) goods or services rendered to Micro, up to, say, €20,000 ($22,000). Micro agrees to pay €24,600 into Macro’s bank account (the price plus 23% value-added tax) on the understanding that Macro will reimburse the €20,000 to Micro. This way, at a cost of €4,600, Micro reduces its taxable revenue by €24,600, while Macro boosts its turnover figure by €20,000.

Alas, due to capital controls, Macro cannot reimburse Micro in FE, nor can it wire €20,000 to Micro’s BE bank account (lest they be found out by the authorities). So, to seal the deal, Micro and Macro approach a cash-rich vendor. This is usually a gas-station owner who is flush with cash

at the end of each day and who, for security reasons and in order to pay for his fuel supplies, is obliged to deposit his cash daily at his bank, turning valuable FEs into less valuable BEs. The mutually beneficial deal is completed when Macro wires €20,000 in BE to the gas-station owner, who then hands over a smaller sum of FE (cash) to Micro’s owner, pocketing the difference.

The fact that this informal deal benefits all sides exposes the terrible inefficiency of current fiscal policy (namely, punitive business taxes) and how capital controls magnify it. The state collects additional VAT from Micro (at a loss of corporate taxes that Micro cannot pay anyway); Macro enjoys the benefits of seemingly higher turnover; and the gas-station owner reduces his losses from converting FE into BE. The downside is that economic activity is overstated and, more important, that reform becomes even harder as entrepreneurs internalize the necessity to find new, creative ways of bending the rules.

The sole purpose of the capital controls imposed on Greece last summer was to force the country’s rebellious government to capitulate to the eurozone’s failed policies. - Project Syndicate

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ROUND-UP

Suhail Bahwan unveils 2016 Nissan Maxima The completely redesigned 8th generation model is the sportiest and most powerful Maxima ever

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

The completely redesigned 8th generation model is the sportiest and most powerful Maxima ever.

The 2016 Maxima is a modern and charismatic vehicle over-delivering on the fundamentals earned over eight generations for quality, reliability and class-above in innovation, safety features, dynamic performance and premium styling, says a press release.

Key features: Aura: Nissan Maxima’s styling showcases Nissan’s new design language - including V-Motion front end, signature boomerang lights, kick-up C-pillars and unique floating roof appearance. Inside, the Nissan Maxima’s premium classabove, bespoke interior is anchored by a driver’s cockpit that rivals luxury vehicles.

The new vehicle was developed under the inspiration of the Blue Angels at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola – Florida, United States.

It holds a specific style inspired by the ‘jet fighter’ styling theme and ergonomic layout.

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

The Nissan Maxima’s totally redesigned interior is anchored by a “command centre” driver’s cockpit and a premium bespoke style crafted execution. The console also features luxurious padding on the sides with contrasted stitching. A new Display Commander control on the console allows fingertip control of the centre display as befitting a premium sport sedan.

The Nissan Maxima’s interior execution was a strong focus from the onset of development, with the goal of offering an interior that truly rivals luxury vehicles. It offers genuine stitching on the instrument panel, doors and console, available ambient lighting, available premium leather seating surfaces with diamond-quilted inserts, unique faceted finishers and a sporty D-shaped (flat-bottom) steering wheel.

The all-new 2016 Nissan Maxima's comfort is inspired by Nissan’s ‘Zero Gravity Seats’ design with added foam topper pad for initial softness and long-term comfort that consists of acoustic laminated glass (windshield and front side glass), and Active Noise Cancellation System for a quieter cabin. As with the exterior, interior colours were carefully considered to fit with Maxima’s exclusive sports-premium personality.

Performance In a number of aspects the Nissan Maxima’s performance substantially eclipses market performance and is on a par with many sports cars, moving it closer to its big brother - the Nissan GT-R. The Nissan Maxima’s 3.5-litre VQ-series V6 has been redesigned with more than 60 percent new parts (compared to the previous generation 3.5-litre V6). With 300 horsepower, the Nissan Maxima has a high specific output of 85.7 horsepower/litre. The revised engine helps it achieve an anticipated 15 percent increase in highway fuel economy to an EPA estimated 30 miles per gallon.

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

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

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

alert the driver when drowsy or inattentive driving is detected (only on Nissan Maxima SR grade).

Convenience features befitting a luxury vehicle are part of the Nissan Maxima’s suite of available equipment. Many of these features are not even offered on many luxury nameplates and are found standard on most of Nissan Maxima grades.

These include a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with an ‘Easy Entry’ system, Around View Monitor, Remote Start via Key Fob and a power rear sunshade.

Nissan’s commitment to the highest standards and best value in total cost of maintenance is steady and to the fore with the all-new Nissan Maxima 2016. Nissan’s safety rating and commitment to keep total cost of maintenance very competitive across the Middle East will bolster sales substantially over the coming years. Additionally a host of factors contribute to the Nissan Maxima’s lower running costs such as greater fuel efficiency, new technologies, build quality, durability and safety.

Safety Standard safety and security features on all 2016 Maxima trim levels include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection; front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and adjustable upper anchors; and LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children).

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

Maxima offers Around View Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD) system that

features four small superwideangle cameras mounted on the front, sides and rear of the vehicle that provide a “bird’s eye” virtual 360° view around the vehicle. It provides additional selectable split-screen close-ups of the front, rear and curb views, helping the driver maneuver the car in or out of tight spots. Rear Cross Traffic Alert helps alert the driver of an approaching vehicle when backing out of a parking spot.

Moving Object Detection builds on the capabilities of the AVM system, helping enhance the driver’s situational awareness by providing visual and audible warnings (front, side or back range object detection) if the system detects moving objects (such as another vehicle) within the displayed image in situations such as pulling out of a parking space. Using sophisticated image processing technology, the system detects moving objects within the virtual “bird’s eye view” (when the vehicle is in Park). When starting off or backing up, it detects moving objects crossing within the front or rear views, respectively.

An award winning Maxima IIHS awarded the all-new 2016 Nissan Maxima a ‘Top Safety Pick Plus’ (TSP+) safety rating, which is the group’s highest designation.

The 2016 Nissan Maxima joins the previously announced 2016 Murano with the TSP+ rating. The Maxima scored ‘Good’ in all five TSP categories and earned TSP+ status with a ‘Superior’ rating for front crash prevention for those models equipped with Forward Emergency Braking.

“Nissan is proud to again have our core vehicles recognized

by IIHS for vehicle safety,” said Pierre Loing, vice president, Product Strategy and Planning, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA). “The new Maxima, like the Murano, is setting high standards in its class for styling, performance and interior refinement. The 2016 Nissan Rogue and Sentra demonstrate Nissan’s commitment to high quality and safety standards, and we are gratified that these outstanding vehicles have been recognized for excellent design.”

For this year, IIHS has tightened its standards by requiring a ‘Good’ or better rating in all five of the crashworthiness categories to earn a ‘Top Safety Pick’ and making an available front crash prevention system mandatory for all awards. To earn the IIHS ‘Top Safety Pick Plus’ designation, a vehicle must earn a ‘Good’ or better on all five crashworthiness categories and also receive an ‘Advanced’ or ‘Superior’ rating for front crash prevention.

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.

S T R AT E G I C PA R T N E R S C O N F E R E N C E

Genetco wins gold award from Gree MUSCAT: At the Gree Brands Strategic Partners conference at Zuhai, Genetco was awarded the prestigious gold award for the exemplary growth in business and quality of service provided in 2015.

Genetco has consistently delivered excellence in both products and services to its valued customers in the Oman market, says a press release.

In continuation with the trend, Genetco launched Gree, the world’s largest air-conditioner manufacturer nine years ago, in the year

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2006. Currently Gree is among the fastest growing air-conditioning brands in Oman.

Stringent process The selection process was very stringent with over 200 distributors from across the world vying for the honours. The gold award was presented by Madam Dong Mingzhu , chairman and president of Gree Electric Appliances to Dr Muthanna Al Durrah, CEO of Genetco during the awards ceremony at Zuhai at their global conference.

U P S C A L E FA C I L I T I E S

MGM gift vouchers now accepted at Millennium Executive Apartments MUSCAT: With the onset of the New Year, Muscat Grand Mall (MGM) announced that its popular gift vouchers can also be used to book stays at Millennium Executive Apartments.

The exclusive serviced apartments offer upscale facilities blended with the ambience and privacy of your own residence.

Centrally located in the Al Khuwair area of Muscat city, close to the ministry area and accessible to a range of leisure activities, this property is suitable for both business and leisure travellers alike, says a press release.

Hassan Jaboub, general manager of Tilal Development Company, commented: “Tourists to

the Sultanate are increasingly choosing hotel apartments over resorts merely due to the convenience they offer. With the MGM gift vouchers, guests can choose from one of the 115 spacious and carefully designed and self-contained apartments to make their stay in Muscat memorable while having access to all of Muscat Grand Mall’s retail offerings.”

All apartments feature Wi-Fi, open plan lounge/dining room, LCD flat screen TVs and en-suite for the master bedroom. The German designed kitchens by Poggenpohl are carefully designed to be as efficient as they are elegant, and feature a full range of utensils to make your life easier.

STRONG PERFORMANCE

Mercedes-Benz Oman closes 2015 with a record growth of 20% MUSCAT: Mercedes-Benz Oman celebrated the culmination of a remarkable record-breaking 2015 for the iconic brand in the Sultanate.

The results for the final three months of the year show a phenomenal 25% increase in sales compared to Q4 2014 while an incredible overall growth of 20% was reported for the year as a whole against last year. The Q4 2015 also saw demand for Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicles rise by an astounding 45% in comparison to Q4 2014, with a total increase in sales of 33% for the high performance vehicles over the entire 12-month period against 2014, says a press release.

“A real high-point at the end of a truly fantastic year of continuous growth, these results are certainly a cause for celebration and a great start to 2016. Without doubt they are a tribute to the exceptional Mercedes-Benz lineup and the dedication of our team to offer the best possible service,” commented Clive Hammond, CEO of Zawawi Trading Company – Automotive.

Hammond attributed the recordbreaking results to the new stars in the Mercedes-Benz Oman line-up.

Entering the market in the first quarter of 2015 were the avantgarde sporty four-door CLA Coupé, Mercedes-Benz’s first crossover, the GLA and the iconic ‘one man, one engine’ AMG GT S, all of which surpassed their sales tar-

gets within the year. The ultraluxury Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class, a vehicle which epitomises peerless exclusivity, was also eagerly received by Oman’s most discerning customers in the first quarter of the year.

Taking the market by storm in the fourth quarter were three exciting new Mercedes-Benz SUVs, expressions not just of excellence in automotive design and engineering but of aspiration and exclusivity, adventure and excitement, luxury and lifestyle.

Heading the trail-blazing trio was the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 4MATIC Coupé. Combining the sportiness of a coupé with the strengths of an SUV, this car is considered the ultimate embodiment of success, style and performance. Its launch partners included the unrivalled all terrain GLC, and the all-new GLE, a premium SUV perfected in all disciplines to take on the world.

In particular, sales of the GLE stood out, exceeding targets by 50%. Ending the year on a high note was the release of the newgeneration A-Class, with its wider, sportier and feistier looks, allowing drivers to accelerate and live life to the fullest.

The strong performance of Mercedes-Benz Oman reaffirms both the unbeatable power of its product line-up and its customercentric approach, delivering a consistent and excellent service quality from start to finish every time.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

ROUND-UP India property show to be held on January 22, 23 With a proven track record and association with organisations like Credai, Gruhapravesh

by IndiaProperty.com stands for credibility and trust

MUSCAT: We all know the struggle we go through to find the perfect property to invest in India.

Too many hours of research and too little time to actually go to India are the main problems. But 2016 might bring some relief!

Yes! Gruhapravesh - India’s biggest property pavilion by IndiaProperty.com and International Property & Real Estate Exhibition - is coming to Muscat on January 22 and 23 at Al Falaj Hotel, Ruwi. Finally you can get firsthand information on all that is happening in the property market in India and make an informed property decision, says a press release.

The property show is slated to have over 90 projects from more than 45 top builders from all over India. It covers all the major real estate hubs in India, namely Bengaluru, Mangalore, Mysuru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Coimbatore, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Kolkata, Kerala and Delhi- NCR. A recent report by IndiaProperty.com features the top investment destinations in India. Highlighting the nifty investment zones in the top cities, the report elaborates that, ‘Upcoming localities in East Hyderabad like Uppal and LB Nagar will benefit from the improved connectivity and see a capital appreciation of 15 per cent to 20 per cent annually. Extension of the Hyderabad Metro to areas like Trimulgherry, Nagole, Ghatkesar, Hayatnagar and Patancheru will create an increased demand for residential properties here.’

A healthy trend is observed in Mumbai as well. “The satellite township of Navi Mumbai has emerged as the newest investment destination for home buyers and builders alike.

“With projects like the Navi Mumbai International Airport and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, this region has witnessed a surge in investments with an overall price appreciation of nearly 3 per cent to 5 per cent each quarter.”

Bangalore has emerged as one of the most stable markets in the country. The report suggests that, “North Bengaluru has seen a rise in real estate activity and capital appreciation of about 20 per cent in the last two years as the IT/BT Corridor (Information Technology & Biotechnology) takes shape near the international airport.

Localities like Hebbal, Yelahanka and Devanahalli are likely to see an increase in demand and growth of

Daleel Petroleum to implement SME mentorship initiative MUSCAT: Daleel Petroleum in cooperation with Inspired Solutions will be implementing an SME mentorship programme which will be announced in detail in a press conference to be held tomorrow at 10am at the company headquarters, says a press release.

Daleel Petroleum is one of the leading oil producing companies in the Sultanate of Oman in which society is one of its main stakeholders. In 2016, the company continues its dedication and commitment to its corporate social responsibility in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The initiative will match Omani SMEs together with Oman-based mentors for a period of 12 months.

During this period the mentor and mentee will work together to increase the sustainability of the SME via a highly structured, oneon-one professional and interactive relationship. More about the programme as well as application forms for mentors and mentees will be available on Daleel Petroleum website.

Daleel Petroleum is a jointventure project between Mezoon Petrogas (Subsidiary of MB Holding and Mezoon Petrogas BVI (Subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation). The main stakeholder is the Govern-

The initiative will match Omani SMEs together with Oman-based mentors for a period of 12 months. During this period the mentor and mentee will work together to increase the sustainability of the SME via a highly structured, one-onone professional and interactive relationship

ment of the Sultanate of Oman.

The core business of the company is the production of hydrocarbon fluids and optimisation of future reserves, which is the key Daleel Petroleum contribution to the socio-economic development of the country.

RECOGNITION

PROTECTING ENVIRONMENT

Sohar Aluminium hosts event to commemorate environment day SOHAR: Continuing its efforts to engage with the communities across all spheres, and as part of the ‘Let’s Have Fun with Sohar Aluminium’ initiative, Sohar Aluminium (SA) hosted an event coinciding with the Omani Environment Day recently at Safeer Mall.

The event saw more than 300 community members attend with their children. The theme and entertaining activities of the event focused on ‘how to protect the environment and what we can do to preserve the integrity of Oman’s beautiful nature’.

The attending children and their parents enjoyed several games, quizzes and informative activities. Small plants were also distributed to the kids who were taught how to take care of them, says a press release.

‘Let’s have Fun with Sohar Aluminium’ aims to foster and main-

residential real estate. South-East Bengaluru which includes localities like Sarjapur Road, amounts to nearly 40 per cent of the total demand for residential properties in Bengaluru.”

Top cities in the country have been showing considerable improvement and newer pockets of investment are being evaluated and considered by home buyers.

Get a detailed expert analysis of the market at Gruhapravesh 2016. With a proven track record and association with organisations like Credai, Gruhapravesh

by IndiaProperty.com stands for credibility and trust. What makes this property show exciting is that it has something for everyone.

Whether you are on a high budget or a minimal investment plan, you can explore a variety of options.

You can invest in properties like plots, apartments and independent villas starting from INR300,000 going up to INR50 million. This is a great opportunity to explore your options and see what suits you best. The best of builders and projects all come under one roof at Gruhapravesh 2016!

“Experts at India Property will guide you in your home search journey. So if you are looking to invest or even explore your options, this is an excellent platform.

Take the first step and visit us and we will take you one step closer to your dream home,” said an official.

SUPPORTING SMES

tain SA’s strong and close ties with the surrounding communities, maximise its positive impact in community services and give a personal face to the industry. It also serves as an excellent platform to share the company values related to environment, health and safety. This initiative was

launched in 2014.

Sohar Aluminium was formed in September 2004 to undertake a landmark Greenfield aluminium smelter project in the Sultanate of Oman, and is jointly owned by Oman Oil Company, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC - TAQA and Rio Tinto.

TO ADVERTISE Call: 24726666

Lexus tops US Customer Index Automotive Report MUSCAT: Lexus has long been at the forefront of engineering cutting-edge technologies in its range of vehicles, to enhance the overall experience in every Lexus. The response has been phenomenal and has helped Lexus shine at major automotive events around the world.

Recently, Lexus finished first overall in the American Customer Satisfaction Index Automotive Report, scoring 84 out of a possible 100 points. The annual report is based on owner feedback of vehicles purchased up to three years ago, says a press release.

In Oman Lexus enthusiasts have 10 premium Lexus models to choose from – the IS, ES, GS, LS, NX, RX, GX, LX and the recently introduced RC and RC F. The RC is truly a unique highperformance machine that emphasises the attraction of a luxury two-door coupe. Producing power output per litre second only to the LFA super car in the Lexus range, the RC signals the next evolution of Lexus power train engineering. The 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine produces maximum power of 314 HP/6400 rpm, and peak torque of 38.5 Kg.M/4800 rpm, to provide a passionate driving experience.

The RC’s interior design creates a sense of both sportiness and elegance. Highly acclaimed sports concept vehicles have greatly influenced the RC interior, making maximum use of contrasting colours, materials and lighting. A purpose-built Lexus-first lighting package provides a great sense of occasion, with illumination that reflects upwards, rather than downwards, to envelop the cabin.

High-contrast interior colours emphasise design lines and accentuate the elegant cabin.

The RC in RC F stands for Radical Coupe and the new RC F lives up entirely to this concept and Lexus’ legendary heritage with its impressive combination of futuristic style and performance to blaze a new path for

Lexus in the Middle East. The RC F is the world’s first front-engine, rear-wheel-drive car to make use of a Torque Vectoring Differential for guaranteed levels of extraordinary handling and performance. Power is transferred through a newly calibrated eight-speed transmission. It has wider wheels and tyres, an active rear wing, air scoops, cooling ducts and carbon fibre components all of which integrate to deliver the best from Lexus in terms of ‘functional beauty’.

In Oman every Lexus vehicle comes with special benefits and privileges such as six years unlimited extended mileage protection and Lexus Prestige Club Card that offers 24 hours on-road assistance from AAA. APPOINTMENT

Orpic inducts new financial controller MUSCAT: Orpic (Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industry Company) recently appointed Mohammed bin Salim Al Kaabi as Financial Controller.

This appointment represents Orpic’s commitment to provide a strong career path to Omani nationals working in the oil and gas industry.

The appointment was made following a review of Orpic’s organisational model to ensure it has the necessary structure and talent in place to capitalise on current and future opportunities within Oman, says a press release.

Mohammed Al Kaabi is an accounting graduate with over 15 years’ experience in investments, finance, accounts and projects.

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Al Khonji elected chairman of Moosa Abdul Rahman Hassan Khalil bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khonji’s impressive credentials garnered over three decades as a highly respected business leader, and board member of a plethora of high-profile public sector undertakings and advisory bodies, will complement the group’s seasoned executive management in achieving its growth objectives

Khalil Al Khonji is the fourth in a succession of chairmen who have helmed the distinguished business group over its nearly 90-year history

MUSCAT: Khalil bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khonji, prominent Omani business leader and former chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), has been elected Chairman of Moosa Abdul Rahman Hassan & Co., one of the Sultanate’s oldest and most illustrious business houses.

Al Khonji is the fourth in a succession of chairmen who have helmed the distinguished business group over its nearly 90-year history, starting with founder Moosa Abdul Rahman Hassan, an icon of 20th century Muscat’s glorious trading heritage.

He was succeeded by his son Abdullah Moosa and subsequently by his grandson Mohammed Moosa, under whose stewardships the group scaled new heights of corporate success.

As the new chairman, Al Khonji, with his board, will oversee Moosa’s next phase of growth and prosperity. His impressive credentials garnered over three decades as a highly respected business leader,

and board member of a plethora of high-profile public sector undertakings and advisory bodies, will complement the group’s seasoned executive management in achieving its growth objectives.

Al Khonji currently serves on the board of Oman Oil Company, Oman LNG Social Investment Association, Applied Sciences College and is on the founders committee of Muscat University.

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Al Khonji also served on the boards of prestigious public sector undertakings, utilities and councils, including the 6th Five Year Plan Committee (2006 – 2010), Supreme Council Consultative Body, Higher Education Council, Scientific Research Council, Public Authority for Social Insurance, Oman Charitable Organisation, Public Authority for Warehouses and Food Reserves, Food Security Committee, Oman Wastewater Services Company (Haya Water), Businessmen’s Council, Oman Air, Oman National Electric Company, Al Jazeera Tube Mills, and Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development,

among others.

Also as part of elections held on the occasion, Abd-al Rahman Ali Moosa was elected Vice-Chairman succeeding his father Haji Ali Moosa. The board consists of third and fourth generation Moosa family members.

Established in 1927, Moosa has evolved over the decades into a company epitomising performance, reliability and quality. The company is the sole distributor of renowned automotive brands, notably GMC and Suzuki in the Sultanate. In addition to automotive, Moosa is part of a larger diversified group with interests in real estate and investments among others.

MYHASSAD

ahlibank picks daily winners MUSCAT: ahlibank announced the names of the MyHassad daily prize draw winners.

Nadiya Hamed Obaid Al Abri from Ibri branch, Huda Ali Abdulla Al Balushi from Sohar branch, Ghalib Rashid Al Owaisi from Ibra branch, Ahmed Abdulla Salim Al Balushi from Barka branch and Zuwaina Abdullah Sultan Al Namaani from Main branch, were the lucky winners of OMR1,000 each for the week, says a press release.

MyHassad savings account continues to successfully satisfy the existing customers and attract new ones.

MyHassad Saving Scheme was introduced in July 2008 as an extension of the Bank’s tradition of product innovation. Opening MyHassad Saving account is simple and easy.

Customers need only to open their MyHassad account with OMR100 for their chance to win OMR1,000 in the next working day’s draw hence their chance to “open today and win tomorrow” continues. Further enhancements in March 2009 allowed customers to participate in the OMR10,000 monthly draw, by maintaining a minimum OMR250 during the month.

Customers can also transfer their salaries to MyHassad saving account and will be eligible to enter in the daily, monthly draw as per the balance maintained.

VA L UA B L E L E A R N I N G E X P E R I E N C E

PDO marks Oman Environment Day with eco SME exhibition MUSCAT: Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) marked the 2016 Oman Environment Day by holding an exhibition for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that have launched businesses in environmentally friendly services and products.

The event at the company’s Mina Al Fahal headquarters in Muscat was attended by hundreds of PDO employees and environmental specialists. Twelve SMEs participated in the exhibition with four of them being student companies. Businesses on display ranged from those focusing on tyre and plastic recycling through to specialists in water treatment, palm mulch usage in planting, natural

gas cylinders and eco house creation, says a press release.

As well as showcasing the new eco friendly Omani start-up companies or those who are looking to launch new businesses, the Eco SME exhibition was aimed at helping PDO to identify the types of support that can best be provided for these companies.

“Sustainability is at the heart of everything that we do at PDO and central to achieving our ambitions in this regard are protecting Oman’s beautiful environment and supporting SME’s as part of our In Country Value programme.

The exhibition provided an excellent opportunity to combine both areas and to develop our relation-

TEAM BONDING

Al Nawa organises staff get-together MUSCAT: Al Nawa Management & HRD Consultants held their fourth staff gathering at Safeer Ball Room recently.

The staff enjoyed the light moments by actively participating in games and quiz. Their family members also enthusiastically presented some unique and mesmerising activities. The heartfelt and sincere experiences shared by some of the staff in the thanksgiving touched everyone’s emotions, says a press release.

The gifts and prizes were supported by Ministry of Tourism, Joy Alukkas, OTE Group, Khimji Ramdas Group, Johnson & Johnson team from B. Ramniklal Kothary Group, Muscat Pharmacy and Hi Tech Centre.

Al Nawa Group has also completed 25 successful years. Al Nawa has been engaged by different sectors, companies and ministries for recruitment of experts in their fields. Presently it is a part of the triangle involving the Ministry of Manpower, various colleges of technology and vocational centres and Al Nawa.

ships with these new and exciting businesses. I think that everyone who attended the exhibition found it an informative and a valuable learning experience and it was clear that the SMEs participating were keen to develop their technical and commercial understanding. From the exhibition we have already identified several opportunities that are consistent with our environmental and ICV ambitions,” Raoul Restucci, managing director at PDO said.

The exhibition was organised as part of PDO’s “Bea’tona” campaign, an initiative launched by the company to raise awareness about the environment within PDO, its contractors and the wider Omani

public. The campaign is focused on creating tangible changes in protecting the environment and creating positive behaviours towards the environment.

PDO is a long established supporter of local Omani business and employs a wide range of measures to help SMEs. These include employee training schemes, business workshops and assistance in securing contracts. The company is also committed to ensuring that all its operations and activities are performed in an environmentally sustainable manner. PDO is a pioneer in areas such as water management and solar energy and employs a wide range of energy saving technologies at its installations.

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Ooredoo inks pact with OMPC MUSCAT: Ooredoo has signed an agreement with Oman Munitions Production Company (OMPC) to provide the high-profile government-owned company with a full suite of advanced business telecommunication solutions.

As part of the partnership, Ooredoo will provide best-in-class internet professional packages, business data, mobile and voice services all backed by its modernised network and team of experts, says a press release.

Greg Young, CEO of Ooredoo, said: “In today’s highly digital world, businesses need to feel confident in the technology they use to stay connected, remain competitive and drive productivity.

Our agreement with OMPC will provide them all of this and more, through a comprehensive range of innovative, unique and tailored products and services that will meet their evolving needs.”

He added: “This partnership is

Latest edition of Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme launched Based on the overwhelming

a translation of our determination to champion growth and development of the Sultanate’s public and private sectors, underlining the strength, and reliability of our telecommunication solutions.”

Engineer Ibrahim bin Ali Bulushi, project director of OMPC, said: “Under this agreement Ooredoo will provide OMPC with high quality communication services that will assist in the operations of the factory.”

As one of Oman’s leading communications providers, Ooredoo has been steadfast on inspiring its business customers with marketleading services and technology to enhance their efficiency and performance. Today, its wide range of business solutions include the competitive Shahry business packs, fixed voice services over a state-ofthe-art network, Ooredoo Internet Enterprise and Internet Enterprise Advanced to name but a few.

response from customers, Bank Sohar has comprehensively improved the Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme for 2016

B I G M A C WA L K C O N T E S T

McDonald’s offers chance to meet Neymar MUSCAT: McDonald’s Oman continues celebration of its iconic Big Mac with a dream prize competition.

To make the celebrations even more memorable, McDonald’s invites customers to show their style in the Big Mac Walk competition, and compete for a chance to win an all-paid-trip to Barcelona to meet Neymar Jr., the professional Brazilian football star of FC Barcelona, says a press release.

To enter the competition, customers must upload a video of themselves to McDonaldsarabia.

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com sharing their own version of the Big Mac Walk and then sharing it on social media using the hashtag #BigMacWalk. Participants with the best and most creative Big Mac Walk will win this coveted grand prize and get a chance to meet Neymar Jr. face-

to-face or one of the Big Mac Walk T-shirts signed by Neymar Jr. Ali K. Daud, Development Licensee and president of McDonald’s Oman (Al Daud Restaurants) commented: “What better way is there to celebrate the Big Mac, than by offering diners a once in a lifetime experience to meet one of today’s football icons. We invite all our customers in the Sultanate of Oman to be as creative as they can, have fun and upload their own take of the Big Mac Walk to our website for a chance to win this exciting trip to Barcelona.”

MUSCAT: Bank Sohar unveiled the latest edition of the Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme for the year 2016 at a press conference at Grand Hyatt Hotel.

Following the resounding success of last year’s campaign, and based on the overwhelming response from customers, the bank has comprehensively improved the Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme for 2016.

In doing so it now offers the highest number of prizes and the broadest spectrum of winners of any Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme to date; totalling well over 1,500 winners, encompassing hourly, children’s, general, branch guaranteed, ladies, and exclusive draws, says a press release.

The conference commenced with a welcome speech and a reveal of the 2016 Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme. The gathered journalists and media professionals were then addressed by the Acting CEO of Bank Sohar, Rashad Ali Al Musafir. Joining him were other members of the bank’s senior management including Sasi Kumar, group general manager of Business, Munira Abdulnabi Macki, GM of HR and Corporate Support, Khamis Masoud Al Rahbi, senior AGM of Branches & Retail Sales and Mazin Mahmood Al Raisi, senior AGM of Marketing and Customer Experience.

Other senior managers together

with branch managers and members of the bank’s retail and liabilities teams also attended the launch ceremony.

Addressing the press conference, Rashad Al Musafir noted: “At Bank Sohar we consider the feedback and satisfaction of our valued customers as one of our highest priorities. We always keep their best interests in mind as we continue to provide them with the best possible banking services and tailor our banking products and solutions to fit their personal needs. It is also their collective feedback that forms the basis of every product we develop and is also the key driver behind the evolution of Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme each year.”

“With more prizes and more chances to win, our 2015 Savings Scheme proved to be one of our most popular to date with customers praising it for its large number of winners. Based on their feedback, for 2016 we have revised the scheme to offer even more prizes and reach out to a broader spectrum of customers. As a matter of fact we have taken the number of winners from more than 1000 winners last year to well over 1,500 this year,” he added.

Following the introductory address by the Acting CEO, a comprehensive overview of the features of the new scheme was then provided by Redha Al Lawatia, senior chief manager of liabilities and sales, who highlighted the main improvements in the new scheme compared to 2015 saving scheme and its other value added advantages. Shortly thereafter, a video was played showcasing the journey of the 2015 Al Mumayaz

Saving Scheme together with its highlights and various event and draws. This was followed by a short overview of the bank’s other retail offering and services and Q&A session.

In 2016, Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme will continue with its hourly prize draws of OMR1,000 each from Sunday to Wednesday; totalling over 900 winners by the end of the year. A new addition this year is the daily Children’s draw, which will see one minor account win OMR100 every day from Sunday to Thursday. There will also be a monthly draw specifically for children where one minor account will win OMR1,000.

In total there will be more than 240 winners of children’s draws before the end of the year.

“One of our key highlights of this year’s scheme will be our monthly draws, of which there will be ten draws, from February to November. Each monthly draw will play host to the branch guaranteed draws, with a winner from each branch taking home OMR1,000.

The monthly draw will also see the introduction of the ladies only draw; which together with the exclusive, children’s monthly, and general monthly draws will offer a wider spectrum of prizes and significantly enhanced opportunities to become one of the many lucky winners. Additionally, as we did last year, each monthly draw will be held at a different location across the country and in the presence of key clients; enhancing the visibility of the campaign and providing us with further opportunities to obtain direct customer feedback,” added Khamis Masoud Al Rahbi.

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Self-belief is the key for Oman cricket team, says Sunil Joshi

‘CAN DO IT AGAIN’: Oman cricket team’s assistant coach Mazhar Saleem Khan and physio Jaganathan Premnath discuss a point as the players warm down during a training session at the Ministry of Sports

Affairs Ground in Al Amerat. – A.R. RAJKUMAR/Times of Oman

Sunil Joshi said that the set of spin bowlers in the Oman squad are qualitatively good and my role is to educate them on the nuances of spin bowling

T.K. MOHANDOSS

sportseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Self-belief is the key for World T20 and Asia Cupbound Oman national cricketers, opined former India left-arm spinner Sunil Joshi during a brief têteà-tête with Times Sport.

Sunil Joshi, who has taken up the role of spin-bowling coach of Oman, is in town to hone the skills of the spin bowlers and he reflected upon the conditioning sessions in Rajkot recently.

Sunil Joshi said that the set of spin bowlers in the Oman squad are qualitatively good and my role is to educate them on the nuances of spin bowling.

“We had a good session in Rajkot and I have stressed that each of them must understand the importance of their role, be it the batsman or the bowler, and execute their ideas and plans to perfection,” said the former India bowling all-rounder.

“I have told them to set targets and have confidence in executing their plans systematically,” said Joshi, who has turned the fortunes of a lowly Jammu & Kashmir team in the Indian domestic scene.

“In Twenty20’s a bowler’s prime focus must be to bowl dot balls,

which puts the batsmen under pressure. And when that situation arises, wickets can be purchased.

And this tactic can be applied on placid batting wickets too,” he said.

“Imagine if one bowler can bowl at least 50 percent of their 24 deliveries in a match, and the others too follow, the battle is won.

“This was my focus, while the team was in Rajkot, and I can say that the bowlers are quickly grasping the notion, and I am sure they will be ready for the big stage,” he said.

“I am also educating the bowlers on various other tactics that can help them in a T20 game. All of them know the art of bowling, I am just honing them technically (the variations and the use of crease) and inducing self-belief, which is ultimately the key to success,” he explained.

“During training the spinners, some of them very good, have started setting their targets and are working hard in achieving it,” said Joshi.

However, he lamented that the team should have had their conditioning camps in Dharamsala much before. “Now that we will camp at the high-altitude venue in February, I doubt we will get the chance to train at the main stadium.”

“Normally with little time left for the world event, International Cricket Council may not allow teams to practice at the stadium until atleast before the tournament proper. But had Oman planned it early they could have got a chance to have the feel of the venue,” he added.

“Nevertheless we can still have the best feel of playing at high-altitudes and can prepare efficiently,” said Joshi, who also have studied all players through video clippings from the ICC qualifiers and the UAE tour.

“Oman is fortunate to have a batting legend (Duleep Mendis) as their head coach and also not to forget another great fast bowling expert in Rumesh Ratnayake,” said Joshi, who also suggested that the players should go up to them and ask questions during training sessions and clear their doubts.

“I find this bunch of 15 players very responsive, and they are coming to us with queries which we are pleased to answer,” he said.

“We (Duleep, Rumesh, fielding coach Vijay Bharadwaj and myself ) are ready to help them always, ultimately it is team effort that brings success,” Joshi said.

The former India Test player will be here till January 21 and rejoin the team when they reach Dharamsala.

Asked whether all the experts will be with the team during the Asia Cup and World T20, Joshi said: “I really don’t know but ideally it should be that way and all depends on what Duleep and the Oman Cricket administers decide.”

Oman are grouped with Bangladesh, Ireland and Netherlands in the World T20 qualifying round, and will play their matches in Dhar-

SET TARGETS: Oman captain Sultan Ahmed, right, with team’s spin

coach Sunil Joshi.

amsala. The winner of the group will advance to the Super 10 stage.

Before that Oman will also play the four-team Asia Cup T20 qualifier in Bangladesh, which also features Afghanistan, UAE and Hong Kong. One of the associate teams will advance to the main draw involving the region’s four Full

Member teams.

Sunil Joshi, who has played Tests and ODIs for India between 1996 and 2001 as a bowling allrounder, pointed out that the Asia Cup will be the prime testing ground for Oman.

“Oman is playing Asia Cup qualifiers against teams whom they

have defeated before and I believe they can do it once again...why not?

“Being positive is the criteria and wonders follow,” Joshi, whose best figures (10-6-6-5) came against South Africa in the 1999 LG Cup ODI match, said.

For the record, Joshi has represented Karnataka in Ranji Trophy, played briefly for the Bedfordshire County Cricket Club in England during the 2004 season and also represented Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2008 and 2009 season of the Indian Premier League.

He called it quits from all forms of cricket in 2012 and turned coach.

His coaching stints were with Hyderabad and Jammu & Kashmir, who caused a flutter by stunning Ranji Trophy giants Mumbai in the preliminary rounds.

“I was criticised when I took over J&K, but I love the challenge and when they performed well, the nation took notice.”

“Likewise, I am taking up the challenge of Oman on a bigger stage,” signed off Joshi.

Meanwhile, Times Sport has stepped on the pruned 15-member team, who are training hard.

Though the 15-member team is yet to be announced officially following are the players in the list (there could be changes before the team will depart to Dharamsala for the camp starting February 10): Sultan Ahmed (skipper), Zeeshan Siddiqui (Raha CT); Jatinder Singh, Vaibhav Wategaonkar, Adnan Ilyas, Aqib Ilyas, Munis Ansari, Rajesh Ranpura (Muscat CT); Aamir Kaleem, Amir Ali, Bilal Khan (Passage to India); Zeeshan Maqsood (Assarain); Mehran Khan (Enhance); Ajay Lalcheta (Al Turki) and Sufyan Mehmood (Fairtrade).

CRICKET

Desperate India eye survival, Australia aim for hat-trick MELBOURNE: Their bowling frailties thoroughly exposed in the first two One-day Internationals (ODIs), India are left with no option but to bank heavily on their batsmen to steer the side and upstage the rampaging Australians in the must-win third cricket onedayer here on Sunday.

The Indians lost the first two ODIs despite setting targets of more than 300 for the Aussies, the sort of debacle which prompted under-fire skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni to admit that his batsmen will have to take more pressure given that the bowlers have been a huge letdown.

Sunday’s match is effectively India’s last chance to salvage any hopes of turning the tables in this ongoing five-match series.

Barring the token win in Zimbabwe, the Men in Blue have lost their previous two challenging ODI contests played since the World Cup here last year, against Bangladesh

Dhoni may make India chase in third one-dayer MELBOURNE: Back-to-back one-day defeats in Perth and Brisbane have forced India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni to rethink his strategy of opting to bat first against Australia, who have taken a 2-0 lead in the five-match series by chasing down 300-plus targets.

Dhoni won the toss in both matches and after India posted scores of 309 and 308 and

(away) and South Africa (home).

They are now on the brink of losing a third successive series.

It is not a comfortable position for Dhoni to be in. The calls

watched as the hosts reeled them in with powerful displays at the crease. There was also a suggestion of a lack of discipline about India’s bowlers, who leaked 23 wides in the two matches.

Ahead of Sunday’s third onedayer, Dhoni wondered if chasing a target was a better option for India. “I feel even if we cut down the extras we will have to score more runs,” said Dhoni.

for moving beyond his reign had grown louder with each passing defeat last year.

So much so, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had to

“There are two options: either put pressure on the batsmen and score 330, or chase down the score, give them the batting first. We will have a look and decide what suits us the best.”

While Rohit Sharma burnished his reputation in limited-overs cricket with a second successive ton in Brisbane, skipper Dhoni said he was seeking even more his batsmen.

check the situation and announce him as the limited-overs’ captain at least until the 2016 World T20.

Dhoni was absent from that summer tour to Zimbabwe, and

“As a team we have to win, irrespective of which department is not doing well, and for that we have to score 20-30 more runs.

That will put a lot of pressure on the batsmen, because the moment you take your guard right from the first ball, on the back of your mind would be ‘we have to get 330-340 odd runs to be on the safer side’ and that would put a lot of pressure.” - Reuters

as such now has back-to-back defeats. At this juncture, with his team staring down the barrel, he needs to show why he is still the man to do the job.

Of course, it will be easier said than done as the resources at his disposal don’t paint a pretty picture. He was on target in the post-match press conference in Brisbane, highlighting that his batsmen have scored 300-plus in consecutive games in Australia.

Yet, he must also be fully aware that the score doesn’t really matter unless his bowlers can defend it and the harsh truth is they have failed twice in a row.

When the Indian skipper talked about asking his batsmen to score 330-340 from here onwards, he wasn’t joking.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are going great guns at the moment and need to shoulder even more responsibility. Their partnership strike-rate at Brisbane was markedly better than at Perth, a concern obviously addressed in the turn-around time between the two games, and yet the death overs bore a similar look. - PTI

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Man City back on top, Chelsea salvage draw against Everton Terry scored for both sides as Chelsea pulled off a Houdinilike escape in a 3-3 home draw with Everton

LONDON: Sergio Aguero spelled double trouble for Crystal Palace as Manchester City romped to a 4-0 home win and went top of the Premier League, temporarily at least, on goal difference on Saturday.

The Argentine striker scored in the 41st minute, after Fabian Delph’s 22nd minute opener at the Etihad, then doubled his tally in the 68th and set up David Silva for the fourth six minutes from time.

City leapfrogged leaders ArseCRICKET

India return to top of ICC Test rankings NEW DELHI: Indian Test team led by Virat Kohli on Saturday climbed to the top of the ICC’s Test rankings after South Africa crashed to a 0-2 series defeat against England in Johannesburg.

India, who lost their top ranking to England after their 0-4 whitewash in 2011, got back to the pinnacle by virtue of their crushing 3-0 series win against the Proteas at home, last December.

India now have 110 ranking points and have one point more than Australia, who are second in the list with 109 points in their kitty. South Africa are now third in the rankings.

The joy of reaching top spot for India can be shortlived if Australia win their home Test series against New Zealand by 1-0 margin. - PTI

DUBIOUS GOAL: Chelsea’s defender John Terry, centre, celebrates after scoring a late equalising goal

during the Premier League match against Everton at Stamford Bridge in London on Saturday. – AFP

nal and Leicester City, with the top three all level on 43 points.

Leicester play bottom side Aston Villa in the late kickoff while Arsenal travel to Stoke City on Sunday. Fourth-placed Totten-

ham Hotspur closed the gap on the leaders to four points with a crushing 4-1 defeat of struggling Sunderland in the lunchtime match at White Hart Lane.

Danish international Christian

Eriksen struck either side of halftime after Sunderland, mired in the relegation zone, had taken an early lead through Patrick van Aanholt.

While Spurs reignited their title challenge, fifth-placed West Ham

United’s push faltered with a 2-1 defeat at Newcastle United.

John Terry scored for both sides as champions Chelsea pulled off a Houdini-like escape in a 3-3 home draw with Everton, the veteran defender grabbing a dubious equaliser in the dying seconds to atone for his 50th minute own goal.

All the goals at Stamford Bridge came in the second half, with Chelsea battling back from 2-0 down before substitute Ramiro Funes Mori put Everton back in front as the game entered stoppage time.

Newcastle’s victory lifted them out of the bottom three while troubled Swansea, who entertain Watford on Monday, dropped to 18th and a point ahead of Sunderland.

On a lively winter’s afternoon for south-coast sides, Southampton beat West Bromwich Albion 3-0 for their third successive home win and Bournemouth overcame Norwich City by the same scoreline.

Liverpool, ninth, and sixthplaced Manchester United clash at Anfield on Sunday. - Reuters

TENNIS

Azarenka eyes fun ride to third Australian title MELBOURNE: After two years of injury frustration and bouts of depression, Victoria Azarenka is hoping a little bit of motorcycle riding and some street art will change people’s perceptions and help her to a third Australian Open title.

The 26-year-old Belarusian is one of the favourites for the year’s opening Grand Slam that starts on Monday after proving her fitness following a nagging foot injury that has restricted her appearances over the past two years.

Now injury free and fresh off her first title since August 2013 at the Brisbane International last week, she is looking forward to the courts she made her own in 2012 and 2013.

“The only thing I’m thinking about right now is playing tennis and enjoying myself,” she told reporters at Melbourne Park on Saturday. “The year before, I had so much on my mind that were distracting me from playing on the court.”

Those distractions included

LIVE IN THE MOMENT: Victoria Azarenka.

being constantly in pain with her foot injury which led to early exits from tournaments and her ranking dropping. The slump also coincided with the break-up of her relationship with American musician Redfoo and her constant injury

battle led to bouts of depression.

While back home in Belarus late last year, Azarenka said a moment of clarity had helped her to channel what she called her creative side with the production of a short music video.

The video showed her working out, creating street art and riding a motorcycle, though the rider’s face was obscured by a helmet and Azarenka said she preferred to leave it to others to guess whether it was her on the bike. Azarenka said she hoped the video would also help change people’s perceptions of her as she acknowledged that on court she is a bundle of screeching, competitive aggression.

“I’m a little bit tired of hearing, ‘Oh my God, you’re so different in person’,” Azarenka added.

“I was like wondering, ‘what is that different of me when people see me in person’.

“You just see me on the court, and there’s only one image. Off the court there’s a lot more to show.

“I mean, I think I’m pretty funny.

I make a lot of people laugh. I’m easy going. I love to have fun. I love music. I like to dance.

“I’m a normal person.

“I try to live in the moment.

“Carpe diem.” - Reuters

TENNIS

Federer gives Djokovic ‘little star’ of approval MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic deserves a “little star” next to his name for a spectacular 2015 season that saw him win three Grand Slams among his 11 titles but the men’s game is not simply a matter of the Serb versus the rest, Roger Federer said on Saturday.

The world No. 1’s dominance has seen pundits line up to declare the end of the ‘Big Four’ — suggesting Federer, Rafa Nadal and Andy Murray are unable to compete on equal terms at Grand Slams with Djokovic.

The Serb heads into the Australian Open a raging favourite to capture his sixth title at Melbourne Park but Federer gave short shrift to talk of a Djokovic dictatorship, pointing to Stan Wawrinka’s victory over him in the French Open final.

“It completely depends what you’re looking at. If you’re looking at (Djokovic’s) season, he was the most dominant player by far last year,” Federer told reporters at Melbourne Park.

“Then if you look at just who won the slams and the Masters 1000s, doesn’t hold truth, because Stan won the French.

“Who’s had the most success?

The top five guys really, with Stan, you know, Murray, myself, Novak and Rafa.

“Now the rankings are back to more normal again after Rafa’s worked his way back up.

“Yeah, I still think the same guys are playing very well. But, of course, Novak deserves like a little star next to his name right now because he’s been doing extremely well.

“Same for Stan, really.”

Federer, seeded third in Melbourne, was beaten in the U.S. Open and Wimbledon finals by Djokovic last year, as well as in the decider for the season-ending World Tour Finals.

However, the 17-time Grand Slam champion still showed last year that he has the weapons to topple the Serb, winning three of their eight clashes.

After parting ways with Stefan Edberg, 34-year-old Federer has brought Croatian former world No. 3 Ivan Ljubicic, a close friend of Djokovic’s, into his coaching team. - Reuters

TENNIS

Troicki retains Sydney title SYDNEY: Viktor Troicki will go into the Australian Open with his confidence sky high after retaining his title at the Sydney International with a thrilling 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7) victory over Grigor Dimitrov on Saturday.

The tough 29-year-old Serbian, who won the title as a qualifier last year, looked dead and buried after Dimitrov coasted through the first set but evened up the contest when the talented Bulgarian suffered a second-set meltdown.

The crowd at Ken Rosewall Arena were then treated to topquality tennis during which both players had championship points before Troicki kissed the line with an angled crosscourt winner to take the third set tiebreak 9-7.

“What a match! We really fought until the end,” Troicki, whose victory extended his winning streak at Olympic Park to 12 matches, said after the presentation ceremony. “I guess I was just a bit more lucky at the end but this is the game of tennis, sometimes you have luck and sometimes you don’t.”

Dimitrov showed off all his weapons in the absorbing two

THRILLER: Serbian winner Viktor Troicki, right, and runner-up Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria. – AP/PTI

hour, 16 minute contest but will rue not making the most of his chances to clinch his first title in 18 months. Foremost among those was the net volley he had on championship point in the tiebreak, which the 24-year-old only managed to flick into the tape.

It was a second-set performance that was as disappointing as his first set was impressive that his new coach Franco Davin will have to ponder most, however.

The former Wimbledon semifinalist served up three double faults to lose his opening service game and then simply crumbled, the nadir coming when he tried

a between the legs trick shot and completely fluffed it.

“It’s been a while since I was in a final, I’m pretty disappointed,” said Dimitrov, before giving thanks to a stony-faced Davin.

Troicki, who has battled his way back up the rankings after serving a one-year ban for missing a doping test, is a dangerous man to give a break to and it is he who will now travel to Melbourne Park with momentum.

The world No. 22 plays Spain’s Daniel Munoz De La Nava in the Australian Open first round and Dimitrov faces Italy’s Paolo Lorenzi. - Reuters

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

SPORTS Brilliant Broad guides England to series win Broad’s brilliant return of six for 17 on a lively wicket skittled the Proteas for 83 in their second innings on the third day. England reached their modest victory target of 74 with relative ease

JOHANNESBURG: A venomous spell of fast bowling from Stuart Broad led England to an emphatic seven- wicket win over South Africa in the third Test on Saturday to clinch the series.

Broad’s brilliant return of six for 17 on a lively wicket skittled the Proteas for 83 in their second innings on the third day.

England reached their modest victory target of 74 with relative ease as captain Alastair Cook (43) top-scored in guiding them to 77 for three from 22,4 overs under gloomy skies. The tourists now have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-match series, with the final game to be played in Pretoria.

South Africa bowled out England for 323 in the morning session for a slender first-innings deficit of 10 runs, but were no match for the bounce and movement of a rampant Broad as they crumbled to their second lowest Test score since returning to international cricket in 1991.

After removing openers Dean Elgar (15) and Stiaan van Zyl (11), Broad grabbed the key wicket of

SIX-FOR: England’s Stuart Broad, third left, celebrates with his teammates after dismissing South Af-

rica’s Faf du Plessis during their third Test match in Johannesburg on Saturday. – Reuters SCOREBOARD

South Africa 1st innings: 313 England 1st innings A. Cook c Vilas b Viljoen 18 A. Hales c de Villiers b Rabada 1 N. Compton c Elgar b Rabada 26 J. Root c Vilas b Rabada 110 J. Taylor c Bavuma b Morkel 7 B. Stokes c&b Morkel 58 J. Bairstow c van Zyl b Rabada 45 M. Ali c Vilas b Morris 19 S. Broad b Rabada 12 S. Finn c Vilas b Morkel 0 J. Anderson (not out) 0 Extras (b-1, lb-14, w-9, nb-3) 27 Total (all out, 76.1 overs) 323 Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-22, 3-74, 4-91, 5-202, 6-242, 7-279, 8-309, 9-311.

captain AB de Villiers (0) when he induced an inside edge to wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow.

It got worse for the home side when their other kingpin Hashim

Bowling: C. Morris 15-1-71-1; K. Rabada 23.1-5-78-5 (nb-1, w-3); M Morkel 20-1-76-3; Viljoen 15-0-79-1 (nb-2); S van Zyl 3-0-4-0.

South Africa 2nd innings D. Elgar c Bairstow b Broad 15 S. van Zyl c Stokes b Broad 11 H. Amla c Taylor b Broad 5 AB de Villiers c Bairstow b Broad 0 F. du Plessis c&b Broad 14 T. Bavuma b Broad 0 D. Vilas c Taylor b Finn 8 C. Morris b Stokes 1 K. Rabada c Bairstow b Stokes 16 Viljoen lbw Anderson 6 M Morkel (not out) 4 Extras (lb-2, nb-1) 3 Total (all out, 33.1 overs) 83

Amla (5) clipped the ball to James Taylor at short-leg, who showed excellent reactions to take a low catch. Temba Bavuma (0) became Broad’s fifth victim when he gloved

Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-28, 3-30, 4-31, 5-35, 6-45, 7-46, 8-67, 9-77.

Bowling: J. Anderson 10-1-26-1; S. Broad 12.1-6-17-6; B. Stokes 8-1-24-2; S. Finn 3-014-1 (nb-1).

England 2nd innings A. Cook c Vilas b Morris 43 A. Hales lbw Elgar 18 N. Compton c Morkel b Elgar 0 J. Root (not out) 4 J. Taylor (not out) 2 Extras (b-4, lb-2, w-1) 7 Total (3 wkts, 22.4 overs ) 74 Fall of wickets: 1-64, 2-68, 3-71.

Bowling: M. Morkel 5-2-7-0; K. Rabada 4-0-28-0; Viljoen 4-2-15-0 (w-1); C. Morris 6-2-8-1; D. Elgar 3.4-1-10-2.

the ball on to his stumps. Broad’s brilliant day was completed when he ended the innings with an excellent catch off his own bowling to dismiss Faf du Plessis (14). - Reuters

C O M M E N TA RY

India are missing a quality leg-spinner

I

ndia have a real problem on its hands as despite scoring over 300 runs they have been overhauled quite comfortably by the Australians. They will have to find something special to stay in the series by winning at Melbourne.

The batting looks good with Rohit Sharma in outstanding form with the bat. He has enjoyed the ball coming on to the bat and has been able to play the shots on the rise which is what his game is based on.

Virat Kohli too is in good form though he has to watch out for the over exuberance in going for the extra run especially when the ball has gone to a fast bowler as fast bowlers invariably have powerful throws back as he found out in Brisbane.

That was an unnecessary loss of a wicket and it disrupted the rhythm of the innings though Ajinkya Rahane came in and played a terrific innings giving lie to those who doubted his ability as a limited-overs batsman. Then he took a superlative catch that gave India the breakthrough but the magnificent batting pitch meant that the Australians were able to stroll to another win.

India need to look at their bowling. Yes the pitches are too good for batting as the bowlers of both teams are finding out but India’s bowlers need to show a bit more discipline and the seamers in particular need to put a lot more thought in their deliveries.

The number of wides in both the games are clearly unacceptable for it shows a lack of concentration.

The white ball does not move that much that there

should be wides down the leg-side and those extra deliveries as well as the runs conceded through them is biting India hard.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground is a huge ground though with modern day cricket with the boundary ropes being well inside the fence does take away a great deal of the protection that bowlers used to get earlier there. Still it will take a really good hit to clear the boundary but there will be plenty of twos and threes taken because of the distance.

Axar Patel has been in tremendous form in the limited overs competitions in India and though he and Jadeja are similar, Patel must be given a game because of his confidence.

India can go with three spinners as Patel will be useful down the order too if needed. India are missing a quality leg-spinner for the long boundaries as well as the extra bounce that Australian pitches have is good for a leg-spinner who is not afraid to toss the ball up.

Piyush Chawla is someone who the selection committee must look at especially when travelling to places like Australia and South Africa. He not only adds variety to the attack but is more than a handy batsman down the order.

It’s a must win game for India and everybody needs to pull together else another one-day series will be lost in Australia. - PMG

C O M M E N TA RY

Obnoxious options for captain Dhoni at The G S ometimes hopeless situations help you discover the insight you never thought you really have had, and you may soon find yourself loaded with the courage to do what seemed until then completely impossible. It was the try, try, try again spider that inspired Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn. We aren’t sure whether MS Dhoni was lucky to have had any chance encounter with even a distant cousin of the proverbial spider, but the Indian captain will require superhuman powers to get his boys to beat back the marauding Australians at the Melbourne Cricket Ground today.

The blessing, if any, of the mess he and the Indian team are in at the moment is that there is

no confusion over the options available for them to try. They need to win the match today to stay alive in the trophy hunt, and to do that Dhoni says he has just two options.

Option No. 1 is about batting first, scoring more runs than they did in the last two games, and then putting pressure on the Australian batsmen who Dhoni hopes will be thinking from the moment they take guard that “we’ll have to score 330-340 runs”.

Option No. 2 is about batting second and successfully chasing a target. You might really like to pat the back of the skipper and whisper “brilliant”, but the sheer size of the MCG puts doubts in your mind about the new recipe for success being dished out by MS.

At 172.90m long and 147.80m wide, and with a capacity in excess of 100,000, the MCG is the largest cricket stadium in the world. Clearing the rope is going to be operose.

The only guy in the current Indian team who is reputed to have the power to hit the ball hard enough for it to travel 80 metres or so without giving a chance for the fielders to stop its journey to the destination is Dhoni. But he

is hopelessly out of form.

Other Indian batsmen, even Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, may find scoring runs in fours perilous and unless they get creative and run harder than they ever did, moving the scoreboard and taking the total to the 330340 mark is going to be an impossible dream in case India bat first.

The Australian fielders in the deep have stronger arms. Kane Richardson’s power throw from the fine leg that beat Kohli in his attempt at a second run, and the weak, wayward throws from the Indian deep fielders in the second ODI, highlight the gloomy gap between the teams in converting singles into twos and twos into threes on bigger grounds.

Chasing could be even more

ticklish for the Indians. The failure of Shikhar Dhawan in both matches put pressure on Rohit and Kohli but, fortunately for India, both of them stayed together long enough to take the total to a comfortable position for the new guys to hit their shots fearlessly.

That Dhoni and the rest failed to play their part is grody, and the bigger concern is the habit of losing wickets in quick succession.

What Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh did at the Gabba was brilliant in terms of approach and attitude. Their timing was not what would have pleased them — at one stage Finch had 34 runs off 62 balls — but they batted calmly and dragged the required run rate down without exposing the new batsmen to a stiffer

target to chase. That’s the point the Indians often miss.

The Indian openers, when they struggle for runs, try to rush things up and ultimately gift their wickets, leaving a harder task for the new guys.

The going at “The G” is tough for India. Inspiration of the proverbial spider kind may not work any magic for Dhoni whether he’s chasing a target or defending a total. Spider-Man-like heroics might.

The writer is a freelance contributor based in India. All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not reflect those of Times of Oman

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

SPORTS Muscat record four-wicket victory over Al Turki NMC

NYDT STAR: Shuaib Ismail, centre, rewarded for his all-round performance. – Supplied photo

Batting first, Al Turki NMC were bowled out for 170 in 49.3 overs. In reply, Muscat batted for 37.4 overs to score 174 for six

MUSCAT: Muscat CT prevailed over Al Turki NMC for a four-wicket victory in a Muscat Pharmacy and Stores-sponsored Premier Division match at the Ministry of Sports Affairs Ground during the morning session on Friday.

Batting first, Al Turki NMC were bowled out for 170 in 49.3 overs. Jayesh Bhat and Twinkle Bhandari top scored with an unbeaten 43 and 32 respectively. Munis Ansari claimed five wickets for Muscat CT. In reply, Muscat batted for 37.4 overs to score 174 for six and claim the bonus point too.

Vaibhav and Swapnil scored 42 runs each. Ajay Lalcheta claimed three scalps for Al Turki.

Brief scores: Al Turki CT 170 in 49.3 overs (Jayesh Bhat 43 n.o.; Munis Ansari 5/18) lost to Muscat CT 174 for 6 in 37.2 overs (Vaibhav 42, Swapnil 42; Ajay Lalcheta 3/30). Points: Muscat CT - 3, Al Turki CT – 0.

NYDT win In a Khimji Ramdas-sponsored A Division match, National Youth Development Team (NYDT) defeated MDC Enhance Eagles by four wickets at the Municipality Ground I during the morning session on Friday.

Batting first, MDC Enhance Eagles scored 236 for nine in 30 overs with Ivan Manjila and Guru

Prasanna scoring with 74 and 48 respectively. Shuaib, Jaspreet and Sufyan claimed three wickets apiece for NYDT. In reply, NYDT scored 238 for six in 28.2 overs. Shuaib Ismail top scored with another an unbeaten 100 while Mohammed smashed an unbeaten 52.

Brief scores: MDC Enhance Eagles 236 for 9 in 30 overs (Ivan Manjila 74; Shuaib Ismail 3/34) lost to NYDT 238 for 6 in 28.2 overs (Shuaib Ismail 100 n.o).

Points: NYDT – 2, MDC Enhance Eagles – 0.

FAP UTSC beat L&T In an Al Ansari Group of Companies-sponsored C Division match, FAP UTSC defeated Larsen & Toubro by 89 runs at the Municipality Ground II during the morning session on Friday.

Batting first, FAP UTSC put on 168 for six of 20 overs. Salim Haider top scored with a handy 52. Arun Mozhi claimed three wickets each for Larsen & Toubro. In reply, Larsen & Toubro were bowled out for 79

FAP UTSC HERO: Salim Haider.

in 15 overs. Mohammed Ali claimed three wickets for FAP UTSC. Brief scores: FAP UTSC 168 for 6 in 20 overs (Salim Haider 52; Arun Mozhi 3/29) bt Larsen & Toubro 79 in 15 overs (Mohammed Ali 3/18). Points: FAP UTSC – 3, L&T - 0.

OCT Seeb beat Design Unit In a B Division match, OCT Seeb defeated cby 64 runs at the Municipality Ground II during the afternoon session on Friday.

Batting first, Seeb put on 158 for eight in 20 overs. Abbas Aziz top scored with 98. Ajeesh claimed five wickets for Design Unit Engineering. OCT Seeb completed their bonus point victory by bowling out their opponents to 94 in 14.4 overs.

Sufyan and Yousuf claimed four and three scalps respectively for Seeb.

Brief scores: OCT Seeb 158 for 8 in 20 overs (Abdul Aziz 98; Ajeesh 5/37) bt Design United Engineering 94 in 14.4 overs (Sufyan Mahmood 4/10, Yousuf Rahim 3/29). Points: OCT Seeb – 3, Design Unit Engineering – 0.

FOOTBALL

Prince Ali asks FIFA to investigate Africa-Asia MoU LONDON: FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan has asked soccer’s world governing body to investigate Friday’s agreement signed between the African and Asian confederations in case it breaches the electoral code.

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa and Confederation of African Football (CAF) counterpart Issa Hayatou signed the ‘co-operation agreement’ in Rwanda, just over a month before the FIFA presidential election in Zurich on February 26.

Sheikh Salman, South African politician and businessman Tokyo Sexwale and Prince Ali are among five candidates standing in the election, with the Jordanian fearing vote deals had been struck between the two confederations who will have a combined 100 votes in the 209 member poll.

“I have always promoted crossregional understanding, however the timing of this MoU between the AFC and the CAF looks like a blatant attempt to engineer a bloc vote,” Prince Ali said in a statement. “Africa’s proud football associations are not for sale and development resources belonging to national football associations should not be used by presidential candidates and confederation presidents for political expediency.

“Questions must be asked: was this deal approved by the members of the executive committees of both the AFC and CAF and is the timing of the announcement, prior to a presidential election, acceptable? Now more than ever, this apparent exploitation of confederation resources shows the world that the actions of individuals must stop bringing FIFA into disrepute.”

Former FIFA official Jerome Champagne and UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino are also standing in next month’s election which will go ahead with

The timing of this MoU between the AFC and the CAF looks like a blatant attempt to engineer a bloc vote Prince Ali

FIFA presidential candidate

FIFA mired in the worst corruption scandal in its history. Criminal investigations are underway in the United States and Switzerland.

FIFA’s own ethics committee has sanctioned a number of officials, the most notable being FIFA president Sepp Blatter and European soccer boss Michel Platini who were both banned for eight years. Both deny wrongdoing.

The 40-year-old Jordanian royal, who was beaten by 133-73 votes by Blatter in the last FIFA presidential election in May, published his election manifesto earlier this month calling for more transparency at FIFA. He said FIFA faces a “catastrophic” future if the wrong man is elected. - Reuters

TELY BOYZ TO ORGANISE U-15 INTER-SCHOOL FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT Tely Boyz will organise an under-15 inter-school football tournament for the Indian schools on January 29 at AhliSidab Ground. The tournament is being organised to mark the Republic Day of India. The teams which have confirmed their participation so far are ISM, ISD, ISWK, ISG, ISAS and ISN. For futher details contact the organisers (95402099/97233354/99009456). — Supplied photo

C

Health LIFESTYLE

SECTION

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

CHILL DRILL Winter is that time of the year when a range of illnesses show up,

making life uncomfortable for many and miserable for some. The best way to go into winter is with some precautions that keep you in good health.

STORY HUBERT VAZ

I

f you thought that winter is a time for just runny noses and heavy chests, there might be many more surprises in store.

While most people face annual respiratory disorders during winter, some people struggle with chronic ailments that only get worse when the mercury dips.

Some common winter ailments include dry and itchy skin, seasonal allergies, chest congestion, and runny noses. People suffering from diseases like arthritis and asthma suffer even more as their symptoms aggravate greatly during winter. However, winter is also a time for many more ailments, including heart attacks, if you do not take the right precautions.

According to Dr Asha Pillai, Internist, Badr Al Samaa Hospital, Ruwi, “during winter in Oman, upper respiratory infections are very common, most of them being viral. I think the maximum number of cases occur during the transition stage from a hot climate to cold climate. A lot of people come with flu, sore throat, chest congestion, and also bacterial infections.”

One of the reasons for the spread of respiratory disorders during winter is the fact that there is a lot of movement of people, a lot of people return from vacations from different countries and with them a lot of infections also come along. One cannot prevent this because people live in close proximity; there is a lot of clustering of people in closed places, supermarkets, schools, playgrounds. However, maintaining good personal hygiene and regularly wash-

COMMON DURING WINTER Heart Attacks Winter is one of the prime seasons for heart attacks. As the temperature falls, the arteries become constricted making it difficult for the heart to pump the blood. Hence, during winter, those above the age of 30 should avoid exhaustive activity. Move your morning walks from chilly mornings to warm afternoons.

Asthma Attacks Asthmatics know that winter is the time for asthma attacks. The cold and dry air leads to tightening of airways and makes it difficult for breathing. Moving to a warmer climate can be helpful, or else try to keep your home smoke free.

Itchy Skin Itchy skin is common during winter. Cold temperatures with low humidity cause winter itches.

The best remedy is to avoid eating oily street food, and apply almond, coconut or olive oil on your skin.

Joint Pains Joint pains get aggravated during winter and one of the best remedies is to keep your feet warm.

Also, wear two or three pairs of thin clothing instead of one pair of heavy warm clothes. Exercising as well as basking in the sun is helpful to rid joint or muscle stiffness.

ing and sanitising hands after frequenting public places can help to a certain extent, she said.

Other common problems during winter include skin problems, especially dry and itchy skin conditions, which need regular moisturising. Joint problems are also common during winter; those suffering from arthritis or arthritic conditions tend to experience more pain and reduced mobility during winter due to stiff joints and muscle pains.

Low vitamin D levels, due to lack of exposure to sunlight, also has a role to play in this.

Among respiratory disorders, those suffering from asthma tend to have more attacks, involving difficulty in breathing, during winter, Dr Asha said asserting that this is because the respiratory airways get constricted due to the cold climate. Respiratory viruses in the air are also potent constrictors of airways and they trigger allergic reactions, too. Also, those suffering from coronary artery disease, as well as depression, tend to experience heightened symptoms during winter, she added.

As a matter of precaution, taking symptomatic medicines or anti-flu shots just before the onset of a change in season can be helpful in sailing through winter without much discomfort, especially for senior citizens or young children who have low immunity levels. Besides this, one needs to maintain good hygiene, consume healthy balanced diets and stay away from closed places and people who have a cold or flu.

—hubert@timesofoman.com

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

FIND-IT-ALL

PRAYER TIMINGS

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SUR The Fifth Wave (Sci-Fi) (PG12) Cast: Chole Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson 5:15, 9:45, 11:45 PM Wazir - (Hindi) (Action | Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Amitabh Bachchan & Farhan Akhtar.

4:45 PM Charlie (Malayalam) (Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Dulquer Salman & Parvathi Menon 7:15 PM The Revenant (Adventure) ( 12+) Cast : Leonardo DiCaprio & Tom Hardy 2:30, 8:40 PM Ride Along 2 (Adventure) ( 15+) Cast : Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumter 2:45, 6:45, 11:30 PM

@AZAIBA

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68 www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI The 5th Wave (2D) (Sci-F) (PG12) CP# Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson 2:45, 7:00, 9:15, 11:30PM The Revenant (2D) ( Drama) (12+) CP# Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy 3:00, 8:45PM Ride Along 2 (2D) (Action) (15+) CP# Cast: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter 5:00, 9:45, 11:45PM The Hateful Eight (2D) (Comedy) (12+) CP# Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell 2:30, 5:45, 11:45PM Suffragette (2D) (History) (12+) CP# Cast: Carey Mulligan, Anne-Marie Duff 7:45PM Norm of the North (2D) (PG12) CP# Voice over: Rob Schneider, Heather Graham 6:00PM MUSCAT GRAND MALL Ride Along 2 (Action | Comedy) 15+ Cast : Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter 12:00, 7:15 & 11:45PM Gold Class - 6:00PM The Fifth Wave (Adventure | Sci-Fi) PG12 Cast : Chloë Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson 2:00, 9:15 & 11:30PM Gold Class - 3:30 & 11:00PM Norm of the North (Animation) PG12 Voice over: Rob Schneider, Heather Graham 11:30AM & 7:00PM The Revenant (Adventure | Thriller) 12+ Cast : Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy 4:15 & 8:45PM Gold Class - 08:00PM The Peanuts Movie - (Animation) PG Voice over:(Noah Schnapp, Bill Melendez 3:15PM The Good Dinosaur-3D (Animation) U 1:15 & 5:00PM

Suffragette (2D) (History) (12+) CP# Cast: Carey Mulligan, Anne-Marie Duff 7:45PM

Chalk N Duster (Drama / Social) – PG Cast: Shabana Aazmi, Juhi Chawla 6.45 PM

PANORAMA MALL Ride Along 2 (Action, Comedy)(2D)(15+) Cast: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter 2:45, 7:45, 9:45, 11:45PM Ride Along 2 (Action) (2D)-VIP LOUNGE 6:00PM The Fifth Wave ( Sci-fi) (2D) (PG12) Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson 2:30, 9:30, 11:45PM The Fifth Wave (Sci-fi)(2D)-VIP LOUNGE 3:30, 11:00PM Norm Of The North (Animation)(2D)(PG12) Voice Overs: Rob Schneider, Heather Graham 2:15, 4:45PM The Hateful of Eight (Drama) (2D)(12+) Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell 4:45, 8:30PM The Revenant (Adventure, Drama) (2D) (12+) Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy 6:30, 11:30PM The Revenant (Adventure, Drama) (2D) (12+)-VIP LOUNGE; 8:00PM Bajirao Mastani (Drama)(2D)(PG12) 5:30PM Daddy’s Home (Comedy)(2D)(12+) Cast: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg 3:45 PM

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

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Destination

Dragon Nest: Warriors’ Dawn - 2D (PG12) Cast – Jiao Xu, Guanlin Ji, Ying Huang 2:45, 4:45PM

AZAIBA Wazir – 2D (PG12) Hindi | Action| Thriller Cast – Amitabh Bacchan, Farhan Akhtar.

2:00, 9:30, 11:15 PM Dilwale – 2D (PG12) Action, Romantic.

Cast – Shahrukh Khan, Kajol.

4:00, 11:20 PM Bajirao Mastani – 2D (PG12) Drama Cast – Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone 3:15, 11:30 PM The Revenant – 2D (12+) Adventure | Drama Cast – Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy.

2:30, 11:45 PM Charlie – 2D (PG12) Comedy/ Romance Cast – Dulquer Salman, Parvathi Menon 12:15, 6:30 PM Thaarai Thappattai (Tamil) – 2D (TBC) Action/ Drama Cast – S Sasikumar, Varalaxmi, Pragathi 12:45, 8:45 PM Nanakku Prematho (Telugu) – 2D (TBC) 12:00, 6:55 PM Ho Mann Jahan (Urdu) – 2D (PG) Drama Cast – Mahira Khan, Sheheryar Munawar 5:30, 8:40PM Dragon Nest: Warriors’ Dawn - 2D (PG12) Cast – Jiao Xu, Guanlin Ji, Ying Huang

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

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

Quriyat Sur Jaalan

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) Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

20:50

Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Sur Sur

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

Fahud Yibal

Daily Daily

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

Daily Daily

Marmul

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Daily Daily Daily Daily

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

08:40 11:00

07:00

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

06:00 14:30

Ruwi Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

11.45 13.30 14.00

STAR CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

Charlie ( Mal) ( Drama\Comedy) Cast : Dulquer Salmaan & Parvathy 6-30 & 9-30 pm Cinema Main, 3-30 PM Cinema -2 Nannaku Prematho (Telugu) (Act | Rom) Cast: J.r NTR & Rakul Preet Singh -30 pm cinema Main \ 6-30 & 9-30 pm Cinema - 2 Soggade Chinninayana (Telugu | Comedy) Cast: Nagarjuna, Ramya Krishna and Lavanya Trirati 3-45 ,6-45 & 9-45 pm Cinema -3 Thaarai Thappayyai (Tamil) (Drama ) Cast : Sasi Kumar & Varalaksmi 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 pm Cinema-4 Next Change : 2 Countries ( Mal) Airlift (Hindi) Programmes are subject to change

0

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SARAH FATHIMA MOHD January 17, 2015

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MITHRAN January 17, 2005

TAYYABA IMRAN January 17

0

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55-80%

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Ride Along 2 (Action / Comedy) Cast: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter 4.00, 8.00, 10.00, & 11.55 PM CP No: 112 (15+) Suffragette (Drama / History) Cast: Carey Mulligan, Anne-Marie Duff, Helena Bonham Carter 2.00, 4.00, 10.00, & 11.55 PM CP No: 113 (12+) Dragon Nest: Warriors’ Dawn (Animation / Adventure / Family) Voice Overs: Jiao Xu, Guanlin Ji, Ying Huang 2.00 , & 6.00 PM CP No : 114 (PG12) Echo Effect (Action / Thriller) Cast: Michael Jai White, Max Ryan, Steve Austin 8.00 PM CP No: 103 (12+) Daddy’s Home (Comedy) Cast: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Linda Cardellini 6.00PM CP No: 3061 (12+)

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DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

Nizwa Ruwi

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

06:00 06:00

SALALAH The Revenant (2D) (12+) (Action|Drama) Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy 11:00AM & 2:25PM Ride Along 2 (2D) (15+) (Action|Comedy) 10:45AM, 2:00, 4:55, 9:55, 11:30PM Suffragette (2D) (12+) (History Biography) 7:00PM The Fifth Wave (2D) (PG12) (Adventure) Cast: Chloe Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson 2:45, 9:30, 11:55PM The Hateful Eight (2D) (12+) (Comedy) Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell 11:30AM, 6:50 & 11:45PM Dilwale (2D) (PG12) (Action |Comedy) 3:55PM Charlie (2D) (12+) (Malayalam) (Comedy) 9:00PM Norm of the North (2D) (PG12) (Animation ) 12:45, 5:20PM Nanakku Prematho (Telugu) (2D) (TBC) Cast: Ntr Jnr, Rakul Preet Singh 6:55PM

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

Daily

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100)

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

10:25

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 12:00 18:45

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

17 25

BURAIMI Ride Along 2– 2D (Action, Comedy) (15+) Cast: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter 5:15, 7:30, 9:30, 11:30PM The Revenant– 2D (Adventure, Drama) (12+) Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy 3:45, 11:00PM The Fifth Wave– 2D (Sci-Fi) (PG12) Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson, Maika Monroe 3:30, 5:30, 9:45, 11:45PM Thaarai Thappattai– 2D (Action) (TBC) Cast: S Sasikumar, Varalaxmi, Pragathi, R K Suresh 7:15PM Wazir – 2D (Action, Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar, Aditi Rao Hydari 3:15, 6:30PM Charlie– 2D (Comedy, Romance) (PG12) 8:30PM

BAHJA CINEMA

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 07:30 14:30

07:00

SOHAR Dilwale - 2D (PG12) Action | Comedy Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan 7:00PM The Revenant - 2D (12+) Adventure | Thriller Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy 2:45, 11:30PM Wazir - 2D (PG12) Action| Thriller Cast: Amitabh Bacchan, Farhan Akhtar 9:55PM The Fifth Wave - 2D (PG12) Adventure Cast : Chloë Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson 2:30, 9:30, 11:45 PM The Hateful Eight - 2D (12+) Comedy Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russel 4:35, 11:00 PM Ride Along 2 - 2D (15+) Action | Comedy 3:00, 7:35, 11:55 PM Suffragette- 2D (12+) Biography | History Cast: Carey Mulligan, Anne-Marie Duff 5:00 PM Nanakku Prematho -2D (Telugu) (TBC) Action Cast: Ntr Jnr, Rakul Preet Singh 8:15 PM Charlie - 2D (M) (PG12) Comedy| Romance Cast: Dulquer Salman, Parvathi Menon 5:45 PM Norm of the North - 2D (PG12) Animation Voice Overs: Rob Schneider, Heather Graham 2:45, 4:30 PM Thaarai Thappattai - 2D (T) (TBC) Action Cast: S Sasikumar, Varalaxmi, Pragathi 8:45 PM Chalk and the Duster - 2D (PG) Drama

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

RUWI Screen 1 Wazir (Action / Thriller) – PG12 Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM Screen 2 Bajirao Mastani (Romance) – PG12 Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh 3.45, 9.45 PM Chalk N Duster (Drama / Social) – PG Cast: Shabana Azmi, Juhi Chawla 6.45 PM Screen 3 Dilwale (Action/Romance) – PG12 Cast: – Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol 3.45, 9.45 Ho Mann Jahan Urdu - (Musical/Drama) Cast: Mahira Khan, Sheheryar Munawar, Adeel Husain (TBC) 6.45 PM

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

2:45, 4:45PM Chalk n’ Duster - 2D (PG) Drama/ Social Cast – Juhi Chawla, Shabana Azmi 6:15, 8:55PM

Cast: Shabana Azmi, Juhi Chawla, Arya Babbar 6:15 PM

WEATHER

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36)

17:30

12.22pm 3.26pm 5.47pm 7.01pm 5.32am

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

CINEMA SCHEDULE

Dept time

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

Daily Daily Daily

Afghanistan Algeria Bahrain Bangladesh Brazil Brunei China Cyprus Egypt France Germany India Indonesia Iran Iraq Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya South Korea Kuwait

24698 791/4 24605 593 24 605 074/133 24 698 660 24640100 24 603533 24 696782 24 699815 24 600 982/411 24681 800 24835000 24684500 2469 1050 24 696 944/7 24603642 24693727 24 601 028 24692760/1/3 24 692418 24 697664 24 691490 24 699628

Lebanon Libya Malaysia Morocco Nepal Netherlands Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tunisia Turkey UAE United Kingdom United States Yemen

24 693208 24603466 24698329/643 24696152/3 24696177 24603706 24603439 24601312 24605335 24 691 153/2/4 24602894 24601705 24694139 24697977 24647300 24691101 24697841/2 24697875 24603267 24697904 24601 174 24 602684/5 24603486 24697050/1/2 24400000 24609000 24643400 24600815

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi Salalah Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya Muscat, A Seeb Market Muscat, Al Khuwair Muscat, Al Hail South Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi 24563641 Azaiba 24499269 Sohar 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Lifeline Hospital Salalah 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC 22004000 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

C7

LIFESTYLE BRIEFS

Have more children to slow down ageing DECODING DOCTOR

Juvenile Diabetes

Exposure to junk food and leading a sedentary lifestyle without much physical activity can cause juvenile diabetes among children, cautions Dr Gopakumar Nirmalan, diabetologist, Al Hayat International Hospital What is juvenile diabetes and who is prone to develop this?

Juvenile diabetes is a hereditary condition where the pancreas does not secrete insulin from birth.

Is this a hereditary disorder that passes down to every subsequent generation?

Yes, most commonly it is hereditary. It can also occur when the pancreas get destroyed as in auto immune diseases or after a viral fe-

sweetened beverages, reducing the sedentary lifestyle with less time spent on the couch with electronic gadgets are important.

ver or when accidentally consuming some poisons. If the parents are both type 1 diabetic, the chances of the child getting diabetes type 1 are high, but not always.

What change in lifestyle is necessary for those with juvenile diabetes?

The lifestyle changes are like any other diabetes patient. As these generally are seen among the younger population, curtailing the junk food, potato fries, carbonated

If the parents are both type 1 diabetic, the chances of the child getting diabetes type 1 are high

MVOE OF THE WEEK

ATOMIC BURPEE

The atomic burpee forces you to engage your total body for a quick fat blast. Lie on your back, with legs straight and arms bent behind the head. Now, do a sit-up but don’t lower yourself back to the ground; instead jump to a standing position. Then, jump down into a push-up position, do one push-up, jump up to a squat, and jump straight up to a standing position. Repeat 10 times.

Do

50-70

burpees to burn off

50-100

calories gained by consuming a medium chocolate bar.

6 BENEFITS

The atomic burpee exercise works for your shoulders, back, chest, abs, butt and legs.

Can this disorder be eliminated totally in adulthood?

No, as of today, this disorder cannot be eliminated totally in adulthood.

Are obese children prone to develop juvenile diabetes?

No, obesity can predispose to type 2 diabetes generally. — Hubert Vaz

Toronto: If you want to live long, don’t shy away from going for more children. According to an interesting study, the number of children born to a woman influences the rate at which her body ages.

The findings showed that women who gave birth to more number of children, exhibited longer telomeres — protective tips found at the end of each DNA strand and indicative of cellular ageing. Longer telomeres are integral to cell replication and are associated with longevity.

The study assessed the number of children born to 75 women from two neighbouring indigenous rural Guatemalan communities and their telomere lengths. The participants’ telomere lengths were measured twice — at 13 years apart — through salivary specimens and buccal swabs. “The findings contradict life history theory which predicts that producing a higher number of offspring accelerates the pace of biological ageing,” said Pablo Nepomnaschy, health sciences professor from Simon Fraser University, in a statement.

“The slower pace of telomere shortening found in the participants who have more children, however, may be attributed to the dramatic increase in estrogen —a hormone produced during pregnancy,” Nepomnaschy added.

New therapy to quickly heal respiratory infections New Delhi: A new therapy that helps in quick healing of colds, bronchitis and several forms of respiratory allergies was launched here on Saturday. In the salt room therapy (SRT), patients are asked to relax in a room with walls thickly lined with salt. Light air is continuously blown into the room, helping the minute salt particles mix in the air which is breathed by the patient. According to doctors, the salt particles after reaching the nose and the respiratory tract remove all debris and bacteria.

They also help in the abatement of bronchial inflammation and strengthening of the immune system that decreases allergic reaction to pollen. Among other benefits of the new therapy, already being used in western countries, are improvement of dermatological disorders such as acne, dermatitis and psoriasis, reduction in snoring. and better sleep. - IANS

C8

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016

LIFESTYLE

Oral hygiene is crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Healthy teeth are part of overall good health, besides making one eat well and look good. Preventive care, from proper brushing and flossing to regular rinsing, helps prevent many dental problems and painful treatments. There are some simple actions that one can take to decrease the risk of developing dental problems, like brushing twice a day, flossing daily, avoiding snacks between meals, and using fluoride-based dental products.

Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree

Mouth-rinses are used to freshen up

Take an 18-inch length of floss, wind it

angle against the gums and brush back and

breath, prevent tooth decay, reduce plaque,

around the middle fingers of each hand

forth gently in short strokes. Brush outer

or prevent gum disease. While cosmetic

and guide it between teeth using a gentle

and inner tooth surfaces, besides chewing

mouth-rinses control bad breath, they don’t

motion. Curve the floss when it touches the

surfaces. Use the tip of the brush to clean the

kill the bacteria that cause bad breath.

gums, into a C shape against each tooth to

inside surfaces of the front teeth. Cleanse

Instead, use a fluoride-based therapeutic

clear particles trapped in between teeth.

the tongue to remove bacteria

mouth-rinse that can help reduce plaque,

Also, hold the floss tightly against the tooth

and freshen up breath.

gingivitis, cavities, and bad breath.

and gently rub the side of the tooth, with an up-and-down motion.

Caution: Stop Smoking and Say No to Alcohol Smoking can cause tooth staining, even mouth cancer, besides worsening gum disease.

Alcoholic drinks can also cause mouth cancer.

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M S U N DAY, JA N UA RY 1 7, 2 0 1 6

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

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VACANCY

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CARGO

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S U N DAY, JA N UA RY 1 7, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

FOR RENT

*Tourist visa arranged

E t &ůĂƚƐ Θ ^ŚŽǁƌŽŽŵƐ ĨŽƌ ZĞŶƚ 1/2/3 BHK Flats & Showrooms at DƵƩ ƌĂŚ͕ ŶĞĂƌ KŵĂŶ Ň ŽƵƌ ŵŝůůƐ͕ ϭϬ ŵŝŶ͘ ĨƌŽŵ ĐŽƌŶŝĐŚĞ͘ ĞƋƵŝƉƉĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ƐƉůŝƚͬ ĐĂƐƐĞƩ Ğ ƵŶŝƚ Ɛ͕ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĞƚ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͕ ĨƌĞĞͲ ƚŽͲĂŝƌ ĚŝƐŚ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƟ ŽŶ͕ ds ŵŽŶŝƚŽƌĞĚ͕ ďĂƐĞŵĞŶƚ ƉĂƌŬŝŶŐ͘ ZĞŶƚ ZK͘ϮϱϬͬϯϱϬͬϰϱϬ ;EĞŐŽƟ ĂďůĞͿ ƉĞƌ ŵŽŶƚŚ͘

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ ϵϵϮϮϵϮϲϯ͖ ϵϯϮϮϭϬϱϰ͖ ϵϱϮϭϱϮϴϵ

FLATS FOR RENT In a Luxury Building in Al Seeb Market Near Police station Call: 99888007 - 99473500 3 Bedroom flat for rent near ONTC Ruwi. Contact: 9965336

2 BHK flat New Bldg for rent in Al Amerat.Contact 99353899

2BHK new bldg for families Al Khuwair 17/2. Contact: 91403136

New deluxe 1,2,4 bedroom villas, flats at Darsait near Indian School and Al Falaj area. Contac: 99369081

3BHK flat for rent in Ghubra.

Contac: 99328070 To let rooms in Qurum.

Contact: 99664703 Store / warehouse for rent 52 sqm at Maabela Sinaiya.

Contact: 92454170 02 BHK Commercial / Residential (with split AC) flat at Honda road.

Contact: 99342733 / 99795241

500 square meters workshop space, ready to use, for vehicle repairs, welding and other small industrial units , Misfah Industrial area block 2 near Baladiyah camp. Contact: 94030814 Villa for rent 4 spacious bath attached bedroom private swimming pool Gymnasium (common) with electrical equipment with free maintenance secured compound at Madinat Al Ilam. Contact: 98027975

02 BHK residential flat opposite to Al Nadha hospital.

Contact : 99342733 /99795241

Flats shops & store for rent in Ruwi MBD Honda road. Contact: 92433127 / 97293708

8 BR Villa Shatti Qurum.

Contact: 99024730

1 & 2 BHK C.B.D & Ruwi.

Contact: 99024730

We have 1 BHK, 2BHK flats in Mabela 7 new building. Contact: 93782735 / 99208033

We have 1BHK / 2BHK flat for rent in Ghubra, Ghala, Azaibah, Bousher & Darsait. #93782735 / 99208033

We have Staff accommodation in Bowshar # 93782735 / 99208033

We 1000 SQM Ware house in Misfa & 2000 SQM open land for rent in Misfa near cement factory.

Contact: 93782735 / 99208033

We have 150 SQM offices in Ghubra main road prime location. Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 2BHK modern & spacious flats with split AC for rent in Qurum near PDO Gate No.2. # 94057023 2BHK flats with split AC available for rent at Al Khuwair 33.

Contact: 94057023 Warehouse for rent in Ghala Industrial use 1000 sqm , 8m height with office & A/C with open area 200 sqm near Al Suqri workshop only R.O 3.5/- sqm. #99360453 Brand new Twin Villas in Mawaleh South 4BR; 2Halls; External Kitchen and Maids room.

Contact: 99414106

Flats shops & store for rent in Ruwi, MBD area & Honda road.

Contact: 92589235/ 94579531 1 BHK near Medical Darsait R.O 170/- . Contact: 95076261

Flats for rent in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99376454

Duplex villa in QURUM 29.

Contact - 94051789-97201688

Flats for rent in Muscat.

Contact: 99262605.

Offices in Ghala. Contact 94051789-97201688

Offices & Showrooms in Al Khoud.

Contact - 94051789-97201688

Brand new villas in Al Ansab.

Contact - 94051789-97201688

House in old Muscat town near Bab Al Mathaib, 5 bedrooms, living room & kitchen.

Contact: 99319829

1BHK Mumtaz R.O 250/-.

Contact: 97799175 / 92144045

Commercial / residential flats in a new building for rent near Muttrah Police Station residential 1BHK / 2BHK more details.

Contact: 99364735 / 95729711

Profs/ Jack. Contact 93219378

2BHK flat for rent Darsait near ISM. Contact: 95158570 / 99102255

2 Room + hall & kitchen ,3 toilets in Bareeq Al Shatti 750 RO. Contact: 99314314

1000 sqm industrial land with compound well & two rooms at Misfah. #99342733/ 99795241

Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35) Contact 9405178997201688

2 BHK Flats for rent Muttrah near Oman house S/ AC. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232

3 BHK flat near Darsait ID medical.

RO 420/- Contact – 99358589 / 97079146 / 95570288 7 Bedrooms villa in Ghobrah North.

Contact - 96420432 Offices & Showrooms in Muttrah.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 Flats in Muttrah. Contact 94051789-97201688 1,2 BHK Ghubra R.O 300/-, 325/- & 350/-. Contact: 97799175

S U N DAY, JA N UA RY 1 7, 2 0 1 6

D3

DAILY GUIDE

FOR RENT

FOR RENT 2BHK, 3 washroom Flat with Split Air Conditioners Near Lulu Darsait CONTACT :

93202733

FOR SALE

BUILDING

FOR SALE MUMTAZ AREA (NEAR RUWI HOTEL)

CONTACT - 99353931

Flat in Khoud near Mazoon Mosque with 3 bedrooms, living room, 3 toilets, RO 250/- with A/C. Contact 95328147 Flat for rent in Wadi Al Kabeer near the Kuwaiti Mosque, for more information. Contact: 99425958 1 bedroom flat at Ruwi Mumtaz area. Contact : 95282986 Apartment for rent in Muscat Sidab beside road ground floor 3 bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms.

Guestroom, Kitchen & hall.

Contact: 99277377 2BHK Sitting room, 3 bathrooms, split AC big balcony 300/- R.O in Wadi Kabeer. Contact: 99324402 Furnished offices in business center behind Al Burj Hotel Ruwi with all facilities included.

Contact: 99331181 Fully furnished deluxe villa behind Khimji Mart Darsait.

Contact: 99331181 1& 2 bedroom apartments available for rent at Ghubra near Grand mall, 6 bedroom villas available for rent Al Mouj (Wave) at Al Hail.

Contact: 99833747 Offices in Qurum opposite City Center. Contact 9405178997201688 Flats in Darsait.

Contact 94051789-97201688 600 SQT commercial flat for rent opposite Oman flourmill Darsait more details. Contact:91214849/ 99364735 One flats for rent 2 bedroom all with bath al Ghobrah north near Indian school (hot burger restaurant) Tel. 9976610 Flat for Rent 1/2 BHK Flat at Muttrah, near Oman flour mills, 10 min. from Corniche.Equipped with split unit ACs, internet points, free-to-air dish connection, CCTV monitored, basement parking.

Rent RO.250/350 per month.

Contact:99229263; 93221054; 95215289 1BHK flat near Star Cinema 220/Contact 99358589 /95570288 Flats in Wadi Kabir. Contact 94051789-97201688 Mini Furnished Apartment in Qurum. Contact: 9405178997201688 Single BHK flat available in Honda road Ruwi.

Contact: 24833972/ 24833974/ 99367448

Beauty Salon for urgent sale in Azaiba prime location behind Al Fardan building. With sponsor and 1 staff and 1 ready visa clearance. Call: 95318629 / 95169411 Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35) Contact -9505680897201688 Used home furniture and household appliances in good condition for sale. (Else 3bhk can be taken for rent along with furnitures.)

Contact: 99738104 Big CoffeeShop for sale at Maebeela South to invest at fast meals and restaurants. Fully equipped with all items. Contact us @ GSM:99377622

MATRIMONIAL

Restaurant & Coffee Shop for sale in Ghala area. For details contact 99072003 / 99299712

ACC. AVAILABLE

A well running coffee shop for sale at Wadi Kabir near KFC. Contact: 92772825 Luxury villa for sale at Al Hail South building area 375m land area 323, 6 rooms, 3 halls, 7 toilets.

Contact 99839898

MV SALE

Restaurant for sale in Dibba.

Contact: 96446640

Tucson Automatic 2007 V – 6, net R.O 1600/-. Contact: 99384640

Villas in Al Khoud. Contact 95056808-97201688

Volks Wagen Tiguan model 2014 For Sale 13,700 KM only (Low Mileage) Excellent Condition.

For enquiry call 95438037

Luxury Apartments in Boucher (35). Contact 9505680897201688 3Ton Forklift, Special made for Oman market, Japanese Isuze C240 Engine, Cascade side shifter, High amount exhaust, 3m lifting height, Solid tyres, One year warranty. Contact: 98883445 Exercise cycle for sale.

Contact – 92847957

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

Toyota Hiace for sale good condition 2010 model.

Contact 94203204 Mitsubishi Lancer 1.3 L, 2006 model, manual transmission, Expat driven. Contact: 99741828 Ford Mondeo 2008, excellent condition. Contact Contact 97094752 Hummer H2 model 2006, 178000 km, Full options Number 1 Army edition.OMR 7200. Contact -99466773 Chaverlet Epica 2004 model RO -700, for sale. Contact 92194205 BMW 318/ 2003 for sale.

Contact 96364990

WANTED IELTS Coaching (academic) required nearby wadi Kabir area. Please call on mobile or msg on Whats up.

Mobile no: 92927880/99012165

FOR HIRE Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299 Low bed Trailer (PDO – SPC) available monthly / daily for Rent.

Contact: 96633970

ACC. AVAILABLE Single bedroom flat behind German Embassy, near Al Nahdha Hospital. Contact 99203954 Semi furnished spacious room with attached washroom separate entrance near Indian school Al Ghobrah for non cooking Executive Indian bachelor.

Contact: 95146361/92657598 Semi furnished separate room for non-cooking Asian bachelor, behind Shell filling station, Ghoubra round about.

Contact: 94263390

Furnished sharing accommodation in ruwi near O.K. Center for non-cooking indian bachelor.

Contact - 98805474 Furnished room & bath Darsait R.O 140/-. Contact: 93289652 Fully furnished bedrooms in a luxury villa at Ansab for Executives / couples.

Contact: 98458542 Furnished room with a/bathroom in Al Khuwair33 for Indian Executive. Call: 95234062 Spacious semi furnished room with separate bathroom for executive bachelor opposite OC centre Ruwi. Call: 92273779 Room available now kitchen bath sharing with lift, dish Wi-Fi near Mars Al Khuwair rent 120/-.

Contact: 95262516 Single room for expat Indian bachelors near Al Aktham restaurant Al khuwair for RO 120.

Water and electricity included.

Contact 98803261

Christian Orthodox girl 24 yrs, BSC MLT working in Government Hospital Thiruvalla, seeking suitable alliance from Orthodox family.

Contact: 99734325 / 99898130 Nair boy 27 years Keralite working in Canada looking for qualified girl. Contact: 99361442 Indian female, 25 yrs, belongs to Christian Orthodox family, B.Sc Nurse presently working in Bangalore – India, looking for appropriate spouse. # 99423483

NRI Plot for sale Shadnagar Municipality, Mahboob Nagar District, walk able distance to existing colonies, national highway and basic amenities at reasonable price.

Contact – 0091 8686631669 For sale 142 cents prime land 7 kms from kozhikodu Medical College Hospital in full or plots bus route and electricity available.

Expected price 2.25 lakhs per cent negotiable. Contact person : Dr. Robins 0091- 9447322230 Jayadas 0091- 9446848957 1100 sqft Property for sale opposite to SPFort Hospital, Trivandrum. Contact 91254791, 91 8893226226

Furnished room in new building for working Muslim lady/ Muslim couple only. Location AINT, Darsait. Contact - 99008069

Plot, propeties for sale in prime location in pune Contact 95272138, (+918390982975)

Room for rent with furniture.

Al Bustan villeage. # 93687466

Kollam byepass 5-10 cent for sale. Contact: 96157394

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S U N DAY, JA N UA RY 1 7, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classiďŹ eds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT dĹ&#x161;Ä&#x17E; Ä¨Ĺ˝ĹŻĹŻĹ˝Ç Ĺ?ĹśĹ? Ć?Ć&#x161;Ä&#x201A;ÄŤ Ĺ?Ć? Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x2039;ĆľĹ?Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x161; Ä?Ç&#x2021; Ä&#x201A; ĹŻÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ä&#x161;Ĺ?ĹśĹ? /ĹśĆ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;ĹśÄ&#x201A;ĹŻ Ä&#x17E;Ć?Ĺ?Ĺ?ĹśÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x152; ŽžĆ&#x2030;Ä&#x201A;ĹśÇ&#x2021; Ĺ?Ĺś DĆľĆ?Ä?Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x161;Í&#x2DC;

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Ĺ&#x161;Ć&#x152;Í&#x2DC;Ĺ?ĹśĆ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;ĹśÄ&#x201A;ĹŻĹ?Ć&#x; Ä&#x17E;Ć?Î&#x203A;Ĺ?ĹľÄ&#x201A;Ĺ?ĹŻÍ&#x2DC;Ä?Žž

WANTED Excellent Grade Construction Company Requires the following.

1. Purchase Executive (Purchase Officer).

2. Camp Boss.

Interested Candidates send CV to below email.

hr.vecancy.muscat@gmail.com

^/dh d/KE s Ed REQUIRED SALES EXECUTIVE for furniture & building material, minimum experience 5 yrs.

Send CV at Email : careeroman@yahoo.com

hZ' Ed Z Yh/Z D Ed

^Ä&#x201A;ĹŻÄ&#x17E;Ć? Î&#x2DC; DÄ&#x201A;Ć&#x152;ĹŹÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x; ĹśĹ? DÄ&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x201A;Ĺ?Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152; &Ĺ˝Ć&#x152; Ä&#x201A; Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x2030;ĆľĆ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x161; /Ä?Ä&#x17E; Ä?Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ĺľ ŽƾĆ&#x161;ĹŻÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x161; Ď­Í&#x2DC; DĹ?ĹśĹ?žƾž ĎŻ Ç&#x2021;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Ć? Ä&#x17E;Ç&#x2020;Ć&#x2030;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ĺ?Ä&#x17E;ĹśÄ?Ä&#x17E; Ĺ?Ĺś Ć?Ä&#x201A;ĹľÄ&#x17E; ÄŽ Ä&#x17E;ĹŻÄ&#x161;Í&#x2DC; ĎŽÍ&#x2DC; 'ŽŽÄ&#x161; Ä?ŽžžƾŜĹ?Ä?Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x; ŽŜ Ć?ĹŹĹ?ĹŻĹŻĆ?Í&#x2DC; ĎŻÍ&#x2DC; EK Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; Ä&#x161;Ć&#x152;Ĺ?Ç&#x20AC;Ĺ?ĹśĹ? ĹŻĹ?Ä?Ä&#x17E;ĹśĆ?Ä&#x17E; Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E; žƾĆ?Ć&#x161;Í&#x2DC; ^Ä&#x17E;ĹśÄ&#x161; s Ç Ĺ?Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161; Ä?ĆľĆ&#x152;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;ĹśĆ&#x161; Ć&#x2030;Ĺ?Ä?Ć&#x161;ĆľĆ&#x152;Ä&#x17E; Î&#x2DC; Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ĩ ŜŽÍ&#x2014; ϭώϭϲ͏Ϗϭ

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ASSISTANT RETAIL MANAGER

Auto Electrician cum A/c Mechanic

t To support GM in developing Muscat based stores t ZFBST QBTU 3FUBJM TUPSF PQFSBUJPOT FYQFSJFODF t 0NBOJ PS &YQBUSJBUF NVTU IBWF /0$ JG NPWJOH KPCT

t 0NBOJ ($$ 7BMJE %SJWJOH -JDFOTF t 5FBN QMBZFS HPPE DPNNVOJDBUPS t 8SJUUFO TQPLFO &OHMJTI

Candidate must have a minimum 2 to 3 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in assembly, installation, maintenance and repairs of automotive refrigeration, air-conditioning systems and chiller units.

Email: recruitment@aflaggroup.com

for Workshop

He should be well conversant in repair and troubleshooting of electrical faults and experienced in using computerized diagnostic systems.

He should be ITI/DME (Auto) qualified.

Interested candidates email cv on

krauto@kr.om or contact on 99440518

URGENTLY REQUIRED A LEADING TRADING AND CONTRACTING COMPANY IS LOOKING FOR AN EFFICIENT

FEMALE SECRETARY

Well reputed Marble Company looking for

3 SALESMEN

WĹŻÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ć?Ä&#x17E; Ć?Ä&#x17E;ĹśÄ&#x161; s Ć&#x161;Ĺ˝ ĹŠĹ˝Ä?Ć?Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x17E;ĹŻĎ´ĎąÎ&#x203A;Ĺ?ĹľÄ&#x201A;Ĺ?ĹŻÍ&#x2DC;Ä?Žž ÍŹ ϾϹϰϭώϹϴϾ

Requires minimum 3 years experience and valid Omani driving license.

Interested candidates please Fax your CV to 24601724 or Email on saab2803@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Tyres company seeking for Sales man, minimum 2-3 years experience. Send CV to saeed@liwainvestments.com

ADMIN ENGINEER/TECH/MECH

DOMESTIC HELP Looking for housemaid urgently clearance available good salary yearly ticket. TEL 24446920 / 99238121, mail: ravi.ztc@omzest.com

Civil Site Supervisor for telecom tower projects across Oman. Send CV to fyjo@spec-link.com or call +968 9946 7227

IT Required male Omani / Filipino, 24 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 35 yrs as IT Coordinator.

Fluent in English, to handle all Web Designing aspects, Mail Campaigns management, Technical Support / Troubleshooting. Contact: 91371231

DRIVER MEDICAL Heavy duty driver with valid Oman Heavy Duty license, with 4 years experience. PDO License holder preferred. Call: 99221683 Driver available with release.

Contact: 93885404 Wanted Driver. Contact: 91025698 Reputed Construction Company require experienced light Vehicle Driver. Contact 95526871

ENGINEER/TECH/MECH Reputed Consultancy office requires a Mechanical Design Engineer with minimum 8 years experience in design of HVAC systems and plumbing services.

Please send your detailed resume to: info@designunitoman.com Urgently Required: Window Aluminum Manager, Window Aluminum Engineer and Window Aluminum Foreman with an experience in Italian Aluminum Doors and Windows, MUST have NOC and immediately join.

Apply, fax 00968â&#x20AC;&#x201C;24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com Urgently required Electrical foreman with driving license. electrician with electrical license for an electrical company in Muscat. Contact 93284291 Crankshaft Grinding Technician, Engine block boring Technician, turner required urgently for immediate appointment. call or whatsapp 98898273 Urgently Required: Senior Quantity Surveyor with an experience in building construction MUST have NOC and immediately join.

Apply, fax 00968â&#x20AC;&#x201C;24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com

Wanted Gynecologist, General Practitioner, Assistant Pharmacist for immediate appointment.

Contact 97884856/ mail CV to â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sarita_h23@yahoo.com A reputed medical complex in Salalah requires to ďŹ ll the following positions, Staff Nurse & Dental doctor with MOH license, dataďŹ&#x201A;ow and NOC. Contact: 92728472 High class Medical Center in Salalah requires good looking Staff Nurses and medical orderlies, excellent English. Interested candidates please send your CV to mdcsalalah@gmail.com Wanted female Staff Nurse with prometric pass/MOH license for a clinic at Musannah. # 99645150 Urgently required PHARMACIST with MOH license or Prometric passed. Attractive Salary with Accommodation. Contact: 97091664.

Email: mmcmuscat@gmail.com Required experienced Dentist with MOH license to manage dental clinic in Muscat.

Email: akdmuscat@hotmail.com Female marketing for medical centre in Al Khuwair with driving license. Contact: 99010755 Email: akdmuscat@hotmail.com Wanted urgently lady Doctor GP or DGO for immediate appointment.

Contact : 99310590 Email: tjmaluke@gmail.com Urgently required Lab Tech & Radiologist for medical Center in ruwi interested candidate kindly send short CV bmdcsg@yahoo.com or cont: 95220350 Required female Nurse with MOH license dental clinic in Al Khuwair.

Contact: 99010755 Email: akdmuscat@hotmail.com

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FAX CV TO 24619102 OR E MAIL; artco@omantel.net.om

A well reputed trading company requires Customs Clearance Incharge (Omani National) for its logistics division with minimum 3 years experience in the same ďŹ eld.

Please Send Your C.V. to: jobsnow2015@yahoo.com

We will also provide training for Omani candidates as per your need like Cashier, Teller, HR, Admin, Sales, Stores, Customer service etc.,

tÄ&#x201A;ĹśĆ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x161; Ä&#x201A; ^Ć&#x161;Ć&#x152;ĆľÄ?Ć&#x161;ĆľĆ&#x152;Ä&#x201A;ĹŻ ^ĆľĆ&#x2030;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ç&#x20AC;Ĺ?Ć?Ĺ˝Ć&#x152;

SALARY ETCâ&#x20AC;Ś.GOOD PACKAGE WIL BE NEGOTIATED FOR THE RIGHT PERSON.

We are looking for Chief Financial Officer, Male 40- 45 years old, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy with 5 - 15 yrs. of experience.

Contact: +968 24702133 Email: admin-dept@daud.om

We have a batch of skilled Omani candidates in Administration, HR, Account & Reception ready to join different companies in a month

For any queries contact us: 26862210, 93677745 & 93677795 Fax: 26861710 email: ojt@aifas.net, www.aifas.net

WITH MINIMUM 5 YEARS EXPERIENCE. SHE SHOULD BE FLUENT IN SPOKEN AND WRITTEN ENGLISH. MUST BE FULLY COVERSANT WITH WORD/EXCEL PROGRAMMES AND BE PLEASANT/PRESENTABLE.

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

FOR COMPANIES SEEKING OMANI EMPLOYEES

MEDICAL

SALES / MARKETING

Urgently required General Practitioners (male), lab technician, Staff Nurse & Receptionist (female, Arabic & English speaking) for a reputed Medical Centre, Salalah.

Email : hrmdimc2010@gmail.com

An excellent grade company requires Sales Executive for their Aluminium division. Min 3 to 5 years GCC experience in the same ďŹ eld with D/L may kindly send CV to info@sunubunited.com or sunubunited@gmail.com

Urgently required Lab Technician with MOH license. Attractive Salary with Accommodation.

Contact: 97091664.

Email: mmcmuscat@gmail.com Wanted Nurse for a Dental centre in capital area. Interested may contact 93431024 or send CV to â&#x20AC;&#x201C; drasyanaseem@gmail.com Wanted GP Doctor with MOH license, job location in Muscat with good salary and beneďŹ ts.

Drop your cv at 0careerhr1972@gmail.com.

MISCELLANEOUS Sales Ladies wanted for Ladies Boutique. Age: 20-35 yrs.

Al Khoudh. Send CV to sameer916@hotmail.com or call 91159905 Urgently required for a reputed company in Oman (Tyre, Battery & Lubricant division) Sr. Executives/Executive-5 nos (Sohar, Nizwa & Muscat), Techno Commercial Professional-5nos, Driver (Omani)-1no. Required minimum 3-5 yrs experience in the same ďŹ eld with market exposure holding valid Omani driving license or GCC. Kindly fwd your CVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to ashwin@taasintl.org Contact: (+968)93891700 Store keeper (any nationality) for multi divisions (house ware, Toys, sports & foodstuff) must have at 4 years of experience in Oman.

Attractive package will be offer to selected candidate. Contact: 00968 92802204 Email us your CVs onto: info@alliusie.com

SALES / MARKETING Salesman require for building material with driving license & 10 years working experience.

Fax your C.V 24833043.

(Mustafa Hardware Store) Wanted Marketing Personnel for acquiring Premium customers for MNC. Should have communication/sales skills and must possess Oman DL. Contact 9654 5020.

Required male Omani, Age: 24 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 35 as Operations Coordinator.

Fluent in English, should closely communicate and follow up Onsite requirement coordination.

Contact 99358667 Urgently required Sales Executive with experience in printing press line with driving license.

Contact: 00968 95948142 Email: al_bpp@yahoo.com Looking for Sales Executive for a ďŹ berglass Company in Oman.

Should have 5 yrs experience in ďŹ ber glass / construction ďŹ eld.

Should have valid driving license.

Email : mfbarka1@omantel.net.om, Contact: 00968 98634898 fax: 26881211 Urgently requires Assistant Marketing Manager & Marketing Executive with experience (preference will be given to Educational / Training exp) and Omani driving License. Mail your CV to: jobs@aifas.net or call 93677795 An excellent Grade company requires Foreman / Supervisor for their false ceiling division. Min 5 to 8 years experience in handling the projects & execution, kindly send CV to hrjobs1679@gmail.com An excellent Grade company requires experience Salesman for indoor and outdoor with Oman driving license. Mail your CV to salesppeoman@gmail.com A leading Trading Group is looking for Sales Executive having experience in construction equipment / building materials with driving license & release / NOC. Email CV to alhajoil@omantel.net. om or fax : 24701683 A Chemical trading Company is looking for Salesmen with diploma certiďŹ cate, 3 years experience, with valid driving license and a car. Send CVs to greatstar@omantel.net.om Looking for a foreign staff has experience in Oman in real estate ďŹ eld. Contact Email: aburashid94dd@gmail.com

Urgently requires Assistant Marketing Manager & Marketing Executive with experience (Preference will be given to Educational / Training exp) and Omani driving License. Mail your CV to: jobs@aifas.net or call 93677795 The Arabian Institute, Al Suwaiq.

SKILLED LABOR Looking for experienced construction laborers as a subcontractor for a villa construction in Mawaleh.

Contact: 96203333 We are looking for a person who is expert in cold room, cold store, duct AC, chiller and other cooling systems. Contact: 96406340 / 99807720 Immediate Requirements for experienced Tailors (Designer wears, casual clothing). Please call for interview 99471085

TOURS/TRAVEL Travel agency in Ruwi urgently requires experienced ticketing staff preferably with IATA qualiďŹ cation. Contact 95595830

SITUATION WANTSIT.WANTED ARCHITECT Architect, Indian Female with 04 years of work experience in Qatar, Oman & India seeking suitable position. Email: shaazneen.s@gmail. com, Contact No: 96635846 Diploma Architect 3Ds Max (interior, exterior) AutoCAD seeking suitable position. # 98907341 Email: susuhu009@gmail.com Architect looking for freelance work in (design plans and 3dmax).

Contact: 96041201

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Part time accountant, up to ďŹ nalization of accounts, looking for job after 5PM (Location prefers â&#x20AC;&#x201C;n MSQ to AL Hail) Contact: 95694737 28/ male MBA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ďŹ nance /B.com â&#x20AC;&#x201C; accountant with 4 years of Dubai / India experience looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 90187483 Email: shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTSIT.WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian male, 28, Post Graduate, 6 years exp. in Oman in Sales and Credit Control , with valid Oman D/L looking for suitable placements.

NOC available. Ph: 9206 6523 Indian Accountant professional with 3 years experience currently on visit visa looking for suitable job openings. Contact: 92390604 Email: sachinkokkatt@gmail.com Indian male 28 MBA & M.Com ďŹ nance 5 yrs exp in Accounts & ďŹ nance. NOC available seeks suitable placement. Contact: 93939421 Email: baleeq.ams@gmail.com Indian male well experienced in Accounts, ERP Tally9 & Admin in India and Oman currently on visit visa looking for a suitable job.

Contact: 94834687 A young CA (ACA & ACCA qualiďŹ ed) with 4 years experience in one of top audit ďŹ rms in UK & KSA seeks suitable placement in Oman.

Contact: Kamran : hkamran112@gmail.com, +44 7480 1196 74, +968 93595050 Indian male MBA ďŹ nance 12 years experience in Oman as Accounts / Admin manger, seeks suitable placement on visit visa. Can join immediately. Contact: 96055815 Email: shaikhussain111@gmail. com Indian male B.Com, MBA with 10 yrs experience (5 yrs in Oman) in accountant receivable, account payable, sales collection, credit control with valid D/L, looking for suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact: 93240480 ACCA with more than 1year experience in an audit ďŹ rm looking for a suitable position in accounts, audit section in a company, having Oman driving license.

Contact: 98428098 Indian male 34, MBA ďŹ nance looking for ďŹ nance / other management jobs in Sohar have 9 years experience (2 yrs in GCC) with valid Oman D/L. Contact: 92887936 Email: shaniyas@gmail.com Indian with more than 30 years experience in construction accounts (Financial and Cost) and administration seek suitable placement (part/full time) in Oman or UAE. Contact.98598099 Indian male, 27 B.Com, +3 years experience in Qatar GCC driving license, interested in Marketing now on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact: 92993512 Senior Accountant presently working as Senior Accountant having 16 years experience in Oman with Oman with Oman D/L looking for new placement, NOC available. Contact: 95060390 Indian male Accountant looking for a suitable placement in Salalah. More than 20 years experience in accounting job (up to the ďŹ nalization of accounts) 8 years working experience in Middle east in Dubai, Muscat & Salalah.

Contact: 91325029

S U N DAY, JA N UA RY 1 7, 2 0 1 6

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ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

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ADMIN

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ Ͳ ϵϴϵϲϴϰϵϱ ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian male good experienced in Accounts, ERP Tally 9 & Admin in India & Oman, presently on visit visa, looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94834687 28/male/MBA - finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement. shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com Contact 90187483 Indian male, Oman 8yrs exp looking for any suitable vacancy for Accountant / Asst . Accountant / Office Admin, local release available. Contact: 98492752 Email: atiquehazique@rediffmail.com Pakistani male B.Com with accounts experience and Oman driving license seeking for suitable placement. Contact: 94756263 8+ yrs exp in Admin & Accounts (3 yrs in Oman) MBA, Indian female, seeks placement. #97243806 Accounts & finance: 32 yrs Indian male (B.Com) having 7 years Oman experience Oman D/L & NOC available, looking for suitable placement.# 98093515 / 97494322 Senior Accountant, well experience & Qualified looking for part time accounting after 4 pm.Contact:91126314 Indian male 31 years, 11+ years experience in Accounts & Payroll looking for a suitable position. Presently working as a Senior Accountant - Payroll in a Oil & Gas company.

NOC available. Contact.95818703 Chartered Accountant - Indian, 9 yrs + Exp (7 yrs in Oman & UAE) in Finance, Accounts & Auditing, seeking suitable position in Muscat/ Dubai, Can Join Immediately, NOC Available , Contact : 98707434 / Email: casmart007@gmail.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT-M. Com Finance-Indian with 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts up to finalization. Currently employed in Oman. Having D/L & NOC. Mob: 94122464, cammk13@gmail.com Indian male 30 B.Com (Accounts) exp 6 yrs in East Africa & 1 yr exp in Oman .NOC available looking for suitable placement. #: 94613626 Email: sharis.shaheer@gmail.com 15 years served Oman LLC SAOG, SAOC Contracting, trading manufacturing company as Finance Commercial Manager looks after finance logistics, procurement, ERP, oracle, tally focus internal control implementation B.Com PGDBM, ICWA (Inter). Contact: 91721545 / 95788723, Email: manojpanda111@hotmail.com Accounting B.Com, 2 years experience in Indian tally ERP9, Peachtree, accounting, QuickBooks accounting SMACC , busy advanced excel PowerPoint E filing of statutory return visit date 24/12/2015 visit exp 23/1/2015 Indian male 37yrs, (M.Com Finance) with 12 yrs experience (9 yrs in Oman) in accounts up to finalization can join immediately having NOC & Oman driving license looking for suitable placement. Contact: 90194907 Email: ke.jinson@gmail.com Male 15yrs experience as Senior Accountant with D/L seeking suitable placement. Contact: 91176085 Email: sahil_70@hotmail.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, with 13yrs experience, 6 yrs Oman in manufacturing, trading & contracting Cos, capable of handling all accounting, finance, banking, L/C, import, export & finalization seeks placement. NOC Available.

Call+968-98932752, mail:jjohnmuscat@hotmail.com Accounts & finance Indian male 35 years B.Com M.B.A (F) 7 years experience valid Oman D/L family visa N.O.C available.

Contact: 93257426 / 95230114 Email: sibigeorgep@gmail.com

'ĞŶĞƌĂů DĂŶĂŐĞƌ ͬ KƉĞƌĂƟ ŽŶƐ ͬ ŽŵŵĞƌĐŝĂů ͬ WƌŽĐƵƌĞŵĞŶƚ DĂŶĂŐĞƌ /ŶĚŝĂŶ ŵĂůĞ ǁŝƚŚ ϭϴ LJĞĂƌƐ ŽĨ edžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ 'ƵůĨ ŽƉĞƌĂƟ ŽŶƐ͕ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚƐ͕ ƉƵƌĐŚĂƐĞ͕ ƐĂůĞƐ͕ ĚŵŝŶ Θ ,Z͕ ůŽŽŬŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ Ă ^ƌ͘ ƉŽƐŝƟ ŽŶ ŝŶ Ă ŵĞĚŝƵŵ ƐŝnjĞ ĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ͘ ŵĂŝů͗ ƐƌũŽďƐŝŶŽŵĂŶΛLJĂŚŽŽ͘ĐŽŵ

CŽŶƚĂĐƚ͗ ϵϵϴϴϵϯϵϲ 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 SENIOR ACCOUNTANT-M. Com Finance-Indian with 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts up to finalization. Currently employed in Oman. Having D/L & NOC. Mob: 94122464, cammk13@gmail.com Part time Accountant with 15 yrs exp. in Accounts Finance, Tax Audit Management.Contact: 95857199 Accounts part time services available to handle all accounts up to finalization, consulting & audit works. Contact: 96247295 Young 24, ACCA affiliate, advanced diploma in Accounting and business, seeking suitable placement in accounts, finance or audit with valid driving license.

Contact: 92430152 Email: rau_dey@yahoo.com Indian lady, bachelor degree in Preparatory Programme (BPP) and Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), completed training course in MS Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook from KTI looking for full time / part time job opportunity in Oman.

Contact 92437568, 96795853, Email: linda_navs@yahoo.com Part-time accounting, tax report, auditing & bank loan assistance.

Contact 91720465

ADMIN Indian female Graduate over 6 years experience in Admin operations business support excellent MS Office skills looking for suitable job. Contact: 94231020 Indian Female MBA, 3 Year experience in Admin MIS, Family Visa.

Contact 98234427, jkjsmith01@gmail.com 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 license, looking for H.R position or P.R.O part time or full time.

Contact: 95933288

14 years of Gulf experience in HR/ Admin & logistics fluent in Arabic & English with D/L looking for suitable position, NOC available. Contact: 95824598 Indian male MBA- UK 18 yrs Gulf exp in Administration/ HR & Public relationship. Fluent in Arabic/ English with D/L. Looking for suitable position. Contact - 99897280 Indian female, Masters in HR, having 4 + years Oman experience in media management and HR, looking for openings in HR, Education, Admin, Corporate communications. Contact 98252030

CATERING Cooks (Arabic Indian) gulf exp looking job. Contact: 99531802

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN Interior designer Indian male with 4 years experience / 3Ds Max, AutoCAD .Now on visit visa seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 94886507 Email: vizhue07@gmail.com 25 years male BA. English , Qualified as mast in digital animation having 5 yrs ex in character animation specialized Auto Desk mago and motion building software knowledge, seeking suitable placement. Contact: 97917357

DOMESTIC HELP Maid from Mumbai looking for house hold work in Al Khuwair only.

Contact: 95896415 Male 26 in looking for Office boy / Receptionist job.

Contact 94640906

DRIVER Experienced Light Duty Driver, Fluent in English, Arabic Well knowledge of Oman Areas Seeking Suitable placement Contact 97950869 Driver 2 years job visa Indian male (31 yrs). Contact: 96525311 Light driver Indian 4 yrs exp in Oman having own car need job.

NOC available. Contact: 93053917

Indian female 33 years M.Com B.ED 2 years Asst Acct in Oman 1 year teaching experience in India, looking for job. Contact: 96283103 / 99719124, Email: thekkutt@gmail.com

Light driver need job exp 4 years English & Arabic speaking.

Contact: 94208089

Indian male Graduate 1 year experience in office Admin, assistance invoicing planning safety etc looking for a suitable job.

Contact 94112207 Email: zidhique@gmail.com

Light duty. Contact: 96995762

Indian Gulf experienced (more than 7 years) as document controller, site administrator, project secretary and site store keeper in construction on visit visa seek suitable placement. Contact 92196001

Light duty driver with 3 yrs exp Pakistani seeks placement.

Contact: 98004139

Pakistani female Graduate plus Post Graduate diploma in logistics 6 years experience in shipping, office administration and customer service. Fluent English and very presentable on visit visa.

Contact: 91528567 Filipino male with 13 years HR and Administration managerial experience. MBA & CIPD holder.

Currently looking for job in Oman.

Interested employer pls call 97728418.

Light driver looking for job.

Contact: 95219183

Driver for suitable job K.S.A 12 years & 4 years in Oman, with release. Contact: 93885404

Bangladeshi male light driver exp 14 years need job and visa transfer, release paper available.

Contact: 99165961 Driver looking for a job. NOC available 95154610 Looking for heavy duty driving job 5 years experiences in G.C.C, with heavy duty license.

Contact: 97474978 Light driver Pakistani male 32 years with valid driving license seeking placement required visa.

Contact: 97106232

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

Driver with new car looking for job.contact: 95873286

Indian female 29 MBA (HR) BSc Oman & India, 3 years exp in Admin & HR seeks suitable placement. Contact: 95619537

Driver (light & heavy duty) valid gulf /Indian) looking job.

Contact: 95175192

Indian female 27 yrs with 5 yrs HR /Admin experience seeking suitable placement with valid Oman driving license. Contact: 98236033

Bangladeshi male 48 yrs, light driver 14 yrs of exp, need job & visa. Contact - 98326656

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

Chemical Engineer MBA holder ITC certified in supply chain management, ERP familiar 5 years experience. Contact: 94690325 Email: phahad.hashim@gmail.com Operating Engineer MBA holder 5 years experience in electroplating and coating of metals. #94690325 Email: phahad.hashim@gmail.com B. Sc Civil Engineer 27 yrs Oman in Ministry private sector as Project Manager, Senior Structure Engineer in consulting office looking for suitable placement, NOC available.

Contact: 99349578 Email: farooqatm@hotmail.com 5 years of experience in Business Analyst & Product Management with Engineering in ECE on visit visa Contact: 91374247 Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact:97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com Procurement Engineer (27 years single male with Oman Driving License) having 7 years experience (UAE 2, Oman 3) with expertise in MEP, Water, Electromechanical, Instrumentation seeking suitable placements. Contact 95852033, mail: hemal1988@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer 4 years experience (3 years HVAC 10 months piping stress) knows more than 10 softwares, Indian Muslim (27) job visa. Contact: 90486758 Email: afsalhyder@gmail.com M.Tech in Manufacturing Engineering with 2 years of experience, on visiting visa looking for a suitable job. Contact: 91417949 Email: dannyrangde@gmail.com Indian male 25 years Mechanical Engineer (2 years experienced) seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 93655805 Mechanical Engineer (UK) 28 years, male having 5 years experience in technical sales and service Engineer, looking for suitable placement and having valid Oman driving license. NOC available immediate avail slit.

Contact: 968 97612297 Email: ymirza11@caledonian.ac.uk BE Mech specialization welding technology 11 yrs quality cont Engineer by Steel Cons EPL Installation desalination plant (Gulf). Contact: 96603299 BE Civil Engr - 5-10 yrs Exp Diploma Civil Engr - 5-7 yrs Exp Civil Foreman - 10-15 yrs Exp All must have valid DL send CV to jnstpmco@gmail.com Mechanic Diesel Engines & Hydraulic, 25 years Experience in Multinational Companies.

M Arshad 91685048 B.Tech Mechanical Engineer fresh Graduate, on visit visa looking for job. Contact:94743373 email: akasharavind1@gmail.com 34 years experience in Oil / Gas automobile Mechanical Engineer, looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 99063574 Omani national, female fresh Graduated in Civil Engineer seeking a position. Contact : 97760811 ELV Sr. Presales Engineer +7 years experience in UAE, Qatar & Oman having valid Oman D/L & NOC. Contact : 93384285 Indian male, Diploma Civil Engineer having 2years experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact:97376450, Email:shanavasshaj@gmail.com Structural steel supervisor / foreman 12 and half yrs Gulf exp fabrication & erection NOC available.

Contact +91 9061761881 / +91 9446149459 Electrical Engineer: Indian male, 30 yrs having 5 yrs of experience in industrial automation & utility maintenance in India (MRF tyres), holding valid Oman D/L. Contact 92789995, email : akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Project Civil Engineer, BSc, 6 years experience in Oman, building construction Fluent Arabic, English and good Hindi Release and NOC Available). Tel: 97858589 Indian male, 25 yrs, Diploma in Hardware & Network Engineering having 4 yrs experience now in Oman, on visit visa seeking suitable placement. Contact 98779754 / 92720311 Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available.

Contact – 96789711 Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912 Mechanical Engineer 6 years Oman experience in projects , maintenance, materials Indian male with Omani D/L seeking suitable job. Contact: 94252769 / 95505471 Email: rami.mech@gmail.com Diploma in Automobile Engg male 26 yrs, working as Service Advisor for 2.5 yrs seeking suitable position. Contact: 94744933 Email: shuhaibmost007@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer M.Tech 2 years experience as HVAC design Engineer, Revit MEP, AutoCAD. Contact: 90150913 Email: rahmanmechengg@yahoo.in Civil Diploma Engineer cum Quantity survey male 6 years experience in Oman valid Oman D/L. Contact: 93747759 Email: jaleelvanimalkp@gmail.com HSE Engineer (BE Mech + Dip in Safety+ NEBOSH + OSHA), 10 yrs exp, NOC Available, seeking suitable placement: Mob: 97061817 email: jayanammu1977@gmail.com Instrument Technician (diploma), Indian male, 24 yrs, 3 yrs experience in reputed oil & gas companies, currently on visit visa, seeks suitable job. Contact: 92007218 Email: ahmed0515@gmail.com Indian, male, MBA with over 10 year Oman experience in MEP / HVAC Procurement and Stores looking for suitable placement.

NOC available. Contact 94048474.

Sudanese Mechanical Engineer 8 years experience HVAC, MEP, MPM in management.

Contact: 97986890 Civil Engineer B.E 12 years experience with valid Oman driving license. Contact: 93843448 Civil Engineer (Diploma) having 11 years experience in building construction, looking for a suitable placement , having Oman driving license. Noc available.

Contact: 95075365 Email: azharraaz@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech) with 2 and half years experience Indian male 24 years in visit visa. Contact: 96620482 / + 91 9605423272 Email: bijumonps@gmail.com Indian male 24, B.Tech Electrical & Electronics Engineering & P.G diploma in automation & Scada with 2 years experience in power transformer & generator testing and maintenance, looking for suitable placement. Contact: 95340253 Email: seanjohnson176@gmail.com Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).

Looking for a Suitable position.

Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa.

Contact: 92835952. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com B.Tech (IT) Indian Male 2 years Oman experience in I.T & Networking, holding Oman Driving License, presently on employment visa, seeks for a suitable placement.

Ready to join immediately. NOC available. Contact: 92462578 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 Civil Engineer 11 years experience in construction having driving license & NOC. Contact: 94194399 Email: shiblyrock@gmail.com Male 29 years (BE) MEP Engineer 8.5 years of experience in building construction. Seeking a suitable job. Contact -95119765/ Email id jayachandranmep@gmail.com NOC available Indian Electrical Engineer Btech, female 24 seeking job, presently in oman having 2 year experience in design and estimation of Ht &Lt projects. Contact 968 97436557, Mail id : sibinanoop1@gmail.com Diploma in Electronics, 2 years exp in telecommunication.

Contact: 94519571 Email: telecommunicationvishnumadhull @gmail.com Senior Telecom Engineer 4 years experience in Oman valid driving license MBA project management.

Contact: 95688953 Email: johan.joy@gmail.com Male (23) BE Electrical Engineer looking for job as Electrical Engineering job experience 6 months in MEP designing & electrical designing job. Contact 98209070 Email: punivinlal@gmail.com Indian female civil engineer B.Tech having 3 years experience sound knowledge of software, REVIT STAD PRO structural detailing currently on family visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 95345591 Civil Engineer diploma holder having 7 years experience of Site Engineer with valid Omani D/L looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 93294965 Email: hamza.nazeer717@gmail.com Civil Engineer (BE) having total 5 years experience in building construction looking for a suitable placement. D/L available Contact# 94450270

Automation Engineer, Graduate Electronics and Communication Engineer with 2 years of experience in programming testing and commissioning, troubleshooting of automation control systems (PLC, SCADA, HMI) . Installation, calibration, operation and maintenance of electrical and equipments. Contact: 94469841 Email: sreeharita.181@gmail.com

Sudanese Architectural Engineer 2 years experience in Oman, Revit, AutoCAD 3Ds max Archicad looking for suitable job. Contact: 94722356 Email: maya40999@hotmail.com

Electrical Engineer (B. Tech) 6 years experience in Oman, expertise in medc/mzec projects, valid oman D/L. Contact : 99281715

Mechanical Engineer M.Tech 2 years experience HVAC design & site Engg revit MEP Auto CAD. Contact: 90150913 Email: mahmanmechengg@yahoo.im

Civil Diploma 5years exp in Oman solid building construction + AutoCAD, holding Omani driving license.

Noc available looking for suitable job. Contact: 99012590 Email: yousaf.engi2010@gmail.com Electrician, have driving license.

Contact: 95600418 B.Tech Civil Eng with 3 years experience in the field of quantity survey skilled in the areas of Primavera, AutoCAD, MX excel.

Contact: 94853061 Email: arunmohan.13990@gmail.com

Diploma in Mechanical Eng piping system in AutoCAD work, 21+ years experience with Driving license. Contact: 95267113 Email: rkakkaryil@gmail.com

Bachelor Civil Engineer 6 Years in Oman experience Valid Driving License seeks suitable placement Phone 97619722 Email – golamrob@yahoo.com Indian Male 23 years B.Tech Civil having 2 years experience in quantity survey and site management looking for suitable placement. Contact:- 95042656 7 Yrs Exp. PM in Mech. Engg in the field of Building Const. Oil & Gas Seeking Job.94625598

D6

S U N DAY, JA N UA RY 1 7, 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 ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

IT

MANAGER

SALES / MARKETING

Civil Engineer 6 yrs Exp in Oman with license. Contact: 98975528

INDIAN MALE - 29 years - (certified Computer hardware & network engineer) with six (6) years experience on VISIT VISA looking for suitable employment in system network administration Contact : Mr. SAJEEV KP, GSM : 94256964 mail ID : saji217@gmail.com

Indian Operations Manager 18 years in Oman accounts, Admin, purchase sales, general operations experience. Contact: 99889396 / 99044724 Email: srjobsinoman@yahoo.com

34 yrs, Indian male 7 years sales & marketing exp have valid D/L. Contact: 99869456

Mechanical Engineer with 3 Yrs experience in international Oil & Gas company looking for job Contacts: Tel: 90164236 Email: mustafaoshi-62@hotmail.com Road and Construction Engineer with 5 years exp in Oman.

Contact: 97667113 Sri Lankan Engineer (27 Years old) – B.Sc Engineering (Hon) Mining / Geotechnical Presently in Muscat, 1.5 years experience.

Contact 91295802 / acmfaslan123@gmail.com Indian female, 31 yrs, 7 yrs experienced as AutoCAD civil draftsman (2 yrs experience in Oman) currently in Oman seeks suitable.

Contact 96789441 Email: simi5304@gmail.com Civil Engineer 6 yrs Exp in Oman with license. Contact: 98975518 Electrical Engineer with 18 years exp in UAE. Contact: 98148034 Email: shassalih66@gmail.com

EDUCATION Indian female, post-graduate in English with ten years’ experience in media and teaching, on visit visa seeks opportunity in media/ teaching. Contact 91447078, e-mail graceserene@Yahoo.com Indian female M.Sc B.Ed Mathematics having 2 years experience in teaching currently on family visa. Contact: 96007081 Email: surocs@gmail.com Indian female B.ED, BCA & IELTS certified with 6 months Oman exp in teaching primary students looking for teacher job.

Contact: 97384206 Email: rani_sweet786@live.com

HOSPITALITY Hospitality/Hotel/ Restaurants Dynamic result oriented hospitality professional with 20 years of international exp. MBA in Hotel Management, specializing in Hotel/Restaurant start ups, concepts & Franchise development with proven records. Seeking for Challenging positions in reputed groups as GM/COO/CEO/Business Head. (NOC available) Contact: 96059470

IT Indian male IT professional, 3 years experience, CCNA, MCITP, RHCE have GCC driving license on visit visa (last date 25th Jan).

Contact: 93311963 Email: sajal035@gmail.com B.C.A IT, System Support Engineer 2 years exp visit visa, Microsoft certification. Contact: 95492886 Email: samips49@gmail.com Indian Male, IT System Engineer having 4 yrs of experience in system administration.CCNA,MCSE, Linux. Looking for suitable job.

Contact :91272867 Indian male 27 yrs Master in Computer applications currently in Muscat with Oman driving L/C seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 93191800 Email: vijilraj60@gmail.com Dynamics AX 2009 / 2012 R2/ R3 Microsoft certified professional MCA & BCA Having 15 yrs of total exp & 6 yrs of relevant exp seeking for suitable position. NOC is available. Contact: 93469493 Email: axcertprof@gmail.com GCC experience projects & business Management professional for IT & ELV systems seeking suitable job. Contact: 93522472 B.E (CSE) Indian male 2 years of experience in System and Network Admin, presently on visit visa, seeks for immediate placement. Contact: 93832694 Email: bailfupp006@gmail.com Omani seeking placement 6 years excellent exp in networking, hardware and software and software.

Contact: 95356166 Indian male 26 years BSC IT with 4 years experience currently on visit visa looking for IT support job knowledge of networking, programming languages, windows / Linux environment. Contact: +968 95369856 / 24781651 Email: mark.tony.alphonso@hotmail.com

Indian male 23 years , 3 years experience in IT as Linux Administrator at Wipro Technologies looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 92889678 Email: amalpathikal@gmail.com 10 years Oman experience ICT Sector, capable of handling large accounts, looking for suitable Senior Executive position.

Contact: 98987654 B.Tech (IT) Indian Male 2 years Oman experience in I.T & Networking, holding Oman Driving License, presently on employment visa, seeks for a suitable placement.

Ready to join immediately.

NOC available. Contact: 92462578

LOGISTICS More than 8 years of gulf experience & qualified executive in Air freight & Sea freight, proven work experience in logistics coordination, shipment, export and import Coordination, cross shipments and client relation etc. Contact: 95149624 / 0097150-3462492

MEDICAL Nurse (male) Indian available with 3 years of experience & cleared prometric 64% & data flow.

Contact: 94035637 Male nurse MOH licensed having NOC completed BLS, ACLS total 6 yrs exp seeking suitable job, join at anytime . Contact : 91322744 Sudanese male, General Practitioner Dentist (BDS), pass OMSLE in December 2015.

Mob : 97429559 / 94144187, email Nazarfakhri@gmail.com An experienced Sudanese female Dentist with MOH license looking for job. Contact: 96436517 /97396088

MANAGER

Indian male 8 yrs exp in Oman working as housekeeping supervisor in star hotel, seeking for a job NOC available. Contact – 91753210

MISCELLANEOUS Indian Female, 24 Years - MSc Biotechnology. Worked in International Crops Research Institute For The Semi Arid Tropics for project work as trainee. Looking for suitable job. Mobile: 92619048, Email: anusreeg1991@gmail.com Female 31, MBA 4 Years of cross culture experience in Insurance Sector seeking a suitable job opportunity Contact Shubha: 97217626/94377477 Shubhanair17@gmail.com Indian female on visit MBA (International Business- Marketing & Logistics), BE (Computers & Science Engg.) Trained in SAP-BI/ BW with 1 year experience seeking for job Contact: 90228586 Email:fathimasha16@gmail.com Indian female with experience in Physiology & logistics, currently as Logistic Coordinator seeks suitable placement. Contact 96400107, Email : amiablesheru@gmail.com Graduate, computer literate, experienced in sales, credit control, accounts, Omani D/L , seeks suitable placement. Gsm 98805474

PROJECTS Indian male 28, MBA, Six Sigma Green Belt with 6 months experience in Operations in Oman. Looking for Suitable Placement With Valid D/L & NOC. Contact 92013737.

Indian male with more than 15 years experience in construction, agriculture, industrial tools, air coolers & personal protective equipments looking for suitable position in sales & marketing valid Oman D/L. Contact: 92406527

25 years Gulf experienced Manager in operations, projects, properties, holding valid Oman driving license, with NOC, looking for suitable opening.

Contact: 91283701

Indian male with more than 14 yrs of experience in Business development / marketing Oman D/L looking for managerial position in Business development / marketing. Contact: 93400177

Purchase MGR / Transport in charge 9 yrs exp in Oman having D/L & NOC join immediately.

Contact: 90187891 Email: mohammedshariff35@gmail.com

MBA graduate having 6 years exp in Sales & Marketing, 4 years with PEPSI, India, having international driving license permit seeks suitable placement. Cont : 95308167, Email : samir.pag@gmail.com

Indian male, with experience in operations management, information security, purchase & stores mgmt, hold UAE driving license, on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact 91904541 Email: naushers@yahoo.com The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: tenders& real estate& construction & marketing projects& investments& transportation & Marine services& companies management& develop business. Contact :- 92385033

Sales & Marketing Executive MBA with 3 years experience in sales looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 91345727.

Indian female (M.Tech in Power system) having Gulf experience seeking suitable placement in Oman, now in family visa.

Contact: 94306164 / 91001194 B.Com male 2 yrs experience in sales Computer knowledge, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 98371144 email: nabilnazar22@gmail.com 30 yr old experienced available with NOC & Oman driving license 6+years experience in chemicals Industry.

Contact: 96675065 15 years experienced Indian seeking suitable job in area purchase, logistics & supply chair.

Contact- 96388496 Email: ranju.uma@gmail.com B.Tech MBA 13 years in sales & service on power tools pumps (Oman license) & NOC available.

Contact: 95321814 Email: manoraj81@gmail.com 5 years experience in Sales currently looking for a placement.

Contact: 93458869 Indian male, MBA Marketing having 2.5 years Sales experience immediately looking for a suitable position. Contact: 91415145, Email: shariqs88@gmail.com

SKILLED / UNSKILLED

Indian male 26, with more than 4 years experience in Sales and Marketing having valid GCC license on visit visa seeks suitable position. Contact: 92423161

MBA (marketing) with 17 years experience in freight forwarding/ logistics industry in GCC & Oman.

Presently working as branch manager in Muscat.

Looking for a suitable position.

Release and NOC available.

Contact: 99856331

25 years experienced Supervisor in plumbing and firefighting available, NOC and driving license.

Contact: 95912720

SALES / MARKETING

The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: construction(Very strong and qualified to bringing business for civil work Or any type of the construction work for many million per year with a good experience in pricing and collect payment and cash management of the company & marketing projects & investments& tenders & real estate.

Contact 92385033

Indian male, MBA Graduate, GCC with valid D/L, currently working as branch Manager in Muscat, 4 yrs Oman experience in Admin & HR Executive trainer, customer service, sale supervising accounting, fluent in Arabic, English, Hindi looking for suitable placement.

Release & NOC available.

Contact 97644108, email : basheervision21st@gmail.com

34 yrs, Indian male 9 yrs experience in Oman have valid D/L 2 Yrs sales & marketing experience.

Contact: 99858456

Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for suitable placement.

Contact : 94879615, Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com

Indian male 29 yrs having 6 years Oman experience in hotel industry & sales looking for a suitable placement. NOC available having Oman driving license. #91059015 Email: nidhin.lal86@gmail.com MBA (logistics and supply chain) 3.5 years freight forwarding experience operations & sales, back office operation Oman, Yemen & UAE. Contact: 92549913 Email: jansunil1989@gmail.com Marketing Communication Coordinator: Indian, M.Com with 20 years Gulf experience in Marketing Communications, ATL& BTL branding exp. with Oman D/L. Contact- 93031168 Purchaser having experience in heavy light vehicle parts for 15 yrs looking for job, Oman with valid D/L, NOC available. Contact 91452832, Mr. Gurunath Executive Post, Omani Driving License, MBA 14 years Experience in Multinational Groups in Sales & Marketing. M.Z. 96220975 Indian male, MBA 25 Yrs, 1 year experience in Auditing and 10 Month in sales, currently on visit visa seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 92054304

Mason, SH / carpenter, steel fitter gulf & Indian exp looking job.

Contact: 95175192 Indian male Senior Safety Officer (NEBOSH) 9 years experience, valid GCC license looking for suitable job .

Contact: 96586672 Email: mrudul.v2008@gmail.com 37 years, Indian male, X- Ray welder 7 years experience, looking for job on visit visa now. Contact: 91360190 / 98223683

TECHNICIAN /MECH. Instrumentation & controls Technician with 2-3 years experience preferably in water sector and having valid driving license call Ph:+968 99450811 Send CV to shiju@spec-link.com

MISCELLANEOUS Indian Male, pursuing ACCA with knowledge in C++, Java looking for accounting job. Contact 94743462.

Email: zabinbashu@gmail.com Indian Male, 26 years, With 7 years of experience in Sales Field in shipping company in “Dubai” , looking for suitable placement. Experienced working in safety Marine equipment and well versed with MS Office.

Contact: 90182494, Manojmallya999@gmail.com Well-qualified Indian Female with 8 years of experience in Procurement Supply Chain from reputed Companies in Oman seeks placement. Contact 91374217 Indian male B.Eng. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3 yrs exp. in IT/ networking/ server, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support.

Contact 92607532 Indian male Autocad draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience seeking for part time job.

Contact : 00968 99070584, Email: remluvp@gmail.com Indian male 32 years dip in hardware net working with 10 years hands on experience currently on visit visa seeking immediate placement in IT Support or relevant jobs. Good knowledge of hardware & Networking.

Contact 94169341 Email: haripulikal@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTED SIT.WANTED Indian female, Diploma in Aviation and Hospitality management (IATA), Having 4 years experience, Seeking for a suitable Job, Contact 99104529.

Indian female accountant, now in Oman on visit visa, looking for suitable placement, Contact 94250871.

Indian female 10 years exp as cook in Oman . South Indian & Gujarati special looking for part-time job. Contact 96710189 Indian female, 27, food technologist (MSc Food Technology), 2years experience in Research and Development -Instant foods, Snack, Noodles, Oats seasonings, Soups, Curry powders. Raw Material Quality Assurance and Analysis, HACCP. Contact -93987174 , email :mayacnair@outlook.com B.Tech (CSIT) 25 years Indian male 3 years experience having excellent communication skills paired with technical skills, VM ware networking, hardware on visit visa looking for suitable positions. Contact: 97641141 Email: wasimakram619@gmail.com PROCUREMENT OFFICER, Indian-Male 34yrs,M.Com with 14 yrs work Exp.( 8 yrs in Oman ) working in Contg & Trdg Co LLC. ( for ROAD,CIVIL,ELECTRO-MECHANICAL & Others Projects ) and having valid LT D/L, Looking for suitable placementM:94064650, Email: nagauae@gmail.com

B.TEC ( IT) . 24 years, 2 Years of experience in technical support, software development, networking, troubleshooting and managing seek suitable placement. Contact GSM- 98184170 Chemical Engineer, 26 years old, indian,2 years of exp in industrial production, valid oman driving license, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 91247222 10 years’ experience in Oman Lady Secretary / Office Assistant worked in reputed companies, seek immediate Employment.

Call: 95244761 MCA (Master of computer applications) with overall 3+ years experience in the field of system administration, networking and sales, Now in visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact- 90390184 Indian male MBA, 8yrs Experienced in South Africa & UAE as a Sales & Purchase Manager, Supporting Manager, Administrative officer in FMCG/consumer goods/ Electrical/Electronics items, looking for a suitable job. Ready to join immediately. Contact +91 7034084039, +91 9947636840, jnairvishnu@gmail.com 54 years Indian male with 25yrs of experience in Accounts & Finance up to finalisation in Construction Oil & Gas and also in Manufacturing industries seeking suitable placement.

Kindly contact me on 95323316 , email:rengan15@yahoo.com

S U N DAY, JA N UA RY 1 7, 2 0 1 6

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

TOURS

TOURS

WANTSITUATION WANT- SITUATION TOURS SIT.WANTED ED Part time Accountant available, well experienced in accounting up to finalization. knowledge in tally also. contact. 92643875 Indian male 25 years (Electrical Engineer) 3 years working experience in MNC company India, currently on visit visa seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 94864680 Email: m.mohamedazik@gmail.com ACCA Affiliate, Indian male, Fresher, looking for full time employment in Accounting and Finance, Valid Omani driving license. # +968 91291520, shahidazeez5@gmail.com

RENT A CAR

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

TRANSPORTATION

DRIVING

Transportation.Contact: 99099714 Transportation Al Khuwair.

Contact: 92711421 Pick and drop. Contact: 96692774

Indian Male Diploma + MBA in Project Management with 7+ years of experience in Construction company oman as a maintenance supervisor cum site In charge. Having valid Omani D/L seeking suitable position. Contact: 90318757 Female, 5 years experienced Oman as Senior Accountant. skills : ERP9, MS OFFICE, SAGE, ACCPAC. Contact # 95483804 / 9986 8330. email : sararowshan344@gmail.com Indian, male-28 yrs, E & I Engineering Diploma (3 years), 7 years exp.(India, Oman, KSA) in electrical and instrumentation with driving license, looking suitable job #91051803

Transportation. Contact99542393 Transportation. Contact: 91310107

GOOD NEWS

Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909 Transportation. Contact 99508282 Transportation. Contact:99664703 Transportation. Contact 96173326 Transportation. Contact 94510847

Al Sharouq rent a car. Contact: 99222617 Silver car, car rental at good rate.

Contact: 96166155/93530540

Transportation Contact:99077395 Transportation taxi mini bus.

Contact: 93091106

25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver. # 99839898

FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 99250777, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit:www.islamfact.com Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

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S U N DAY, JA N UA RY 1 7, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED EDUCATION/CLASSES/TRAINING/COMPUTER/WEBSITE Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi earn in two months

tion guaranteed

Tel: 95244310

IELTS PREPARATION Target Band 8.0

Classes for Spoken English TOEFL / GRE / GMAT / SAT Excellent Guidance and Coaching Satisfaction Guaranteed EAGLES INSTITUTE 92325542 | 93657915 | 93657917 | Email: engominst@gmail.com

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 WANTBUSINESS ED

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MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble.Contact 24793614/ 99314807 House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 A/C maintenance & servicing, fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, painting & cleaning services, electrical & plumbing. Contact: 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281 We are providing services like Accounts, Auditing, Tax Reports, Feasibility Study, Bank Loan Assistance & L L C Registration ASAS AUDIT & CONSULTANCY Contact at 91720465/94319719

We provide loading unloading helper for contracting.

Contact: 94777137 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

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 Split & window A/c servicing & maintenance. Contact: 93769089 / 95323517 Pest Control Treatments.

Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723

Canadian Consultancy company (recruitment & immigration) is looking for a partner company in Oman.

For contact 00973 39990830 eurogulf.ca@gmail.com, Low firm office in Shatti Al Qurum looking for an Indian legal advisor has got 5 years experience in Oman and good contacts with the big companies and banks in Oman.

Email: rahbi.lawyers@gmail.com

Cleaning & Carpet Shampooing, Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723 House shifting. Contact: 99657644/98518013 Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 / 94285064

SITUATION SERVICES Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance.

Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price. Contact: http//webviewoman