Times of Oman - August 17, 2016

WEDNESDAY August 17, 2016 13 Dhul Qa’ada 1437 AH

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FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

On the occasion of the 12th National Day, 1982

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ We have stressed on many occasions the necessity to diversify and broaden our national economic base so as to reduce our dependence on oil revenues by exploiting the rich variety of resources with which God has blessed our country.

Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. 149 | 36 Pages . Baisas 200 . Subscription OMR63 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company | Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali | Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group

CHIT FUND

Fund manager goes missing, investors lose OMR15,000 REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Around 25 expatriates in Muscat claim they have lost at least OMR15,000 from a chit fund (personal savings scheme) as the man running the fund has gone missing.

According to investors, the administrator has been missing since August 8 and they can’t get answers to where their collective savings of OMR15,000 are.

A chit fund is an agreement where a set number of people contribute a sum of money with one member of the group receiving the total amount collected at a set time.

It is widely used in India as a means of easy credit.

“I lost OMR1,000. Many others have also suffered a loss of similar amount,” one of the victims said. >A6

KING SALMAN

‘GIVE US YOUR GRATUITY FOR AN NOC’

His Majesty receives thanks cable from Saudi MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received a cable of thanks from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in reply to His Majesty the Sultan’s condolences cable on the death of Princess Noura bint Mossa’ed bin Abdulrahman Al Saud In his cable, King Salman expressed his thanks for His Majesty the Sultan’s noble feelings and sincere prayers, praying to Allah the Almighty to rest the deceased’s soul in peace and protect His Majesty against all harms. -ONA CABLE

HM sends greetings to Indonesia Photo by Purushothaman Kunnummal/TIMES OF OMAN

REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com

Expatriate workers are reporting that bosses are asking for MORNING MINUTE

a cut in final benefits in return for a No

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

Objection Certificate

MUSCAT: A disturbing new trend of expat workers being forced to give up their end of service payments in return for NoObjection Certificates(NOC) has come to light in Oman.

Legal advisors have confirmed that private sector bosses are using NOCs to avoid paying employees who leave the company.

A senior advisor to the Minis-

OMAN

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FAHAD AL GHADANI

fahadnews@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A knife-wielding man wanted in connection with an unprovoked stabbing attack in Muttrah Souq has been arrested, according to Royal Oman Police.

An expat worker was stabbed twice on Sunday and ROP officers

REGION

Russia uses Iran base for air strikes in Syria

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Russia used Iran as a base from which to launch air strikes against Syrian militants for the first time on Tuesday, widening its air campaign in Syria and deepening its involvement in the Middle East. Long-range Russian Tupolev-22M3 bombers and Sukhoi-34 fighter bombers used Iran’s Hamadan air base to strike a range of targets in Syria. >A7

Ministry honours top rankers

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D H O FA R

Four dead in 2 road accidents

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Oman’s two cement producers — Oman Cement Company and Raysut Cement Company — are planning to build a new cement plant in joint venture within the Duqm Special Economic Zone, both companies said in separate disclosures on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM).

Following the news, Oman Cement shares surged. >B1

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of congratulations to President Joko Widodo of the Republic of Indonesia on the occasion of his country’s Independence Anniversary.

In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere congratulations along with his best wishes of good health and happiness to President Widodo and the friendly Indonesian people further progress and growth. -ONA

Stabbing case accused held

Drivers in Muscat will soon be able to pay for car parking through new meters, which have been installed in the capital since last year, an official at the Muscat Municipality revealed.

Justifying the delay in activating the parking meters, a Muscat Municipality official said, “The municipality had to wait until the new fee and fines are cleared by the municipality.” >A3

Cement firms plan joint venture in Duqm

Switching jobs Currently, an expatriate worker can switch jobs in the Sultanate only if his/her employer agrees to grant the no-objection letter. Without it, the law prevents

the expatriate from returning to Oman to work for a two-year period.

“Recently, three such cases came to us. They were looking for legal options. However, finally, as they didn’t want to spoil the chances of getting an NOC, they agreed with the employer to give up their gratuity,” one legal advisor said. Another advisor said that an expatriate employer gave up his OMR12, 000 gratuity to get the NOC. >A6

MUTTRAH SOUQ

Parking through new meters soon

MARKET

try of Manpower has warned that companies doing this are breaking Oman’s employment law.

The NOC is a vital document for anyone who wishes to leave one employer to work elsewhere within Oman.

FAHAD AL GHADANI

fahadnews@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Four people died – including a mother and her son – and 10 others were injured in two separate traffic accidents in Thumrait, Dhofar, according to a reliable source at Royal Oman Police (ROP).

The first accident took place at 11:40am after a vehicle carrying 10 family members careered out of control. A mother and her son died and the other eight family members suffered medium to serious injuries.

They were transferred to a

local health centre before being moved to Sultan Qaboos Hospital in Salalah.

The second crash, less than two hours later and 10 kilometres away on the same road, led to the death of two people from the United Arab Emirates.

Two Omanis also suffered injuries in the crash.

The injured were also transferred to Sultan Qaboos Hospital in Salalah. Last Friday, five nationals died in a road crash involving three vehicles in Adam. Five lost their lives and six were admitted to hospital with injuries.

have confirmed that a suspect was arrested on Tuesday, according to a reliable source at Royal Oman Police. Police say they are now awaiting medical examination of the accused. The police investigation confirmed that the cause of the stabbing was not planned and there was no robbery attempt suspected. The expat of Asian origin

was stabbed in the Muttrah Souq area and he walked into Muttrah police station to report the incident. The victim has been transferred to Khoula Hospital and is badly wounded.

The victim works in an Abaya shop in Muttrah Souq. He was stabbed with a weapon in the chest and the right shoulder.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

OMAN

Warnings go unheeded as people swim in springs during Khareef Police and the Dhofar municipality have continuously warned people against swimming in the sea and some springs during the Khareef (monsoon) season, but people are still being spotted at such locations, putting their lives at risk

Times News Service MUSCAT: Tourists are continuing to sneak to springs through the mountains in Dhofar despite the police shutdown of roads leading to the popular Al Kor spring.

Police and the Dhofar municipality have continuously warned people against swimming in the sea and some springs during the Khareef (monsoon) season, but people are still being spotted at such locations, putting their lives at risk.

The Ministry of Tourism had closed the Al Kor spring due to its high water level, which can pose a major threat to tourists.

But violations have also been

reported at the Sahalnut and Razat springs. At the Razat spring, the government has installed signboards warning people about snails in the water and that they carry schistosomiasis, a disease that leads to chronic ill health.

In 2013, 292 drowning cases were reported in the Sultanate, 150 in 2014 and 113 last year, according to latest figures released by the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA).

On August 6, rescue teams had

found the body of a man, who had gone missing in the Al Kor spring near Raysut.

Following the incident, PACDA had recalled all visitors to Dhofar to adhere to safety instructions and urged them not to risk swimming in prohibited places for their own safety.

But warnings were not exclusively issued to tourists visiting springs. The Royal Oman Police (ROP) had also urged beachgoers to avoid swimming in the sea during the monsoon season.

“Don’t put yourself at the risk of drowning if you can’t swim,” ROP tweeted on Tuesday.

Swimming can be dangerous during the Khareef season due to strong currents and high waves that can be witnessed at all times and in all coastal areas in Dhofar, the police noted.

ROP had also urged beachgoers to keep an eye on their children and prevent them from going near the sea.

RISKY BEHAVIOUR: The Ministry of Tourism had closed the Al Kor spring due to its high water level, which can pose a major threat to tourists. But violations have also been reported at the Sahalnut and Razat springs.

I N D I A N I N D E P E N D E N C E D AY

Glowing tributes to Indian freedom fighters at Salalah school Times News Service SALALAH: Indian School Salalah (ISS) celebrated India’s 70th Independence Day on the school premises to pay tribute and remember all the freedom fighters who contributed a lot and fought for the independence of India.

The celebration began with a prayer song seeking the blessing of the Almighty, which was followed by a welcome address delivered by Saman of Class 8.

Chief guests C. M. Najeeb and his wife were welcomed with a bouquet of flowers. S. Ram Santhanam, the president of the School Management Committee (SMC), esteemed members of the SMC, parent task force members, former members of SMC, Manpreet Singh, chairman, Indian Social Club, and the executive members of the Indian Social Club graced the occasion with their presence.

Chief guest Najeeb, the vice chairman, Board of Directors of Indian Schools in Oman and director in-charge of Indian School

CELEBRATION: The celebration began with a prayer song seeking the blessing of the Almighty, which was followed by a welcome address delivered by Saman of Class 8. – Supplied photo

Salalah, and Santhanam were escorted by Principal T.R. Brown to hoist the National Flag in the KG Block ground, which was followed by the singing of the National Anthem.

A salute of honour was delivered by the scouts and guides unit of In-

dian School Salalah.

This filled the heart of everyone with true patriotic spirit and pride.

The choir group of Class 8 filled the air with their melodious and powerful singing, which drenched every in the colours of patriotism. The students of the primary

section performed an enthralling mime, giving the message of brotherhood and peace.

Sara Shahab of Class 8 and Pavitra Manoj, along with Sandrine Sara, delivered their speeches in Hindi and in English respectively, on the auspicious occasion.

In their speeches, they glorified India and paid tribute to the freedom fighters and emphasised on peace and harmony among the nations and within the country.

The entertainment segment included songs and skits performed by the primary and middle school

GENDER EQUALITY

E-LIFE STYLE PROJECT

Handicrafts firms get social media utilisation training

Times News Service MUSCAT: Dozens of Omani craftspeople have been taught social media marketing skills in an effort to improve handicraft sales and exposure in the country.

A training programme organised by the Information Tech-

students. Patriotic songs and skits based on the importance of unity among people were well received and appreciated. The students danced to patriotic songs, making the day vibrant.

Awards were also given away to the students who excelled in the SAI group inter-school poster and essay competition by the chief guest. ISS was the venue in the Dhofar region for organising the SAI poster and essay competition and Principal Brown was honoured with a memento for organising the event.

Chris Anto of Class 10 bagged the Global Energy award for the Oman chapter on the project entitled “Heal the World” started by the Energy Globe Foundation and was honoured by the chief guest with the award.

The Energy Globe Foundation also awarded ISS with a certificate of appreciation for creating good environmental awareness and Principal Brown was awarded a certificate of appreciation by the chief guest.

nology Authority targeted 81 handicrafts makers from Sohar, Manah, and Sinawand Smail.

Increasing efficiency The programme was aimed at increasing the efficiency of handicraftsmen in using social media networks to promote

their products, reaching out to a large number of customers locally and regionally. It was also aimed at encouraging promoting and showcasing Omani handicrafts. The training programme is part of the e-Life Style project and the handicraftsmen support programme.

Ministry to take part in Beirut meeting MUSCAT: Ministry of Social Development represented by the Directorate General of Family Development will participate today in a workshop on building the capacities of the members of the United National Economic and Social Committee for West Asia (UN ESCWA).

The sub-committee has been tasked with gender equality within the ESCWA sustainable development plan 2030 .

The workshop is scheduled in the Lebanese capital of Beirut .

The two-day workshop aims to build capacities of the members of the team assigned with incorporating the causes of both genders for achieving the objectives of the sustainable development plan 2030. —ONA

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

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

-OK Mohammed Ali/TIMES OF OMAN

New car parking meters to be activated soon Activation of the new meters, which were installed last year, was put on hold because the municipality had to wait until the new fee and fines got required approvals

FAHAD AL GHADANI

fahadnews@times of oman.com MUSCAT: Drivers in Muscat will soon be able to pay for car parking through new meters, which have been installed in the capital since last year, an official at the Muscat Municipality revealed.

Justifying the delay in activating the parking meters, Said Al Rawahi, director assistant of Income at Muscat Municipality said, “The municipality had to wait until the new fee and fines are cleared by the municipality so meters won’t be required to go through the programming process again.”

“The meters are already installed in some areas in Muscat and will be activated soon,” he added.

Al Rawahi explained that the SCULPTURE

Oman takes part in global arts meeting

The event which commenced yesterday would continue until September 4. -ONA

BEIJING: Omani Society for Fine Arts (OSFA) is taking part in the 8th session of an international sculpture meeting being held in China.

The event which commenced yesterday would continue until September 4.

Ahmed Mahdi Ja’aboub from OSFA branch in Dhofar Governorate and Khulood bint Khalfan Al Shuaibi from the Head Office of OSFA in Muscat are representing OSFA in the event.

The activities of the event would also comprise display of sculptures pieces and visits to a number of exhibitions and museums in China.

Maryam bint Mohammed Al Zedjali, OSFA Director said that the OSFA participation in the event comes as part of the objectives of the OSFA in terms of communication and cooperation between the Sultanate and other countries in the field of fine arts and for the support of Omani artists. -ONA

meters were installed some time ago. However, the municipality was waiting for the local order, which imposed new fees and fines on metered public parking to be issued and then activate the new meters. “The municipality will have to employ a number of meter supervisors to control the areas where new meters have been installed,” said Al Rawahi.

New facilities He added that the new meters will have new facilities, allowing motorists to pay their fees using banknotes and prepaid cards that will be issued by the Muscat Municipality.

The new meters have been installed in Ghubra, Al Khuwair, Al Khoudh and A’Seeb, according to Al Rawahi.

The municipality had recently issued a new order to impose harsher fines on drivers who occupy two parking lots to park one vehicle.

According to law, such violators will be fined OMR10 while those occupying a parking lot reserved for disabled motorists will have to pay OMR20. Some of the fines reach up to OMR500.

“Those leaving their car in a parking lot reserved for ambulance parking will have to pay OMR100 and those who leave their vehicles for sale or for advertising purposes in public parking areas and sidewalks will also be slapped with a fine of OMR500,” the order stated.

However, the order excludes ambulances, police patrols, civil defence vehicles, municipality vehicles and government vehicles approved by the municipality.

The order was issued by Mohsen bin Mohammed bin Ali Al Shaikh, chairman of the Muscat Municipality, and also said motorists will have to pay 200 baisas as parking fee for every hour and those interested in booking the parking lot for the whole month will have to pay OMR50, while an OMR15 fee will be charged for a private parking permit.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

OMAN EVENT

Students learn ‘green’ lessons at summer art workshop

Times News Service MUSCAT: Muscat Municipality celebrated on Tuesday the closing ceremony of the 10th Summer Centre in Bait Al Baranda, which was organised between July 31 and August 7 under the slogan “Become Green.”

The ceremony was held under

the patronage of Jamil bin Ali bin Sultan, a board member of the WJ Towell Group, in the presence of the children’s parents.

Exhibition halls at the centre housed a large number of diverse art works made by 135 students, who trained for different activities during the past two weeks, including attending workshops on elec-

tronics, Origami art and drawing on wood.

Environment preservation The Summer Centre aimed to encourage the preservation of environment and recycle raw materials.

Karim Al Rawahi, a visual artist who coached children in the

wood drawing workshop, said such training is new to Oman, as the craft is often practiced by seniors and experienced artists in the field of sculpture.

His workshop was inspired by Islamic architecture.

The sponsor of the event honoured all the children and teachers and handed over prizes.

Team to monitor preparation of schools for new academic year The ministerial decision regarding the formation of a team to monitor preparations for the 2016-2017 academic year, will see the team coordinate with all directorates of education in the governorates and responsible authorities in the ministry to ensure that all provisions for the new academic year are complete

Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shibaniyah, Minister of Education plans to visit new schools across the Muscat Governorate

Times News Service

Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shibaniyah, Minister of Education

MUSCAT: A new ministerial decision issued by Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shibaniyah, Minister of Education, will help schools be better prepared for the new academic year as the minister plans to visit new schools across

the Muscat Governorate.

The ministerial decision regarding the formation of a team to monitor preparations for the 2016-2017 academic year, will see the team coordinate with all

directorates of education in the governorates and responsible authorities in the ministry to ensure that all provisions for the new academic year are complete.

The decision also stated that if

M U R I YA I N I T I AT I V E

there are any difficulties the team must provide a solution and inform the authorities at the ministry and directorates of education, especially if the problem is regarding furniture for students and

teachers, as well as the school’s ability to provide books, teaching manuals, equipment and lab preparations, and an appropriate number of buses for transportation and so on.

Meanwhile, new schools have been constructed as preparations are underway for the 2016-2017 academic year. The minister plans to inspect the new facilities at these schools, if they have a playground, elevators, chemistry labs equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and IT labs.

The new schools are Mahamed School for Basic Education (for classes 1 to 4), which consists of 30 classrooms, the Jawharat Muscat School for Basic Education (for classes 11 and 12) for girls, which contains 26 classrooms. The schools are located in South Al Mawaleh and Seeb, respectively.

Other new schools are the Rouwad Al Oula for Basic Education (for classes 1 to 4) and the Ubaida bint Muslim School for Basic Education (for classes 5 to 9), which contain 24 and 20 classrooms, respectively, and are both located in the Wilayat Amerat.

ECONOMY

Insurance sector feeling the pinch of economic downturn MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON

mobinmathew@timesofoman.com

PICKING UP NEW SKILLS: Muriya sponsored 15 tour guides in the governorate of Dhofar who successfully completed a German language training course conducted by the Goethe Institut.

–Supplied photo

Omani tour guides learn German language to cater to rising number of tourists Times News Service SALALAH: Omani tour guides in Salalah will now be able to lead German speaking tourists and tell them stories about Oman, thanks to the efforts of Muriya, which sponsored 15 tour guides who successfully completed a German language training course in the governorate of Dhofar.

To support the Ministry of Tourism’s efforts to create employment opportunities andempower local SMEs, Muriya supported the training, which was conducted by the Goethe Institut.

The tour guides will now be able to tell the story of Oman to the growing number of tourists arriving from Germany and German-speaking countries, along with offering the many hospitality options available at Muriya’s Salalah Beach destination in the Governorate of Dhofar.

“While most Omani tour guides communicate with tourists in English, the Sultanate is quickly becoming a popular destination for visitors from non-English speaking countries.

“Last year alone, Salalah Beach destination attracted over 25,000 German tourists.

Rapid increase “We started bringing German tourists to the Governorate of Dhofar in 2012, and their numbers have rapidly increased, given the world-class hospitality available in the governorate. At the end of the day, our tour guides are the face of Oman and are entrusted with the responsibility to enhance the overall visitor experience,” said Issam Al Barwani, Muriya Vice President of Government Affairs.

Over the years, Muriya has helped support and develop Om-

ani talent, and this programme was directly inspired by its CSR initiative ‘Maharati’, which seeks to build local capacities through training programmes. Over the years, the company’s dedication to the community has led to the creation of close to 1,000 jobs across its projects.

“We offered the training course to break the language barrier in tourism. We know that Omanis are the best people to talk about Oman, share its rich heritage and enhance inter-cultural communication. We also wanted to increasethe abilities of Omani talent, as well as open more doors for tour guides within the growing tourism and hospitality sectors,” al Barwani added.

The graduation ceremony was held under the patronage of Her Excellency Maitha Saif Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism.

MUSCAT: Current economic slowdown has affected the insurance sector in Oman, confirmed one of the senior officials of a leading insurance firm.

“Insurance sector is directly linked to the nation’s economy and it is not immune to any financial slowdown; any deviation or movement in the economic situation will have a direct impact,” Philip K Philip, group CEO of the Muscat Insurance Company and Muscat Life Assurance Company told the Times of Oman.

Like any other class of insurance, motor or vehicle insurance has got the major hit in the current economic slowdown, according to Philip.

Fallen dramatically “Around 40 per cent of the market premium is from motor insurance and the growth of the automobile industry has fallen dramatically,” Philip said.

“Earlier the growth of motor industry on a yearly basis was in a double digit numbers, but now it has reduced to a single digit number; if there are no new vehicles coming in, the growth of the vehicle insurance is also affected,” he added.

He also confirmed that the business in engineering insurance is also witnessing a slump these days.

“Lack of construction projects because of any reason has an impact on engineering related insurance,” Philip said.

“Due to reduced construction activities, import of construction materials gets reduced which adversely affects related marine insurance,” he added.

Speaking about the life and health insurance, Philip said, “of late we have seen redundancies in the construction industry. So the insurance requirement for the em-

Insurance sector is directly linked to the nation’s economy and it is not immune to any financial slowdown; any deviation or movement in the economic situation will have a direct impact Philip K Philip, CEO of Muscat Insurance Company and Muscat Life Assurance Company ployees such as the health and life insurance has also been affected.”

“Similarly reduction in population affects local consumption which in turn affects the import and its related insurance,” he added.

Corroboration An official of another insurance firm, who preferred not to be named, also confirmed that the business has been affected by the current slowdown.

“Market is continuously being soft which means the rates are going down and the demand is comparatively less; we are not getting that much buyers now a days,” he said.

Companies are following a trend of renewing the medical insurance of their employees at lesser benefit, according to the official.

“We have seen a trend of renewal of medical insurance at lesser benefit or introducing deductibles for premium cost of reduction,” he said.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

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OMAN

Ministry of Education honours 40 top rankers of Oman schools

Students are the future of the country, said the education ministry official

TOP RANKERS: Ministry of Education honours students for scoring high marks in Applied Science and Social Science subjects of government and private schools.– Supplied picture

Times News Service

are the future of the country, and it’s a great chance to congratulate them for their achievements,” said Al Harthi.

He also thanked the private sector establishments which contributed to, and supported, the awards event.

“This awards ceremony encouraged and motivated me to continue my hard work,” said Azzan Khalfan Al Nasseri, one of the students

MUSCAT: Forty students were recognised by the Ministry of Education (MoE) for scoring high marks in Applied Science and Social Science subjects of government and private schools.

The awards ceremony was chaired by Humood Al Harthi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education. “These students RANKED 73RD

Oman’s ranking slips in Global Innovation Index Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman has slipped four places on the Global Innovation Index, which was released on Monday at a press conference held at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

This year, Oman was ranked at 73, compared with 69 in 2015.

Switzerland topped the chart, followed by Sweden, while the United Kingdom came in third and the United States fourth.

Among the Arab countries, Oman was ranked 7th behind the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Lebanon. The index reflected strength in the Sultanate’s political stability and safety, regulatory environment, cost of redundancy dismissal, ease of paying taxes and graduates in science and engineering.

It also indicated strength in the fields of Information and Communication technologies

INNOVATION: The index reflects strength in the Sultanate’s political stability and safety. – Supplied photo

and general infrastructure, while the index indicated weakness in Oman’s national feature film industry, ICT services exports, number of patents, high-tech imports, and business sophistication. The index ranked the innovation performance of 128 countries and economies around the world, based on 82 indicators,

exploring the impact of innovation-oriented policies on economic growth and development.

High-income and developing countries alike are seeking innovation-driven growth through different strategies. Some countries are successfully improving their innovation capacity, while others are still struggling.

UAE JUDICIAL DELEGATION VISITS DHOFAR Hussain bin Ali Al Hilali, Attorney General received at the Directorate General of Public Prosecution in the Governorate of Dhofar a judicial delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), currently visiting the Sultanate.

from Musa Bin Nasir School in Muscat. Al Nasseri advised other students to focus on their targets and enjoy their studying.

Mariyma Saleh Al Mahdhoriyah, from Al Qarya school in South Batinah, said she worked hard for the last 12 years and she appreciated that her success was being recognised. “Rewards always motivate me to continue my education with passion and love,” said

Al Mahdhoriyah. Similarly, Suha Saleh Al Harthiya, from Barkat bint Thalabah School in Muscat, said it is an honour for her to be rewarded.

“This reward is a new start and a new beginning for a better future. I realised that everyone should work hard to get what he wants,” noted Al Harthiya. She also thanked her mother, who always encouraged her in her studies.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

OMAN Forum aims at boosting female role in economy

CABLE

HM sends greetings MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of greetings to President Ali Bongo Ondimba of the Gabonese Republic on the occasion of his country’s National Day. In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere greetings along with his best wishes of good health and happiness to President Ondimba and Gabonese people further progress and prosperity. -ONA CHIT FUND

< FROM

A1 Illegal business WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION: The opening ceremony of the three-day forum was held under the auspic-

es of Sayyid Mohammed bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Minister of State and Governor of Dhofar. –ONA

As part of Salalah Tourism Festival, the forum aims at adding value to the business system

SALALAH: As part of Salalah Tourism Festival, the first forum for women entrepreneurs, organised

by Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), Dhofar Governorate Branch started yesterday at Crown Plaza Hotel Salalah.

The opening ceremony of the three-day forum was held under the auspices of Sayyid Mohammed bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Minister of State

and Governor of Dhofar, in the presence of Sheikh Khalid bin Omar Al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Service, Dr. Rasheed bin Al Safi Al Huraibi, Chairman of Tender Board, local officials and entrepreneurs.

The forum aims at adding value to the business system and technology by enhancing the role played by women in economic growth and sustainable development.

Maithaa bint Saif Al Mahrouqiyah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Mohammed bin Khamis Al Makhini, Assistant Secretary General for Industrial Information and Studies at Gulf Organisation for Industrial Consulting (GOIC), Khalid bin Hamad Al Rawahi, Director General of Manpower in the Governorate of Dhofar and Sheikh Salah bin Hilal Al Ma’awali, Deputy Chairman of SMEs Development Fund ‘Namaa’ participated in the first session titled “Political Decision and Entrepreneurship”.

The second session titled “Entrepreneurship between Creativity and Challenges” included three working papers. -ONA

OMAN FILM SOCIETY

As it is illegal to run such funds in Oman, the victims are left with no other options than forget about the money.

“It was all on personal trust.

There was no paperwork as it is illegal to operate such fund systems in Oman,” the victim said.

The victims added that they are clueless about how to retrieve the money they have invested.

“We have not approached anybody so far. We know we can’t,” one victim added.

Meanwhile, a legal advisor said that as operating chit funds are illegal in Oman, the victims stand no chance to bring the accused to book.

“In the past many such cases have surfaced in Oman. However, recently, we have not come across such cases. As it is illegal, people will remain mum,” the legal advisor added.

MOVIE SCREENING: The forum is being organised by the Oman

Film Society. -ONA

Dhofar Arab Film Forum inaugurated SALALAH: Third Dhofar Arab Film Forum was inaugurated at Atena Land Park in Salalah under the patronage of Dr. Rasheed bin Al Safi Al Huraibi, Chairman of the Tender Board.

The forum, which will continue until August 20, is being organised by the Oman Film Society (OFS).

The Omani and Iranian delegations will also take part in a symposium at the University of Dhofar. In addition, there will be other discussions involving participants, which will shed light on technical aspects of movie-making.

Mirbat Society Participants of the forum will also visit the Mirbat Society for a special session. OFS will also make use of the occasion to create awareness about its works.

Omani, Iranian and Indian movies will also be screened at a theatre in Salalah as part of the forum.

The opening ceremony was attended by Hojattolah Ayyoubi , Deputy Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance and Head of

Iranian Cinema Organisation, Fayiz bin Mohammed Al Kindi, OFC Chairman and Dr. Khalid bin Abdulraheem Al Zadjali, OFC Advisor.

Meanwhile, activities of the Iranian Cultural, Film and Tourist Exhibition began at the Municipality Recreational Centre in Salalah.

Activities of the exhibition began under the patronage of Dr. Rasheed bin Al Safi Al Huraibi, Chairman of the Tender Board, in the presence of Sheikh Salim bin Ufait Al Shanfari, Head of Dhofar Municipality and some officials of the Iranian Embassy. -ONA

NOC

A1 ‘Denying gratuity is a labour law violation’ < FROM

“He gave up the money and took the NOC option. Now, he will be returning to Oman in a new job,” the legal advisor said, adding that it’s a violation of the labour law to deny gratuity but that some workers go along with it because they want to move to a better job.

Fix an agreement Some companies are even dodging the law by ensuring that – on paper at least – it looks like the full gratuity has been paid, but they then fix an agreement with the employee to collect the money back, in exchange for the essential NOC. “What employers do is that they deposit the money in the employee’s account and take it back,” the legal adviser said.

A worker in Muscat, who is suffering from health issues, wanted to go back home and he has been told to pay money or give up his salary in return for the release of his NOC. “I came here with high hopes but the salary mentioned in the job contract was not offered.

“However, I was okay with that.

But now, my health condition is

not well. I want to go for treatment and look for a new job in Oman again after that. When I asked for NOC and release, the company is asking me to pay money or give up my salary,” the worker said.

Article 39 of the Oman Labour Law states that on termination, workers who are not beneficiaries of the Social Insurance Law shall be given a post service gratuity in the amount of the wage of 15 days for each year of service for the first three years, and the wage of one month for each of the following years.

Last basic wage The law adds that the worker shall be entitled to the gratuity for a fraction of the year proportionate to the period of his service and the last basic wage of the worker shall be considered the basis for the calculation of the gratuity.

“The continuous period of service, which commenced prior to the enforcement of this law, shall be included in the period of service which is considered for determining the period for which gratuity is payable. The said gratuity shall not be payable if the du-

ration of service is less than one year,” the law states.

A trade union leader in Oman who had to settle such a case recently confirmed that it’s happening in Oman.

Service benefits “One Egyptian worker approached us claiming that his employer is asking him to give up his end of service benefits in return for an NOC. We talked to the employer and got the worker the end of service benefits,” Mohammed Al Farji, a board member of Oman trade union, said, adding that it is illegal in Oman to deny a worker his end of service benefits and gratuity.

Said Salem Al Saadi, advisor at the Ministry of Manpower, said that companies telling workers to compromise gratuity for NOC is illegal.

“If companies push workers to do so, they should approach us. It is illegal,” the advisor added.

International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) general secretary said that to deny workers their entitlements as the price for an NOC is theft.

“Employers should be legally sanctioned for this denial of rights,” Sharan Burrow, the ITCU general secretary, told Times of Oman.

Unacceptable An official from Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that such practices are not acceptable at all.

“Those who demand such from their employee in order to issue them an NOC letter need to be legally questioned,” Mohammed Al Ansi, Vice President of OCCI, said.

Tonia Gray, general manager at Competence HR, said that she has also heard of expats being asked to give up their gratuity to obtain an NOC. “Unfortunately, the labour law does not protect the employee when it comes to them obtaining an NOC in that the employee does not have the right to an NOC. As such, unscrupulous employers will try and obtain some recompense for releasing the individual or to impose some penalty on the employee who wishes to leave,” Tonia said.

‘ R E N O VA’

‘Car cooler’ to be showcased SEEB: A function will be organised to showcase ‘Car cooler’, which is an auto air cooler that operates when the car is parked under the sun.

The student company ‘Renova’ of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) will organise the function at City Seasons Hotel in Al Khuwair on Wednesday.

The launching ceremony will be organised under the auspices of Mohammed bin Salim Al Too-

bi, Minister of Environment and Climate Affairs.

Solar energy The idea behind this product is to transfer water into vapour using solar energy to cool air inside the vehicle.

The product will take part at Injaz Oman Competition “Sharikati” 2016, which is an annual student competition that aims at promoting innovations. -ONA

S O U T H A L S H A R Q I YA H

Inspection visits SALALAH: Directorate-General of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources in the South Al Sharqiyah governorate carried out inspections at a number of food outlets and restaurants to that the quality of food being served complies with health

regulations of the Sultanate. The campaigns has been started in the wake of coming Eid Al Adha holidays.

The inspection campaigns will continue for one month in cooperation with the officials concerned. -ONA

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

A7

REGION Russia bombs Syria militants for first time from Iran base In a move underscoring Moscow’s increasingly close ties with Tehran, long-range Russian Tupolev-22M3 bombers and Sukhoi-34 fighter bombers used Iran’s Hamadan air base

MOSCOW: Russia used Iran as a base from which to launch air strikes against Syrian militants for the first time on Tuesday, widening its air campaign in Syria and deepening its involvement in the Middle East.

In a move underscoring Moscow’s increasingly close ties with Tehran, long-range Russian Tupolev-22M3 bombers and Sukhoi-34 fighter bombers used Iran’s Hamadan air base to strike a range of targets in Syria.

It was the first time Russia has used the territory of another nation, apart from Syria itself, to launch such strikes since the Kremlin launched a bombing campaign to support Syrian Presi-

GAME CHANGER: This video grab image created on Tuesday, taken from a footage released by the Russian Defence Ministry’s official website, reportedly shows a Russian bomber Tupolev Tu-22M3 conducting airstrike. - AFP/RUSSIAN DEFENCE MINISTRY

dent Bashar Al Assad in September last year.

It was also thought to be the first time that Iran has allowed a foreign power to use its territory for military operations since the 1979 Islamic revolution. The Iranian deployment will boost Russia’s image as a central player in the Middle East and allow the Russian air force to cut flight times and increase bombing payloads.

Sharing facilities The head of Iran’s National Security Council was quoted by state news agency IRNA as saying Tehran and Moscow were now sharing facilities to fight against terrorism, calling their cooperation strategic.

Both countries back Assad, and Russia, after a delay, has supplied Iran with its S-300 missile air defence system, evidence of a growing partnership between the pair

that has helped turn the tide in Syria’s civil war and is testing US influence in the Middle East.

Relations between Tehran and Moscow have grown warmer since Iran reached agreement last year with global powers to curb its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of UN, EU and US financial sanctions.

President Vladimir Putin visited in November and the two countries regularly discuss military planning for Syria, where Iran has provided ground forces that work with local allies while Russia provides air power.

The Russian Defence Ministry said its bombers had taken off on Tuesday from the Hamadan air base in north-west Iran.

To reach Syria, they would have had to use the air space of another neighbouring country, probably Iraq. The ministry said Tuesday’s strikes had targeted IS as well as

militants previously known as the Nusra Front in the Aleppo, Idlib and Deir al Zour provinces.

It said its Iranian-based bombers had been escorted by fighter jets based at Russia’s Hmeymim air base in Syria’s Latakia Province.

“As a result of the strikes five large arms depots were destroyed ... a militant training camp ... three command and control points ... and a significant number of militants,” the ministry said in a statement.

The destroyed facilities had all been used to support militants in the Aleppo area, it said, where battle for control of the divided city, which had some 2 million people before the war, has intensified in recent weeks.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, said heavy air strikes on Tuesday had hit many targets in and around Aleppo and elsewhere in Syria, killing dozens.

Strikes in the Tariq Al Bab and al-Sakhour districts of northeast Aleppo had killed around 20 people, while air raids in a corridor rebels opened this month into opposition-held eastern parts of the city had killed another nine, the observatory said.

The Russian Defence Ministry says it takes great care to avoid civilian casualties in its air strikes.

Zakaria Malahifi, political officer of an Aleppo-based rebel group, Fastaqim, said he could not confirm if the newly deployed Russian bombers were in use, but said air strikes on Aleppo had intensified in recent days. “It is much heavier,” he told Reuters.

“There is no weapon they have not dropped on Aleppo - cluster bombs, phosphorus bombs, and so on.”

Aleppo, Syria’s largest city before the war, is divided into rebel and government-held zones.

The government aims to capture full control of it, which would be its biggest victory of the five year conflict.

Hundreds of thousands of civilians are believed to be trapped in rebel areas, facing potential siege if the government closes off the corridor linking it with the outside.

Fire cruise missiles Russian media reported on Tuesday that Russia had also requested and received permission to use Iran and Iraq as a route to fire cruise missiles from its Caspian Sea fleet into Syria, as it has done in the past. Russia has built up its naval presence in the eastern Mediterranean and the Caspian as part of what it says are planned military exercises.

Russia’s state-backed Rossiya 24 channel earlier on Tuesday broadcast uncaptioned images of at least three Russian Tupolev22M3 bombers and a Russian military transport plane inside Iran.

The channel said the Iranian deployment would allow the Russian air force to cut flight times by 60 per cent. The Tupolev-22M3 bombers, which before Tuesday had conducted strikes on Syria from their home bases in southern Russia, were too large to be accommodated at Russia’s own air base inside Syria, Russian media reported. — Reuters

COURTING ASSAD

China says seeks closer military ties with Syria BEIJING: China wants to have closer military ties with Syria, state media on Tuesday cited a senior Chinese officer as saying during a rare visit to the war-torn Middle Eastern country.

While relying on the region for oil supplies, China tends to leave Middle Eastern diplomacy to the other permanent members of the UN Security Council, namely the United States, Britain, France and Russia.

But China has been trying to get more involved, including sending envoys to help push for a diplomatic resolution to the violence there and hosting Syrian government and opposition figures.

Guan Youfei, director of the Office for International Military Cooperation of China’s Central Military Commission, met Syrian Defence Minister Fahad Jassim Al Freij in Damascus, China’s Xinhua state news agency said.

Political resolution Guan said China had consistently played a positive role in pushing for a political resolution in Syria.

“China and Syria’s militaries have a traditionally friendly relationship, and China’s military is willing to keep strengthening exchanges and cooperation with Syria’s military,” the news agency paraphrased Guan as saying.

Both also talked about personnel training and “reached a consensus” on the Chinese military providing humanitarian aid, Xinhua added, without elaborating.

Guan also met a Russian general in Damascus, the news agency said, without giving details. — Reuters

M A K I N G H E A D WAY

Libyan forces claim capture of district in Sirte from IS SIRTE (LIBYA): Libyan forces backed by US air strikes said on Tuesday that they had taken control of one of the last districts in central Sirte occupied by IS militants.

Forces aligned with Libya’s UNbacked government in Tripoli are three months into a campaign to oust IS from their former North African stronghold and have captured most of the coastal city.

Since August 1 their progress has been aided by US air strikes that have targeted IS vehicles, weapons and fighting positions.

US Africa Command said it had carried out a total of 48 strikes as of Wednesday.

The Libyan forces are mainly

composed of brigades from the western city of Misrata.

After they secured key sites south of central Sirte last week, fighting moved into neighbourhood Number 2, which the brigades said they had now captured.

IS snipers “On Tuesday morning clashes erupted ... that led successfully to the recapture of neighbourhood Number 2 with the cooperation of a tank unit to confront Islamic State (IS) snipers,” said Rida Issa, a spokesman.

“The neighbourhood is now completely under control of our forces.”

Some casualties from the fight-

ing were arriving at Misrata’s central hospital, but it was not yet clear how many had been killed and wounded said, Akram Gliwan a hospital spokesman.

Extending control IS took control of Sirte last year, turning it into a base for Libyan and foreign fighters and extending their control over about 250 km (155 miles) of Libya’s Mediterranean coastline.

But it has struggled to win broad support or retain territory in Libya, and losing Sirte will be a major setback for the extremist group, already under pressure from USbacked campaigns in Iraq and Syria. — Reuters

YOUR BIGGEST ROAD HAZARD IS IN YOUR HAND A TIMES OF OMAN HANDS-FREE DRIVING INITIATIVE

CONFLICT: Libyan forces allied with the UN-backed government receive ammunitions for their tank during a battle with IS militants in neighbourhood Number Two in Sirte, Libya on Tuesday. — Reuters

A8

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

INDIA Four killed in fresh clashes in Jammu and Kashmir With the fresh deaths, the toll in the ongoing unrest in Jammu and Kashmir has now gone up to 62

SRINAGAR: Four persons were killed and several others injured in security forces action against stone-pelting protesters in Budgam and Anantnag districts of Indian-administered-Kashmir on Tuesday where normal life remained paralysed for the 39th consecutive day due to curfew, restrictions and separatist-sponsored strike.

With the fresh deaths, the toll in the ongoing unrest in Jammu and Kashmir has now gone up to 62.

Three persons were killed in Central Reserve Police Force firing on stone-pelting protesters in Aripathan area of Magam in Budgam district while five others were injured, a police official said.

The deceased have been identified as Javaid Ahmad, Manzoor Ahmad and Mohammad Ashraf, he said. The incident took place when a group of protesters hurled stones at a passing CRPF vehicle on Tuesday morning.

In another incident at Janglat

PATROLLING: Security personnel patrolling on a deserted street during curfew for 39th day in Srinagar on Tuesday. - PTI

Mandi in Anantnag district, five persons were injured when security forces opened fire to disperse a stone-pelting group of youth, the official said. He said one of the injured —Amir Yousuf — succumbed to injuries.

Meanwhile, curfew remained in force in entire Srinagar district and Anantnag town while restrictions were in place in rest of the Valley as normal life remained paralysed for the 39th consecutive day.

The official said curfew and restrictions were imposed to thwart the plans of separatists to organise sit-in protest by traders against

the civilian killings at main market places of the Valley.

“Curfew remained in force in entire Srinagar district and Anantnag town in south Kashmir as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order,” the police official said.

Schools, colleges and private offices remained closed while public transport remained off the roads due to the strike called by the separatists. The attendance in government offices was thin.

Internet and mobile services across the Valley remained suspended. While broadband services were snapped on Saturday

evening, the mobile telephony was suspended late in the night on the same day.

Normal life has been affected due to protests against the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8.

The separatist camp is spearheading the protests in the Valley over the civilian killings during the protests against Wani’s killing.

Amid the ongoing unrest in Kashmir, Commander of the Army’s Srinagar-based Corps Lt Gen S K Dua on Tuesday met Governor N. N. Vohra here and briefed him about the situation in the valley.

Lt Gen Dua called on Vohra at Raj Bhavan and briefed him about the internal and external security situation and the Army’s preparedness to deal with any arising exigency, an official spokesman said.

The meeting comes a day after Army foiled a major infiltration bid in Uri sector of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, killing five militants.

The meeting also assumes significance as militants carried out a deadly attack in Nowhatta locality on Monday, after over a decade in downtown Srinagar, which left a CRPF officer and two militants dead, while 11 CRPF and policemen were injured. With Kashmir in turmoil, the National Conference has called a meeting of opposition parties here on Wednesday to discuss the unabated violence and killing of civilians in action by the security forces.

NC Working President and former chief minister Omar Abdullah has convened the meeting which will hold wider consultations on the “failure” of the PDPBJP government in bringing an end to the violence and restoring peace, a senior party leader said.

The National Conference is also planning to call on President Pranab Mukherjee later this week to seek his intervention to ensure there is no further loss of life in the state where violent protests and retaliatory action by the law enforcement machinery following the encounter killing of Wani on July 8. - PTI

CURB BLACK MONEY

Rigorous imprisonment of up to 7 years for ‘benami’ transactions NEW DELHI: People keeping ‘benami’ properties to evade taxes will get up to seven years rigorous imprisonment and fine, as per a new law aimed at checking black money in real estate sector.

President Pranab Mukherjee has recently given assent to the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2016 and it has been notified by the government, officials said on Tuesday.

The law has strict provisions to confiscate benami properties and stiff penalty for entering into such transactions, they said.

A transaction is considered as benami (meaning nameless) where a property is transferred to or is held by a person and the consideration for such property has been provided or paid by another person.

In these cases, the property is held for the immediate or future benefit, direct or indirect, of the person who has provided its payment.

As per the new law which has amended Benami Transactions Act of 1988, whoever is found guilty of the offence of benami transaction shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than one year, but which may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to fine which may extend to 25 per cent of the fair market value of the property. - PTI

B I L AT E R A L T I E S

India, Maldives discuss ways to maintain peace in Indian Ocean NEW DELHI: India and Maldives on Tuesday discussed strategic perspectives for maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean region amidst China’s efforts to increase its footprint even as Maldivian Foreign Minister Mohamed Asim briefed the Indian side of the recent developments in his country.

On his first official visit, Asim during his meeting with his counterpart Sushma Swaraj also communicated details of his country’s engagement with the UN and the Special Envoy of the Common-

wealth ahead of the crucial meet of Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) in New York next month.

The two ministers reaffirmed their resolve to continue strengthening the bilateral partnership between India and Maldives, with the visiting dignitary emphasising that his visit was in line with the “India first” policy of Maldives.

Asim also apprised Swaraj of the preparations for the Maldives Investment Forum to be held in New Delhi later this year.

On her part, Swaraj reiter-

ated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s view that India wants all its neighbours to benefit from the country’s economic growth and development.

“The ministers also exchanged views on the consonance in the strategic perspectives of the two countries to maintain peace and security in the Indian Ocean region,” MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

A career diplomat, Asim was appointed to the post last month after his predecessor Dunya Maumoon, daughter of former Maldiv-

ian president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, quit office protesting against the government’s plan to implement death penalty.

In their discussions, the two ministers took note of the highlevel exchanges in recent weeks between the two countries and reviewed progress on various aspects of the bilateral relationship.

Special Envoy of the Prime Minister on Counter-terrorism had visited Maldives in mid-July 2016 and Defence Secretary made a trip to Male for the 1st India-Maldives Defence Cooperation Dialogue

on July 17-18, 2016. Swarup said the Maldivian foreign minister also shared his assessment of recent developments in his country and their engagement with the UN and the Special Envoy of the Commonwealth in the context of the forthcoming CMAG meeting in New York, on the sidelines of the UNGA. The September meeting assumes significance given that the CMAG had expressed concern over the prevailing political situation in Maldives in its April meeting and sought urgent measures in

various areas including detention of political leaders.

India is also part of the group and is understood to have made efforts to “tone-down” the severity of the statement.

However, the UK has already indicated that if the Group finds that “sufficient steps” for reform have not been taken by Maldives

by September, it will “carefully consider appropriate bilateral action” to help support reform efforts there. Asim also called on Vice President Hamid Ansari on Tuesday. - PTI

ECONOMY

India’s wholesale inflation hits 23-month high of 3.55% in July NEW DELHI: Driven by costlier food items, WPI-based inflation soared to 23-month high of 3.55 per cent in July, prompting demands for strong government action to address supply issues.

The Wholesale Price Index based inflation in June stood at 1.62 per cent. It was (-)4.00 per cent in July last year.

The earlier high in WPI inflation was recorded at 3.74 per cent in August 2014.

Industry has expressed apprehensions that rising WPI inflation may spill over to the retail level, based on the Consumer Price Index, and make it difficult for RBI and the government to contain CPI-inflation at the upper target level of 6 per cent.

The Commerce Ministry data showed that inflation in the overall food basket breached the double digit mark at 11.82 per cent in July. All items, barring onion, in the basket showed a rising price pressure. WPI inflation in potato shot up 58.78 per cent, pulses (35.76 per cent), vegetables (28.05 per cent) and cereals (7.03 per cent). Among others, the rate of inflation in sugar was at 32.33 per cent and that for fruits rose by 17.30 per cent during the month.

WPI inflation, which was in the negative zone from November 2014 to March 2016, turned positive since April.

The spike in WPI follows that of retail or CPI inflation, which too hit a 23-month high of 6.07 per cent — well above the RBI’s comfortable level. Industry chamber Assocham said increase in WPI may result in CPI rising as well, impacting households and retail consumers badly.

It suggested that policy makers take steps to minimise the transi-

DATA: Vendors work at a wholesale vegetable market in Mumbai, on Tuesday. The Commerce Ministry data showed that inflation in the overall food basket breached the double digit mark at 11.82 per cent in July. - Reuters

tion of price rise. “Since CPI is at above threshold level of 5 per cent, the economy now is in need of strong actions from Government to address the structural issues of demand and supply within the industry,” it said. Kotak Institutional Equities said inflation trajectory would ease in the second half of the current fiscal with early indicators suggesting correction in food prices.

“We continue to see room for further 0.25 per cent rate cut in calendar year 2016,” it said in a report. The WPI inflation for May has been revised upwards at 1.24 per cent, against provisional estimate of 0.79 per cent.

The July inflation print for manufactured articles read at 1.83 per cent, with the rate of price rise in edible oil at 4.18 per cent and cotton at 1.52 per cent.

However, deflationary trend continued in some items like onion at (-)36.29 per cent and petrol at (-)10.30 per cent. ICRA said the gap between the wholesale and retail inflation would narrow in the second half of current fiscal.

“Emerging trends regarding the ongoing kharif sowing suggest an imminent cooling of food inflation in the coming months. In contrast, we expect core WPI inflation to continue to rise,” ICRA Senior Economist Aditi Nayar said.In its monetary policy last week, the Reserve Bank had maintained status quo on key rates citing upside risks to 5 per cent inflation target for March 2017.

A six-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will decide on interest rates in the next review meeting on October 4.Moving towards the new regime, the government last month notified 4 per cent inflation target for the next five years, based on which the MPC would take its monetary policy decisions going forward.

The move, which provides for a margin of plus or minus 2 per cent in this target thus fixing the upper tolerance level at 6 per cent till 2021, is being seen as government putting the seal on outgoing RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan’s inflation- first model of monetary policy. - PTI

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A9

PAKISTAN

FA L L I N I N T E R NAT I O NA L M A R K E T

Renewable energy: Ministry proposes cut in solar, wind power tariffs ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Water and Power has proposed that the regulator should make a further cut in tariffs for solar and wind power projects in line with the fall in international market in order to provide relief to the consumers.

The tariffs and costs associated with the solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind power projects were on the higher side which were not only adversely affecting the basket price but were also hampering market competition among bona fide investors in renewable energy resources.

In a letter sent to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra), the Ministry of Water and Power pointed out that anomalies like higher engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) cost, high insurance rates, lower plant factors, absence of benefit of technologies, etc had led to abnormally high tariffs.

It strongly proposed a reduction

in tariffs as comparative tariffs were now much lower internationally. In the case of wind power tariff, the ministry noted that the regulator conducted its own investigation into the cost and competitive tariff and announced a tariff that could enable the investor to recover the cost and get an attractive return.

Auction In many developing countries, however, this type of tariff has been determined through auction.

“Since the wind power market is much more stabilised now, the proposal to determine a benchmark levellised tariff for competitive bidding should be supported,” the ministry said. Given the decline in solar PV costs and the time taken for project development, the ministry believes that project companies will be able to install advanced technologies with higher capital expenditure within the same cost parameters.

HAMPERING MARKET COMPETITION: Given the decline in solar PV costs and the time taken for project development, the ministry believes that companies will be able to install advanced technologies with higher capital expenditure. - Express Tribune

While energy production based on high-end technology will vary significantly depending on site location, land availability and selected technology, at least a 10 per cent

increase in the plant factor (actual output) is generally expected.

As such, the ministry said, the assumed benchmark plant factor of 18 per cent for the southern

region of the country could be increased to 20 per cent and tariff should be reduced accordingly.

Given the state of advanced technology in Pakistan, a project may retain full benefit in case a higher plant factor is achieved.

“It is in the interest of consumers to assume a higher plant factor upfront, thereby reducing the tariff, rather than assuming a low plant factor and higher tariff with sharing,” the ministry suggested.

Nepra assumed an annual increase of maximum 1 per cent of the EPC cost to be adjusted subsequently each year, but “rather than retaining this cost-plus adjustment, which keeps the tariff higher, Nepra should assume a lower insurance premium from the onset,” the ministry said.

Given the declining trend in solar PV costs and as the insurance premium depends on the replacement value of the plant, the assumed insurance cost may be reduced to 0.5 per cent of the EPC

Army chief approves death sentences of 11 Taliban rebels The convicts whose death sentences have been confirmed by General Raheel are accused of being involved in sectarian killings, kidnappings and slaughtering of civilians and personnel of the Frontier Constabulary (FC) and killing of a high-ranking officer

VIGIL: Policemen keep vigil outside the central jail in Karachi on January 13, 2015. Army chief General Raheel Sharif on Tuesday approved death sentences of 11 ‘hardcore terrorists’. - AFP file photo

of Pakistan Army

ISLAMABAD: Army chief General Raheel Sharif on Tuesday approved death sentences of 11 ‘hardcore terrorists’.

“Today Chief of Army Staff confirmed death sentences awarded to another 11 hardcore terrorists,

who were involved in committing heinous offences related to terrorism, including killing of DIG Fayyaz Sumbal and ASI Raza Khan of Balochistan Police and Inspector Kamran Nazir of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) at Quetta,” the military’s media wing said in a statement.

The convicts whose death sen-

tences have been confirmed by General Raheel are accused of being involved in sectarian killings, kidnappings and slaughtering of civilians and personnel of the Frontier Constabulary (FC) and killing of a high-ranking officer of Pakistan Army.

“They planned and executed a number of attacks on Law En-

forcement Agencies and Armed forces of Pakistan. They were also involved in destruction of schools and communication infrastructure,” the communiqué added.

According to the statement, all the accused were active members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and were involved in creating unrest in the country

through various subverting activities. Ziaul Haq s/o Wali Khan, Fazl-e-Rabbi s/o Fazal Ghafoor, Muhammad Sher s/o Zaray, Umer Zada s/o Gul Rehman, Latifur Rehman s/o Saifur Rehman, Muhammad Adil s/o Muhammad Akbar Jan, Israr Ahmed s/o Abdul Rahim Jan, Abdul Majeed s/o Khona Moula, Hazrat Ali s/o Fazal Rabi, Mian Said Azam s/o Mian Said Jaffar and Qaiser Khan s/o Habib Khan are included the list of those awarded death sentences by military courts.

This is not the first time the COAS has confirmed death sentences of militants involved in perpetrating terror in the country.

In May this year, the army chief confirmed death sentences of another “11 hardcore terrorists” who were involved in heinous crimes such as killing and kidnapping of civilians, attacks on armed forces and LEAs, and destruction of schools.

Earlier on March 15, General Raheel had confirmed death sentences of 13 militants, including one involved in the killing foreign tourists in Nanga Parbat.

According to the ISPR, the condemned terrorists were tried by military courts for their involvement in Nanga Parbat attack, Saidu Sharif airport, destruction of schools, attacks on armed forces, law enforcement agencies and civilians. - Express Tribune

cost. Nepra has increased the debt tenure from 10 years with oneyear grace period to 13 years with one-year grace period and reduced the spread over London Interbank Offered Rate (Libor) from 4.5 per cent to 4 per cent. The ministry supported the change as it would bring down the tariff.

“There should no longer be any sharing in case the project-specific debt tenure or spread is different from Nepra’s assumptions,” it said.

The ministry suggested that project companies should be free to opt for shorter loan tenures (7 to 10 years) and make higher debt repayments at the cost of their equity returns.

The removal of sharing will also provide the flexibility to the project companies to subsequently refinance their debt.

This will ultimately benefit the end-consumers as Nepra can assume longer debt tenures and lower spread on Libor/Kibor in future tariffs. - Express Tribune STRIFE-TORN

Sanaullah Zehri

Zehri blames ‘external forces’ for unrest in Balochistan KARACHI: Balochistan Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri on Monday once again blamed ‘external forces’ for fomenting unrest in the province to achieve their ‘ulterior motives’, saying the suicide blast on a hospital in Quetta last week was also the handiwork of such elements.

“Terrorists cannot divide us with such cowardly acts. The nation stood united behind law-enforcement agencies who have been sacrificing their lives to protect citizens,” Zehri said.

He said the successful completion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor was at the heart of his government and vowed to provide “foolproof security” to those working on the project. Zehri said the morale of the security forces is high and they are alert to countering every act of terrorism in any part of the province. - Express Tribune

BEAUTIFUL CRAFTS

This startup is showcasing country’s timeless heritage through furniture ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is in the news all the time, mostly for all the wrong reasons. In such testing times, there are people who are constantly striving to show the world that there’s more to Pakistan than what they see in news.

One such person is Sana Khan Niazi, the brain behind Paimona, an online design firm trying to showcase Pakistan’s culture and heritage with a touch of modernity through furniture.

It all started as a search for a tag reading made in Pakistan. Explaining how she conceived the idea about Paimona, Sana said, “I used to do theatre before starting Paimona. I was in Dubai for Anwar Maqsood’s Dharna when I went out to shop and stumbled upon this big store and was looking at all these beautiful furniture and home décor pieces when I noticed something odd. There were pieces from India, Bangladesh, China, Nepal but no tag read made in Pakistan.”

“So, I scoured the whole store looking for the one price tag that would help me sleep at night thinking there’s something there that’s coming out of Pakistan. But there was none,” she added.

Determined to show the world the beautiful crafts that have travelled through time but losing their worth in today’s world, Sana came back to Karachi and started researching. “I started off from Katchiabadis of Karachi then I went to outskirts of the city, then Hyderbad, Hala, Bhit Shah, Gujranwala, Lahore, Gujrat as many

“For example, how to take care of the consistency of the design that they are making, they go agar yeh thora sa off ho jae ga to koi baat nahin. It doesn’t work that way, you have to make sure everything is in accordance with the design.

They always welcome the training and the knowledge shared with them,” she added.

Admitting that quality of products has been one of the reasons why Pakistani products are not there in the international market, Sana said, “I take quality assurance as my responsibility, whatever coming out of Paimona is coming out of Pakistan and has to be of the highest quality.”

place as I could go to meet the people who are carrying this craft forward,” she said.

Lack of opportunities After meeting countless artisans and craftsmen, she realised one thing; they all had the same disappointing story. All complained about the lack of infrastructure and opportunities besides lack of knowledge about how to market their product.

“Though they still have that craft, which they have been carrying forward from one generation to the other, because every craftsman I met had learned the skill from his father, who had learned it from his and so on. I realised that it’s not their fault that they have been unable to move forward, it’s just the situation and lack of opportunity and training that renders them medieval,” the Paimona founder said.

That’s when I thought, what if I could some how intervene, train, educate and design. And most importantly, make them aware of what’s happening out there and help them bring back this (craft) to the mainstream market, especially to the international market, she added.

And that’s how Paimona came into being, she said. “So what I did was I designed furniture that spoke of our cultural values and elements using skills from these artisans. I started working with them to create handcrafted pieces using their skills in a way that would appeal to the global aesthetics.”

Defining what Paimona really means, Sana said, Paimona, which

DETERMINED: Sana Khan Niazi, the brain behind Paimona, an online design firm trying to showcase Pakistan’s culture and heritage with a touch of modernity through furniture. – Express Tribune

means chalice in Dari, symbolises the transition of culture into modernity. Paimona takes from the elements of Pakistan’s culture and transform them into modern pieces of furniture that speak of the timeless heritage and history of Pakistan, and of all those things that we don’t pay attention to anymore. Sharing details about her team, the Paimona founder said, “Right now, we are a team of five people and then there are craftsmen and artisans.”

On how she choose artisans to work with, Sana said she goes to the areas where these craftsmen

work, as they usually don’t have access to markets outside of their neighbourhood, talk to them and show them what she wants. “Best way to show them is to get something made from them and start off from there and see what they can do. Then they understand that we really mean business,” she added.

Paimona also trains craftsmen associated with it. Although these artisans have been working for decades, but they don’t know how to use their skills in in accordance with the contemporary style, said Sana. They are never told to take care of the smaller elements.

Training We use the best material available, employ hands on training and make samples before making a final piece, she claimed. “Every piece, every design undergoes a research and development phase, from idea and sampling to trying and testing,” Sana said.

Explaining how furniture and home décor pieces created by Paimona are different from other products available in the market, the founder said, “Paimona is a design firm; we don’t make what’s already there. Every piece that is there in our collection is designed by me and has a very unique element to it.”

“What Paimona does is that it transforms something we can relate to into a liveable piece.”

Clarifying that it is not an online portal where anyone can come

and sell, the Paimona founder said, “Our business model is different, we create pieces that have both, function and aesthetic value. So we transform the art that these artisans have into a piece of furniture of our own design.”

Speaking about how Paimona is helping artisans lead sustainable lives, Sana said, “Not only do we ensure market price for their work but also make them capable of expanding it. So, they get a fair price for their work and end up improving quality and craft standards.”

Further, the startup also plans to incorporate a programme for the children of craftsmen working with the firm. “All children of artisans who work with us go to school. That is how we give back,” the Paimona founder said.

Responding to a question on how successful her startup has been so far, Sana said, “My product line was launched in May, after my incubation at Nest i/O ended in May this year, but I have been operating for a year now. I started off by making customised furniture and within a year I was at a point where I could launch my product line.”

“I believe so far we have tasted great success, not in terms of numbers and size, but in terms of what we have been able to achieve in little time. We have successfully been able to bring people working with us to a point where their level of skills and quality of work have improved,” she said.

Paimona is launching a crowd funding campaign on Indiegogo on August 25. - Express Tribune

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

WORLD GUINNESS WORLD RECORD BID Guram Ustiashvili of Georgia, 22, pulls four vehicles with a towing cable in his teeth, in an attempt to break a Guinness World Record in Tbilisi on Tuesday. — AFP

F O U R - D AY T R I P

Suu Kyi to visit Beijing in major diplomatic test YANGON: Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi is heading to China on Wednesday for what is likely to be her government’s biggest diplomatic test, with the fate of a suspended dam project, backed by China but opposed by many people in Myanmar, in the balance.

Myanmar’s former military rulers were shunned by the West and close to China, which has been on a diplomatic offensive since Suu Kyi’s government came to power in April, aiming to forge good ties with its resource-rich southern neighbour.

“If the Chinese leaders bring up a specific issue like the controversial Myitsone mega-dam project, of course we’ll explain to them what we’ve been doing,” Myanmar foreign ministry permanent secretary Aung Lynn told Reuters.

Former Myanmar president Thein Sein angered China in 2011 when he suspended work on the hydro-power dam, at the confluence of two rivers in the Ayeyarwady river basin, after it drew widespread protests on environmental grounds.

About 90 per cent of the dam’s power would have gone to China.

At the time, Suu Kyi also called for the project’s suspension. China said in March it would push the government to resume the project, insisting the contract was still valid. A government commission has begun reviewing several hydropower projects,

Finding a solution to the $3.6 billion Myitsone dam project will be important for Suu Kyi who needs China’s cooperation in talks with Myanmar’s ethnic minority armed groups operating along northern borders with China

including Myitsone, and is due to report by November 11.

China’s Global Times newspaper, said on Tuesday the commission was a “sign that might herald the restoration of the China-invested project”.

It also noted that Suu Kyi was visiting China ahead of a trip to the United States in September, and that China’s friendship with Myanmar was crucial. “As Myanmar’s largest neighbour, it is necessary for Suu Kyi to attach importance to China,” the newspaper said. — Reuters

‘Hack-proof’ satellite launched by China The Quantum Experiments at Space Scalesatellite, was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the remote northwestern province of Gansu in the early hours of Tuesday

BEIJING: China on Tuesday launched the world’s first quantum satellite, which will help it establish “hack-proof” communications between space and the ground, state media said, the latest advance in an ambitious space programme.

The programme is a priority as President Xi Jinping has urged China to establish itself as a space power, and apart from its civilian ambitions, it has tested anti-satellite missiles.

The Quantum Experiments at Space Scale, or QUESS, satellite, was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the remote northwestern province of Gansu in the early hours of

BREAKTHROUGH: China launched the world’s first quantum satellite on August 16, state media reported, in an effort to harness the power of particle physics to build an “unhackable” system of encrypted communications. - AFP

Tuesday, the official Xinhua news agency said.

“In its two-year mission, QUESS is designed to establish ‘hackproof’ quantum communications by transmitting uncrackable keys from space to the ground,” it said.

Ultra-high security “Quantum communication boasts ultra-high security as a quantum photon can neither be separated nor duplicated,” it added. “It is hence impossible to wiretap, in-

tercept or crack the information transmitted through it.”

The satellite will enable secure communications between Beijing and Urumqi, Xinhua said, referring to the capital of China’s violence-prone far western region of Xinjiang, where the government says it is battling an Islamist insurgency. “The newly-launched satellite marks a transition in China’s role - from a follower in classic information technology development to one of the leaders guiding

H A M P E R I N G F I G H T A G A I N S T TA L I B A N

SECOND SUSPECT

Afghanistan air force needs more pilots and planes KABUL: The Afghan air force is limited not only by its size. Despite numbering only 130 aircraft, there are not enough pilots and crews to fly them all. The shortage is hampering Afghan security forces’ ability to fight Taliban militants, who are once again gaining territory in the north and south of the country.

Troops on the ground are crying out for more air support, which ranges from firing on the enemy to evacuating casualties from the battlefield. The day Afghan aircraft can meet the high demand is still a long way off.

“Three weeks ago, two of our policemen were wounded in a fight with the Taliban and we waited for five days to transfer them to a hospital,” said a border police commander in the eastern province of Kunar, who spoke anonymously because he was not authorised to speak to the media. “Sometimes we have to wait a week for a helicopter to evacuate our casualties,” added the officer, stationed in a remote area close to the Pakistani

DIRE STRAITS: Crew members load a C208 cargo airplane with ammunition before flight at a military airfield in Kabul, Afghanistan July 27, 2016. — Reuters

border. Advisers for the US-led NATO coalition, which is training Afghan armed forces now the alliance’s main combat mission is over, say they are struggling to field enough experienced pilots and crews.

future achievements,” Pan Jianwei, the project’s chief scientist, told the agency.

Quantum communications holds “enormous prospects” in the field of defence, it added.

China insists its space programme is for peaceful purposes, but the U.S. Defense Department has highlighted its increasing space capabilities, saying it was pursuing activities aimed to prevent adversaries from using spacebased assets in a crisis. — Reuters

“Our challenge is the human capital,” said Colonel Troy Henderson, commander of the US Air Force’s expeditionary advisory group in Kabul, noting it is relatively easy to buy aircraft but more difficult and slower to find

and train pilots. The roughly 130 aircraft are not enough, according to Major General Abdul Wahab Wardak, commander of the Afghan air force. And the problem is now compounded by a lack of trained crews for existing aircraft.

The United States has provided a growing number of more advanced aircraft in the past year, seeking to make up for the withdrawal of most international forces. As the US-led coalition scaled back operations, Afghan air force missions more than doubled from 10,060 in 2014 to 22,260 in 2015.

From January to May 2016, Afghan aircraft flew 6,930 missions.

US Air Force combat sorties dropped from nearly 13,000 in 2014 to fewer than 6,000 in 2015, with a corresponding decrease in support and reconnaissance missions from around 60,000 in 2014 to just under 33,000 in 2015.

As more aircraft have been fielded by the Afghans, crew shortages are limiting the deployment of widely used aircraft that form the backbone of the air force.

Among the unit that flies small Cessna C-208 propeller transport planes out of Kabul, for example, there are six crews for 12 aircraft, Henderson said. Twenty-four pilots are scheduled to rotate in soon, which will minimise, but not completely overcome the shortage, he added.

“We have a critical situation,” said C-208 pilot Saifuddin Popal, speaking at Kabul airport as he prepared to fly another load of passengers to a military base in southern Afghanistan.

On the return trip, he might be carrying more passengers, casualties or cargo, and may have to make several stops on the way, he added.

“Sometimes we fly from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. We have a limit and if we fly more we become exhausted.”

At least nine aircraft were lost last year, most to accidents or maintenance issues, officials said.

So far in 2016, the Afghan air force has lost only two Mi-17 helicopters, which advisers said indicated that pilots were becoming more experienced. — Reuters

Thailand issues arrest warrant over bomb blasts BANGKOK: A Thai military court issued an arrest warrant on Tuesday for a second suspect in connection with a wave of deadly bomb attacks last week that killed four people and injured dozens, police said.

Explosions rocked seven provinces in Thailand’s south on Thursday and Friday, just days after Thais voted to accept a military-backed constitution.

No group has claimed responsibility but police and senior officials have publicly ruled out any link to foreign militants.

“The court has approved the arrest warrant for one suspect for the explosions.

“We can’t say who that individual is,” said Chaiyapol Chatchaidet, commander of the Counter Crime Planning Division. — Reuters

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

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WORLD

Turkey raids retail chain’s in post-coup crackdown Erdogan accuses Gulen of harnessing an extensive network of schools, charities and businesses, built up in Turkey and abroad over decades, to infiltrate state institutions and build a “parallel structure” that aimed to take over the country. Before the failed coup, in which more than 240 people were killed, the authorities had already seized Bank Asya, taken over or closed several media companies and detained businessmen on allegations of funding the cleric’s movement.

In a speech to his ruling AK Party deputies in parliament on Tuesday, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim sought to calm public concerns about the purge. He said it targeted only be those who maintained links to Gulen after December 17, 2013 — the date when police and prosecutors seen as sympathetic to the cleric launched a corruption probe into Erdogan and his inner circle.

More than 35,000 people have been detained in a massive purge since the July 15 attempted putsch, when a group of rogue soldiers commandeered tanks, warplanes and helicopters in an attempt to overthrow the government

ISTANBUL: Turkish police searched the offices of a nationwide retail chain and a healthcare and technology company on Tuesday, arresting dozens of people in some of the biggest raids on private businesses since last month’s failed coup.

More than 35,000 people have been detained in a massive purge since the July 15 attempted putsch, when a group of rogue soldiers commandeered tanks, warplanes and helicopters in an attempt to overthrow the government.

Around half of those detained have been placed under formal arrest and tens of thousands more have been suspended in the military, police and civil service.

The breadth of the probe has worried the West, which fears President Tayyip Erdogan is using it to quash dissent. Private businesses have also been targeted in what the government describes

MASSIVE PURGE: The business and financial district of Levent, comprised of leading Turkish companies’ headquarters and popular shopping malls, is seen from the Sapphire Tower in Istanbul, Turkey, August 16, 2016. Picture taken through a window. - Reuters

as a crackdown on followers of Fethullah Gulen, a cleric based in self-imposed exile in the United States, who is blamed by Turkey for the coup.

Targeted Police targeted discount supermarket chain A101 and healthcare and technology group Akfa Holdings, on suspicion they gave financial support to Gulen’s network, state-run Anadolu Agency said. Gulen denies involvement in the coup. Washington says it will extradite him to Turkey only if it presents firm evidence. A101, which operates thousands of stores across Turkey, said financial crimes police searched its Istanbul headquarters for six hours on Tuesday morning.

It had cooperated with police

and its businesses continued to operate, the company said. A101 said it had no “corporate, financial or trade links” to any illegal group, although it acknowledged that now-defunct Islamic lender Bank Asya had once been a shareholder.

The bank was founded by Gulen’s followers and later seized by regulators, and is now being wound down. Private news agency Dogan said police detained A101’s chairman, Turgut Aydin, at his home in the eastern Black Sea province of Trabzon.

Aydin and his family are also majority owners of the Memorial hospitals group. Some 36,000 people work for his companies. Anadolu said 50 people were detained in the separate raid at Akfa, including the company’s chairman.

No one was immediately available

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for comment at Akfa.

Police also searched offices at the main courthouse on the Asian side of Istanbul, according to a courthouse employee, a day after major raids on three courthouses on the European side of the city, which sits on the strait dividing the continents.

“Police are currently in the courthouse. They came in with a list of names. The names were of those who were ordered to be taken into custody, and they are searching the building,” the employee told Reuters, declining to be identified.

Police had detention warrants for 83 people at the court, Anadolu reported. A day earlier police detained at least 136 court staff in the raids on courts on the European side of the city.

Public rift The event triggered a public rift between Erdogan and Gulen, who had previously been allies.

“Millions of our innocent citizens can relax. If you did not consciously support FETO after December 17, you should not be worried,” Yildirim said, using the acronym for “Gulenist Terror Group”, as Ankara refers to Gulen’s movement. “After December 17 there is no excuse”.

The government is also planning to shut down the TIB telecommunications regulator and transfer its powers to its parent, an umbrella regulatory body, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said this week.

The TIB has previously been targeted in the government crackdown against Gulen.

In January 2015, police detained 23 of its employees in an investigation into allegations of illegal wiretapping targeting Erdogan and other top officials. - Reuters

CONVICTED

Anjem Choudary

UK radical preacher guilty of inviting support for IS LONDON: Anjem Choudary, Britain’s most high-profile preacher whose followers have been linked to numerous plots across the world, has been found guilty of inviting support for IS. Choudary, 49, was convicted at London’s Old Bailey court of using online lectures and messages to encourage support for the banned group which controls large parts of Syria and Iraq.

Notorious in Britain where the tabloids denounce him as a hate preacher, he is also well-known abroad, making regular TV appearances in the wake of attacks by militants to blame Western foreign policy for targeting Muslims.

“These men have stayed just within the law for many years, but there is no one within the counter terrorism world that has any doubts of the influence that they have had, the hate they have spread and the people that they have encouraged to join terrorist organisations,” said Dean Haydon, head of London police’s Counter Terrorism Command.

Prosecutors said that in postings on social media, Choudary and his associate Mizanur Rahman had pledged allegiance to the “caliphate” declared by Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi and said Muslims had a duty to obey or provide support to him. Both men, who had denied the terrorism charges and claimed the case was politically motivated. - Reuters

FOREIGN INVESTMENT

Britain’s May urges stronger ties with China in letter to Xi BEIJING/LONDON: Prime Minister Theresa May has told China’s leader that Britain wants to strengthen trade and business ties, an attempt to reassure the world’s second largest economy after London delayed a $24 billion nuclear project.

May’s surprise decision to review the building of Britain’s first nuclear plant in decades upset China, which questioned whether Chinese money was still welcome in Britain just weeks after the June 23 Brexit vote to leave the European Union. After Beijing’s expression of frustration, May wrote to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang saying Britain attached great importance to Sino-British cooperation.

Britain “looks forward to strengthening cooperation with

China on trade and business and on global issues”, China’s foreign ministry said, citing the letter.

A source in May’s office confirmed the contents of the letter, which was hand-delivered by Alok Sharma, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, “This is part of what you’d expect the prime minister to do in terms of our relations with the wider world. It’s all part of Britain remaining an outward-looking country as we head toward Brexit,” the source said.

China’s $11.3 trillion economy is currently more than four times as big as Britain’s at $2.4 trillion.

Cast as the jewel illustrating a “Golden Era” of relations between the two powers, the financing deal for the Hinkley Point nuclear pro-

SURPRISE DECISION: Prime Minister Theresa May wrote to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang saying Britain attached great importance to Sino-British cooperation. - Reuters file photo

ject in southwestern England was signed in Downing Street during a state visit to Britain by Xi last year.

May’s predecessor, David Cameron, said the Hinkley Point pro-

OVERNIGHT RAID

Bangladesh arrests four women in cafe attack probe DHAKA: Bangladeshi security forces said on Tuesday they had arrested four women suspected of being members of a home-grown militant group blamed for an attack on a Dhaka cafe last month in which 22 people were killed.

Five young men attacked the upmarket cafe on July 1, an assault claimed by IS. Three of the attackers were from affluent Dhaka homes who had broken off contact with their families months earlier.

Police believe that Jamaatul-Mujahideen Bangladesh, a banned group that has pledged allegiance to IS, played a role in organising the group.

The four women were arrested in an overnight raid in the capital, based on information from a regional militant leader who was detained last month, said Rapid Action Battalion spokesman Mizanur Rahman Bhuiya.

“Three of them are students of a private university and the other one is working as an intern in the Dhaka Medical College and Hos-

CANDLE LIGHT VIGIL: People attend a candle light vigil for the victims of the attack on the Holey Artisan Bakery and the O’Kitchen Restaurant, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, July 3, 2016. - Reuters

pital,” he told Reuters.

At least seven more people believed to have been involved in the attack had been identified, Monirul Islam, chief of counterterrorism police, told reporters.

“We have got to know their organisational names but their real names and whereabouts are yet to be identified,” he said.

Earlier, police said Bangladeshborn Canadian citizen Tamim

Ahmed Chowdhury, 30, masterminded the cafe attack.

Analysts say IS identified him in April as its national commander. Al Qaeda and IS have made competing claims for a series of killings of liberals and members of religious minorities in the country over the past year.

The government has pinned the blame on domestic militant groups. - Reuters

ject was a sign of Britain’s openness to foreign investment, but May is concerned about the security implications of the planned Chinese investment, according

to a former colleague. May’s most striking corporate intervention since winning power in the turmoil which followed the Brexit vote indicates a more cautious view of Chinese investment and a willingness to take a tough line with EU allies such as France.

Under plans drawn up by Cameron, French utility EDF and China General Nuclear Power Corp would fund the cost of building two Areva European Pressurised Water Reactors at the Hinkley C nuclear plant in Somerset.

Britain has committed to pay a minimum price for the power generated by the plant for 35 years, though critics said London had agreed to pay far too much.

Hinkley is seen as blazing the trail for closer ties with China on nuclear issues and paving the way

for tens of billions of dollars of investment and another two nuclear power plants with Chinese involvement. China’s foreign ministry cited Britain’s envoy, Sharma, as telling Foreign Minister Wang Yi that Britain attached great importance to Sino-British cooperation. Wang told Sharma that China believes Britain will continue to have an open policy towards China, the ministry added.

Sharma tweeted that he had a “great” first meeting with Wang. “A warm welcome and forward looking approach.” - Reuters

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

WORLD HEIGHTENED TENSIONS

Riot-torn Milwaukee has quieter night before Trump’s visit MILWAUKEE: Milwaukee’s curfew on teenagers and community leaders’ calls for restraint calmed the city somewhat overnight after two nights of riots sparked by the fatal police shooting of a black man.

The city was due to become a focus of the US presidential race later on Tuesday.

Republican nominee Donald Trump will visit and participate in a previously scheduled televised town hall meeting with Fox News host Sean Hannity, raising the possibility of protests similar to those that have followed the candidate elsewhere during the campaign.

Police said Sylville Smith, 23, was killed on Saturday afternoon after he fled a black officer who had stopped him for acting suspiciously.

They said Smith was carrying an illegal handgun and refused orders to drop it when he was shot.

Peaceful demonstrations in the Sherman Park area where Smith died turned into violent protests on Saturday and Sunday nights.

Shots were fired, and some rioters torched businesses and police cars.

Angry crowds pelted riot police with bottles and bricks.

Eight officers were wounded, and dozens of people were arrested, police said.

One person suffered a gunshot wound.

Monday night was much quieter after a citywide curfew for minors took effect at 10 p.m.

Police said there were 10 arrests, one report of shots fired and no property damage.

“We think we are in, comparatively speaking, a positive place,” Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn told reporters as it became apparent the curfew was being respected.”We had folks from the community step forward to take a leadership role in reducing tensions.”

Police killings Milwaukee has become the latest US city to be gripped by unrest after high-profile police killings of black men over the past two years.

Many of the officers involved in the earlier shootings were white, however, and the victims were unarmed.

Famous for its breweries, Milwaukee is one of the most racially divided US cities, with a black population plagued with higher levels unemployment that are absent in the mostly white suburbs.

Mayor Tom Barrett said on Monday that nightly curfews on teenagers would remain in place “for as long as necessary.”

Barrett has urged state officials to release video of Smith’s shooting as soon as possible in hopes that it would corroborate the police department’s account and convince protesters the use of deadly force was justified. Wisconsin state law requires police shootings be investigated by an independent state agency, which controls such evidence. — Reuters

TARGET: A crater caused by a Saudi-led coalition air strike is seen at the yard of a hospital operated by Medecins Sans Frontieres in the Abs district of Hajja province, Yemen on Tuesday. — Reuters

Fresh air strike kills nine Yemeni civilians The attack outside the capital hit the

CONFLICT

West Bank youth killed in clashes with Israeli troops

home of a local leader of Yemen’s armed Houthi group while he was out, killing his father and eight members

RAMALLAH (WEST BANK): A Palestinian youth was killed on Tuesday and dozens of protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli troops at the Fawwar refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry said.

The dead youth was named Mohammed abu Hashhash, according to Hebron hospital official Walid Zaloum, who said abu Hashhash was killed by a bullet that entered through his back and struck above his heart.

The Palestinian health ministry said he was 17 years old.

Entered Fawwar An Israeli army statement said troops entered Fawwar to search for suspects and weapons and were attacked by local youths who threw concrete blocks, rocks and

home-made explosives at them.

Soldiers responded with smallcalibre live fire and rubber bullets and tear gas. “Riots erupted and dozens of Palestinians hurled (home made explosives), blocks and rocks at the forces...(they) responded with riot dispersal means and fired 0.22 calibre bullets towards main instigators,” an army spokeswoman said.

Abu Hashhash is the first Palestinian fatality this month in a confrontation with Israeli forces.

Violence that has included Palestinian stabbings, shootings, rock throwing and car rammings against Israelis have largely tapered off in recent months.

Since October, Palestinians, many of them acting alone and with rudimentary weapons, have killed at least 33 Israelis and two visiting Americans. — Reuters

of the family, residents added

DUBAI: An air strike by the Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen killed nine civilians east of Sanaa on Tuesday, residents said, the third deadly air raid reported to have to hit civilian targets since Saturday.

The attack outside the capital hit the home of a local leader of Yemen’s armed Houthi group while he was out, killing his father and eight members of the family, residents added.

Saudi Arabia’s foes during more than a year of war, the Houthis are Yemen’s dominant political force and are fighting against Sau-

MUCH-NEEDED AID: Yemeni workers unload an aircraft of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) upon its arrival at Sanaa’s International Airport on Tuesday after the airport reopened to air flights of the United Nations and other international humanitarian organisations. The Saudiled coalition battling rebels in Yemen allowed humanitarian flights into Sanaa’s international airport, after several days’ closure due to renewed hostilities around the capital. — AFP

di-backed loyalists of the country’s exiled government in the Nehm district, where the strike occurred.

A spokesman for the coalition did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Saudi Arabia and its mostly Gulf Arab allies intervened in Yemen’s civil war in March 2015 to restore President Abd-Rabu Mansour Hadi to power and fight

off the Houthis. The conflict has killed at over 6,500 people and unleashed a humanitarian crisis in one of the world’s poorest countries.

Medecins Sans Frontieres said an air strike on Monday hit one of its hospitals northwestern Hajja province and killed 11 people.

UNICEF said a school was bombed on Saturday in neighbouring Saada province, killing

ten children mostly between the ages of six and eight.

Coalition spokesman General Ahmed Al Asseri said the bombing had targeted a centre used by the Houthi militias as a training camp.

UN Secretary-General Ban Kimoon condemned Saturday’s air strike and called for an investigation, which the coalition said it would conduct. — Reuters

FLEEING CONFLICTS

Swiss-Italian frontier becomes flashpoint in migrant crisis SWISS-ITALIAN BORDER: Nine months pregnant and desperate to cross from Italy into Switzerland after fleeing Ethiopia, a young woman along with her husband are among hundreds stranded by a Swiss border clampdown that is drawing international scrutiny.

Swiss authorities reject accusations they are violating would-be refugees’ rights to seek asylum.

But a growing throng of migrants waiting near Como in northern Italy and aid workers tell a different story: The Swiss border is effectively closed.

“Wait here until we understand the situation,” volunteer Lisa Bosia Mirra told the Ethiopian couple, who did not give their names, after they sought her help with Swiss asylum applications.”One week at least.”

Mirra, a member of the regional parliament in Switzerland’s Italian-speaking Ticino region that borders Italy, told them not to try to cross until then, since to be registered and deported could dash any hope of winning Swiss asylum.

Still, the pair, fearing the prospect of the mother giving birth in a Como park without shelter or sanitation, said they would try their luck anyway and enter Switzerland, a longtime haven for refugees, by train.

lic backlash over the more than one million who streamed to the continent in 2015 - borders have slammed shut along the Balkan corridor and an accord between Turkey and the EU has stemmed an influx into Greece.

More than 140,000 asylum seekers are now housed in Italian shelters, up sevenfold from 2013.

Italy has increasingly struggled to cope as Austria, France and Switzerland have turned back migrants seeking onward travel.

In Switzerland, asylum requests fell by more than a third year on year in July, even as those trying to enter rose.

Last week alone, Swiss border guards swept up nearly 1,800 people trying to cross from Italy without permission. More than two-thirds have been turned away since July, up from one in seven through June this year.

MISERABLE CONDITIONS: Migrants sleep under blankets in a makeshift camp at the San Giovanni railway station in Como, Italy on August 12, 2016. — Reuters

Several hundred migrants have slept on towels and blankets in the park near Como’s train station since the Swiss clampdown began in mid-July, separating people from relatives or friends who had crossed some months before.

Non-governmental and human rights groups like Amnesty Inter-

national and Bosia’s Associazone Firdaus have called for clarifications from Switzerland over migrants’ claims that they were denied a chance to speak to border authorities and that requests to seek Swiss asylum went unheeded.

Swiss left-wing politicians are checking for possible violations

of Swiss asylum law. With the migrant crisis now in its third year, more people are arriving and more are dying on often dangerous journeys to Europe from northern Africa and the Middle East.

For many migrants, Italy has become the gateway into Europe now that - in response to a pub-

Dublin System Swiss Customs said this upholds the law - under Europe’s so-called Dublin System for handling refugees, migrants can be returned to their first country of registry - and reflects a rise in migrants aiming to transit elsewhere in Europe.

Under Swiss law, its Secretariat for Migration (SEM) must process anyone requesting asylum.

That means border officers or

police must put asylum seekers in SEM’s care even if they are ultimately deemed ineligible to stay.

But many of Como’s migrants, including minors, told Reuters in interviews that they were rebuffed directly at the border despite presenting documents showing they sought to join family in Switzerland.

It remains unclear if people were being rejected en masse under any formal policy, Bosia said.

Asylum requests Norman Gobbi, the local Swiss police director, has told local media of a more restrictive practice where only plausible asylum requests were being considered.

Those requesting asylum only after being rebuffed for initially saying they wanted to travel onward were being returned to Italy, he said.

“This situation is an expression of the failure of the Dublin system,” Swiss parliamentarian Carlo Sommaruga said last week as he met young Ethiopians, Eritreans and Somalis, many of them children, who travelled across Egypt and Libya to Europe.

These young people told stories of persecution at home - a father jailed, an uncle murdered, women raped - which they said made fleeing necessary. — Reuters

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

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Increased road accident deaths in Oman

We can expect to hear a lot of talk in New York next month about the international community’s responsibility to help existing refugees. But the cold truth is that there is little “community” at the international level. So long as that remains the case, millions of men, women, and children will face a dangerous present and future

TWEET WE LIKE @kra_moni Masirah Island is located some 15km from the coast of Al Wusta in Central Oman...

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I will ask the IOC how it intends to safeguard the spirit of the Games, in Tokyo and in all the Olympics going forward. The Olympic motto has long been ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger’. I intend to propose to the IOC, and to the Olympic sponsors that, in Tokyo, we add a fourth objective: Cleaner

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READERS’ FORUM Let’s not ignore the role of women in our society As the world is progressing towards creating a better place to live for humans and other creatures, it’s quite disturbing to note the increasing aggression against women. Men are still hesitating to accept their opposite gender with all respect they deserve thus even leading to harassing girls of minors. The misery of thousands of refugees is well beyond reality. Real domestic violence against women is hardly heard, as they become helpless in their quest of survival.

There are countries with women leaders at the helm, yet the agony of women and girls continues. Lack of education and social Scan this QR code cognizance are the very basic of whatever is to send letters to the happening onto women these days. Let’s not Readers’ Forum, ignore the role of women in our society, and containing not more than 200 words with respect them as partners to live along. full name, address — Ramachandran Nair, Ruwi

ELI LAKE

Critique of Obama is not as bold as calling him the founder of the IS. But it has the benefit of being true.

Trump’s current approach has the benefit of helping his political opponents. So again, it’s worth asking who in the end really gains from Trump’s paranoid, fact-free campaign style. Lot of people are saying it’s Hillary Clinton

and telephone number, may be sent by e-mail (akhtar@ timesofoman.com).

If you care about your children put them in a seat This refers to the report, Car restraints use essential for avoiding road deaths in Oman’ (August 15). I do not understand ... if you care about your children put them in a seat. Period. I have seen too many times here children are crawling around the car, while the parents have their seat belts on. — Mark Wells, via Facebook

NEW INDIA ASSURANCE

“Insure with New India and be secure”

Tel: 24838800 | Fax: 24838899 | Email: niamct@omantel.net.om | Website: www.newindiaoman.com Cynicism is an unpleasant way of saying the truth.

LILLIAN HELLMAN

Immigration by points to Britain I

t was widely observed that Brexit was driven by anti-immigrant sentiment. A new Ipsos poll confirms that about half of Brits have a negative view of immigration, while only 35 per cent view it positively. Much concern has focused upon European Union citizens currently residing in the UK (they’ll certainly be grandfathered, as will UK citizens living in the EU), but the real question is what kind of long-term immigration policy the UK should adopt.

Britain’s best option is a points-based system, along the lines of those in Canada and Australia.

Both countries sought, a half-century ago, to replace a system of favouritism by race and national origin with measures of merit -- including education, English fluency (or French in Canada) and work experience -- with the obvious design of admitting the most qualified people.

“Remain” campaigners balked when Brexiters proposed the same during the campaign, but Britain should consider the proposal now.

Canada and Australia, it is true, are bigger and less populous nations which seek to attract immigrants, but their experiences can work equally well for more densely populated nations such as Britain which seek to limit immigration without choking off supply of needed skilled labor and unskilled workers.

Points systems in these two countries have worked as intended, attracting large numbers of qualified people. Apart from the US and the UK, the two have sustained the most consistently high levels of net immigration among developed nations. Currently, they admit about one-quarter of a million annually. Other nations have experienced spikes in net influxes, including Germany’s 1.1 million in 2015. This was not immigration -that is, people seeking opportunity -- but rather asylum-seeking by refugees. A better example is Spain’s net immigration of 725,000 in 2007, powered primarily by Spain’s then-booming economy and its law granting citizenship to immigrants from the former Spanish Empire after just two years of legal residency, among other very lenient immigration policies. Since 2013, Spain has experienced net migration.

These huge spikes illustrate something else.

While the EU enforces a uniform policy for internal movement, there is no uniform policy for entry from the outside its borders. Without such a common policy, every EU nation’s immigration policy is vulnerable to the discretion, whims and weaknesses of each and every other EU nation.

For its part, the U.K. has experienced markedly increased immigration since net immigration first topped 100,000 in 1998. According to the UK Office of National Statistics, the increase has been dramatic over the last four years, to 333,000 from less than 200,000, an obvious driver of the widely recognised anti-immigrant sentiment behind the Brexit vote. It is not surprising that this sentiment targeted the EU, since net immigration of EU citizens has skyrocketed to 184,000 in 2015 from less than 20,000 in 2004. Not only do the Canadian and Australian successes recommend the point system, but the UK already employs elements of a point system introduced in its 2008 reforms for non-EU immigration, which replaced a maze of about 80 different types of visas.

Even a well-constructed points system won’t satisfy those who want more draconian limits on immigration. But using explicit criteria for admissions ensures that the immigrants contribute to society and reduces fears that uncontrolled immigration poses social, cultural, economic and security threats. Awarding points for English language proficiency, for example, favors immigrants more predisposed to assimilate and reduces the likelihood of nativist opposition. Awarding points according to age, with twenty-somethings scoring the highest, helped both Canada and Australia improve the worker-retiree ratio so key to funding public retirement and healthcare benefits. Awarding points for educational achievement favors immigrants prepared for the technological economies of the developed nations they seek to join. Points systems need not be inflexible.

In recent years, Canada and Australia have modified their point systems from pure merit-based measures in order to match immigrant skills to labour-force needs.- Bloomberg View

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES AUGUST 2001 Oman can qualify for World Cup, says coach DOHA: Oman’s coach Bernd Stange is confident his side can upset the odds and qualify for next year’s World Cup finals in Korea and Japan. Stange, who took over the national team just six weeks ago after Milan Micala steered the team through the first phase, said Oman should not be written off. “There have been umpteen cases of upsets in the soccer world — an unknown second division team turning the tables on Bayern Munich, Manchester United losing to an unfancied club — and I believe Oman are capable of creating an upset or two during the second round,” said the former Perth Glory coach.

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PICTOGRAPH

PROPORTION OF POPULATION USING AN IMPROVED DRINKING WATER SOURCE

75% 2003

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

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

1743: By the Treaty of Abo, Sweden cedes southeast Finland to Russia, ending Sweden’s failed war with Russia.

1978: Three Americans complete the first crossing of the Atlantic in a balloon.

1988: Pakistani President Ziaul Haq is killed in a plane crash.

1999: 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Turkey kills over 17,000

94.9% 2014

0 Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

LIFESTYLE LEISURE

A SHORT HAUL FOR THIS EID STORY MOHAMMED SHAFEEQE

O

utbound holiday travel and bookings have picked up momentum for the Eid Al Adha holidays as the residents prefer peaceful and short haul destinations this time to escape the Omani summer. On the destinations, the travel agents observe that the residents seem to avoid going to places where terror threats are high. This was echoed by most of the major players in the industry who said during the upcoming Eid break, many Omanis have booked their travels to “more peaceful places” in Asia and in Europe such as Georgia, Switzerland, as well as the UK (particularly London). “Yes there is a drop in our outbound business. This is mainly because of

Holiday revellers have started booking flight tickets and hotel rooms as most prefer short haul, ‘peaceful destinations’ for this Eid Al Adha.

Planing ahead is the best option for a budget holiday, experts say

the current economic situation in the region and the uncertainty in certain destination,” said Rajeev Thomas, Assistant Manager – Holidays, Eihab Travels.

In Asia, Thailand tops their list followed by Malaysia and Sri Lanka, countries that offer a lot of touristic attractions that suit their preference. The travel players added that many Omanis visit Germany and Thailand also for medical treat-

ment, but the number of bookings has remained low this year.

According to Tiji Mathew John, Bahwan Tourism, “the traditional Eid markets, that is the 4-5 nights stays on the periphery of the GCC area like Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan, all have no takers due to the social and political situation in the area. But we are focusing on the usual – short haul sectors such as Georgia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.”

But travel agents note that a lot of residents in the country were now relying on online bookings which they find cheaper compared with the rates offered by many travel agencies. This also is a reason for the dip in the bookings. Travellers can easily book their flights and hotels using their Smartphones and pay by credit cards. However, a travel professional explained that while some residents may find online

booking cheaper, it also has its own disadvantages. “Changing travel dates once a booking is done, looking for the best or suitable hotels or accommodations, and cancellation of bookings, among others, will be easier at a travel agency than doing it online, which is time consuming,” Robby George, an expert in the field of holiday travel, said.

According to Suraj Shroff, manager, Holidays, Zahara Holidays,

“Omani’s are excited to book the overseas trips for the forthcoming holidays. As per trend we have observed that customers have started planning to book the holidays early which is a good sign and this is helping them get better air fares, hotel rates and get the visas issued on time. ‘Visa-On-Arrival’ destinations is gaining popularity and in addition to Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore which are the most desired destinations, Omanis are now looking for new destinations like Tbilisi-Georgia, Baku-Azerbaijan, Morocco, Jordan, Egypt, South Korea, Philippines, Indonesia, Iran, Maldives, and India which has excellent flight connections and even London is the hot destination due to the e-visa for Omani Nationals.” > A15

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

WEATHER

TEMPERATURE

HUMIDITY

40 - 28 43-30% 0

0

PRAYER TIMINGS

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

12.16pm 3.42pm 6.43pm 7.58pm 4.24am

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LIFESTYLE BEST PICKS 4 nights/5 days Hong Kong Magic with Disneyland, dinner cruise and day trip to Macau included • Per adult on twin sharing: starting OMR290* • 4 nights at Hotel Metro Park Kowloon 4* or similar • Daily breakfast at the hotel • Round-trip seat-in-coach Airport transfers • SIC Symphony of Lights–Victoria Harbour Dinner Cruise • SIC Deluxe Hong Island Tour with Sky Terrace • Hong Kong Disneyland Tour with transfers • SIC Macau excursion 6 Days Bali Beaches and Hill • Starting from OMR167 and OMR238 • Stay for 3 nights in Bali with buffet breakfast • Stay for 2 nights in Ubud with buffet breakfast • Full day Barong Kintamani Tour with lunch at local Indian Restaurant on PVT basis • Water Sports at Tanjung Benoa (One ride each Parasailing, Jetski, Banana Boat) • Sunset Uluwatu Tour For the above packages contact Zahara Holidays +968 9449 3426, +968 2440 0822

contact@zaharaholidays.com

< A14

EXPERT TIPS ON PLANNING ANY HOLIDAY “We at Zahara Holidays, also encourage our guests to try new options like Cruise Holidays to Europe and Mediterranean, Escorted Coach Tours to Europe that are cost effective and covers maximum destinations and has worldwide itineraries including Australia and New Zealand, selfdrive holidays, relaxing holidays with soft Ayurveda and spa treatments, weeklong family fun stays in pool villas at exotic destinations like Phuket, Ubud, Koh Samui, and Pattaya,” he said.

Rajeev Thomas says that the current trend is to visit destination with relaxed visa policies, easy access, and economical rates. People choose destination with good weather, natural attractions, and scenic beauty and a place to relax

• First and foremost please check your passports and ensure they are valid or get them renewed immediately.

• Plan your travel dates and budget with consideration of all family members and only thereafter purchase your holiday package.

• Get necessary leave approval from your company.

• Meet the holiday experts and drop in for consultation.

• Take your visa appointments well in advance or get your evisas issued ahead of time.

• Finalise the destination and budget.

• Plan your holiday budget and consider all the aspects of travel — like cost of flights, hotels, daily meals in the destination, expenses for sightseeing tours, amount of foreign currency you will spend. Note: Flights + hotels will consume the maximum amount of your holiday budget and get your options.

• Medical check-up of all family members prior to travel and get the required prescription medicines.

• For a worry free holiday, don’t leave on your vacation without buying a proper ‘travel insurance’.

with their family and some bargain shopping. “We receive many booking requests for Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Bali, India, and Sri Lanka for the Asian destinations and Georgia, Bosnia, Slovakia, Prague, Greece, and Switzerland in Europe,” he said.

However, experts say that the best option for a budget holiday is to plan your holidays well ahead of time and also look at forming your own family group so that special group fares and group packages can be negotiated. “We highly recommend customers to contact us for full guidance instead of sourcing travel on various dot.coms,” says Suraj Shroff.

If you are on budget then travel agents highly recommend you to keep the travel dates slightly flexible and book only the flights and hotels with basic tours and

TASTE OF VIENNA 3 nights/ 4 days • Rate starting from OMR163 per adult based on twin sharing basis • 3 nights accommodation in 3 star category hotel • Daily breakfast • 72 hours Vienna Card • Half day city tour at Schonbrunn Palace • Coffee and cake at Café Sacher • Dinner and concert at the Vienna Kursalon – Category C ticket • For the above packages contact Eihab Travels LLC +968 2468 3900, +968 2468 3912

eihabtravels.com

CINEMA SCHEDULE

IN THE NEWS

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68 www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman

Summer Offers at Six Senses Zighy Bay for GCC Residents Book your next holiday at nature’s best beach escape, Six Senses Zighy Bay, with an exclusive offer for GCC residents.

Nestled between a long stretch of white sandy beach and the dramatic Hajar Mountains in the Musandam peninsula, the 82-villa resort presents a unique experience to rest and rejuvenate amid tranquil surroundings.

Wake up to a beautiful vista of mountains, waves and the golden glow of the rising sun over the Gulf of Oman and plan your activities according to your mood. Whether paragliding high from the rugged mountains or sailing smoothly to the Haffa Bay to cool off with diving excursions, snorkelling trips and fishing adventures, all manner of fun can be arranged by the dedicated host at Six Senses Zighy Bay. No trip to the resort would be complete without a visit to the award-winning Six Senses Spa for a rejuvenating experience, where you can sign up for a holistic treatment with healing benefits or simply immerse yourself in an aromatherapy blend on the pressure points that need work.

try considering one of the visa on arrival or e-visa destinations and maximise your stay in one single destination or country instead of using multiple flights and sectors which adds to tour travel budget.

Suraj Shroff said that, Omani currency being very strong, there has been a very positive impact on the outbound leisure business for both budget and luxury traveller and customers know that they are getting the maximum advantage of low air fares on both business and economy class as well as best hotel deals which is inducing them to travel with family to your dream vacation.

“In Oman we have also seen increase in the youth traveller which is a good sign for country’s economy and outbound business continues to grow,” he added.

— shafeeq@timesofoman.com

BEST OF GEORGIA 4 nights/ 5 days • Rate starting from OMR130 per person based on twin sharing basis • 4 nights accommodation in Tbilisi in 4 star category hotel • Daily breakfast • Airport transfers and city tour on private basis • Inclusive of all current applicable taxes

In order to provide up-to-theminute information for neighbouring residents, the resort has launched an Arabic website to facilitate browsing and reservations for all GCC and Arabicspeaking travellers. The website highlights the uniqueness of the resort and its spacious villas to suit all families, honeymooners, and short-term vacationers.

The social-media savvy can also book online and communicate with the resort hosts through Facebook and Twitter, and share envy-making holiday pictures on Instagram using the resort tag @SixSensesZighyBay and #OutOfTheOrdinary The GCC residents offer has been crafted on the basis of a

minimum two-night stay with benefits detailed as below: • 20% off best available rates (BAR) • 20% off spa treatments • 20% off on food and beverage (excluding hops, grape and shelved bottle beverages) • Arabic welcome amenities • A two piece pressing service on arrival day • Daily buffet breakfast • Children under 12 years eat and sleep for free when dining with parents, maximum two children. Selection from children menu only.

• Scheduled morning activities • Unlimited in-villa wireless Internet access • Upgrade to the next villa category upon arrival, subject to availability • Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability Valid until the end of August and a valid ID is to be presented upon check-in to avail the rate.

Prior reservation is recommended, and can be made through reservations -zighy@sixsenses.com.

—lifestyle@timesofoman.com

SHATTI Rustom – 2D (12+) Hindi | Action| Thriller Cast: Akshay Kumar, Ileana, Esha Gupta 6:15 PM Mohenjo Daro – 2D Hindi | Romance Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Pooja Hegde 8:45 PM (PG12) Manhattan Nocturne – 2D (12+) Crime Cast: Yvonne Strahovski, Adrien Brody 2:45, 9:45 PM The Neon Demon – 2D (18+) Horror Cast: Elle Fanning, Christina Hendricks, Keanu Reeves 11:45 PM The Shallows – 2D (PG12) Drama| Horror Cast: Blake Lively, Óscar Jaenada 4:45, 11:45 PM The BFG – 3D (PG) Action | Family | Cast: Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill 3:15, 7:30 PM Suicide Squad – 3D (12+) Action, Crime Cast: Will Smith, Jared Leto 3:45, 9:00, 11:30 PM Ice Age: Collision Course – 3D (PG) Animation | Adventure | Comedy 5:30 PM The Legend of Tarzan – 3D Action Cast: Alexander Skarsgård, Rory J. Saper 6:30 PM (PG12) MUSCAT GRAND MALL The Ice Age: Collision Course (3D) (PG) 2.15pm The Legend of Tarzan (3D) (PG12) Cast: Alexander Skarsgård, Rory J. Saper 2:45, 8:45PM The Legend of Tarzan (3D) (PG12) 6:00PM, Gold Class Suicide Squad (3D)(12+) Cast: Will Smith, Jared Leto 12.15, 6.45, 11.45pm Suicide Squad Gold Class (3D)(12+) 3.30pm The BFG (3D) (PG) Cast: Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill, Penelope Wilton 12.00, 4.15, 6.30pm The Shallows (2D) (PG12) Cast: Blake Lively, Óscar Jaenada 5.00, 11.30pm Mohenjo Daro (Hindi) (2D) (PG12) Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Pooja Hegde, Kabir Bedi 8.45pm Mohenjo Daro (Hindi) (2D) (PG12) Gold 8.15, 11.15pm PANORAMA MALL The BFG - (3D) (Action ) (PG) VIP LOUNGE Cast: Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill 6:30PM The BFG - (4D) (Action) (PG) MX4D 3:30, 6:30 & 9:00PM The BFG - (3D) (Action | Family) (PG) 3:00 & 5:05PM Manhattan Nocturne - (2D) (Crime ) Cast: Yvonne Strahovski, Adrien Brody 3:00 & 10:00PM (12+) Rustom - (2D) (Hindi) VIP LOUNGE Cast: Akshay Kumar, Ileana, Esha Gupta 8:45PM (12+) Rustom - (2D) (Hindi | Action) (12+) 7:15, 11:30PM Mohenjo Daro - (2D) (PG12) VIP LOUNGE Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Pooja Hegde 3:30PM (Hindi | Romance) Mohenjo Daro - (2D) (Hindi) (PG12) 8:15 & 11:15PM How To Be Yours - (2D) (Tagalog) (PG12) Cast: Bea Alonzo, Gerald Anderson 5:00PM

@SHATTI

Manhattan Nocturne – 2D (12+) Crime Cast: Yvonne Strahovski, Adrien Brody 2:45, 9:45 PM

Suicide Squad - (3D) (Action, Crime) 11:30PM (12+) VIP LOUNGE Suicide Squad - (3D) (Action) (12+) 3:30, 9:00 & 11:30PM Ice Age: Collision Course - (3D) (Animation | Adventure | Comedy) (PG) 7:15PM The Legend of Tarzan - (3D) (Action ) 6:00PM (PG12) Jason Bourne - (2D) (Action) (PG12) Cast: Matt Damon, Tommy Lee Jones 11:50PM AZAIBA Ice Age: Collision Course (3D) (Animation | Adventure | Comedy) (PG) 2:00, 4:30 PM The Legend of Tarzan (3D) (Action) Cast: Alexander Skarsgard 6:10, 11:30 PM(PG12) Suicide Squad (3D) (Crime) (12+) Cast: Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot 3:30, 11:45 PM Rustom (Hindi) (2D) (Action) (12+) 3:00, 5:45, 8:15, 11:30 PM Mohenjo Daro (Hindi) (2D) (Romance) 3:15, 6:00, 8:30, 11:00 PM (PG12) Wagah (Tamil) (2D) (Action) (PG12) Cast: Vikram Prabhu, Ranya Rao 9:00 PM Babu Bangaram (Telugu) (2D) (Action) Cast: Venkatesh, Nayanthara 8:55 PM Kasaba (Mal) (2D) (Action ) (PG12) Cast: Mammootty, Jagadish, Sampath Raj 6:25 PM RUWI Screen 1 Mohenjo Daro (Action/ Drama) –PG12 Cast : Hrithik Roshan, Pooja Hegde 3.30, 9.30 PM Rustom (Action/Thriller) –12+ Cast : Akshay Kumar, Ileana, Esha Gupta 6.30 PM Screen 2 Rustom (Action/Thriller) –12+ 3.45, 9.45 PM Mohenjo Daro (Action/ Drama ) –PG12 6.45 PM Screen 3 Dishoom (Action) –PG Cast : John Abraham, Varun Dhawan 3.45, 6.45 PM Rustom (Action/Thriller) –12+ 9.45 PM SUR Ice Age: Collision Course (Animation) 5.30 PM (3D)(PG) Manhattan Nocturne (Crime)(12+) Cast: Yvonne Strahovski, Adrien Brody 6.45, 11.45 PM

The Shallows (Drama – English) (PG12) Cast: Blake Lively, Oscar Jaenada 3.45, 10.00 PM Rustom (Thriller- Hindi)(12+) 7.15, 11.15 PM Mohenjo Daro (Adventure – Hindi)(PG12) 3.45, 8.30 PM SOHAR The Legend of Tarzan - 3D (Drama) 2:30, 9:30PM (PG12) Ice Age: Collision Course-3D (Animation) (12+); 5:15PM The BFG-3D (Action/Family/Fantasy) (PG) 3:00, 6:30PM Equals – 2D (Drama/Romance) (15+) Cast: Nicholas Hoult, Kristen Stewart 5:15PM The Shallows – 2D (Drama) (PG12) 4:45, 10:15PM Kill Command – 2D (Action) (12+) Cast: Vanessa Kirby, Thure Lindhardt, 3:15, 11:55PM The Neon Demon – 2D (Horror) (18+) Cast: Elle Fanning, Keanu Reeves 11:55PM Suicide Squad-3D (Action/Crime/) (12+) Cast: Will Smith, Jared Leto 7:00, 11:45PM Kasaba-2D (Malayalam/ Action) (PG12) Cast: Mammootty, Jagadish, Sampath Raj 6:15PM Rustom-2D (Hindi/ Action/Thriller) (12+) 3:30, 8:45PM Mohenjo Daro - 2D (Hindi/Romance) Cast Hrithik Roshan, Pooja Hegde 7:15, 8:45, 11:30PM (PG12) Babu Bangaram - 2D (Telugu/Action) Cast Venkatesh, Nayanthara 9:00PM (PG) BURAIMI Mohenjo Daro PG12 (Hindi) (Adventure) 4.45, 9.00 & 11.30 PM Suicide Squad (3D) 12+ (Action, Crime) Cast: Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot 7.30 PM Ice Age: Collision Course (3D) PG (Animation | Adventure | Comedy) 5.30 PM Kill Command 12+ (Action Sci-Fi) Cast: Vanessa Kirby, Thure Lindhardt, 7.15 & 9.45 PM Rustom 12+ (Hindi) (Action| Thriller) 6.45 & 11.15 PM The Shallows PG12 (Drama| Horror ) Cast: Blake Lively, Óscar Jaenada 5.00 & 9.30 PM Manhattan Nocturne 12+ (Crime) 11.45 PM SALALAH The BFG (3D) (PG) (Action | Family) Cast: Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill, 12:30, 4:30PM Kill Command (2D) (12+) (Action) Cast: Vanessa Kirby, Thure Lindhardt 1:00, 11:55PM The Shallows (2D) (12+) (Drama| Horror ) Cast: Blake Lively, Óscar Jaenada 4:35PM Suicide Squad (3D) (12+) (Action) 2:00, 9:15PM Ice Age: Collision Course (3D) (PG) 2:45PM The Legend of Tarzan (3D) (PG12) 11:45AM, 6:45, 11:45PM (PG12) Jason Bourne (2D) (PG12) (Action | ) 6:10PM Rustom (2D) (12+) (Hindi) (Action) 8:30PM Mohenjo Daro (2D) (PG12) (Hindi) 3:15, 8:55, 11:15PM Babu Bangaram (2D) (PG) (Hindi) Adventure| Romance) Cast: Venkatesh, Nayanthara 6:30PM

@ AZAIBA

Rustom (Hindi) (2D) (Action) (12+) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Ileana, Esha Gupta 3:00, 5:45, 8:15, 11:30 PM

BAHJA CINEMA Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com The Neon Demon (Horror / Thriller) Cast: Elle Fanning, Christina Hendricks, Keanu Reeves 3.45, 8.00, 10.00p.m.

CP No : 1958 (18+) War Dogs (Comedy/ Drama/ War) Cast: Miles Teller, Bradley Cooper, Ana De Armas 11.55 p.m.

CP No: 2041 (15+) Manhattan Nocturne (Crime / Drama / Mystery) Cast: Yvonne Strahovski, Adrien Brody 2.00, 6.00, 10.00 & 11.55 p.m.

CP No : 1959 (12+) Equals (Drama / Romance / Sci-Fi) Cast: Nicholas Hoult, Kristen Stewart, Vernetta Lopez 2.00, 4.00 & 8.00 p.m.

CP No : 1960 (15+) Suicide Squad (Action / Adventure ) Cast: Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie 5.45 p.m.

CP No : 1950 (12+)

STAR CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om Babu Bangaram ( Telugu ) (Act\ Drama)(PG) Cast : Venkatesh & Nayantara 3-30 PM Cinema Main; 6-30 & 9-30 pm Cinema -2 Anuraga Karikkin Vallam (Mal) (PG 12) Cast: Biju Menon & Asif Ali 6-30 & 9-30 pm Cinema Main; 3-30 pm Cinema -2 Rustom (Hindi) ( Act) (12+) Cast : Akshay Kumar & Ileana Dcruz 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 pm Cinema -3 Kasaba (Mal) ( Act) ( PG 12) Cast : Mammootty & Varalaxami Sarathkumer 3-45 & 9-45 pm Cinema-4 Kabali ( Tamil) ( Action) ( PG 12) Cast : Rajanikanth & Radika Apte 6-45 pm Cinema -4 Next Change: IDI ( Malayalam); Darmadurai (Tamil); Happy Bhag Jayegi (Hindi) Programmes are subject to change

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

LIFESTYLE

HOBBYIST

SONY LIBIN PAINTER/ ARTIST

Pursuit of Happiness Why do you love painting?

It gives immense pleasure when you realise that your fingers can turn a blank canvas into an admirable piece of art and that’s what keeps me going.

How did you get into it?

Being an admirer of God’s creations and a nature lover myself, I’d been searching for ways to spend the time of life the way I wanted it to be. Brushes and colours got into my world as the pursuit of happiness.

How can one get into it?

Chase your dreams and they will lead your way. Learn the basics as in any other field of work and take the courage to experiment with colours on your own.

What’s your pro-tip on painting?

Always keep the windows of your soul open and let the breeze of nature come in, as it’s an everlasting inspiration to an artist.

Learn painting at Kalabhavan Al Ghubra: +968 2449 2287 Ruwi: +968 2478 8450 Al Hail: +968 9875 6206 Kalamandalam Institute of Music & Arts Al Ghubra: +968 9767 9869, +968 9824 7023 MuscArt’s weekly art workshops Al Ghubra: +968 2449 3912 muscart.net Creative Art Expressions PDO every Thursday: +968 9252 6815 creativeartexpressions.com

Photo Shabin E.

BRIEFS

Muriya gives language training for tour guides To support the Ministry of Tourism’s efforts to create employment opportunities and empower local SMEs, Muriya graduated 15 tour guides who successfully completed a German language training course in the Governorate of Dhofar.

Conducted by the Goethe Institute, the tour guides will tell the story of Oman to the growing number of tourists arriving from German-speaking countries facilitated with the unrivalled hospitality options available at Muriya’s Salalah Beach destination in the Governorate of Dhofar. The graduation ceremony was held under the patronage of Maitha Saif Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism. Issam Al Barwani, Muriya Vice-President of Government Affairs, said, “While most Omani tour guides communicate with tourists in English, the Sultanate is quickly becoming a popular destination for visitors from non-English speaking countries. Last year alone, Salalah Beach destination attracted over 25,000 German tourists. We started bringing German tourists to the Governorate of Dhofar starting 2012 and their numbers have rapidly increased given the world-class hospitality propositions on offer. At the end of the day, our tour guides are the face of Oman and are entrusted with the responsibility to enhance the overall visitor experience.” Al Barwani, added, “We offered the training course to break the language barrier in tourism. We know that Omanis are the best people to talk about Oman, share its rich heritage and enhance intercultural communication. We also wanted to build capacities of Omani talent, open more doors for tour guides within the growing tourism and hospitality sector.” Muriya has earned a reputation for supporting the growth of Omani talent; its support of the training was directly inspired by its CSR initiative ‘Maharati’ that aims to build local capacities through training programmes. Over the years, the company’s dedication to the community has led to the creation of close to 1,000 direct and indirect jobs across its projects.

Eid offers at Tower Rotana Get ready for a special Eid Al Adha holiday in Dubai at Towers Rotana Hotel and enjoy up to 20% room discount.

Book seven days in advance on rotana.com to benefit from complimentary Wi-Fi and a room upgrade. Superbly located in the heart of the city, Tower Rotana Hotel offers the best rates to experience a nice escape to Dubai. Located on Sheikh Zayed Road and within walking distance to Financial Centre Metro Station, the hotel gives guests access to all major attractions and destinations of the metropolis.

Towers Rotana Hotel’s 372 rooms, suites and apartments offer a selection of rooms offering modern convenience including interconnecting rooms, providing larger families the ability to stay close to each other. Its new hotel apartments are very family-friendly with amenities such as a spacious living area, fully equipped kitchen and washing machine. Located on the top floor of the annex building is Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club, which offers a tranquil refuge from the bustling city and recreational activities for every member of the family, from state-of-the-art equipment and fitness studio to steam and sauna rooms, and rooftop temperature controlled swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Towers Rotana is also home to award-winning fusion fine dining restaurant Teatro, award-winning all day dining restaurant Flavours on Two and lobby bistro Wraps Café.

Families dining within the restaurants of Towers Rotana with children can also benefit from a variety of privileges including a 50% food and beverage discount for children between 6-12 years and complimentary meals for children under six years. —lifestyle@timesofoman.com

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WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM W EDN ES DAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

OMAN CRUDE EDGES UP

MARKE

Oman Crude (October delivery) edged up $1 to $45.84 per barrel on Tuesday. The average price of Oman Crude (September delivery) was $43.40 per barrel - $3.20 higher than August delivery. – ONA

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH THE VIDEO

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

Muscat 5,886.96 - 19.75 - 0.33%

Dubai 3,587.21 - 15.26 - 0.42%

Abu Dhabi 4,542.84 - 17.06 - 0.37%

Kuwait 5,507.05 + 14.80 + 0.27%

Saudi Arabia

6,328.55 - 31.70 - 0.50%

Bahrain 1,151.97 - 7.36 - 0.63%

Qatar 11,371.12 + 242.95 + 2.18%

CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.29 Pound ...........................................1.99 Indian Rs .............................. 173.31 Pakistan Rs .........................267.31 Bangla Taka......................200.92

Indian Rs ...................................173.35 Pakistan Rs ............................. 271.60 Sri Lanka Rs .................................. N/A Bangla Taka........................... 203.50 Phil Peso ................................... 120.05

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) ........ 17.15

Oman Crude............. (Spot) ........$45.52 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) ........ $45.67 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) ........$46.87 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ........ $45.79 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ........ $48.57 West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ........$45.96

* Rates are as of August 16 Source: Bank Muscat

* Rates as of August 16 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

Cement firms plan to set up joint venture in Duqm eries zone and roads, is expected to drive demand for cement in the coming years.

Raysut Cement alone produced 2.02 million tonnes of cement (and sold 2.01 million tonnes) in the first half, while Oman Cement produced 1.21 million tonnes of cement (and sold 1.20 million tonnes) during the same period.

The new company, a joint venture between Oman Cement Company and Raysut Cement Company, will be named the Al Wusta Cement Company LLC and will come up within the Duqm Special Economic Zone

A E JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman’s two cement producers — Oman Cement Company and Raysut Cement Company — are planning to build a new cement plant in joint venture within the Duqm Special Economic Zone, both companies said in separate disclosures on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM).

“The new company will be named the Al Wusta Cement Company LLC. The new company proposes to set up a new cement plant in the near future, subject to detailed feasibility studies,” the statement noted. The new project will also progress in coordination

with the Duqm Special Economic Zone Authority.

Following the news, Oman Cement shares surged by 2.55 per cent to 482 baisas, with 270,656 shares changing hands on MSM. Similarly, Raysut Cement’s shares moved up 2.07 per cent to OMR1.48 on better demand for 20,600 shares.

The two cement producers have achieved a 10.78 per cent (an additional 312,545 tonnes) growth in combined cement sales at 3.21 million tonnes in the first half of 2016, up from 2.90 million tonnes for the same period of last year, and despite severe competition from neighbouring cement producers. A few years ago, the two were complaining against dumping

ROBUST DEMAND: The two cement producers have achieved a 10.78 per cent (or 312,545 tonnes) growth in combined cement sales at 3.21 million tonnes in the first half of 2016. — Times file picture

by United Arab Emirates(UAE) firms, after these firms faced a glut in demand in their domestic market in the aftermath of a global financial crisis.

The country’s construction projects, that mainly involve building infrastructure, have propped up demand for cement.

Since several mega projects are

coming up in Duqm and the transportation cost is high for cement, it is an ideal location for a cement plant to meet the requirements of the Al Wusta region.

The construction industry in Duqm, which is getting a boost from several projects, including a refinery, a petrochemical complex, China’s industrial zone, fish-

Major markets The major markets for the Raysut Cement are Oman, Yemen and the East African markets, while Pioneer Cement (a subsidiary of Raysut) focuses on the UAE and Oman markets.

In southern Oman and southern Yemen markets, Raysut Cement is the major player.

In fact, work is in progress at Pioneer Cement to create additional capacity for a 12,000-tonne silo, with four compartments, the commission for which is expected to end in November 2016.

Parent company Raysut Cement’s project for upgrading a Gas Supply Station in Salalah is also under progress.

Upon project completion, the production capacity of cement will be increased by about 130,000 to 140,000 tonnes per annum.

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......16.45 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ........... 163.00 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) ............ 153.00 * Rates as of August 16 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

CENTRAL BANK OF OMAN

Oman raises OMR85m in treasury bills MUSCAT: Oman’s central bank on Tuesday said that it raised OMR85 million by tendering government treasury bills.

The treasury bills have a maturity period of 28 days from August 17 to September 14, 2016.

The average accepted price reached 99.959 for every OMR100 while the minimum accepted price arrived at 99.955 per OMR100.

The average discount rate and the average yield reached 0.53983 per cent and 0.54006 per cent, respectively.

Interest rate The interest rate on the repo operations with the Central Bank of Oman is 1.00744 per cent for the period from August 16 to August 22, 2016 while the discount rate on the treasury bills discounting facility with CBO is 1.75744 per cent for the same period.

The treasury bills are shortterm highly secured financial instruments issued by the CBO on behalf of the Government, which helps the licensed commercial banks to gainfully invest their surplus funds, with added advantage of ready liquidity through discounting and repurchase facilities (Repo) offered by the Central Bank of Oman. - ONA

B2

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

MARKET Oil trades near $46 as hopes of Opec output cut dimmed Prices gained 9.7 per cent in the previous three sessions following comments

by Saudi Arabia’s energy minister that it is prepared to discuss stabilising the market

LONDON: Oil traded near $46 a barrel after the biggest three-day gain since April as Nigeria’s oil minister signaled the prospect of production cuts from Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) was unlikely.

Futures were little changed in New York, paring an earlier loss of 0.9 per cent as the dollar weakened, making commodities more attractive to investors. Prices gained 9.7 per cent the previous three sessions following comments by Saudi Arabia’s energy minister that it’s prepared to discuss stabilising the market.

Nigerian Minister of State for Petroleum Emmanuel Kachikwu has ‘sparse’ optimism that Opec will trim output, he said in a Twitter post. United States crude stockpiles probably rose last week, a survey shows.

Oil has gained about 16 per cent since closing below $40 a barrel and tumbling into a bear market earlier this month. Russia is open to talks to jointly freeze output “if necessary,” according to a newspaper report. A possible deal on capping production between members of the Opec and nonmember producing countries was

ON RECOVERY PATH: Crude oil has gained about 16 per cent since closing below $40 a barrel and tumbling into a bear market earlier this month. Russia is open to talks to jointly freeze output “if necessary”. – File picture

first flagged in February but deal discussions in April ended with no final accord.

“The Opec comments have caught the market’s attention, but history would suggest that nothing will happen,” said David Lennox, a resources analyst at Fat Prophets in Sydney. “While falling US supply has helped to narrow the surplus, Opec hasn’t helped.

The group has continued to pump.

It’s really only disruptions that have reduced supply.”

West Texas Intermediate for September delivery was 8 cents higher at $45.82 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange in London. The contract climbed $1.25 to $45.74 on Monday, capping the biggest three-day gain

since April 12. Total volume traded was about 16 per cent below the 100-day average.

Output freeze Brent for October settlement was 11 cents higher at $48.46 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange.

Prices added 2.9 per cent to close at $48.35 on Monday, the highest settlement since July 12.

The global benchmark crude traded at a $1.95 premium to WTI for October delivery.

Russia sees no signals that Iran will change its position on a production cap and agree to an output freeze, Interfax reported, citing a diplomatic source close to the talks whom the news ser-

vice didn’t identify. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak told Arabic-language newspaper ‘Asharq Al-Awsat’ that the nation was open to cooperating to stabilize markets after Saudi Arabian Energy Minister Khalid Al Falih said that talks in Algiers may result in action.

Opec members will discuss the market when they gather for the International Energy Forum in Algeria next month, according to Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, Qatar’s energy and industry minister and the group’s president.

Opec may agree on freezing production sometime this year, possibly in September or November, as Iran is now pumping close to capacity, Nomura Holdings

J U LY D ATA

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

India’s biggest bourse to seek institutions for share offer MUMBAI: National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India has asked banks to help the nation’s biggest bourse sell shares in an initial public offer (IPO), people with knowledge of the matter said.

The exchange has called investment banks for a meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday for a listing, the people said, asking not to be identified as the information is private. It will file a draft offer document with the market regulator for a domestic listing by January and by April for selling shares overseas, it said in a statement in June. An NSE spokesman declined to comment when reached by phone.

As many as 10 investors in the exchange, including Tiger Global Five Holdings, Norwest Ventures Partners X FII - Mauritius and State Bank of India, have urged the bourse to accelerate plans to go public. The NSE will compete with its older rival BSE, Asia’s oldest stock exchange, for a listing.

The Multi Commodity Exchange of India, the only listed Indian exchange, is valued at Rs51 billion ($764 million).

Domestic listing The NSE has set up a panel to help with the plan to file an offer document for its domestic listing, chief executive officer Chitra Ramkrishna said last month. The exchange hasn’t abandoned its plan to list on itself. It has sought the regulator’s approval even as rules issued in November by the Securities and Exchange Board of India do not permit self-listing by exchanges.

Other shareholders include Goldman Sachs Strategic Investments, Morgan Stanley Strategic (Mauritius) and Citigroup Strategic Holdings Mauritius, according to the NSE’s website.

IFCI on July 4 said it had sold part of its stake in NSE at Rs3,950 per share, valuing the exchange at Rs177.85 billion, according to data.

- Bloomberg News

REGIONAL HUB

UK inflation rate expected to rise LONDON: A gauge of UK inflation expectations climbed to its highest level of 2016, as the nation’s Brexit decision and a slump in sterling helped push retail prices up in July faster than analysts had forecast.

The 10-year break-even rate, a market measure of expected inflation derived from yield difference between nominal and indexlinked gilts, rose to 2.49 per cent, exceeding the yearly high reached last week.

The so-called five-year, fiveyear forward inflation rate, among indicators monitored by the Bank of England, jumped 0.06 percentage point to 3.13 per cent, compared with its past month’s average of 3.03 per cent.

“The breakdown showed that components that typically respond more quickly to exchangerate movements, such as petrol and food prices, are already putting some upward pressure on consumer-price inflation,” said Ruth Gregory, an economist at Capital Economics in London.

analysts including Gordon Kwan said in a note. Iran’s oil minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh will meet with Opec, non-Opec ministers at the International Energy Forum, Seda’s Reza Zandi said on Twitter, without saying how he got the information. US crude stockpiles probably rose by 900,000 barrels through August 12, according to the median estimate in a survey before an Energy Information Administration report on Wednesday. - Bloomberg News

INITIAL OFFER

UPWARD PRESSURE Annual retail-price inflation picked up to 1.9 per cent from 1.7 per cent in June, the Office of National Statistics said in London on Tuesday. – Bloomberg News

The gap between RPI, which is used to determined the payments linked to inflation-protected bonds, and the consumer price index, to 1.3 percentage points, matching the highest since 2010.

“In the aftermath of a significant deterioration in the exchange rate following the EU referendum there is an understandable focus on the extent and speed of pass-

through to inflation,” said Sam Hill, Royal Bank of Canada’s (RCB) senior economist in London.

First data Since this is first month of data following the referendum result, “it is a bit too soon to expect to be able to discern an explicit direct impact,” Hill said. “What is more of a theme though in explaining the

gradual uptick in inflation is the fading of base effects in fuel prices with the oil price having stabilized.”

Royal Bank of Canada’s Hill said the jump in the RPI-CPI wedge should normalise in coming months, reducing the impact on break-even rates.

Annual retail-price inflation picked up to 1.9 per cent from 1.7 per cent in June, the Office of National Statistics said in London on Tuesday. Economists had forecast that the rate would stay at 1.7 per cent, according to the median estimate in a survey. CPI accelerated to 0.6 percent from 0.5 per cent the previous month.

In consumer prices, input costs surged an annual 4.3 per cent last month, ending 32 consecutive declines, while import prices jumped the most since 2011.

The pound has dropped about 13 per cent against the dollar since the referendum. Because of that, the Bank of England expects inflation to reach its 2 per cent target faster than previously anticipated. - Bloomberg News

APL Logistics forms joint venture in Oman Times News Service MUSCAT: APL Logistics on Tuesday announced the setting up of APL Logistics Oman, a new joint venture company with Arab Global Logistics in Oman.

APL Logistics Oman will spearhead efforts to develop Oman as a regional logistics hub to serve local and international customers in the Middle-East and East Africa, according to a press release.

APL Logistics is the go-to global supply chain specialist for companies in the automotive, consumer, industrials, and retail sectors. The new Muscat-based joint venture company is backed by APL Logistics’ deep logistics expertise and global execution experience.

High-tech services Customers can look forward to a comprehensive offering of hightech, flexible logistics services that solve complex everyday issues across inbound and production

logistics, finished vehicle logistics, multi-modal transportation, consolidation, order management, customs brokerage and packaging.

Joerg Granzow, APL Logistics regional leader for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), said; “We are excited about the compelling growth prospects in Oman and the Middle East, with rising consumption and rapid diversification of economic activities.

We chose Oman for its strategic location within the region, wellestablished infrastructure and highly capable workforce.”

D I V E R S I F I C AT I O N

Nigeria seeks $7 billion to kick-start mines and steel industry ABUJA: Nigeria is looking for investments of $7 billion in mining and steel over the next decade as it seeks to develop gold and iron ore extraction industries to diversify its oil-dependent economy.

One of the government’s priorities is to meet its annual steel demand of 6.8 million metric tonnes, from a current output of a third of that, produced mainly from scrap iron, Solid Minerals Development Minister Kayode Fayemi said.

“About $5 billion will kick-start the mining sector,” Fayemi, 50, said in an interview in his Abuja office on August 10.

“In two to five years, we want to have started production of iron ore, lead, zinc, bitumen, nickel, coal and gold at a serious scale.”

Companies considering investments in Nigeria’s mining sector include Lagos-based Multiverse Mining

& Exploration and Kogi Iron, based in West Perth, Australia, he said.

Boosting mining output, along with developing agriculture and infrastructure, is part of plans to broaden the economy of Africa’s second largest oil producer. Crude accounts for around 70 per cent of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) member’s revenue and for 13 per cent of gross domestic product, according to Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun.

Foreign ownership Slumping global oil prices, from over $100 a barrel of Brent crude in 2014 to under $50 a barrel currently, and reduced output due to militants attacks on pipelines in Nigeria’s Niger River delta, have squeezed state finances and caused a chronic dollar shortage.

Fayemi will this month present

Boosting mining output, along with developing agriculture and infrastructure, is part of plans to broaden economy of Nigeira. Companies considering investments include Lagos-based Multiverse Mining & Exploration and Kogi Iron, based in Australia

a mining plan to President Muhammadu Buhari and later a bill proposing the creation of a regulator for the sector.

“Currently, the ministry does everything: licensing, monitoring, inspection, and it shouldn’t be like that,” he said. Prospective investors have expressed concern about

an uncertain regulatory environment, he said. An autonomous agency would be better positioned to focus on performance and efficiency of the sector, according to the minister.

The new legislation will include incentives such as allowing full foreign ownership of mining

projects in order to attract investments, Fayemi said.

Nigeria will also require about $2 billion to revive Ajaokuta, a steel complex which was supposed to have an installed capacity of 5 million tons of steel a year. Situated on the Niger River, in Kogi state, its construction began in 1979 but work was delayed by the government’s failure to pay builders on schedule and it is yet to be completed. By 2004, when it was taken over by India’s Global Steel, then a subsidiary of Ispat Industries, it still hadn’t produced any steel.

Legal dispute Global Steel’s concession was revoked in 2008. After an eight-year legal dispute, it was agreed on August 3 this year that the government will take over Ajaokuta while the Indian firm retains Nigeria

Iron Ore Mining Company, which it will rehabilitate to supply the steel mill within two years.

The ministry is hiring an adviser for investments needed to increase Ajaokuta’s current capacity of 1.3 million tonnes of steel a year fourfold, Fayemi said. The complex also includes a 110 megawattpower plant, a 60-kilometre (37mile) railroad and an air strip.

Just 18 of some 30 steel manufacturers in Nigeria are active, producing about 2.2 million tonnes a year, leaving the government with a $3.3 billion annual import bill, Fayemi said.

The government is talking with companies including Russia’s Technopromexport and Ansteel Group of China to complete and start production at Ajaokuta. It plans to create a $1 billion mining exploration fund. - Bloomberg News

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

B3

MARKET NBC signs incubation deals with local firms

SOHAR EVENT

Inks Solution and Future for Renewable ROADSHOW: Orpic’s first in-country value roadshow was conducted

under the patronage of Eng. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Dheeb, undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. – Supplied picture

Energy (Eureka)

Orpic’s roadshow on in-country value supports small units

services offered by

Times News Service MUSCAT: As part of its commitment to support Sultanate’s nationalisation plan and offer opportunities to Omani Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Orpic recently conducted its first in-country value (ICV) roadshow in Sohar.

The event conducted under the patronage of Eng. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Dheeb, undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and in association with CB&I and CTCI Corporation, who have been awarded the engineering, procurement and contracting (EPC) award for steam cracker and utilities for Liwa plastics industries Complex (LPIC).

The day-long event discussed Orpic as well as CB&I and CTCI Corporation’s investment impact on Oman’s economy through the

will benefit from the the centre

Times News Service MUSCAT: National Business Centre (NBC), which is part of the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE), on Tuesday signed incubation agreements with two local firms — Inks Solution and Future for Renewable Energy (Eureka).

The two companies will benefit from the services offered by NBC. The agreements were signed in the presence of Malak Al Shaibani, director general of National Business Centre.

Inks Solution provides information technology solutions for customers to make their daily works smooth and easy and enhance their businesses to be more efficient. The company provides IT services including software development as a main service in addition to graphical designs.

Established in 2015 by a group of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) students, Future for Renewable Energy (Eureka) is a

LPIC project.

Speaking at the event, Dr Hilal Al Hinai, general manager (Corporate Support Services) of Orpic, said, “As one of the transformational projects being undertaken by Orpic, we are committed to serving Oman with pride. At Orpic, we support SMEs directly via business operations, ring fence certain tenders specifically for Omani SMEs, which in turn will impact Oman’s GDP through the payment of profits and salaries, and employment opportunities for individuals.”

Four roadshows This is one of the four in-country value roadshows that Orpic will conduct in the coming months, which will support and offer Omani SMEs a chance to partner with the Liwa plastics industries Complex project.

SUPPORTING LOCAL FIRMS: National Business Centre offers a premier platform to Omani entrepreneurs by providing business development support and guidance, training and mentoring.– Supplied picture

company that aims at finding solutions for eco-friendly power by installing and designing solar modules.

Environment-friendly The company has a passion of entering the business sector and be part of the renewable culture in Oman by contributing to its growth and disseminate awareness on environmental aspects.

The company was awarded by Injaz Oman as part of Sharikati Competition, and was awarded by National Bank of Oman (NBO) in

TECHNOLOGY

Google launches new chat application SAN FRANCISCO: Google nailed e-mail with the 2004 introduction of Gmail. Now it’s the No. 1 form of electronic correspondence in the United States.

But as traditional e-mail falls out of favour with a growing sliver of the population, Google has struggled to make its messaging tools relevant or introduce new ones that resonate with younger users.

Now Google is trying again with a new video chat application called Duo. The app works with mobile devices running Google’s android operating system and Apple’s iOS. It runs on wi-fi and cellular networks, automatically switching between different types and speeds of connection and adjusting video quality.

Duo also uses phone numbers, rather than a Google account or Gmail address, making it easier to call friends, family and other people already stored on smartphone contact lists. The company’s existing video calling and messaging app, Hangouts, requires a Google account which limited adoption, especially in emerging markets.

DUO — NEW VIDEO CHAT APP

Google is trying again with a new video chat application called Duo. The app works with mobile devices running Google’s Android operating system and Apple’s iOS. It runs on wifi and cellular networks

Facebook’s WhatsApp and Messenger, Skype — now owned by Microsoft — and Apple’s FaceTime used phone numbers to grow faster.

A confusing array of communication options has held Google back.

It has two e-mail services — Gmail, which is the top e-mail service in the US based on unique visitors, according to ComScore, and Inbox; three text offerings, Hangouts, Messenger and the upcoming Allo; and now two video chat services, Duo and Hangouts (which offers

texting and video calls).

Google’s late start This scattershot approach, and Google’s late start, is becoming more costly for the Alphabet division as messaging evolves from a simple way to communicate quickly into one of the next big technology platforms supporting digital commerce, advertising and new services powered by artificial-intelligence.

“Google missed it because of the requirement that you needed

a Google ID to communicate with others,” said Ankit Jain, a former Googler and executive at SimilarWeb, which measures website and mobile app usage.

Hangouts ranked 84th among Android apps in the US in July, based on installs and usage, according to SimilarWeb. That lagged Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Snapchat.

Nick Fox, a 13-year Google veteran, was tasked by Google chief executive officer Sundar Pichai 18 months ago with fixing the sprawl.

Soon after, his new team formulated a strategy and started building Duo and Allo.

“Google sees communication as this essential human need, whether that’s through text, a picture, calling someone or doing a video call.” Fox said.

This insight is a decade old and has guided Facebook’s strategy since its creation in 2004. Asian companies, like Tencent’s WeChat and Line, have grown into tech powerhouses by connecting people through communication apps. - Bloomberg News

the field of small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs) innovation. Eureka Company aspires to increase people’s awareness on the importance of renewable energy through organising awareness workshops and installing solar modules in rooftops that helps in reducing electricity use and pollution.

It should be noted that NBC is an initiative launched by PEIE at Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM) to offer promising Omani entrepreneurs a platform to develop their business ideas and advance them into growing ventures.

The centre offers a premier platform to Omani entrepreneurs by providing business development support and guidance, training and mentoring, access to markets and industry experts, and state-of-the-art and fully equipped office space, meeting rooms and presentation facilities.

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

B4

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

MARKET OMAN STOCKS

MSM index ends lower Oman Cement was the day’s top gainer, up

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................5,906.91 .............. 5,880.29 ................... 5,886.96 ................... 5,906.71.................-19.75 .................. -0.33 Financial Index .....................................7,636.97 ...............7,578.88 ....................7,578.88 ...................7,640.02................ -61.14 .................. -0.80 Industrial Index ....................................7,605.65 ............... 7,583.15 ................... 7,603.95 ................... 7,595.27....................8.68 ................... 0.11 Services Index ...................................... 3,201.32 ............... 3,191.32 ....................3,191.43 ................... 3,201.17...................-9.74 .................. -0.30 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................897.92 ..................894.48 ...................... 896.89 .......................897.45.................. -0.56 .................. -0.06 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 13,767,489 .................. 3,345,833 .................... 644 ............... 17,309,386,685 .................. 2 ..................... 25 .................... 19 .........................46

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR TUESDAY, AUGUST 16

2.55%, while the top loser was Construction ISIN ......................................SECURITY NAME ..................................................................VOLUME..... TURNOVER............TRADES ......OPEN PRICE......HIGH ............. LOW ........ CLOSE PR. ...PREV. CLOSE...DIFF (RO).........DIFF % .............LAST PR.....LAST BID .............LAST OFFER ........MARKET CAP.PAR VALUE

Materials with a loss of 2.94% REGULAR MARKET .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT .......................................................... 270,656 .........130,424..................... 32 ........... 0.472 ...........0.490 ...........0.472........... 0.482 .............0.470 ............0.012 ............. 2.553 ................0.490..............0.486...................0.490 .................159,480,646........0.100

MUSCAT: Weakness in financial stocks dragged down the MSM30 by 0.33 per cent to close at 5,886.96 points.

The MSM Sharia Index ended at 896.89 points, down 0.06 per cent. Bank Muscat was the most active stock in terms of volume as well as turnover.

Oman Cement was the day’s top gainer, up 2.55 per cent while the top loser was Construction Materials with a loss of 2.94 per cent.

As many as 644 trades were executed on Tuesday, generating turnover of OMR3.35 million with 13.77 million shares changing hands. Out of 46 traded securities, two advanced, 25 declined and 19 remained unchanged.

Omani investors were net buyers for OMR251,000 followed by Foreign investors for OMR136,000 while GCC & Arab investors switched to net sellers for OMR387,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index had a strong loss of 0.80 per cent to close at 7,578.88 points. Bank Nizwa, Bank Sohar, Al Batinah Development, Gulf Investment Services and Al Madina Investments declined 2.56 per cent, 2.30 per cent, 2.04 per cent, 1.57 per cent and 1.56 per cent respectively.

Industrial Index gained 0.11 per cent to end at 7,603.95 points.

Oman Cement and Raysut Cement gained 2.55 per cent and 2.1 per cent respectively.

Construction Materials, Al Anwar Ceramics, Oman Fisheries, National Aluminium and Galfar Engineering declined 2.94 per cent, 1.78 per cent, 1.54 per cent, 0.97 per cent and 0.94 per cent respectively.

Services Index closed at 3,191.43 points, down 0.30 per cent. Al Batinah Power, Renaissance Services, Al Maha Petroleum, Phoenix Power and Ooredoo declined 1.01 per cent, 0.72 per

cent, 0.68 per cent, 0.66 per cent and 0.53 per cent respectively.

Qatar stocks climb Qatar stocks climbed after FTSE Russell said it would relax the criteria to decide which of the nation’s shares will join its emerging-markets index next month.

The QE Index advanced 2.2 per cent to 11,371.12 points in Doha on Tuesday, its biggest gain since June 7 and the most among more than 90 gauges tracked globally by Bloomberg after Ghana’s measure. FTSE, the Londonbased global index provider, eased the liquidity requirements for Qatari stocks in its developing-nation gauge, according to a statement on Monday.

Stocks from the Gulf nation will trade in the FTSE Emerging Index in September, following an upgrade from frontiermarket status.

While the index provider will publish the list of companies that will be added and their weightings at the end of this month, EFG-Hermes Holding said the relaxed tests could boost inflows in September to $550 million.

“What we’re seeing today is mostly speculative buying on the back of FTSE’s upcoming upgrade of Qatar and the potential inclusion of QNB, which will have a limited overall impact on the market,” said Wadah Al Taha, Dubai-basedadvisory board member for United Arab Emirates at the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.

“Gulf Cooperation Council markets, including Qatar, still get most of their cues from the oil market.”

Qatar National Bank increased 6.7 per cent, its biggest singleday advance since July 2014, to 168.50 riyals.

OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ....................................................... 20,600 ............ 30,494........................4 ............1.480 ........... 1.500 ...........1.480........... 1.480 ............. 1.450............ 0.030.............2.069 ................1.500..............1.500...................1.550................. 296,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ...........................3,500 ...................816........................3 ........... 0.233 ...........0.233 ...........0.233........... 0.232 .............0.232 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.233..............0.231...................0.233...................22,049,280 ........0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................. 128,650 ........... 32,806........................5 ........... 0.255 ........... 0.255 ...........0.255........... 0.255 .............0.255 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.255..............0.255...................0.256..................376,069,225........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 144,970 ............ 21,141......................12 ............0.146 ........... 0.146 ...........0.145 ........... 0.146 .............0.146............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.145 ..............0.144...................0.145....................17,793,750 .........0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY............................................ 175 ...................313........................1 ............1.790 ........... 1.790............1.790 ........... 1.800 .............1.800 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................1.790 .............. 1.790................... 1.795 ..................161,460,000........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............ 125,000 ............33,750........................3 ........... 0.270 ...........0.270 ...........0.270........... 0.270 .............0.270 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.270..............0.265...................0.268 ...................5,670,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ........................ 266,207 ............71,261..................... 23 ........... 0.270 ...........0.270 ...........0.265........... 0.268 .............0.268 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.266..............0.266...................0.267...................33,472,653 .........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK .................................................................... 100,000 ........... 18,900........................3 ............0.189 ........... 0.189 ...........0.189 ........... 0.189 ............. 0.189............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.189 .............. 0.181...................0.189..................269,331,831 ........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES .......................................... 135,857 .............27,843......................13 ........... 0.206...........0.206 ...........0.204 .......... 0.205 .............0.205 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.204 .............0.203...................0.205 ..................12,546,876 .........0.100 OM0000002275 ...........SHELL OMAN MARKETING ..............................................2 .......................4........................1 ............1.915 ........... 1.915............ 1.915 ........... 1.900 .............1.900 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................ 1.915 ...............1.915...................2.090 .................180,500,000 .......0.100 OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................ 1,000,000..... 250,000........................6 ........... 0.250 ...........0.250 ...........0.250........... 0.250 .............0.250 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.250............. 0.240...................0.250 ................ 424,800,350 .......0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 3,050,570 ...1,208,001.....................60 ........... 0.394 ...........0.396 ...........0.394........... 0.396 .............0.396 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.396..............0.394...................0.396..................988,515,102 ........0.100 OM0000003281............TAAGEER FINANCE ...................................................10,000 ...............1,220........................2 ............0.122 ........... 0.122 ...........0.122........... 0.122 .............0.122 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.122..............0.120...................0.122...................30,937,980 .........0.100 OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH.............................................. 256,540 ...........60,820......................11 ........... 0.237 ...........0.239 ...........0.237........... 0.237 .............0.237 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.239..............0.239...................0.240 .................226,233,552 .......0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL...............................................75,000 ...............5,505........................8 ........... 0.074 ........... 0.074 ...........0.073........... 0.073 .............0.073 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.073.............. 0.071...................0.073...................12,775,000 .........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER ................................................... 22,000 ...............4,356........................3 ............0.198 ........... 0.198 ...........0.198 ........... 0.198 ............. 0.198............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.198 ..............0.198...................0.212..................141,452,455 ........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION .......................... 39,189 ............64,270......................19 ............1.640 ........... 1.640 ...........1.640........... 1.640 ............. 1.645............-0.005 ........... -0.304 ...............1.640.............. 1.635...................1.640................1,230,000,000......0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY .....................................................66,423 ............ 30,246......................18 ........... 0.454 ........... 0.458 ...........0.454........... 0.456 .............0.458 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.437 ...............0.458..............0.458...................0.460 ..................27,588,000 .........0.100 OM0000002804 ...........ASAFFA FOODS ............................................................ 50,000 ............42,800........................7 ........... 0.856 ........... 0.856 ...........0.856........... 0.856 .............0.860 ...........-0.004 ........... -0.465 ...............0.856............. 0.000...................0.856..................102,720,000........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 263,500 ........... 52,498......................11 ............0.199 ...........0.200 ...........0.198 ........... 0.199 .............0.200 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.500 ...............0.200 .............0.199...................0.200 ..................39,800,000.........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 112,014 .............21,857......................15 ............0.196 ........... 0.196 ...........0.195 ............0.195 ............. 0.196............-0.001 ........... -0.510 ...............0.195 .............. 0.195...................0.196...................34,125,479 .........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO.........................................................................75,000 .............56,100......................12 ............0.748 ........... 0.748 ...........0.748 ............0.748 ............. 0.752............-0.004 ........... -0.532 ...............0.748 ..............0.744...................0.752................. 486,906,284 .......0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 108,000 ............32,416........................9 ........... 0.302 ...........0.302 ...........0.300 .......... 0.300 .............0.302 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.662 ...............0.300 .............0.288...................0.300 ..................30,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000003000 ...........ALMAHA PETROLEUM PRODUCTS MAR. ...... 30,000 ............ 44,100........................4 ............1.470 ........... 1.470 ...........1.470 ............1.470 .............1.480............-0.010 ........... -0.676 ...............1.470 ..............1.450...................1.470..................101,430,000........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ......................................510,511 .......... 139,905.....................22 ........... 0.276 ........... 0.276 ...........0.272........... 0.274 .............0.276 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.725 ...............0.272..............0.270...................0.272...................81,865,083 .........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 704,000............ 73,731..................... 28 ............0.106 ........... 0.106 ...........0.104........... 0.105 .............0.106 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.943 ...............0.105 ..............0.104...................0.105...................30,447,967 .........0.100 OM0000001319 ............NATIONAL ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS ............. 190,313 ............ 38,874......................14 ........... 0.206...........0.206 ...........0.203........... 0.204 .............0.206 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.971................0.203..............0.203...................0.205 ...................6,848,576 ..........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 589,677 ............60,174......................15 ............0.103 ........... 0.103 ...........0.101 ........... 0.102 .............0.103............-0.001 ........... -0.971................0.102.............. 0.101...................0.102..................204,031,905 .......0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER................................................ 149,676............ 29,336........................4 ............0.196 ........... 0.196 ...........0.196 ............0.196 ............. 0.198............-0.002 ............-1.010................0.196 ..............0.196...................0.198..................132,277,936 ........0.100 OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ................ 448,558 ............78,557..................... 29 ............0.176 ........... 0.176 ...........0.172 ............0.175 ............. 0.177............-0.002 ............-1.130................0.174 .............. 0.172...................0.175 ...................35,000,000.........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ........... 442,187 ........... 61,906......................17 ............0.140 ........... 0.140 ...........0.140........... 0.140 .............0.142 ...........-0.002 ........... -1.408 ...............0.140.............. 0.139...................0.140...................12,600,000.........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT .....................................49,377 ............... 3,091........................8 ........... 0.063 ...........0.063 ...........0.062........... 0.063 .............0.064 ...........-0.001 ............-1.563................0.062..............0.062...................0.064 .................. 13,050,537 .........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 310,000 ............38,750..................... 23 ............0.125 ........... 0.125 ...........0.125 ............0.125 ............. 0.127............-0.002 ............-1.575................0.125 ..............0.124...................0.125.................... 7,355,402 ..........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ............................... 361,720.............79,871.....................24 ........... 0.225 ...........0.225 ...........0.220 .......... 0.221 .............0.225 ...........-0.004 ............-1.778................0.220 .............0.219...................0.223 ..................65,463,224.........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ...................... 122,038 ............ 11,752......................17 ........... 0.096 ...........0.099 ...........0.096........... 0.096 .............0.098 ...........-0.002 ........... -2.041 ...............0.099..............0.098...................0.099....................2,880,000..........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 1,839,600 .......312,881..................... 58 ............0.171 ........... 0.173 ...........0.170 ........... 0.170 ............. 0.174............-0.004 ........... -2.299 ...............0.170 ..............0.169...................0.170..................272,764,888........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 12,071,510 . 3,170,772...................544 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......37........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000001400 ...........OMAN FLOUR MILLS ...................................................... 500 ..................302........................1 ........... 0.604 ...........0.604 ...........0.604........... 0.608 .............0.608 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.604..............0.600...................0.604 ..................95,760,000 .........0.100 OM0000002333 ...........SALALAH PORT SERVICES ....................................... 1,680 ...............1,086........................2 ........... 0.620 ...........0.648 ...........0.620........... 0.648 .............0.648 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.648............. 0.000...................0.648..................116,534,635 ........0.100 OM0000002689 ...........OMAN CERAMIC COMPANY ........................................100 .................... 40........................1 ........... 0.400...........0.400 ...........0.400 .......... 0.400 .............0.400 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.400..............0.360...................0.400 .....................756,878 ............1.000 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 573,960 ........... 86,668..................... 26 ............0.151 ........... 0.151............ 0.151 ............0.151 ............. 0.152............-0.001 ........... -0.658 ...............0.151 ..............0.150................... 0.151 ................. 220,852,820 .......0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK................................................ 95,415 ...............6,566......................14 ........... 0.069 ...........0.069 ...........0.068........... 0.069 .............0.070 ...........-0.001 ........... -1.429 ...............0.068..............0.068...................0.069...................69,000,000.........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ..................................................... 483,114.............30,919..................... 26 ........... 0.066 ...........0.066 ...........0.063........... 0.064 .............0.065 ...........-0.001 ............-1.538................0.063..............0.063...................0.064 ...................8,000,000..........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 311,612 .............23,671......................18 ........... 0.077 ........... 0.077 ...........0.075........... 0.076 .............0.078 ...........-0.002 ........... -2.564 ...............0.076..............0.076...................0.077..................114,000,000........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. .................. 211,598 ...............7,000......................11 ........... 0.034 ...........0.034 ...........0.033........... 0.033 .............0.034 ...........-0.001 ........... -2.941 ...............0.033..............0.032...................0.033....................2,805,000 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 1,677,979........156,251..................... 99 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 8........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

- United Securities/Bloomberg News

S I N G A P O R E S TAT E - O W N E D I N V E S T O R

INDONESIA

Temasek invests in ICICI as Indian banks move to clean up bad loans SINGAPORE: Temasek Holdings bought shares in ICICI Bank, India’s largest private-sector lender by assets, as the nation’s central bank pushes lenders to clean up bad debts that have weighed on earnings.

The Singapore state-owned investor bought 2.55 million American depositary receipts of ICICI in the second quarter, worth $18 million at the end of June, according to a Monday filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Temasek also acquired stakes in US aircraft parts manufacturer B/E Aerospace and emerged as a shareholder in biotech firm Intellia Therapeutics, which had its initial public offering in May. Temasek added to its investments in India after outgoing Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan set lenders a March 2017 deadline to rid their balance sheets of bad debt, which have curbed their ability to extend loans. The proportion of Indian banks’ stressed assets, which include restructured and soured loans, to total advances surged to a 16-year high of 11.5 per cent as of March 31, RBI data show.

“While ICICI is clearly not immune to the asset quality pressures afflicting the Indian banking sector at present, the bank’s robust capital buffers and cleaner balance sheet relative to its public sector peers leaves it better positioned to take advantage of a potential economic revival in India,” Nicholas Yap, a Hong Kong-based credit strategist at MUFG Securities Asia, said via e-mail.

ICICI last month posted a 25 per cent drop in first-quarter profit as provisions for bad debts rose. In April, the bank reserved

STRATEGIC DECISION: Temasek had previously owned ICICI shares and had been reducing its stake in the Indian lender since 2009. It didn’t own shares before the purchase of the ADRs in the second quarter, according to Bloomberg data. — Bloomberg file picture

Rs36 billion for possible defaults by companies in sectors including cement, power and mining, an amount that came on top of the Rs33 billion it put aside to cover soured loans in the March quarter.

Temasek had previously owned ICICI shares and had been reducing its stake in the Indian lender since 2009. It didn’t own shares before the purchase of the ADRs in the second quarter, according to Bloomberg data. ADRs in ICICI have lost 25 per cent over the past 12 months, and traded at $7.33 on Monday. They were little changed in the second quarter.

Temasek has trimmed its exposure to traditional banks in favor of holdings in media, telecommunications and technology firms in more recent years, as it repositioned its portfolio to highlight long-term trends such as growing

middle-income populations and transforming economies in countries such as China and India.

Banks now make up less than 40 per cent of Temasek’s investments in China, down from 70 per cent, though Temasek remains invested in some of the nation’s biggest lenders.

At the same time, the firm has diversified into sectors such as technology, consumer and real estate, according to the latest annual report.

In India, which boasts the fastest expansion rate among the world’s major economies, Temasek’s assets include stakes in Godrej Consumer Products and car manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra, data compiled by Bloomberg show. Temasek’s annual review published last month also showed it had bought stakes

in Glenmark Pharmaceuticals as well as CarTrade, an online auto classifieds company.

Money managers who oversee more than $100 million in equities must file a Form 13F with the SEC within 45 days of each quarter’s end to show their US-listed stocks, options and convertible bonds. The filings don’t show nonUS securities or how much cash the firms hold.

The filing showed Temasek’s 2 per cent stake in B/E Aerospace was valued at $98 million as of June and its 790,527 shares in Intellia were worth $17 million.

Since its May public listing, Intellia’s shares are up 5.2 per cent.

The filing also detailed Temasek’s increased stake in Alibaba Group Holding, valued at $4.3 billion at the end of June.

— Bloomberg News

Honda expects 20% jump in vehicle sales JAKARTA: Indonesia’s tax amnesty could boost industry-wide car sales in the country by a fifth as people spend their newly declared wealth on big-ticket items, according to the local unit of Honda Motor. “The car ownership ratio in Indonesia is relatively low and there’s enough room for producers to sell more,” Jonfis Fandy, head of sales and marketing at PT Honda Prospect Motor, said in an interview on Friday at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Motor Show. “If the tax amnesty programme proves to be a success, we could see an increase of as much as 20 per cent next year,” he said as people crowded around the latest models at the annual expo in Jakarta.

Indonesia’s central bank estimates the reprieve, which runs through March 2017, could lure as much as 560 trillion rupiah ($43 billion) of undeclared income back to the country from overseas. If the amnesty lives up to those projections, it will lift economic growth and enable the government to continue with an ambitious infrastructure programme. With a population of 256 million, Indonesia is Honda’s third-biggest overseas market after the US and China.

Japan-based Honda, which is No. 2 in the Indonesian car market behind Toyota Motor, posted 35 per cent sales growth in the first half, official data show, compared with 1.2 per cent expansion for the industry as a whole. Some of Honda’s fastest expansion is occurring in outlying areas of the archipelago, such as Sulawesi in eastern Indonesia, said on Fandy.

If the 20 per cent growth estimate comes to pass in 2017, that would be the sharpest growth since 2012.

Total car sales will rise to 1.05 million units in 2016 from 1.01 mil-

lion last year, Yohannes Nangoi, chairman of Indonesia’s automotive industry association, known as Gaikindo, told reporters on August 11. PT Astra International, which manufactures and distributes Toyota cars in Indonesia, recorded a 4.1 per cent expansion in sales in the first half, Gaikindo figures show. Toyota controls 33 per cent of the market, with Honda at 21 per cent.

Astra International shares rose 0.6 per cent as of 11:30am in Jakarta after being up as much as 1.3 per cent earlier. Honda Motor fell 0.4 per cent in Tokyo, swinging from a 1 per cent gain.

“The comeback of the Indonesian market is extremely good for Japanese automakers” struggling with a shrinking home market, said Koji Endo, a Tokyo-based analyst at SBI Securities. “Honda may benefit the most as it has a big share in the motorcycle market there and people tend to step up to vehicles of the same brand.”

Southeast Asia’s largest economy beat estimates to expand 5.18 per cent in the second quarter from 4.92 per cent in the previous three months. Bank Indonesia is forecasting full-year growth of 5.4 per cent, including an estimated 0.3 percentage point increase from the amnesty.

While the tax reprieve could boost automotive sales, it’s too early to tell how successful it will be and if Honda’s projection is achievable, said Isnaputra Iskandar, an analyst at PT Maybank Kim Eng Securities in Jakarta. Iskandar raised Astra International to a buy this month, citing the improving economy and a recent rule reducing the minimum level for hire-purchase deposits for vehicle purchases. Honda’s Indonesian unit isn’t listed. — Bloomberg News

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ROUND-UP

Kia unveils Eid offer with attractive benefits

SME EVENT

McDonald’s sponsors ‘Investor’s Night’ event

All these benefits are on a brand that is creating waves across the globe for its breathtaking style, superior quality and ‘family-like’ care

MUSCAT: Kia has unveiled its Eid promotion offering customers with cash gifts up to OMR2,200, which can be used as part of the down payment and other benefits as well. The scheme period is from August 11 to October 10, says a press release.

“An amazing offer you can’t miss out on,” exclaimed an enthusiast who is truly excited about Kia’s Eid offer, “For those dreaming of becoming car owners, you will be able to cruise in style, thanks to your brand new Kia.

You do not want to miss the amazing offer that is presenting customers with cash gifts up to OMR2,200, which can be used as part of the down payment, EMIs as low as 0 per cent interest (on shortterm deals) and 3.3 per cent p.a. interest on deals up to five years and a 1-year comprehensive insurance in addition to a 30,000km/2 years’ service package…wait no more and just go for it!”

Another Kia owner felt that the Eid offer would allow him to save a lot more, which he would then be able to spend with his family.

(Conditions apply. Details available at the showroom.)

All these benefits are on a brand that is creating waves across the globe for its breathtaking style, superior quality and ‘family-like’ care. Receiving prestigious accolades from many quarters, building a larger family of satisfied, happy owners.

A personal touch given by Kia is to offer a free phone number to customers - 22-31-41-51. If anyone gives a missed call on this number, they will be told all they need to know about Kia’s offer. There are no charges.

An excellent brand, which is

also the fastest growing, Kia has been chosen from amongst Top 50 Global Green Brands by Interbrand. It is fitted with fuel-efficient engines that offer an ECO mode drive for optimum fuel efficiency.

Kia has also been ranked highest in the JD Power IQS study 2016, US & 2015 Autobild, Germany and ranked with 5-Star Crash Safety Ratings globally.

An excellent opportunity, therefore, beckons everyone to make the most of the incredibly attractive offer from Kia - such an opportunity may never come their way, again.

Kia Motors Corporation – a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart – was founded in 1944 and is Korea’s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles.

Over 3 million Kia vehicles a year are produced in 10 manufacturing and assembly operations in five countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering around 150 countries.

Kia today has over 49,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of $45 billion.

It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of Fifa – the governing

body of the Fifa World Cup Kia Motors Corporation’s brand slogan – ‘The Power to Surprise’ – represents the company’s global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting and inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.

Kia in Oman is ranked amongst the top distributors in the world.

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

Excellent product attributes and unmatched facilities easily ensure their absolute satisfaction, every mile of the way.

No wonder then that Reliable International Automotive has been ranked amongst the top Kia distributors worldwide and has been honoured with prestigious accolades including the ‘Good Partnership award, ‘Family Like Care’ Service award’, and ‘Kia ‘Distributor of Distinction’ award.

The prestigious ‘Kia Award for Overall Excellence and Outstanding Performance’ amongst Kia distributors worldwide was bestowed most deservingly. RIA was also honoured with Kia’s ‘Global Sales Customer Satisfaction Excellence’ award 2016.

H E A LT H C A R E

MUSCAT: Al Daud Restaurants (McDonald’s Oman), an active advocate of healthy, balanced lifestyle and staunch supporter of initiatives geared towards the development of small and medium enterprises (SME) in Oman, was a sponsor of ‘Investor’s Night’, an SME event that gathered together 100 young, aspiring entrepreneurs from various nationalities at the Crowne Plaza Muscat.

Organised by HBT – Vantage International Muscat, the ‘Investor’s Night’ provided participants with the unique opportunity to network, explore business potential and gain a wealth of knowledge and information on how to develop their entrepreneurial skill, says a press release.

“Entrepreneurship is a powerful force for job creation. Giving someone a job is a good thing but helping someone to become selfemployed and a creator of jobs is much more powerful,” said Ali K. Daud, development licensee and president of McDonald’s Oman.

The event highlighted on the topic: ‘Business Success Explained through the Field of Exercise’ delivered by Hector Napone, managing director and founder of Alpha Movement Specialist - creator of Alpha Training Systems. Napone is a personal fitness trainer and en-

trepreneur himself.

“As simple as being inactive, not moving enough or not having any form of exercise is now considered the top cause to human morbidity. Weakness of the mind can cause us to grow negative thoughts which are the diseases of the human mind,” he said.

Napone expounded on the concept of doing a regular physical exercise to keep a positive mind and healthy attitude towards achieving certain goals in life.

Rupesh Yashwant, managing director of HBT said: “We are honoured to host the SME event for young and aspiring entrepreneurs who share the same passion for entrepreneurship; who continuously seek ways on how to boost their entrepreneurial knowledge and skill in order to achieve their dreams. Our commitment is to actively promote the value of entrepreneurship with every budding entrepreneur in Oman, providing them with practical programs, assistance and business opportunities through Vantage products and services. We are grateful to McDonald’s for supporting this special event.”

McDonald’s support such initiative as part of its ongoing commitment to give back to the local community.

SPECIALIST

Two specialists join Badr Al Samaa, Al Khoud Apollo appoints new orthopaedic surgeon MUSCAT: Badr Al Samaa Hospital, Al Khoud announced the joining of two more specialists Dr Laila Najeeb, MBBS, DNB, MD as pulmonologist and Dr Naveen Nazirudeen, MBBS, DNB as internist to its hospital recently, says a press release.

Dr Laila completed her MBBS from Govt. Medical College, Thrissur, Kerala in India and earned her DNB and MD in Pulmonary medicine from Kerala University of Health Sciences, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala. After completing her one year compulsory rotating internship in Government Medical College Thrissur, she worked as junior resident at the Department of Pulmonary Medicine - Institute of Chest Diseases, Government Medical College, Kozhikode.

Later she was promoted as Senior Resident in Department of

Pulmonary Medicine, Institute of Chest Diseases, Government Medical College, Kozhikode.

Dr Naveen Nazirudeen completed his MBBS from CUSAT, Cooperative Medical College, Cochin, Kerala - India and pursued DNB in General Medicine from Govern-

ment Medical College, Thrissur, Kerala, India and ACDMC (Advanced Certified Course in Prevention of Diabetes & Cardiovascular Disease) in 2015.

He had wide exposure with various hospitals during his course, one year Internship in Coopera-

tive Medical College Cochin, India and three years as junior resident in Department of General Medicine, Government Medical College Thrissur, and one year as senior resident in Department of Medicine in Govt. Medical College, Kozhikode.

Dr Naveen was working as physician in a Nursing Home in Kozhikode, before joining as ICU physician in Cooperative Hospital, Kozhikode. Later he worked as consultant physician in a private Hospital in Kozhikode before he served as an assistant professor in Kerala Medical College, Cherplassery, Palakkad, Kerala.

Dr Laila and Dr Naveen with many years of professional practice with various medical establishments bring vast experience in their respective field; will help them to give holistic approach to patient care.

MUSCAT: The Apollo Hospital, Muscat, management welcomed Dr Prakash Kurtakoti, specialist orthopaedic surgeon, as a member of its professional medical team at the hospital’s orthopaedic department.

Dr Prakash completed his fellowship of Arthroplasty under world renowned Arthroplasty expert Dr Thomas Siebel at Knabbshaft KrankenHaus Puttlingen, Germany. Dr Prakash received his Medical Degree from Shri B M Patil Medical College, Karnataka. He completed his postgraduation – MS Orthopaedics - from MR Medical College, Gulbarga, says a press release.

“We are happy to welcome Dr Prakash Kurtakoti into our growing family of talented or-

thopaedic specialists,” said V. T. Saileswaran, managing director of Apollo Hospital Muscat. “His advanced training and skills are a perfect match for our hospital and the exceptional care we are proud to provide for our patients.”

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

ROUND-UP OAB, Ominvest fund construction of playground at Royal Hospital a safe area for them to exercise and play while their families seek treatment, says a press release.

Mutassim bin Hamoud Al Zadjali, head of Corporate Communication at Oman Arab Bank, said, “From the onset, Oman Arab Bank has been a firm believer in the importance of positively impacting communities across the Sultanate through adopting and launching various corporate social responsibility initiatives and activities.

“The new playground will undoubtedly make a great addition to the Royal Hospital and create an environment where children can remain entertained while their families visit the hospital.”

Hamid Al Harthi, head of Support Services at Ominvest, said:

Promoting positivity and hope, the playground will create a lasting legacy for children and provide a safe area for them to exercise and play while their families seek treatment

MUSCAT: As part of their shared commitment to giving back to the communities they serve, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) and Oman International Development and Investment Company (Ominvest)

have funded the construction of a children’s playground at the Royal Hospital in Muscat.

Promoting positivity and hope, the playground will create a lasting legacy for children and provide

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

“As part of its corporate social responsibility agenda, Ominvest and its subsidiaries are committed to empowering and nurturing communities by supporting various foundations.”

First-of-its-kind initiative “We are happy to provide a safe and fun playground for children at Royal Hospital, especially that it’s the first initiative of its kind where children would enjoy their time while their parents are engaged in the hospital visitations. Families visiting the hospital will now enjoy the new experience of fun for children and parents. We are reviewing other fun options to be added to this playground for more enjoyment,” added Al Harthi.

YOUNG ASPIRING PILOTS

AMAES training institute opens in Oman MUSCAT: AMA Education System (AMAES) is again given the opportunity to broaden its horizons, sharpen its vision and mission, touch the lives of people from all walks of life, and meet head-on the challenges of this technologically advanced century, and this time, in the Sultanate of Oman.

With the aim of shaping the knowledge workforce of Oman, AMA International Training Institute (AMAITI) offers the Mechatronics programme to those whose career paths lead them to become technical officers, production or maintenance technicians, production technicians and engineers, or design engineers or experts in the area of automation, manufacturing and other related industries, like oil and gas, metal, pharmaceutical and transportation (aviation and marine) and semi-conduction, says a press release.

AMAITI curriculum, developed

by AMA and FESTO Didactic, introduces the synergistic combination of mechanical, electronics, electrical, and computer science.

The students or trainees will have a hands-on-experience in utilising the state-of-the-art mechatronics laboratory equipment by FESTO Germany, a worldwide leader in industrial automation and mechatronics technology. Cuttingedge facilities are provided to foster the students’ skills and expertise in Pneumatics, hydraulics, programmable logic control-

lers, (PLC) senso-components, and modular production system among others. At AMAITI, it is assured that the training go beyond the traditional computer-based instruction since the students’ hands-on experience on the laboratories allows theories to be applied on the actual equipment that is used in industry, providing them the essential skills and technical

know-how the employers are looking for.

AMAITI Oman offers modular courses in pneumatics, hydraulics, programmable logic controllers and mechatronics.

These programmes develop competencies and skills in computer, mechanical, electrical, and electronics and communications through the aid of qualified and competent teachers.

These modular courses intend to: 1. Develop to become expert in the field of mechatronics, who are involved in the design of intelligent systems and products utilising the combined fields of mechanisation and control sensing, actuation and computing; 2. Promote excellence in utilising modern mechatronics to deal with the requirements of the industry, the government, and the academy; 3. Enhance capabilities in undertaking research, development, and community engagement which could contribute to the industrial development of the country and the world.

NAT I O NA L P R I D E

ISG celebrates 70th Independence Day with fervour

MUSCAT: The 7Oth Independence Day celebrations held at the Indian School Ghubra (ISG) were marked with pomp, grandeur and jubilation.

Mitrangshu Dutta, member, School Management Committee, unfurled the tricolour and took

the salute and the National Anthem was sung with pride, patriotism and love for the nation, says a press release.

A medley of patriotic songs presented by the choir extolled the beauty of India and the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters. The

cultural extravaganza ‘A Sojourn into the Soul of India’ by the students of Classes VI, VII and VII showcased the different phases of the freedom struggle and the glory of India through the ages.

The vibrant music and the colourful dances were mesmerising.

The participants held the audience spellbound with their performance and also infused them with patriotic fervour.

The students of ISG celebrating the 70th Independence Day of their country left a lasting impression on everyone.

Glorious Wings and Flying Academy host open session MUSCAT: Oman-based Glorious Wings in collaboration with its flying partner Flying Academy, organised a three-day Open Session for students aspiring to become pilots at the Holiday Inn Muscat recently.

Around 100 students participated, many of them coming from far off places. The three-day Open Session began at 9 am on the opening day with two sessions in morning and later in the evening which were attended by young aspiring students, says a press release.

Both the sessions were addressed by Captain Farhan Al Shaheibi, managing director, Hamdan Al Zakwani, manager operations of Glorious Wings along with the Czech Republic headquartered Flying Academy instructor Redhouane Ben-Ameur. Flight Training Consultant, Radek Lamac and Courtney Mudge, Customer Service and internal process management. Video clippings were also screened throughout the programme which provided the students with more details on the courses.

“The selected students will have to spend an estimated 12 to 18 months studying the provided course. It is divided into both theoretical and practical courses,” said Redhouane Ben-Ameur.

A pilot must be an all-rounder

and need to build knowledge of law, medicine, engineering thus they will spend around 8-9 months in classroom with latest technology and will be provided iPad for their 14 subjects to be completed during this tenure.

“Students will start in the Cessna 152 aircraft available in the beautiful city of Brno, which is the second largest city in Czech Republic and will be provided more than 200 hours of training during their stay in this beautiful location with all the amenities and modern facilities. With regard to accommodation, visa and medical check-up all will be taken care by Glorious Wings, and the selected youngsters will work and study as a team,” said Captain Farhan.

Captain Farhan said his dream is to see Omani youngsters aiming high flying all over the world.

Glorious Wings headed by CEO Farid Al Shuhibi, has been parting training to students with all the latest knowledge in the field of aviation sector.

“For over three decades we have been preparing pilots at the highest standards of the industry to be ready for the airline environment,” said Radek Lavak, adding, “Personal approach and care, step by step guidance, close monitoring of trainee’s performance and individual approach is one of our main strengths.”

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ROUND-UP

Alizz comes with easy home finance options

C E L E B R AT I O N S

Under ‘Ijarah’, which literally translates to ‘give something on rent’, Alizz Islamic Bank buys the property from the seller and leases it out to the customer with a promise to sell it at the end of the lease term

ISD commemorates Independence Day MUSCAT: The 70th Independence Day celebration was held at Indian School Darsait (ISD) with immense joy, fervour and enthusiasm.

The chief guest Ajayan Poyyara, president, School Management Committee (SMC), unfurled the national flag in the presence of members of SMC, Dr Sridevi P. Thashnath, principal, staff, students and a number of parents and well-wishers and received guard of honour from the march past contingent, says a press release.

Addressing the gathering Poyyara said: “We should remember the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters and national leaders.

We owe a lot to the courage and dedicated works of our national leaders who virtually lived for attaining freedom from the British.”

He added, “Along with celebration comes our responsibility to make our country free from social evils and other anti-social elements. It is education that acts as a tool to take India to the heights of glory and excellence.”

The highlights of the day were melodious rendition of songs of unity and integration of India by

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the choir from both junior and senior sections of the school followed by the grand finale, a superb dance performance Vandemataram - A Tribute to Our Nation. Students from the primary section dressed as various national leaders gave an added fervour to the programme which enthralled the audience for one hour and was indeed a patriotic experience.

This year prior to the day, there were competitions in public speaking and painting on the topic ‘Independence Day’. Nitu Sharma (IX B), Maitreyee Naik (X A) and Nandana Sreekumar (IX D) who had secured the first positions in Hindi, English and Malayalam respectively spoke on the occasion arousing feelings for the motherland. G. Gurucharan (VII E) got the first position in painting competition. Prizes and certificates were given away to the winners. The school campus was decorated with tricolour and the colourful art works of the students from the primary as well as senior sections. Sweets were distributed to all the students who attended the programme.

MUSCAT: Alizz Islamic Bank has announced Ijarah home finance solutions for its customers as part of its efforts to support all segments of the society in realising their dream of owning a home.

Under ‘Ijarah’, which literally translates to “give something on rent”, Alizz Islamic Bank buys the property from the seller and leases it out to the customer with a promise to sell it at the end of the lease term, says a press release.

The option, which gives customers a host of benefits and facilities, is open to Omani nationals and resident expatriates, whether salaried or self-employed, and requires simple documentation with fast and easy approval process. The settlement term can be up to 25 years with maximum financing of 80 per cent of the property value or OMR450,000, and is available for existing properties.

The minimum salary required is

OMR300 only for government employees and OMR350 for private sector employees.

‘Forward Ijarah’ Another Sharia-compliant option is ‘Forward Ijarah’ home finance in which Alizz, in its capacity as ‘lessor’, constructs the property at the customer’s request and leases it out to the customer for a certain period of time and against a rental amount.

At the end of the construction period, the property is delivered to the customer as per the terms of the least agreement. Once the customer has met all obligations under Forward Ijarah contract, the bank will transfer the ownership of the property to the customer.

This option too is open to Omani nationals and resident expatriates, whether salaried or self-employed, and requires simple documentation with fast and easy approval process. Financing is available for up to 25 years and 80 per cent of

the property value.

It is also available for properties under construction. The maximum financing option is again OMR450,000 whilethe minimum salary required is OMR300 for government employees and OMR350 for private sector employees.

“Ijarah and Forward Ijarah home finance options offer customers Sharia-based solutions to realise their dream of owning a home. Both options come with a host of benefits and features to Omani nationals and resident expatriates at competitive rates with easy documentation and fast approval process,” commented Mohamoud Dualeh, head of Product Development, Alizz Islamic Bank.

Alizz offers home and real estate financing options to small, medium and large enterprises. It delivers Sharia-compliant products catering to the different needs of customers, helping them complete their transactions easily and quickly using cutting-edge technology.

CULINARY TRADITIONS OF CHINA

Chinese Food Festival at Queens Restaurant MUSCAT: Queens Restaurant in Al Khuwair launched 10-day long Chinese food festival on August 11 in the presence of dignitaries from media fraternity and selected guests.

The festival welcomes avid food lovers to discover the food heritage and culinary traditions of China through the lineup of traditional as well as modern cuisines, says a press release.

Ten-day festival The 10-day festival is seen as a celebration of Chinese culture as well as introduction of original recipes to the taste lovers of the Sultanate. This festival offers numerous opportunities to get a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine including potage minestrone soup, drums of heaven, butterfly prawns, chicken pancit, etc, which beats the imitation by miles.

The most experienced and well trained chefs of Queens prepare

numerous gastronomical delights and serve up the ultimate al fresco experience at the event.

They also conduct live demonstrations and creative cooking

workshops for customers.

The event offers delicious dishes for foodies, where the chefs will create special sets of creative menus and serve flavoursome food

throughout the festival time.

Queens welcomes the populace of Oman to enjoy the extravaganza of Chinese cuisines before it comes to an end by August 20.

VA L U E D E A L

Bridgestone announces cash-back offer for truck tyres MUSCAT: Complimenting highperforming tyres with rewards that are truly beneficial to its customers, Towell Auto Centre (TAC) has announced a special cash-back offer on Bridgestone truck tyres.

A valuable deal for heavy vehicle owners, the scheme on truck tyres works to significantly ease the burden when buying new truck tyres therefore providing a great impetus to customers to change to Bridgestone. The scheme offers up to OMR20 instant cash-back in exchange of two old truck tyres on purchase of two new Bridgestone truck tyres, says a press release.

Valid for two months, the offer which commenced from August

14 will run until October 13. This offer is valid through Truck Tyre Centre, Fleet Points, Tyre Care Plus outlets and First Stop stores.

Customers are awarded with a OMR20 cash-back on exchanging old tyres and purchasing two new Bridgestone tyres of rim size 20” and above. Ensuring that every purchase receives its rewards, Bridgestone offers cash-back of OMR10 for Bridgestone casing and OMR7.5 for non Bridgestone casing of the same Rim size, limited to the same quantity of purchase.

“Bridgestone has always been one of the best-selling tyres in the country due to its superior quality, high-performance and extended

RECRUIT

durability. At TAC, we offer beneficial campaigns to compliment world class product,” said Oommen John, AGM Bridgestone

Tyre Division, TAC. “Bridgestone places lot of importance on safety, customer rewards and customer satisfaction. Therefore, as the distributor of a valuable brand, when we build our campaigns, we imbibe the very same principles in our plans.”

With over four decades of industry experience, Towell Auto Centre (TAC) has established itself as a successful player in the segment.

As a distributor, TAC brings to Oman one of the most reputed tyre brand, Bridgestone.

TAC has a dedicated base of skilled professionals who possess the knowledge and expertise to advice customers on tyre selec-

tion according to the operating conditions and to obtain optimum performance by using Bridgestone new tyres and Bandag retreads.

Bridgestone Truck Tyre Centre is located in Ghala and Fleet Points are located at Duqum, Fahud, Karsha, Nimr and Salalah. Gaining increasing popularity as a reliable service centre, TAC has completely revolutionised the very concept of tyre and auto care in the country.

Bridgestone, being one of the most outstanding brands is available at all the store locations throughout the Sultanate. Customers can choose from an extensive range of tyres and avail the best in terms of service, quality care and expertise

from well trained professionals and service engineers.

Towell Auto Centre also has a network of strategically positioned Tyre Care Plus outlets for Bridgestone tyres with a nationwide presence across the Sultanate in Barka, Musannah, Sohar, Saham, Bu Ali, Ibra, Sinaw, Ibri, Nizwa, Karsha, Sumail, Salalah and Sur. In the capital, the Tyre Care Plus outlets are located at Wadi Kabir, Bausher, Ghubra, Ghala, Rusayl, Al Khoud and Mabelah with First Stop stores located in Amerat and Seeb. These centres cater to the passenger cars, 4x4 vehicles and light commercial vehicles.

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ROUND-UP

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Bank Muscat celebrates al Mazyona quarterly prize draw at Salalah Fest The high value al Mazyona quarterly prizes include OMR100,000 each for two customers across Oman, OMR250,000 each for two asalah Priority banking customers and OMR50,000 each for two al Jawhar Privilege banking customers

SALALAH: The 2016 al Mazyona savings scheme offering a prize basket of OMR10 million from Bank Muscat marked a big celebration for the second quarterly prize draw in which six winners covering all regions, including two from asalah Priority Banking and two from al Jawhar Privilege Banking, won high value prizes totalling OMR800,000.

Shaikh Abdullah Aqeel Al Ibrahim, acting deputy governor of Dhofar, picked the winners at the event held at Hilton Salalah Resort as part of the bank’s lead support to Salalah Tourism Festival, attended by dignitaries, Premier banking customers and management team members, says a press release.

The high value al Mazyona quarterly prizes include OMR100,000 each for two customers across Oman, OMR250,000 each for two asalah Priority banking customers and OMR50,000 each for two al Jawhar Privilege banking customers.

Congratulating the winners, Abdulnasir Al Raisi, DGM – Premier Banking, said: “Bank Muscat understands customer expectations as al Mazyona 2016 scheme offering OMR10 million in prize money is an incredible incentive for maintaining a healthy savings habit.

The series of big prizes from Bank Muscat is the major attraction of al Mazyona which offers fair and transparent winning chances for all segments of customers across the Sultanate. al Mazyona reaffirms the bank’s vision and constant efforts to fulfill the aspirations and ambitions of the largest banking family in Oman. With attractive weekly, monthly, quarterly, special and year-end prizes,

the popular scheme offers highvalue prizes throughout the year to maximum number of customers in all regions.”

The quarterly draw was a day of high rewards for Premier banking clients. Committed to enhancing banking services to the high saving premier segment, the bank’s strategy focuses on differentiated and specialised banking experience distinguishing Premier banking clients from competitors.

The exclusive prizes for asalah Priority banking customers include two monthly prizes of OMR50,000 each, two quarterly prizes of OMR250,000 each and the year-end jackpot prize of OMR500,000 for one customer.

The bank also offers special prizes to al Jawhar Privilege Banking customers, including two monthly prizes of OMR25,000 each and two quarterly prizes of OMR50,000 each. Premier banking customers can also participate in all other al Mazyona weekly, monthly, quarterly and special prize draws.

Reaching out with a powerful call for savings, al Mazyona offers exclusive prizes for different segments, including women, children, youth and high saving customers. As on date, al Mazyona savings scheme guaranteeing more for everyone to share is the biggest prize money in Oman and the region with prizes ranging from OMR1,000 a week to OMR10,000 a month and OMR100,000 every quarter, in addition to special and year-end prizes.

Adding excitement to festivals and national celebrations, the 2016 savings scheme also rewards

LUCKY WINNER

customers with special prizes, besides aspirational prizes of OMR1 million to be shared by two customers at the end of year.

An exclusive draw for Zeinah women customers coinciding with Omani Women’s Day is a highlight in which 10 customers will be rewarded with OMR10,000 each. On the occasion of the National Day, a special draw will be held offering OMR10,000 each for 10 winners.

The eligibility for al Mazyona prize draws is to maintain a minimum balance of OMR100 which entitles customers to win OMR1,000 every week.

By maintaining a minimum balance of OMR1,000, customers are eligible win the OMR10,000 monthly prize, OMR100,000 quarterly prize and the grand prize of OMR500,000 at the end of the year. For every OMR100 balance, customers get 1 chance to win – so with OMR1,000, they get 10

chances to win. The more the saving, the better the chances to win. al Mazyona continues to be the only savings scheme to recognise and reward loyalty for customers based on their association with the bank. For example, if a customer has been saving for 5 years, his chances of winning get multiplied by 5 times and similarly if he has been maintaining al Mazyona savings account for 20 years, his chances get multiplied 20 times and so on.

This benefit is unique only to al Mazyona savings scheme holders and no other bank offers this loyalty reward.

The double-your-salary scheme is another attraction of 2016 al Mazyona savings scheme which entitles customers maintaining a salary account with the bank to win a free bonus salary every month. The salary prize scheme is open to all customers with a minimum monthly salary of OMR500.

For instance, a customer whose salary is OMR500 can win an additional salary prize of OMR500 whereas a customer whose salary is OMR3,000 can win back an equivalent bonus salary of OMR3,000 and so on. In all, there will be 30 winners every month who will gain a bonus salary with al Mazyona savings account.

H E A LT H C A R E

American Tourister conducts raffle Kims ensures total draw for ‘Meet Salman Khan’ promo care for sinusitis MUSCAT: American Tourister has conducted a raffle draw for the recently concluded ‘Meet Salman Khan’ promotion.

The promotion was conducted along with the launch of Salman Khan’s new blockbuster movie Sultan. Customers who bought American Tourister luggage were given the opportunity to enter the raffle draw, says a press release.

Commenting on the promotion, Rohit Shah, general manager, Khimji Ramdas Luxury and Lifestyle Division, said, “Being the sole distributors of American Tourister luggage in Oman, the Khimji Ramdas Group is proud to be part of this unique campaign. The brand fits in with Khimji Ramdas’s business philosophy to give customers worldclass products that are unmatched in quality, durability and design.

Our lifestyle division stocks a wide variety of travel-smart merchandise from the brand to meet a range of customer specific travel needs.”

Mohammad Azeem from Salalah won the prize for meeting Salman Khan personally in Mehboob studio, Mumbai along with winners of other GCC countries.

The winner will get a free air ticket to Mumbai and one night’s hotel accommodation.

The consolation prize went to Gopal from Muscat. The winner

will be eligible for a free air ticket and 3 night’s holiday in Budapest.

American Tourister is the leading luggage brand owned by samsonite. American Tourister sells uprights, duffle bags, back packs, laptop bags, rolling totes and travel accessories in Oman.

The draw was conducted in the presence of representatives from

Ministry of Commerce and Industry at House of Samsonite stores in Avenues Mall. The promotion has created lot of interest among the customers due to the unique concept.

American Tourister products are available in all leading hyper markets. Khimji Ramdas is the sole distributor of American Tourister in Oman.

ACHIEVEMENT

GAC picks winners of MMC Technicians Contest MUSCAT: General Automotive Company (GAC), the official distributor of Mitsubishi in Oman, launched the MMC Technicians Contest 2016 in November last year.

Over the course of the past nine months, and starting off with over 90 participants, the contest competed four stages of increasing difficulty; with the extremely challenging finals taking place at the end of July in the presence of a delegation from Mitsubishi Motors Company (MMC).

To commemorate the occasion GAC recently held a special prize giving ceremony in the presence of Manoj Ranade, general manager of GAC, and Yasser Zerik, the national service manager of GAC, to recognise the achievements of the top four performers of the contest – Jeoffry Felices Estuye, Tefisto Jr.

Gobres Edma, Norman Francisco A. Bascos, and Girish Nair; who came in 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th places respectively, says a press release.

Each was presented with a certificate and reward from GAC. The overall winner of the contest, Jeoffry Felices Estuye, would now be representing GAC and Oman in the Global Service Skills Contest to be held at MMC in Tokyo, Japan

from November 15-18.

Ranade said: “GAC has always placed great emphasis on staff training and development. This is clearly evident from our adoption of Mitsubishi’s M-Step training programme for our service staff. An internal contest such as this, as well as an opportunity to represent Oman in the Global Service Skills Contest, further incentivises our staff to

train harder and perform to the best of their abilities. Given the scope and difficulty of this particular contest, I am truly impressed with the performance of all the technicians that took part.

“I would like to therefore commend each of them for their efforts and also congratulate each of the four winners; their victory was truly well deserved.”

Yasser Zerik said: “On behalf of GAC I would like to congratulate Jeoffry, Tefisto, Norman and Girish on winning the contest. Their performances have been consistently good throughout these past nine months of the contest and are truly deserving of their positions as the top four technicians at GAC. I am confident all of them would do GAC proud by serving customer vehicles in a timely and accurate manner.”

MUSCAT: The ENT Department at Kims Oman Hospital offers highly effective treatment for sinusitis - chronic and acute conditions occurring in both adults and children. The department also provides specialised care for recurrent sinusitis.

Sinusitis is one of the commonly annoying conditions that affects millions across the world irrespective of their age. It is a condition in which inflammation occurs in the linings of sinuses, the small air-filled cavities behind the cheekbones and forehead. The swollen linings block the passages through which mucus drains into the nose.

The reasons that cause sinusitis are as common and frequent as the condition itself. A cold or flu virus can cause sinusitis when it spreads to the sinuses. Bacteria can cause sinusitis, but only in a very few cases. A tooth infection or fungal infection can also lead to sinus inflammation in some extremely rare situations.

Sinusitis, one of the commonly prevalent health conditions, exhibits a number of symptoms including headache, fever, green or yellow discharge from the nose, blocked nose, toothache, bad breath, pain and tenderness around the cheeks, eyes or forehead, etc.

For children, symptoms include irritability, breathing through mouth, difficulty in feeding and nasal sound while speaking.

There are various treatments for sinusitis. It includes remedial measures taken in the comfort of home, medication including antibiotics and a relatively simpler surgery called functional endoscopic sinus surgery in chronic cases, the procedure improves the drainage of mucus from sinuses by removing any tissues that block the affected sinus or opening the passages wide. Any severe chronic sinusitis condition can be managed effectively with this surgery and regular follow up.

Dr Srinivas Bapu K. R., ENT specialist at Kims Oman Hospi-

Our ENT department is fully equipped to treat all kinds of sinusitis conditions.

We also have the latest technology to assist us in carrying out surgical procedure to cure some chronic sinusitis cases Dr Srinivas Bapu K. R. ENT specialist at Kims Oman Hospital

tal said: “Our ENT department is fully equipped to treat all kinds of sinusitis conditions. We provide advices on home remedies, prescribe regular medication, antibiotics or corticosteroid according to the stage and severity of the condition. We also have the latest technology to assist us in carrying out surgical procedure to cure some chronic sinusitis cases.”

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Taylor retains triple jump gold, Perkovic keeps discus crown Taylor, the defending Olympic and world champion, made his mark of 17.86 metres with his first jump, staking a claim for the gold medal that his rivals were unable to match

RIO DE JANERIO: Christian Taylor of the United States retained his Olympic men’s triple jump title on Tuesday, recording the longest jump of the year to claim the podium top spot.

Taylor, the defending Olympic and world champion, made his mark of 17.86 metres with his first jump, staking a claim for the gold medal that his rivals were unable to match.

His American teammate Will Claye took silver and China’s Dong Bin went home with bronze after they recorded 17.76 and 17.58 respectively, also at their first attempts.

“The job is done,” Taylor told reporters. “I never thought on my first jump that would be the gold medal. I wanted it so much. It came together, the stars aligned.”

In what soon developed into a predictable tussle for silver and gold from within the U.S. team, the rest of the field in Rio fell behind to join the spectators watching Taylor and Claye re-enact their Olympic duel from London four years ago.

“It’s just who executes better on that day. We’re equally talented,” Claye said. “We’re all beatable. I just have to come back and get my win next time.”

A notable absentee was world silver medallist Pedro Pablo Pich-

RARE FEAT: Croatia’s Sandra Perkovic celebrates after winning the women’s discus throw gold on Tuesday. – AFP

JOB DONE: Christian Taylor of the U.S. competes in the men’s triple

CLOSE RACE: Dutchman Ferry Weertman poses with his gold medal

jump final in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday. – Reuters

after winning the men’s 10km marathon swimming race. – Reuters

ardo of Cuba, who would have been a challenger for the gold having posted several marks at 18 metres and further in 2015.

The 23-year-old has reportedly struggled with an ankle injury and opted not to jump in Rio, smoothing the way for Taylor.

Taylor’s road to Rio has been a rocky one after a worsening knee injury forced him to switch his takeoff leg following his 2012 Olympic triumph, a radical move in one of the most technically chal-

lenging events in athletics.

After a “game-changing” 2015, the 26-year-old was once again clearing the 18-metre mark, making a jump of 18.21 metres at the Beijing world championships to claim second place in the all-time list behind Briton Jonathan Edwards’s 1995 world record of 18.29.

Perkovic digs deep Croatia’s Sandra Perkovic flirted with disaster before snatching gold in women’s discus, success-

MORE ACTION

Bolt sails into 200m semis RIO DE JANERIO: Usain Bolt roused a quiet morning at the Olympic stadium as only he can on Tuesday, remaining firmly on course for his historic ‘triple triple’ by coasting through the 200 metres heats in 20.28 seconds.

Racing in the ninth heat and cheered every step of the way by the sparse but vocal crowd, the Jamaican led coming off the bend and was able to take his foot off the gas to progress comfortably to the semifinals.

Bolt secured the 100 metres title on Sunday to take another step on the path to an unprecedented third successive sweep of all three Olympic sprint titles — 100, 200 and 4x100 metres.

Laser gold for Burton Australia’s Tom Burton used a tense pre-start battle to snatch the gold medal from Croatia’s Tonci Stipanovic who had led the Olympic Laser regatta for 10 straight tests before the final medal race. Stipanovic, forced by Burton into an illegal bump with the Australian boat, had to take a penalty turn and finished ninth, ending up with silver rather than gold. Both Burton and Stipanovic had ensured themselves one of the top two podium spots on points before the medal race.

Bronze was won by New Zealand’s Sam Meech, who managed a third in the medal race, just enough to kill off Brazilian Robert Scheidt’s hopes of a record sixth sailing medal in six Olympic games.

Golden Verniaiev Ukrainian Oleg Verniaiev made up for narrowly missing out on the all-around gymnastics title by winning the parallel bars gold.

Verniaiev, who came agonisingly close to ending the all-around reign of Japan’s Kohei Uchimura before missing out on gold by just 0.099 of

EARLY BIRD: Jamaica’s Usain Bolt, centre, competes in the men’s

200m Round 1 at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

a point, finally got his hands on the top prize by winning the bars with a total of 16.041. He beat American silver medallist Danell Leyva by 0.141 of a point. Russia’s David Belyavskiy settled for bronze.

Fourth for Biles Simone Biles showed off her sassy moves and explosive tumbles on the floor exercise to win a recordequalling fourth gold.

A day after a wobbly performance on the beam ended the American’s hopes of leaving Rio with a record haul of five golds for a female gymnast, she was back on form to capture the floor title with 15.966 points. Aly Raisman completed a 1-2 for the United States by earning 15.500, while Briton Amy Tinkler’s crowd-pleasing routine to Pretty Woman earned her bronze Argentina in hockey final A hat trick from Gonzalo Peillat powered Argentina into the men’s Olympic hockey final with a stunning 5-2 upset against defending champions Germany in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday.

– AFP

Peillat, who opened the scoring with a drag-flick from a penalty corner midway through the first quarter, grabbed a second before the quarter ended and completed his hat trick before halftime to open up a 3-0 lead over the Germans. All three of Peillat’s goals came from penalty corners.

Hungary felled Montenegro put an early end to the medal bid of water polo powerhouse Hungary on Tuesday, clinching a spot in the semifinals in a thrilling penalty shootout.

Also advancing were world champions Serbia, who overpowered Spain 10-7.

Hungary’s men’s team, the most successful in the sport’s 116-year Olympic history, had arrived in Rio de Janeiro seeking to put things right after failing to reach the podium at the 2012 London Games.

The Hungarians, who have won gold nine times in previous Games, managed to battle back from an 5-3 deficit at halftime, levelling the score at 9-9 late in the fourth quarter. — Reuters

fully defending her London Games title despite fouling five of her six throws in the final.

The 26-year-old Croatian was the hot favourite heading into the final but was on the brink of early elimination after fumbling her first two throws.

Perkovic appeared nervy but dug deep to hurl her third effort 69.21 metres and retain her crown, winning by 2.48 metres ahead of rivals who never looked like matching her.

Perkovic, who has dominated women’s discus since London, becomes only the second woman ever to successfully defend her Olympic discus title.

France’s 37-year-old Melina Robert-Michon set a national record of 66.73 metres to take silver, becoming the European country’s oldest ever Olympic medal winner in athletics. Cuba’s Denia Caballero, who won a surprise victory at last year’s world championships, had to settle for bronze.

Weertman wins in water Ferry Weertman of the Netherlands won the men’s marathon swimming event off Rio’s Copacabana Beach in a race so close that he did not realise he had won until a friend called from home to give him the good news.

After the gruelling 10km openwater swim, the 24-year-old Weertman touched the electronic pads at the finish line just before veteran swimmer Spiros Gianniotis of Greece, giving the Dutchman his first gold medal in his first Olympics. The official results showed the first two swimmers with the same time of 1:52:59.8.

Marc-Antoine Olivier of France, 20, finished 2.2 seconds behind to win the bronze medal.

Gianniotis appeared to finish ahead of Weertman, but he said his arm was in a position that he could not get to the pad first.

It was the last race for the 36-year-old Greek who retires after five Olympics as a pool and open water competitor.

Weertman did not expect to be struggling with a pack of six other racers at the finish line.

In the last of eight lengths on the waters off the famous curving beach, Weertman pulled ahead of the leader for most of the race, Jarrod Poort of Australia, and was soon joined by several other heavyweights.

He emerged from the water mentally and physically drained and was in a golf cart when his friend called him.

“I picked up, and he was like ‘You won, you won!’ and then it started hitting me and I still can’t believe it,” Weertman said.

The Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, called him too before the medal ceremony, and he could hear the cabinet clapping in the background.

Weertman’s victory means a sweep by the Netherlands in marathon swimming after Sharon van Rouwendaal, 22, won the women’s 10km open water race on Monday. - Reuters

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

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Kohli’s hidden agenda on Rohit Sharma gamble looks awesome

I

f you enjoy a slice of luck you might get off the hook when you take a step in the wrong, gloomy direction, and if you are blessed with a big slice of it you might be spared of the monstrous consequences of your seemingly insipid bend of mind—but when you are incredibly lucky your moment of stupidity evolves into an unbelievable stroke of cour-

age and genius that ends up with the world around hailing you for being the man you are: bold, brutal and totally honest about it.

Like how Virat Kohli is finding himself, for now.

After Shannon Gabriel sent Shikhar Dhawan back to the dressing room in the third over and as Kohli was bounced out by debutant Alzarri Joseph to reduce India to 19 for two inside six overs, the camera panned on Rohit Sharma standing in the dugout, looking grim and vulnerable. A moment many felt bad about the changes Kohli had made for the third Test.

What Ravichandran Ashwin and Wriddhiman Saha did for 72.3 overs that stretched from a couple

At the end of the Test, Kohli hinted at the need to continue with both — the method and the madness of minutes before tea on day one to post-lunch and almost tea on day two was what Kohli said, at the end of the first Test at Antigua, he didn’t want to happen often: the tail wagging to pull India out of trouble. Saha and Ashwin helped India reach a safe position. At 126 for five, that — the first innings total of 353 — looked like the snowclad peak of Everest.

At the end of the Test, Kohli

stressed the method in his madness and hinted at the need to continue with both — the method and the madness — for which he is ready to take extra responsibilities at No. 3, for which Ajinkya Rahane need to fine-tune himself in his new No. 4 slot, for which Murali Vijay may have to sit out.

All this to give Rohit an extended run of luck at No. 5. Is it a fair deal for a lot of guys, es-

pecially for fit-again Vijay who got dropped due to injury and Rahane who will now have to reshape his game? Maybe yes, and, in any case, Kohli doesn’t bother about people who don’t like change and how others would react and what they would say about the steps he takes towards dominating the world.

It’s easy to blame Kohli for being inconsiderate towards Vijay, biased towards Rohit and impatient towards Pujara, but the truth at the bottom of his scheme of things is simple.

If you take Kohli out of the equation, and view Dhawan’s inconsistency alongside the reputation of guys like Rahane, Vijay and

Pujara for being painfully slow, the Indian Test captain has no one at his command to push through his aggressive agendas. Neither Rahane nor Saha and Ashwin put together could inspire Kohli to make daring declarations and hot chases. Rohit Sharma could, and if he sees the opportunity just as big and bold as Kohli does, we are going to witness a new dawn in Indian cricket.

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

OMAN VETERANS TAKE TOP TWO PLACES IN ARAB HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP Oman veterans clinched the top two places with the A team outlasting the B squad for the title in the Arab Veterans Hockey Championship organised in Morocco. In an exciting final, Oman A defeated Oman B 5-4 via penalities. Earlier in the semifinals, the A team defeated hosts Morocco while the B team got the better of Egypt. The Omanis also won two individual awards with Yousuf bin Darwish Al Siyabi picking the best player award and Asim Dawood taking the best goalkeeper prize. — ONA

FOOTBALL

Oman U-16 team to play series of friendlies MUSCAT: Oman national under-16 football team will play a series of friendlies ahead of their participation in the forthcoming AFC Under-16 Championship.

The Sultanate squad, who are being coached by Yacoub Al Saba-

hi, will play two friendly matches against Iran during the current domestic training camp which lasts till August 27.

During that final training camp, the Sultanate team are scheduled to play two friendly matches

against Saudi Arabia on September 4 and 6.

The Oman junior team will also play a friendly against the UAE team on September 10.

The AFC U16 Championship, which also serves as the qualify-

ing event for the Under-17 World Cupm, will take place in India from September 15 to October 2.

In the Asian tournament, Oman are placed in tough Group C which also comprises South Korea, Iraq and Malaysia.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

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SPORTS ODI SQUAD

England drop Vince, Wood comes in for injured Finn LONDON: England have dropped James Vince for their One-day International (ODI) series against Pakistan following a disappointing showing in the recent Test series, while Mark Wood returns to the 15man squad after returning to form and fitness.

Vince has been overlooked after failing to pass fifty in seven Tests this season, being guilty of a series of soft dismissals.

Mark Wood, who returns to the squad for the first time since undergoing ankle surgery in November, takes the place of injured bowler Steven Finn.

“Mark has had a couple of operations and with his hard work and advice from our medical team he’s now able to take part in this series,” national selector James Whitaker told the ECB website.

Ben Stokes has recovered from a calf injury picked up in the Test series against Pakistan and makes the cut, joining captain Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler who have overcome finger and thumb injuries respectively to return to the side. All-rounder Liam Dawson is the only uncapped player to have been named.

The five-match series starts in Southampton on August 24, before matches at Lord’s, Trent Bridge, Headlingly and Cardiff.

The squad: Eoin Morgan (capt), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Liam Dawson, Chris Jordan, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood. - Reuters

FOOTBALL

Former FIFA chief Havelange dies RIO DE JANEIRO: Joao Havelange, the former president of FIFA, died in Rio de Janeiro’s Samaritano Hospital on Tuesday, the hospital said, without giving further details until authorised by his family.

The former Olympic swimmer and water polo player for Brazil had been in and out of the hospital in recent months with respiratory problems. - Reuters

Young sailors face challenging conditions at nationals in Sur Around 65 talented Omani youngsters from the Omantel Youth Sailing Programme had to contend with a range of weather conditions TOUGH OUTING: Young Omani sailors in action in the National Sailing Championships in Sur. – Supplied photo

MUSCAT: Young sailors competing at the 2016 Oman National Sailing Championships have been warmly welcomed at Oman Sail’s Sailing School in Sur where the championships are being staged for the third time as they reach the halfway point of the competition.

Around 65 talented Omani

youngsters from the Omantel Youth Sailing Programme have had to contend with a range of weather conditions since they arrived in Sur for the start of an eight-day challenge, which kicked off with a three-day training camp.

The training programme, ex-

pertly devised by Youth Programme management and the Sur Sailing School, was provided for both sailors and coaches and spanned every element of competition from boat handling and tactics to how to conduct a protest after receiving a penalty.

With this information and knowledge, they headed straight to the race track to start their campaigns to become the new national champion for 2016 in the Laser 4.7s, Optimist and Techno 293 windsurfing classes.

The sailors aged between 10 and 17, are representing Oman Sail’s four sailing schools at Almouj, Bandar Al Rowdha, Al Musannah and Sur, — even as well as competing in the individual championships — and competing for Oman’s leading sailing school crown, which is fast becoming one of the most sought after trophies in youth sport.

The breeze has varied from zero to 15 knots and from steady to shifty which has proved a massive test for the youngsters according to Mohsin Al Busaidi, Oman Sail Youth Manager.

“We are only into our second day but the conditions have been very difficult and both the sailors and coaches have found it hard to adjust.

But we welcome that because their training development will be all the better for it and we expect a dramatic improvement in performances.

“This is good for our prospects for winning Olympic medals in the future and it is great to see these youngsters here in Sur taking an interest in what is happening in Rio de Janeiro because they find it so motivating.”

Competitors in the Laser 4.7 class are young sailors who have graduated from the grass roots Optimist class and their progress was encouraging, Al Busaidi added.

“It is great to see Zakariya Al Wahabi who was Oman’s first ever Optimist National Champion, leading the Laser 4.7s and although there is still a long way to go, he is a fine example of how our performance pathway is paying dividends for these talented kids.”

Racing continues until Thursday when the new Laser 4.7, Optimist and Techno 293 national champions will be crowned.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

Unknown Thiago Da Silva’s golden vault flies under radar

For more Olympic Games reports from Rio visit www.timesofoman.com M E D A L S TA L LY

(Top 10 countries at 10pm Oman time on Tuesday) Country

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United States

27

25

26

78

Great Britain

16

17

8

41

China

15

14

18

47

Russia

11

12

14

37

Germany

9

7

6

22

Italy

8

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Netherlands

8

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meters, an Olympic record, to upset world

France

7

10

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27

Australia

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record holder Renaud Lavillenie of France

Japan

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4

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28

It was close to midnight on Monday when pole vaulter Thiago da Silva cleared 6.03

and become the first Brazilian man to win an athletics gold medal for 32 years

DOPE TEST

OLYMPIC RECORD: Thiago Braz da Silva of Brazil celebrates after setting a new Olympic record and

RIO DE JANERIO: Brazil is said to have only one-and-a-half sports, soccer and volleyball, and for some Rio residents not even a shock Olympic gold medal in athletics will break that stranglehold.

It was close to midnight on Monday when pole vaulter Thiago da Silva cleared 6.03 meters, an Olympic record, to upset world record holder Renaud Lavillenie of France and become the first Brazilian man to win an athletics gold medal for 32 years.

But the captivating battle between hot favourite and plucky

home hope at the Olympic Stadium failed to register with some Rio residents, who were more concerned about a first round volleyball match between Brazil’s men and France.

“Who?” said Joao Bina, 43, an industrial designer watching the volleyball on television at a Rio bar when asked about Da Silva.

Soccer is king in Brazil, despite a demoralising 7-1 loss to Germany on home turf for the five-times winners at the 2014 World Cup and the continued failure of the men to win Olympic gold.

Volleyball, which has provided

winning the gold medal. – Reuters

nine medals and gold for the women at the last two Games, is the only other Olympic sport that gets top TV coverage in Brazil.

That meant Da Silva, like many of the Brazilian athletics team, came into South America’s first Olympics under the radar.

“Nobody knew who he was,” said Nalbert Bitencourt, a commentator for Brazil’s SportTV and captain of the men’s volleyball team who won gold at the 2004 Athens Games.

“When I saw that he was in the fight for the medal I had to ask, ‘hey, what is his name?’. He surprised the whole nation.”

American athletics great, Carl Lewis, hoped the shock gold, just Brazil’s second at their home Games, could spark local interest in the sport. “I’ve been talking to people, fans who live here and how hard it is for athletes,” Lewis, winner of nine Olympic sprint and long jump gold medals, said on

SportTV. “My thought is that this is the beginning, this is the start of what could be a historic event for Brazilian sport.”

Pedro Grether, a 37-year-old physical trainer also watching Brazil win the volleyball 3-1 at a Rio bar, was sceptical.

“We don’t care much about anything but soccer and volleyball in Brazil, sometimes we follow basketball but we aren’t too good anymore,” he said. — Reuters

Gene dope test in place: IOC RIO DE JANERIO: An effective gene doping test has been formulated, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has said on the sidelines of the ongoing Rio Olympics. IOC Medical and Scientific Director Richard Budgett said the test, developed WADA accredited anti-doping lab in Australia, is targeted to detect Erythropoietin or EPO, a blood booster helping athletes enhance endurance. - IANS

TEST SERIES

Silva ton puts Sri Lanka in charge against Australia COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s Kaushal Silva roared back into form with a century in the final Test against Australia on Tuesday, boosting the hosts’ hopes of a 3-0 sweep against the world number one team at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo. A day after the opener split the webbing on his left hand which needed six stitches and dropped down to number three, Silva struck 115 as Sri Lanka reached 312 for eight at stumps on the penultimate day of the test to lead by 288 runs.

Dhananjaya de Silva was batting on 44 with Suranga Lakmal yet to open his account at the other end as Australia’s hopes of a pride-salvaging win looked rather dim against the hosts’ formidable spin attack on a final-day track.

The day belonged to Silva who, after scores of 4,7,5,2 and 0 in the last five innings, cover-drove an Adam Voges full toss to bring up his third Test fifty in 251 balls.

The relief reflected in his animated celebration as the 30-yearold took off his helmet, swung his bat and roared in delight before being hugged by batting partner Dinesh Chandimal.

Resuming on 22 for one, Sri Lanka lost three wickets in the morning session before the 58run stand between Silva and home captain Angelo Mathews VALIANT KNOCK: Sri Lanka’s Kaushal Silva celebrates scoring a (26) steadied the home ship. century against Australia during the fourth day of the third Test Overnight batsman Dimuth cricket match between them in Colombo. – AFP Karunaratne (22) fell to a clever SCOREBOARD piece of stumping by Peter Nevill off the bowling of Nathan Lyon who trapped Silva leg before in Sri Lanka 1st innings: 355 (D. Chandimal S. Lakmal not out 0 his next over but the batsman 132, D. de Silva 129; M. Starc 5-63) Extras (b-4, lb-3) 7 used the review option to get the Australia 1st innings: 379 (S. Marsh 130, Total (for 8 wickets, 95 overs) 312 umpire’s decision overturned.

S. Smith 119, M. Marsh 53; R. Herath 6-81) Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-44, 3-69, 4-98, Kusal Perera (24) fell to Jon HolSri Lanka 2nd innings: 5-156, 6-246, 7-276, 8-297 land while Mitchell Starc dismissed D. Perera lbw b Starc 8 To bat: L. Sandakan Kusal Mendis (18) leg before to D. Karunaratne st Nevill b Lyon 22 Bowling: M. Starc 17-4-58-2, N. Lyon 37-7claim his 24th wicket in an otherK. Silva c Smith b Holland 115 123-4, J. Holland 20-4-72-2, J. Hazlewood wise spinner-dominated series.

K. Perera c Nevill b Holland 24 12-2-16-0, S. Smith 2-0-13-0, M. Marsh Mathews fell to Lyon (4-123) in K. Mendis lbw b Starc 18 3-1-3-0, M. Henriques 2-0-9-0, A. Voges the second session but Silva addA. Mathews c Smith b Lyon 26 2-0-11-0 ed 90 runs with Chandimal (43) D. Chandimal lbw b Lyon 43 Umpires: Chris Gaffaney & Sundaram Ravi for the sixth wicket to consoliD. de Silva not out 44 TV umpire: Richard Kettleborough date Sri Lanka’s position. Holland R. Herath c Smith b Lyon 5 Match referee: Chris Broad ended Silva’s 269-ball stay. - Reuters

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Heavy Machine Equipment Parts, Filters and G.E.T for Sale. If you are interested, please contact +968 93292015 or +968 99656542.

Two bedrooms flat behind German Embassy near to Al Nahda Hospital. Contact: 99209354 2BHK split A/C for rent Muttrah near Oman House.

Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 Furnished office (61M2) for sale / rent Al Khuwair near Zawawi Mosque. Contact: 95611569 Flat in Al Khuwair opp grand mall 4 room 3 toilet + hall kitchen in 3 floor 400. Contact 99420346 2BHK Big Size Flat Behind Bank Muscat, Wadi Kabir. Near ISWK. 97826454, 24815012.

Flat for rent in South AlGhubrah 3 rooms, hall and 3 toilets, kitchen rent 450/-. Contact: 99335580 Flat for rent in Al Khoud, 2 rooms & hall. Contact: 91763665 Flat for rent 2 BHK 2 split A/C, 2 toilets, Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Masjid. Contact 97007934 / 92629232

BUYING Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299 Buying cars for cash.

Contact 90202090

Coffee shop for sale in Mabellah area. Contact: 96704519

1No brand new containerized package type STP 100 m3/ day with blower equipments (suitable for camps). Serious Buyers may.

Contact: 99445367 House hold items, LED TVs, Home theater, Mobile Phone and furniture. Contact:97017540 Industrial land in Rusail. 4000 sqm. Contact: 99323957 / 95490842.

Travel Agency for sale with IATA License. Madinat Sultan Qaboos with new clearance for 2 female & 1 male. Contact : 99334647 / 91352187 2 lighting showrooms in Amerat and Barka. Good central location & brisk sales. Contact 97339327 HD Scaffoldings, Shuttering Jacks, Wooden Planks, Shuttering wood assorted, Tower hoist (lift), Concrete Mixer, Bending Machine, Steel Fabrication Machinery (Searing/Cutting, lathe & Welding) including tools for immediate sale: Contact 99273774/ 99202278 Restaurant for sale heart of Ruwi.

Contact 93687466 USED 5 SEATER sofa set & 6 seater dining room set. all for OMR 110. contact 97239139

W E D N E S DAY, AU G U S T 1 7, 2 0 1 6

D3

DAILY GUIDE

BIG SHOWROOM FOR RENT AN EXCLUSIVELY FURNISHED READYMADE SHOWROOM IT IS LOCATED IN THE HOTSPOT OR THE MAIN AREA OF SALALAH A BEAUTIFUL TOURIST VISITING PLACE PERFECTLY DESIGNED WITH AN EYE CATCHING LOOK FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE

CONTACT : +968 99503089 EARLIER AN AUTOPLUS CAR SHOWROOM

ACC. AVAILABLE Accommodation available in a villa for South Indian family, 1 bedroom, hall, kitchen at North Ghobrah. Contact : 99209160

Health & fitness supplements shop for sale including CR, located in Qurum CCC rent -330 RO for 2 shops together Contact numbers: 99008132, 95417236

Big room with attached bathroom available at Honda Road, Ruwi for Executive bachelor.

Contact 95527969 Furnished apartment for rent, two rooms, majlis, hall, kitchen.

Near Carrefour al-mawalah.

Contact 99336776 A big room available near Hamriya round about for Muslim couple / small family / Executive bachelor rent 125/- per month including W+E. Contac: 99495131 Ghobra North Villa 8 bedrooms.

Contact 96420432

FOR SALE

Room for rent near Al Falaj hotel, Ruwi. Contact: 97338108

Single colorful Bed and Sofa for Sale at Al Khuwair. Contact 92881849 / What`s up No 97290565

Ex bachelor or couple room in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99014325 / 91165580

Shop for sale near Oman House, Muttrah. Contact 99024362.

Furnished unfurnished room for rent at Mumtaz area.

Contact: 95212017

Steel Scrap materials for immediate sale. Contact 99273774/ 99202278 Building in Al Khuwair for sale, also we have in Ghala, Al Hail, Al Khoudh 6, Mabella.

Contact: 91155779

Room with attached bathroom and sharing kitchen available for Executive bachelor or small family at wadikabir.

Contact 93049849

Good Condition Sanyo washing machine, semi automatic, RO 40 for sale in MBD Contact; 99737812

1 BHK appartment for rent in Al Khoud Shabiya near mazoon mosque for rent (next to alkhoud medical center and squ) MOB: 93913224

Used furniture, AC, Fridge, bed+ mattress, tables + chair, computers, photocopy machines 2 nos. (toshiba) hiti photo printer, 1 gas stove + cylinder, t v + receiver, dish. Contact 93240949

Sharing Accommodation available for working ladies opposite Al Nadhah Hospital. Preferably Indians. Room with seperate toilet and sharing kitchen.RO.90.

Contact: 96524717

Running Restaurant for sale at Ruwi’s heart, 90+ chairs minimal rent 7 visas. Contact : 94909192

Sharing accommodation available for small family or bachelor behind bank Muscat, Ruwi (Keralite only).

Contact : 96290882 / 97001663.

Coffee shop for sale at Al Khuwair 33. Contact: 92994415 Mabellah industrial land 6000 sqm for sale. Contact: 91155779 Farm in Barka for sale.

Contact: 91155779 Space for printing press available at wadikabir with or without machinery. Contact 99328430 Almost new beach/ garden lounge chairs /bar stools/ counter.

Photos can be sent 95865457 Hotel apartment in Mawaleh for sale. Contact: 91155779

Room available in Mumtaz area 1 room, 1 Bathroom, Kitchen & 1 room, common bathroom.

Interested please contact 92680041 Mr. Altaf Furnished room attached bath for Indian bachelor, Al-Falaj Ruwi & lady Wadi Kabir near Mars hypermarket. Contact: 96202458/96761960 Furnish bedroom with attach bathroom for executive bachelor.

Contact: 97704794 Room available for Executive bachelor at Al Hail.

Contact 96234708 Room with attached bathroom for a family in Wadi Kabir.

Contact 97167857

8 Porta cabins, 2 Ablution units each units have 10 WC and 10 Showers and 2 Ashok Leyland Buses and One Mitsubishi Rosa Bus as well Located in Our Barka Camp. All are in excellent condition to use.

DRIVING

SITUATION WANTED BUSINESS

CONTACT PERSON:MR. PRAKASHGSM NO:- 94048497

MV SALE ACC. AVAILABLE Furnished room in ruwi and azaiba for rent for executive bachelors. Gsm 99058344

Kia Sportage, 2008 4 CYL, excelent condition.

Contact 99378397 Prado 2011. Contact : 99336093

Room, bath room for executives in Wadi kabir. Contact 99336206

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

ACC. WANTED One single furnished room with attached bathroom required for a Indian decent Executive bachelor non cooking, in MBD, CBD, Rex road, Ruwi, Hamriya Area.

Contact 96328687

WANTED Urgently required looking to immediately buy used Grit blasting & airless spray equipment 1 No each. Contact: 968 24810930 / 93203772 / 93203773 / 93203778 IELTS Coaching (academic) required nearby wadi Kabir area. Please call on mobile or msg on Whats up. Contact 92927880/99012165

NRI NRI owned DTCP approved plot 2000/1840 sq.mt in Chennai, Tiruvalur/orgadam. Clear bank documents with legal, urgent sale. Easy payment options available. Great bargain. ph: 94289050 / 99697989. mail: rajagopalramesh7@gmail.com Nalu Kettu in 1.4 acres near Tellichery town. Contact: 91 9663387958 6.15 cents land Kadamkode Palghat 20 lakhs, non negotiable.

Contact: 95515347 1 BHK 2 KM from Guruvayoor.

Contact:91- 9048931536 .

2015 Chrysler 300 S ,Special Edition, Hard to find,19000 km, single owner. No Accident, beautiful Red, Full option. Contact 98960915

INVESTOR PARTNER REQUIRED For a successfully Catering Restaurant Investor cum Partner is required.

2015 Toyota Camry SE, single Owner. No Accident 27000 km, All power. Contact 98960915 2015 Mazda 3i Sport, Single owner. No Accident ,22000 km,2.0 Engine. Contact 98960915 Sportage model 2012, Corolla 1.6, 2013, Mazda 6 2012, Mitsubishi pick up diesel 2011 4WD. Contact: 96565082 / 99839898 Nissan Qashqai 2013 Kms 30,000 VGC comprehensive insurance UAE / Oman. Contact: 96995430

TRANSPORTATION Transportation. Contact: 95190627

Investor with fixed returns also welcome.

Investment opportunity For business in lighting building materials and decoration.

Contact : 99421513 WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

Please contact – 95213273

Email: muscatcoffeeshop@gmail.com

MANPOWER

Partner available, if u have an established business & looking for partner for expanding or open new branch. Contact: 92010247

MATRIMONIAL

Transportation. Contact :96538078 Transportation Engage.

Contact: 92711421 Transportation available Al Khuwair, Ghobrah, Azaiba, Al Hail & Al Khoud. Drop & pick.

Contact 95250161 Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909 Transportation. Contact 99508282 Transportation required from Qurum to WadiKabir at afternoon only 1 PM. Contact - 99012165 Transportation. Contact 92015894 Transportation. Contact 94510847

LOST Mohammed Golam Nabi has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AA5987564.

Finder please handover to ROP Fayez Ahmed has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AG1509513.

Finder please handover to ROP

Keralite RC Christian female (Widow), 27 yrs working as Staff Nurse in a reputed Hospital in Muscat seeks suitable alliance.

Contact 95990527

GOOD NEWS

Parents of a Muscat Indian Sunni Muslim Engineer son 33 tall, fair looking for professionally qualified bride, preferably from Uttar Pradesh.

Email: soulmatesearch2016@gmail. com

Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage, steam bath, obesity, Spondylitis. Ideal Care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street, Ghubra.

Contact: 99639695 / 97397320

Naidu Tamil groom, 30 yrs, BE, MBA working as Engineer well educated girl, aged below 28 yrs.

Contact 94177123

Car care - care for your car.

Stop worrying about your car.

Enjoy your vacation peacefully.

Here is a solution for safe parking and cleaning your car when you are away on vacation. Taking very good care of your car, trust us.

Contact: 96964767

ITI electrical, SSLC, PDC, Christian, 36 yrs, second marriage seeks alliance. Contact 97368596 Female Homeo doctor, 26 yrs 5ft, 8 inch Muslim from Kottayam looking for suitable alliance.

Contact: 92659795 Looking bride for South Indian Boy, 35 years, B.E.,(MS), working in London as a Software Engineer, Christian, Height 5’5 , Ref: Profile ID. 1049, Mobile: 99091975 , whatapps :93485778 www.muscatmatrimonial.com, mail: matrimonialmuscat@gmail.com

Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).

Contact: 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com Pure VEG coffee shop open 3/8/16 Dabeli, VADA PAV, PAV Bhaji many more at Al Khuwair near Rawasco behind NBO. Contact 99066469 / 96951587

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W E D N E S D AY, AU G U S T 1 7, 2 0 1 6 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT Required male, female GP, Dentist, Administrator, Nurses, Pharmacist, Lab Technician for a Polyclinic at Ibra.

Contact 71100596, joharaajmal2016@gmail.com

WANTED Female Gynaecologist, Female GP- Two Female Staff Nurse (From India or Pilipino)and One Female Dental Assist and Female Lab Technician.

WANTED STORE CO-ORDINATOR

With MOH Licence and Data Flow for Al Saadi Specilised Medical Centre, Musanna.

3-5 years experience preferably in Ceramic division (tiles).

Should be with degree, technical knowledge & English fluency.

Contact # 92025033, Email : dr.srininvas76@gmail.com

Send CV to tajallulu.abubaker@gmail.com

URGENTLY REQUIRED An Excellent Grade Construction Firm based in Muscat has immediate vacancy for the following position 1. PM -(BE/B-Tech- Civil) with minimum Of 10 years GCC Exp.- 2 Nos.

2. PE-(BE/B-Tech – Civil) with minimum of 5 years GCC Exp.-2 Nos.

3. MEP Division Manager BE (EEE/Mech) ACCOUNTS

ENG./TECHNICIAN

with minimum 15 years GCC Exp. -1Nos.

4. PM MEP - BE (EEE/Mech) with minimum of 10 years GCC Exp. - 2 Nos.

Required experienced Accountant for a restaurant in Muscat.

Contact: 93500992 An Omani Audit firm is seeking audit partner to join the firm, the candidate should be completed any certificate course CIA,CPA, CA, ACC, and 4 years’ experience, interested candidates to submit their CVs to : auditbureau2016@gmail.com

CATERING Urgently required a well experienced Manager for a group of vegetarian restaurants in Oman.

Attractive salary offered. E -mail: md@royalgroupoman.com Restaurant Staff Wanted with NOC. Contact 94871416 Shawarma / grill / Salad / Asian Cook. Contact: 95529970

DOMESTIC HELPER Need Part time Nanny for a Indian family at Hail to take care of twin babies Contact or watsapp 95662154 / 99863006 Wanted full time Housemaid preferably Tamilian / Malayalee for Tamil Family at Wattayah, Muscat. Contact 94043238 House maid for Omani family.

Contact: 99773100

Well experienced Civil Site Engineer & Senior Site Foreman, age 40 – 45. Send resume: excelgrd123@gmail.com

Looking for .NET programmer (male) who can join immediately.

Send CVs to meitbuz@gmail.com Required Shop Sales man + Hardware Technician for IT Company with minimum 2 years experience.

Contact: 98825806 / 98825806, Email: info@rns-group.com

MANAGER Urgently required Store Keeper (Omani National): Minimum 2 years experience in relevant Field must be able to handle stores independently. Good knowledge of MS-Office and inventory software is must. Interested candidates may send in their CVs to Fax # 24600217 or email on: zeeshan@starslightllc.com

MISCELLANEOUS Required candidates for following posts: Accountant, Storekeeper, Foreman Building Maintenance, Van-salesman (water), Helpers.

Candidates with Omani driving license preferred.

Contact 99273774/99202278

MEDICAL

Required light Driver for site work.

Salary RO 175 + 25 for food & accommodation.

Contact 99454425 Wanted Driver for heavy (sewage vehicle) and light vehicle with valid Oman driving license.

Contact: 97991654 / 97991652 Kindly send CV at Email: construction@remasalseeb.com / remaschandran2020@gmail.com

DESIGNER Interior designer needed urgently.

Email: batrading2014@gmail.com

EDUCATION/TRAINING Required English, computer and science female Teachers up to grad 4. Contact 95054916, Email:- aa77345@gmail.com.time after 5PM

ENG./TECHNICIAN Qualified and experienced Refrigeration Technician required, who can repair cold room, freezer room and all other types of refrigerated equipments.

Email: alsatrading14@gmail.com fax : 24727481 Wanted Civil Engineer with minimum 3 years experience with valid GCC / Oman driving license.

Contact: 97991654 / 97991652 Kindly send CV at Email: construction@remasalseeb.com / remaschandran2020@gmail.com Required Electrical B.Tech with 5 years of Oman experience & D/L. Electrical with ITI -Industrial & MEDC license.

Contact: 99454425

May forward their CV to - cvomanhr@gmail.com

IT

DRIVER Required an Indian Driver with Oman driving license to work in a school in Ruwi. Residence available.

Contact 24705605 Abdul Rahman from 8 AM to 1 pm

5. MEP DRAFTSMAN With minimum 5 years GCC Exp. - 1 Nos. Candidate having GCC Valid Driving license & NOC

Urgently required Pharmacist (B.Pharm) & Assistant Pharmacist (D Pharm) with trading experience.

Attractive salary & incentives.

Send CV at Email : omanmedical@yahoo.com Wanted Nurse and Physiotherapist to work in clinic in Muscat.

Contact 99023006 Required ENT specialist, Orthopedic specialist, Dermatology specialist, Human Resources Assistant Manager.

Send CV : hr11r11hr@gmail.com AlFarooq Polyclinic Barka requires experienced qualified Male & Female GPs. Contact 99526926, 99754628 Wanted Nurse for a Dental Centre in capital area. Contact 93431024 or send CV : drasyanaseem@gmail.com Lady Clinical Dietician for Weight Management Center, utilizing the “Eurodiet” method. Experienced in individual counseling along with excellent communication skills.

Arabic speaking would be an advantage. Call: 945 66 777 Email: eurodiet@omantel.net.om Wanted DENTIST with MOH license to run a clinic.

Wanted GYNAECOLOGIST to run a clinic or work on salary.

Contact 99334689 Care Medical Centre Al Seeb requires Gynecologist and General Practitioner. Mail CV to: sarita_h23@yahoo.com A medical centre is looking to hire immediately a talented Nurse to join our successful team, required 3 years of experience, Oman prometric, data flow. Send your CV to- issalibi@gmail.com or Whatsapp - 91254820 GP doctor needed for reputed clinic. Preferably with MOH license or with Dataflow & Paramatics pass Contact: 95388934

SITUATION WANTED MEDICAL

SALES / MARKETING ACCOUNTS

Wanted urgently General Practitioner, Gynecologist & Dental Surgeon. Contact:92951642

Looking for Marketing Executive with D/L. Mail your resume to: info@agloenterprises.com

Wanted Staff Nurse for a dermatology clinic in Muscat .

Must have MOH license and NOC. Attractive salary offered. Email: clinicvacancy2015@gmail.com

Required min 2 years marketing experience with ODL. Send CV : info@DoOdleZz.com

Required gynecologist GEN: practitioner lady lab Technician and pharmacologist immediately for a clinic in Suwaiq.

Contact 95081010 Email: umchealthcare@gmail.com

Urgently required a Gulf experienced professional Hair Dresser cum Beautician (Lady) for a reputed Beauty salon. Immediate appointment contact : 99816262 / 98557585,fax : 24796211, email: skin. hair.makeup@gmail.com

SKILLED / UNSKILLED

Sales Executive with oil industry, 5 yrs experience with GCC license.

Contact 99376848 / 99648532

Required Indian Mason – 5 nos., eligibility (minimum 5 yrs experience in road construction field).

Contact: 99882127 Email: georgymv@yahoo.com

Required Sales & Marketing staff. Good communication skills, expert in Excel, driving license holder can apply to admin@wacllcoman.com

SALES / MARKETING Furniture & décor co. require Outdoor sales team, immediate joining.

Email: batrading2014@gmail.com Required marketing / PR manager for a modern restaurant group in Oman , proficient in illustrator & Photoshop charismatic , proactive , creative & flexible excellent writing / Editing skills degree in relevant area fluent in English. Send CV to marketingpr2016@gmail.com Required smart, young, dynamic Sales & Marketing Executive having 2-3 years sales experience for a reputed manufacturing company in Oman, having its Head Office in Ruwi. Experience in building materials is an added advantage. Omani Driving License and NOC is a must. Attractive remuneration package.

Apply with photograph to E-mail: salesjobds@gmail.com Looking for Indian marketing lady with journalistic, advertising & media background.

Contact: 93946622 Email: ali.matani2@gmail.com Require Salesman with driving license & NOC Apply: hhabsi55@gmail.com Required building material Sales Man with Arabic and English language. Tel. 97004186

A well establishment Company into courier & logistics requires following urgently : 1) Marketing Executive 2) Customer Support Executive (female) 3) Accountant. Applicant must carry relevant experience of at least 3 - 4 yrs in similar field. Send your resume : info@atsglobex.com Need salesman for spare parts shop in Mabelah Sinaya salary RO 150/- + accommodation.

Contact: 99157377 / Email: rublesn@gmail.com Required experienced Outdoor Sales Executive with Oman driving license & release for a reputed Company. Send CV: wop@cpwop.com Wanted auto parts Salesman for Muscat : genuine parts salesman (5) preferable GCC experienced, Office Assistant (2) well experienced. Send CV at Email : genuinepartsjob@gmail.com

Chief / Senior Accountant, having 12 years Oman experience looking for a job NOC / Release with D/L available. Contact: 97385562 Indian male having 12 years experience (Gulf/India) in a reputed Money Exchange is looking for suitable placement. Contact 71152798.

Email - binojaeb@yahoo.com Indian male Accountant looking for a suitable placement in Salalah.

More than 20 years experience in Accounting job (upto the finalization of accounts) 8 years working experience in Middle East in Dubai, Muscat & Salalah. Contact : 91325029 Indian male, 25 yrs, B.Com, MBA in Finance & Marketing, SAP (Level -1) Certified, 1 yr exp in Office Administration, good communication skills in English, Now in Oman for visit visa looking for suitable placement.

Contact 97914014 Email : lithin2190@gmail.com Indian female, senior Accountant /ast.Finance manager having 15 years oman experience with d/l and noc looking for a suitable placement . Contact : 94838231 Senior Accountant MBA finance Indian 8 yrs exp in finance & accounts. Knowledge in ERP Tally 9, MS Office having Oman D/L & NOC. Contact: 97366016.

E mail:sonynath009@gmail.com Accountant Indian male B.Com 10 yrs exp in Oman with driving license and NOC, local change in available. Specialized in Tally ERP 9 and focus upto finalization.

Contact 99622639 Indian male 26 B.Com 2 yrs experience in Accounting and 2 yr Salesman in Oman.

Contact: 90922545

Ladies experienced in Sales & Marketing with excellent communication skills for Dietetic & Healthy food products for immediate employment. Call: 945 66 777 eurodiet@omantel.net.om

Indian (M), 26 yrs B Com, 6 yrs of experience in accounts and finance, 3 yrs in Muscat, Construction Division. NOC Available M:98390113, Email Id: shadabmustafa1990@gmail.com

Dynamic outdoor Sales Executive required for a building Materials company in Ghubrah.

Candidates with release preferred.

Mail your resume to : buildingmaterialsales007@gmail. com

Indian female B. Com Materials Management 9 yrs exp in Purchase & Accounts seeks suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact : 92695946

SITUATION WANTED

MBA professional Indian male having 3.5 years of experience as Tax Associate at KPMG is looking for suitable placement. Contact +918593997783/+96899105005.

Email gsibikrishnan@gmail.com

ACCOUNTS 28/male/MBA - finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com Accountant 8Years Experience with D/L and NOC. Contact: 97712084 7 Years experience as Financial Analyst, MBA in finance. Responsibilities- research contributor, financial statement analysis, generating MIS & efficiency report, managing TAT, business & clients.

On visit visa in Muscat.

Contact: 90191628 / 96175780

Accountant available with NOC, 7 years experience in Oman.

Ready to join immediately.

Contact 98263394 Finance Manager 16 years experienced chartered accountant (Sri Lankan) looking for a suitable post. NOC available.

Contact: 92194926 Email: manomuscat@gmail.com Indian, Kerala Male B.COM & B.PE, Currently on Visit Visa.

Looking for a suitable job in Accounts, Store Keeper, Sales etc.

Ready to join as early as possible.

Contact 96988923 email:- sajith3969@gmail.com

Graduate from Alexandria University in Accounting has freelance Interior designing experience in different design programs & recorded projects achievements, willing to join suitable job for his qualifications & talents. Contact: + 201003966769 in Oman 99602608 Email: shadyhenaawy@gmail.com Indian male 27 CA inter completed with 4 years experience in Accounts and Audit currently on visiting visa looking for suitable job. Contact : 99662171 Senior Accountant, M.Com, Indian, 12 yrs experience Accounts upto finalization(5 yrs in Dubai) (5 yrs Oman), NOC available. Contact 95577419, azifinj@gmail.com

Indian (M) / B. Com, MBA in Finance, in GCC for 26 years, well experienced in Accounts & Finance, 4 years in L&T , Speaks Arabic, having Driving License & NOC. Contact: 95588565 Indian male, B.Com, MBA in Finance, 4 yrs in Larsen & Tourbo, 26 yrs in Oman, English/ Arabic speaking with driving license. NOC available. Contact 95588565 Fresher 25, ACCA Affiliate, Advanced diploma in Accounting and Business seeking suitable placement in Accounts, Finance or Audit with oman driving license.

Contact - 92430152 , Email - raju.rd619@gmail.com Indian male age 26, Accountant one year experience in accounts looking for suitable job. Contact Email: Anishkhan991867@gmail.

Com Mobile: +968 9565 9415 Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ finance field. On visit visa. Immediately available.

Contact 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com Indian female 26 yrs, MBA finance 2 yrs exp with MNC. Email: rilooozmali@gmail.com.

Contact : 90551366.

Senior Accountant/Ast. Finance Manager-M. Com Finance-Indian with 8 years experience in Finance & Accounts Dpt and Banking & Facilitation. Having D/L & NOC. Mob: 94122464, Email: cammk13@gmail.com Pakistani male 32 yrs, Chartered Accountant having 5 yrs experience, looking for suitable replacement in finance and audit field.

E mail: alirashid.ca@mail.com Accountant B.Com, Tally Indian male, 14 yrs Oman experience with driving licence & NOC seeks suitable job. Contact 97942044 Accounts part time services available to handle all accounts up to finalization on monthly basis.

Finalization and audit works.

Contact : 96247295 Accountant B.com Indian male 12 yrs exp seeks suitable job.NOC available . Contact : 91212471 Email: rennyj6@gmail.com Senior Accountant, B Com, Indian, 10 yrs of Finance and Accounts experience (7 yrs Oman and 4 yrs Dubai) , NOC Available.

Contact : 99776450; Email:mobinmum1@gmail.com ACCA member with 6 yrs of experience in Oman looking for a suitable job in finance. Contact 99284193 Indian female 28 yrs B.Com 4 yrs experience in MNC’s currently in Muscat seeking suitable placement in Finance / Admin.

Contact :94743790 Sudanese Accountant, Alexandria University Graduate bachelor of commerce Diploma of Marketing professional photographer worked in PR and social media for 2 years looking for a job in public relations media, social media or marketing.

Contact: 96976240

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D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED Electrical Engineer (B.Tech), having 7 yrs of Gulf experience, expertise in Project Management, planning, construction activities, testing & commissioning of electrical systems, presently on visit visa, seeks job in Muscat.

Indian Male MBA (UK),

PROJECT MANAGER,

9 years experience in Dubai/London/ Mumbai in Management Consulting, Sales & Marketing, Business Development for Real Estate/Banking seeks similar placement with D/L.

B.Tech, MBA, PRINCE-2, British Citizen now available with NOC in OMAN. 25 yrs. exp in EPC Project Management of Oil & Gas, Pipelines, Refineries & Power Plants. Seeking job immediately/

Contact 91228167

Contact: 95168205

Indian male, MBA,

Hotel/Restaurant/ Hospitality

6 yrs experience in Sales & Marketing, Export / Import, logistics (general trading), holding Oman driving license, presently on visit visa, looking for suitable jobs.

Professional with 21 years of rich experience as CEO/General Manager, in managing business operations/ revenue expansions in hospitality/hotel sector with MBA in Hotel Management and possessing strong business acumen with excellence in executing a wide range of strategies for profitability looking for challenging career opportunity as VP/GM/CEO.

Experienced Software Professional over 20 years in Oman. Involved in system analysis, design, testing and implementing new applications, provide training and helpdesk.

Best suited to produce cost centre, consolidated, MIS reports from various applications. Manage Software, Hardware, Network resources, Wi-Fi/Biometric/CCTV Devices. Expertise in SQL, Crystal Reports, MS Office, Foxpro.

Contact - 91544858

Call 9785 5160

Contact # 92839516

Indian female, MBA, Finance, B.Com & PGDM 2 years experience as Financial Analyst looking for suitable position in Accounts Administration or Executive positions, presently available in Oman.

Contact 96126736 / 95629821 Email: ppreethi006@gmail.com

ACCOUNTS Indian/MBA/male Chief Accountant 18Yrs Experience, MIS, C.Flow, Budgeting, ERP, Cost accounting &Liasing with auditors. NOC available.

Contact: 92254691/97826674 email: khader2305@gmail.com Indian female, M.Com, 4 yr’s experience in Accounts looking for Accountant/Asst. Accountant job.

Contact: 98418533 / 99338639 CFA level 1 cleared (pursuing level 2) MBA operations research, female, 5 yrs experience as Analyst, have a valid Oman driving license, looking for related openings.

Contact 95818892 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 Accountant & sales & marketing.

Contact: 99730968 / 90696269

ARCH./ INTERIOR DEC. Freelance Sr. Architect / Interior 2D / 3D, walkthrough Contact- 95047231 , Email: mycadvision@gmail.com Junior Architect, female from NIT, looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 92705130 Architect Engineer seeking for suitable job, 8 years experience.

GSM : 96075000, Email : haytham_201046@yahoo.com

ADMIN Indian male, rich oman experience as – personal assistant / office manager / executive secretary / administration / business development asst., omani license with valid visa / release available – 99168054 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 Filipino HRD especialist / material controller supervisor with 18 yrs experience looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact: (+968) 98037142 / (+968) 92659817 BBA Male 25 yrs, Administration officer experienced in administration, HR, accounts, procurement with NOC. Contact 91329571 A highly competent motivated and team spirited HR Administration, Business development with 14yrs exp seeks suitable placement. Qualification BA MSW PGDDM. Contact 92438185/ email:s.azu@hotmail.com Indian female 32 yrs P.G English having 6 yrs exp in MNC’s (Tech.

M, IBM TCS) in HR/Admin on visit visa looking for suitable placement. Contact : 91063848, Email: chatterjee3rumpa@gmail.com

DRIVER Looking for light driver, 6 yrs exp.

Contact: 97098018 Driver looking for job.

Contact: 95892363

DRIVER Light Driver looking for job.

Contact 94591088 Bangladeshi male light vehicle driver 3 yrs exp. Contact: 90923748 Looking for job Light driver.

Contact : 98503237.

Indian light driver seeks job.

Contact : 96693613 Driver looking for job.

Contact : 90524610 Driver with car.

Contact 99716938 Looking for driving job, with 4 yrs driving experience in Oman. Contact: 93521880 Driver with Electrician, 4 yrs experience looking for job.

Contact 92041902 Light vehicle driver 9 yrs exp in Oman. Knows - Arabic, English & Hindi. Contact: 99505887 Looking for light driver job 5yrs exp. Contact: 92817393 Pakistani light vehicle driver with light duty license with 6 yrs exp in Oman looking for job & visa languages known Arabic, Urdu, Pashto, Punjabi & Hindi. Contact : 99834967 Hayat Mohammad.

Bangladeshi male, light vehicle driver, 5 yrs Gulf experience.

Contact 90209473 Pakistani, 3 yrs experience, looking for driving job.

Contact 99647042 Pakistani, light duty driver seeks job. Contact 94356465 / 93782166 Driver available, light duty driver, exp 6 yrs. Contact: 94435912 / 92439315.

Driver with car seeks placement.

Contact 93346085 Light duty driver with car, 8 yrs exp seeks placement.

Contact: 95785372 Driver job wanted.

Contact : 96393082 Looking for job driver with car.

Contact 99154473 Light Driver. Contact 92703258 / 99617026

DESIGNER/ DRAUGHTSMAN CAD/GIS Draughtsman with 15 years experience.

Contacts: 94001764 / Email: jaisonckm@gmail.com Interior Designer AutoCAD Draftsman 3D Max, now in Muscat on visit visa. Contact 92714377 / 90865342 Revit, Autocad D/man, expected salary 200 OMR PH :92279784 Architectural Draftsmen diploma in construction technology with 6 years experience in drafting and detailing as per British standard in Oman with valid Omani license looking for suitable opportunity Noc available. Call 94375897.

Filipino Senior Revit/AutoCAD Draftsman with 20 years professional experience is looking for suitable job in Oman. Please Contact: 96489798,(+974) 66653780.

Senior Accountant B.Com, 18 yrs experience abroad, 12 years in Oman with an excellent grade construction company, handling day to day activities upto finalization, proficient in Microsoft GP, knows AX – 2012, valid D/L, looks for suitable placement in Accounts / Admin. Local release available.

Contact: 968 97702648 ENGG. / TECH./MECH. BE Civil Engineer, 21 Yrs. Exp in Apartments, Malls, Industrial, Educational, Infrastructure and Fit out Projects. Have DL & NOC Contact: vsssmblr@gmail.com / 97195260 Project Manager Civil, with 17 years of experience in building, can handle project independently, strong communication and leadership skills. (+968 91105912) Civil Engineer, B-tech, Indian, 30yrs, Having 8yrs experience in building projects looking for suitable position. Contact: 99819639, email: 999saira@gmail.com 23 yrs female Biomedical Engineer with 1 year experience looking for any kind of suitable job in Muscat. Contact 94144084 / 92967174, sujimol.m.s@gmail.com 35 yrs, male, B.A, 4 yrs experienced HSE officer advanced Diploma in fire & safety ISOH NEBOSH course completed seeks suitable job (fluency Arabic). Contact 98973566, saresh10@gmail.com Indian male Engineering Graduate 6 years experience in Sales & Marketing in Oman with D/L & NOC seeking suitable openings. Contact: 94386894 Email: tonykuravackal@gmail.com MEP, HVAC Engineer with about 3 years experience, now working in Dubai seeks job opportunity in Oman. GSM +97155285054 Mail id: sreejeshmech123@gmail.com Iraqi Civil Engineer 14 years experience, Resident with Omani driving license searching for suitable job Contact : 91336638 Indian male 29 yrs B. Tech FTTH Engineer 2 yrs experience in Dubai, with UAE license CCTV projects, Autocad, CCNA now in Dubai seeks placement.

E mail: nikhilps87@gmail.com cont : 00971522504047.

M/40/Indian, Senior Draftsman, (Civil) 18 yrs Oman exp in Architectural Consultancy, seeking suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact : 92510920 email: pgrajesh25@gmail.com Sales Manager having 25+ yrs of G.C.C exp looking for suitable position. Contact: 95593795 / 93816464 Mechanical Engineer, Indian male, 24 yrs, Diploma in Mechanical Engineering & Quality Control Inspector Certificate looking for suitable job. Contact 99480160 / 99494584, Email : salilren007@gmail.com Indian male, 24 yrs, BCA, CCNA, 1 yr experience as Software Trainer, looking for job, on visit visa in Salalah. Contact 91757984, Email : rayjazzeer@gmail.com B.Sc Civil Engineer, 7 yrs experience in Oman, total experience, 9 yrs having D/L, local release available. Contact 98628515, sofiq.sohel02@gmail.com Pakistani male with D/L, Civil Diploma Engineer, 11 yrs experience searching for job.

Contact 97187214 Civil Engineer diploma 3 yrs having 11 yrs exp in Oman 6 yrs as a Site Engineer supervisor, all type of Civil Construction activities commercial and residential villa.

Contact: 99771890

Contact- 00968-94731728/ josececy25@gmail.com

Oman experienced Indian Lawyer, 35, BA, Arabic, LLB, MBA, knows English, Arabic looking for suitable position in Companies or legal firms., presently working as Legal Advisor. NOC available.

Contact 97351649, Email : advocatesharaf@gmail.com

Indian female 25 yrs M.Sc Biotechnology With 2 yrs experience in Scientific Analysis looking for suitable placement interested in Quality Control in food processing sector & Medical Sector also.

Contact - 98842135, 98030818

IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE WITH NOC HR & ADMINISTRATION PROFESSIONAL With 14 years of Oman experience in Omanization, well familiar with Oman labor laws, employee relations / welfare, Liasion & Coordination, Strategic HR Planning, performance Appraisal & General Administration.

Contact - 96501189 ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Indian Male 28 yrs, B.E with 6 yrs exp in Marketing Research and business strategy providing PR services looking for suitable placement. Contact: 90801510.

E mail:bijudotson@gmail.com Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine.

Available NOC release.

Contact 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com Quantity Surveyor 14 years exp. seeking suitable placement, NOC & D/L available. Contact: 90936370 mail: muhammedjahan@gmail.com Indian male Civil Engineer 1.6 yrs exp, having Omani D/L, looking for suitable position. NOC available.

Contact – 92157694 / mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com Diploma in Mechanical Engg, 10 years exp in steel fabrication site work with valid Oman driving license. Contact: 94696192 Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrs exp seeks suitable position in a reputed company. NOC available.

Contact 96789711 Male Sudanese 33 yrs Petroleum Engineering 7 yrs experience looking for suitable post.

Contact : 97942087 / 71103417 Diploma in Civil Engineering 5 yrs exp in Oman PDO & Port work exp seeking nice job.

Contact: 97879383 Email: rabial007@gmail.com Indian male 25 yrs, with 4 yrs exp as Service Engineer in automobile field, now in Muscat on visit visa seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 92077172 Indian male, 30 yrs, ITC Electronic Mechanic worked as a MSc Technician in TATA Teleservices Trivandrum, now in Cochin, O&M Technician Reliance.

Email: prakeshgg@gmail.com, Contact : 91-7356269929 Sudanese Civil Engineer 3 years experience have valid Oman residency looking for suitable position. Contact: 94284030 Indian, fresh B.Tech Mechanical Engineer from Manipal University Dubai, with Omani driving license seeks career opening opportunity. contact 97238952 / sheldondsa@yahoo.com Civil Engineer, B.Tech, Indian with 2 yrs experience in Site, QS Estimation, planning & Coordination, currently on visit looking for suitable placement.

Contact 93314353 Engg/ Tech/ Mech 24 m, MBA /B. Tech 2 yrs HVAC-fire fighting experience seeking placement.

Contact : 90924711, E mail : prasith.k.aniyan@gmail.com Seeking suitable job male 33 yrs Expat over 13 yrs exp with PDO as Project Service Engineer, Omani driving license, NOC available.

Contact: 92734174.

14 yrs G.C.C experience Indian male (B. tech) D.C.E , Civil Engineer, release available.

Contact 99015053

B.E Mechanical Engineer, age 24 with almost 1 year experience as Production Shift Engineer, has achieved training on HVAC Engineering design and has good hands on software like AutoCAD and HAP.Currently in Oman on a visit visa, looking for a suitable placement.Contact: 95065955 email: mjs.jazeb@gmail.com 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 27 yrs, Indian male Civil Engineer (B.Tech) with 5 yrs India exp as Site Engineer in residential, commercial, industrial projects looking for job opportunity presently in Oman on visit visa ready to join immediately.

Contact: 968 94965278 Email: mdulings@gmail.com Sr. Electrical Engineer with17+ yrs of exceptional exp in spear heading strategic planning and project management initiatives & executing various high rise residential & commercial building as well as roads and highway project with proficiency in installation, seeking a challenging position in a dynamic organization. Contact 96570891 Construction Machinery repairs Engineer, 5 years, driving license, Contact - 94001961 Indian male B-tech 8 years experience as senior electrical project engineer / QC engineer on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact 94094543 Email: anwar425@gmail.com Site Supervisor, Diploma in Civil Engg (cert attested) knows autocad revit, salary exp: 250 Ph : 92279784 Mechanical Engineer, Indian, Male, 30yrs. Experienced in Steam turbines and Thermal Power house seek employment.

Contact - +91 8130553668 or mohamedshah7@gmail.com Iraqi Civil Engineer (Road) 4 years experience, 1 year in Oman with driving license & NOC. Contact: 91142290 Pakistani male Diploma Civil Engineer 4yrs exp in Oman bulling & mega projects, valid license Oman. Contact: 98921022 Electronics and Communication Engineer with 2 years experience in Telecom Sector as RF Engineer (drive test, RF & LOS survey).

Contact: 93919943 Email: agneljerin@yahoo.com Electrical Engineer having 16 years experience in Switchgear / transformer / over head lines & lines & trading for sales /procurement & project execution, valid Oman D/L. Contact: +968- 95994727, Email : qurm340@gmail.com Electrical Engineer: Indian male 30 years, having 5 years of experience in industrial automation & utility maintenance in India, holding valid Oman D/L. Contact: 92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER EDI GIS Indian male, 32 yrs, B.Tech, PGDIT, IBM Sterling Integrator, having 9 yrs experience from IBM, Cognizant & Emphasis, Oman driving license looking for suitable placement.

Contact - 93221395

ENGLISH TEACHER Indian FM, B.A, B.ED English Lit, 4 yrs Teaching experience in Oman and 2 yrs in India, immediate joining.

Contact - 94202122 ENGG. / TECH./MECH. 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. # 92157694. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com An Iraqi civil with more than 30 years experience in (Iraq and G.C.C) looking for a job, (N.O.C) available. Contact: 96561306 Email: iq.bgd.mnsr@gmail.com Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact:97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912 Young Indian, Engineering in Bio-technology, Bio-chemical and Chemical, looking for a challenging placement in Oman.

Contact 97607000. Email: sivasankarjayakumar@gmail.com Civil Engineer (Indian male) 5 years experience in Oman with valid Omani driving license & NOC looking for suitable opportunity.

Contact: 93101283 Project Management and Supervision, expert professional Civil Engineer, 26 years experience in Contractor and consultancy companies with N.O.C & driving license. Contact : 92668679 Civil Engineer (B.Sc) with 5 years experienced (more than 4 years in Oman) in construction & project management and seeking suitable position (NOC available).

Contact: 99604563, Email: saiful.hasjv@gmail.com Indian male, Structural Engineer looking for job in structural design field. Having 6 years of experience in design field. Residing in Muscat. Contact: 91176187 Email: syam036@gmail.com Electrical & Electronics Engr, knows autocad & revit.

PH: 93837973 Graduate from Alexandria University Mechanical Power Engineering and certified international Procurement Manager CIPM basics of supply chain management B SCM, APICS, seeking suitable job for his qualifications.

Contact: +2001222399139 Oman 99602608 C/O Email: samer_henawy@hotmail.com Civil Engineer, young Indian having almost 2 years experience looking for a challenging position seeks suitable position in Oman/ GCC. Please contact 92718490, Email ID: uvais.pk82@gmail.com Indian male 24 ,B.E ( E.C.E ) graduate with 3 years of experience in the fields of BMS and Low current systems and has good knowledge about Electronic Security Systems, currently working in Oman, NOC Available.

Contact:- 94737033/ mohdmuhafez45@gmail.com Mechanical/ Piping Engineer (B.Tech.) on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact 94703350 mail: nadeembcoolboy@gmail.com

EDUCATION/TRAINING Mathematics Lecturer , Indian Female, M Sc Mathematics from a Prestigious University, B.Ed qualified, distinction holder with 7 yrs teaching experience in colleges.

Contact: 91360147.

Experienced Maths teacher bilingual AS, A, IB Thanwia Aamaa. Contact: 98016336.

D6

W E D N E S D AY, AU G U S T 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

EDUCATION/TRAINING

IT

MISCELLANEOUS

SALES / MARKETING

MISCELLANEOUS

Indian female MSC, BED, MPHIL, IELTS, currently on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact : 91969756 / 96916534.

Indian female M.Sc Computer Science seeking suitable placement in Muscat area.

Contact: 98660672

B.Sc in Geology, fresher, need job training, on visit visa for 3 months, can speak Arabic and English.

Contact :71125541

Indian male Sales & Marketing experience in Dubai, having valid Dubai license seeking suitable placement. Contact : 90214432

Civil Engineer with 6 yrs exp. in construction and all related works having Omani license & NOC. looking for job. 94520994

Graduate from Tanta University license of Education and Diploma of studies in French language from Ministry of Education in France courses in Picardie University Julesverne & Mont Lambert School from France, has experience in teaching French in Egypt Ministry of Education, seeking job as teacher of French language or translator for French, English & Arabic.

Contact: 99602608 Email: abodody44abohomos@gmail.com

Indian male 4 years experience in IT as Programmer / Web Support/ CCNA/ Network on visit visa seeking placement.

Contact: 93069694 Email: mrabrar14@gmail.com

BS in Electrical Engineering, Experience: 5 years(Power Plants).

Contact: 92475206 Email: zahaibzafar007@gmail.com

7 yrs Dubai, 3 yrs Oman Sales & marketing exp 5 yrs Pakistan accounts experience with driving license MBA marketing & finance Diploma in Marketing Univ. of Varginia USA. NOC available looking for job. Call/whatsapp : 97367321

Indian male 23 yrs, Diploma in Automobile Engineering have experience in handling accounts and good marketing skill searching for new suitable job.

Contact: 90801420, Email: anwaar223969@gmail.com

Indian male, 25 yrs, 3 yrs Marketing & sales experience in Oman, having valid Oman D/L with NOC looking for suitable job in Sales or marketing related field.

Contact 98983247

Indian male Post graduate Dentist with 18 plus years experience with MOH Oman. Fluent in Arabic too.

Contact : 96689064/ amal_sam48@hotmail.com

Female B. Ed English teacher, 7 yrs exp seeking suitable placement. Contact 99739415 / 92091528 Mathematics Lecturer , Indian Female, M Sc Mathematics from a Prestigious University, B.Ed qualified, distinction holder with 6 yrs teaching experience in colleges.

Contact: 91360147.

Teacher Female , Phd in Chemistry having 3.5 yrs of Experience in India. Staying here on Family Visa & seeking for a suitable placement.

Contact – 99675828, Email Anupam.tiwari67@gmail.com

HOSPITALITY

MEDICAL Female Dental Surgeon having 3 yrs experience cleared prometric seeking for suitable position to practice in reputed clinics or hospitals. Contact 99378723 Male Nursing Specialist with more than 3 yrs exp - Pro metric 64 pc - Data Flow accept - seeks job – 97951608

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE BANKING experienced, Indian Female having 5 Years of Experience in GOVT BANK in India as Officer II looking Jobs. Contact : 95394738 Looking for part time job Secretarial / Data Entry / Documentation available every day after 5:00 pm Friday / Saturday full day area preferred Ruwi/ CBD/ MBD / Al Khuwair. Contact: 90414827

Iraqi Dentist female, MOH license seeks suitable job in clinic in Muscat. Contact 97891219

Lady Secretary / Sales Co-coordinator 12 years experience in Oman in reputed companies, seek immediate Employment.

Call: 95244761

Filipino male Medical / Sales representative with 3 yrs experience is looking for suitable job in Oman.

Contact: 92610394

SKILLED / UNSKILLED

Veterinary Doctor: Indian Female looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 96906534 /99014885, Email: monishmajeed@gmail.com

Indian, looking for a suitable post 25 yrs exp in Carpentry Foreman with valid D/L seeks placement.

Contact: 95868469

SALES / MARKETING Young, female, diploma in aviation, hospitality, travel management, with family visit visa, seeks suitable placement with employment visa in airlines / hospitality / administration & in any company. Gsm 9092-1438 Housekeeping Supervisor, Hotel Industry seeks placement.

Contact 96152305 Job needed as Restaurant Supervisor having more than 8 years experience in hospitality industry ex: employer Pizza hut Oman certified course in food hygiene and safety.

Contact :+968 96480905 whatsapp:+968 93407177 Male 32 yrs hotel management Chef 14 yrs experience in Bahrain from India, Kerala looking for suitable jobs in hotel 3 star, 5 star.

Contact: 98926299 / 92268172

IT IT Support Engineer, Exp 3 years in Oman 2 years in India.

Contact: 94672759 IT field 3 years of experience, female seeking suitable job in Oman.

Contact: 96350234 Email: greeshmavkannan@gmail.com Indian Male, MCA Graduate, 15 yrs exp in ERP, CSM Certified, seeking suitable role.NOC Available.

Contact : GSM : 90189284 Email: meetlibran@gmail.com

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Indian, 15+ years experience In Purchase looking for suitable jobs in Oman (NOC available). Contact 96388496,ranju.uma@gmail.com Indian male (Storekeeper) having 8 yrs experience in a reputed hospital, seeks suitable placement.

Contact 95857942 / 98239607, Email : rajukayappurath@gmail.com CEO, CEO Assistant looking for senior management position with more than 25 yrs Business developing experience Marketing business planning U.S.A, Africa, Kazakhstan, Saudi & Qatar MBA , TEXAS A &M – USA University.

Contact: 92010247 Indian male, Senior logistics Incharge 20 yrs experienced with oil & gas products with Oman driving license, NOC available.

Contact 95370652, anilsampat3@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Filipino Male, 28 years Old. Looking for job, Have experience in Rent a Car/ Cargo & Logistics / Real Estate/ Customer Care Executive / Sale Executive & Marketing/ Shop In- Charge. Hard working w/ good computer and communication skill.

GSM: 97761075 GYM Instructor 12 years experience single. Contact: 96700192

Indian Male, MBA marketing 5 yrs exp. in sales & 4 yrs in FMCG sector, looking for best opportunity. NOC available.

Contact: 96001877 Indian Male, 26 M.Com with 4 yrs of Experience in Accounting & Administration in a Financial Company in India, seeks suitable job, Currently in India.

Contact India:-+918907212253 Akhil:-93626288, Email: Sumeshpsmkr1989@gmail.com Filipino Male, 28 years Old. Looking for job, Have experience in Rent a Car/ Cargo & Logistics / Real Estate/ Customer Care Executive / Sale Executive & Marketing/ Shop In- Charge. Hard working w/ good computer and communication skill.

GSM: 97761075 Indian male 37 years MBA graduate in marketing with 9yrs of experience in UAE in field of brand promotions & marketing with UAE D/L on a visit seeking suitable position. Conatct 95792820 Indian male 26 years of experience of sales & marketing in surgical and laboratory equipments.

Looking for good replacement.

Contact – 92015894 /95774854 Indian female 29 years Post Graduate with computer Knowledge 2 years of Oman experience in coordinator & 5 years of experience in customer service, client relation officer with excellent communication skill seeks suitable placement. Contact: 95337665

Indian male, 3 yrs experience in IT as Linux Administrator & 1 yr experience in Amazon EC2 cloud at Wipro Bangalore seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92889678, Email : amalpathikal@gmail.com

Indian male, 28, post graduate, 6+ yrs exp in Oman in sales (back office) & credit control with valid Oman D/L looking for suitable lacements. NOC available.

Contact 92066 523

Indian male, B.Tech IT, 4 years Oman Experience in IT & NETWORKING, holding Oman D/L, seeks suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact: 92462578

Filipino Graphic Designer / I.T. looking for a suitable job with 10 years experience. Very good in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Photography, Knowledge in CCTV & Access Controls. Pls. Call 79042628.

Resident in Oman 18 years, 10 years experience in setup marketing plans and strategies, sales, import & logistics, procurement, Omani government tenders, organizing projects & events, import fireworks for festivals, NOC available, have car. Contact 94123939.

Email: 002015r@gmail.com

Sudanese male bachelor geology and mining with 3 years experience in MUD logging and training in soil investigation.

Contact 92956848

Indian male 1 yr exp in sales automotive (TBL) looking for best opportunity , NOC available.

Contact: 97793879 Email: shyampkn@gmail.com

CFA level 1 cleared (pursuing level 2) MBA operations research, female, 5 yrs experience as Analyst, have a valid Oman driving license, looking for related openings.

Contact 95818892

Indian male 3 yrs exp in Marketing looking for a suitable job.

Contact: 94951234. Email: rakeshrsveliyam@gmail.com Indian female, 6 yrs experience in Cosmetic (Oman) with D/L seeking suitable placement.

Contact 98278522 Indian (M), 29 Yrs B Com, 5 yrs experience, 2 yrs in Oman as Document Controller seeking similar jobs or in sales. NOC Available.

M: +919773310782 Email Id: sajid.shaikh2123@gmail.com Indian male 14 yrs exp in business development, Sales & Marketing, 4 yrs in building material in Oman Contact: 93956234.

Indian male 39 years, 10 years experience in Oman as Marketing, Business Development & Operations with legal background looking for suitable job having Oman D/L. NOC available. Contact : 94942328 / 94266552 Indian male 35 years, B.com and 9 years GCC experience in Sales & Marketing (Transport & Logistic).

Having GCC driving license, looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 92634281 email: shinojkk1224@gmail.com

Indian/male (25)/ MBA/3 years experience in administration, sales and marketing with driving license. Fluent in English, Hindi, Arabic. Contact 97291114, MAIL: jawadazeez123@gmail.com Indian female 10 years as cook in Muscat, Oman . South Indian, Gujarati special food ,Looking for part time. Contact 95795971 Senior sales/marketing executive.

Experience in trading industries and thorough knowledge of Oman market. Driving licence and NOC available. Seeks senior position.

Pls contact: 98487311 B.Com Pakistani, 6 years experience of marketing NOC and D.L is available 0096898895739 Indian Female, 28 Yrs, M.Sc Comp Science having 3 years experience as a Lecturer/Teacher/IT Support with excellent computer skills, on family visa looking for suitable position. Pls Contact 92857417.

MBA with 18 years of experience in Procurement, 2 years in Sohar, Oman driving license, looking for suitable position.M:92507430, ahmed16071974@gmail.com, NOC available

Graduate degree 5 yrs experience as Sales and Marketing in Oman with D/L& NOC available looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 92506310

Indian/male(26)/MBA/2 years experience in procurement, coordination and distribution management, with valid oman license available for immediate joining.

Contact: 92536194 email:suhailbs@gmail.com

MBA Indian male 12 yrs Oman experience Sales Marketing with driving license, excellent market knowledge and strategic role player looking for suitable position.

NOC available. Contact: 91437484

Experienced Restaurant Manager/ supervisor, direct sales searching for suitable position Indian male 23 Diploma in Automobile engineering. Contact: 90801420, Email: anwaar223969@gmail.com

Indian male 42 yrs searching for suitable job, experience in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Saudi D/L holder, fluent in Arabic, English, Hindi Gulf experience 20 yrs manpower co-ordinator, sales & marketing, logistics. Contact: 90518114

Sr Project Engineer, 30 Years, Mechanical, 8 Yrs. experience in Oman & Qatar, Qatar Petroleum approved, Experienced in EPIC Projects Tanks, Vessels, Piping, Steel structures Mail; snu057@gmail.com, Ph-00974 66772193

Indian male age 24, B.Com. having 2 year experience and currently in visit visa. Looking for suitable placement in Sales, Marketing & finance. Contact: 90766307 Email: shhaazz.007@gmail.com

Indian female, M.Com, 4 yr’s experience in Accounts looking for Accountant/Asst. Accountant job.

Contact: 98418533 / 99338639

Oil & gas experienced Indian lady with 6 years in sales & marketing to PDO and having valid Omani driving license. Contact 96143430 / 99875919 Executive purchase logistics with 10 years experience, NOC available. Contact: 91432512 Indian male Graduate with 18 years of Marketing experience presently in Oman on family visit visa, looking for best opportunity.

Contact: 96168687 Email: dhibupaul@gmail.com Indian male with 6 years experience in sales in oman. NOC available, looking for suitable placement. Contact 95364128

MISCELLANEOUS Mathematics Lecturer Indian Female, M. Phil in Mathematics with 5 years of experience in school and colleges. Now in Oman on Visit Visa. Contact- 92119428, 96714746 Heavy Driver available with Oman Driving License.Contact: 94190541 4 Years experience as Electronics Service Engineer. Knowledge in all type of Electronics items, looking for suitable placement.

GSM- 99105043 Sr Project Engineer, 30 Years, Mechanical, 8 Yrs. experience in Oman & Qatar, Qatar Petroleum approved, Experienced in EPIC Projects Tanks, Vessels, Piping, Steel structures. Ph-00974 66772193 Mail: snu057@gmail.com.

MECHANICAL/PRODUCTION ENGINEER, 3 years’ experience in production industry, B tech in Mech engg, Proficiency in AutoCAD, Primavera certified, Contact- arn9895@gmail.com Mob 00919895233155 MECHANICAL ENGINEER, Indian Male,26 years, 3 Years’ experience in Projects of Tanks, Boilers and Steel structures, Aware of int.

Standards,B tech in Mech engg.

Contact-rahulkunnath23@gmail. com, Mob-00917350860889 Indian 30 years, Autocad Draftsman 10 years experience in India.

2 years Oman experience in MEP Drawings and QS Estimation.

Contact: 9353 1192, 9086 4988 B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job.

Available to join respective firm.

Contact number# 94618504, Email: shan37yousfani@gmail.com Indian male B.Tech, DCE Civil Engineer 14 years Gulf experience.

Contact 97045409 Civil Engineer with 6 yrs exp. In construction and all related works having Omani license & NOC. looking for job. Contact 94520994 Male Indian current job : call center job, B.E (ECE) searching for suitable job, email: amirraj11691@gmail.com. mobile: +919677642346 / +918428617572 Indian male, 11 years exp. in accounting, knowledge in tally also. looking for a part time job.

Contact . 98983122

23 Male Indian 3 year experience in restaurant manager & accountant job & marketing experience looking for suitable job. Contact:90801420 , WhatsApp no :+917411062397, E-mail: anwaar223969@gmail.com TEKLA & AutoCAD.5 years Oman experience in project execution and detail drawing of Steel structures, site and shop erected tanks. Diploma in mech.Engg. Mob: 98486585 sinoshcs@gmail.com.

4 years experience in IT Executive and also ticketing staff, seeking placement contact 94948622.

Email Jarar.haider@yahoo.com Indian Male 23 Photographer searching for suitable job.

Contact: 90801420 WhatsApp: +917411062397 for my sample shots, Email: anwaar223969@gmail.com 28 years, Indian (Kerala )lady seeking job as a primary teacher .

Qualifications : +2 , TTC and Graduation in Sociology. She has 4 years experience in the Teaching field.

Contact +968 94743882 B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job. Available to join respective firm.

Contact # 94618504, Email: shan37yousfani@gmail.com B.E Engineer Indian male with total 7+ years experience in the field of telecom projects, operations and sales, 3 years experience in Oman, with license and NOC seeks suitable placement. GSM- 92961033 E MAIL -joalappa77@gmail.com Indian male, 26 years, 3 years’ experience in projects of tanks, boilers and steel structures, aware of int. standards, b tech in Mech engg. contact-rahulkunnath23@gmail. com, mob-00917350860889 Graduate (C.M.A & B.Com) having 4 yrs experience in U.A.E & Pakistan in accounts/ Audit now in Oman immediate available.

Cell # 94973273 (call & Whatsaap) Female, 25yrs old with 4 yrs experience in admin, HR and Secretary position looking for a job.

Contact neslinmoras@gmail.com 99265759.

Indian Female 23 Years, B.Sc Nursing , Seeking for Nursing Jobs , Good Communication Skill Contact 96723359, 97470727 E-mail : anaswara271@gmail.com Indian male 23 Diploma in Automobile engineering Experienced restaurant manager/supervisor and Marketing knowledge searching for suitable position in your company currently on a visit visa.

Contact: 90801420, Email:anwaar223969@gmail.com INDIAN FEMALE 28 yrs, M.Sc B.ed Science, Experience 2Years In Teaching In India, seeking suitable Job. Contact 0091 9676814123, Email;bbroshini53@gmail.com Pakistani Male having 7 years Experience Valid Omani Driving license working as a Transport Manager looking for a suitable position. Salary is negotiable. Email: mohdnaveed043@gmail.com, Mob: +96893363316 / 94202746 Indian male 32 years (MBA) Having 7 years experience in Oman, Seeking for Business Development/ Business Support job, having Valid Oman Driving License.

Mobile No : 00968 98403599 Indian Female, 28 Years - MSc Microbiology, Quality checking food industry, Looking for suitable job. Contact 98170510 Email: lasyapriyaprasanth@gmail.com Indian senior Mechanical Engineer experienced in EPC projects in crushing, construction chemical, concrete products etc. # 9109 6940 E: kpopragmatic@gmail.com Electrical Engineer, 24 yrs, Indian Male Fresher, Training Undertaken in Electrical Draughtsman, Fire Alarm and Fire Fighting. Salary expected negotiable.

Contact 94989767, Email: Junaiz987@gmail.com Indian male 25, Graduate in commerce (B.com) having 2 years of experience in Accounts looking for a suitable placement presently on a visit visa. Contact : 97939084 / 97351786 E-mail : mohammednsr126@gmail.com

W E D N E S DAY, AU G U S T 1 7, 2 0 1 6

D7

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

TOURS 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

RENT A CAR

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED Indian male Executive Secretary having vast experience in admin, logistics & procurement well versed with computer seek suitable placement. Contact : 99514286 email: azimmohd@yahoo.co.in IT professional, BE. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in it, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in it/network/server support/ retail sales. Contact 91496939.

Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant, doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact 98803439 Mechanical, 8 Yrs. experience in Oman & Qatar, Qatar Petroleum approved, Experienced in EPIC Projects, Tanks, Vessels, Piping, Steel structures. Ph-00974 66772193 Mail;snu057@gmail.com Civil Engineer (B-tech) Indian male 1+ years experience in high rise building (G+21) site Engineer, experience in QC ,QS, and surveying looking for a job (NOC) available. #90924737 / 97470742 Email: kannanknply92@gmail.com 4 years experience in IT Executive and also ticketing staff, seeking placement contact 94948622.

Email Jarar.haider@yahoo.com B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job.

Available to join respective firm.

Contact # 94618504, Email: shan37yousfani@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTED Well-qualified Indian Female with 8 years Oman experience in Procurement Supply Chain from reputed Companies in Oman seeks placement, Contact – 95423692

B.E Mining Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience looking for job. Available to join respective firm.

Contact 94618504

Looking for Land surveyor job 5 years experience in Oman fully know autocad GPS and latest total station instruments NOC available:+96894144052 wasifnaz313@Yahoo.com

Indian Male, 26 years, 3 Years’ experience in Projects of Tanks, Boilers and Steel structures Aware of int. Standards, B tech in Mech engg. Contact- 00917350860889 rahulkunnath23@gmail.com

Indian male Accountant.

Completed MBA with 1 year experience, good working knowledge in Tally & Excel. Searching for suitable job. Contact : 919715874548 , 918015907437, Email : jovin8910@gmail.com

Filipina, 33yrs old, with Bachelors Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, with experience as Senior Housekeeping Supervisor in famous hotels and resorts looking for suitable job in Muscat. Please contact 97943735/96489798.

Driver with car available.

Contact : 90139903

Sr Project Engineer, 30 Years, Mechanical, 8 Yrs. experience in Oman & Qatar, Qatar Petroleum approved, Experienced in EPIC Projects Tanks, Vessels, Piping, Steel structures. Ph-00974 66772193, Mail: snu057@gmail.com

MECHANICAL/PRODUCTION ENGINEER, 3 years’ experience in production industry, B tech in Mech engg, Proficiency in AutoCAD, Primavera certified, Contact arn9895@gmail.com, Mob 00919895233155

3 years’ experience in production industry, B tech in Mech engg, Proficiency in AutoCAD, Primavera certified. Contact arn9895@gmail. com, Mob 00919895233155 Indian Male 23, BE. Mechanical Engineer currently on visit visa Seeking for suitable Job. Software Proficiency AUTOCAD, CATIA, ANSYS, SOLIDWORKS. Contact No: 90924672 / 98859557, tsprakash01@gmail.com

MBA in HR & Finance with 2 years experience in HR seeking for a suitable post, presently in family joining visa. Contact : 9058 7631 Indian male 25, Graduate in commerce (B.com) having 4 years of experience in Office Administration (admin) looking for a suitable placement presently on a visit visa. Contact : 97939084 / 97351786, E-mail : mohammednsr126@gmail.com

25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver. Contact 99839898

SITUATION WANTED Search job as light driver, experience 3 years language Hindi, English, Arabic. Contact: 97941771 Civil Engineer (B-tech) Indian male 1+ years experience in high rise building (G+21) site Engineer, experience in QC ,QS, and surveying looking for a job(NOC) available contact :90924737 / 97470742 Email:kannanknply92@gmail.com Electrical Engineer, Indian male 4 years of experience in India / Oman. NOC available Looking for job in electrical field, Having good academic records and good communication skill. GSM: 94579857 Email: zahirpb@gmail.com

B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job.

Available to join respective firm.

Contact number# 94618504, Email: shan37yousfani@gmail.com

Indian male 25, Graduate in commerce (B.com) having 2 years of experience in purchase (supply chain management) looking for a suitable placement presently on a visit visa.# 97939084 / 97351786, mail: mohammednsr126@gmail.com

Iraqi Civil Engineer 25 years experience in governments building and construction projects resident in Oman. speak And write English Contact: 98930502.

Email: aminaloraiby@gmail.com

B.E(Mechanical) 12years industrial sales one year Muscat experience, presently in India , Immediately ready to join ,Mobile no :917338899372 , email id : ganesh2008sep@gmail.com

Airfreight/logistics Manager, male 35, MBA, Indian, 5 years experience in Oman seeks job. # 0091-9526166169 / 99630159, E mail - bijoabyjohns@yahoo.co.in

Airfreight/logistics Manager, male 35, MBA, Indian, 5 years experience in Oman seeks job. Contact0091-9526166169 / 99630159 , e mail - bijoabyjohns@yahoo.co.in

D8

W E D N E S D AY, AU G U S T 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 COMPUTER/WEB./ EDU./CLASSES

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi

• Learn in two months • Satisfaction guaranteed

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 WANTED SERVICES

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job.

Available to join respective firm.

Contact 94618504

Tel: 95244310

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES RENAISSANCE CATERING & SERVICES LLC PEST CONTROL Control of cockroaches, bedbugs,ants etc..

Odourless and harmless Trained and experienced staffs Quality service in reasonable charge we use quality products approved by Oman Govt. we undertake yearly contracts for commercial & residential bldgs

CALL: 99040032

Chief Accountant , 7 years experienced (out of 25 years experience in accounts) worked in reputed group companies. Currently procuring MBA finance and having Omani Driving License seeks suitable openings from reputed companies. Contact 98803439 / 97413784 Building foreman, Experience : More than 20 years with 12 years in Saudi Arabia 4 years in Oman and 4 years in Pakistan with D/L. Contact : 968 94153911, Email : iqbalsaleem10777@gmail.com B. Tech Comp Science 3+ yrs, looking for administration or IT / Management or other profile with flexible timings. Contact 95761562

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED Male, Electrical Engineer, 4 years of experience in India /Oman. NOC available. Contact Mob: 94579857, mail: zahirpb@gmail.com,

Pest control & Building cleaning all kinds of pest control building. Cleaning tiles / Marble polishing monthly/ Yearly contracts available.

Contact: 98814733 /98814740 Al Husn Cleaning L.L.C

SERVICES We Provide Cleaners, Office boys, Cleaning Contracts, General cleaning etc.

Al Mudakhir National Est. LLC Contact : 94277020

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807 Buildings & painting in and out, best material & good price

by Iranian material.

Contact : 96596487 Furniture shifting with expert technicians. Contact: 99041337 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 House shifting packing.

Contact: 99657644/98518013

Window & split unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance.

Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

CAD drawings Archi/ MEP CAD – comply BIM. Contact: 91233975

Marble crystallization & grinding, cleaning & carpet shampooing. Ocean center LLC. Contact 99344723

Pest control treatments, Ocean center LLC Contact 99344723 For any 3d signboard, acrylic works with painting please contact us on 90786240 or follow us in instagram: silver_concepts

B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job.

Available to join respective firm.

Contact # 94618504 , Email: shan37yousfani@gmail.com

Split unit & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance.

Contact 96236476

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

A/c Servicing & Maintenance.

Contact Abdul Rehman.

Contact 99382104 Marble crystallization & grinding, Ocean center LLC. Contact 99344723

Indian Male, 22, Diploma in Automobile Engineering (DC), Experience In Restaurant Management and in sales looking for suitable position.

Contact: 90801420, Email: anwaar223969@gmail.com B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job. Available to join respective firm. Contact number# 94618504 Email: shan37yousfani@gmail. com

WE SERVE OMAN

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

Electrical Foreman, 25 years’ experience, Indian male currently in Oman looking for suitable position.

Gsm – 96718013, Email : manikandan1196@gmail.com

Split unit & widow unit A.C servicing & maintenance.

Contact 95323517 / 93769089

*Classified Advertisement

space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

Sr Project Engineer, 30 Years, Mechanical, 8 Yrs. experience in Oman & Qatar, Qatar Petroleum approved, Experienced in EPIC Projects Tanks, Vessels, Piping, Steel structures.

Ph-00974 66772193 Mail;snu057@gmail.comIndian Male 25, Graduate in commerce (B.com) having 2 years of experience in Sales & Marketing looking for a suitable placement presently on a visit visa. # 97939084 / 97351786, mailmohammednsr126@gmail.com

3 years experience in production industry, B tech in Mech engg, Proficiency in AutoCAD, Primavera certified. Contact Email: arn9895@gmail.com, Mob 00919895233155 Indian male 6 years exp as Sales Executive with valid Oman driving license, languages known Hindi and English, looking for any good job. Contact 95642297 Diploma in Civil Engineering, B. Tech in Civil engineering from Kurukshetra university, persuing M. Tech Structural Engineering distance mode from Kurukshetra University, more than 07 years experience. Contact+96891431483 mohsinyousuf86@rediffmail.com MECHANICAL/PRODUCTION ENGINEER, 3 years’ experience in production industry, B tech in Mech engg, Proficiency in AutoCAD, Primavera certified, Contact Mob 00919895233155 mail: arn9895@gmail.com Indian male, 28 YEARS Msc Bed Chemistry 2 years, experience In Teaching In India seeking suitable Job. Mob No-00919505671750, Email;bbroshini53@gmail.com INDIAN male, 33 yrs, BSC Chemistry 8years, experience as Medical Representative In Zydus company in India, seeking suitable Job. Contact -00919505671750, Email; bbroshini53@gmail.com Regin accountant, male Indian, 2 years of experience doing accounts in tally and excel searching for suitable job.

GSM no: 7373387282 E mail: regin1690@gmail.com Indian female 23 Oracle ERP technical consultant 2+exp skills: oaf, forms & reports, bipublisher email: ramyaoracleapps02@gmail. com, Contact: 91156571 Indian Female 10 years exp as cook in Oman, South Indian & Gujarati special .looking for job, Contact 95795971