Times of Oman - September 17, 2015

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THURSDAY, September 17, 2015 / 3 Dhul Hijja 1436 AH

CABLE

His Majesty sends greetings MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of congratulations to President Enrique Peña Nieto of the United Mexican States on the occasion of his country’s Independence Anniversary.

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

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Shorter Eid holiday is ‘right call’, says business Many on social media expressed disappointment, but industrialists insist it’s a good move for the economy

REJIMON K ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

reji@timesofoman.com elham@timesofoman.com

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

OMAN

‘Use media to contact voters in Shura polls’

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Citizens have urged the candidates contesting the Majlis Al Shura elections to use the radio and television to reach out to voters. Hamed Al Hashimi from the Al Sharqiyah governorate recommended changing the way in which electoral campaigning is being carried out in the Sultanate of Oman. >A4

MUSCAT: Top industrialists have welcomed the announcement that Eid Al Adha holidays will be shorter this year, coming at a time when the Sultanate’s economy is coping with the steep drop in oil prices.

While many people took to social media to express disappointment that hopes for a longer holiday had not been realised, business leaders said the move was the right decision.

“This is good for the economy and the people’s productivity. It is good for everybody,” said Abdul

EID AL ADHA HOLIDAYS: Unlike in the past, this year will see a four-day holiday, including Friday and

Saturday. – Supplied photo

Wahab Abdulkarim Al Balushi, general manager, head of security and facilitation at the Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC).

“Many people are not using the holidays efficiently or for productive purposes, so it’s time to restrict the holidays to a minimum,” the official said.

Al Balushi added that reducing

THE RADISSON AND RADISSON BLU HOTELS

Yemeni PM, ministers return to Aden

Park Inn pledges gifts for workers

MARKET

TARIQ AL HAREMI

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Tri-Star Resources has reached financial closure to develop a 20,000 tonne per annum antimony processing facility in Oman and the construction work is expected to commence soon.

Commercial production is expected by 2017, said TriStar Resources. >B1

“Previously, it was 10 days or so and the economy (was) suffering.

Now, I think it is the time to change the mind-set of people to accept such a thing, and I think this was obvious during the last Eid holiday,” he said.

“People need to get used to the fact that there will be limited holidays,” Al Mashani added.

Philip Koshy, general manager

E I D A L A D H A H O L I D AY S

Times News Service

Yemen’s Prime Minister Khaled Bahah and several of his ministers travelled to Aden on Wednesday from exile in Saudi Arabia, two months after loyalist forces pushed Iran-backed rebels out of the city.

“The government has moved its base from Riyadh to Aden,” government spokesman Rajeh Badi said. >A9

Antimony project to go on stream by 2017

the duration of holidays would allow people to quickly return to their normal lives, would allow government offices to again serve the people and let private companies to conduct business with minimal disruptions.

Mohammed Al Mashani, an Omani employee, believes that it is the right time to change the concept of long holidays.

of Modern Exchange, is also in favour of short holidays, especially during the present situation. “The economy is facing a tough time.

More working days will definitely contribute towards improving the economy,” Philip added.

This view was echoed by a top official from an industrial governing body in Oman.

A government official also sounded the same opinion. “Long holidays have a bad impact on productivity and hurts the competitiveness of business. This is especially critical now, when we are going through a downturn in the economy because of low oil prices,” the official said, replying to a question on holiday reductions.

Unlike in the past, this year will see a four-day holiday, including Friday and Saturday.

On Wednesday, Eid Al Adha holidays were declared for the government and private sectors.

The holiday will begin on September 23 and continue through September 26, with work resuming on Sunday, September 27.

However, the decision also allows employers and employees to agree on work arrangements to compensate for the holiday.

In 2014, the Eid Al Adha holidays lasted nine days; in 2013 it was six and in 2012 it was nine days. >A6

So, where are most heading to?

A destination in Oman, of course

REGION

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ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company

CHARITY: The annual charity event aims to distribute 4,000 boxes among workers.– Supplied photo

tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: To help labourers by providing them with daily necessities, the Radisson and Radisson Blu Hotels have re-launched their Park Inn or “The Box Appeal” initiative.

The annual charity event aims to distribute 4,000 boxes among workers, with each box including a T-shirt, cap, disposable razor, shaving cream, deodorant, as well as a toothbrush, toothpaste, talcum powder, small hand towel,

comb, anti-bacterial soap and shampoo. “We encourage people across Oman to come forward and collect, and fill and return these boxes. Living and working in Oman involves more than just day to day operations at the hotel,” said Rabih Zein, the Cluster General Manager for the Park Inn Hotel Muscat, the Park Inn Hotel and Residence Duqm.

“With 4,000 boxes pledged for this year’s campaign, the community acting responsibly will become ingrained into our thinking,” he added. >A6

MUSCAT: With just four days of Eid holidays, citizens and residents are opting for staycations, where you stay in a hotel in your own country.

Maurice de Rooij, general manager, Millennium Resort Mussanah, asked why people should travel when they can enjoy the best of Omani hospitality.

“Besides, two days will be lost in travelling. So, it would be wise to spend the holidays here itself,” he told the Times of Oman on Wednesday.

Staycations have recently become very popular in the Sultanate whenever there is an extended weekend.

“Most of the hotel rooms report huge occupancy figures whenever there are continuous holidays,” he said, adding that he was expecting 100 per cent occupancy this Eid. Marwan Al Zadjali, communications coordinator, Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, said residents of Oman and the Gulf Cooperation Council tend to travel during holidays and that is why they have their Palatial

People prefer to stay in Oman for short holidays to enjoy the best of country’s hospitality

Day Experience. “This day pass provides families with a unique opportunity to enjoy the fivestar hotel’s facilities and famed Ritz-Carlton Gold Standards of Service for a memorable day out.

As for Eid, we will have the Eid Al Adha brunch for our guests to

celebrate this holy occasion at our Al Khiran restaurant on September 24. Guests will experience an exciting new brunch concept featuring Veuve Clicquot and enjoy a lavish buffet with live grill stations and an enticing selection of fresh dishes and colourful desserts. The brunch will also have a live entertainment and a children’s corner for the little guests to enjoy fun activities,” he said.

He also confirmed that the hotel will be seeing high occupancy during the Eid Al Adha holidays.

Vijay Handa, general manager, Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, said that a staycation is the best way to unwind and spend quality time with family and friends.

“We are totally sold out from September 22 to 26, during this Eid Al Adha holidays and almost 90 per cent of our guests are citizens and residents of Oman,” he said.

A senior official at the Masirah Island Resort also confirmed that they are reporting almost a full house during this Eid holiday.

“Approximately 80 per cent of our business comes from staycations on weekends,” he said. >A6

AU G U S T 2 0 1 5 D ATA

Expats outnumber nationals in Muscat, Oman’s population crosses 4.22 million Times News Service

Artist turns mentor

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MUSCAT: Oman’s population, including expatriates, exceeded 4.22 million by the end of August 2015, with the governorate of Muscat accommodating the largest share of population at more than 1.31 million.

According to the demographic data for August, released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), there was a 1.3 per cent increase in the Sultanate’s population in August, compared with July. The number of expats was pegged at more than 1.86 million, while the Omani population crossed 2.35 million.

The figures reflected how expats are outnumbering Omanis by a huge margin in the governorate of Muscat, with their respective numbers recorded at 820,301 and 490,525; while in all other governorates the Omani population exceeded the number of expats.

Also, among the 11 governorates, Muscat registered the highest monthly growth rate in population at 2 per cent, reaching a total of 1,310,826, compared with July.

Second most populated After Muscat, the second most densely populated governorate was North Al Batinah, with a population of 687,750, followed by Al Dakhiliyah at 419,444. The Dhofar governorate has a population of 390,357 and it registered the Sultanate’s second highest growth rate in August at 0.7 per cent.

The least populated governorates were Al Wusta and Musandam, with their respective population figures pegged at 41,261 and 41,265.

Al Buraimi, Al Dakhiliyah, Al Sharqiyah North and the Al Dhahirah governorates recorded the slowest population growth rate at 0.4 per cent in August, compared with July. >A6

SULTANATE POPULATION IN AUGUST 2015 August recorded a population growth of 11.9 per cent

4.22M

Oman’s population including expatriates by the end of August 2015

Muscat registered the highest monthly growth in population at 2%

490,525 Omanis

820,301 Expats

Muscat

1.31M

North Al Batinah Al Dakhiliyah

687,750

419,444

Source: National Centre for Statistics & Information

Dhofar Musandam Al Wusta

390,357 41,265 41,261 Graphics

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

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Labour Law violators were arrested by the joint inspection team at the Ministry of Manpower

Manpower forum calls for fairness The seminar aims at informing the participants about the ‘Tripartite Social Dialogue’ and its role in decision making and overcoming the economic crisis

Times News Service MUSCAT: In response to the changes taking place in the labour market and the urgent need to re-formulate the regulations governing labour relations, the Ministry of Manpower organised a seminar on “Tripartite Social Dialogue,” at the Tourism College on Wednesday. The seminar was held under the patronage of Hamad Bin Khamis Al A’amri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Manpower for Labour Affairs.

Social dialogue The two-day dialogue aims to highlight the importance of social dialogue and its role in decision making and overcoming the economic crisis.

In addition, it will also aim to start a social dialogue, based on approved principles and laws

and envisage the benefits of a tripartite social dialogue.

Salem Al Badi, Director General of Labour Welfare at the Ministry of Manpower said, “The seminar is being held in order to inform participants about the ‘Tripartite Social Dialogue’ and its role in decision making and overcoming the economic crisis, as well as initiating a social dialogue, based on standards and approved laws.”

Sheikh Mohammad Al Hinai, Human Resource Planning Consultant and Chairman of the National Program for Work at the Ministry of Manpower said, “These tripartite social dialogues are being held in cooperation with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which is a body that regulates work relations on the basis of fairness, which coincides with the needs of a developing economy.”

“The ministry will play a pivotal role as a mediator between the social partners and supervise the implementation of rules and regulations in a non-biased manner,” he added.

Yusuf Gholab, an ILO expert, said at the seminar, “Through the cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the ILO, this dialogue is aimed at discussing the role that social dialogue plays in the Sultanate for the benefit of employees and employers, as well as discuss, engage and strengthen the tripartite social dialogue that revolves around the government and social partners in all aspects that concern the labour market.”

BRIEFS

More than 300 held for Labour Law violations MUSCAT: A total 320 workers were found violating the Labour Law from September 4 to 10, including 243 commercial workers, 48 farm workers and 29 housemaids and their equivalents, according to the weekly report of the joint inspection team at the Ministry of Manpower. The inspection teams caught 316 workers, including 110 absconding workers, 168 stray workers and 38 workers with other violations. The Governorate of Muscat saw the largest number of workers violating the law with 102 followed by the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah with 59 workers. The competent authorities at the Ministry of Manpower are taking legal action against them.

On the other hand, the Manpower Ministry statistics showed that 256 expatriate workers were deported for violating provisions of the Labour Law and the ministerial decisions executing the law. – ONA

Information minister launches ‘Memories of the Good Past’ TASHKENT: A celebration was held on Tuesday under the auspices of Dr Abdul Munim bin Mansour Al Hasani, Minister of Information, to launch a book titled ‘Memories of the Good Past’ by Dr. Asya Albu Ali. The launching of the book comes as part of the events organised by al Khalil bin Ahmed al- Farahidi for Arab Studies at Nizwa University to recognise the prestigious scientific and cultural works. The revenues of the book — published in English and Arabic — will be dedicated to Oman Cancer Association.

Sultanate and Uzbekistan cement cultural cooperation TASHKENT: As part of the bilateral cooperation between the Sultanate and Uzbekistan, a function was held in Tashkent on Wednesday to mark the beginning of the construction works for the new building of Abi Al Raihan Al Bairuni Oriental Manuscripts Center. The celebration was held under the auspices of Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al- Busaidi, Secretary General of the Foreign Ministry. The project, supported by both countries, aims at promoting human values and safeguarding more than 170,000 historic and rare manuscripts in the different branches of knowledge. – ONA

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OMAN DIPLOMACY

YOUSEF BIN ALAWI RECEIVES UN SPECIAL ENVOY Yousef bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, received in his office yesterday Staffan de Mistura, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Syria.

The meeting exchanged viewpoints on the situation in Syria and reviewed a number of issues and developments at the regional and international arenas. -ONA

Cultural relations between Oman, Azerbaijan discussed

BOOSTING TIES: Sheikh Hamad bin Hilal Al Ma’amari, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Culture for Cultural Affairs with Khalaf Khalafov, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Muscat on Wednesday. – ONA

MUSCAT: Sheikh Hamad bin Hilal Al Ma’amari, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Culture for Cultural Affairs, received in his office yesterday Khalaf

e-library to help update healthcare employees The introduction of the e-library comes as part of the ministry’s efforts to move toward e-governance and would help improve healthcare services in Oman

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Healthcare providers and researchers affiliated with the Ministry of Health have been encouraged to register on the ministry’s electronic library website, which would offer them access to thousands of e-journals and e-books free of cost.

The e-library started registration on February 8, 2015 and was officially launched on May 5, 2015, Safaa Al Hashmi, medical librarian at the ministry, told the Times of Oman.

She was speaking during the 5th edition of Oman Health Exhibition and Conference, which was recently held at the Oman International Exhibition Centre in Muscat.

velopments in their field of specialty, noted Al Hashmi.

Target groups According to Al Hashmi, the target groups of the initiative are workers and researchers in the health sector, academics and students in health education institutions as well as the management of health centres.

The introduction of the elibrary was in line with the ministry’s efforts to move towards e-governance and would help improve healthcare services in Oman, she explained.

The available resources, which cover a broad range of specialties, is a gateway to cutting-edge evidence-based medical information, which can keep healthcare experts updated on the latest de-

Registration The medical librarian added that so far, around 7,000 people have registered on the website and encouraged more individuals to register as it would enable them to access information from anywhere at any time. More resources will be added to the library in future, said Al Hashmi.

Those interested in using the e-library are advised to visit www.moh-elibrary.gov.om, create a new account and fill out the registration form.

The activation link for their account will be sent to their e-mail within 48 hours and then they can start browsing the e-library by following the instructions.

Safaa Al Hashmi, medical librarian at the Ministry of Health

RESOURCE: The e-library started registration on February 8, 2015 and was officially launched on May 5, 2015. -Times of Oman

Khalafov, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan and his accompanying delegation.

The meeting dealt with cultural relations between the Sultanate

and Azerbaijan, as well as discussing the potential of organising cultural activities and programmes to support the cultural cooperation between both sides. -ONA

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2015 I used to visit my customers at their homes to explain my fashion ideas. In a short span of time, I was able to successfully gather about 200 customers Reema bint Sadiq Al Sajwani, Owner of Reema Integrated Projects

OMAN FOR WORKERS

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Charity

A1 drive

Schools, companies and private establishments have all joined the cause, where each participant can pick up a box from either of the aforementioned hotels, fill it with the essentials and return it to the respective hotel for distribution. “Participants can help create awareness about the charity campaign. This is more than just a responsible business activity; it will help the community engage and share awareness,” said Zein.

The month-long campaign will run from September 15 to October 15 this year and since its initiation in 2008, it has successfully collected over 90,000 boxes.

Some 24 hotels in the Middle East, including in Bahrain, Lebanon, Qatar, Egypt, Oman and the United Arab Emirates are participating in the event, along with South Africa, for the first time this year.

“We would like to encourage people to take part in this small act of giving. They can make a difference and bring happiness to those who are underprivileged,” said Zein.

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Population growth

Meanwhile, August also saw a significant 11.9 per cent increase in population, which was not classified under any particular governorate, with the figure jumping to 128,947 from 115,236 in July.

S P I R I T UA L C A P I TA L

SUCCESS STORIES

Najihat offers inspiring platform to Omani female entrepreneurs today now runs coffee shops in KOM 4 and the facility building in Knowledge Oasis Muscat’s Omantel building, and in the Ministry of Higher Education building,” Salma said, adding, “I always had this passion for owning a business and developing it into a growing enterprise. I hope to expand further during the future.”

It is noteworthy that the Najihat programme organises a session every three months where women meet and share their experiences in the business arena and talk about how they started their respective ventures.

Times News Service MUSCAT: It was an event where two Omani female entrepreneurs shared their valuable experiences in the field of business in the presence of aspiring entrepreneurs from across Oman.

Najihat, an initiative of the National Business Centre (NBC) highlighting success stories of Omani female entrepreneurs, hosted another session on Wednesday.

The event highlighted the fruitful journeys of Reema bint Sadiq Al Sajwani, Owner of Reema Integrated Projects, and Salma bint Noor Al Balushi, Managing Director of Azima Catering.

Speaking at the event, which was held at NBC’s Academy of Excellence in Athaiba, Ismail Al Hajri, Marketing Researcher at the Public Authority for SME Development, emphasised that the incubators represented institutions that supported ambitious entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas.

trainer and management consultant, Al Sajwani and Al Balushi explained how they had entered the entrepreneurship arena.

Riyada incubator Al Hajri added that the Riyada incubator was inaugurated in December 2014 and had joined the management of NBC in May. It would aim to boost opportunities for success for these projects, connect small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with each other, contribute to building the national economy and help explore new markets, among other objectives.

Al Hajri also outlined the services that are being provided by the Riyada incubator to aspiring entrepreneurs.

Moderated by Abeer Abdullah, a

Business Starting her business in 2007 as an Abaya designer, Al Sajwani said she had faced several challenges, such as a lack of confidence from those surrounding her, as well as financial difficulties.

“I used to visit my customers at their homes to explain my fashion ideas. In a short span of time, I was able to successfully gather about 200 customers. Frankly speaking, SMEs do face challenges, but patience is always essential. In 2010, I organised the first specialised exhibition for Omani projects in Bareeq Al Shatee. We only had

SHARING EXPERIENCE: Najihat programme organises a session every three months where women meet and share their experiences in the business arena. –Supplied photo

H O L I D AY S

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A1 Air tickets Travel agents also confirmed that people who had “booked their tickets and not purchased” are not confirming as the holidays are short.

“They are now saying that they don’t want to travel as the holidays are short but those who have purchased their tickets are going ahead with their plans,” confirmed Sudha, a travel agent based in Muscat.

Even Anurag Sinha, a sales executive from India, said: “Who wants to go through the trouble of booking air tickets which are always sky high when there are fewer holidays?”

This new travel trend does not imply that you stay at your favourite hotel and relax. Rather, it gives you an opportunity to explore your own country.

50 participants, but I never let my ambitions go. I got the support from the Omani Women Association, as well as the Directorate General of SMEs Development at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which is today known as the Public Authority for SME Development (Riyada). Riyada has a strong belief in the importance of highlighting the capabilities and talents of Omani youth in various fields,” Al Sajwani pointed out.

Catering company Meanwhile, Al Balushi, who owns a specialised catering company, said she started out by offering catering services at events of all sizes and at daily corporate breakfasts and lunches.

“I started in 2011 and Azima

Utilising the skills The series of Najihat sessions aspire to utilise the skills and knowledge of Omani women and highlight the inspiring stories of successful women leaders in the business field, as well as encourage other talented entrepreneurs to start their own ventures.

In addition, the event also presents innovative ideas for potential entrepreneurs and startups and supports those who are willing to enter the entrepreneurship pitch.

NBC is an initiative of the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates and aims to offer promising Omani entrepreneurs a platform for developing their business ideas and advance them into growing ventures. The centre also provides business development support and guidance, training and mentoring, access to markets and industry experts, and state-of-the-art office space, meeting rooms and presentation facilities.

Minister to inaugurate mosque in Nizwa MUSCAT: Assigned by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court will open the Sultan Qaboos Mosque in the Wilayat of Nizwa on Friday.

The new Sultan Qaboos Mosque was conceived as a regional-size mosque in 2009.

Being the spiritual and religious capital of Oman, Nizwa is a fitting location to be home to a major mosque second only to the Grand Mosque in Muscat.

Simplicity of form and selective use of decoration are characteristics that distinguish the new mosque from those in other regions.

The four minarets give the building a unique quality, reinforcing its position as a major landmark for the community it serves.

The building colour and materials reflect what is traditionally used in the area.

The planning is simple and functional, with a clear separation between the main spiritual part of the mosque, i.e. the Main Prayer Hall, and other functions, such as ablution area, library and classrooms.

This separation is achieved by two open sahans on the north and south and one shaded sahan to the east where the grand entrance is located. Study of the local architecture was done with particular reference to characteristic pattern-work, which forms the decorative elements of the project. -ONA

‘Use media to contact voters in Shura polls’ Citizens want the Majlis Al Shura candidates to take into account issues, such as jobs and diversifying income sources

There are 596 candidates vying for 85 Majlis Al Shura seats.

HAMOOD AL BREIKI

women, who are already campaigning actively.

The citizens hoped that the Majlis Al Shura candidates must take into account important issues, such as employment and diversifying income resources.

“The Majlis Al Shura candidates also need to focus on national issues, such as education, public health, youth, community and the economy,” Al Hashimi added.

Some of them want Shura council sessions to be shown live on the TV. “As the elections draw nearer, we are inviting all the candidates in our wilayats to tell us why we

MUSCAT: Citizens have urged the candidates contesting the Majlis Al Shura elections to use the radio and television to reach out to voters.

Hamed Al Hashimi from the Al Sharqiyah governorate recommended changing the way in which electoral campaigning is done. “The candidates should participate in TV and radio programmes to share their plans for the upcoming elections to help citizens decide whom they should vote for.”

There are 596 candidates vying for the 85 seats, including 20

should give them our vote. Just the way it is practiced in other countries, they should have a manifesto where they define their goals before the elections.

I also want the Shura sessions to be aired live on TV to guarantee transparency and see what they are discussing,” said Omar Al Abdusallam from Wilayat of Saham, north Al Batinah governorate.

Abdul Hafeed Al Amri from Willayat of Salalah said, “The candidates should provide their official contact number once they win the Shura Council seat.

They have to keep in touch with the electorate even after the elections. They have to adopt the examples of other countries in the field of development and try to apply them to Oman.”

“We hope all candidates adhere to the election regulations.

The election will be a real test of whether the candidates will comply with the regulations and help conduct the elections smoothly on election day or whether there will be attempt to violate regulations to get an advantage and garner more votes,” said a civil society member.

A candidate who is contesting in the elections said, “We are keen to reach out to potential voters through every platform available.”

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Eid Al Adha holidays most

A1 trending topic on Twitter According to Saud Salmi, a geologist at PDO, the government has followed its 1996 Royal Decree strictly.

“According to the Royal Decree, which was also amended in 2006, based on the Islamic Calendar the Eid Al Adha holidays should be from the 9th till 12th of Dhu Al Hijjah month. So, this year the holidays have followed the rule, which has to be,” Saud added.

Meanwhile, #EidAlAdhaholidays was the most trending topic in Oman on Twitter, the micro-

blogging site. Eid Al Adha news shared on Times of Oman’s official Facebook page also created excitement from readers.

In 12 hours, some 816 readers shared the news and it got 1,732 likes.

Disappointment While some favoured the reduced number of holidays, the majority expressed their disappointed.

“It is breaking hearts,” a reader posted.

Meanwhile, while agreeing

with the holiday rule, Mohammed Al Khaldi, board member of General Federation of Oman Trade Union (GFOTU), said the economy had never been harmed based on the length of the holidays.

“If you consider the oil sector, which is major revenue producer for the economy, it never stops. Work continues without a break.

“So, we cannot say the economy will be disturbed if it’s a short or long holiday,” Mohammed added.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2015 Sometimes, the septic tanks are underneath bedrooms, which pose a huge problem for us in disposing of waste Haya Water official

OMAN GALLERY SARAH

Gallery Sarah showcases Iraqi artist Al Ansari’s artworks Times News Service MUSCAT: A solo exhibition by artist Estabrak Al Ansari, who uses recitals, photography, painting, performance and film in her artworks, opened at the Gallery Sarah on Monday. The show titled, ‘Consciousness’ will run till October 10, from 9.30am till 6pm on every Saturday to Thursday.

The multi-disciplinary exhibition explores the relationship between the body and oneself, raising questions that are relevant to our existence.

The art’s subject matters vary between identity, memory, culture, equality, gender, tradition, environment and understanding.

Al Ansari’s works are fuelled by concepts of existence in places where we cannot exist for long periods of time. They play with ideas of reality and fiction and the use of water-based elements, both as media and as a physical representation of cultural discourse. Whether through photography, painting, performance or film; the diversity of highlighting meaning through the use of water lends itself well to such a multi-disciplinary show.

In Al Ansari’s current line of performance-based work, mythol-

ART CONNECT: The multi-disciplinary exhibition explores the relationship between the body and oneself, raising questions that are relevant to our existence.–Supplied photo

ogy remains an underlying current.

There, she has found many stories; verbal recitals of undocumented history. The blurring between reality and mythology comes into play through her unique live projection-painting (LPP).

Performance art is a concept she has been exploring for a number of years now. LPP is a method that involves an immersive experience through film, live painting and live performance for site specific spaces. “It’s all about reach; that jour-

ney between us and the unknown and the layering of dimensions between the two.”

Within the performances; reality, space and time are questioned via the physical layering of images, which often cause the viewer to

rethink their own understanding.

It is a film that is revealed through touch, viewed through sight and received through layers of sounds and emotions. Stories fuelled with origins of loss and memory; erupt into a non-verbal dialogue be-

tween artist and audience.

Al Ansari is of Iraqi descent, and was raised in London. The visual artist and filmmaker is currently creating her latest collection of work called, ‘Consciousness in Muscat, Oman.’

With an arts degree from Central Saint Martin’s and a Masters in Film and Media Production, Al Ansari is by nature, a story teller.

Her earlier works have found themselves showcased in various international spaces such as, New York, Dubai, Berlin and at the TATE Britain, London.

Located in the historical part of old Muscat and part of the Bait Al Zubair Museum complex, Gallery Sarah is a unique contemporary art gallery, which opened its doors in 2013. The gallery exhibits artworks, including, but not limited to paintings, graphics, calligraphy, installations, sculpture and photography.

Apart from trying to create a strong connection between established and emerging Omani artists and the international art world, Gallery Sarah also supports and has an appreciation for work created by a wide variety of talented Arab artists from around the Gulf and many international artists.

Wastewater challenge in Ruwi and Hamriya

SOHAR UNIVERSITY

The topography of Muscat, treatment of industrial and clinical waste, and very old buildings, IT LEARNING: The competition targets university students, job

seekers, employees, and any person with experience in the development of smart phones or Internet applications.– Suppled photo

along with unclear

Contest to promote entrepreneurship

plans, are among the

future development challenges that Haya Water is facing WASTEWATER WOES: Sometimes, the septic tanks are underneath bedrooms, which pose a huge problem in disposing of the waste.–Supplied photo

Times News Service MUSCAT: The Information Technology Authority (ITA) has organised an induction programme with the Sas48h competition registrants at the Sohar University to explain the competition details and agenda.

Creative thinking Sas48h aims to promote a culture of entrepreneurship and encourage creative thinking in various ICT areas, and will host more than 100 participants who will compete in 17 teams for 48 hours.

The induction meeting introduced the contest objectives, the method of forming teams, the competition rules and conditions,

the evaluation criteria and the winners’ incentives and prizes that total more than OMR20,000.

Competition targets The competition targets university students, job seekers, employees, and any person with experience in the development of smart phones or Internet applications.

It is based on the idea of selecting 100 participants from developers, marketing experts, entrepreneurs and project managers, who will be divided into groups, to implement a set of ideas in the field of applications smart or web, in 48 hours.

This year the event will take place at Crowne Plaza Hotel Sohar, from September 17 to 19.

Times News Service MUSCAT: Several places in Ruwi and Hamriya have been identified as the most challenging areas in disposing of wastewater in Oman, according to a senior official at state owned Haya Water.

The peculiar topography of Muscat, treatment of industrial and clinical waste, and very old buildings and cities, along with unclear future development plans, are among the challenges that Haya Water is facing.

Speaking to Times of Oman, a senior official said Haya Water is having a difficult time in places in Ruwi and Hamriya, since more people now live in these areas. “Sometimes, the septic

tanks are underneath bedrooms, which pose a huge problem for us in disposing of waste,” the official added.

Limited data Further, there is limited data about existing services and few local contractors with the required experience, which also poses a problem for Haya.

“Then there are sudden changes in the property boundary plans in some areas, which affects our work,” he said.

State-owned Haya Water plans to invest some OMR1.25 billion in the next few years for building future sewage projects, in line with

the company’s master plan to develop a world-class wastewater facility across Muscat governorate.

This investment calls for building sewage pipelines, trunk lines and sewage treatment plants in six catchment areas, which include Bausher, Al Amerat, Muttrah and Seeb. Haya Water aims at building a world-class wastewater system to connect 80 per cent of properties in Muscat governorate by 2020.

He also said that Haya’s Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) network is not equipped to accept industrial wastes, such as oil and grease, especially those from industrial estates, garages and small restau-

rants in places in Hamriya, Ruwi and Wadi Kabir.

“They should have their own plants for industrial and clinical wastes, so they are treated before being linked to our network,” he said. While some companies cooperate, others avoid taking action. “We exclude such companies from our system and they have to follow their methods of waste disposal, which are often unscientific and unhealthy.” He said it’s not easy to determine the source of waste brought by yellow tankers to the sewage treatment plant at Al Ansab. “There could be waste from kitchens, factories or even slaughterhouses,” he added.

DEFENCE TRAINING

‘AHWAL’, ‘AL DHABI’, ‘AL RINS’ WIN SOHAR ANNUAL CAMEL RACE Annual Camel Race, organised by Royal Camels at Royal Court Affairs, started on Wednesday at Camels Race Squares in Sohar.

On the first day of the race, 31 rounds were run, 18 of which were in the Hajaij category for 2 km distance; 12 rounds for Maidens; 6 rounds for camels and 11 rounds for Allqaya.

During the first round for Hajaij, ‘Ahwal’, owned by Salim Abdullah Al Sinani, came first.

The second round was dedicated for Hajaij maiden category in which ‘Al Dhabi’, owned

by Ahmed Mohamed Al Mibahsy, came first.

In the third round for Hajaij camels, ‘Al Rins’ owned by Omer Said Al Jabri came first. — ONA

RAFO parade marks completion of course

NATIONAL PRIDE: The parade marked the completion of the Basic Military Training course at Sultan Qaboos Air Academy.–ONA

MUSCAT: Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) held a parade to mark the completion of the Basic Military Training course in a ceremony held at the Sultan Qaboos Air Academy on Wednesday under the patronage of Maj Gen Ghusn bin Hilal Al Alawi, Assistant Head of International Security Service for Operations.

On this occasion, the chief guest praised the performance level of the graduates. He congratulated

them for joining the military work, urging them to be courageous soldiers in defending the dear country and its precious achievements.

The chief guest also distributed appreciation awards to the top graduates.

At the end of the graduation ceremony, the graduates chanted the RAFO anthem and proclaimed thrice Long Live His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. –ONA

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REGION R I YA D H

AWAITING CUSTOMERS

Saudi arrests two militants after shootout

Iranian shopkeepers wait in their store at the main bazaar in the capital, Tehran, on Wednesday. — AFP

RIYADH: Police in Saudi Arabia said Wednesday they had arrested two suspected militants and were hunting two others who fled following shootouts and raids that netted automatic weapons and a bomb belt.

The gunfire occurred in separate districts of Riyadh on Tuesday night as officers pursued an investigation into “deviant groups,” the interior ministry said in a statement.

The raids came after a series of attacks this year claimed by the IS group that killed dozens of people in Saudi Arabia.

Two suspects opened fire and threw a grenade at police trying to arrest them in a residential area in the capital’s Monsia district, the ministry said.

Ahmed Al Zahrani, 21, and Mohammed Al Zahrani, 19, were detained.

At the second location, a Saudi coffee shop in Riyadh’s Dharma district, the suspects tried to flee in a vehicle after spotting the police.

“They then heavily opened fire at security officers,” who shot back and disabled their vehicle, the statement said.

The suspects then “seized a citizen’s vehicle by force and took off in it.”

Television pictures showed forensic police examining a pick-up truck with bullet holes in its windshield. — AFP

Exiled Yemen government back in Aden amid fighting

ISRAEL

Palestinian man back on hunger strike OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: Palestinian Mohammed Allan renewed his hunger strike on Wednesday, his lawyer said, after Israel renewed his detention without trial following an improvement in his health and his release from hospital.

Allan’s recent two-month hunger strike brought him near death and boosted tensions in the occupied West Bank.

Prime Minister Khaled Bahah and several of his ministers have relocated to the

Without trial His detention without trial, scheduled to last until November 4, was suspended by Israel’s High Court on August 19 as he received medical treatment following his hunger strike, which twice left him in a coma.

Police said Allan was arrested on Wednesday morning at the hospital in Ashkelon where he had been treated following an improvement in his medical condition.

Police spokeswoman Luba Samri added in a statement that he was transferred to the Ramla prison hospital.

The 31-year-old lawyer, said to be a member of Islamic Jihad, had threatened to resume his hunger strike if his detention without trial was reinstated. His lawyer Jamil Al Khatib confirmed to AFP that “He is currently on hunger strike.”

southern port, two months after forces loyal to exiled President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi pushed Houthi rebels out of the city FRONTLINE: Soldiers loyal to the Yemeni government take positions during fighting with Houthi militiamen in the Yemeni frontline province of Marib on Wednesday. — Reuters/Stringer

ADEN: Yemen’s government returned Wednesday to Aden after nearly six months of exile in Riyadh, as loyalists backed by a Saudi-led coalition pressed a major offensive towards the rebelheld capital.

Prime Minister Khaled Bahah and several of his ministers have relocated to the southern port, two months after forces loyal to exiled President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi pushed Houthi rebels out of the city.

Their return appears to reflect

Nablus hospital Allan’s father Abu Mutheer Allan told AFP that he had spoken to his son on Tuesday night and he believed he would be allowed to transfer to a hospital in Nablus, near where he is from. — AFP

a stronger government grip on Aden, which Hadi designated the temporary capital after he fled house arrest in Sanaa in February.

It also comes as government troops advance in Marib province east of Sanaa, with air cover and ground support from coalition forces.

“The government has moved its base from Riyadh to Aden,” government spokesman Rajeh Badi told AFP. There was no indication that

Hadi himself — who fled Yemen in late March when the Houthi rebels closed in on his refuge -- was set to return.

Bahah’s government will work from Aden, including “reinforcing the Popular Resistance in Taez” said the spokesman of pro-Hadi fighters battling rebels in the central region.

In March, the Saudi-led Arab coalition began an air campaign against the rebels and their allies among renegade forces

loyal to ousted president Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Pro-Hadi fighters, backed by troops freshly trained and armed

by Saudi Arabia, ejected the rebels from Aden in July and have since recaptured four other southern provinces.

The United Nations says nearly 4,900 people have been killed and some 25,000 wounded since late March, while 21 million out of Yemen’s population of 25 million have been affected by the conflict.

In Marib, government forces have killed at least nine Houthi militants and captured five west of the provincial capital of the same name, military sources said.

Yemeni and coalition troops have also laid siege to Al Mass military base, north of Marib, which is occupied by Huthis and their allies, the sources said.

Troops from both the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are taking part in operations.

The UAE lost 52 soldiers in a rebel missile attack on September 4 in Marib which killed 67 coalition troops.

Marib city is controlled by troops and tribes loyal to Hadi, but parts of the oil-rich province remain in rebel hands.

Meanwhile coalition warplanes on Wednesday pounded rebel positions around Sanaa, including Al Dailami air base near the airport, witnesses said.

Air strikes overnight targeted rebel posts north and south of the city, they said.

The escalation comes amid a diplomatic stalemate after Hadi’s government backed away from UN-sponsored talks, insisting that the rebels first withdraw from territory they have seized.

On Tuesday, Hadi met UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed who is trying to revive talks.

Hadi reiterated his demand for a Houthi implementation of UN Resolution 2216, which stipulates withdrawal from land occupied since 2014, the government’s news agency said. — AFP

INTERVIEW TO RUSSIAN MEDIA

Assad blames Western alliance for raging refugee crisis DAMASCUS: Syrian President Bashar Al Assad has chided Western nations for “crying” over refugees flooding into Europe, claiming that their support for “terrorists” lies at the roots of his country’s crisis.

His remarks, in an interview with Russian media, came as news emerged that Australia had joined the US-led air war against the IS group in Syria, and France said it would as well.

War against IS Washington meanwhile told close Damascus ally Moscow that Assad has no role in the war against IS in Syria and must step down to allow a political settlement.

Assad, according to a transcript made available on Wednesday,

said refugees were leaving Syria “mainly because of the terrorists and because of the killing, and second because of the results of terrorism”.

“When you have terrorism, and you have the destruction of the infrastructure, you won’t have the basic needs of living.

“So, the West is crying for them, and the West is supporting terrorists since the beginning of the crisis when it said that this was a peaceful uprising,” Assad said.

“If you are worried about them, stop supporting terrorists.”

Damascus labels all those involved in the war against Assad as “terrorists”, including Westernbacked rebels.

Assad also said Iran’s support was essential for his regime in a

BLAME GAME: Syrian President Bashar Al Assad, right, gives an interview to Russian media outlets on Wednesday in the capital Damascus. — AFP/SANA

conflict that has cost more than 240,000 lives since 2011.

“Iran supports Syria and the Syrian people. It stands with the Syrian state politically, economi-

cally and militarily.”

He said it was untrue that “Iran has sent an army or armed forces to Syria” but “it sends us military equipment, and of course there is

an exchange of military experts between Syria and Iran”.

In Sydney, meanwhile, Defence Minister Kevin Andrews said Australian warplanes had carried out their first air strike against IS in Syria, destroying an armoured personnel carrier on Monday.

Australia joined the US-led coalition fighting IS in Iraq last year and has extended its air operations into Syria.

The US, Canada, Turkey and Gulf states have already been involved in strikes in Syria, while France has been carrying out surveillance flights.

Speaking in Paris on Wednesday, Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said France would extend its strikes to Syria “in the coming weeks”. He said on Tuesday that

IS had made “very significant progress” in Syria, and that if a large offensive underway in the northern province of Aleppo is successful, it “would wipe out what we still call the Free Syrian Army or the national Syrian coalition, or what is left of it.”

Pro-Western rebels But speaking in Washington Wednesday, the head of the US Central Command said only “a small number” of pro-Western rebels remain in the fight.

After many of the first 54 graduates of a special training programme were attacked in Syria in July, only “four or five” are now fighting IS, General Lloyd Austin told the Senate Armed Services Committee. — AFP

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

INDIA

We condemn the approach and attitude of this Government towards Gandhis who have sacrificed a lot for the nation. It is an insult to history Anand Sharma, Congress spokesperson

RADIO PROGRAMME

Anti-BJP alliance seeks ban on ‘Mann Ki Baat’ until Bihar polls are over NEW DELHI: The anti-BJP grand alliance on Wednesday approached the Election Commission seeking suspension of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme till Bihar polls are over, raising doubts he might use it to influence voters, but the poll panel indicated a “blanket ban” cannot be imposed.

A delegation of the three-party alliance comprising JD(U), RJD and Congress met the Election Commission with the plea to stop broadcast of the Prime Minister’s monthly radio programme.

Petition “Permitting the Prime Minister to organise the Mann Ki Baat programme would be giving a completely unfair advantage to BJP and will upset the level playing field, essential to uphold the neutrality and majesty of the electoral process,” it said in its petition.

“Even otherwise, BJP and its Union government has been misusing government’s machinery, instances of which have already been brought out to the notice of the Commission,” it said.

Though the poll watch dog is

yet to firm up its decision on the petition, Election Commission sources said no “blanket ban” can be imposed on the programme and that it can take “cognizance” of any such demand only if its contents violate the model code.

“No blanket ban can be enforced on things like Cabinet meeting and ‘Mann ki Baat’ but the EC can take cognizance if the Cabinet decision or the content of programme is in violation of the Model Code of Conduct,” a senior EC official said.

The petition said the programme was “essentially political” with Prime Minister giving out his thought on various political and governance issues.

The delegation comprising Congress’ communications department chief Randeep Surjewala, spokesman Abhishek Singhvi, JD(U) general secretary K. C. Tyagi, its Rajya Sabha MP Pavan Verma and RJD spokesperson Manoj Jha said this telecast by a political party in power is not permissible when the Model Code of Conduct is in force.

The BJP criticised the rival alliance, saying it has objection to

tion of the Model Code of Conduct.

In order to influence the voters, the Prime Minister is misusing the government-run mass-media namely All India Radio (AIR), Doordarshan and other channels which broadcast and telecast the programme.

“We have requested the Election Commission that until the last phase of the Bihar polls gets over, Mann Ki Baat should be banned,”.

DEMANDING BAN: ‘Mahagathbandhan’ leaders K.C. Tyagi, R.S. Surjewala, Pawan Verma, Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Manoj Jha coming out of the Election Commission of India, in New Delhi, on Wednesday. The leaders demanded ban on broadcast of PM’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ until Bihar Polls get over. - PTI

everything that the Prime Minister does. The leaders of the grand alliance, however, alleged that the prime minister was “misusing” the official media to influence voters in Bihar which will see a fivephase poll starting October 12 to November 5.

“This gives a direct advantage

to the BJP at the expense of public exchequer...broadcast of such programme will infringe on the various instructions issued by the Commission,” they argued.

Talking to reporters after meeting the poll body, Surjewala said, “The Mann Ki Baat programme on September 20 is a gross viola-

‘Acting in desperation’ BJP on Wednesday pooh-poohed the JD(U)-RJD-Congress alliance’s demand for a ban on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann ki baat’ programme, saying they are acting out of desperation sensing their imminent defeat in the Bihar assembly polls.

BJP said the alliance leaders could see the writing on the wall that they will taste defeat in the elections being fought on the agenda of development.

BJP secretary Shrikant Sharma said the alliance’s move was “childish” and noted that Congress had made a similar demand during previous assembly polls, including in Haryana, but the EC

Congress demands apology over postage stamps row Defending the decision to drop

We need to ponder why so many commemorative stamps have been issued in memory of members of one family

stamps on Indira and Rajiv Gandhi stamps, Ravi Shankar Prasad said the government believes that whoever has contributed in making of India, irrespective of the ideology, should be honoured

NEW DELHI: A controversy erupted on Wednesday over the decision to discontinue postage stamps of Indira and Rajiv Gandhi with the government saying only one family cannot get this honour, even as the Congress termed the move as “insult to the history” and demanded an apology.

Defending the move, Communications Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also said that an advisory committee has suggested to replace the picture of Indira Gandhi with that of Yoga on inland

PROTEST: Police detain Mahila Congress workers who were staging a protest against the move to withdraw stamps on Rajiv and Indira Gandhi, in front of Sanchaar Bhawan in New Delhi on Wednesday.-PTI

letters, but no final decision has been taken as yet.

Prasad said a decision has been taken on advice of the Philatelic Advisory Committee to issue definitive series of stamps in the honour of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Deen Dayal Upadhyay, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Sardar Patel, Shivaji, Maulana Azad, Bhagat Singh, JP Narayan, Ram Manohar Lohia, Vivekananda and Maharana Pratap.

“In the definitive stamp series, the focus was (so far) on one family... though other names were there. Mahatma Gandhi was there, Maulana Azad was there.

Dr Ambedkar was there. Dr Bhab-

ha was there,” he said.

The minister said the new series is “inclusive” and seeks to encapsule the contribution of all the leading lights of the freedom movement including Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

Symbol of honour Defending the decision to drop stamps on former prime ministers Indira and Rajiv Gandhi stamps, Prasad said the government believes that whoever has contributed in making of India, irrespective of the ideology, should be honoured and postage stamp is a symbol of that honour.

“We feel that this right should

Ravi Shankar Prasad Communications minister

not belong to only one family,” he added.

Reacting sharply, Congress said the decision shows a “very narrow mindset” and demanded an apology from the government.

“We condemn the approach and attitude of this Government towards Gandhis who have sacrificed a lot for the nation. It is an insult to history”, Congress party’s senior spokesperson Anand Sharma told reporters here.

Prasad, on his part said, “We have been most liberal and understanding in giving due recognition to people of different ideology and approaches. All of them (who figure in the new series) have con-

tributed in a very significant way to make modern India.”

He further said four commemorative stamps have been issued so far in memory of Indira Gandhi, two in the name of Rajiv Gandhi and seven times on Nehru.

“We need to ponder why so many commemorative stamps have been issued in memory of members of one family,” he added.

On definitive series stamps, Prasad said till now Nehru has figured eight times and he is still there. The definitive stamps are being issued on Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi since 2008.

“Congress party has been in power for so many years, but Maulana Azad has not figured in definitive stamp till date. I would like to ask Congress if Maulana Azad did not deserve to be included in definitive stamp...Dr Rajendra Prasad, Swami Vivekananda...

Sardar Patel figured once in 2001 than disappeared,” Prasad said.

“Congress party is making issue out of it, so we want to officially clarify. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi says ‘sabka saath sab ka vikas’ it means who all have contributed for the country, whatever their ideology was, we will honour all and not only one family,” he added.

Postal stamps will be also be issued in Rabindranath Tagore, Mohd Rafi, Hemanta Kumar, Mukesh, Talat Mahmood, Manna Dey, Rabindranath Tagore, and renowned artists, like Ustad Bismillah Khan, Pt Ravi Shankar, M S Subbulakshmi. - PTI

had rejected it. “They are in frustration. They can see the writing on the wall that their defeat is certain in Bihar. The elections are being fought on the agenda of development while Nitish Kumar, Lalu Prasad and Congress have nothing to show to people. They are desperate,” he said.

Making his point, Sharma cited the recent World Bank report on ease of doing business in states and said Bihar was way below at 21st rank while BJP-ruled Jharkhand was at third.

Sharma said ‘Mann ki Baat’, whose next episode will be aired on September 20, was “very popular” among the masses and rejected the charge that the Prime Minister would use it to influence voters.

He said whenever the Prime Minister has to speak to the masses during elections he does so through his rallies. Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad took a dig at Congress over the issue, saying some people had problem with everything Modi does.

“They (Congress) have objected to his package (for Bihar) also.

What can be done?” he said. - PTI T H R E AT S O N P H O N E

Court orders police to file FIR against Mulayam LUCKNOW: A local court on Wednesday ordered police to file an FIR against Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav for allegedly threatening an IG-rank officer Amitabh Thakur and probe the incident that triggered a massive row.

Chief Judicial Magistrate Som Prabha while accepting Thakur’s application under 156(3) IPC directed SHO Hazratganj to file the FIR under relevant sections and probe the matter and also apprise the court.

Section 156(3) IPC empowers a magistrate to direct police to file an FIR. The court observed that after going through facts provided

by Thakur, it appeared to be a case under 506 IPC (punishment for criminal intimidation).

“According to report of SHO, Hazratganj, the application was moved for gaining publicity. However, he did not inform whether the FIR was registered in the matter or not,” it observed.

Thakur had approached the court after UP police had rejected his plea for an FIR against Mulayam for allegedly threatening him on phone with dire consequences, saying the allegations have not been substantiated.

Inspector of Hazratganj police station Vijay Mal Singh in his letter of July 17 stated that the complaint presented by Thakur against Mulayam was inquired into and it was found that the allegations have not been substantiated and hence it was being rejected. - PTI

MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASE

Delhi hospitals struggle with dengue patients overload NEW DELHI: Hospitals in Delhi struggled Wednesday to cope with a flood of patients suffering from dengue fever as the Delhi government warned against turning away anyone seeking treatment.

Patients told of sleeping on pavements outside emergency rooms and doctors said services were stretched to breaking point following the worst outbreak in New Delhi in five years.

Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne disease with no known cure or vaccine, strikes fear into citizens of northern India when it arrives with the monsoon rains.

The Press Trust of India says that at least 11 people have already died from it this year.

With more than 1,800 confirmed dengue cases, the number has already surpassed the recordbreaking year of 2010, with weeks left in the annual season.

Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain held a crisis meeting on Tuesday night, warning hospitals that they face stiff penalties including licence cancellations if they are found rejecting patients.

“While (there are) over 1,800 dengue cases so far... it can’t be called an epidemic,” Jain told re-

porters on Wednesday.

“Yes, people are in a panic right now (and) it is the government’s responsibility to act.”

“We will add at least 1,000 to 1,500 beds for patients,” Jain said.

Authorities have been spurred into action after two children, aged seven and six, died separately from the disease after their parents were allegedly turned away from several hospitals, sparking a public outcry.

The grief-stricken parents of one of the boys committed suicide by jumping off the roof of a fourstorey building.

At the government-run Dr Ram Manohar Lohia hospital on Wednesday, two patients — some hooked up to drips — were squeezed into some single beds.

After travelling from the nearby tourist city of Agra with his sick brother-in-law, Subodh Trivedi was told to go elsewhere.

But Subodh eventually found an empty gurney and wheeled his ailing relative inside, demanding treatment.

“With his critical condition we couldn’t take him anywhere else at the time. And inside the crammed emergency ward, there were no

beds or even space on the floor,” Subodh said.

An exhausted doctor said staff were handling double the number of patients than normal in Delhi, which is always the worst-hit city.

“We have around 120 patients in the ward against 50 or 60 that we usually handle,” the on-duty doctor said.

“These dengue patient numbers have obviously affected the time and attention we can give to other serious cases also admitted in the section,” he added.

Pradeep Singh Rawat, 17, spent one night waiting for treatment, including sleeping on the pavement with his father Virender last week.

“I came here after a test at a private lab showed my son had dengue. We were told there were no admission slots, so we spent the night outside till one opened for him,” Virender said.

Delhi authorities, under fire for initially failing to act swiftly on the outbreak, have blamed prolonged humidity for this year’s rise in infections. The virus affects two million people across the globe annually, with the number of cases up 30 times in the last 50 years,

according to the World Health Organisation.

Transmitted to humans by the female Aedes aegypti mosquito, it causes high fever, headaches, itching and joint pains that last about a week.

Amid the rising cases of dengue in the city, Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Wednesday said the present serotype of dengue virus is “less fatal” than the one in 2013 and appealed to people not to panic or force doctors to admit patients unless in urgent cases.

Amid severe rush at hospitals, IMA’s Secretary General, K K Aggarwal said that only suspected severe dengue cases need medical attention and admission. Most can be managed as OPD care.

“There is no need of platelets transfusion unless a patient has active bleed and count of less than 10,000. Platelets counts by machine readings are not reliable and can have an error of upto 40,000.

“The reliable test is haematocrit and not platelet count,” he claimed.

The Association also released dengue guidelines and appealed to people not to panic or force doctors to admit patients unless it is important. - Agencies

OUTBREAK: National Akali Dal activists protesting against rise in

dengue cases in New Delhi on Wednesday. - PTI

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

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PAKISTAN S TAT E - O F - T H E -A R T FA C I L I T Y

EID PREPARATIONS A girl hugs a sheep for sale ahead of Eid Al Adha on the outskirts of Karachi, Pakistan, on Wednesday. — Reuters

Rs450m resort to boost tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan GILGIT: A day after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the Rs27.5 billion road project at Attabad Lake, the Gilgit–Baltistan (G-B) government announced it is going to construct a resort to boost tourism in the region.

“We have planned to construct a state-of-the-art tourist resort near the lake to help tourism flourish,” Chief Minister Hafeezur Rahman said on Tuesday. The design for the premises is ready, he told The Express Tribune.

The resort, which will cost Rs450 million approximately, will be located near the highway inaugurated by the PM on Monday.

Rahman said the tourist resort will have facilities like boat services as well.

Encouraged by the record increase in tourism this summer, the Rahman said the G-B government has decided to rank hotels as per the facilities they offer and will also fix rates according to the ranking.

“I apologise for not providing fa-

Zardari terms farm package a ‘gimmick’ While rejecting the bailout package, the ex-president said the package was ‘devoid of substance and sincerity and aimed only at deceiving the farmers’

ISLAMABAD: Former president and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday termed the government’s agriculture relief package for farmers a “political gimmick,” saying it was aimed only at fooling the farmers ahead of local government polls in Sindh and Punjab.

While rejecting the bailout package, Zardari said the package was “devoid of substance and sincerity and aimed only at deceiving the farmers,” reads a statement issued by the PPP. Criticising the federal government for neglecting the agriculture sector, Zardari alleged it was diverting the scarce resources to politically visible projects such as Metro bus for drawing political mileage rather than serving the interests of people.

The co-chairman lamented the federal government had deliberately targeted the farmers hoping to weaken the political power base of opposition parties, not realising the enormous damage done to the country in the process.

Zardari claimed despite the negative propaganda about the performance of Sindh government, the provincial government had not only been giving cash

When opposition parties, the farmers and the people were agitating for rescuing farmers from loss, the government turned a deaf ear but as soon as the local governmentpolls were announced it has offered a relief package but without specifying any source of funding Asif Ali Zardari Pakistan People’s Party co-chairperson

support to farmers but also giving away free fertilisers and seeds following the devastation caused by the floods in 2010.

“As a result, Sindh today is surplus in food enabling it to distribute more than one million bags of wheat free of charge in Thar alone,” he said.

He also alleged that instead of drawing lesson from the Sindh government the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government was trying to malign the provincial government through federal agencies in an unconstitutional

manner. On Tuesday, PM Nawaz had announced Rs341 billion agriculture relief package for farmers, in a bid to spur sluggish growth in one of the country’s main economic sectors.

The package includes immediate cash grants for rice and cotton farmers, cuts in fertiliser prices, and a government scheme to pay insurance premiums for farmers who cannot afford them.

It also includes collateral guarantees for loans, and tax breaks for the dairy, poultry and fish farming sectors. — Express Tribune

B A L O C H I S TA N

Explosives recovered in raid QUETTA: The Frontier Corps (FC) recovered on Tuesday a huge amount of explosives used in making bombs from the Kurram post on Pak-Afghan border’s adjoining Pishin area of Balochistan.

According to an FC spokesperson, security forces raided the said area and recovered 4,000kg of explosive material along with 500 detonators and telecommunication devices from two vehicles. The paramilitary force

Security forces raided the area and recovered 4,000kg of explosive material along with 500 detonators and telecommunication devices from two vehicles also apprehended three suspects for their alleged involvement in a terror bid, said the spokesperson, adding further investigation was ongoing.

Earlier on September 2, se-

curity forces had conducted an intelligence based operation in Killa Abdullah and recovered suicide vests, anti-aircraft guns, IEDs, and rocket propelled grenades. — Express Tribune

cilities to tourists this year. However, we ensure they will have a much better experience next year.”

Sharif has increased the amount of funds available for Rahman, which will enable him to implement development projects of up to Rs750 million in the region.

“Previously the chief minister had powers to implement projects worth up to Rs400 million only,” said Rahman talking to the media at his office on Monday.

The decision was made by Sharif on Monday after he was briefed

by Hafeezur Rahman about the issues the regional government is facing.

“The low ceiling used to cause delays in projects that cost more than Rs40 million. executive committee of the National Economic Council was the forum that decided the fate of the suggested project,” he said, adding the decision will help speed up the construction of infrastructure and other ventures in G-B. — Express Tribune

SIGHTSEEING LAHORE

In a first, double-decker bus set to be launched in Lahore LAHORE: The Tourism Development Corporation of the Punjab (TDCP) is all set to introduce the nation’s first double-decker bus service for tourists in the city under the name of Sightseeing Lahore.

Managing Director Ahmar Malik said on Tuesday that two custom-made Volvo buses procured by the corporation for a sum of $376,000 were expected to reach Karachi on September 20.

Malik said the service would commence in the middle of October after the buses had arrived in

the city between October 9 and 10.

He said the route of the service had not been finalised.

Awaiting approval Malik said the buses were expected to ferry tourists between the Walled City and Gaddafi Stadium after obtaining the approval of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

He said the corporation was building terminals in both locales in the projects first phase. He said more terminals would be built after the introduction of more routes and induction of more buses.

The MD said one terminal was being built near Punjab Stadium while the other was being constructed in the vicinity of the Fort Road Food Street.

He said a myriad of eateries and sites of interest were situated in the areas. He said the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) had agreed to cooperate with the PTDC over the initiative.

He said the authority would provide a horse carriage, rickshaw and guide service at the Fort Road Food Street to showcase the city’s heritage. — Express Tribune

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Has computer become an obstacle to learning?

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nformation technology is great, but it may not be making kids smarter, according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, which has an authoritative program for assessing school education quality, and has published a report showing that increased computer use in classrooms leads to lower test scores.

The researchers compared data from 2009 and 2012, the most recent sets of testing under the Program for International Student Assessment.

As you might expect, the number of computers in schools and households increased in those three years, as did the time kids spent online. In OECD countries and in Russia, a student spent, on average, two hours a day online in 2012, and 25 minutes of that time was at school.

That figure undoubtedly has increased since then, given the proliferation of cheaper mobile devices and laptops.

The use of computers for schoolwork has increased, especially in Western countries.

Education systems in Australia, the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway were the leaders in integrating tech. In Norway, 67 per cent of students reported having used spreadsheets in math lessons and 31 per cent said they had used a computer to draw graphs. In Australia, kids spent almost an hour a day online at school. In Denmark, 35 per cent had access to school-provided tablets.

Yet, there are some outliers: Japan, China and even tech- loving South Korea, where the share of students using computers at school declined to 42 per cent in 2012 from 63 per cent in 2009.

They may be on to something. The OECD study found that the use of computers was negatively correlated with improvements in student performance on math tests.

And this doesn’t apply only to math: In countries with higher numbers of students who frequently browse the Internet for schoolwork at school, reading performance tends to improve more sluggishly than in others, or even to worsen.

In line with these findings, students in Korea and other Asian economies, where computers are less integrated into the learning process than in Australia or northern Europe, perform better even on computer-based assignments, including

what PISA calls “digital reading” -- dealing with online content that includes hyperlinks.

The decline in performance becomes especially noticeable in countries where students often use online chats for schoolwork. They “may be missing out on other more effective learning activities,” the report suggests.

And less computer use in class doesn’t mean kids aren’t comfortable with technology: According to the report, Korean and Singaporean students are better than anyone else at Internet navigation because they are “already proficient in higher-order thinking and reasoning processes in other domains.” The study’s results are not clear-cut, however. Australian kids are good at online reading, and Danish and Norwegian schoolchildren score high in math, defying the negative relationships charted in the report.

Teaching quality matters. In Norway, teachers are good at letting kids practice on their computers rather than just watching demonstrations.

The general problem is that teachers often aren’t very adept at using technology themselves.

Like most of us, they picked up their skills as they went along, and they often are no better than students at coming up with productive ways to use computers. Both the kids and their teachers are wandering in the dark. As the report puts it: “Schools and education systems are, on average, not ready to leverage the potential of technology. Gaps in the digital skills of both teachers and students, difficulties in locating high- quality digital learning resources from among a plethora of poor-quality ones, a lack of clarity on the learning goals and insufficient pedagogical preparation for blending technology meaningfully into lessons and curricula create a wedge between expectations and reality. If these challenges are not addressed as part of the technology plans of schools and education ministries, technology may do more harm than good to the teacher-student interactions that underpin deep conceptual understanding and higher-order thinking.”

It’s appropriate that that schools should try to prepare children for life in the 21st century, but there’s no way they can be sure life won’t change as dramatically in the next decade as it did in the last 20 years. It makes sense to keep to basics. - Bloomberg View

READERS’ FORUM Europe should have an open approach on migrants This refers to the news story, ‘Hungary arrests 174 as new antimigrant laws enforced’ (September 15). It is really distressing to see that the exodus of refugees from Syria to European countries is still continuing. It is unfortunate that the European Union is unable to find a solution to the crisis. With Hungary’s new and stricter border measures, it will be very difficult for the asylum seekers to move further. If the European Union’s member states do not find a solution, things may get worse. Political and economic issues of the European countries should not be a hindrance in finding out an immediate remedy for the migrant crisis as thousands of people are struggling on the borders of Hungary and Serbia. Europe should have an open approach to this problem.

— P. A. Jacob, Muscat Scan this QR code to send letters to the Readers’ Forum, containing not more than 200 words with full name, address and telephone number, may be sent by mail (Times of Oman, P.O. Box 770, P.C. 112, Ruwi).

Our feeling of vulnerability in the face of artificial intelligence isn’t helped by incidents like the robot that killed a worker in a German car factory earlier this year or Stephen Hawking’s warning that true AI, where robots can think for themselves and override human control bit.ly/robotsandAInothreat

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FROM OUR ARCHIVES SEPTEMBER 2000 Majlis lists steps to boost MSM MUSCAT: The Majlis Al Shura office yesterday held its eighth regular meeting of the year under the chairmanship of Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Qatabi, president of the Majlis Al Shura. The office approved the minutes of the seventh meeting and reviewed measures for implementation of decisions of its previous meetings.

IMPORT OF TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT IN OMAN From February to April 2015 (in million rials)

Golfing provides the best chance to enjoy the outdoors

This refers to the online story, ‘Asma Al Rashdi: Love of Golfing’ (September 16).

This sport is seen by a lot of people as a game for the rich and the famous. However, it actually provides lot of exercise and is good way to enjoy the outdoors, without even leaving the urban areas.

This is particularly true for the golf clubs in Muscat. These clubs provide lessons even at the school level, which all parents need to seriously consider. Also, a lot of top level play this game, and it is very good for business and networking purposes as well.

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1747: The French capture Bergen-op-Zoom, consolidating their occupation of Austrian Flanders in the Netherlands.

1920: Thirty people are killed in a terrorist bombing in New York’.

1975: Administrators for Rhodes Scholarships announce the decision to begin offering fellowships to women.

1991: The trial of Manuel Noriega, deposed dictator of Panama, begins in the United States.

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SPECIAL

Olive ridley sea turtles nested in Mexico, up from just under one million a year earlier, according to official figures

, S E N O R D OOPS TR TECT PROTURTLE SEAEGGS

ENDANGERED: A Golfina sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) arrives to spawn at dawn at Morro Ayuta Beach, state of Oaxaca, Mexico. Massive arrivals of sea turtles, known as ‘Arribadas’, happen in Morro Ayuta Beach, when thousands of turtles arrive to lay their eggs. - AFP

The drone, with six rotors that sound like a menacing hornet, has a GPS system and a camera to spot would-be ‘hueveros’ (egg robbers) who hide between dunes and cacti along the Morro Ayuta beach in Oaxaca State, Mexico DELICACY: Golfina turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) eggs are served in a restaurant in Juchitan, Oaxaca

SAN PEDRO HUAMELULA (Mexico): A small drone buzzes above a pristine Pacific beach in Mexico as troops stand guard, seeking to deter poachers from snatching sea turtle eggs that end up on restaurant menus.

The drone, with six rotors that sound like a menacing hornet, has a GPS system and a camera to spot would-be “hueveros” (egg robbers) who hide between dunes and cacti along the Morro Ayuta beach in Oaxaca state.

Used for the first time this year, the surveillance aircraft “helps to map and identify the footpaths” made by thieves, said one of the 20 marines guarding the 18-kilometre (11-mile) stretch of beach near the town of San Pedro Huamelula.

The robbers storm the beach by the dozens on horseback, wielding machetes and sometimes guns, the marine said on condition of ano-

State, Mexico. - AFP

nymity as he rested in a hammock.

Five years ago, he recalled, hundreds of hueveros arrived on the beach with guns blazing to steal the eggs of the endangered sea creatures.

“It looked like Troy,” he said, referring to the Trojan war. While troops have been deployed in the past, the authorities are using for the first time two drones that were donated by Mexico’s College of Environmental Engineers.

Spicy egg soup Members of the indigenous Chontal and Zapotec indigenous communities have historically sold and consumed sea turtle eggs, a practice banned since 1990.

Poachers risk up to nine years in prison and a nearly $12,000 fine

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if caught grabbing eggs out of the sand nests.

Since July, one person has been detained and around 14,000 eggs have been seized by the authorities in Morro Ayuta and the neighbouring beach of Escobilla.

In one night, some 70,000 turtles come ashore to lay eggs on those two beaches, according to the federal prosecutor’s office for environmental protection (Profepa).

Despite the drones, soldiers and prison threats, thieves find a way to snatch eggs under the cover of

darkness as the aircraft only work during daylight, said Nereo Garcia, the regional Profepa official.

The poachers are the first link in a clandestine market that ends with eggs sold in markets of the nearby village of Juchitan and as far away as Mexico City’s crimeridden Tepito neighbourhood.

About 100 of the golf ball-sized eggs, which are believed to be an aphrodisiac, sell for just 30 pesos ($1.70).On restaurant menus, a half-dozen cooked eggs are priced at 60 pesos.

An austere restaurant in Juchitan offers a “super-vitamin-added seafood soup” — a spicy broth with herbs, snail, clams and two turtle eggs for 100 pesos.

“It sells pretty well. Tourists order it out of curiosity,” said a

NESTING: A Golfina sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) arrives to spawn at Morro Ayuta Beach, state of Oaxaca, Mexico on Friday. - AFP

SURVEILLANCE: A drone is launched to overfly Morro Ayuta Beach, Oaxaca State, Mexico. Poachers risk up to nine years in prison if caught grabbing eggs out of the sand nests. - AFP

waitress, whose restaurant serves boiled eggs on a bed of lettuce with lime. Every year, six of the seven species of sea turtles in the world nest on the coasts of Mexico between July and March.

Some arrive all the way from Japan. Morro Ayuta mostly sees olive ridley sea turtles that come by the tens of thousands, invading the beach to dig their nests and lay on average 100 eggs each.

In the 2014 season, more than 1.1 million olive ridley sea turtles nested in Mexico, up from just under one million a year earlier, according to official figures.

Other threats Despite the improvement, Mexican authorities are keeping their guard up as humans are not the

only threat. Birds and wild dogs feed on the eggs, and only 35 per cent hatch after the 45-day incubation period. Once the baby turtles are out, they must dodge predators as they scurry toward the ocean.

Only one out of 1,000 reach adulthood, according to experts.

Conservationists fear another danger lurking: Mexico’s tourism sector. Eduardo Najera, director of the non-governmental organisation Costasalvaje (Wild Coast), fears that investors will spot the untouched beachfront and seek to build on the beach.

“They’ll want to build 40-storey hotels, a golf course, an airport, and then the miracle is over,” said Najera, who is lobbying to have the beach declared a conservation area. - AFP

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UN REPORT

TEMPTING TABLE A woman gestures at a table with food models as the gastronomic festival ‘Moscow autumn’ takes place near the Kremlin and the State Historical Museum in central Moscow, Russia, on Wednesday. -Reuters

Sri Lanka victims back special war crimes court call GENEVA: Victims and activists welcomed a UN call on Wednesday for Sri Lankan state forces and Tamil Tigers to face prosecution for alleged war crimes, including mass killings of civilians, by a special court with international judges.

Despite pledges by the new government of President Maithripala Sirisena to pursue perpetrators, the criminal justice system was not up to the huge task alone, said the report by the United Nations human rights office.

The report named no suspects in the 26-year war that ended in 2009, saying that individual prosecutions should be left for the new court. “We hope... that the security services will understand there must be a sort of reckoning with the past and there must be accountability,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein told reporters.

The “organisation and planning” was apparent in many of the crimes documented in the report, Zeid said without elaboration. The UN report, delayed from March to give the new government time to address concerns, found “patterns of grave violations” between 2002 and 2011.

It said it was likely that “tens of thousands lost their lives” in the final stages of the war.

It said Sri Lanka should set up a “hybrid special court integrating international judges, prosecutors, lawyers and investigators” to try war crimes and crimes against humanity, “most likely” committed by both the government and Liberation Ti-

Clashes on Hungary border as migrants open new route Authorities used tear gas and water cannon to quell the 500-strong crowd

RÖSZKE, HUNGARY: Hungarian police clashed on Wednesday with several hundred migrants furious at being blocked from crossing the border with Serbia, as desperate refugees opened up a new route into Croatia to get round Budapest’s razor-wire barrier.

Authorities fired tear gas shells and deployed water cannon to quell what they said was an “aggressive” crowd of some 500 people, as police helicopters buzzed overhead.

Earlier on Wednesday, Croatia granted free passage to migrants desperate to find new ways to western Europe after Hungary sealed its frontier and EU states tightened border controls over the unprecedented human influx.

At dawn, a small group of women and children crossed cornfields into Croatia from Serbia, followed shortly afterwards by around 370 mostly Syrians and Afghans, according to an AFP correspondent at the scene. Croatia said it was

expecting another 4,000 people in coming days.

Pressure is building for a special EU summit to find solutions to the continent’s worst migration crisis since World War II, with the bloc bitterly split and free movement across borders, a pillar of European project, in jeopardy.

Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic -- who has blasted Hungary’s border fence as “unacceptable” -- said all migrants could pass through the EU state, allowing them to push on towards Slovenia, Austria and Hungary’s fenceless southwestern frontier.

“We are ready to accept and direct those people, their religion and colour of skin is completely irrelevant, to where they apparently wish to go -- Germany and Scandinavia,” Milanovic told lawmakers.

But his Slovakian counterpart Robert Fico added to the war of words in EU by warning Europe was at risk from what he called a “migrant onslaught”.

‘Hungary is closed’ “The EU has found itself under the onslaught of hundreds of thousands of migrants and has ceased to be a safe place,” the leftist leader told parliament, insisting that “90 percent of these people are economic migrants.”

“We heard that Hungary was closed so the police told us we should come this way,” Amadou,

35, from Mauritania in west Africa, told AFP as he walked towards the Croatia -- which is still peppered with minefields from the Balkan wars of the 1990s -- from the Serbian border town of Sid. Hungary’s conservative Prime Minister Viktor Orban is also planning a new fence along the frontier with Romania, to the outrage of its southern neighbour.

But Budapest insisted the barrier was working as it made its first arrests under tough new laws which punish “illegal bordercrossing” with prison terms of up to three years.

The controversial measures are part of Orban’s strategy to stem the flow of migrants trudging up through the western Balkans, most headed to Germany and Sweden.

The result was plain to see in statistics released by Hungarian police on Wednesday, with the number of people intercepted falling to just 367 from a record 9,380 the day before.

The apparent success in deflecting the flow sparked fears in Serbia that it would be swamped by an unmanageable number of migrants. Speaking to AFP at the Horgos crossing, Serbia’s minister for refugees, Aleksandar Vulin, called on Hungary to reopen the border “at least for women and children” as around 100 people waited in vain to cross. -AFP

BARRED: A refugee stands behind a fence at the Hungarian border with Serbia near the town of Horgos on Wednesday. Europe’s 20-year passport-free Schengen zone appeared to be a risk of crumbling with Germany boosting border controls on parts of its frontier with France as migrants desperate to find a way around Hungary’s border fence began crossing into Croatia. -AFP

P R O - G O V E R N M E N T S TA N D

Malaysian rally raises ethnic tension worries KUALA LUMPUR: Tens of thousands of Malaysians, most from the majority Malay community, marched through the capital on Wednesday in a show of support for the scandal-plagued government, stoking fear of ethnic tension in the diverse Southeast Asian country.

Riot police used water cannons to disperse thousands of red-shirted protesters trying to break through barricades at Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown neighbourhood, shouting slogans denouncing ethnic Chinese community and opposition party leaders.

There were no reports of major injuries.

Up to 30,000 marchers, according to police, thronged the city centre, holding banners and shouting slogans in support of Prime Minister Najib Razak, who is battling allegations of graft and mismanagement at indebted state fund 1MDB. Najib did not officially endorse the march but elements within his ruling United Malays National Organisation encouraged organisers to stage the “Malay pride” rally in response to a big anti-government protest last month that called for Najib’s resignation over the graft scandal.

“This protest is to tell that the official religion of this country is

Islam, and Malays are the rightful owner of this country,” said protester Azim Lubis.

Many opposition supporters come from the ethnic Chinese minority. Relations between the two communities are delicate and Wednesday’s march took place near the site of bloody race riots in 1969. The demonstration brought business to a standstill in central Kuala Lumpur, with shops and businesses, especially in Chinese-dominated neighbourhoods, shuttered, and several roads closed to traffic. Kuala Lumpur’s bustling Bukit Bintang tourist district was paralysed.

“A lot of vendors here were

afraid to open their stores,” said 74-year-old Michael Tham, who owns an electronics shop in Bukit Bintang. “It’s the first time it’s been this deserted.”

‘Dangers of polarisation’ Protesters gathered on open ground near the city centre for the climax of the rally before dispersing. The opposition Bersih rally attracted many urban, ethnic Chinese people who wore yellow shirts. The red-shirted protesters on Wednesday included many young Malay men from rural areas, bussed into the city.

Najib, in the eastern state of Sabah for a commemoration mark-

ing the formation of the Malaysia federation in 1963, warned of the dangers of polarisation. “It is not right to organise rallies dominated by one race, with the expressed aim of toppling the government,” the state-run Bernama news agency quoted him as saying, referring to last month’s opposition protest.

“As we have seen, this then leads to rallies by other races.

This could not be more dangerous and risks tearing apart the fabric of our democracy, our harmony, our unity.” Malaysia is haunted by memories of the 1969 riots and ethnicity and religion are sensitive in the country. -Reuters

gers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

Sandya Eknaligoda, wife of Sri Lankan journalist and cartoonist Prageeth Eknaligoda who disappeared near Colombo in January 2010, was among victims’ families who came to Geneva to lobby for support for justice.

“I am very certain it was the (President Mahinda) Rajapakse government that made him disappear. It is clear from information unearthed more recently that it was the army that took him,” she told Reuters. “I can’t trust the domestic system so an international investigation is very important.” Eknaligoda is among the “emblematic cases” in the UN report which said several military personnel had been arrested last month in connection with his disappearance.

There was no immediate comment by Mahinda Rajapaksa, who crushed the Tamil insurgency, or his brother, former defence minister Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

‘Denials, cover-ups’ The nearly 300-page report quotes the latter as saying in a 2009 television interview that the PTK hospital, one of the most heavily-hit medical facilities in the north just outside the “No Fire Zone”, was a “legitimate target”. The inquiry documented “the years of denials and coverups”, Zeid said.

Sri Lanka promised on Wednesday to deliver justice after the UN report was issued, but stopped short of directly addressing the UN’s proposal to set up a special court. -Reuters BOKO HARAM

Nigeria mulls amnesty in return for Chibok girls PARIS: President Muhammadu Buhari told AFP on Wednesday that Nigerian authorities were talking to Boko Haram prisoners in their custody and could offer them amnesty if the extremist group hands over more than 200 schoolgirls abducted last year.

The Nigerian leader added that he was confident “conventional” attacks by the group would be rooted out by November -- but cautioned that deadly suicide attacks, some of them waged by children, were likely to continue.

“The few (prisoners) we are holding, we are trying to see whether we can negotiate with them for the release of the Chibok girls,” Buhari said in an interview in Paris during a three-day visit to France.

“If the Boko Haram leadership eventually agrees to turn over the Chibok girls to us -- the complete number -- then we may decide to give them (the prisoners) amnesty.”

Boko Haram fighters stormed a school in the remote northeastern Nigerian town of Chibok on April 14 last year, seizing 276 girls who were preparing for end-of-year exams in an abduction that shocked the world. Fifty-seven escaped, but nothing has been heard of the 219 others since May last year, when about 100 of them appeared in a Boko Haram video. Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has since said they have all converted to Islam and been “married off ”.

Fraught with difficulties Buhari, who has promised to stamp out the group’s bloody sixyear insurgency, said the government would not release any prisoners unless it was convinced it could “get the girls in reasonably healthy condition”.

But he cautioned that negotiating with Boko Haram militants was fraught with difficulties.

“We are trying to establish if they are bona fide, how useful they are in Boko Haram, have they reached a position of leadership where their absence is of relevance to the operation of Boko Haram?” he said.

The insurgency, which has claimed more than 15,000 lives and forced 1.5 million others out of their homes, has intensified since Buhari came to power on May 29 on the back of a historic election victory. -AFP

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

538

out of a total of 598 valid members of Nepal’s constituent assembly are taking part in voting on the new constitution as 60 others belonging to the Madhesi parties are boycotting the vote.

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WORLD

VIOLENT PROTESTS

Security tightened in Nepal ahead of new charter unveiling KATHMANDU: Security has been tightened on Wednesday across Nepal, including in towns bordering India in the southern plains, following minor blasts in churches as the country prepares to unveil a long-awaited new secular constitution that has triggered violent protests.

Child among four killed On Tuesday, four persons including a four-year-old child were killed in police firing when clashes occurred in Rupandehi district in southeast Nepal.

On Wednesday three policemen were slightly injured as minor explosions occurred in churches in Jhapa district in eastern Nepal, Home Ministry spokesperson Laxmi Dhakal said.

The blasts came in the wake of Nepal’s parliament rejecting an amendment proposed by Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal in the Constituent Assembly seeking reinstatement of the country as a Hindu state. Clause-wise voting on the final draft of the constitution, to be unveiled on Sunday, continued for the fourth day in

the 601-member assembly on Wednesday as part of the constitution-making process.

Out of a total of 598 valid members of the assembly, only 538 members are taking part in the

voting as 60 others belonging to the Madhesi parties are boycotting the vote. The clashes in Rupandehi district which left four persons dead occurred when the agitating cadres of the minority organi-

sation Madhesi Front attacked trucks carrying goods from India and escorted by the police on a national highway.

The cargo was being transported during the indefinite general strike that has been enforced by the Madhesi parties in southern Nepal for more than a month. The Madhesi Front has been carrying out intensified protests in southern Nepal against the new constitution tabled in the Constituent Assembly that proposes to split Nepal into seven provinces as part of a federal state.

The main political parties now agree on seven federal states, but smaller parties and ethnic groups oppose either the number or the structure of the states. The monthlong violent protest campaign launched by the Madhesi Front and another minority organisation Tharuhat Struggle Committee in southern and western Nepal has so far claimed more than 40 lives.

The Madhesi parties are instead demanding an autonomous region in the southern Terai plains and more rights and representation for the Madhesi people. -PTI

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Antimony project to go on stream by 2017 The company has reached financial closure to develop a 20,000 tonne per annum antimony processing facility

Times News Service MUSCAT: Tri-Star Resources has reached financial closure to develop a 20,000 tonne per annum antimony processing facility in Oman and the construction work is expected to commence soon. Commercial production is expected by 2017, said Tri-Star Resources.

“I am delighted to announce that we have delivered on our commitment to the Oman antimony roaster (project) and with committed funds of $70 million

now in place, plant construction can commence,” said Emin Eyi, managing director.

The financial close of the deal follows the company’s announcement on Monday, when the developer of the project, Strategic & Precious Metals Processing, in which Tri-Star holds a 40 per cent stake, entered into an agreement for $40 million in debt funding to support work at the Oman antimony roaster project.

“This is a transformational transaction for Tri-Star, following many years of development,

and the project has substantial technical and economic potential.

It provides Tri-Star with direct exposure to an upstream conversion business with the prospects of healthy margins and cash flow once in production,” said Eyi. Second plant The board of Tri-Star Resources expressed confidence that Strategic & Precious Metals Processing and will also proceed to build

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

Oman signs multilateral pact to enhance GCC market integration Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman and other Gulf states have signed a multilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU) to achieve uniformity in laws and regulations in GCC stock markets. This will also help to enhance economic integration among GCC countries.

GCC Securities Commissions have signed a multilateral memorandum of understanding, which would act as regulatory framework in a move to enhance the relations among such bodies to facilitate exchange of information.

The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the sixth Ministerial Committee meeting of the chairmen of MAINTENANCE

Ministry floats road tenders Times News Service MUSCAT: Eight tenders for road maintenance in different parts of the country, including Dakliah, North Batinah, North Sharqiah and Musandam regions, have been floated by the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

The ministry has invited bids from excellent companies for the maintenance work, while only companies registered with the Tender Board is eligible for bidding some of the projects.

Three maintenance contracts are for paved roads in Dakliah, Sharqiyah and North Batinah regions and the first two are for annual maintenance, according to a Tender Board announcement.

Another five maintenance contracts are for track roads in North Dakliah, North Sharqiyah, North Batinah, Musandam and Dahirah regions of the Sultanate of Oman.

GCC securities commissions.

The MoU aims to create a framework to mutual cooperation, facilitating exchange of information among regulators and to ensure compliance with the securities laws and any other regulatory requirements as well as any commons areas contributing to investor protection and the integrity of the stock markets through exchange of information, assisting in investigations to the permitted extent further to enhancing cooperation in training and exchange of expertise.

The ministerial committee reviewed several issues including the briefing of the Secretariat General on the economic decision

of the Supreme Council in its 35th session and the recommendation on the standard rules for acquisition in the GCC markets as well as submitting the final amendments for offering of shares in the GCC stock markets for approval as guidance rules.

The Sultanate’s delegation to the meeting was chaired by Yahya Said Al Jabri, chairman of Duqm Special Economic Zone Authority. He is also the chairman of the Capital Market Authority.

The delegation comprised Abdullah Salim Al Salmi, executive president of the CMA; Ahmed Ali Al Mukhaini, economic expert at the office of the executive president among others.

a second processing facility at the project for refractory gold ores.

“We are confident that Strategic & Precious will also proceed to build a second processing facility for refractory gold ores, hence becoming a leading converter of difficult concentrates at a time when the industry requires more environmentally friendly and economical routes to metal,” the managing diector added. Tri-Star’s equity funding commitment of $6 million has been met through the application of the first two tranches, totalling $4 million, from the sale of intellectual property rights to Strategic & Precious, together with a further $2 million from TriStar’s own cash resources.

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

TENDER BOARD

Tenders valued at OMR13m awarded MUSCAT: Oman’s Tender Board on Wednesday awarded various projects, mainly water distribution works, with a total value of OMR12.89 million.

The major project contracts which were awarded include expansion of water distribution network (package one) in the wilayat of Bausher for OMR10.64 million, additional works to appoint a consultant for the revision and preparation of the possible claims on the consultant contract for Muscat, Salalah and other domestic airports (OMR401,820) and additional works for connecting the aerial communication devices with weather forecast devises through land and satellites (OMR378,000).

Tender Board meeting The Tender Board met under the chairmanship of Dr Rasheed bin Al Safi AlHuraibi, chairman of the Tender Board for awarding these projects.

Other projects were additional

works for water distribution networks in the wilayat of Sur in South Sharqiyah (OMR377,748), additional works for the expansion of water distribution network in the wilayat of Al Amerat in Governorate of Muscat (fist stage) (OMR308,377), additional networks for supplying technicians for the maintenance of equipment and devices at Ibra Hospital and at the health centers at the Governorate of North Sharqiyah (OMR295,874) and additional works for the maintenance of equipment and devices at Al Buraimi Hospital and at the health centers in the Governorate of Al Buraimi (OMR192,894).

Also, additional works for supplying technicians for the maintenance of equipment and devices at health centers in the Governorate of Musandam (OMR126,638), additional works for supplying technicians for the maintenance of equipment and devices at Al Nahdha Hospital (OMR122,505) and additional works. – ONA

B2

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

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

Hewlett-Packard says split will lead to job losses of 30,000

REORGANISATION: Losses will come as Hewlett-Packard splits into two separate units: one with a focus on personal computers and printers, and other on software and enterprise services. – Bloomberg News

SAN FRANCISCO: HewlettPackard (HP) has said an upcoming corporate split would lead to job losses of 25,000 to 30,000, on top of tens of thousands of cuts in recent months.

HP, a major player in the industry, has been undergoing a massive reorganisation to cope with the move away from traditional personal computers to mobile devices.

The move by Hewlett-Packard, the world’s second-largest PC maker and one of the biggest United States tech firms, is the latest in the sector based on the belief that tightly focused firms perform better.

The losses will come as the US tech giant splits into two separate units: one with a focus on personal computers and printers, and the other on software and enterprise

services. The new enterprise unit is seeking some $2 billion (€1.78 billion) in annual cost reductions, according to the outlook provided to analysts, plus $700 million in savings related to the spinoff.

Cost-cutting drive No timetable for the layoffs was given. In its last annual report, HP said it had some 302,000 employees at the end of 2014.

Since 2012, the company has been on a cost-cutting drive. Since then it has limited five per cent more than the goal of 55,000 jobs it set then through October of this year, chief financial officer Cathie Lesjak said last month. HP said Tuesday the new cuts will be the last ones.

“These restructuring activities

will enable a more competitive, sustainable cost structure for the new Hewlett Packard Enterprise,” said Meg Whitman, the HP chairman and chief executive who will head the unit after the split.

“Hewlett Packard Enterprise will be smaller and more focused than HP is today, and we will have a broad and deep portfolio of businesses that will help enterprises transition to the new style of business,” said Whitman.

Cloud computing “As a separate company, we are better positioned than ever to meet the evolving needs of our customers around the world.”

The new company will focus on cloud computing, servers, storage, networking and other technology

Asia set to surpass North America as richest region China and India represent 10% of global wealthy, and accounted for 17% of worldwide growth in new wealth since 2006

SINGAPORE: Asia Pacific millionaires are set to become the world’s richest next year, a report said on Wednesday, driven largely by wealthy individuals in India and China.

The combined wealth of Asia Pacific’s super rich will surpass its 2014 total of $15.8 trillion and overtake that of their North American counterparts — currently the world’s richest group with a shared wealth of $16.2 trillion last year, the study said.

The research by computer services consultancy Capgemini and RBC Wealth Management said the Asia Pacific region already had the largest number of high net worth individuals (HNWIs), with 4.69 million in 2014 against 4.68 million in North America.

HNWIs are those with investible money of at least $1 mil-

lion apart from the value of their homes and other collectibles.

“Looking further ahead, HNWI wealth is expected to expand more in Asia Pacific than in any other region of the world with much of the new wealth expected to come from the emerging economies of China, India, Indonesia and Thailand,” the firms’ Asia-Pacific Wealth Report 2015 said.

China and India “China and India, in particular, have propelled Asia Pacific HNWI wealth growth in recent years and are expected to continue to act as key drivers both in the region and globally,” the report said.

The report said China and India represent nearly 10 per cent of global HNWI wealth, and accounted for 17 per cent of the worldwide increase in new wealth

MILLIONAIRES WORLDWIDE: The combined wealth of Asia Pacific’s super rich will surpass its 2014 total of $15.8 trillion and overtake that of their North American counterparts — currently the world’s richest group. – Bloomberg News

since 2006. China had 890,000 millionaires with a total wealth of $4.5 trillion in 2014, up 17.5 per cent and 19.3 per cent, respectively, from a year earlier.

Globally, India recorded the fastest pace of growth in the num-

ber of millionaires — 26.3 per cent to 198,000 — while total wealth surged 28.2 per cent to $785 billion, the report added.

The “Asia Pacific continues its tremendous run in wealth creation and doesn’t appear to

be slowing down anytime soon,” said Barend Janssens, Asia head at RBC Wealth Management. He added that “despite some recent economic issues, the region’s wealth is expected to lead global growth”. - AFP

services, with the other unit HP Inc. keeping the personal computer and printer operations.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise will have more than $50 billion in annual revenue and “will be focused on delivering unrivaled integrated technology solutions” to companies, according to a recent company statement.

The split, set to be completed by the end of the fiscal year in late October, will take place as a taxfree distribution of shares to HP’s stockholders.

It breaks up a company formed in the 1930s by Stanford University graduates Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard to make electric equipment, and whose Palo Alto garage has been dubbed “the birthplace of Silicon Valley.” - AFP AUGUST

Euro area price growth slows to near-standstill FRANKFURT: Inflation in the euro area slowed almost to a standstill in August, adding to the challenges for the European Central Bank (ECB) in its efforts to revive price growth in the region.

Price growth in the 19-nation currency bloc decelerated to 0.1 per cent in August compared to a year earlier, after standing at 0.2 per cent in July, the European Union statistics office in Luxembourg said on Wednesday.

That reading is the lowest in four months, and compares to a preliminary reading on August 31 which estimated that inflation was 0.2 per cent in August.

ECB president Mario Draghi said this month that the central bank is ready to expand its quantitative-easing program if a decline in oil prices and a slowdown in emerging markets were to worsen the inflation outlook. Core inflation, which strips out volatile elements such as energy and food, also slowed to 0.9 per cent in August from 1 per cent in July.

Prices in the euro area have been almost stagnant since the ECB started its €1.1 trillion ($1.24 trillion) quantitative easing (QE) programme in March. Inflation rose to 0.3 per cent in May before slowing to 0.2 per cent in the following months. - Bloomberg News

ENERGY MARKET

Oil rises on second day amid signs of falling US stockpiles MELBOURNE: Oil rose for a second day as the United States industry data showed crude stockpiles declined in the world’s biggest consumer.

Futures climbed as much as 1.3 per cent in New York. Inventories fell by 3.13 million barrels last week, the American Petroleum Institute was said to have reported. Government data which was due on Wednesday forecast to show a gain of 2 million barrels, according to a survey.

Venezuelan proposals for a summit between the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and non-Opec nations to bolster prices are “advancing,” FLUCTUATIONS: Oil has fluctuated since slumping below $40 Foreign Minister Delcy Rodri- a barrel more than three weeks ago as concern about China’s guez said after talks with Saudi growth fuelled volatility in markets. - Times file picture Arabian officials.

Oil has fluctuated since slumpslow “considerably” on low oil ing below $40 a barrel more than US supplies three weeks ago as concern about Brent for November settlement prices, Fatih Birol, executive diChina’s growth fuelled volatility gained as much as 34 cents, or rector at the International Energy in markets. Prices are down about 0.7 per cent, to $48.09 a barrel on Agency, said in an interview in 26 per cent from this year’s clos- the London-based ICE Futures Tokyo on Wednesday.

US shale oil production will ing peak in June amid a global glut Europe exchange. The October that’s even bigger than Goldman contract expired Tuesday after drop 9 per cent in 2016 as crude prices below $50 a barrel “slams climbing 26 cents to $46.63.

Sachs first thought.

Crude stockpiles at Cushing, breaks” on years of supply growth, “There’s volatility and there’s still a glut,” Jonathan Barratt, the Oklahoma, the delivery point for the IEA said in a separate monthchief investment officer at Ayers WTI contracts and the biggest oil- ly market report Friday.

Venezuela is seeking a fair price Alliance Securities in Sydney, storage hub in the US, declined by said by phone. “The leveraged 1.5 million barrels through Septem- for oil that will support economic Opec nations are still having is- ber 11, the API in Washington re- growth and energy demand, Oil sues and that’s not going away ported, according to ForexLive and Minister Eulogio Del Pino said in a person familiar with the numbers. an interview at Tuesday’s meetanytime soon.” ing between Venezuela and Saudi West Texas Intermediate for Arabian officials in Caracas. The October delivery rose as much as Shale slowdown 59 cents to $45.18 a barrel on the Stockpiles expanded to 458 mil- price floor Venezuela is suggestNew York Mercantile Exchange lion barrels through September ing would be analysed every quarand was at $44.89 in Sydney. 4, according to the Energy Infor- ter, he added. – Bloomberg News The contract climbed 59 cents to mation Administration. The third weekly increase in nationwide $44.59 on Tuesday.

The volume of all futures trad- supplies projected by the survey HAVE YOUR SAY ed was about 50 per cent below will keep US inventories more Send us your comments at facebook.com/timesofoman than 100 million barrels above the the 100-day average.

Prices have decreased 16 per five-year average. blog.timesofoman.com The US shale boom is likely to cent this year. haveyoursay@timesofoman.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

B3

MARKET BRIEFS

Oman National Engineering sells holding in Omnivest MUSCAT: Oman National Engineering & Investment Company has sold 2,500,000 (50 per cent of its holding) of the shares it owned in Oman International Development and Investment Company (Ominvest). The trade value amounted to OMR1,165,000, according to an MSM filing.

Al Jazeira Services to study stake sale proposal MUSCAT: Board of directors of Al Jazeira Services at its meeting on Tuesday, discussed the preliminary offer received from a party from Oman to acquire the entire stake of 36.99 per cent in Al Anwar Ceramic Tiles at a price of 370 baisas per share, according to a stock market filing. The board has decided to study the offer.

Construction firms in GCC continue to hire employees With public sector spending under pressure due to lower crude oil prices, award of new construction projects has slowed down

Times News Service

Oman National Engineering bags Sumail contract MUSCAT: Mazoon Electricity has awarded Oman National Engineering & Investment Company a contract to construct the 33KV feeder from Sumail grid station to Sumail Industrial Areas 1 & 2 sub-stations at Sumail Wallyat- Dakhlia Province (Tender 33/2015) for the sum of OMR1,227,996, said a company filing to the Muscat Securities Market.

Citigroup sees fall in revenue NEW YORK: Citigroup Inc. chief financial officer John Gerspach said third-quarter trading revenue will decline from a year earlier. Comparisons to 2014 were made difficult by last year’s strong September, he said.

-Times News Service/Agencies

MUSCAT: Construction companies across the Gulf region continue to seek talent for their projects, according to a panel of company directors from the construction sector who have spoken at a leading industry event held in Dubai.

According to the panel, the UAE remains the easiest market for hiring expatriate talent, while Saudi Arabia is the most challenging. One panel member reported having to decline lucrative projects in Saudi Arabia, due to not having sufficient staff. As a result, construction professionals are offered the region’s highest salaries in Saudi Arabia.

The Middle East region, as a whole, remains an attractive destination for construction professionals globally, according to the panel, especially in the context of a slowdown in Asia and other emerging markets.

For employers targeting this pool, the rising cost of living in the region, especially housing and

ON SOILD GROUND: According to GulfTalent panel, the UAE remains the easiest market for hiring expatriate talent, while Saudi Arabia is the most challenging. – Bloomberg News

school fees, is a concern, exacerbated by recent cuts in subsidies.

Media coverage of armed conflict in parts of the region had heightened perceptions of regional risk among some potential candidates, some employers reported, although overall interest in the region remained strong.

Visa restrictions Several employers present reported facing challenges in filling their vacancies due to restrictions on employment of certain nationalities in parts of the Gulf region.

While over the long run, they could switch to alternative sources of talent, they found it particularly challenging when such policy changes were introduced at short notice. One speaker de-

OPEX EVENT

scribed the challenge of adapting to changing visa legislation as ‘following a moving target’.

The event was organised by regional online recruitment firm, GulfTalent, and held in Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai.

It was attended by over 50 delegates, including chief executive officers, human resource directors and other senior executives from the region’s largest construction companies and related advisory firms.

The discussion panel consisted of senior executives from Amana Contracting, Arcadis EC Harris, Laing O’Rourke, Al Tamimi & Company, as well as GulfTalent.

The panel found that with public sector spending under pressure from lower oil prices, award

of new construction projects had slowed down. However, previously awarded projects were continuing without impact, according to a press release.

As a result, the sector is facing a continued need for skilled staff across most roles and specialisations, albeit at a more moderate growth pace than a year ago.

Gulf nationals On the subject of attracting local talent, firms faced the biggest challenge in Saudi Arabia and Oman, where nationalisation targets are higher and are most rigorously enforced. Panelists cited an ‘inaccurate’ image of the construction sector among nationals as a key obstacle to attracting them, on top of the general short-

age of skilled nationals in the engineering domain. One speaker said: “For many young people, image of a career in construction is someone pouring concrete on a hot day, whereas in reality our roles are much more diverse. The private sector, the industry associations and the governments all need to work together to change such perceptions.”

The panel also complained that the region’s construction sector was not investing sufficiently in the development of young talent.

This was driven in part by the extreme competitiveness of the market and high price-sensitivity of clients. The ‘project-based’ nature of the construction business in the region made it even harder to plan for the long term and invest in developing talent over many years.

As a result, graduate programmes were far less prevalent in the Gulf than in other parts of the world.

Instead, many construction firms rely heavily on rapid hiring of experienced staff on a ‘just-intime’ basis when they win projects, and trimming down staff numbers quickly when projects come to an end.

The event organiser, GulfTalent, is a leading online recruitment portal used by over 6,000 employers in the Middle East across different industries, including construction, providing them access to over 5 million professionals, covering both local and expatriate talent.

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FINANCIAL REPORTING

Omani product exhibitors in Saudi Arabia felicitated Times News Service MUSCAT: Omani Products Exhibition (OPEX) Committee, the exhibitors who participated at OPEX Jeddah, were felicitated on Wednesday in a grand award ceremony held under the auspices of Dr Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, minister of commerce and industry, at Crowne Plaza Hotel Muscat.

The last edition of OPEX Jeddah was organised in Saudi Arabia from May 18 to 21 at the Jeddah Centre for Forum and Events. The exhibition saw participation of 120 exhibitors comprising Omani exporters and export promotion bodies.

The exhibition had over 3,000 visitors and the objectives of the exhibition was to boost exports to new markets by introducing Omani manufacturers to importers, agents, wholesale and other dealers.

The exhibition is organised by a government committee formed by Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE), Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (Ithraa) and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI). OPEX Jeddah 2015 was the fourth exhibition held annually following OPEX Dubai in 2014, OPEX Doha in 2013 and OPEX Riyadh in 2012.

The best stand award was given to Al Nasr Group of Companies, Omani Foodstuff Factory and Al Anwar Ceramic Tiles. The three companies participated with large bespoke stands which displayed high quality Omani products.

Exhibition had over 3,000 visitors and the objectives of the event were to boost exports to new markets by introducing Omani manufacturers to importers, wholesalers and dealers.

SME exhibitors The best small medium enterprises (SMEs) exhibitor award went to Al Shoala Perfumes and the best handicraft award went to two participants Al Husn Perfumes and Al Mur Huser Manufacturing.

The OPEX Jeddah Award ceremony was attended by various government officials, Omani manufacturers and prominent businessmen.

The sponsors of the exhibition also received appreciation award for their support to development of Omani exports. OPEX Jeddah 2015 gold sponsors were Al Nasr Marble, Omantel, Saud Bahwan Group, Areej Vegetable Oils and Derivatives, Poly Products (Raha), Oman

Food Stuff Factory, Al Ajmi Marble.

The bronze sponsors were Public Authority for Small Medium Enterprise Development, Export Credit Guarantee Agency of Oman, United Engineering Services, Oman Oil Marketing Company, Oman Arab Bank, Al Anwar Ceramic Tiles, Oman LNG. Awards to companies The official logistics company was Al Madina Logistics. The event was managed by ACE Exhibitions - Saudi and Tafani Events and Research - Oman.

All exhibitors were awarded a certificate of appreciation and the event ended as a celebration of the success OPEX achieved in Saudi Arabia and the previous years. The manufacturers including industrial, SMEs and handicrafts see this exhibition as the most powerful and largest government vehicle to boost Omani products exports to new markets.

Eng. Basim bin Ali Al Nassri, director general of Marketing for PEIE said, “OPEX has achieved its objective in increasing exports to new markets, introducing industrial companies in agro food, building material, industrial products, fast moving consumer goods to markets which have the highest potential for growth. The exhibition also had participation of small medium companies and Omani handicraft companies.”

The next OPEX exhibition is expected to be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in April 2016.

BOOK RELEASE: ‘IFRS – A review of the Standards’, was released by Saeed Mohamed Al Shadchan as he handed over a copy to Davis Kallukaran, managing partner, Crowe Horwath Oman. - Supplied picture

Professionals get update on financial reporting standards Times News Service MUSCAT: A series of training sessions on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), organised by Crowe Horwath to update finance professionals in Oman, has concluded at Hormuz Grand Hotel Muscat.

The training sessions, inaugurated by Saeed Mohamed Al Shidhani, vice president for financial services and operations at Central Bank of Oman (CBO), was attended by finance professionals from the banking and non-banking institutions and other business entities.

“This year, we thought it would be appropriate to conduct a separate two days (of ) IFRS session

dedicated to finance professionals working in the banking and non-banking companies as well as from brokerage houses and exchange companies,” said P. R. Pillai, director, banking advisory services at Horwath Mak Ghazali, the Oman member firm of Crowe Horwath International.

Across the globe Crowe Horwath is currently operating from 126 countries through over 700 offices and about 31,000 staff and partners across the globe.

A book, ‘IFRS - A review of the Standards’, compiled by Crowe Horwath International Accounting and Auditing director David Chitty and published by Hor-

wathMak, was also released on the occasion by the chief guest Saeed Al Shidhani.

In his foreword, Michael Armstrong, ICAEW regional director for Middle East, said, “At a time when businesses are being challenged to implement new international standards on financial instruments, revenue recognition and the soon to be released leasing, and while the middle East’s largest economy Saudi Arabia moves to complete its IFRS convergence project for listed companies by 2017, this guide could hardly be more timely.”

The second two-day training session was attended by financial experts and accountants from various business entities in Oman.

B4

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

MARKET MSM index ends higher

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................5,778.97 ...............5,772.39 ....................5,777.53 ...................5,772.80.................... 4.73 ...................0.08 Financial Index .................................... 6,942.13 ...............6,914.41 ................... 6,942.13 ................... 6,914.41..................27.72 ...................0.40 Industrial Index ....................................7,418.98 ...............7,395.84 ................... 7,395.84 .................... 7,417.31................-21.47 .................. -0.29 Services Index ...................................... 3,234.10 .............. 3,225.23 ................... 3,225.23 .................. 3,234.20.................. -8.97 .................. -0.28 MSM SHARIAH INDEX....................... 913.54 ...................911.33 ....................... 911.33 .......................913.43.................. -2.10 .................. -0.23 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 7,943,617 .....................2,372,131 .....................548 ............... 14,529,481,353 .................. 7 ......................13 .................... 17 .........................37

The top gainer was Al Madina Investment, up by 3.57 per cent, while the top loser was Port

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

Services, down 8.61 per cent 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

MUSCAT: Gains in financial sector led the MSM 30 Index to close at 5,777.53 points, marginally up by 0.08 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index closed at 911.33 points, down by 0.23 per cent.

Renaissance Services was the most active in terms of volume, while Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) led in terms of turnover. Wednesday’s top gainer was Al Madina Investment, up by 3.57 per cent, while the top loser was Port Services, down by 8.61 per cent.

As many as 548 trades were executed in the trading session generating turnover of OMR2.3 million with over 7.9 million shares changing hands. Out of 37 traded securities, 7 advanced, 13 declined and 17 remained unchanged.

Foreign investors were net buyers to the tune of OMR84,000 followed by GCC and Arab investors at OMR11,000. Omani investors, who were net sellers, sold shares amounting to OMR95,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index advanced 0.40 per cent to close at 6,942.13 points. Al Madina Investments, Al Anwar Holding, Ominvest, Al Madina Takaful and Bank Sohar gained 3.57 per cent, 2.87 per cent, 1.29 per cent, 1.16 per cent and 0.60 per cent, respectively.

Oman & Emirates Holding and Al Sharqia Investments declined by1.92 per cent and 1.74 per cent, respectively.

Industrial Index retreated 0.29 per cent to end the session at 7,395.84 points. Al Anwar Ceramics, Oman Flour Mills, Voltamp Energy and National Aluminium declinedby 2.29 per cent, 1.63 per cent, 0.96 per cent and 0.46 per cent, respectively.

Services Index closed at 3,225.23 points, down by 0.28 per cent. OIFC and Sembcorp Salalah advanced by 1.82 per cent and 0.39 per cent, respectively. Port

Services, Al Jazeera Services, Renaissance Services, Phoenix Power and ACWA Power declined by 8.61 per cent, 2.49 per cent, 1.25 per cent, 0.67 per cent and 0.48 per cent, respectively.

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

OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 655,258 ............37,967..................... 37 ........... 0.057 ...........0.058 ...........0.057........... 0.058 .............0.056 ........... 0.002............. 3.571 ................0.058..............0.057...................0.059................... 12,014,780 .........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 1,322,569 ......236,974................... 114 ............0.175 ........... 0.183 ...........0.175 ............0.179 ............. 0.174............ 0.005............. 2.874 ................0.179 .............. 0.179...................0.180...................26,863,425.........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.................36,811 ...............6,184......................11 ............0.168 ........... 0.170 ...........0.166 ............0.168 ............. 0.165............ 0.003..............1.818.................0.166 ..............0.166...................0.168...................33,600,000.........0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST ...................................................................... 57,853 .............27,307........................2 ........... 0.472 ........... 0.472 ...........0.472........... 0.472 .............0.466 ........... 0.006............. 1.288 ................0.472..............0.470...................0.480 .................260,950,695 .......0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL...............................................52,257 ...............4,536........................8 ........... 0.087 ...........0.087 ...........0.086........... 0.087 .............0.086 ............0.001 ..............1.163.................0.086..............0.086...................0.087...................15,225,000 .........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 100,000 ........... 16,800........................1 ............0.168 ........... 0.168 ...........0.168 ............0.168 ............. 0.167.............0.001 ............. 0.599 ................0.168 ..............0.166...................0.170..................242,161,920........0.100

Emerging stocks rally Emerging-market assets jumped, with the benchmark equities index rising to the highest level this month and currencies set for the longest rally since early 2014, as Chinese shares rallied in the last hour of trading and investors awaited the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decision.

The Shanghai Composite Index surged 4.9 percent as technology shares led a rebound for companies beaten down during a $5 trillion rout. Samsung Electronics climbed to a four-week high in Seoul, while Russia’s Micex Index climbed the most among its Eastern European peers. Benchmark indexes in South Africa and Dubai added at least 1.8 per cent each. The ruble rose with the Turkish lira, trimming losses in September.

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index added 1.8 per cent to 821.28 in New York. The US retail sales rose for a second month in August, signaling the resilience of American consumers before the Federal Reserve’s policy decision on Thursday. Traders see a 32 per cent chance of an increase in borrowing costs, up from as low as 26 per cent but still below the 50 per cent odds before China’s yuan devaluation last month.

All 10 industry groups in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index advanced, led by a gauge of technology companies, which jumped 2.5 per cent. The developingnation stock gauge has dropped 14 percent this year and trades at 10.8 times its estimated 12month earnings. MSCI World Index has lost 4 per cent in the period. – United Securities/Bloomberg News

OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH............................................... 48,424 .......... 124,019..................... 28 ........... 2.560 ...........2.570 ...........2.560........... 2.560 .............2.550 ............0.010 ............. 0.392 ................2.570..............2.570...................2.580 .................244,370,419........1.000 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS ............................................................ 24,060 ............... 7,706........................4 ........... 0.322 ...........0.322 ...........0.320........... 0.320 .............0.320 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.322..............0.320...................0.322 ..................16,000,000.........0.100 OM0000001509............DHOFAR INT.DEV.AND INV. HOLD........................ 6,685 ............... 2,741........................1 ............0.410 ........... 0.410 ...........0.410........... 0.410 .............0.410............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.410 ............. 0.000...................0.420 .................101,024,000........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ................3,800 .................. 954........................3 ............0.251 ........... 0.251 ...........0.251 ............0.251 ............. 0.251............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.251 .............. 0.251...................0.260 ................... 5,271,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002275 ...........SHELL OMAN MARKETING ...................................79,052 .......... 162,057........................6 ........... 2.050 ...........2.050 ...........2.050........... 2.050 .............2.050 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.050..............2.030...................2.050 .................194,750,000........0.100 OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE .......................................................73,790 ............... 9,154........................3 ............0.124 ........... 0.125 ...........0.124........... 0.124 .............0.124 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.125 .............. 0.125...................0.132...................38,534,853 .........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ......................................................................43 .....................22........................1 ........... 0.506 ...........0.506 ...........0.506........... 0.508 .............0.508 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.506..............0.506...................0.508 ............... 1,164,245,879 ......0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 426,048 ........... 43,845......................18 ............0.103 ........... 0.104 ...........0.101 ........... 0.103 .............0.103............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.102..............0.102...................0.103.................... 6,060,851 ..........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 188,665.............17,608..................... 28 ........... 0.092 ........... 0.095 ...........0.092........... 0.093 .............0.093 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.093..............0.093...................0.094 ..................26,968,199 .........0.100 OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER..............................................................10,560 ...............3,590........................2 ........... 0.340...........0.340 ...........0.340 .......... 0.340 .............0.340 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.340............. 0.340...................0.344 ..................75,143,400 .........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 245,733 .........183,004......................41 ............0.744 ........... 0.748 ...........0.744........... 0.744 .............0.744............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.748 ..............0.744...................0.748................. 484,302,507 .......0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 155,147 ............ 32,875........................8 ............0.211 ........... 0.212 ...........0.211 ........... 0.212 .............0.212 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.212............. 0.208...................0.212..................151,454,144 ........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ................................................. 50,000 ............24,900........................4 ........... 0.498 ...........0.498 ...........0.498........... 0.498 .............0.498 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.498..............0.494...................0.498...................26,145,000 .........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 226,750 ......... 370,156......................15 ............1.630 ........... 1.635............1.630 ............1.630 ............. 1.635............-0.005 ........... -0.306 ...............1.630 .............. 1.630...................1.635 ................1,222,500,000......0.100 OM0000001319 ............NATIONAL ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS ............. 275,000 ............59,875........................5 ........... 0.220...........0.220 ...........0.217 ........... 0.218 .............0.219............-0.001 ........... -0.457 ...............0.217 .............. 0.215...................0.217.....................7,318,576 ..........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER..................................................30,752 ...............6,539........................2 ............0.213 ........... 0.213 ...........0.212........... 0.213 .............0.214 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.467 ...............0.212..............0.212...................0.213.................. 143,751,023 ........0.100 OM0000003141 ............ACWA POWER BARKA ............................................. 329,633 .........272,936........................2 ........... 0.828 ...........0.828 ...........0.828........... 0.828 .............0.832 ...........-0.004 ........... -0.481................0.828..............0.752...................0.828 .................132,480,000 .......0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY .....................................................23,632 ............... 9,745........................9 ............0.410 ........... 0.418 ...........0.410........... 0.412 ............. 0.416............-0.004 ........... -0.962 ...............0.418 ..............0.410...................0.418...................24,926,000 ........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 1,472,524 ......232,065..................... 50 ............0.160 ........... 0.160 ...........0.157 ............0.158 .............0.160 ...........-0.002 ........... -1.250 ...............0.160..............0.160...................0.162...................45,922,861 .........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ........... 110,596 .............12,532......................16 ............0.115 ........... 0.115............0.112 ............0.113 ............. 0.115 ............-0.002 ............-1.739................0.113 .............. 0.112................... 0.113 ...................10,170,000 .........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 200,000...........20,400........................6 ............0.102 ........... 0.102 ...........0.102........... 0.102 .............0.104 ...........-0.002 ........... -1.923................0.102..............0.102...................0.105...................12,431,250 .........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ............................... 673,261..........229,636..................... 36 ........... 0.350 ...........0.350 ...........0.340 .......... 0.342 .............0.350 ...........-0.008 ........... -2.286 ...............0.340..............0.332...................0.340 .................101,305,079 ........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES .......................................... 336,356 ..........131,534..................... 34 ........... 0.394 ...........0.394 ...........0.384........... 0.392 .............0.402 ...........-0.010 ........... -2.488 ...............0.386..............0.386...................0.394 ..................23,992,075.........0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ....................... 137,000.............18,879......................13 ............0.142 ........... 0.142 ...........0.136 ............0.138 ............. 0.151 ............-0.013 ........... -8.609 ...............0.136 ............. 0.000...................0.143................... 13,115,520 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 7,352,259 .. 2,306,539...................508 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......30........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. ...................... 2,628 .....................89........................1 ........... 0.034 ...........0.034 ...........0.034........... 0.036 .............0.036 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.034..............0.034...................0.035....................3,060,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002580 ...........OMAN EDU. & TRIN. INV. HOLDING...................... 6,579 ...............1,023........................2 ............0.155 ........... 0.160 ...........0.155 ............0.155 ............. 0.155............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.160 ............. 0.000...................0.160...................10,850,000 .........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 276,871............. 17,154........................9 ............0.061 ...........0.062 ...........0.061 ........... 0.062 .............0.062 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.062..............0.061...................0.062 ..................93,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK..................................................2,400 ...................166........................1 ........... 0.069 ...........0.069 ...........0.069........... 0.070 .............0.070 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.069..............0.065...................0.069...................70,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 279,924 ........... 41,820..................... 23 ............0.150 ........... 0.150 ...........0.149 ........... 0.149 .............0.150............-0.001 ........... -0.667 ...............0.149 ..............0.149...................0.150.................. 217,927,618 ........0.100 OM0000001400 ...........OMAN FLOUR MILLS ...................................................8,200 ...............3,952........................2 ........... 0.482 ...........0.482 ...........0.482........... 0.482 .............0.490 ...........-0.008 ............-1.633................0.482..............0.482...................0.490 ..................75,915,000 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 576,602 ...........64,205..................... 38 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 6........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BONDS MARKET .................................................................................................................................................................................

OM0000005971 ............B.MUSCAT COMPL. CONVR. B.B.3.5 ..................... 14,756 ............... 1,387........................2 ........... 0.094 ...........0.094 ...........0.094........... 0.094 .............0.094 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.094..............0.094...................0.096................... 30,471,192 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................... 14,756 ............... 1,387........................2 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. .........1........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

LABOUR DISPUTE

INDIAN MARKETS

Sensex gains; rupee declines Fiat Chrysler reaches tentative MUMBAI: India's benchmark BSE Sensex on Wednesday surged by 258 points to 25,963.97 on selective buying in blue-chips like Bharti Airtel, Sun Pharma and Bajaj Auto as investors are betting that the United States Fed will not raise interest rates this week in view of Chinese financial crisis.

US Fed meeting All eyes are now on the crucial

two-day US Fed meeting, where the rate-setters are going to take a call on raising the borrowing costs.

After opening in the positive zone, the 30-share Sensex barometer rose further to regain the 26,000-level and hit a high of 26,006.75 in afternoon trade. But it failed to sustain momentum due to profit-booking at higher levels and slumped to 25,816.50, before settling higher by 258.04 points or 1

per cent at 25,963.97 — its highest closing since August 31. Extending losses for second consecutive day, the rupee slipped by 10 paise to close at 66.46 against US dollar on persistent demand for dolalr from banks and importers. Domestic unit resumed lower at 66.40 as against Tuesday's closing of 66.36 at forex market. It hovered in a range of 66.3450 to 66.5075 during the day before ending at 66.46. - PTI

agreement with auto workers MICHIGAN: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the United Auto Workers reached a tentative agreement on a new contract that will be presented to members to vote on. The union will next seek deals with GM and Ford.

UAW president Dennis Williams and Fiat Chrysler chief executive officer Sergio Marchionne hugged at a news on conference Tuesday night in Detroit to celebrate the agreement, but they wouldn’t give much detail about the pact before union members had a chance to see it. They suggested the accord addresses the rising cost of health care, creates a “path” for entry-level workers to prosper and eventually does away with the tiered-wage structure that created tension in the union.

“That issue will go away,” Marchionne said to reporters. “It will go away over time.” The tentative agreement will be presented to the union’s executive board on Wednesday morning for review before local leaders take the de-

tails to their members and schedule votes, Williams said.

“We believe we have met the goals,” he said. “But ultimately our membership will make the final decision.” The solutions the UAW and Fiat Chrysler came up with could serve “as a model for the U.S. to compete in the global economy,” said Harley Shaiken, a labor professor at the University of California at Berkeley.

“This is an important moment,” he said in an interview. “This marks a return to an industry that is competitive globally and in which workers are sharing in those gains.”

Bucking tradition The union usually reaches a deal with one company first, often the strongest, in hopes of setting a template for pay and benefits for the other two Detroit automakers to follow. This year, the UAW bucked that tradition, choosing the weakest of the three after Fiat Chrysler laid bare its need for a merger

partner. Williams didn’t say which automaker would be next.

GM and Ford Because Fiat Chrysler is smaller and less profitable than General Motors and Ford Motor, the union may not have gotten as lucrative of a deal as it could have with a stronger company. By starting with Marchionne, Williams may have ensured that he forged an agreement the other two companies could accept — and make it less likely that the union would have to reach significantly different accords with GM and Ford.

Williams suggested Tuesday night that the agreement with Fiat Chrysler won’t be a pure template for Ford and GM. “I don’t want anyone to think we’re not looking at the other companies and the amount of money that they’ve made,” Williams said. The auto talks will set terms for more than 140,000 workers, representing $17 billion in wages. - Bloomberg News

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ROUND-UP

Nissan Altima comes with irresistible offers If you’ve never driven an Altima before, get ready to have your notion of a mid-size sedan redefined

MUSCAT: The Nissan Altima, which breaks new ground for the mid-size sedan segment is handsdown the most engaging vehicle in its class. And if you’ve never driven an Altima before, get ready to have your notion of a mid-size sedan redefined.

Nissan from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles has been receiving rave reviews on its seasonal offers on sedan models that last till October 16. Its exclusive vehicle promotions are enticing and one-of-a-kind, promising unlimited benefits to valued patrons.

Nissan has a heritage of showcasing some of the most amazing benefits for its customers by introducing unique offers on its prestigious line-up of vehicles. In an effort to make Nissan vehicles affordable and accessible to all, Suhail Bahwan Automobiles has taken up this unique initiative, says a press release.

Unique benefits Auto enthusiasts can now avail exciting benefits on the Nissan Altima 2.5L and 3.5L that include cash gift up to OMR750, free service for two years or 20,000km (periodic maintenance only), free registration, six years unlimited mileage warranty and easy and convenient financing options. Flexible EMI’s can also be tailor made for any individual requirement from inhouse Auto Finance team.

Altima features include: Remote engine starter in mid and top grades: Nissan vehicles are known to offer smoother ride comfort, more refinement and benchmark fit and finish, while delivering breathtaking performance and road-holding. Their ‘multidimensional performance’ means the driver can enjoy the full depth of a Nissan’s capabilities whether navigating the corners of a winding mountain road, cruising on a motorway or even travelling in an urban environment.

The Altima comes with the Nissan Intelligent Key that allows the owners to drive in comfort and style regardless of the rising tem-

peratures of the Sultanate. The Nissan Intelligent Key allows drivers with a tap of a button on the door handle or trunk to unlock them, while the keys stay inside a pocket or purse. Drivers can start a car from up to 60 metres away with the Remote Engine Start System.

This convenient solution lets drivers cool down the vehicle before it’s time to get in, provided they set the climate control functions when they step out.

Standard tyre pressure monitoring system: Smart technologies are designed to help monitor conditions like a warning to let the driver know about straying lane, or a system that helps ensure they are travelling on properly inflated tyres. Standard tyre pressure monitoring system with easy-fill tyre alert lets drivers know when a tyre is low and the easy-fill tyre alert takes the guess work out of filling tires with a beep of the horn when they have reached the correct pressure.

The Altima 2.5 SL grade comes with NissanConnect: This uses hands-free technology, smartphone, and Nissan’s display screen to help customers stay in touch with the outside world from inside their vehicle. It is loaded with features and compatibility with a growing list of apps that lets you play your music, keep tabs on your social network, and navigate any city like a local. Other features include sunroof, blind spot warning, moving object detection, lane departure warning, paddle shifter, 8-way power driver seat and 2 way lumbar support, LED Type tail lamp, xenon projector headlamps, leather seats and premium trim console and door.

Reverse Sensor (flush type): A seamless sensor designed at the rear bumper of the vehicle makes the Altima look sleek.

Safety shield technologies In addition to its many other func-

tions, the Advanced Drive-Assist Display can be linked to three new available safety features – Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Moving Object Detection (MOD) – typically offered only on more upscale vehicle and first time in the segment.

Thanks to the use of the systems’ advanced next-generation rear view camera, the BSW, LDW and MOD are integrated and intuitive.

are offered to passengers including USB for iPod and compatible devices, aux-input and a Bluetooth Streaming Audio and hands-free phone connectivity.

The Navigation system is similarly packed with a rich range of features and is incredibly easy to use with its 7.0-inch touch-screen, 3D-effect map views, and turn-byturn navigation integrated into the Advanced Drive-Assist Display.

Best-in-class seat comfort In the desire to help reduce the fatigue experienced during long commutes or extended road trips, Nissan turned to seating and posture from zero-gravity research.

According to this research, the least fatiguing seats are those that come closest to a ‘neutral posture’ – a relaxed position that the human body takes in a weightless environment.

Altima seats help reduce muscular and spinal loads, and improve blood flow – thereby helping reduce fatigue over long periods behind the wheel. Seat surface perforations provide increased ventilation, breathability and comfort.

Altima’s Remote Engine Start gives the driver the power to start the car engine and switch on the AC from as far as 60 metres. With it vehicle owners can also lock or unlock doors, and open the trunk.

Coupled with plush interiors and revolutionary technologies like push button ignition, dual zone automatic temperature control and more, the Nissan Altima is designed to give passengers a comfortable driving experience that’s simple out of the world.

Dynamic driving Building on Altima’s reputation for superior dynamic performance, the Altima offers a redefined multilink rear suspension benchmarked to leading European sports sedans.

Responsive steering is provided by a new Electronic Hydraulic Power-Assisted Steering (EHPS) system that preserves the feel of hydraulic steering rack while offering the efficiencies of an electric power steering set-up.

Nissan Altima’s 4-wheel powerassisted disc brake system was also re-engineered utilising human ergonomic studies to optimise pedal travel and force, providing a premium blend of immediate response, confident braking and reduced fatigue. Anti-lock Braking System and Electronic Brake force Distribution are standard.

A refined vehicle in its own right, the Nissan Altima aims to attract a wider audience with its contemporary good looks, eye-catching exterior colour range, spacious and fashionable interior, in addition to a powerful high performance engine and a range of other options to make city driving easier Suhail Bahwan Automobiles offers wide range of after sales service with modern technology and state-of-the-art facilities in strategic locations. Their practice of Total Ownership Experience and customer-centric approach will ensure that customers of the Nissan Altima are given par excellence professional services for all car related needs.

Attractive multimedia The Altima Audio system includes an AM/FM/CD design with RDS, MP3, and six speakers. A Bose Premium Audio System is available with nine speakers (including woofers), designed in collaboration with Bose engineers to deliver a richer sound and acoustics experience. Three connectivity levels

B5

TRANSFORMING OMANI BUSINESS

Seminar on lean management to be held on October 8 MUSCAT: SSA Business Solutions, in association with Orbit Events Management, Oman, is organising a half day seminar on 'Transforming Omani Business Profitability Through Lean Management' on October 8 at Crowne Plaza, Qurum, says a press release.

Lean, simply put, is a war on ‘waste’. This means anything that does not add value must go.

A company pursuing Lean aims to achieve ‘flow’ in every activity right from customer requirement gathering to order fulfilment and cut down lead time and cost by eliminating wasteful activities i.e. activities that add burden of time and cost but add no value as perceived by customers.

Born at Ford in the early 1900s and later perfected by Toyota, Lean played a crucial role in Japan’s post World War II economic miracle and to this day is at the heart of Japan’s manufacturing competitiveness. Some of the benefits of lean are simplification of processes and dramatic reduction in lead-time, significant increase in productivity, improvement in quality and inventory turnover resulting in superior customer satisfaction and higher return on investment due to superior asset utilisation. Though born in the manufacturing industry, today lean is the mainstay in virtually every sector and has transcended across diverse industries ranging from banking to logistics, and trading and project management organisations.

New concept According to N. C. Narayanan, founder chairman of SSA Business Solutions, “Sustained low oil prices in recent times combined with weak investor sentiments worldwide pose a significant threat to global economies and in particular to economies in GCC. The question today on every CEO's mind is how to remain competitive amidst such ardent challenges, and how can Omani businesses continue to flourish in these difficult times? The answer may just lie in the proven

principles of ‘Lean Management’.

Though lean is relatively new to Oman, its early adopters have reported dramatic results in toning up their businesses in terms of higher capacity utilisation, faster response time to customers, greater employee productivity and morale and overall superior return on investment.”

Improvement principles This seminar will focus on timetested continuous improvement principles of lean and explore their relevance to Oman. The seminar will also involve talks by leaders from organisations that have immensely benefited from embracing these methods, especially in Oman.

SSA is an award-winning management consultancy headquartered in Mumbai, India with a footprint across 20 countries in Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. Founded in 1999 by NC Narayanan, a renowned management guru with a quest to help Indian industries become worldclass, SSA’s mission today is global as they work with diverse business worldwide helping them achieve their business objective and goals. Here in Oman, SSA is consulting leading groups such as Al Hassan, Voltamp Transformers and Mustafa Sultan Enterprises to name a few.

Orbit Events Management is an Omani SME creating a niche for itself in the space of corporate, social and cultural events.

Entry to this seminar is exclusive and by invitation only.

PREFERRED CHOICE

Daewoo K7 & K8: The best choice for cargo, crane applications

B U S I N E S S E X PA N S I O N

Malabar Gold to boost its retail network DUBAI: Malabar Gold and Diamonds, one of the world’s largest gold and diamond retailers, will open 21 retail stores across the GCC, India and Far East in the next six months with an investment outlay of Dh460 million ($125 million).

Of the total, Malabar Gold and Diamonds is investing Dh223 million in eight stores in the UAE, Dh100 million in five outlets in Saudi Arabia, Dh57 million in three outlets in Oman and Dh20 million in one outlet in Malaysia.

In addition to these, the company will add four more outlets in India at an investment of Dh60 million, says a press release.

The expansion will see the largest gold and diamond jewellery retailer expand its retail network from 134 to 155 – reinforcing its position as the most preferred jeweller in the world. The move also reflects the fastest growth by a jewellery retail chain in the world – emerging from being a small player to being among the top five jewellery retailers worldwide within the span of just a decade.

Malabar Gold and Diamonds, which started its international operations in Dubai just under 10 years ago, has recorded phenomenal growth in gold and diamond jewellery sale despite the fluctuating gold price in the market.

“The current lower gold and commodity prices offer a great opportunity for investors and jewellery buyers. With gold prices remaining low, we see a strong buyer and investor interest for the yellow metal and diamonds,” M.

P. Ahamed, chairman of Malabar Group, says.

“We have seen a greater appetite among consumers who have continued to throng our outlets for more gold and diamond jewellery this summer. Our next phase of expansion is aimed at offering a better value to our customers as well as a wider option to investors who are looking at higher returns from investment.”

The company is set to open eight outlets in the UAE including a large format ‘jewellery paradise’ that will spread across 12,000 square feet of floor space in Abu Dhabi. This will be the largest jewellery retail outlet in the Middle East showcasing a variety of jewellery catering to a global audience.

The move is part of the $700 million (Dh2.5 billion) expansion drive announced by Malabar Gold and Diamonds in 2013 – that is expected to more than double the number of its outlets to 220 by the end of 2018.

The $4 billion annual turnover will place Malabar Gold along the likes of Tiffany and Company, the world’s second largest jewellery

retailer and after Chow Tai Fook – the Hong Kong-based largest jewellery retailer.

A De Beers’ survey shows that the outlook for diamond jewellery sales growth in 2015 is positive across all main markets as retailers anticipate another year of growing consumer demand. Optimism among jewellery retailers is highest in the US and India, while growth in China is expected to pick up after the Chinese New Year.

Philippe Mellier, chief executive of De Beers Group, said: “2014 was another strong year for diamond jewellery demand across the world, as we saw continued growth across both mature and quickly developing markets. Retailers are also positive about the prospects for 2015 and, while there are some potential headwinds, the stage is set for another good showing across the major consumer markets.

“As the number of middle class households in the major consumer markets is set to grow by hundreds of millions in the years ahead, the medium to long term prospects for the diamond industry are also exceptionally strong if the right

investments continue to be made across the value chain.”

Malabar Gold and Diamonds had opened a large format ‘jewellery paradise’ at the Gold Souq in Deira, Dubai last year. This was the largest jewellery retail outlet in Dubai – The success of which has prompted the company to set up a similar facility in Abu Dhabi.

“With consumer demand growing by the day, we feel the need to offer greater space, design, collections and options to our customers,” Shamlal Ahamed, managing director of Malabar Gold and Diamonds - International Operations, said. “The higher footfall and brisk business at our large-format outlet at the Gold Souq, has prompted us to invest in a similar facility in Abu Dhabi, where customers will be spoilt for choice, designs and a wider price point. We will be showcasing a wide variety of jewellery ranging from Dh500 to Dh5 million in this new outlet. One can find gold jewellery in 18K, 21K, 22K and 24K here and also will showcase solitaires, diamonds and pearl jewellery.”

“Our expansion is a substantiation of our positive approach to the business opportunity in the markets we operate in. We are upbeat about the oncoming six months as it comprises key festive and holiday seasons which result in a lot of jewellery buying for gifting as well and for personal use. The shopping festivals organised by multiple cities also add to the charm of the holiday season,” Abdul Salam K. P., group executive director of Malabar Group, said.

MUSCAT: Daewoo Novus trucks, the leaders in heavy vehicles from South Korea have garnered significant market share in the cargo, truck mounted crane and compactor trucks segment. Daewoo trucks are produced in the Gunsan Industrial area, South Korea in a robotic and computerised production environment.

Truck with crane or garbage compactors customers consider Daewoo trucks as the first choice for their purchase due to the dominant presence of these trucks in the market, says a press release.

K7 (GVW-29.5 tonnes GVW) & K8 (33.5 tonnes GVW) range of Daewoo trucks has been consistently logging strong sales in the Sultanate ever since its launch, catapulting Al Hashar into the rarefied club of world’s top five distributors of Daewoo trucks.

“The industry-focused and application specification features of Daewoo Novus K7 and K8 trucks together with Al Hashar’s uncompromising commitment to transparency in business, quality customer service and after-sales support have helped us achieve strong sales. Indeed, being counted among the world’s top five Daewoo Truck distributors has enhanced our brand value. Al Hashar has been able to maintain its leadership position in the Sultanate as the most trusted automotive distributor brand due to our strong corporate values,” an official at Al Hashar said.

“World class service support and availability of genuine parts are among the factors that contributed to impressive sales of Daewoo Novus K7 and K8 Trucks. The K7 and K8 models have consistently posted excellent sales figures since their launch. Both models come with 6x4 drive configuration and 400L fuel tank, and are powered by proven, world renowned Doosan 6-cylinder/335 HP engine,” he added. K7 is fitted with a 7 speed transmission and K8 is fitted with a 12 speed transmission gear box from S&T, Korea.

“The Daewoo Novus K7 and K8 trucks are the best choice for cargo, crane and compactor applications. With large-scale infrastructure projects either underway or in the pipeline in the Sultanate, the market for Daewoo Trucks is highly promising,” he said.

Daewoo trucks are supported by two years or 200,000 kilometres warranty offering confidence about the product and peace of mind to the customers.

With over four decades of towering presence in the Sultanate’s auto sector, Al Hashar boasts an unparalleled network of sales, service and parts outlets across the Sultanate: in Muscat, Sohar, Salalah, Sur and Ibri, with additional spare parts outlets in Ruwi, Wadi Kabir, Mabelah and Nizwa.

The service network is supported by a state-of-the-art mobile service facility, delivering a range of onsite service solutions.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

ROUND-UP Bank Muscat: Key contributor to sustainable development Doing more is the forte of Bank Muscat — more for the economy, more for the community and more for the environment

MUSCAT: In step with the dynamic ‘Let’s Do More’ vision, the focus of Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, is clear — create a sustainable financial platform for society and business and thereby contribute to economic growth.

Committed to supporting economic growth and sustainable development, the bank seizes every opportunity to reiterate partnership in building the nation by creating opportunities for individuals and businesses to grow and prosper. The assurance of being in safe hands is the most comforting factor enjoyed by the largest banking family in Oman, says a press release.

Best practices Doing more is the forte of Bank Muscat - more for the economy, more for the community, and more for the environment. The bank has incorporated sustainable best practices and is fully equipped to guide customers through all stages of banking life, whether it be savings, investments, financing or just reliable financial advice. With the largest network of 140 branches, ATMs and CDMs spread across Oman, as well as mobile banking and online banking, Bank Muscat

has emerged as the bank of first choice in the Sultanate. In contributing to sustainable development, the prime objective of the bank is to serve all customer segments ranging from children, youth and women to small and medium enterprise (SMEs).

Aimed at laying a strong foundation by inculcating the savings habit in children, al Mazyona Children’s Account rewards them with monthly prizes. By maintaining a monthly balance of OMR50, al Mazyona Children’s account holders get a chance to win 45 prizes of OMR100 each every month.

Youth banking service Engaging the youth beyond banking, Bank Muscat Shababi is the first youth banking service in Oman offering varied opportunities like sports, games, arts and entertainment to support their lifestyle activities. Shababi represents the country’s youth who are the future of Oman.

Notably, Shababi encourages the youth from an early age to develop a savings habit, thereby making a positive contribution to the socio-economic development of Oman. Over 23 per cent of the Omani population comprises youth in the age group of 18 to 25 and Shababi fulfils the long-felt need of specialised banking services for this segment.

Youth opening a Shababi account with just OMR10 get a chance to win OMR300 every month. In all, there are 45 winners every month in the youth category of al Mazyona prizes.

Giving a major thrust to higher education, the Shahadati finance was launched by Bank Muscat as part of its commitment to the national objective of educational support for Omani youth seeking higher education opportunities in Oman and abroad. Shahadati covers

full expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, transportation, books and other education related expenses required by students.

Education savings plan Themaar Education Savings Plan is another financial security on offer from Bank Muscat for higher education. A nominal monthly amount is invested on behalf of the beneficiary i.e. children, which grows into a substantial lump-sum. The scheme offers waiver of future monthly deposits in the event of death of the family’s breadwinner (customer who has opened the Themaar Savings plan), while guaranteeing a lumpsum amount to the beneficiary on maturity of the savings plan.

Retirement savings Ensuring financial security for people after retirement, Themaar Retirement Savings Plan makes the difference between mere existence and being financially comfortable to lead a fulfilling retirement life. The primary objective of Themaar retirement plan is to provide retirement security.

Helping customers to face any eventualities, Bank Muscat offers a wide range of bespoke bancassurance products in association with leading global insurance partners. AXA Gulf — one of the largest international insurers in the region — offers life insurance and health products to Bank Muscat customers. Leading international insurance company American International Group (AIG) is the exclusive provider of non-life insurance products to Bank Muscat customers.

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

Catering to the unique needs,

Zeinah offers privacy and a relaxed banking atmosphere for women at Bank Muscat branches.

Reiterating the commitment to sustainable development and complementing government efforts in strengthening the role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the economic development of Oman, Bank Muscat has launched a series of unique initiatives. Serving as building blocks for existing and prospective entrepreneurs, these initiatives assume importance in the backdrop of the priority accorded by the government to develop the SME sector in Oman.

Marking the 45th year of Oman’s Renaissance anniversary under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Bank Muscat widened the scope of al Wathbah Academy training programme to benefit 45 beneficiaries. The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative is aimed at equipping youth with self-employment skills boosting the country’s progress and development.

Video channel al Wathbah SME TV from Bank Muscat is the first educational video channel in the banking sector in Oman launched with the sole objective of helping SMEs gain 24/7 access to vital information that help drive their business further.

The bank has also launched a series of initiatives to support women entrepreneurs.

Offering a major boost for startup and small businesses in Oman, the specially designed najahi products include credit facilities without collaterals for the small business segment to establish and develop their business. With najahi, Bank Muscat fulfills the primary need of finance for the micro and small business segment.

The personalised banking platform of asalah Priority Banking

RECOGNITION

aligns a distinct value proposition with the needs of high-end customers and provides a differentiated and specialised banking experience. asalah customers are served by qualified Relationship Managers (RM) at exclusive asalah Priority Banking centres in select branches across the Sultanate.

Leveraging its unmatched nationwide branch presence, Bank Muscat offers asalah Priority Banking services across all regions through a network of asalah centres.

Further reiterating commitment to providing a distinct banking experience, Al Jawhar Privilege Banking is targeted at the bank’s core customer segment.

Designed around the unique lifestyle and banking requirements of the largest customer segment, Al Jawhar is the first-of-its-kind privilege banking service in Oman.

CSR initiatives Living up to its commitment to sustainable development, Bank Muscat lays great importance to corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Central to the bank’s CSR programmes is the Green Sports initiative to promote Oman as a sporting nation in general and the national game of football in particular.

Aimed at nurturing the future generations of Oman, the Jesr Al Mustaqbal education programme in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education focuses on providing youth from families under the social welfare programme with an opportunity to continue their higher education.

Extending support to needy homes across the Sultanate, the ‘Tadhamun’ programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development supports homes in dire need of renovation and provides basic electronic home appliances to low-income families.

GARMENT BRAND

Linen Club to open today MUSCAT: Linen Club is a premium fabric and garment brand of Aditya Birla Group of India, who has Rohit Bal as its brand ambassador.

The inauguration ceremony of Linen Club will be held today at 6pm at the Oman Avenues Mall in Bausher. Indra Mani Pandey, the ambassador of India will be presiding over the event, says a press release.

Al Arifa Fashions under MPES Group in Oman have been appointed as the franchisee to open the first overseas showroom of Linen Club brand.

PROMOTION

Super Savings deal at TSC Wholesale Centres MUSCAT: The Sultan Centre is holding a five-day ‘Super Savings’ deal event from today till September 19 at TSC Wholesale Centres in Al Khoud and Al Amerat.

The promotion features a wide range of products from grocery and fresh food to household items at unbeatable rock-bottom prices, says a press release.

“TSC’s Wholesale Centres at Al Khoud and Al Amerat are known for offering customers low prices and promotions across the store, this five-day ‘Super Savings’ deal event will give customers even further savings,” said Mahmoud El Sheik, marketing manager.

TSC invites all customers to take advantage of even better money-saving deals that add value to every purchase during this spectacular event.

E N V I R O N M E N TA L M A NA G E M E N T S Y S T E M

Al Ansari receives safety award from Haya NICD organises MUSCAT: Al Ansari Trading Enterprise has been recently awarded by Haya Water in recognition of efforts and priority given to HSE while executing the Wadi Kabir/Hamriya Sewerage Network Project and achieving 3 million manhours without Lost Time Injury ((LTI).

The award was conferred on Yusuf Nalwalla, managing director, Al Ansari Trading Enterprise,

by Hamad bin Khamis Al Amri, undersecretary at the Ministry of Manpower for Labour Afffairs, in the presence of the leadership

team and other senior staff members of Haya Water at a function held in Hormuz Grand Hotel on recently, says a press release.

The function was attended by Adnan Nalwalla, executive director and Deepak Seru, general manager (Civil) as well. During the function, Al Ansari’s employee, Mohsin Al Hasani, was also awarded for the best HSE Performance by Haya Water.

Highest safety standards Al Ansari’s execution team has ensured highest international

safety standards in executing this project, by ensuring customer satisfaction by taking care of the end users’ needs. This requires sound technical and management skills and an equation with the local community. This achievement is noteworthy because works are being executed in the constrained residential areas, with open trenches and main road where there is heavy movement of human traffic and vehicles.

Al Ansari is certified to OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health & Safety) in addition to ISO

9001:2008 for Quality Management System and ISO 14001: 2004 for Environment Management System. The Integrated Management System ensures overall improvement in safety, quality and environment while executing the projects.

Yusuf Nalwalla said: “There can be no compromise when it comes to safety of our employees as well as surrounding communities. This is an integral part of our drive for operational excellence and it is the only way of executing the projects at Al Ansari.”

workshop on new ISO 14001:2015

EFFECTIVE PROGRAMMES

A true weight-loss story from VLCC prised to see her weight coming down, and all of them appreciated her dedication, and some of them advise her to start modelling as she looks amazing today.

Today, overweight is implicated as a major risk factor for many disorders including thyroid, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, prostate problems, uterine fibroids, gallstone, female infertility, etc. Fat deposits in the body leads to different disorders, and increased abdominal fat can be estimated by waist size.

VLCC’s success story stems from the unwavering brand commitment to the ideas of ‘transforming lives’ – the group’s guiding vision.

MUSCAT: Cheena Arora Sood, who has transformed her life through VLCC’s scientific, natural and effective weight-management programmes here in Muscat, shares a true weight-loss success story. ‘‘Wow! I’ve lost it. VLCC is a whole new world of wellness, and I feel rediscovered myself. In fact, VLCC has transformed my life tremendously — from 75kg to 55kg,’’ says 34-year-old Cheena, a busy senior marketing professional at a Muscat-based construction group.

Art of slimming ‘‘I have experienced the art of slimming at VLCC. Today, I successfully maintain a normal body weight, balanced diet and exercise. I drink plenty of water, and as I weigh 55kg and remain healthy, I love small meals rich of protein and fibre, but no crash diets at all,’’ Cheena said.

Being 55kg is a dream come true for Cheena, and it keeps her motivated. VLCC has brought out a positive change in her life. As she adapted to a new lifestyle, she lost 20kg – from 75kg to 55kg — without crash diets and harsh exercises.

Today, Cheena’s BMI stands at 21.6 as against 28.5 when she was 75kg, says a press release.

After graduation, Cheena’s weight ranged between 62 and 65.

But it started increasing gradually, and thyroid problem triggered her weight further, and she reached 75kg.

As she was more career-oriented, often she ignored the signifi-

cance of adapting to a healthy lifestyle. At 75kg, she was not serious about overweight till doctors detected a thyroid problem. She was so depressed, and reducing weight had become unavoidable.

“When my friends and colleagues reminded me about the overweight, it became my concern, and first I joined a gym, but the result was not encouraging. As I burnt more calories, I stated eating more, and weight remained high. Those days, I heard about VLCC, but I was not confident enough about actual results. However, when I was assured that VLCC can guarantee weight loss, I signed up for VLCC weight-loss sessions confidently. Today, I can wear fashionable costume of my choice, and I am sure, my story will create greater awareness

among people to control overweight and obesity that affect the lives of millions of people in the world today,” says Cheena, an MBA in Human Resources.

“The credit, indeed, goes to VLCC professionals who advised me to reduce weight and live a healthy life. Today, I am one among several successful customers of VLCC, who enjoy a naturally toned and healthy look. What’s more, I really enjoy my 55kg weight, and I am planning to reduce it further to 50kg,’’ Cheena added.

Having lost 20kg with VLCC, Cheena strictly follows the VLCC expert-advice, and enjoys her modified food habits and lifestyle.

She is very active and dynamic, and more importantly, free from the thyroid problem. Her friends and family members were sur-

Healthy lifestyle “VLCC represents a movement for a healthy lifestyle, which is gaining momentum at a rapid pace, the world over. A successful weight-loss programme involves changing your life to become a fit and active person. VLCC believes in promoting a balanced diet and healthy living.

“At VLCC, first we explore the client’s lifestyle and eating habits.

As far as the slimming programme is concerned, the duration is immaterial, as the process could vary from person to person. Anyone who desires to reduce weight must eat the right food at the right time in the right quantity. VLCC’s effective weight management programmes have been well accepted by the people for decades,” says a senior official at VLCC.

MUSCAT: Nama Institute for Competency Development (NICD), a joint venture between Nama Group (previously known as Electricity Holding Company) and Veolia organised a workshop on the new ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management System Standard recently. The workshop was held in association with Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment at the NICD Training Centre.

The aim of the workshop was to create awareness about the new requirements for ISO 14001:2015 certification and the implications involved.

Martin Baxter, IEMA’s chief policy adviser and deputy chief executive, was the main speaker at the workshop and helped the participants understand the importance of Environmental Management System Standard in today’s world.

Speaking upon the workshop, NICD Training Centre Manager, Badriya Ismaili, said: “Our primary objective is to create awareness about the Environmental Management System Standard among industry professionals and keep them updated with the new market requirements. We are conducting this seminar for individuals who have the foresight, power and interest to appreciate the need for environmental management systems. We will also aid them with the tools required to incorporate the best practices in their respective businesses.”

Owing to the exclusivity of the conference, NICD had limited

the number of seats to only 50.

The the seminar gave delegates the opportunity to comprehend the new ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management System Standard.

Partnering up with prominent individuals and associations from around the world, NICD brought Martin as the guest speaker at the event. Martin heads the UK delegation to the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) on environmental management and has been part of the ISO working group, drafting the new ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Standard.

NICD will also provide local professionals a platform to connect with the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) which is home to over 15,000 environment and sustainability professionals from around the globe.

IEMA is an independent and international body, gathering members’ views and experiences to deliver evidence to support the development of government policies and generate useful information for businesses, as well as be an inspiration to employers.

The ISO 14001 is an internationally recognised standard for minimising and managing environmental impacts in business which is used by over 300,000 organisations around the world.

NICD has teamed up with IEMA to support its role in providing individuals and organisations to set, recognise and achieve global sustainability standards and practice.

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ROUND-UP

High-performance Hyundai N takes centre stage at Frankfurt Motor Show The introduction of the company’s new high-performance N sub-brand is envisioned through exciting concept cars and a preview of the 2016 New Generation i20 WRC race car

MUSCAT: Hyundai Motor presents a host of new Hyundai models, design concepts and technologies at the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show showcasing the passion of its brand.

The introduction of the company’s new high-performance N subbrand is envisioned through exciting concept cars and a preview of the 2016 New Generation i20 WRC race car, says a press release.

Also shown at Frankfurt, New i20 Active and New Santa Fe enhance Hyundai’s crossover and SUV ranges, while the Vision G coupe concept envisions the inspiration for future premium products.

New high-performance N sub-brand Launching its new high-performance N sub-brand, Hyundai Motor aims to build on its motor-

sport experience to bring thrilling winding road fun to customers who love cars.

Highlighting the brand’s expertise and competency in performance engineering, a preview of the 2016 Hyundai i20 WRC race car will appear on the stand alongside two exciting concept cars that demonstrate Hyundai’s performance ambition.

The Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo concept shows a global audience the brand’s unique perspective on future perfor-

mance characteristics. Created exclusively for PlayStation’s Gran Turismo video game series, the concept car boasts total power of 884 PS from Hyundai Motor’s hydrogen fuel cell system and an additional super capacitor system.

In addition, the mid-engine turbo-powered 300 PS Hyundai RM15 concept with a lightweight construction represents Hyundai Motor’s passion for performance and suggests how the N subbrand’s driver-focused technologies could come into production.

With the launch of New i20 Active and New Santa Fe, Hyundai Motor’s full crossover SUV line-up is all-new or enhanced after the recent introduction of the All-New Tucson. The series of updated or new model introductions means that Hyundai Motor has its youngest product line-up, with every model under two years old.

The latest new addition, the New i20 Active, an urban crossover with rugged design, builds on the space, style and practicality of the New Generation i20 five-door, expanding the range to appeal to customers with an active lifestyle.

Maintaining its status as Hyundai Motor’s flagship SUV, New Santa Fe adds the latest comfort and convenience features, advanced safety technology and refines the car’s appearance.

Hyundai Motor was the first car manufacturer worldwide to

introduce Android Auto in its US produced Sonata earlier this year. Now Hyundai Motor will be among the first to include the smartphone-based mirroring software in one of its cars when it is introduced to the New i40 in November 2015.

Vision G: An imagination of future design, technology The dynamic Vision G coupe concept showcases Hyundai’s design evolution and gives an outlook on future premium products as well as presenting advanced connectivity and control technologies.

The unique ‘sling-shot’ design and advanced technology features were developed through a collaboration of all Hyundai Design Centres around the world.

New features such as a sweeping touch screen display with a curved screen add sophistication to the

calm, high-quality interior.

Engine technology gets turbocharged with 2 new units Two new powertrain options will complete Hyundai’s line-up of new technology on show in Frankfurt.

The downsized 1.0 T-GDI is set for introduction with the i20 Active and will be rolled-out across the whole i20 range before the end of this year.

The new 1.0-litre engine is joined on the stand by a 1.4 T-GDI powerplant, showcasing Hyundai Motor’s new generation of small turbocharged gasoline engines.

Developed in close collaboration with Hyundai Motor’s European Technical Centre in Germany, these highly-efficient engines boast balanced performance that delivers entertaining driving characteristics alongside optimised fuel economy.

E - O M A N I N I T I AT I V E

Omantel, ITA organise workshop on Oman Government Network MUSCAT: In a bid to enhance e-government initiative in the Sultanate, Omantel in collaboration with Information Technology Authority (ITA) organised a workshop on Oman Government Network. The workshop aimed at discussing the main architecture of the e-Oman initiative, means of developing it, and how to empower other public organisations and sectors to act through a single network, says a press release.

The attendees included Eng. Yaqoob Dur Al Balushi, deputy CEO for Infrastructure and e-Services at ITA and Todd Dick, vice president of Omantel Corporate Business Unit as well as senior officials from the telecom and IT departments in

The workshop aimed at discussing the main architecture of the e-Oman initiative, means of developing it, and how to empower other public organisations and sectors to act through a single network different govt organisations.

The workshop discussed the progress made in linking different government organisations through Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), a unique solution provided by Omantel that offers secured and reliable connectivity through a virtual network.

The seminar also discussed ena-

bling public organisations to operate from a single platform thus ensuring ease of use and meeting future telecommunication needs.

The workshop covered a number of themes related to work at the coming stage, completing eOman society as well as the major challenges that hinder the project and how to overcome them.

FA C E B O O K C O N T E S T

NDC’s ‘Clean Oman’ contest generates huge response MUSCAT: National Detergent Company’s (NDC) ‘Clean Oman’ Facebook contest has received an overwhelming response from students studying in Omani schools.

Over 1,000 entries were received in the contest wherein the students were asked to sketch their favourite Bahar products and post it on the NDC’s Facebook page. A lucky draw will be conducted to select the winners soon.

The year-long campaign ‘Clean Oman’ was launched for students of Omani schools in the Sultanate in March this year. NDC officials visited schools and briefed students studying in Grades V to VIII about the importance of cleanliness and hygiene at home and school. They also talked about initiatives to make Oman cleaner. NDC is planning

to resume the campaign targeting more schools in Muscat governorate, says a press release.

Till date, around 25,000 students have been part of ‘Clean

Oman’ campaign. After the briefing in each school, NDC officials hand over samples of its premier product – Bahar and D’zire – to the students.

Commenting about the campaign, Anish Kumar, NDC’s head of Marketing, said: “The drive so far has been very successful and our team is happy to interact with enthusiastic students who pose interesting queries on staying healthy. The campaign educates students on the importance of healthy habits and steps to make Oman more clean. We feel by educating the students, we are investing in Oman’s future. Our initiative is in line with NDC’s comprehensive corporate social responsibility strategy that focuses on three main elements - the environment, human capital and community. We are proud to initiate this concept this year and we want to take it across all the governorates of the Sultanate.”

Abdullah Hamoud Al Barwani, director general of Infrastructure at ITA said that the Oman Government Network is the most innovative solution in use that is dependent on MPLS service provided by Omantel. This system has played a major role in promoting e-Oman initiative and enhancing the use of modern technologies.

“We have made much headway in linking public organisations and managed to link hundreds of governmental sites and work is underway to connect the remaining few organisations. We hope that all sites will be soon connected to the network. I have to commend the role played by Omantel to provide high quality telecom services and

solutions, he added.

Sara Saud Al Abdali, sales manager, government sector, at Omantel Business Unit affirmed that Omantel is very keen on providing its customers with the innovative solutions and services to enhance the level of services provided by organisations through the use of stateof-the-art MPLS technology. “We believe this project will have a very positive impact on the economic development in the Sultanate and will enhance the quality of services rendered by different government organisations. I commend the role played by the ITA and thank them for their trust in Omantel as their partner in the execution of e-govt initiative,” she said.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

ROUND-UP

Meethaq Shari’a Board reviews growth strategy It reviewed upgrade of Meethaq core banking system and new electronic services which will further add value and convenience to Meethaq customers.

The review also covered treasury operations

MUSCAT: The Bank Muscat Board of Directors led by Sheikh Khalid bin Mustahail Al Mashani, chairman, and Meethaq Shari’a Supervisory Board led by Sheikh Dr. Ali Qaradaghi, chairman, held a meeting to review the third quarter operations of Meethaq Islamic Banking.

The meeting reviewed upgrade of Meethaq core banking system and new electronic services which will further add value and convenience to Meethaq customers.

The review also covered treasury operations and finance for corporate projects as well as audit report for the third quarter of 2015, says a

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press release.

The Meethaq Shari’a Supervisory Board also convened separately for the third meeting of 2015 to review the third quarter operations.

Sheikh Dr Ali Qaradaghi, chairman, presided at the meeting attended by board members Sheikh Essam Muhammad Ishaq, Sheikh Majid Al Kindi, Abdulqader Thomas and Dr Saeed Al Muharrami.

Sulaiman Al Harthy, group general manager, Meethaq Islamic Banking, said: “The meeting between Bank Muscat Board of Directors and Meethaq Shari’a Supervisory Board discussed many important

topics to enhance Meethaq service.

Meethaq maintains the leading position in Islamic banking industry in Oman in terms of financing receivables, branch network, products and services, IT infrastructure and human resources. The new iMal core banking system will further enhance service quality for Meethaq customers.” He added: “Meethaq is proud to have on board some of the brightest minds on Islamic finance to chart the way forward. The Shari’a Board has made valuable contributions in establishing Meethaq as the leading Islamic banking service provider in Oman.”

PROMOTION

Perfect time to avail unique Renault offers MUSCAT: Renault Oman from Suhail Bahwan Group has announced its unique offer for customers on select Renault models till October, says a press release.

Renault’s exclusive offer comprises a plethora of benefits on most of its top selling models as well as its newly launched models in 2015. Renault’s sedan segment comprises a prestigious line-up of cars that include the sleek Renault Fluence, the strikingly good looking Renault Safrane and the newly launched Renault Symbol and Renault Megane. The SUV/Crossover range comprises the Renault Duster, Renault Koleos and the all-new 2015 Renault Captur and lastly the recently launched LCV vehicle – the Renault Dokker Van. Offer highlights Customers will be entitled to receive assured cash gift of OMR1,000 on Renault Fluence, Renault Safrane and Renault Ko-

leos, OMR750 on Renault Captur and OMR500 on Renault Symbol, Renault Duster, Renault Megane and Renault Dokker Van. Other benefits include six years unlimited mileage warranty on all vehicles (except Dokker), two years/ 30,000km free service (whichever is earlier on all vehicles) and free registration on all vehicles.

SBA designed the scheme to add to the pleasure and convenience of owning a Renault model and ensure hassle and worryfree driving at all times. Customers can also avail easy financing option with attractive interest rates. Renault has always made pioneering efforts to offer world class facilities and services to its valued customers. SBA is largely committed to supporting Renault Oman’s growth in the Sultanate through major emphasis on customer satisfaction and by providing world-class after-sales services in Oman.

VA L U E D E A L

‘Easy Buy’ cash gift offer on Kia Cerato MUSCAT: Those yearning to get their hands on a stylish and sleek Kia Cerato cannot really get a better opportunity than this! Kia has introduced ‘Easy Buy’ cash gift on Cerato. The scheme is till October 18, says a press release.

“Now, the Kia Cerato can be bought with a slew of attractive options. The Offer on Cerato 4 Door presents customers with two attractive options - either a cash gift of OMR600 or a service package for 18 months/30,000km (whichever is earlier) as well as one year insurance…topped off with a cash gift of OMR250,” said a Kia spokesperson.

“There are also many other attractive offers on 2014 Cerato.

The Cerato 4 door sedan & Cerato Hatchback (5 Door) come with a cash gift of OMR950 or five years/100,000km service whichever is earlier apart from one year insurance and a cash gift of OMR300. The Cerato Koup comes with a cash gift of OMR950.” “The cash gift offers flexibility to meet payment commitments towards vehicle financing,” the spokesperson explains, “Hence we urge our customers to make the most of this wonderful opportunity,” he added.

The 3rd Generation Kia Cerato is designed by Kia’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer to provide the maximum Cabin space, Shoulder & Legroom space in its category. Premium additions on the new Cerato include LED daytime running lights, touchscreen audio with camera, steering controls - audio, cruise, bluetooth, paddle shifter, trip computer, front & rear parking sensors, power driver lumbar support & rear A/C vents (which is usually seen in higher segment cars).

Kia’s new Flex Steer system provides three different settings for the steering to match customer preference with Normal, Sport and Comfort modes. The effort required to turn the wheel varies with mode, but the gearing remains the same. Comfort mode is ideal for city driving whereas Normal & Sports are suitable for high speeds and long drives.

The ergonomically-designed driver space makes every drive truly comfortable & stress-free.

A multi-function 4-spoke steering wheel offers precise fingertip control, together with classleading comfort.

Taking centre-stage is a hitech supervision cluster that displays a comprehensive range of vehicle information such as service interval reminders, welcome light, etc.

The Touchscreen Audio unit, with large central LCD display provides easy through finger touch menu changes in audio and Bluetooth modes. It offers stunning visibility and features a rear view camera.

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

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Oman blank Kyrgyzstan to begin AFC U16 qualifying quest in style In their first match of Group B, which was played in Kyrgyzstan’s capital city of Bishek, Oman blanked Kyrgyzstan by a 2-0 margin

MUSCAT: The Sultanate’s junior national football team powered past hosts Kyrgyzstan to launch their campaign in the AFC Under-16 Championship qualifiers in style on Wednesday.

In their first match of Group B, which is being played Kyrgyzstan’s capital city of Bishek, Oman blanked Kyrgyzstan 2-0.

Yacoub Al Sabahi-coached Omanis, who were recently crowned the GCC under-17 champions in Qatar, played aggressive soccer from the word go.

Oman, in fact, made a rousing start and found the net in the very first minute when Mutassim Al

PROMISING START: Oman players celebrate during their AFC U-16 Championship qualifying match against Kyrgyzstan in Bishek on Wednesday. – OFA

Bakri came up with a fine effort.

Encouraged by the early success, Oman continued with their all-out aggressive game and Mohammed Al Khamisi doubled lead, scoring off a penalty in the 26th minute.

Though the hosts managed to keep Omani forwards at bay for the rest of the match, the two-goal vic-

tory was enough for the Sultanate to occupy the top spot in the group.

According to news posted on Asian Football Association (AFC) website, Rejin Subba struck the first Group B goal with 27 minutes played before extending Nepal’s advantage in the 69th minute as the side from the Himalayan kingdom

O LY M P I C S

looked on course for all three points.

Substitue Muhannad Mohammad Omar Abuawad — a 73rd minute replacement for Mohammad Akram — pulled one back two minutes into second-half stoppage time but the Jordanian forward’s late goal proved a mere consolation as Nepal emerged victorious.

Saudi Arabia win In Dhaka, Saudi Arabia made a winning start in Group D scoring four second-half goals to defeat hosts Bangladesh.

The teams went into the interval on an even keel after Saudi skipper Mousa Naif Al Mas cancelled out Sarower Zaman Nipu’s 29th minute opener with five minutes of the first half remaining.

The Saudis were given the numerical advantage five minutes after the restart when Bangladesh keeper Faysol Ahmed received a straight red, prompting head coach Syed Golam Jilani to withdraw midfielder Mohammed Ridoy to bring on substitute keeper Mohammed Nur Alom.

Saudi Arabia capitalised on the reorganisation of the Bangladesh ranks almost immediately as Tariq Feras Al Brikan made it 2-1 in the 56th minute before three goals in the final ten minutes put a dominant veneer on the Saudis victory.

Mohammed Mansour Mali scored Saudi Arabia’s third from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute and after Sulaiman Abdulaziz Al Dhuwayhi netted number four two minutes later, late substitute Abdan Hamad Al Abdan sealed the 5-1 victory in the 90th minute, just five minutes after replacing goalscorer Al Dhuwayhi.

Saudi Arabia play their final match in the three-team Group D on Sunday when they face Gulf neighbours the UAE, who begin their qualifying campaign on Friday when they take on Bangladesh.

In West Bank, Yemen scored two late goals to record a 2-0 victory over Palestine, who played with ten men for most of the match following a first-half red card, while Uzbekistan eased to an 8-0 win over the Maldives in the opening round of matches in Group A. In Hanoi, hosts Vietnam made a positive start to their campaign with a 5-1 win over Myanmar but it was Australia who laid down the early marker with the Joeys hammering Guam 14-0 in Group J. In Ulaanbaatar, Takefusa Kubo scored five times in the space of an hour as Japan kicked-off threeteam Group K with an emphatic 17-0 win over hosts Mongolia.

Ten group winners and four best second-placed teams will join North Korea, who topped the already concluded Group H, and India in next year’s finals, with the tournament hosts receiving an automatic qualification.

Should India finish top of their qualifying group or among the four best second-placed teams, the fifth best second-placed nation will qualify for the final competition.

FOOTBALL

South Asia to back Platini in FIFA vote, says official The whole procedure is much more transparent from the very beginning of the invitation phase

Thomas Bach IOC President

Budapest, Hamburg, LA, Paris, Rome bid for 2024 Games LAUSANNE: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday named Budapest, Hamburg in Germany, Los Angeles, Paris and Rome as the final candidates for the 2024 Olympics.

IOC President Thomas Bach said there were five “outstanding cities” in the race for the Games which will be decided in two years.

“What we see are five really highly qualified candidate cities,” Bach told reporters. He added that the contest for 2024 would be “strong and fascinating.”

The announcement of the five cities was made hours after the midnight Tuesday deadline for bids. Toronto and the Azerbaijan capital of Baku had considered entering but finally decided against, leaving Los Angeles and Paris as the two early frontrunners.

Toronto’s mayor announced only on Tuesday that the Canadian city would not bid because of the financial uncertainties. Bach said that Baku could return and try for the 2028 Games.

The contest will be the first completely run under the IOC’s Agenda 2020 reforms aimed at making bid contests less expen-

sive and bureaucratic. The IOC wants to make Olympic Games more sustainable through the use of existing venues. But it also imposes new conditions with hosts having to guarantee there will be no sexual discrimination.

“The whole procedure is much more transparent from the very beginning of the invitation phase,” Bach said of the new bid rules.

“What we wanted to to achieve there in Olympic Agenda 2020 is more diversity and more creativity in the competition,” he added.

With some potential cities, notably Boston in the United States, put off by the costs, the IOC will contribute $1.7 billion to staging the event. Bach said the IOC is also giving $1.5 billion to Rio de Janeiro which is hosting the Games next year.

Games, Euro in same year Meanwhile, Bach said Germany would have no problems hosting both the 2024 European soccer championships as well as the summer Olympics in the same year, given the country’s sports infrastructure and organisational skills.

Hamburg is bidding for the

2024 Olympics while the German football association (DFB) is hoping to land the Euro in the same year, traditionally staged just a few weeks before the summer Games. “I think this can be possible because they are time-wise a couple of weeks apart from each other so they do not influence each other in this respect,” Bach said in a conference call.

“I also think that nobody has real doubt about the Germans’ organisational skills.”

Bach, a German himself, said the country already had the necessary stadium infrastructure in place for the Euro, which meant preparations for the continental soccer tournament would not affect Hamburg’s plans for the Games, should the German port be selected as the host.

The IOC two years ago had warned Turkey to pick one of the two, with Istanbul bidding for the 2020 Olympics and the country campaigning to land the Euro 2020.

It had said the strain of staging two large international events so close to each other would not be possible for Turkey. - Agencies

CHINESE CITY

Hangzhou awarded 2022 Asian Games ASHGABAT: The Chinese city of Hangzhou was on Wednesday awarded the 2022 Asian Games, organisers and state media said, in another win for China’s global

sporting ambitions. Hangzhou in eastern China — best known for the West Lake, a placid and muchpainted tourist attraction — was the only candidate city, a report

by Xinhua news agency said.

Its sole candiancy made it a shoo-in for selection by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) at its Congress in Turkmenistan. - AFP

NEW DELHI: A senior South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) official has said its seven members will vote for Frenchman Michel Platini in next year’s FIFA presidential elections.

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) chief Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has already backed Platini as his preferred candidate for soccer’s top job in the February elections, which have been forced by the worst crisis in FIFA’s 111-year history.

SAFF General Secretary Anwarul Huq saod on Wednesday that his organisation would follow the AFC’s lead.

“The AFC chief has already

backed Platini. We will go with the AFC,” he said.

“At the end of the day, voting is an individual thing but we will go with AFC as we always do,” the Bangladeshi official added after the draw ceremony for the ninth SAFF Cup to be held in India later this year.

Swiss Sepp Blatter beat Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan to win a fifth term as FIFA president in May but four days later announced his decision to step down following the arrests of FIFA officials and others two days before the election.

Prince Ali has again joined the race for the FIFA top job, while

former Asia vice-president Chung Mong-Joon of South Korea is also in the fray. Chung has accused the AFC of sending unsolicited letters to its members urging them to support Platini but FIFA has dismissed his complaint.

All India Football Federation General Secretary Kushal Das echoed Huq’s view on SAFF’s stance on the election.

“We’ll go by what AFC says.

Of course, there have to be more meetings before that. But whoever is elected, it won’t be a problem for us,” he added.

The South Indian city of Thiruvananthapuram will host the SAFF Cup from December 23. - Reuters

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

SPORTS

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SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY INSTALL WHATSNEWS

Pakistan ignore Ajmal in naming Test team Since making his

PCB picks rookie pacer Imran for T20s

comeback with a remodelled action against Bangladesh in April, Ajmal has shown little of the form. Fast-rising legspinner Yasir Shah and left-arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar have filled the void in the national team

KARACHI: England will not have to face their 2012 tormentor Saeed Ajmal in next month’s three-Test series against Pakistan, after the off-spinner was left out of the 15-man squad announced on Wednesday.

Ajmal, who turns 38 next month, has faced a tough time since returning to cricket from a five-month suspension after his bowling action was found to be illegal by the International Cricket Council (ICC) last year.

Since making his comeback with a remodelled action against Bangladesh in April, he has shown little of the form that brought him 24 wickets during Pakistan’s 3-0 whitewash over then-world No. 1 Test team England in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) three years ago.

He has also performed poorly for English county side Worces-

KARACHI: Rookie paceman Imran Khan Junior was on Wednesday rewarded for his excellent bowling in Pakistani domestic cricket with a firsttime inclusion in the national Twenty20 squad for the tour of Zimbabwe.

The 27-year-old took 16 wickets to help Peshawar defend the National Twenty20 title in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, claiming his second successive best bowler award after also winning it in 2014.

“We have rewarded some outstanding performers in the recently concluded tournament and Imran was one of them,” chief selector Haroon

tershire, his 16 wickets this season coming at almost 56 apiece.

Fast-rising leg-spinner Yasir Shah and left-arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar have filled the void in the national team.

The duo were instrumental in Pakistan’s 2-0 win over Australia last year and 2-1 triumph in Sri Lanka this year.

Chief selector Haroon Rasheed said Shah and Babar’s form more than made up for the loss of Ajmal.

“Presently, Shah and Babar are bowling outstandingly,” Rasheed said. “Ajmal has not been bowling as well with a remodelled action and I am sure both Babar and Shah will to a great extent fulfil the requirement.”

Head coach Waqar Younis said the veteran off-spinner faced a tough choice.

Rasheed said in a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) release.

The 25-year-old uncapped pace bowling all-rounder Amir Yamin was also included for the two Twenty20 matches in Harare on September 27 and 29.

Shahid Afridi will lead the Twenty20 side while Azhar Ali will be the skipper for the three one-day matches on October 1, 3 and 5 — all in Harare.

Younis Khan was not selected after a poor run of scores in the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in February-March this year. Saeed Ajmal, was also overlooked after failing to impress since returning earlier with a remodelled action from a ban.

“It’s a great challenge for Ajmal to overcome the lack of bite in his new action and he has to decide about his future,” Waqar said last week. “His recent bowling figures were not encouraging.”

Fawad returns All-rounder Fawad Alam meanwhile could end his five-year absence from Test cricket after being named in the squad for the Test series, which starts in Abu Dhabi on October 13.

The 29-year-old scored 168 on his debut in 2009 but played only two more matches before being dropped. Alam has a strong domestic record and supporters from his home city of Karachi have consistently demanded his recall.

Rasheed said they were keeping the option of adding another play-

Batsman Sohaib Maqsood returned to both squads after injuring his arm before the tour of Bangladesh.

T20 squad: Shahid Afridi (captain), Mohd Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Mukhtar Ahmed, Umar Akmal, Sohaib Maqsood, Shoaib Malik, Amir Yamin, Mohd Irfan, Bilal Asif, Wahab Riaz, Imad Wasim, Sohail Tanvir, Mohd Rizwan, Imran Khan Junior.

One-day squad: Azhar Ali (captain), Mohd Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Sohaib Maqsood, Shoaib Malik, Babar Azam, Sarfraz Ahmed, Mohd Rizwan, Immad Wasim, Anwar Ali, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah, Rahat Ali, Mohd Irfan, Asad Shafiq. - AFP

er to the squad, at captain Misbahul Haq’s request.

“We have kept the options open for the 16th player in the Test squad against England, picking two left-arm spin bowlers, Zafar Gohar and Mohammed Asghar, for the brace of practice games and whoever amongst the two performs well would be added to the Test squad,” he said.

Pacemen Junaid Khan and Wahab Riaz also returned to the squad after missing part of the Sri Lanka Test series in July.

The squad: Misbah-ul Haq, Ahmed Shehzad, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali, Mohammed Hafeez, Fawad Alam, Asad Shafiq, Younis Khan, Sarfraz Ahmed, Yasir Shah, Zulfiqar Babar, Wahab Riaz, Imran Khan, Rahat Ali and Junaid Khan. - AFP

REWAR: Pakistani paceman Imran Khan Jr from the Peshawar

cricket team delivers a ball against Sialkot at the National T20 semifinal in Rawalpindi recently. Rookie paceman Imran Khan Jr was on Wednesday rewarded for his excellent bowling in Pakistani domestic cricket with an inclusion in the national T20 squad. – AFP

O N E - D AY S E R I E S

Gurkeerat helps India A thrash Bangladesh A

ALL-ROUND SHOW: India A’s Gurkeerat Singh Maan, right, celebrates after claiming one of his five scalps during their first unofficial ODI against Bangladesh A in Bengaluru on Wednesday. – PTI

BENGALURU: Punjab youngster Gurkeerat Singh’s all-round brilliance enabled India A to comfortably crush Bangladesh A by 96 runs in the first One-dayer of the three-match series here on Wednesday.

The talented Gurkeerat contributed a quickfire 58-ball 65 to ensure a commanding total of 322 for seven for the hosts, and then effectively bowled his off-breaks to return figures of five for 29 in 7.3 overs as the visitors were bowled out for 226 in 42.3 overs.

Gurkeerat’s five-for, in fact, was his best figures in List A as the last five Bangladesh wickets fell for just 19 runs to him.

Much was expected of India’s limited overs specialist Suresh Raina, who was coming into competitive match after a three-month rest, but he looked completely rusty during his 28-ball 16.

Gurkeerat scored a 58-ball 65 and took five wickets in 7.3 overs

It was Gurkeerat along with young Sanju Samson (73) and Rishi Dhawan (56), who steadied the innings as India were reduced to 125 for five at the halfway stage after opener Mayank Agarwal (56) steady innings.

This was the 25-year-old Gurkeerat’s second successive manof-the-match performance after his unbeaten 87 won India A the tri-series final against Australia A. His 58-ball innings had nine boundaries as he added 102 runs in

14.5 overs with Samson and another 78 in eight overs with Dhawan whose 56 came off 34 balls with eight fours and two sixes. Dhawan also did well with the ball getting two for 51 in eight overs.

Put into bat by rival skipper Mominul Haque, opener Agarwal and Unmukt Chand (16) took the team’s total to 44 with India A skipper hitting four boundaries before Taskin Ahmed’s extra pace induced him to edge one to Litton Das behind the stumps. Manish Pandey (1) did not last long as he edged one from seamer Shafiul Islam to Litton.

Raina was fooled by a straighter one from off-spinner Nasir Hossain.

Kedar Jadhav (0) fell short of his crease before opening his account as India were reduced to 76 for four.

Along with Samson, Agarwal steadied the innings by adding 49 runs for the fifth wicket as he completed another List A half-century. - PTI

HUGE RESPONSE

ISC-NBO badminton off to brisk start MUSCAT: The National Bank of Oman-sponsored ISC/NBO Annual Badminton Tournament, organised by the Indian Social Club (ISC) Muscat, got off to a brisk start at the club’s multi-purpose hall in Darsait.

The tournament has received an overwhelming response with as more than 250 players registering for the tournament.

ISC committee member Saji Abraham exchanged a few rallies with ten-year-old Mohamed Adnan to declare the 2015 Annual Badminton Tournament open.

Mohamed Adnan then featured in the inaugural match of the tournament and scored a convincing 15-4, 15-4 victory over Arfan Mohamed to progress to the second round of the under-10 singles.

Jewel Manoj also made a confident start having coasted to a 15-7, 15-4 win over Sharanya Arun.

In other first round matches of the under-10 singles, Kritika Gupta eased past Mebel Kurian 15-4, 15-7 and Vatsal Manikandan routed B. Arjun 15-5, 15-4.

Pavan Kumar S. advanced to the second round of the boys un-

YOUNG TALENTS: Participants in the under-10 event pose for a group photo along with the officials.

der-13 singles with a 21-4, 21-14 victory over Charan Tej while Sidharth AK said with a 21-7, 21-7 win over B. Arjun.

In action from the boys under-15 singles, Tarun Jayadevan coasted to a 21-8, 21-8 victory over Aditya Kabra and Sanjay venkat proved too strong for Sid-

harth AK whom he defeated with a 21-8, 21-6 margin.

Vinod Abraham advanced to the second round of the men’s singles event with a 21-12, 21-17 victory over Mohamed Nayaz so did Nandakumar MK who overcame stiff resistance before downing Ashok Gupta 21-18, 21-19.

Also advancing in the same event is Leon D’Souza who won the battle of teenagers with a hard-fought 21-18, 21-15 win over Jay Deshpande and Domnic Kennedy demolished K.O. Devassy 21-6, 21-12 and Manoj Varghese rallied from a game down to defeat Justin Thomas 17-21, 21-15, 21-5.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

C3

SPORTS MINISTRY OF SPORTS AFFAIRS HONOURS OMAN’S U-17 AND U-19 GCC CHAMPIONS The Ministry of Sports Affairs on Wednesday felicitated the Sultanate’s national under-17 and under-19 football teams who recently won the GCC championships in their respective categories. The honouring ceremony was organised at the ministry’s headquarters under the auspices Minister of Sports Affairs Sheikh Saad bin Mohammed Al Saadi and in the presence of Rashad Al Hinai, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Sports Affairs, and Oman Football Association chief Sayyid Khalid Al Busaidi. The minister presented the cash awards to all the members of the coach Rasheed Jaber’s under-19 team while the under-17’s rewards were handed over to the OFA officials as the team is away in Kyrzygstan to take part in the AFC U16 Championship qualifiers. — JUN ESTRADA/Times of Oman

Ahmad happy to team up with Mucke, Butcher at Blancpain series finale Ahmad is absolutely relishing the prospect

Teaming with Rory and Stefan is going to be a great experience and we’re all determined to take away the best result we can Ahmad Al Harthy

of working with his new teammates and hoping for a successful conclusion to the 2015 season of Blancpain Endurance Series

ORT racer

HOPING FOR BEST RESULT: Oman Racing Team’s Ahmad Al Harthy is hoping to close the Blancpain Endurance Series with a good result in the company of Stefan Mücke and Rory Butcher. – Supplied photo

MUSCAT: There will be a new look to the Oman Racing Team (ORT) entry in the final round of the Blancpain Endurance Series at the Nurburgring on September 19 and 20, with renowned Aston Martin factory driver Stefan Mücke and rising Scottish talent Rory Butcher joining Ahmad Al Harthy.

Ahead of the fifth and final race of the championship at the German track, the iRacing.com GT500, Omani driver Ahmad is absolutely relishing the prospect of working with his new teammates and hoping for a successful conclusion to

the 2015 season in the No.44 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3.

Mücke’s arrival at the Oman Racing Team is a major coup, the German 33-year-old having long been a force in international sportscar racing. Associated with Aston Martin for the best part of a decade, Mücke has twice finished on the GTE Pro podium at the Le Mans 24 Hours with the marque and is a multiple class winner in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Butcher, who has been piloting a second Oman Racing Team car in the Avon Tyres British GT

Championship this year, has also competed against Ahmad in the past in Porsche Carrera Cup GB so the pair know each other well and, alongside Mücke, will form a formidable partnership.

“I really am looking forward to this weekend’s race, probably as much as any other this season to be honest,” Ahmed, Aston Martin Middle East and North Africa ambassador, said.

“Teaming with Rory and Stefan is going to be a great experience and we’re all determined to take away the best result we can, we know we

have a good car and the team has done an incredible job all season.

“The Oman Racing Team has had some misfortune this year, so ending the Blancpain season with our best result yet is the target and, I think, a very realistic aim. Anything can happen in a three hour race, we all know that, but I have a lot of confidence in my new teammates and I’m sure we can end the season very positively.”

Ahmad, who is backed by prestigious commercial partners Oman Air, Oman Ministry of Sports Affairs, Ooredoo, National

SPORTS FOR DEVELOPMENT

OOC to start sports support initiative in partnership with private sector

OOC chief Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Zubair.

MUSCAT: The Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) will launch OOC’s initiative and programmes in support of the national sports associations in partnership with the private sector on Sunday.

According to a press statement issued by OOC on Wednesday, the launch ceremony will be attended

by OOC chief Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Zubair and representatives of OOC’s partners from the private sector, chairmen of sports associations and supporting committees.

Detailed information on the initiative and the common marketing benefits and programmes to OOC and its partners will be

unveiled during the programme.

An agreement will be signed between Oman Volleyball Association and Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) as part of a series of programmes and events featuring fruitful partnership between OOC and the private sector.

Since its election, OOC board has taken keen interest in putting in place a specific mechanism aimed at developing the sports sector represented by the various sports associations and committees.

The board has adopted a welldefined strategy based on the present sports scenario in Oman and methods to further developing the

relations between the sports sector and the private sector.

To this end, OOC has launched its “Sports for Development” slogan, thus highlighting its vision aimed at promoting the performance of sports organizations both administratively and technically, with particular emphasis on the sports marketing component.

The signing of the first sponsorship agreement between Oman Volleyball Association and Omantel comes as part of a scheduled plan already put in place.

Further such agreements will also be signed in the near future with a host of leading companies of Oman’s private sector.

OPTIMISTIC

‘Work on U-17 World Cup headed in right direction’ NEW DELHI: Work on constructing world-class stadiums for the U-17 FIFA World Cup is headed in the right direction, according to a top AIFF official, who sounded optimistic about putting together a solid home team in the mega-event scheduled to be held in India in 2017.

The AIFF seemed happy with progress on venues and infrastructure for the tournament.

“As far as infrastructure is con-

cerned the requirements of stadium had been sent to the (central) government and they are giving the funds to the respective states,” All India Football Federation (AIFF) secretary Kushal Das said on Wednesday.

Das was impressed with the “agility and fitness” of coach Nicolai Adam’s current lot which is participating at the AFC U-16 Qualifiers in Iran.

“The preparation of team for

the U-17 World Cup is going good.

I went to Germany to see them play and they are fantastic as far agility and fitness is concerned, not behind the Europeans.

“Though tactical skills need to be honed, if we are able to play in the German youth league in near future, it will be very good for us,” he said on the sidelines of the 2015 SAFF Cup launch programme here.

Das said the emergence of Af-

ghanistan has been the highlight of the tournament. “One of the highlights of the SAFF Championship has been the emergence of Afghanistan as a footballing nation.”

When asked about the possibility of India Super League’s (ISL) merger with the I-League in near future, he said: “The consensus is that a merger of ISL and I-League will be good. But it is going to take time and we can’t set a time frame at the moment.” - PTI

Bank of Oman and Al Hashar Group, goes into round five of the Blancpain Endurance Series with a best result so far this season of 10th position in the Pro Cup. During the previous event, the blue riband Total 24 Hours of Spa, the Oman Racing Team entry had a great chance to challenge for its maiden podium finish but an unfortunate retirement with less than three hours to go robbed the squad of a notable result.

This weekend’s event comes mere days after Ahmad concluded his British GT Championship

season at Donington Park Grand Prix Circuit in the UK last Sunday, where he claimed the Silver Cup title with the Oman Racing Team to secure his first ever driver title in GT racing. Free practice ahead of round five of the Blancpain Endurance Series will take place at 11.05 (local time) at the Nurburgring on September 19, with the session for pre-qualifying following at 16.15 (local time).

On September 20, the final qualifying session will get underway at 08.30 (local time) with the race set to begin at 14.45 (local time).

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

SPORTS AGAINST ODDS

Pumas aim for another piece of history against world champs LONDON: Argentina know the odds are stacked against them when they face New Zealand in their opening World Cup encounter at Wembley Stadium on Sunday but coach Daniel Hourcade hopes they can add the champions scalp to those of other notable ones in the recent past.

Wins over Australia and South Africa in the last two years “show we are developing and I continue to hope we keep making history,” coach Daniel Hourcade said.

In 21 matches dating back 30 years the Pumas have never beaten the All Blacks, with a solitary draw in 1985 when the formidable Hugo Porta kicked four penalties and three drop goals the only time they have avoided a loss.

Since joining the Rugby Championship in 2012, Argentina have recorded famous wins over South Africa and Australia but against the All Blacks they have never been closer than 15 points behind at the final whistle.

Captain Agustin Creevy, however, still refuses to admit defeat before the game has played out, clinging to the hope that the All Blacks dominance over the champion South American side cannot last forever.

“New Zealand are favourites to win the title. They are the best in the world. We know how good they are, but we are going out to play the perfect match and win,” he said.

Hourcade is less confident but acknowledges his side’s opportunity to finish second to the All

Blacks in Pool C to progress to the quarterfinals. “Even when we have played well against the All Blacks we did not even get close,” he said.

“On paper we are not favourites, but we have come here with the idea of having a great World Cup.” Despite his own expectations, Hourcade has instilled in his players a belief that they can succeed.

Lock Matias Alemanno said they are “prepared psychologically” but it will take a special effort to down the reigning world champions.

All Blacks play-down off-field war of words ridicules the All Blacks pre-match haka, a traditional war dance which has immense cultural significance for the New Zealanders

C A P TA I N

De Villiers returns for South Africa EASTBOURNE: Captain Jean de Villiers will return to the South Africa team after a broken jaw in their opening Rugby World Cup Pool B match against Japan on Saturday.

The 34-year-old suffered a serious knee injury in November against Wales and in his comeback test against Argentina last month broke his jaw.

Team: 15-Zane Kirchner, 14-Lwazi Mvovo, 13-Jesse Kriel, 12-Jean de Villiers (captain), 11-Bryan Habana, 10-Pat Lambie, 9-Ruan Pienaar, 8-Schalk Burger, 7-Willem Alberts, 6-Francois Louw, 5-Victor Matfield, 4-Lood de Jager, 3-Jannie du Plessis, 2-Bismarck du Plessis, 1- Tendai Mtawarira; Replacements: 16-Adriaan Strauss, 17-Trevor Nyakane, 18-Coenie Oosthuizen, 19-PieterSteph du Toit, 20-Siya Kolisi, 21-Fourie du Preez, 22-Handre Pollard, 23JP Pietersen. - Reuters

WAR DANCE: Former New Zealand rugby union player Jonah Lomu, centre, members of the Ngati Ranana London Maori Club take part in a haka during a photocall in central London on Wednesday. The 2015 Rugby World Cup begins at London’s Twickenham Stadium on Friday. – AFP

said they were there strictly for the rugby with their campaign starting against Argentina on Sunday.

Seasoned campaigner Keven Mealamu, a close friend of Williams, said the former lock was not reflecting the views of other All Blacks who had played with him at Twickenham.

“That’s his own thoughts,” Mealamu a 126-Test veteran hooker said while surrounded by props Charlie Faumuina and Wyatt Crockett.

He described the All Blacks rivalry with England as “awe-

some” and said there was “a lot of mutual respect.”

On Dawson’s jibe at a significant piece of New Zealand culture, Mealamu, who is of Samoan descent, said it was “quite funny” seeing the haka mixed with the dance from the 1994 Spanish hit song ‘Macarena’. “It’s obvious it’s something he’s looked at. The haka is part of what we do but it’s not actually what we do as a rugby team when we go out there to play the game.”

Under intense questioning from European media, Mealamu ac-

knowledged the haka was a special part of New Zealand’s culture.

When asked if Dawson should have shown more respect, Mealamu said: “It is his view on the way he sees it. We’ve heard a bit about it but we’re just looking forward to playing Argentina.”

Faumuina said he was not concerned with the off-field jibes and the haka was something dear to the All Blacks which they did for themselves. “I don’t think it worries us too much what people are trying to do.” - AFP

WHEN CALL COMES

Versatile Jarvis ready to step into emergency Wales hooking role CARDIFF: Wales go into the World Cup with just two established hookers, Scott Baldwin and Ken Owens, but versatile prop Aaron Jarvis says he is ready to step in should the call come.

The Welsh face a daunting lineup of Pool A matches against Uruguay, England, Fiji and Australia.

Given the physical demands of modern-day rugby and the attritional rate amongst forwards, most teams have opted for three specialist hookers to pack down at union’s coal face.

Wales coach Warren Gatland has instead preferred to rely on the versatility of Jarvis, even though the 29-year-old readily admitted that the last time he packed down between two props was when he was 13.

“I last played there when I was small, young, back in the day,” Jarvis said with a smile. “I didn’t start playing until I was 13 so

around that sort of time — I played a lot of positions. It’s something I’ve done a tiny bit of it in the past.

I did a bit at school and at Exeter Chiefs junior section.”

Jarvis, born in Exeter and qualified for Wales through a Welsh grandmother, said he had been put through his paces by Baldwin and Owens. “I’ve been doing bits and bobs, practising my throwing,” said Jarvis, who has won 13 caps since making his debut in 2012.

“I’ve had a lot of help from both hookers — they’ve been great in showing me different ways of holding the ball.

“Scrummaging wise, it’s not too different to prop really, maybe the starting position. It’s something I’m comfortable with and I’m happy if it’s to come down to it in an emergency situation.”

Jarvis added: “Personally I think I’ve improved quite a lot and I’m really enjoying it.

“It’s something different and learning something new and I’m doing alright at it.”

Clive Woodward, who led England to glory at the 2003 World Cup, has recently hinted that it would not be safe to play a prop as hooker, but Jarvis disagreed.

“If I’d agreed with it (Woodward’s opinion) I wouldn’t do it,” he said. “Scrummaging isn’t too different and I’m happy to do it.

The coaches know what they’re doing here so it’s not a problem.”

Wales kick off their campaign against Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday and Jarvis said he was expecting a physical encounter against a side coached by a former tight-head prop, Pablo Lemoine.

“They’ve got a pretty decent scrum,” the Ospreys forward said.

“We’re starting the analysis and having a good look at them — good scrum, good maul, it’ll be good.” - AFP

they believed they could maintain the advantage to the end.

“I really want to win and believe we can,” he said. “There will be a lot of intensity at the start, there will be a lot of emotion inside but we must keep a cool head.”

A clean sweep against the remaining sides in their pool, Tonga, Georgia and Namibia should be enough to get Argentina into the quarterfinals and a clash against the winners of Pool D, likely to be either France or Ireland. - AFP

YOUNGEST

Georgia teenager Lobzhanidze set to break Cup record LONDON: Eighteen-year-old scrum-half Vasil Lobzhanidze will become the youngest World Cup player in history if he gets a place in Georgia’s team to play Tonga on Saturday.

Lobzhanidze said he barely remembers the last World Cup in 2011 and only took up rugby union seven years ago.

“Just a few years ago, I would not have imagined that I would play for the Georgian national team, let alone at a World Cup,” he said at a press conference in Bristol. “It is a dream come true, it’s a fantastic feeling.”

Georgia play Tonga in their opening Pool C game in Gloucester.

If Lobzhanidze plays he will break the record held by American Thretton Palamo who was 19 years and eight days when he played South Africa at the 2007 World Cup. “I started playing rugby in Tbi-

Dawson’s “hakarena”

LONDON: The All Blacks refused to be provoked by a mocking haka led by former England scrum-half Matt Dawson, saying on Wednesday their focus was on their opening World Cup game against Argentina and not an escalating psychological war off field.

Dawson’s “hakarena” ridicules the All Blacks pre-match haka, a traditional war dance which has immense cultural significance for the New Zealanders.

In a video clip he urges England fans to use it to counter the supposed benefits the All Blacks get from the pre-match ritual.

It follows a scathing outburst from former All Black Ali Williams who said it will be “a dark day” if hosts England win the World Cup and he described their home ground Twickenham as “the most hostile stadium there is”.

But the off-field insults were brushed aside by the All Blacks who

“We start as equals and have to do everything right, everything perfect. If we don’t do it 100 percent we will not win.”

In Argentina’s last World Cup match against the All Blacks, in the 2011 quarterfinals, they led 7-6 midway through the first half before the pressure told with New Zealand finishing up comfortable 33-10 winners. Wing Horacio Agulla said their game plan was to again knock the All Blacks off their stride at the start, and this time

lisi when I was 11-years-old in one of the clubs, Armazi Tbilisi which is a club that plays in the top division in Georgia, and that is where I still play today,” he said.

“My family will be looking for me and watching on television.

“I come from a big family, with a big extended family, which is very typical for Georgia. I have a twin sister, two older sisters and one brother. And I have six nieces and nephews.”

Georgia coach Milton Haig was sure that Lobzhanidze will appear in one of the pool matches.

“He’s in the squad because he is one of the top three scrum-halves in Georgia and he’s our number one number nine,” Haig said.

“Although he is only 18, he plays and makes decisions like a 25 or 26-year-old, and he makes good decisions under pressure.

“He will certainly feature in the pool stages.” - AFP

OPENER

Fiji can challenge England, says coach McKee LONDON: Fiji at their best can cause World Cup hosts England a lot of problems in the showpiece opener at Twickenham, coach John McKee said on Wednesday.

McKee has already guided Fiji to the Pacific Nations Cup but he knows that his fast and agile team will have to up their game to have a hope in the Pool A clash.

A Fiji win would spring an even greater surprise than when Argentina beat hosts France in the opening game of the 2007 World Cup. England are heavy odds on favourites to win the game while leading English bookmakers William Hill are offering 16-1 for a Fiji victory.

“We know we’ll have to be at our best to get the result we want on Friday night. If we’re at our best we know we can challenge them,” said McKee. “We know that to be successful on Friday we will have to play for the full 80. International rugby is an 80-minute game,” the New Zealander added.

“The core of our team has been together since June last year.

We’ve been building towards this tournament all the time.

“Our preparation and form have been good but we know this is quite a step-up from the Pacific Nations Cup, so we need to play our game at a higher intensity.”

McKee’s side has two players — centre Vereniki Goneva and captain and flanker Akapusi Qera — who have had spells in England

with Leicester and Gloucester respectively.

He has also selected the talented Nemani Nadolo on the wing where he provides electrifying pace and is also a superb placekicker. Nadolo is to join English side Bath after the World Cup. McKee opted for Ben Volavola at fly-half and he will be partnered by scrum-half Nikola Matawalu, who has recovered from a groin injury he suffered in the warm-up victory over Canada.

Qera, who plays for French Top 14 side Montpellier, said whilst he and some of his team-mates had good friends in their Pool A opponents camp that would count for nothing on Friday.

“We have best mates in the England team but as soon as we cross the white line that’s where the friendships end.

“We’ll then be friends again after the game on Friday,” said 31-year-old Qera.

Team (15-1): Metuisela Talebula; Waisea Nayacalevu, Vereniki Goneva, Gabiriele Lovobalavu, Nemani Nadolo; Ben Volavola, Nikola Matawalu; Sakiusa Masi Matadigo, Akapusi Qera (capt), Dominiko Waqaniburotu; Leone Nakarawa, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa; Manasa Saulo, Sunia Koto, Campese Ma’afu; Replacements: Tuapati Talemaitoga, Peni Ravai, Isei Colati, Tevita Cavubati, Peceli Yato, Nemia Kenatale, Joshua Matavesi, Aseli Tikoirotuma. - AFP

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Oman teams, fans to experience floodlight cricket by November

A. R. RAJKUMAR/Times of Oman

During the annual Awards Gala, the Oman Cricket revealed that there will be two turf grounds in the new season with floodlight facilities to be completed at one of the grounds by November

Sports Reporter MUSCAT: As part of the development plans, Oman Cricket is planning to provide two turf grounds to the aficionados, who will also be getting an opportunity to experience floodlight cricket in the new season. This was announced by Oman Cricket board member Pankaj Khimji during the Sultanate’s cricket body’s annual Awards Gala on Wednesday.

The 36th edition of Awards Gala, which honoured the teams and individual players who excelled in the last season, was organised at Al Falaj Hotel under the auspices of Oman Cricket Patron-in-Chief

His Highness Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Minister of Heritage and Culture, and chief guest Minister of Sports Affairs Sheikh Saad bin Mohammed Al Mardhouf Al Saadi and in the presence of officials from the ministry, spots associations and other dignitaries.

During his speech, Pankaj said: “During the new season we will have two turf grounds.”

“One of the grounds will also have floodlight facilities, which will be ready by November,” he revealed.

“The ground will also have excellent practice facilities with practice pitches.

“There will also be an audio

and video centre along with other modern facilities,” he added.

He also stressed Oman Cricket’s ambitious plans to take cricket to different part of the Sultanate.

“We have already set up subcommittees in Sohar and Salalah to develop the game there. There are already two grounds in place,” he said.

Domestic structure Earlier in his remarks, Oman Cricket’s Chief Development Officer Duleep Mendis said ‘a proper domestic structure is vital for development of cricket in the country’.

“The International Cricket Council wants a strong domestic structure in Oman which will lead to further development,” Duleep, who is also the coach of Oman national team, said.

“Oman Cricket wants to develop cricket at school level. If we succeed, in two years time we will have a good support in forming the national teams,” the Sri Lankan great added.

Cricket of the year The highlight of this year’s award ceremony was the announcement

of the inaugural Cricket of the Year Award.

The award went to Al Turki NMC’s Ajay Lalcheta, who is also a member of national team which clinched the historic berth in the ICC World T20 Championship following their exploits at the World T20 Qualifier in Ireland and Scotland.

List of awardees: Teams: A Division sponsored by Muscat Pharmacy & Stores LLC: Winners: Assarain A; Runner–up: Muscat Cricket Team. B Division sponsored by Khimji Ramdas LLC: Winners: Enhance Eagles; Runners-up: Sinha. C Division sponsored

by Al Ansari Group of Companies: Winners: NBO A; Runners-up: Z-Axis Media. D Division sponsored by Raha – Poly Products LLC: Winners: Al Faisal; Runnersup: Assarain B. E Division sponsored by Enhance: Winners: Times of Oman; Runners-up: Sarco. F Division: Winners: Attic Outdoors; Runners-up: Newrest Wacasco.

G Division: Winners: Professional Trading; Runners-up: Global Money Exchange.

H Division: Winners: Sayarti; Runners-up: Abu Maather Al Malki. I Division: Winners: Ahli Bank; Runners-up: Caledonian College.

J Division: Winners: NBO B; Runners-up: Starcare Hospital.

Individual awards: Omani players

(playing for one team): Best batsman: Haroon Trad Yaqoob Al Balushi (OCT Al Hail B); Best bowler: Amur Ahmed Qader Bakhsh Al Balushi (OCT Al Hail A); Consolation bowlng: Mohammed Aslam Qader Bakhsh Al Balushi (OCT Muscat A). Omani players (playing for more than one team): Best batsman: Abdul Ghani Rahim Bakhsh Al Balushi (OCT Al Hail ‘B’ & Majees); Best bowler: Khalid Moosa Murad Al Balushi (OCT Al Hail A & MARH); Consolation batting: Shuaib Ismail Mohammed Al Balushi (NYDT, OCT Muscat A & Arrow Overseas); Consolation Bowling: Mohammed Ali Akbar Al Balushi (OCT Muscat A, NYDT & Ooredoo) A Division: Best batsman: Jatinder Singh (Muscat); Best bowler: Ajay Lalcheta (Al Turki NMC); Consolation batting: Aaqib Ilyas Sulheri (Muscat); Consolation bowling: V.S. Shiju (Assarain A). B Division: Best batsman: Zafar Iqbal (Enhance Eagles); Best bowler: Shankar Parameswaran (Enhance Eagles); Consolation bowling: Chadith Lakmal (Renaissance). C Division: Best batsman: Melwin Mathew (Z-Axis Media); Best bowler: Syed Zaheer Abbas (NBO A); Consolation batting: Abdul Majeed Abdul Naveed (PDORC). D Division: Best batsman: Aadil Mohammed Amin (Blue Sky Int’l); Best bowler: Ranjith R. Nair (Assarain B); Consolation bowling: Ghazanfar Iqbal (Al Faisal). E Division: Best batsman: Prasad Peruli (Landscape Architecture); Best bowler: Adnan-ul Haq Mustaq Hussain (Times of

Oman); Consolation bowling: Kashif Imtiyaz Bakkar (Ibrahim Al Kishri). F Division: Best batsman: Mohsin Abbas Zaidi (Majees); Best bowler: Rajesh Rao (Attic Outdoors); Consolation batting: Jeason Jacob George (Orange Mart); Consolation bowling: Deepesh Unikkoru (Al Daam Int’l). G Division: Best batsman: Anup Rajan (King Travels); Best bowler: Binu Babu Varghese (Professional Trading); Consolation batting: Patel Ashokkumar Haribhai (Global Money Exchange). H Division: Best batsman: Masanam Ragunath (Rukun Al Yaqeen); Best bowler: Aneesh Madhavan (Al Fairuz Trading); Consolation bowling: Ruwan Rupasinghe (Sayarti). I Division: Best batsman: Mohammed Shafeeq Nagori (Caledonian College); Best bowler: Rithesh Acharya (Al Ansari). J Division: Best batsman: Khuram Rashid (Trust Oilfields Strikers); Best bowler: Meesam Ali (Starcare Hospital).

Cricketer of the year A Division: Ajay Lalcheta (Al Turki NMC).

Sponsors: Junior League Under 16 & Under 19 Women’s Cricket Tournament 2014-15: Al Turki Enterprises. Junior League Under 19, B Division League and Knockout Tournament 2014-15: Khimji Ramdas LLC. A Division League 2014-15: Muscat Pharmacy & Stores LLC. C Division League 2014-15: Al Ansari Group of Companies. D Division League 2014-15: Raha Poly Products LLC. E Division League 2014-15: Enhance.

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Shaw injury puts United’s Van Gaal on the defensive The England leftback suffered a double fracture of his right leg in Tuesday’s 2-1 Champions League defeat at PSV Eindhoven after a scything tackle by Hector Moreno

LONDON: Manchester United fans were already concerned about their side’s lack of goalscorers but Luke Shaw’s horrific leg break, and likely six month absence now has them worrying about the defence as well.

The England left-back suffered a double fracture of his right leg in Tuesday’s 2-1 Champions League defeat at PSV Eindhoven after a scything tackle in the penalty area

by Mexican Hector Moreno.

The game was stopped for eight minutes while medical staff attended to Shaw, who was carried off on a stretcher with an oxygen mask strapped to his face.

United said in an update on Wednesday that Shaw had surgery immediately after the match at the St. Anna Hospital in Geldrop and would remain in Eindhoven to continue his recovery.

NASTY TACKLE: Manchester’s defender Luke Shaw, left, is challenged by Eindhoven’s Mexican defender Hector Moreno during their Champions League Group B match in Eindhoven on Tuesday. – AFP

His teammates returned home on Wednesday.

Moreno, who broke his leg playing for Mexico against United manager Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands at the 2014 World Cup and sent a message of support to Shaw via Twitter, went unpunished.

“It is very bad and sad for him, but also for our team,” said Van Gaal, who replaced Shaw with Argentine Marcos Rojo.

“I’m not a doctor so I cannot say but when you have a double fracture it is four to six months... I hope

LIVERPOOL MIDFIELDER

land’s place at next year’s finals in France is already secure, as it will for Van Gaal who had spoken last month of how important the player would be in his lineup.

Big talent “Luke is a big talent,” the Dutchman, whose side can no longer count on a dominant Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic-like figure in the heart of the defence, had declared. “I think this shall be the season of Luke Shaw — that I believe.”

Shaw had worked hard on his fit-

Manuel Pellegrini

Sterling not to blame: Pellegrini LONDON: Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has refused to blame new recruit Raheem Sterling’s profligacy infront of goal for the Premier League leaders’ 2-1 home loss to Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Sterling, who joined City from Liverpool in the summer under controversial circumstances, was in impressive form in the Premier League and helped his side win all five games.

But he was guilty of missing two good chances against Juventus and was eventually replaced in the 71st minute.

“I don’t think this result is just because of Raheem. We controlled the game and didn’t have many problems but football is like that,” Pellegrini was quoted by the British media as saying.

“I expect that when we have chances we must score. The differences are very slight, especially against a strong team like Juventus. “We never want to lose here at home, we never want to lose important points, but we have 15 points more to play for,” the former Real Madrid manager added.

City will be hoping to get some points on board in their next Champions League group D match on Sept. 30 against Borussia Monchengladbach, who lost 3-0 to Sevilla. - Reuters

FORCED OFF THE PITCH

Coutinho calls for calm ahead of Bordeaux clash LONDON: Liverpool attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho has called for calm ahead of his club’s visit to France to take on Bordeaux in the Europa League on Thursday after suffering back-to-back defeats in the Premier League.

The Brazilian was shown a red card during Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat

by West Ham United on August 29 and missed the 3-1 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford, a result that sent the Merseyside club plunging down to 10th place in the league table.

“It is vital to stay calm, mainly because we are just at the beginning in all competitions,” Coutinho, who is likely to return to the

he will play again this season.”

Shaw had been in top form for club and country after a difficult first year at Old Trafford following his £30 million ($46.27 million) plus move from Southampton.

He had started all of United’s eight games as well as playing in the Euro 2016 qualifiers against San Marino and Switzerland, with England manager Roy Hodgson seeing him as a stalwart in the same fashion as Ashley Cole.

His prolonged absence will be a blow for Hodgson, even if Eng-

ness, paying for a personal trainer to accompany him on holiday in Dubai, and had given United pace down the flank.

With Daley Blind and Chris Smalling in the centre and Matteo Darmian on the right, United have looked solid in defence with fans more focused on where the goals might come from after the exit of Robin van Persie, Javier Hernandez and Radamel Falcao.

Apart from Premier League leaders and local rivals Manchester City, who have kept clean sheets in winning their five domestic matches so far, United currently boast the second best defensive record in the top tier along with Arsenal. Despite that record, there has been concern that the lack of defensive reinforcements in the last transfer window has left United vulnerable to injury.

“He (Shaw) has played so well and been an integral part of this decent start by Manchester United because the back four has been settled,” former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson told Sky Sports television on Wednesday.

Van Gaal will have to change that, with Rojo — who plays left back for Argentina — brought on in a central role at PSV while Blind moved to the left back position instead.

Thompson, for one, was not convinced by the changes which led to both of PSV’s goals. The first came after a deflection off Blind, the second when Luciano Narsingh was left unmarked by Rojo to head home.

“Blind and Smalling have been very good,” said Thompson. “Why did he move Blind to left back and Rojo to centre back when that has been your rock?” - Reuters

JUVENTUS LOSS

starting line-up against French Ligue 1 side Bordeaux, told the club’s website. “We have a long season ahead and many things can happen. The Premier League is tough — all clubs have great teams — and we know twists and turns will happen.”

The 23-year-old said the league defeats would act as motivation for Liverpool who are struggling to create chances and scored only three times in five league games so far.

“We have to look ahead now and get over these two recent games we lost,” Coutinho said.

“It (Bordeaux) is a very important game as it’s our first in the Europa League.” - Reuters

Bale injury overshadows latest Ronaldo record in Real victory MADRID: Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez fears Welsh star Gareth Bale could be set for a significant spell on the sidelines due to a calf muscle injury.

Bale was forced off after just half an hour of Madrid’s 4-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk to open the Spanish giants’ Champions League campaign on Tuesday.

Karim Benzema opened the scoring before Cristiano Ronaldo struck his second hat-trick in as many games to move clear of Lionel Messi as the competition’s alltime leading goalscorer with 80.

“Great win at home to kick off our #UCL campaign, gutted to go off but hopefully nothing too serious,” Bale posted on his official Twitter account.

However, Benitez was more pessimistic over his chances of facing Granada on Saturday.

“Bale had a spasm in his calf muscle,” said Benitez. “We must wait a day or two to see how serious it is.

He had a similar issue last year.”

Bale was sidelined for nearly three weeks with a calf problem last season that forced him to miss the second leg of Real’s Champions League quarterfinal against Atletico Madrid.

Should the injury be more serious, he could also miss out on sealing Wales’ qualification for an international tournament for the first time since 1958 when they travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina before hosting Andorra next month.

Defenders Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos also had to be

CALF MUSCLE INJURY: Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale walks off the pitch during their Champions League Group A match against Shakhtar Donetsk at Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid on Tuesday. – Reuters

replaced due to minor ankle and shoulder injuries respectively, but Benitez is more confident that they could be fit for the weekend.

“Obviously we have to wait, I said before two of them are knocks. Gareth is the only one that I am a little bit more negative with but I have to wait to see what the doctor says.”

Early season fears that Ben-

itez’s Madrid might not have the same attacking prowess as in previous seasons have been dispelled as Los Blancos have now scored 15 times in their last three outings.

However, the former Liverpool and Chelsea boss was also keen to stress the importance of keeping their fourth consecutive clean sheet against a talented Shakhtar side. “It was a difficult game. They

are a team that control the ball well and that makes it more difficult when it comes to defending.”

“They have fast and skillful players. Despite not shining, we had plenty of chances and were clinical. I am satisfied to have taken our chances and to not concede any goals. The only negative was the injuries to the three players we had to substitute.” - AFP

BIG CHALLENGE

Blanc satisfied with PSG start, Di Maria impact PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) coach Laurent Blanc admitted bigger tests await his side after they began their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win against Malmo on Tuesday.

Angel Di Maria and Edinson Cavani got the goals as PSG, quarterfinalists in each of the last three seasons, saw off the Swedish champions at the Parc des Princes in Group A. But Paris face a fight with Real Madrid for supremacy in the section, and the Spanish giants underlined their credentials by brushing aside Shakhtar Donetsk 4-0 in the night’s other game as

Cristiano Ronaldo netted yet another hat-trick.

“It’s easy to compare after the first match. We will see at the end of the group stage. The two home teams have won, but our next matches will be away from home,” said Blanc, whose side visit Ukraine next while Madrid go to Malmo.

“We need to make sure we get points away from home, although not every team playing at home managed to win tonight.”

Meanwhile, Blanc warned that Di Maria is still some way short of his best form after handing the Argentine just his second start

since signing from Manchester United last month.

“Angel is still building himself up. He arrived late after the Copa America and he was carrying a hamstring injury. I think we were right to let him rest at first rather than rush him in,” said Blanc of the winger brought in to help take Paris to the next level in Europe.

“He needs games because, let’s not forget, it was just his second start. He is clever in front of goal.

He can bring us quality with his passing but I also think he can score a certain number of goals over the course of a season.

“We were very good down the

right with Gregory (van der Wiel) and Marco (Verratti) and Angel. It augurs well.”

It was not quite such a good night for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who returned after injury to face his hometown team and the club with whom he started his career but missed a handful of chances in the first period and was eventually substituted 15 minutes from the end.

“I decided to take him off because, when you come back, you start to get tired after about 70 minutes, and he is also of a certain age. He could have finished the match but that would have perhaps been taking a pointless risk.” - AFP

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mbarked eer has e M n a s s a H ani artist rtists and orary Om 0 young a 2 n Contemp a th as om more istic canv ion to gro global art e on a miss th n o ir mark leave the help them habin E. graphy S to o h P n e dhe . Ameeru Story T.A

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in the country doesn’t promote upcoming artists. “Art prospered in Oman in the early 70s, and between 2000 and 2008. It has been remainHASSAN MEER’S ing stagnant for the last five years.

RECENT EXHIBITIONS Oman has plenty of art students but someone should give them proper guidance.” Meer himself took the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennale lead as a mentor early this year with (Sharjah Museum, UAE) an aim to reinvigorate the art scene.

He aims to produce more than 20 View from Inside good artists and help them showContemporary Arab Video, case their skills all over the world, in Photography and Mixed Media next two years.

Art Fotofest (Houston, Texas) His action plan is simple. He directs the artists and gives them ex“…all silent but for the buzzing…” ercises. He also advises them the (Royal College of Art Galleries, importance of communication and Kensington, London) networking with others. “I am happy with the progress of the mentorArab Contemporary ing programme. I want to see them Architecture, Culture and organise shows in different parts of Identity (Louisiana Museum of the world.”

Modern Art, Denmark) And Meer is confident of produc2013 ing talented bunch of artists. “Budoor Al Riyami, Issa Al Omfarji and Ikono On Air Festival Abdulrahim Al Hooti are the artists (Berlin, Germany) to look up to and I am sure that they will take Omani art to new heights.”

Sovereign Asian Art Prize He believes that Stal Gallery, Exhibition (Hong Kong) which he set up in 2013 at Al Khuwair, is an ideal platform to groom 25 years of Arab Creativity the artists.

(Emirates Place, Abu Dhabi, UAE) The gallery became a reality 2012 when Ahmed Al Serkal, who owns the UAE-based Al Serkal group, ap25 years of Arab Creativity proved Meer’s proposal. “Al Serkal (Institute du Monde Arabe, Paris, has a vision to support Omani culFrance) ture through art and talented Omani artists. Stal is the name of the village Arab Express near Wadi Bani Kharus in the Dakh(Mori Museum, Japan) iliyah Region where intellectuals used to gather. So Stal provides the Work Marry Remember best location for creation, exhibition (AB Gallery, Zurich, Switzerland) and engagement,” said Meer, who is the Artistic Director of Stal Gallery.

The new season will begin at Stal Gallery with a show in October. It will host a competition and show for upcoming artists in November.

PHOTO: Shabin E & Supplied

H

assan Meer was just 12 years old when he created his first oil painting. The feat made him immensely happy and helped him realise his attachment to art. “On that day I found a medium to express myself. It ignited my passion to learn more about art, and led me to Omani Society for Fine Arts and later to Savannah College of Art and Design in the United States where I earned my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Arts,” said Hassan Meer, Oman’s finest contemporary artist, while taking a trip down memory lane.

Meer’s artistic life began with paintings and drawing, but he turned to video and installation arts to express his ideas, during his studies. “My works were inspired by personal experience and childhood memories. I always wondered about the powerful effects of mysterious legends in controlling and directing the course of people’s lives.”

His tryst with photography began seven years ago. Since then he has been celebrated for series of photos about life in Oman during the 1960s and 70s. “I focus on conceptual photography. I get concepts when I interact with people, travel to different places, read articles, and watch television shows.”

Though he made a mark in three different genres, Meer believes that art is quintessentially a language for communication. “Art is a medium through which I seek to discover the state of human mind and the contradiction he undergoes in the midst of cultural and civilisational conflicts.

I attempt to link some of these elements and symbolic concepts among the various cultures.”

Even as he exhorts young artists to re-interpret and experiment, Meer finds the state of art affairs

ACCOLADES Sovereign Asian Art Prize for Top 30 Artists in Asia, Hong Kong, 2013 Grand Prize –National Day Competition, Oman, 2010

STAL GALLERY Stal Gallery and Studio is a purpose designed visual arts studio and exhibition space in Al Khuwair. It aims to promote the creation, appreciation and engagement of visual arts in all media in Muscat and the surrounding region. Visit stalgallery.com, for details.

Phone: +968 2460 0396. Email: info@stalgallery.com

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Aronofsky In Talks to Direct Knievel Biopic

Filmmaker Darren Aronofsky is reportedly taking an interest in directing a yet-untitled biopic on motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel. Talks of Aronofsky helming the project have been circulating online, mentioning that the director is currently in early talks with Sony. The biopic has been in development at the studio since 2014 as a possible starring vehicle for Channing Tatum. Tatum is also on board producing alongside Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti. Evel Knievel, known to his family as Robert Craig Knievel, became famous in the 1970s for his motorcycle stunts.

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Finding Yourself in a Crowd SALEH AL-SHAIBANY

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ometimes, when you are lost you usually find yourself in a crowd. I don’t mean to be vague but it happens in gatherings when people enjoy themselves. I like to stand near the door in a reception in case I have to leave in a hurry.

Anyway, I spotted this large man entering alone but then stopped at the door. He looked around nervously at the packed room trying to muster enough encourage to mingle with the crowd. I watched him closely as he refused a drink offered by a pretty, young waitress. For a moment, I thought he was going to turn and walk away.

He did not. He took a step forward and moved to a corner where he could observe everybody. My immediate thought was that he was looking for a good reason to convince himself that he should stay. Perhaps he was trying to find a familiar face. My host interrupted by tapping on my shoulder to ask, “enjoying yourself ?”

I said I was but then pointed at the lonely man at the corner and asked, “I don’t think he is comfortable, who is he, anyway?”

He looked at him for a while then shrugged his shoulders, “I don’t come up with the list of all the guests. I am sure he has not gate crushed. Anyway, let’s go and find out.”

The man saw us approaching and he took a step backward but there was only the wall to make sure he would not go anyway. He shook our hands when we were introducing ourselves. He said he was an accountant of a company the host immediately recognised.

“I told him you are not a gate crasher,” I decided to embarrass our gracious host, “we came here to find out.”

We laughed and that helped to relax him. Seconds later, two more people joined us. Jokes were cracked and the man soon got the hang of it and started to fit in. It turned out, to my surprise, that he was a cheerful person. He also had a way with words and endless repertoire of phrases that

You are very amusing for an accountant. Usually people of your profession are dull.

And you looked lost when you came in delighted us all. He was a crowd puller too, because more people walked over to join us. When the meal was served, we all swarmed at his table to be at his side. Who would have thought a nervous, perspiring fat man who looked unsure of himself was going to be the star of the party? I was curious but I waited until it was time for the host to make a speech to get him by myself. We reverted to the same quite corner and I started to ask him questions.

“You are very amusing for an

accountant. Usually people of your profession are dull. And you looked lost when you came in,” I told him.

“I did not want to come and I usually avoid receptions,” he confessed, “but my boss wanted me here because he could not attend.” Since his boss wrote his annual report, he thought it would be wise to please him.

“I am sure you have pleased him because you have entertained many guests tonight. Our host would remember that,” I told him.

“I hope you are right. He is our important client,” he said not so cheerfully but I did not probe any further.

We exchanged business cards and I forgot about the incident until I saw him at a financial press conference several months later. He shook my hand but he had trouble remembering who I was. I guess my contribution in that party was not memorable but it did not matter. He was the star of the show and that really counted.

Singer Sam Smith, who has written the theme song for new James Bond adventure Spectre, says it would be “interesting” to see footballer David Beckham as the popular spy.

The 23-year-old singer also believes Beckham would make a very handsome leading man. “That would be interesting, that’s all I’ll say - that would be very interesting. He looks amazing in a suit,” Smith said while talking about Beckham starring in the film series.

There were speculations that Beckham has been offered the titular role of the popular film franchise after he showed his keenness to act. The Stay with me hitmaker also hopes singer Ellie Goulding follows his footsteps and records the next song for the series.

Sofia Reveals Her Wedding Plans Actress Sofia Vergara has revealed some new details of her wedding with Joe Manganiello. “We’re very excited. We kind of keep it like a little private but it’s kind of impossible because people have been very excited,” said Vergara in a TV show.

The host jokingly asked, “For you private it’s like a thousand people, right?” to which she replied, “No, actually it’s like 400.” -IANS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

C10

FIND-IT-ALL CINEMA SCHEDULE

PRAYER TIMINGS

@SHATTI

@SOHAR

Timings: 3:15, 5:30,11:30PM (PG12) The Blood Lands – 2D (Horror) (12+) Cast: Pollyanna McIntosh, Lee Williams Timings: 10:00PM Katti Batti – 2D (Romance/Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Imran Khan, Kangana Ranaut Timings: 3:00, 7:30PM Maaya – 2D (Horror) (15+) Cast: Nayantara, Aari, Amzath Khan Timings: 7:15PM

@RUWI

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68. www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI THE MAZE RUNNER: SCORCH TRIALS (Action, Sci fi) (PG12)(3D) Cast : Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario Timings : 02:00 pm /09:15 pm /11:45 pm THE MAZE RUNNER: SCORCH TRIALS (Action, Sci fi) (PG12)(2D) Cast : Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario Timings : 06:45 pm American Ultra (Action, Drama)(12+) Cast : Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart Timings : 05:00 /09:30 pm The Transporter Refueled (Action)(PG12) Cast : Ed Skrein, Loan Chabanol Timings : 04:30/ 11:30 pm MOOMOINS ON THE RIVIERA (PG) Timings : 02:00 pm /03:30 pm EDEN (Drama, Thriller)(12+)(2D) Timings : 04:00 pm /05:45 pm EVEREST (Adventure, Drama)(PG)(3D/IMAX) Timings : 01:45 pm /09:30 pm /11:55 pm EVEREST (Adventure, Drama)(PG)(2D) Cast : Jason Clarke, Ang Phula Sherpa Timings : 07:00 pm HARA MAZNOUKA (12+)(ARABIC) Cast : Ahmed Fathy, Ola Ghanem Timings : 07:30 pm MUSCAT GRAND MALL Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials: 3D (PG12) Timing: 10:00 AM, 09:30, 11:55 PM Gold Class: 03:45, 08:45, 11:15 PM Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials: 2D (Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller) (PG12) Timing: 04:45 PM American Ultra: 2D (Action,Comedy) (12+) Cast: Jesse Eisenberg,, Kristen Stewart Timings: 01:30, 07:15 PM Everest : 3D (Adventure, Drama, Thriller) (PG) Cast : Jason Clarke, Ang Phula Sherpa Timing : 07:15, 11:45 PM Gold Class: 01:15, 06:15 PM Everest : 2D (Adventure, Drama, Thriller) (PG) Cast : Jason Clarke, Ang Phula Sherpa Timing : 05:00 PM

THE MAZE RUNNER: SCORCH TRIALS (Action, Sci fi) (PG12)(3D) Cast : Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario Timings : 02:00 pm /09:15 pm /11:45 pm

EVEREST : 3D (Adventure, Drama, Thriller) (PG) Cast : Jason Clarke, Ang Phula Sherpa Timing : 07:15, 11:45 PM Gold Class: 01:15, 06:15 PM

Katti Batti(Hindi) : 2D (Romance) (TBC) Cast : Imran Khan, Kangana Ranaut Timing: 09:15 PM The Dead Lands : 2D (Action ) (15+) Cast : James Rolleston, Lawrence Makaore Timing: 12:30 PM The Transporter Refueled : 2D (PG12) Cast : Ed Skrein, Loan Chabano Timing: 02:45 PM Moomins on the Riviera: 2D (Family) (PG) Cast : Maria Sid, Mats Langbacka Timing : 10:15 AM, 12:00, 03:30 PM

MOOMINS ON THE RIVIERA - 2D (PG) Cast : Maria Sid, Mats Långbacka Timings : 03:00 , 04:30 PM

Time – 06:00, 11:30 PM Everest – 3D (PG) Adventure, Drama, Thriller Cast - Jason Clarke, Ang Phula Sherpa Time – 12:30, 07:15, 11:15 PM Everest – 2D (PG) Adventure, Drama, Thriller Cast - Jason Clarke, Ang Phula Sherpa Time – 03:15 PM Katti Batti – 2D (TBC) Romance Cast – Imran Khan, Kangana Ranaut Time – 02:00, 03:45, 06:15, 08:45 PM The Transporter Refueled - 2D (PG12) Time – 02:00, 11:55 PM American Ultra – 2D (12+) Action, Comedy Time – 12:15, 05:30 PM Hero – 2D (PG12) Action, Drama, Romance Time – 09:30 PM

AZAIBA Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials – 2D (PG12) Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller Time – 05:30 PM Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials – 3D (PG12) Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller Cast - Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario Time – 12:45, 08:00, 10:30 PM Utopiayile Rajavu - 2D (PG) Family, Comedy Cast - Mammootty, Jewel Mary, K. P. A. C. Time – 02:45, 08:45 PM Moomins on the Riviera – 2D (PG) Cast - Maria Sid, Mats Långbacka Time – 12:45, 04:30 PM Maya – 2D (15+) Horror Cast - Nayanthara, Aari, Amzath Khan

KATTI BATTI (ROMANCE) – PG12 Cast:Kangana Ranaut, Imran Khan Timing: 2.30, 5.30, 8.30, 11.30 PM

SCREEN 3 Everest (2D) (Adventure, Drama) – PG Timing: 3.30, 9.15 PM Welcome Back (Comedy) – 12+ Cast: John Abraham, Shruti Hassan Timing: 6.30 PM Phantom (Action) – PG Timing: 11:45 PM SOHAR The Transporter Refueled - 2D (PG12) Cast : Ed Skrein, Loan Chabanol Timings : 05:15 , 10:10 PM American Ultra - 2D (12+) Action, Comedy Cast : Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart Timings : 04:15 , 11:30 PM Hero - 2D (PG12) Action, Drama, Romance Cast : Sooraj Pancholi, Athiya Shetty Timings : 06:00 PM Everest - 2D (PG) Adventure, Drama, Thriller Cast : Jason Clarke, Ang Phula Sherpa Timings : 04:45 PM Everest - 3D (PG) Adventure, Drama, Thriller Timings : 02:30 , 07:00 , 11:45 PM Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials - 3D Timings : 07:00 , 09:30 , 11:55 PM (PG12) Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials - 2D (PG12) Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller

RUWI SCREEN 1 Katti Batti (Romance) – PG12 Cast:Kangana Ranaut, Imran Khan Timing: 2.30, 5.30, 8.30, 11.30 PM SCREEN 2 Welcome Back (Comedy) – 12+ Timing: 3.30 , 8.45 PM Everest (3D) (Adventure, Drama, Thriller) Cast: Elizabeth Debicki, Jake Gyllenhaal, Keira Timing: 6.30, 11.30 PM (PG)

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

08:50 Daily 11:00 Daily 14:30 Daily via Ibri 15:45 Daily 17:40 Daily 18.35 Daily 20:20 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Timings : 02:45 PM Katti Batti - 2D (TBC) Romance Timings : 09:15 PM Moomins on the Riviera - 2D (PG) Cast : Maria Sid, Mats Långbacka Timings : 03:00 , 04:30 PM Maya - 2D (T) (15+) Horror Cast : Nayanthara, Aari, Amzath Khan Timings : 06:00 PM Utopiayile Rajavu - 2D (M) (PG) Family Cast : Mammootty, Jewel Mary, K. P. A. C. Timings : 08:45 PM Eden - 2D (12+) Drama, Thriller Cast : Jessica Lowndes, James Remar Timings : 02:30 , 11:55 PM Hara Maznouka - 2D (Arb) (12+) Comedy Cast : Ahmed Fathy, Ola Ghanem Timings : 08:25 PM BURAIMI Maze Runner: The Scroch Trails - 3D (Action, Sci-FI, Thriller) (PG12) Timings: 5:00, 9:30, 11:55PM Everest – 3D (Adventure, Drama ) (PG) Timings: 5:15, 7:20, 11:45PM American Ultra – 2D (Action, Comedy) (12+) Timings: 03:30, 11:30PM The Transporter Refueled– 2D (Action )

SALALAH Tekken: Kazuya’s Revenge (2D) (15+) Cast: Kane Kosugi, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa Timings: 10:15AM/02:00/10:15PM Everest (3D) (PG) (Adventure/Drama/Thriller) Cast: Jason Clarke, Ang Phula Sherpa Timings: 10:15AM/07:00/11:55PM Everest (2D) (PG) (Adventure/Drama/Thriller) Timings: 02:15PM Moomins on the Riviera (2D) (PG) Timings: 10:00AM/3:45PM The Transporter Refueled (2D) (PG12) Timings: 2:30/11:30 PM Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (3D) Timings: 11:30AM/9:15/11:45PM (PG12) Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2D) (PG12) (Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller) Timings: 04:30PM Katti Batti (2D) (PG12) (Romance) Timings: 12:00/ 07:45PM American Ultra (2D) (12+) (Action) Timings: 12:30/ 04:15PM Utopiayile Rajavu (2D) (PG) (Malayalam) Timings: 08:45PM Maaya (2D) (15+)(Tamil) (Horror) Cast: Nayanthara, Aari, Amzath Khan Timings: 06:00PM Hero (2D) (PG12) (Action/Drama/Romance) 05:15PM

Nizwa Yanqul

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

37 29

07:00

Ruwi

10:25

Daily

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

Fahud Yibal

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Daily Daily

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

11.45 13.30 14.00

Programmes are subject to change

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

40-80% Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 16 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/ her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to extra@timesofoman.com

LISTINGS

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence 24569603 Directorate General of Customs 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries 24510228 Public Relations Admin 24560099 EMBASSIES IN OMAN

Daily Daily Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

07:00

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

10:45 19:00

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

Ruwi Ruwi

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100) Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

06:00 14:30

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Utopiayile Rajavu (Mal) ( Com ) Cast: Mammootty & Jewel Mary Show Time 3-00 & 10-00 Pm Cinema Main \\ 6-45 Pm Cinema-3 Thani Oruvan (Mal) ( Act/Drama ) Cast: Jayam Ravi, Nayanthara & Arvind Swamy Show Time : 3-30, 6-30 & 9-30 Pm Cinema-2 Maya (Tamil) ( Horror ) Cast: Natanthara & Aari ShowTime 3-45 & 9-45 Pm At Cinema-3 6-30 Pm At Cinema Main Loham (Mal) (Drama/Act) Cast: Mohanlal, Andrea & Renji Paniker 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 Pm At Cinema – 4 NEXT CHANGE:Trisha Illana Nayanthara (Tamil); Rajni Murugan (Tamil)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) Sur Sur

Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

SHANTANU SRIRAM September 18, 2007

ROYAL OMAN POLICE 07:30 14:30

STAR CINEMA

Minimum

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 20:50

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

Everest (Adventure/Thriller/Drama) Cast: Elizebeth Debicki, Jake Gyllenhal, Keira Knightly 3.45 p.m. , 7.30 p.m. , 9.45 p.m. & 11.55 p.m.

CP No: 2391 (PG) The Deadlands ( Action ) Cast: James Rolleston, Lawrence Makoare 2.45 p.m. , 10.00 p.m. & 11.55 p.m.

CP No: 2392 ( 15+) Tekken 2 (Action) Cast: Kane Kosugi, Cary Heroiki Tagawa, Rade Serbedzija 4.45 p.m. & 8.15 p.m.

CP No : 2394 (15+) The Blood Lands (Horror/Mystery/Thriller) Cast: Pollynna Mc Intosh, Lee williams, Jonea Mitchel 1.00 p.m. & 6.30 p.m.

CP No: 2393 (12+) Zero Tolerance (Action) Cast: Dustin Nguyen, Scott Adkins, Sahajak Boonthanakit 12.15 p.m.

CP No: 2371 (12+) Moomins On The Riviera (Animation) Cast: Maria Sid, Mats Langbacka, Kristofer Gummerus 2.00 p.m. & 6.00 p.m.

CP No: 2395 (PG)

WEATHER

15:00 15:00 15:00

16:30 18:00 19:30

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

WITH LOVE

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

BAHJA CINEMA

SUR Maze Runner : the Scorch Trails (3D) (Action | Sci - Fi ) (PG12) Timing: 02:45, 09:15, 11:45 PM The Dead Land (Action) (15+) CP# Timing: 02:15, 09:30 PM Utopiayile Rajavu (Malayalam)(Family ) Cast: Mammooty, Jewel Mary, K. P. A. C. Timing: 04:15 PM (PG) Katti Batti (Hindi) (Romance) (TBC) Timing: 07:00 PM American Ultra (Action | Comedy) (12+) 5:15PM Everest (3D) (Adventure | Drama) (PG) Timing: 07:00, 11:30 PM

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) Destination

12.07pm 3.33pm 6.15pm 7.25pm 4.38am

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

@MGM

Dept time

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

Daily Daily Daily

Afghanistan Algeria Bahrain Bangladesh Brazil Brunei China Cyprus Egypt France Germany India Indonesia Iran Iraq Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya South Korea Kuwait

24698 791/4 24605 593 24 605 074/133 24 698 660 24640100 24 603533 24 696782 24 699815 24 600 982/411 24681 800 24835000 24684500 2469 1050 24 696 944/7 24603642 24693727 24 601 028 24692760/1/3 24 692418 24 697664 24 691490 24 699628

Lebanon Libya Malaysia Morocco Nepal Netherlands Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tunisia Turkey UAE United Kingdom United States Yemen

24 693208 24603466 24698329/643 24696152/3 24696177 24603706 24603439 24601312 24605335 24 691 153/2/4 24602894 24601705 24694139 24697977 24647300 24691101 24697841/2 24697875 24603267 24697904 24601 174 24 602684/5 24603486 24697050/1/2 24400000 24609000 24643400 24600815

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi Salalah Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya Muscat, A Seeb Market Muscat, Al Khuwair Muscat, Al Hail South Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi 24563641 Azaiba 24499269 Sohar 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Hamdan Hospital 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC 22004000 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

C11

LIFESTYLE Dubai to Showcase Best of Indian Art

GHAWI BAZAAR

BUY LOCAL: FRANKINCENSE Frankincense is the very scent of Oman. It is deeply entrenched in the culture of the Sultanate and is known popularly as Dhofar’s divine sap. It is burned as incense in homes and offices, added to perfumes, and used for medicinal purposes to ease everything from inflamed joints to congestion and anxiety.

WHAT

few. Sanchit Art will also present prestigious works of the late Indian masters, MF Husain and Ganesh Pyne, whose esteemed artworks are a part of collections in several international museums, galleries and private collections worldwide.

The special art event will open with a private red carpet event for its grand opening on Wednesday October 14. The gallery will then be open to the public from October 15 until October 20. Located at Rira Gallery, DIFC has become Dubai’s art epicentre. It will be a superb opportunity for art enthusiasts, collectors and the general public alike to experience, enjoy and purchase from a range of quality Indian artworks and unique never before seen pieces.

This event promises to be a fine investor opportunity as well as

the chance for the general public to be inspired to start own affordable collection.

Speaking about why they have decided to showcase fine Indian art in Dubai, Sanchit Joshan,

Chairman of Sanchit Art, New Delhi, and Agra said: “Dubai has become a place of dynamic cohabitation between different cultures and art forms, with the UAE increasingly becoming the hub of artistic excellence in the Middle East. Moreover it is home to a thriving Indian community whom would immediately connect to Kalasutra. We hope to inspire the people of the UAE with this incredible display of art. Kalasutra will take you through a personal journey while the artists portray their vibrant national spirit while taking on global themes. While we aim to present the best in Indian art, our broader aim is to firmly establish the reputation of Sanchit Art in showcasing the artists it represents,” said Sanchit. — Courtesy: Sanchit Art

K O L LY W O O D

Nayantara’s Tryst with Horror Films Director Ashwin Saravanan, who is debuting with the forthcoming Tamil supernatural horror drama Maya, says actress Nayantara’s love for genre helped in the making of the movie.

“When I went to pitch the story to Nayantara, it turned out she was a fan of horror films too. She spoke at length about her love for horror cinema. This enabled us to connect with the vision of the film easily; helped us to be on the same page while working,” Ashwin said. He also said that Nayantara’s image as an actor helped the film to great extent. “More than her image as a star, it’s her actor’s image that audiences will get to see in the film. Her performance really enhanced the film and I thoroughly enjoyed working with her,” said Saravanan, who considers Nayantara a “thorough professional”.

Produced by Potential Studios and also starring Aari, the film is slated to release worldwide today.

Unlike the kind of horror films Tamil cinema is exposed to lately, Maya will emotionally resonate with the audience, believes the 25-year-old director.

“I don’t want to make a film just to scare people; it should have something more. I believe I’ve achieved that with Maya, which has a very interesting story to tell apart from scaring people,” he said.

“We’ve tried to balance emotions and thrills appropriately. It’ll be an emotional supernatural horror film,” said Saravanan, who defines horror aptly in the lines of author Stephen King.

The director believes that horror is not about what you feel when you’re going to die. “It’s a feeling that makes you want to die than go through this”. “Lately in Tamil films, there’s been lot of objectification of ghosts. It’s not suggested that you make horror films like that. The kind of horror films I’ve enjoyed is where the ghost is rarely

present and it’s very atmospheric,” he said.

For Saravanan, the biggest source of inspiration behind his love for horror cinema began with a popular Tamil television series called Marmadesam - Vidatha Karuppu. “It was a television series in the 1990s. It had a lot of influence on my understanding of the horror

genre. It was very scary with great performances. Even when I saw it recently, it was so relevant to my work,” he said, and added he also loves what Australian filmmaker James Wan is doing to the horror genre. The film also stars Robo Shankar, Lakshmi Priyaa Chandramouli and Reshmi Menon in important roles. — IANS

VARIETIES Royal Hougari is the finest and most expensive frankincense variety. Hougari Superior is comprised of hand-picked Hougari pieces, known for their green colour and size. Hougari Regular is as large as Hougari Superior, but has a yellow tint and less limy incense and is the most commonly used Hougari type. Na’em is Smaller in size and whiter in colour.

It is less aromatic than Hougari type. Najdi has high content of incense oil and the dark brown colour, it is the best for the frankincense oil production.

WHERE Frankincense is available in all souqs in the Sultanate. The price depends upon the quality of the resin.

The more transparent the resin is, the higher its quality.

Have a favourite Omani product or shop?

Tell us about it: ameerudheen@timesofoman.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: O.K. MOHAMMED ALI

T

he Sanchit Art exhibition will be a week-long Indian art festival showcasing some of the best that Indian art has to offer.

Called “Kalasutra” the event will be presenting the very best of both modern and contemporary art from the Indian subcontinent and other parts of the world. The week-long event will be held at the Rira Gallery in DIFC, Dubai and promises to present unique never before seen art pieces in a rare and exclusive visual treat for art lovers.

Art enthusiasts can look forward to viewing the prestigious works of 16 of the most renowned Indian artists of modern times, including the eminent Jogen Chowdhury, Senaka Senanayake and Neeraj Goswami to name a

Frankincense is a symbol of life for the people of Oman. It is an antiseptic (antibacterial and antifungal) and its anti-inflammatory qualities help in wound healing. It is also used in the treatment of anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder, asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, cough and cold, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Frankincense oil is a skin tonic and is effective with sores, wounds, scars and skin inflammation. The essential oil is often used in facial skin care remedies because it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles, and the astringent properties clear oil and dirt from the pores.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

LIFESTYLE

Eid Collection at Mrunal’s Boutique

MRUNAL’S BOUTIQUE, known for fashion clothing and accessories, has announced the launch of a special Eid collection that would showcase collections of eight leading Pakistani fashion designers, in collaboration with Zarri. From casual wear to formal ones, a fresh new collection of women’s clothing would be available. These would include collections of Gul Ahmed, Sana Safinaz, Farah Talib, Aziz by LSM, MARIA.B Mbroidered, Sobia Nazir Silk Collection, Sapphire, SNM, and Crescent.

Over the years, Mrunal’s Boutique has pioneered its growing presence in the Omani fashion scene and the region for promoting culture and heritage from around the world.

Mrunal Khimji, owner and designer of Mrunal’s Boutique said, “We are excited to invite the ladies of Oman to visit us and find the difference. A combination of unstitched and ready to wear material will also be available,” she added.

The exhibition will be held on September 19 and 20 at Mrunal’s Boutique, Qurum, from 10.30am to 7.00pm on both the days. Visit mrunalsboutique.com for details or call +968-2456 7599.

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

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CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

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VACANCY

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CARGO

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T H U R S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 1 7, 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE FOR RENT

Villa for rent: 6 bed rooms, 1 sitting room, 2 halls, 1 kitchen and 1 pantry.

Al Mawaleh South phase 3 close to Al Sahwah roundabout, first line behind Amwag perfume factory.

Contact - 99360366 Flats in Al Khuwair 2 BHK RO.350/Contact – 93161111.

3BHK well maintained flat (villa type) G. floor split A/C separate entrance, parking, and compound available in Al Khuwair behind Sagar Polyclinic Way no. 3922, Block 239, Villa No. 1839.

Contact: 99253125 1BHK Al Falaj R.O 200/-.

Contact: 97799175 2 BHK Ghubra R.O 300/-, RO 325/-.

Contact: 97799175 2BHK Darsait R.O 325/-.

Contact: 97799175 New 1/2 B/R RES/ Comm. flats near Medical College Bausher directly from owner.

Contact :92158031

Showroom and office space available on prime location. Main road facing excellent location.

Contact: 92944717

02 BHK commercial / residential (with split AC) flat at Honda read / 02 BHK residential flat opposite to Al Nahda Hospital.

Contact: 99342733 / 99795241

Gorgeous villa 3BR + Maid room directly on the beach in Shatti Qurum. Huge garden best location in Muscat OMR 2000/- Month call or Whatspp 95887572

1BHK near Oman house behind Khimji H.O . Contact : 95865686

Brand new 2 B/R deluxe fully furnished & unfurnished flats with split ACs & free internet available at Bausher 35 near Al Maha fuel pump.

Contact : 99460330

Twin villa for rent in Bowshar, near Muscat Private Hospital.

Contact 92760281 Brand new 2 bedroom flat for rent in Mabela. Contact 92760281 Flat of 3 BHK in Al Ghobra North with split A/C RO.380/Contact – 93191111 Commercial 10 BHK villa in Al MawalahMazoon street RO.1500/Contact – 93191111 1 BHK flat with split A/C in Wadi Adai RO.200/-Contact – 93191111 3 BHK flat with split A/C in Wadi Adai RO.250/-Contact – 93191111 Brand new 6 BHK villa in Al Azaiba with split A/C and lift RO.1200/Contact – 93191111 Brand new showroom of 595 SQM in Bowsher RO.5/- each sqm.

Contact – 93191111 2BHK new flats in Al Khud rent 240/-. Contact: 97616158 Twin villa with basement for rent AL Khuwair 25. Contact: 99359988 Villa for rent - Al Seeb/Al Mawelah - Block 5 - 4 bedrooms with attached bathrooms , Majlis, 2 halls, kitchen and storeroom. split Ac and carpark contact 99564616 / 99498448

Office space equipped with ACs , cabins with partition, furniture’s, free in internet ready for use, at Al Khuwair near Philips show room 2 B/R flats with slit AC’s a free internet available at Al Khuwair near Philips Show room.

Contact: 99460330 3 BHK, 3 bathrooms, 2 balconies Nr Al Hassan, W/Kabir R.O 325/-.

Contact: 99384640 House for rent 4BR family hall, fitting room, dining room, kitchen, store with A/C & satellite reception at Mawaleh south , behind Sultan discount center rent R.O 550/-.

Contact: 93653311 Flats in Ruwi, Muttrah, Mumtaz area available. Contact: 24813822 1BHK Wadi Kabeer near Sana RO 180/-. Contact : 95094028 Fully Furnished 2BHK Apartments available at Bareeq Al Shatti.

Contact 92888063 2BHK with split AC near PDO Gate No.2 Qurum available for immediate renting. Contact : 94057023 2 BHK with split AC Al Khuwair -33 for residential & commercial use.

Contact : 94057023

Available furnished meeting hall for seminars on a hourly, daily, monthly, yearly basis. please contact 93203773 : Email: mbdeast@gmail.com Building includes 16 flats in four floors in good condition, opposite to Mars Hypermarket at Al Ghubra north. Contact: 99435882 / 91266667 or 92590509 For rent house in old Muscat town on the bab Muthaib Street consists of 5 bedrooms, living room and kitchen.

Contact: 99319829 / 99234155 New flat for rent, 2 bedroom with study in Al Amerat (Al Atkyah).

Contact: 99230461 / 93355301 2 rooms and Majlis in Al Ghubra.

Contact : 99242119 Flat for rent Ruwi, 2 bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 1 hall opposite Khimji Mart. Contact: 97645671 / 99362206 1 & 2 BHK , M.B.D. area R.O 250/-, RO 280/- & RO 300/-.

Contact: 97799175 Villa for rent in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95562646 / 99059333 3 & 4 BHK villa in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181 Rooms for rent in Al Khuwair near Ibis Hotel with AC. Contact: 95124975 AL Khuwair 17/1 room, hall, kitchen and toilet with ACs ground floor Owner private parking.

Contact: 99385553 Deluxe 1,2,3 bedroom flats in Wadi Kabir , Ruwi, Mumtaz & Al Khuwair areas. Contact : 24707340 / 99472457 / 95282986 Deluxe villas at Al Hail.

Contact 95282986

Furnished room for rent at Al Khuwair R.O 225/- for family only.

Contact: 99251975

2BHK Mumtaz R.O 300/-.

Contact: 97799175

Two flats for rent 3 bedroom & 1 setting room all with split a/c at & flat 1badroom al Ghubrah North near Indian school (hot Pargur Restaurant). Contact 99766103

2BHK villa Mumtaz R.O 300/-.

Contact: 97799175

2 BHK flat in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181

Flats in Al Khuwair 33 with gym free for tenants 2 BHK RO.425/-.

Contact 93161111

1000 sq mtrs industrial land in Ghala suitable for warehouse workshop etc. Contact 24700120 / 92584715 New 1 & 2 BHK flat in Ruwi (near Star Cinema). Contact 99792181

2BHK Azaiba R.O 325/-.

Contact: 97799175

Two bedroom apartments available for rent at South Ghubra close to Atlas Hospital close to Grand mall & Avenues mall next to Diwan’s Office.

Contact: 99833747 / 24562526

Furnished flat in Bareeq Al Shatti 2 BHK RO.750/-. Contact 93161111 Commercial villa near Bareeq Al Shatti 8 BHK + swimming pool RO.2500/-. Contact 93161111 Villa in Madinate Sultan Qaboos 3BHK + maid room RO.1400/-.

Contact 93161111 Villa in Al Khuwair 4 BHK RO.600/-, Flat in Madinate Sultan Qaboos 3BHK RO.600/-. Contact 93161111 Flat in Qurum near PDO 2 BHK + 1 BHK RO.550/ – 375/Contact 93161111 Flats in Azaiba opp to Al Sahwa Tower 2 BHK RO.450/- 1BHK RO.350/-. Contact 93161111 New flats 1 room and living room with accessories & 2 rooms and living room with accessories in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 92130703 / 96045478 New flats for rent in Darsait, Al Sahal. Contact : 99311525 Two shops in Muttrah Souq, for rent more details pleas.

Contact: 91214849 / 95729711

3BHK flat Darsait Near I.D card Medical 450/- R.O. Contact: 99358589 / 95570288

Flat and show room for rent Al Khuwair 33, Al Ghubrah, Darsait and Jibroo. Contact: 24485240 / 24485241 / 93651633 / 92109563

Room with A.C at AL Khuwair R.O 120/-. Contact: 97799175

1BHK near Al Nahdha Ruwi.

Contact: 99617786

2BHK pent house R.O 325/- , 1BHK R.O 225 /- close to Indian Nursery, Darsait. Contact: 99476728/ 98484415

Flat for rent in Hamriya.

Contact: 99341112

New flats for rent in Darsait Al Sahal. Contact: 99777351 600 SQT commercial flat for rent opposite Oman flourmill Darsait more details. Contact: 91214849/ 99364735

2BHK close to Indian school kindergarten Wadi Kabir R.O 320/-, 1BHK R.O 250/-. Contact: 99476728 / 98484415

Bachelor accommodation available near ISD Darsait. Contact: 99346813

1& 2 BHK flats for rent at Wadi Kabir, Wadi Adai, Hamriya, Al Khoud and Mabela and shop at Al Khoud land line. Contact : 24834644 GSM 93994401/ 02/ 03, 3 lines

Flat Al Ghubrah near 18 Nov ST living room, 3 bedrooms,3 bathrooms, kitchen first floor without AC family only 380/-R.O. Contact : 92479515 Two shops in Muttrah Souq, for rent more details please contact: 91214849 / 99364735

2 BHK near Medical Darsait R.O 230/-. Contact : 98748925 VILLA IN AZAIBA – Four Bed Room Villa, near Well Roundabout & Umm Al Qura Mosque. Available for sharing also. Call 92887809 / 98048207.

Furnished office available at Al Ghubrah. Contact 94110822 Flats, shops for rent in Ruwi, MBD & Mumtaz area. Contact 97293708

Twin villa 6BR hall, kitchen at Al Ansab-2. Contact: 99747560 / 99444786

Luxury fully furnished 2 bedrooms flat at Al Khuwair & luxury fully furnished 5 bedroom villas at Madinat Al Ilam. For short or long term lease contract. Contact Atlas Real Estate & Rent a Car LLC. Contact : 93201688 / 92888376 Tel: 24833848 / 24834888 1BHK flats available for rent in CBD area. Contact: 98116480 3 Bedroom flat at Al Khuwair.

Contact: 99447257/97014234

1BHK flat with A/C AL Khuwair 250/- R.O. Contact: 99358589 / 95570288

4 bedroom villa with 3 maid room, big compound & parking area. Ideal for kindergarten or expat tenants residency. Contact: 24566217 / 24564686

2 BHK Flats for rent Muttrah near Oman house. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232

Office & retail space available Alasfoor Plaza, Qurum.

Contact: 24566217 / 24564686

T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 7, 2 0 1 5

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DAILY GUIDE

AFFORDABLE QUALIFIED STAFF AVAILABLE: EŽ ƟŵĞ ƚŽ ƐĐƌƵƟŶŝnjĞ ƐƚĂī ĂŵŽŶŐ ƚŚŽƵƐĂŶĚƐ͍ EĞĞĚ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂů ƐƚĂī Ăƚ ĂŶ ĂƌƌĂŶŐĞŵĞŶƚ͍ tĞ ĂƌĞ Ă ŵĂŶƉŽǁĞƌ ĂŐĞŶĐLJ ǁŚŽ ŚĞĂĚͲŚƵŶƚ ƚŚĞ ƐƚĂī ĨƌŽŵ ĂŶLJ ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ǁŽƌůĚ͊ tĞ ƐĐƌĞĞŶ ƚŚĞ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂŶƚƐ ƐĞǀĞƌĂůůLJ ƚŽ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ƚŚĂƚ LJŽƵ ŐĞƚ ŽŶůLJ ƚŚĞ ďĞƐƚ ŝƐĐŽǀĞƌ ǁŚLJ ƚŽƉ ĞŵƉůŽLJĞƌƐ ƉƌĞĨĞƌ ƵƐ ĨŽƌ ƐƚĂĸŶŐ͊

Hurry and call this number now!

95967902

UNIVERSAL SCRAP BUYERS AT AMAZING PRICES Convert ANY type of Scrap into Money by selling us the scrap Great prices are guaranteed for our clients!

Call this number now for urgent response -

96059470

FOR SALE

Sharing accommodation for couples near Kims Darsait.

Contact: 94627458

Sale of Radiator of Cummins C 1100D5B Generator presently lying at M/s Al Ansari Yard in Ghala. For further information, please contact Mr. Deshpande on 99415504 M/s Muscat Surveyors LLC on 24816579

Furnished room available in Ruwi.

Contact: 92435784

Beauty Parlor for sale or rent.

Contact 99131775 / 96700192 Automotive batteries for sale.

Contact : 24794657 For sale land in Amerat 3000 Sq.mt with petrol pump permission.

Contact 99323957 / 92702891 Expatriate LLC Company license (building materials 70 Ex : 30 Omani) for sale. Contact 94663824 / 94305499 Direct from the owner: for sale A 2 bedroom apartment with a full and direct Marina view at Marsa 2 at the Wave, area 138 sq. Mtrs, will be ready next month for R.O. 255,000.

Contact : 95330200 Beauty Salon for sale in Good location (Azaiba and Al Hail).

Contact : 95318629 Restaurant for sale in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99425461

FOR RENT Single bedroom flat near to Indian School Al Ghubra.

Contact: 99203954 1 & 2 bedroom flats available for rent in wadi-kabir (opp: pencil bldg), ideal for company staff / families bulk corporate deal possible.

Contact: 97677170 Shops for ren in Wadi Kabeer.

Contact: 99888390 2BHK flat available near medical / Darsait. Contact 24705742 Villa for rent in Al Khuwair 33, 8 bedrooms & 5 bathrooms with parking area near Taimur Mosque.

Contact: 99366624

Beauty salon in Ghubrah for sale Contact: 94689448 Aluminium workshop at Wadi Kabir with all machineries and 3 skilled workers. Contact: 99536206 / 99605915 Used Fabrication machinery for sale : Fabrication machinery and tools in excellent condition for immediate sale. Contact -94652485/ 99273774/ 99202278

FOR HIRE Bobcat Grader and roller for rent.

Contact: 94584688 Volvo 12 Ton Truck for monthly rent. Contact: 98713900

91494149

*Kindly note that the scrap should be 50 tons onwards

ĨŽƌ ĂŶ ĞdžĐůƵƐŝǀĞ ůŝŵŝƚĞĚͲƟŵĞ ŽīĞƌ ĚŝƐĐŽƵŶƚ͊​͊​͊

SITUATION WANTM.V. FOR SALE ED

GOOD NEWS

Mercedes car – C 180, 2010 model for sale, 160.000 KM, very good condition, expecting around 6000OMR. Contact: 99751044

Ayuredic Treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage, steam bath, obesity, spondylitis , Ideal CARE Ayuruedic Clinic, 18 November Street, Azaiba# 99639695 / 98342990

Tata bus model 2008 for sale.

Contact 93953237

FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 99250777, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit:www.islamfact.com

ACC. AVAILABLE

Sofa (5 seater), Gas cooker (4 burner) in excellent condition for immediate sale. Contact 96027403

Printing press for sale /partner full machineries including stamp making in ready position at Salalah.

Contact:91656655,98559894

CLASSY, CREATIVE AND AFFORDABLE INTERIOR DESIGN 'Ğƚ ĐƵƐƚŽŵŝnjĞĚ͕ &ŝƫŶŐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƵŶŝƋƵĞ ŝŶƚĞƌŝŽƌ ĚĞƐŝŐŶƐ ŵĂĚĞ ĨƌŽŵ ƐĐƌĂƚĐŚ͘ Our professionals give YOU: ͻ ƵƚŽ ĂĚ >ĂLJŽƵƚ ͻ D W ƌĂǁŝŶŐƐ ͻ Ϯ ĂŶĚ ϯ ĚƌĂǁŝŶŐ ͻ /ŶŶŽǀĂƟǀĞ ŽŶĐĞƉƚ ĞƐŝŐŶ Hurry now and call this number

Single room with ac and sharing bathroom available for an executive bachelor or a small family in Muttrah Souq. Contact 99519664 Room for rent with sharing bathroom & kitchen at Al Khuwair, behind Golden Spoon Restaurant.

Contact 92994415 Semi furnished separate room for non-cooking Asian bachelor, behind Shell filling station, Ghubra round about. Contact: 94263390 Separate room with A/c, Small Fridge and Bed, for non-cooking Asian bachelor, behind Shell filling station, Ghoubra round about.

Contact: 94263390 Three 2 bedroom bachelor accommodation available in a building near Kuwaiti Mosque at Wadi Kabir till 14th February 2016.

Contact: 95332701 Fully furnished room with attached bath for Executive bachelor behind Al Meera Hypermarket, Azaiba R.O 150/-. Contact: 99455735 An Excellent 3bedrooms Flat at Al Hail, 3 bathrooms, sitting room, living room, kitchen with store 92817777 Furnished room (for Ladies)with attached bath separate entrance in Mabela. Contact :99634841 Large room with separate bathroom & sharing available in Al Khuwair.

Contact 95250161 A big room in available near Hamriya R/A for Muslim couple / small family / Executive bachelor rent 150/- per month including W+ E. Contact: 99495131

LOST Rezaul Karim has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. B 0002428. Finder please handover to ROP

AVAILABLE

Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

NRI Commercial plot measuring 30 cents for immediate sale having an old house and a shop at the heart of Kodakara Town – 17 kms from Trichur City and 7 kms from Chalakkudy.

Direct access to NH 47 from one side and old town road from other side of the plot, near to Shanti Hospital .

Contact : Muscat: 00968- 91318999 India: 0091- 9446371706.

MATRIMONIAL Suitable alliance invited for a marar (Ambalavasi) girl 24yrs 170cm from Thrissur, star Rohini, shuddha jathakam, mtech (e&c), from parents belong to same of related community boys. Contact – 00968 93691316 (gsm) email- smgkutty2006@yahoo.co.in Ezhava boy, B.Tech, MBA, 26/178, Rohini working in Bangalore looking alliance from parents of professionals.Contact 24798043 / 94193031 Seeking alliance for our son from Muslim families. Interested families Contact: 99889590

Mitsubishi FUSO Double cabin pickup model 2008 for sale.

Contact: 93953237 Lexus GX 460, 2013.

Contact : 99336093 Toyota Yaris 2009 Dec model, manual, 150000km, 2500 OMR. Contact 93895508 Kia Cerato 2014 Model for sale 1300 kms Under agency warrenty and service.

Contact: 99634841

Ayuredic massage backache, joint pain, neck pain etc.

Contact 98254909 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

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T H U R S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 1 7, 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE

SITUATION WANTED

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

ADMIN

Highly experienced & qualified Finance Controller / Manager seeks suitable position. NOC available. Can join immediately. Contact: 92817797

14 years of gulf experience in HR / Admin & logistics fluent in Arabic / English with D/L looking for suitable position. Contact: 95824598

Indian female 26 yrs B.Com CA Inter with 4 yrs experience seek placement in accounts.

Contact : 94045427 Indian male 27 yrs, B. Com, MBA, CA Inter ( pursuing final) with 7+ yrs experience, seeks suitable placement in accounts, holds valid Saudi D/L. Contact : 95358659 Finance Manager (15+yrs experience) Ability to manage Group of companies. Contact: 92701962 Accountant with 8 years U.A.E experience, on visit visa, looking for a job. Contact : 96166512 Senior Accountant 10 years experience, looking for accounts parttime works and finalization works.

Contact: 96247295 Keralite Indian B.Com Graduate lady, 2 years Oman experience in Tally ERP 9 seeking suitable placement. Contact : 95186652 Indian female (BSc MBA) having 6 yrs exp in Garment industries seeking suitable office oriented job.

Contact : 91317975 B.Com, CA Inter (Indian) with 5 years experience (2 years GCC) in Accounts & Audit field. Contact: 95584531/razikthumbe@gmail.com

ACCOUNTANT Urgent need Purchaser / Imports, Accounts Assistant. Candidates with bachelors degree and 3 to 5 years relevant experience. Please email CV to trend1993@yahoo.com Urgently required for leading Company : Accountant between 5 to 10 yrs experience, Accountant (Petrol Station) between 3 to 5 yrs experiences. Fax: 24478522, Email : gh1.careers@gmail.com

CATERING Required Catering Supervisor, Chef, Asst. Cook & Chapathi makers for a catering Company in interior area. Apply with NOC. SMS : 99242984 Required Filipina female Waitresses & male Housekeepers in Dolphin Hotel – Muscat. Only residents / contact number: 24488192 please send C.V : dolphinhoteloman@hotmail.com Urgently looking for an Expatriate House Boy with Cooking knowledge and experience.

Contact Immediately: 99460564

DOMESTIC HELPER A part time House maid required for a Keralite family near Darsait temple. Contact: 99468827 Looking for full time Housemaid in Ruwi. Contact - 96511169 Looking for a female who can teach and play with two kids at their home in Gubrah. Candidate must be caring and fluent in English.

Timing 2pm -6pm and salary RO120.

Contact: 93892656 Required housemaid for part time at Ghubra.Contact:93267065 Required a housemaid in Ruwi.

Contact 96511169

DRIVER A reputed Lebanese chain of Restaurants requires Delivery Man in Muscat. The person should have a two wheeler driving license and must be familiar with the Muscat city. Are you interested to be a part of a reputed group please call 92443104.

Driver with Oman driving licence needed. Visa available.

Contact 94288863 Looking for an experienced house driver for an Omani family. Interested candidates may Contact: 96203333

EDUCATION Urgently required for a private bilingual school at Al Ansab for immediate placement - Physics, Maths, Librarian, Nurse, Special Educators. Please email your CV : employment22013@gmail.com immediately.

Accountant 35 years with 5 years experience in Oman urgently seeking suitable jobs accountant & Ass. Admin& HR valid D/L N.O.C. Contact: 968 99176112 /968 91818124 Email: aamirjaved24@hotmail.com

EDUCATION Agyal Al Huda School requires Maths & Science Teachers in Al Azaiba. Contact 91409998 / 24492548 / 99637238

Indian male 10 years experience, 6 years in Oman, with Oman driving license, having NOC seeking suitable job. Contact: 96012973

Post Graduate researcher required.

Contact 99229700

ENGINEER/TECH/MECH

A Sri Lankan lady chartered accountant with five years experience (including article ship), on family visa in Oman looking for a suitable job. Contact: 91259845 Email: amashermila@gmail.com

Reputed metal fabrication company seeks fabrication supervisor, structural steel fabricator, Machine maintenance Technician and Electrician. Contact: 99102383 Email: hr@khancogroup.com A Mechanical Engineer with salesmanship experience of 5 years & above preferable with Oman drivers license and NOC. Please forward your CV to almaadhi.trd@gmail.com Required Marine Mechanic with 3 to 5 years experience in maintaining / repairing outboard Engines and Generators of Boat.

Ph: 24696130; Email: hrmedia123@gmail.com

IT Required Salesman for shop & hardware Technician for IT Company with minimum 2 yrs experience.

Contact 98825805 / 98825806.

Email : strns1@gmail.com

MEDICAL Urgently required Female Nurses with MOH license for a Polyclinic. Attractive Salary with accommodation.

Contact: 97091664 or 97327175.

Email: mmcmuscat@gmail.com Required urgently General Physician Gynecology, Pharmacist, LAB Technicians staff nurse.

Contact: 95133572 Email: kunoozghala@gmail.com Wanted Nurse for dental centre in Mawaleh South & Qurum.

Contact 93431024, Email : drasyanaseem@gmail.com Urgently needed female Dermatologist with minimum 5 yrs experience. Send CV : elixirhealthcenter@ yahoo.com P.S. details of salary and benefits will be sent after submitting the CV Wanted Pharmacist (B.Pharm), Staff Nurses (female) with or without MOH license for a polyclinic near Sohar. Excellent salary package.

Contact 99006915, Email : alhinaee.clinic@yahoo.com Require qualified full time Caregiver (Sri Lankan or Philipino) for an orderly Mother.

Contact : 99425200 Required for private clinic: Gynecologist Arabic Nationality, GP Arabic Nationality, Nurse.

Contact 97304519 from 9 AM to 1 PM Required Pharmacist with license.

Contact: 92245470

Accountant Part time up to finalization on monthly basis by Indian CA. All reports, backlog accounting, bank loan help, tax & internal Audit,affordable fee.92758370

MEDICAL Looking for Indian Candidates : Prometric passed or MOH license with NOC for polyclinic:- Radiologist, Gynecologist, Radiographer, Lab Technicians and Pharmacists.

Email: polyclinicomanhr@gmail.com Required Dentist, Endodontist, Orthodontist with MOH license.

Contact 99010755 for dental Centre in Muscat Khuwair Email: akdmuscat@hotmail.com Required Nurse with MOH license for Dental Centre in Khuwair Muscat.

Contact: 99010755 Email: akdmuscat@hotmail.com

MANAGER Required sale Manager for a hotel supply company with minimum 5 years experience.

Contact - 92035162

MISCELLANEOUS Experienced Denter, Spray painter, Mechanic, Outdoor sales person required. Contact 98045373

SALES / MARKETING

MISCELLANEOUS Sales man / interior designer wanted for prestigious interior design and office furniture Supply Company. Experience and drivers license needed.

Excellent remuneration package.

Email: tony@materials-plus.com Required Sales & marketing person for IT Company with minimum 2 yrs experience in Oman & with valid Oman driving license.

Contact 98825805 / 98825806.

Email : strns1@gmail.com AVON requires female Omani Nationals (bi-lingual) and Expatriates to join their expanding local Sales Team. Candidate must have good communication skills, highly organized with a commitment and enthusiasm to be successful. Training will be provided. Valid Omani D/L necessary. Send CV on samiha-avon@mhd.co.om Required Sales Executive for IT Sales, with valid Oman Driving License. Kindly email CV to careers@sactech.co.om

SKILLED LABOR Wanted urgently need two Tailors who can make curtains.

Contact: 98962888

Urgently required Sales Executives for construction materials with local experience, driving license and NOC. Send the CV with photo to grioman@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED

Urgently need Project Sales Executive - Modular Kitchens, candidates with bachelor’s degree and 3 to 5 years relevant experience, please email CV to trend1993@yahoo.com

12 yrs Oman experienced Chief Accountant looking for immediate placement. Contact 99513082

Accomplished Advertising Sales & Business Development Executives for leading Media Enterprise.

Enthusiastic Freshers also welcome. jobs@interacoman.com Required Salesman in Salalah very good commission.

Contact 92760281 Required experienced Sales / Marketing Executives having light license. Send your CV ocean@omantel.net.om

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Indian male, 27years, MCom, having 2years experience in Accounts looking for suitable position.

Presently on visit visa.

Contact 93455055| gibingeorge88@gmail.com Part time Accountant available.

Contact : 93438100 Male 29 yrs, 5+ experience, 4 yrs in HME (Office Assistant) 1 yr experience in accounts & marketing seeking for suitable position.

Contact 96505486

Male B.Com Graduate having one year exp in Accounts & Admin.

Contact: 94736742 25 yrs female Indian with B.Com MBA looking out for a job in finance / marketing / HR field with a work experience of 1 year, 3 months at Bank Muscat & 7 months at India.

Contact: 94657403 / 95537261 Indian male B.Com / PGDM 16 yrs exp, 3 yrs prior Oman exp seeking suitable placement in accounts/ finance/ admin/ logistics. email : vikaso803@yahoo.com Contact 95587905 on visit visa Indian male B.Com Graduate 24 years looking for suitable placement. Contact: 97219505 Jordanian Accountant (ACPA) with more than 15 yrs experience in Oman (Accounts, Purchase & finance.

Contact: 92881223 Email: kamal_sarhan@yahoo.com Male Indian Accountant B.Com 7 years experience in Oman (accounting, finance, costing auditing) with NOC and valid driving license looking for suitable position.

Contact 96722257 Email: mudassir.pal@gmail.com

ADMIN Filipino,29,Male, 5years experience: Admin/Payroll/Finance/Document Control. Excellent Communication/ MS Office skills. Contact: 95057206 email: patrick110486@yahoo.com Purchase Admin Indian male 15 years Gulf experience.

Contact: 95435370 Indian male 12+ years experience in Admin and hospitality services, seeks suitable placement.

Contact : 99318958 Email: josephonline2007@gmail.com Filipina, 10 yrs experience in Fashion Retail, Shipment, Logistics, Inventory, Warehouse Control and Store Management is seeking employment. Call +971565833126 or 97728418.

ARCHITECT Senior Architect, Indian male 15yrs exp. having DL& NOC, Looking for suitable position. Contact: 97239313 Email: abdul_muq2000@yahoo. co.uk

CATERING Indian male B.A with Diploma in Hotel Mgt with 15 yrs experience in hotels & catering, having Oman D/L seek suitable placement.

Contact: 95451547 Email: lijosaju@yahoo.com

DRIVER Bangladeshi light driver (AG) 48) expe, 14 years, need job & visa have release paper transpire.

Contact: 99165961 Light Vehicle Driver with 4 yrs exp looking for job. Contact: 94241385 20 years experience.

Contact : 94795033 Light duty driver looking for job more than 4 years exp in Oman.

Contact: 92602182 Driver. Contact: 95084826 Wanted driving job.

Contact : 97690766 LMV Driver, 7 yrs exp. (Keralite).

Contact 97761606 Driver Pakistani available.

NOC available. Contact: 94356465 Pakistani male light vehicle driver looking for job. Contact: 96474528 Driver with car. Contact : 91452930 Wanted driver. Contact 95112461 Car with driver or without cat specially Companies.

Contact 97943750 / 97408900 Driver job wanted.

Contact: 99343782 Light duty driver 5 years exp in Oman. Contact: 92602182 Driver available 24, HRS, car without car. Contact: 98522914

DRAFTSMAN Drafting (interior design), experienced, knows autocad, 3D, PH : 99506977

EDUCATION Indian female, MSC physics B.ED having 5 years experience in teaching looking for suitable jobs.

Contact: 97367389

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Civil Engineer, Indian M 29 5yrs exp. having DL & NOC Looking for suitable position. Contact: 94576233 Email: suhailmullah@ gmail.com Pakistani diploma civil (Eng) 24 year 1.5 years experience in Pak) 2 years in (Oman). Contact: 97138320 Since March 2010 in Oman as a building Construction Site supervisor with Oman D/L looking for suitable placement or small Omani Construction Co. Contact 93061107 Indian male BE civil project Engineer 15 years Oman experience in building projects with valid D/L NOC available. Contact: 92178471 B.Tech civil project coordinator 5 years experience of with different ministry projects NOC available.

Contact: 94194393 Indian male software Engineer 2 years experience knowledge of Java .NET C# ASP.Net. Contact: 99210940 working in techno park Indian Trivandrum Sudanese Telecom Engineer five years experience in Oman.

Contact: 93391008 Cisco certified Network Engineer with license NOC 4+ years experience looking for job.

Contact: 91703807 Email: ekrema.zia@gmail.com

T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 7, 2 0 1 5

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED SALES / MARKETING

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Indian Mechanical Engineer, 30, having 8yrs of UAE Sales/Business Development. experience in Electromechanical and Irrigation sectors. Contact no- +971558763220 email id-sangowri@outlook.com BE Electrical Engineer 8 years experience 4 years in Oman with Oman driving license.

Contact : 96942032 Civil Engineer (Diploma) seeking for placement. Contact: 95200650 Diploma Associate Engineer Civil Building construction on a visit visa expiring 18.09.2015 looking for job.

Contact : 94006602 / 99446918.

Indian male 27 years BE Mechanical, 2 years experience in Training AutoCAD Revit MEP PDMS Softwares. Contact: 94183625 Civil Engineer Pakistan 12 +2 years experience Oman, D/L required placement. Contact: 94392616 B.E Civil job, Project Eng exp 11 yrs.

Contact: 95690780 / 95694048 Email: sadiq.asrar81@gmail.com MECH. ENGG Indian male having 1 year exp & AutoCAD knowledge looking for suitable job.

Contact: 92835957 Electrician 3 years experience in Building lines in Oman and other related experience also. NOC available. Stay till 29.09.2015. Contact: 94057129 / 95964419 Email: raheemdadbaloch@hotmail.com Civil Engineer (Diploma) 3.5 years experience seeking for placement.

Contact: 96535084 Electronic & Communication Engineer auto cad, 2 yrs Indian experience in Instrumentation, currently on visit visa looking for a suitable position. Contact : 94493227, Email: rijokokkadan@gmail.com Indian male 24, Diploma in Civil Engineering 2 years experience as a Site Engineer on visit visa.

Contact: 98023153 Civil QS / Project Engineer 8 yrs exp having Oman D/L looking for suitable position NOC and release available. Contact: 92633261 Email: manikce@gmail.com Bangladeshi male BSc Engg in civil total 3 yrs experience 2 yrs in Oman looking for job.Contact : 94038642, Email: shaikhhasib.ce@gmail.com Female Civil Engineer with 3.5 years experience looking for job in Muscat, proficient in site execution, tendering procedures billing, Quantity take off, budgetary control have knowledge in AutoCAD, SAP, Word, excel, power point. Contact: 97207212 Email: ranjur20@gmail.com Civil Engg, B.Tech fresher Indian male currently on visit visa seeks suitable placement. #91702450 Email: tijoct2015@hotmail.com Civil Engineer 7 years experience in Oman. Contact: 92480604 Indian male, 23 yrs, B.E in Mechanical post Graduation Diploma in piping Engineering, seeking job in relevant field.Contact : 94786570 Email: asim.hajwani6@gmail.com Indian diploma Civil Eng, 2 yrs exp. Infrastructures project (4G – Towers, substation) landscaping & Auto CAD. Contact: 94756183 Email: indianexpat1@gmail.com Civil Engineer (diploma) 3.5 yrs exp, seeking for placement.

Contact: 95200650 Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp.

Email: mohd.ateeq.khan@gmail.com C-SWIP 3.1 ASNT level 2 QC Mech.

Engr 5+ yrs exp Indian male 26 seeks placement.

Contact : 91823331 Email: kannasekhar46@gmail.com Electrical and Electronics Engineer with one year experience and GCC licence holder seeking a job mail – shyjalpk@gmail.com SUPERVISOR: Indian male site supervisor (AIR CONDITIONING) 25 years of experience with valid Oman Driving license, seeking suitable placement. Contact: 97498809, 93391910 Email: hilariankj@gmail.com Mechanical and manufacturing Engineer , age 26 yrs masters ( Singapore) having 2 years Oman work experience with valid Oman driving license on visit visa available immediately.

Contact: 95498953

Indian male, MBA having 7 yrs of exp. sales/marketing with Omani D/L seeks suitable placement.

Contact. 96425549 Omani College girl looking for a job in a management. Contact: 98298722

ENGG. / TECHNICAL

MEDICAL

Indian 22 years male, Mechanical Engineer, B.Tech has done internships, born and brought up in Oman with Omani driving license, seeking suitable jobs. #92791637 Email: ashwinsureshkotturethu@gmail.com

B.Sc Indian male Nurse, 6.5 years in emergency and OT, prometric 69%, looking for suitable nursing job.

Contact- 90126959, abybabykutty@gmail.com

Indian Mechanical Engineer 31 yrs, 8+ experience in sales & Bus. Dev, having Oman driving license & NOC. Contact: 97116858 Email: menonamit1984@gmail.com Indian BE (MECH) aviation BE degree diploma in material quality management 17 years Navy aviation 13 years construction purchase stores professional on visit.

Contact: 90205082 /98796982 Engineer with 3 yrs experience in Indian in MEP, HVAC& mechanical maintained field on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact 99191535 Email: fareed029@gmail.com Indian male Civil Engineer with Engineer with 2 years experience in Building project is available currently on visit visa. Contact: 92841583 Btech computer science graduate 2015 passout.. Android application marketing.. Having good communication skills and mindset to work in a team. Contact 91024385 Indian male BE Mechanical currently on 2 yrs free visa with NOC & local release. Looking for suitable job in Muscat.

Contact – 90296975 / ali.syedausaf@gmail.com

HOSPITALITY Hospitality/Hotel/ Restaurants - Dynamic result oriented hospitality professional with 20 years of international exp. MBA in Hotel Management, specializing in Hotel/ Restaurant start ups, concepts & Franchise development with proven records. Seeking for Challenging positions in reputed groups as GM/ COO/CEO/Business Head. (NOC available) Contact : 96059470

IT SAP BW Analyst : Indian male, 26 yrs, B.Tech (CS & E) from ASET, New Delhi, worked as a Business Analyst in Software Industry.

Contact 98008127 / 92878708, vaisakh.bhaskar@gmail.com Male looking for DTP operator / Graphic Designer role in Oman experience of 4 years in Excel, Corel draw seeking suitable placement presently in Oman in visit visa.

Contact : 94767757 / 98442179 Email: ronnynorona@gmail.com Indian female 25 years, 1 year experience MSc – Computer Science currently on family visa looking for a suitable job in any field.

Contact: 97265504 Email: ancitasons@gmail.com B.Tech Information Technology looking job in System work. MS Office, Data Entry, Networking experience, 2 years experience in Linux Admin. Contact: 92472137 Email: vairavel.inbaa@gmail.com CCNA MCITP Network support/ Network technician with 2 yrs experience Indian male having bachelors degree on visit visa. #93080871, email :sean.f.peters@outlook.com Indian male 34 yrs M.Tech Industrial biotechnology having teaching experience seeking for job.

M. Ramkumar. Contact : 96674521, 0091-9940586051 Email: rmkumar28@gmail.com Indian female MCA, 24 years seeking suitable job.

Contact 93439467 Network System Engineer switches, Routers, Servers, load balancers, CCTV 5 years of exp holds B.E (ECE) CCNA looking for good opportunity Indian visit visa. Contact 91911792 Email: arafakdnl@gamil.com BE, ECE Mumbai university skills in C, C++, windows, linux, controller and processor RTOS, Electronics, Networking, 6 months experience in embedded software seeks placement. Contact : 917774864736 Email: sadatbtisekar@gmail.com

Indian male Dental Surgeon, prometric passed with more than 3 years experience on visit visa.

Contact : 95154648

MBA Graduate having 23 yrs of experience as Sales Manager in building materials trading looking for a suitable opportunity, release available. Contact 92106768, Email : suvimasri@gmail.com Sales man and author job – Dubai experience need job visa.

Contact: 91139936 / 96136615

MISCELLANEOUS Accountant 7 years experience with D/L and NOC. Contact 97712084 ACCA Affiliate, OBU Degree, 2.5 years experience in audit and finance in Big6 firm, Looking for permanent placement. NOC release available. Contact: #95140445, a.saran891@gmail.com Indian Male Nurse with Moh licence & Noc seeking a job with Family Status gsm:95817579.

E.mail:vasudevanv2005@gmail.com Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant ,doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact 98803439

Indian female BSc Nurse with 4 years experience with Oman prometric 64% looking for suitable placement in capital area. Contact: 95847286

NOC available with valid driving license looking for suitable placement diploma in Automobile Engg experience in dealer service 10 years and spare parts procurement 5 years through with local Market.

Contact : 00968 95487946

Indian male, MSc, MPhil, BEd Chemistry,2 Yrs Teaching experience and having experience in lab analyst, currently on visit visa, seeks suitable post. Contact 90208673

25 yrs experienced building materials manager knowledge of Purchase Marketing sales seeks suitable placement. Contact 94663824 / 94305499

MBA - (F), M.Com, B.COM. Indian female having knowledge of accounts with Tally looking for part time or full time job. Presently on family visa. Contact :- 91892264.

Email:- yv.dixit@yahoo.com

ENT surgeon board degree & prometric exam looking for a job in private hospitals & medical complexes.

Contact: 91347226

Indian male, with 5 yrs experience of call centre in customer service & sales looking for suitable position.

Contact 90198176

Indian male Accountant, 12 years experience, looking for a full time or part time job, experience in tally also. Contact 98983122

OB/ Gynecologist board degree & prometric exam looking for a job in private hospitals & medical complexes. Contact: 91347226

Indian female having more than 8 years of experience in oil and gas sectors sales and marketing and 2 years as commercial manager looking for a suitable post in Sohar area.

Now on visit visa. Contact 96311709, Indian no 0091 9745541355, Email Id:mvrajagd_d@yahoo.com

Pakistani, Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in IT Trainer / Computer Teacher, looking for a better position in Oman, already working in Prestigious Construction Company.

Contact 95983711.

Join.mtmali@gmail.com

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Sudanese procurement Manager three years experience in Oman.

Contact: 93391008 Individuals having good relation with Ministry or desiring to start new business (or running) like Electronic security system or supply of medical equipments.

Contact 94742666 Senior Manager Indian, 30 years in FMCG Business in Oman looking for better opportunity at management level. Contact 99231513 Fabrication Manager overall 07 years of experience in fabrication of Structural steel industry with NOC & driving license looking for an opportunity available up to 25th September 2015. Contact : 97004394 Email: mohanmukund_mech@yahoo.co.in 22 years B.Com Graduate having experience in trading of car accessories and also with valid GCC driving license looking for a suitable job.

Contact 98504698 Facility / Project Management 5 yrs of exp holds BE (ECE) MBA, Indian on visit visa looking for suitable openings. Contact : 98580569 Email: arafacareer@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS TIG+ARC welder Indian with 16yrs middle est. exp in copper nickel.

Diplex, inconel, S.S, CS Now on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 96502282.

Email manuangola88@gmail.com Pakistani Qualified 15 years experience in automobiles work shop supervisor service advisor repair estimator mechanical accidental having UAE driving license on express visa looking job please.

Contact : 96042322 Filipino (male) 37 yrs, having 8 yrs. experience in Operations (Shipping & Logistics) currently on visit visa looking for a suitable job.

GSM: 97121525

PROJECTS Indian male, with 8 yrs exp. in Oman (BA- Graduate) working as a project Sales Coordinator, with Oman D/L, looking for suitable job, ready to join immediately with NOC, open for Sales & Marketing also.

Contact 95245057

SKILLED/ UNSKILLED Welder / fabricator, Gulf exp, 3G, 6G ARC, GAS PH : 95068064

SECRETARIAL / OFFICE Indian male more than 10 years gulf experience in Office / Sales Coordinator, Admin, Secretarial and purchase with good computer skills.

Having Driving license and NOC available. Looking for suitable placement. Contact 90135063

Sales man (food stuff), Gulf experienced, knows Hindi, Arabic .

Contact 99506977 Business intelligence / Global Marketing management specialist with 9 years of experience developing brand value & managing overall projects to achieve business objectives seeking suitable position on family visit. Contact: 91902154 MBA 15 years experience in Sales & Marketing in telecom, FMCG, presently in India C/O Saif Kazi.

Contact : 99625957 Email Id: a_kazi123@yahoo.co.in Indian male 25 yrs BBM Graduate 3 yrs of experience Sales / Marketing in Oman looking in suitable placement. Contact : 93185316 Email: karsh794@gmail.com Sales and marketing - male 27 yrs, 2 years experience seeking suitable placement with Oman D/L. Contact: 95642740 Email: shaijichakkara@gmail.com

TOURS & TRAVELS Five years experience in Travel field ,BCom., IATA & pursuing MBA, Presently working in the Travel Desk of (ITC managed) Five Star Hotel in India, looking for a suitable position in the Middleeast. pls contact 9470 5767

MISCELLANEOUS Senior Accountant. 8 Years experience. NOC available. Oman driving license. Seek suitable opportunity.

GSM- 98184170 Chemical Engineer Indian 2 years of experience in production field Contact: 91247222 Email:sahadpoonchola@gmail.com B.E Mechanical Engineer with 2 years’ experience in HVAC field on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 93442296 Email Id: sal201091@gmail.com.

MBA (F) B.COM Indian female having knowledge of accounts with Tally looking for full or part time job. Presently on family visit visa.

Contact: - 96259171. Email: bhumicapandya@gmail.com Indian Male, MBA, Talented management expert having 6 year experience at U.A.E, India and Oman in luxury goods and Retail. Seeking suitable openings in related or same field. Contact:92700670 Email: jobcareer44@gmail.com MBA Finance with more than five years of experience in Finance & Accounts including GCC, looking for a suitable opening. Having UAE driving license. Contact no..91391802 Indian 26M, B. Tech Computer Science graduate, 3 years exp in India, looking for suitable job in Muscat.

Contact : 93125669, Email : amritrajGT18@gmail.com

Sudanese/Bsc IT/26/2 years experience/excellent Eng-Arb speaking/ Omani driving license/96387227/ henrykarrar@gmail.com

INDIAN MALE 24 YEARS,B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic).Having 2 years experience as Electrical Site Engineer in Constructions. Done IOSH & NEBOSH- IGC certifications.

Seeking for suitable placement in constructions or in any related industries. Contact no: 98045482, Email: shannu.hse@gmail.com Indian Male (Diploma in electronics Engineering and CCNA.) having 9 years of experience in Networking, 5 years’ experience in Oman. Looking for a suitable Placement. NOC available. GSM- 93787098, Email –anishktr@gmail.com Site Supervisor/ L Driver, Pakistani Male 33 with valid D/L, 4 years experience in Muscat, fluent in English, Arabic looking for suitable place.

Contact: 97950869 Admin, having 10+ years experience in Admin/HR/Logistics/Time Keeper, in reputed companies. Presently working in Muscat.

Contact- 968 94369965 mail - satya1528@gmail.com Indian male B.Eng. in IT,CCNA,MCSA,MCSE, 2.5 yrs + exp. in IT support, Networking and Server support with valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/ Server support. Contact 92607532 Indian male auto cad draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience seeking for part time job mobile no: 0096899070584, email: remluvp@gmail.com Indian Male, 25, Chartered Accountant, working with ICICI Bank India. On a Visit Visa in Oman.

Staying with parents at Azaibah.

Ph:24492638.

Email: shyamal008@gmail.com Indian female B. Com MBA finance ,5 years experience in oman as an account seeking suitable placement.

Contact 99044292 Indian male 23 years Graduate, working as a sales coordinator cum purchase & office coordination 2 yrs in oman Having oman license & NOC looking for suitable job in Muscat Email:yadhukrishnan08@gmail. com, GSM:97475860 Indian Male 22 Years , Graduation In Electronics Seeking Jobs In Supervisory , Sales & Sales Co-ordination Fields , Good Communication Skill Contact 96141317, E-mail: akhilek5@gmail.com DIPLOMA+B.E.(CIVIL ENGINEER), Indian, 4 years of experience, currently on visit visa; Seeking Right Position. GSM:91570703.

ME. Civil Engineer, Structural Designer, 3 Years Structural Design, 6 Years Str. Engineer Experience, Looking For Structural Designer Position. Iranian Male. #93696929, Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com Male Graphic designer cum animation, non linear editing VFX, seeking suitable position.

Contact: 97792661 / 96229406

Diploma in civil engineering having an experience 24years (20years in Oman) experience in Estimator / quantity surveyor looking for a suitable placement, willing to join immediately Contact : 96328687 Indian male B.Eng. in IT,CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 2yrs + exp. in IT support, networking and server support valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 Indian male, 14 yrs Experience in Maintenance & Supervisor in hotel field ( Electrical . Ac Mechanical & Plumber ) N O C available mob : 95 25 36 40 . email = hareeshma24@yahoo.com ME Civil- structural Engineer, 8 Years Structural engineer experience, Looking for Structural Designer, supervisor or site engineer Position. Iranian male.

Contact: 93696929, Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com Indian Male 26 years MCA, MCSE 2012 certified, Microsoft Exchange Server Administration, having 1 year experience in IT/System Administration looking for suitable placement.

Contact Mob : 00968 92745708 Email: nabeelmmkty@gmail.com, Light duty driver, Young and honest.

Can speak Arabic, Hindi and understand English. Release available.

Ph.92854775 / 93487450 Indian female with MBA on visit visa seeking immediate placement.

Contact - 968-93316493 27,male,ACCA finalist, have professional experience upto finalization of accounts, statutory and internal audit, expertise in using tally and focus & oracle software, have 3.5 years experience in accounts till finalization and statutory audit, seeking for permanent replacement ,GSM-97654769,email idabdullah.nooralam@yahoo.com Sudanese male, 31 years, have 3 year Diploma in electrical engineer , 6 year experience in construction and electrical production plant .

Mobile No ; +96894549609 Indian male, B.com, MBA, having 5 years experience (3 years in U.A.E) is currently seeking suitable opportunities within finance/accounts/ admin dept.Contact:93953613, allen.mathew83@gmail.com B.Com graduate, 11 years experience in Accounts, 9 years Oman experience , Oman valid driving license, looking for suitable post.

Mob:92758404 NOC Available.

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, Indian male,29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license. NOC available. Seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854 Two year experience in Oman, experience in sales, purchase and system admin, Having GCC license.

Contact number 97475860, Yadhukrishnan08@gmail.com Indian Male, 32 yrs, MBA-HR, Trainer & Faculty worked on Omanisation & nationals development activities with 10 yrs of experience seeking suitable job. Contact : 93891401 saiprasad_18@yahoo.com Sudanese 29 male (Bsc computer science,diploma computer engineering), 6 yrs. experience dba oracle plsql , ms sql-server ,ms visual studio vba,network Omani Driver licence language English, Arabic Tel: 91415886 Driver looking for job exp 2 yrs.

Contact: 98522914 Piping Design Engineer, Indian male 27, looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering. Having 7 years of experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708/97357143 Indian female, 24yrs, M.COM (Accounts) having 3 yrs experience in Accounts, HR, Administration, Customer Service. Good Computer Proficiency seeking Suitable Position. Visa Transfer/NOC Available.

Contact: 99654913 Indian male 27 years B.E & MS Mechanical Engineer working in Delhi for last 4 years inJcb India pvt. ltd., seeks placement in Oman. #93393768 Female MBA gold medalist, with computer proficiency, Oman driving license looking for job opportunity in event management companies in Muscat. Ph : 99012949

D6

T H U R S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 1 7, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

TOURS

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

SITUATION WANTCARGO

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours Contact- 98029602, 92808636

RENT A CAR

RENT A CAR

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 7, 2 0 1 5

D7

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

SIT.WANTED B-tech Electrical Engineer with more than 2 years of experience in erection and designing of HT and LT electrical systems. Seeking for suitable job in Muscat. #98269366.

Email: sijincleetus@gmail.com Indian lady 30 years Graduate having work experience in India and Oman looking for Admin or any other suitable job. Contact : 95676957 Indian Female Accountant, CA Final (Group I cleared), 5+ year’s experience in the field of Accounts, Audit and Financial ERPs. Currently available in Muscat and seeking suitable job opportunities.Ph:94704800 email id: vinithsavith@gmail.com B.E (IT) 1 year exp complete schooling in Muscat needs job in software / net working / java/ WEB design or marketing. #97136248 / 99313821 Data Entry operator cum Buyer, Indian male,26years.BA, Computer proficiency :Operating system (Windows 2000xp & Windows7) E plus and Tally ERP9, 4 yrs Experience in Oman seeks suitable placements.

Mob: 95360255 Indian Female BSC nurse with 8+ years of experience including 3 years of GCC exp. Oman Prometric passed with 57 %. Currently in Oman.

Contact : 98034384 Senior Accounts Professional, Indian Male, 36 years, M.Com, MBA (Fin) 9 years in Oman, with valid Oman DL and NOC available. Capable to handle accounts up to finalization.

Contact 9602 3965.

Indian Male 24 years, Looking for a Suitable Job in Telecom / Networking, 1 year sales experience. M. Sc. Communications Engineering & Valid Driving license.

Ph: 91280121.

Email: jackrprasad@yahoo.com

DRIVING

COMPUTER

Indian, presently on visit visa in Salalah looking for job B.com failed UAE experience in accounts, commercial Admin & warehouse. Contact: 92754071 /93346931 Email: sathyanathanuk@gmail.com Indian male, 39 yrs, MSC Computer Science 10 years experience IT support, FMS Engineer, bank experience looking for suitable job.

Contact: 94276449

WEBSITE

MBA (Marketing /HR) with 45 years exp in business development and marketing, having valid Oman driving license seeks suitable placement currently available on family visa.

Contact 97618033 Email: vjgeorge12@gmail.com Civil site coordinator, Diploma, Male 25, now present in Oman, Seeking job in Oman. Contact 92887561, jubincivileng@gmail.com Indian male 63 years have 30 years Muscat experience all office work sales business development insurance administration accounts with Oman driving license. Contact 99249412

CLASSES

Indian female LLB (Advocate) 2 years experience looking for suitable post legal advisor company secretary etc. # 93343190 / 94476387 Email: shafu1019@gmail.com

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422

Indian female, B.Sc, PGDCA, currently on family joining visa, 2 years working experience in oman as customer care / sales co-ordinator, immediate joining seeks suitable placements. Contact no. (968) 95573205 / 95949230 / 95800792

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. #24793614/ 99314807 Used house & office furniture & electronic items. Contact: 99834373 / 96642500

Indian male 22 years ACCA affiliate , BSc, Graduate in applied accounting 2 months working experience seeking suitable placement in Finance / Accounts / audit immediately. Contact: 97378607 / 92558734 B-tech Electrical Engineer with more than 2 years of experience in erection and designing of HT and LT electrical systems. Seeking for suitable job in Muscat. Contact: 98269366.

Email: sijincleetus@gmail.com Project Manager / Senior Engineer, Indian Male BE Civil, 21yrs experienced including Oman looking for the Job Contact +918939295181 Email I’D 58031_bala@yahoo.co.in Indian male 26 , graduate in mechanical engineering having 2 years experience in fabrication production filed in India, looking for a suitable job. mobile: +968-91384621 EMAIL : rmekhil@hotmail.com

Supply fixing Wallpapers, all carpets. Contact: 99834373 / 96642500

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

TRANSPORTATION Transportation available.

Contact: 99867456 Transportation available.

Contact -955 70 429

Spoken English IELTS & Computer classes.

Contact: 92088325 / 24799938

MANPOWER

One stop shop business services : Public Relation (PRO) formation new companies, LLC companies, Investor visa, business setup, prepare businesses & companies accounts, legal services, representing you and your company. Contact: Saleh : 96723485 House shifting & packing.

Contact: 99657644 /98518013 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting.

Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading.

L.L.C. # 24810137, 99450130 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722

Air condition maintenance installation window AC, split a/c, ducted AC and package type units.

Contact: 98667326

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

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TRANSPORTATION Transportation in Muscat.

Contact: 95530908 Transportation for saloon car& delivery van. Contact : 95530908 Transportation. Contact 99508282 Transportation. Contact 99664703

Required investors for different projects. Contact: 99674870 We will register LLC trade license for foreign investors and do all actions. Contact: 92833566

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