Times of Oman - October 17, 2016

MONDAY October 17, 2016 15 Muharram 1438 AH

6 085010 120010

FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

Four pages special supplement on Fahmy Furniture with today’s edition

To the People, 1975

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ With regard to international relations, I am delighted to say that Oman today belongs to most international organisations and takes part in most international conferences, whether they are under the auspices of the United Nations or its specialised agencies, or under the auspices of Arab, Islamic or other international organisations.

Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. 196 | 40 Pages . Baisas 200 . Subscription OMR63 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company | Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali | Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group

M E D I C A L T R E AT M E N T

27,221 register on Sunday for competition

M91 - TIME TO DITCH SUPER?

To include their names in His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s portrait for the 46th National day, 27,221 people registered yesterday.

On Facebook, 38,000 people viewed it while the website recorded 4,000 page views.

Yemenis thank HM for evacuation

Staff Reporter MUSCAT: Family members of Yemeni evacuees have thanked Oman and His Majesty Sultan Qaboos for helping them from war zones in Yemen.

Around 100 Yemeni evacuees have been flown to Oman for medical treatment.

The mercy flight landed at 8pm on Saturday night carrying 100 people. Some had been injured in the fighting and were accompanied by relatives for urgent medical treatment in the Sultanate.

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

OMAN

Safe school bus fees

1

ISM has fixed the rates of ‘School Monitored Safe Transport System’ . >A3

Khoula Hospital At least 35 patients were taken to Khoula Hospital in Muscat and immediately transferred to an isolation unit there.

According to a family member of one of the patients, they are all grateful to be safe. “Alhamdulillah, thanks to Oman and thanks

OMAN

Emergency landing

2

An Oman Air flight made an emergency landing at Mombasa airport. >A5

to the Sultan Qaboos for bringing us. The plane arrived around 11am or 12pm yesterday (Saturday) and we arrived in Oman at 8pm.”

REGION

Parliament dissolved

3

Kuwait’s Emir ordered the dissolution of parliament on Sunday. >A8

Motorists are waiting for the announcement of M91’s price and its launch next month

Staff Reporters MUSCAT: Drivers being hit hard in the pocket shelling out for super fuel at the pumps might finally be able to save some

cash with the introduction of M91 fuel.

The new MOGAS 91 or M91 fuel looks set to master the market in Oman, with up to 85 per cent of all cars on Oman’s roads

able to use the new fuel. The new fuel will be rolled out across filling stations by November 1 and many drivers say they will go for the cheaper option – if the price is right. Motorists and retailers are anxiously awaiting the final price for the fuel.

The Undersecretary of Ministry of Oil and Gas, Salem Al Aufi, announced the launch of the new MOGAS 91 yesterday. It is set to replace regular grade fuel otherwise internationally known as M90. >A4

Oman-Iran trade to touch $5b in five years

B1

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

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Indian school announces safe transport fees According to the Indian School Muscat plan, the monthly fee for those commuting from Al Khuwair will be OMR27 while for those from Ruwi and Darsait it will be

SAFETY FIRST: The school said they would encourage parents to pay the bus fees on a quarterly basis in advance, along with the school fees. -File photo

OMR17 per child

encourage parents to pay the bus fees on a quarterly basis in advance, along with the school fees.

Times News Service

Advance payment “The same shall be remitted at the school designated counter.

The payment is to be made in advance before the 5th of every month of the commencement of the quarter. The defaulters will not be permitted to use the bus,” the school said.

Parents interested in sending their children through the school monitored transport system for the above routes were supposed to give their consent by yesterday.

“This will be done on a first come first served basis and the waitlisted children will be accommodated during the next phase,” the school added.

Indian Schools in Darsait, Mabelah and Seeb have already implemented the safe transport system. “Seeing the success of this initiative, we are now focusing on it to stabilise the system rather than accommodate more students,” George stated.

MUSCAT: Indian School Muscat (ISM) has fixed the monthly rates of the “School Monitored Safe Transport System” in some areas, according to Wilson V George, chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools in the Sultanate.

According to the plan, children residing in Al Khuwair will have to pay OMR27 per child, while children staying in Ruwi and Darsait will have to pay OMR17 per child per month as transportation charges for the school authorities.

During the first phase, buses will operate in Al Khuwair, Ruwi and Darsait for the primary, middle and senior secondary class students. “Buses will be deployed on other routes in a phased manner and the concerned parents will be notified in the due course of time with the rates,” he said.

Around 10,000 children study at ISM. The school said they would

Parents of the children studying at ISM are very happy. “We need our children to be safe when they go to school,” Arati, a parent said.

The number of children travelling in the buses will be strictly limited to the seating capacity and as per the Indian School’s Board of Directors’ safe transport specifications and in line with the Royal Oman Police and Ministry of Education’s safety guidelines.

Safety features As per the instructions of the transport core committee, the buses will be fitted with safety features, such as CCTV for monitoring students and drivers, seat belts as per the seating capacity, IVMS for monitoring the buses, an emergency exit, well maintained seats and interiors etc.

Trained and experienced drivers have been recruited. To ensure the safety of the students, there will be a trained assistant or helper on the bus.

A school staff will be present on the bus to monitor the pick-up and drop-off of the students.

A3

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

A4

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

OMAN

350,000

cubic metres or more per day was the consumption of super grade petrol before the change in prices

Omani Manga artist’s Chibi drawing book published single-handedly published a book to teach people how to draw Chibi style Japanese art

tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Zainab Al Yusuf, an Omani Manga artist, became the first Omani to publish a how-todraw Chibi book in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Oman Pride series had earlier featured an Omani Manga artist, who fused Japanese Manga art with Omani culture.

Al Yusuf is a similar artist; however, she single-handedly published a book to teach people how to draw Chibi style Japanese art and is the first to be published in Arabic.

“It took me two years to publish the book. I wrote it, designed it and published it. I then got in touch

with a UAE-based publishing firm, who made an offer to publish my book,” said Al Yusuf, who goes by the ‘stage name’ Taiga Blush.

Her 200 page-book was released in April 2016 and can be found in various book stores in Dubai.

The book explains in detail how to draw Japanese Manga art in both English and Arabic and according to Al Yusuf, she has sold many copies, but does not have an exact figure for the sales.

When asked why it was not published in Oman, she said the publishers in Oman did not under-

BOOSTING ART: Zainab Al Yusuf’s book 200 page-book was released in April 2016 and can be found in various book stores in Dubai. – Supplied photo

stand the idea and she did not get much support since the idea was not traditional.

“I just hope someone can open their eyes to what is around them because there are youth in the Sultanate, who have so much capability of introducing new things and understanding it from our perspective,” said Al Yusuf.

In 2015, she won the first prize at one of the biggest comic book and video game conventions called the Comic Con for ‘Best Presenter.’

She displayed her drawings and presented them to the audience who then cast their votes for her.

“I feel proud because I represented Oman abroad,” she said.

Al Yusuf has also won various awards for her work, such as the Behance Award in 2014, the Al Mara’a Lil Ijada (Women for Excellence) Award in 2015 and an award from the National Youth Committee.

Her artwork can take from three days to one week or a month to complete, based on her personal schedule, as well as the complexity of the drawing.

OPEN MORNING EVENT

O M A N O I L C O M PA N Y

Open Morning at British School Muscat to be held on October 25 Times News Service

REDEVELOPMENT: The school is nearing completion of the first phase of redevelopment. – Supplied photo

New parking fee system enforced MUSCAT: Municipal authorities began implementing new parking fees in Muscat from Sunday.

As per the decision No. 151/2016 issuing the Regulation for regularising the use of public parking, which was issued by Eng Mohasen bin Mohammed Al Shaikh, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, the Municipality started activating the new parking fees to OMR0.100 for each 30 minutes.

The new fee will be applied at the 9,376 public parking lots covered by 288 machines.

Khalid bin Mahmoud Al Hasni, Assisstant Director General of Meters at Muscat Municipality said that the Municipality has fixed 114 new machines that cover 4,223 parking lots in Al Khuwair, Al Ghubrah North, Al Qurum Business Area, Al Khoudh Commercial Market, A’ Seeb Market, Al Juma Market in Al Wadi Al Kabir, Al Shajieyah market and business areas in Greater Muttrah.

He added that the meters operate from 8.00am up to 1.00pm and from 04 to 09 pm except for Fridays, Saturdays and officially announced holidays.

Drivers may book their parking lots through “Baladiyati’ application services for parking. -ONA

Zainab Al Yusuf has

TARIQ ZIAD AL HAREMI

O M A N O I L C O M PA N Y

MUSCAT: British School Muscat (BSM) has invited prospective students and parents to experience how lessons are delivered, meet the teachers and explore its new state-of-the-art facilities on October 25.

BSM’s “Open Morning” event will give future parents and their children a chance to see the school’s inspiring new facilities, meet its teachers and pupils, and find out more about its curriculum, which gives pupils access to the top universities around the world.

The school is nearing completion of the first phase of redevelopment,

and by summer 2017, they will have a new sixth form block, two additional sports halls, three new swimming pools, 12 more classrooms and a dining hall. This is in addition to the 10 new science labs and a new all-weather pitch completed earlier this year.

The redevelopment of BSM’s campus has enabled the school to offer world-class teaching, leading to record GCSE results in 2016, which placed them in the top five British international schools in the Middle East and top 5 per cent of the United Kingdom’s independent and state schools.

BSM Principal Kai Vacher said, “We look forward to giving a warm

welcome to all families in the wider community, who are interested in how our newly-developed campus is helping to expand our curriculum—as we become one of the world’s leading British international schools.

“We are proud of the supportive community we’ve built at BSM; our pupils not only achieve outstanding academic results, but they are also creative thinkers, resilient learners and respectful contributors—ready to make the most of opportunities and face the challenges of our modern world.”

To visit, book your place now at 24696078 (from 7.30am to 3pm, Sunday to Thursday).

Business development workshop Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman Oil Company (OOC) as hosted Injaz Oman’s talented students at a Business Development Workshop.

The initiative surveyed the grounds upon which SMEs can cooperate with private sector corporations and boost their operations, focusing on topics critical for business success.

OOC delivered insights that are increasingly relevant with global challenges, reverberating down to national economies and small and medium enterprises sectors worldwide.

NEW FUEL

< FROM

A1 Mixed reactions from motorists According to Al Aufi, 70 per cent to 85 per cent of the Sultanate’s vehicles can run on the new fuel grade as it is the minimum requirement most vehicle are capable of handling.

The top five selling vehicles in Oman can all run on M91, according to a website created by Orpic for drivers to select the best fuel for their cars. Toyota models like Hilux, Land Cruiser Pickup, Land Cruiser SUV, Prado and Corolla can all use the new fuel.

The Hyundai Elantra, among the top-10 selling cars in the country, can also use the new fuel.

Dodge Ram, Jeep Wrangler, Honda Accord, Suzuki Swift, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Veloster and all BMW models beside the M series can run on M91 fuel.

However, M95 is considered the optimum fuel grade for some models such as Land Rover Discovery, Mitsubishi Pajero, Porsche Cayenne and the BMW M series. As news spread about the launch there were mixed reactions from drivers, fuel station attendants and car dealerships.

Predicting the outcome, once the fuel station is fitted with the new fuel, Mohammed Shafiqul Islam Bhuiyan, who manages a petrol pump at Ghala, said that more and more people will go for M91 fuel if the quality is good and if it is cheaper than super.

“Right now more and more (people) are going for regular fuel as the costs of petrol have gone up considerably,” he told Times of Oman on Sunday.

A large section of residents, however, said that they want to check out the new fuel once it is on the market. “If it is better than regular petrol (M90) then why not? I hope it would not be bad for my car,” asked Arshad, who drives a 4X4 in Muscat.

Second hand car dealers, how-

ever, said that mileage will be kept in mind before anyone goes for it.

“People here want cheap cars which run on regular fuel and also give long mileage. It remains to be seen whether this fuel can give everything,” said Khalil, a used car salesman based in Muscat.

With fuel prices at an all-time high, many nationals and residents are buying smaller, more fuel efficient cars, according to car dealerships. “Our customers have reduced the purchase of expensive vehicles for this reason.

They are not buying six cylinder and eight cylinder cars because the fuel is expensive,” said Fuhad Al Farsi, Senior Sales Manager, Oman Trade Establishment.

Efficiency issue “These days, they are buying smaller cars - around 1.6, 1.8 or 2.4 litre vehicles. When it comes to bigger cars, they always ask how much petrol the car is going to consume. At the moment, the market is not in a good condition,” he added. Though the news sounds good for some, others are not so thrilled.

Abdul Aziz, a taxi driver, says that if M91 comes with high costs, it will not be welcomed by taxi owners. “Although M91 may have a better fuel quality, taxi drivers don’t drive performance cars and even M90 does well in their vehicles. If the fuel is going to cost more than the regular M90, I don’t think it would be good for us,” he explained.

He added: “If priced significantly higher, it would have an effect on taxi customers who are already getting fewer due to bus services.”

On the other hand Seby Maliakal, Manager of Toyota Parts said, “When I use the current fuel in my vehicle, I feel a lot of loss in power.

I got back the same power when I

started using Super. When they are saying that the octane content is higher, I feel the vehicle should give a better performance than Regular petrol. “As far as price difference is concerned, even if it’s a seven or eight baisa difference, it makes quite a difference over a 70 litre tank,” he added.

According to Al Aufi, consumption levels for regular grade petrol increased to 80 cubic metres per month which is a 270 per cent increase as of August 2016.

“We were monitoring the usage by the consumers for regular petrol and realised there is an increase of consumption for the regular petrol,” said Al Aufi.

“Before changing the prices, the regular petrol (consumption) did not exceed 20 cubic metres per month whereas the super grade petrol used to exceed 350,000 cubic metres per day,” he added.

He added that the change of name from regular to M91 and super to M95 also has a psychological factor which influences drivers to go for the better fuel even though the cheaper one is just as good as it is also the minimum required fuel grade that is compatible for certain vehicles.

When asked about pricing the fuel, Al Aufi explained, “We do not have a price yet and the regulating authority did not have a meeting.

The fuel will be priced in the same formula as it has been done every month since January.”

A website launched by Orpic determines which grade of fuel best suits the vehicle. Drivers would input the brand, make, engine capacity and year of make and the website would then determine whether M91 or M95 best suits the vehicle. A ministry spokesman said drivers should consult their owner manuals, if in any doubt over the best fuel for their car’s engine.

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Fine collections of PACP cross OMR1.7 million

Times News Service

Since it was set up in 2011, PACP has collected OMR1,764,183 in fines

MUSCAT: More than OMR1.7 million in fines have been collected by the Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) from all its departments in the Sultanate.

Since the establishment of PACP in 2011, OMR1,764,183 had been collected by the authority until mid-2016, according to its data.

The latest report of the PACP

indicated that PACP collected OMR87,388.5 in a year after its establishment in 2012, followed by OMR4,56,760 the following year from traders and business heads.

Collections In 2014, they collected around OMR3,37,015.7, while OMR3,70,150 was collected in 2015. Until the middle of 2016, PACP had collected OMR5,03,870. -ONA

SECOND TERM

Preparations for municipal elections to be intensified MUSCAT: Preparations for the second municipal councils elections in the various governorates, scheduled to be held late this year are being intensified.

Registration of new voters for the purpose began on June 12. The Municipal elections are very important as they allow citizens to be involved in the municipal work and help develop their wilayats.

They also encourage voluntary work and responses to the needs of the citizens at the wilayat level.

The municipal councils’ term is four years, thus allowing youths and those interested in voluntary and municipal work to engage in more meaningful and extensive communication with the citizens in the various wilayats.

OMAN AIR

Flight diverted due to medical emergency Times News Service MUSCAT: An Oman Air flight made an emergency landing at Mombasa.

“Flight WY-707 made an emergency landing at Mombasa after a sick passenger needed immediate medical care,” the national airline of Oman tweeted. The Oman Air flight was flying to Dar es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania when the incident happened.

PROTECTION

Shura panel discusses heritage law MUSCAT: Majlis Al Shura committee discussed the draft Cultural Heritage Law,referred by the government with the objective of affirming the importance of protecting cultural heritage. The Committee reviewed its comments and visions proposed to items of the law, as well as justifications of amendments in terms of textual and legislative form and some amendments in relation to offence and punishment. -ONA

The municipal council elections, as it is the case with Majlis Al Shura elections, enhances the national development efforts made by the government and the vital role played in the effort by the Council of Oman.

It is, therefore, very important to select the best candidates to achieve the interests of the wilayats , governorates and the Sultanate as a whole and achieve the aims outlined by His Majesty the Sultan in this field. -ONA

A5

OMAN AV I AT I O N

SriLankan Airlines to replace Mihin Lanka service to Oman Times News Service MUSCAT: Sri Lanka’s stateowned budget airline, Mihin Lanka will end Oman operations this month.

“Effective from October 30, 2016, SriLankan Airlines will be operating a flight to Muscat in place of Mihin Lanka,” Deepal Pallegangoda, country manager of SriLankan Airlines in Muscat, told the Times of Oman.

Mihin Lanka started flights to Muscat from October 25, 2015, operating four weekly flights, which later became a daily flight and had ferried over 40,000 people in the last one year, according to Pallegangoda.

The general sales agent for SriLankan Airlines is Mezoon Travels in Oman.

Riyaz Kuttery, chief operating officer of Mezoon Travel, said it is a great pleasure to welcome SriLankan Airlines to Muscat once again.

“All tickets booked for Mihin Lanka will be transferred to SriLankan Airlines,” he said.

Citing SriLankan Airlines as one of the oldest airlines to operate in Oman, Pallegangoda said they had started their Oman operations way back in 1983, but had discontinued them once Mihin Lanka started its operations in 2015.

“Effective from October 30 2016, SriLankan Airlines will be operating to Muscat in place of Mihin Lanka,” Deepal Pallegangoda, country manager of SriLankan Airlines in Muscat, said

“Oman is a destination which has a growing Sri Lankan and large Indian expatriate community, who have established their careers over a long period of time. This direct flight of SriLankan Airlines will enable them and their family members to travel between Colombo, Muscat and several Indian

cities with greater ease and convenience,” Pallegangoda added.

Inaugurated in 2007, Mihin Lanka has scheduled flights to 11 destinations, including India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Maldives, Muscat and Bahrain. “All these routes will now be taken over by SriLankan Airlines,” he said.

A6

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016 I have faced several challenges on my way here, but each one of them has only strengthened me to make me the person I am today Lujaina Mohsin Haider Darwish, Mohsin Haider Darwish group chairperson

OMAN EXCHANGING EXPERTISE

BUDGET

OPWPC

Finance panel reviews economic conditions

COOPERATION: The State Council hosted a delegation from the Supreme Council for Planning. -ONA

Meeting organised to exchange expertise MUSCAT: A delegation of Social Research and Studies Department in the Directorate General of Research and Development Studies at the Supreme Council for Planning (SCP) was hosted by the State Council yesterday.

The visit comes within the framework of coordination and exchanging expertise between the department and other relevant de-

partments of the State Council.

The meeting discussed cooperation between the two sides and exchanging expertise in conducting research and studies, as well as analysing data and training.

The two sides also discussed the potential coordination towards research conducted by them, in addition to discussing e-linkage between the two sides. -ONA

MUSCAT: Latest developments in global economic conditions and their impacts on the national economy and public finance including global oil price and their trends in the foreseeable future were reviewed by the Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council (FAERC) yesterday.

It held its 4th meeting for 2016 under the chair of Darwish bin Ismail Al Balushi, Minister Responsible for Financial Affairs, FAERC Deputy Chairman.

The officials discussed the basis and assumptions upon which estimates of the state general budget for the fiscal year 2017 will be made.

Further, FAERC discussed the general framework for the draft state general budget for the fiscal year 2017.

Revenues It also discussed estimates of revenues, expenditures, budget’s deficit and methods of financing to cover the deficit in light of those developments, besides adopting procedures that ensure reducing the deficit of the state general budget and containing such deficit within the safe levels for the sustainability of expenditure. The Council has decided to refer the draft budget to the Council of Ministers. -ONA

Plan to develop solar power in Oman MUSCAT: Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWPC), member of Nama Group, began initial actions for the development of high productivity plants, to generate solar electricity in the Sultanate.

According to the contracting mechanism currently used in the development of existing plants, the process will be completed through a tender for the appointment of an economic and technical consultant to support the company in the development of solar energy projects, to be implemented by the private sector.

OPWPC currently has actual data for these sites for the past

five years, which will be utilized in the solar energy projects that the company plans to develop.

Eng. Ahmed bin Saleh Al Jahdhami, CEO of OPWPC said the current circumstances are appropriate to begin the implementation of solar energy projects, with high production capacity in the Sultanate due to the availability of actual data for levels of solar energy, in addition to the low capital costs for such projects.

He added that with the high rates of growth in energy demand, the implementation of solar energy projects on a large scale will ensure the provision of new production capacities. -ONA

‘Bigger responsibilty with Forbes list entry’ Darwish said though Arab society in

and done extremely

I am extremely honoured to have received such a significant award. It makes me feel proud and responsible

well in all areas

Lujaina Mohsin Haider Darwish

general is male dominated, under the guidance of His Majesty the Sultan, women have grown

Mohsin Haider Darwish group chairperson

DEEBA HASAN

deeba@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: For Lujaina Mohsin Haider Darwish, chairperson of the Mohsin Haider Darwish group and a member of the State Council, being accorded a Forbes magazine title implies growing responsibility.

“I am extremely honoured to have received such a significant award. It makes me feel proud and responsible. To be recognised is an honour enough, but it means growing responsibility to keep improving and aiming higher.”

Darwish was recently featured on the Forbes Middle East list, which also featured five other Omanis in its list of the 100 most powerful Arab businesswomen.

She attributes her success to hard work.

“There is no easy way to success and there is no substitute for hard work. For me, only hard work leads to success, and that is what I learnt seeing my father. I am inspired by his relentless dedication and attention to detail, which I think are the two keys to success. “ According to Darwish, the title

means a lot and elevates her from being a well-known businessman’s daughter to someone with a distinct identity.

Being a woman in Oman is a matter of pride for this forward looking businesswoman, “It is a matter of pride. I strongly espouse gender equality. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has also encouraged the participation of women in various fields of government and business. I am extremely happy that my nomination would be a boost to women taking up entrepreneurial pursuits in Oman.”

Done extremely well Darwish further said that although traditionally Arab society is male dominated; under the guidance of His Majesty the Sultan, women have grown and done extremely well in all areas.

“Women, particularly in Oman, have broken into all areas or supposed ‘male bastions’ and created their own identities. Today, women are not only seen across all industries and sectors, includ-

ing government, but some of them also occupy the highest positions.”

Although she has a glorified profile now, Darwish has had to face several challenges to get to this point. “I have faced several challenges on my way here, but each one of them has only strengthened me to make me the person I am today; initially I did find it difficult to get my viewpoint across, you do come across a lot of resistance from your male counterparts.”

“However, later I proved that even women are equally capable of delivering the goods. Winning this award would not have been possible without the inspiration I have received from my father for whom I have the deepest respect, and from whom I have derived the strength to challenge myself and perform better at each stage.”

Besides the challenges in the personal and family space, which Darwish thinks that every professional women faces, the biggest challenge has ironically been growing up in the shadow of an illustrious businessman father.

“Being the eldest of his three daughters, inevitably it results in questions and comparisons, and to live up to and manage these expectations certainly takes a lot of time, effort and dedication.”

She feels that Omani women should come forward and be a force to reckon with in modern Omani society.

“They are being given all the opportunity in colleges and professional training institutes to pick up a skill of their choice. They should take full advantage of these opportunities and make a name for themselves, not only in Oman, but across the world.”

Being the chairperson and one of the principal shareholders of the MHD group, Darwish’s responsibilities revolve around guiding and driving the diversified business activities of the group.

This involves interacting extensively with various stakeholders, including government agencies, principals, division heads, employees, customers, suppliers and others.

Apart from this, she is also a member of the State Council, which combined with her job, normally takes up most of her time, but she is also a mother of two wonderful daughters, one of whom was just born in August.

“Well, I do have to juggle between my responsibilities, but quality time, management skills and a strong back-up team in the company helps me plan out my day and iron out the occasional hiccups. I like to spend quality time within my close-knit family.”

Asked if she has a message for women in Oman, Darwish said, “The message would be that we all should be hardworking and educated. The country depends a lot on us and on the coming generations. With the support of His Majesty, I think we should prove that we are up to his expectations.

We have come to this stage, and we should progress further.”

FRASER INSTITUTE

Oman ranks 4th in GCC in economic freedom report SYED HAITHAM HASAN

haitham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman is ranked 59th in the World Economic Freedom report 2016.

Oman maintained its ranking in the annual report, although its rating increased to 7.27 from 7.21 in the previous year.

The report, compiled by the Fraser Institute, ranks countries based on economic freedom, which includes five key factors, including size of government, legal system and property rights, sound money, freedom to trade internationally and regulations.

According to the authors, “The index published in the Economic Freedom of the World measures the degree to which the policies and institutions of countries are supportive of economic freedom.

The cornerstones of economic freedom are personal choice, voluntary exchange, freedom to enter markets and compete, and security of persons and privately owned property.”

Hong Kong and Singapore were ranked in first place, followed by New Zealand, Switzerland, Canada, Georgia, Ireland, Mauritius, the United Arab Emirates, Australia and the United Kingdom, to complete the top 10.

Oman remains 4th in the GCC ranking, with UAE occupying 5th spot in the world, followed by Qatar in 12th place and Bahrain ranked 26th.

The country received a commendable rank in the category of legal system and property rights(25th) and in the sub-category of credit market regulation (14th), but fared badly in the index, such as size of government (144th) and sound money (88th).

Oman’s rank has dropped from 28th place in 2000 to 59th in 2016, which is mainly due to the small improvement in the size of government rating.

According to Faisal Khan, Managing Director at a firm, the report presents accurate ratings and there is little to dispute. “I find most ratings very reflective

of the scenario in Oman, with very few things to disagree with.

I find the survey perfect,” he said.

Interestingly, major findings of the report include a direct correlation of economic freedom with per capita GDP, life expectancy, average income and political and civil liberties.

Oman is ranked seventh lowest in the world in gender disparity in legal rights, according to the report. Although Oman fared better than UAE and Saudi Arabia in the GCC, it was ranked much lower than several other developing countries.

According to Maaz Firdous, a consultant, gender disparity in legal rights is a very cultural issue and has no real implications in the real world.

“Considering GCC countries are rated badly in this, it just highlights that the ratings are cultural-based and have little to do with inconvenience and real world scenarios. Women are doing equal to men in Oman, sometimes better.”

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

OMAN Women’s Day showcases HM’s vision, royal care State Council members confirmed that the Omani Women’s Day is a landmark day for them

MUSCAT: A number of members of the State Council confirmed that the Omani Women’s Day, which falls on October 17 is a landmark day for Omani women.

It embodies the attention of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said towards women and shows the appreciation of His Majesty

for their contribution to nationbuilding.

Dr. Raya bint Salim Al Mantheriya, member of the Committee on Education and Research said that the allocation of a day for the Omani women is a true example of the wise vision and royal attention of His Majesty the Sultan for them who are considered

by His Majesty the other wing of the bird which can fly high in the sky and take the country to the highest horizons, which embodies her great position, and a real empowerment to her capabilities and skills to ensure her roles in pushing forward the process of national development .

Dr. Mona Al Sadoun member of the Social Committee said that the attention of the commander of the march of the modern renaissance to woman is obvious and clear, since the dawn of the Renaissance, where that support

and empowerment of woman takes many forms.

Dr. Badrya Al Shihya, member of the Economic Committee pointed out that celebrating women’s day each year for Omani woman underscores the importance of participation of Omani woman in the march of comprehensive development, including the development of the family.

Dr. Zuhor bint Abdullah bin Salim Al Khanjariya, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Education and Research said that Omani Women’s Day comes to translate the enlightened thought of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, noting that Omani woman highly appreciate and feel grateful to the commander of the Renaissance march, His majesty the Sultan, for allocating October 17 each year as a day for Omani woman. -ONA

EMPOWERMENT

Women in Sultanate playing an active role in society MUSCAT: The Sultanate is keen on empowering the Omani woman and helping her to play an active role in her society.

The statistics published by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) show that as of mid-2015 , females constitute 49.5 per cent of the population compared to 50.5 per cent for males.

Statistics also show that female illiteracy rate declined by 6.2 per cent during the period from 2011 to 2015 compared to 2.4 per cent for males.

Illiterate women represent 68 per cent of the illiterate population in 2015 with the bulk of them in the age category from 50 to 54 and the age category 60 to 64 years (33 per cent ).

The 14 illiteracy centres have 848 students, 97 per cent of them are females.

The public education, the male

and female students admission level in basic, general and post basic education schools are identical. Still, the number of female students in the grades 1-6 is higher than males.

Gender parity In recognition of the Sultanate’s efforts in this field, the World Forum for Parliamentarian Women provided an appreciation certificate in gender parity in basic and post basic education.

The Sultanate also achieved the second goal of the Millennium Development Goals namely providing basic education to males and females.

28 per cent of the total number of females are studying management and business inside the Sultanate compared to 19 per cent studying outside the Sultanate.

The number of female at the vocational training centres in-

creased from 43 per cent in 2012/2013 to 50 per cent in 2014/2015. Women also constitute 41 per cent of the total manpower in the government sector ( 28 per cent of the total number of civil service employees in the government sectors).

Women also represent 23 per cent of the total number of manpower in the private sector. They also represent 22 per cent of those occupying middle and senior management positions.

Al Raffd Fund While 29 per cent of the those benefiting from Al Raffd Fund financial subsidy are females, 43 per cent of those getting businesses from the financial subsidy projects are also females. As for ‘Sanad’ centres owners, 70 per cent of the centres are owned by females compared to 30 per cent by males. -ONA

FOREIGN MINISTRY

Terror attack in North Sinai condemned MUSCAT: The Sultanate strongly condemned the terrorist attack, which took place last Friday in the Bir Al Abed district, west of Arish City, North Sinai, killing 12 Egyptian soldiers and wounding six others.

The Foreign Ministry issued a statement affirming the Sultanate’s solidarity with the government and people of Egypt to stand firm against all those who want to undermine its security and stability.

The Sultanate renews, at the same time, its stance against all forms and manifestations of violence and terrorism at anyplace.

In the statement, the Sultanate expressed its heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathy to families of the martyrs, who were killed due to this heinous crime, praying to Allah the Almighty to grant the injured a speedy recovery. -ONA

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

REGION P R E PA R AT I O N F O R B ATT L E

EL JADIDA HORSE SHOW Horse riders perform with guns during the El Jadida International Horse Show in El Jadida, south of Casablanca, Morocco, on Saturday. — Reuters

Iraqi army drops leaflets over Mosul BAGHDAD: The Iraqi army dropped tens of thousands of leaflets over Mosul before dawn on Sunday, warning residents an offensive to recapture the city from IS was in its final stages of preparation, according to a military statement in Baghdad.

The leaflets carried several messages, one of them assuring the population that advancing army units and air strikes “will not target civilians” and another telling them to avoid known locations of IS militants. The assault on Mosul, the last city still under control of the ultrahardline IS in Iraq, could begin this month with the support of a US-led coalition, according to Iraqi government and military officials.

IS fighters are dug in and are expected to fight hard. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday he hoped the United States and its allies would do their best to avoid civilian casualties in an attack on Mosul.

Reflecting the authorities’ concerns over a mass exodus that would complicate the offensive, the leaflets told residents “to stay at home and not to believe rumours spread by Daesh (IS)” to cause panic. “Keep calm and tell your children that it is only a game or thunder before the rain,” a leaflet said. “Women should not scream or shout, to preserve the children’s spirit.”

“If you see an army unit, stay at least 25 metres away and avoid any sudden movements,” another said. — Reuters

LONDON MEETING

US, Britain call for immediate truce in war-torn Yemen LONDON: The United States and Britain called on Sunday for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Yemen to end violence between Houthis and the government.

A Saudi-led campaign in Yemen has come under heavy criticism since an air strike on a funeral gathering in the Yemeni capital Sanaa that killed 140 people according to a United Nations’ estimate and 82 according to the Houthis.

On Saturday, a US admiral said a destroyer had again been targeted in the Red Sea in an apparent failed missile attack launched from the coast of Yemen.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said if Yemen’s opposing sides accepted the ceasefire then the special envoy to the UN, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, would work through the details and announce when and how it would take effect.

“This is the time to implement a ceasefire unconditionally and then move to the negotiating table,” Kerry told reporters.

Urgency “We cannot emphasise enough today the urgency of ending the violence in Yemen,” he said after meeting British foreign minister, Boris Johnson, and other officials in London.

Kerry said they were calling for

the implementation of the ceasefire “as rapidly as possible, meaning Monday, Tuesday”. The UN’s special envoy said he had been in contact with the Houthi’s lead negotiator and the government of President Abdrabbo Mansour Hadi. He also said he hoped for “clearer plans” for a ceasefire in the coming days.

Johnson said the conflict in Yemen was “causing increasing international concern; the fatalities that we’re seeing there are unacceptable”.

“There should be a ceasefire and the UN should lead the way in calling for that ceasefire.”

Their call came after meetings in London with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir and senior UAE officials.

Kerry met Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Saturday in Switzerland on the sidelines of Syria talks. “It is a crisis now of enormous proportions with an increasing economic, increasing humanitarian and health crisis, and obviously the military components are troubling to everybody,” Kerry said.

He added that the release of two American prisoners by Yemen’s Houthi and the evacuation of Yemeni civilians wounded in a Saudi airstrike were “an important humanitarian gesture by the Saudis to address the humanitarian concern”. — Reuters

Fresh polls as Kuwait parliament dissolved KUNA reported the decree as saying

Holding elections where Kuwait people will have the opportunity to express their opinion is a praiseworthy democratic practice

the move was linked to regional developments and ‘security challenges and their different impacts and risks’

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s emir ordered the dissolution of parliament on Sunday, opening the way to fresh elections, saying “security challenges” in the region could best be addressed by consulting the popular will.

A ballot would be the seventh since 2006 in the Gulf country, where political strains have long held up economic development and the government is trying to introduce painful cuts to longstanding welfare benefits.

Political stability in the major oil producer has traditionally depended on cooperation between the government and parliament, the oldest legislature in the Gulf.

KUNA reported the decree as

Marzouq Al Ghanim Parliament Speaker

saying the move was linked to regional developments and “security challenges and their different impacts and risks, that require returning to the people - the origin of authority - to choose its representatives to express its directions, ambitions and contribute to facing these challenges.”

A report on the official KUNA news agency about His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah’s decree gave no date for fresh elections for the 50-seat chamber but under constitution-

al rules a ballot should be held within 60 days.

The agency quoted speaker Marzouq Al Ghanim as saying: “holding elections where Kuwait people will have the opportunity to express their opinion is a praiseworthy democratic practice”.

Kuwait has a relatively open political system. But a series of assemblies have collapsed in recent years due to power struggles between opposition forces in parliament and the cabinet, in which the ruling family holds top posts.

Liberals and candidates from some of Kuwait’s tribes won seats in the last election in 2013, after opposition hardliners and populists boycotted the election.

The assembly can pass legislation and question ministers but the emir has the final say in state matters and can dissolve parliament. He picks a prime minister who selects a cabinet. Kuwait held its last parliamentary election in 2013. It has also faced the threat of attacks since the rise of IS militant group. — Agencies

WA R W I T H I N NAT I O N

Syrian rebels seize village of Dabiq from IS militants BEIRUT: Syrian rebels said they captured the village of Dabiq from IS on Sunday, forcing the militant group from a stronghold where it had promised to fight a final battle with the West.

Its defeat at Dabiq, long a mainstay of IS’ propaganda, underscores the group’s declining fortunes this year as it suffered battlefield defeats in Syria and Iraq and lost a string of senior leaders in targeted air strikes.

The group, whose lightning advance through swathes of the two countries stunned world leaders in 2014, is now girding for an offensive against Iraq’s Mosul, its most prized possession.

The rebels, backed by Turkish tanks and warplanes, took Dabiq and neighbouring Soran after clashes on Sunday morning, said

TAKING POSITION: Free Syrian Army fighters take part in a battle against the IS group militants in the village of Yahmoul in the Marj Dabiq area north of Aleppo in this file photograph. – AFP File

Ahmed Osman, head of the Sultan Murad group, one of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) factions involved in the fighting.

“The Daesh (IS) myth of their great battle in Dabiq is finished,”

he told Reuters.

The Free Syrian Army is an umbrella group for rebels seeking to overthrow President Bashar Al Assad in a civil war that has killed hundreds of thousands and

displaced millions, dragging in regional and global powers and creating space for militants.

IS chose Dabiq as the location for its killing in 2014 of Peter Kassig, an American aid worker held hostage by the group, by Mohammed Al Emwazi.

However, it has appeared to back away from Dabiq’s symbolism since advances by the FSA groups backed by Turkey had put it at risk of capture.

The village, at the foot of a small hill in the fertile plains of Syria’s northwest about 14km (9 miles) from the Turkish border and 33 km north of Aleppo, has little strategic significance in its own right.

But Dabiq and its surroundings, where the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said IS had brought 1,200 fighters in recent weeks, oc-

cupied a salient into territory captured by the Turkey-backed rebels.

Ankara launched the Euphrates Shield operation, bringing rebels backed by its own armour and air force into action against IS, in August, aiming to clear the group from its border and stop Kurdish groups gaining ground in that area.

A Turkish military source said that while Dabiq was largely under control, IS fighters were still firing on the FSA groups from outside the village and that some rebels had been killed in blasts by landmines and other bombs.

The rebels and Turkish military were working to secure Dabiq’s surroundings to prevent any remaining IS fighters trapped in the area from escaping.

Since early 2016, IS’ territorial possessions in Syria have

been steadily eroded by the Syrian Democratic Forces, an umbrella group of Kurdish and Arab militias backed by the United States, which in August took the city of Manbij.

Turkey’s campaign has since cut the militant group off from the Turkish border, long its most reliable entry point for supplies and foreign fighters.

Meanwhile, air strikes have killed a succession of IS leaders in Syria, including its “war minister” Omar Al Shishani and Abu Mohammed Al Adnani, one of its leading strategists and an architect of its shift towards plotting attacks in Europe. However the militants still hold most of Syria’s Euphrates basin, from Al Bab, 26km southeast of Dabiq, through the group’s capital of Raqqa and to the Iraqi border. — Reuters

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INDIA

India one of the most open economies today: Modi We have undertaken substantial reforms in the past two years to streamline and simplify governance, especially in doing business. The results are clearly visible, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi

BENAULIM (GOA): Asserting that results of the reforms undertaken by his government were visible, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the country has transformed into “one of the most open economies” in the world with a strong growth rate.

“We have undertaken substantial reforms in the past two years to streamline and simplify governance, especially in doing business. The results are clearly visible,” Modi told the BRICS Business Council as part of the eighth summit of the five-nation grouping here.

“We have moved up in almost all global indices that measure such performances. We have transformed India into one of the most open economies in the world today.

Growth is strong and we are taking steps to keep the momentum going,” the prime minister said.

The Modi government has undertaken a slew of reforms like passing the indirect taxation legislation on goods and services tax which seeks to make the country a single market, passing the

SPELLING OUT: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing at the Press Statement during BRICS Summit in Benaulim, Goa on Sunday. Brazilian President Michel Temer, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Jacob Zuma are also seen. - PTI

Unanimity in BRICS on combating cross-border terror BENAULIM: Combating cross-border terrorism and its supporters will be a key priority for BRICS, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday announcing decisions taken by top leaders of the five-nation influential grouping at its annual summit here.

In his concluding remarks at the BRICS summit, Modi said it was agreed at the summit that those who nurture, shelter, support and sponsor forces of violence and terror are as much a “threat to us” as terrorists themselves and

Bankruptcy Code which will help troubled/failed companies find an exit, and through flagship programmes on the administrative front like the ‘Make in India’ and the ‘Digital India’ initiatives.

efforts must be speeded up to deal with the menace.

This is seen as a boost to India’s stand on the issue as it has been pitching for isolation of Pakistan for its ‘terror export’.

Close coordination Modi said the leaders were unanimous in recognising the threat that terror, extremism and radicalisation present to regional and global peace, stability and economic prosperity.

“We underscored the need for close coordination on

All this has had India’s ranking in ease of doing business go up by multiple notches in a year to 39 as per the latest ranking by the World Bank. The government has also been consistently raising

S T R AT E G I C A L LY

Trump pledges strong US ties with India if elected president

ELATED: Republican presiden-

tial nominee Donald Trump, left, enlists the help of Republican Hindu Coalition Chairman Shalli Kumar to light a ceremonial diya lamp before he speaks at a Bollywood-themed charity concert put on by the Republican Hindu Coalition in Edison, New Jersey, US on Saturday. - Reuters

EDISON(NEW JERSEY): US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump pledged that the United States and India would be “best friends” if he is elected and that he would boost intelligence sharing with India in the battle against militants.

Trump spoke at an event sponsored by the Republican Hindu Coalition to raise money for victims of terrorism.

It featured Bollywood-style performers who danced in colourful, traditional costumes.

“If I’m elected president, the Indian and Hindu community will have a true friend in the White House, that I can guarantee you,” said Trump, who noted that as a real estate developer he

has two “massive developments” in India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has developed a friendly relationship with President Barack Obama, a Democrat who wants Trump’s opponent, Hillary Clinton, to win the November 8 election.

Terrorism “We will defeat radical terrorism when I’m president. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with India in sharing intelligence and keeping our people safe mutually,” said Trump.

He called India a strategic ally and that “we will be best friends” if he wins the presidential election. - Reuters

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tracking sources of terrorist financing and target the hardware of terrorism, including weapons’ supplies, ammunition, equipment and training,” he said. He said there was unanimity in recognising the threat that terrorism, extremism and radicalisation presents and BRICS leaders expressed commitment to strengthen consultations and cooperation on matters of security. “We underscored the need for close coordination on tracking sources of terrorist financing,” he said. - PTI

caps on foreign holding in domestic companies in a slew of sensitive sectors like defence insurance and defence.

According to Finance Ministry, as many as 90 per cent of the key

economic sectors where FDI is allowed are on the automatic route, which help foreign companies save lots of time to start their operations.

Even though the June quarter growth slowed to 7.1 per cent from 7.6 per cent in the previous quarter, Asia’s third largest economy continues to be the fastest growing one in the world and policymakers are expecting the GDP expansion for the current fiscal year to come in at 7.6 per cent and accelerate further in coming years to 8 per cent going forward.

Modi said there were a slew of “matching priorities” between the business council and that of his administration, including dismantling trade barriers, promoting skills development, establishing manufacturing supply chains and infrastructure development.

Infrastructure has been a key focus of the government and investment of an estimated $1 trillion has been made to build roads/ highways, airports and seaports over the next decade.

Modi also acknowledged the progress achieved by the BRICS Business Council over the last three years, since the idea was first mooted at the Durban summit. He said the Council represents the economic strength and the diversity of the five-nation grouping of the world’s fastest emerging economies.

Modi also underlined the need for promoting economic and commercial ties and described this as a “foundational impulse” of the idea of BRICS, and added that partnerships create wealth and value in societies.

The prime minister also applauded the work done by New Development Bank over the last year and asked the lender to work closely with the BRICS Business Council for identifying and implementing large infra projects which can help transform the economies and the lives of the poor. - PTI

I N V E S T I G AT I O N

Uri terrorists scaled LoC fence using a ladder URI/NEW DELHI: The four terrorists, who killed 19 soldiers in one of the bloodiest attacks on an army camp in Uri last month, had used a ladder to scale the electrified fence at the Line of Control (LoC).

Investigation carried out by the army to identify the infiltration route of the four terrorists led it to conclude that a ladder was used near Salamabad nallah, official sources said.

The army officials said that one of the four, who mounted the brazen attack in Uri, about 102 km from Srinagar, had infiltrated using the gaps along the fence near Salamabad nallah and erected a ladder on the Indian side of the fence, while the other three had a ladder on their side. The two ladders were connected like a pedestrian bridge.

The sources said it was difficult for all the four to infiltrate through the gap used by the first terrorist as each one of them was carrying heavy rucksacks filled with ammunition, weapons and eatables.

It would have taken them a lot of time to cross the fence at grave risk to their lives as army teams, which routinely patrol the area, could have spotted them.

After the four infiltrated into India, the ladder, carried by the first terrorist, was handed over back to the two guides — Mohd Kabir Awan and Basharat— who accompanied them up to the LoC, sources said, adding it was done to ensure there were no tell-tale signs.

The army is conducting an enquiry at Gohallan and adjoining village Jablah as they suspect the terrorists might have taken shelter there for a day before launching the deadly attack on September 18 which left 19 army personnel dead and a large quantity of arms and ammunition destroyed. The first incident of terrorists using ladders to cross the fence was reported in Machil sector of North Kashmir earlier this year. - PTI

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

PAKISTAN GLACIAL OUTBURST

GCF approves Pakistan’s $36m Climate Change Adaptation project ISLAMABAD: The Green Climate Fund (GCF) approved Pakistan’s $36 million Climate Change Adaptation project responding to glacial outburst in northern areas of Pakistan.

GCF approved the project in its 14th board meeting, held in the Republic of Korea. The Ministry of Climate Change together with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) had submitted this project for the board’s approval, said in a statement.

The Indian board member attempted to reject Pakistan’s proposal but the other 23 board members shot down this effort and instead approved the project.

The project will impact lives of thousands of people who are living in constant danger of periodic glacial outbursts in northern Pakistan. Approximately 700,000 people will directly and about 30 million people will indirectly benefit from the project.

It will address climate change impacts and Glacial Lake Outbursts Floods (GLOF) risks by preventing loss of lives and community infrastructure based on a holistic approach in all seven dis-

INUNDATED: Villagers wade through floodwaters on the outskirts of Multan on August 21, 2013. The project will impact lives of thousands of people who are living in constant danger of periodic glacial outbursts in northern Pakistan. - AFP file photo

tricts of Gilgit-Baltistan and five districts in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, thus, contributing to a climateresilient sustainable development in the long-term.

The project, thus, benefits about

15 per cent of the total population of Pakistan, estimated at 185 million (by World Bank data in 2014).

The project outcome will strengthen adaptive capacity and reduce exposure to climate risks

posed by climate change impacts and GLOF risks through the increased technical capacity of provincial and line departments to integrate climate change and GLOF risks into development plans,

tools and budgets and by expanding the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s Early Warning System (EWS) based on hydrological modeling and flood scenarios.

The project will also strengthen sub-national institutional capacities to plan and implement climate change and disaster-resilient development pathways as proposed outputs and activities will develop the capabilities of local level institutions and federal level institutions to incorporate climate change adaptation considerations into development plans in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In a major step towards curbing global warming, the world community agreed on Saturday to phase out a category of dangerous greenhouse gases widely used in refrigerators and air conditioners.

Nearly 200 countries agreed to end production and consumption of so-called hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under an amendment to the 1987 Montreal Protocol on protecting the ozone layer.

The agreement was greeted by applause from exhausted envoys who worked through the night in

Government missed IMF’s external debt targets by $14b The IMF said the fall in Pakistan’s exports reflects lower international prices of cotton and rice, a weak business climate, and competitiveness losses from an appreciating real exchange rate

By the end of fiscal year 2015-16, the government’s external borrowings stood at $73 billion, $14.2 billion more than the projections IMF made in 2013 before approving the three-year Extended Fund Facility

ISLAMABAD: The PML-N government has, over the past three years, borrowed $14 billion more than the projections the International Monetary Fund (IMF) made three years back as authorities have failed to increase exports and attract foreign direct investment (FDI).

By the end of fiscal year 201516, the government’s external borrowings stood at $73 billion, $14.2 billion more than the projections IMF made in 2013 before approving the three-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Pakistan, the latest IMF report shows.

Comparison of external debt, exports and FDI figures given in the September 2013 IMF report

with statistics contained in the 12th Review Report of Pakistan’s economy reveals the entire additional borrowings were prompted by a dip in exports and FDI. The IMF had hoped for higher FDI and export levels, expecting that reforms introduced under the threeyear bailout programme would remove structural bottlenecks.

However, the government could not implement these policies, as a result of which non-debt creating foreign inflows kept drying.

Exports Three years down the line, exports remain a whopping $10.2 billion below IMF projections while FDI fell short of the lender’s estimates by $3 billion, according to the IMF report. The staggering figure belies the government claim that

it has turned around Pakistan’s economy in its three years in power, as it could not create a business friendly environment, which is a prerequisite for expansion in economic activities.

Had the government achieved the FDI and export targets, Pakistan’s foreign debt would have been $58.6 billion by June 2016 as opposed to the current $73 billion.

“Exports have been declining; private investment (including FDI) is too low to support higher growth; public debt is still too high,” the IMF report states.

In September 2013, the IMF estimated Pakistan’s exports would peak at $31 billion by June 2016 from that year’s level of $24.5 billion.

Exports actually fell to just $20.8 billion by June 2016, ac-

cording to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The government blames international commodity prices for reduction in exports, which is just one of half a dozen causes, including bad governance.

Weak business climate The IMF said the fall in Pakistan’s exports reflects lower international prices of cotton and rice, a weak business climate, and competitiveness losses from an appreciating real exchange rate.

“We do see a decline in exports going forward due to appreciation of the Real Effective Exchange Rate, security and governance challenges and power outages,” said Harold Finger, IMF Mission Chief for Pakistan, on Thursday.

Due to the slump in exports, IMF projections of external debt

to exports went off by a wide margin. IMF had projected that at the end of its three-year programme, external debt as a percentage of total exports would be 156 per cent, down from 204 per cent in 2013. However, the external debt to exports ratio went up to 265.8 per cent due to decrease in exports and subsequent increase in debt, the IMF report shows.

Foreign direct investment The ratio was far higher than the 2013 level, suggesting the difficulties that the government will now face in retiring debt. In 2013, IMF projected FDI would grow to $4 billion due to implementation of reforms under its EFF – a goal that the government missed by a margin of $2.8 billion.

In terms of total size of economy, FDI at the end of 2015-16 was even less than the 2013 level.

“We could not increase FDI to desired levels due to energy sector bottlenecks.” Board of Investment (BoI) Chairman Miftah Ismail said. He said gas connections for new factories are banned while existing factories are also not getting additional supplies.

Ismail said there was marked improvement in electricity supplies to factories in Punjab.

He added that low levels of savings also kept overall investment at the low end and hoped that things may change next year.

Increase in cost of doing business due to heavy taxation, bureaucratic snags and bad governance are other reasons that kept foreign investors at a distance, according to independent experts. - Express Tribune

Rwanda’s capital Kigali to put the finishing touches on the deal.

“Last year in Paris, we promised to keep the world safe from the worst effects of climate change.

Today, we are following through on that promise,” UN Environment Programme chief Erik Solheim declared.

US President Barack Obama said in a White House statement that the agreement was “an ambitious and far-reaching solution to (the) looming crisis” of climate change. Among green groups, WWF said the deal was “great news for the climate”.

“It sends a powerful signal that our governments are serious about tackling climate change,” its climate spokeswoman Regine Guenther said. Under the agreement, rich countries will move faster than developing giants to scrapping HFCs — a concession that was a source of regret for some.

The Paris Agreement aims to keep global warming below two degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit), compared with pre-industrial levels. Its principal target is carbon dioxide (CO2), emitted especially by coal, oil and gas. - Express Tribune PROPOSAL

General Raheel Sharif

Petition filed to elevate army chief to field marshal’s rank ISLAMABAD: A proposal to elevate the present Army Chief General Raheel Sharif to the rank of field marshal reached Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Saturday.

A lawyer has sought the high court’s help to elevate Gen Raheel to the rank of field marshal in the greater national interest by taking into consideration his “exemplary services and sacrifices rendered for the nation.”

In the appeal, Sardar Adnan Saleem, through his counsel Raja Saimul Haq Satti, said that such an elevation is an emergent need in the present circumstances.

He has made the federation through the cabinet division secretary, the prime minister through the secretary of the PM Secretariat and defence ministry secretary respondents in the petition.

The counsel said that the army chief should be promoted to the rank of field marshal for rendering services to protect national security and safeguarding the frontiers of Pakistan in accordance with the National Action Plan (NAP) and for successful completion of Zarbe-Azab in an effective and efficient manner. - Express Tribune

SHUTTING DOWN ISLAMABAD

Imran hints at prolonged protest until prime minister steps down LAHORE: Barely two weeks after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf staged its Raiwind protest over the Panamagate scandal, Imran Khan found himself mobilising his party workers for yet another protest — this time with the added threat of shutting down the federal capital.

Imran has also warned that the PTI lockdown would continue until the prime minister steps down or offers himself up for accountability. Originally, the party had planned to paralyse life in the federal capital right after the Raiwind march. But since then the party seems to have revisited its decision, realising also that October 30 could hardly be an effective date for its lockdown strategy since it falls on a Sunday.

The party earlier announced that the roads leading to state institutions will be closed in a bid to prevent the government from functioning. But more ominously it also hinted at the possibility of a prolonged protest.

As part of the mobilisation campaign which will mainly target Punjab, Imran Khan travelled to Lahore on Saturday where he met

with the party’s provincial and district leadership to rally supporters for Islamabad protest.

Upon his arrival in Lahore, Imran announced that the party would finalise the date of the shutdown on Sunday after a meeting scheduled in Islamabad while stating that the date may be revised.

Earlier this week, party leaders had reportedly raised the issue of the Islamabad protest falling on a weekly holiday, voicing fears that it would impact the image of the shutdown which aims to bring the city to a halt.

The issue was also broached during a meeting of the party’s central Punjab leadership with their chief on Saturday.

Opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed says the date may be extended by another three days.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Rasheed said the move was being done based on October 30 falling on a Sunday and in the wake of the Supreme Court Bar Association elections. With the party gearing up for closing down the capital, Rasheed says their mobili-

MOBILISATION CAMPAIGN: As part of the mobilisation campaign which will mainly target Punjab, Imran Khan travelled to Lahore on Saturday where he met the party’s provincial and district leadership to rally supporters for Islamabad protest. -File photo

sation was in full swing — the first episode of which included Imran’s visit to Lahore. Speaking to media on Saturday, Imran reiterated his demands for accountability questioning PM Nawaz Sharif regard-

ing his reluctance to come clean.

“If you haven’t committed theft, why are you scared of accountability?” he asked.

Accusing the government of resorting to delaying tactics, he also

took a jab at state institutions for failing to perform.

“If a corrupt mafia in power doesn’t make itself accountable and institutions don’t deliver justice, people are left with no option but to come out on the streets,” he added. The government has been critical of the plan with the Punjab Law Minister having recently termed Imran Khan a suicidal politician over his plans for shutting down the capital.

PTI’s chief retorted back saying only those who were corrupt felt threatened by their plan.

With the Raiwind protest having managed to gather tens of thousands of protesters, Imran claimed that Islamabad, too, would stand with them.

Party leaders have said an ambitious target of 1 million protesters has been set for the shutdown.

Over a question regarding participation of the opposition, Imran responded by saying that the invitation stood but added that regardless the party intended to come out with the public.

Back to back meetings of the party are scheduled for Sunday

and Monday which will deliberate over the date as well as the policyrelated planning for the protest.

This is not the first time the party has resorted to shutting down cities. Earlier during the party’s anti-rigging campaign after the 2013 general elections it shut down major cities including Faisalabad, Lahore and Karachi in 2014 paralysing the cities for an entire day.

However, this time Imran has said that the party intends to prevent government institutions from functioning. “We will block roads leading to government institutions but we will remain peaceful. This is a non-violent struggle,” he said.

But with the government warning against such a protest, Imran also warned that if violence was used against them, it would generate a reaction.

According to party leaders, plans have also been formulated to tackle any situation which emerges in the wake of use of violence against them including mobilisation of wings that shall offer support and protection to protesters staging sit-ins. - Express Tribune

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

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WORLD

May pressed on Brexit plan as lawmakers push for vote While any vote would be non-binding, it could be awkward for May, who was last week forced to back a Labour motion calling for “proper scrutiny” of her strategy.

Speculation is growing that May’s determination to curb immigration could cost Britain its tariff-free access to the EU single market, damaging the economy

A cross-party group of legislators argues that the June Brexit referendum only asked voters whether they wanted to exit the 28-nation bloc, not on what terms

LONDON: British Prime Minister Theresa May is coming under mounting pressure to reveal her Brexit strategy before she triggers formal negotiations to leave the European Union (EU).

A cross-party group of legislators this weekend demanded that the government publish a “substantive outline” of its plans and submit it to a vote in Parliament before invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, the formal mechanism for withdrawing from the EU. The group, which includes former Liberal Democrat Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and former Labour Party leader Ed Miliband, argues that the June Brexit referendum only asked voters whether they wanted to exit the 28-nation bloc, not on what terms. “The referendum was a mandate for Brexit, but there is no mandate from the referendum for a hard, destructive Brexit,” Miliband said in a comment for the Open Britain campaign. “This is not about overturning the result but giving Parliament a say in determining the terms of our departure from the EU.” While any vote would be nonbinding, it could be awkward for the prime minister, who was last

UNDER PRESSURE: Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May gives her speech on the final day of the annual Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham, Britain, on October 5, 2016. – Reuters FIle

week forced to back a Labour motion calling for “proper scrutiny” of her strategy. Speculation is growing that May’s determination to curb immigration could cost Britain its tariff-free access to the EU single market of 450 million people, damaging the economy.

Concern Concern about a so-called hard Brexit has sent the pound to a three-decade low and revived the prospect of a second independence referendum in Scotland, where voters strongly back staying in the EU. Speaking on Sunday, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said proposals will be published in the coming weeks to keep Scotland inside the EU single market, even if the rest of the UK leaves.

“I don’t suggest that would be

straightforward or without challenges,” she said in an interview on the “Andrew Marr Show” on BBC Television. “What I’m trying to do is to explore options whereby Scotland doesn’t have to leave the European Union or the single market, because we voted to stay in. I am going to stand up for Scotland’s voice to be heard.”

The push for a fresh Parliament debate comes as May prepares to visit India for her first trade mission since succeeding David Cameron in July. She will be accompanied on the November trip by small-business representatives, a message that Britain is seeking deals around the world as it leaves the EU, which buys more than 40 per cent of UK exports.

“Britain is a great place for doing business in its own right and that is going to be the message

A11

that we will be giving out in India: Britain is open for business,” Greg Hands, a UK trade minister, told ITV’s “Peston on Sunday” programme. Britain has two years to clinch a deal with the EU once May invokes Article 50. If it fails, companies would be subject to standard World Trade Organization rules, meaning they’d face tariffs on trade. According to the Telegraph newspaper, ministers are preparing for the most “extreme” sort of Brexit because there may not be enough time to negotiate an acceptable deal.

Separately, the Mail on Sunday newspaper reported that Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond is being excluded from key meetings because of his criticism of ministers backing a hard Brexit.

The Treasury has dismissed speculation that Hammond might quit

his job, according to the Mail. On the BBC on Sunday, Clegg urged the government not to “throw the single-market baby out with the EU bathwater” and accused May of making a “fundamental tactical error” by pledging to trigger Article 50 by March.

“She’s already, in doing so, lost about a quarter of her negotiating timetable because as anybody in Europe -- and I speak to many politicians across Europe -- will tell you, nothing is going to meaningfully happen until the end of next year after the German elections,” he said on “Marr.”

International Development Secretary Priti Patel, who campaigned for get Britain out of the EU, on the same broadcast said Parliament should not be used “to subvert the democratic will of the British public.” — Bloomberg

THOUSANDS DISPLACED

Typhoon Sarika kills two in the Philippines MANILA: Typhoon Sarika made landfall in eastern Philippines on Sunday after leaving at least two people dead a day earlier, thousands of villagers displaced and hundreds of planes grounded.

Locally named Karen, the typhoon weakened after hitting the town of Baler, east of Manila, before dawn and has exited the landmass via Pangasinan province, according to local weather bureau PAGASA. It is forecast to leave the Philippine area by Monday.

The typhoon was packing maximum sustained winds of 80 knots (92 miles per hour) and gusts up to 100 knots.

A 79-year-old farmer suffered a heart attack while another was found dead along the shores in Catanduanes province on Saturday as the storm hammered the Bicol region, Rappler reported on its website, citing police and regional disaster officials.

Eight mountaineers and four residents went missing in Aurora province while 1,940 families were evacuated in seven towns, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said in e-mailed report. Coconut trees and electricity poles were knocked down, leaving several towns without power, the report said as the country prepared for a typhoon touted as the most disastrous this year.

Cebu Air Inc. cancelled 144 domestic and international flights scheduled for Sunday while Philippine Airlines Inc. suspended 95 flights, according to their websites. More than 6,000 passengers were stranded at seaports, according to the coast guard. Philippine forecasters advised fishermen and those with small boats not to venture out over the northern, eastern and southern seaboards of Luzon.

The state weather bureau has lowered the typhoon signal, placing four provinces under the second lowest alert in a five-scale warning system. School classes for Monday were suspended in parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces. — Bloomberg

A 12

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

WORLD Putin shrugs off US threats to retaliate against ‘hacking’ Pence says evidence points to Russia in email hacks

The US government this month formally accused Russia for the first time of a campaign of cyber attacks against Democratic Party organisations ahead of the November 8 presidential election

GOA (INDIA): Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday shrugged off new US threats to retaliate against alleged Russian hackers, saying such statements only confirmed that Washington used cyber attacks for political ends.

Speaking after a summit of developing economies in India, Putin also said he believed that the hacking allegations were mainly election campaign rhetoric by the White House, and that he hoped bilateral ties could improve after the US elections.

US Vice President Joe Biden told NBC News television on Friday that “we are sending a message” to Putin, and that retaliation for Russia’s hacking attacks “will be at the time of our choosing, and under the circumstances that will have the greatest impact”.

The US government this month

DEFIANT: Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a news conference following the BRICS Summit in Goa, India, on Sunday. — Sputnik/Kremlin/Alexei Druzhinin via Reuters

formally accused Russia for the first time of a campaign of cyber attacks against Democratic Party organisations ahead of the November 8 presidential election.

“You can expect anything from our American friends. But what did he say that was new? Don’t we know that official bodies of the United States are spying and eavesdropping on everyone?” Putin told reporters after the summit of leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

“The only new thing is that for the first time the United States has recognised at the highest level ... that they themselves do it (cyber attacks).”

Putin said that by “playing the Russian card” in the current election campaign, the outgoing US administration sought to distract voter attention from its failures, which include huge state debt,

weak diplomacy in the Middle East and strained relations with its allies in that region.

“I would like to reassure everyone, including our US partners and friends - we do not intend to influence the US election campaign,” he said. Putin said he would work with any US leader willing to work with Russia.

“If someone wants confrontation, this is not our choice,” he said. “On the contrary, we would like to find common ground and cooperate in solving the global problems that confront both Russia and the United States.”

On Thursday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry accused the Obama administration of destroying bilateral relations in the run-up to the elections, saying that “the level of Russophobic propaganda coming from the very top is now starting to go off the scale”. — Reuters

WASHINGTON: Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence said evidence implicates Russia in recent email hacks tied to the US election, contradicting his running mate, Donald Trump, who cast doubt on Russia’s involvement.

Pence said in an interview aired on “Fox News Sunday” that Russia or any other country involved in hacking should face “severe consequences.”

The disagreement with Trump, the Republican nominee for the November 8 election, came after the pair also publicly disagreed about US policy toward Russia in Syria.

Wikileaks US intelligence officials believe Russia is behind recent email hacks targeting Democratic Party officials, including the continuing dumps by Wikileaks of documents stolen from the email account of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton’s campaign chairman, John Podesta.

“I think there’s no question that the evidence continues to point in that direction,” Pence said. “There should be

Mike Pence

severe consequences to Russia or any sovereign nation that is compromising the privacy or the security of the United States of America.”

In another interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Pence said “there’s more and more evidence that implicates Russia.”

Trump, who has been criticized for appearing too close to Russia after he publicly praised Putin’s strength, has questioned the reports of Moscow’s involvement.

During last week’s second debate with Clinton he said, “Maybe there is no hacking.”

Trump also broke with Pence during that debate on their foreign policy stance toward Russia. — Reuters

SHENZHOU 11

China all set to launch manned space mission BEIJING: China will launch a two-man space mission, Shenzhou 11, at 7:30am (2330 GMT) on Monday, officials with the space programme said, taking the country closer to its ambition of setting up a permanent manned space station by 2022.

President Xi Jinping has called for China to establish itself as a space power, and it has tested antisatellite missiles, in addition to its civilian aims.

China says its space programme is for peaceful purposes, but the US Defence Department has highlighted its increasing capabilities, saying it was pursuing activities aimed to prevent adversaries from using space-based assets in a crisis.

After Monday’s launch in the remote northwestern province of Gansu, the astronauts will dock with the Tiangong 2 space laboratory, where they will spend about a month.

“This mission is characterised by its longer duration and more tests,” Chen Dong, the junior astronaut on the mission, told reporters in a televised news conference. “We will focus on improving our ability to handle emergencies in orbit, medical first aid, mutual rescue capabilities and space experiments.”

Shenzhou 11 will be the third space mission for Jing Haipeng, who will command the mission and pass his 50th birthday in space.

The spacecraft, whose name translates as “Divine Vessel”, will also carry three experiments designed by Hong Kong middle school students and selected in a science competition. — Reuters

DISPELS CONCERN OVER SUCCESSION

Thai PM Chan-ocha says coronation after king’s funeral BANGKOK: Thailand has sought to dispel any concern about a royal succession after Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn said he would delay his ascension to the throne while he mourns his father, and the government stressed on Sunday its was working as normal.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej died on Thursday after seven decades on the throne. He was 88.

The prospect of complications in the succession in the politically divided country could alarm financial markets, but the military government has been quick to quash any such speculation.

Request The crown prince has requested that his succession be delayed for an unspecified period, so he can grieve with the people, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has said.

The government has not set a date for the royal cremation but a deputy prime minister said the prince had asked that it be held after a year of mourning, and the coronation would take place after

the cremation. The formal procedure for him to become king, which involves the president of the legislature inviting him to ascend the throne, can happen at any time before his coronation.

In the meantime, the head of the royal advisory council, a 96-yearold former army chief and prime minister, Prem Tinsulanonda, is standing in as regent. reassurance The prince held an audience with Prem and Prayuth on Saturday evening and asked them to pass on his reassurance to the people, Prayuth said.

“He asked the people not to be confused or worry about the coun- PAYING RESPECTS: Mourners stroll in the rain outside the Grand try’s administration or even about Palace as they wait to enter to pay their respects to the late Thai the succession,” Prayuth said in a King Bhumibol Adulyadej in Bangkok, Thailand on Sunday. - Reuters televised address.

“He said at this time everyone King Bhumibol, who was the power struggle between the miliis sad, he is still sad, so every side should wait until we pass this sad world’s longest-reigning monarch, tary-led establishment and poputime... When the religious ceremo- has long been revered as a father list political forces.

Many Thais worry about a funy and funeral have passed for a figure and symbol of unity in a while, then it will be an appropri- country riven by political crises ture without him.

Thailand’s strict lese-majeste ate time to proceed,” Prayuth said. over the years, most recently by a

laws, which have been applied rigorously since a military government took power in a 2014 coup, have left little room for public discussion about the succession.

Mourners dressed in black from across Thailand have flocked to Bangkok’s gilded Grand Palace to pay homage to the only king most of them have ever known.

Buddhist monks have been chanting prayers beside his coffin in an imposing throne hall, and they will chant for 100 days as part of the funeral rites.

Though the mood is sombre, and almost everyone is dressed in black, shopping malls, markets, cinemas and even some bars have been open.

Thailand’s battered stocks recovered ground on Friday on hope for a smooth transition and shares were likely to rise again on Monday, said Kasem Prunratanamala, head of research at CIMB Securities.

“The market should continue to rebound,” he said.

“Nobody would dare do any-

thing that causes problems for the country.”

Prince Vajiralongkorn does not enjoy the same adoration his father earned over a lifetime on the throne. He has married and divorced three times, and has spent much of his life outside Thailand, often in Germany.

Eligibility of a princess Though the king designated his only son crown prince in 1972, shortly afterwards he also raised the possibility of the eligibility of a princess becoming the monarch.

Government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd told reporters the prime minister wanted to reassure the public about the government’s work and a cabinet meeting would go ahead as normal on Tuesday so administration “can continue seamlessly”.

The government has issued guidelines to media saying programmes and advertising should not show “improper scenes such as entertaining, dancing” or violence. — Reuters

SOUTH CHINA SEA DISPUTE

Duterte to raise controversial arbitration case with China MANILA: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Sunday he would raise a controversial arbitral ruling on the South China Sea with China’s leaders, and vowed not to surrender any sovereignty or deviate from the July award by the tribunal in The Hague.

Duterte said his trip to China this week represented a turning point in bilateral ties, but he acknowledged there was some public concern about his rapid rapprochement moves and reassured Filipinos that would not impact on the country’s maritime sovereignty. In comments that will not sit comfortably with the Chinese leadership, Duterte said the decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration would be talked about and the parameters of the award would be discussed, but there would be no “hard imposition” of it.

The ruling dealt a blow to China’s extensive claims in the South China Sea. Beijing has refused to recognise the case and has chided any country telling it to abide by

Rodrigo Duterte

the ruling. “I will not bargain anywhere, we will continue to insist that is ours,” he told a news conference in his home city of Davao.

“The international tribunal decision will be taken up.” The unpredictable president’s moves to strongly engage China, just a few months after an arbitral award that sparked fears in the region of a backlash by Beijing in the South China Sea, mark a striking reversal in Philippine foreign policy since he took office on June 30.

Duterte goes to China on Tuesday with at least 200 members of the Philippine business elite to

pave the way for what he calls a new commercial alliance.

Among the areas expected to be prioritised are financing for Philippine businesses, farm exports, major infrastructure investments and tourism. It comes amid a torrent of anti-American comments

by Duterte that have cast a cloud over a longstanding relationship with the United States. While he continues to chastise and hurl abuse at Washington for expressing concern about his bloody war on drugs, he insists his strategic gambit is about abiding by a constitution that enshrines an independent foreign policy. He spoke of his intention to “intensify” trade ties and work closer with China, but would not avoid discussing what is a bone of contention between them.

“There will be no hard impositions. We will talk, we will maybe paraphrase everything in the judgment and set the limits of our territories, the special economic zones,” he said of meeting. — Reuters

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

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Germany’s next chancellor, whoever it is, will have neither German backing nor European acceptance to serve as European chancellor. The first casualty could be Greece, which, in lieu of the debt relief that Merkel has been unable to deliver, may finally have to exit the eurozone, leading the entire EU into uncharted territory

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READERS’ FORUM Photography exhibition to encourage youth This refers to the story Photography exhibition honours Omani women (October 16). This is another way to give Omani women an opportunity to prove their flair through their own hands. The photography exhibition can help them share their thoughts, perceptions and how they are attracted to such diverse set of themes. It has been creatively delivered and an absolute encouragement for the younger generation.

On the other hand, social media being a wide platform, every single individual must take it positively and share their skills with the rest keeping in mind the ethics and Scan this QR code morals of a mature society. to send letters to the — Ramachandran Nair, Ruwi Readers’ Forum,

CASS R. SUNSTEIN

Bob Dylan has surpassed Walt Whitman as the defining American artist, celebrating the capacity for self-invention as the highest form of freedom. Voice of the 1960s, blues singer, rock star, country singer and now winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, Dylan has found a million different ways to say the same thing

containing not more than 200 words with full name, address and telephone number, may be sent by e-mail (akhtar@ timesofoman.com).

More buses, new routes needed This refers to the story Oman’s Batinah Expressway to be ready in 2017 (October 15). It would be easier for commuters if the authorities added more buses and routes especialy to those inside i.e. not on main roads. This is so as if one take taxi on engage basis the driver will charge more as the taxis here in Oman do not have meters. In my opinion, more buses and new routes are needed and not that expressway.

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“Insure with New India and be secure”

Tel: 24838800 | Fax: 24838899 | Email: niamct@omantel.net.om | Website: www.newindiaoman.com Retribution often means that we eventually do to ourselves what we have done unto others.

ERIC HOFFER

Education needs social enterprise A

n estimated quarter-million young people in Syria are missing out on college as a result of the civil war there. Now, thanks to the Institute of International Education, charities, philanthropists, and foundations have united to help refugee students find higher-education opportunities, and to provide safe havens for lecturers and professors persecuted by the Syrian regime.

The Platform for Education in Emergencies Response will connect college-ready Syrian refugees with refugee-ready colleges. In time, PEER will serve as a conduit to higher education for displaced students worldwide, and it will cater to all education levels, by providing web-based information, points of contact, and much-needed counseling and support.

PEER is one project the Catalyst Trust for Universal Education – an education charity founded by former New York University President John Sexton – is now supporting. The Catalyst Trust is also looking at projects to rethink school auditing, spur social-impact investing in the education sector, and introduce curricula to encourage inter-faith coexistence. Any projects the Catalyst Trust supports will have to prove their scalability and share the goal of providing universal education, for the first time, to an entire generation of young people.

With 260 million children not in school worldwide, education needs more champions to match the enthusiasm of advocates in, say, the globalhealth and environmental movements.

There is more room for innovation in education than in any other international-development sector, especially as digital technologies and the Internet become more accessible even in the world’s poorest regions. The education sector has so far been too slow to adapt to our changing world. Despite momentous technological advances, classrooms – unlike workplaces or homes – have remained largely unchanged since the nineteenth century. It is past time for reforms that empower teachers and transform schools into twenty-first-century learning hubs.

In recent years, private-sector funding options – such as venture capital, targeted-investment funds, and new asset classes – have opened up countless new opportunities for education-

sector social entrepreneurs. However, as with technology, the public and nonprofit sectors have been slow to keep up; both still need to recognise the value of social enterprises focused on education. This gap point to a unique opportunity to realise social enterprise’s underappreciated potential. To grasp this opportunity, we should first acknowledge that too many ideas emanating from the nonprofit sector are stillborn or unfeasible, often for lack of finance. So we should do more to provide seed capital for education start-ups like Catalyst, which can then help to scale up successful pilot programmes.

This strategy will create a virtuous cycle whereby initial innovations spur further innovations across the education sector. Reformers should take a lesson from Sir Ronald Cohen’s pioneering work in social-impact investing. And, indeed, the Catalyst Trust is already exploring how best to measure outcomes in developing countries’ school-assessment systems, and determining which metrics are most relevant to unique educational environments. A team of New York University professors – building on previous findings from UNESCO and the Brookings Institution – will work with a global network of researchers at local universities in several countries to examine the most appropriate methods for evaluating success and failure in education systems worldwide.

In another effort, the Catalyst Trust is looking at pilot projects in human-rights education across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the United States to determine how school curricula can best cultivate inter-faith understanding. It is time to counter the extreme idea, currently popular in Western politics, that coexistence is impossible. Schools are the first places where we can and should be promoting inclusive citizenship.

A curriculum fostering inclusion must go beyond optimistic appeals to universal religious dictums such as “love thy neighbour” and the Golden Rule. To that end, the Catalyst Trust hopes to support the development of curricula that teach pupils the value of diversity for strengthening social cohesion and harmony. - Project Syndicate

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES OCTOBER 2001 Majlis office reviews panels’ views on job opportunities MUSCAT: The Majlis Al Shura held its sixth regular meeting of the year yesterday under the chairmanship of Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Qatabi, the Majlis president.

The office reviewed replies from the Majlis’ committees on a circular issued by the Majlis president on the rise in the number of job seekers. The office discussed the committees’ proposals which are based on the Majlis’ members views.

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PICTOGRAPH GROWTH RATE OF GDP PER PERSON EMPLOYED 2000

2014

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1.8%

1815: Napoleon Bonaparte arrives at the island of St. Helena in the South Atlantic, where he has been banished by the Allies.

1849: Composer and pianist Frederic Chopin dies in Paris of tuberculosis at the age of 39.

0

2003: Taipei 101 is completed in Taipei, becoming the world’s tallest high-rise.

Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

A14 A 14

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

LIFESTYLE GEAR

HUAWEI TALKBAND There’s a lot that meets the

eye with this smartwatch, and even more that doesn’t

Story Gautam Vishwanathan

I

was excited when asked to check out the Huawei Talkband – it’s not every day that a newcomer is able to successfully challenge the dominant players in the market, and look good doing it.

And that is the first step Huawei B3 Talkband takes to put itself ahead of the competition. The appearance of Samsung’s and Apple’s offerings may have appealed to the hipsters and those seeking a whiff of nostalgia, but surely, on the basis of looks alone, was worn by people because they had nothing else to turn to.

The Talkband comes in a variety of colours, all of which blow the competition right out of the water.

I was particularly impressed by the version with the brown strap and dull gold finish, which would not look out of place either in a boardroom meeting, a night out with friends, or a quiet, intimate setting at a nice restaurant.

The other colours available are black, white, beige, and a very in-

triguing titanium number. All of them are designed to look good and fit in seamlessly with your apparel.

Looks, though, are not all the Talkband offers. The device — called the Gemini — also doubles as an earpiece, once popped out of its metallic casing for those who prefer hands-free communication, and this is another area which sees it score major brownie points over its competitors.

Synchronised through your phone via the Huawei Wear app, the Talkband is also an excellent pedometer, and works on three levels, based on how you configure it, can monitor your heart rate, calories burned and distance travelled while walking, jogging, cycling, climbing or sprinting, while another mode — sleep mode — lets you keep track of your sleep cycles for you to schedule your workouts, using the Chinese company’s patented Capsensor technology.

Another nifty feature of the Talkband is its ability to track your phone if lost. Its contact import system

though is a bit clunky: Only recent contacts that have been dialled from your phone are stored onto the device, which makes it a bit awkward when you need to call someone urgently. There’s either that, or creating contacts one at a time.

While the headset is surprisingly comfortable and fits in place easily, a major kink with the Gemini is seen when calls need to be placed or received. To answer a call when it is on your wrist, you need to first take it out of the strap by pressing the buttons at either end of the metallic holder, and then place it in your ear before you can hear the person at the other end of the line, which may not be the best in a hurried situation.

Where the Huawei Talkband scores majorly is its sleek and attractive appearance and its versatility, both on and off the wrist. A major flaw though, is its cumbersome nature when calls are being made. All in all, though, it’s a great buy for anyone looking to invest in a smart watch. —gautam@timesofoman.com

SPECIFICATIONS Huawei Talkband B3 Processor: 128 KB RAM Storage: 16 MB Flash (external) and 512 KB ( Built in) Battery Capacity: 91 mAh Talk time: Six hours Duration: 3-4 days Bluetooth Radius: 10 metres External Port: Micro-USB for charging System Requirements: Android 4.3 or later, iOS 7 or later Where to buy: The smartwatch is will be available at tech outlets such as Emax, Jumbo Electronics, Carrefour, and Lulu.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

WEATHER

TEMPERATURE

HUMIDITY

36 - 23 69-33% 0

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Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

11.57pm 3.16pm 5.44pm 6.55pm 4.50am

LIFESTYLE

T E C H TA L K

Three DIY Ways to Improve your Home WiFi THE world is hooked on the Internet.

Just try to think of the last day you didn’t use the web in some way. But you probably don’t think much about the main way the Internet is delivered: Through WiFi. When you do think about WiFi, it’s usually because it’s not working — and driving you nuts. Before investing in a more expensive Internet package, here are three do-it-yourself ways to improve your home WiFi:

Move your router If you have rooms that don’t have access to the Internet — dead zones — first try moving your router to a more central location in the home. Because routers have a limited range, it’s important that your router is in a central area. If you can’t move the router to a different location, try elevating it on a table or shelf.

Large metal appliances, like refrigerators, and electronics that emit radio

waves, like microwaves, can interfere with your network’s signal.

Upgrade to a mesh network Most households rely on a single router.

But with the steep increase in home Internet usage, one WiFi router may not be adequate to support all the devices connected to it. Mesh technology ensures people are getting the same Internet speeds they’re paying for throughout the entire home.

TIPS FOR BUYING A FAMILY CAR

P

urchasing a vehicle for family use does not have to be a chore, but for some it can be an overwhelming experience. Whether you’re already a parent, have your first baby on the way or are eventually planning to add to your brood, choosing the right car for your family is a big decision.

If you are in the market for a new family car, Chevrolet is providing a few tips to keep in mind.

Safety first. When it comes to those you love, safety is non-negotiable. Let’s face it, the safest crash is the one that never happens.

Look for a vehicle that offers the latest in advanced safety and technology features, such as forward collision alert, lane keep assist, side blind zone alert, lane change alert, rear cross traffic alert, and safety alert seat. The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, for example, comes packed with all these features, and has an industry-first, driver-seat-mounted, front-centre side-impact airbag.

Comfort and space. Comfort is king. Make sure that the car has enough space for you to comfortably install a car seat – or two if NEWS TECH

Fear of being tracked forcing people to use IP obfuscation tools

Perceived threats from other individuals, groups of people and governments are forcing Internet users to turn to IP obfuscation tools, such as the onion router, says a study.

“The most common concern voiced by participants was a fear that their online communication or activities may be accessed or logged by parties without their knowledge or consent,” according to the authors.

This threat, which became very real for many Americans after Edgar Snowden revealed the extent of the National Security Agencies surveillance and monitoring practices, has been ever-present for users in other countries for some time.

More recently, an investigation by American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Northern California found that Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram provided user data access to a developer of a social media monitoring product that helped police monitor racially charged protests in Baltimore, Maryland.-IANS

needed – securely. Other factors to consider are: Front seat legroom and ease of access to anchors. In short, during your search process, focus on the cars that are roomy and comfortable enough for all family members. Think about things like three standard rows of seating, flexible seating configurations and class-leading people and cargo-carrying capacity. The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, for example, is one car model that offers all these family-friendly features.

Entertainment features. Do you never want to hear the words “are we there yet?” again? If the answer is “yes” then you need a car with interactive entertainment features designed to keep your kids engaged on the road.

The 2016 Traverse delivers on this front – it is packed with an available rear-seat entertainment system with dual screens and a DVD player.

Service and maintenance. If you’re always on the go, the last thing you want to worry about is getting your vehicle serviced with regular scheduled maintenance like oil changes. Remember, benefits like transparent and competitive maintenance pricing, 24x7 roadside assistance and quick vehicle maintenance services matter a lot.

With these tips in mind, purchasing the right vehicle will be easier than you expect. Make the experience a family affair, so take the kids and have fun.

— Courtesy General Motors

Update your modem An often-overlooked device that may be throttling your WiFi signal is the cable modem, the device that translates the data coming in through your cable pipe into a digital language your router can understand. Households should update their modems every three to five years. If yours is outdated, it could be impacting the quality of your signal and speed. -BPT

A15

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

LIFESTYLE A TIMES OF OMAN HANDS-FREE DRIVING INITIATIVE

PICTURES SUPPLIED

A16

30 YEARS OF THE BMW M3 2016 marks the 30th anniversary of a motoring icon, one which revolutionised the mid-size sports car segment when its production started in 1986. The very first BMW M3 set a new standard by which other carmakers would be measured — and, five model generations later, are still judged today.

B

MW Motorsport Division, the precursor to BMW M Division, was incredibly rigorous in its deployment of undiluted motor racing technology in the development of the first-generation BMW M3. Its endeavours produced a thoroughbred high-performance sports car – based on the series-produced BMW 3 Series – that was perfectly suited to daily use. Over the three

decades that have followed, BMW M has gently refined its trailblazing and highly successful creation from one generation to the next, while always taking great care to preserve the original character of the M3. The upshot is that there is arguably still no other car that blends such prominently honed motor sport genes and uncompromised everyday practicality into such an emotionally stirring overall package.

The 30th anniversary of the BMW M3 provides an ideal opportunity to look back at four highly intriguing model variants that, for various reasons, never made it past the prototype stage: The BMW M3 Pickup from 1986, the BMW M3 Compact from 1996, the BMW M3 Touring from 2000 and the second incarnation of the BMW M3 Pickup unveiled in 2011.

— lifestyle@timesofoman.com CAR CARE

How to choose the right auto repair shop Schedule a visit to an auto repair shop before your car needs repair We recommend you visit the auto repair shop before your vehicle needs to be fixed. It can save you a lot of money. Usually if your car needs repair it is something that will require immediate attention. A hasty choice of an auto repair shop can lead to costly service fees and overpriced maintenance. Do your research ahead of time.

Visit multiple auto repair shops to ensure your vehicle will be handled properly when something goes wrong. When inspecting each repair shop take note of things listed below: • Clean and well organised lobby and garage.

• Polite, helpful staff that is willing to answer questions.

• Inspect repair facility and ensure equipment is up to date and wellmaintained.

A reputable auto repair shop should offer all of the qualities mentioned above. Take good notes so you can compare businesses when you get home.

Also, be sure to make note of their charges.

Maintaining the same mechanic over the long term allows you to build a rapport, and build trust and respect. — Artipot

B

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM M ON DAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

BRITISH SME TEAM

MARKE

Theresa May will take smallbusiness representatives with her when she travels to India in November for what will be her first trade mission since becoming UK prime minister. It will be a the three-day visit. - Bloomberg News

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH THE VIDEO

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

Muscat 5,651.07 - 9.15 - 0.16%

Dubai 3301.84 - 33.10 - 0.99%

Abu Dhabi 4,315.62 - 31.58 - 0.73%

Saudi Arabia

5,620.90 - 73.06 - 1.28%

Kuwait 5,309.15 - 18.85 - 0.35%

Bahrain 1,144.57 + 14.30 + 1.27%

Qatar 10,389.96 - 13.08 - 0.13%

CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.34 Pound ............................................2.11 Indian Rs ............................. 172.80 Pakistan Rs ....................... 267.02 Bangla Taka....................... 201.01

Indian Rs ................................... 173.72 Pakistan Rs ............................. 271.08 Sri Lanka Rs .................................. N/A Bangla Taka............................ 203.13 Phil Peso ................................... 125.68

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) ...... 16.00

Oman Crude............. (Spot) .........$50.18 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) ........$49.93 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) ..........$51.91 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ........$49.85 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) .........$51.98 West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ........$50.28

BANKING SECTOR

Bank Dhofar scraps merger proposal with Bank Sohar

* Rates as of October 16 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ............. 151.75 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) .............142.50 * Rates as of October 16 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

Oman-Iran bilateral trade to touch $5b in five years

Times News Service MUSCAT: Bank Dhofar said that its board has decided to discontinue its negotiations with Bank Sohar for a proposed merger.

Both banks have been unable to reach an agreement on certain key issues relating to the completion of the proposed merger, said Bank Dhofar in a disclosure statement posted on MSM website.

“With reference to the board’s previous announcement regarding the proposed merger of Bank Dhofar and Bank Sohar (proposed merger) dated June 8, 2016, we would like to inform you that both banks have been unable to reach agreement on certain important key issues relating to the completion of the proposed merger,” the statement said.

There was no trading in Bank Dhofar shares on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Bank Dhofar’s rights issue is open for subscription from October 5 to 19. The bank is offering its shares to existing shareholders at 276 baisas per share, with the shareholders eligible to subscribe to 105 new shares for every 1,000 shares held.

Bank Dhofar last week said that the bank’s net profit for the first nine months of 2016 grew by 10.42 per cent to OMR36.87 million, from OMR33.39 million for the same period of 2015.

The bank’s net loans and advances to customers during January-September period of 2016 also moved up by 10.91 per cent.

* Rates are as of October 16 Source: Bank Muscat

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......15.40

The volume of trade

Oil tender wooing foreign investors

between Oman and Iran is growing and the Sultanate is in a better position to benefit from opening of Iranian market after the recent lifting of sanctions, said an official

TEHRAN: Iran is ramping up efforts to woo foreign investment in an energy industry stunted by years of sanctions, with a request for companies to submit documents to prequalify as bidders to develop the country’s oil and natural gas fields.

State-run National Iranian Oil Company will solicit documents from international companies starting on Monday, according to an announcement posted on the website of Shana, the Oil Ministry’s news service. Interested companies will have until November 19 to submit their qualifications,

and the government will publish a list of eligible bidders on December 7, szys Shana.

The announcement marks an acceleration in Iran’s effort to rejuvenate its energy industry since economic sanctions were eased in January.

Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (Opec) third-largest producer is seeking to attract investors with a revised oil investment contract to boost output at fields it shut when exports were restricted.

Iran wants to attract more than $100 billion in investment to increase its oil produc-

tion by 1 million barrels a day by the start of the next decade.

Iran pumped 3.63 million barrels of oil a day in September, data shows. The Opec will meet next month to seek agreement on how to put into effect a planned cut in the group’s output.

Opec agreed last month in Algiers to reduce its collective production to between 32.5 million and 33 million barrels a day, though it may exempt Iran from any cuts.

National Iranian Oil Company wants to sign new development contracts with companies. - Bloomberg News

A. E. JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: The bilateral trade between Oman and Iran is expected to touch $5 billion within five years, from its current $1 billion.

The volume of trade between Oman and Iran is growing and the Sultanate is in a better position to benefit from opening of Iranian market after the recent lifting of sanctions, said Dr Amir Kordvani, head of Iran desk and projects for the Middle East, CMS Cameron McKenna.

Dr Kordvani, while addressing a seminar on foreign investment in Iran here, said that Omani com-

panies are in a strong position to benefit from opportunities in the Iranian market and are currently involved in a number of highprofile projects. International law firm CMS, operating in Oman, in exclusive cooperation with Amur Al Rashdi and Benjamin Ewing Advocates and Legal Consultants, conducted the seminar on foreign investment in Iran.

He emphasised that Oman’s participation in the Iranian market is well deserved after its role as facilitator and negotiator in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Ac-

Don’t litter a beautiful country like OMAN.

tion (JCPOA) talks. Dr Kordvani said that Omani investors can look at investment opportunities in hotels in Iran as the local businessmen here have a lot of experience in the hospitality sector.

Gas pipeline, shipping He pointed out that several projects, including Iran-Oman gas pipeline, Iran-Oman shipping line and a $250 million worth of shopping mall (to be developed by Omani investors in Iran), are expected to further strengthen economic cooperation of both countries.

With the lifting of sanctions, Iran offers ample investment opportunities for foreign investors, which include sectors like oil and gas, mining, energy, tourism, hospitality, transport, automobile, infrastructure facilities and information and communication technology.

Iran has 136 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, which is equivalent to 10 per cent of world reserves. Also, oil production cost is one of the lowest in the world.

Several projects are waiting to be re-initiated. Around 62 per cent of

natural gas reserves are located in fields, which are not yet developed.

Further, Iran has deposits of more than 68 minerals worth of $700 billion. The country has fifth largest zinc reserves and seventh largest reserves of copper. Almost 90 per cent of mines are owned by the government.

As far as energy sector is concerned, the country is the eight largest producer of energy and twentieth largest consumer in the world. Iran is focusing on attracting investment in renewable energy sector.

The seminar brought together senior diplomats, banking executives, commercial management teams and market strategists from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Europe. International experts shared their knowledge and experiences on the Iranian market, market entry and applicable sanctions.

In his opening remarks, Dr Hafez Kamal Hedayat, vice-president of the Iran Oman Chamber of Commerce, gave an overview of the Iranian economy and the wealth of opportunities in Iran for foreign investors.

Dr Hedayat commented that Oman is central to the international business community’s success in building business and creating profitable investments in Iran.

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

B2

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

MARKET MSM index ends lower

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................5,677.40 ...............5,651.07 ....................5,651.07 ...................5,660.22...................-9.15 .................. -0.16 Financial Index .....................................7,405.84 ............... 7,333.79 ....................7,333.83 ....................7,353.18................ -19.35 .................. -0.26 Industrial Index ....................................7,252.12 ...............7,192.05 ....................7,192.05 ................... 7,272.78................-80.73 ...................-1.11 Services Index ...................................... 3,075.30 .............. 3,068.53 ................... 3,070.63 ...................3,068.53....................2.10 ................... 0.07 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................870.04 .................. 863.81 .......................863.81 ...................... 863.46....................0.35 ...................0.04 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 18,968,712 .................. 3,925,140 .....................681 ............... 17,382,986,627 .................. 7 ......................15 .................... 13 .........................35

The top gainer was Bank Nizwa, up by 3.75 per cent, while Galfar Engineering was the top

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16

loser, down by 8.65 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: Shares on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) edged down on profit-booking. The MSM 30 Index witnessed marginal decline of 0.16 per cent to end at 5,651.07 points. The MSM Sharia Index closed at 863.81 points, up by 0.04 per cent.

Bank Nizwa was the most active in terms of volume, while Bank Muscat led in terms of turnover. Today’s top gainer was Bank Nizwa, up by 3.75 per cent, while Galfar Engineering was the top loser, down by 8.65 per cent.

As many as 681 trades were executed on Sunday, generating a turnover of OMR3.92 million with 18.9 million shares changing hands. Out of 35 traded securities, 7 advanced, 15 declined and 13 remained unchanged.

Omani investors remained net buyers to the tune of OMR780,000 worth of shares, while foreign investors switched to net sellers at OMR585,000 followed by GCC and Arab investors, who sold stocks amounting to OMR195,000.

Financial Index retreated 0.26 per cent to close at 7,333.83 points. Bank Nizwa, Takaful Oman and Al Sharqia Investments increased by 3.75 per cent, 1.50 per cent and 0.82 per cent, respectively. Al Izz Bank, Oman & Emirates Holding, NBO, Al Anwar Holding and Global Financial Investment declined by 4.55 per cent, 3.70 per cent, 2.54 per cent, 2.31 per cent and 1.21 per cent, respectively.

Industrial Index declined heavily by 1.11 per cent to end at 7,192.05 points. Galfar Engineering, Gulf International Chemicals, Oman Fisheries, Construction Materials and Al Anwar Ceramics declined by 8.65 per cent, 3.70 per cent, 3.33 per cent, 3.23 per cent and 2.34 per cent, respectively.

Services Index finished at 3,070.63 points, up by 0.07 per

cent. Port Services, Ooredoo Oman, Al Suwadi Power and Oman Telecommunications Company gained 1.29 per cent, 0.59 per cent, 0.51 per cent and 0.33 per cent, respectively. OIFC and United Power declined by 1.55 per cent and 0.15 per cent, respectively.

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

OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ....................... 180,462 ........... 42,472.....................24 ............0.231 ........... 0.237 ...........0.231 ........... 0.235 .............0.232 ........... 0.003............. 1.293 ................0.235..............0.231...................0.235...................22,334,400 ........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 222,981 ..........152,411......................16 ........... 0.684 ...........0.684 ...........0.680........... 0.684 .............0.680 ........... 0.004............. 0.588 ................0.680..............0.676...................0.684..................445,245,853 .......0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ......................... 42,640 ............ 65,439........................9 ............1.550 ........... 1.550 ...........1.530 ............1.535 ............. 1.530............ 0.005............. 0.327 ................1.530 .............. 1.525...................1.530................ 1,151,250,000 ......0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ...................................................... 236,694 ......... 355,041..................... 30 ............1.500 ........... 1.500 ...........1.500........... 1.500 .............1.500 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................1.500..............1.500...................1.520................. 300,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT ............................................................14,427 ...............6,439........................4 ........... 0.446 ...........0.448 ...........0.446........... 0.446 .............0.446 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.448..............0.446...................0.448 .................147,569,229 ........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ............................5,000 ................1,135........................1 ........... 0.227 ...........0.227 ...........0.227........... 0.233 .............0.233 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.227..............0.226...................0.229 ..................29,101,225 .........0.100 OM0000002846 ...........GULF INV. SER. PREF SHARES ............................. 30,000 ............... 3,150........................1 ............0.105 ........... 0.105 ...........0.105 ........... 0.105 .............0.105............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.105 ..............0.105...................0.000 ................... 9,596,032 ..........0.100

Saudi stocks retreat Saudi Arabian stocks led Gulf markets lower after the nation’s biggest publicly traded bank became the latest in a growing list of companies whose earnings missed analysts’ forecasts.

The Tadawul All Share Index lost 1.3 per cent in Riyadh, ending the longest rising streak since August. National Commercial Bank, whose third-quarter profit of 1.96 billion riyals ($522 million) was about 360 million riyals shy of the median forecast of four analysts, was the biggest contributor to the drop. The Bloomberg GCC 200 Index, a measure of the largest and most liquid stocks across the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, declined 0.6 percent as every major equity gauge in the region sank.

Gulf stocks are poised to fall for a second year, the longest streak since the BGCC index started about a decade ago, after a slump in oil prices curbed government spending across the region and weighed on corporate income. Out of the seven banks that reported earnings for the third quarter in Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest crude exporter, one posted an increase in profit.

“Investors are now focusing on corporate earnings to decide on trading, and prospects are not good,” said Mohamad Al Hajj, a Dubai-based equity strategist for the Middle East and North Africa at EFG-Hermes UAE. NCB dropped 5.6 per cent, the most since January, to 33.90 riyals. - United Securities/Bloomberg News

OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER................................................................... 640 ...................165........................1 ........... 0.258 ...........0.258 ...........0.258........... 0.258 .............0.258 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.258..............0.250...................0.000 ..................57,020,580 .........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL.................................................5,000 .................. 350........................1 ........... 0.070 ...........0.070 ...........0.070............0.071 ............. 0.071............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.070..............0.069...................0.070...................12,425,000.........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ........................................................ 95,753 .............13,792......................11 ............0.144 ........... 0.145 ...........0.144........... 0.144 .............0.144 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.144..............0.144...................0.145..................210,614,610 ........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 4,229,308 .. 1,780,767....................116 ........... 0.426 ...........0.426 ...........0.418 ........... 0.422 .............0.424 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.472 ...............0.418 .............. 0.418...................0.420 ............... 1,053,417,609 ......0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 100,000 ...........29,000........................3 ........... 0.290...........0.290 ...........0.290 .......... 0.290 .............0.293 ...........-0.003 ........... -1.024 ...............0.290............. 0.000...................0.290 ..................29,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE................10,000 ...............1,900........................3 ............0.190 ........... 0.190 ...........0.190........... 0.190 ............. 0.193............-0.003 ............-1.554................0.190..............0.189...................0.190...................38,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 141,913 ............ 24,053..................... 30 ............0.171 ........... 0.171............0.168 ............0.169 ............. 0.173............-0.004 ........... -2.312 ...............0.170 ..............0.170................... 0.171 ................... 29,575,415 .........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES .................................39,075 ............... 6,514........................4 ............0.170 ........... 0.170 ...........0.166 ............0.167 ............. 0.171 ............-0.004 ........... -2.339 ...............0.166 .............. 0.167...................0.170...................49,467,685 .........0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................. 208,828 ........... 48,041......................15 ........... 0.230 ...........0.234 ...........0.230........... 0.230 .............0.236 ...........-0.006 ........... -2.542 ...............0.230............. 0.220...................0.230 .................339,199,693 ........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 5,562,721 .. 2,530,669...................269 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......16........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 6,200,362 ......511,921..................... 87 ........... 0.086 ...........0.086 ...........0.080........... 0.083 .............0.080 ........... 0.003............. 3.750 ................0.080..............0.080...................0.081................. 124,500,000 .......0.100 OM0000004776 ...........TAKAFUL OMAN INSURANCE ............................ 392,377 ............52,971........................7 ............0.135 ........... 0.135 ...........0.135 ............0.135 ............. 0.133............ 0.002............. 1.504 ................0.135 .............. 0.136...................0.140...................13,500,000.........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ........... 294,875 ............ 36,161..................... 39 ............0.122 ........... 0.127 ...........0.122............0.123 .............0.122 ............0.001 .............0.820 ................0.123 ..............0.123...................0.124...................11,070,000 .........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .......................................................5,410 ...............1,066........................2 ............0.197 ........... 0.197 ...........0.197 ............0.197 ............. 0.196.............0.001 ............. 0.510 ................0.197 .............. 0.196...................0.197..................140,738,049........0.100 OM0000001400 ...........OMAN FLOUR MILLS ............................................... 210,026 ......... 133,577..................... 10 ........... 0.636 ........... 0.636 ...........0.636........... 0.636 .............0.636 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.636..............0.636...................0.652..................100,170,000........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 2,296,307 ......253,121.....................42 ............0.110 ........... 0.112............0.109............0.110 ............. 0.110............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.110 .............. 0.110................... 0.112 ................. 220,034,407 .......0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK .................................................................... 100,171 .............19,032........................5 ............0.189 ........... 0.190 ...........0.189 ........... 0.190 .............0.190 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.190.............. 0.181...................0.190..................270,756,867........0.100 OM0000002275 ...........SHELL OMAN MARKETING ................................... 37,968 ............ 74,038........................7 ............1.950 ........... 1.950 ...........1.950 ........... 1.950 .............1.950............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.950 ..............1.950...................2.090 .................185,250,000........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ........................ 31,067 ............... 2,765........................3 ........... 0.089 ...........0.089 ...........0.089........... 0.089 .............0.089 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.089..............0.085...................0.090 ...................2,670,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001822............UNITED POWER .............................................................2,294 ............... 7,788........................1 ............3.395 ........... 3.395 ...........3.395........... 3.395 .............3.400 ...........-0.005 ........... -0.147................3.395..............3.060...................3.385.................... 2,716,000 ..........1.000 OM0000003281............TAAGEER FINANCE ................................................. 150,000 ............16,350........................7 ............0.109 ........... 0.109 ...........0.109........... 0.109 ............. 0.110............-0.001 ........... -0.909 ...............0.109..............0.109................... 0.112 ................... 27,641,310 .........0.100 OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ..................88,049 .............14,367......................16 ............0.160 ........... 0.165 ...........0.160............0.163 ............. 0.165............-0.002 ............-1.212................0.160..............0.160...................0.162...................32,600,000 ........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES .......................................................97,450 ...............5,679........................8 ........... 0.059 ...........0.059 ...........0.058........... 0.058 .............0.060 ...........-0.002 ........... -3.333 ...............0.059..............0.058...................0.059....................7,250,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING...............6,400 .................. 832........................4 ............0.130 ........... 0.130 ...........0.130........... 0.130 ............. 0.135............-0.005 ........... -3.704 ...............0.130 ..............0.128...................0.133 ................... 15,843,750 .........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............ 105,000 ........... 27,300........................7 ........... 0.260...........0.260 ...........0.260 .......... 0.260 .............0.270 ...........-0.010 ........... -3.704 ...............0.260..............0.252...................0.260 ...................5,460,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK.............................................. 1,896,062 ....... 118,710..................... 64 ........... 0.064 ...........0.064 ...........0.062........... 0.063 .............0.066 ...........-0.003 ........... -4.545 ...............0.062..............0.062...................0.063...................63,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 1,217,850........115,934..................... 93 ............0.102 ........... 0.102 ...........0.094........... 0.095 .............0.104 ...........-0.009 ........... -8.654 ...............0.094............. 0.000...................0.094 .................. 27,548,161 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 13,131,668 ..1,391,611.................. 402 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ...... 17........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

MARKETING PROGRAMME

GLOBAL ECONOMY

Omanoil joins hands with Al Raffd Chinese growth, ECB Fund to empower entrepreneurs rate meeting in focus of marketing, advertising, promotions, and sales strategies with as many entrepreneurs as possible,” he added.

Times News Service MUSCAT: Reaffirming its dedication to support the growth of the Sultanate’s entrepreneurial community, Oman Oil Marketing Company (omanoil) has signed an agreement with the Al Raffd Fund to finance the creation of a special marketing programme dedicated to promoting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) affiliated with the fund.

Under the agreement, the new programme will help SMEs develop marketing strategies and provide them with financial support to promote their products and services. The agreement was signed

by Eng. Omar Ahmed Qatan, chief executive officer of Oman Oil Marketing Company and Tariq bin Sulaiman Al Farsi, chief executive officer of Al Raffd Fund.

With the SMEs representing 90 per cent of the corporate sector, we believe that they have the innovative power to make even greater

SIGNING SESSION: The agreement was signed by Eng. Omar Ahmed Qatan, chief executive officer of Oman Oil Marketing Company, and Tariq bin Sulaiman Al Farsi, chief executive officer of Al Raffd Fund. - Supplied picture

contributions to Oman’s economy.

However in order to do so, they require our support to reach their full business potential,” said Eng. Omar Ahmed Qatan.

“We know first-hand that marketing is one of the most important keys to business success and for that reason, we tied-up with Al Raffd Fund to extend the benefits

179 retail stations The agreement comes as part of omanoil’s continued commitment to support the development of SMEs across the country. In fact, its nationwide network of 179 retail stations are owned and operated by a long-list of small and medium size enterprises, selling high quality petroleum and lubricant products.

In addition, the company offers Omani citizens the opportunity to open coffee-shops and car care centres through its network.

Taking it one step further, Oman Oil Marketing is currently working to offer a wide range of services and facilities to small and medium enterprises which includes the possibility of settingup shopping complexes within its retail sites.

FRANKFURT: European Central Bank (ECB) president Mario Draghi will have a tricky task on Thursday: give just enough clues about the bank’s next move but not fuel undue expectations that could perturb markets.

China will also be in spotlight in the coming week, reporting third quarter GDP figures on Wednesday, with data likely showing steady growth at 6.7 per cent, as increased budget spending and a property boom offset stubbornly weak exports.

The ECB is facing weak growth and super-low inflation, which means Draghi will have to persuade investors that the ECB is ready to pull the trigger on more stimulus at the same time that he preserves an escape route since the bank has already done unprecedented easing and its room to manoeuvre is limited.

The question to decide is whether to extend an €80-billion per month asset purchase programme, due to run out in March, or start di-

alling back stimulus.

It will be tough call as the hawks, including Germany, the bloc’s biggest economy, oppose any further easing. But a decision is seen as premature as the euro zone economy is humming along, giving Draghi some time refine options.

Industrial production A poll on Thursday found economists expecting no change in the coming week’s meeting but a tweak of policy in December.

On the macro front, industrial production is rebounding, confidence is holding up, government budgets may provide a touch more stimulus next year and oil prices are nudging higher, lifting up inflation prospects.

Draghi has already said that inflation could rise to ECB’s target of close to 2 per cent by late 2018 or early 2019, an unusually upbeat projection. Yet the bank has warned that underlying price pressures still lacked a convincing upward trend. - Reuters

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

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MARKET NAT U R A L G A S

India, Russia to study building $25b gas pipeline PANAJI: India and Russia have agreed to explore building the world’s most expensive pipeline costing close to $25 billion to ferry natural gas from Siberia to the world’s third biggest energy consuming nation.

The pipeline is to connect Russian gas grid to India through a 4,500 km to 6,000 km pipeline, officials said. The shortest route will entail bringing the pipeline through Himalayas into Northern India, a route which poses several technical challenges.

Alternately, the pipeline can come via Central Asian nations, Iran and Pakistan into Western India. However, the route will be expensive when compared to the long discussed but shorter and cheaper Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) pipeline. Tehran may suggest India take its gas through IPI rather than building such an expensive pipeline, they said.

The third and the longest alternative is to lay a pipeline through China and Myanmar into North East India bypassing Bangladesh.

According to preliminary cost estimate prepared by state-owned Engineers India, which on Saturday signed an agreement with Russian gas monopoly Gazprom for studying the Russia-India pipeline, the longest route of 6,000 km may cost close to $25 billion.

The cost of transporting gas may be $12 per million British thermal unit, according to EIL. The MoU was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. - PTI

GCC economic growth to hover around 2%, says S&P Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings said that the agency has projected Brent crude to average $45 per barrel in 2017, $50 in 2018, and $55 for 2019 and beyond.

Times News Service MUSCAT: Aggregate gross domestic product (GDP) growth of GCC states is estimated at 2 per cent for 2016 and 2017, similar to growth levels in 2015, according to global rating agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P).

“We assume Brent crude will average $45 per barrel in 2017, $50 in 2018, and $55 for 2019 and beyond,” S&P Global Ratings added.

Meanwhile, S&P Global Ratings also said that it considers the structural shift in the energy markets now well and truly established, and GCC governments on a path to addressing the fiscal deficits through various forms of expenditure reform.

“This will have both direct (example, higher taxation and subsidy reform) and indirect (weaker economic growth and demand for

FISCAL DEFICITS: Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings said that Gulf Cooperation Council governments are on a path to address the fiscal deficits through various forms of expenditure reform. – Bloomberg News

goods and services) implications for practically all our issuers in the region,” said S&P Global Ratings credit analyst Karim Nassif.

Negative rating “In 2016, we already downgraded eight corporate and infrastructure government related entities (GREs) on the back of sovereign rating actions, and took negative rating actions on five companies that are directly exposed to the hydrocarbon industry.”

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Oman Oil shares knowledge with students of Injaz Oman Times News Service MUSCAT: Cultivating strong leadership capabilities and business acumen amongst young entrepreneurs, Oman Oil Company (OOC), the government’s investment arm in the energy industry and other related sectors, recently hosted Injaz Oman’s talented students at a business development workshop.

Based at Oman Oil Company headquarters, the initiative surveyed the grounds upon which small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can cooperate with private sector corporations and boost their operations, focusing on topics critical for business success.

“Having one of Oman’s largest conglomerates share knowledge with our students on imperative economic focal points like sustainability, as well as marketing, innovation and corporate citizenship is truly a privilege,” said Khaula Al Harthy, executive director of Injaz Oman.

“OOC delivered insights that are increasingly relevant with global challenges reverberating down to national economies and SME sectors worldwide. The event unquestionably delivered added value to the business experience we provide for participants of our Student Company Programme and Competition,” Khaula added.

Developing human capital “At Oman Oil Company, we are committed to development of human capital and entrepreneurial talent amongst the business leaders of tomorrow. Injaz Oman’s initiatives fit into our long-term strategy by creating lifelonglearners and investing in young Omanis. We hope that the business development workshop was a good opportunity for them to channel their motivations into creative ideas that could potentially become new thriving businesses,” commented Al Mutasim bin Said Al Sariri, director of Cor-

porate Affairs at OOC. “OOC is committed to supporting sustainable programmes that benefit the community by focusing on three main mandates; Training for Employment, Entrepreneurship and SME Support and Capacity Building,” added Al Sariri.

Injaz Oman and OOC’s workshop reflects the achievements of previous years’ collaboration.

Oman Oil Company has previously supported the ‘Sharikati’ programme, an initiative for youth entrepreneurs run in partnership with Injaz Oman.

The business development workshop followed other recent events coordinated with public and private institutions to support the participants of Injaz Oman’s student company programme and competition.

The non-profit group collaborates with a variety of industry leaders nationwide to capitalise on the power of partnerships to support its educational focus on the business prospects of Omani youth.

Corporate and infrastructure companies most able to operate successfully and deal with the implications of the reform agenda (higher taxes, lower subsidies) will be best able to wade out the transformational market changes that are occurring.

“In our view, these are likely to be the large GREs with important mandates in the oil and gas, utilities, and telecom sectors, for instance, as well as private corporate and infrastructure com-

panies that are leaders in their respective fields, have adopted conservative funding strategies, and are not dependent on subsidies and government hand-outs for their operations.”

Oil and gas, construction Sectors that have been hit the hardest so far include the private sector oil and gas and construction industries, that are faced by lower investment, project delays and retendering, margin pressure

and delays in customer payments.

The fact that about two-thirds of S&P rated corporate and infrastructure ratings are GREs explains the dominance of stable rating outlooks despite the economic headwinds.

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

FEATURE IRANIAN PORT EXPANSION AT A SNAIL’S PACE Months after the ceremony in May and pledges by India to inject $500 million into the project, the much-heralded port of Chabahar remains a sleepy outpost – as well as a shadow of the Chinesebuilt port of Gwadar, 100km to the east across Iran’s border with Pakistan

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fghanistan gathered in Tehran in the spring for a ceremony marking India’s development of a strategic Iranian port, they recited poetry and said their partnership would ‘alter the course of history.’

On a recent visit, roughly 13 years after India first agreed to develop the port of Chabahar, a single ship floated at the main jetty. Most of the cargo containers scattered in an asphalt lot bore the logo of the state-owned Iran Shipping Lines.

In an adjacent harbour, a dozen wooden dhows, or traditional fishing boats, bobbed in the water.

Months after the ceremony in May and pledges by India to inject $500 million into the project, the much-heralded port of Chabahar remains a sleepy outpost – as well as a shadow of the Chinese-built port of Gwadar, 100km (62 miles) to the east across Iran’s border with Pakistan.

“What you’re seeing is the problem with many of the Indian commitments abroad,” said Sameer Patil, an analyst at Gateway House, a research organisation in Mumbai. “Once a prime minister makes that commitment, the parties find it difficult to move the process forward. The Indian bureaucracy takes its sweet time.”

Chabahar was supposed to be an easy win. India would bankroll a hub to rival the China-Pakistan partnership at Gwadar, Iran would get a major ocean port outside the Strait of Hormuz and spur

growth in its poor eastern region, and Afghanistan would gain road and rail links to a deep-water port that could boost its war-ravaged economy. But more than a decade on, the strategic asset is languishing, even as China sinks $45 billion into the China Pakistan Economic Corridor that winds down to Gwadar.

“They should’ve given the contract to the Chinese,” said Zheng Ke, a 37-yearold businessman from China, speaking in Persian at his supermarket in Chabahar’s free trade zone as Iranian customers snapped up Chinese-made clothes and kitchen utensils and streamed through check-outs staffed by Chinese workers.

“They’d get the port done in no time.”

Despite the project’s importance, Indians and Iranians haggled for two years over who would pay $30 million of excise duties on port equipment imported into Iran, according to Iranian diplomat Hamid Mosadeghi.

Indian interests “The slowness comes from these small things,” said Mosadeghi, who heads the economic section at Iran’s embassy in New Delhi. “Both sides want to expedite this.” For Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chabahar could aid his goals of integrating South Asia’s economies and boosting India’s stature in the region.

However, the slow pace of its development has drawn criticism.

“With China and Pakistan developing Gwadar just a few kilometers away, India cannot afford either delay or inattention to this vital port,” said Shashi Tharoor, a lawmaker with India’s opposition Congress Party and chairman of a parliamentary committee on foreign affairs.

Chabahar could be a linchpin for the region’s economy. It’s close to the western Indian ports of Kandla, Mundra and Mumbai and could help India’s farmers get cheaper access to fertilisers and other commodities from central Asia and beyond.

New jetties “We are dependent substantially on urea, ammonia and fertilisers, and given Chabahar’s geographic proximity, the transport costs are negligible,” India’s ambassador to Iran, Saurabh Kumar, said in an interview in Tehran.

Chabahar is also crucial for landlocked Afghanistan.

The deal includes a north-south railroad that could help the country exploit an estimated $1 trillion of untapped mineral wealth and reduce its reliance on aid.

India will invest $85 million in equipment and lend $150 million for the first phase, which includes two terminals and five jetties, according to Kumar. Transport ministers from Iran, India and Afghanistan met last week in New Delhi to assess progress.

Geopolitical ‘race’ Chabahar may even benefit China. The country, which deepened trade ties with Iran after the United States and European Union tightened sanctions in 2012, could cash in on the gradual re-opening of Iran’s $400 billion economy.

Beijing is also expanding its footprint elsewhere in the Gulf: A unit of China’s biggest shipping group, Cosco Shipping, signed a deal on September 28 to build and operate a container terminal in the United Arab Emirates.

For Iranians, the new investment can’t come soon enough. Sanctions, which were eased in January, exacerbated poverty in Sistan-Baluchestan, Iran’s poorest province, where security forces are fighting insurgents and face a threat from States across the border in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Once developed, Chabahar will be able to handle large cargo ships and will no longer need UAE ports to act as intermediaries by off-loading goods on to smaller boats.

The project will also lessen Iran’s vulnerability to possible disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, said AbdolrahimKordi, deputy head of economic affairs at the Chabahar Free Trade Zone. If the Strait, a shipping bottleneck at the mouth of the Gulf, were to be blocked due to regional hostilities, Chabahar would be “the only point that can connect Iran to open seas,” he said. — Bloomberg News

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SECTION

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END CALL SAVE LIVES A TIMES OF OMAN HANDS-FREE DRIVING INITIATIVE

IMES TECH STUFF

SOCIAL MEDIA DATA FOR HEALTH RESEARCH Combining the tools of Big Data analysis and visualisation with the vast amounts of data generated by social media, scientists from Indiana University has started to tackle new areas of health research. They partnered with Persistent Systems, a provider of large-scale software-driven healthcare solutions, to develop sophisticated algorithms to analyse the connection between medicine and social behaviour in health issues. - IANS

T E C H U P D AT E S

Facebook adds Chromecast, Apple TV to stream videos

Exhibiting cutting edge technologies BRICS, the group of five major developing economies that are trying to increase their trade and investment engagements, showcased cutting edge technologies from each country to address the common goal of innovation for collaboration.

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outh Africa’s Rocketmine, which claims to have the largest fleet of drones in Africa, showcased technology to help capturing aerial photographs, for live inspections of buildings, agricultural and archaeological mapping, construction monitoring, oil and gas exploration and terrain modelling.

Its technology helps track moving objects in the middle of the night with clear resolution up to 2km with high resolution cameras for detailed and sharp images leaving no damage undetected.

Russia’s Autonomous Aerospace Systems also exhibited technology in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with three axis camera for providing aerial photography for real time monitoring in sectors like mining, agriculture and military.

Chinese smartphone maker ZTE, which will be returning to India this year with its new series of smartphone, displayed its niche technology of a ‘fish finder’.

The blue-tooth device, when connected to the fishing rod, can sent messages to a smart-watch every time a fish is close enough for a catch.

These are some of the global companies exhibited their technology at the BRICS Trade Fair at Pragati Maidan on the theme ‘Building

BRICS — Innovation for Collaboration’, in New Delhi.

With BRICS - the group of five major developing economies - trying to increase their trade and investment engagements, some cutting edge technologies from each country that can address the common goal of innovation for collaboration.

Over 400 companies Over 400 companies and 1,000 entrepreneurs from BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) participated in the first ever three-day BRICS trade fair organised here ahead of the leaders’ eighth annual summit in Goa, India, on October 14-15.

With the common goal of ‘Building BRICS -Innovation for Collaboration’, the exhibitors showcased technology applied across sectors, including agriculture, renewable energy, chemicals and electronics, aerospace, pharmaceutical, IT and human resource.

With the sight on the growing renewable energy market, lot of companies displayed solar power technologies. China’s Chinaland Solar Energy offered solar photovoltaic modules with high power output while South Africa’s MicroCare exhibited a wide range of solar batteries, Wi-Fi logger, wind turbine con-

trollers, power monitoring system and solar water pumps.

In the field of professional mobile radio communications, Chinaheadquartered Hytera came up with digital technology that focus on public security, transportation, mining, oil and gas, public utilities, aviation, railways, supermarkets and the education sector.

It showcased products that were high on innovation and were water, dust and explosion proof to cater to the demands of smoother communication integrated with higher management efficiency.

Innovation was not far behind for the agricultural sector as well with Russia’s Life Force offering ‘plant food’ as an alternative to chemical-based fertilisers to promote organic farming.

Organic bioactivator The organic bioactivator improves germination of seeds, plant reproduction and biological activity, water absorption, plant immunity, crop yield, plant respiration, soil nutrition and stimulates rapid plant emergence from the soil.

Its carbon, nitrogen, humic acids and other nutrients are meant for providing early support for seedlings.

In the human resource sector,

SalaryFits of Brazil offered a 100 per cent cloud based technology platform for providing sustainable personal loans and benefits for financial inclusion of employees.

It technology integrates systems with payrolls allowing direct salary deductions for loan repayments for anti-fraud control.

Multiple Indian companies showcased a range of cutting edge technologies across sectors, including information technology, pharmaceutical, healthcare and mining.

Indian companies showcased a wide variety of cutting edge technology from military and sport parachutes, IT solutions for remoter monitoring, ayurvedic pesticides to geotechnical engineering and electrical and fibre-optic wiring interconnections.

Start-ups were in focus as the member countries endeavour to bring together young entrepreneurs from across the BRICS nations and give them a wider platform. - IANS

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

To give users even more ways to watch, Facebook has rolled out the ability to stream videos from the social network to your TV through devices like Apple TV or Google Chromecast.

To watch a video from Facebook using your smartphone, press the TV symbol in the top right corner, then select the device you want to stream and the video will be streamed to your TV. Facebook is starting with Apple TV (and other AirPlay-enabled devices) and Chromecast for now, with the feature live for iOS users and plans to cast from Android devices to Chromecast as well soon. “Whether you are hanging out with friends or just relaxing on the couch by yourself, we hope you enjoy this new way to watch videos on Facebook,” said Brent Ayrey, Product Director, Facebook, in a blog post. While users are watching a Facebook video on TV, they can go back and scroll through News Feed on the device they are streaming from and can catch up on other stories while video keeps playing on the TV. Users can also see real-time reactions and comments on the screen, and can join in the conversation by reacting or commenting, the blog post added. - IANS

Panasonic develops ‘invisible’ TV that looks like a glass Imagine a TV that looks like glass and can be fit into your furniture’s glass panes.

Panasonic has developed a protoype of an “invisible” TV which generates bright, clear images as normal TVs. According to tech website Engadget, Panasonic has improved the image quality in the new prototpye. “The OLED screen is made from a fine mesh, embedded into the glass sliding door,” the report added. The TV image is visible even with the backlighting on. Once it’s dimmed, the image is bright enough to be almost indistinguishable from existing TV sets. The screen shifts between “transparent mode” where you can see the shelving behind it, and “screen mode”, where you can see the screen. “Because the display is on a railing, you can move it up and down the shelf for even greater customisability,” Engadget reported. According to Panasonic, the television is likely to hit the market in the next three years. - IANS

Smartwatch prototype to use wrist wearing watch as joystick A team of researchers has developed a smartwatch prototype that uses the wrist wearing watch as an always-available joystick to perform touchscreen gestures with one-handed continuous input.

Checking email, tracking fitness and listening to music, are just a few things that a smartwatch can do but what if your hands aren’t free? WristWhirl is the answer. While other studies have explored the use of one-handed continuous gestures using smartwatches, WristWhirl is the first to explore gestural input. “This shows what smartwatches may be able to do in the future, by allowing users to interact with the device using one hand (the one that the watch is worn on) while freeing up the other hand for other tasks,” said Xing-Dong Yang, assistant professor of computer science at Dartmouth College.

To develop the WristWhirl prototype, researchers investigated the biomechanical ability of the wrist by tasking a small group of participants to conduct eight joystick-like gestures while standing and walking. Participants wore the watch on their left wrist and were asked to use their wrist to make four directional marks similar to flicking a touch screen, and four free-form shapes, such as a triangle.

They were asked to make these gestures with their hand-up in front of their body during which they could see the gesture being drawn on the watch’s screen, and with their hand-down alongside their body.

They were able to make directional marks at an average rate of half a second and free-form shapes at an average rate of approximately 1.5 seconds. WristWhirl was built from a 2-inch TFT display and a plastic watch strap augmented with 12 infrared proximity sensors and a Piezo vibration sensor placed inside the wrist strap. - IANS

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

ROUND-UP

Ooredoo launches iPhone 7 and 7 Plus with fantastic promotion Customers combining an iPhone 7 purchase with one of the company’s market leading Shahry plans got discounts of up to OMR150 on the smartphone and the data allowances in the plans doubled

MUSCAT: Bringing marketleading handsets and technology to smartphone enthusiasts across the Sultanate, Ooredoo launched the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus at an exciting event at its MGM store.

The launch of the iPhone 7 was accompanied by a fantastic Shahry promotion. Customers combin-

ing an iPhone 7 purchase with one of the company’s market leading Shahry plans got discounts of up to OMR150 on the smartphone and the data allowances in the plans doubled, says a press release.

Combining the most in-demand handsets in the world with the benefits, value and cost effective-

ness of Shahry, the promotion allows customers to upgrade their phones and data services in the most economical way.

When buying the iPhone 7 with Shahry 500MB, customers will receive OMR20 off the total price of the handset, a monthly double data allowance of 1GB as well as

S E P T E M B E R D R AW

200 local minutes. Customers who opt for Shahry 2GB will receive a OMR40 discount on their iPhone, 4GB of data and 600 local minutes monthly. Customers who twin their device with a Shahry 5GB subscription will get even more benefits, with OMR100 off the price of their iPhone, 10GB in monthly data and

1,500 local minutes. Shahry 10GB customers will receive a massive OMR150 discount on their handset, 20GB of monthly data, and 3,000 local minutes.

Feras Al Shaikh, director of Consumer Sales at Ooredoo, said, “We are just as excited as smartphone enthusiasts about the new iPhones and wanted to share this cutting edge device with our customers by providing them with something extra. By combining the world’s best smartphones with the unrivalled value for money provided by Shahry, our goal is to keep our customers up to date and connected with the ‘talk of the town’ smartphones. There has been no better time to be a Shahry customer.”

Ooredoo’s Shahry plans are ideal for frequent mobile use, combining voice, messaging and data in one plan that delivers more minutes, data and greater savings.

NEW ADDITIONS

Four NBO customers win OMR50,000 A’Saffa expands Zingle range with each at Al Kanz Savings prize draw launch of chicken popcorn and strips MUSCAT: National Bank of Oman (NBO)’s Al Kanz Savings Account’s September draw saw generous prizes awarded to four lucky winners who won OMR50,000 each.

Additionally, four customers won cash prizes of OMR1,000 each, while four youth banking customers won OMR300 each.

This time around, the monthly draw was held at the Nizwa Fort.

The Al Kanz draw was established to help create a saving culture by enabling customers to potentially win millions in prize money while protecting their capital, says a press release.

This year’s edition of the monthly draws also ensures that customers

from each region of the Sultanate are guaranteed to win and also includes prizes dedicated solely to the bank’s Youth Banking customers.

Commenting on the ceremony, John Chang, general manager and

chief retail banking officer at NBO, said: “NBO would like to award its customers for making our leading savings programme successful throughout the country. The bank’s Al Kanz offering resonates

with the people of the Sultanate and is consistently encouraging families and the youth to save for their future.”

The Al Kanz account is a flagship NBO product that offers customers the chance to grow their savings without risking their capital.

Customers who maintain a minimum monthly average balance of OMR100 or above are eligible to participate in the weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly prize draws.

Opening an account is easy and the earlier a customer deposits and the longer they retain their deposits, the higher the chances of winning the weekly, monthly and the grand prize draws.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES TO WOMEN

KR celebrates women’s empowerment MUSCAT: Every year, October 17 is celebrated as Omani Women’s Day. Khimji Ramdas (KR) has been among the country’s strongest votaries of the empowerment of women and believes in providing equal opportunities to them, says a press release.

Commenting on Khimji Ramdas commitment to empowering women, Pankaj Khimji, director, said, “Khimji Ramdas is a people-driven and women oriented company. We have a lot of examples across our various divisions where women have been an empowering force in the group’s success. The women of today have remarkable leadership skills to achieve excellence in anything that is set out for them.”

One does not have to look far to find inspiring examples of Khimji

Ramdas’ advocacy of women at the work place and, beyond that, the company’s investment in its women workforce. Aida Al Balushi from Khimji Ramdas HR department who last week was nominated to attend the conference on Women Leadership programme conducted by Ministry of Social Development, is eager to share her

experience as one of many women at the conglomerate who have risen to managerial roles thanks to Khimji Ramdas’ commitment to training its women employees.

“I was one of the first batch employees to attend the Effectiveness Training programme in Cochin, India a few years ago. The experience was very practical and career oriented and gave me much needed confidence at work. I have learnt to overcome my shyness and hesitation through regular interactions with senior leaders in my organisation. Today, I am leading the team of 26 national employees to India for an upcoming programme and it is a proud moment in my career with Khimji Ramdas,” she said, radiating positive energy and confidence.

Aida began her career at Khimji

Ramdas in the year 1999. During the time the company financed her university education so that she could better her prospects within the company. “I really owe it to my Khimji Ramdas family for the high position I hold today. They taught me the value of hard work, discipline and, more importantly, that I could have a career and a home,” she said.

Over the years, Khimji Ramdas has been empowering more and more women within its divisions to take up higher roles in the company through a swathe of rigorous training and skills development programmes. In addition, the company also conducts extensive in-country and overseas education programmes to train women for administrative roles.

MUSCAT: Renowned for providing the Sultanate with tasty, healthy and pure food products for over a decade - A’Saffa Foods, Oman’s largest fully integrated poultry producer and the largest producer of snack food and allied products, is delighted to announce that it has added two new products – chicken popcorn and chicken strips – to its extremely popular A’Saffa Zingle range.

Apart from the newly added chicken popcorn and strips, the Zingle range comprises fillets, drumettes and lollipops that are available at leading supermarkets across the country.

Immensely popular with families that enjoy crispy and spicy chicken, the A’Saffa’s Zingle chicken range is quick and convenient to cook and is hygienically processed from the purest, premium natural ingredients, and aromatic spices, says a press release.

A’Saffa’s all-new Zingle chicken popcorn is a bite-sized snack that is made with marinated premium chicken, covered in an extra crispy coating and tossed with savoury flavours that deliver on taste in every bite. With the A’Saffa Zingle chicken strips customers can expect a succulent piece of chicken, rolled into a crispy and delectable batter that can be fried to golden perfection, and eaten together with a sauce of choice.

“At A’Saffa Foods we continually add new products to our chicken snacks lineup; products

that customers love for their taste, convenience and ease of cooking,” said Sidhartha Lenka, head of Marketing and Sales A’Saffa. “We are confident that the entire range – the newly introduced A’Saffa Zingle chicken popcorn, strips, as well as our old favourites - fillets, lollipops, and drumettes are superior in taste, and are tender and crispier than their contemporaries in the market. The range has been produced using the latest research and studies, making a crispy and spicy dish for families while keeping in mind the brand’s tasty, healthy, 100% natural and pure stance.”

Lenka averred, “A’Saffa has already established a strong market share in the poultry and snack food category in Oman and in the GCC due to the taste and quality of our chicken products.

Customers can buy our products with peace of mind, as we are the Sultanate’s pioneers and an acknowledged leader in the production of quality poultry and snack food products; rapidly growing our international presence in the GCC and beyond.”

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ROUND-UP

Omantel to celebrate Women’s Day today from the Sultanate and the GCC region will be participating they will be sharing their experience as creative and inspirational women who have succeeded in their careers

MUSCAT: Omantel will celebrate Omani Women’s Day today which is held annually on October 17.

For 2016 celebrations, Omantel is inviting a number of prominent

women from Oman and the GCC. The participants will highlight many outstanding contributions made by women who are essential partners in the nation’s development march, besides carrying the greatest honour of nurturing future generations, says a press release.

The celebration will be held at Omantel headquarters under the auspices of Sheikha Aisha bint Khalfan Al Siyabiah, chairperson of the Public Authority for Craft Industries. The activities will shed light on the various roles played by working women across the Sultanate, as well as women working at Omantel. Omani women are vital partners in building the society, a role which is equally important to that played by men.

The celebration will be pre-

OMAN TRAFFIC SAFETY EXPO

Key activities Oman Road Safety Association’s key activities encompass advocacy and awareness training, capacity building and supporting research in the field of road safety.

The association aims to develop community based prevention programmes such as organising walks and one-to-one awareness campaigns in different locations targeting the general public as well as carrying out sustainable projects and surveys on road safety in partnership with other stakeholders.

Oman Road Safety Associa-

sented by the well-known Omani broadcaster Suha Al Ruqaishi who will discuss the achievements of Omani women in building the nation on various scales, by recalling these achievements, Omani women will be motivated to continue their march towards a brighter future. A presentation will be made to honour the memory of late Sheikha Suleiman Al Mahrouqi known as ‘Um Hood’.

Well-known women from the Sultanate and the GCC region will be participating in the event, where they will be sharing their experience as creative and inspirational women who have succeeded in their careers. Being exposed to successful experiences and stories will motivate female employees at Omantel. Omantel will welcome a

number of prominent Omani and non-Omani women figures including Sheikha Naima Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Subah (President of the Kuwait Women’s Sports Federation), Sheikha Noora Khalifa Al Khalifa, Medpoint CEO from Qatar, and Ahlam Al Manea (Qatar Olympic Committee member and President of Qatar Women’s Sport Committee) and Dr Amal Moosa Hussain, Ambassador of Iraq to the Sultanate. Dr Adhraa Al-Maawali, and Seren Al-Qadhi will present from the Sultanate.

Mariam Al Dakeel, founder of Gena International will share the secret of her success with the attendees through a workshop.

This will further illustrate the reasons behind her success in accomplishing goals.

MUSCAT: Dar Al Atta’a (DAA) celebrated the World Food Day on October 15 with the help of seven schools (Muscat Private School, Oman International School, Azzan bin Qais Private School, Shatti Al Qurum School for Girls, British School Muscat, Taism and Montessori Nursery) and 12 corporates such as (Bank Nizwa, Ooredoo, Oman Flour Mills Company, Khimji Ramdas, Al Ahlia Insurance, Al Bustan A Ritz Carlton, Shangri La Bar Al Jissah Resport and Spa, InterContinental Muscat, Cameron Services Middle East, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Holiday Inn Hotel and Sheraton Hotel).

The schools and corporates that participated encouraged their students and employees to help DAA collect donations that were later sorted into food boxes

before being distributed to families identified by the association.

DAA was able to collect ration packs for 500 families, says a press release.

Maryam Al Zadjali, chairperson, Dar Al Atta’a, said: “This is the seventh time that we have supported the World Food Day initiative in collaboration with schools, hotels and corporates to provide those less fortunate with the food supplies they need during this special day and it was exciting to see the volunteers helping out including kids, they were working all towards one goal. On behalf of Dar Al Atta’a I would like to thank the all the participants and volunteers in making this initiative a success and look forward to working with them in other initiatives.”

M O S T A D M I R E D R E TA I L E R

ORSA set to drive home message of road safety MUSCAT: A gamut of ideas, solutions and products aimed at bringing down road accidents would be showcased at the Oman Traffic Safety expo to be organised by Oman Expo, in association with the Royal Oman Police (ROP), from tomorrow to October 20 at the Oman International Exhibition Centre.

Whenever road safety topic comes up, the role played by the Oman Road Safety Association (ORSA), the first and only registered non-government road safety organisation under the umbrella of the Ministry of Social Development, which intends to make the roads of Oman safer for all users, needs a mention, says a press release.

W O R L D F O O D D AY

DAA collects ration packs for 500 families

Well-known women

in the event, where

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tion’s ‘Buckle Up!’ campaign at schools in Dakhiliyah and Dhahirah as part of BP Oman’s Social Investment Programme was a resounding success.

The campaign was aimed at raising awareness among youth on the importance of seat belts and child restraints.

Oman Road Safety Association supported the Gulf Traffic Week held a series of events in order to increase traffic awareness among the citizens and residents in Oman.

Oman Road Safety Association’s ‘Safer kids.. Safer Oman..’ road safety campaign attracted scores of students from Ibn Khaldoun Private School and Sultan Qaboos Government School. The association held its awareness activities with the aim to raise children’s awareness when using roads as pedestrians, cyclists, or even as passengers in vehicles.

Key aspects Apart from these, the students were made aware on key aspects of road safety such as helmets, avoiding over speeding while driving and avoiding use of cell phones while driving. The association every year celebrates Qaranqashow with message of road safety. It has donated more than 200 child restraints for newborns in Oman.

RECRUIT

Malabar Gold wins Images RetailME Awards MUSCAT: Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the leading jewellery retailer, won the Images RetailME Awards 2016 for being ‘Most Admired Retailer’ under the Gold and Jewellery category.

Images RetailME Awards 2016, the annual industry honours that recognise the top performing retailers and retail practices every year and reward excellence across retail categories. This special jury award was bestowed on the brand after evaluating the evidence of success achieved during the assessment period – August 1, 2015 to July 31, 2016. Salish Mathew, head – Branding & Marketing, Malabar Gold & Diamonds received the award from Luca Cappuccitti of Design International at the event held in Dubai, UAE, says a press release.

The Images RetailME Awards ceremony is positioned as the most prestigious event of its kind in the Middle East retail calendar and is geared to set benchmarks in this vibrant retail destination.

Being the key contributor to the region’s growing economy, Images RetailME is the only private sector programme in UAE’s retail sector that acknowledges efforts taken by retailers. Images RetailME Awards jury comprises a panel of regional and international industry experts with a proven record of their acumen, knowledge and experience.

M. P. Ahammed, chairman of

Malabar Group stated that, “This is a direct testimony of the quality services delivered by the team to our increasing customer database.

It can be quite a challenge to maintain excellence in customer service amidst growth and increased bulk sale. However, while expanding our product range, we have made sure that the quality of our products and service does not suffer. This award is a direct reflection of our hard work and commitment.”

The company has a strong retail presence in India, Middle East and Far East with a retail network of 157 outlets across nine countries. With an annual turnover of $4 billion, the company today ranks among the top five preferred jewellery retailers in the world. Keeping customer

service and satisfaction as the primary priority, Malabar Gold & Diamonds attempts at catering to people of all races and ethnicities by incorporating tastes of different cultures in the jewellery designs that they showcase.

Malabar Group offers exquisite and beautiful jewelry as a part of various brands presented at Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ namely Ethnix - Handcrafted Designer Jewellery, Era - Uncut Diamond Jewellery, Mine - Diamonds Unlimited, Divine- Indian Heritage Jewellery, Precia - Precious Gem Jewellery and Starlet - Kids Jewellery. A recent initiative taken by the company is MGD – Lifestyle Jewellery; a retail concept for trendy and light weight jewellery that represents the independent

and the modern woman through its designs and collections.

Furthermore, while making sure to climb the business ladder with providing the latest collections, exception in service and excellence in customer satisfaction, the company also remains at the forefront in corporate philanthropy through various charity programs in their areas of its operations. Since its inception in 1993, the group has strived for creating a difference in people’s lives in and around their areas of business. CSR activities are a fundamental part of Malabar Group’s culture and the group is intrinsically connected to the communities that surrounds it.

The organisation ensures that a fixed percentage of its net profit is used for CSR activities every year and the charity projects of Malabar Gold & Diamonds have touched the lives of thousands of people. They focus primarily in five priority areas such as health, education, environment, housing and women empowerment.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds has always been at the forefront in gold jewellery manufacturing, wholesaling and retailing and plans on being the ‘most- preferred’ jewellery retailer in the market. Working towards their rapid expansion plan, the group strives to continue embarking on its journey by further expanding in the near future.

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Shahadati finance aims to help Omani students Omani students who have successfully completed their schooling are eligible to apply for Bank Muscat’s Shahadati finance to pursue college or higher education programmes in Oman or abroad

MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, in line with its ‘Let’s Do More’ vision and commitment to partnership in support for Omani youth, is offering Shahadati finance for aspiring students seeking college or higher education opportunities in Oman and abroad.

The Shahadati finance is available for Omani students seeking to pursue programmes abroad at institutions approved and recognised by the Ministry of Higher

Education, says a press release.

Designed to help Omani youth achieve career advancement with relevant educational qualifications, Shahadati finance covers full expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, transportation, books and other education related expenses required by students.

Omani students who have successfully completed their schooling are eligible to apply for Shahadati finance to pursue college or higher education programmes in

Oman or abroad. The application for loan assistance must be signed and guaranteed by his/her guardian working in government, quasigovernment or accredited private sector companies.

The Shahadati loan repayment tenure is 10 years. During the study term, the guardian undertakes to pay only the interest portion of the loan so that his debt burden is limited. After completion of the study programme, a grace period of 12 months is available for the student to gain suitable employ-

BOOSTING TOURISM

ment before beginning repayment of the loan. There is also a facility for the guardian to settle the loan instalment instead of the student if they so desire.

Abdullah Tamman Al Mashani, DGM – Institutional Sales and Product Development, said: “Shahadati opens up a great opportunity for Omani youth seeking to pursue college or higher education in Oman or abroad.

“Quality education is the key to a secure future and Shahadati helps Omani youth achieve their dreams without facing any financial burden while pursuing higher education programmes.”

With employment prospects directly linked to relevant educational qualifications, Omani youth are increasingly pursuing college or higher education to achieve their career ambitions. Shahadati addresses this critical need, helping youth to pursue higher education at universities of their choice, thereby guaranteeing a secure future for Oman’s future generations.

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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Bank Sohar extends support to Al Noor Association for Blind MUSCAT: Marking its 19th CSR-related donation of the year and also the third to the Al Noor Association for the Blind this year, Bank Sohar has now extended its support to the Sohar Branch of the association.

This donation will be utilised for the purchase of several vital devices to be used by the association’s beneficiaries. The donation cheque was handed over at association’s head office in Sohar to Mohammed Ismail Al Balushi, chairman of Al Noor Association for the Blind - Al Batinah and Al Dhahirah Branches, by Mazin Mahmood Al Raisi, senior AGM and head of Marketing and Customer Experience at Bank Sohar, says a press release.

Munira Abdulnabi Macki, GM of HR and Corporate Support at Bank Sohar said: “As a community oriented organisation we are always on the lookout for initiatives that better the lives of those in need within our community.

Our donations to various nonprofit organisations across the country, including the Al Noor Association, are aimed specifically towards achieving this goal.”

Mohammed Al Balushi said, “Bank Sohar is one of our most prominent supporters in the country. Their numerous contributions have proved invaluable towards furthering our cause. We are extremely grateful for their continued support over these past years and especially for their extensive support to our association this year.”

EDUTRAC OMAN

Oman Air TV commercial Higher education, training and gets global airing on CNN career expo to open tomorrow MUSCAT: Oman Air’s latest TV commercial is now being aired around the world on CNN. The commercial highlights Oman Air’s outstanding levels of comfort and customer service, alongside its growing network which covers destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe.

The commercial, which was produced by CNN on behalf of Oman Air, will run for the next three months, every day of the week during prime time. It will reach more than 420 million viewers in households and hotels across the European, Middle East and North African, Asia Pacific and South Asian regions, says a press release.

Paul Gregorowitsch, Chief Executive Officer, Oman Air - commented: “Guided by the vision of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, we are on a journey to become the best and this is the ideal moment for us to both promote and celebrate the airline’s award-winning products and services. We have an exceptional fleet of modern and comfortable aircraft.

Our onboard services expresses authentic Omani hospitality and is second to none. Our growing network includes some of the most exciting destinations in the world.

And there is much more to come.

By airing our commercial on CNN over the next three months, we will reach hundreds of millions of viewers.

Furthermore, because that period coincides with the US Presidential elections, CNN expects its viewing figures to receive a significant additional boost Paul Gregorowitsch Chief Executive Officer, Oman Air “So we have a lot to be proud of and we want to share it with our customers around the world, as well as those who have yet to fly with Oman Air. By airing our commercial on CNN over the next three months, we will reach hundreds of millions of viewers.

Furthermore, because that period coincides with the US Presidential elections, CNN expects its viewing figures to receive a significant additional boost. So even more cus-

tomers will have the opportunity to see how Oman Air offers the ultimate in 21st Century air travel.”

Oman Air’s TV commercial is being aired as the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman continues its ambitious fleet and network expansion programme. Since the programme was launched in late 2014, the airline has increased its fleet strength by 50 percent to 45 aircraft, and has introduced a range of exciting new destinations.

MUSCAT: EduTraC Oman, higher education, training and job opportunities expo, will open tomorrow and for the first time take place at the new state-of-the-art Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre and over the three days will offer an excellent opportunity for visitors interested in higher education, training and career opportunities. The expo will conclude on October 20.

EduTraC Oman will take place under the patronage of Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Education - National Career Guidance Centre and Ministry of Manpower, says a press release.

Oman has been continuously investing on higher education and training and EduTraC Oman will provide a direct gateway and an ideal platform for leading local and foreign universities and training institutions to network with students, parents and working executives interested in education and training at all levels. The expo will offer a strategic awareness opportunity to higher education and training providers to strengthen their presence in Oman’s vibrant education market.

EduTraC Oman has established itself as a highly reputable event in the region and thus has

EduTraC Oman will offer a strategic awareness opportunity to higher education and training providers to strengthen their presence in Oman’s vibrant education market till October 20 at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre

gained support of international renowned organisations like the EducationUSA, British Council, Ministry of Education & Culture – Cyprus, The Training Gateway, AIESEC Oman, etc.

The exhibition apart from local institutions also has institutions

participating from United Kingdom, United States of America, Malaysia, Cyprus, Lebanon, Qatar, Spain, India etc.

The exhibition will also host free Interactive Career Advice Forums which will run concurrently throughout the event for its visitors featuring experts who will present the latest information on a variety of topics.

Each seminar is interactive and followed by a Q&A session with the presenter.

Matt Christie, International Development Officer from the University of Huddersfield said, “The University of Huddersfield is very proud of our relationship with Oman; one of the most beautiful countries in the entire world. Omani students are dedicated, focused and enthusiastic about their studies and alongside their academic exploits have brought an air of vibrancy and culture to our campus. EduTraC Oman is a great place to meet and interview prospective candidates and this year will be supported by academics from both our Faculty of Business and the Faculty of Engineering.”

EduTraC Oman is organised by Al Nimr Expo and will be open for visitors from 10am to 8pm.

F O O D D O NAT I O N D R I V E

Ooredoo teams up with Dar Al Atta’a to help the needy on World Food Day MUSCAT: Inspired by its commitment to make a difference and enrich lives in the communities it serves, Ooredoo launched a food donation drive in association with Dar Al Atta’a as part of its efforts to support the underprivileged during World Food Day. Under the initiative, Ooredoo’s family members contributed cash donations, as well as non-perishable items, with Ooredoo providing matching employee contributions.

The items were then delivered to Dar Al Atta’a by Ooredoo employees, who were on hand to help sort the items and prepare them to be dispatched to those in need, says a press release.

Taking place each year on October 16, World Food Day is a day of action against hunger, inspired by the values of humanitarianism and the vision of eradicating malnutrition and starvation.

Organised this year under the global message ‘Climate is changing. Food and agriculture must too’, the 2016 World Food Day aims to encourage the sustainable growth of food systems to help farmers adapt to the adverse effects of global warming.

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OMRAN TO SPONSOR OMAN SCHOOLS LEAGUE FOOTBALL

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MURRAY BEATS BAUTISTA TO WIN SHANGHAI TITLE Andy Murray powered his way to a third Shanghai Masters title by beating Spanish 15th seed Roberto Bautista Agut 7-6(1) 6-1 in Sunday’s final to close in on Novak Djokovic at the top of the world rankings. >C3

Kohli torments Black Caps after Pandya makes memorable debut SCOREBOARD

NEW ZEALAND M. Guptill c R. Sharma b H. Pandya 12 T. Latham not out 79 K. Williamson c Mishra b U. Yadav 3 R. Taylor c Dhoni b U. Yadav 0 C. Anderson c U. Yadav b H. Pandya 4 L. Ronchi c U. Yadav b H. Pandya 0 J. Neesham c & b Jadhav 10 M. Santner c Dhoni b Jadhav 0 D. Bracewell c Rahane b Mishra 15 T. Southee c M. Pandey b Mishra 55 I. Sodhi lbw b Mishra 1 Extras (b-2, lb-1, w-8) 11 Total (all out, 43.5 overs) 190 Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-29, 3-33, 4-43, 5-48, 6-65, 7-65, 8-106, 9-177,10-190 Bowling: U. Yadav 8-0-31-2 (w-3), H. Pandya 7-0-31-3, J. Bumrah 8-1-29-0 (w-2), K. Jadhav 3-0-6-2, A. Patel 9-1-41-0 (w-3), A. Mishra 8.5-0-49-3

India’s bowlers laid the foundations for a comprehensive win when they dismissed New Zealand for a meagre 190 inside 44 overs but the chase, at one stage, looked far from a cakewalk

DHARAMSALA: India’s Virat Kohli continued to torment New Zealand with the bat, hitting an unbeaten 85 to secure a six-wicket victory with nearly 17 overs to spare in the first one-day international at Dharamsala on Sunday.

India’s bowlers laid the foundations for a comprehensive win when they dismissed New Zealand for a meagre 190 inside 44 overs but the chase, at one stage, looked far from a cakewalk.

Ajinkya Rahane (33) and Rohit Sharma (14) put on 49 runs for the opening wicket, but New Zealand did not throw in the towel, reducing India to 102-3 in the 20th over.

Kohli, whose double century in Indore helped India complete a 3-0 whitewash in the test series against the Kiwis, then added 60 runs with ODI skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (21) to take the game away from the tourists.

D AY- N I G H T T E S T

Bishoo scalps eight wickets as Pakistan crumble

GREAT DEBUT: Man of the match Hardik Pandya celebrates with team mate Virat Kohli the dismissal of New Zealand batsman L. Ronchi in the first ODI match in Dharamsala. – PTI

The duo went about accumulating runs with a mixture of caution and aggression. Dhoni was run out after an almighty mix-up but Kohli stayed put, before sealing the win with a massive six off Ish Sodhi.

Kohli’s 81-ball knock also included nine boundaries.

Trent Boult had a chance to catch Kohli, then on 60, off his own bowling but spilled the ball.

Earlier, Tom Latham’s unbeaten 79 and Tim Southee’s maiden halfcentury helped New Zealand recover from 65-7 and reach 190 before the tourists were all out in the 44th over. India had flexed their spin muscles in the preceding test series

but it was their pacemen who blew away the Kiwi top order on Sunday after Dhoni elected to field.

Hardik Pandya (3-31) made an eventful start to his one-day career, conceding three boundaries in his first five deliveries before dismissing Martin Guptill (12) with the sixth.

He and Umesh Yadav (2-31) combined to reduce New Zealand to 48-5 in the 13th over before the spinners joined the party.

Off-spinner Kedar Jadhav dismissed Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Santner off successive deliveries and leg-spinner Amit Mishra (3-49) sent back Doug

Bracewell to leave New Zealand tottering at 106-8 in the 32nd over.

Yadav dropped Southee (55) when on two, and the batsman made the most of the reprieve, smashing three sixes in his 45-ball cameo as he and Latham added an inningshigh 71 runs for the ninth wicket to lend some respectability to the score. Latham’s unbeaten knock included seven boundaries and a six.

Bowlers lauded Dhoni heaped praise on his bowlers for their superb show but also said that he was surprised at the pitch helping the pacers.

“Fantastic performance from

play, the better for me.”

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson rued that his side was done in by some early dismissals while also conceding that the Indian bowled well.

“We had to weather the storm a little bit, the first 10 overs they (India) bowled really well and some soft dismissals. Disappointing with the bat. A little up and down with sideways movement (regarding the pitch). We lost too many wickets too early,” he said.

“Looked a bit worse, so some good scrapping towards the end.

India were too good, very good chasing side and they showed it today. We were below par in all areas, we need to step that up. We’re a tough unit, so we need to stick together and have to play our best cricket to beat India.”

The teams travel to Delhi for the second ODI of the five-match series on Thursday. — Agencies

DRIFTING

Ali wins second round of Oman Drift Championship

DUBAI: West Indian Legspinner Devendar Bishoo took a career best eight-wicket haul (8-49) to bowl out Pakistan for a paltry 123 in the second innings on the fourth day of the first Test in Dubai on Sunday. Earlier, Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah (5 for 121) became the second joint-fastest bowler to take 100 wickets in Test cricket. Bishoo’s previous best was 6-80 against Australia last year. - Agencies SCOREBOARD

Pakistan 1st innings: 579-3 declared (Azhar Ali 302 not out, Sami Aslam 90, Babar Azam 69, Asad Shafiq 67) West Indies 1st innings: K. Brathwaite lbw b Shah 32 L. Johnson lbw b Shah 15 D. Bravo c Ali b Nawaz 87 M. Samuels lbw b Sohail 76 J. Blackwood c Ahmed b Riaz 37 R. Chase c Azam b Riaz 6 S. Dowrich lbw b Shah 32 J. Holder b Shah 20 D. Bishoo b Nawaz 17 M. Cummins b Shah 0 S. Gabriel not out 6 Extras (b-9, lb-8, nb-11, w-1) 29 Total: (all out; 123.5 overs) 357 Fall of wickets: 1-42, 2-69, 3-182, 4-259, 5-266, 6-300, 7-325, 8-346, 9-351 Bowling: Amir 22-6-54-0 (2nb), Sohail 16-2-56-1, Shah 43-15-121-5, Riaz 23.33-65-2 (8nb, 1w), Nawaz 16.5-5-38-2 (1nb), Ali 2.3-1-6-0 Pakistan 2nd innings Sami Aslam c Blackwood b Bishoo 44 Azhar Ali lbw b Gabriel 2 Asad Shafiq lbw b Bishoo 5 Babar Azam b Bishoo 21 Misbah-ul Haq b Bishoo 15 Sarfraz Ahmed not out 15 Mohammad Nawaz b Bishoo 0 Wahab Riaz c Brathwaite b Bishoo 5 Yasir Shah c &nd b Holder 2 Sohail Khan not out 1 Mohammed Amir b Bshoo 1 Extras: (b-10, nb-2) 12 Total: (all out, 31.5 overs) 123 Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-20, 3-77, 4-93, 5-112, 6-112, 7-118, 8-121 Bowling: Gabriel 7-1-23-1 (1nb), Cummins 7-0-29-0 (1nb), Bishoo 13.51-49-8, Holder 4-0-12-1

the fast bowlers. We had no clue it would help the fast bowlers,” Dhoni said after the match.

“Hardik (Pandya) exploited the good length, a short of a good length. Umesh is somebody who has been quite quick consistently, he has gone from fit to one of the fittest. Hardik is deceptive, you think he’d bowl 132, but he crosses 135 consistently. Both Mishra and Axar bowled well. They did go for some runs,” he added.

Dhoni felt that the early New Zealand wickets taken by his bowlers settled the issue in his side’s favour after he opted to insert the visitors. “If we did not take early wickets, it was a 280-300 wicket,” the Indian captain said.

“At times, the toss can be very crucial in this series.”

Talking about his batting, Dhoni, who was run out on 21, said, “Important to bat in the middle, I was in no hurry. The more deliveries I

INDIA R. Sharma lbw b Bracewell 14 A. Rahane c Ronchi b Neesham 33 V. Kohli not out 85 M. Pandey c Williamson b Sodhi 17 M. Dhoni run out (Guptill, Ronchi) 21 K. Jadhav not out 10 Extras (lb-1, w-13) 14 Total (for 6 wickets, 33.1 overs) 194 Fall of wickets: 1-49, 2-62, 3-102, 4-162 Did not bat: H. Pandya, A. Patel, A. Mishra, J. Bumrah, U. Yadav Bowling: T. Southee 9-0-57-0 (w-2), D. Bracewell 8-2-44-1 (w-1), J. Neesham 6-0-40-1 (w6), I. Sodhi 4.1-0-34-1, M. Santner 6-0-18-0 Man of the match: Hardik Pandya Umpires: B. Oxenford & C. Shamshuddin TV umpire: Anil Chaudhary Match referee: Richie Richardson Result: India won by 6 wickets

CELEBRATION TIME: Ali Al Balushi stands on top of the podium as the winners celebrate after the second round of the Oman Red Bull Car Park Drift Championship. – Supplied photo

MUSCAT: Ali Al Balushi overcame stiff competition to clinch the top honours in the second round of the Oman Red Bull Car Park Drift Championship organised at the drift track of Oman Automobile Association (OAA).

Ali won the title after garnering 100 points, finishing ahead of Tariq Al Shihani, who collected 95 points.

Haitham Al Hadidi with 94 points, Rifa’at Al Yahyaei with 93 points and Mohammed Al A’asmi with 92 points followed them in that order.

Sixteen drivers have qualified to the competition scheduled for October 28. The top two from that will qualify to the final round of the Red Bull Car Park Drift Champi-

Ali Al Balushi garnered 100 points to claim victory onship, to be organised in Oman in Deceber with the participation of 11 countries.

The local qualifying round will see the participation of 17 drivers: Ali Al Balushi, Tariq Al Shihani, Sami Al Shibani, Rifa’at Al Yahyaei, Haitham Al Hadidi, Mohammed Al A’asmi, Abdullah Al Balushi, Abdullah Al Ameri, Khalfan Al Jabri, Mohammed Al Sawafi, Fahmi Al Busaidi, Ibrahim Al Azri, Zakariya Al Amri, Mohammed Al Abri, Said Al Harthi, Salim Al Aghbari and Farooq Al Toobi.

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TENNIS

Wozniacki triumphs in Hong Kong HONG KONG: Former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki captured her 25th career Tour title when she beat unseeded Frenchwoman Kristina Mladenovic 6-1 6-7(4) 6-2 in the Hong Kong Open final on Sunday.

The 26-year-old Wozniacki, who will now move back into the world’s top 20, has been in fine form, winning 19 of her last 22 matches, but was pushed to her limits by Mladenovic during an intense two-hour-40minute final.

“I’m really pleased with my week, there was some good tennis and long battles,” Wozniacki told reporters. - Reuters

SCHOOLS SOCCER: AbdulWahid Al Farsi, sitting on right, Director of External Affairs at Omran, and Oman Schools League CEO Amin bin Saad Al Swayni Bait Saleem, pose for a group photo after the signing ceremony. – ISMAIL AL FARSI/Times of Oman

Omran to sponsor Oman Schools League football

MOTOGP

Marquez wins three titles MOTEGI: Honda rider Marc Marquez secured his third MotoGP championship in four years on Sunday by winning the Japanese Grand Prix after his nearest rivals Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo both crashed out.

The 23-year-old Spaniard had only an outside chance to seal the title but his win at Motegi gave him an unassailable 77-point lead over Italian Rossi, who started on pole but slid into the gravel early. Already the youngest rider to win a MotoGP race and the title in his maiden season in 2013, Marquez’s Japan win made him the youngest to seal three championships. - Reuters

The League, being organised in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Al Swayni Sport Services, will kick off at the end of October. After the preliminary rounds, 12 teams will qualify for the finals to be played in Muscat in April, 2017

MUSCAT: Omran, the Sultanate’s leading tourism-related investment, development and management company, has come forward to support the Oman grass-roots football during 201617 season by signing an agreement to be the sponsors of the Oman Schools League.

The agreement was sealed during an impressive signing ceremony hosted at the newly opened Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) with AbdulWahid Al Farsi, Director of External Affairs at Omran, and Oman Schools League CEO Amin bin Saad Al Swayni Bait Saleem inking the deal.

The ceremony took place in the presence of Fahad bin Abdullah Al Raisi, Director General of Sports Development at the Ministry of Sports Affairs, Laila Al Najar, Consultant of Minister of Education and Vice-Chairman of Oman Schools Sport Association, Trevor McCartney, General Manager of OCEC, Thierry Perrot, General Manager of Intercontinental Hotel Muscat, Mustafa Al Jundi, Director of Sales and Marketing at Millennium Resort Musannah.

With Omran, the master developer of major tourism, heritage and urban developments in the Sultanate, becoming the sponsors, a number of Omran properties, including OCEC, Intercontinental Hotel Muscat and Millennium Resort Musannah, also came on board to support the league.

Oman Schools League, a nationwide football competition, is the first official league organised annually for all public and private schools in the Sultanate and is organised in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Al Swayni Sport Services.

The League is mainly aimed at developing football talents of young players aged 15-18 and around 250 schools are expected to participate in the event. It is also hoped the tournament will spur the development of qualified cadres of students in sports administration and technical management, sports medicine and physiotherapy, and refereeing.

Speaking on the occasion, AbdulWahid Al Farsi, Director of External Affairs at Omran, said: “We’re very privileged to be able to partner

with the Oman Schools League, the Ministry of Education and Al Swayni Sport Services to enhance the role of grassroots sport in the personal development of Oman’s youth. Omran is committed to the social development of Oman through its projects and activities, and the Oman Schools League football competition is another way for Omran to support the evolution of talent in the Sultanate.”

“We are also delighted to support this initiative that aims to develop young Omani talents along with our properties including OCEC, Intercontinental Hotel Muscat and Millennium Resort Mussanah,” Al Farsi added.

Oman Schools League CEO Amin Al Swayni, said: “This football competition brings together the cream of young Omani soccer talent from the 10th to 12th grades and generates a lot of excitement and interest across the nation, with an estimated fan base of 350,000.

“We’re looking forward to working with our partners at Omran in helping to take youth football in the Sultanate to the next level.”

“We appreciate and admire Omran’s long-standing history of supporting such fruitful initiatives around the Sultanate, and express gratitude to the company for proactively taking part in sponsoring the finals of the first official school football league in Oman,” he added.

The tournament starts at the end of October. The finals will be held end of April next year at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat where the 12 qualifying teams from the first round in each region will compete over 28 games in a nine-day period to determine the winners.

FIVE-A-SIDE

Oman to host F5WC qualifiers MUSCAT: The Sultanate will host qualifiers of the F5WC, world’s largest amateur five-aside football tournament, during December and January.

Founded in 2014, the F5WC is created and managed by Sport Events International, specifically for amateur football players aged 16 and over from around the

world. The qualifying team from Oman will book a berth in the 2017 F5WC World Finals scheduled to take place in Chinese capital city of Beijing next year.

Walid bin Juma Al Obaidani, CEO of Suna’ al Riyadha Company, that organize the qualifiers, said: “The tournament is one of the top championships for ama-

teurs and is aimed at amateur players who are not registered with any sports clubs.”

The Sultanate’s preliminary qualifiers will take place during December and January across all the governorates of the Sultanate.

The finals of the Oman leg will be organised in Muscat in February next yeat. - ONA

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

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SPORTS Murray wins Shanghai title Murray, who won the China Open in Beijing a week ago, is now 915 points behind Djokovic in the Race to London rankings

SHANGHAI: Andy Murray powered his way to a third Shanghai Masters title by beating Spanish 15th seed Roberto Bautista Agut 7-6(1) 6-1 in Sunday’s final to close in on Novak Djokovic at the top of the world rankings.

Bautista Agut beat world No. 1 Djokovic in the semifinal on Saturday but was brought back down to earth by three-times grand slam

champion Murray, who converted all his four break points to wrap up the match in one hour 37 minutes.

Murray, who won the China Open in Beijing a week ago, is now 915 points behind Djokovic in the Race to London rankings, with a chance of surpassing the Serb and finishing the year in top spot.

“In the last few months, I have won a lot of matches and made

improvements. I have been moving forward better and changed the direction of the ball better,” world number two Murray told reporters. “I have also come up with some bigger serves when I have needed them.”

With three tournaments remaining on Murray’s 2016 schedule, the season-ending Tour Finals in London could play a piv-

otal role in deciding who finishes at the top of the standings at the end of the year.

Murray, however, was less than optimistic over his chances of usurping Djokovic and said the 12-times grand slam champion was still “the best player in the world”.

“My goal wasn’t to finish number one at the end of this year but in the early parts of next year there is an opportunity — 900 points doesn’t seem like loads,” Murray added. “But Novak will win matches. He is the best player in the world. I don’t think he has lost an indoor game in a long time.”

In Sunday’s final, Bautista Agut forced a tight opening set into a tiebreak, but the 29-year-old Briton raised his level to then win seven points in a row.

Murray took control of proceedings in the second set as an aggressive Bautista Agut, who made 25 unforced errors during the match, failed to maintain his intensity. - Reuters

ASAD TO SEEK ANOTHER TERM AS OBA SECRETARY Asad bin Mubarak Al Hassani will be seeking another term as the General Secretary of the Oman Basketball Association (OBA). The Ahli-Sidab Club representative filed his nomination papers at the OBA headquarters on Sunday. The others to enter the fray are Idris bin Darwish Al Farsi of Al Shabab Club for the post of treasurer, Hamad bin Mad’khour Al Jefaili of Al Eitfaq Club and Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Yafiei of Al Ittihad Club for the board membership. — Supplied photos

R A L LY I N G

Five Omani drivers to take part in Sharjah Rally MUSCAT: Five Omani rally drivers, including former national champion Khalid Soomar, will be taking part in the Sharjah Rally.

The Sharjah event, the fourth round of the 2016 UAE Rally Championship, is scheduled to take place on October 29.

Besides Khalid Soomar, the other Omanis who will be travelling to Sharjah are Humad Al Wa’eili, Hamed Al Qasmi, Faisal Al Rashidi and Qasim Haroon.

Khalid Soomar has recently announced his plans to take part in the Sharjah Rally after Target LLC has come forward to sponsor his activities for another season following their successful partnership during the last year.

Khalid Soomar is the threetime Oman rally champion having won the titles in 2004, 2008 and 2011. - ONA

SMARTEN UP DRIVE SAFE A TIMES OF OMAN HANDS-FREE DRIVING INITIATIVE

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

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

SPORTS

C DIVISION: UKI players rejoice after beating Ernst Young.

D DIVISION: Arabian Sea Bridge after defeating MARH.

E DIVISION: Ibrahim Al Kishri who defeated Enhance Falcons.

Raha post easy win against Al Turki Batting first, Raha put on 195 for nine in 50 overs. In reply, Al Turki were bowled out for 152 runs in 42.2 overs TRUST OILFIELD STARS: From left, Afreedi, Shahid Mehmood, Peter Antony, Shamsudheen and Sudhir Shain.

MUSCAT: Raha notched a 43run win over Al Turki in a Muscat Pharmacy sponsored Oman Cricket Premier Division match played at the Ministry of Sports Affairs ground on Saturday.

Batting first, Raha put on 195 for 9 in 50 overs. Sultan Ahmed and Khurram Khan top scored with 47 and 43 each. Rohit Malik claimed four 4 wickets for Al Turki.

In reply, Al Turki were bowled out for 152 in 42.2 overs. Jay Odedera top scored with 54. Rehman Afzal and Tariq Syed claimed 4 and 3 wickets each respectively for Raha to claim the win.

Brief scores: Raha 195 for 9 in 50 overs (Sultan Ahmed 47, Khurram Khan 43, Rohit Malik 4 for /38) beat Al Turki 152 all out in 42.2 overs (Jay Odedera 54, Rehman Afzal 4 for 45). Points: Al Turki 0 ; Raha 4.

Six-wicket win for UKI UKI defeated EY by six wickets at the Municipality Ground 1 in a C Division match.

Batting first, EY scored 182 runs for the loss of five wickets in 20 overs. Omer Sarfaraz and Attique Ahmad top scored with 59 and 49 respectively. Salman Khan claimed 3 wickets for UKI. In reply, UKI scored 186 for 4 in 18.1 overs to claim the win. Waqas

Zaman and Usman Asghar top scored with 50 and 53 not out.

Brief scores: EY 182 for 5 in 20 overs (Omer Sarfaraz 59, Salman Khan 3 for 31) lost to UKI 186 for 4 in 18.1 overs (Usman Asghar 53 not out, Waqas Zaman 50).

Points: UKI 2 ; EY 0.

MARH lose In D Division, Arabian Sea beat MARH by 3 wickets at the Municipality Ground 3. Batting first, MARH scored 168 for 6 in 20 overs with Vishal Shetty (70 not out) top scoring. Shibab Said claimed two wickets for Arabian Sea Bridge.

In reply, Arabian Sea scored 169 for 7 in 19 overs. Shyam Lekshman scored 71 to enable the win.

Sukhpreet Singh claimed threewickets in vain.

Brief scores: MARH 168 for 6 in 20 overs (Vishal Shetty 70 not out, Shibab Said 2 for 33) lost to Arabian Sea 169 for 7 in 19 overs (Shyam Lekshman 71, Sukhpreet Singh 3 for 31). Points: MARH 0; Arabian Sea 2.

Win for GME Global Money Exchange (GME) beat Mott Macdonald by 37 runs in another D Division match at the Municipality Ground 2.

H DIVISION: NBO Munz pose for a group photo after beating Mustafa Sultan Enterprises. – Supplied photos

Batting first, GME scored 197 for 8 in 20 overs with Shinu Prasad (59) and Amal Rajan (57) doing the bulk of scoring. Prakash Kesarkar and Tausif Thambe claimed three wickets each for Mott MacDonald.

In reply, Mott Macdonald were bowled out for 146 in 18 overs. Vikas Bhadoria scored 33. Noushad and Shafeekh Haneefa claimed three wickets each for GME. Brief scores: GME 197 for 8 of 20 overs (Shinu Prasad 59, Vikas Bhadoria 3 for 32) beat Mott Macdonald 146 all out in 18 overs (Vikas Bhadoria 33, Shafeekh Haneefa 3 for 20). Points: Mott Macdonald 0; GME 2

Loss for Enhance In an E Division match, Enhance Falcons lost to Ibrahim Kishri by 62 runs at the Municipality 3 ground.

Batting first, Ibrahim Kishri put on 187 for 3 in 20 overs with Reyaz Zaidi (53) and Irfan Haider (59 not out) contributing. Ram Mohan claimed two wickets for Falcons.

In reply, Enhance Falcons were all out for 125 in 18.5 overs. Kashif Bakkar and Asad Shah claimed three wickets each for Ibrahim Kishri to seal the bonus point win.

Brief scores: Ibrahim Kishri 187 for

FOOTBALL

3 in 20 overs (Reyas Zaidi 53, Irfan Haider 59 not out) beat Enhance Falcons 125 all out in 18.5 overs. (Kashif Bakkar 3 for 20). Points: Ibrahim Kishri 3 (BP); Enhance Falcons 0.

Trust triumphant The F Division match between Trust Oilfield and Aptus Infotech saw the former winning by 36 runs at the Municipality 4 ground.

Batting first, Trust Oilfield scored 191 for 6 in 20 overs. Shamsudeen top scored with 52. In reply, Aptus were bowled out for 155 in 19.3 overs with Anoop Rajan (41) top scoring. Peter claimed four wickets for Trust to enable the comfortable win.

Brief scores: Trust Oilfield 191 for 6 in 20 overs (Shamsudeen – 52) beat Aptus 155 all out in 19.3 overs (Anoop Rajan 41).

Points: Aptus Infotech 0 ; Trust Oilfield 2.

MCCC down Beatrice In another F Division match, MCCC beat Beatrice by 25 runs at the Municipality 4 ground.

Batting first, MCCC scored 168 for 4 in 20 overs. Rajan Berry top scored with 58. Parvez Al Balushi was the pick of the Beatrice bowlers with 2 wickets. In reply,

MCCC HEROES: From left Swapnil Girkar, Rajan Berry, Yash Mehta and Jeel Tanna.

Beatrice were all out for 145 in 17.1 overs. Firoz top scored with 55.

Yash Mehta claimed four wickets for MCCC to claim the win.

Brief scores: MCCC 168 for 4 in 20 overs (Rajan Berry 58, Parvez Al Balushi 2 for 34) beat Beatrice 145 all out in 17.1 overs (Firoz 55, Yash Mehta 4 for 12).

Points: MCCC 2; Beatrice 0.

Multi Pump win Al Rehwan lost to Multi Pump by 45 runs in G Division match played at the OAC III ground.

Batting first, Multi Pump scored 195 for 7 in 20 overs. Vineesh Raj top scored with 60. Aboo PC claimed 3 wickets for Al Rehwan.

In reply, Al Rehwan scored 146 for 9 in 20 overs. Mohammed Sanooj scored with 69 in vain. Asjad Shah was the pick of the Al Rehwan bowlers claiming 2 wickets to enable the bonus point win.

Brief scores: Multi Pump 195 for 7 in 20 overs (Vineesh Raj 60, Aboo PC 3/28) beat Al Rehwan 146 for 9 in 20 overs (Mohammed Sanooj 69, Asjad Shah 2/23).

Points: Multi Pump 3 (BP); Al Rehwan 0.

NBO beat MSE In a H Division match, Mustafa Sultan Enterprises lost to NBO Munz

by 24 runs at the OAC III ground.

Batting first, NBO Munz scored 169 for 5 in 20 overs. Saket Mistry top scored with 63. In reply, MSE were bowled out for 145 in 18 overs. Vinod Kumar and Pathak Ashish claimed three wickets each for NBO Munz to enable the win.

Brief scores: NBO Munz 169 for 5 in 20 overs (Saket Mistry 63) beat MSE 145 all out in 18 overs (Gopal Baiju 34, Pathak Ashish 3 for 26). Points: NBO Munz 2; MSE 0.

Al Hail B win Al Hail B beat Mecamac Challengers by two wickets in an I Division match at the SQU ground.

Batting first, Mecamac Challengers scored 170 for 7 in 20 overs.

Rocky Raju top scored with 48.

Anaya Allah claimed two wickets for Al Hail. In reply, Al Hail B scored 171 for 8 in just 19.5 overs with Younis Al Balushi top scoring with 40 to claim the win. Basheer and Kathiresan claimed two wickets for Mecamac Challengers in vain.

Brief scores: Mecamac Challengers 170 for 7 in 20 overs (Rocky Raju 48, Anaya Allah 2 for 35) lost to Al Hail B 171 for 8 in 19.5 overs (Younis Al Balushi 40, Basheer 2 for 25). Points: Al Hail B 2; Mecamac Challengers 0.

ANNUAL EVENT

Zidane delighted with Real’s 2nd ISD Alumni Badminton intensity after thrashing Betis Tournament on October 28 BARCELONA: Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane praised his side’s attitude after they put a fourgame winless run behind them by thrashing Real Betis 6-1 in a relentless display away from home on Saturday.

Real were missing captain Sergio Ramos and influential midfielders Luka Modric, Casemiro and James Rodriguez but raced into the lead in the fourth minute when Raphael Varane nodded in Toni Kroos’s cross from a free-kick.

“The players are talented and intelligent, and they knew they had to begin the game in the way they did. When we play with that intensity from the start it’s very difficult for our opponents,” Zidane told a news conference.

“Now we have to remain consistent and this game was a great display, a reference point. It’s not easy to play like this away from home.”

German international Kroos, who signed a new contract with the club until 2022 on Wednesday, compensated for the absence of his usual midfield partners with a powerful display and also teed up Karim Benzema for Real’s second.

Spain international Isco made the most of the opportunity his side’s injury crisis afforded him by scoring Real’s fourth and fifth goals either side of the break.

First he finished off a frenetic counter attack, tapping Pepe’s pass into the net after an arrowed

cross from Cristiano Ronaldo, and just after the hour mark he sent a majestic curled effort into the far top corner.

“He played very well and I’m very happy with his goals and his overall work. I’m delighted with his display,” added Zidane.

“When you love football and you see your team score a goal like our fourth, with very few touches and with the speed of the transition, you just want to watch it again and enjoy it, and that’s what I’m going to do.” - Reuters

MUSCAT: The second-edition of ISD Alumni’s annual badminton tournament will be held on October 28 at Indian School Darsait (ISD).

The tournament which will be sponsored by Shifa Al Jazeera Hospital and Polyclinic Group will witness former students of the school battling it out for the title.

The championship will be held in two categories — Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles.

“For the first time, we have decided to give a chance to players outside ISD Alumni to take part in the Mixed Doubles but one of the player should be a member of the alumni,” said Azeem Ashraf, organising committee member at ISD Alumni.

Players outside the alumni will have to pay a registration fee of OMR 5.

“We have received an overwhelming response ever since we

A file photo of ISD Alumni’s badminton tournament.

have announced the news on our official Facebook account,” said Hala Jamal of ISD Alumni.

“We are extremely happy to support ISD Alumni for this initiative. We heard that their inaugural tournament which was held last year was a great success and we are happy to be part of the sec-

ond edition,” said Aslam Backer, Global Personal General Manager of Dr KT Rabeeullah, Chairman and Managing Director of Shifa Al Jazeera Group.

The last date of registration is on October 25th. Interested players can register online via Facebook.com/isdalumniofficial

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M M O N DAY, O C T O B E R 1 7, 2 0 1 6

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CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

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M O N D AY, O C T O B E R 1 7, 2 0 1 6 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE FOR RENT

*Tourist visa arranged

FOR SALE

Showroom, Offices & Apartments FOR RENT

* 6BR Villa in Al Ghobra Facing the beach for sale. * Commercial & Residential Land in Al khuwair for sale. * warehouse in Wadi Al kabir for sale.

Spacious showroom & office space for rent at Al – Mabela . 176 m2 showroom area . Offices / shops . Spacious 1 & 2 bedroom apartment . Government water.

FOR RENT Showroom & Labour camp in wadi Al kabir for rent. brand new building 1BHK/Basement/ Showroom & offices in Ruwi for rent

Contact - 97792004 / 93220482

Contact: 91155779 hrm_gh@live.com

F

O R R E N T

* Flat of 2 BHK in Al Azaiba near the sea RO.300 * Villa of 4 BHK in Al Hail North with sea view RO.450 * Shops in Al Qurum same line of More & Café and Starbucks with different sizes 20 to 25 each SQM * Commercial 4 BHK flat in Al Ghobra 18 Nov street RO.650 * Brand new flat of 4 BHK, sitting area & dining area in Al Khuwair 33. RO.550 * Amazing & spacious 2 BHK flat with best view in Remal building Bowshar RO. 500

Workers Accommodation available nearby Sohar Port

500 to 5000 workers can accommodate with all facilities *industrial Catering *Manpower Supply *Facility Management *Staff Accommodation *Event Management*Construction Contact +968 22092638 / 968 93031168 E-mail. arn14256@gmail.com / nitsohar@gmail.com, www.alistiqamah.net

Contact - 91776665

Shop / office (rent 230/ 240/250)/ comm / Resi building (near Lulu) Wadi Al Kabir Friday market road.

Contact: 99451168 1 BHK in Ghubrah with AC & Water R.O 220/-. Contact : 92811110 One room with bathroom in Bowsher for rent. Contact: 91153933 Furnished rooms for rent for family 200 RO per month include water & electricity, Al Khuwair.

Contact: 99251975 Villa for rent in South Mabellah, 3 bedrooms, sitting room, family Lounge, kitchen, three Toilets Contact 92212212 between 10 AM to 5 PM Villa for rent, 4 bedrooms, large foreground, Al Ansab close to Bank Muscat, rent 600 RO/m.

Contact owner 99845251 2 Bed room centrally air conditioned flat in CBD near central bank. Contact: 24714625/ 91173997 / 93527328 2 Bedroom flat near Indian school Wadi Kabeer with A.C. Contact: 99322363 / 95453813 Flat for rent 2BHK split A/c near Kuwaiti Mosque in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 Flat for rent 2BHK split A/c near Oman house in Muttrah.

Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 Deluxe, 2 BHK flat for rent in Wattaya. Contact: 98802343 3 BHK ground floor house for rent in Al Hail South.

Contact: 95047657

Shop for rent SOUQ road Muttrah, near Oman house.

Contact: 99183525 / 24706045

2 BHK with split / AC in Bareeq Al Shatti. Contact: 96708000 6 Bedroom villas available for rent at North Al Hail, near Wave, complex with swimming pool and Gym. Contact: 99833747

1 BHK near Medical Darsait Muttrah house R.O 180/-.

Contact: 95070201 For Rent studio type flats for rent R.O 160/- monthly near Oman house. Contact: 98075028 / 95501858 Flats and shop for rent in Ruwi, Honda road and Mumtaz area.

Contact: 97293708 / 92433127 / 97103695 Flats for rent near Indian School in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99777122 Brand new deluxe 2BHK apartment with balcony & parking at Azaiba near Al Shawa tower.

Contact : 98294706 1& 2 bed flats rent 250+ 350/available in Wadi Al Kabir (near Lulu) with split A/C, all maintenance, 24 hours watchman facilities, with security systems.

Contact: 99451168 1 &2 BHK Ruwi & C.B.D. Contact: 99024730 3 BHK at Al Khuwair.

Contact: 99024730

For rent flat in Darsait & Ruwi office CBD. Contact: 95345909 /92820734 2 BHK Azaiba north near Mosque Rehan. Contact: 99224748 / 99332297 2 BHK Mawaleh North Al Mawaleh North near Dubai store. Contact: 99224748 / 99332297 3 bedrooms villa in Qurum near Ramee hotel & close to crown Plaza Hotel and beach. Contact Real Estate Services Co. : 91246444 / 91248444 / 92905432 / 24222345 Brand new 14 flats in Al Wadi Al Kabir, 11 flats of 1 bedroom RO 250, 3 flats of 2 bedrooms RO 300. Contact Real Estate Services Co. : 91246444 / 91248444 / 92905432 / 24222345 Villa for Rent behind mazoon mousqe 7 bedroom, living room, dining room . Contact 95150809 for 750 R.O nogotiable

Studio Darsait R.O 160/- R.O. Contact: 92144045 / 97799175

Villa in South Mawaleh: 8 bedrooms, 2 Majilis, 1 Family Hall, 9 toilets, 2 kitchens with Split AC, ample car park Contact: 96775026 / 99463626 2 bedroom flat – luxury fully furnished at Al Khuwair, 1 bedroom flat – luxury fully furnished at Al Khuwair for short or long term contract. Contact Atlas Real Estate & Rent a Car LLC. Contact 99436312 / 92888376 / 94617563, tel : 24834888 / 24833848 2 BHK with split / AC in Azaiba, 18th November Street.

Contact: 96708000 Flats for rent in Ghala, before palm tree R/A and next to Al Maha F/S Ghala, 2 bedrooms ++ RO 350 monthly, 1 bedroom ++ at RO 300 monthly. Contact Real Estate Services Co. : 91246444 / 91248444 / 92905432 / 24222345

3 bedroom ground floor house for rent in South Al Hail behind Al Hail Hypermarket. Contact: 95047657 5 warehouse on Misfah, Bausher opposite to Oman cement factory, 2 ware house 845 sqm each, 3 ware house 425 sqm each.

Contact: 96041560 / 99322321 Mr. Prasanna Furnished apartment for rent in Bowsher, 1 bedroom & living room.

Contact: 91153933 Villa for rent in Al Khoud , 6 rooms & hall. Contact: 91153933 Office space for rent (240sq. mtr, with partition) for rent in Bank in Melli Iran Building, MBD area, near Center point. Contact: 99011352 Flat for rent in Al Ghubrah, 2 rooms & hall. Contact: 91153933 2 BHK near Oman house behind Khimji H.O. Contact: 95865686 Room in Azaiba.Contact: 99555843

For rent villa in Bowsher 5 rooms & hall. Contact : 91153933 Arabian style house located in North Al Hail in the second line behind the commercial buildings of the SQ main street 1003 m2 land size and there’s permitted well & palm trees suitable to use for storage facility & accommodation for company workers, 2 streets across the house from front and back side.

Contact: 93366421 Flats for rent in Darsait, 3 bedrooms++ RO 350 monthly.

Contact Real Estate Services Co. : 91246444 / 91248444 / 92905432 / 24222345 2 BR apartments available for rent, close to Muscat Grand Mall, next to Diwan’s Office, South Ghubra.

Contact: 2456256 / 99833747 1 BHK near Oman house behind Khimji H.O. Contact: 95865686

FOR SALE Industrial land in Rusail.4000 sqm.

Contact 99323957 / 95490842.

Shop for sale Honda road, Ruwi.

Contact: Tel: 24705105 GSM : 92877958 / 94289164

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DAILY GUIDE

Company for SALE at Wadi Al Kabir Manufacturing of Steel & Stainless Steel, & cast Aluminium products. Running company for sale. with all the machines and equipments also with 15 nos. of skilled workers.

REQUIRED ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS

Serious buyers can contact at 93132208 / 79065540

Looking for Electrical Labour Contractors

for awarding ongoing building service job.

Contact 99878180 / 93892793

AVAILABLE Bobcat available for rent. Contact 97623299

ACC. AVAILABLE

FOR SALE Cat 6 UTP cable (KUWES) 305M Roll AT R.O 33/- only & Network Cabinet 42 U 600x600 (Toten) at RO 160/- Only & 12 Core SM Outdoor armored (AKSH) at 450 baisa per meter only. Contact: Al Wassen Network Technology LLC. Contact: Tel: 24705105 GSM: 92877958 / 94289164 Email: alwassen@omantel.net.om Good Condition Sanyo washing machine, semi automatic, RO 25 for sale in MBD Contact; 99737812 RESTAURANT for sale in Ruwi.

Contact: 99378964 BUILDING MATERIAL SHOP FOR SALEWell-furnished running building material-electrical shop (4 shutter / 200sqm) in Al- Khoudh- 6, for immediate sale- shop with stock or stock only. Serious buyers may please Contact: 94320909 Juices, Ice cream parlour in Ruwi.

Ideal location. Contact: 92150455 Muscat Hills 4 Bedroom CORNER Apartment+ 4 Bathrooms+ 2 parking lots with classy flooring & spot lights with high quality finish in luxury development under construction for Sale for RO 180000.

Not negotiable. Expected completion in June 2017. Visa available.

Contact 95865457, only serious buyers.

Land for sale in the village of Bimmah on the coastal road Qurayat/ Sur with a space of 604 square meters for an attractive price.

Contact 92905222 Fishing nets for sale bottom set gill net, 27 ply & 21 ply net with 12 mm singer rope -100 mtr =120 nos (1350 to 1400 mesh length x 50 mesh height, float 3) one time used.

Contact: 99465219 / 93314027 Gill net 27 ply x 5.5 inch x12 mm yellow rope - 183 mtr = 92 nos (1000 mesh length x 100 mesh height, float 6) One time used.

Contact: 99465219 / 93314027 New bundle green gill net 21 ply x 5.5 inch = 80 net (1000 mesh length x 12 mesh height).

Contact: 99465219/ 93314027 Heidelberg Sorm machine 52cm x 74cm. Contact: 99369880 / 92857355 Tiles for sale ceramic tiles 30 x 30 for sale at half price 4000 sq.Mtr. Stock at al khuwair near lulu hypermarket. Contact: 99294591 Beauty parlour for sale in Ruwi.

Contact: 92430239

BUYING Buying cars for cash.

Contact 90202090

Room near Hamriya roundabout for Executive bachelor. Contact: 93590332 / 97443614 Single room with separate, bathroom for non cooking bachelor (Rex Road). Contact: 98209132 Furnished room in ruwi and azaiba for rent for executive bachelors. Gsm 99058344 Furnished room for Indian family or Executive bachelor, near Honda Road (Walja). Contact 99016546 Furnished room at OMR 150/- / with W& E near Kamat restaurant Al Khuwair. Contact: 92261906

FOR HIRE Planning Estimation Engineer B.Tech Civil with 3 years experience driving license NOC. Contact: 98240765 New freezer vans 1 ton & 3 ton for rent on daily/ monthly or yearly basis. interested parties please call / reply for further information to jobsnow2015@yahoo.com, Gsm : 99597129 – ktt & co llc ; jibroo

MV SALE

Independent rooms Qurum (PDO) service rood. Contact: 95529970

Mitsubishi Pajero 2007 & Mitsubishi L - 300 Bus / VAN -2007 & Mitsubishi 4 x 4 pick up -2009. All vehicles are available for inspection at our head office in MSQ & sale procedures are by submitting quotation only.

Contact: 24400750 / 24400752 (During office hours)

Furnished room for Indian bachelor near Al Falaj hotel Ruwi and lady in Wadi Kabir.

Contact 96202458.

2012 Model Mazda 6 car for sale 28,000 Kilometer expat driven Mulkya valid up to Aug 2017.

Contact: 99204808

Fully Delux furnished sharing flat for Indian Executive near Sheraton CBD. Contact 99219337

Toyota Yaris for sale model 2013 manual gear single use present mileage 58,000 kms.

Contact 95894258

Furnished room with attached bath room in Ruwi. #93223278

A big room available near Hamriya round about for Muslim couple / small family / Executive bachelor rent 125/- per month including W+E. Contact: 99495131

Dihatsu Terrios Trend 4WD, 2012 Registration, dealer service registration up to August 2017.

Contact No: 92812144

Filling material available at Mabela. Please Contact: 99344979 / 99344279 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

CHANGE OF NAME I Sunitha Kumari Chandra Mohanan (holder of Indian passport No. M 0105164) Daughter of Raveendranadhan having permanent residence in Kandakkathil Veedu, Kilikollor .P.O, Kollam Dist , Kerala – 691004 (complete postal address in India) and presently residing in P.O. Box. 3129, P.C 112 Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman (complete postal address in Oman) intend to change my name from Sunitha Kumari Chandra Mohanan (old name) to Suitha Kumari Chandra Mohan (new name) for all practical purpose. Any objection towards my name change may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, Diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, P.Box No, 1727, Postal Code 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman.

I Jimmy (holder of Indian passport No. G 9971844) Daughter of Mr. Kulwant Singh having permanent residence in VPO Lalpur, Tehsil taran taran, Amritsar Dt Punjab (complete postal address in India) and presently residing in Salalah, Oman Pharmaceutical Products, P.O Box 2440, PC 211, Salalah (complete postal address in Oman) intend to change my name from Jimmy (old name) to Jimmy singh (new name) for all practical purpose. Any objection towards my name change may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, Diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, P. Box No. 1727 Postal Code 112, Ruwi , Sultanate of Oman.

I Noor Mohamed Abbas Butler (holder of Indian passport No. J 5404087) Son of Abbas Ibrahim Butler having permanent residence in J/202, Nashemany, Mumbra, Thane, Mumbai 400612 (complete postal address in India) and presently residing in Wahat Al Basra Trading Wadi Kabir Sanaya (complete postal in Oman) intend to change my name from Noor Mohamed Abbas Butler (old name) to Noor Mohamed Abbas Boat (new name) for all practical purpose. Any objection towards my name change may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, Diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, P. Box No. 1727 Postal Code 112, Ruwi , Sultanate of Oman.

D4

M O N D AY, O C T O B E R 1 7, 2 0 1 6 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT URGENT REQUIREMENT

Sales Representative - Male In Sama Real Estate Company 1. Graduate with minimum 2 years experience in Real Estate business.

2. Good communication skills with the clients 3. NOC and driving license are must.

Reputed mineral water company required the following HEAVY/LIGHT DUTY DRIVERS VAN SALESMAN with Omani driving license

SALES SUPERVISOR/SALES CO ORDINATOR with Omani driving license HELPERS Experience 3 to5 years

Contact - 90372638

Send CV and current picture with ref no: 0709 Email: jobs@sgoman.net

Wanted following staff for an Indian house in Muscat.

ACCOUNTS

1. House cook with experience 2. House helper / care taker for elderly man.

3. House Driver with valid driving license and experience.

Required Accountant with minimum 5 years experience in construction field of accounts and who can independently handle. Oman experience will be plus point with release letter. Apply with bio data to Email: tec_oman@hotmail.com .

Contact: 99339661 Required Senior Accountant with 3 to 4 years experience for a reputed industrial group. Preference will be given to candidates experience in manufacturing filed of accounts and who can independently handle up to finalization.

Apply with CV to Email: hilaltrd@omantel.net.om or fax 24128111 Accountant 2-3 years experience. Candidate should be Indian, English speakers. NOC is a must.

Email: mohammad.jwabreh@ bearingcitysc.com.

Fax: 24509312

BEAUTY Female Beautician required.

Contact: 94050001 Urgently required a Gulf experienced Beautician (Lady) Contact: 99619409

CATERING Required Catering Specialist with experience in the local market and administrative skills.

Contact 97234565 Required cook for Omani family accommodation will be provided.

Contact: 99350946 Urgently required for a chain of restaurants” experienced drivers motor cycle for food delivery” with valid oman driving licence. attractive salary offered + commission on sales. mobile # 97677170, MAIL: md@royalgroupoman.com

DRIVER Wanted Driver.

Contact: 97165972 Wanted Driver for heavy (sewage vehicle) and light vehicle with valid Oman driving license.

Contact: 97991654 / 97991652 Kindly send CV at Email: construction@remasalseeb.com / remaschandran2020@gmail.com

DOMESTIC HELP A full time living house maid required for an Indian family in Ghubra. Contact: 97335255

ENG./TECHNICIAN Urgent requirement for building & roads construction company Civil Engineer 5 yrs exp Oman Fore man 5 yrs exp in Oman, Accountant 3 yrs exp., tally is advantage. Contact: 71100641 / 71100643 Required Indian candidate more 10 yrs experiences with attested Degree: 1 Civil Engineer.

2QS Engineer. 3 Purchase officer.

Email: joboman2017@gmail.com Required Electrical Engineer bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering. Should have 5- 10 years in Oman experience in primary substations. Interested candidates send resume to hr@aljood-oman.com

EDUCATION A Well known private school is in need of English Teachers for Muscat. Contact: 98462019 Email: jobsnelite@gmail.com A reputed Omani law firm requires advocates and legal consultants with good experience in law, 10 years at least and fluent English.

Send your resume on the Email: advocateoman2@gmail.com

Please fax your CV to 24152277 or email to omanofficemanager@gmail.com or call at 99318929

MISCELLANEOUS Urgent required : Store labors.

Candidate should be Indian, English speakers. NOC is a must.

Email: mohammad.jwabreh @bearingcitysc.com, Fax: 24509312

MEDICAL Required licensed GP doctor, lab Technician, Pharmacist and Asst Pharmacist for a clinic in Salalah.

Contact: 93129219 & send CV to: clinicrecruitment2015@gmail.com Postgraduate Gynaecologist & GP with prometric dataflow required for Polyclinic Muscat. Attractive package. Kindly send your documents on dsm.reqruitment@gmail.com Gynecologist, G.P, Staff Nurse, Lab technician, receptionist (Philippine) . Contact: 94562008 Email: halamedicalgroup@gmail. com Fusion Medicare Polyclinic, Muscat wants GP, staff Nurse holding MOH license & Receptionist (Omani) Contact 97698004 email: medicare@fusionlogicoman.com Wanted Nurse for a dental centre, Al Mawale South. Interested candidate may contact 99759279 or send mail: drasyanaseem@gmail. com GP, Pediatrician, Gynecologist, General Surgeon, Orthopaedician, Dentist, Pharmacist, urgently need to work in a polyclinic in Sur. candidates with MOH license preferred.

Contact: 00968 - 24446456, 0096891164581 (Sunday to Thursday 8.30 AM to 9 PM) Wanted female & Male Nurse with or without license (good salary, food & accommodation with other benefits. Contact 97700963, medicoport@gmail.com Wanted female & Male Nurse with or without license (good salary, food & accommodation with other benefits. Contact 92989109, medicoport@gmail.com

SIT. WANTED Wanted Female Gynaecologist , Female GP and One Female Dental Assist and Female Lab Technician, Asst Pharmacist.

(From India or Pilipino ). With or without MOH License and Data Flow for Al Saadi Specilised Medical Centre, Musanna.

Contact # 91262604, Email ID : chillapalli76@gmail.com

Urgent RequirementSama Group LLC OPERATION MANAGER - Male (for a reputed chain clinics)

1. Minimum 3years managerial experience 2. Capability of business expansion, able to handle the clinics issues 3. Pet lover / no fear from pets 4. NOC and driving license are must.

Send CV and current picture with ref no:0809

Email: jobs@sgoman.net

SECRETARIAL / OFFICE Wanted Office clerk having two years experience. Contact: 92891888

SKILLED LABOUR Required Experienced Auto Electrician and Automobile Mechanic for a reputed service station.

Contact : 93826090 (jptcoman@gmail.com)

SALES / MARKETING Urgent requirement Sales representatives in FEMCO LLC Eco friendly products. Graduate with minimum 2 years experience driving license is a must. Sent CV to: info@femcooman.com Required salesman, Tailor, Barber.

Contact: 96964767 Wanted Sales man logistics experienced sales person with D/L in freight forwarding, clearing, shipping, etc. Contact: 94007259 Email: smylackal@albadrigroup.com Valid license operator – Excavator, Shovel, JCB etc looking for a job. Contact: 99107699 / +919553288025 Required well experienced dynamic candidate in Real Estate Evaluation Field beside Building Management Techniques. Contact 91246444, rescooman@gmail.com IT Savvy digital Media Sales Executive for leading website & mobile app Development Company. Those with experience and own car preferred. Attractive terms.

Email latest CV with embedded photo to: jobs@interacoman.com Required sales and marketing executive for a 4-star hotel in muscat. candidate with excellent communication skills and having 3+ years experience need apply. driving license will be an advantage. email: hoteljobsmuscat@gmail.com Indian Salesman indoor, knowledge in English & Arabic.

Contact: 93326636

SITUATION WANTED 28,male, ACCA finalist, BSc Honours, 4 years of professional experience in Finance, NOC available, seeking for permanent replacement at a Senior Position, GSM-97654769,email idabdullah.nooralam@gmail.com A 27 year male from India on visit in Oman and seeking job in HR,ADMIN please cont:+968 94237786, Email id: suhailabdulrashid91@gmail.com Indian (F) MBA in HR 2 years Experience in Office Admin/Secretarial/Desk Job. Currently on Visit Visa. Looking for immediate placement. M: 90634426 /94267848 Email: neethu1201@gmail.com B.Com, 2 yrs experience in Oman, Indian Male, 25 yrs with Driving License. Handling day today accounts activities upto finalization.

Proficient in Tally. Looking for suitable placement. Ph. 91470665 Pakistani male 25, Masters in Economics(gold medalist) having vast experience in teaching and administration side, valid oman driving license.

Any school teaching/Assistant job. Contact: 91243132, Email: aamirkhan_7860@yahoo.com Indian Female B.Com Graduate seeking for a suitable job. Mob. 99250895, Email: fathimafarha47@gmail.com

Indian male 31 yrs diploma in MECH experience in production planning & control shop floor with UAE driving license seeks placement. Contact: 96297869 Email: harish2816@gamil.com Indian male 27 yrs having diploma in fire & industrial safety engineering seeking for a job in Muscat, 5 years working experience in the relevant field.

Contact: 93494704 Email: ajay.kavilsasidharan@gmail.com 28,male,ACCA finalist, BSc Honours,have 4 years of professional experience in Finance, NOC available, seeking for permanent replacement at a Senior Position,GSM-97654769,email id-abdullah.nooralam@gmail.com Indian female, having 10+ years experience in logistics & sales coordination exp in SAP, MS Office valid D/L currently on visit visa looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 95251911 Indian male 23 yrs graduate in mechanical engineering and diploma in HVAC designing and drafting looking for a job in Oman.

Contact number: +96890834846 Email: abdulquddusruknuddin@ gmail.com INDIAN Male Civil Engineer (BEFresh) looking suitable position.

Please contact Mobile: 98327644

ACCOUNTS 12 Yrs Exp Accountant worked in Construction, Cont & Trad Cos. worked on Oracle / Orion / Tally/ Epromis, ERP s/w with Valid D/L – (NOC/Release available).

Contact 92194086 Sr. Accountant B.Com, M.B.A Indian seeks suitable placement NOC available. Mob No.93363435 Pakistani male, MBA finance, 10 years experience accounting, finance, business development, Administration & banking proficient in quick book & Microsoft suite, valid Oman driving license.

Contact: 94162125 12ys Oman exp chief/senior accountant seeks job immediately available with release/NOC and D/L available .contact: 97385562 25 years, male from India with 3 years experience present in Oman and with release seeks job in HR, ADMIN or PURCHASE any of it.

Contact +968 94574596.

Indian/MBA/male Chief Accountant 18Yrs Experience, MIS, C.Flow, Budgeting, ERP, Cost accounting &Liasing with auditors. NOC available.

Contact: 92254691/97826674 email: khader2305@gmail.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, WITH Oman D/L & 9 yrs experience, 8 yrs Oman & 1 yr India in manufacturing, trading & contracting Cos, independently handling all accounting, finance, banking, L/C, import, export & finalization seeks placement, srjob12@gmail.com Accountant Indian female B.Com, tally 5 years experience 2 years in Oman. Contact: 99139188 Accountant Assistant B.Com Graduate with 2 yrs experience in Accounting. Contact: 94736742 Indian Accountant having M.Com with 7 years of experience up to finalization ready to joint immediate, Tally Peachtree, focus.

Contact: 91651695 Email: danishpa2005@gmail.com Situation wanted for Accountant having experience in the field of accounts up to finalization, having 11years experience in Oman and 14 years in India driving license and NOC available. Contact: 92981308 / 93861806 Email: sonykarickal2008@gmail.com Indian Senior Accountant, B com, Having 8 years of experience in Oman, up to finalization, Tally, SAP, Oman D/L, Release available, Seeks suitable placement.

Contact - 93484122 Young Indian male 7 years experience in Accounts & audit looking for immediate placement.

Contact: 90830255 Finance Manager, 17 + years gulf exp. in accounts, MIS, budgets, strategic planning, cost control, working capital management, seeks job pl call 95379211 e mail :- vijay.564@hotmail.com Indian female, 26 years,brought up in oman,M.COM(FINANCE) CA Foundation(CPT),CA INTER(DOING) presently on family visa seeking for immediate and suitable placement.

Contact -97174201/99663957 Email-anishasasi@gmail.com Qualified Cost Accounting, 33yrs experience, seeks senior position in FMCG diary manufacturing industries with release, ready to join immediately. Contact: 96078962 Accountant, 10 yrs experience, male tally, ERP, holding Oman driving license up to finalization accounts handling. Contact 79002093 MBA Finance 20 yrs of MNC (MEP) experience thorough knowledge in preparation of financials, budgeting, fore casting, audit, trade finances, cash flows, guarantees, income tax, project (cost control) & ERP implementation with NOC seeks suitable placement. Contact 96280551 Email: ramu2587@hotmail.com Male doing ACCA finals 5 years experience finance audit one and half years experience in shopping mall accounting, good knowledge in tally ERP 9, MS Office seeking good position in accounts/audit. NOC available Indian. Contact 92123484 Accountant available with NOC, 7 years experience in Oman.

Ready to join immediately.

Contact 98263394

SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNTS Accountant 13 years experience looking for suitable job full time/ part time. Contact: 95571165 CPA 13 years experience (10 years in Oman) as Finance Manager, Chief Accountant, Senior Accountant, Cost Accountant & Internal Auditor, local transfer available.

Contact: 97220505

Finance Manager 22 years experienced Chartered Accountant and cost & management accountant looking for a suitable change.

Contact: 99884291 / 99741875 / 24601935 Indian male, B.Com, MBA in Finance, 4 yrs in Larsen & Tourbo, 26 yrs in Oman, English/ Arabic speaking with driving license. NOC available. Contact 95588565 Indian male age 26, Accountant one year experience in accounts looking for suitable job. Contact Email: Anishkhan991867@gmail.

Com Mobile: +968 9565 9415 Certified Public Accountant (Filipino, Male, 27-yrs-old) with four years experience, seeking suitable placement in accounting/audit, currently on visit. Contact; 94959606, email: czesar.42@gmail.com

Sir Lankan Chartered Accountant (female) Graduate in B.Com (Sp) having 2 years visa. Work experience in accounting & banking sectors, looking for an suitable position in Muscat.

Contact: 96356974 / 97488363 Email: hansikamail@yahoo.com Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ finance field. On visit visa. Immediately available.

Contact 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com Qualified and experienced MBA post graduate with proven work exposure in Middle East & India, having more than 5.5 years of rich experience in accounts , project coordination and administration in (3.5 years UAE experience) oil and gas projects is currently looking for suitable job. Contact 93953613, Email-allen.mathew83@gmail.com 8 yrs exp. in Admin & Accounts (3 yrs in Oman), MBA, exp. in Tally ERP 9, Indian (F) seeks placement.

Contact 97243806 Accountant B.com Indian male 12 yrs exp seeks suitable job.NOC available . Contact : 91212471 Email: rennyj6@gmail.com

12 Yrs Exp Accountant worked in Construction, Cont & Trad Cos. with Valid D/L – (NOC/Release available).

Contact 92194086

ACCA member with 6 yrs of experience in Oman looking for a suitable job in finance.

Contact 99284193

7 Years experience as Financial Analyst, MBA in finance. Responsibilities- research contributor, financial statement analysis, generating MIS & efficiency report, managing TAT, business & clients.

On visit visa in Muscat.

Contact 90191628 / 96175780

Sudanese Accountant, Alexandria University Graduate bachelor of commerce Diploma of Marketing professional photographer worked in PR and social media for 2 years looking for a job in public relations media, social media or marketing.Contact: 96976240

Accountant Indian female, 2 years experience up to finalization in tally, B.Com Graduate, having valid D/L. Contact: 95373751

Indian female 26 yrs, MBA finance 2 yrs exp with MNC. Email: rilooozmali@gmail.com.

Contact : 90551366.

Indian ( M) MBA (f) more than 6 years of experience in accounts, proficiency in various A/C Software SAP (F1/CO) seeking for suitable placement. Contact: 95920740, mail: abdulhameed1527@gmail.com

Indian (M), 31 yrs, M Com 9 yrs experience in Oman, looking for Manager or Executive position in Fin & Accounts, NOC Available.

Contact 968 96166178/ +919768537435: mohammednajeem@yahoo.com

Indian female 23 yrs MBA, finance and HR, currently on visit looking for suitable job. Contact: 93305002 / 99048224 Email: manjusharavindren@gmail.com Indian female 28 yrs B.Com 4 yrs experience in MNC’s currently in Muscat seeking suitable placement in Finance / Admin.

Contact :94743790 Indian, Kerala Male B.COM & B.PE, Currently on Visit Visa. Looking for a suitable job in Accounts, Store Keeper, Sales etc. Ready to join as early as possible. Contact 96988923 email:- sajith3969@gmail.com Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94879615, Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94879615, Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com

28/male/MBA - finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement.

Contact 90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com 21, Indian female B.com graduate on family visa looking for immediate and suitable placement. Holds valid Omani Driver’s license. Contact: 97208869 Accountant 8 Years Experience with D/L and NOC. Contact 97712084 Part time Accountant, up to finalization, looking for job after 5 pm (location prefer – MSQ to AL Hail).

Contact: 90935099

ADMIN Omani, male, 26 yrs experience looking for job in reputed Companies as PR, having experience at airport / Emigration, Ministries/ Manpower with Oman D/L. Contact 95445779

M O N DAY, O C T O B E R 1 7, 2 0 1 6

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED An experienced Chartered Accountant

Male -FMCG DISTRIBUTION PROFESSIONAL ,MBA MARKETING ,10 years Managerial experience in GCC /OMAN looking for Divisional Manager position. NOC /DL available.

with over 25 years in varied industries, presently working with a reputed group in Muscat, looking out for a suitable change.

Contact -92405181

96491030 Sudanese, resident visa, long experience in Gulf (Imports/ exports/ marketing/ business development) Bilingual, wide commercial relations in & outside Oman.

Seeks suitable placement in reputed group or partner in existing project need development.

Contact - 94975429 ADMIN

ARCH./ INTERIOR DEC.

Young Indian male B.Sc, with NOC & valid Omani driving license & 15 years experience in GCC into HR & Admin, well versed with MS Office / Payroll seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 90622264

British Citizen Senior Architect, Managing Director, Chief Architect 14 years experience, V Ray 3D, AutoCAD BOQ, master degree on architectural design. Contact: 92480035

Omani (M) Diploma in (Business Management) with 7 years experienced HR/ Admin / Purchase is looking for a suitable position in Oman. Contact: 99460164 Experienced HR – Executive 18 years experienced in IT & manufacturing industry presently working in well reputed manufacturing industry looking out for new opportunity. Contact: 91374217 Male 25 BBA, Admin officer 6 years experience in administration, accounts, Procurement, HR. Contact 95526871 29 years male Indian BBA Graduate with 6 years of experience HR/ Admin looking suitable placement visit visa, valid Oman license.

Contact: 91361336 Young Omani male have experience 12 years as P.R.O, CLERK Helper Supervisor Admin Supervisor, H.R Manager have vocational M.B.A diploma in H.S.E, IT and P.D.O license, looking for H.R position or P.R.O part time or full time.

Contact: 95933288 Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/ HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, Now on Visit Visa, looking for suitable position. Contact 90196235

Urban/Town Planner with 6 yrs of Experience in Oman, Saudia, and Sudan. Looking for a good opportunity. TEL: 98016799 Email: mod.omer@live.com Architect Engineer seeking for suitable job, 8 years experience.

GSM : 96075000, Email : haytham_201046@yahoo.com

DRIVER Looking for job light driver 2 yrs exp. Contact: 91659265 Driver with car.

Contact: 95518612 Light driver looking for job, 5 years exp in Oman.

Contact: 94208089 Driver looking for job- Indian with car or without - contact 96953996 / 91432352 - Sohar preference.

Tunisian female Architect and interior designer, 8 y exp, working with AutoCAD, 3D masc. Photoshop, language Arabic, English French.

Contact: 95092156/ 96732735 Architectural Draughts man (4 years experience), seeking job Contact: 91141879 Architecture Graduate in urban planning & architecture Indian male, 6 months experience in architecture & interior design NOC available. Contact: 96926903 Email: nikcherian93@gmail.com B. Arch Grad Indian female 24 yrs, highly skilled in designing looking for entry level architect positions currently Oman residence visa.

Contact : 95990255 Email: lubainank@gmail.com Architect Sudanese female 7 years experience design site work, interior design programs AutoCAD archicad.

Contact: 71190409 / 94078945 Interior Architect, 2 years experience AutoCAD, 3D, Photoshop, shop drawing. Contact: 98245746

Contact - 96501189

18+ years experience in Middle East & India. With release / NOC, seeking General Manager / Operations Managers jobs in Hospitality sector.

Lankan male, 25 yrs, B.Tech HND QS (Civil & MEP), AutoCAD with 5 yrs experience, looking for suitable placement.

BE (Electronics & Telecommunication), MBA (Marketing), Indian male, 30 yrs, 7 yrs experience in Oman in Sales, Marketing & Projects, looking for suitable placement, valid Oman D/L,

Contact - 968 99589495, Email : mct2016job@gmail.com

Contact 92032632, haseebmursaleen@gmail.com

NOC AVAILABLE Contact - 98518776

Hospitality professional Indian, currently working as General Manager in a leading Hotel in Muscat.

DESIGNER/ DRAUGHTSMAN Tunisian girl looking for job in media field, has 8years experience in publishing contact 97816917 AUTOCAD D MAN, 3 yr DCE, ITIi, experience in arch 2d,3d ph : 99506977 Revit, Autocad D/man, expected salary 200 OMR. PH : 92279784

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. MEP Coordinator, B. Tech. Mechanical, 36yrs Indian Male, 12yrs GCC experience, Oman D/L, NOC, immediate start, 97784946, sachkormat@live.com HVAC Engineer with 4 years Indian experience (Emerson), available on short visit. Contact: 95319135 Experienced Purchase Officer 8+ in construction & Engineering industries ready to join with NOC. Contact: 95423692 Indian male 23 years, 1 year experience in tankage projects & process piping B.Tech in Mech, Engg.

Contact: 00968 71164978 Email: sushant297@gamil.com Indian male 26 years Mechanical Engineer with 2 yrs exp in Oman.

Looking for suitable placement.

Contact - 91328079

Heavy duty 4 years experience valid D/L, Oman. Contact: 98571413 / 95464051 Contact: Asheer Mohammed 94173085

B.Sc Civil Engineer: 5 years experience with having D/L. Contact: 93850440, Email: shahadat033@gmail.com

18 yrs exp driver seeks job.

Contact: 95541940

Indian male, Mechanical Engineer, diploma in MEP design, AutoCAD 2D, worked as Supervisor in Steel fabrication, worked as automobile sales officer, on visit visa, know driving, familiar with Oman routes. Contact: 99077031 Email: advith.21@gmail.com

Looking for job light driver.

Contact: 97688323

Sudanese male Architect with 8 years of experience in design & and project management B.Sc, Master of Art in Architect and PMP holder. Contact: 93522498 / 93946515 Email: hesham.siddiq@gmail.com

CONTACT: 90189412

Indian Driver light need job.

Contact: 96693613

Egyptian woman resident, considerable experience in the Administration and Secretarial Executive for company. Contact : 97221126

Interior Decoration Drafting 2D/ 3D ,freelance / parttime. PH: 9018 9070 Email: mkoman@gmail.com

With 14 years of Oman experience in Omanization, well familiar with Oman labor laws, employee relations / welfare, Liasion & Coordination, Strategic HR Planning, performance Appraisal & General Administration.

Mechanical Eng, 9 years experience MEP, 4 yrs in Oman.

Contact: 99487902

Driver job wanted.

Contact: 96393082 Female family driver.

Contact: 98044188

L.T.V driver experience 3 years looking job. Contact: 94986972 Light duty driver, 4 years experience looking for job.

Contact: 97941771 Heavy duty driver looking for job, PDO license holder.

Contact: 92942077 Pakistani male light vehicle driver one yr exp looking for job.

Contact: 94284645 Job wanted for driver 10 yrs experience in Oman Arabic & English. Contact: 92360040 Driver looking for job. Contact: 98143386 / 92820309 Driver looking for job.

Contact: 96187146 Looking for job exp having driving license. Contact: 97363138 Driver looking for job.

Contact: 95892363

DESIGNER/ DRAUGHTSMAN Free lance / part time autocad works / make boq 2d /3d arch , structural, shop drawings interior drawings. Contact 97103168 AUTOCAD freelance / part time , ARCH,MEP, 2D,3D, shop drawing, Bill of QTY PH : 97103168, mkgroupoman@gmail.com Filipino Senior Revit/AutoCAD Draftsman with 20 years professional experience is looking for suitable job in Oman.

Please Contact: 96489798, (+974) 66653780.

IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE WITH NOC HR & ADMINISTRATION PROFESSIONAL

Indian male, MBA Finance, B.Com & Computer Diploma looking for a suitable position Current position: Financial controller Experience : 15 years +

Looking for job. Contact 95371235

Filipino HRD especialist / material controller supervisor with 18 yrs experience looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact: (+968) 98037142 / (+968) 92659817

ARCH./ INTERIOR DEC.

SITUATION WANTED

Diploma in Instrumentation and control, instrument technician 2 years experience male, 25, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 96946408 Email: anfeeranfu4@gmail.com 16 years experience in maintenance field with reputed groups in Oman seeking suitable placement, NOC available. Contact: 98525859 Diploma in Civil Engineer, 3 years Sudanese National, 4 years experience in construction sites in Oman. Contact: 91183608 Indian male 27 years civil Engg (Project Coordinator) 6 years experience in Oman looking for suitable position NOC release available. Contact: 95071223 Electronics Engineer (BE) with 6 years experience in projects & maintenance of CCTV, Access control, fire alarm & PA systems, on visit. Contact: 99097485 Mechanical Engineer, Indian, 5 Years Experience, On visit visa looking for suitable placement.

Contact - 93042025 Indian male, B.E Mechanical with 2 years experience as Maintenance Engineer in Cochin Refinery and 1 year experience in Chevrolet seeking job. Contact : 97964862, Email :jossyabraham20@gmail.com Instrumentation Engineer 6 years experience security system, CCTV Alarm system, public address system. Contact: 79061126 Indian male, B.E Mechanical with 2 years experience as Maintenance Engineer in Cochin Refinery and 1 year experience in Chevrolet seeking job.

Ph number: 97964862, Email : jossyabraham20@gmail.com

Quantity Surveyor, Sri

Experienced IT Professional with over 20 years in Oman.

Can manage ERP systems, Hardware, Network, Wi-Fi and Biometric Devices.

NOC available.

Contact # 96654216

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine.

Available NOC release.

Contact 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com

An Iraqi civil with more than 30 years experience in (Iraq and G.C.C) looking for a job, (N.O.C) available. Contact: 96561306 Email: iq.bgd.mnsr@gmail.com

Indian male Civil Engineer 1.6 yrs exp, having Omani D/L, looking for suitable position. NOC available. Contact – 92157694 / mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com

Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912

Diploma in Mechanical Engg, 10 years exp in steel fabrication site work with valid Oman driving license. Contact: 94696192 Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrs exp seeks suitable position in a reputed company. NOC available.

Contact 96789711 B.E Mechanical Engineer, age 24 with almost 1 year experience as Production Shift Engineer, has achieved training on HVAC Engineering design and has good hands on software like AutoCAD and HAP.Currently in Oman on a visit visa, looking for a suitable placement.Contact: 95065955 email: mjs.jazeb@gmail.com B. Tech Mechanical HVAC site Engineer 4 years experience, currently on visit.

Contact – 92837696 / mdabdulather@gmail.com Indian male 26 years currently on visit visa completed Aircraft Maintenance Engineering having 2.5 years of experience in the field of customer service and hospitality industry with a passion for the job, looking for opportunity.

Contact: 95775970 / 96784402 Email: sanoopck2255@gmail.com B.E Aeronautical Engineer, Indian male, having 4 years experience in the field of Aeronautical, Mechanical design and production field, seeking for a suitable job and permanent replacement, currently in Oman on visit visa.

Contact: 00968 79062208 Email: amithmohanachary@gmail.com

Indian male Electrical Engineer, having 6 years gulf experience in designing, assembling, commissioning execution etc having valid GCC license too looking for a suitable. Contact: 00968-98052942 Email: azamjeelani78@gmail.com B.Tech (ECE), MCSE, CCNA, 25 Male, Indian, currently on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Mob No: 94985002, Email: akhil.anuraj.1991@gmail.com Civil Engineer (B.Sc) with 5 years experienced (4.5 years in Oman) in construction & project management and seeking suitable job (NOC available).

Contact: 99604563 Civil Engineer experience 5 years searching for job.

Contact: 97846260 Pakistani male Diploma Civil Engineer 4yrs exp in Oman bulling & mega projects, valid license Oman. Contact: 98921022 Indian male ITI 16 yrs of experience, seeking for suitable electrical & BMS foreman. Security system. Release letter available.

Contact: 94067480 Electrical Engineer (B.E) with 2 years exp in Oman as site Engg / project coordinator. Oman D/L and NOC available. Contact: 97885944 / 95612833.

Email: syam346@gmail.com Network Engineer degree in computer science CCNA, MCSA with experience and NOC. Contact: 92346191

Civil Engineer (Palestinian) 7 years experience looking for suitable placement specially at Muscat for Site or Consultant office with valid Oman driving license. Contact: 99174964

Indian male Mechanical engineer presently working Oman will get NOC having 3 years experience hydraulic service engineer having valid Oman driving license.

Contact: 95936318

Sudanese Telecom Engineer (OSP & FITH) Manager four years experience in Oman with PMP Certificate. Contact: 93391008

Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech) on visit visa looking for suitable job, has certificate of rewit MEP. Contact: 97923238 Email: vvikhil4@gmail.com

Indian female 24 years, B. Tech and Diploma in Electronics & communication having 5 months bank experience looking for a suitable job presently on visit visa.

Contact: 90892393 / 92101035 Email: athirasuresh3@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer 14 years experience, 7 in Oman in water factories. Contact : 94488290 B.E Mech Engineer, Indian male, having 2 yrs experience in Mechanical Engg seeks suitable position. Contact: 98827544 Email: sibi.a.b.varghese@gmail.com Diploma in Civil, 15 years experience in G.C.C searching suitable placement. Contact: 90247456 Civil Eng Civil Draughtsman with diploma more than 8 yrs exp in Oman having valid D/L, NOC available. Contact: 96785348 / 93129804 Email: abbasimran786@hotmail.com 3 years Diploma Civil Associate Civil Engineering profession - land surveyor, experience total experience 5 years, 2 years in Pakistan, 3 years in Oman.

Contact: 94791214 / 98489700 Mechanical/ Piping Engineer (B.Tech.) on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact 94703350 mail: nadeembcoolboy@gmail.com

Indian Electrical Engineer more than 16 years experience in MEP field in Oman seeks suitable placement holding valid Omani driving license release available.

Contact: 91268250 Civil Engineer (Indian male) 5 years experience in Oman valid Oman driving license looking for a suitable placement NOC available.

Contact: +968 95941909 Email: ginushrool@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).Looking for a Suitable position. Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa. Contact: 92157694. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact: 97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com Graduate Civil Engineer 20 yrs GCC experience with Omani D/L, seeking job NOC available.

Contact: 98621645 Email: imtiazcv@gmail.com Site Supervisor, Diploma in Civil Engg (cert attested) knows autocad revit, salary exp: 250 Ph : 92279784 Mechanical Engineer, Indian, Male, 30yrs. Experienced in Steam turbines and Thermal Power house seek employment.

Contact - +91 8130553668 or mohamedshah7@gmail.com Civil Engineer, young Indian having almost 2 years experience looking for a challenging position seeks suitable position in Oman/ GCC. Please contact 92718490, Email ID: uvais.pk82@gmail.com Sr. Electrical Engineer with17+ yrs of exceptional exp in spear heading strategic planning and project management initiatives & executing various high rise residential & commercial building as well as roads and highway project with proficiency in installation, seeking a challenging position in a dynamic organization. Contact 96570891 B.E Electronics & Communication 4 years experience in installation commissioning testing networking Administration, project coordination site experience maintenance.

Contact: 92924555 Email: rahulchittoor@gmail.com Site Supervisor 3 years Diploma Civil Engineering 7 years experience in Oman driving license.

Contact: 00968- 98524276 Email: murtaza06249@gmail.com Building Engineer, Senior level 9 yrs experience, Projects management, Coordination, Quantities Surveying Engineer contracts, civil software’s & AutoCAD looking for senior level position, NOC available. Contact: 79097475 Email: a-shaqfa@hotmail.com

Mechanical Engineer 27 yrs Indian male 4 yrs GCC experience looking for suitable positions in QA/ QC technical service.

Contact: 98843671 Email: ifthikharahmedpo@hotmail.com

Indian male 24 ,B.E ( E.C.E ) graduate with 3 years of experience in the fields of BMS and Low current systems and has good knowledge about Electronic Security Systems, currently working in Oman, NOC Available. Contact: 94737033/ mohdmuhafez45@gmail.com

Civil Engineer (Indian male) 5 years experience in Oman with valid Omani driving license & NOC looking for suitable opportunity.

Contact: 93101283

Construction Machinery repairs Engineer, 5 years, driving license, Contact - 94001961

Mechanical Engineer with 4yrs exp in maintenance, design, contracting firms with GCC D / license Contact: 95712436 & tejab17@gmail.com

Electrical Engineer, 24 yrs, Indian Male, Fresher, Training Undertaken in Electrical Draughtsman, Fire Alarm, Fire Fighting and Industrial Automation. Contact: 94989767, Email: Junaiz987@gmail.com

B.Tech Civil Engineer 9 years experience in Oman, hotels, shopping malls high rise buildings, local NOC available. Contact: 00968- 97355400 Email: mianwaqas169@gmail.com

Indian male, Structural Engineer looking for job in structural design field. Having 6 years of experience in design field. Residing in Muscat.

Contact - 91176187 Email: syam036@gmail.com

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M O N D AY, O C T O B E R 1 7, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Civil Engineer with NOC, 7 years experience. Professional at site management, technical office, structure design work.

Contact 97983610 Electrical & Electronics Engr, knows autocad & revit.

PH: 93837973

EDUCATION/TRAINING Female B. Ed English teacher, 7 yrs exp seeking suitable placement. Contact: 99739415 / 92091528 An Indian Engineer is available for execution of pragmatic, need of the hour, worldwide relevant rare engg./ technical courses.

Contact 9109 6940, kpopragmatic@gmail.com Mathematics Lecturer , Indian Female, M Sc Mathematics from a Prestigious University, B.Ed qualified, distinction holder with 6 yrs teaching experience in colleges.

Contact : 91360147.

Indian female 24. Masters in Computer science engineering, seeking job in colleges, schools and institutes. Having in good skill in teaching and advanced technologies. Contact : 93356858 Email id : annielino11@gmail.com

HOSPITALITY Qualified Graduate from New Zealand, seeking job in hospitality with five years experience from New Zealand & UAE with valid driving license. Contact: 90834121 Indian male BA & LLB IATA cargo having 10 years experience as lawyer in Indian, currently on visit visa seeking placement.

Contact: 99068790 Email: meltoma@gmail.com Indian male 31yrs old with hotel management degree, 03 yrs experience in F&B services at 5 star hotel Dubai, 05 yrs in American 06 star cruiseliner has butler.

Has Oman driving license.

Contact 99859150.

IT An IT Engineer with 1.5 years having skills in ASP. Net, C#, SQL on visit visa looking for suitable job in Oman.

Contact: 968 90897242 IT Support Engineer, exp 3 years in Oman 3 and above in India, D/L & NOC. Contact: 93695268 / 91169659 Mobile & laptop Technician Indian male having 2 years experience in India, currently on visit visa looking for suitable placement in Oman.

Contact: 71018270 / 92365310 / Email: shibinscaria1@gmail.com Indian male B.Tech Computer Science 4 years experience (3 years GCC) in SQL server, database Administration seeking job NOC available. Contact: 97331947 Email: nmathew1988@yahoo.com

IT

MEDICAL

SALES / MARKETING

Indian male, 27 years, bachelor in IT, having 5 years experience in PHP DEV., Networking, IT support, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 98825722 Email: ajaybin.joy@gmail.com

Veterinary Doctor: Indian Female looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 96906534 /99014885, Email: monishmajeed@gmail.com

Indian male 29 seeking for store keeping and inventory controller job with 6 years exp at East Africa.

Contact: 99695002 Email: arafathw880i@gmail.com

Indian girl, 22- Science Graduate in IT with an exp. of few months in the related field seeks a suitable job in Muscat. Studied CCNA & Web design courses. Pursuing Masters in IT now.

GSM: 94909075. Mail id: madhue009@gmail.com

LOGISTICS Experienced Indian Male seeking placement in “Stores & Logistics”.

Contact: 91927039

MISCELLANEOUS Indian female, 25 yrs, Msc Biotechnology, looking for suitable job. Contact 92619048 email: anusreeg1991@gmail.com Indian Male, 25 years old, born and brought up in Oman B.COM(Finance),MBA(Marketing) with Valid Omani Driving License seeking suitable placement.

Contact 94170219/99621400 Email:mahimmatha2016@gmail.com Indian male age 47, 15 years exp in store in charge in GCC, seeks suitable job. Contact: 90198237 Filipino Graphic Designer / I.T. looking for a suitable job with 10 years experience. Very good in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Photography, Knowledge in CCTV & Access Controls. Call 79042628.

Filipino Male, 28 years Old. Looking for job, Have experience in Rent a Car/ Cargo & Logistics / Real Estate/ Customer Care Executive / Sale Executive & Marketing/ Shop In- Charge. Hard working w/ good computer and communication skill.

GSM: 97761075 9 year experienced industrial painter and sand blaster with Oman driving licence. NOC available.

Seeks suitable placement.

Contact ZakeerHussain 96681934.

BS in Electrical Engineering, Experience: 5 years(Power Plants).

Contact: 92475206 Email: zahaibzafar007@gmail.com B.Com,IICL Certified Container Inspector(No.150850),Visit Visa, Six months experience, need placement. Phone 90880935,99023279, Email solexyesudas@gmail.com.

Sudanese male bachelor geology and mining with 3 years experience in MUD logging and training in soil investigation. Contact 92956848 Indian male, 28, post graduate, 6+ yrs exp in Oman in sales (back office) & credit control with valid Oman D/L looking for suitable lacements. NOC available.

Contact: 92066 523

MANAGER / SUPERVISOR

Indian B.Tech 5+ years experience in IT as java programmer / application support seeking placement.

Contact: 92547191 Email: smerin@gmail.com

Purchase Manager (BE + MBA) having 13 yrs experience is available immediately with NOC. Contact at +968 97886616 or emailguptaashish1978@gmail.com

Indian Male, MCA Graduate, 15 yrs exp in ERP, CSM Certified, seeking suitable role.NOC Available. Contact : GSM : 90189284 Email: meetlibran@gmail.com

General Manager IRAQI who is able to motivate a sales force and focus it on success. Adept at administrative organization utilizing talent and resource and meeting or exceeding all sales goals Experience 13 Years Inside- outside Oman, following activities:(construction – real estate - fit out - pipe lain - Infrastructure) Contact: - Oman 71146111

IT Support Engineer, Exp 3 years in Oman 2 years in India.

Contact 94672759 Indian male 4 years experience in IT as Programmer / Web Support/ CCNA/ Network on visit visa seeking placement.

Contact 93069694 Email: mrabrar14@gmail.com Indian male 4 years experience in IT as Programmer / Web Support/ CCNA/ Network on visit visa seeking placement.

Contact 93069694 Email: mrabrar14@gmail.com

MEDICAL Indian female Nurse 9 yrs experience / Gulf experience prometric 70% & dataflow completed looking for suitable job in Muscat.

Contact : 96739298 Iraqi Dentist female, MOH license seeks suitable job in clinic in Muscat. Contact 97891219

CFA level 1 cleared (pursuing level 2) MBA operations research, female, 5 yrs experience as Analyst, have a valid Oman driving license, looking for related openings.

Contact 95818892

Indian male Nurse 3 years experienced prometric dataflow completed, currently on visit visa wanted suitable placement.

Contact: 95314727

Indian female M.Sc Computer Science seeking suitable placement in Muscat area.

Contact 98660672

E.N.T Specialist (Otolaryngologist), Yemeni-male, looking for job.

Mobile: 00201096542706 Email: aymanjalilorl@gmail.com

Dr.Ayman Abduljalil Ali, E.N.T Specialist (Otolaryngologist), Yemeni-male, looking for job.

Mobile: 00201096542706, Email: aymanjalilorl@gmail.com Filipino male Medical / Sales representative with 3 yrs experience is looking for suitable job in Oman.

Contact: 92610394 Indian female Dentist looking for suitable placement, dataflow completed. Contact: 96410448 / 99606013

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE A confident & more than 7 years experienced bilingual secretary/ admin officer with NOC looking for the right opening.

Please contact 94742482 Indian female, 25 yrs, Msc Biotechnology, looking for suitable job Contact 92619048 email: anusreeg1991@gmail.com Lady Secretary / Sales Co-coordinator 12 years experience in Oman in reputed companies, seek immediate Employment.

Contact 95244761 Looking for part time job Secretarial / Data Entry / Documentation available every day after 5:00 pm Friday / Saturday full day area preferred Ruwi/ CBD/ MBD / Al Khuwair. Contact: 90414827

SKILLED LABOUR Search job for mobile repairing, experience 2 years.

Contact: 94950300

SALES / MARKETING Indian, 8 years experience in sales & marketing looking for suitable job.

NOC available. Contact: 99837447 Email: rhlboss86@gmail.com Indian male 27 yrs, Master of Tourism Management, 2 .5 yrs exp in India (Tour operation, Front Office, Ticketing, Reservation, Sales & Marketing) with computer skills looking suitable placement, now on visit visa. Contact: 98837395/ 95213711 Indian male B.Tech Auto mobile with MBA in marketing& HR, 3 yrs experience in service field, looking suitable job in Oman NOC available. Contact: 79080760 Email: althafhussain262@gmail.com Male, MBA Marketing, 21 years experience in Sales and Marketing, looking for suitable job. (in Muscat on visit visa) Contact: 96234986 Email: tanvirtufail@gmail.com BBA Graduate male Indian having valid Oman driving license looking for a job in the field of sales and marketing available immediately. Contact: 24566124 / 92518257 Indian 27 years, 1 yr sales executive in Oman with Oman driving license with NOC. Contact: 97768047 Multinational FMGC experienced, qualified Sri Lankan lady seeking employment in Muscat. Marketing, Brands, Sales, Communication. Oman exp & DL available.

98250829 Indian 11yrs exp Supervising marketing with visa D/L, looking related any field. Contact: 98604960 Young man Graduated in Media and Communication and having a diploma in public relations looking for a suitable job in advertising agencies & media, corporate offices in Oman. Contact: 95636799 Email: medoo-299@hotmail.com Male, looking for sales & marketing job, Oman license holder.

Contact: 95642740, Email: shaijichakkara@gmail.com An experienced person in joinery / fit out looking for working partner job. NOC & local release is available. Contact: 90872012 Indian male 1 yr exp in sales automotive (TBL) looking for best opportunity , NOC available.

Contact: 97793879 Email: shyampkn@gmail.com

BBA professional with experience in Store Operations, Logistics and Retail. In Oman on visit visa, Mobile: 99660641, Email: suhaib_jamal60@hotmail.com Filipino female. Bachelor Degree in Political Science,7 years experience in Administration, Sales and Training. I’m a highly motivated, hard working, skillful, and willing to work in a full time basis.

Contact #71149947 Indian male with 6 years experience in sales in oman. NOC available, looking for suitable placement.

Contact 95364128 Resident in Oman 18 years, 10 years experience in setup marketing plans and strategies, sales, import & logistics, procurement, Omani government tenders, organizing projects & events, import fireworks for festivals, NOC available, have car. Contact 94123939.

Email: 002015r@gmail.com Indian male, MBA with around 15 years of experience as Senior Sales & Marketing Manager in building materials with valid driving license release available.

Contact: 93510350 10+ Years Exp , 8 years In UAE , in Logistics ,Warehouse & Inventory looking for Job. Contact Number -00968 98096086

MISCELLANEOUS Indian male BBA graduate, Looking for any suitable post.

Contact: 97691779 Indian male 27 MBA Graduate with experience looking for job in finance, Logistics or new field in OmanContact: 90884252, Email: tamjeedruk@gmail.com 4years and 7months experienced Female seeking job related to Office Job, Data Entry and Desktop Administration. Completed Diploma in Computer Science.

Contact 96135431 28,male, ACCA finalist, BSc Honours, have 4 years of professional experience in Finance, NOC available, seeking for permanent replacement at a Senior Position,GSM-97654769,email id-abdullah.nooralam@gmail.com Indian/male (26) MBA/ 2 years experience in procurement, coordination and distribution management, with valid Oman license available for immediate joining.

Contact: 92536194 email:suhailbs@gmail.com 23 year old Indian female, postgraduate in commerce with one year experience looking for any commerce related job in Muscat.

Currently in Muscat till 5th January 2017 on visit visa.

Contact number 96765202 Completed MCA and have 2 year experience looking for suitable jobs. Contact :9193400 email: jintajob@gmail.com

Indian male 26 years of experience of sales & marketing in surgical and laboratory equipments.

Looking for good replacement.

Contact – 92015894 /95774854

Indian male 21 bachelor’s of commerce (B.com) looking for salesmen or any new field job in oman, on family visit visa.

Contact: 94562777, Email: hammadakrami61@gmail.com

Indian male age 24, B.Com. having 2 year experience and currently in visit visa. Looking for suitable placement in Sales, Marketing & finance. Contact: 90766307 Email: shhaazz.007@gmail.com

Indian male mechanical supervisor having 2 years good working experience having knowledge in auto cad searching for suitable job.

Mobile: +919790585887 Mail: layobabin200.lb@gmail.com

Indian Origin, Portuguese Nationality male MBA (Marketing) excellent English vast multi-tasking experience 29+ years in Admin HR/PR Logistics sales facility management with Oman driving license seeks suitable placement. #94034168 Email: sheriagnes@gmail.com

28,male, ACCA finalist, BSc Honors, have 4 years of professional experience in Finance, NOC available, seeking for permanent replacement at a Senior Position,GSM-97654769,email id-abdullah.nooralam@gmail.com

Indian male 37 years MBA graduate in marketing with 9yrs of experience in UAE in field of brand promotions & marketing with UAE D/L on a visit seeking suitable position. Conatct 95792820 Oil & gas experienced Indian lady with 6 years in sales & marketing to PDO and having valid Omani driving license.#96143430 / 99875919 Indian male 26 yrs, Graduate, 3 years experience with Air India seeking suitable opportunity with reputed firms. Contact: 98847095 Indian Male, 26 M.Com with 4 yrs of Experience in Accounting & Administration in a Financial Company in India, seeks suitable job, Currently in India. +918907212253 Akhil:-93626288, Email: Sumeshpsmkr1989@gmail.com BBA Bachelor of business administration exp in custom clearance procedure, also done international logistics management & Nimb National Institute business management (US) certification all documentation work related logistics. contact – 91949050 / akram.chaush001@gmail.com Indian Male, MBA marketing 5 yrs exp. in sales & 4 yrs in FMCG sector, looking for best opportunity.

NOC available. Contact: 96001877 Indian male Graduate with 18 years of Marketing experience presently in Oman on family visit visa, looking for best opportunity.

Contact: 96168687 Email: dhibupaul@gmail.com Indian female 29 years Post Graduate with computer Knowledge 2 years of Oman experience in coordinator & 5 years of experience in customer service, client relation officer with excellent communication skill seeks suitable placement. Contact: 95337665

TOURS & TRAVELS Indian female 25 yrs, Bachelor in Travel & Tourism and 2 year exp in Oman as Travel consultant .GDS-Sabre, Amdeus. NOC Available.

Contact- 95883404

Assistance Accountant 6 yrs experience include in Oman B.Com, Tally & excel advance level.

Contact: 98002428 Male 22 years B.Tech Mechanical Engineering University (India) looking for suitable job. Possession of driving license, fresh Graduate no work experience. #97792809 HSE / Safety Engineer with 10 years exp having NEBOSH,OSHA seeks job (NOC available).

Contact 94165784 Male B. Eng in wireless networking (UK, Coventry university) seeking for suitable opportunity.

Contact: 96292450/ 99869692 B.Tech Electrical Engineer 9 years experience transmission substations and distribution Majan CEP , MEDC electrician license , driving license. Contact: 99545470 Email: liju982@gmail.com Light Driver looking for job.

Contact: 99594946 B.E Mechanical Indian/(quality control and quality assurance certification) 2 years experience in field of production and projects.

Contact 0096879063064 Email:sayedwasif@gmail.com Indian Male (44), MBA, 19 yrs experience in Oman. Present Industry: Natural stones for construction. Responsibilities: Production, Business development and overall management. Looking for an immediate opening. # 90992631 Indian female B.Com, MBA in Finance, 5 years experience in Oman as an Accountant, looking for a suitable placements.

Contact: 99044292 / 94431842 B.S.c in Electrical Engineering, 5 years experience.

Email : engmmg25@yahoo.com Indian Female, 22 BBA Graduate, Looking for suitable jobs in Accounting/ Admin/ Purchase/ Secretarial with good Communication skill and computer knowledge, Settled in Oman. Cont: 92511657, 97334325, 93626288, Email:Sumiap1421@gmail.com

WANTED

Indian male- sales representative with 15 years experience in Oman and Dubai and valid Oman driving license. NOC or release available.

Contact :99624700

Urgently required looking to immediately buy used Grit blasting & airless spray equipment 1 No each. Contact 968 24810930 / 93203772 / 93203773 / 93203778

18 YRS in Oman, Indian, expertise in the field of administration, accounts and sales looking for senior level position. Serious parties only pls. contact: 96331725 email:-sainmct@gmail.com

NRI

Indian male electrician (EEE) Safety Officer good worker searching for suitable job. Gmail Id: benatvinith@gmail.com, Contact : 8098221471 / 7639675548 13 years experience Indian Accountant Tally, Busy Accounting.

NOC/Release available.

Contact : 96133146.

Email:kkcjob786@gmail.com Indian female having B.Tech degree in biotech. Having computer skill & having experience in marketing administration seeking suitable job in any field.

Contact: 91287047 Indian female (27) MBA (IT), BCA, CCNA, 2 years experience in IT operations in Oman. Graduated from Oman with good analytical, programming skills, presented in international conference, seeking suitable IT/Admin positions.

Contact: 93672143. Email: fathima.shoukath@gmail.com Sales & Marketing Manager with around 10 years experience in India & Gulf looking for a suitable placement, have a valid Omani driving license, NOC available.

Contact: 98125226 Indian male 27Yrs, BTS : MTM (Mater of Tourism Management) 3 years’ experience in Tour Operation; & Sales Marketing; Ticket reservation & Front office looking for suitable placement, on visiting visa Ph:98837395 , bijothomas427@gmail.com Indian female M.Tech (Biotech) with computer knowledge having experience in marketing, administration & accounting with resident visa seeking suitable job.

Contact: 91287047 Email: valliammai1000@gmail.com

Full furnished 2 BHK apartment for sale at Elamakkara, Ernakulam, 2 km vicinity Bavans School, Lulu mall at 55 Lac for NRI investment, rent out. Contact: +968 94442391 / +91 9961883223

MATRIMONIAL 29 years Latin Catholic boy hailing from Kollam, working in a reputed company in Muscat, looking for a suitable girl working in Muscat or India. Contact 93871802 or +919544474275.

Seeking alliance from well settled Ezhava boys for an Ezhava girl 28 yrs 158cm, Utharam star M.Tech and currently working in Oman for a reputed Govt. organization.

Contact: 90951677 / 95219895 Pakistani national well settled in Oman seeks suitable alliance fom Phillipina national ladies, please contact at whats app 968 96279927 Marriage makers widow/ divorce/ new for Indian Kerala & Indian Muslims. Contact: Whatsapp: 00968 98796982 & calling 98604960 Ezhavaboy age 28 height 174cm Star anizhamBTech working in Oman Seeks suitable alliance.

Contact 99430227

TRANSPORTATION House shifting and transport.

Contact: 96737158 Transportation. Contact: 94087276 Transportation. Contact 91703829 Transportation. Contact: 98178135 Transportation. Contact 90558627 Transportation. Contact 94510847 Transportation. Contact 92015894

M O N DAY, O C T O B E R 1 7, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

RENT A CAR

RENT A CAR

25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver.

Contact 99839898

DRIVING

Female Driving Teacher training professionally in both Khuwair Ghubrah and Azaiba, mawalih and Alkhawd. With good English Language for connect No.95133981

SITUATION WANTED BUSINESS SITUATION WANTGOOD NEWS Ayurvedic treatments & massage – Ayurvedic Clinic Al Khuwair.

Contact 97263637 / 93309131 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com Car care, care for your car stop worrying about your car. Enjoy your vacation peacefully. Here is a solution for safe parking and cleaning your car when your car when you are away on vacation. Taking very good care of your car, trust us.

Contact: 96964767

LOOKING FOR SUB CONTRACTING JOBS

An SME’S excellent grade construction company is looking for civil subcontracting jobs.

We are specialized in interlocking, block work, plaster work etc.

Contact 91433508, Email : business@aljammaza.com

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D8

M O N D AY, O C T O B E R 1 7, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED TOURS

SITUATION WANTED COMPUTER/WEB./ EDU./CLASSES

Karate and self defense classes at Azaiba 18 Nov Street. RO 10 per month twice a week Monday and Tuesday 6. 30 TO 7. 30. PM. Contact: 98294551

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

SITUATION WANTSERVICES MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807

Pest control & Building cleaning all kinds of pest control building. Cleaning tiles / Marble polishing monthly/ Yearly contracts available.

Contact: 98814733 /98814740 Al Husn Cleaning L.L.C

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi

WE SERVE OMAN

SERVICES We Provide Cleaners, Office boys, Cleaning Contracts, General cleaning etc.

Al Mudakhir National Est. LLC Contact : 94277020

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

Window unit & split unit A.C servicing & repairing - Barka, Mabela, Ruwi area. Contact: 99557080

Maintenance, Sub contract work electrical work, plumbing work.

Contact: 97895741

House shifting packing.

Contact: 99657644 / 98518013

We do building maintenance all kind of works.

Contact: 99247663 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting,Plumbing,Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. Contact: 24810137, 99450130

Split unit & widow unit A.C servicing & maintenance Barka, Mabela, Ruwi area.

Contact 95323517 We undertake new construction & maintenance & gypsum works.

Contact 92711506, ammarayyub@gmail.com Pest Control Treatments.

Ocean Center L.L.C. #99344723 Marble Crystallization & Grinding, Ocean Center L.L.C. Contact 92705130 Affordable rates all types of curtain blind. Contact: 99539521/ 95615642 Carpet & Sofa Shampooing General Cleaning & Polishing Ocean Center L.L.C. Contact 24707833

Split unit & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance - Barka, Mabela, Ruwi area. Contact: 96236476

• Learn in two months • Satisfaction guaranteed

Tel: 95244310

Painting & plumbing work.

Contact: 95963682 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

MANPOWER We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman. Contact 99839898

SITUATION WANTFOR LADIES Romantic Beauty Parlour Special packages, Facial, Eyebrow, Haircut, Waxing or Henna, 15 RO. Contact- 99410160/99467033

T I ME S OF OMAN S PECI A L SU PPL EMEN T

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

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FAHMY FURNITURE

Fahmy offers top quality solutions in home, office furniture: Said Al Hinai Shahzad Raza shahzad@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Fahmy Furniture is determined to offer its growing base of customers quality solutions in both home and office furniture that exceed their expectations. This was stated by Said Saleh Al Hinai, Managing Director, Fahmy Furniture, perhaps the biggest home and office furniture showroom in Oman.

“Having shown total commitment to meeting our customers’ wide and varied preferences, Fahmy Furniture has become one of the favourite places for furniture shopping in Oman,” he added.

Talking to Times of Oman on the occasion of Fahmy moving to a new building in Azaiba, Said spoke about his company’s journey from a modest beginning 43 years ago to a large group today that owns many prestigious brands Oman is proudly exporting to many countries around the world.

The journey so far As someone who focused on service and standard from the very beginning, Said Al Hinai is proud of the fact that their business ethics were liked by their customers.

“We made a very humble beginning back in 1973 when we opened what was just a 200 square meters’ furniture showroom in Ruwi. We started to receive good response from the market as people seemed to appreciate the class and quality Fahmy Furniture had brought to the market. Once we got a firm foothold in the market we launched Poly

Products in 1979 that produced Raha mattresses. In 1985 we moved to a much larger showroom in Al Khuwair as Fahmy Furniture became a house hold name for both classic and modern furniture in Oman. We were also able to set up another division, Al Khoud Steel, that produces steel furniture for offices under the brand name Hadid. Now in 2016 Fahmy Furniture has moved to a sprawling new premises in Azaiba that houses one of the largest furniture showrooms in the country.

Secret to success When asked what led to Fahmy becoming so successful, the MD said, “We have been extremely conscious of quality from the very beginning, which has paid us in the long run. Our success story is a result of teamwork; I have not done it alone. We have all worked together to follow our dream. The whole Fahmy team is one family and I am one of them.”

Explaining further about the brand, he said, “Back in 1973 we were looking for a name for our furniture showroom that the people of Oman could easily associate with.

We named it after my three-year old son Fahmy, an Arabic name that means intelligent.

“People look for quality and style in furniture specially when they are buying this for their new home. We have been able to deliver that quality and plenty of options in style.

Fahmy Furniture is proud of the

We have been extremely conscious of quality from the very beginning, which has paid us in the long run.

Our success story is a result of teamwork; I have not done it alone. We have all worked together to follow our dream Said Saleh Al Hinai Managing Director, Fahmy Furniture fact that it has now become the preferred choice for both public and private sectors.”

Growing competition When asked about the growing competition in Oman’s furniture industry, Said Al Hinai said his company loved the competition.

“Competition has contributed to making us better than before. The more it is, the better we become.

Our sales have grown in recent years. We are now better placed in terms of market share. With the experience of doing business for 43 years now, I can say with confidence that Fahmy is not afraid of

competition. We are doing pretty well,” he added.

Major exports Responding to a question about the major export markets for their products, Said Al Hinai stated, “Our focus on quality has served us well and won our company and products worldwide recognition. Currently, we are exporting many products, including Raha and Cloud Nine mattresses and steel furniture, to the world, particularly to the Middle East, Australia and UK, which have the highest standards for quality control. It is a testament to the quality of our products that nearly

60 percent of our production is exported to the outside world. We are proud of the fact that we have supplied mattresses to over 500,000 hotel rooms across the world.”

Talking about his future plans, he said Fahmy Furniture was going to focus on the current business so that it stays in line with modern trends and continues to grow stronger.

“We are going to use this period of market slowdown to introduce more technology and modern designs in the home furniture for our young customers. We want to keep a constant eye on future trends so that we can cater to the requirements of our customers looking

for both classic and modern furniture,” he added.

Advice to young Omanis The veteran businessman had a piece of advice for the young Omani professionals as well as entrepreneurs wanting to become successful business leaders.

“Apart from a certain set of skills, They must bring honesty to the table. These young Omanis must also select a business in which they are confident of finding success. If they are sincere and honest to their company or their business there is no reason they won’t be successful,” he added.

If you are running your business well, you’re serving your country: Director Shahzad Raza shahzad@timesofoman.com

A household name for best quality, class

Customer satisfaction key to our success: GM

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MUSCAT: With Fahmy Furniture moving to a sprawling new showroom in Azaiba, its Director Saif Saleh Al Hinai is happy that his company is contributing to the country’s economy by running a successful business.

“We have worked hard to reach where we have and we are a responsible corporate citizen aware of its responsibilities to society.

While we are contributing to many social causes I feel running a business well means you are serving your country,” he added talking to Times of Oman in an interview.

Saif Al Hinai, a finance professional, was studying when his brother Said Al Hinai set up Fahmy Furniture. He worked for Ministry of Finance for some time before joining Fahmy.

Special occasion When asked how he felt about the new milestone, he said: “It’s a special occasion for us and we are obviously happy to have moved to a bigger and better premises. Everyone likes growing but for us our customers are more important than a building. We are glad to know that our customers are very happy with what we have done.”

Responding to a question about the growth, Saif said: “Ours is a service-oriented company that thrives in meeting or exceeding its customers’ expectations. We

are proud to offer a range of furnishing products that few can in this country. We have tied up with quality suppliers from around the world to be able to offer the best in home and office furnishing.

People know what to expect from Fahmy — best products backed by the best service.”

Focus on quality Talking about the company’s focus in the face of growing competition, he said Fahmy counted on the quality as well as the service it provided to win new customers.

“Our customers know this and keep coming back. They trust Fahmy Furniture and we have never let them down. That is precisely why many others who had come into the furniture business have disappeared. People come to furniture showrooms carrying dreams about their homes and will not compromise on the quality and service. We excel in offering both which results in our customers’ unwavering loyalty and trust,” he added.

Saif Saleh Al Hinai, Director, Fahmy Furniture. – Jun Estrada/TIMES OF OMAN

Wide range of furniture When asked what made Fahmy the customers’ favourite, Saif explained thus: “Fahmy offers a wide variety of furniture as our customers come from all parts of Oman. We have excellent range in classic furniture which is mostly preferred by those coming from the interior, who like

larger bedroom sets and sofa sets.

Fahmy also offers the best in modern furniture with an array of latest designs and styles which largely attract those living in the capital or other major cities.”

How are they coping with the market slowdown?

“Market conditions are affecting everyone but we have the advantage of having our own workshop and our own factory, which help us in maintaining our share of the market. If we are losing on one side, we are gaining on the other too.

CSR and Omanisation Fahmy feels it is doing its bit to help society in many ways.

“In my opinion, if you are running a business well you are serving your country. However, we have always tried our best to support Omanisation but the problem with Omani employees is that they don’t stay for long. We provide excellent working environment to our employees, particularly Omanis, and do as much as we can to help them. Fahmy is a responsible corporate citizen and contributes to various community causes. We actively support a number of social organisations in Oman in terms of giving them furniture free of cost.

We also extend similar support to schools, mosques and health organisations,” he explained.

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FAHMY FURNITURE A household name fo

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bright thought of contributing to the Sultanate of Oman’s growth and development by serving its nationals, residents and expats alike led to a humble beginning of a small furniture outlet in down town Ruwi. This entrepreneurial venture Fahmy Furniture today has become a household name as one stop shop for furniture, furnishings and accessories for over forty years now.

Fahmy Furniture was started as a family business in 1973 by two brothers Said Al Hinai and Saif Al Hinai. With time and boldness, together with its clients and partners, Fahmy Furniture has made a distinct mark in its area of business with constant upgradation in its services, as well as in the range of products offered. The company initially focused on products for the home but with time and ever changing market demands it was extended to furnishing elements for the office spaces. A humble beginning that started as a passion for its promoters backed by its transformation into a destination for buying quality furniture for both domestic and office needs

was spread over an area of almost 10,000 square meters in up market in Al Khuwair for the last 27 years.

Spurred by growth and the desire to be more innovative, collaborative and sustainable, Fahmy Furniture understood the need for a new environment that would reflect its expertise as well as express the new way of working with clients, vendors and market trends.

With this challenge the new sophisticated, spacious and most admired showroom at Azaiba was opened in 2016 which highlights a design that reflects and encourages better collaboration with the client and expresses the desires for furniture revolution.

The above changes at Fahmy Furniture were made possible by the vision and drive of its promoters supported by a team of professionals drawn from Human Resource, Marketing, Finance, Information Technology, Administration, Logistics and Certified Interior Design teams spearheaded and continuously guided by its General Manager J.S. Charles, who has been quite successful in introducing new trends and transforming various developments in each of these sections within the company thanks

to his vast experience of more than three decades.

“With the value addition of its interior and joinery workshop and professional design team that has been developed for over a decade now and with this vast history and experience carried forward to this day, we design and manufacture bespoke furniture for domestic, corporate and government projects,” said Charles.

The furniture is manufactured using highly automated industrial machines and the timber is selectively sourced; always of the highest quality and internationally certified.

“Our professional design team offers a comprehensive CAD service which enables our client to visualise the space available and its utility. We also offer a special 3D rendered photorealistic image which articulates the client’s requirements in details with the company image, color and theme, culture and identity all integrated in the floor plan of office spaces, domestic (residential) and hospitality sectors. The design team can achieve a very comprehensive and versatile concept that perfectly fits any architectural design, which stands as an unquestionable proof of the many prestigious references

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and projects we have executed over the past many years,” he explained.

The product portfolio at Fahmy Furniture has a wide spectrum which enables it to plan and furnish all areas of office and domestic needs. “Our ‘Office & Contract’ product line offers a range of applications for flooring, ceiling, wall covering, individual offices, open plan offices (workstations) and compact office layouts, to furnishing management offices, communication and training areas. It is also complemented by wide range of office chairs, break out furniture, lounge seatings, conferencing tables and storage systems. Our domestic product line offers a wide variety of living room, dining room, bedroom and garden furniture along with fabrics and curtains, soft furnishings and accessories,” he added.

Its sister concerns Poly Products and Al Khoudh Steel Furniture add to its product portfolio of providing quick and immediate solutions to hospitality and office steel furniture needs. Poly Products is one of the largest manufacturers in the Middle East of superior quality bonnel and pocketed spring mattresses and beds, pillows and bed linen products, sofas and seating products,

1989-2016

1973-1988

or best quality, class

flexible foam and foam mattresses under the brand name of ‘RAHA’ meant for use in homes, hotels and institutions. Al Khoudh Steel Furniture Industrial Company is one of the leading steel furniture manufacturers in the Middle East and is the largest in the Sultanate of Oman.

“We are recognised as the front runners in every aspect of the business we do with our products, ser-

vices and solutions that help our customers to succeed and build their dream living and work spaces.

We are a solid long-term furniture company making sure our customers are successful with us than with our competitors. We also ensure that our entire team enjoys a safe work space promising professional and personal growth,” said the general manager.

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T IM ES OF OMAN SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

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FAHMY FURNITURE

Customer satisfaction key to our success: GM

Shahzad Raza shahzad@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: Customer satisfaction over a period of time has played the most crucial part in Fahmy Furniture becoming a household name in Oman, said J.S. Charles, General Manager of one of the most popular showrooms in the country, in an interview to Times of Oman.

Credited with turning around the company’s fortunes from a retail outlet for domestic furniture to a flourishing contract furnishing business, Charles has relied on his foresight and business acumen while leading the company’s operations.

“Most importantly a platform of great reputation had already been established by our Directors, with the honesty and commitment to serve the Oman public with the consistent quality as per the latest trends in the market,” he said.

Explaining the major turnaround, he said, “The general competition between retail furniture outlets was fierce and this strategy of diverting and innovating into contract business gave the company stability to progress further and within a span of six years the company ratio of corporate versus retail went up to a sizeable business which is commendable. Since then till date the company has been striving to take this mission forward and follow the objective of a collaborative and client friendly business approach offering solutions to all their needs.”

“Our success also doubled with the inclusion of a full-fledged Joinery Division in 2004 where turnkey projects became possible without the need to outsource or sublet any contract. Now, the division is fully mechanised with the latest machinery and skills,” he added.

Excerpts from the interview: With the opening of a grand showroom in Azaiba, Fahmy Furniture has come a long way. What has been the journey like?

“Since its humble beginning in a small shop in Ruwi in 1973 Fahmy Furniture has undertaken a lot of homework, trials and experiments to determine people’s perception of good furniture; what is appealing and comfortable to their senses.

The journey was challenging but the changes at Fahmy Furniture

We believe customers are the key to any successful business.

A satisfied customer is likely to send more business back to the company J.S. Charles General Manager, Fahmy Furniture were made possible by the vision and drive of its promoters supported by a team of professionals drawn from marketing, finance, information technology, administration, logistic and qualified interior designer headed by me, bringing in various developments in each of these sections within the company.

The hard work paid off and the journey became easier when Fahmy Furniture started penetrating the domestic and corporate business of furniture industry. Putting a credible name in this type of business took a lot of risk, talent, hard work, and above all, hours of insightful decision-making. As they say, make the right call and you advance to the next level, Fahmy Furniture made those right calls and still is consistently making the right ones.”

What has been the single largest reason for Fahmy Furniture’s success?

“The largest reason for Fahmy Furniture’s success is customer satisfaction and its continuous patronage. We believe that customers are the key to any successful business.

A satisfied customer is likely to send more business back to the company.

We have always strived to put more efforts in keeping our customers

satisfied to the best of our ability.

We try and achieve this by adding more value to our products and service with a minimal delivery lead time. We also attribute our success to the long and healthy relationship we have enjoyed over the years with our reliable and world renowned partners. Continuous upgrading of products and portfolio has enabled us to achieve our goals.”

With a lot to choose from in a very competitive market, why should a customer opt for Fahmy?

“Fahmy Furniture has proven its credibility and sincerity in building the relationship with its clients by providing the best products and services over the past forty years.

With our long years of experience in the furniture industry, we have determined the desires and needs of customers, for both domestic or office interior. We have been able to retain satisfied customers using our products for more than two decades and they are doing the marketing for us because they are the ones who know the value of our long-lasting products and quality of services we have provided them over the years.”

Fahmy Furniture has a large portfolio of products. Which ones

are the most popular and why?

“Fahmy Furniture caters to both domestic and commercial spaces; however, it is difficult to single out one particular brand or products as we have equally good sale of both domestic and office furniture. We have successfully furnished and executed villas, accommodations and hospitality projects. At the same time we hold contracts and are standardised with some of the major corporate and ministries in the Sultanate. We have world renowned partners in office furniture which make us very strong in office chairs and systems which put us one step ahead of our competitors.”

Do you have plans for further expansion? Any plans for diversification in the same business or outside it?

“Fahmy Furniture has been the leading name in the furniture industry in Oman, but we still keep on trying to expand and magnify our market. We have now moved into a new and bigger showroom in Azaiba as a solution to the growing demands of our customers. The new showroom offers a wide range of domestic and office furniture displayed in a conception order for the delight and satisfaction of our

clients. One can also discover more about the various accessories available which blend with the furniture concept and style. Market diversification becomes the need of the hour depending on the trends in the market. Lots of furniture companies are emerging nowadays, and these circumstances encourage us to be more aggressive and bold in our craft by introducing new items in our long list of products.”

Are people of Oman brand conscious while selecting their home furniture?

“Yes, people here in Oman are very brand conscious when it comes to selecting furniture for their homes and I believe that the level of consciousness is increasing day by day.

One of the reasons for this is, they want to be sure that the quality of the furniture they are buying is worth their money and the second could be the influence the younger generations inherit from the country they do their higher education in whereby understanding the trends and style of the furniture. Most of them are interested to know the item’s country of origin, and the materials specifications of the product.

Also, most of the clients would want a written warranty upon purchase.”

In how many ways does Fahmy support creation of a dream home?

“Fahmy Furniture provides a lot of services in creating people’s dream home. We have different teams with trained professionals that cater to all the needs of a client from design conceptualisation up to building their dream home. Our more than a decade old interior and joinery workshop has developed with this vast history and experience carried forward to today, to design and manufacture bespoke furniture for innovative home. Most of the manufacturing techniques are highly automated and the timber selectively sourced is always of the highest quality and internationally certified. We are proud of having skilled and motivated team members who are highly committed to producing quality products and implementing positive change. Their “do it right the first time” attitude is matched with the company’s modern equipment to produce quality certified products with innovative designs. We have sketched the outline of the kind of company that we are and want to be. We have identified the value that we want to cherish and that is the value of satisfying the customer needs.”