Times of Oman - May 18, 2015

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MONDAY, May 18, 2015 / 29 Rajab 1436 AH

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Nine a day become illegal immigrants Statistics showing the rate at which workers abscond

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TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

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Cancel visa, residency before leaving Oman

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There are instances of people getting denied residence in some Gulf Cooperation Council countries since they already have a residence in another GCC country. Therefore, it is always better to cancel your existing Omani visa and residence permit while you are exiting Oman. >A4

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MARKET

Top executives pay packets on the rise

Oman’s crude exports up 10%

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Oman’s crude oil exports surged ahead by 10.2 per cent to 78.39 million barrels in the first quarter of 2015, compared to the same period last year. However, the average price of Oman crude in the international market dipped by 41.5 per cent. >B1

Tier-one executives in Oman are paid between OMR12,702 and OMR14,585 per month across all sectors, a market research survey has revealed.

With the GCC’s growth again on the upswing, pay packets are rebounding to former levels. >A6

have prompted calls for a debate on the reasons why

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SALEH AL SHAIBANY REJIMON K T R A I N F R E S H G R A D UAT E S

saleh@timesofoman.com reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Nine expat workers run away from their employers every day on average in Oman, according to statistics from the Ministry of Manpower.

The figures have reignited calls for investigation and debate on the causes, as the Sultanate offers an immigration amnesty to illegal expatriates to turn themselves in without penalty. According to the ministry, the construction sector tops the list of absconders.

Labourers, carpenters, electricians and plumbers in the construction make up 70 per cent of absconders with salesmen and workers in showrooms in the retail sector making up the second largest number of absconders.

The domestic workers sector ranks third.

“The numbers of expatriate absconders in the country is rising all the time. It is not getting any

Call for steps to curb poaching of Omanis RISING NUMBERS: Labourers, carpenters, electricians and plumbers in the construction sector make up 70 per cent of absconders with salesmen and workers in showrooms in the retail sector making up the second largest group. - Photo: Times of Oman

better. I think it is time the government conducts a proper study why it is happening. We need to document this problem and create a database so we can learn from it. This is the only way we can solve this problem. We have to stop assuming that it is the fault of absconders and blame them. Employers need to take the responsibility as well,” Hareb Al Harmi, an independent manpower expert, told Times of Oman.

A Ministry of Manpower official told Times of Oman that a

IS rebels on verge of capturing Iraqi city

study has been proposed to find the reasons for workers fleeing away from employers so that the ministry can take corrective measures.

Labour law While commenting on the absconding workers issue, an embassy official said that workers should follow the labour law and avoid landing in trouble by going into hiding.

Rough estimates from four main embassies state that around

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O M A N I S AT I O N P R I O R I T Y

Opening of Intercontinental hotel set to add more jobs Times News Service MUSCAT: With Oman’s tourism sector witnessing strong growth, a new five star Intercontinental Hotel Golf Resort and Spa is set to open its doors in September 2018, a venture that is likely to create 300 to 350 jobs in Oman.

Speaking to the Times of Oman, CEO and Chairman of Muscat Hills, His Highness Sayyid Al Rawy Kais Al Said, said this is for the first time that a five star hotel will open on a nonbeach front area.

“The hotel will have 250 keys and will create around 300 to 350 jobs, maintaining the Omanisation standards,” he said.

The engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract will be awarded in the last quarter of this year while the construction work for the hotel will be completed in 24 months.

All investors have signed the shareholder’s agreement on May 14, 2015.

Muscat Golf Course Project LLC, the major shareholder, signed the pact with all other shareholders namely Oman Investment Fund, National Bank of Oman and PACRIM. “The signing of the shareholders pact signifies a long standing

LANDMARK PROJECT: The construction work of Intercontinental Hotel Golf Resort will be completed in 24 months.

relationship that will provide valuable input and oversight for the project,” a spokesperson of Muscat Hills said.

The concept to develop a hotel within a prestige 18-holes golf resort located in the “new downtown” area of Muscat was at the forefront of the original planning. The signing with the operating partner, the Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG), took place in April 2012.

The initial focus on a business hotel concept was changed, slowing down the planning phase, and shifting the target market catering to both business and tourism, which saw positive growth over the last four years.

NBO CEO HH Sayyid Wasfi Jamshid Al Said commented, “The NBO is thrilled to be a part of this exciting project which will prove to be a landmark hotel in the heart of the most prestigious locations in Muscat.

We very much look forward to working together with a fantastic group of shareholders and board members to make this project a resounding success for all stakeholders.”

The pristine location of the hotel project — being on the golf course alongside the high end residential villas and apartments — has positively impacted the decision making of the shareholders. >A6

50,000 migrant workers are eligible to make use of the amnesty.

However, the numbers of overstaying, absconding and illegal workers who have registered with the ministry up until last week was only around 3,200.

Rabiul Islam, labour counsellor at Bangladesh embassy in Oman, said, “When a dispute arises, the worker should approach his embassy, the Sultanate’s labour department and the court to resolve the issues other than going into hiding.” >A6

MEHDI AL LAWATI

MUSCAT: While a two-year visa ban has been imposed on expatriates, no measures have been introduced to regulate Omani employees leading to a debate on whether there should be new rules to protect companies which invest in training citizens.

Speaking to Times of Oman’s sister publication Al Shabiba, Tawfiq Al Lawati, member of Majlis Al Shura, said, “Efforts to train nationals goes in vain when a larger firm poaches employees.

There needs to be a protection plan for organisations which significantly invest in training Oma-

nis, otherwise their growth will be hurt.”

He also criticised larger firms for ‘luring’ employees, asking, “Why do they have to poach, when they can train fresh graduates? An agreement is needed to tackle this problem.”

P.V. Venkatesh, principal consultant and business head at MPower HR, said that rules and regulations are ‘definitely’ required to encourage training of locals, as firms are concerned about their continued employment, and “a no-poaching pact should be considered for employees with less than three years of experience,” he added. >A4

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MONDAY, MAY 18, 2 015

OMAN TEMBLOR

Minor quake in Sea of Oman Times News Service MUSCAT: Seismographs at the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) earthquake monitoring centre have recorded an earthquake of 5.0 magnitude that hit the Sea of Oman, yesterday.

The earthquake struck at the depth of 16 kilometres, east of Makran and 242 kilometres off the shores of Muscat, the Oman

News Agency (ONA) reported.

The earthquake will not affect the population or utilities, it said in the report. Oman meteorological department also reassured the public that the tremor will not trigger a tsunami.

An earlier report based on the United States Geological Survey recordings put the magnitude of the earthquake at 5.1 on the Richter scale.

TIMES QUIZ TROPHIES PRESENTED Indian School Wadi Kabir, whose teams won the junior and senior categories of the Times of Oman Inter School Quiz Contest (TOOISQC), were presented with the Essa bin Mohammed Al Zedjali Rolling Trophy for their respective categories with the school’s name engraved on them. Times of Oman officials handed over the trophies to the students. Indian School Wadi Kabir’s Rahul Rathnakar and Chethan Sethu lifted the juniors title of the Omantel Times of Oman Inter School Quiz Contest held at the City Amphitheatre recently. Indian School Wadi Kabir’s Ashwin Titus and Vishaal Udandarao lifted the senior title. -AR Rajkumar

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MONDAY, MAY 18, 2 015

OMAN

People want to develop and move upwards in their careers. It is not a good idea to restrict their development; they would eventually move to gain the desired experience.

It’s in the interest of the firm to develop its employees, with the aim that they remain Tonia Gray, General Manager of Competence HR

LEGAL COLUMN

Expat leaving for another country should cancel Omani visa, residency This mail is written on behalf of the newly appointed lecturers and technicians working at a college in Oman. Some of us joined in December 2014 and until now we have not received a single rial as salary or furniture allowance. While enquiring about the same, our colleges reply that processing is very slow from the concerned authorities’ side so we have to wait. However, people in other colleges of technology receive furniture allowance and salary in one month’s time. We have left our families and country to work in Oman for a better living. But we have not got a single rial until now. We are

finding it difficult to buy our food. We are staying in the college guest house since we arrived here. What can be done in this regard? We are afraid to reveal our names or lodge a complaint.

There is no point in hesitating to lodge a complaint with the concerned authorities if you have genuine grievances to settle.

What is the other route available to you for solving this issue? You can call the attention of senior officials at your work place citing your plight and seek their immediate intervention in the matter.

I am working in Oman with residence/employment visa

on my old passport (cancelled). Recently I got married and changed my passport to include my wife’s name in the new one. I have got an offer from a Dubai company and I want to move to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Can I go to the UAE without cancelling my Oman residence/employment visa, which is on the old passport as I have already got my employment visa for the Dubai company a few days back, on the basis of details of new passport? Will I be able to get a UAE residence?

There are instances of people getting denied residence in some GCC countries since they already

have a residence in another GCC country. Therefore, it is always better to cancel your existing Omani visa and residence while you are exiting Oman. Residence may be granted to you in the United Arab Emirates since your visa is issued on the basis of particulars of the new passport provided by you.

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in this column are for general guidance purposes only.

They are based on facts presented to us and are not substituted for expert legal advice.

Readers are advised to seek legal assistance for specific legal issues. Times of Oman and Khalifa Al Hinai Advocates & Legal Consultancy do not assume any responsibility towards anyone on this matter.

Egyptian troupe in a colourful dance show The Mahmoud Reda Performance Troupe has an interesting history as an innovative folkloric dance company that emerged in 1959 and was a leader in Egypt for a couple of decades SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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sarah@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Many performances at the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM), such as the operas and symphonies, date back over 200 years but still feel fresh and new.

Sadly, the dance show by Egypt’s Mahmoud Reda Performance Troupe, though upbeat and colourful, felt stale, outdated and trapped in the past.

To be fair, the Mahmoud Reda Performance Troupe has an interesting history as an innovative folkloric dance company

UPBEAT: Though traditional, the dancing was well performed and was quite captivating. – Khalid Al Busaidi/ROHM

that emerged in 1959 and was a leader in Egypt for a couple of decades. At the time Mahmoud Reda’s choreography was probably some new and different, though inspired by his homeland with dances referring to cities like Luxor and Alexandria or cultures

like the Nubians.

Yet 50 years later it feels like nothing about the company has changed. The dances that may once have been impressive no longer cut it. From the first dance number, which featured dances skipping and waving their arms

while lip syncing to an upbeat Egyptian song, there was a sense that little ensemble had done much to modernise over the years.

The choreography was quite dull and worn out.

The use of lip syncing to recorded music was quite shocking to see at the ROHM. The original group had live musicians and knowing the richness of the music scene in Egypt, it’s a shame this hasn’t been maintained. There was one singer who was featured a few times, and he had a lovely voice, but he would have shone brighter with live musicians supporting him.

There were a few numbers that were interesting, including one featuring belly dancers in soft pink, green, yellow and orange outfits. Though traditional, the dancing was well performed and quite captivating. A Nubian-inspired dance that featured men in white costumes and turbans and women in colourful dress covered by sheer black was also more engaging and reminiscent of Bedouin culture. The traditional “stick-dancing” also brought some fun energy to the stage.

The ROHM should be applauded for bringing a variety of artists and ensembles to Oman, and in the past a number of Egyptian stars, including Omar Khairat, Ammar El Sherei and Sherine, have truly impressed its audiences. Considering the number of people who left at the intermission and lacklustre applause, the Mahmoud Reda Performance Troupe missed the high standards one has come to expect at the ROHM.

POACHING OF EMPLOYEES

A1 ‘It is in the interest of < FROM

companies to retain staff’

Venkatesh further said the agreement would help stabilise work forces at their respective firms and retain the investment made in their training, “While poaching can never be fully prevented, such measures would, to a great extent, reduce its intensity.”

However, poaching is ‘a fact of life’, says Tonia Gray, General Manager of Competence HR said, “People want to develop and move upwards in their careers. It is not a good idea to restrict their development; they would eventually move to gain the desired experience. It’s in the interest of the firm to develop its employees, with the aim that they remain.”

She stressed that smaller organisations, which are particularly affected, are responsible for retaining their employees.

Gray, however, suggests a ‘Claw back agreement’ to protect firms, “This kind of agreement is frequently used in the west. It allows the organisation to reclaim costs if an employee doesn’t remain for a fixed period after finalising a training programme.”

For example, she said, “A firm invests in a programme that costs OMR2,500. If an individual leaves within one year after completing the programme, he signs an agreement to repay this money. If it is within 18 months, maybe 50 per cent is to be repaid.”

She also notes, “The period during which the investment is

However, smaller companies find it difficult to invest in human resource development and become a target of larger established organisations when it comes to poaching talented and skilled employees

repaid should vary depending upon the amount of money and duration of the training program undertaken by the individual. It would be unreasonable, for instance, to invest OMR100 and expect an employee to pay that back 18 months later. Each agreement would have to be considered on a case by case basis.”

Omani businessman Pankaj Khimji, director, Khimji Ramdas said, “We at KR are very people driven and employ nearly 2,000 nationals. KR does not support any sort of restrictions on movement of employees from company to company irrespective of nationality. We never have and don’t intend to in the future either.”

He suggested “incentives by extending tax rebates should be an ideal way to encourage employing and retaining nationals”.

Pankaj believes “training and up-skilling is part of a large organisations culture. However smaller

companies find it difficult to invest in HRD and become a target of larger established organisations when it comes to poaching talented and skilled employees.”

He feels, “hence it’s necessary to enforce a minimum time period in the employment contract at the time of hiring talent. This should be legally enforceable.”

Pankaj feels restrictive practices like the two year ban does not reflect well on Oman’s image as a respected developing nation. “The IT and the oil and gas industry is well known to hire short term and rotate talent on a ongoing basis. That’s the norm! The ban simply puts a dampener on Oman’s ability to attract the right talent in these sectors,” he says.

Pankaj says, “Certain sectors should be allowed to hire and relieve personnel irrespective of nationality, according the duration of contracts the company has.”

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H A R M O N I S E D 2 0 2 0 G C C P O P U L AT I O N C E N S U S

Frameworks, partnerships for GCC census discussed Times News Service MUSCAT: Frameworks for register-based censuses, and building successful partnerships among the institutions concerned with administrative records and national statistical authorities, were discussed by experts on the first day of a workshop organised

by Gulf Cooperation Council Statistical Centre (GCC-STAT) here on Sunday.

The workshop on “Country practices in censuses based on administrative records” was held as part of preparations for HarHONING SKILLS

Registration for Oman Summer of Code begins Times News Service MUSCAT: To sharpen the application developers skills of Omanis, the Information Technology Authority (ITA) announced the beginning of registration for Oman Summer of Code programme last Thursday.

Registrations will remain open until May 21. It is a national youth programme in the fields of application development and IT solutions, launched by ITA in 2013, to give developers an opportunity to work on various projects using ‘Free and Open Source’ software to create applications that can be adopted in different work environments over a threemonth period.

In addition to gaining exposure to real-world software development scenarios, the participants will walk through an intensive training and orientation programme.

monised 2020 Population Census of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The workshop being held over three days, saw the participation of GCC-STAT experts, in addition to experts from Denmark, Poland, and a number of officials of the authorities dealing with statistics in GCC countries.

On its first day, the workshop showcased two main themes. The first theme discussed the frameworks and preconditions for register-based censuses, which deal with the common concepts and definitions, reference conditions and maintaining quality at

all stages of the register-based census process. The second theme reviewed building successful partnerships among institutions concerned with administrative records and national statistical authorities.

The workshop will continue on Monday and the two main themes will be discussed. First will be the requirements of building administrative records systems while the second will be statistical methods of collecting administrative data through discussing preparation of data collection and methods for refining and processing.

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MONDAY, MAY 18, 2 015

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Through your interest in Japanese language and culture, I consider you all ambassadors of Japan George Hisaeda, Ambassador of Japan to Oman

E X P L O R I N G J A PA N E S E C U LT U R E

Japanese language students learn country’s culture SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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Qaboos University. It is a dream come true for me and one of my highlights as ambassador of Japan in Oman. We also celebrate the ongoing success of the Oman-Japan Friendship Association’s Japanese language course,” Hisaeda told his guests.

For the students the occasion was a welcome one. Arwa Al Mamari, who has been studying Japanese for the past two months through the Oman-Japan Friendship Association, said she wanted to experience the culture first-hand.

Diplomatic ties Japan and Oman have had diplomatic ties for the past four decades but it is only in the past year that Japanese classes have been regularly available in Oman. Hisaeda said he hoped the students would make use of their newfound language skills in the future by pursuing careers or business opportunities that further unite the two counties.

“Through your interest in Japanese language and culture, I consider you all ambassadors of Japan,” Hisaeda added.

Language interest When she was a student at Sultan Qaboos University she took at one-week course about Japan which sparked an interest in the language and culture.

She noted that this was her second time tasting sushi and her first time drinking cold green tea, which she loved.

“I want to see the Japanese lifestyle, the people, how they eat and dress. They are so different and that’s why I want to discover them. They are very respected and friendly people,” she said.

sarah@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: George Hisaeda, Ambassador of Japan to Oman, welcomed female Japanese language students to his home on Thursday evening to let them explore Japanese culture as a way to complement their language studies.

‘Ikebana’ The students, who study Japanese at Sultan Qaboos University and through the Oman-Japan Friendship Association, had opportunity to learn about “Ikebana,” the Japanese art of flower arranging, try

LEARNING NEW SKILLS: The students got an opportunity to learn about ‘Ikebana’, the art of flower arranging, ‘Yukata’, the traditional summer dresses, and the way to cook sushi. - Photos: Sarah MacDonald

on Japanese “Yukata,” which are traditional summer dresses, and learn about sushi with a speech by the ambassador accompanied by a demonstration by his chef.

Hisaeda said he held the event to help the students with their language studies since understanding culture is an integral part of acquiring a language. He said it also

AMNESTY SCHEME

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A1 ‘Migrant workers ruin their

lives by going into hiding’ “By taking a decision on their own and by going into absconding, they will land in more and more trouble,” he said.

An Indian social worker expressed the same view.

“Absconding is not at all a solution. The workers will be ruining their life by going into hiding.

Hardships they have to face as an absconder will be beyond imagination,” Shaji Sebastin, a Muscatbased social worker, said while adding that the low number of workers seeking amnesty at the embassies is disappointing.

However, a migrant rights activist said the reasons behind why a worker goes into hiding should also be studied in detail.

“Majority of the migrant worker go into hiding after they land in a hostile situation following a dispute with the employer. But running away from the employer is not a solution. The disputes should be resolved legally. The moment they worker develops a dispute with the employer, they should seek their embassy help and resolve it,” Bheem Reddy, a migrant rights activist and a legal advisor in India,

said. Under the current amnesty, the government has asked all absconders and illegal workers to come forward so they can return home without punishment.

In 2005, more than 40,000 went home voluntarily and about 60,000 returned in 2007.

Labour inspectors, in collaboration with the police, rounded up more than 4,000 illegal workers last year, 10 per cent more than in 2013.

This year so far, more than 900 have been arrested and deported.

The amnesty, which began on May 3, will continue until July 31.

marked an important development in education in Oman.

“This event is being held first to celebrate the opening of the Japanese language course at Sultan

Salary increases showcase GCC’s growth upswing Top executive salaries Pay packages

Yearly basic incomes (OMR thousands) Sector

Range (from lower to higher)

rebounding to former levels, after a fall

Banking

230

384 307 Average

in 2014, as average NEW HOTEL

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incomes across the

Real estate

134

211

173 Average

region register a 7% 0

100

200

Source: Times News Service

“The Oman Convention Centre’s fast paced construction has also added to the mood to take up and add the last element of the first ITC golf resort project which is the only one of its kind in the Sultanate of Oman. The design team is confident that the project will reach the ground breaking stage by the middle of the fourth quarter of 2015,” the spokesperson added.

The hotel will feature about 250 guest rooms, leisure facilities with swimming pools and spa facilities with “hammam, gymnasium and treatment rooms, and restaurants, a ballroom and fully equipped meeting facilities and enhanced business services.

Times News Service

FIVE STAR HOTEL: The hotel will feature about 250 guest rooms, leisure facilities with swimming pools, and spa facilities.

DUBAI: Tier-one executives in Oman are paid between OMR12,702 ($33,027) and OMR14,585 ($37,921) per month across all sectors, a market research survey has revealed.

With the Gulf Cooperation Council’s economic growth once again on the upswing, pay packages are now rebounding to former levels, after a fall in 2014.

According to market research, average incomes across the region and across different sectors have registered a 7 per cent surge in 2015.

Meanwhile, top-tier executive salaries have seen a whopping 39 per cent hike in some sectors in the GCC. CEOs in the construction sector – incidentally, the highest-paying sector for senior management executives in the region – now get up to OMR461,940 ($1.2 million per annum) as basic pay.

“The construction and real es-

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400 Graphics

tate sectors have experienced exponential growth last year. Toplevel executives in these sectors are now in a position to reap the benefits of the momentum.

“Companies too stand to benefit with the value these talented executives are capable of adding to in leading organisational development and augmenting income,” said Mohamad El Turk, Partner at Rasd.

The pioneering regional executive search firm boasts of 25 years of market experience in the GCC and specialises in connecting quality leadership talent with enterprises serious on building organisational capability in high growth markets.

Confirming this, an owner of a construction company, Rashid Khalfan, said that salaries in the construction sector in Oman have risen, as they have experienced exponential growth over the last few years.

“You have to pay more to get the best talent on board,” he said.

Lagging slightly behind the construction sector in top-level executive pay scales are the commercial banking sector’s CEOs, who earn basic incomes of anywhere between OMR230,879.99 ($600,000) and OMR384,950 ($1 million.)

Meanwhile, executives within the real estate, consumer goods retail and automotive sectors are now drawing anywhere between OMR134,680 ($350,000) and OMR211,639.99 ($550,000) per annum.

“Another trend we’re noticing is the need for candidates who have a profound understanding of local market dynamics. A trend that is driving companies, that are particular about their requirements, to invest in attracting talented indigenous executives who understand the corporate and cultural challenges and, as a result,are able to capitalise on the promising economic outlook in the region,” added El Turk.

Once again, this year Saudi Arabia and Qatar remain the highest paying countries within the GCC, especially for professionals in CEO-level roles.

Nadim El Said, Managing Partner at Rasd, explained: “The cultural component plays a big role when hiring in GCC countries.

Multinationals are willing to pay significant amounts, especially for highly skilled leaders who also exhibit cultural-compatibility. This trend is even more pronounced with local groups and conglomerates, who seek leaders possessing a deep understanding of the region and who can communicate effectively with native stakeholders.”

MO NDAY, MAY 18, 2015

REGION

Nearly 300 people have been killed in four days of fighting since IS launched an assault on the Syrian desert oasis city of Palmyra on Wednesday The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group

UN envoy urges truce extension Yemeni political parties begin talks in Riyadh to find a solution to the crisis

SANAA: A UN envoy called for an extension of a five-day humanitarian ceasefire in Yemen due to expire on Sunday as the Houthi rebels boycotted political talks in Riyadh.

The appeal followed clashes VERDICT

Egypt hangs six for killing army officers CAIRO: Egyptian authorities on Sunday hanged six men convicted of killing soldiers, police said, ignoring appeals to spare them amid allegations two of them had been in custody at the time of their alleged crimes.

A military court upheld the death sentences last March, following a trial in which the six were convicted of carrying out the attacks in the months after the army’s overthrow of president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013.

Prosecutors said they were members of the Sinai Peninsular-based Ansar Beit Al Maqdis militant group, which late last year pledged allegiance to the IS organisation.

The sentence was carried out by hanging in a Cairo jail, according to officials.

Some of the men had been arrested when police and soldiers raided their safe house north of Cairo in March 2014. — AFP

between rebels and pro-government forces across south Yemen on Saturday despite the truce, which has largely held since it began at 11:00pm (2000GMT) on Tuesday. “I call on all parties to renew their commitment to

this truce for five more days at least,” UN envoy to Yemen Ismail Ould Sheikh Ahmed said in the Saudi capital.

“This humanitarian truce should turn into a permanent ceasefire,” the Mauritanian diplomat added.

Yemeni political parties began talks on Sunday in the Saudi capital aimed at finding a solution to the crisis. But the Houthis stayed away from the meeting of about 400 delegates including President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, who has taken refuge in Riyadh. — AFP

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WA R - T O R N

IS pushed back from Palmyra DAMASCUS: Syrian troops pushed IS group militants back from the ancient city of Palmyra on Sunday, easing fears over the world heritage site, after fighting that left hundreds dead.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said nearly 300 people have been killed in four days of fighting since IS launched an assault on the de-

sert oasis city on Wednesday.

The toll comprised 123 soldiers and loyalist militiamen, 115 IS fighters as well as 57 civilians, dozens of whom were executed by the militants, the Observatory said, quoting sources on the ground.

On Saturday the militants pressed their offensive and seized the northern part of the modern

town of Palmyra, known as Tadmur in Arabic, but were driven out by regime forces.

“IS’s attack was foiled,”said provincial governor Talal Barazi.

He said the army was “still combing the streets for bombs” after recapturing the northern districts. “The situation in the city and its outskirts is good,” he said. — AFP

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MONDAY, MAY 18, 2 015

INDIA

We Mongolians take immense pride in our long historic and cultural bonds with the people of India Chimed Saikhanbileg, Mongolian prime minister

India, Mongolia boost ties for ‘strategic partnership’ Modi, while speaking at the banquet hosted

Ours is a relationship that is not measured on the scale of commerce or driven by competition against others. It is a relationship of immeasurable positive energy that comes from our spiritual links and shared ideals

in his honour by Mongolian Prime Minister Chimed Saikhanbileg, said the ‘ancient relationship’ between the two countries has got new strength and momentum with his visit

Narendra Modi WARM GREETINGS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, and Mongolian Prime Minister Chimed

ULAN BATOR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said ties between India and Mongolia are not driven by competition against others but it is a relationship of immeasurable positive energy that comes from their spiritual links and shared ideals.

Modi, while speaking at the banquet hosted in his honour

by Mongolian Prime Minister Chimed Saikhanbileg, said the “ancient relationship” between the two countries has got new strength and momentum with his visit, the first by an Indian Premier to the country.

“This is a memorable day for India, for my delegation and me. In less than 24 hours, we have experienced true friendship. We have seen rare grace and generosity of a great people. We have experienced the beauty of your land,” Modi said at the dinner.

“We have nurtured our spiritual links. The visit to the Gan-

Prime Minister

Saikhanbileg shake hands during a signing ceremony in Ulan Bator on Sunday. - AFP

den monastery will be a source of joy forever. We have soaked in the richness of your culture at the mini-Naadam festival,” he said.

After talks between the two Premiers, it was announced that India has extended a $1 billion credit line to Mongolia for infrastructure development as they upgraded their ties to “Strategic Partnership”.

“Ours is a relationship that is not measured on the scale of commerce or driven by competition against others. It is a relationship of immeasurable positive energy that comes from our spiritual links and shared ideals,” Modi said.

“It is the energy that seeks the well being of our two nations and the common good of the world.

This is a form of energy that has enormous power to be the force of peace, progress and prosperity

in the world,” he said. Mongolian Premier Saikhanbileg, who wore a bandhgala at the banquet, said, “We Mongolians take immense pride in our long historic and cultural bonds with the people of India.”

“The importance of a journey is not measured by the distance covered, but by the destination reached. The visit may be short.

But, the outcomes are substantive and significant. In the course of one day, we have imparted our ancient relations new strength and momentum,” Modi said.

He highlighted that the two countries’ political understanding and commitment have become stronger, economic cooperation has scaled new heights and security cooperation has expanded.

“So, as we celebrate 25 years of democracy in Mongolia and 60

years of our diplomatic relations, we know that the best for relationship lies ahead of us,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday gifted Mongolia a Bhabhatron, the indigenous machine developed by Indian scientists for cancer treatment, in the first demonstration of bilateral cooperation in the civil nuclear sector.

Modi, on a two-day visit to Mongolia, the first-ever by an Indian Premier, drove down to the National Cancer Centre here and gifted the centre the equipment to boost cancer care.

“It is state-of-art nuclear medicine cancer therapy machine, developed and manufactured in India,” he said about the machine developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.

Earlier on Sunday, while ad-

dressing the country’s Parliament, Modi said the Bhabhatron equipment “can help treat cancer in Mongolia. This will be the first demonstration of our cooperation in the civil nuclear sector”.

An MoU was earlier signed between India’s Tata Memorial Centre and Mongolia’s National Cancer Centre for gifting of Bhabhatron-II Tele-therapy Unit along with a Radiotherapy Simulator.

Mongolian Prime Minister Chimed Saikhanbile thanked India for its support for the development of peaceful use of nuclear energy in Mongolia, and appreciated the gesture of providing the Bhabhatron and the simulator to the centre. On the second leg of his three-nation tour, Modi is on a two-day visit to Mongolia and will leave for South Korea on Mondayfrom here. - PTI

C H H ATT I S G A R H

Three police personnel, two ultras killed in gun battle RAIPUR: Three police personnel and two Maoists were killed in a gun-battle between security personnel and ultras in dense forests of Chhattisgarh state’s Bijapur district on Sunday, police said.

The skirmish between the troopers and guerrillas took place near Jappemarka village under Mirtur police station limits on Sunday morning, Bijapur ASP Indira Kalyan Elesela said.

The incident occurred when a joint team of Special Task Force (STF) and district police was on an anti-naxal operation in Gangaloor and Mirtur areas, around 450km away from the state capital, when it was ambushed.

When the squad reached Jappemarka forests, a group of armed rebels opened indiscriminate fire at the forces who returned the fire, the officer said.

The gunfight lasted for around two hours, after which the naxals fled into the core forests.

“An STF jawan and another (jawan) from district police force died in the incident while another constable-rank jawan succumbed to his injuries while being evacuated. Besides, two Naxals were also killed in the incident,” he said.

The ASP said reinforcements were rushed to the spot after the incident, and bodies of the policemen and Naxals are being evacuated and brought to Bijapur district headquarters.

Keeping in view the sensitive nature of the region, the forces are extra-cautious while carrying out the casualty evacuation operation, Elesela said, adding combing operations are underway to trace the ultras. The deceased personnel were identified as Sitaram Kunjam, the STF constable, Moti Ram (28), assistant police constable with district reserve group, and Payku Ram Poyam (26), a constable, the ASP added. A cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the spot, he said. - PTI

W E AT H E R

Six killed as heavy rain lashes Kerala THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rains lashing Kerala since Saturday have claimed at least six lives, including that of five persons from Tamil Nadu, who

drowned in Pozhiyoor estuary.

Police recovered the bodies of 34-year-old woman, Thayuba, her daughter Sabura (13) and 3 other children-- Salahudeen (14),

Fathima (12) and Marhaba (14), all relatives, on Sunday.

They were washed away in the rough seas in the sea off Pozhiyoor on Saturday. - PTI

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INDIA

CHIEF ELECTION COMMISSIONER

‘Bihar Assembly elections possible in September-October’ NEW DELHI: Assembly elections in Bihar, where BJP is set for a battle against a united Janata Parivar, are likely to be held sometime in September-October when extensive central forces and a reworked expenditure monitoring system will be deployed to curb money and muscle power.

The electoral rolls will be ready on July 31, Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said, terming the polls in Bihar as “mother of all elections”.

Going by precedents, the election timings would be somewhere in September or October, he said, adding they are yet to begin the SECURITY SCARE

Air India pilot ‘found drunk’ before flying at Sharjah airport NEW DELHI: The commander of a Delhi-bound Air India flight from Sharjah via Kochi was found to be allegedly drunk by airport security just prior to flying, forcing the carrier to replace the senior crew member at the last minute,sources said.

Air India said it is conducting an inquiry into the incident, which took place on Saturday, and based on the findings action would be taken against the pilot.

“With reference to the Sharjah flight, the inquiry is being conducted and necessary action would be taken accordingly,” said an Air India spokesperson.

The spokesperson, however, did not comment when asked whether the airline had de-rostered the pilot pending the inquiry.

Sources said that the pilot was found drunk when he was going through a security check point. They added that the security officials informed the airline staff, after which he was taken off duty. - PTI WEDDING GIFT

Rs1m reward for bride who preferred toilet to jewellery MUMBAI: A Maharashtra bride who got a “toilet” as her wedding gift from her kin as she preferred it over jewellery will now be given a cash reward of Rs1 million by a sanitation NGO for taking a stand on the issue.

Inspired by ‘Swachch Bharat’ campaign, the woman from Akola district insisted on a toilet in her in-laws’ house, placing basic sanitation needs much ahead of other wedding presents.

Lauding the inspiring step by Chaitali Galakhe of Andura village in Balapur tehsil of Akola district, Sulabh International on Sunday announced Rs1 million cash award for her.

While making the announcement, noted sanitation expert and mentor of Sulabh International Bindeshwar Pathak termed Chaitali as a great inspirer and messenger of sanitation.

Chaitali got married to Devendra Makode from a village in Maharashtra’s Yavatmal district. Those who attended her marriage on May 15 at Andura village in Akola were surprised to see a new item on display, along with other usual household articles which form part of the articles given by parents/ relatives of the bride to her during the wedding.

Standing tall along with other items was a toilet.

The pre-fabricated toilet with a water closet, a wash-basin and mirror standing around one foot above the ground, was the cynosure of all eyes at the event.

“Five days after my marriage was fixed, I came to know that there is no toilet at my in-laws’ house,” Chaitali said.

“I told my father and uncle to provide a toilet. They fulfilled my request. I think it is more useful than some of the other items normally given during marriage,” she said.

Her father finally accepted her demand and got a pre-fabricated toilet for her to be installed at in-laws’ place. - PTI

process on finalising a schedule.

He said the EC will have to take into account weather conditions, festivals, exams, holidays, heavy monsoon, heavy rains and floods before arriving at exact schedule.

Zaidi also refused to go into the number of phases in which the assembly polls will be held.

“Abuse of money is a big problem in Bihar. Therefore, this time we are going in for more systematic efforts. Certain legal amendments are yet to come from the Law Ministry. But within our powers, we have launched expenditure monitoring,” Zaidi said in an interview.

He said the EC has undertaken

mapping of all constituencies of Bihar into three categories.

Where EC finds maximum sensitivity, it plans to deploy central police forces “well in time.” “...we will identify this time persons who serve as a channel for distributing bribe or for distribution of liquor, distribution of gifts.

This assessment is still going on and we hope to come up with a re-strategised expenditure monitoring which we will roll out at an appropriate time,” he said.

The Commission would be using voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) in 36 of the 243 assembly constituencies. The CEC said

the number of such constituencies could increase. VVPAT is a method of providing feedback to voters using a ballotless voting system.

An EVM will have a small attachment to it which after pressing the button for a desired candidate, will print that name on a paper.

It will be stored inside the machine and can be used in case of any controversy over the final result.

Considering left-wing extremism that affects parts of the state, he said an assessment of central paramilitary forces is also going on.

“Because this is a stand alone election, I hope sufficient, adequate paramilitary forces will be

made available. We will come out with a strategy on this.”

Asked if he could specify the number of personnel in terms of companies, Zaidi said at an appropriate time the EC will come out with a number.

“The only thing I could say that there would be a very very effective use of CPMF, because this is a stand alone assembly election.

“There would be sufficient number of forces available. Asked about the challenges in conduct of elections in India, he said this year the EC is faced with Bihar.

“It is said to be the mother of all elections, if I can say so,” he said,

adding that some states like Bihar face three-four areas of major challenges. “...we must ensure extremely higher participation of voters and this is coupled with the fact that in some of these challenging states, the elections have to be free... means our voters in some pockets should not be intimidated, threatened, not to be victimised by...

“The muscle power has more or less disappeared. So that is one major challenge that we will face...in Bihar also where there is a traditionally low turn out. In last elections, it was only 52 per cent,” Zaidi said. - PTI

MO NDAY, MAY 18, 2015 When rescue services arrived, all six children, three boys and three girls, were found dead Mohammad Basharat, Police official

N E W S PA P E R R E P O R T

‘Germany’s spy agency helped US find Osama’ BERLIN: Germany’s foreign intelligence agency helped the CIA track down Osama bin Laden in Pakistan where US special forces killed the Al Qaeda leader, according to a German news report published Sunday.

The BND spy service provided a tip-off that bin Laden was hiding in Pakistan, with the knowledge of Pakistani security services, according to the Bild am Sonntag report, which was published as the agency is battling heavy criticism in a spy scandal.

The information came from a BND informant within Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence agency and confirmed CIA suspicions, said the newspaper report which cited unnamed US intelligence sources.

The American source was quoted as saying the German tip-off was of “fundamental importance” in the hunt for the architect of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Pakistan has denied that it knew bin Laden was living within its borders or that it had advance knowledge of the 2011 US special forces operation which killed him in a walled compound in the city of Abbottabad.

The German newspaper said that ultimately US services tracked down bin Laden’s exact location by following one of his couriers, as Washington has said.

Listening post The report also said the BND used its Bad Aibling listening post in Germany’s southern Bavaria state to monitor telephone and email traffic in northern Pakistan to ensure the secrecy of the planned US Navy SEALS’ operation.

News portal Spiegel Online pointed out that the newspaper report about the German spy agency’s “apparent act of hero-

The BND spy service provided a tip-off that bin Laden was hiding in Pakistan, with the knowledge of Pakistani security services, according to the ‘Bild am Sonntag’

Parents of slain Peshawar pupils issue ultimatum Members of the Shuhada Ghazi Forum on Saturday said that if justice is not served, they will be forced to Islamabad in front of the National

PESHAWAR: Over five months have passed since Peshawar’s Army Public School was stormed by armed militants who ruthlessly murdered as many as 151 students and school staffers. Since then, constitutional amendments have been inked and the country has meandered through different courses of action in order to put an end to the existing threat of militancy.

Back home in Peshawar, families who lost their loved ones to the carnage are yet to overcome the sense of helplessness that still encompasses their lives.

Killers unnamed At the same time, they have to struggle with the reality that their children’s killers remain unnamed – a demand they have made time and time again.

Bereaved parents have once again berated the government

Bannu girl Sadia aims to bring back squash glory to country

Eyes gleam Her eyes gleam as she expresses how she wants to bring squash back into the mainstream, and do so by becoming the first ever woman legend in the world of squash from Pakistan.

Today, 19-year-old Sadia does not only play the game within the country, but in the past few years her hard work has taken her to

Nineteen-year-old Sadia Gul does not only play the game within the country, but in the past few years her hard work has taken her to places around the globe. She has been named one of the 50 most powerful women in Pakistan in a recent poll held by a local newspaper, her father Sher Khitab said with pride places around the globe. She has been named one of the 50 most powerful women in Pakistan in a recent poll held by a local newspaper, her father Sher Khitab said with pride.

Importance of education However, the passion for squash has not resulted in her brushing aside the importance of education.

Presently, Sadia is studying and to keep herself connected with the academic side of the sport, she has opted for courses such as health and physical studies and home economics.

Sadia was born in Bannu — a place where a woman wandering outside the premises of the house is a sight seldom seen— but her family later moved to Peshawar when she was four years old.

The stringent rules in her native town never affected her career as

FURIOUS: Pakistani parents leave the Army Public School with their children after it was reopened following an attack there by Taliban militants in Peshawar on January 12, 2015. — AFP file photo

Assembly

AMBITION

PESHAWAR: She did not think of playing with dolls and plastic utensils as a child, what occupied her mind instead was a sport that is seldom an aspiration for girls.

At the tender age of 10 when Sadia Gul played squash for the first time, her vague dreams took a shape and from that point onwards she started investing all her efforts and energy in the tournaments she played nationally and internationally.

Since she was so driven by sports, her father often took her to Qayyum Sports Stadium to let her see how sportspeople end up playing a perfect game after putting in hours of effort.

On one such evening, 10-yearold Sadia went to the stadium with her father who was going to visit his friend and a squash legend of Pakistan, Qamar Zaman.

Seeing Sadia’s passion for the sport, Zaman told her father to let her play. She was given a racquet and left to deal with the ball, and she took up the challenge as it was a chance for her to move from the spectators’ stand to the court. She has not looked back since.

The stadium she once went to as a visitor has become a second home for Sadia who frequents the place for regular practice.

When asked why she chose squash to satisfy the sportswoman in her, she says she wants to revive the game that has faded into near oblivion after legends like Jehangir Khan and Jansher Khan left the courts.

“They ruled the world of squash for nearly four decades and now that they are no longer playing, no one has come forward to keep the game alive in the country,” she said.

PAKISTAN

launch protests in ism” was published “right in the middle of the BND affair” and asked “is it plausible?”

The BND has been accused of helping the US National Security Agency (NSA) spy not just on extremists and criminals but also on political and business targets, including the French government, European Commission and Airbus Group.

The claims -- and questions of how much the office of Chancellor Angela Merkel knew about the reported joint snooping -- have occupied German politics and media for weeks, and are subject to two parliamentary inquests.

Merkel has pledged to testify before the panels if asked, while her Social Democratic Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel has heaped pressure on her, demanding her office reveal the search terms for electronic surveillance which the NSA gave to the BND over the years.

On Sunday Gabriel demanded Merkel’s government show “backbone” and release the classified list of search terms even if Washington objects to their publication. — AFP

a sportsperson as her parents and brothers did not let that happen.

Her parents, she says, supported her dream ever since she told them about it and her brothers too never disapproved of her choice of spending hours practising in the court instead of staying at home and learning household chores.

“My brother drove me here (to the stadium), they always encourage me,” says Sadia.

However, she finds the government’s disinterest in sports promotion disappointing. “I wish the government supports me more so I make a name for the country yet again in squash.”

Nevertheless, she adds, the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited has supported her by sponsoring her tours abroad and within the country for various tournaments she is usually occupied with.

— Express Tribune

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for its “all talk and no action”. Addressing a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club on Saturday, members of the Shuhada Ghazi Forum said if justice is not served, they will be forced to launch protests in the federal capital in front of the National Assembly.

“We were promised that those who were behind the murder of our children will be brought to justice and given exemplary punishments,” said Ajun Khan, the forum’s general secretary.

Heads will roll “We were assured heads will roll following the unforgivable security lapse and that investigation findings will be made public,” he said, adding their children are no more but they formed the platform to ensure no child ever goes through what their offspring did. “Every parent in the country should join us in our struggle.”

The forum’s general secretary added they have yet to understand what threat defenceless school-

children posed to the militants.

“We will head to Islamabad in mid-June,” he added.

Father of victim Sher Ali and the forum’s coordinator Tufail Khattak urged the government to form a judicial commission to conduct an enquiry. Khattak juxtaposed the federal government’s double standards in dealing with law and order in different parts of the country. “If joint investigation teams can be formed to investigate target killing in Karachi, then why not investigate the biggest terror attack in our history?” he questioned.

“Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan assured us that he will pursue our case and ensure it is adequately investigated but he is yet to fulfil his promises,” another bereaved parent Nasir Khan said.

Nasir said the school attack opened the floodgates against militancy and the government was forced to formulate the National Action Plan. — Express Tribune

TRAGEDY

Fire kills six siblings in Lahore fire LAHORE: A fire caused by an electrical short circuit killed six siblings as they slept in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore on Sunday, police said.

The fire broke out in the early morning at a two-storey house in the Shad Bagh area of Lahore while the family was asleep, local police station official Mohammad Basharat told AFP. “When rescue services arrived, all six children, three boys and three girls, were found dead,” Basharat said.

The mother was rescued alive but wounded and has been hospitalised, he said, adding that the father was not at home when the fire broke out.

The siblings included three boys and three girls namely: Zain, Azan, Aizan, Minahil, Dua, and Umnia.

Amongst the six Azan and Aizan were twins, both being one and a half year old.

Lahore’s senior administration official Mohammad Usman confirmed the incident and said that the victims were between seven and 16 years old.

Three of the children suffocated, he said, while the other three died of their burns.

Funeral prayers Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the incident, and sought a report from the authorities in this regard.

The funeral prayers for the deceased were held yesterday afternoon.

Lahore is the second largest city of Pakistan and capital of the politically influential wheat bowl province of Punjab.

In December last year a fire erupted in a busy market in Lahore that killed 13 people. — Agencies

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Housing apartheid, American style

T

he riots that erupted in the American city of Baltimore last month were reminiscent of those that consumed cities all over the country during the 1960s. This rage and unrest was thoroughly explained five decades ago by President Lyndon Johnson’s National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, also known as the Kerner Commission. The commission’s report was released in 1968 - the year that the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. touched off riots in 125 cities - and contains the most candid indictment of racism and segregation seen in such a document, before or since.

The commission told white Americans what black citizens already knew: That the country was “moving toward two societies, one black, one white - separate and unequal.” It linked the devastating riots that consumed Detroit and Newark, New Jersey, in 1967 to residential segregation that had been sustained and made worse by federal policies that concentrated poor black citizens in ghettos. It also said that discrimination and segregation had become a threat to “the future of every American.”

As part of the remedy, the commission called on the government to outlaw housing discrimination in both the sale and rental markets and to “reorient” federal policy so that housing for low- and moderate-income families would be built in integrated, mixed-income neighbourhoods, where residents would have better access to jobs and decent schools.

Soon after the King assassination, Congress passed the Fair Housing Act, which banned housing discrimination and required states and local governments that receive federal housing money to try to overcome historic patterns of segregation and to “affirmatively further” federal fair housing goals. But the effort was hampered from the beginning by local officials who ignored or opposed the goal of desegregation and by federal officials, including presidents, who simply declined to enforce it.

A growing body of evidence suggests that America would be a different country today had the government taken its responsibility seriously. For example, a Harvard study released earlier this month found that young children whose families had been given housing vouchers that allowed them to move to better neighborhoods were more likely to attend college - and to attend better colleges - than those whose families had not received the vouchers. The voucher group also had significantly higher incomes as adults. But little of the promise of progressive-sounding laws was truly realised. The government’s failure to enforce the fair housing law can be seen throughout much of the country; metropolitan areas with large black populations have, in fact, remained highly segregated. — The New York Times

The plight of Rohingyas

T

he Rohingya people of northern Myanmar have been defined in the last year by UN agencies as the most persecuted people in the world. Despite having lived in Myanmar for generations, the Myanmar government defines them as illegal Bangladeshi migrants, and actively discriminates against them. Unwilling to go back to Bangladesh which does not want them either, they have now resorted to fleeing by sea, with sometimes disastrous consequences. In the last week, there have been heart-breaking scenes of emaciated men, women and children reaching up to catch bottles of water thrown by journalists who had found them in the open seas off Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. None of these countries want the Rohingya either, with Thai naval personnel boarding one boat full of Rohingya and Bangladeshis, repairing its broken engine, leaving water and food and then forcing the craft and its human cargo out of Thai waters, bound for who-knows-where.

The Rohingya are part of a vast human trafficking crisis that afflicts the countries of Southeast Asia. It demands an integrated and coordinated response if a human tragedy on a vast scale is not to unfold.

As with the similar crisis in the Mediterranean region and in the European Union countries — that is just not happening and there seems little likelihood that it will. Myanmar is threatening to boycott an upcoming regional summit, much to the outrage of the UN and human rights groups in the US and around the world. Human Rights Watch has termed the situation “a deadly game of human ping-pong”. It is not wrong. There are seismic shifts in human population movement globally, with millions fleeing war, persecution and poverty. Economic migrants mingle with the refugees from conflict, and the resources of destination countries are stretched, their internal political problems exacerbated by the migrant influx.

People smugglers continue to make a profit and we are days away from the creation of yet another maritime graveyard. The Rohingya lose again. —Express Tribune

Patients are unsure of the quality of treatment This refers to the news story, Oman health: Shortage of hospitals putting severe strain on patient care (May 18). In think Oman not only needs more hospitals but also more skilful doctors. At present, the patients are unsure about the quality of treatment at hospitals.

Rosy Bawa Muscat

Need to relax recruitment rules in the health sector This refers to the news story, Oman health: Shortage of hospitals putting severe strain on patient care (May 18). Oman needs more experts, such as doctors, pharmacists, nurses and others in the healthcare industry. However, for this to happen, the laws pertaining

to recruitment need to be relaxed in the country.

Kiran Kalyan Salalah

Healthier lifestyles need to be promoted by the media This refers to the news story, Oman health: Shortage of hospitals putting severe strain on patient care (May 18).I feel that there should be more focus on education for a healthier lifestyle so that fewer people require treatment at hospitals. The media has an important role to play in this. In my opinion, the media should consider leading the way by cutting down promotion of different types of junk food. I am sure such an action would be helpful.

Helen Sayers Muscat

COMMENTARY

Worldwide funding for education lagging GORDON BROWN

Today, the US and Education is central to achieving all of the other Sustainable Development Goals; it unlocks gains in health, women’s empowerment, employment, and overall quality of life.

The trouble is that providing for a proper education system requires at least 5 per cent of a country’s GDP and usually about 20 per cent of public spending

T

his year is a critical one for education worldwide. Despite a commitment by the international community to guarantee universal primary schooling, some 58 million of the world’s most marginalised children remain out of the classroom. And, as we seek to expand the international community’s commitment, so that by 2030 every child has the opportunity to attend secondary school, we must work hard to provide the necessary funding.

This is why the upcoming four-day World Education Forum in South Korea, the homeland of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, is so important. According to most estimates, providing universal secondary education will cost international donors an additional $22-50 billion a year, even after developing countries ramp up their commitments. If we fail to raise that money, the hopes and ambitions of millions of children are certain to be crushed.

The Forum will focus on how to bridge the funding gap. Later, on July 7, Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg and Foreign Minister Børge Brende will convene a summit in Oslo with the aim of raising education’s profile among global priorities, reversing negative trends in financing, and identifying ways to support students more effectively. Other conferences, including the Addis Ababa International Conference on Financing for Development, the Education International World Congress, an #UpForSchool Town Hall during the UN General Assembly, and the 28th Session of the General Conference of UNESCO, will provide forums for action and discussion.

It is fitting that the first of these events is taking place in South Korea and that Ban will be one of the key speakers. Ban’s personal story illustrates the difference education can make in transforming a life.

Raised in war-torn Korea in the 1950s, Ban’s elementary schooling – made possible by help from UNICEF – took place under a tree. UNESCO provided the books, which bore an inscription that read, “Children should work hard, and by doing so they will repay their debt to the United Nations.” No one could have imagined that one of those students would repay his debt by becoming Secretary-General and using that position to lead a campaign, the Global Education First Initiative, to provide others with the opportunity he received.

Education is central to achieving all of the other Sustainable Development Goals; it unlocks gains in health, women’s empowerment, employment, and overall quality of life. The trouble is that providing

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It is impossible to love and be wise FRANCIS BACON

for a proper education system requires at least 5 per cent of a country’s GDP and usually about 20 per cent of public spending. Few developing countries have undertaken spending on this scale.

For the time being, outside help will be essential.

There are clear limits to poor countries’ ability to mobilise the domestic resources needed to provide secondary education for all. The international community must help make up the difference by looking to private foundations, businesses, charitable organisations, and global and national funding.

The cause of education still lacks a major philanthropist like Bill Gates. And, although the Global Partnership for Education raised more than $2 billion in its replenishment effort, health programs have more funders, reflected in, for example, the $12 billion Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. Only recently has Norway assumed a vanguard role in making education of all children worldwide a national priority.

Currently, education accounts for only 1 per cent of humanitarian aid in emergencies, despite the fact that millions of children are refugees in need of help, not just for days or weeks, but often for years. Nearly half of the out-of-school population – some 28 million children – now reside in conflict countries, with millions trapped in refugee camps or tent cities.

Among the proposals being discussed at this year’s meetings is the establishment of a fund for education during emergencies and a coordination platform to help channel resources to places like Syria, where the conflict has left nearly three million children out of school.

Likewise, in Nepal, 25,000 classrooms are in urgent need of reconstruction or retrofitting to withstand earthquakes.

The effort to provide humanitarian aid in emergencies is just one part of the agenda for global education. Just as the International Finance Facility for Immunisation provides front-loaded funding mechanisms for health, we now must consider innovative financing instruments, like social impact bonds, that promise not only to increase enrollment, but also to improve student retention and learning.

Today, the richest countries in the world spend about $100,000 educating a child to the age of 16. In Sub-Saharan Africa, by contrast, an average child from a poor family will receive less than four years of education, at a cost of $150 per year – only $12 of which originates in the richest countries.

Our long-term aim must be to ensure that citizens of the world’s poorest countries have not only the same educational opportunities, but also the same educational attainment rates as their counterparts in richer countries. — Project Syndicate

Part-time jobs will help children to value money This refers to the news story, Omani students can now take up part-time jobs (May 17). I think expatriate children should be allowed to work part-time in order to help fund education. Such opportunities help them to get a reality check with regard to money.

My two sons had grown up here and Dubai but when my youngest returned to my home country he had no clue about money’s value.

Spencer Vanderpal Dubai, UAE

If expats get part-time jobs, Omanis will suffer This refers to the news story, Omani students can now take up part-time jobs (May 17). I do not agree that expatriates should be

allowed to work part-time as they hold the major chunk of jobs in the private sector. If this is allowed then Omanis will remain unemployed for a long time. My question is, will the Indian government employ Omanis if they are qualified?

The government should not make the mistake of allowing expat students to get part-time jobs.

Khader Nawaz Khan Salalah

No need to pay expatriate children for part-time jobs This refers to the news story, Omani students can now take up part-time jobs (May 17). I think expatriate children should be allowed to hold such jobs but without any remuneration.

Vaneesh Saxena Al Khuwair

Letters, containing not more than 200 words with full name, address and telephone number, may be sent by mail (Times of Oman, P.O. Box 770, P.C. 112, Ruwi), by fax (24813153) or by e-mail (times@omantel.net.om)

T I M E S OF OMAN

MO NDAY, MAY 18, 2015

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PERSPEC IVE Venezuela needs world’s help to fight oppression I

t has been almost a year and a half since the people of Venezuela took to the streets demanding change, and my country’s crisis has only gotten worse. Venezuelans of all backgrounds denounced our failed state and marched for a constitutional change of the current regime.

It was because we spoke out publicly against the government’s corruption and inefficiency that I and so many others are in prison. Last year, the United Nations found that I am being held in violation of international law, and I will not relent until the people’s demand is met: Democracy must be restored to Venezuela. To achieve this critical goal, we need an end to state repression, the release of all political prisoners and free and fair elections.

The Venezuela we live in today calls itself a democracy, but this is a facade. Under the heavy hand of President Nicolás Maduro, our country is in a profound economic, social and political crisis. We have a government that fears its people. Rather than listening to what its citizens have to say, it seeks to silence us. Forbidden from speaking out, from exercising our constitutional rights to freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly, we are persecuted; we are imprisoned; we are killed. Our media are silenced.

And now the president has even authorised the use of deadly force against protesters. At a time in our country’s history when we have the potential to be one of the world’s largest oil producers, our children have less food to eat, our sick can’t find medicine, our inflation rate is the highest in the world, our murder rate is the second highest and we have one of the most corrupt governments on Earth. All we seek are the rights guaranteed by our constitution.

Change can start with an end to the statesponsored persecution of those who think differently from the Maduro regime. This repression delegitimises the ruling government and makes a functioning democracy impossible. We also demand the release of all political prisoners. The more than 70 in Venezuela are merely a symptom of the overall poor state of democracy in the country. Our liberation, however, cannot be an isolated event but must be part of a process in which we restore a functioning democracy to our people. Those committing or complicit in serious human rights abuses must resign. And the judiciary and electoral commission must be free from the influence of the executive branch.

LEOPOLDO LÓPEZ

The Venezuela we live in today calls itself a democracy, but this is a facade.

Under the heavy hand of President Nicolás Maduro, our country is in a profound economic, social and political crisis

Maduro claims that those of us demanding change want to carry out a coup against the government. That is false. Let me be clear: The only transition of power I would ever accept is that prescribed in our constitution: Maduro’s resignation, a recall referendum, a constitutional assembly to review and propose amendments to our constitution or a change through the ballot box.

Venezuela is supposed to have parliamentary elections this year, but already we see worrying signs of electoral corruption. It is almost halfway through the year, and no date has been set for the vote. Should there actually be elections, we must have experienced, independent, international observers in the country, not just on election day, but in the months leading up to it. For us to have full faith in these elections, we need to know that those monitoring it will be impartial — a basic right that has become a luxury in today’s Venezuela.

To restore our democracy, we will need the support of the international community. Already, more and more countries are recognising the human rights violations in Venezuela. Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Spain, the United States and others have called for the respect of democracy in Venezuela and for the release of its political prisoners. I would like to thank these governments, especially the governments of the region, for their vocal support, but this rhetoric must be followed by action.

This month, Uruguayan diplomat Luis Almagro will become the new secretary general of the Organisation of American States, and he has the chance to demonstrate that the OAS still has relevance. Almagro has promised to return the organization to the principles of “democracy, liberty and human rights.” The OAS cannot say that it is a community built upon these values and then ignore the suffering of the Venezuelan people.

We must bring an end to this double standard for the sake of the millions of citizens dreaming of a peaceful democratic transition in Venezuela. We need change now. — The Washington Post López was mayor of the Chacao district of Caracas from 2000 to 2008 and is the leader of Venezuelan opposition party Popular Will. He has been jailed since February 2014 and is being held in the Ramo Verde military prison outside of Caracas.

Inequality in democracies creates havoc RICHARD K. SHERWIN

T

he decision to abandon relative peace and prosperity for brutal war and instability may seem irrational.

But young people, born and raised in democratic societies, have increasingly been yielding to the appeal of death-dealing groups like the IS, leaving their homes and families to kill in faraway places. Why has democracy lost the allegiance of these restless spirits, and how can it recapture the hearts and minds of others who would follow suit?

The philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once wrote that humans would rather will nothingness than not will anything at all. The leaden despair of lifelessness, impotence, and hopelessness is vastly less appealing than intensity – even if that intensity is found in violence, death, and destruction.

In short, it is a matter of meaningfulness, the presence of which motivates us, connects us to one another, and orders our lives. If it is missing – if, say, democratic ideals and institutions are failing to provide a palpable enough sense of community and purpose – people seek a sense of meaning

elsewhere, which in some cases leads them to malevolent causes.

This is the cultural challenge facing democracy today, and those who wish to maintain the freedom and promise of democratic societies ignore it at their peril. It is a challenge that should be recognized not only for what it says about living conditions in advanced democratic countries worldwide, but also because any crisis is also an opportunity – in this case, to recapture the meaning that lies at the heart of democracy.

The appeal of groups like the IS to young people reared in democratic countries highlights these societies’ growing disparities in educational and economic opportunity, which are breeding cynicism, resignation, and anger among those who find themselves locked out of the social elite. Feelings of hopelessness and despair at the centre incite extremism at the fringes.

Elites in the advanced democracies – say, the top 1 per cent of income earners – can hardly take comfort from such conditions.

Even the most insular globetrotter, flitting from one market or

cultural playground to another, must consider their children.

What culture will they absorb?

From where will they derive their sense of hope for the future?

Defenders of democracy must now determine not only how to create jobs and ensure material prosperity for today’s young people, but also how to feed their souls on the way. If they fail, as we have seen, others will fill the void.

To win this high-stakes contest, democratic societies must look beyond battlefield victory and focus on winning hearts and minds through the power of ideas and the promise of meaningfulness – just as the IS has done. The notion that democracies can fend off such forces, with their wellresourced and media-savvy ideological apparatuses, with guns alone is a sure loser.

The effort should begin with a publicly commissioned gathering of a broad cross-section of political scientists, anthropologists, theologians, philosophers, and artists, among others, from across the political spectrum, convened from universities and similar institutions around the world.

Learning by means of play DAVID KOHN

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wenty years ago, kids in preschool, kindergarten and even first and second grade spent much of their time playing: Building with blocks, drawing or creating imaginary worlds, in their own heads or with classmates. But increasingly, these activities are being abandoned for the teacher-led, didactic instruction typically used in higher grades. In many schools, formal education now starts at age four or five. Without this early start, the thinking goes, kids risk falling behind in crucial subjects such as reading and math, and may never catch up.

The idea seems obvious: Starting sooner means learning more; the early bird catches the worm.

But a growing group of scientists, education researchers and educators say there is little evidence that this approach improves long-term achievement; in fact, it may have the opposite effect, potentially slowing emotional and cognitive development, causing unnecessary stress and perhaps even souring kids’ desire to learn.

One expert I talked to recently, Nancy CarlssonPaige, a professor emerita of education at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, describes this trend as a “profound misunderstanding of how children learn.” She regularly tours schools and sees younger students floundering to comprehend instruction: “I’ve seen it many, many times in many, many classrooms kids being told to sit at a table and just copy letters. They don’t know what they’re doing. It’s heartbreaking.”

The stakes in this debate are considerable. As the skeptics of teacher-led early learning see it, that kind of education will fail to produce people who can discover and innovate and will merely produce people who are likely to be passive consumers of information, followers rather than inventors. Which kind of citizen do we want for the 21st century?

In the US, more academic early education has spread rapidly in the past decade.

Programmes like No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top have contributed to more testing and more teacher-directed instruction.

Another reason: The Common Core State Standards, a detailed set of educational guidelines meant to ensure that students reach certain benchmarks between kindergarten and 12th grade.

Currently, 43 states and the District of Columbia have adopted both the math and language standards.

The shift toward didactic approaches is an attempt to

solve two pressing problems.

By many measures, US educational achievement lags behind that of other countries; at the same time, millions of American students, many of them poor and from minority backgrounds, remain far below national norms. Advocates say that starting formal education earlier will help close these dual gaps.

But these moves, while well intentioned, are misguided. Several countries, including Finland and Estonia, don’t start compulsory education until the age of 7. In the most recent comparison of national educational levels, the Program for International Student Assessment, both countries ranked significantly higher than the US on math, science and reading.

Of course, these countries are smaller, less unequal and less diverse than the US. In such circumstances, education poses fewer challenges. It’s unlikely that starting school at seven would work here: Too many young kids, disadvantaged or otherwise, would probably end up watching hours of TV a day, not an activity that promotes future educational achievement.

But the complexities of the task in this country don’t erase a fundamental fact that overly structured classrooms do not benefit many young children.

Some research indicates that early instruction in reading and other areas may help some students, but these boosts appear to be temporary.

A 2009 study by Sebastian P. Suggate, an education researcher at Alanus University in Germany, looked at about 400,000 15-year-olds in more than 50 countries and found that early school entry provided no advantage. Over the past 20 years, scientists have come to understand much more about how children learn. Jay Giedd, a neuroscientist at the University of California, San Diego, has spent his career studying how the human brain develops from birth through adolescence; he says most kids younger than seven or eight are better suited for active exploration than didactic explanation.

“The trouble with overstructuring is that it discourages exploration,” he says.

Reading, in particular, can’t be rushed. It has been around for only about 6,000 years, so the ability to transform marks on paper into complex meaning is not pre-wired into the brain. It doesn’t develop “naturally,” as do other complex skills such as walking; it can be fostered, but not forced. Too often that’s what schools are trying to do now.

We must hope that those who make education policy will start paying attention to this science. — The New York Times

— Project Syndicate

2015 set to be harsh El Niño year

TODAY IN HISTORY

Weather experts are warning of a “super El Niño” this year that could wreak havoc with normal weather conditions around the world Normal conditions: Trade winds push warm surface water west Asia: Wet and warm

Walker Circulation: Tropical airflow in lower atmosphere Cold sea Equator Trade winds Pacific Ocean

Warm sea AUSTRALIA

Water circulation

Warm water

South America: Dry

Humboldt Current: Cold water rises

El Niño: Trade winds reverse and push warm surface water east

Asia: Dry Cold sea

Equator

Trade winds Pacific Ocean Water circulation

Warm sea South America: Wet and warm

FROM OUR ARCHIVES TOURISM ARRANGEMENT WITH INDIA

MUSCAT: Mohsin bin Khamis Al Balushi, undersecretary at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said that the Sultanate has made an arrangement with India on a new mechanism for marketing and promoting tourism to the Sultanate in India. He also said that the mechanism was determined at the meetings with the representatives of tourism and travel companies of Bombay on the sidelines of the Omani Evening held there recently. The mechanism included promotion and advertising tourism potentials in the Sultanate. He added that an agreement also made to establish an office to promote Sultanate in India which will remain as reference for tourists and Indian companies which they require more details on Sultanate’s tourism.

1540 Afghan chief Sher Khan defeats Mongul Emperor Humayun at Kanauj.

1756

Britain declares war on France.

1814

Denmark cedes Norway to Sweden.

1795

Thousands of rioters enter jails in Lyons, France, and massacre 99 Jacobin prisoners.

1814

Germany occupies Brussels, Belgium and begins the invasion of France

HISTORYNET.COM Source: NOAA, wire agencies

Graphic News /

Graphics

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I can confirm that a British security contractor is among those killed in the attack. His family has been informed and my thoughts are with them at this incredibly difficult time Philip Hammond, British Foreign Secretary

Briton among 3 killed in Kabul attack A suicide bomber detonated his sedan targeting a convoy of foreign forces near Kabul airport killing three people

KABUL: A British security contractor and two teenage girls were killed on Sunday when a Taliban insurgent rammed an explosivesladen car into a EU police vehicle in Kabul, the latest attack of Afghanistan’s fighting season.

At least 18 people were wounded in the assault, which comes three days after 14 people — mostly foreigners — were killed in a Taliban attack on a Kabul guest house that trapped dozens attending a concert.

The suicide bomber targeted the foreign convoy, which included at least two vehicles of the Eu-

ropean Union Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL), during the Sunday morning rush hour near Kabul airport.

“A suicide bomber detonated his Toyota sedan targeting a foreign forces convoy near Kabul airport today at 9am,” Kabul police spokesman Ebadullah Karimi said.

“The target of the attacker was the foreign forces convoy.

Two girls have died, 18 others are wounded, all of them civilians,” he said, adding that three children were among those wounded.

The two girls, who the Afghan

health ministry said were teenagers, are believed to have been passers-by at the time of the attack.

EUPOL in a statement confirmed that one of the mission’s vehicles was hit by the explosion near Kabul airport resulting in the death of one personnel, with two other mission members suffering minor wounds.

In London, British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond “strongly condemned (the Taliban’s) cowardly actions”.

“I can confirm that a British security contractor is among those

killed in the attack,” Hammond said in a statement. “His family has been informed and my thoughts are with them at this incredibly difficult time.”

An AFP photographer at the scene saw troops hauling away the body of a person in military-style uniform, pulled out from the twisted wreck of a badly damaged sedan. Taliban insurgents, who have stepped up attacks on foreign targets after launching their spring offensive late last month, claimed responsibility for the car bombing.

“A suicide attack was carried out

on foreign forces near the gate of Kabul airport,” spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Twitter.

On Friday the militant group justified its targeting of foreigners, saying that people from “invading countries” do not count as civilians.

“Every foreigner from an invading country especially NATO is considered an invader. We don’t classify any of them as civilian,” Mujahid said on Twitter.

Afghan forces are facing their first fighting season against the Taliban without the full support of US-led foreign combat troops. - AFP

MO NDAY, MAY 18, 2015

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DOZENS MISSING

Nepal quakes deadliest to hit country KATHMANDU: The number of people killed in Nepal by two major earthquakes has surpassed 8,500, making the disaster the deadliest to hit the Himalayan country on record, as rescuers on Sunday searched for dozens of people still missing in remote villages.

A 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Nepal on April 25, killing thousands and demolishing more than half a million homes, most of them in rural areas cut off from emergency medical care.

A second major quake struck on Tuesday 76 kilometres (47 miles) east of the capital Kathmandu, just as Nepalis were beginning to recover from the previous earthquake. The death toll from the two quakes now stands at 8,583, the home ministry said on Sunday.

The previous deadliest earthquake to strike the country - in 1934 - killed at least 8,519 in Nepal, as well as thousands more in neighbouring India. In Dolakha district east of Kathmandu, which was hit hardest by the second quake, dozens of landslides have blocked access to remote villages.

In Singati village, devastated by a landslide, dozens are still missing and rescue workers are yet to remove debris from all of the village to recover bodies, district officials said. — Reuters

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Iraq’s Ramadi on brink of falling to IS group rebels Iraqi special forces retreat with heavy losses as militants besiege army base

BAGHDAD: IS militants overran one of the last remaining districts held by government forces in the Iraqi city of Ramadi on Sunday and besieged a key army base on the edge of the western provincial capital, security sources said.

The militants seized most of Ramadi on Friday, planting their black flag on the local government headquarters in the centre of the city, but a contingent of Iraqi special forces was holding out in the Malaab neighbourhood.

Retreat Those forces retreated on Sunday to an area east of the city after suffering heavy casualties, security sources said, bringing Ramadi to the brink of falling to IS. It would be the first major urban centre to be seized by the insur-

RUNNING FOR SAFETY: Iraqi security forces stand guard as residents from the city of Ramadi, who fled their homes on Saturday, wait to cross Bzeibez bridge, on the southwestern frontier of Baghdad with Anbar province. – AFP

gents in Iraq since security forces and paramilitary groups began pushing them back last year.

Anbar provincial council member Athal Fahdawi described the situation in Ramadi as “total collapse” and said local officials had voted in favour of the deployment

of paramilitaries to the Iraq’s heartland.

Paramilitaries have played a leading role in reversing IS gains elsewhere in Iraq, but have so far been kept on the sidelines in Anbar due to concerns about inflaming sectarian violence.

The insurgents were closing in on the Anbar Operations Command to the west and a military officer inside the army base said it was too late to send reinforcements, pleading for help from Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi.

“We are now surrounded inside the Operations Command by IS, and mortars are raining down,” said the officer.

“IS fighters are in almost every street. It’s a chaotic situation and things are sliding out of control.

Ramadi is falling into the hands of IS,” the officer said.

IS, which emerged as an offshoot of Al Qaeda, controls large parts of Iraq and Syria in a selfproclaimed caliphate where it has massacred members of religious minorities and slaughtered Western and Arab hostages.

United States and its allies have been pounding the militants for months with air strikes in both countries. Washington said on Saturday its special forces had killed a senior IS figure in a raid into Syria.

Over a period of 24 hours up to 0500GMT on Sunday, the US-led coalition carried out seven air strikes near Ramadi, according to a statement -- the highest number on any single location in Iraq and Syria. Ramadi is the capital of Anbar, Iraq’s largest province, and one of just a few towns and cities to have remained under government control in the vast desert terrain, which borders Saudi Arabia, Syria and Jordan. — Reuters

E M B A R R A S S I N G R E V E L AT I O N S

Thousands protest against Macedonian premier over wire-tap scandal SKOPJE: Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Macedonia’s capital on Sunday, waving Macedonian and Albanian flags in a dramatic display of ethnic unity against a government on the ropes after months of damaging wire-tap revelations.

Crowds packed the central avenue in front of Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski’s government office, angry over a flood of dis-

closures that the West says have cast serious doubt on the state of democracy in the former Yugoslav republic. Police in camouflage uniform were in the basement of the building.

The crisis rocking Gruevski’s nine-year conservative rule is the worst since Western diplomacy dragged the country from the brink of all-out civil war during an ethnic Albanian insurgency in 2001,

promising it a path to European Union and NATO membership.

Nationalism A dispute with neighbouring Greece over Macedonia’s name has halted its Western integration, and in that time critics say Gruevski has tilted to the right, stoking nationalism and monopolising power in coalition with a party of ethnic Albanian former guerrillas.

Since February, he has faced a wave of embarrassing revelations against him and his ministers, contained in taped conversations that appear to expose tight government control over journalists, judges and the conduct of elections.

Opposition Social Democrat leader Zoran Zaev says the tapes, which he has dubbed “bombs”, were made illegally by the government, part of a mass surveillance

operation targeting 20,000 allies and opponents alike, and leaked to him by a whistleblower. “I locked my shop, packed my things and came to Skopje,” said 45-year-old demonstrator Andrej Poposki, who had travelled by bus from the town of Prilep, 130km (80 miles) to the south.

“We have to take a stand and confront the criminals. They belong in jail, not in government.”

Protesters carried pictures portraying Gruevski behind bars.

Gruevski has not disputed that the voices on the tapes are genuine but says that he did not order the recordings and that the audio has been doctored. Zaev has been charged with violence against the state. Zaev says several thousand demonstrators plan to camp out in the streets until the prime minister quits. — Reuters

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Oman’s crude exports up 10%; China remains top importer 965,000 barrels per day) in the first quarter of this year. Oil production for the same period in 2014 was 85.36 million barrels (or 948,400 barrels per day).

Average price of Oman Crude in the international market dipped by 41.5 per cent to $61.99 per barrel in the first three months of this year, from as high as $105.96 per barrel for the same period of 2014 – Times file picture

A E JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman’s crude oil exports surged ahead by 10.2 per cent to 78.39 million barrels in the first quarter of 2015, compared to the same period last year.

However, the average price of Oman Crude in the international market dipped by 41.5 per cent to $61.99 per barrel in the first three

months of this year, from as high as $105.96 per barrel for the same period of 2014, according to the latest statistical bulletin released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). However, the crude oil market is now witnessing a recovery, with the price reaching $66.20 per barrel last weekend.

Oman’s ability to increase spending by 4.5 per cent this year would largely depend upon growth

in crude oil prices. In its 2015 budget plan, revenues were projected at OMR11.6 billion, leaving a budget deficit of OMR2.5 billion - Oman’s largest fiscal gap since at least 1990.

Meanwhile, the country’s total crude oil and condensate production grew marginally by 1.8 per cent to 86.86 million barrels (or

China retains lead position China retained the top position, in terms of Oman Crude imports, by importing as much as 58.18 million barrels in the first quarter, an increase of 16.6 per cent over 49.88 million barrels imported in the first quarter of 2014. In 2014, China was the top importer of Oman Crude, with imports of 210.47 million barrels, out of the Sultanate’s total export of 292.16 million barrels. Taiwan (9.76 million barrels), Thailand (3.32 million barrels), Japan (2.40 million barrels) and South Korea (1.98 million barrels) followed China in imports of Oman Crude.

India and Singapore were also importing Oman Crude in the first quarter.

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QNB Group holds annual strategy meet in Oman Times News Service MUSCAT: QNB Group held its annual strategy conference in Muscat. The meeting, took place on May 15 and May 16, was hosted by group chief executive officer, Ali Ahmed Al Kuwari.

The theme of the two-day conference was built around QNB

Group’s stated vision of being a “MEA Icon” by 2017, and focussed on highlighting best practices to develop the Group’s strategy both domestically and internationally.

Attending the conference were members representing the group’s executive management team in Qatar, and general managers, and executive management repre-

sentatives from the QNB International network that now spans 27 countries. Al Kuwari said, “This is the first time that this important Group Strategy Conference is being held in the Sultanate of Oman. It is particularly significant given that QNB opened its first GCC branch here in 2007 and today, we are proudly oper-

ating through 6 branches located across the Sultanate.”

“I am especially pleased to welcome representatives from our new Vietnam Representative Office, recently opened in Ho Chi Min City to our gathering. Vietnam is another significant step in our international expansion strategy and the strong and resil-

ient emerging market of Asia is strategically important to us moving forward. The increasing flow of “East-West” trade between Qatar and Asia is very much part of our future plans and QNB is keen to develop opportunities that present themselves to us as our reputation and presence in South-East Asia grows.” “Our Strategy Conference

is the perfect setting to allow us the opportunity to discuss, share and reflect upon our progress and business plans but importantly it also provides the ideal forum to project our aspirations as a Group” he added. QNB Group’s presence through its subsidiaries and associate companies extends to more than 27 countries.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

NAMA TO PRESENT PAPERS IN POWER AND WATER FORUM

STRATEGIC DEAL: Prime Minster Narendra Modi with his Mongolian counterpart Chimed Saikhanbileg signing an agreement at State Palace in Ulan Bator, Mongolia on Sunday. — PTI

India set to provide Mongolia $1b credit ULAN BATOR, (Mongolia): India will provide Mongolia with a $1 billion line of credit to help fund railway, power and other infrastructure projects, a muchneeded boost for the north Asian country struggling to right its slowing economy.

“We will take our economic partnership to a new level,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday at a joint press conference with his Mongolian counterpart, Saikhanbileg Chimed.

Mongolia is looking for ways to finance and expand a network of road and rail corridors to help increase mineral exports to China and beyond. It’s also developing new coal fired power plants and wind farms to reduce energy reliance on neighbouring Russia.

Low commodity prices Mongolia has seen its economic growth slow from a world-beating 17.3 per cent in 2011 to 7.8 per cent last year amid a flight of foreign investment and low commodity prices. Modi on Sunday mentioned mining as a sector for joint cooperation, without providing details.

While trade between the two countries is almost negligible, just $16 million last year, Mongolia looks to India for a spiritual connection as the majority of its citizens follow Buddhism, founded in India 2,500 years ago.

Modi, the first Indian premier to pay a working visit to Mongolia, began his visit on Sunday at Gandan Monastery where he presented a sapling of the Bodhi tree. — Bloomberg News

Nama Group, formerly known as Electricity Holding Group, will present several papers highlighting its key achievements and plans in the Oman Energy and Water Exhibition and Conference on Tuesday. These presentations will highlight its commitment in providing safe and sustainable electricity solutions to its customers.

The exhibition and conference will be held between May 19 and 21 at the Oman International Exhibition Centre. — Supplied picture

MO NDAY, MAY 18, 2015

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MARKET Brokerage firms back Phoenix Power’s IPO Al Maha Financial holds a positive view on Phoenix Power IPO owing to defensive business model of the company and its steady

We estimate a fair value of 129 baisas for Phoenix Power, based on a two-stage discounted cash flow valuation model that assumes a higher discount rate for the company post PPA termination Analyst Financial Corporation

operating cash flows supporting consistent dividend payments

Times News Service MUSCAT: Brokerage houses in Oman have backed Phoenix Power initial public offering by projecting a fabulous gain on listing.

Phoenix Power Co. has floated a OMR56.3 million-initial public offering on May 10, which will close subscription on June 8.

“We hold a positive view on the initial public offering of Phoenix Power Company owing to defensive business model of the company and its steady operating cash flows supporting consistent dividend payments,” said

a research note from Al Maha Finance Services.

“We value Phoenix Power at OMR0.144 per share and recommend investors to ‘subscribe’ to the offer with an upside potential of 30.5 per cent from the issue price of OMR0.110, in view of the expected listing gains and attractive dividend yields,” added the research note.

Al Maha note also said that power firms in Oman are known for offering compelling listing gains in their initial public offerings. Besides the listing gains, these companies also have a proven track record of value creation, offering returns in the form of capital appreciation over a period of time.

“The preceding five listed power companies made a value creation of around OMR260 million to the investors. Successful listing of the power firms is likely to

attract and encourage investors to participate in upcoming IPO for listing gains as well as for long term returns.”

The defensive business model and steady cash flows have helped the Omani power companies to pay regular cash dividends to investors, offering a superior dividend yield as compared to the market. Phoenix Power Company has projected consistent dividend payments, offering an attractive average dividend yield of above 7 per cent at the issue price of OMR0.110 per share.

“We estimate a fair value of 129 baisas for Phoenix Power, based on a two-stage discounted cash flow valuation model that assumes a higher discount rate for the company post PPA termination. Using dividend yield as a yardstick, the stock can reach a target of 140 baisas per share on listing,” added the Financial

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

Japan’s trade with GCC falls Times News Service MUSCAT: Japan’s bilateral trade with the Gulf countries fell 3.82 per cent in 2014 to $164.76 billion, compared to $171.31 billion in 2013.

This decline was mainly attributed to an estimated 4.28 per cent average fall in the price of crude oils that Japan imported from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in 2014. The average price of crude oil fell to $104.76 per barrel in 2014, from $109.44 per barrel in 2013.

The effect of the depreciation in the value of Japanese yen against the US dollar, estimated to be slightly more than eight per cent in average, during 2014, has also reflected in the reduced value of bilateral trade. Though Japan’s trade deficit with the GCC countries is huge, the decline in crude oil price is gradually bringing down the deficit. In 2014, the deficit was brought down by 9.14 per cent to $114.9 billion, compared to $126.5 billion in 2013.

Japan’s world trade during the year 2014 slipped marginally by

2.83 per cent to $1,503.7 billion compared to $1,547.5 billion in the previous year. Exports declined by 3.3 per cent to $690.9 billion from $714.9 billion, and imports by 2.39 per cent to $812.8 billion from $832.6 billion. As a result of higher decline in exports compared to imports, Japan’s overall trade deficit increased by 3.48 per cent to $121.9 billion in 2014 from $117.8 billion in 2013.

Japan’s exports to the GCC countries showed a strong recovery in 2014 supported by increased demand for machinery and equipment, and iron and steel products. The export value of general machinery surged 24 per cent to $3.45 billion and that of electrical machinery 23.7 per cent to $1.2 billion in 2014.

Export of self-propelled dozers witnessed an increase of 46.5 per cent in value to $564.4 million in 2014 from $385.3 million in the previous year. Similarly, export of air pumps rose by 47.6 per cent to $270.7 million and steam turbines by 110.7 per cent to $198.1 million.

Export of machinery for temperature changing and steam gen-

erating machinery jumped five to six times in 2014, compared to the previous year. Export of iron and steel products, such as tubes and pipes, surged by 32.2 per cent to $1.58 billion. Export of beverages, including mineral and aerated waters registered a considerable increase of 35.6 per cent to $45.1 million in 2014 from $33.3 million in 2013.

Motor vehicle exports, covering almost 60 per cent of Japan’s total exports to the GCC, increased by 8.77 per cent to $14.79 billion, of which, passenger motor cars above 3000cc engine capacity rose the most, by 10.7 per cent, to $7.6 billion. GCC countries remained to be one of the top export markets for motor vehicles from Japan. There had been notable increases in the export of foodstuff from Japan to the GCC in 2014, especially to the United Arab Emirates. Though the value was small compared to major other commodities, foodstuff export to the GCC rose by nearly 17 per cent to $83.04 million in 2014, compared to $71.08 million in 2013.

Corporation (FinCorp).

The initial public offering promises investors an attractive annual dividend yield of 7.3 per cent between 2015 and 2019 and given the interest rate environment, it is very attractive.

This compares with an average dividend yield of 5.9 per cent for other power companies listed on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM). The first dividend will be paid in July, 2015, and twice yearly thereafter.

The share offer is available for both Omanis and foreign residents. The primary issue is divided into two categories, on the basis of size of subscription.

As many as 65 per cent is reserved for the first category, who apply for shares between 1,000 and 600,000, while the second category is institutions and highnet worth individuals who apply for shares between 600,100 and 51,191,000.

As the largest power plant in Oman, the contracted plant’s power capacity of 2,000 megawatt represents 27.8 per cent of the main interconnected system.

The company has entered into a 15-year power purchase agreement with Oman Power and Water Procurement Company, which will expire in 2029.

Phoenix Power is offering 511,910,511 shares, representing 35 per cent of the issued share capital of Phoenix Power. The shares will be priced at 110 baisas per share, inferring a total offer size of OMR56.3 million and a market capitalisation on listing of OMR161 million.

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FEATURE The delay by the US represents a huge setback for the IMF. It stands in the way of a restructuring of its decision-making process that would better reflect developing countries’ growing importance and dynamism

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REFORM

HOW TO

ore than four years have passed since an overwhelming majority of the membership of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreed to a package of reforms that would double the organisation’s resources and reorganise its governing structure in favour of developing countries.

But adopting the reforms requires approval by the IMF’s member countries; and, though the United States was among those that voted in favour of the measure, President Barack Obama has been unable to secure Congressional approval.

The time has come to consider alternative methods for moving the reforms forward.

The delay by the US represents a huge setback for the IMF. It stands in the way of a restructuring of its decision-making process that would better reflect developing countries’ growing importance and dynamism. Furthermore, with the reforms in limbo, the IMF has been forced to depend largely on loans from its members, rather than the permanent resources called for by the new measures.

These loans, meant as a temporary bridge before the reforms entered into effect, need to be reaffirmed every six months.

In our view, the best way forward would be to decouple the part of the reforms that requires ratification by the US Congress from the rest of the package. Only one major element — the decision to move toward an all-elected Executive Board — requires an amendment to the IMF’s Articles of Agreement and thus congressional approval.

THE

The key obstacle to this proposal is the requirement of congressional approval to increase America’s quota share. This opens the possibility that the US’s voting power could temporarily fall below the 15 per cent threshold needed to veto decisions that require the support of 85 per cent of IMF members’ votes.

In order to secure US support, the Board of Governors could commit not to consider any draft decision requiring 85 per cent backing without America’s consent. This guarantee could be included in the resolution dividing the reform package into two parts.

It would remain valid until the US was in a position to increase its quota and recover its voting share.

The Executive Board could ap-

prove an analogous commitment and request the IMF’s managing director to refrain from submitting any draft decision requiring an 85 per cent majority without first obtaining US support.

The US administration might face criticism from Congress for accepting a measure that would temporarily cut the country’s voting share and for relying on a political agreement to preserve its veto power. But the agreement could also act as an incentive for ratifying the reforms. The power to reinstate the US’s formal veto power would lie entirely in the hands of Congress — making it unlikely that another four years would pass before the matter is finally resolved. — Paulo Nogueira Batista & Hector R. Torres/Project Syndicate

The other major element of the reform package is an increase and rebalancing of the quotas that determine each country’s voting power and financial obligation. This change would double the IMF’s resources and provide greater voting power to developing countries. Congress would still need to ratify the measure before the US’s own quota increased, but its approval would not be required for this part of the reform package to take effect for other countries.

The connection between the two parts of the reforms has always been unnecessary; the measures are independent, require different approval processes, and can be delivered separately. Removing the link between them would require the support of the US administration, but not ratification

by Congress.

This separation could be implemented smoothly. A simple majority of the IMF’s Executive Board would recommend it to the Board of Governors, where a resolution separating the reforms into two parts would require 85 per cent of the votes. In 2010, the reform package passed with more than 95 per cent of the votes.

The changes to the quotas could then quickly become effective. The quotas for each member country have already been agreed, so there would be no need for further complex and time-consuming negotiations. Countries that are willing and able to pay their quota increases would be allowed to do so, increasing the IMF’s resources and boosting their relative voting power.

Paulo Nogueira Batista, Jr. is an executive director at the IMF. Hector R. Torres, is a former executive director at the IMF and a former Chair of the G-24 Bureau in Washington, D.C.

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W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M M ON DAY, M AY 18, 2015

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SLOW DOWN ENJOY THE RIDE

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IMES TECH STUFF

CHECK OUT YOUR FACEBOOK’S ‘ON THIS DAY’ FEATURE To do the time travel select On This Day bookmark in the Apps area of your News Feed page or in the menu area of the Facebook mobile app. When logged into your account, you can also visit the past at facebook.com/onthisday. If you like the On This Day feature, you can set up notifications and share particularly memorable moments to your Timeline again. Likewise, if you would like to tinker with your past posts, you can edit, delete or change the audience to limit or expand the group of people who can see the previously shared information.

NEW GADGETS TO EASE THE SUMMER ROAD TRIP nection for up to 10 devices, and Netgear says the battery will last up to 10 hours on a full charge.

The first gigabyte of data is free; refills are $25 for each additional gigabyte. The data does not expire and there’s no contract or commitment, which is not the case for similar devices on the market.

Because you don’t have to pay for a monthly data plan, you can tuck the Around Town away between trips.

Here are some notable gadgets to help make the trip smoother.

Smartphone navigation apps are of great help

T

he annual road trip is a summertime tradition for many families, but being cooped up in a car for days on end can test your patience. Here are some notable gadgets to help make the trip smoother.

Garmin NuviCam LMTHD Navigation apps for smartphones are a great convenience, but they can also be battery hogs. A portable navigation device like the NuviCam LMTHD from Garmin is a smarter option. Garmin makes some of the best dashboard navigators on the market, offering features like an easy-to-read interface, high-resolution graphics and a handy pointof-interest search.

With the new NuviCam LMTHD, Garmin packs in more functionality, including a forward-facing dash cam that continuously records the road ahead. If an impact occurs, the device automatically saves the event on a microSD card. Other driver-assisted safety features include voice-activated navigation and warnings if the driver is too close to the car ahead or drifting off the road.

Mophie Spacestation A tablet loaded with movies, televi-

sion and music can be a better way to pass the time in a car than, say, playing the license plate game. But tablets are limited by their memory and battery life. You can increase both with the Mophie Spacestation, a combination backup battery and external hard drive.

The Spacestation provides up to 128 gigabytes of extra storage and can triple the battery life of an

iPhone 6, Mophie says. Files can be transferred to the Spacestation wirelessly or via USB cable, freeing up space on your device.

Those files are managed with Mophie’s redesigned mobile app Space, which organizes any file downloaded to a smartphone or tablet, including photos and documents, making media easier to locate. Space is free and available for

iOS and Android devices.

Netgear Around Town A reliable Wi-Fi network can be hard to find when you’re out on the road. Netgear has a simple solution with the Around Town, a mobile Internet device that creates a 4G LTE hot spot using the Sprint network The compact, lightweight device provides a secure wireless con-

Polk Hinge Wireless Avoid a tussle over the car radio with Polk Hinge Wireless headphones, which allow you to listen to music in peace without disturbing the driver. Polk uses 40-millimeter drivers in a design it calls Polk Optimised Electro-acoustic Tuning to provide a deep, rich sound, with an emphasis on the bass.

The headphones’ rechargeable battery provides 12 hours of play time, according to Polk, and an audio cable is provided for a wired connection in case the battery dies.

The flexible headband and padded ear cushions provide a comfortable fit, and the two-tone, faux-leather exterior gives the headphones a vintage look (Polk says it was inspired by the interior of classic luxury cars). A single dial behind the right ear cup controls the headphones’ functions with a flick up or down or a push inward.

As an added benefit, the hinged design makes the headphones compact and easy to store in a glove compartment or seat pocket.

TiVo Roamio Pro These days, cable networks offer some of the best programming in the summer. But don’t fret about missing something while on the road. With TiVo Roamio Pro, you can manage your recordings and even stream recorded shows on a

mobile device, even if you are hundreds of miles from home.

The TiVo app is easy to sync to a Roamio and simple to use, and it was recently tailored for Android devices, too. TiVo’s OnePass management system creates an easy way to organize programs available through your cable operator as well as streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Catering to binge-watchers, OnePass can offer a variety of options for watching entire seasons of shows.

The Roamio Pro, which offers up to 3,000 hours of recording capacity, costs $600; for those looking for a less expensive option, the Roamio Plus offers 1,000 hours for $200 less. A one-year commitment to the TiVo service is $15 a month.

Dropcam Pro You want to make sure your home is secure while you’re away, and a home surveillance camera can offer peace of mind. Dropcam, which was acquired by Google’s Nest Labs last year, makes some of the best cameras on the market. Its latest product, the Dropcam Pro, offers high-definition video that is two times as sharp as that from the previous model and a 130-degree field of view.

Setup takes only a few minutes, but you need a Wi-Fi network.

Once the camera is connected to your network, find a good place for it and it’s ready to go. The Dropcam Pro’s zoom feature can enhance a corner of the room up to eight times, and a built-in microphone and speaker allow for twoway communication. Live viewing is free, and Dropcam offers video recording services for as low as $10 a month (or $99 for one year). So keep on driving, knowing that your pets and plants are safe. — GREGORY SCHMIDT / The New York Times News Service

SMARTPHONE APPS

Apps for cyclists offer everything but the flat-tyre kit CYCLISTS have been saying it for ages: Two wheels are better than four, for the health of the rider and the environment alike. And with cycling’s popularity on the rise, numerous apps have appeared to support the activity.

Strava is perhaps the best known of these — and for good reason, as it is a good all-around app for tracking and analysing your bike rides.

Its excellence begins with its welldesigned, minimalist interface, whose readable displays and clear menus make it easy to use.

At its core is a “record” page where, with the touch of a few buttons, you can use GPS to keep track of every bicycle ride you take.

Strava shows basic data like distance travelled, average speed and location. That information can be reached with just a few taps and swipes on the screen, perfect if you like to mount your phone on your bike or strap it to your arm.

Strava also has a strong social

element, so you can share your performance or time over a certain route with friends using the app and join in with mass social cycling challenges like “ride 100 kilometres in May.” You can even search among the app’s shared routes to see if there are any near where you are planning to ride. As part of a recent update, Strava even gained some simple Apple Watch interactions like displaying your current ride time, distance and speed. With a paid upgrade, you can get in-ride updates comparing your segment times over certain routes with other users’, and gain access to other features, like being able to enter your own progress goals. These extras cost $6 a month or $60 for a year; the basic app is free for both iOS and Android devices.

If you like the idea of Strava but are looking for a simpler ride logger, Road Bike, by Runtastic, is an excellent option. Free for iOS and

Android devices, Road Bike does many of the things Strava does, including GPS-based performance tracking, interfacing with some third-party heart rate monitors

and providing some real-time and postride analytics about performance. It also has social sharing services, including asking your friends for “cheers” to enhance

your motivation as you show them how far and fast you’ve gone.

Road Bike’s interface is more cluttered, since it tries to show more information at once. Whether this is a good thing will depend on how you like to use your phone during a ride, and you can configure some aspects of Road Bike’s display to suit your needs. It, too, offers a pro version, which for $5 gives access to a fuller range of features including live tracking of your progress.

Runtastic has a partner app called Mountain Bike for those who prefer trails to streets. Bikers can, for example, search for off-road routes. Like Road Bike, it syncs with your Runtastic account, so all your two-wheeled exercise on- and off-road can be logged in one place. More casual cyclists may prefer MapMyRide, an early cycling app that has been significantly updated over the years to compete with its better-

known rivals. True to its name, MapMyRide shows your real-time cycling progress on a map with some basic speed and distance statistics. This at-a-glance “Where am I?” and “How far have I gone?” style is visually appealing.

After your ride, you can view more detailed information, like calories burned and data on your performance. There’s also support for wireless heart rate sensors and social sharing of your results and overall riding progress. The main part of the app is free for iOS and Android, though if you pay $6 for the upgrade, you can avoid the ads found in the free version and gain extra features including personalised training plans and analysis of your heart rate. Lastly, weather is always a critical part of any cycle ride. So riders will certainly benefit from checking the hyperlocal forecasts offered as part of the Dark Sky app before setting off. - KIT EATON/The New York Times News Service

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ROUND-UP Unique initiative to welcome His Majesty creates new world record The private schools created a mosaic of the national flag of Oman, measuring 18m by 11m.

This ultimately gave an area of 198 square metres, significantly breaking the previous world record established on November 23, 2014 in Hong Kong covering an area of 150.04 square metres

MUSCAT: The private schools of Muscat, under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, Adviser to His Majesty, came together for a special event to celebrate and mark the return of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said creating the world’s largest mosaic made up of greeting cards.

The initiative exhibits a great deal of cooperation among private schools of Muscat that came together to deliver their own unique message to welcome His Majesty home. The event was organised under the supervision of the Directorate of Private Schools, Ministry of Education, says a press release.

The private schools created a mosaic of the national flag of Oman, measuring 18m by 11m (aligned with the National Day of Oman, November 18). This ultimately gave an area of 198 square metres, significantly breaking the previous world record established on November 23, 2014 in Hong Kong covering an area of 150.04 square metres.

A giant slope of 18m by 11m was fabricated at Al Seeb International School in Al Khoud, on which the mosaic was created. Seven thousand five hundred greeting cards were distributed to 182 private schools in Muscat, and after messages were written by students and teachers these were pasted onto the mosaic by a team of art teachers and students.

E X PA N S I O N

The efforts culminated in a grand event held on the evening of May 13. The chief guest His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said was invited to place the final card onto the mosaic, and received the authenticity certificate for the world record from the Guinness World Record representative. The event was attended by the members of Royal family, ministers,

VIP’s, and representatives from private schools.

Fatma Noorani, Director-General of Private Schools, stated she was delighted to see so many schools cooperate and come together to create the mosaic for the world record to pay a truly special and memorable tribute to nation’s great and beloved His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

C A M PA I G N

Mars all set to open outlet in Salalah today Splash to honour ‘unsung SALALAH: Mars International, one of the leading retail giants of Sultanate, is all set to unveil its 13th outlet in 23 July street, Salalah today at 5.30pm.

Sheikh Salim bin Aufit Abdullah Al Shanfari, chairman of Dhofar Municipality, will officially inaugurate and dedicate the mart to the populace of the region. It is their second outlet in Salalah and the biggest one in the region, says a press release.

The hypermarket will showcase the best quality products available in the Sultanate with a wide variety of sections comprising FMCG products, electronics, IT products, stationery etc. The products arranged in three floors ensure the customers are getting a much delightful shopping experience.

Moreover a ‘Vegetable Garden’ has been set to provide fresh fruits and vegetables. There is ample

parking facility and conveniently placed checkout counters makes shopping more easy.

It’s been the vision of V. T. Vinod, managing director of Mars

International, to provide world class quality products through extreme service quality for the natives of Sultanate. His hardwork and dedication for the past two

S C R AT C H ‘ N ’ W I N

heroes’ in Ramadan ‘Heart of Gold’ promotion MUSCAT: The holy month of Ramadan is a time when you stop, take a moment, reflect and be thankful for what you have been blessed with and be giving to the needy. Keeping in sync with the spirit of Ramadan and the emotion of gratitude, Splash has launched a ‘Heart of Gold’, campaign which will honour 30 unsung heroes over the 30 days of Ramadan, says a press release.

This initiative has been instituted as a tribute to unsung heroes who devote their time, money and effort selflessly to the cause of humanity. These are people from every walk of life, who espouse the cause of human-

ity in their own unique way without expecting anything in return and whom you may have seen, known or heard of; people who strive to improve the lives of others around them, without expecting anything in return.

“To become part of the online process you need to send in your entries on www.splashfashions. com/heartofgold with supporting pictures of why you think a particular person has done a commendable act of kindness and he or she will enter the ‘Heart of Gold’ recognition initiative. The award will be a pure gold Splash Heart,” said a company official.

ACHIEVEMENT

Nabil awards iPhone 6 to nine lucky winners MUSCAT: National Biscuit Industries Ltd, makers of the brand ‘Nabil’ range of biscuits and snacks has announced the names of nine winners of the iPhone 6.

The Scratch ‘n’ Win promotion on multipacks of Nabil Cookies (pack of 8 pcs), Nabil Cream, Nabil Digestive, Nabil Crackers and Nabil Sweet n Salt biscuits started on April 1 and will end on May 20, says a press release.

There are a total of 25 iPhone 6 to be won. A few of the lucky winners were Afzal Abdul Latheef, Said Darwish Al Farsi, Khader Mul Eslam and Naseem.

With 16 more iPhones to be won in only 6 more days, the multipacks of delicious Nabil Cookies, Nabil Digestive are in great demand apart from the Crackers,

Creams and Sweet n Salt biscuits that the brand is well known for.

“Most Omani consumers have grown up eating Nabil biscuits and this is a homegrown and much loved brand. Nabil is proud to give back the love and patronage it continues to enjoy. We are very happy for the nine lucky winners and urge the Omani consumers to take this opportunity and win the rest of the 16 prizes,” said Unnit Mankodi, head of Sales and Marketing at National Biscuits.

National Biscuit Industries Ltd., which is an ISO 22000:2005 accredited company, has, for the past three decades, been producing a wide range of biscuits and with the support of Omani consumers, has always maintained the number one position in the biscuits segment.

RECOGNITION

Ford finds place in ‘World’s Most Ethical Companies’ list MUSCAT: Ford Motor Company, one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturing companies, is known for making some of the finest automobiles the world over.

No doubt achieving a feat like that requires high levels of dedication, passion and ethics. At levels that are not just noticed but awarded too. Recently Ford Motor Company was named to Ethisphere Institute’s 2015 list of World’s Most Ethical Companies, says a press release.

The honour came at a time in which the way a company conducts its business is viewed as every bit as important as the products and services it provides, new research shows. Ethics and corporate citizenship are important factors that affect a company’s reputation and success, and Ford is the only automaker to have received this honour for six consecutive years.

The World’s Most Ethical

decades has made him successful in embalming his name and brand ‘Mars’ among the business fraternity of Oman.

“We have crafted an entirely new layout for the Salalah hypermarket which will enable a perfect shopping environment to the customers. The outlet has been blended with passion, knowledge and excitement with outstanding quality, value and variety to offer a one of a kind shopping experience to our customers,” said Vinod.

“The quality products brought in by our exalted vendors has aggravated the pace of our growth.

In fact, I would say you created the brand ‘Mars’ rather saying we created it,” said Naveej Vinod, executive director, Mars International Group.

With the opening of the second outlet in Salalah, Mars ensures their dominance in Dhofar region.

Company assessment is based on a framework developed by the Ethisphere Institute to assess an organisation’s performance in an objective, consistent and standardised manner. The honour is given based on top ratings in five categories — ethics and compliance; corporate citizenship and responsibility; culture of ethics, governance and leadership; innovation; and reputation.

“The World’s Most Ethical Companies embrace the correlation between ethical business practice and improved company performance,” said Timothy Erblich, Ethisphere Chief Executive Officer. “Earning this recognition involves the collective action of a global work force from the top down. We congratulate everyone at Ford for this extraordinary achievement.”

The honour correlates with research showing a reputation for

ethics and trust plays a role in consumers’ purchase decisions. Last year, according to the 2015 Harris Poll Reputation Quotient, 53 per cent of the US public learned more about a company before doing business with the organisation. More than one third of the respondents decided not to do business with a company based on the perception of a negative reputation.

Ford sees this trend shaping consumers of all ages – especially younger customers. Generation Z members born after 1993 are 54 per cent more likely than their millennial counterparts to say they want to have an impact on the world, and these consumers do business with companies that share their values, according to a study from research firm Sparks & Honey.

In Oman, Ford vehicles are brought to you by Arabian Car Marketing Co. LLC.

Al Hashar delivers first Doosan demolition machine in GCC

MUSCAT: Al Hashar has recently delivered the first Doosan demolition machine to Deebaj National Enterprises. This was the first such machine to be supplied to the GCC and Mena region

by Doosan.

In recognition of this achievement, Doosan conferred a special award — ‘Frontier of Demolition machine’ — on Al Hashar at a colourful ceremony held in Dubai. The award was presented

by Dooson Lee, vice president, Doosan Infracore, in the presence of an international audience consisting of distributors’ representatives from Middle East and Africa region.

“Doosan is one of our most strategic business partners. It is a proud moment for Al Hashar that we have been recognised for being the first to supply such a machine in the entire GCC and Mena region. This is a robust and dependable high-performance machine built to carry out demolition work under demanding conditions that also offers low running costs,” said M. Bheemshankar, group general manager, Al Hashar Group.

This Doosan demolition machine can reach up to a height of 21 metres and is ideal for both primary demolition work and

secondary concrete reduction. It is eminently suitable for breaking the concrete loose from fixed structures, pulverising concrete, separating different materials for recycling and cutting reinforcing steel rods speedily.

Doosan demolition rotating crushers are the ideal attachments for the toughest demolition jobs. They have a special design that provides strength and durability needed for the toughest of tasks.

Optimised to demolish at great heights and in tight spaces, the Demolition machine with rotating crusher and 3-piece front is the best solution to tear down structures.

The machine is equipped with a cabin-tilting system. The cabin can be tilted up to nearly 30 degrees by a hydraulic cylinder enabling the operator to easily observe and control the attachments accurately.

Doosan is aiming to be one of the global top 3 in construction equipment by 2020. In order to supply the highest-quality products that can maximise value to the customers in global markets, Doosan is continuously reinforcing its capabilities to analyse the needs of markets and customers,

This Doosan demolition machine can reach up to a height of 21 metres and is ideal for both primary demolition work and secondary concrete reduction. It is eminently suitable for breaking the concrete loose from fixed structures, pulverising concrete, separating different materials for recycling and cutting reinforcing steel rods speedily

developing innovative technologies, securing fundamental quality-competitiveness and improving productivity.

In Oman, Doosan has come to represent proven performance.

Doosan in Oman represents today an unbeatable combination of performance, efficiency, durability and operator comfort.

Doosan’s current lineup consists of Crawler Excavators -18 ton to 70 tonne and Mini / Midi Excavators - 1 tonne to 14 tonne, Wheel Excavators - 5 tonne to 21 tonne, Wheel Loaders - 1.8 to 5 m3 bucket capacity and Articulated Dump Trucks - 30 tonne and 40 tonne.

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM M ON DAY, M AY 18, 201 5

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RECRUI

It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is not possible to find it elsewhere. — Agnes Repplier

JOB POSTINGS

Tips for excelling at work place Being a successful employee involves issues such as professionalism, attitude, and teamwork — all of which is the thrust of this article

MOST of us want to be good employees — and most of us want to excel at our jobs. To be a successful employee and excel at work, though, is not simply a matter of being good at what you do.

Being a successful employee also involves issues such as professionalism, attitude, and teamwork — all of which is the thrust of this article.

QUOTES We only become what we are by the radical and deep-seated refusal of that which others have made of us.

— Jean-Paul Sartre In learning to know other things, and other minds, we become more intimately acquainted with ourselves, and are to ourselves better worth knowing.

— Philip Gilbert Hamilton

1. Learn how to perform your job well. There’s a big difference between just doing your job and doing your job well — and with pride. Making the extra effort, ratcheting up your game a notch or two, and taking steps to fill any voids in your work will all help you shine in your job.

2. Work hard. It used to be that just showing up for work was enough to get by in some companies, but those days are long gone.

Today, you not only have to show up and be at your job the full day (arriving on time and not leaving early), but also put in a full day of work. Keep personal calls, e-mails, texts, and the like to a minimum.

3. Act professionally. No matter what your job, it’s important to be serious and focused on what you do — and act professionally in all situations. There’s a time and place for fooling around, and it is not the workplace. Professionals follow the rules and are courteous, friendly, and tactful. Acting professionally also means dressing appropriately for your job.

4. Express positive attitude.

You don’t have to be “Cheerful Sally” — in fact, don’t be or you might not be taken seriously — but having a positive and go-get’em disposition is important. People like working with — and helping — coworkers with a positive attitude.

People with negative attitudes — “Debbie Downer” — drag everyone around them down.

might consider asking a few teammates for some honest feedback.

7. Know your boss. You don’t have to be best friends with your boss; in fact, you don’t even need to like your boss. You should, however, know your boss. In other words, the better you understand how your boss thinks, acts, and manages, the better you perform your job to his/ her expectations and demands.

5. Take initiative. You may be very good at your job — and that is important — but do you ever try to push the limits of your work?

In other words, do you ever consider better ways you could do your job — or better ways your department could work — and make suggestions to your boss? Just do not confuse taking initiative with knowing it all.

8. Understand your employer. Some people work at their jobs for years without really knowing or understanding their employer.

Taking the time to understand the organisation’s mission, goals, strategies, and products/services will help you better understand your role within it — and the value of the job you provide.

6. Be a good team player. To be successful in most jobs today, workers must also be good team players. Review how well you work in teams, examining key issues such as communications, working relationships, team successes (and failures). For a reality check, you

9. Take (constructive) criticism gracefully. One of the hardest things for all of us to learn is how to handle constructive criticism — and how to use these critiques to improve our performance on the job. Yes, some bosses are truly nit-pickers, wanting eve-

rything done their way or not at all, but most bosses are simply providing feedback so you can perform your job better.

fering no solutions. Instead, when possible, strive to be a problemsolver. Problem-solvers are a valuable commodity in every workplace.

10. Cultivate relationships.

Having workplace friendships with some of the folks who work with or near you is usually a positive element in job satisfaction — which should result in greater motivation to perform your job to the best of your abilities. Just be sure you make friends with positive people who, like you, are focused on excelling at their work.

13. Avoid gossip. It should go without saying — but we’re saying it anyway — that it’s always best to turn a deaf ear to gossip and rumours. No matter how good a worker you may be, getting caught in the web of gossip will quickly downgrade your standing with your boss and employer.

11. Take opportunities to learn new skills, jobs. The longer we work at one job, the more likely we’ll get bored with it — perhaps just going through the motions — until we are no longer excelling in our jobs. One way around this problem is taking opportunities for additional educational and training when your employer offers them.

12. Be part of the solution.

Don’t be the worker everyone hates — the one who is always quick to point out the problems... while of-

14. Volunteer for new projects. Whether to seek a little variety with your job or to try to score some points with the boss, volunteering to take on additional work and responsibilities can lead to greater job satisfaction, better work performance, and perhaps even a new direction for your career.

15. Mentor new employees and younger workers. Helping the new worker learn the ropes will provide you great personal satisfaction — and will also put you in good standing with the boss.

— Randall S. Hansen/www.quintcareers.com

SEND US YOUR VIEWS AND COMMENTS editor@timesofoman.com webeditor@timesofoman.com

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Bank Muscat launches new app for Priority banking customers The asalah Entertainer app features amazing deals, offering exclusive savings on family offers, fine dining, travel, leisure, entertainment, beauty and more

MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, as part of its commitment to providing value added services and exclusive lifestyle privileges, complementing a world class banking experience, has launched a unique mobile app for asalah Priority Banking customers.

The asalah Entertainer app features amazing deals, offering exclusive savings on family offers, fine dining, travel, leisure, enter-

tainment, beauty and more. The asalah Entertainer app contains numerous ‘buy one get one free’ offers / e-vouchers plus new and monthly offers throughout the year covering hundreds of world class brands in over 15 countries, says a press release. asalah Priority Banking customers can download the asalah Entertainer app from App Store, Android Market, Google Play or Windows Store. On registration,

customers can redeem the ‘buy one get one free’ offers on their smartphone. Notably, the asalah Entertainer app is programmed to locate country-specific discount offers through the ‘Near Me’ feature thereby ensuring that cus-

INSIGHTFUL DISCUSSION

The asalah Priority Banking has succeeded in taking personal and relationship banking to a new level. asalah customers are served by qualified Relationship Managers (RM) at exclusive asalah Priority Banking centres in select branches across the Sultanate.

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

The asalah relationship platform draws its strength from proximity to customers, commitment to delivering outstanding service and dedication of Relationship Managers trained to deliver the right solutions. The bank has placed its Relationship Manager talent pool at the very heart of asalah strategy.

The asalah membership comes with Bank Muscat’s commitment to delivering value. Personalised

premium products and upgraded services come with preferential pricing, thereby multiplying the value of asalah membership and reducing the cost of transactions.

Benefits include exclusive asalah Platinum debit card, unlimited and complementary international airport lounge access, personal accident insurance, airport transfer in Muscat, preferential rates, competitive foreign exchange rates, fee waivers and discounts on a range of transactions like remittances, standing instructions, pay orders etc.

Bank Muscat offers Oman’s first and exclusive premium Visa Signature credit card for asalah Priority Banking customers. Most importantly, asalah customers can participate in exclusive asalah prize draws on al Mazyona savings account, including the exclusive monthly prize of OMR10,000 and OMR100,000 year-end prize.

VA L U E D E A L

Woman Conclave sees meeting of true minds MUSCAT: How can women understand their potential capabilities better? What are the opportunities available to young entrepreneurs?

How can women juggle the workplace and family effectively?

The first-ever Woman Conclave will answer all these pertinent questions and more. To be held tomorrow at InterContinental Muscat, the event will see a gathering of hardworking, successful and accomplished women and men engaging in insightful discussions in an attempt to bring to the fore women’s concerns, share their experiences and most importantly, encourage women in Oman to be ‘the change they wish to see in this world’, says a press release.

There are stories — both wellknown and slowly emerging — of generations of educated and accomplished women forging new

tomers never miss an offer with the mobile app.

The facility provides a wide range of exclusive discount offers across the world to asalah Priority Banking customers.

“Bank Muscat is proud to reward asalah Priority Banking customers with the unique Entertainer app, which ensures that they never miss out on any exclusive offers. With a focus on recognition, rewards and solutions, asalah Priority Banking has set a benchmark for personal and relationship based banking in Oman.

As the leading financial services provider, Bank Muscat is committed to reciprocating the trust and confidence reposed by asalah customers in the bank. The priority banking products and services are in step with smarter strategies aimed at providing a distinct banking experience,” stated Ali Said Ali, DGM – Priority Banking.

directions that are waiting to be told. These stories will come to life at the Woman Conclave through presentations and engaging panel discussions, brought to you by The Woman, leading English magazine for women. Through the event, the women in Oman will have an opportunity to listen, understand and be motivated to do the same.

Sponsors The Woman Conclave is proud to have on board BMW and Mouawad as strategic partners, Khafeef as health partner, Muscat Pharmacy as support partner and Oman Oil Marketing Company as inspirational partner, who are champions of women’s empowerment in their own right. Times of Oman and Al Shabiba are the media partners for the event.

With the participation of sev-

eral noteworthy women spanning different fields of expertise, there’s a lot of excitement regarding what topics will be addressed and discussed at the Conclave.

The presentations and panel discussions will serve to inspire and empower women to overcome every hurdle, break every barrier and to make her dreams come true on her own terms.

But it’s not all work and no play!

The Conclave will also involve soft-skill development sessions, interactive team building exercises, and enjoyable stress-relieving activities that will keep the audience engaged, the atmosphere lively and the experience enriching.

“Make your concerns known, let your voice be heard and seek solutions. At the Woman Conclave, you are sure to find inspiration,” said a magazine official.

Omantel unveils exciting ‘Spend & Win’ promotion MUSCAT: In line with its efforts to enrich its customers life, Omantel announced the launch of ‘Spend and Win’ promotion for Hayyak prepaid customers.

The new offer entitles them to enter the daily draws to win OMR500 every day when they use 700 Baisas and more in one day. The excitement does not stop here as they will also be eligible to enter the grand draw for OMR10,000 at the end of the promotion period, says a press release.

The daily spend will be based on points calculated after the customer reach more than 700 Baisas. Customers can increase the earned points without any

AWA R E N E S S C A M PA I G N

limits once qualified to take part in the draw.

Best offers Commenting on the offer, Shadli Al Abdulsalam, Senior Manager Product Development at Omantel Consumer Business Unit said, “Omantel focus in providing its customers with the best offers that enrich their experience. The new offer ‘Spend and Win’ is very unique and designed especially for our Hayyak customers to offer 31 lucky customers a chance to win the draw that started on May 13, 2015.”

Qualification “Moreover, this offer comes to

reward the first prepaid service customers in Oman that has now more than 2.6 million customers.

“All Hayyak customers are qualified to take part of this competition once they reached a daily spend of 700 Baisas; also customers have more than one chance of winning this competition; the more you spend, the more your chances to win,” Abdulsalam added.

It is worth mentioning that Hayyak pre-paid is one of the preferred prepaid service for majority of the prepaid customers in Oman. The service comes with many value added services that aim at introducing more benefits to Omantel subscribers.

ACCOLADE

KIMS joins health seminar at Indian School Muscat MUSCAT: As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility and continued efforts to spread health education, KIMS Oman Hospital (KOH), equipped with excellence in healthcare delivery, has participated in a seminar that has been organised by the Indian School Muscat (ISM), for parents of the primary school students under the

topic ‘Physiological Development and Nutrition’.

With a big number of attendees, KIMS Oman Hospital’s professionals, Dr. Sreekumar S., paediatric specialist and Jishy Seb, diet consultant, steered the seminar which aimed to educate parents, care givers and teachers on the essential aspects to raise a healthy and happy

generation, focusing on the different ages and stages of the child’s development, says a press release.

Dr. Sreekumar focused on the physiological development for children aged 7 to 12 years old, addressing the different health concerns that care givers should pay more attention to. He also shed the light on the importance of the

regular exercise for children.

While Jishy Seb stressed on the essential need of following a healthy food plan as well as she clarified the food pyramid and the important role of each of its categories. She concluded the session with nourishment facts and tips, and offered guidelines for healthier eating habits.

PERFECT CHOICE

Powerful Mitsubishi Pajero delivers great performance at affordable price MUSCAT: With the Mitsubishi Pajero, General Automotive Company, the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Oman, offers the perfect choice for drivers who demand a vehicle that can tackle the toughest and most inhospitable of terrains yet delivers a thoroughly composed road drive; whilst offering the renowned reliability of a vehicle adorned with the triple-diamond badge, says a press release.

Commenting on the Mitsubishi ASX, Rajesh Sharma, national marketing manager of General Automotive Company, said: “The Pajero is a vehicle that delivers a unique blend of on and off-road capability, generous equipment levels as standard, comfort, space and luxury at highly competitive pricing. As a result it has become an icon in the automobile industry; with equal resonance here in the Sultanate.”

With each successive generation, the Pajero has added greater power, torque and better fuel economy. With the introduction of the 2015 model year Pajero last year, it brought with it a revised front grille and an aggressively shaped bumper with integrated LED daytime running lamps. The new look is a perfect complement to the Pajero’s unique blend of on-road and off-road capability combined with significantly improved levels of passenger comfort.

In its latest iteration, the Pajero

is packed with features that make it a pleasure to drive both on the road and off. From the power of its 3.5 or 3.8 litre MIVEC engine through to a comprehensive suite of safety features, the Pajero was designed from the ground-up to cope with any kind of driving condition. Whether highway cruising, urban driving or more challenging off-road adventures in the wadis and dunes of the Sultanate, the Pajero has proved its mettle time and again.

The roomy interior of the Pajero accommodates seven people and is equipped with a manual Dual AC, CD player with 4 speakers, Overhead Console with Sunglass

storage, Map Lamp and Trip Computer with an Information Centre. Also available, is Mitsubishi’s Multi Communication System (MMCS) with Voice Command via steering wheel controls, an 850watt Rockford Acoustic Design 12-Speaker Premium Audio System and electro-chromatic rearview mirror. As a result of its multi-role characteristics, the Pajero is extremely popular with families, businesses and individuals across the Sultanate.

In addition to its technology, power and four-wheel-drive capabilities, the Pajero also offers firstclass occupant and driver safety

with RISE body protection, ABS braking system with EBD, electronic stability control and driver and passenger SRS airbags along with Super Select II which offers the driver a range of flexible on and off-road driving modes.

The new Pajerois a part of GAC’s limited time ‘Summer Knockout Deals’ promotion, which ends on May 21, which includes free insurance for one year, a free 2-year/ 30,000km service package and special cash gift offers of up to OMR500 per vehicle. The Pajero also comes as standard with sixyear unlimited mileage warranty and 6-year roadside assistance.

ISACA Muscat Chapter receives coveted K. Wayne Snipes Award MUSCAT: ISACA, Muscat Chapter has recently won the coveted K. Wayne Snipes Award for the year 2014 as the best medium chapter in Asia for its outstanding performance, says a press release.

ISACA, head quartered in Chicago, USA, is a 45-year old nonprofit independent professional body with 208 chapters worldwide with more than 115000 members in 180 countries across the world. ISACA offers 4 certifications (CISA, CISM, CRISC and CGEIT) besides the latest “Cyber Security Fundamentals Certification Program”.

ISACA helps business and IT leaders in maximising value and manage risks related to Information & Technology. ISACA Muscat Chapter is very active and operates under the sponsorship of College of Banking and Financial Studies (CBFS).

Speaking on achieving the award, Venugopal Hari, president of ISACA Muscat Chapter, stated that Muscat Chapter has over 300 members representing government, banking, financial, trading, service and corporate sectors. He said the Chapter has won many global awards in the earlier years as well.

ISACA Muscat Chapter elected its new Board for the year 2015

in the recently held AGM of the chapter members. The Board Members that got elected for the year 2015 include: Venugopal Hari (president), Aji Bhaskar (vice president), Chetan Jamnadas Shah, (secretary), Biju Joseph Padanilam (treasurer), Subbarao V. Bollapalli (programmes director), Srinagesh Jayaraman (membership director), Vijendra Mohnot (communication director), Syeda Nooreen Nayyar (CISA director), Sesha Prakash Sreenivasa Kusuma (CISM director), Mohamed Nayaz (CGEIT/CRISC director), Hassan Sabahudheen (marketing director), Prof. Munawar Hameed (education director), Prof.

Mani P. Joseph (research director), Dilip Uttamrao Warkad (additional director - programs), Manoj Balakrishnan Nair (additional director – membership), Kamlesh Kumar Chandar Turshani (additional CISA director), Eishwar Kodan Das (additional CISA director), Hilal Nasser Al Habsy (additional CISM director) and Subudhi Badri Narayan (immediate past president).

The Muscat Chapter holds educational events for its members and assists government and regulatory authorities and corporate sectors in the fields of IT governance, controls and security.

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AUSTRALIA’S HADDINN QUITS ONE-DAY GAMEE Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin addin has announced his retirement from m Oneday Internationals, Cricket Australia ralia said on Sunday. Haddin made thee rture announcement ahead of his departure est for Australia’s Test tours of the West Indies and the United Kingdom. >C3

Bangalore through to play-offs SCOREBOARD

F I NA L I P L S TA N D I N G S

Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday entered the play-offs of the Indian Premier League season eight after their last league match against Delhi Daredevils was called off due to heavy rains

BANGALORE: Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday entered the play-offs of the Indian Premier League season eight after their last league match against Delhi Daredevils was called off due to heavy rains.

In a rain-interrupted game, another round of heavy downpour stopped the proceedings in the second over of RCB’s run-chase when they were two for no loss

Teams Q. Chennai Super Kings Q. Mumbai Indians Q. Royal Challengers Bangalore Q. Rajasthan Royals Kolkata Knight Riders Sunrisers Hyderabad Delhi Daredevils Kings XI Punjab

M 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14

while chasing 188 for victory here at the Chinnaswamy stadium.

Finally the penultimate round robin league encounter of the IPL cricket tournament was called off at 7:35 pm, handing the Bangalore outfit a place in the play-offs with 16 points.

Earlier, put in to bat, Quinton de Kock’s early blitzkrieg and solid batting from captain JP Duminy propelled Delhi Daredevils to a competitive 187 for five.

When DD batted, De Kock hit nine fours and three sixes during his 39-ball-69 while Duminy decorated his 43-ball unbeaten innings of 67 with four boundaries and three huge hits over the fence.

De Kock and Duminy’s exhilarating strokeplay enthralled the spectators to their delight. If De

W 9 8 7 7 7 7 5 3

L 5 6 5 5 6 7 8 11

T 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

N/R 0 0 2 2 1 0 1 0

Pts 18 16 16 16 15 14 11 6

Net RR +0.709 -0.043 +1.037 +0.062 +0.253 -0.239 -0.049 -1.436

Kock’s innings was all about splendid batsmanship, Duminy’s was elegance personified.

While De Kock blazed to his half-century in 30 balls, Duminy paced his innings splendidly and completed his half-century in 35 deliveries.

A decent opening stand of 55 earlier was provided by openers De Kock and Shreyas Iyer (20 off 18 balls). Iyer was guilty of not getting to a big score after getting his eye in.

After the departure of Iyer, De Kock and Duminy combined forces to take the total to 110 in 11.2 balls at the packed Chinnaswamy stadium. RCB skipper Virat Kohli made right bowling changes and reaped rewards.

Harshal Patel snapped up the

CHESS

STARS BEFORE THE RAIN POURED: Quinton de Kock of Delhi Daredevils and captain Jean-Paul Duminy run between the wickets. – BCCI

wickets of Iyer and Kedar Jadhav (0) while giving away 30 runs in four overs, while the other two wickets were claimed by leggie Yuzuvendra Chahal, who claimed the wickets of De Kock and an out-ofform Yuvraj Singh (11).

Initially, left-handed De Kock was the more aggressive of the two openers as he blazed through lifting the ball with great force on the leg side and cutting and driving in front of the wickets for exquisite boundaries.

DELHI DAREDEVILS Quinton de Kock c Kohli b Chahal 70 Shreyas Iyer c Gayle b Patel 20 JP Duminy not out 67 Yuvraj Singh c Starc b Chahal 11 Kedar Jadhav c Karthik b Patel 0 Angelo Mathews run out Chahal 1 Saurabh Tiwary not out 13 Extras (lb-3, w-3) 6 Total (for 5 wickets in 20 overs) 187 Fall of wickets: 1-55; 2-110; 3-137; 4-139; 5-141 Bowling: Mitchell Starc 4-0-35-0; Ashoke Dinda 3-0-39-0; Harshal Patel 4-0-30-2; David Wiese 4-0-39-0; Chris Gayle 2-0-150; Yuzvendra Chahal 3-0-26-2 ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE Virat Kohli not out 1 Chris Gayle not out 1 Total (for no loss, 1.1 overs) 2 Bowling: Jayant Yadav 1-0-2-0; Zaheer Khan 0.1-0-0-0 Result: Match called-off after rain stops play. Both teams share one point each.

The diminutive South African batsman struck David Weise for a six and two boundaries off successive balls in ninth over of the innings. Later in the 11th over, De Kock got couple of more sixes and a four in one from Ashoke Dinda. - PTI

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE

Mumbai snatch second spot

CEREMONIAL START: Minister of Sports Affairs Sheikh Saad bin Mohammed bin Said Al Mardhouf Al Saadi and Fide chief Kirsan Ilyumzhinov playing a game to ceremonially kick-start the Asian Zonal Chess Championship.

Grandmasters dominate opening day of Asian zonal chess tourney Times News Service MUSCAT: Four Grandmasters, three in the men’s category and one in the women’s section, dominated the inaugural day as the Asian Zonal Chess Championship (Zone 3.1) 2015, which serves as the qualifying event for the Fide Chess World Cup, opened at the City Seasons Hotel here on Sunday.

A total of 14 players in the men’s event and ten in the women’s competition are vying for the lone qualifying spot in their respective categories.

In men’s section, Grandmasters Ehsan Ghaem Maghamim, Pouya Idani and Pouria Darini — all from Iran — began their campaign with first round victories.

Ehsan, who has a Fide rating of 2558, accounted for Lebanon’s Ibrahim Chahrour (2269), Idani Pouya (2526) defeated Bahrain’s Maher Ayyad (2123) and Pouria Darini (2485) defeated Tamara Attallah (2080).

In the women’s category, Qatari Grandmaster Chen Zhu (2414) eased to a victory over Palestine’s Yara Faqeeh.

Amin loses marathon Four Omani players, two men and two women, are also in the fray.

In the women’s competition, both Omani girls Wafia Al Ghagri and Mariya Al Balushi were pitted against each other in the first round, which the former won after a keen battle with her compatriot.

In men’s competition, Amin Al Ansi played a marathon match against Syrian International Master Basher Iyti (2298) but made a mistake at the crucial juncture to lose the match.

“It was a five-hour epic battle between two players. But Amin lost out due to a blunder he made towards the end,” Ismael Karim,

a Muscat-based International Master, said in his comments to Times Sport.

“Till then the players were on level terms and the game was in good balance,” Ismael, who is also the in-charge of International Chess Academy of Oman, added.

“After five hours of playing, Amin was visibly tired and was under pressure. And that led to him making a costly mistake,” he said.

Amin’s compatriot Mohammed Salim Al Mamari had earlier lost to Iraq’s Ahmad Abdulsattar Abdulwahab.

In other first round games, Yemen International Master Basheer Al Qudaimi (2405) defeated Kuwait’s Candidates Masters Hashem Khaled while Qatar’s International Master Husein Aziz Nezad defeated Saud Arabia’s Abdulrahman Al Masrhi.

On the distaff side, Iranian Women’s Grandmaster Atousa Pourkashiyan defeated her countrywomen Mitra Hejazipour, Iraq’s Afamia Mir Mahmoud defeated Kuwait’s Saud Al Kanderi and UAE’s Abeer

Ali defeated Iman Hasan Mohammed Al Rugaye of Iraq.

Ceremonial opening Earleir, Sheikh Saad bin Mohammed bin Said Al Mardhouf Al Saadi, the Minister of Sports Affairs, inaugurated the championship in the presence of Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, chief of world chess federation Fide, and Oman Chess Committee chairperson Laila Ahmed Al Najjar.

In her welcome speech, Laila said: “Since the formation of the Oman Chess Committee in February 2014, we have been striving for the development of chess across the Sultanate.”

She also informed the committee is conducting an arbitators course from May 20 to 20 under the auspices of Asian Chess Federation.

Around 25 aspiring arbitrators, including 10 Omanis, will be attending the course.

Laila also thanked the Ministry of Sports Affairs for their support in organising the Asian event.

The Asian competition will conclude on May 25.

MIND GAME: Iran’s Ehsan Ghaem Maghamim, right, played well to account for Ibrahim Chahrour in an opening game.

HYDERABAD: Mumbai Indians produced a clinical bowling display to brush aside the might of Sunrisers Hyderabad, winning by nine wickets in a group stage match to advance to the playoff stage of the Indian Premier League (IPL) here on Sunday.

Mumbai clinched the second spot in the standings with 16 points after the group stage with a superior run-rate, joining leaders Chennai Super Kings (18 from 14 matches), ahead of third-placed Royal Challengers Bangalore (16) and four-positioned Rajasthan Royals (16).

Mumbai made their task easier at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in a virtual knockout match when they bowled out Sunrisers for a mere 113 runs.

And then they had no problems in chasing down the small total, with their openers making short work of the task.

West Indian Lendl Simmons (48) and Parthiv Patel (51 not out) showed commendable understanding, mixing caution

SCOREBOARD

SUNRISERS HYDERABAD D. Warner c Pollard b McClenaghan 6 S. Dhawan b Malinga 1 M. Henriques st Patel b Suchith 11 E. Morgan c Simmons b McClenaghan 9 L. Rahul b Harbhajan 25 N. Ojha c Rohit b Suchith 0 K. Sharma c Suchith b Malinga 15 A. Reddy c Vinay b Pollard 17 B. Kumar c Pandya b McClenaghan 0 P. Kumar run out 4 D. Steyn not out 19 Extras (w-4, lb-2) 6 Total (for 10 wickets, 20 overs) 113 Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-7, 3-23, 4-51, 5-51, 6-61, 7-84, 8-86, 9-91, 10-113

with aggression, to put together a solid 106-run opening stand that snuffed out any hopes Hyderabad might have harboured to make a match out of it after getting shot out at 113.

Earlier, Sunrisers Hyderabad captain David Warner chose to bat. But their plans of capitalising on a pitch that was full of

Bowling: Lasith Malinga 4-0-17-2; Mitchell McClenaghan 4-0-16-3; Vinay Kumar 3-0-21-0; Jagadeesha Suchith 3-0-14-2; Hardik Pandya 1-0-11-0; Harbhajan Singh 3-0-18-1; Kieron Pollard 2-0-14-1 MUMBAI INDIANS L. Simmons c Dhawan b Sharma 48 P. Patel not out 51 R. Sharma not out 7 Extras (b-1, w-5, lb-2) 8 Total (for 13.5 overs, 1 wicket) 114 Fall of wickets: 1-106 Bowling: Dale Steyn 3-0-27-0; Bhuvneshwar Kumar 3-0-16-0; Praveen Kumar 2-0-13-0; Moises Henriques 3-0-17-0; Karn Sharma 2.5-0-38-1

runs boomeranged spectacularly as they ran into trouble from the very first over of their innings.

Credit must be given to the entire Mumbai bowling line-up who delivered in unison, keeping up the pressure on SRH batsmen.

Mumbai’s opening pacers Malinga (4/17) and McClenaghan (3/16) were spectacular. — IANS

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Dravid’s humility a lesson for all youngsters, says Shane Watson Rahul Dravid, the team mentor of the Rajasthan Royals, is a role model for many youngsters in the ranks of the 2008 champions

MUMBAI: Rajasthan Royals’ all-rounder Shane Watson, who scored a classic century on Saturday to take his team to the IPL playoffs, has heaped praise on team mentor Rahul Dravid, saying the batting legend’s humility is something which all young cricketers need to observe and learn from.

The 33-year-old Australian also lauded Royals’ teammates, Indian star batsman Ajinkya Rahane and the young Sanju Samson.

“Rahul is an incredible man.

The humility that he shows is a great thing for all young cricketers to be able to see and learn from someone who has been in absolute peak of his game. Obviously being in a cricket loving country, and still able to hold oneself with such humility is a great example for every young cricketer to be able to learn,” Watson said.

“From his coaching perspective, he is more trying to make sure we are not putting an added pressure

PRAISE FOR MENTOR: Rajasthan Royals mentor Rahul Dravid and Shane Watson inspecting the pitch before a match. – BCCI

on ourselves. Just go about there and express ourselves to the best of our ability and try and do that every single time.”

Watson applauded in-form batsman Rahane for continuing to grow as a cricketer and person as well. Rahane is currently in the form of his life scoring runs both in India and abroad in all formats of the game. He is now the second top run getter in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).

“It is great to see Ajinkya con-

tinue to grow as a cricketer and a person as well. When he came to Royals we exactly knew the potential he had in him,” he said.

“The year he had with India in all formats of the game, also in the World Cup and now continuing it with Rajasthan Royals here as well, is just incredible. It has been a pleasure to see someone playing at the top of the game. I think he will continue to score more for a long time as he is hungry for runs,” Watson said.

Speaking about Sanju Samson, Watson rated the 20-year-old as the most talented young batsman he has ever come across.

“Sanju is the most talented young batsman that I have ever come across. I first saw him when he was 18. It’s great to see how much control he has got in his batting skills. He effortlessly hits the ball so far and under pressure how clear his mind is, that is something I have never seen in someone at such a young age, he said.

“He is a very very special talent. There is no doubt that at some stage he will show his skills on the international stage as well, as with such incredible gifts the world needs to see it.”

Watson, who is the second player after Ricky Ponting to have won back-to back Allan Border Medals in 2010 and 2011, has been with the Royals since the inaugural season way back in 2008.

Speaking about the eight-year journey, he said: “It’s incredibly

comfortable for me to be with the Royals every year. The owners and management have been incredibly good to me.

“All the different players who have come and gone these years and who are here now in Royals, the friendships that I have been able to build and the impact they have had in my life is just incredible.”

The Australian led the Royals in the early stage of the 2015 IPL season but midway handed over his captaincy to teammate Steve Smith in order to concentrate entirely on his batting and bowling.

“Look, it has been an absolute privilege to lead the Royals for the couple of games. It’s an incredible tournament to be a part off, I love coming and playing here.

“I have learned a lot myself as a leader and also as a person outside of cricket. Like I ended up stepping down as Royals skipper as I wanted to concentrate on my bowling and my batting which is the most important thing to me as an allrounder,” a confident Watson said.

Watson, along with his Royals teammate Steve Smith, James Faulkner, was part of the victorious Australian World Cup winning squad earlier in the year. The trio helped their national side clinch cricket’s biggest prize for the fifth time.

About the splendid memories he had after winning the World Cup, Watson said the greatest memories I have is after we won the World Cup, and then walking around the fully packed Melbourne Cricket Ground with fans celebrating. We wish we could have paused that moment in time and sort of be in that forever. - IANS

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE

CRICKET

Strauss wants England to follow All Blacks’ example LONDON: Andrew Strauss wants England to learn from rugby union giants New Zealand as he seeks to build a united cricket side capable of beating the world’s best teams.

The All Blacks, the reigning world champions, have long been the pre-eminent team in their sport and Strauss believes it is New Zealand’s “unbelievable pride” which has helped them achieve so much success.

Strauss has faced a testing first week in his new role as England’s director of cricket, sacking coach Peter Moores and then, far more controversially, insisting Kevin Pietersen’s ongoing exile from the international set-up would continue for at least this home season. A former England captain, Strauss — in comments reported by several British newspapers on Sunday — said a “philosophy” of pride was key to a team doing well.

Strauss said he was keen to learn from other sports and cited the examples of the All Blacks and Manchester United under manager Alex Ferguson as well-

run teams. “One that stands out is the All Blacks,” Strauss said.

“There are a number of other examples of strong sporting cultures — Manchester United under Alex Ferguson, everyone knew what that stood for, what was expected, what was allowable and what wasn’t allowable.

“I think part of my job is to look at other sports and work out what we can take from them, in terms of bringing together a four-year plan, how they develop their young sports people” Meanwhile, following England’s humiliating first-round exit from the World Cup, where they failed to beat a single major nation, Strauss said it was time to “think radically” regarding limited overs cricket.

This could mean a revamp of the fixture schedule and abandoning early season home Tests in order to let leading players take part in the Twenty20 Indian Premier League. “In an ideal situation, our players won’t be missing any cricket - but will still have the opportunity to play in the IPL,” said Strauss. - AFP

SATISFIED: Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming. – BCCI

Right attitude, desire to raise bar is powering Chennai: Fleming MOHALI: Having registered a convincing seven-wicket win over bottom-placed Kings XI Punjab to finish at the top of the IPL table, Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming feels that his team needs to maintain the same “attitude” in the play-offs as well. The clinical win came on the back of a disciplined allround show and Fleming, when asked if there was any area which CSK would like to work on going into the playoffs, said, “just attitude, we have to try and keep raising the bar.”

“We have been here before, which is great, but we also like to win, hopefully. I mean to do that you have to keep getting better and the teams (other sides) I think, have been very even this year and whoever gets through to play us, its going to be a tough game.

“And we talked about it earlier how fine line it is between being last in the competition and the first. When you get down to two or three games in the finals, little things can count, so its just attitude really and we were awful in the last game but the attitude today was great, so try and replicate that in the next game will be the focus for us,” he added.

Asked about the game, the former New Zealand captain, said, “we played well, I think we got the conditions just right. We always wanted to bowl first, we were vary about the power of Kings XI and we found chasing against them is a good tactic.

“We were not surprised, but we thought that the pitch was dry and we knew using our spinners was going to be possible advantage. And they bowled very well both (Pawan) Negi and (Ravichandran) Ashwin in particular bowled very well and backed up by very good fielding.”

“We were playing for one or two spot in the IPL finals...so we are happy with the way we went about it,” he added.

On the loss of CSK openers early in the chase, Fleming said, “being 10 for two at one stage is a little bit on edge, but good partnership helped...all in all a very professional performance which we are pleased to have put in and also gives us confidence going into the finals.”

Remind Fleming of the no-fear attitude of KXIP that the coach had talked about in the pre-match presser and he was relieved that it did not come to the fore.

“Thankfully not. Its good players we took care of, good to get rid of Maxwell, Bailey and an excellent catch to get rid of Miller, so three overseas players who play well and then we put pressure on the local players.

“When you take wickets regularly, teams are never able to get out of pressure and play with that no fear attitude, so we were right on the button from ball one today.

Thankfully, we did not allow any of their big players to get into the game which was one of our key targets.” — PTI

MO NDAY, MAY 18, 2015

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SPORTS Australia’s Haddin quits one-day game SYDNEY: Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has announced his retirement from one-day internationals, Cricket Australia said on Sunday.

Haddin made the announcement ahead of his departure for Australia’s Test tours of the West Indies and the United Kingdom on Monday.

Haddin, 37, has played in 126-match one-day internationals in a career that began against Zimbabwe at Hobart in January 2001 and ended in Australia’s ICC Cricket World Cup final victory over New Zealand in Melbourne in March this year.

Throughout his one-day international career Haddin claimed 170 catches and 11 stumpings,

leaving him with the third most dismissals for a wicketkeeper in Australia behind Adam Gilchrist and Ian Healy. Haddin scored 3,122 runs at an average of 31.53 with a top score of 110.

“I have had a privileged oneday career and I have been fortunate enough to be involved in three Cricket World Cups and now is the right time to walk away,” Haddin said.

“Not many players get to write a script like mine at the end of their careers and I have been lucky enough to do just that after winning a World Cup on home soil.

“I leave the team with Australia ranked number one in the world and I am proud of every-

thing we have achieved.”

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said: “Australian cricket congratulates Brad on a fine one-day international career.

“Throughout the years he well and truly maintained Australia’s proud tradition of outstanding wicketkeeper-batsmen in limited overs cricket.

“He leaves big shoes to fill as a talented player and important senior figure within the team.

“We thank him for his wonderful contribution to one-day cricket and look forward to his continued performances at Test level as the team works hard to retain the Frank Worrell Trophy and the Ashes.” - AFP

Zimbabwe’s Pakistan tour is on: Whatmore The tour, the first in

ICC not to send match officials to Pakistan

six years by a Testplaying nation to Pakistan, was throw in doubt last week when a terror attack on a bus killed 47 people in Karachi

CAPE TOWN: Zimbabwe will fly to Pakistan on Sunday for a limited-overs tour, their coach Dav Whatmore told Reuters.

The tour, the first in six years by a Test-playing nation to Pakistan, was throw in doubt last week when a terror attack on a bus killed 47 people in Karachi.

“The tour is going ahead and we leave tonight,” Whatmore said via telephone from Harare before reconfirming his belief the tour would be successful and that security measures put in place by Pakistan will be adequate.

Zimbabwe will play two Twenty20 internationals, starting on May 22, and a three-match oneday series that begins four days later. All the matches are in Lahore.

Zimbabwe Cricket released a statement on Thursday saying a decision had been reached not to tour on the advice of the country’s

CAPE TOWN: The International Cricket Council (ICC) will not be sending match officials to Pakistan for the tour of Zimbabwe should the limited overs series go ahead, the governing body said on Sunday.

The ICC said a security consultant had advised against sending officials to Pakistan, who will instead use their own umpires for the matches if Zimbabwe decide to tour the trouble-torn nation.

The appointment of local match officials will not affect the official status of the games, the ICC said in a statement.

“The ICC today advised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) that it will not be appointing its match officials for the upcom-

supreme sports regulatory authority, the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC). The SRC cited concerns over the safety of the squad. However, just minutes later the statement was withdrawn and Zimbabwe Cricket spokesman Lovemore Banda said discussions were still ongoing.

It is understood that concerns also emanated from the players themselves, some of who were reluctant to travel but have now

ing series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe,” the statement read.

“The ICC Board, during its April meeting, had decided that the playing conditions relating to the appointment of match officials could be waived to allow the PCB to appoint local match officials for this series should the ICC decide not to send its umpires and referee due to the current security situation in Pakistan.

“If this was to occur, the matches would still be considered ‘official cricket’, even though they will not be played strictly in accordance with the ICC standard playing conditions.”

Although the PCB claimed on Friday they had received an assurance from ZC that the tour was on, Zimbabwe con-

been persuaded to tour after additional security measures were announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Those were still deemed not good enough for the International Cricket Council, though, which released a statement on Sunday saying they would not be sending match officials for the series.

They cited a report by a security consultant who advised against sending a team of officials

tinue to say only that discussions are ongoing.

A ZC delegation which visited Lahore, the venue for all matches on the tour, approved security measures put in place by local authorities last week.

But the terror attack on a bus in Karachi that killed at least 45 people this week led Zimbabwe’s supreme sports regulatory authority, the Sports and Recreation Commission, to advise that the tour be cancelled.

Zimbabwe were due to be the first test-playing nation to tour Pakistan since a 2009 attack on Sri Lanka’s team bus in Lahore left six Pakistani policemen and a van driver dead. Some players and a local umpire were injured. — Reuters

to the country.

The ICC said the PCB would have to appoint its own officials, but that this would not affect the status of the games which would remain as full internationals.

Zimbabwe are the first testplaying nation to tour Pakistan since a 2009 gun attack on Sri Lanka’s team bus in Lahore left six Pakistani policemen and a van driver dead. Some players and a local umpire were injured. - Reuters

CRICKET

England will be weaker without Kevin Pietersen, says Clarke SYDNEY: Australia captain Michael Clarke has absolutely no doubt England will be a weaker side without batsman Kevin Pietersen when the Ashes rivalry resumes in Cardiff on July 8.

Pietersen was sacked by England last year following the 201314 trip to Australia during which he was accused of being disengaged from the team as the tourists crashed to a 5-0 defeat.

Despite being England’s most prolific batsman in all forms of the game and going back to score runs in county cricket, the 34-year-old was told last week he would not be part of the side for the Ashes this year.

Clarke, speaking on Sunday before his departure for a two-test tour of the West Indies that precedes the Ashes, said he had sympathy for Pietersen but that his absence would make Australia’s task easier.

“There’s two sides for me — there’s the personal side where I feel for ‘KP’ because I get on well with him and I’d love to see him back playing cricket for England,” he told reporters at Sydney Airport.

“His form has been outstanding, he’s still a great player, I know he wants to play for England so I feel for him on that side.

“On the other side, we go there soon to play against England. Any team without Kevin Pietersen won’t be as strong, I think his statis-

tics speak for themselves. He’s been a wonderful play for a long time and he’s still in career best form.”

Clarke said it was important that Australia’s players were not distracted by the circus surrounding Pietersen’s exclusion, which has enjoyed widespread coverage Down Under.

“I’ve tried to stay quiet and keep out of it. The last thing we want to do as a team is get caught up in what’s happening in England or West Indies or anywhere else,” he added.

“We need to stay focused and make sure we’re as well prepared as possible.

“England will be tough. When we get there, no matter what 11 players they put on the field, they will be tough, they know their conditions really well.”

Clarke said it was also vital that the team focused on performing well in the two tests in Dominica and Jamaica next month and did not dwell too much on the prospect of winning the Ashes in England for the first time since 2001.

“It’s been a long time but ... we’re being really focused on doing all the right things so we can perform at our best,” he said.

“We’ll be really dedicated and disciplined with this trip to West Indies. Hopefully individuals will get some form behind them for England, and we’ll worry about that when we get there.” - Reuters

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SPORTS Aston Martin rope in Omani ace Al Harthy as brand ambassador The appointment acknowledges the role Ahmad Al Harthy and the Oman Racing Team play in helping to promote Aston Martin at home and abroad

MUSCAT: Oman’s most successful motor racing export, Blancpain Endurance Series and Avon Tyres British GT Championship competitor Ahmad Al Harthy, has been appointed as brand ambassador for Aston Martin Middle East and North Africa.

Not only underlining the 33-yearold Oman’s status and his strong links with the hugely successful global automotive brand, the highprofile partnership also highlights Aston Martin’s support of the Ahmad’s endurance racing career.

Additionally, the new appointment acknowledges the role Ahmad and the Oman Racing Team – with whom he competes across mainland Europe and in the UK – play in helping to promote Aston Martin at home and abroad.

“We are absolutely delighted to confirm Ahmad’s appointment as brand ambassador,” said Neil Slade, General Manager of Aston Martin Middle East and North Africa.

“He is a major sporting role model in Oman and the Middle East, (just last week awarded Oman sportsman of the year) and his association with Aston Martin over the past couple of years through his motor racing makes this partnership the perfect fit.

“We have many plans for a variety of activations in the region, in which Ahmad will be centrally involved, and we will, of course, be closely following Ahmad’s season in the Blancpain Endurance Series and British GT Championship.

We’re looking forward to a mutually rewarding partnership.”

Alongside regular promotional work with Aston Martin in the Middle East and North Africa, Ahmad will also help to fly the flag for the brand on a day-to-day basis on the roads of Oman behind the wheel of brand new Aston Martin Vanquish.

MOTOGP

One of the Omani’s sponsors for the second year now is Al Hashar Group. The pioneering Al Hashar Group represents Aston Martin in Oman and has over 40 years experience in the automotive business.

The group’s Chairman Sheikh Al

Muhannad Al Hashar says Ahmad’s new role as brand ambassador with the manufacturer is a major source of pride for Oman and the region.

“We are extremely proud of our association with, and support of,

Ahmad this year and his increased involvement with Aston Martin is very important”, he said.

“The additional promotion for Aston Martin which his brand ambassador role will bring to the Middle East will be very welcome. We wish Ahmad every success in his new role.”

For Ahmad himself, the new status is something he is extremely proud of and the international racer says the acknowledgement afforded him by Aston Martin is one of the proudest moments of his sporting career to date.

“We’ve been involved with Aston Martin for a couple of years now in the Blancpain Endurance Series and British GT, but to have been invited to be brand ambassador for such a prestigious and globally renowned manufacturer is something unbelievably special”, he commented.

“I am incredibly proud to have reached a stage in my racing career where I have been given such wonderful recognition. I intend to fulfil the role of brand ambassador for the Middle East and North Africa to the best of my ability, at all times helping to promote Aston Martin and Oman locally, regionally and internationally.”

I S C TA B L E T E N N I S

Lorenzo leads Yamaha one-two Shounak faces Sai Prem for U-14 title, LE MANS: Spain’s Jorge Lorenzo celebrated his second successive MotoGP win after beating teammate and championship leader Valentino Rossi in a Yamaha one-two at Sunday’s French Grand Prix.

Italian Andrea Dovizioso was third for Ducati, with world champion Marc Marquez finishing only fourth for Honda after starting on pole position but losing out in the battle off the line.

The result left Rossi on 102 points while Lorenzo, who won the previous race in Spain and is the first rider to triumph twice in a row this year, has 87 after five rounds. Dovizioso is on 83 and Marquez 69.

Marquez’s teammate and fellow-Spaniard Dani Pedrosa failed to score on his comeback, having missing the last three races due to arm surgery, after crashing on the second lap. He rejoined in last place and finished 16th.

Lorenzo started in third place, following Dovizioso past Marquez before taking the lead on the opening lap, while Rossi had to fight through from seventh.

Marquez momentarily regained the lead but then ran wide

TWO IN A ROW: Jorge Lorenzo celebrates on the podium after winning the French MotoGP in Le Mans on Sunday. – AFP

almost immediately, dropping down as low as sixth before regaining fourth.

Lorenzo said his aggressive start had been the key to the race but Rossi, who moved into sec-

ond place with 16 laps to go and smashed the circuit lap record, had pushed him hard later on.

“I saw Valentino in second place, he really was very quick so I had to push even at the maximum...but changing a little bit my riding style I could survive and finish the race with another victory,” he told reporters. “It’s very important for the championship so I am very satisfied.”

Rossi, who shook hands with his teammate after they got off the bikes, was happy to have kept his overall lead after taking a gamble with the set-up following difficulties in practice and qualifying.

“We suffered a lot during the practice because I wasn’t able to ride the bike at the limit,” he said.

“It also happened in Jerez. But this time we risked more and for the race did something very different,” said the 36-year-old.

“I needed two or three laps to understand but after I had the good pace...had a great battle with the two Ducatis. When I arrived behind Jorge, I tried but today he was too fast. But anyway this is a great result for the championship.

“Solid race, solid ride, I enjoyed it, 20 points. Good job.” - Reuters

Subash and Sai Saran in U-16 final MUSCAT: Two finals this evening will signal the conclusion of the ISC Junior Table Tennis League sponsored by New Makha Enterprises and organised by the Indian Social Club Muscat.

The boys under-16 singles final between Subash Pillai and P. Sai Saran promises to be a well-contested final.

The league stage ended in a three way tie between Subash Pillai, Sai Saran and Yash Tanna who all had two victories from three matches.

But Subash and Yash prevailed over Yash by virtue of a better winloss difference.

In the second final to be played on Monday, fancied Shounak Kelkar will take on Sai Prem for the boys under-14 title.

Crucial matches In the last and crucial league action, Sai Saran prevailed over Subash Pillai with a 11-3, 11-7, 6-11, 11-8 verdict to record his second victory while Subash defeated Ronan Machado 11-7, 11-4, 11-8 and Yash Tanna dropped a game before overcoming Ronan for a 8-11, 11-7,

ISC U-14 FINALISTS: Shounak Kelkar, left, and Sai Prem. – Supplied photo

11-7, 11-9 victory.

Lefthander Shounak Kelkar qualified for the final of the boys under-14 singles after remaining unbeaten in the round-robin

league. Shounak won all his five league matches and was followed in second place by Sai Prem who had won four out of his five league matches having lost to Shounak.

SQUASH

Jahangir Khan unveils Pakistan ‘rescue’ mission HULL: Pakistan’s Jahangir Khan often described as the greatest squash player of all time, has outlined a new plan which he hopes will spark a revival of the sport in his homeland.

It involves transforming a situation in which Pakistan, once by far squash’s most successful nation, has had no British Open winner since 1997, nor a world top ten player since 1997. Currently there are no Pakistani players able to qualify for the British Open main draw.

“We have to do much more to turn that around,” said Jahangir, speaking on Sunday’s finals day at the British Open — a tournament he won a record 10 times — in Hull, northern England. “It involves

funding and good organisation, and now we have a plan which has a chance of starting a recovery.”

Part of Jahangir’s bid to arrest the decline of Pakistani squash involves the creation of a junior academy which will use the facilities of his own squash centre, the Roshan Khan/Jahangir Khan Complex in Karachi, recruiting, coaching and developing talent, and providing resources for travel to overseas tournaments.

The academy will provide accommodation, food, equipment, and funds for boys to participate in national and international events, including an upcoming tournament in Penang, Malaysia.

In some cases, squash will also

be used as a way of creating a transformation of the lives of less fortunate youngsters. All this has been made possible by the sponsorship of Kazim Anwar, a businessman and philanthropist who runs a trust.

‘Still have talent’ There is plenty of tradition on which to build and inspire budding Pakistani squash champions.

During the 20th century Pakistan produced seven British Open champions -- in years when it was usually regarded as the world’s top tournament -- and these players held the title for their country for 30 of the 78 years in which the men’s event has been held.

“I believe we still have the talent to make great squash players,” asserted Jahangir, 51. “It’s a question of getting the resources and the organisation together to make use of it.”

The project intended to do this is called CHIPS, signifying the Champion Hunt Initiative Programme, which will provide training for boys in five age group categories as well as full-time coaches.

Jahangir himself will help with the coaching, and also working on the project are Saeed Khan, the director of the programme, and Rashid Ahmed, the co-ordinator.

The task, however, is formidable.

First Pakistan’s squash hopes were hit by a growth of funding in other countries, enabling them to take

advantage of vastly superior and rapidly developing sports science.

Then the country’s always narrow playing base made it far harder in the modern era to develop talent in an increasingly competitive world and eventually the whole country was hit by political instability which has prevented Pakistan from holding a major event for nearly a decade. No PSA World Tour tournaments were held at all in Pakistan in 2009.

Jahangir was at pains to emphasise that the new project was not intended to compete with the work of the Pakistan Squash Federation, the governing body of the sport in his country. “We only want to help and we know what we have to do,”

he said. “It’s a question of proper organisation.

“Basically Egypt’s styles and Pakistan’s are the same,” Jahagir added, referring to the Middle East nation which in 15 years has transformed itself into by far the most successful in squash, with modern-day leading players such as Amr Shabana and Ramy Ashour.

“I was there (in Egypt) two weeks ago. They have the organisation. There everyone knows about squash, and about their great players. We can provide help to our young talent to do well again. But squash is a full-time job now and you need a very professional attitude. That’s what we really need to develop.” - AFP

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SPORTS FOOTBALL

AL AROUBA CROWNED OMANTEL PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS Al Arouba, who assured themselves of Omantel Professional League (OPL) title with two matchdays left in the season on May 12, were crowned the champions during the penultimate week action of the 2014-15 season at the Sur Sports Complex on Saturday. Al Arouba sealed the title when they drew 1-1 against Dhofar in Salalah on May 12. But on Saturday Al Arouba were handed a 3-2 defeat by Sur before being crowned the champions with Oman Football Association (OFA) vicechairman Saleh Al Farsi handing over the coveted trophy. The season concludes on May 25 when champions Al Arouba take on Shabab. — ISMAIL AL FARSI/Times of Oman

Andre Ayew

EPL on alert as Ayew confirms Marseille exit

Passage to India, Assarain in final thanks to a 74-run second-wicket partnership between opening batsman Arun Poulose (52) and skipper Arif Hussain (37). With the exit of the duo in quick succession wickets tumbled and Assarain A managed to reach 149 for the loss of seven wickets.

Waseem Ahmed, Muhammed Adnan and skipper Khalid Rasheed claimed two wickets apiece.

In reply, Raha CT were bowled out for 137 in 20 overs. Major contributions came from Sultan Ahmed (34) and opening batsman Mohammed Nadeem (26).

Ahmed Raza claimed four wickets in four overs while V.S. Shiju and Mohammed Nadeem bagged two each.

In the semifinals, Passage to India eased to an easy seven-wicket victory over Al Turki NMC and Assarain A defeated Raha by 12 runs

MUSCAT: Passage to India (PTI) registered an easy seven-wicket win against A Turki NMC to earn a place in the final of the Khimji Ramdas-sponsored T20 Premier Cup knockout tournament.

Opting to bat first, Al Turki NMC lost wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out for 121 runs at the end of their quota of 20 overs with a top score of 20 from Jay Odedra.

Bilal Khan, Mohammed Bilal and skipper Syed Aamir Kaleem

Brief scores: Assarain A 149 for 7 in 20 overs (Arun Poulose 52, Arif Hussain 37; Waseem Ahmed 2/19, Mohammed Adnan 2/25, Khalid Rasheed 2/33) bt Raha CT 137 in 20 overs (Sultan Ahmed 34, Mohammed Nadeem 26; Ahmed Raza 4/21, V.S. Shiju 2/16, Mohammed Nadeem 2/21).

ASSARAIN A STARS: Arun Poulose and Ahmed Raza. – Supplied photo

took two wickets apiece.

PTI in their turn lost three wickets for 53 runs in nine overs but recovered through an unbeaten 70run fourth-wicket partnership between Khurram Khan (48 not out) and Asif Khan (34 not out) to reach

123 for three wickets in 18.2 overs.

Brief scores: Al Turki NMC 121 in 20 overs (Jay Odedra 20; Bilal Khan 2/20, Mohammed Bilal 2/30, Syed Aamir Kaleem 2/31) lost to PTI 123 for 3 in 18.2 overs (Khurram Khan 48 n.o., Asif Khan 34 n.o).

In the final, Passage to India will square off against Assarain A, who defeated Raha by 12 runs in the second semifinal.

Electing to bat first, Assarain A were well placed at 104 for one wicket at the end of the 13th over

The final is scheduled to be played at the MOS Turf Grounds in Al Amerat from 7.30 a.m. on May 22. Maqbool Moosa Al Lawati, Oman Cricket board member, preside over the prize-giving ceremony and handover the trophies.

PARIS: Ghana international forward Andre Ayew moved a step closer to a dream move to the English Premier League after announcing he would be ending a 10 year stay at French giants Marseille.

The 25-year-old winger — a member of the Ghana side that lost to Ivory Coast 9-8 on penalties in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations final — said despite Marseille still being in contention for a Champions League place next term it wasn’t enough for him.

Ayew, whose younger brother Jordan was also at Marseille before leaving for Lorient at the beginning of the season, has attracted interest from several English clubs including relegation-threatened Newcastle, a regular raider of Ligue 1 for players, Spurs, Arsenal and the club he idolised as a boy Liverpool.

“The president (Vincent Labrune) has spoken thus everything has been brought out into the open more or less,” said Ayew, who scored 10 goals in 27 appearances this season as Marseille enjoyed a superb first-half of the campaign and top the table before a series of poor results saw them fall off the pace. I am going to leave the club and it is a page turned.

“There are lots of thing behind the decision. We tried to find a solution which would enable me to stay but for both parties it was complicated, whether it be for sporting or financial reasons. I was expecting more, I wished that the club would have a more competitive team for next year that could be title contenders and that is not certain.

“Also the club cannot offer me the same salary that I’m on at the moment,” added Ayew, son of former Ghana and Marseille legend Abedi Pele.

Labrune said that the club simply could not offer the wages an English club could to Ayew, who came through the youth system at the club and became a key player for them in the past five years after returning from a loan spell with Arles-Avignon.

“We cannot keep Ayew,” Labrune had told Wednesday’s edition of English daily newspaper The Independent.

“He is a very important player for Marseille but we cannot offer him the sums that the English clubs can.

“Unfortunately, he is going to leave the club and we hope he enjoys the great career he deserves in England or elsewhere.” - AFP

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MONDAY, MAY 18, 2 015

SPORTS

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Man City into Champions League group stage, Arsenal edge closer mier League title winners, were indebted to a couple of superb saves from goalkeeper Joe Hart.

“We don’t answer to anyone apart from each other, the fans and the management,” England international Hart told Sky Sports.

“After the (Manchester) United defeat we made second our aim, we’ve won five on the spin and we’ll try to win the last one against Southampton.”

City won 4-2 away to Swansea before third-placed Arsenal moved two points clear of Manchester United after coming from behind to earn a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford

LONDON: Manchester City assured themselves of direct entry into next season’s Champions League group stage on Sunday as Arsenal stayed on course for a topthree finish as well.

City won 4-2 away to Swansea before third-placed Arsenal moved two points clear of Manchester United after coming from behind to earn a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

Ander Herrera’s volley gave United, fourth in the table, the lead on the half-hour mark.

But the Gunners equalised eight minutes from time when Theo Walcott’s cross diverted off defender Tyler Blackett and, with David de Gea off injured, past wrong-footed substitute goalkeep-

BREAKING THE DEFENCE: Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero weaves his way through the Swansea defence during their English Premier League match at The Liberty Stadium in Swansea, Wales, on Sunday. – AFP

er Victor Valdes, who was making his United debut.

Only the top three sides in England at the end of the season — which include already crowned champions Chelsea and City -- are guaranteed a place in the group stage of European football’s elite club competition, with the Premier League’s fourth-placed team having to enter a qualifying round

TENNIS

instead United now have it all to do to overtake Arsenal.

The Gunners, who have a superior goal difference, can take six points from their remaining two matches, at home to Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday and Sunday respectively, while only three are available to United when they travel to Hull on the final day of the season

next weekend. Earlier, three goals came before half-time at the Liberty Stadium.

Yaya Toure, assisted by an error from Swansea goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianksi, and James Milner put Manchester City 2-0 up before Gylfi Sigurdsson pulled a goal back for Swansea on the stroke of half-time.

French striker Bafetimbi Gomis equalised for the Swans midway

through the second half before Toure, with Fabianksi out of position, made it 3-2 to City with a low shot from the edge of the box.

Former Swansea forward Wilfried Bony completed the scoring in stoppage time with only his second goal since he moved in the mid-season transfer window.

Before Bony put the result beyond doubt City, last season’s Pre-

Pellegrini’s faith in Toure Toure’s future at City — fuelled by some provocative comments from his agent — has been the subject of intense speculation, with many observers feeling he hasn’t hit the same heights as he did when the club won the English title last season.

But City manager Manuel Pellegrini said he had never lost faith in the 32-year-old Ivory Coast midfielder.

“I didn’t have any doubt about Yaya,” the manager insisted. “Maybe the media started with him after his birthday. After that he went to the Africa Cup (of Nations) and we couldn’t win (the Premier League).

“Maybe an important player has more criticism, but I never had doubts.”

Despite this defeat, Swansea will finish the season in an impressive eighth position and manager Garry Monk said: “I am disappointed with the result but once again the players’ character and commitment was there to see. I thought we could have got something out of the game but it wasn’t to be.” - AFP

DIAMOND LEAGUE

Fraser-Pryce flops in Shanghai

Novak Djokovic

Maria Sharapova

Djokovic, Sharapova clinch Rome titles ROME: Top seed Novak Djokovic warmed up for the French Open with a comprehensive 6-4, 6-3 victory over Roger Federer to claim his fourth Italian Open title on Sunday.

In the absence of seven-time champion Rafael Nadal, ousted in the quarterfinals, the Serbian produced a near flawless performance on centre court to defend his title and hand Federer his fourth final defeat in Rome.

With Roland Garros a little more than a week away, Djokovic could emerge as the favourite to claim what is an elusive title in the French capital, especially in light of Nadal’s current woes on clay.

The Spaniard has won only one title on the surface this year, at Buenos Aires, and been beaten by Italian Fabio Fognini, Andy Murray, Djokovic and Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka in recent tournaments.

Djokovic, meanwhile, has brought his game to boiling point this week to claim his fifth title of the season and take his head-to-head record over the Swiss ace to 21-18.

On this performance, Djokovic

will be hard to beat at the French Open, where Nadal’s bid for a 10th title could be compounded by a lack of top seeding.

Earlier, Russia’s Maria Sharapova warmed up for the defence of her French Open title by securing her third Italian Open crown with a 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 win over Spain’s Carla Suarez.

Suarez, bidding for only the second title of her career but first from the Masters 1000 series, made a stunning start at the Foro Italico where the players faced sweltering conditions.

The Spanish 10th seed broke the world number three midway through the opening set and had Sharapova on the ropes in a tight second before Sharapova found the breakthrough. Sharapova broke the Spaniard in the eighth game of the second set for a 5-3 lead and after going on to hand her opponent three break points in the next game she recovered to level the match.

Sharapova handed Suarez a break point in the opening game of the third set but managed to seal the victory. - AFP

SHANGHAI: World and Olympic champion Shelly-Ann FraserPryce finished just fifth in the Shanghai Diamond League 100m on Sunday in a setback to her bid for a third straight world title.

In the season’s second Diamond League meeting, David Oliver stormed to victory in the 110m hurdles, and Almaz Ayana won the women’s 5,000m in a world-leading 14 minutes and 14.32 seconds.

Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim leapt 2.38m to win his high jump battle with Bohdan Bondarenko, and Olympic title-holder Kirani James took out the 400m in a clear statement ahead of the August world championships in Beijing.

But Fraser-Pryce suffered a big loss in her first 100m of the season, behind Nigerian winner Blessing Okagbare and Jamaican teammate Veronica Campbell-Brown, who was fourth.

“The feeling is OK,” said 28-year-old Fraser-Pryce, who now has three months to find form before the world championships.

“I am looking forward to my next race. What comes, comes.”

Okagbare, who won the 200m and the long jump at last year’s meet in Shanghai, was ecstatic at her victory.

“It is not easy to compete with the best in the world but I won,” she said. “Shanghai loves me and the track loves me.”

Watched by recently retired Chinese great Liu Xiang, America’s David Oliver clattered four barriers in the 110m hurdles but still managed to beat a top-class field.

The powerful world champion clocked 13.17 to finish two-hundredths ahead of Cuba’s Orlando Ortega with Aries Merritt, the Olympic champion and world record-holder, third.

“Although it is a season’s best, I think I can run faster,” America’s Oliver said. “My main goal is to win Beijing but also to win the

Tearful send-off for Chinese star Liu SHANGHAI: China’s greatest track and field athlete Liu Xiang said goodbye to his adoring fans in his hometown of Shanghai on Sunday in a tearful ceremony after the Diamond League meeting.

“I have been moved by your concern for me, your understanding and your encouragement,” said Liu, the 110m hurdles champion at the 2004 Olympics, a month after he announced his retirement.

“I am grateful and very honoured,” added the 31-year-old, his eyes glazing as he struggled to contain his emotions.

Many fans at Shanghai Stadium stood motionless with their hands over their mouths, while others wiped tears as Liu spoke from the trackside.

Liu’s retirement last month sparked an outpouring of emotion for an athlete who was loved for his achievements and also won wide sympathy for his heart-breaking setbacks.

After claiming China’s first men’s track and field gold at Athens, Liu was hotly tipped to claim victory at the 2008

Diamond race.”

In the 5,000m, Ethiopia’s Ayana ran a stunning race to clock the third best time in history, threatening compatriot Tirunesh Dibaba’s 2008 world record of 14:11.15.

“I didn’t know I was so close to the world record,” she said.

“During the race, I went faster and faster. I was surprised that my body could do that.”

Olympic Games in Beijing, but limped out of the first heat, stunning home fans at the Bird’s Nest stadium.

Despite appearing to hit form leading up to London 2012, Liu clattered into the first hurdle in his opening heat and after being helped up, he hopped the length of the track before symbolically kissing the last barrier and exiting the arena. He has not run competitively since.

“I am very happy that today I have an opportunity to say goodbye,” Liu said, before

Ayana, who led after five laps in Shanghai and broke away not long after the half-way point, said she would make an attempt at the record at the world championships.

In the men’s 400m, James powered across the finishing line on 44.66 secs, well ahead of Americans Tony McQuay in second and world champion LaShawn Merritt in third.

giving his backing to a new generation of Chinese athletes.

“I am convinced that from today we will have even more athletes, who are even more outstanding,” he said.

China is an emerging power in athletics, with promising 110 hurdler Xie Wenjun and long jump hope Li Jinzhe among those tipped for success.

While neither managed a win in Shanghai Sunday, women’s shot-putter Gong Lijiao and javelin-thrower Lu Huihui both claimed victory. - AFP

It provided a psychological boost for James as he looks ahead to Beijing, where he will try to reclaim the world title from Merritt, the current holder.

“It is always a great atmosphere and a great field,” he said, following his second successive victory at the Shanghai meet.

“It was very tough but I am very happy,” the Grenadian added. - AFP

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SECTION

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

LIFE & STYLE

M O N DAY, M AY 1 8, 2 0 1 5

Doudna is fighting for control of what could be hugely lucrative intellectual property rights to the genome editing technique

T

hree years ago, Doudna, a biochemist at the University of California, Berkeley, helped make one of the most monumental discoveries in biology: a relatively easy way to alter any organism’s DNA, just as a computer user can edit a word in a document.

The discovery has turned Doudna (the first syllable rhymes with loud) into a celebrity of sorts, the recipient of numerous accolades and prizes. The so-called CRISPRCas9 genome editing technique is already widely used in laboratory studies, and scientists hope it may one day help rewrite flawed genes in people, opening tremendous new possibilities for treating, even curing, diseases.

But now Doudna, 51, is battling on two fronts to control what she helped create.

While everyone welcomes CRISPR-Cas9 as a strategy to treat disease, many scientists are worried that it could also be used to alter genes in human embryos, sperm or eggs in ways that can be passed from generation to generation. The prospect raises fears of a dystopian future in which scientists create an elite population of designer babies with enhanced intelligence, beauty or other traits.

Scientists in China reported last month that they had already used the technique in an attempt to change genes in human embryos, though on defective embryos and without real success.

Doudna has been organising the scientific community to prevent this ethical line from being crossed. “The idea that you would affect evolution is a very profound thing,” she said.

She is also fighting for control of what could be hugely lucrative intellectual property rights to the genome editing technique.

To the surprise of many, the first sweeping patents for the technology were granted not to her, but to Feng Zhang, a scientist at the Broad Institute and MIT. The University of California is challenging the decision, and the nasty skirmish has cast a bit of a pall over the field.

“I really want to see this technology used to help people,” Doudna

JENNIFER DOUDNA THE PIONEER

WHO SIMPLIFIED GENOME

said. “It would be a shame if the I.P. situation would block that.”

A ‘dumbstruck’ moment Doudna was 7 when she moved to Hilo, where her father taught literature at the University of Hawaii campus there, and her mother lectured on history at a community college. Their daughter loved exploring the rain forests and was fascinated by how things worked. She found her calling in high school after hearing a lecture by a scientist about her research into how normal cells became cancerous.

“I was just dumbstruck,” Doudna recalled. “I wanted to be her.”

After studying biochemistry at Pomona College in California, she went to Harvard for graduate school. There her adviser, the future Nobel laureate Jack Szostak, was doing research on RNA. Some scientists believe that RNA, not DNA, was the basis of early life, since the molecule can both store genetic information and catalyse chemical reactions.

Doudna earned her doctoral degree by engineering a catalytic RNA that could self-replicate, adding evidence to that theory. But her

EDITING

inability to visualise this catalytic RNA hindered her work.

So as a postdoctoral researcher in Colorado, she decided to try to determine the three-dimensional atomic structure of RNA using X-ray diffraction - and succeeded, though she had had no formal training in the technique. Structural and biochemical studies of RNA in action have been her forte ever since.

In 2000, while on the faculty at Yale, she won the Alan T. Waterman Award, given each year by the National Science Foundation to an exceptional young scientist. She

moved to Berkeley in 2002.

In 2005, Doudna was approached by Jillian Banfield, an environmental researcher at Berkeley who had been sequencing the DNA of unusual microbes that lived in a highly acidic abandoned mine. In the genomes of many of these microbes were unusual repeating sequences called “clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats,” or CRISPR. No one was quite sure what they did, though over the next few years scientists elsewhere established that these sequences were part of a bacterial immune system.

Between the repeated sequences were stretches of DNA taken from viruses that had previously infected the bacteria - genetic mostwanted posters, so to speak.

If the same virus invaded again, these stretches of DNA would permit the bacteria to recognise it and destroy it by slicing up its genetic material. Doudna was trying to figure out exactly how this happened.

“I remember thinking this is probably the most obscure thing I ever worked on,” she said.

It would prove to have wide use.

At a conference in early 2011, she met Emmanuelle Charpentier, a French microbiologist at Umea University in Sweden, who had already made some fundamental discoveries about the relatively simple Crispr system in one bacterial species.

The bacterial expert and the structural biologist decided to work together.

“It was very enjoyable, because we were complementary,” said Charpentier, who recalled sitting in her office near the North Pole while Doudna regaled her with stories about Hawaii.

Along with postdoctoral researchers Martin Jinek and Krzysztof Chylinski, the two scientists eventually figured out how two pieces of RNA join up with a protein made by the bacteria called Cas9 to cut DNA at a specific spot.

The researchers also found that the two RNA pieces could be combined into one and still function.

In a eureka moment, the scientists realised that this cellular defence system might be used to edit genomes, not just kill viruses.

A specific sequence of guide RNA could be made to attach to a spot virtually anywhere on the genome, and the Cas9 protein would cleave the DNA at that spot. Then pieces of the DNA could be deleted or added, just as a film editor might cut a film and splice in new frames.

The researchers demonstrated this using DNA in a test tube.

While there were other genome editing techniques, they found that CRISPR-Cas9 was much simpler.

The paper describing the technique, published by the journal Science in June 2012, set off a race to see if it would work in human, plant and animal cells.-Andrew Pollack/ The New York Times News Service

C8

MONDAY, MAY 18, 2 015

EXTRA

T

Mans but never released. (This turned up in a Paris film vault.)

They also came across several hours of super 8mm home-movie footage shot by one of the drivers, Paul Blancpain, during the race.

Klawitter himself discovered film reels stored away in his own garage. “They had been there for more than 40 years – and thanks to the kindness of California’s climate, they had survived the ravages of time.”

“We spoke to family, to people who had worked on this project. As far as they were concerned, this film didn’t exist,” Clarke recalls. There was “a vague lead” to a disused warehouse in New Jersey. Some contacts suggested that the rushes might be in private collections in South America. (McQueen memorabilia remains highly sought after there.)

Clarke and McKenna just happened to make a late night call to an editor in Los Angeles. An email came back saying that “hidden beneath a sound stage and covered in dust, we found between 400 and 600 boxes of film.” Miraculously, the rushes had survived intact. The first box the film-makers looked at contained material from the camera car. “It was just inspiring to look at,” Clarke says. “McQueen wanted a camera car – a car that was racing in Le Mans and from which they could use the footage to put across the authenticity of the driver during the race.” Le Mans was intended by McQueen to be the ultimate racing movie. He wanted viewers to feel they were behind the wheel, experiencing the event at first hand. “Once we knew the rushes existed, we could really put this across.”

Some of the Hollywood star’s relentless perfectionism was clearly shared by Clarke and McKenna.

The rushes came without sound, but the film-makers made sure during post-production that every last growl of an engine was authentic. Whether it was McQueen in a Porsche 917 or another driver in a Ferrari 512, the sound the car makes is exactly as it should be.

The motor-racing community appreciated Le Mans, and the film has been called “essential viewing for anyone with gasoline in their veins.” However, box-office returns were disappointing and McQueen himself never quite recaptured the lustre he had once held.

The metaphor that many use to describe McQueen’s involvement in such an epic and ill-fated project is of Icarus flying too close to the sun.

“The story itself is so much more than just Steve McQueen, the motor-racing fanatic. The story is this obsession that McQueen had to make the ultimate racing film,” says Clarke.

“Everyone around him was convinced that he was untouchable and that this was going to be the ultimate film, not just a racing film… with Steve McQueen in a racing car, what could possibly go wrong?

Of course, things did go wrong.”

“Part of the reason we feel that this is an inspirational story is that you do go into dark places with Steve – and you do realise that his was a flawed character. He was a genius of a man. One of the things we hope to put across is that he was a visionary.”

Now, more than 40 years after the film went so wrong, audiences in Cannes will be given at least a glimpse of the film that might have been. -Geoffrey Mcnab/The Independent

hanks to a string of successes like Bullitt and The Thomas Crown Affair, he was one of the most powerful figures in Hollywood, able to choose his own projects and set his own terms. Fans revered him as the coolest, most charismatic actor of his generation.

In theory, Le Mans had all the ingredients to be a huge hit. McQueen himself starred in a role tailor-made for him as Michael Delaney, the driver in the Porsche in the 24-hour race in Le Mans.

However, as a new feature documentary, Steve McQueen: The Man and Le Mans reveals, the project very nearly destroyed him.

The film itself wasn’t a success.

Its original director, John Sturges (who had also worked with McQueen on The Great Escape), abandoned the project. His marriage came under severe strain – and so did the finances of his production company. His paranoia was mounting. The Sharon Tate murders had happened in LA a few months before filming began.

During the course of shooting, McQueen, who had discovered he was on Charles Manson’s death list, requested that a gun be sent over for his protection.

“I’ve always wanted to shoot a motor-racing picture because it has always been something close to my heart. I sometimes thought maybe I shouldn’t do it,” McQueen is heard saying in the trailer for the documentary, which had its world premiere in Cannes. “When something is close to you, you have a tendency to become too much of a perfectionist with it.” That perfectionism was going to cost McQueen dear. The new documentary is directed by Gabriel Clarke and John McKenna. What has been causing huge excitement among motor racing and film fans alike is the wealth of unseen footage that the film-makers have turned up of McQueen’s folie de grandeur.

Film-maker and journalist Clarke, well-known to British viewers for his football reporting on ITV, has revealed the extraordinary efforts he and McKenna made to track down the missing footage.

It had been claimed that well over a million feet of film were shot by McQueen and his team during the making of Le Mans. There were issues with the storyline and script during production, and as they waited for these to be resolved, the film-makers kept shooting and shooting. They were filming during the actual Le Mans race with multiple cameras – and seemingly with little thought as to how their hours and hours of footage were actually going to be incorporated into the movie.

The out-takes had long since gone missing, presumed lost. Some had speculated that the film-makers themselves may have destroyed the material when the project went sour on them. Even McQueen’s own son, Chad McQueen, feared that the footage was lost.

“Some of our footage came from private family collections,” Clarke says, talking about the various sources they drew from for the film.

“Other footage had been recorded at the time. There was an on-set ‘making of’ documentary made by one of our contributors, John Klawitter...”

They also unearthed a Swiss documentary, The Song of Le Mans, made during the shooting of Le

‘LE MANS’: THE BEGINNING OF THE END FOR THE KING OF COOL

Steve McQueen was at his absolute high as a movie star when he began work on his passionate project ‘Le Mans’ (1971).

A new film features remarkable unseen footage and outtakes

MO NDAY, MAY 18, 2015

C9

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BAHJA CINEMA MAD MAX FURY ROAD (Action, Adventure)(2D) 12+ Cast : Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron Timings : 04:20 pm MAD MAX FURY ROAD (Action, Adventure)(3D) 12+ Cast : Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron Timings : 06:45 pm /09:15 pm /11:45 pm Good Kill (Drama, Thriller) (12+) Cast: Ethan Hawke, January Jones, Zoë Kravitz Timings: 02:15 pm /09:45 pm /11:30 pm FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD (Drama)(12+) Cast : Carey Mulligan, Michael Sheen Timings : 04:00 pm BOMBAY VELVET (Crime, Drama)(12+) Cast : Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma Timings : 08:30 pm PITCH PERFECT 2 (Comedy)(12+) Cast : Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson Timings : 06:15 pm CAPTAIN MASR (Sports, Comedy)(PG) Cast : Mohamed Emam, Edward Timings : 02:00 pm /07:50 pm AVENGERS AGE OF ULTRON (3D) (Action, Adventure) (PG12) Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans Timings: 02:45 pm /11:45 pm PIKU (Comedy, Drama)(PG) Cast : Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Irrfan Khan Timings: 05:30 pm

AVENGERS AGE OF ULTRON (3D) PG12 Cast : Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans Timings :06:55 PM MAD MAX: FURY ROAD (2D) 12+ Cast : Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron Timings :12:30 PM MAD MAX: FURY ROAD (3D) 12+

SCREEN 3 Gabbar - Hindi (Action/Drama ) – PG Cast: Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor Timing: 3.45 PM PURAMPOKKU – Tamil (Drama ) – PG Cast: Arya, Shaam, Vijay Sethupathi Timing: 6.45 PM BOMBAY VELVET (Action) – 12+ Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma Timing: 9.45 PM

Cast : Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron Timings :09:30 PM & 11:45 PM Gold Class: 03:45 PM & 11:15 PM PITCH PERFECT (2D) 12+ Timings :10:15 & 02:45 PM Gold Class: 06:00 PM GOOD KILL (2D) 12+ Cast : Ethan Hawke, January Jones, Timings : 05:00 PM & 09:45 PM. CAPTAIN MASR (2D) PG Timings :10:30 AM & 05:15 PM Gold Class: 11:45 AM FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD (2D) 12+ Timings :03:00 PM Gold Class: 01:30 PM BOMBAY VELVET (HINDI) (2D) 12+ Cast : Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma Timings :07:00 PM Gold Class: 08:30 PM PIKU (HINDI) (2D) 12+ Cast : Amitabh Bachchan, Irfan Khan Timings :12:30 PM CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR (2D) 15+ Cast : Isabel Lucas, Dermot Mulroney Timings :11:45 PM

SCREEN 1 BOMBAY VELVET (Action/Drama ) – 12+ Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka harma Timing: 3.30 PM PIKU (Drama / Comedy) – PG Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone Timing: 6.45 PM GABBAR - Hindi (Action/Drama ) – PG Cast: Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor Timing: 9.30 PM SCREEN 2 PIKU (Drama / Comedy) – PG Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone Timing: 3.45, 9.45 PM GABBAR - Hindi (Action/Drama ) – PG Cast: Akshay Kumar, Shruti K. Haasan, Kareena Kapoor; Timing: 6.45 PM

AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON -3D (PG12) Cast : Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans Timings : 02:15, 11:40 pm ACCIDENTAL LOVE - 2D (12+) Comedy Cast : Jessica Biel, Raymond L. Brown Jr. Timings : 03:15 pm GOOD KILL – 2D (12+) Drama | Thriller Cast : Ethan Hawke, January Jones Timings : 04:50, 09:30, 11:30 pm CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR - 2D (15+) Thriller Cast : Isabel Lucas, Dermot Mulroney Timings : 07:00 pm FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD 2D (12+) Drama; Timings : 06:00 pm MAD MAX: FURY ROAD - 3D (12+) Action, Adventure, Thriller Cast : Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron Timings : 06:50, 09:15, 11:45 pm CAPTAIN MASR - 2D (ARB) (PG) Sports, Cast : Mohamed Emam, Edward Timings : 02:00, 05:15 pm PITCH PERFECT 2 - 2D (12+) Comedy Timings : 04:50 pm BOMBAY VELVET - 2D (12+) Crime Cast : Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma Timings : 08:50, 11:15 pm PURAMPOKKU - 2D (T) (PG) Action Cast : Vijay Sethupathi, Arya Timings : 08:20 pm CHIRAKODINJA KINAVUKAL - 2D (M) (PG) Comedy, Spoof Cast : Kunchacko Boban, Rima Kallingal Timings : 07:10 pm

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD - 2D (12+) Cast : Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron Timings : 02:30 pm PIKU - 2D (PG) Cast : Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Irrfan Khan Timings : 03:45 pm

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD – 3D (12+) Cast: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron Timing: 02:45, 05:20, 09:30, 11:45 PM GOOD KILL – 2D (12+) Drama, Thriller Cast: Ethan Hawke, January Jones Timing: 02:30, 05:00, 11:45 PM CAPTAIN MASR – 2D (PG) Sports Timings: 04:20, 07:30 PM PURAMPOKKU ENGIRA PODHUVUDAMAI- 2D (PG) Action Cast: Vijay Sethupathi, Arya Timing: 06:05 PM BOMBAY VELVET - 2D (12+) Crime Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma Timing: 09:00, 11:30 PM 36 VAYADHINILE - 2D (PG) Drama Cast: Jyothika, Rahman, Abhirami Timing: 03:15 PM CHIRAKODINJA KINAVUKAL – 2D (PG)Comedy, Spoof Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Rima Kallingal Timing: 09:15 PM AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON - 3D (PG12) Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans Timing: 07:00 PM

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MAD MAX:FURY ROAD : (Action) : Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult Show Time : 3.15 p.m., 7.30 p.m., 9.45 p.m & 11.55 p.m.

Censor Permit No: 1273 ( 12+ ) PITCH PERFECT 2 : ( Comedy ) : Anna Kedrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld Show Time : 1.15 p.m. & 5.30 p.m.

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ACES ON BRIDGE

Use declarer’s shape to shape the defence

L

aurence J. Peter, a Canadian educator who developed the Peter Principle, said, “Real, constructive mental power lies in the creative thought that shapes your destiny, and your hour-by-hour mental conduct produces power for change in your life.”

That applies to bridge players, whose minute-byminute mental conduct produces the power to solve a problem correctly.

This week we are looking at deals in which working out hand shapes will shape the results.

In today’s deal, South is in three no-trump. West

leads the diamond two.

How should East plan the defence?

The bidding had a few interesting aspects. First, when North responded one spade, South, with a singleton spade, correctly rebid two clubs, not three clubs. Then North decided to support hearts, knowing that two honours doubleton would be as good as three low cards.

But he was tempted to rebid two spades, given his six-card suit. Then South, when he continued with two no-trump, showed some 16 or 17 high-card points, enough to think about game even though

North was limited to nine points. North, with a near maximum, raised to game.

East has to think about declarer’s hand shape.

South showed five hearts and four clubs in the bidding, and West’s diamond-two lead, indicating a four-card suit, tells East that South started with three diamonds. So declarer’s distribution must be 1-5-3-4.

East’s best chance is to win with his diamond ace and immediately shift to the spade four. Bingo!

Four spade tricks later, the defenders will be happy.

— By Phillip Alder MARMADUKE

CROSSWORD

B I G NAT E

Answer to previous puzzle

ACROSS 1 Tavern 4 Lady’s honorific 8 Sidekick 12 Mouths, in zoology 13 In that case (2 wds.)

14 Long-handled tool 15 Interstellar 17 Mellowed, as whiskey 18 Not so new 19 Bias 21 Sinbad’s transport 23 Burro alternative 27 Kachina doll maker 30 Teacup edges 33 Pledge 34 Singer — Brickell

35 Western tribesman 36 Go to ground 37 Caviar, actually 38 Much loved 39 — St. Laurent 40 Law and — 42Smidgen 44Meg — of films 47 Stand of trees 51 Jet route 54 Type of retriever 56 A Baldwin 57 North-forty unit 58 Down with the flu 59 Lose some 60Gin-fizz flavour 61 Riviera summer

DOWN 1 Kelly’s possum 2 Europe-Asia range 3 Like Kojak 4 Very small 5 Near the stern 6 Defects and all (2 wds.)

7 — turtle soup 8 Rush-hour pace 9 Crone 10 Luau strummer 11 Avg. size 16 Condor’s abode 20Metro RRs 22Sherlock’s need 24Tel — 25 Way 26 Amazes

27 Adventurer, often 28 Dumpster output 29 Spotted, as a horse 31 Give — — whirl 32 Sassy 36 Nine-headed monster 38 Dehydrated 41 Build 43 Tally 45 Woe is me!

46Table salt 48Fat cat’s victim 49Battery word 50 — Stanley Gardner 51 Boy 52 Mr. Baba 53 Born as 55 Sib for a sis

BORN LOSER

WITH LOVE

ZAINAB JAMEEL SHAKEEL

SHILPA S. NAIR

May 18, 2009

May 18, 2005

Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 16 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to extra@timesofoman.com

KIDSPOT

H E A LT H C A P S U L E

C1 0

MONDAY, MAY 18, 2 015

FIND-IT-ALL Y O U R B I R T H D AY BORN today, you are able to effect change wherever you go, shaping the world according to your bright and positive vision. You can alter the dynamic of a room simply by walking into it; you don’t even have to speak for your presence to be felt, for you will surely be noticed the moment you set foot in the door. You have a dynamic personality, and you have a great deal of generosity and vision that you are able to put to good use again and again.

Though you can surely do good work entirely on your own — and do, at times, prefer solitude while you work out a particularly stubborn problem — the truth is that you prefer working with others, enjoying the social benefits and camaraderie that group efforts afford you.

You may go through one or two periods in your life when you are unable to address the difficulties around you with the same aplomb as you usually do. This is because you will have fallen out of sync with the world and those in it in some key way. Fortunately, you can recover quickly and get back on the right track.

Also born on this date are: George Strait, singer; Tina Fey, actress, writer and comedian; Pope John Paul II; Jack Johnson, singer; Reggie Jackson, baseball player; Perry Como, singer and actor; Pernell Roberts, actor; Chow Yun-Fat, actor; Bertrand Russell, author and philosopher; Margot Fonteyn, dancer; Frank Capra, filmmaker; Robert Morse, actor; Czar Nicholas II of Russia; Meredith Willson, playwright and songwriter; Bill Macy, actor.

W E AT H E R

M

WORLD

Max 41 Min 28 Max 19 Min 14

Max 41 Min 28

Max 41 Min 30 Max 16 Min 7

Max 43 Min 29

Max 14 Min 7

Max 45 Min 27

Max 43 Min 24

Max 43 Min 28

Max 43 Min 32

Max 35 Min 26

[APRIL 20-MAY 20] Max 33 Min 28

Max 19 Min 12

Max 36 Min 26 Max 21 Min 12

—www.met.gov.om

GULF Abu Dhabi Doha Dubai Kuwait Manama Riyadh

39 38 36 41 36 38

27 27 25 29 29 24

WORLD Athens Baghdad Beijing Berlin Boston Cairo Colombo Frankfurt Hong Kong Istanbul Johannesburg Kuala Lumpur Lisbon Paris Perth Singapore Tokyo Toronto

28 40 29 20 16 37 31 24 30 24 24 33 27 22 19 32 27 22

19 24 17 9 11 18 26 11 26 16 9 26 16 8 9 29 17 14

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

TO MUSCAT (RUWI)

[MAY 21-JUNE 20]

CANCER [JUNE 21-JULY 22] You’re eager to get moving, but the signs may indicate danger ahead.

Proceed cautiously at first, until you can pick up speed.

LEO [JULY 23-AUG. 22] What you are expecting or eagerly anticipating may not come to you on time. Still, better late than never, right?

VIRGO [AUG. 23-SEPT. 22] A certain sassiness can serve you well, but take care that you don’t let your disappointment in someone reveal itself too strongly.

LIBRA L [[SEPT. [S S 23-OCT. 22] What you do must have meaning and import; you don’t want to spend your time doing anything trivial or forgettable.

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (Route 36) Dept Destination Arrival Time Time 15:00 Quriyat 16:30 15:00 Sur 18:00 15:00 Jaalan 19:30 TO AL BURAIMI (Route 41) 06:30 Sohar 06:30 Buraimi 08:00 Buraimi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Buraimi 16.00 Sohar 16.00 Buraimi TO SINAW (Route 52) 17:30 Sinaw

[[OCT. 23-NOV. 21] You’ll want to stay the course, despite warnings received from someone who has been helpful to you in the past. Take a risk.

SAGITTARIUS S [[NOV. 22-DEC. 21] Someone may try to limit you in a way that you simply cannot abide.

You must put your foot down as soon as you feel challenged.

CAPRICORN [DEC. 22-JAN 19] It’s time for you to be moving on — but you’ll have a very good reason to spend just a little more time with you-know-who.

AQUARIUS [JAN. 20-FEB. 18] You’ll be the purveyor of some undisputed truths. Others are sure to rally around you when they recognise your certain authority.

PISCES [Feb. 19-March 20] A lighthearted approach can serve you quite well. Avoid coming down too hard on one who is simply trying to explore his own limits.

ARIES [March 21-APRIL 19] You may have to step in and finish a job for someone who is unexpectedly called away. This may not be a temporary thing.

Operating Days Daily Daily Daily

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (Route 36) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 05:30 Sur 06:45 Daily 05:30 Quriyat 08:30 Daily 05:30 Ruwi 10:00 Daily

08:50 11:00 14:30 15:45 17:40 18.35 20:20

Daily Daily Daily via Ibri Daily Daily Daily Daily

20:50

Daily

TO AL BURAIMI (Route 41) 07:00 Sohar 07:00 Ruwi 13:30 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 17:00 Ruwi TO SINAW (Route 52) 07:00 Ruwi

08:55 11:40 20:20 14:55 17:40 19:20 22:15

Daily Daily Daily via Ibri Daily Daily Daily Daily

10:25

Daily

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

To Yanqul (Route 54) 14:30 Nizwa 14:30 Yanqul

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

To Yanqul (Route 54) 06:00 Nizwa 06:00 Ruwi

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (Route 54) 08:00 Nizwa 08:00 Al Araqi

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (Route 54) 15:40 Nizwa 15:40 Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

TO SUR (Route 55) 07:30 Sur 14:30 Sur

12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

TO SUR (Route 55) 06:00 Ruwi 14:30 Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (Route 62) 06:30 Fahud 06:30 Yibal

10:30 11:15

Daily Daily

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (Route 62) 12:30 Fahud 12:30 Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (Route 100) 07:00 Salalah 20:00 10:00 Marmul 20:30 10:00 Salalah 23:30 19:00 Salalah 07:40

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (Route 100) 07:00 Ruwi 19:50 10:00 Marmul 13:15 10:00 Ruwi 22:30 19:00 Ruwi 07:30

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101) 06:00 Marmul

Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101) 06:00 Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (Route 102) 15:00 Salalah 07:00

Daily

16:50

SALALAH TO DUBAI (Route 102) 15:00 Dubai 07:00

SCORPIO S

Sunset Sunrise (Tomorrow) High tide Low tide

TO DUBAI (Route 201) 06:00 Sohar 06:00 Dubai 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Dubai 15:00 Sohar 15:00 Dubai

08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (Route 204) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 07:00 Fujairah 11.45 Daily 07:00 Sharjah 13.30 Daily 07:00 Dubai 14.00 Daily

TO DUBAI (Route 201) 07:30 Sohar 07:30 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Ruwi 15:30 Sohar 15:30 Ruwi

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (Route 204) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 16:00 Sharjah 16:30 Daily 16.00 Fujairah 18.15 Daily 16.00 Ruwi 23.00 Daily

LISTINGS

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi: 24783334; Appolo Medical Centre, Hamriya: 24782666; Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi: 24702542, Salalah: 23291635; Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra: 24503585; Ruwi 24811715 Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya. Tel: 24787766 Muscat, A Seeb Market. Tel: 24421691 Muscat, Al Khuwair. Tel: 24485740 Muscat, Al Hail South. Tel: 24537080 Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah.

Tel: 23291635 HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre: 24485052 Atlas Hospital: Ruwi: 24811743/ Ghubra: 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic: 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi: 24563641, Azaiba: 24499269, Sohar: 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital: 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory: 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre: 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya: 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic: 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi: 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb: 24420740 Ceregem National Raak: 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic: 24563217 Elixir Health Centre: 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre: 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre: 24472274 Hamdan Hospital: 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC: 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital: 24760100

24 Hrs Emergency: 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar: 26751128, MBD: 24799077, Al Khuwair: 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital: 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital: 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair: 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC: 22004000 ROYAL OMAN POLICE Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence: 24569603 Directorate General of Customs: 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries: 24510228 Public Relations Admin: 24560099 ACCOMMODATION Al Bahjah Hotel: 24424400 Al Bustan Palace: 24764000 Al Khuwair Hotel Apartments: 24478171 Al Madina Holiday Inn: 24596400 Al Maha International Hotel: 24494949 Al Fanar Hotel: 24712385 Al Falaj Hotel: 24702311 Al Qurum Resort: 24605945 Azaiba Hotel Apartments: 24490979 Beach Hotel: 24696601 Bowshar Hotel: 24491105 Coral Hotel Muscat: 24692121 Crowne Plaza Muscat: 24660660 Crystal Suites: 24826100 Golden Tulip Seeb: 24510300 Grand Hyatt Muscat: 24641234 Haffa House Hotel: 24707207 Hotel Muscat Holiday: 24487123 InterContinental Muscat: 24680000 Majan Continental Hotel: 24592900 Marina Hotel: 24711711 Midan Hotel Suites: 24499565 Mina Hotel: 24711828 Muttrah Hotel: 24798401

Nuzha Hotel Apartments: 24789199 Oman Dive Centre: 24824240 Park Inn: 24507888 Qurum Beach House Hotel: 24564070 Radisson Blu Hotel: 24487777 Ramee Dream Resort Seeb: 24453399 Ramee Guestline Hotel: 24564443 Ruwi Hotel: 24704244 Safeer Hotel Suites: 24691200 Sheraton Oman Hotel: 24772772 Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa: 24776666 The Chedi Muscat: 24524400 The Treasurebox Muscat Hotel: 24502570 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours): 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot: 24704455, Air Arabia: 24700828, Air France: 24562153, Air India: 24799801, Air New Zealand: 24700732, Biman Bangladesh Airlines: 24701128, British Airways: 24568777, Cathay Pacific: 24789818, Egypt Air: 24794113, Emirates Air: 24404400, Ethiopian Airlines: 24660313, Gulf Air: 80072424, Indian: 24791914, Iran Air: 24787423, Japan Airlines: 24704455, Jazeera Airways: 23294848, Jet Airways: 24787248, Kenya Airways: 24660300, KML Royal Dutch Airlines: 24566737, Kuwait Airways: 24701262, LOT Polish Airlines: 24796387, Lufthansa: 24796692, Malaysian Airlines: 24560796, Middle East Airlines: 24796680, Oman Air: 24531111, Pakistan International Airlines: 24792471, Qatar Airways: 24771900, Qantas: 24559941, Royal Jordanian: 24796693, Saudi Arabian Airlines: 24789485, Singapore Airlines: 24791233, Shaheen Air: 24816565, SriLankan Airlines:

MONDAY

Min

L O N G D I S TA N C E B U S T I M I N G S ( O M A N N AT I O N A L T R A N S P O R T C O M PA N Y S A O C ) * S U B J E C T T O C H A N G E

That which you thought impossible is likely to happen very easily — and you’ll benefit more than you might expect.

12.08pm 3.31pm 6.48pm 8.06pm 4.00am

8:27pm 2:57pm

6:42pm 5.24am 10:00am 3:16am

and the western coast of Musandam governorate with maximum wave height of 2.5 metres, and slight to moderate along Oman Sea coasts with maximum wave height of 1.5 metres.

HORIZONTAL VISIBILITY: Good over most of the Sultanate becoming poor during fog and dust rising.

THE NEXT 48 HOURS OUTLOOK: Mainly clear skies over most of the Sultanate. Chance of early morning low level clouds or fog patches along the coastal areas and over Governorates of South al Sharqiyah and al Wusta.

Max

OMAN

GEMINI

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

AIRLINES

ainly clear skies over most of the Sultanate with chance of dust rising wind over the desert and open areas. Chance of early morning low level clouds or fog patches along the coastal areas of Arabian Sea and over Governorates of South al Sharqiyah and al Wusta.

EXPECTED WINDS: Along the coastal areas of Oman Sea wind will be northeasterly light to moderate during day becoming southwesterly light during night and southwesterly moderate to fresh along the coastal areas of Arabian Sea coasts, and northerly to northwesterly light to moderate over the rest of the Sultanate.

SEA STATE: Moderate to rough along the Arabian Sea coastal areas

TAURUS Carelessness can cost you much.

Those who are looking out for you may be frustrated by your unwillingness to listen to reason.

PRAYER TIMINGS

24784545, Swiss International Airlines: 24796692, Thai Airways: 24705934, Turkish Airlines: 24703033 MUSEUMS Bait Al Baranda: Corniche (seafront opp fish market), Open from Saturday to Thursday 9am to 1pm and 4 to 6pm Natural History Museum: Al Khuwair, Tel: 24604957, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm; Thursday: 9am to 1pm Museum of Omani Heritage: (former Omani Museum), Madinat Al Alam, Sat-Wed 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday 9am to 1pm, Tel: 24600946 Armed Forces Museum: Bait Al Falaj, Tel: 24312651, Open from Sat to Wed: 8am to 1:30pm; Thurs 9-12pm and 3-6pm; Fri 9-11am and 3-6pm. Al Hoota Caves 24498258; Turtle Beach 96550606/96550707 Children’s Science Museum: Shatti Al Qurum, Tel: 24605368, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday: 9am to 1pm Oman-French Museum: near Muscat Police Station, Tel: 24736613, Open from Sat to Wed: 8am to 1:30pm, Thurs: 9am to 1pm Bait Al Zubair, Muscat: Tel: 24736688, Al Saidiya St., Muscat museum@baitalzubairmuseum.com Open from Sat to Thurs: 9:30am to 6pm.

National Museum Ruwi: Tel: 24701289, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday: 9am to 1pm Sohar Fort Museum: Tel: 26844758, Open from Saturday to Wed: 8 to 1:30pm Thurs: 9am to 1pm Muscat Gate Museum: at Al Bahri Road, Muscat open from Sat to Wed 8am to 2pm

TUESDAY FLT NO

ARRIVALS FROM

MEDINA 0005 KUWAIT 0005 CAIRO 0005 JEDDAH 0005 RIYADH 0010 SALALAH 0020 SALALAH 0120 ISTANBUL 0135 DACCA 0200 LAHORE 0215 BAHRAIN 0325 DOHA 0345 ADDIS ABABA 0350 DUBAI 0350 ABU DHABI 0400 DUBAI 0415 FRANKFURT 0515 BAHRAIN 0635 ABU DHABI 0640 SALALAH 0645 KUWAIT 0650 ZURICH 0700 MALPENSA 0705 DOHA 0715 JEDDAH 0735 LONDON HEATHROW 0740 DUBAI 0800 BEIRUT 0805 DUBAI 0805 ISLAM ABBAD 0815 LAHORE 0825 JAIPUR 0830 BOMBAY 0835 HYDERABAD 0900 SHARJAH 0905 COCHIN 0920 DUBAI 0930 GOA 0935 DELHI 0935 TRIVANDRUM 0950 MADRAS 0955 DOHA 1000 ABU DHABI 1010 MANILA 1020 TRIVANDRUM 1045 DUBAI 1115 KHASAB 1115 MUKHAIZNA 1120 BAHRAIN 1130 DUBAI 1140 COLOMBO 1140 CALICUT 1155 LAHORE 1215 DARESSLAM-ZANZIBAR 1215 KUALA LUMPUR-SINGAPORE 1215 ABU DHABI 1220 BANGKOK 1220 SALALAH 1230 DOHA 1250 KARACHI 1300 KATHMANDU 1305 ABU DHABI 1335 DUBAI 1340 KHASAB 1445 DUBAI 1535 MUKHAIZNA 1550 BAHRAIN 1635 DOHA 1650 BOMBAY 1655 CALICUT 1710 LUCKNOW 1740 DOHA 1745 DUBAI 1745 HYDERABAD 1750 DELHI 1750 MADRAS 1750 BANGALORE 1750 DUQUM OMAN 1755 DUBAI 1800 BAHRAIN 1810 SHARJAH 1905 RIYADH 1915 KUWAIT 1920 DUBAI 1940 DUBAI 2025 JAKARTA 2035 KATHMANDU 2040 TEHRAN 2055 DUBAI 2100 AMSTERDAM-DOHA 2105 BANGALORE-HYDERABAD 2105 MUNICH 2105 DACCA 2115 COCHIN 2115 DELHI 2125 BOMBAY 2130 LONDON HEATHROW-ABU DHABI 2140 DUBAI 2150 SALALAH 2155 MADRAS 2200 CHITTAGONG 2210 DOHA 2225 ZURICH-DUBAI 2225 BAHRAIN 2240 FRANKFURT-DOHA 2245 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 2250 AHMEDABAD 2300 ABU DHABI 2300 SALALAH 2310 BOMBAY 2315 SALALAH 2320 BOMBAY 2325 DOHA 2335 BAHRAIN 2340 ABU DHABI 2340 SALALAH 2345 BANGKOK 2350 DUBAI 2355 DAMMAM 2355

WY406 WY648 WY676 WY682 WY914 BG021 WY916 NL768 TK774 4H583 PK281 GF560 QR1132 EK866 ET624 EY384 FZ041 WY114 WY412 WY658 WY638 4H562 WY902 WY644 WY326 WY686 WY154 WY144 WY678 WY668 WY132 WY674 WY102 FZ043 WY432 WY602 WY346 WY342 WY272 WY202 G9841 WY236 G9114 WY282 EK862 WY242 WY252 QR1128 IX817 EY382 9W530 WY3302 WY604 WY918 WY652 GF562 FZ037 WY372 IX337 WY384 WY822 WY705 WY904 WY634 WY818 BG023 WY670 WY324 WY332 PA950 PK191 WY606 WY906 WY920 FZ045 WY632 WY656 QR1126 WY3304 WY204 WY292 WY264 WY664 WY216 EK864 WY232 WY246 WY610 WY694 GF564 TG507 SV534 G9116 WY374 WY646 FZ047 WY908 RG125 WY386 WY224 WY614 WY338 FZ049 WY124 9W534 AI973 6.00E+81 WY254 BA073 WY624 UL205 AI907 WY312 LX242 QR1134 GF566 LH616 EY388 WY910 9W540 AI985 WY662 WY654 WY636 WY928 WY816 WY696 WY612

CAIRO 0005 KUWAIT 0005 JEDDAH 0005 RIYADH 0010 SALALAH 0020 DACCA 0100 SALALAH 0120 LAHORE 0130 ISTANBUL 0135 DACCA 0200 ISLAM ABBAD-SIALKOT 0300 BAHRAIN 0325 DOHA 0345 DUBAI 0350 ADDIS ABABA 0350 ABU DHABI 0400 DUBAI 0415 FRANKFURT 0515 AMMAN 0515 BAHRAIN 0635 ABU DHABI 0640 JEDDAH 0645 SALALAH 0645 KUWAIT 0650 KARACHI 0650 RIYADH 0655 ZURICH 0700 MALPENSA 0705 MEDINA 0710 DOHA 0715 PARIS 0735 JEDDAH 0735 LONDON HEATHROW 0740 DUBAI 0800 TEHRAN 0805 DUBAI 0805 ISLAM ABBAD 0815 LAHORE 0825 JAIPUR 0830 BOMBAY 0835 RAS AL KHAIMA 0855 HYDERABAD 0900 SHARJAH 0905 BANGALORE 0910 DUBAI 0930 DELHI 0935 MADRAS 0955 DOHA 1000 MANGALORE 1010 ABU DHABI 1010 TRIVANDRUM 1045 MUKHAIZNA 1050 DUBAI 1115 KHASAB 1115 BAHRAIN 1125 BAHRAIN 1130 DUBAI 1140 COLOMBO 1140 CALICUT 1155 MALE 1210 KUALA LUMPUR-SINGAPORE 1215 DARESSLAM-ZANZIBAR 1215 SALALAH 1220 ABU DHABI 1220 BANGKOK 1220 DACCA-CHITTAGONG 1230 DOHA 1250 KARACHI 1300 KATHMANDU 1305 SIALKOT 1310 GWADUR 1320 DUBAI 1340 SALALAH 1440 KHASAB 1445 DUBAI 1535 ABU DHABI 1605 BAHRAIN 1610 DOHA 1650 MUKHAIZNA 1650 BOMBAY 1655 CALICUT 1710 LUCKNOW 1740 DOHA 1745 TRIVANDRUM 1745 DUBAI 1745 HYDERABAD 1750 DELHI 1750 DUBAI 1800 DAMMAM 1805 BAHRAIN 1810 BANGKOK-KARACHI 1900 RIYADH 1900 SHARJAH 1905 COLOMBO 1915 KUWAIT 1920 DUBAI 1940 SALALAH 2000 ABU DHABI 2005 MALE 2020 COCHIN 2025 DUBAI 2025 KATHMANDU 2040 DUBAI 2100 MUNICH 2105 COCHIN 2115 DELHI 2125 BOMBAY 2130 MADRAS 2135 LONDON HEATHROW-ABU DHABI 2140 DUBAI 2150 COLOMBO 2155 MADRAS 2200 CHITTAGONG 2210 ZURICH-DUBAI 2225 DOHA 2225 BAHRAIN 2240 FRANKFURT-DOHA 2245 ABU DHABI 2300 SALALAH 2310 BOMBAY 2315 BOMBAY 2325 DOHA 2335 BAHRAIN 2340 ABU DHABI 2340 SALALAH 2345 BANGKOK 2350 DAMMAM 2355 DUBAI 2355

FLT NO

DEPARTURES TO

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DEPARTURES TO

AI986 9W539 WY657 WY225 WY637 WY211 WY235 WY201 WY643 WY345 WY271 WY341 WY601 WY371 WY123 WY901 WY847 WY241 WY667 TK775 WY209 4H584 PK226 WY331 EK867 ET625 EY385 FZ042 QR1133 GF561 WY603 WY903 WY3301 WY917 WY323 WY669 FZ044 WY633 WY815 WY253 WY291 WY263 WY717 WY821 G9115 WY231 WY283 WY631 WY605 WY203 WY245 EK863 WY337 QR1129 EY383 WY311 9W533 WY919 GF563 WY655 FZ038 WY3303 IX350 PA451 WY113 WY663 WY683 WY131 WY645 WY143 WY101 WY153 WY927 WY405 WY609 WY433 WY3921 WY675 FZ046 WY613 WY905 QR1127 WY681 WY623 WY647 WY909 GF565 WY907 EK865 WY695 WY661 WY653 G9117 WY913 WY635 FZ048 WY611 WY411 WY915 FZ050 AI978 4H561 KL442 WY817 9W529 6.00E+82 AI908 WY677 WY705 AI974 GF567 LX243 BA072 QR1135 WY673 LH617 EY381

BOMBAY 0020 BOMBAY 0020 BAHRAIN 0055 COCHIN 0105 ABU DHABI 0105 TRIVANDRUM 0110 HYDERABAD 0110 BOMBAY 0115 KUWAIT 0120 ISLAM ABBAD 0125 JAIPUR 0135 LAHORE 0145 DUBAI 0145 COLOMBO 0155 MUNICH 0200 SALALAH 0215 JAKARTA 0215 DELHI 0215 DOHA 0225 ISTANBUL 0230 GOA 0255 DACCA 0300 KARACHI 0315 KATHMANDU 0350 DUBAI 0450 ADDIS ABABA 0450 ABU DHABI 0500 DUBAI 0510 DOHA 0515 BAHRAIN 0715 DUBAI 0750 SALALAH 0750 MUKHAIZNA 0800 KHASAB 0815 KARACHI 0835 DOHA 0835 DUBAI 0845 ABU DHABI 0900 BANGKOK 0905 MADRAS 0915 CALICUT 0915 LUCKNOW 0940 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 0940 SINGAPORE-KUALA LUMPUR 0945 SHARJAH 0955 HYDERABAD 1000 BANGALORE 1000 ABU DHABI 1015 DUBAI 1020 BOMBAY 1025 DELHI 1040 DUBAI 1045 KATHMANDU 1050 DOHA 1100 ABU DHABI 1105 CHITTAGONG 1140 COCHIN 1145 KHASAB 1145 BAHRAIN 1215 BAHRAIN 1215 DUBAI 1225 MUKHAIZNA 1230 CALICUT 1255 LAHORE 1315 FRANKFURT 1320 DOHA 1330 RIYADH 1335 PARIS 1345 KUWAIT 1350 MALPENSA 1350 LONDON HEATHROW 1400 ZURICH 1420 SALALAH 1430 CAIRO 1440 DUBAI 1445 TEHRAN 1445 DUQUM OMAN 1455 JEDDAH 1615 DUBAI 1620 DUBAI 1710 SALALAH 1735 DOHA 1750 RIYADH 1840 DUBAI 1840 KUWAIT 1845 SALALAH 1850 BAHRAIN 1855 SALALAH 1900 DUBAI 1910 DAMMAM 1915 DOHA 1920 BAHRAIN 1920 SHARJAH 1955 SALALAH 2000 ABU DHABI 2015 DUBAI 2025 DUBAI 2035 AMMAN 2100 SALALAH 2100 DUBAI 2145 HYDERABAD-BANGALORE 2200 JEDDAH 2215 DOHA-AMSTERDAM 2220 BANGKOK 2225 TRIVANDRUM 2230 BOMBAY 2245 MADRAS 2300 MEDINA 2310 DARESSLAM-ZANZIBAR 2310 DELHI 2310 BAHRAIN 2325 DUBAI-ZURICH 2325 ABU DHABI-LONDON HEATHROW 2330 DOHA 2330 JEDDAH 2350 DOHA-FRANKFURT 2355 ABU DHABI 2355

AI986 9W539 SG062 WY657 WY637 WY235 WY281 WY685 WY201 WY643 WY251 WY345 WY271 WY601 WY341 WY431 WY371 WY123 WY325 WY901 WY241 WY667 WY383 BG022 NL769 TK775 4H584 WY331 PK282 EK867 ET625 EY385 FZ042 QR1133 GF561 WY651 WY3301 WY903 4H562 WY603 WY917 WY323 WY669 FZ044 WY633 WY373 WY215 WY815 WY291 WY263 WY385 G9842 WY821 G9115 WY231 WY905 WY605 WY203 WY245 EK863 WY337 IX818 QR1129 EY383 WY311 WY919 9W533 GF563 WY223 WY655 FZ038 WY631 IX350 WY253 WY113 WY693 WY3303 WY663 WY131 WY143 WY645 WY101 BG024 PK192 PA951 WY927 WY405 WY609 WY907 WY675 FZ046 WY671 WY613 QR1127 WY623 WY681 WY647 WY909 GF565 EK865 WY695 WY661 WY653 G9117 SV535 WY913 TG508 WY635 FZ048 WY611 RG126 WY915 FZ050 WY411 WY421 WY817 9W529 6.00E+82 AI908 UL206 AI974 GF567 LX243 BA072 QR1135 WY673 LH617 EY381

BOMBAY 0020 BOMBAY 0020 AHMEDABAD 0030 BAHRAIN 0055 ABU DHABI 0105 HYDERABAD 0110 BANGALORE 0110 RIYADH 0115 BOMBAY 0115 KUWAIT 0120 MADRAS 0120 ISLAM ABBAD 0125 JAIPUR 0135 DUBAI 0145 LAHORE 0145 TEHRAN 0155 COLOMBO 0155 MUNICH 0200 KARACHI 0210 SALALAH 0215 DELHI 0215 DOHA 0225 MALE 0230 CHITTAGONG-DACCA 0230 LAHORE 0230 ISTANBUL 0230 DACCA 0300 KATHMANDU 0350 SIALKOT 0400 DUBAI 0450 ADDIS ABABA 0450 ABU DHABI 0500 DUBAI 0510 DOHA 0515 BAHRAIN 0715 BAHRAIN 0730 MUKHAIZNA 0730 SALALAH 0740 DACCA 0745 DUBAI 0750 KHASAB 0815 KARACHI 0835 DOHA 0835 DUBAI 0845 ABU DHABI 0900 COLOMBO 0900 TRIVANDRUM 0900 BANGKOK 0905 CALICUT 0915 LUCKNOW 0940 MALE 0945 RAS AL KHAIMA 0945 SINGAPORE-KUALA LUMPUR 0945 SHARJAH 0955 HYDERABAD 1000 SALALAH 1020 DUBAI 1020 BOMBAY 1025 DELHI 1040 DUBAI 1045 KATHMANDU 1050 MANGALORE 1100 DOHA 1100 ABU DHABI 1105 CHITTAGONG 1140 KHASAB 1145 COCHIN 1145 BAHRAIN 1215 COCHIN 1215 BAHRAIN 1215 DUBAI 1225 ABU DHABI 1240 CALICUT 1255 MADRAS 1255 FRANKFURT 1320 DAMMAM 1330 MUKHAIZNA 1330 DOHA 1330 PARIS 1345 MALPENSA 1350 KUWAIT 1350 LONDON HEATHROW 1400 DACCA 1400 GWADUR-TURBAT 1405 SIALKOT 1430 SALALAH 1430 CAIRO 1440 DUBAI 1445 SALALAH 1540 JEDDAH 1615 DUBAI 1620 MEDINA 1705 DUBAI 1710 DOHA 1750 DUBAI 1840 RIYADH 1840 KUWAIT 1845 SALALAH 1850 BAHRAIN 1855 DUBAI 1910 DAMMAM 1915 DOHA 1920 BAHRAIN 1920 SHARJAH 1955 RIYADH 2000 SALALAH 2000 KARACHI-BANGKOK 2005 ABU DHABI 2015 DUBAI 2025 DUBAI 2035 ABU DHABI 2045 SALALAH 2100 DUBAI 2145 AMMAN 2205 BEIRUT 2215 BANGKOK 2225 TRIVANDRUM 2230 BOMBAY 2245 MADRAS 2300 COLOMBO 2305 DELHI 2310 BAHRAIN 2325 DUBAI-ZURICH 2325 ABU DHABI-LONDON HEATHROW 2330 DOHA 2330 JEDDAH 2350 DOHA-FRANKFURT 2355 ABU DHABI 2355

FLT NO

ARRIVALS FROM

WY672 WY648 WY406 WY676 WY682 WY914 WY916 TK774 4H583 PK229 GF560 QR1132 ET624 EK866 EY384 FZ041 WY114 WY658 WY638 WY902 WY644 WY154 WY144 WY668 WY674 WY102 FZ043 WY422 WY602 WY346 WY342 WY272 WY202 WY236 G9114 WY226 EK862 WY210 WY242 WY212 WY252 QR1128 EY382 WY844 9W530 WY604 WY918 WY3302 GF562 FZ037 WY372 IX337 PA450 WY705 WY822 WY634 WY818 WY904 WY670 WY324 WY332 WY632 WY606 WY920 FZ045 WY3304 WY656 QR1126 WY204 WY292 WY264 WY664 EK864 WY232 WY246 WY254 WY284 WY3922 WY610 GF564 G9116 WY684 WY646 FZ047 WY614 WY848 WY338 WY434 FZ049 KL441 AI977 WY124 4H561 9W534 AI973 6.00E+81 BA073 WY624 WY906 AI907 WY312 QR1134 LX242 GF566 LH616 WY717 SG061 EY388 WY910 9W540 WY908 AI985 WY662 WY654 WY636 WY928 WY816 WY612 WY696

ETA

ETD

ETA

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MO NDAY, MAY 18, 2015

C11

EXTRA BRIEFS

Omega-3 can curb children’s anti-social behaviour

HOW NOT TO SUGAR YOURSELF Studies have shown that overconsumption of sugar can alter your taste buds so you begin craving for sweeter and sweeter foods, leaving the more natural sweetness of fruits or whole foods less flavourful

T

ters your blood rapidly because there aren’t any nutrients or fibre to slow it down. This causes the sugar or glucose levels in your blood rise. Your body then hustles to process this sugar because it knows you could be in grave danger from too much blood sugar.

To process the sugar, your pancreas releases a hormone called insulin. Insulin allows the glucose to leave your blood and enter your cells, providing a rush of energy. As the cells absorb the glucose from your blood, your blood sugar levels drop.

If you eat a lot of sugar, the insulin works overtime to force the glucose out and your blood sugar down, dropping it too low, which makes the brain react.

This reaction causes you to feel What is sugar?

Sugar is a sweet substance that tired and grumpy or agitated and comes from plants, mostly sugar anxious, and leaves you craving cane and sugar beets. It is one more sugar. big carbohydrate called sucrose made up of two smaller carbo- What short-term health efhydrates called fructose and fects does it have? glucose. Sugar has absolutely no Sugar provides a burst of energy nutritional value — no protein, that might be fun for a minute but usually doesn’t last too long. This vitamins, minerals or fibre. burst of energy can make you feel hyper and unable to focus.

Why do I like it so much?

When the insulin does its job Sugar has been shown to have an effect similar to an addictive and lowers the blood sugar levels, drug, triggering you to want and you might be left feeling cranky, need more, and making it hard irritable and moody, and less able to concentrate and learn. Sugar to give up.

Sugar was brought to Europe can even give you a headache or in the 1100s as a precious drug, make you feel sick.

Sugar has also been shown to known for its “tremendous addictive potential,” and was called suppress our immune system by “crack” during that time in lowering the ability of our white France, says psychotherapist Ju- blood cells to engulf bacteria, lia Ross in her book Mood Cure. which can lead to more colds, flus Quickly removing refined sugar and other sicknesses.

You will feel far better and have from a diet can cause withdrawal symptoms like those with a drug: more consistent energy without fatigue, depression, headaches an overload of sugar in your diet. and achy limbs.

Studies have also shown that What long-term effects does overconsumption of sugar can it have? alter your taste buds so you be- Eating too much sugar can make gin craving sweeter and sweeter you feel full so you don’t eat foods, leaving the more natu- enough healthful foods. Then ral sweetness of fruits or whole your body ends up missing important nutrients such as profoods less flavourful. tein, vitamins and minerals.

What actually happens to my How does sugar make me fat? body when I eat sugar?

When you consume sugar, it en- If you eat more sugar than your his article is dedicated to all of the children out there who think the orange juice they drink at breakfast, the cookies they eat after lunch, the candy they trade at school and the Gatorade they chug after practice are no big deal. In other words, all children in America. And also to their parents who believe the same thing: that daily intake of sugar is harmless and just a function of childhood.

This is also for my children, who know from my endless preaching that sugar is not good for them, yet never seem to remember any of the reasons why.

body can use in a day, it stores the sugar it doesn’t need in the liver or converts it to fat. When you do this regularly, you damage your liver and build up fat.

Will a little sugar hurt me?

No. Make it a sometimes food.

(Unless you have diabetes or an issue with your blood sugar in which case see a doctor.)

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 3 teaspoons (12 grams) of added sugar per day for kids, yet get according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the average consumption is 23 teaspoons for boys and 18 for girls. The recommended daily allowance can be easily exceeded with just one bowl of cereal! A child who drinks a 20-ounce original Gatorade will have consumed three times his or her sugar allowance for the day.

“Added sugar” refers to the sugar and high-fructose corn syrup added to foods during processing. The sugar in fruits, vegetables and other whole foods are not added sugars; they are natural sugars.

What foods have sugar?

Added sugar is in 74 per cent of packaged foods, according to a study published in 2012 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Those include foods that many of us think of as health-

REFINED SUGAR HAS BEEN LINKED TO THE FOLLOWING DISEASES AND HEALTH COMPLICATIONS Obesity and Type 2 diabetes Heart disease and high blood pressure • Cancer • Depression • Allergies • ADD/ADHD • Asthma • Arthritis • •

ful: yoghurt, energy bars, pasta sauce, breads, salad dressing and ketchup.

The FDA maintains a list of more than 3,000 food additives that are put into our processed foods. Sugar is the second most common behind salt, which means it is in a lot of the things we eat. Low-fat foods often have extra sugar to help bolster the taste. Brightly coloured foods with dyes usually have added sugar. Read your labels.

Doesn’t fruit have sugar?

Unless you have diabetes, it is difficult to absorb too much sugar from eating whole fruit because whole fruit has fibre. Fibre slows down the digestive process by releasing sugar into the bloodstream at a slow and steady rate. Unlike whole fruit, fruit juice lacks fibre, quickly releasing sugar into the bloodstream causing a burst of energy followed by a sugar crash. One cup of apple juice has 24 grams of sugar. Some juice has almost as much sugar as soda.

Does sugar really cause cavities?

Yes. Tooth decay begins with bacteria that naturally live in the mouth. These bacteria burn sugar in order to thrive, and during this process convert sugar into acid. The acid then eats away at a tooth’s enamel, which causes cavities. Sticky foods like Skittles and Starburst and longlasting candies such as lollipops and Jolly Ranchers are the worst for teeth because they allow the sugar to dawdle in the mouth for a prolonged period.

Now that I know this, what can I do?

I recommend that parents and their kids (age 10 and older) watch the film Fed Up together and join the filmmakers’ challenge to give up sugar for 10 days and see how they feel. My 10- and 12-year-olds found it fascinating.

And if you want to have a sizable impact on your lifelong health, reduce your sugar consumption all year long!-Casey Seidenberg/The Washington Post

A DIET rich in omega-3 fatty acids commonly found in fish oil helps reduce anti-social and aggressive behaviour problems in children, shows a promising research. “As a protective factor for reducing behaviour problems in children, nutrition is a promising option; it is relatively inexpensive and can be easy to manage,” said Jianghong Liu, associate professor at University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing in the US. Cold water oily fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel and sardines are rich in omega 3 fatty acids.

During the study, 100 children aged eight to 16 received a drink containing a gram of omega-3 once a day for six months. The control group also consisted of 100 children who received the same drink without the supplement.

The researchers had parents assess their children on “externalising” aggressive and anti-social behaviour such as getting into fights or lying, as well as “internalising” behaviour such as depression, anxiety and withdrawal.

“Both groups showed improvement in both the externalising and internalising behaviour problems after six months,” said Adrian Raine from University of Pennsylvania.

But what was particularly interesting was what was happening at 12 months, Raine said. “The control group returned to the baseline while the omega-3 group continued to go down. In the end, we saw a 42 per cent reduction in scores on externalising behaviour and 62 per cent reduction in internalising behaviour,” Raine said.

The study was published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.

Many probiotics could actually be harmful: Study IF YOU believe that probiotics are good for your health, there is a piece of news for you. A new study finds that more than half of popular probiotics contain traces of gluten.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley, and patients with celiac disease need to eliminate it from their diet or face pain, bowel symptoms and an increased risk of cancer.

Tests on 22 top-selling probiotics done by investigators at the Columbia University Medical Centre (CUMC) revealed that 12 of them (or 55 per cent) had detectable gluten.

Probiotics are commonly taken by patients for their reported effect in promoting gut health. “Many patients with celiac disease take dietary supplements and probiotics are particularly popular,” said Samantha Nazareth, gastroenterologist at CUMC and the first author of the study. We have previously reported that celiac patients who use dietary supplements have more symptoms than non-users, so we decided to test the probiotics for gluten contamination, Nazareth said. Most of the probiotics that tested positive for gluten contained less than 20 parts per million of the protein, and would be considered gluten-free by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards.

Two probiotics that did not meet FDA standards carried the label. “It appears that labels claiming a product is gluten-free are not to be trusted, at least when it comes to probiotics,” said study coauthor Peter Green. “This is a potential hazard for our patients and we are concerned,” he added. - IANS

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MONDAY, MAY 18, 2 015

EXTRA CHARMING, HEART-WARMING DOLLS HANDMADE FROM WOOD

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andmade from wood, they have simple bodies and enlarged heads with a few painted lines to depict faces. Kokeshi dolls painted in red, blue and white and made by Takatoshi Hayashi in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, smile gently at visitors.

When the third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction was held in Sendai in March, kokeshi dolls served to welcome representatives of the participating countries.

About 200 dolls with the faces of world leaders, such as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Barack Obama, were on display at a commercial facility in the city.

Four illustrators who come from or live in the city made them to entertain the conference participants with the traditional craftwork of the region.

A newcomer in crafting kokeshi dolls, Hayashi, 41, opened Tree Tree Ishinomaki, an atelier for manufacturing and selling kokeshi, last month in front of JR Ishinomaki Station. One of his works won an award at the national kokeshi competition held on May 3, although it was his first time to enter.

When the third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction was held in Sendai in March, kokeshi dolls served to welcome representatives of the participating countries. About 200 dolls with the faces of world leaders, such as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Barack Obama, were on display at a commercial facility in the city Hayashi is a third-generation operator of a kimono store. In spring of 2012, when he was considering starting a new business, he happened to see a kokeshi that had a mushroomlike head at a craft exhibition. He was impressed by its striking shape and decided to make interesting kokeshi of his own. He visited several ateliers in the prefecture, each manufacturing a different type of kokeshi, to learn how to make them from craftspeople. Last summer, he started manufacturing kokeshi as a profession.

The refreshing three colours used for his kokeshi are meant to represent the port city. Their

heads bear fish motifs. They are about six (about 2.3 inches) to 15 centimetres tall, and sell for ¥1,080 (about $9) to ¥1,680. As he receives many orders, it takes three weeks from receiving an order until delivering a finished doll.

The city was hit severely by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Hayashi dreams of having his Ishinomaki kokeshi included in the list of traditional types of kokeshi, each of which has a long history. “I’ll put my heart and soul into the work. I also want to let people in other places know Ishinomaki is regaining its vitality,” Hayashi said. - The Yomiuri Shimbun (The Washington Post)

BRIEFS

Himesh excited about toned look in new show MUSICIAN-ACTOR Himesh Reshammiya, who will play a coach in the forthcoming The Voice India, will be seen in a whole new lean avatar in the singing-based reality show. “I’ve hit the gym full on since 18 months and I am very happy with the results. My diet is very healthy yet controlled and I don’t eat from 8.30pm to 8.30am,” Himesh, who has lost weight for his upcoming love story Heeriye, said in a statement. “I am getting a fantastic feedback for my new tattoo look and toned physique, and I am very excited to reveal this look in The Voice,” he added. Apart from Himesh, the Indian version of the internationally acclaimed singing reality show The Voice will also see popular musicians like Mika Singh, Shaan and Sunidhi Chauhan playing the coaches.

Busy Deepika finds time to go back home FRESH OFF the success of Piku, actress Deepika Padukone has managed to take some time out from her busy schedule to visit her home Bengaluru. The 29-year-old couldn’t manage to go home due to her gruelling schedule of promoting her new film Piku and simultaneously shooting for her upcoming film Bajirao Mastani. As soon as Deepika got to know that the shoot of Bajirao Mastani, in which she shares screen space with her rumoured boyfriend Ranveer Singh, got cancelled on Saturday, she booked the first flight back home. “Yes, Deepika has gone back home to Bangalore for a day. She has been wanting to meet her parents. She will be back in the city on Monday,” Deepika’s spokesperson said in a statement. Bajirao Mastani will reunite Deepika and Ranveer with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The trio previously worked together in 2013 film Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ram-Leela.

Aishwarya, Salma Hayek discuss gender equality BOLLYWOOD ACTRESS Aishwarya Rai Bachchan along with Hollywood star Salma Hayek attended a UN women’s panel discussion on gender equality at the 68th Cannes International Film Festival here.

Hosted by Variety magazine in association with UN Women on Saturday, the two stars were on the panel that also included celebrated individuals like actress Parker Posey and producers Elizabeth Karlsen and Christine Vachon, read a statement.

Keeping with the tone of the event, Aishwarya, Indian ambassador of L’Oreal Paris, was dressed in a sober yet classic floral Sabyasachi Mukherjee creation. Wearing her signature winged eye liner look, Aishwarya gave finishing touches to her look with a red lip colour and accessorised with a Marsala coloured clutch.

‘Sun Sathiya’ a challenging song for Shraddha ACTRESS Shraddha Kapoor, who is being appreciated for her dance number Sun Sathiya from ABCD 2, says it was a challenging song for her. “I don’t know what to say... the kind words that are coming from people is encouraging. This is one of my favourite songs from the film and it’s a beautiful song. It has romantic feel to it. It was very challenging song for me,” Shraddha said. Shraddha, who is looking lean in the song from the Remo D’Souza directorial, says she had to physically look like a dancer and she ended up losing weight. “Whether I wanted to or I didn’t want to, when you dance a lot you end up losing weight and also Remo wanted me and Varun (Dhawan) to look like dancers.” -IANS

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W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M M O N DAY, M AY 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

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VACANCY

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CARGO

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M O N D AY, M AY 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

FOR RENT

2 BHK with split A/C in Grand mall. Contact 96708000 1BHK with split A/C in Azaiba 16 Nov Street. Contact 96708000 Showroom for rent 200 m in Al Misfah, Bousher facing the main road. Contact 95202430 New building, residential apartments and offices, in Al Khoud Souq. Contact 95202340 Deluxe 1, 2 BHK flats in Darsait, AL Khuwair 1deal for office & residence.# 99369081 /99142314 Room for rent two bedrooms, one toilet and sharing, kitchen at Ruwi Mumtaz area R.O 180/- per month including electricity and water.

Contact: 98917915

2 BHK (with split AC) residential flat at Honda road.

Contact 98087644 / 99795241 2bedrooms flat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Ruwi near boys school.

Contact : 92584715 / 24700120 Flats 2 bedrooms, hall in Mumtaz way no 3352 building no 3774 /3668. Contact 99341138 / 98003444 506 sqm space with mezzanine available for rent in Al Wadi Al Kabir. Suitable for carpentry / auto workshop and /or electrical shop.

Interested parties may Contact 24703981 One BHK flat near Wadi Adai R/W Hillat As’ssad. Contact 98772585

Independent rooms in Qurum / AL Hail. Contact 95529970

Al Khuwair 17, a room, hall, kitchen, toilet ground floor with A/c, owner. Contact 99385553

2 BHK Flat in Azaiba.

Contact 99792181

1BHK flat in Wattaya with split units A/C. Contact: 98802343

2 BHK Flat in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181

4 bedroom villa at Al Ansab area.

Contact: 96788070

New one B/R directly from owner.

Bausher. Contact – 92158031

Villa for rent with 4 bedroom at Al Khodh, Rent 600/-RO.#92888115

10 BHK Villa in Al Khuwair 25 for Executive bachelors.

Contact 99792181

2BHK flats in Al Khuwair-33 with split AC. Contact: 94057023

7 BHK Flat in Azaiba for Executive Bachelors. Contact 99792181 1 Villa & 4 big apartments of 3 BHK with big hall & Kitchen Al Khoudh 6. Tel 97600322 alnehang@gmail.com Mezzanine floor office space for rent area 200 sq. Contact 97175979 / 99001341 Flat with 2 rooms, toilet & kitchen in second floor in Souk Al Khoud behind bank Al Ahli 200/- R.O .

Contact : 99738881 2 & 3 BHK in Qurum, with split AC, Near PDO Gate 2.

Contact 94057023 Villa for rent in Khuwair 33, 8 bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms with parking area near Taimur Mosque.

Contact 99366624

1,2,3 BHK apartments for rent. , 4,5 BHK villas for rent.

Contact 95178930 Independent villa in Darsait (OPP .

KIMS hospital, behind Khimji mart) for rent 4 bedrooms, big hall and 1 kitchen + 1 pantry. Please call Ms Hiba Shaikh. Contact 98048210/ Mr Anil Kumar 99261773 Villa for rent in Azaiba near well roundabout & Umm AL Qura Mosque, 5 bedrooms, two hall , kitchen. Contact : Mr Sunil 92887809/ Mr Habib 98048207 1st floor flat in Amerat Phase 5, 4 rooms, bathrooms (3), kitchen with A/C for family. Contact 95522405 Flats for rent in Wadi Kabeer.

Contact : 92800007 Full storey at Al Khuwair, 3BHK 525/- R.O. Contact: 94232344

Flat at Darsait. Contact 99326879 3000 sq mtrs Industrial landß, in Barka Sanaiya, with electricity 400KW, shed, staff accommodation and office. Ready to start any kind of factory. Contact 99384255.

3 bedroom flat for rent in Al Hamria Contact: 99341112 New 3 bedroom flats split AC, attached toilets available behind Kims Oman hospital.

Contact 95225662 1 Villa & 4 big apartments of 3 BHK with big hall & Kitchen Al Khoudh 6. Tel 97600322 alnehang@gmail.com Office premises available in Ruwi and double bed room flats available in Mabellah for rent.

Contact tel nos 24833972/ 24833974/24450361 gsm 99367448 3 flats for rent 3 bedrooms include A/C, near the highway (Bowshar Amerat). Contact 97777911 / 95533777

3 Office space available between 120-142 sqm, with data cable, pantry, cassette AC, parking, @ RO. 5/- per/sqm. At Jibroo Muttrah. 2 BHK flat at Azaiba, behind Al Meera Hypermarket. RO. 330/-.Contact: 93221054, 99229263, 95215289 Mabella residential area flat 3 bedroom, toilet 33 inside of the compound wall ground level, children playground excellent area.

Contact 99879872 For rent flat 2 BHK 350/- R.O in North Al Ghubrah. #97004127 Flat 1 BHK for rent near Al Tajaweed furniture way no. 5917 Hamriya, Rent 160/- PM. Contact 99350946 2 & 3 BHK flat in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181 2BHK at Al Azaiba, 2bedrooms, 1 hall & dinning , 3 bathrooms.

Contact : 99224748 / 99425665 Ground + Mezzanine floor, suitable for A grade Restaurant next to Pizza hut, MBD. Contact 24714625 / 94460790 Flats shops and store for rent in Ruwi, MBD Honda road.

Contact 97293708 / 92433127

M O N DAY, M AY 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

D3

DAILY GUIDE

BUYING / SELLING Used household & office furniture and electronic items.

Contact 99834373, 97102699

M.V. FOR SALE FOR RENT

Toyota Camry Expat driven fully automatic KM 107000. Contact : 93892126 Labour camp for Rent in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99797422

Nissan Sunny 2010.

Contact : 98602323

2 BHK & studio flat at Darsait 1SM. Contact 99024730

Chevrolet Lumina 2004, automatic good condition. Contact 98571309

Room with attached bathroom Al Khuwair 33 area.

Contact 96059431

Toyota Yaris 2007, fully automatic, expat lady driven.

Contact 99045803

Big flat in Al Khuwair 33, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sitting, dining, family lounge, kitchen, store with A/C, rent 550/- OMR. Contact 97278169

2 & 3 BHK , A/C Qurum.

Contact 99024730 2& 3 BHK , Madinat Sultan Qaboos.

Contact: 99024730

2 BHK with A.C Ghubra R.O 350/-.

Contact: 92144045

For rent flat 3BHK 390/-R.O in North Al Ghubrah. Contact 97004127

2BHK without A.C Mumtaz R.O 275/-. Contact 92144045

One BHK flat for rent in Ghobra with attach and common bathroom.

For Indian family.

Contact - 92322096

1BHK Ghubra R.O 350/-.

Contact 92144045

New flat at Al Qurum, 2 BHK 450/R.O . Contact: 94232344 1BHK R.O 250/-, Bldg # 1690 way # 6926 near to ISWK Kindergarten Wadi Kabir.

Contact : 99476728 1 & 2BHK at Honda road, 2 bedrooms, 1 hall, 2 bath rooms.

Contact 99224748 / 99332297 Labour Camp for Rent in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99792181 2 BHK flat in Rex Road.

Contact 99792181 1 BHK flat in Honda Road (Ruwi).

Contact 99792181 Studio & 1BHK flat in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99376454 2 bedroom apartment in Ruwi for rent or sale for information.

Contact: 99360303 We have flats for rent in South Al Mabella stage -8 along the highway. Contact 95121222 2 BHK in Muttrah, 2 bedrooms, 1 hall, 1 bathroom & 1 kitchen.

Contact 99342790 Room main road, Al Khuwair R.O 110/-. Contact 97799175 2BHK Muttrah behind Oman house. Contact 95915154 1BHK A.C Mumtaz.

Contact 97799175 2 BHK with A.C, M.B.D, R.O 325/-.

Contact: 92144045 1/3 BHK Flat Ghubrah, close to ISG Way 4041, building 4390.

Contact 99319880

2BHK flat with very big balcony for rent at MBD, rent R.O 400/-Month.

Contact 94273529 Furnished flats for rent in Al Buraimi, daily, weekly, monthly.

Contact 97819981 / 93593336 1& 2BHK for rent at Wadi Kabir, Hilal Al Sad and Al Khoud areas .

Contact Office: 24834644 Mobile: 93994401/02/03 Flat for rent, 2 BK near Kuwaiti Mosque, Wadi Kabir. Contact 97007934 / 92629232 Flat for rent 2 BK near Oman House Muttrah. Contact 97007934 / 92629232 200 Sqr mtrs office space in CBD. Contact 99792181 If require flats for rent in Wadi Kabir please send me messages through whatsapp or call 99376454

Apartments for rent Ghubra : near Indian School Ghubra & Al Maha International Hotel (2BHK with 5 split A/C units).Contact 99273774 / 99202278 /94652485 Villa in Al Khuwair and Seeb.

Contact 95250300/ 99119699 / 92125648 1,000 sq mtrs industrial land in Misfah Industrial area near to Khanco. OMR 1,500 Monthly. Electricity and boundary wall will be provided. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Industrial land for rent in Wadi Kabir 7000 Sq mtrs.

Contact 99354340 1 Bedroom flat in Azaiba.

Contact 99385835/99428143 Flat for rent 1 & 2 bedroom available behind Zaker Mall Al Khuwair.

Contact - 99530405 Ghubra near Al Maha hotel & Indian school (2BHK with 5 split ac units). Contact 94652485/ 99273774 / 99202278 For rent 3 industrial land.

Contact 92702891/ 95490842 Flats/villas owned by ROP pension fund available for rent in Muscat.

Contact 99349526

FOR SALE

Spacious 2 BHK flats in Ruwi MBD area only on 350/- OMR. Contact – 95122188 / 96441499

A well equipped running dental clinic in Ruwi for sale.

Contact 93769963

1 BHK new bldg with A/C, curtains near Khimji Mart MBD. Contact: 99061408 / 99024039

Coffee shop equipment and furniture for sale call 95207741 .

1BHK, 2 toilets at South Ghubra include E/W and AC split with fully furnished OMR 350/-.

Contact 92811110 Studio flat Wadi Kabeer 160/-O.R. Contact - 99358589 / 97079146/ 95570288 1BHK flat near star cinema with split A/C 230/- O.R. Contact - 99358589/ 97079146/95570288 Bath attached room for rent Al Khuwair. Contact 99743569

3 tents used for six months, PVC type, 850 GSM, water proof and fire resistant (one tent size 11x30meter, two tents size 15x25 meters).

For clarification call 99507508 Prime location in Shatti Qurum for sale. Ideal for restaurant / coffee shop / fast food.

Contact: 97890657 / 96426312 Email: tess29.cayman29@gmail.com Coffee shop for sale in North Al Ghubra. Contact 95256009 Restaurant for sale in Wadi Kabir.

Contact : 99425461

Pajero 2010, GCC, 230000 km white 6200/- R.O. Contact 92857111 Land Cruiser 2012. Contact 99336093 Peugeot 206-2007 Model, expat driven. Contact 99209285 2 Prime Movers Man 2008 with 40 ton petrol tank each working at the moment in Al Maha. Price OMR 35 Thousand each. Contact 97000155 or 92688692

AVAILABLE

WANTED

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. www.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

Required used portacabin 12’ x 40’ without partition 2 Nos, used ablution unit 12 ‘x 30’ -1 no required at Misfah. Contact: 99340205

FOR SALE

ACC. WANTED I BHK Wanted In MBD Or CBD area (R0. 200 or 230) Contact : 93262152 Looking for 2 BHK flat in Ruwi, Darsait or surrounding areas.

Contact 96027403

ACC. AVAILABLE 2,560 sq mtrs industrial land Wadi Kabir Main Road, First line on way to Al Bustan hotel. Possible to make petrol station or hotel. OMR 990 Thousand Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

2 Bed room Villa, available at Honda road, Rent 225/-RO. (For Indain family) Contact: 91218273 Room for rent in Wattaya for executive Bachelor. Contact 99036715

558 Sq mtrs residential land in Barka (Al Jenainah) near Lulu and near to school. OMR 32 Thousand.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Sharing accommodation available opposite Mars at Al Ghubra for Executive bachelor or small family sharing, kitchen. Contact 94474351 / 96237050

We have flats for sale in south Al Mabella stage -8 along the highway. Contact 95121222 Used Furniture of Ready made showroom for Sale.contact 24704370, 99798452 (Ashwin) Port cabin new & refurbished – porta cabin for sale & rent.

Contact 96723468 / 97775501 / 97775502

For family room available near Al Khamis Shoes Hamriya.

Contact 99793785 60,000 Sq Mtrs Agriculture Land in Misfah, can be changed to Industrial Land. OMR 27 Per Square Meter.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Shfandish & tables for sale.

Contact 99368907

Shopping center for sale at Bousher by good price 400 m2 with all equipment. Reason for selling part-time. Contact 92916490

Well established coffee shop & BBQ with open parking along with 5 clearance located in Wadi Kabir.

Contact 97161811

5 Flats of 1 bedroom for Sale in Bousher: OMR 35 Thousand each.

Monthly income OMR 270 Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Residential land for sale 21000 sqm, best for housing complex at Al Harm – Barka, opp to Khimji logistic. Contact 99438397

2 residential Lands together, one 610 and the other 600 sq mtrs, in Al Haram on way to Barka. OMR 49 Thousand both. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

For running beauty saloon for sale.

Contact 97786792 / 96914627 3 floor commercial building in Muttrah behind Police. Generating income of OMR 18 Thousand annually. Neat and well maintained. Built on 197 sq mtrs land. 2 tailor shops on ground floor and 6 flats. OMR 207 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Executive bachelor room with attached toilet near Al Nahda Hospital, Hamriya. Contact 9647313 Single furnished room in Ruwi.

Contact: 24833609 Single room for Executive bachelor near Al Falaj hotel. Contact 99643845 Al Khuwair one villa room with toilet. Indians only. Contact 99382008 Room for rent Ex- bachelor / working lady in Ruwi. Contact : 99777496 room, with A/C kitchen available near ONTC Bus station (Ruwi).

Contact 95569740

23,886 Sq Mtrs Agriculture land with water well in Al Salwa, Barka.

OMR 260 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Sharing for non-cooking Executive bachelor in CBD area wi fi free, advance deposit. Contact 95934642

Restaurant for sale well running with open area and good parking area. 3 new clearance also in Wadi Kabeer near Mars hyper market.

Contact 99656863

Accommodation available for South Indian family, one bedroom with attached toilet, kitchen, hall in a villa, Al Ghubrah. Contact 99209160 Contd on pg 6

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M O N D AY, M AY 1 8 , 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian male 22 yrs B. Com Graduate 1 year exp in Accounts, currently on visit visa. Looking for suitable job.

Contact 94341848 / Email – mohdhaji7272@gmail.com

Finance / Accounts Manager 12 years experience at senior position in leading companies 9 years in Oman CPA – USA& modern accounting certificate from AUC. Contact 99139926

Chief Accountant Indian male 36 yrs, M.Com, 14 yrs experience at Senior position in leading MEP companies, 9 years in Oman. Available Noc, D/L & ready to join.

Contact 98407501

Part – time accountant qualified experience accountant available.

Contact 96759385

Senior Accountant 10 years experience in accounts 4 years GCC experience now working trading & project based concern holding Oman driving license ability handling all type of accounts software’s and up to finalization. Contact: 94079432 Indian male 22 years B.Com Graduate having the knowledge of Tally ERP9 and Peachtree and with a valid Oman driving license looking for a suitable job. Contact 98504698 Indian male, 30 yrs, MBA having 5 years GCC experience holding valid Oman driving license looking for a suitable job. Contact : 94547511 Email: pnvineeth01@gmail.com

ACCOUNTANT Urgently required female Accountant, should have 3 -5 years experience. Send CV with passport size Photo and expected salary on cv.hrcharity@gmail.com

Accountant B.Com, MBA (pursuing) Indian male 25 years, 2 years experience in India, seeking better placement on visit visa.

Contact: 97709327

CATERING

Indian male 23 yrs B.Com 1yr experience in Accounts and sales looking for suitable placement on visit visa.

Contact: 96068174 / 98912870

Shawarma /Arabic/Chinese/ cook & helpers. Contact 95529970 Wanted cook for Omani family at Muttrah. Contact 24712088 / 99022790 A fast food restaurant in Muscat required : 1) Cashier cum order taker with experience, speak fluent in Arabic and English, 2) Social Media Services. Forward CV : oman.job2win@gmail.com

DRIVER Wanted tipper drivers for Road works.

Contact 95565039 / 98878989

DOMESTIC HELPER Company GM requires a capable house keeper (preferably Philipina) to keep the house spotless and a gardener cum cleaner on full/ part time basis. Handsome salary & flexible timings. Contact 98458542 Urgently Required Full time Housemaid for a respectable Omani Family. Contact: 99845838 / 99357273, Email: ijaz.beaver@gmail.com Wanted an Indian family in Al Ghubra requires a full time living housemaid. Contact 97084023

DRAFTSMAN Leading Construction company requires MEP Draftsman and Civil Draftsman with 5 to 7 years gulf experience with NOC available. Send your CV to recruitment1947@gmail.com

DESIGNER Required 3 D Designer for interior design with relevant experience, full time or part time.

Contact 95766844

EDUCATION Wanted Graduate in Electronics / Mechatronics for teaching position for school students. Send CV to info@iiriss.com A school requires teachers for English, Science, Math, IT and Science Laboratory technician minimum requirements masters degree IELTS (band6).

Contact send CV to: 96606121.

Email: fred-cate2@yahoo.com Physics, Chemistry Edexcel ‘A’ level board teacher urgently required to teach a student of 12th standard.

Teacher’s experience preferred.

Contact: 99349076.

ENGI./ELECT./TECH..

Urgently required Maintenance Supervisor (Civil) with valid Oman D/L. Send your CV to cv.hrcharity@gmail.com Required Graduate Electrical Engineer experience in HT & LT works. Contact 99760596, Email : info@npgoman.com

Indian Female 25 MBA looking for a suitable opening in Accounts, Admin/Hr. Contact 97013375

ENGI./ELECT./TECH..

Accounting professional having B.com, ILM with 11 years of Gulf experience includes Islamic Banking/ Trading etc looking for Chief/Senior Accountant . Contact:95312688

Urgently required experienced LED TV Technician. Send CV to ali@blueoceanmea.com Quantity Surveyor 1 No Civil Engineer – 1No. with seven years minimum Gulf construction experience.

Email: omaniantrad@gmail.com

Male 26, MBA in Accounts and Finance. 2 years Experience in Management, and Accounts Fields, and One year experience in Sales and Operation in Oman, looking for a suitable job. Contact 94374745

MEDICAL Medical CARE Centre, Al Seeb, requires Gynecologist, General Practitioners and Medical Lab Technicians. Mail CVsarita_h23@yahoo.com or call 97884856 Wanted a Staff Nurse to work in a private clinic in IBRI preference will be given to candidates who have cleared their prometric exam.

Contact: 99502851 Position for a full time home Health Nurse seeking for a dedicated and reliable Staff Nurse or Assistant Nurse to provide total care for an elderly sick patient for immediate interview.

Contact : 99331369 We are looking for a Staff Nurse, who is having 60% or above in prometric exam. Contact : 99235643 /99463609 Email: abuahamedclinic@gmail.com Clinical Dietician for Weight Management Center, utilizing the “Eurodiet” method. Experienced in individual counseling along with excellent communication skills.

Arabic speaking would be an advantage. Tel. 9749 7777, thanae@eurodiet.com Urgently required (All female only) Radiographer, Physiotherapist, Echo Technician, EEG technician & Nurses.

Contact: 99374223, 22081700 email: hr@gshoman.com Urgently required Staff Nurse, Pharmacist and endodontist Female Staff nurse, Pharmacist and endodntist with MOH License/ Prometric exam passed with 60% and above.

Contact 24780088, 97374459 Email : karamadental@gmail.com Immediate placement ( with or without MOH) A. Pharmacist 3 nos B. Asst.pharmacist - 2 nos Contact Tel.99338219 , 93240949

MISCELLANEOUS Cast Aluminium & Windows Company looking for the skilled and experienced personnel for the following categories: Sales Executive with D/L, professional Accountant, Aluminium fabricator, Cast Aluminium Site worker. Contact: 99654863 / 99197060 or Email your CV/Resume to tdnewgates@gmail.com Required salesman, Tailor and Barber. Contact 96964767

MANAGER One of the leading business groups in Oman is looking for a Manager for their transport division. Candidates with 7-10 years experience in transport industry may forward their CV to kumar@muscatsteel.com

SALES / MARKETING Situations vacant at a reputed company in Oman for their TLB(Tires, Lubes & Battery) division. 1. Sales Executives. 2. Showroom Executives. 3. Sales Co-ordinators.

4. Store Keepers. Minimum 3-5 yrs experience in the same field or from the Automotive industry with market exposure, holding valid Omani driving license or GCC. Rush your CV’s to careers@diamondwealth.org Sales Executive (Male) with D/L for a reputed company in Oman,with 3 yrs experience . Please send CV with photo to; saheer@paramountmuscat.com / saheer.pto@gmail.com Sales Coordinator (Male) required for a reputed company in Oman with D/L, and with good knowledge of MS Office , Please send CV with photo to; saheer@paramountmuscat.com / saheer.pto@gmail.com Sales Engineer for lab items, Service Engineer for lab equipments.

Email: info@atslaboman.com Fax: 24613659 Required experienced Sales / Marketing having light license. Send your CV - ocean@omantel.net.om A leading Tissue paper & food stuffs company require sales & marketing person with minimum 5 yrs exp. in Oman with good communication skills & valid Oman D/L. candidate with interior market knowledge & experience preferable.

Send CV : allub@alhosnigroup.com, fax : 24451430 A leading UPVC window manufacturing company require Sales Executive (Graduate) 3 years minimum experience and Omani D/L. Required candidates with local release only apply. Contact: 99100738 / 94247257. Send CV to info@perfectwindowllc.com Looking for outdoor Salesman for heavy equipment spare parts.

Contact- 93292003.

E mail: mail.om@gulfcenter.co

SALES / MARKETING Sales Executives for Media Enterprise. Oman D/L. Contact: essential. jobs@interacoman.com Reputed building materials company looking for Outdoor Sales Executive having valid Omani driving license with more than 2 years local sales experience tiles / sanitary ware. Fax your CV to 24798709 Email: united@omantel.net.om Salesman experienced 5 yrs in Oman, in the field of industrial & oilfield service, garage equipment tools & spares, safety wears & rescue equipments. Please forward your CV to almaadhi.trd@gmail.com Required Sales man - 1 Person Qualification. Gulf Experienced - Minimum 5 Years with Oman Driving Licence Language - English Education:- Any Degree Further Contact :Mr. Abdul Hameed Nashabat - Mobile No: 97414307 and -92807399 amn@yaqeeneng.com Urgently required Sales Executive for leading building material company holding license.

Contact 98650936 / 95928480 A Leading FMCG Company require Sales Executives (Graduates) & Merchandisers, with Omani D/L. Candidates with local release only apply. Send CV to FAX: 24501542 or e-mail: fmcgsaleshr@gmail.com Looking for Electrical Salesman with diploma certificate.

Contact 97616265 email: brightsilverllc@gmail.com,

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Required Office Assistant 160+25+Acc, Contact 99454425

TOURS & TRAVELS Counter staff male/female experience 2 years of travel agency experience. Interested candidate shall send his / her CV to officer1_ajyad@yahoo.com

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

Indian male, B.Com experience in Accounts, looking for Accountant job or in Sales on visit visa. # 98295101 Indian male 25 yrs B.Com PGDBM currently on visit visa, looking for suitable opening in accounts, store and Admin. Contact: 96986349 Email: gafoordawre@gmail.com 7 years experience (2 yrs in Oman) MBA (Fin), B.Com, C.A (Found.) currently looking for suitable placement. Contact +968 - 97736404 Email: adnantahir1990@gmail.com Finance Manager (M.Com. MBA) with start-up skill & group consolidation, Baking,corporate funding, restructuring of finance and accounts with new system and procedure.amritaa.m2002@gmail.com 3 yrs experience, Indian female, 26 years, Masters in Financial Management, B.com, Seeking suitable placement. Contact: 99345132 Email: Sandhya1735@gmail.com Egyptian Accountant using ERP system on visit visa 1year experience. Contact: 96019233 MBA (international business) from London, 4 years of UK experience in banking operational, looking for suitable position. Contact 91710075 Tanzanian male, 25 yrs Accountant 3 month successful experience in Tanzania looking for suitable placement in any field. Contact : 96710154 Sri Lankan male qualified CIMA (UK) Accountant & bachelor degree in accountancy with over 10 years experience in various industries looking for job position as Senior Accountant / Finance Manager currently in Muscat available on visit visa. Contact 97299017 Email: mnm_ruzan79@yahoo.com Indian male, B.Com Graduate having 10 years exp 6 years in Oman looking for an Accountant job.

Contact : 93830171 Email: nidbivtl@yahoo.com Indian male M.Com, 5 years experience in finance /HR and Purchase department in Oman companies having valid D/L available to join immediately with NOC. Contact 98363897 Email: prince9496@hotmail.com Finance Manager, 16 + years Gulf exp. in accounts , MIS, budgets, strategic planning, cost control, working capital management, seeks job pls call 95379211 e mail :- vijay.564@hotmail.com

Indian male 27 M.Com, MBA, 4.5 years experience in finance & accounts, Tally & SAP currently on visit visa. Contact: 93484048 Indian female 32 yrs MCA having, 3 years experience in Muscat and having driving license seeks suitable placement. Contact: 96124929 Finance Manager, CPA, with more than 15 yrs. of experience in GCC. Fully knowledgeable in Finance, General & Management Accounting . NOC available.

Contact 96209331 Indian male with total 5 year experience (2 years experience in Accountant cum sales co ordinator in a FMCG Company in Oman) in accounts field and NOC available Looking for suitable job Contact 92130188 Part time Accountant with 15 years experience in accounts, finance tax, audit management.

Contact 95857199 India Accountant: Male, M com, 7 Yrs experience in Accounts up to finalization, having knowledge of ERP, Tally, seeks suitable placment. contact 93950138 Email: lijinrajan123@gmail.com Indian male, 32 years, M. Com. 7 out of 9 years experience in Oman in Accounts/finance. Having NOC and valid Oman D/L. Contact 98277143, Email: anzarks@gmail.com MBA Graduate with 6 yrs exp in finance/accounts/ auditing. Specialized in accounts payable dept, Oracle app user, proficient in Sap (fico) end user & tally 9.0. lean &six sigma certified trainer on visit visa.

Contact – 91967213 / 99064780

ADMIN/HR Indian Female MBA, 3 Years experience in Admin MIS, Family Visa.

Contact 98234427, jkjsmith01@gmail.com Indian female, 28 yrs experience in Admin / sales coordination /accountant and secretarial. Knowledge in accountant software, with Oman D/L, looking for a suitable placement. Contact: 96751993 Indian male 2+yrs oman exp in HR. joing immediatly. release available.

Contact :93671437 Indian female, 29 yrs, MBA (HR) 4 yrs exp. India & Oman in HR & Admin, seeks suitable placement.

Contact 96759820 Omani national fluent in English looking for suitable placement.

Contact 91908052 Indian female Post Graduate with 5 years experience in HR & Admin looking for good opportunity.

Contact 94692244 Indian female with 10 yrs of experience in HR/Banking/Operations seeks a suitable placement. Can be contacted on 98919015 or sherianne.coelho@gmail.com Female 26, 3 yrs exp in HR & Admin, with Oman D/L, looking for a suitable opening. Contact 98236033 Over 15 years of gulf experience in Admin /HR /Logistics, fluent in Arabic & English with D/L looking for suitable position. Contact 95824598

AUTO CAD AUTOCAD D MAN, Gulf Exp In Major Projects, knows ARCH, Structural, MEP, Noc available PH: 98225740 Draughtsman-Civil: Diploma in Architecture with 3 years experience. Proficient in AutoCAD, Google Sketchup, Photoshop and MS Office.

Email: dilshadmayas@gmail.com Mob: +91 9645124241, 93004426

DESIGNER Expert in all types of 3D modeling, building layout, walk through & Broucher designing. 3 yrs exp. in Oman & 6 yrs exp. in India seeking for better opportunity. Contact 91282841

M O N DAY, M AY 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED

DRIVER

IT

Indian male looking for job as driver. Have 08 years experience in Oman. Contact 95256489

Indian male fresher BCA young and energetic, seeking good opportunites.email: jlaxmimenon@gmail. com, Contact 00919567722270

Light driver with 10 yrs experience with car or without car, Pakistani National. Contact 91038352 House driver /(overseas) looking job with valid GCC D/l.

Contact 99531802 Heavy & light duty driver valid GCC (overseas) job. Contact 95175192 Light driver looking for job.

Contact : 94208089 (Adman) Pakistani male having Oman driving license looking for driving jobs, having 2 years experience in vehicle driving presently staying in Oman.

Contact 96549406 Heavy Duty Driver looking job & visa. 3 years experience. Release Available. 96238930/92744341 Light duty driver with car looking for job. Contact: 99365092 Malayalee driver, 8 yrs exp. in Oman seeking job. Contact 93526254 / 94615610 Looking for job, driving 8 yrs experience languages Hindi, Arabic & English & civil construction foreman. Contact 96288587 Driver need job. Contact 98056148 Driver with car looking for part & full time job. Contact 96692774 Bangladeshi male looking for driving job, knows speaking English, Arabic & Hindi. Contact 93098895 Light Vehicle Driver requires job in any transportation / private co.

Contact 96015617 Need job LTV exp driver Pakistani.

Contact 94436276 Driver looking for job.

Contact 92137431 Light duty driver looking job experience 4years Oman. Contact 96088707

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Sudanese male BSC electronic Engineer 2 years experience in GSM, 10 years experience in oil industry (Drilling & Measurements).

Contact 91198104 Email: husseintalat@hotmail.com Sudanese BSC industrial Engineer experience 4 yrs in QA /QC and 8 yrs in production. Contact 94041960 Email: mekkimedani@hotmail.com / mekkimedani78@gmail.com Civil Engineer (DCE) Indian male with 20 years experience, 10 years in Oman worked with reputed consultancy and contracting companies as RE, PE, PM and did projects for MOD and PDO with D/L Seeks suitable position. Contact 93251720 Bachelor degree B.SC (Honours) Telecommunication Engineering CCNA , CISCO, Certified network associate experience installation operation maintenance, ATMS & Electronics, Surveillance Security systems Nationality Sudanese age 25.

Contact: 92617282 Indian male 29, Mechanical Engineer CSWIP3.1 certified having 5.5 years experience in steel structural construction projects seeking suitable position.

Contact: 91078780 Email: nikhilhai@gmail.com Indian male I.T.I diesel mechanic experience 4 yrs Qatar (11 yrs in India) seeking for suitable placement carpentry on visiting visa.

Contact 91969224 Email: anilk6102@gmail.com Indian female, B.Tech biotechnology with strong computer skills and 2 years experience as associate research analyst (Media Monitoring) in Nasdaq Oman seeking growth oriented jobs. Contact 92044603 /918056169148 or angeline.babithac@gmail.com.

Electrical and Electronics Engineer (BE) 1+ year of experience now on visit visa seeking suitable opportunities Email: djnitheesh@gmail.com Contact 99254469 Diploma in electronics & Telecom, Engineering with 5 years experience in Engineering & sales, marketing.

Contact 95932219 Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp.

Email: mohd.ateeq.khan@gmail.com

IT Network and Security Engineer with a master degree, CISCO and Linux red hat certified seeking a suitable job in a good company.

Contact 99818601

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Indian male, B.E ( computer science engineer), MBA (finance), OCA certified, having 5 years of experience in oracle Dba/ oracle apps Dba, seeks a suitable position in the field of IT. Contact: 96212062 email: zubairkhan11@gmail.com Omani Mechanical Engineer, has 3 years experience ,has HSE, H2S, Riggers/Banks men Permit, Drawing / cad, SCBA, Safety Leadership and Initial Fire Response Courses. good with computer and English language looking for suitable job. Contact 99224319-98454500 Indian male 22 Mechanical Diploma holder Engg with HVAC certified, having 1 year exp. seeking suitable position. Currently available on visit visa. Contact - 92835952 Indian male, Mechanical Engineer, 2 years experience in fabrication & erection of heavy structures as Project Engineer in India, now on visiting visa seek suitable placement. Contact: 91251818 Email: krishnakumarkk9@gmail.com Electrical Engineer, 5 years experience in E& I commissioning, construction and maintenance wastewater with Oman D/L. Contact : 97753382 BE in Textile, MS in Environmental Sciences (Fresh graduate) , Safety officer (02 years of experience) Waste Water Treatment/Industrialsolid Waste management (intern). waste management and disposal.

Environment sustainability Projects/ NGO. on visit visa available on immediate bases till 10 of June. Ahmed uzair khawar, 97042404, email: ahmeduzair1803@outlook.com Indian male specialised in business analysis and project management, 29, B-Tech, MBA is looking for suitable position. Contact Tel 98661709 and 99330419 20 years Experience in Mechanical Process industry as Maintenance Engineer for SPM’s like Cold Rolling Mills, Heat Treatment Furnace, Punching, Edge- Grinding and Packaging Machines seeking suitable position with reputed firm. E-mail: sanjeevareddy138@gmail.com, Contact no: 93912928 Indian male mechanical technician with 22 yrs exp (06 yrs in Oman) as millright fitter & fabrication & maintenance work, currently having family status seeks suitable placement NOC available.

Contact: 95922696 Auto Electrician with car a/c with medical. Contact 95175192 Electrician, Plumber, exp in India Gulf (overseas) job.

Contact 99531802 Indian male Civil Engineer B.E Civil Engineer, 2 years experience in India seeking for suitable position in building construction field.

Contact India 0091-9659340446 Email: senthilmmx@gamail.com Indian male, 27 yrs B. Tech (Aeronautics) with MBA in airport management /international management, having 2yrs of experience in aerospace field, looking for suitable job, currently on visit visa valid up to 25 June 2015.

Contact - 98107797 email - njnikhiljoy@gmail.com

Mechanical Design Engineer, 7 years of experience in Piping Design & Development, with good sound knowledge of AutoCAD, AUTOPLANT 3D,CATIA/ V5,SOLIDWORKS,etc Looking for a suitable position. NOC available.

Contact :+968-94549776, ashrafvpt@yahoo.co.in Indian male B.Tech Mechanical having 4 years experience with QA/ QC & CWSIP looking for suitable position. Contact 99447106 / 24483297 BE. Mechanical Engg in search of job primavera P6 and AutoCAD 2 year’s experience. Contact 99288785. Email: gvnvictor@gmail.com Chemical Engineer, 5 years Industrial experience looking for job.

Contact: 91380787 Indian male 27 yrs, Instrumentation / Automation Engineer having 5 years exp in Oil & Gas and wastewater with valid Omani D/L, looking for a suitable job NOC available.

Contact : 96082604 Civil Engineer Female, 3 yrs experience in structural design, on visit visa seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 99195433 Electrical Engineer : Indian male 29 years , having 5 years of experience in industrial automation and utility maintenance in India (MRF Tyres) seeking suitable placement.

Contact 92789995, Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Sr. Instrumentation Engineer: 8+ years Exp. (Oman 6+ Yrs) OIL & GAS, Sales & Marketing in Automation, Instrumentation, Calibration, BMS & FOC - Project Planning, Erection, Commissioning, O & M. NOC Available Oman D/L G: +968 97296534 M: jaganmohan_ks@yahoo.com Indian male with ITI certification in Mechanical Drafting with good Experience Looking for good opportunity contact 9194 9181 BE Mechanical Engineer -NDT level 2, Quality Control (Oil & Gas) . 1 year exp ph: 95908293 Electrical Engineer B.Tech with 4 yrs exp. looking for suitable vacancies. Contact – 96752080 Electronics Engineer with 4 years experience in embedded product development seeking for suitable job in Oman now in visit visa.

Contact: 95218030 Sudanese Civil Engineer, 2 yrs experience. Contact 96077482, Email : ebraheemann@gmail.com Civil Engineer (B.E) having 5 yrs experience in building construction looking for a suitable placement.

D/L available. Contact 91253392 Electronics & Communication Engg.

(37) 14+ yrs (10 yrs Oman) experience in sales/marketing product development, project execution within information & communication technology industry.

Contact 99771815 Network / system Engineer B.E / ECE + CCNA & Ms certified with 4+ yrs exp looking for a job, currently in Oman on visit visa. Contact : 92589502 / 96216397, Email : jeganscareer@gmail.com

Iraqi Civil Engineer with more than 25 years experience in (Iraq ,U.A.E. and Oman) looking for a job, (N.O.C.) is available. Contact No. 94043735, amin.sarim007@gmail.com

Indian M, 25yrs, B.E Mechanical 3 yr exp in Oil & Gas now on visit visa seeking jobs in project, sales and marketing. Contact: 96487013 Email: riarun.007@gmail.com

Indian male 26, B. Tech Electronics Engineer having 4 years experience (2 year in Oman) seeking suitable position. Contact 93171420 Email: manujk2015@gmail.com

Indian male 29 yrs, on visit visa, Diploma Mechanical Engineering and 1 ADC Rig Pass looking for a job in oil field drilling department experience, 4 years in India. Contact: 91926005 Email: ossubeesh83@gmail.com

Indian male 29 years Diploma in Petrochemical 06 yrs, experience in EPS company and piping of oil & gas and maintenance valid D/L also available. Contact 93330817 Email: shahidk8448@yahoo.com

Young Energetic Indian male, 7 years Oman experience in retail wholesale, sales including electronics, building materials with Oman D/L. Contact: 98465550

Indian male B.Tech Mechanical three years varietal experience in piping Engineering & management of retail mobile phone shops seeking sales engineering job with Oman D/L. Contact 94401234

B.Tech Mechanical Engineer on visit visa looking for job, two years experience as QC Engineer, NDT level-2 certified.

Contact: 98386074 Email: jayeshthilakan@gmail.com

Indian male 24 years, Mechanical Engineer,pdms.1 yr experience in pipeline,16years in oman seeking immediate placement Contact 95775742 B.E (Mechanical), Indian male 8 years experience (HVAC – 4 years, operation / production / maintenance, 4 years) looking suitable position. Contact 96696190 Email: faisalmnz@gmail.com Sudanese Petroleum Engineer, 4 yrs experience looking for job, MC office, C, Exlips. Contact 96039290 Graduate Civil Engineer, Indian, Total 16+ Yrs exp., 7+ GCC seeking suitable Senior/Mid level Job in PMC/Contracting, NOC Available & Valid GCC Driving License.

Contact : GSM: 94363574; E-mail : Crashu_78@yahoo.com Indian Male, IT Support Engineer, 2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experience. Contact 97311847 Male 26, B.Tech in Electronics & Communication Engineering having 4.8 years experience (including experience in Japan) seeks suitable placement & can join immediately.

Contact: 91902646 Email: ajumalmajeed@gmail.com Procurement Officer 7 years experience in Oman construction civil & structural steel NOC, ITI & driving license in Oman. Contact: 92023761 QA/QC inspector 5 yrs exp in O&G Industry with diploma mechanical & NDT level 2 on visit. Contact : 91231007 sf.aseem@gmail.com Electrical Engineer (B.E) : 5 years of experience (4 years in Oman) with valid Omani D/L. NOC available.

GSM: 92260391 Mechanical Engineer (B.E) : Four years of experience (3 years in Oman). NOC available.

Contact :92530471 Indian male, 24 yrs B.Tech (MECH) on visit 1 year experience as PPC Engineer looking for suitable placement. Has, HVAC, AutoCAD and CATIA designing skills.

Contact 98925685 Indian male Instrumentation Engineer having 2 years experience in process instruments, seeks suitable placement. Contact 95954385

HOSPITALITY Indian male/30years with hotel management degree, 02 years experience in F&B service at 5 star hotel in Dubai and 05 years in American 6 star cruseliner as butler. #911 35371.

IT Gulf experienced Software Developer & certified professional in English looking from a Job with vast experience in sales and Management + d/l.

Contact 00968 96701312 Email: farhanaslam586@yahoo.com IT Support Engineer Indian male with 6 years experience in system Admin IT support seeks suitable opportunities. Contact 94549589 / 99817516.

Email: dhaneeh87@gmail.com Indian male, 25 yrs, M.Tech (Computer Science) 3 yrs exp. in networking (MCSE-CCNA) certified currently on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact 91006851 Indian 25 yrs male diploma Computer Engineer 5yrs experience in hardware and networking, looking for another jobs in oman. #91082046, renston34@gmail.com Indian male B.Sc, IT Graduate, MCSE, CCNA, RHCE, Certified seeking job at good company.

Contact 96974352 Email: niyas.mohammed1@gmail.com

MEDICAL Well experienced MOH Licensed Indian GP Doctor looking for locum / permanent position in the Capital area. Contact 98140024 email:drgpoman@yahoo.com Male Nurse on visit visa looking for a suitable position. Mob#96071526 Lab Technician, Civil (8yrs Gulf experience) looking for a suitable job (NOC available) Contact-93344378

MISCELLANEOUS Graduate 1 yr experience in India, Clerk now in Oman on visit visa.

Contact 92933431, princemathew2813@gmail.com

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Indian male, Graduate, with 12yrs solid exp in construction & building materials purchase / logistics/ warehouse seeks suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact: 94657319 Warehouse In charge or store keeper 26 yrs. Gulf exp 4 yrs in Oman. NOC available. Contact 97657823 / Email:rusaikmzm_2009@yahoo.com Hotel field diploma in Computer B.Com, Indian, Diploma in Hotel Management MBA in hospital management at pursuant operation manager in a resort India. Contact 97864635 / 91815776074 Projects/ contracts Manager 31 yrs (26 yrs Oman) experience in management & coordination of multi-million R.O projects of government & private sector, Post Graduate Structural Engineer with structural & QS Background looking for senior position. Contact +00968-91400599 Experience Restaurant Manager with valid driving license and NOC for immediate placement.

Contact: 92953199

SECRETARIAL/OFFICE Indian male more than 10 years Gulf experience in Office / Sales Coordinator, Admin (employees visa processes), Secretarial and purchase coordination with good computer skills. Having Driving license and NOC available. Looking for suitable placement. Contact 99709336

SKILLED LABOUR Indian male & female (couple) looking for job in hospital / caretaker. Contact 91299288

SALES / MARKETING Indian male 10 years experience in Welding Supervisor NDT Technician, MIG Welding specialist seeking suitable job. Contact 96771841 Egyptian male 11 years in five stars international hotels management sales marketing D/L available residency visa. Contact 93577497 Email: elkomy82@hotmail.com Indian male 30- holding Oman D/Lexp in sales/marketing, seeks suitable placement-Release available.

Contact: 95863373 Indian male Graduate in business management having work experience of 12 years looking for a suitable position. Contact : 93431567 Sales / Marketing Executive 24 years, Indian male having Oman valid license, seeking suitable position, working as a Supervisor of the leading hypermarket in Oman, NOC available.

Contact : 98060984 / 93089757 Email: rishadkeethadath@gmail.com

Network system Engineer B.E / ECE + CCNA & Ms certified with 4+ yrs exp looking for a job. Currently in Oman on visit visa. Contact: 92589502 Email: careersjegan@gmail.com

B.Com Graduate having 10 years experience of sales and marketing in bank specialist in car financing looking for a job also having experience to run the team and manage the accounts. Contact: 93131681

Indian female MCA seeks suitable position as IT Administrator.

Contact: 94133849 / 95215272

Indian male looking job in sales or marketing having 2 years experience. Contact 96660936

SALES / MARKETING Male MBA (General) from Cardiff Metropolitan University London) looking for a suitable placement.

Contact 92819301 Email: adicbhat@outlook.com MBA Marketing professional with 05 years experience in sales and distribution looking for job in Oman currently on visit visa.

Contact: 97006353 Email: ashhadhm@hotmail.com Indian male Sales Manager looking for suitable position, 9 years experience in Oman.

Contact: 97986445 MBA supply chain professional with 03 years experience in freight forwarding and distribution looking for job in Oman currently on visit visa. Contact: 97089944 Email: ali_shayan340@hotmail.com Indian male 3 years experience Media Hospitality Sales Marketing looking for suitable job valid driving license car, NOC available.

Contact 96054202 Indian male 31 years, MBA, 7yrs experience in sales & marketing with valid driving license seeking suitable placement.

Contact 98719219.

EMAIL: recruitme1984@gmail.com Stores In Charge / Purchase coordinator with 6 years oman experience seeking placement. Contact 95439645 or storeoman@gmail.com Release / NOC available.

Indian male 24 years, MBA in Marketing looking for suitable placement currently in Muscat on visit visa. Contact: 93507063 Email: zamer_124@yahoo.com Indian 23 years B.Com Graduate, 2 years experience in sales knowledge of tally E.R.P & MS Office.

Contact 93134643 Pakistani male 34 yrs Intermediate 2 yrs exp in sales & marketing in Oman. Looking for suitable job.

Contact - 92146864 Indian male MBA 7 years experience in Hospitality industry, operation, sales & marketing looking for suitable vacancy. Contact 92115860 Email vibin.py@gmail.com Indian male 45+ yrs , 20 yrs exp as sales supervisor in India looking for indoor sales /stores /cashier or any suitable placement can speak Hindi , English, Malayalam, Tamil, kannada can join immediately on visit visa.

Contact 93086105/33016546

TOURS & TRAVELS 25 Indian female B.S.C. Fashion Technology. 5 years experience in textile industry as a merchandiser and good in fashion marketing. Currently available on visit visa, seeking for a suitable job. # 96990368.

Email: simmy.missy@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Indian male 60 years old have 30 years Muscat experience in all office works with Omani driving license.

Contact: 99024055 Indian male, MBA marketing & finance with B com & diploma in IFRS seeks job. Contact 99469726 / 99469729 Indian female, B.Com. knowledge of MS Office & Tally, 4yrs experience in Accounts &admin dept. looking for good placement in any field.

Contact.98928220 Indian male, total experience is 5 years in Retail industry. Currently supervisor in Sun and sand sports Muscat City centre.

Contact : 96994345.

Email : jsp.jsr85@gmail.com More than Ten years of experience in Sales & Marketing, Advertisement and Credit Control and Logistics& Administration. Contact 91076608 / 99322748 MCA IT Professional Indian Female seek placement in Teaching/ Non Teaching field. Presently on visit visa. Contact 9588 7051, Email: ashwininakod@gmail Indian male, Engineer, BE Mechanical, having with 21 years of experience in India and 13 years in Oman, In production, project management, quality control and assurance and MR for ISO and API Standards looking out for a suitable placement in Oman. GSM: 00968 97311616.

E-MAIL: fahazasa@yahoo.com

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M O N D AY, M AY 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED Indian Male 34 years Mechanical Engineer 3 years of Experience seeking suitable placement immediately Contact: 91991435, 93310821 Key Account Executive, Indian male, currently working with a reputed FMCG company Oman is looking for a placement asap, NOC will be given. Valid Omani driving license. Total experience in Oman is 12yrs and particularly in Sales is 8 1/2 years. Contact 95589765 Email : agnelfrancis@yahoo.co.in

Family room available for rent at Muttrah Souk. Contact 24712088 / 99022790

Indian Male 34 years Mechanical Engineer 3 years of Experience seeking suitable placement immediately contact: 91991435, 93310821

Single room & AC attached bath at Mumtaz area. Contact 95212017 & 93103337

25 Indian female, B.Sc fashion technologist, 5 years exp in merchandising, familiar with fashion marketing & designing. Currently available on visit visa, seeking for a visual merchandising job. Contact : 96990368, email jumshi@gmail.com

Civil supervisor-8 year’s experience in commercial and residential building, including portable cabin, natural and artificial play ground’s, and Oxy petroleum field, at sultanate of Oman. GSM :91249005. Mail :sandeep88joseph@gmail.com

Sudanese male BSC Telecommunications Engineer , 4 years experience in telecom field # 97783092, Email: Alrsheed88@hotmail.com

Indian Male 28yr age having 6year gulf+ Indian experience in HR field.

Looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 97914340, Email: rajkv3086@gmail.com

Working as Senior Accountant, 4 yrs.exp.in oman, relevant computer skills, Audit, Accounting upto finalization, valid oman driving license, languages known Arabic, Hindi.

NOC available can join immediately.

Tel: (+968) 96339599, E-mail(ahmedmohdkhan@gmail.com) Mechanical Engineer, Indian, (B.E.) on visit visa, seeking suitable post.

Contact :99534733 Email: rajesh92prince@gmail.com Indian male, post graduate, currently in Oman on visit visa. Seeks suitable placement.# 92388346 Male, 19 years of experience in Finance and Administration currently on visit visa seeks suitable placement. Contact: 99720132/ abidrafi33@hotmail.com Sudanese male BSC Telecommunications Engineer, 4 years experience in telecom field.

Contact : 97783092, Email: alrsheed88@hotmail.com Civil autocad draughtsman part time work for job mob :96023726 Piping Design Engineer, Indian male 27, looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering. Having 7 years of experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708, E-mail : mohammednazeer07@gmail.com Indian female, B.Com. knowledge of MS Office &Tally, 4yrs experience in Accounts &admin dept. looking for good placement in any field.

Contact.98928220 Indian female MBA Finance currently on visit visa. Seeks immediate placement. Phone: 968-98430089 Key Account Executive , currently working with a reputed FMCG company Oman is looking for a placement asap, NOC available, valid Omani driving license.

Total experience in Oman is 12yrs and particularly in Sales is 8 1/2 years. Contact 95589765 Email : agnelfrancis@yahoo.co.in Senior IT Professional, Indian Male, more than 17 yrs. of experience in software development(PB, Oracle, SAP ABAP) and IT Support with valid Oman DL and NOC available Contact : 92193867, Email : cp.prasad@gmail.com

Indian male, 28 years, 7 years experience in transporting & heavy equipment renting company. Having Omani driving license seeks suitable positions. Contact 94410485

Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

ACC. AVAILABLE

Female British Beauty Therapist looking for suitable situation.

Contact 97175240

Indian female BA graduate. My total experience is 4 and half year in Call Center looking for jobs in admin and HR. Contact : 96089143, Email: sharanjit_kaur2009@yahoo.com

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com

Sharing acc. Available in Muttrah behind Oman house.

Contact 99354340 Sharing family accommodation in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99335057

FOR LADIES Beauty package for vacation for ladies 10/-R.O, 15/-R.O, 20/-R.O. Contact : 99410160

TRANSPORTATION Transportation. Contact 99077348 Pick & drop anytime.

Contact 96692774 Transportation Contact 99159277 Transportation. Contact:98505294 Transportation. Contact 99508282

Indian male 27, looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering. Having 7 years of experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708, E-mail : mohammednazeer07@gmail.com ACCA affiliate & Bsc (Oxford Brookes University), 2.5 years experience in oilfield & audit/finance in Big6 firm, seeking permanent placement.

Release available. #95140445, a.saran891@gmail.com Civil Autocad draughtsman looking for part time job. Mobile: 95218737 Indian male 21 Diploma in Mechanical Eng with HVAC certified having 6 yrsexp and seeking job in HVAC field as a supervisor. Currently on visit visa. Contact 92835952/ 92734863 Indian Female: MCA, 3 Years Exp. as Asst. Professor, Specialization in C # (sharp).net, Data Comm.& Networking, Knowledge about Web Development, ASP.Net, Oracle, SQL,VB.net.

Seek Immediate Placement. Now on Visit Visa.9588 7051 ashwininakod@gmail.com Indian female, B.Com. Knowledge of MS Office &Tally, 4yrs experience in accounting & admin dept. looking for good placement in any field.

Contact.98928220 Sudanese / 29 years old / Bsc English language and Translation / 3 years experience in Oman teaching & translation / have driving license.

94211377. hosam.karar.1@gmail.com Indian Male 27, Piping Design Engineer looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll, AutoCAD. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708, E-mail : mohammednazeer07@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer B.E fresher (QA, QC , Piping & NDT + 1 month practical training in production & oil field) seeking immediate placement currently on visit visa. Contact – 0096896107833, Email albinalbin.thomas@gmail.com

23,Male, ACCA with 2.5 years experience in Big6 audit firm and Oil/ Gas,looking for permanent placement in Accounts/Audit. Contact #95140445 a.saran891@gmail.com

Indian Male 58yrs, Oman experience 31yrs in Multifunctional Management, Administration, Business Development, Purchase & Operations, seeking suitable Manager/ Supervisory Position. Visa transfer/ NOC Available. GSM: 95036410

Indian female MBA Finance currently on visit visa, seeks immediate placement.

Phone- 98430089

23 yrs old Pakistani bachelor in accounts and marketing 3.5 yrsexp 2 yrsexp in Oman, looking for a job.

Contact- 99374062

Transport to ISWK. Contact 93172589 House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422 Pick & Drop any time. Contact 97014786

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED Indian Male 33 looking for Scaffolding Supervisor vacancy in Oil & Gas field in Oman. Having 5 years experience in CCC Qatar and 3 years in Saudi” Contact 96155921 fysal.nellaya@gmail.com or Sudanese/Bsc IT/26/2 years experience/excellent Eng-Arb speaking/ Omani driving license/96387227/ henrykarrar@gmail.com Indian male, 34 yrs, ca inter pass, with 14 yrs experience, is seeking suitable placement, currently on visit visa & ready to join immediately. Contact: 95585069 or 95630747 26 years Indian male with MBA & PGDFM, Total 3.8 years experience in Administration, seeking suitable placement in any gulf region.

Holding Oman valid driving license.

Contact :93359371

BUSINESS

ACCA affiliate,male,2.5 years experience in an audit firm in Finance & Audit, looking for suitable immediate placement. Release available. # 95140445, a.saran891@gmail.com Indian male 21 IT Engineer Networking & Computer hardware course 01 yr experience currently on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact 96036273, E mail faizanfarooqui23@gmail.com Sales/ Marketing Executive : 35 years old Indian male, MBA, having experiences in UAE and India in sales and marketing field, presently on visit visa, looking for a suitable job in Salalah or in Oman.

Contact 91233648 Well experienced hair dresser/ beautician required, visa available.

Contact – 96524717 Indian male, 14 yrs Experience in Maintenance & Supervisor in hotel field ( Electrical . Ac Mechanical & Plumber ) N O C available mob : 95 25 36 40 . email = hareeshma24@yahoo.com Indian female 25 yrs MBA finance currently on visit visa seeks immediate placement. # 9843 0089

Software development based on requirements such as: Web development & cloud computing, SAP implementation & services. Android App development networking.

Contact 97423932 We have some companies for rent with the following activities: press publishing & advertising, information consultancy, organizing event management & conference, real estate, landscaping, maintenance etc. Contact 93946622 / 91408005 Required business Researcher. contact 99229700 Email: kjaaraimi@hotmail.com Business Consultant, feasibility study. Contact 99229700

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

M O N DAY, M AY 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours Contact- 98029602, 92808636

TOURS

RENT A CAR

GOOD NEWS Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).

Contact 24475280 / 95371554 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis massage, steam bath, obesity, spondylitis IDEAL , CARE Ayurvedic Clinic 18 November street, Azaiba. Contact 99639695 / 99117987 FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 96050000, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133.

For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit: www.islamfact.com Taimour Ayurvedic Clinic, Ruwi offers genuine & effective treatment for back pain, paralysis, cervical and lumbar spondylitis, osteoarthritis, joint pains, sinusitis, migraine, allergic problems, varicose vein and all other health related problems. Kerala massage and rejuvenation package available. For details please Contact 92197920/ 24799689

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M O N D AY, M AY 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

WEBSITE

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

CLASSES

MATRIMONIAL

NRI

Alliance invited for a Nair girl 24 yrs, 5ft, 1”, fair, slim, B.Tech graduate reputed family of Ernakulam dist. (Star Thiruvonam Sudhajathakam) financially sound, from parents of B.Tech nair boys from Trissur, Palakkad and Eranakulam dist. .

Contact :00919495924302 email: raveendrandr@yahoo.com Kerala nair boy working with reputed company in Muscat, Star Revathy (Sudhajathakam), age 28, 163 cm. seeking suitable alliance from nair girls. Contact no 92760901 Indian Muslim brother Muscat alliance for sister 20 yrs BSC, very fair, good looking ,boys respected families from hyderabad & A.P send biodata & pic, Email: mdfazal.ksa@gmail.com, GSM: 91258586.

Hindu Ezhava family, settled in Muscat looking for suitable groom working within Oman for their daughter 25 yrs (MBA) working with a reputed company in Muscat.

Contact : 98689663 We are Muslim family seeking alliance for our son interested families. Contact 97664009

CHANGE OF NAME I Mahendra Rajaram Dhotre, holder of Passport No. F4636243 son of Dhotre Rajaram Ganpat having permanent residence in Block No. 9/C, Wing, Devki Apts, Kalyan and presently residing in Al Khuwair, intend to change my name from Mahendra Rajaram Dhotre to Mahendra Rayanand Dhotre for all practical purpose. Any objection towards my name change may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, Diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, P.O. Box 1727, Postal code 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman.

COMPUTER Independent house with 2 bedroom, Hall, Kitchen with car park and compound wall on 1500 sq. ft.(30 feet x 50 feet) BDA approved land in well developed area in Arekare, Shantiniketan – Bannergatta Road Bangalore for sale – expected Rs. 1.2cr (negotiable ) Serious buyers contact Kindly contact +0091 968 627 6627 or mail rajagopal_sridhara@yahoo.co.in 42 cents land at walkable distance from Kovalm Jn.,Trivandrum for sale in whole or plots. Res./ Comm. Plot on main road side(Bus route),suitable for villas,resorts etc.

Call 00968-95036240, 0091-9961034763 or email- cfhd1@ yahoo.com One B/R- Best Western Qupem Goa. Contact – 97094797 Chalo ab Laot Chalein Har koi ka yahi sapna Lucknow main ho ghar apna. Plots, flats, villas, duplex farm houses any where in Lucknow, Varanasi, Allahabad, Nainital, Aligarh.

Contact Qamruddin : 91273414

A/C maintenance & servicing.

Fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing. Painting & cleaning services & electrical & plumbing. Contact 99447257/97014234/ 24504281

Residential land for sale in Chennai Kundrathur and Poonamaalee, we construct house in your budget.

Contact 98753366

We do building maintenance all kind of works. Contact 99247663

DRIVING

SITUATION WANTSERVICES Carpet & sofa cleaning, house cleaning. Contact 99542979 / 98855815

LOST Munir Ahmad has lost Pakistani Passport No. AH 1161252. Finder please handover to ROP

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Contact 99368907

Learn driving with professional only automatic. Contact 94022250

Specialist available for explosive growth in term of restructuring all modules of businesses with over 30 years of experience across continents with a decade in Oman.

Contact 96733578 Email : profitoman@gmail.com

Electric, Plumbing, painting & all kinds of building maintenance.

Contact 93896787 / 97924862 Sewage remove tanker sewage tank cleaning & block remove all maintenance sewage tanks. Contact 97412505 / 98852238 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance.#ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

WINDOW & SPLIT unit A.C servicing & repairing.

Contact 99557080

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Contact 96236476

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Contact 99657644/ 98518013 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 Carpet & sofa shampooing. Ocean Centre LLC. Contact 99884591 / 92682970 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. # 24810137, 99450130

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Contact Ocean Centre LLC. Contact 99344723

INSURANCE OMAN S

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Sultanate eyes boom in insurance sector Courtesy new laws and regulations coupled with best practices, Oman’s insurance sector

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Medical insurance gaining currency

is set for growth with national insurance firms on way to float shares within three years on the Muscat Securities Market Times News Service

Muscat 4 Bank and AIG

partnership redefines bancassurance in Oman

MUSCAT: Oman’s government has been seeking to enhance the performance of the insurance sector by implementing new laws and regulations and introducing best global practices in the local market, with an aim to increase the sector’s contribution to the economy. In 2004, the responsibilities of the insurance sector were transferred to the Capital Market Authority (CMA) from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in order to develop and restructure the legislative and regulatory environment of this important sector.

Regulations Since then, the authority has issued a number of circulars, charters, laws and regulations deemed to best suit the requirements and specificities of the local market.

H E A LT H C A R E

MEDICAL INSURANCE GAINING CURRENCY Times News Service Medical insurance, which is fast becoming a top priority for local insurance firms, showed a robust growth among different types of insurance portfolios in Oman last year.

That is not only because the government has plans to make health insurance mandatory for the private sector, but also because mounting health-care expenses are increasingly forcing them to ensure the well-being of their employees.

The tendency of companies to make arrangements with designated clinics for providing healthcare facilities is becoming a thing of the past, and a group medical coverage is now the norm, rather than the exception.

Employee medical insurance is a cashless scheme wherein the insurance company, which ties up with a network of hospitals/polyclinics, gets volume business and the employees get access to cashless healthcare facilities. Once the company pays its group medical premium, there is no administrative work for the company and all worries related to employee healthcare would rest with the insurance company and the concerned hospital.

Health insurance showed a robust growth of 34 per cent with gross direct premium touching OMR78.1 million in 2014, compared to OMR58.2 million in the previous year. The national companies retained OMR69.4 million of the direct premiums compared to OMR8.6 million in the case of foreign firms.

It is not far to seek the reasons for a robust growth. Several corporate entities in Oman tend to provide health insurance for its employees, as well as offer group health insurance among workers for small and medium enterprises.

The direct premium collected by the insurers in the Sultanate grew by 10 per cent to hit OMR396.5 million in 2014 compared to OMR359.9 million in

Health insurance for employees is picking up steam with several corporate entities in the Sultanate providing health insurance for their employees, as well as offer group health insurance for workers in small and medium enterprises.

2013. The retention rate in health insurance remained constant at 40 per cent in 2013, while vehicle insurance showed the highest retention rate at 87 per cent.

Retention rates in property, transport and engineering insurances are the lowest compared to other insurances with 7 per cent, 22 per cent and 23 per cent, respectively, in 2013 due to reinsuring the main portion of these risk with reinsurance firms.

As far as employee insurance is concerned, the tendency of companies to make arrangements with designated clinics for providing healthcare facilities is becoming a story of the past, and a group medical coverage is now the norm, rather than the exception. > 3

According to the directorate general in charge of supervising the insurance sector at CMA, total insurance premium in 2014 grew by 10 per cent (or OMR36.37 million) to touch OMR400.4 million, from OMR364 million in the previous year.

At the regional level, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) insurance industry almost tripled in value between 2006 and 2013, with insurance premiums increasing from $6.4 billion to $18.4 billion.

New requirements In order to strengthen the Omani insurance sector, Oman’s government has asked national insurance firms to float shares on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) within three years, besides raising the minimum capital of insurance firms to OMR10 million from OMR5 million. Moody’s Investors Service has welcomed the initia-

tive, saying the new requirements will improve insurance companies’ access to capital markets, enhance transparency and stabilise the insurance market overall.

Re-insurance The milestones in the insurance sector in Oman achieved by

the CMA include the establishment of the first Omani company for reinsurance.

In 2009, the ‘Oman Reinsurance’ was established as the first Omani company engaged in reinsurance with the aim of directing insurance services and increasing the proportion of insurance

premiums retained in the local economy.

In addition, the authority, in cooperation with international experts, prepared a draft law of Takaful insurance and its application mechanism in the Sultanate.

The draft law was discussed with the Board of Directors, >2

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MONDAY, MAY 18, 2 015

INSURANCE OMAN

Falcon Insurance Company aims to be insurer of choice Falcon’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is their personalised service which is at the

Falcon’s motor insurance policy broadly covers the loss or damage sustained by the insured vehicles, their accessories and spare parts which are an integral part of the vehicle in case of an accident or any other kind of damages. Corporate entities with a number of vehicles prefer to insure them as a fleet.

same time, highly professional, because it endeavours to put a customer back in business within the shortest possible time, a commitment they have striven for since they began operations in 2005

A

iming to be among the most preferred insurers in Oman, Falcon Insurance Company intends to strengthen its presence across the country by opening a few more offices. Established in 2005, Falcon Insurance Company today is one of the leading insurance firms in Oman. Earlier a part of AI Ittihad Al Watani Insurance Company, they are now a subsidiary of Al Anwar Holding Company, which is the single largest shareholder with about 51 per cent share. The firm has the backing of a number of A-rated reinsurers and has developed a growing portfolio of local and international risks.

This was stated by A R Srinivasan, general manager, Falcon Insurance Company in an interview. With its headquarters in Qurum, Falcon Insurance has branches in Seeb, Sohar and Nizwa. A branch in Salalah is also expected to begin operations.

Their staff strength is around 80 with 60 per cent Omanisation. The need to reach 65 per cent Omanisation by the end of this year and they are well on target since talks are underway with local educational institutions to recruit fresh talent.

Excerpts from the interview: Insurance policies on offer Falcon’s motor insurance policy broadly covers the loss or damage sustained by the insured vehicles,

their accessories and spare parts which are an integral part of the vehicle in case of an accident or any other kind of damages. Corporate entities with a number of vehicles prefer to insure them as a fleet. One groups them together because one gets various benefits. As an individual car owner, that rating would be based on the whole market. However, when you have your own big group, you can get better advantage with respect to the terms and conditions, premium rates etc. Falcon has a strong presence in the commercial vehicle insurance sphere and more than half of our motor business comprises corporate fleets and corporate customers.

In terms of individual cars, we do a fair bit of individual business - both on comprehensive and thirdparty liability. These covers can be taken with additional covers as well.

That being said, we are open to all kinds of covers based on the minimum market requirements.

Workman’s Compensation Law In terms of employees, there’s a Workman’s Compensation Law which stipulates the minimum compensation in terms of work-related injuries and sickness. Nowhere does it clearly state that there should be a minimum insurance. However, by and large, all corporate entities do take out some sort of minimum in-

A R Srinivasan

HIGHLIGHTS

Falcon has the backing of numerous A-rated reinsurers and has developed a growing portfolio of local and international risks

Falcon does not want to be the number one in size, but wants to be the number one in terms of choice

Falcon has a strong presence in commercial vehicle insurance and more than half of their motor business comprises corporate fleets

General manager

surance. So that is where you start the minimum Workman’s Compensation Law. This comprises 36 months’ salary, for death or disability. The minimum compensation covers only work-related injuries, but going by the market, most employees get this policy extended to cover other kind of accidents even if it is not work-related. And there are an increasing number of employers who extend the insurance to group life policies which cover natural death as well.

Market competition Since 2004 and up to 2010, every year has seen the launch of at least one (if not two) insurance firms.

And that has led to an increase in the competition. It is not as if there have been no losses in Oman. In June 2007, there was a cyclone, which was the ideal time for the market

to start charging better premium.

Unfortunately, we had more companies coming in. So the cycle levelled out instead of peaking. It went down further in the next few years, until 2010, when we had Phet. That triggered a new growth cycle, but since there were many new companies that had just opened and they were applying the same premium rates as was prevalent in their home markets, that again stopped the growth cycle.

Slowly the market also began losing re-insurance support. The year 2012 saw some levelling of rates.

Along with all this and the global economic meltdown that started in 2008, the investment income has also substantially reduced and it has affected businesses. Apart from the competition, a particular law also changed, wherein one did not need a police report for a claim in a motor

accident unless somebody was injured. That coupled with high inflation in the last four years, which implies an increase in the cost of spare parts and repairs, has resulted in added pressures on the bottom line.

So, the time has come for companies to introspect and find the best ways to run their businesses.

The CMA has also been working on certain beneficial policies for the common man. The unified policy has been changed again. All this will come at a cost and the insurance companies will have to check their own figures and premium rates will surely go up.

Falcon’s USP In this market, because of the intense competition on the one side and the off-take of insurance products being very low on the other side, most of the insurance compa-

nies are barely exceeding anything than the minimum requirement.

Having said that, we are still a small company and we take our customers very seriously.

Our USP is that we have a personalised service which is at the same time, highly professional. If at any time, a customer is faced with a loss, he should be back in business within the shortest time possible.

That is the kind of commitment we strive for.

Future plans?

From a vision point of view, what we are working on is to be the preferred insurer. We do not want to be the number one in size, but we want to be the number one in choice. In terms of distribution channels, we are planning to open a few more offices to cater to the other parts of the Sultanate.

C O N T I N UAT I O N

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Sultanate eyes boo

HIGHLIGHTS

Capital Market Authority running insurance sector since 2004

Total insurance premium OMR400.4 million in 2014

GCC insurance industry grows three times its size in 2006

Insurance premium rises to $18.4 billion.

National insurance firms to float shares on MSM within 3 years

Oman Reinsurance, established in 2009, directing insurance services

State Council approved draft Takaful Insurance Law

Insurance firms and ROP share common database

which in turn sent the Takaful project to the Council of Ministers for consideration and approval.

In February 2015, it was announced that the State Council had approved the draft Takaful Insurance Law to meet the demands of the nationals who want the insurance fund to be regulated according to Islamic law and concepts.

Rising insurance rates Tackling the rising insurance rates of commercial vehicles (taxis, rental and driving school cars and gas distribution and water tankers) has also been one of the priorities of the CMA. The authority has amended some provisions of the unified vehicle insurance in order to raise the level of controls and provisions governing the limits of the relationship between the insurer and the insured.

Another development in the insurance sector in Oman is the fact that the authority prepared regulations for insurance brokers, which were issued in June 2013.

As parts of its efforts to further regulate the market, the CMA held discussions with parties involved about prices of replacement parts and vehicles’ repairing services as well as protecting policyholders.

Protecting policyholders The authority, through the department of policyholders’ protection, receives complaints from policyholders against insurance companies and brokers operating in the Sultanate, and then studies and analyses these complaints.

Development of national workforce in the sector has been high on the agenda of the authority which holds training programmes in association with renowned institutes to enhance the skills and knowledge of local employees.

E-link Another noteworthy achievement has been the creation of an electronic link between insurance companies and Royal Oman Police (ROP) in line with the efforts regarding transition

to e-governance.

The system creates a joint electronic database between the ROP and the insurance companies on the traffic history of each vehicle owner, through which insurance companies will be able to retrieve accurate data on vehicle owners.

The system allows for determination of fair premiums for prudent drivers which would encourage self- regulation and compliance with traffic rules. It would bring benefits to prudent drivers and reduce the losses that insurance companies suffer.

Social Insurance Law The insurance industry in Oman has a long history. The Social Insurance Law and its amendments came into effect on July 1,

MO NDAY, MAY 18, 2015

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INSURANCE OMAN C O N T I N UAT I O N

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Medical insurance gaining currency The Sultanate has been considering the introduction of compulsory medical insurance for expatriate workers for the past three to four years, like Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi. However, no decision has been taken so far.

If it happens, insurance companies in the Sultanate would get a huge additional business. For instance, the premium income of Saudi Arabia’s medical insurance market is worth SAR700 million to SAR1 billion, thanks to its government’s decision on compulsory insurance.

Within the next two years, almost 90 per cent of companies in Oman are expected to go in for group medical insurance for their employees. The market is growing, especially after expatriates moved out of government hospitals to private health centres.

This is one of the growth areas for insurance companies.

More than 10 local companies, including outfits of multinational firms, are currently offering employee group medical insurance to the Sultanate’s corporate clients. The employer is not too sure whether the bills are reasonable and justified. By taking a group medical scheme, the company is outsourcing this work. Companies across the world prefer to go for a group medical plan than do it its own. Further, the insurance companies or the third party administrators (TPAs) are in a better position to negotiate with hospitals or polyclinics for bringing down medical expenses in view of volume business.

Another advantage of group medical insurance is that employees with group insurance cover will have the option to choose from several hospitals/polyclinics spread across the country. If the arrangement is with only one clinic, those living in far off places would have to travel a lot to visit the company appointed clinic.

However, a group medical insurance scheme has its limitations as well. The company which takes a group medical policy has to pay the

m in insurance sector

1992. One of its articles stipulated that a public authority shall be formed under the name of ‘Public Authority for Social Insurance’ to implement this law. The law aims at providing social protection and ensuring peace of mind and social stability for the insured and his or her dependents.

Oman Insurance Association Additionally, Oman Insurance Association (OIA) was established in 2010 based on a decision by the Ministry of Social Development. The OIA is a trade body consisting of insurance companies, insurance brokers and loss adjusters and others licensed by the CMA. The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) recently announced that during the first

quarter of 2015, the expenditure on social benefits such as pension, health insurance and education was not affected by the drop in global oil prices.

Digital solutions To facilitate access to insurancerelated services, companies in Oman have been working on new initiatives to bring the services closer to clients by using digital solutions. For instance, Al Madina Takaful recently launched an advanced mobile application, mInsurance.

The new app, which is the firstof-its-kind in Oman, promises to be a benchmark in the industry and will enable the company to stay closer to customers, communicate with them, serve them and also educate them on new

Takaful products, company officials have said.

The mobile app is packed with many features that enable buying and renewal of policies, effortless claim processing, generating quotes, identifying locations of branches, garages and hospitals and much more.

Self-service kiosks The company has also introduced self-service kiosks that will be set up at key locations in Oman to help consumers avail services quickly, easily and round-the-clock, ably supported by a dedicated call-centre facility. These achievements are all part of collective efforts in the country to make the insurance sector, which is a growth driver, more competitive.

HIGHLIGHTS

Companies having tie-ups with designated clinics for providing health-care facilities is becoming a thing of the past

Gross direct premium in health insurance touched OMR78.1 million in 2014, compared to OMR58.2 million in the previous year

The market is growing, especially after expatriates moved out of government hospitals to private health centres

In the next two years, almost 90 per cent of companies are expected to go in for group medical insurance for employees.

Tendency of insurance firms to undercut premium and get quotations from several clinics for inpatient treatment affects quality of treatment.

lump sum premium in advance, which affects liquidity.

Moreover, insurance companies stipulate several conditions at the time of entering into an arrangement with companies, in an apparent move to reduce medical expenses. The tendency of insurance firms to undercut premium and get quotations from several clinics for inpatient treatment affects the quality of treatment.

Insurance companies generally take into account the number of employees and the total medical expense of companies in the previous year, to determine the group premium for the first time.

Unlike insurance cover for accident or fire, the frequency of claims is high in medical schemes and the general tendency is a growth in medical expenses in every passing year.

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MONDAY, MAY 18, 2 015

INSURANCE OMAN

Bank Muscat and AIG partnership redefines bancassurance in Oman

B

ankmuscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, as part of its commitment to providing bespoke bancassurance products, has a 10-year strategic agreement with American International Group (AIG), under which AIG is the exclusive provider of non-life insurance products to Bank Muscat customers in Oman.

The bancassurance collaboration with AIG has helped Bank Muscat to enhance the value proposition to customers through this dynamic channel. The partnership serves as an excellent

opportunity to provide a superior experience to the bank’s customer base, with a focus to meeting their evolving insurance requirements over the long term.

AIG, one of the world’s largest insurers, is a major bancassurance provider with key relationships with leading banks around the globe. AIG’s strong commitment and investment in the partnership with Bank Muscat has benefited customers with worldclass insurance coverage and service through innovative distribution channels.

The value-added AIG bancassurance products for Bank Mus-

cat’s individual and family customers include motor insurance, accident and health products. The series of premium bancassurance products are targeted at family protection, home contents protection and coverage for critical illness.

Critical Illness Plan The Critical Illness Plan provides comprehensive coverage against eventualities, including cancer, stroke or heart attack, ensuring financial peace of mind during rehabilitation. A cash lump sum is paid to help cope through the recovery phase.

Family Protection Plan The Family Protection Plan is aimed at helping deal with catastrophe by easing the financial hardship on family in the most difficult situations. Customers receive a cash lump sum to pay for whatever they need the most during catastrophes.

Home Contents Insurance Plan Furnishing and filling your home with treasured possessions can take a lifetime. But accidents can happen when you least expect them, including floods and other natural disasters. Whether you

The value-added AIG bancassurance products for Bank Muscat’s individual and family customers include motor insurance, accident and health products. are a homeowner or a tenant, the Home Contents Insurance Plan means total peace of mind.

Motor Insurance Motor Insurance gives peace of mind, knowing your daily life will not get disrupted, should you be

unfortunate to have an incident with your vehicle. The best-inclass car insurance service from the global experts guarantees that you are never left stranded.

The Oman insurance market which recorded 15 per cent average growth in the last five years is projected to grow at a rate of 18 per cent in the next five years.

With global insurance partners like AIG, Bank Muscat is in a position to offer unique insurance products catering to all customer needs. The bank’s largest distribution footprint and the global knowhow of AIG add significant value for the partnership.

EXCITING OFFER

Free vehicle AC check for Mitsubishi, Fuso owners

With the hot summer months just around the corner, General Automotive Company, the official distributors of Mitsubishi vehicles in Oman, recently launched a two-month free air-conditioning check-up campaign for all Mitsubishi and Fuso vehicle owners in Oman. The complimentary service campaign will continue till July 4.

Commenting on the importance of maintaining the vehicle AC in good working order, Rajesh Sharma, national marketing manager of General Automotive Company, said: “In a country like Oman and with summer nearing its hottest period, the AC in your vehicle is just as important as the AC at home. After all, what some may not realise is that the AC system in a vehicle car does not simply blow cold air in; it is actually designed to also remove hot air from within the vehicle cabin and dispel it to atmosphere outside. As a result it is a very complex system that relies on a number of components to operate efficiently. Like all mechanical parts, these items are prone to wear and regular system servicing helps to protect them.

While AC repairs can range from simple cleaning to a more complex mechanical procedure, it is vital to take care of any minor concerns as early as possible to avoid any serious problems and an expensive fix in the future. With our free AC check we can detect these problems early and free of charge while the discounts on offer makes fixing them all the more affordable.”

The complimentary AC checkup includes diagnostics and general health checks and will also suggest remedial measures, if required, to achieve optimum performance and comfort temperature.

The service centre is also offering discounts of up to 45% on all AC related parts and 35% on labour during the campaign. Mit-

GAC is offering discounts of up to 45% on all AC related parts and 35% on labour as well till July 4

subishi owners are invited to get their vehicles checked and can pre-book the service by phone or by visiting their local Mitsubishi service centre.

“At GAC, we have always followed the customer-first approach and in keeping with that philosophy, we like to go that extra mile to ensure our service matches and exceeds all expectations. Such campaigns perfectly complement the capabilities of our factory approved service centres and welltrained staff; thereby offering our customers the best possible value in terms of a total ownership experienceas well as showcasing the complete ‘peace of mind servicing’ capabilities available at our Mitsubishi and Fuso service network throughout the Sultanate,” added Rajesh.

The annual free AC check is just one of the many benefits that Mitsubishi vehicle owners enjoy.For more information on the service campaign or to book your car in for a check-up, call 24 500 500 or visit your nearest Mitsubishi Showroom. Customers can also visit Mitsubishi’s local website at www.mitsubishioman. com or follow the brand on its ‘Mitsubishi Oman’ facebook page or twitter @mitsubishioman.