Times of Oman - August 18, 2015 by Muscat Media Group

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TUESDAY, August 18, 2015 / 3 Dhul Qa’ada 1436 AH

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EGYPT

HM sends condolences MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of condolences to President Abdel Fattah El Sisi of Egypt on the death of his mother. In his cable, His Majesty the

Sultan has expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy to President El Sisi, praying to Allah the Almighty to rest her soul in peace and grant her family patience. -ONA

STRICT GUIDELINES

Call to allow Omani women to obtain licences for taxis TARIQ AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Unemployed Omani women who know how to drive can earn a living by ferrying women and children in taxis designated speciﬁcally for women, ensuring the safety of female passengers. However, Omani law is clear that only Omani men are allowed to own taxis. While issuing guidelines to be followed while applying for taxi licences, the Royal Oman Police recently tweeted that women cannot apply. “There are many women who are unemployed. They can beneﬁt from driving women and children which is safer for both, the passengers and the driver,” said Shukoor Al Ghamry, former president of Oman Women’s Association. “You do not need an academic degree to drive, so why can’t

they?” she asked, while also questioning the rationale behind permitting women to teach people the nuances of driving but not allowing them to own a taxi or apply for a licence. “Women passengers will feel safe knowing a woman is driving them to their destination, but the driver must work under certain limitations to make it safe for herself as well,” said Al Ghamry, and suggested that women should be limited to a wilayat or an area of operation and only at certain times of the day. Driving a taxi could prove significantly beneficial for unemployed women and guarantee employment, flexible hours and extra income since they would own their own taxi. Speaking to the Times of Oman, Ibrahim, a local taxi driver, suggested that the only way women could ferry passengers is through some sort of booking system. >A5

DIFFICULT TIMES: The slide in crude oil prices has hit everyone hard.

Oil industry begins leaking jobs: Unions ONE YEAR OF FREE-FALL

Crude oil price per barrel 2014-2015

While big players such as BP and PDO

MUSCAT: Hundreds of oil and gas sector workers in Oman have lost their jobs, and others are on the verge of losing it with the crude oil price continuing its downward trend, say trade union leaders. “Due to the slump in crude prices, companies are either shelving their future projects or are not willing to renew current contracts. As a result, a large number of employees have been laid off,” said Saud Salmi, chairman of Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) trade union, and chairman

FOR WORKERS IN DISTRESS

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: In a move to support its workers in Oman, the Bangladesh embassy in Muscat has introduced two dedicated phone lines, said an official from the embassy. “Bangladeshi workers, including amnesty-seekers, can seek help by calling the two dedicated numbers. They can get advice for labour complaints, passport and consular services, document authentication, and sending mortal remains

of oil and gas sector unions. “Crude oil prices in the region have dropped around 40 per cent from their peak last year. Every day, we get complaints from workers, mainly involved in drilling and hoist works. Visiting manpower officials to resolve the issues has become a regular practice,” said the union leader. However, a PDO spokesperson said that currently the PDO is staying on course with a robust growth programme despite the low oil price environment and has no plans to cut jobs. “Indeed, even where contracts have ended or naturally expired without renewal, we have worked with contrac-

$46.20 January 13 2015

August 1 2014 Source: InfoMine

August 17 2015 Graphics

tors to relocate personnel to other contracts wherever possible,” the spokesperson said. Communications manager from BP Oman said they are still in the development phase of their major Khazzan gas project and there has been no impact on job numbers.

“We currently employ directly and through contractors, and we expect that at the peak of construction, we will have around eight to ten thousand people working at the site,” the communication manager said. Times of Oman’s attempts to get a comment from other oil companies in Oman went in vain. Meanwhile, Saud Salmi said that job loss is happening for workers with contracting companies. “It’s appreciable that the PDO is trying to absorb the laid off workers in different ways. But many other companies are not doing the same. We want companies to follow what PDO is doing. Recently, a few laid off workers whose contracts were not renewed staged a rally. Government should initiate social protection measures in such crisis situation,” Saud added. From 2010 to mid-2014, world oil prices had been fairly stable, at around $110 a barrel. However, since June, prices have more than halved. >A5

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

Dhaka embassy opens helpline REJIMON K

$49.14

other oil contractors, say trade unions

reji@timesofoman.com

$105.32

are pressing ahead, jobs are going at

REJIMON K

Oman sovereign fund acquires Paris hotel

– Supplied photo

and special assistance to sick and injured people, in addition to recovery of legal dues and compensation etc,” said the official. The two numbers are 80081234 (tollfree) and 24603514. Telephones “These telephones will be manned at the embassy in Shati Al Qurum during the weekdays from 8:30am to 4:30pm and the time could be extended to non-business hours in the days ahead,” said the official. According to government data in

July, Oman is home to 559,626 Bangladeshi nationals. The helpline has been set up by Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment (MoEW&OE) of Bangladesh with funds from the ILO. “Setting up a helpline is a good initiative on the part of the embassy. We will try to share these numbers through our network. Now, Bangladeshi workers can get help by a phone call without going to the embassy,” said Mohammed Sanaullah, a social worker.

OMAN

REGION

Omani falls from mountain, dies

More than 80 killed in Yemen fighting

Heavy ﬁghting between government loyalists and rebels for control of Yemen’s third city Taez has killed more than 80 people. Pro-government and rebel forces have for months fought over Taez, seen as crucial gateway to the rebel-held capital Sanaa. But clashes in the city have intensiﬁed in recent days after pro-government forces made sweeping territorial gains. >A7

A national was found dead after he reportedly fell from a mountain in the wilayat of Dima Wa Taeen, according to a reliable source at the Royal Oman Police (ROP). The source said that the ROP operational centre received a call at around 10 am on Sunday morning saying that a man had fallen off a mountain located in Al Rahba area in the wilayat of Dima Wa Taeen. >A3

OMAN

Tragedy, comedy in ROHM’s operas

The 2014-15 season at ROHM has a number of productions that will be impress the audience. >A4

MEDICAL AID

More clinics needed in Oman to handle miscarriage cases ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: More specialised clinics and specialists are required in Oman to provide medical and emotional support to women who experience a miscarriage, says a specialist. Miscarriage, which means loss of pregnancy usually before the 20th week, can be a ‘devastating’ and ‘traumatic’ experience, Dr Rahma Al Ghabshi, a senior consultant at the Royal Hospital, told the Times of Oman. Dr Al Ghabshi, who is a reproductive, endocrine and recurrent miscarriage specialist, believes that there are not enough clinics in Oman to offer services concerned with both physical and psychological management of miscarriages. According to her, specialised

got pregnant as well as her age and medical and family history, she said.

clinics are only available in two or three major hospitals. There are women who may need help but are not able to get an appointment because of the limited number of these clinics and specialists, said Dr Al Ghabshi. Such clinics should be established all over the country to make their services accessible to people living in remote areas as well, she added. Need for specialists In order to set up more specialised miscarriage clinics, specialists are required, said Dr Al Ghabshi, and added that it is a new speciality worldwide and there are only a few people in Oman who are subspecialised in this ﬁeld. “If we have more specialists, then we can have more clinics,” she noted.

Dr Rahma Al Ghabshi, senior consultant at Royal Hospital.

Dr Al Ghabshi also highlighted the important role of specialists in handling miscarriage cases. They investigate all aspects of the situation, including why, when and how the miscarriage happened, how the woman had

Right treatment All this information is crucial in ﬁnding the possible causes of miscarriage, providing the right treatment and offering preventive measures when possible, she added. For example, if the pregnancy loss is due to genetic factors, the care and treatment will not be the same as the one given to another woman who has suffered a miscarriage due to other reasons, explained Dr Al Ghabshi. A woman who suffers a miscarriage due to genetic factors will even need a different type of pregnancy and should undergo in vitro fertilisation (IVF), she added. In addition, miscarriage can

lead to anxiety, stress and depression and sometimes the woman is made to feel that it is somehow her fault instead of getting sympathy and support, which may cause other family problems, said Dr Al Ghabshi. Care is needed So sensitivity and tender loving care is required in assessing and counselling couples, she noted and added that family support is very important as well. The research conducted in other countries shows that women who received emotional support after miscarriage recovered much quickly than those who did not, especially in recurrent miscarriage cases, she said. Dr Al Ghabshi noted that the limited number of specialised clinics is one of the reasons why

no statistics are available on the number and rate of miscarriages in Oman. Other reasons include the fact that not all the women register themselves when they get pregnant and register in late stages of pregnancy, while some women do not visit medical centres after they suffer a miscarriage, she said. There are also women who do not seek help regarding miscarriage unless it becomes recurrent, added the specialist. However, she said that the miscarriage rate in Oman is similar to the rest of the world given the common causative factors. According to her, internationally, 50 per cent of all conceptions fail, with most of them being unrecognised pregnancies, meaning that the woman did not know that she had been pregnant. >A5

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

OMAN

I booked my seat with the help of my friends in Dubai. The online booking website was not working properly in Oman. Sreeram MV, Oman resident at Modi’s Dubai speech

Modi enthrals Indian expatriates in Dubai The Indian prime minister, who was on a two-day visit to the UAE, addressed the ‘Marhaba Namo’ rally in Dubai, touted as another Madison Square Garden-like event

GULF BROTHERHOOD: The ‘Marhaba Namo’ event was hailed as unprecedented in the history of the UAE where for the ﬁrst time a visiting head of state has been allowed a reception on this scale. Below, Oman resident Sreeram MV with his friend at the stadium. – Photo PTI and Times of Oman contributor Sreeram MV

REJIMON K reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: While a majority of Indians in Oman were disappointed over missing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech in Dubai, a few lucky ones who managed to book seats online through their friends in Dubai were thrilled to listen to him. “I booked my seat with the help of my friends in Dubai. The online booking website was not working properly in Oman. However, as I did not want to miss his speech, I acted intelligently. I took one-day off from my office, drove to Sharjah, stayed with my friends, and late in the afternoon itself I stood in a queue at the gates,” Sreeram MV, an ardent fan of Modi in Oman, told the Times of Oman. “Braving the scorching sun there were thousands seen standing in a queue for hours,” added Sreeram. Modi, who was on a two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates, addressed the ‘Marhaba Namo’, which was being touted as another Madison Square Garden-like event.

The ‘Marhaba Namo’ was hailed as unprecedented in the history of the UAE where for the ﬁrst time a visiting head of state has been allowed a reception on this scale. The seating capacity inside the stadium is 30,000, an additional 15,000 were accommodated outside the stadium, where food stalls, DJs and two large video walls broadcast Modi’s speech live. Seeing the unprecedented response, the organising committee had issued an alert that reg-

istering online is not a guarantee for admission into the Dubai Cricket Stadium. Modi’s message Addressing the gathering Modi said the blue-collar workers in the Gulf is the biggest sacriﬁce India has made. “Dubai is not just mini Kerala but mini India. There are 700 ﬂights to Gulf but an Indian PM took 34 years to get here. Crown Prince and His Highness showered me love. It’s a matter of pride. This courtesy is not for one man

but all and every Indians. I’m heartfelt with gratitude towards the rulers of UAE. “My two-day trip, the kind of trust that has built is amazing. Abu Dhabi will invest 450 lakh crore rupees in India. I can say trust between India, Abu Dhabi and Dubai will last generations, “ Qouting Modi, Sreeram told Times of Oman from Dubai. Earlier in the day, while addressing an investor meet in Masdar City, a zero-carbon city, the Indian prime minister said there is an immediate investment opportunity of $1 trillion in India. Modi said that his government has got some problems in legacy and his immediate priority would be to kick-start things which were stalled by the “indecisiveness and lethargy” of the past governments. Modi also said that though there are 700 flights between India and the UAE, it took 34 years for an Indian Prime Minister to visit, adding “I promise this will not happen again.” Indira Gandhi was the last prime minister to visit the UAE in 1981. The prime minister said all major global institutions such as IMF, World Bank and Moody’s agree that India is the world’s fastest growing economy and it has huge development potential. Talking about no Indian Prime Minister having visited the UAE in the last 34 years, Modi said, “We have lost 34 years. I want to erase the deficit of these 34 years. I want all of you to come to India and make 21st Century Asia’s century.” Modi said there are 700 flights between India and UAE, but it took 34 years for an Indian Prime Minister to visit. “I promise this will not happen again,” he said. Those present in the meeting included members of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, top government officials and Indian origin industrialists.

H E A LT H N O R M S

CONSUMER SAFETY: Every cosmetic consignment needs to be accompanied by a certiﬁcate proving it conforms to the approved quality standards.

Ministry defines new criteria for cosmetics Times News Service MUSCAT: In a major decision, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has defined a set of 52 quality standards for a range of cosmetics, including aromatic lotions, creams, deodorants, oils and shampoos, for the Gulf region. Shaymaa bint Khamis Al Balushiah, quality control specialist of chemical products, at the Directorate General for Standards and Metrology in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said the obligatory procedure for releasing or approving the import of cosmetics as prescribed by a ministerial decision requires every consignment to be accompanied by a certificate proving that it conforms to these standards. “Documents proving that the consignment conforms to relevant standards are mandatory, which include release application, application for approving the import of cosmetics, copy of the commercial registration certificate and an examination report issued by a private laboratory registered by the Directorate General for Standards and Metrology or the laboratory of the manufacturing company,” explained Al Balushiah. “These documents should be approved by a government author-

ity at the manufacturing company. They should also include a labelling card of the product, a purchase bill and a certiﬁcate notifying the importer or the manufacturer that the product conforms to the approved standards. This form is available at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry,” she added. Al Balushiah indicated that the cosmetic items not covered by an obligatory ministerial decision should be accompanied by a document conﬁrming the integrity and veracity of the product information issued by the manufacturing company and the product label issued in either Arabic or both in Arabic and English, according to the requirements of the standardised international Gulf standards No.: GSO ISO 22715 for cosmetics, packaging and labelling. She stressed the importance and necessity of clearly displaying labels on cosmetic products kept for sale that state the name of the product and also its purpose if that is not clear from the method of preparation of the product. The label should also contain the manufacturer’s name, trademark, country of origin, ingredients and any warnings related to the product, as well as instructions for use, date of production, batch number, and expiry date.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

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Three citizens arrested for setting car on fire in Suwaiq

PUBLIC DANGER: According to the legal provisions, setting ﬁre to anything is considered one of the biggest crimes in Oman Penal Code since it could harm people and properties.–Photos supplied by ROP

According to the provisions of Oman Penal Code, Article 270, intentionally causing ﬁre in a private or public establishment will result in imprisonment ranging from seven to 15 years

Times News Service MUSCAT: Three citizens were arrested by the Directorate General of Inquiries and Investigations in Al Suwaiq of the Royal Oman Police (ROP), for allegedly setting ﬁre to a car in Al Makhtam area. “The station received a report of a vehicle catching ﬁre in the yard of a house. The suspects trespassed into the house and poured gasoline on the bonnet of

the car and set it ablaze,” said the source at Al Suwaiq ROP. After investigations and inquiries, the officers arrested the three citizens who confessed to their crime. They have been referred to the Public Prosecution. Legal provision “Setting ﬁre to anything is considered one of the biggest crimes in the Oman Penal Code since it could harm people and properties,” said the source.

According to the Oman Penal Code, Article 270, intentionally starting ﬁre in a private or public establishment or on land, air and naval transports, oil wells, other establishments or in residential and non-residential areas, irrespective of whether it is his property or property of others, will result in imprisonment from seven years to 15 years. Smuggling Meanwhile, an attempt to smuggle people out of the Sultanate was foiled by the police at the Wadi Al Jizi border post in Wilayat Buraimi. The Directorate General of Inquiries and Investigation of the ROP received a report that an Omani citizen was helping to transport illegal aliens from Sohar to Buraimi to enable them to leave the country. In co-operation and co-ordination with Wadi Al Jizi bor-

der officers, the suspect was arrested. Police found an Arab national in the trunk of the vehicle. He later confessed that he had entered the country illegally, said police sources. Omani falls from mountain An Omani national was found dead after falling off a mountain in the wilayat of Dima Wa Taeen, according to a reliable source at the ROP. The source said that the operation centre of the ROP received a call at around 10 am on Sunday saying that man had fallen off a mountain located in Al Rahba area in the wilayat of Dima Wa Taeen. By the time the authorities reached the spot the man was already dead. “A helicopter belonging to the ROP transferred the body in the afternoon,” he said.

G L O B A L I M PAC T

Top officials hold talks with IAF chief MUSCAT: Lt. Gen Ahmed bin Harith Al Nabhani, chief of staff of the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF), received Arup Raha, air chief marshal and chief of air staff of the Indian Air Force, and his accompanying delegation currently visiting the Sultanate, in his office at Mu’askar Al Murtafa’a on Monday. At the meeting they exchanged viewpoints and discussed a number of issues of common concern in military co-operation between the two countries. The meeting was attended by Matter bin Ali Al Obaidani, air vice marshal and commander of the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO), senior SAF officers and the military attaché at the Indian Embassy in Muscat. Mohammed bin Nasser Al Rasbi, secretary general of the Ministry of Defence received Arup Raha, and his accompanying delegation currently visiting the Sultanate, in his office at Mu’askar Al Murtafa’a yesterday. Cordial exchange The meeting witnessed cordial exchanges on a number of issues of common concern, and reviewed the good bilateral relations between the two friendly countries. The meeting was attended by Mattar bin Ali Al Obaidani, air vice marshal and commander of the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO), Hamdan bin Murshid

DEFENCE BROTHERHOOD: The officials exchanged viewpoints and discussed military cooperation between the two countries.–ONA

Al Lahori, air commodore and military attaché of the Sultanate’s embassy in India and the military attaché of the Indian Embassy in Muscat. Visit to MTC Arup Raha visited the Military Technological College (MTC) on Monday. The guest along with his delegation watched a visual presentation on the MTC, its various facilities and utilities. They were also briefed on the general curricula of the college and its various technological majors. The visiting guests toured the college’s library, a number of workshops and sections of the defence establishment.

PUBLIC SUPPORT

SMEs’ subsidy department set up MUSCAT: A ministerial decision has been issued by Sheikh Abdullah Nasser Al Bakri, minister of manpower, establishing a new Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) subsidy department in the department of accounts and ﬁnance at the Directorate General of Administrative and Financial Affairs of the ministry. This decision aims at assigning work to SMEs with the authorities concerned at the Ministry of Manpower. Mohsin Saif Al Maamari, head of the accounts and ﬁnance, said, “The idea behind creating this department comes from the wise guidance of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, to support SMEs by assigning them work that the ministry needs to get done.” “The department will be ready

to receive offers from entrepreneurs who fall under the umbrella of Public Authority for the Development of Small Enterprises, according to ministry regulations,” he added. He also said that the SME Development Department works at connecting entrepreneurs to the purchasing department at the Ministry of Manpower as well as supervising and following up on easing procedures for implementing the assigned work, in addition to documenting it. The subsidy support department will also constantly co-ordinates with the Public Authority of SMEs and follow up with large corporations to guarantee that subsidiary work is assigned to SMEs amounting to 10 per cent of the tender value. -ONA

GROWTH PLANS: The subsidy support department will also coordinate with the Public Authority of SMEs and follow up with large corporations.–ONA

Women found unconscious In another incident, a woman was found lying unconscious on the street in Ibra on Sunday morning, according to the ROP source. He added that the operation centre at the ROP received a call at around 9 am reporting the case. The investigations are still under way. Citizen arrested Narcotics control officers arrested a citizen for possession and use of narcotics in the Buraimi Governorate. They found 6750 Tramadol tablets in his possession which he intended to sell. The Royal Oman Police has urged residents and citizens to report any erroneous actions by drug traffickers by calling the hotline 1444 or by requesting assistance by calling the emergency line 9999.

MANPOWER SKILLS

NCSI holds staff training programmes MUSCAT: A training programme in Statistics was hosted by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) for its employees, titled ‘Statistics for nonStatisticians’, on August 16 and 17. A second training for the NCSI staff is under way at the Centre, which focusses on ‘The Provision and Publication of Data.’ This programme will end on August 20. According to NCSI sources, various government units will be involved in the next training programme scheduled for the ﬁrst week of September, 2015. These programmes aim to help the participants acquire a clear understanding of the importance of Statistics, and the role of the Centre in the subject. -ONA ‘PROUD OF MY MANNERS’

Dhofar launches ‘manners’ drive SALALAH: A campaign aims at integrating moral principles of different segments of the society to promote constructive participation and provide sound solutions to many problems facing individuals. Sayyid Mohammed bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Minister of State and Governor of Dhofar, patronised the ‘Proud of My Manners’ campaign, organised by Omani Woman Association, in Salalah. The campaign, which will run until February 17, 2016, also aims at activating the role played by the government and NGOs in integrating the spirit of cooperation.-ONA

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

OMAN

2014-15

season includes romance, tragedy, Spanish patriotism and comedy, and shines a spotlight on the works of Gaetano Donizetti, with three of his popular operas.

New ROHM season to offer variety Whether you want to laugh, cry or simply be entertained, the seven operas, operettas and musicals at the Royal Opera House Muscat this season promise to deliver it all

SARAH MACDONALD sarah@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: With music, singing, acting, beautiful costumes and often elaborate sets, operas and musicals are the ultimate in performing arts, and the 2014-15 season at the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) has a number of a productions that will be sure to impress the audience. The season includes romance, tragedy, Spanish patriotism and comedy, and shines a spotlight on the works of Gaetano Donizetti, with three of his popular operas. Turandot and The Csardas Princess bring the love, Lucia Di Lammermoor and Werther bring the tragedy, L’Elisir D’Amore and La Fille du Regiment bring the comedy, and Viva Madrid celebrates all things Spanish. Zeffirelli’s Turandot For the ﬁrst time since the ROHM opened four years ago, this season doesn’t begin with an opera. Fans will have to wait until October 1, 3, and 4 but it will be well worth the wait, since it’s a chance to see the opera that opened the venue in 2011, Franco Zeffirelli’s staging of Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot. Performed once again by the Teatro Arena di Verona, it will bring back warm memories for many, and be a chance for others to be enchanted for the ﬁrst time by the romantic Eastern love story of the coldhearted Princess Turandot who is won over by the clever Prince Calaf. The elaborate production has stunning sets and costumes that were made especially for the ROHM. The Csardas Princess On November 12 and 14 the Budapest Operetta Theatre will bring Hungarian composer Emmerich Kalman’s operetta The Csardas Princess (The Gypsy Princess) to the ROHM. Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, it’s an intense love story about a cabaret singer and her manager, whose family wants him to marry

COLOURS OF OPERA: Turandot and The Csardas Princess bring the love, Lucia Di Lammermoor and Werther bring the tragedy, L’Elisir D’Amore and La Fille du Regiment bring the comedy, and Viva Madrid celebrates all things Spanish.– Photos courtesy ROHM

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love, it tells the story of a young poet Werther who falls hopelessly in love with Charlotte, who is already promised to someone else. After Charlotte marries, Werther can’t get over her and continues to yearn for her until his heartbreak is too much to bear and he takes his own life. Werther, considered one of Massenet’s masterpieces, is marked by beautiful music and two of French opera’s most beautiful arias.

someone else. Filled with lively dancing and energy, it’s no surprise it’s one of the most popular operettas around. Viva Madrid On December 13, 14 and 15 the stage will be ﬁlled with the rich traditions of Spain’s zarzuela, an art that unites opera and popular songs and has both sung and spoken dialogue, as well as dancing and music. With Viva Madrid, the Teatros de Canal brings the history of Madrid to life through song and

dance in a musical performance that is sure to entertain everyone. Lucia Di Lammermoor January 14, 15 and 16 sees Lucia Di Lammermoor, the ﬁrst of three operas by Donizetti at the ROHM this season. It is the tragic tale of Scottish woman who goes mad when she is forced to marry a man she doesn’t love. It’s best known for its third act, in which Lucia, having stabbed her husband to death, sings of past memories. For many sopranos it’s a chance

to shine vocally. This production is by Genoa’s Teatro Carlo Felice and staged by Italian ﬁlmmaker Dario Argento. L’Elisir D’Amore On February 17, 19 and 20 Donizetti’s lighter side will entertain comedic opera fans when Venice’s Teatro la Fenice brings their production of L’Elisir D’Amore (The Elixir of Love) to the ROHM. The poor Nemorino, hopelessly in love with the rich landowner Adina, spends all his money on a love po-

tion to make her fall in love with him. Adina isn’t interested in Nemorino and to teach him a lesson plans to falsely marry someone else. With more love potion, an unexpected inheritance, and Adina’s change of heart, it’s a happy ending for Nemorino and a lot of great fun for the audience. Jules Massenet’s Werther Jules Massenet’s tragedy Werther will be performed by the Vienna State Opera on April 14 and 16. A heartbreaking tale of unattainable

La Fille du Regiment The ﬁnal opera for the season, Donizetti’s La Fille du Regiment (The Daughter of the Regiment), will be performed May 11, 12 and 14. Just as the season began with an opera staged by Zefferelli, it will also end with one of the legend’s productions, this one performed by Teatro Massimo Palermo. Another comedic opera, this one features Marie, who was found on a battleﬁeld as a baby and raised by a regiment of soldiers. When she falls in love with the civilian Tonio, she has to choose between him and her family, breaking social boundaries and having fun along the way. La Fille du Regiment is best known for its aria “Ah! mes amis, quel jour de fête!”, in which the tenor must hit nine high Cs, no easy feat. Whether you want to laugh, cry or simply be entertained, the seven operas, operettas and musicals at the Royal Opera House Muscat this season promise to deliver all varieties that opera offers. With great music, beautiful voices, and wonderful costumes and sets, opera really is the ultimate in performing arts.

E X C E L L E N C E AWA R D S

Takatuf honours individuals, companies for excellence

FUTURE PROSPECTS: The event showcased how Takatuf and leading Omani companies represented at the event are ‘Building Pride’ at all levels of Omani society, enabling the most valuable resource and assets, the people, to become the wealth of the nation.–Supplied photo

Times News Service MUSCAT: Takatuf gathered several leading companies in the Sultanate to celebrate and recognise excellence in the ﬁelds of empowering people, pioneering opportunities for national economic growth and strengthening organisations, in Muscat. At the event, held under the patronage of Salim Al Auﬁ, undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil and Gas, Takatuf recognised the efforts of individuals and corporate initiatives that are setting an example for others while building a greater future for themselves, their organisations and Oman.

It also recognised students and professionals graduating from ‘Mawahib Takatuf’ and ‘Takatuf Essentials of Management’ programmes and honoured those organisations pioneering their industries with the ‘Takatuf Excellence Awards’. Brad Boyson of the Society for Human Resource Management and Khalid Al Rawahi of Awtad International, were speakers at the event, and contributed even more to the evolving topic of excellence with their professional wisdom, insight and academic contributions. This event showcased how Takatuf and Omani leading com-

panies represented at the event are ‘Building Pride’ at all levels of Omani society, enabling the most valuable resource and assets, our people, to become the wealth of the nation. The Takatuf Excellence Awards (TEA) is an initiative by Takatuf, aimed to recognise organisations for their excellence in Human Resources and In-Country Value (ICV) practices and programmes. Simultaneously, the initiative provides educational opportunities for HR and ICV practitioners to learn more about the standards and benchmarks that deﬁne excellence in the development and delivery of these services.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

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Project to train Omanis as scuba diving guides begins diving companies in Oman are in need of more Omani guides. Often they can’t meet their customers’ demands since they don’t have enough Omani staff.

Over the past few years, Oman

Oman has some of the most beautiful diving I’ve seen...and we want to see more Omanis working as guides. We’d like to see them training their fellow Omanis

has become an increasingly popular destination for scuba tourists. For scuba divers who come to Oman, having Omanis as guides will

Mark Spiers

be an asset, too

Vice President, PADI SARAH MACDONALD

sarah@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), the biggest scuba certiﬁcation company in the world, has launched a new pilot programme that will train Omanis to become scuba diving guides, a move that will help local sea tourism companies meet the growing demand for their business. At the launch held at Al Mouj Marina at The Wave Muscat on Sunday evening, Mark Spiers, Vice President, Sales, Field Services, Marketing and Business Development for PADI Europe, Middle East and Africa, said in the past year the number of PADI

scuba diving certificates issued in Oman increased by 23 per cent so there is a growing need for diving guides here. The programme, which will begin in January, aims at increasing the number of Omanis working as scuba diving guides “Oman has some of the most beautiful diving I’ve seen...and we want to see more Omanis working as guides,” said Spiers. The programme, which can take up to six months, will provide training in Arabic for Omanis to first become certified scuba divers, if they’re not already certified, and then offer the more advanced levels of PADI certification to become qualified guides.

As guides they will be able to take other certiﬁed scuba divers to the many beautiful diving sites which Oman has to offer. Spiers said he hoped some Omani would even become qualiﬁed diving instructors. “We’d like to see them training their fellow Omanis,” he said. Scholarships Omanis will be able to apply for scholarships to cover the costs of the programme, which will make it more attractive both to individuals and businesses who want to have Omani guides on staff. Karin Straub, Managing Director of Euro Divers, said she hoped the scholarships would encour-

H O L I D AY PA C K A G E S

age many Omanis to sign up for the training. “I think if they have the opportunity to do it as a scholarship I think we’ll ﬁnd a lot. We hope to have at least 30 or 40 the ﬁrst year,” she said. Straub added that the programme will make a big difference for her business. The Omanisation rules require her to have 50 per cent Omani staff, and currently there is a great shortage of Omani guiding dives. “If we manage to get more Omanis into a professional level it’s a big help for us. At the moment there are not enough Omanis,” she said. Sami Al Riyami, owner of Daymaniyat Diving, said all

Dive centres “We have the sea and we are close to Europe. If we had more Omanis and more dive centres, there would be enough tourists to ﬁll them,” he said. Al Riyami has been working as a diving instructor and guide for years. When he started out, he had to go abroad for training. He said the programme will make it even easier for Omani to join the industry since they can do it locally and in Arabic. Passion Al Riyami said he would deﬁnitely encourage Omani to become diving guides, a job he said he wouldn’t change for anything. Though he started out diving as a hobby, it soon became a passion and then a good business. “It’s the only job where you can wear shorts, a T-shirt, go diving and swimming everyday. It’s like a holiday but it’s work. That will attract people,” he said. Over the past few years Oman has become an increasingly popular destination for scuba tourists. For scuba divers who come to Oman, having Omanis as guides will be an asset, too. “The local guides always know much, much the places because expats are coming and leaving. The locals know every kind of place and know where to go so it’s a huge difference,” said Straub.

TRANSPORT

< FROM

Female

A1 taxi drivers “You will rarely find women waving down taxis. They would need to have a system where women can book their slots. Only then will women benefit from it,” he said. When asked how it would affect the ‘regular’ taxi drivers’ wages, he replied, “We will not get affected. You won’t find too many women on the streets, plus it is also unethical for a woman to transport men around. Also, she would not be as safe as she might want to be.” “But I do believe that women could benefit since many of them are unemployed,” he added. Some feel that women should not be limited to driving women only but rather be given the option when booking a taxi. “Given the culture, I think it would be a great idea,” said a female German expatriate. “I am, however, against segregation. This should not imply that only female taxi drivers can ferry women and vice versa, as that is far from practical,” she said. “It could be a simple case of asking when booking, if the passenger prefers a male or a female driver, when a woman calls to book a taxi,” she explained. She also said that school bus drivers should be replaced with females due to their maternal concerns for the safety of children. Some women, though, did not think it made much of a difference, whether they were being ferried by male or female taxi drivers. “For me it does not matter whether it is female or male in the daytime. At night, it would be a good idea and one would feel safer, especially if you book a female taxi driver. They should know the city well, run a reliable service, and must be punctual,” said a Croatian expatriate.

LOSS OF JOBS

Philippines launches drive to A1 Oil price dip starts hurting attract Middle East tourists < FROM

Times News Service MUSCAT: To promote the Philippines as an ideal holiday destination for families seeking leisure, relaxation and fun, the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT), in co-operation with travel partners from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait launched the second edition of the ‘Kids Go Free’ campaign. The campaign, which is exclusive to visitors from the Middle East, forms part of a long list of special promotions, campaigns and events being held as part of the Visit Philippines Year 2015 celebrations. The ‘Kids Go Free’ campaign was ﬁrst held within the Middle East between August and October 2014 and was a resounding success. As a result of the campaign visitor numbers from the Gulf Cooperation Council region increased by 17 per cent compared to the same period in 2013. Following on from last year’s success the campaign has been relaunched in 2015 and made bigger, better and longer, with more luxury hotels, resorts and tour operators joining the campaign with extended complimentary offers and special promotions. Additionally, the campaign’s

TOURISM INITIATIVE: ‘Kids Go Free’ campaign of the Philippines is exclusive to visitors from the Middle East. – Supplied photo

validity has also been extended from July 2015 until March 2016, and will include the Eid Al Adha holidays. Family destination The ‘Kids Go Free’ campaign is an original initiative that focuses on introducing the Philippines as a family destination by offering holiday packages coupled with exceptional value. The campaign packages include six-nights/seven-days stays at three, four and ﬁve- star properties, during which two children per family under the age of 11 can enjoy an exciting array of activities, food, accommodation and

other experiences all on a complimentary basis. The packages have been tailored to showcase the very best that the Philippines has to offer and include a three-night stay in Manila followed by an additional three-night stay in a regional paradise destination such as Cebu, Palawan, Boracay, and Bohol, in addition to Davao or Bicol. Also included within the packages are airport and hotel transfers, daily breakfast, half-day tours of Manila and the chosen regional destination, English-speaking guides and complimentary Holy Quran for Muslim guests.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

< FROM

Miscarriage rate is rising worldwide, says doctor

THE RISK OF MISCARRIAGE Recurrent early pregnancy loss in young women

Number of previous miscarriages

Risk of miscarriage in next pregnancy

0 1 2 3 4 6

12 24 26 32 26 53

Women who had at least one live born infant

Women who have not had at least one live born infant

2 or more

Source: Royal Hospital

40-45

Graphics

“What happens is that they miss their period for three weeks for example and then get their period and they will think that it was only delayed,” said Dr Al Ghabshi. The senior consultant added that global statistics show that 13 to 15 per cent of recognised pregnancies are lost, with 90 per cent of them happening before 12 to 14 weeks. The miscarriage rate worldwide is increasing, partly due to environmental and lifestyle factors, she noted. Commenting on the risk of recurrent early pregnancy loss in young women, Dr Al Ghabshi said that the risk of miscarriage in the next pregnancy for women who have had at least one

live born infant and have had no prior miscarriage is 12 per cent. The risk of miscarriage in the next pregnancy for women who have had at least one live born infant and have had 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 prior miscarriages is 24 per cent, 26 per cent, 32 per cent, 26 per cent and 53 per cent, respectively. The risk of miscarriage in the next pregnancy for women who have not had at least one live born infant and have had two or more prior miscarriages is 40 to 45 per cent. That is why every case is different and should be studied thoroughly by specialists so that the right care and treatment is provided for the woman, said Dr Al Ghabshi.

Hossam Al Ismali, an oil and gas sector worker, who lost his job recently, told the Times of Oman that the situation in the sector is worsening. “I do not know what to do. I am literally stranded as I have to take care of my family. Many of my colleagues are struggling to make ends meet,” he said. Last Tuesday, oil prices fell as much as 5 per cent after China, the world’s second largest oil consumer, devalued its currency, while a new estimate showed nonOPEC (Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries) producers are more resilient than expected in keeping output up despite low prices. “We are trying our best to save their jobs. But the crisis is worsening. Even hiring, trainings and promotions have been affected,” added the trade union leader. Last Sunday, the Oman oil price October delivery declined by $1.12 to $48.85 per barrel at the Dubai Mercantile Exchange (DME). The average price of Oman oil August delivery has stabilised at $61.84 per barrel, $1.78 lower than the July delivery. The drop in crude prices has hit everyone hard. Oman posted a budget deficit of OMR1.50 billion ($3.90 billion) in the first five months of this year, swinging from a OMR232.9 million surplus a year earlier, revealed data from the finance ministry. A board member from the Gen-

eral Federation of Oman Trade Union (GFOTU) said that currently at least 120 workers in the oil sector are facing job losses. “We are trying to resolve the issues in 10 individual cases and those of another 110 workers from one company. Workers are in a fix. We are trying our best,” said Mohammed Al Khaldi, board member of GFOTU. “Companies should not be given a free hand in firing employees depending on the market fluctuations. The oil sector is the largest sector which provides employment to nationals and expatriates. It should follow the labour law strictly and should be workerfriendly,” added Mohammed.

Profit hit An oil stock trader said that the oil price drop has affected the profits of both producers and oilfield services companies. “Oil prices of around $60 are fine for one year, but if that is the long-term price of crude, then tertiary recovery projects such as steam flooding, oxidation and fracking would be looked at more closely. There is a possibility that activities in fields that are expensive to produce will be slowed down or postponed until oil prices recover,” Kenneth Ljung, an oil investment trader in Sweden, who is also engaged in trading oil stocks from Oman. Meanwhile, a financial expert in Muscat said Oman and the

Middle-East producers will probably see sizeable deficit in revenues from oil, which could drain their foreign exchange reserves substantially. “The low price is leading to a whole series of secondary effects (debt defaults resulting from deflation, job loss, collapse of oil exporters, loss of letters of credit needed for exports, bank failures) that indirectly lead to a much quicker decline in oil production,” said Dr Anchan C K, the managing director at World Wide Business House, an International Business Advisory Firm. The Sultanate of Oman is a small independent producer, and not part of OPEC, but its crude is part of the benchmark price for millions of barrels per day of exports from the Middle East producers to Asia. Last Thursday, the Ministry of Oil and Gas said that the daily production of crude oil and condensate oil rate last July exceeded the barrier of one million barrels per day, the highest figure in the history of Oman’s oil production. The total oil production rate last July stood at 1,001,081 barrels per day, a rise of 0.48 per cent, during which time the country exported more than 24 million barrels. In 2013, Oman exported an estimated 833,400 bpd of crude oil and condensate, of which nearly 60 per cent went to China, according to the US Energy Information Administration.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

REGION

Coalition strikes continued to hit rebel positions in the city on Monday as well as in other Yemeni provinces. Witnesses

More than 80 killed in Taez battle from which the rebels had been shelling Taez and the highest peak overlooking the city, according to Rashad Al Sharaabi, spokesman of the pro-government militia there. Military sources in Taez reported fierce fighting using heavy weaponry around the rebel-held presidential palace and the city’s airport. The sources said that loyalists were advancing in the north and east but rebels still controlled entrances to Taez, including its eastern gate to Sanaa. Heavy ﬁghting also took place in a town on the northern gate of Taez, witnesses said. The town is a stronghold for troops loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh — a key backer of the Houthi rebels. Other clashes also raged in the oilrich eastern province of Marib as well as Baida in central Yemen, residents reported.

Backed by air strikes from a Saudi-led coalition, the loyalists have been pushing hard to take Taez, seizing several strategic locations

ADEN: Heavy fighting between government loyalists and rebels for control of Yemen’s third city Taez has killed more than 80 people in the past 24 hours, military sources said on Monday. Pro-government and rebel forces have for months fought over Taez, seen as crucial gateway to the rebel-held capital Sanaa. But clashes in the city have intensified in recent days after progovernment forces made sweeping territorial gains against the rebels in southern Yemen. Bodies Sources in the city told AFP that the bodies of 50 rebels and allied fighters were recovered from Taez on Monday and that 31 pro-government fighters had been killed.

DESTROYED: A man walks on the rubble of a house destroyed during recent ﬁghting between Houthi

militiamen and militants loyal to Yemen’s exiled government, in central city of Taiz on Monday. – Reuters

Backed by air strikes from a Saudi-led coalition, the loyalists have been pushing hard to take Taez, seizing several strategic locations on Sunday. Coalition strikes continued to hit rebel positions in the city on Monday, witnesses said, as well as in other Yemeni provinces. The battle for Taez is expected

to be difficult for the loyalists, analysts say, with recent victories by pro-government forces in Yemen’s south likely the result of rebels pulling their forces back to the city. Yemen has been wracked by conﬂict since March, when the Saudi-led coalition launched air strikes against the rebels as they advanced on the main southern

city of Aden, after seizing the capital in September. Forces loyal to President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, in exile in Saudi Arabia, have in recent weeks retaken Aden and several southern provinces. On Sunday the loyalists seized sites including the local intelligence headquarters, a fortress

TOLL NEARS 100

UN aid chief ‘horriﬁed’ by Syrian raids DAMASCUS: The toll in Syrian government air strikes on a rebel-held town outside Damascus neared 100 on Monday, as the UN’s humanitarian chief expressed horror and appealed for civilians to be protected. Sunday’s series of raids on the town of Douma, in the rebel bastion of Eastern Ghouta, was one of the bloodiest regime attacks in Syria’s four-year war. They came almost exactly two years after devastating chemical weapons attacks on the same region that much of the international community blamed on the Syrian government. The National Coalition, Syria’s main opposition body in exile, condemned both the air strikes and the “lukewarm response” by the international community towards the war’s civilian casualties. At least 96 people were killed in the 10 air strikes on a marketplace, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor. Another 240 people were wounded, and the death toll continues to rise as some of those in a serious condition succumb to their injuries. Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said government aircraft carried out another four air strikes on Douma on Monday morning, but he had no immediate details on casualties. Worst attack An AFP photographer on Sunday described the attack as the worst he had covered in the town. He saw dozens of bodies lined up on the bloodied ﬂoors of one of Douma’s makeshift clinics, as medics struggled to treat waves of wounded. Two young boys with bloodied faces sat on a stretcher as they awaited treatment, one resting as though exhausted while the other cried. On Monday, the photographer said residents were burying victims of the previous day’s attack. “They went early to the cemetery to begin the burials,” he said. “After each massacre, they bury the dead one on top of each other. Gravediggers have had to create a

SERIOUS CONDITION: Syrian emergency personnel carry a wounded man following air strikes by Syrian government forces on a marketplace in the rebel-held area of Douma, east of the capital Damascus, on Sunday. – AFP

mass grave that is four layers deep to accommodate the dead.” Eastern Ghouta, a rebel bastion regularly targeted by government air strikes, has been under a suffocating siege for nearly two years. Amnesty International last week accused the government of committing war crimes there, saying its heavy aerial bombardment of the area was compounding the misery created by the blockade. On Monday, the UN’s humanitarian chief Stephen O’Brien, on his first trip to Syria since taking the post in May, fiercely condemned attacks on civilians. At a news conference in Damascus, he said he was “horrified by the total disrespect for civilian life in this conflict”. “I am particularly appalled by reports of air strikes yesterday causing scores of civilian deaths and hundreds injured right in the centre of Douma, a besieged area of Damascus,” O’Brien said. “I appeal to each and every party to this protracted conflict

to protect civilians and respect international humanitarian law.” The Observatory’s Abdel Rahman described Sunday’s Douma attacks as part of the regime’s “scorched earth policy”. “The regime wants to show that it can kill as many people as it wants, without caring about the international community,” he said. At least 240,000 people have been killed in Syria’s war, which began in March 2011 with protests against President Bashar Al Assad’s regime. Deliberate targeting In a statement, the opposition National Coalition accused the government of “deliberately” targeting civilians in Douma. “The air strikes were deliberate in that Assad’s jet fighters fired missiles on marketplaces at (a) busy time when they are densely crowded with the intention of inflicting as many civilian casualties as possible,” the statement read. But it also said the interna-

PEACE DEAL

‘Assad’s future is matter for Syrians’ MOSCOW: Russia and Iran said on Monday that Syrian groups must decide the future of Bashar Al Assad, with Moscow opposing any pre-negotiated exit of the Syrian president as part of a peace deal. Speaking at a joint news conference, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Javad Zarif, reiterated their countries’ backing for Assad in the conﬂict, which has killed around a quarter

of a million people since 2011. The future of Assad remains a sticking point in diplomatic efforts by regional and global players to end the Syria crisis — one that talks in recent weeks between Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United States, among others, have failed to resolve. Syrian opposition groups, Arab Gulf States and the West want Assad to go. “If some of our partners believe that we should necessarily agree in advance that at the end of an interim

period the president will leave his post — this position is not acceptable for Russia,” Lavrov said. He said the fate of Assad could only be agreed in talks between representatives of his government and their rivals, comments echoed by Zarif, who added that foreign states “should only facilitate that”. Russia says all sides must now join ranks to ﬁght IS, a militant group that has captured a vast territory in Syria and neighbouring Iraq. — Reuters

tional community’s failure to respond to such atrocities contributed to the violence. “The UN Security Council and the international community’s lukewarm response is a contributing factor in the escalation of massacres against Syrian civilians,” the Coalition said. It criticised international bodies, including the Security Council, for failing to condemn the massacres or do more to protect civilians in Syria. And Coalition head Khaled Khoja said the Assad regime’s “boldness in committing massacres against civilians for 53 consecutive months depends on international silence that amounts to complicity”. Elsewhere, rebel ﬁre on the provincial capital of Assad’s coastal heartland Latakia killed six people and wounded 19 on Monday, Syrian state TV said. The Observatory conﬁrmed the attack in Latakia city but said three had been killed. — AFP

Modern equipment Military sources say the coalition has provided Hadi’s supporters with modern heavy equipment, including tanks and armoured personnel carriers, and Yemeni soldiers trained in Saudi Arabia. Sources also reported earlier this month that hundreds of Gulf Arab troops from the coalition had entered Aden to assist the loyalists. The rebels, originally from Yemen’s remote north on the Saudi frontier, have retaliated against the kingdom with cross-border attacks. Two Saudi border guards

were killed in an attack from Yemen by the rebels on Sunday, Saudi Arabia’s official SPA news agency and a rebel-run news site said. This brought the number of people killed in shelling and skirmishes on the kingdom’s side along the frontier with Yemen to more than 50 since the coalition campaign began on March 26. Most of the casualties have been soldiers. In Yemen, the conflict has cost nearly 4,300 lives since March, half of them civilians, according to UN figures, while 80 per cent of the country’s 21 million people have been left in need of aid and protection. On Monday, Yemeni authorities had to evacuate more than 140 wounded fighters from the government-run “May 22” hospital in Aden after an electricity generator exploded, sparking a fire that spread to a nearby Red Cross hospital, the city’s health chief Al Khader Laswar said. Authorities have been struggling to restore order to Aden, which was left devastated by heavy fighting. Aden’s central bank governor Khalid Zakaria said on Monday that it was operating again for the first time in months and that longfrozen payments of state employees’ salaries would resume. He told reporters that during the fighting in the city the rebels had blown up one of the bank’s coffers and “confiscated” funds equal to some $600,000 (540,000 euros). — AFP

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

INDIA

All witnesses had resiled and only this man recorded his statement against the accused and “you want to demolish” his testimony, the bench said during the hearing, adding “show us something glaring. Otherwise, we are not with you.” Supreme Court of India in Nitish Katara murder case

YOUNG ACHIEVERS

Son of bag seller tops prestigious medical entrance test NEW DELHI: Vipul Garg, a boy from north Indian state of Haryana has topped the All India PreMedical Test (AIPMT) entrance examination 2015 while the second position has been bagged by Khushi Tiwari of Rajasthan. Both the top scorers are from unreserved category and are desirous of taking admission in Maulana Azad Medical College in the national capital. While Vipul has scored 695 marks out of 720, Khushi’s score is 688. Last year, the top position was bagged by Tejaswin Jha from

Bihar who scored 682 marks. 17-year-old Vipul, son of a bag seller in Haryana’s Jind district, studied at New Holy Public School in Uttam Nagar area here. “It is a dream come true for me and my parents. I have always scored well in my exams but securing the ﬁrst position in a medical entrance exam is not something I was sure of. I had performed well in the earlier test too but when it was cancelled I was disheartened,” he told PTI. “But later I used the opportunity to work on my weak areas. I want

It is a dream come true for me and my parents. I have always scored well in my exams but securing the first position in a medical entrance exam is not something I was sure of. I had performed well in the earlier test too but when it was cancelled I was disheartened, said Vipul Garg who topped the All India Pre-Medical Test

Bihar chief minister rejects ally’s demand We have left three seats for the NCP and instead of us they would have to decide whether they want to be in the grand secular alliance or not, Nitish Kumar said

PATNA: Chief Minister of eastern Indian state of Bihar Nitish Kumar on Monday ruled out a rethink on the seat-sharing formula for the ‘Grand Secular Alliance’ for the state Assembly polls, a day after NCP’s ultimatum for reconsideration by August 20 and its insistence on 12 seats. “We have left three seats for the NCP and instead of us they would have to decide whether they want to be in the grand secular alliance or not,” Kumar told reporters here. Sharad Pawar’s NCP, which was with JD(U)-RJD alliance in the recent elections to the Legislative Council, had on Sunday

UNRELENTING: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar addresses a press conference in Patna on Monday. -PTI

served an ultimatum to the secular alliance to reconsider the seatsharing formula for by August 20 failing which “all options” will be open to it. “Injustice has been meted out to us in seat-sharing. We will not tolerate it. We are giving an ultimatum to the grand alliance to reconsider seat distribution by August 20, otherwise all options are open for us. The ball is now in their court,” NCP General Secretary Tariq Anwar had said. “We will not agree on anything less than 12 seats. It is our demand and its acceptance or rejection will decide whether we remain in the grand alliance or exit from it,” Anwar, Lok Sabha member from

Katihar, said. While formalising the alliance on August 12, JD(U) and Lalu Prasad’s RJD had decided to contest 100 seats each in the 243-member Assembly and left 40 for the Congress. No announcement was made with regard to the rest three seats but Kumar had indicated these could go to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) if it wanted to join them. Kumar, who has already been declared the chief ministerial candidate of the alliance, made light of the NCP ultimatum and a dharna by a section of Samajwadi Party saying, “If everything becomes smooth, media would have nothing to write.” No seats had been set aside for

Samajwadi Party whose president Mulayam Singh Yadav had brokered peace between Kumar and Lalu to pave the way for formation of the alliance to take on BJP, which together with Ram Vilas Paswan’s LJP, Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) of former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and RLSP of Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha, is making a determined bid to dislodge Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) after a 10-year stint in power. Lalu had then said he would spare a few seats from his quota for Samajwadi Party if there was a need. Kumar said the alliance’s August 30 rally will be very important but refused to conﬁrm media reports about SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attending it. “We are discussing it and media would be informed about it in time,” he said. Kumar, however, conﬁrmed attending a programme with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the national capital on August 19. “An invitation has come from Kejriwal for the Bihar Samman Samaroh in Delhi on August 19 which I have accepted,” he said. The two leaders have met quite a few times in the recent past and speculation is rife that Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will back Kumar’s bid for a third successive shot at power in Bihar. -PTI

to join Maulana Azad Medical College and want to become a cardiologist,” he added. Garg had scored a perfect 10 CGPA in Class 10 and was awarded with a fee waiver for his further schooling. “I was also offered a scholarship for my medical coaching by a private coaching institute. I come from a humble family and my parents had to face lot of hardships to meet my education expenses. I am glad I have been able to make them proud,” he said. Khushi(17), who has secured the second rank comes from a family

of doctors with her mother and father being in the same profession. “I did my schooling from Kota in Rajasthan and had scored 86.3 per cent in Class XII. I have already secured a seat in AIIMS, Jodhpur but I wanted to study at Maulana Azad. I am happy that I will be able to do that now,” she told PTI. “I want to pursue endocrinology as my specialisation. Although I believe I had performed better in the ﬁrst examination but after the answer keys for the re-test were out I was conﬁdent that I will be among the toppers,” added Khushi. -PTI

REPORT

House panel calls for restoring top medical institute anti-graft body NEW DELHI: An Indian Parliamentary panel has strongly deprecated the “non-serious” approach of the Union Health Ministry in tackling a “large” number of corruption cases at the AIIMS here and recommended that the post of a regular chief vigilance officer at the premier institute be restored. The Parliamentary Committee on Health and Family Welfare has also asked the Ministry to play a “proactive” role in ensuring expeditious investigations into corruption cases at AIIMS New Delhi and produce an up-to-date status note in three months. “The committee is perturbed to note that despite unravelling of corruption cases at AIIMS at regular intervals, the Ministry has done away with the regular Chief Vigilance Officer’s post at AIIMS and the role of the anti-graft ofﬁcer at AIIMS has been assigned to a Joint secretary and CVO in the Health Ministry. “Evidently the Ministry appears to be non-serious in the tackling of corruption at AIIMS. The committee therefore strongly deprecates the non-serious approach of the Ministry towards tackling such a large number of cases of corruption at AIIMS and recommends that the Ministry should quickly

move towards appointing a regular CVO of unblemished credentials at AIIMS,” the committee, chaired by Satish Chandra Misra, said. The committee also said that it was needless to emphasise that the CVO is the only instrument available with the Ministry to monitor statutory compliance of various prescribed procedures and norms. Whistleblower Indian Forest Officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi came in spotlight after being removed from the post of the CVO, which acts as a distant arm of Central Vigilance Commission, last year at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for allegedly exposing corruption at the prestigious institute. He was recently named as one of the winners of Ramon Magsaysay Award for 2015. “The committee also recommends the Ministry to play a proactive role in ensuring expeditious investigations into all the corruption cases at AIIMS and furnish within three months from the date of presentation of this report... “... an up-to-date status note detailing therein various stages of cases of investigation, involving corrupt practices and embezzlement of funds and steps taken to check occurrence of such cases in the future,” the committee said. -PTI

INDIA DAY IN NEW YORK Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Finance Minister Captain Abhimanyu with actress Parineeti Chopra during the 35th India Day Parade in New York City on Sunday. -PTI

N I T I S H K ATA R A M U R D E R

Top court upholds honour killing case convictions NEW DELHI: The fates of Vikas Yadav, his cousin Vishal and Sukhdev Pehalwan in the sensational 2002 Nitish Katara murder case were sealed on Monday with the Supreme Court of India upholding their conviction, saying “only criminals are crying for justice” in this country. The apex court, which upheld the ﬁndings of the trial court and the Delhi High Court without issuing notices on the appeals of Vikas and Sukhdev, however, agreed to consider the limited aspect relating to enhancement of quantum of sentence of the three convicts by the High Court. The High Court had termed the award of life term “simplicitor”

to the convicts as inconsequential and enhanced the life term of three convicts -- Vikas and Vishal Yadav to 30 years imprisonment and 25 years incarceration to Sukhdev Yadav alias Pehelwan -without the beneﬁt of remission. The apex court bench, comprising Justices J S Khehar and Adarsh Kumar Goel, heard senior lawyers including U R Lalit for almost two hours before saying that the High Court order “does not call for” any intervention. It, however, issued notice to the Delhi government on the scope of punishment and sought the reply within six weeks. At the outset, the moment Lalit opened his arguments saying the

three convicts have been awarded life term for one injury on the head of the victim, the bench observed, “in honour killings” such things happen. The bench then referred to the fact that almost of all prosecution witnesses had “resiled” from their statements in the trial court and said, “this shows how much power you wielded”. Submission trashed It trashed the submission that key prosecution witness Ajay Katara, who had last seen the victim alive in the company of the three accused in a Tata Safari car on the intervening night of February 16-17, 2002 at Hapur Chungi in Ghaziabad, was a “planted and

fabricated” witness. All witnesses had resiled and only this man recorded his statement against the accused and “you want to demolish” his testimony, the bench said during the hearing, adding “show us something glaring. Otherwise, we are not with you.” Lending credence to witness Katara, it said that he had shown “overwhelming courage” and “if you (advocate) cannot dent Ajay Katara then we are not with you.” The high court had held that the murder of Katara, who was in love with Vikas’s sister, was an “honour killing” which was done in a “very carefully planned and premeditated” manner with “extreme vengeance”. -PTI

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STRENGTHENING BONDS: Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at Za’abeel Palace, in Dubai, on Monday. -PTI

INDIA

WEIGHTY ISSUES: A picture made available by the United Arab Emirates’ official news agency WAM on Monday shows Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, meeting Narendra Modi, in Abu Dhabi. -AFP

EYE FOR DETAIL: Prime Minister Modi taking a tour of the Masdar City, a hub of clean technology, in Abu Dhabi, on Monday. -PTI

India, UAE denounce state-backed terrorism, reject religious linkages Congress lashes out at Modi for his barb on foreign soil

The Indian prime minister said he has been told about some problems being faced by investors from the UAE and he wants to assure them that the government is solving those problems

ABU DHABI/DUBAI: Elevating their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday came down heavily on countries sponsoring terrorism and asked all states to dismantle terror infrastructure, an oblique reference to Pakistan. Denouncing and opposing terrorism in all forms and manifestations and asking all states to abandon the use of terrorism against other countries, the two sides called for bringing perpetrators of terrorism to justice. References to terrorism in all forms including state-sponsored were the highlight of a 31-point joint statement issued after talks between the UAE Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed AI Nahyan and Narendra Modi, the ﬁrst Indian Prime Minister to visit the strategic Gulf state in 34 years. Anti-terror operations Agreeing to boost bilateral cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence-sharing and capacity building, Modi and the Crown Prince also decided to coordinate efforts to counter radicalisation and misuse of religion by groups and countries for inciting hatred and justifying terrorism for pursuing political aims. The two sides held intensive discussions on strategic bilateral, regional and international issues such as trade, security, threat of terrorism and extremism after which they decided on range of steps including setting up a security dialogue and establishing

LOOKING AHEAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, on

Monday. -PTI

NSA-level interactions. Modi also held talks with Vice President of and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai and Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on a range of issues. During their comprehensive discussions, Modi and the Crown Prince agreed to enhance cooperation in counter- terrorism operations, intelligence sharing and capacity building and decided to work together to control, regulate and share information on ﬂow of funds that could have a bearing on radicalisation activities, the statement said. The two sides also decided to cooperate in interdicting illegal ﬂows and take action against concerned individuals and organisations. When asked if the issue of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and attaching of his assets in the UAE was discussed as part of taking action against individuals and organisations having a bearing on radicalisation, Foreign Secretary S Jaishanakar did not give a direct reply. “There was a larger discussion on issues and trends obviously seen as source of instability for the countries and region. In high-level visits of this nature (deal) more with policy decisions,” he said. Rejecting extremism and any link between religion and terrorism, the two sides condemned ef-

forts, including by states, to use religion to justify, support and sponsor terrorism against other countries. They also deplored efforts by countries to give religious and sectarian colour to political issues and disputes, including in West and South Asia and use terrorism to pursue their aims. India and the UAE denounced and opposed terrorism in all forms and manifestations, “wherever committed and by whomever, calling on all states to reject and abandon the use of terrorism against other countries, dismantle terrorism infrastructures where they exist, and bring perpetrators of terrorism to justice,” the statement said. The inclusion of this formulation was projected as signiﬁcant by the Indian side. Modi, who arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday on a two-day visit, also held meetings with business captains to project India as an attractive investment destination. Investment commitment At the end of Modi’s meetings, both sides announced elevation of the India-UAE relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership and as part of it they will also manufacture defence equipment in India. They agreed to coordinate efforts to counter radicalisation and

MAKING A POINT: Prime Minister Narendra Modi poses with Indian labourers during a visit to their camp in Abu Dhabi, on Sunday. Modi visited a labour camp in Abu Dhabi on Sunday to highlight New Delhi’s concern about the welfare of its migrant workers in the Gulf state. -Reuters

misuse of religion by groups and countries for inciting hatred, perpetrating and justifying terrorism or pursuing political aims, the joint statement said. They decided to “strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug trafficking, other trans-national crimes, extradition arrangements, as well as police training and promote cooperation in cyber security, including prevention on use of cyber for terrorism, radicalisation and disturbing social harmony,” the statement said. Maritime security Establishing a dialogue between their National Security Advisors and National Security Councils, they decided that the National Security Advisors, together with other high-level representatives for security from both nations, will meet every six months. The two sides will also establish points of contact between their security agencies to further improve operational cooperation. Apart from agreeing to enhance maritime security in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean region, which is vital for the security and prosperity of both countries, India and the UAE decided to strengthen defence relations, including through regular exercises and training of naval,

NEW DELHI: Congress on Monday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his barb on foreign soil that he inherited “lethargy” from previous governments, saying he should have desisted from raking up domestic politics abroad. “Prime Minister should have maintained dignity of the high office he holds. There is no problem if he targets previous governments when he is in the country. But he should have refrained from doing so on foreign soil”, party spokesman Meem Afzal said. Afzal said that it was not proper for Modi to rake up domestic politics abroad despite repeated uproar by the opposition for his earlier such actions. The Prime Minister, who is the UAE, said, “I have got some problems in legacy. I cannot take only the good points and leave aside the problems... Some things were stalled due to the indecisiveness and lethargy of the governments (in the last)... It is my priority to kickstart those things”.

air, land and Special Forces, and in coastal defence. India warmly welcomed UAE’s decision to participate in International Fleet Review in India in February 2016. Deﬁcit of 34 years Earlier, inviting investors from UAE, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that India has an immediate investment opportunity of $1 trillion and the government will take urgent steps to address concerns of the businessmen from this country and erase “deﬁcit of 34 years”. Modi also said his government has got some problems in legacy and his immediate priority would be to kickstart the things which were stalled by the “indecisiveness and lethargy” of the past governments. “I have got some problems in legacy. I can not take only the

Noting that the Prime Minister had visited the historic Sheikh Zayed Grand mosque, the world’s third largest, during the visit, Afzal said it would be good if he visited a mosque in India too. Another Congress spokesman Sanjay Jha tweeted, “It is abominable that PM Modi continues his pathetic lowbrow jibes at opposition party when abroad. A huge embarrassment”. The Prime Minister, on a visit to attract investments from the UAE, told the business community there that all leading institutions like IMF, World Bank and Moody’s agree that India is the world’s fastest growing economy. Afzal reminded the PM that the vast growth in the trade turnover with UAE from 160 million dollars to 60 billion dollars was mainly due to the efforts by the earlier governments, including those of the UPA. “India receives 10 billion dollars remittances annually from 26 lakh NRIs in the UAE which invests 15 billion dollars in the Gulf country”, he said. -PTI

good points and leave aside the problems... Some things were stalled due to the indecisiveness and lethargy of the governments (in the last)... It is my priority to kickstart those things,” Modi said while addressing the business leaders from the UAE here at the Masdar City. Modi, who is the ﬁrst Indian Prime Minister to visit UAE in the last 34 years, said India has huge investment opportunities for investors from the UAE in sectors like infrastructure, energy and real estate and urged them to come to invest in India and together make the 21st century ‘Asia’s Century’. The Prime Minister said all major global institutions such as IMF, World Bank and Moody’s agree that India is the world’s fastest growing economy and it has huge development potential. -PTI

COMMUNITY CONNECT: Prime Minister Modi during a meeting with the Indian community in Dubai on

Monday. -PTI

A 10

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

PAKISTAN NEW ERA

MAKING ENDS MEET A child carries recyclable goods he collected on a donkey cart in Peshawar, Pakistan, on Monday.

— Reuters

Justice Khawaja is new chief justice ISLAMABAD: Following the retirement of Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk, Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja on Monday took charge as head of the Supreme Court for a brief period of 24 days. President Mamnoon Hussain administered his oath in a solemn ceremony at the President House, Radio Pakistan reported. Justice Khawaja is known as an outspoken judge, whose interest in public interest litigation is a throwback to the the era of former chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhary, wherein the top functionaries were often grilled over corruption and poor governance. Next 24 days The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, all three services chiefs, chairman senate, along with federal ministers and other high ranking officials. A number of law officers and senior journalists believe that in the next 24 days, the newly appointed chief justice may pass orders in some important cases. Specially, Justice Khawaja is unhappy

CRIME

PPP leader’s son taken hostage in Bajaur region KHAR: Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) central executive committee member and the party’s FATA coordinator Akhunzada Chitan’s nine-year-old son was kidnapped early Monday morning by unidentified persons from outside his home. Political administration official and Chitan family source confirmed the kidnapping. According to them, the nine-year-old was going to school with his brother, Hasan Ali, when kidnappers came in a car and took him away. Political administration officials have cordoned off all exit and entry points of the agency and are searching for Chitan’s son. Former president Asif Ali Zardari has expressed grave concern over the kidnapping and called for early and safe recovery of the boy. Condemning the incident, Zardari said he was gravely concerned about the safety of the boy and demanded Bajaur Agency administration to recover him and bring the culprits to book. Chitan, PPP Member of National Assembly (MNA) from 2008 to 2013 was also a rights activist for FATA rights and outspoken against non-state actors in media. Attack in May Earlier in May, Akhunzada Chitan’s convoy came under attack in Manogi Salarzai, Bajaur agency. A former MNA from the agency, Chitan was returning from a party function to the agency headquarter in Khar on Saturday when he suffered the attack. Bajaur agency political administration confirmed the attack and said that Chitan’s brother, Bakhtzada’s car, was damaged in the blast. After the attack, the political administration launched a search operation and rounded up 23 suspects under Frontier Crimes Regulations. — Express Tribune

over absence of local governments in Punjab and Sindh. The matter is fixed in the next week. As the government issues notification of his appointment, a number of lawyers, whose cases are fixed before Khawaja, have applied for general adjournment (leaves). Introduced reforms During his six-year tenure as judge of the apex court, justice Khawaja has authored judgments, wherein guidelines are given for introducing reforms. In one case, he sought recommendations from all stakeholders to end the thana culture. In another case, he recently ordered all the provincial health departments to make legislation for the safety of labourers. Due to Justice Khawaja’s special attention, the federal and provincial governments have regulated the services of lady health workers. Justice Khawaja also formed a media commission, wherein recommendations were given for making media laws. — Express Tribune

Punjab minister had been warned about retaliation Khanzada had said that police had cautioned him to increase security and restrict his movements following the killing of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi chief Malik Ishaq in a shootout with police on July 29

LAHORE: A Pakistani provincial minister killed in a suicide bomb attack had been warned he was a target for retaliation by a militant after police killed the leader of the radical sectarian group last month. Punjab Home Minister Shuja Khanzada was among at least 16 people killed at his political ofﬁce near his hometown of Attock, about 80 km (50 miles) west of the capital, Islamabad. Khanzada had told Reuters that police had cautioned him to increase security and restrict his movements following the killing of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi chief Malik Ishaq in a shootout with police on July 29. Two days after Ishaq’s killing, Khanzada said that he, along with at least 20 other top politicians and senior bureaucrats in Punjab province, had been told that they could be targeted in reprisal attacks.

VIGIL: Pakistan Muslim League-Q party activists light candles during a protest against the killing of Punjab home minister Shuja Khanzada in suicide attack in Karachi on Monday. — AFP

Issued advisories A Punjab police official, Haider Ashraf, said police had increased security at major government installations, issued advisories to potential targets and increased the number of checkpoints across the province following Ishaq’s killing. “Obviously they are always trying to hit us, and after Malik Ishaq’s killing the threat was deﬁnitely heightened,” Ashraf said. Police have said that Ishaq, who for years lead Lashkar-e-Jhangvi on a spree of deadly bombings

and gun attacks on minority sect members, was killed in a shootout during a raid as he tried to escape. Extrajudicial killing Others have said his death bore the hallmarks of an extrajudicial killing. After Sunday’s suicide bombing, two smaller offshoot militant groups claimed responsibility for killing Khanzada, but police, in a preliminary report on Monday, identiﬁed Lashkar-e-Jhangvi as well as fellow militants the Pakistani Taliban as prime suspects.

Two suicide bombers affiliated with the Taliban carried out the bombing at Khanzada’s office, according to a provincial government official familiar with the report, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media. Suicide bombers Two additional suicide bombers had been deputed to Lahore, the provincial capital, to attack Khanzada’s residence, the official said, but they were recalled after the Attock attack. Speak-

ing at a televised meeting of his cabinet on Monday, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif vowed to “move forward with no holds barred” to take on the militants responsible. “Today it is the responsibility of the Punjab government to honour the debt of Shuja Khanzada’s death and not to show any compromise or latitude to the terrorists,” said Sharif, who is the brother of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and leads the government in the ruling party’s political heartland. — Reuters

INSURGENCY

Air strikes in North Waziristan kill 24 suspected militants BANNU: Pakistani air strikes killed at least 24 suspected militants in their northwestern strongholds on Monday, intelligence officials said, a day after a bomb killed a provincial minister in the prime minister’s political heartland. The deeply forested ravines of Shawal Valley and Datta Khel are a smuggling route between Pakistan and neighbouring Afghanistan, and are dotted with militant bases used as launch pads for attacks on Pakistani forces. Two intelligence officials, who declined to be identiﬁed as they were not authorised to speak on the record, said Monday’s air strikes took place at 10am in the Zoi Nari, Lataka, Mizer Madakhel and Shawal areas of North Waziristan. “Jet air shelling destroyed six militant hideouts and killed 24

militants hiding in this area,” said one of the officials, adding that the dead included some foreigners. A second official conﬁrmed the deaths but declined comment when asked if the strikes were in retaliation for Sunday’s attack in Punjab, which killed nine people, including the provincial security chief. The Pakistani wing of the hardline Taliban used to control all of mountainous North Waziristan, which includes the Shawal Valley and Datta Khel, and runs along the Afghan border. But the Pakistani military recaptured most of the region in a major armed operation launched last June. NATO forces had long urged Pakistan for such an offensive, saying Taliban safe havens in the country were being used to attack NATO

and Afghan forces in Afghanistan. Since May, the military has stepped up operations in Shawal Valley, where the Taliban still operates freely. The area is a stronghold of Khan “Sajna” Said, the leader of a Taliban faction whose name the United States last year put on a sanctions list of “specially designated global terrorists”. Most phone lines to the area have been cut and military roadblocks limit civilian movement. It is not possible to independently verify security forces’ claims of attacks and deaths. The Pakistani Taliban mainly ﬁght against the government in Islamabad and are separate from, but allied with, the Afghan Taliban that ruled Afghanistan in the late 1990s before being expelled in a US-led military intervention.

TARGET: Pakistani tribesmen stand near their destroyed houses following Pakistan military airstrikes

against suspected Taliban hideouts in Miranshah in North Waziristan on May 24, 2014. — AFP

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

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WORLD

Rajapakse comeback bid overshadows poll A bitter power struggle has overshadowed the election with former president Mahinda Rajapakse setting sights on becoming premier and ex-ally President Maithripala Sirisena, ruling it out

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka held a parliamentary election on Monday in which ex-president Mahinda Rajapakse was trying to stage a political comeback, as the leader who toppled him in January manoeuvred to block his path back to power. The nationalist strongman has set his sights on becoming premier of a government led by his Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). But the former ally who beat him at the polls, President Maithripala Sirisena, now leads the party and rules that out. Their bitter power struggle has overshadowed the election on the Indian Ocean island of 20 million people, which has a history of political feuding that has often spilled over into violence and even the assassination of its leaders. Seeking to head off pressure to name Rajapakse premier should he win an overwhelming mandate, Sirisena ﬁred two dozen members of the SLFP’s executive committee who had been loyal to his predecessor. The decision, made after voting

BALLOT DAY: A Sri Lankan policeman stands guard as Sri Lankan voters queue up to cast their ballot at a polling station in Colombo on Monday. -AFP

ended, drew a swift response from the Rajapakse camp: “This action is not democratic, neither is it constitutional,” Dinesh Gunawardene, a senior ally of the ex-president, told Reuters. With no exit polls available, first trends were expected from counting overnight and final results due on Tuesday. Turnout, estimated by observers at 65 percent, was below that of the historic presidential poll but higher than five years ago. Break with past Sirisena, in a cross-party alliance with a government led by the United National Party (UNP), has sought to break with the past by passing reforms to weaken his own presidency and make the government more open and accountable. Some voters in Colombo said they were casting their ballots for reconciliation and good governance, showing sympathy

for the UNP of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. “I came to vote to have just and fair governance ... for people to live like humans,” lawyer Rushdi Halid told Reuters. Minority Tamils and Muslims have rallied behind the UNP-led alliance, which pundits say has the best chance of forming the largest bloc in the 225-seat parliament. Wickremesinghe, wearing white shirtsleeves and grey slacks as he waded through a pack of reporters to vote in Colombo, said he was conﬁdent of beating Rajapakse. “He has lost already,” he said. “I haven’t got to worry any more about Mahinda Rajapakse in a free and fair election, we can hold him.” Rajapakse, in a blue silk shirt and white sarong, voted in his southern home district before being blessed by chanting Buddhist monks and laying ﬂowers at a me-

TOLL RISES TO 114

China protesters demand compensation for blasts TIANJIN: Hundreds of residents displaced by huge explosions last week in the Chinese port of Tianjin demanded compensation on Monday, as authorities worked to complete a sweep of the blast site for dangerous chemicals. The death toll from the two blasts last on Wednesday rose to 114, officials said. More than 700 people were injured and 70 are missing, most of them fire fighters, the official Xinhua news agency said. The explosions sent fireballs high into the sky and hurled flaming debris across the world’s 10th-largest port, burning out buildings and shattering windows kilometres away. Xinhua said there had been another small explosion on Monday. As teams specialised in handling hazardous chemicals scrambled to clean up the site, Tianjin’s deputy mayor, He Shushan, confirmed there was about 700 tons of deadly chemical sodium cyanide in the warehouse that blew up. Concentrated in core area “Most was concentrated in the core” blast area, he said. Workers would finish a search of a 3-km (2-mile) perimeter to identify and clean up chemicals by the end of the day, he said. About 200 protesters gathered outside a hotel where officials were briefing journalists. “This is not a demonstration. This is simply our only channel to attract the government’s attention,” said Li Jiao, whose home was close to the blast site. About 6,300 people have been evacuated from around the site in the city of about 15 million and the gateway to China’s industrial northeast. About three dozen police and military personnel blocked the crowd from entering the hotel. Some protesters chanted for the government to “buy back” their homes and others carried signs that read “fix our homes, that’s our demand”. There were no clashes. Another protester surnamed Li said he had taken out an 800,000 yuan ($125,000) loan to buy an

OUT OF BOUNDS: A paramilitary policeman wearing a mask gestures to the photographer to stop as he blocks a road leading to the evacuated residential area and explosion site, at Binhai new district in Tianjin, China, on Monday. -Reuters

apartment that was so badly damaged it was leaning over. He said his family would never live there for fear of health risks “Most of the people who bought those homes are young, whitecollar workers like me. It isn’t a small amount of money,” he said. Paramilitary police accompanied residents back to their homes to collect belongings, the People’s Liberation Army Daily reported on its microblog. A man surnamed Zhang, whose apartment was about 600 metres from the warehouse and was destroyed, said government regulators bore responsibility. “They had one eye open, one closed,” he said. Thorough checks The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology ordered regulators to conduct thorough checks on those who deal with commercial explosives, with a focus on storage, Xinhua reported. Any company found not to have corrected any irregularities would be shut and the ministry would “in principle” stop issuing new construction permits for industrial explosives factories. Credit Suisse analysts said the explosions could generate insur-

ance losses of between $1 billion and $1.5 billion, citing initial estimates from media. China’s top prosecutor, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate, has opened an investigation into the explosions. Cause of accident Deputy mayor He said officials were conﬁdent those responsible would be held to account but he did not discuss compensation. “We believe that the investigation team can determine the cause of the accident, in short order determine and ﬁrmly punish violations of law, and in this way ... give victims and the people a full explanation,” He said. Officials said environmental standards were still “basically guaranteed” and there were plans to prevent rain from creating dangerous gases or spreading contamination. Global automakers are struggling to assess the damage to their vehicles at China’s largest entry point for imported cars. Volkswagen AG said about 2,700 of its imported cars were damaged. Industrial accidents are not uncommon in China after three decades of rapid growth. -Reuters

A11

morial to his parents. “We will win, that is certain,” Rajapakse said. War hero The burly 69-year-old is revered as a war hero by many of Sri Lanka’s Sinhala-speaking Buddhist majority for crushing a 26-year Tamil uprising in 2009. Opponents accuse him of running a corrupt, brutal and dynastic regime - charges he denies. “We need development, to live without fear of war, a country without bomb explosions,” said Shanthi Bandara, a 52-year-old Colombo housewife who backed Rajapakse. Sirisena quit Rajapakse’s government last year to run against him, pulling off a stunning victory in the Jan. 8 presidential election. Yet he has moved only belatedly to assert his control over the SLFP and thwart the ambitions of his erstwhile ally and party rival to become Sri Lanka’s next prime minister. -Reuters

POLITICS

All options for coalition have been exhausted, says Turkish PM ANKARA: Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Monday said he had exhausted all options to form a coalition government, leaving the country facing snap elections just months after the June 7 polls. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) lost its overall majority in the June 7 legislative polls for the ﬁrst time since it came to power in 2002, in a major setback for its co-founder President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. AKP leader Davutoglu met Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) chief Devlet Bahceli in Ankara, in what was seen as a last ditch chance to agree a coalition government. But Davutoglu said afterwards that there could be no agreement with the MHP, which by share of the vote came third in the polls. “Mr Bahceli told me clearly that he saw no possibility to form a government with the AKP,” he told reporters in Ankara. “I did everything and tried all the possible formulae. But there is no path possible for a coalition,” he added. Bahceli also made clear he did not support propping up any

minority AKP government, Davutoglu said. Davutoglu had on Thursday announced the collapse of several weeks of coalition talks with the second placed Republican People’s Party (CHP), saying early elections now looked like the “only option” for Turkey. It remains unclear when the polls could take place, with some analysts indicating November 22 as a possible date. New polls will come at a time when Turkey is ﬁghting a crossborder offensive against IS (IS) extremists in Syria and Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militants in northern Iraq and risk causing further political and economic uncertainty. The prospect of early elections again unnerved markets, with the Turkish lira losing 1.16 percent in value against the dollar to hit a new record low of 1.865 lira to the dollar. Some analysts have suggested Erdogan all along wanted to see a re-run of the election so the AKP could regain an overall majority and realise his dream of creating a presidential system in Turkey. -AFP

MOOT POINT: Turkish Prime Minister and leader of the Justice and Development Party Ahmet Davutoglu gestures during a press conference at the party headquarters in Ankara on Monday. -AFP

A12

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Black Americans could qualify as refugees

Photo: Shabin E/Times of Oman

uppose a client walked into my office and told me that police officers in his country had choked a man to death over a petty crime. Suppose he said police fatally shot another man in the back as he ran away. That they arrested a woman during a traffic stop and placed her in jail, where she died three days later. That a 12-year-old boy in his country was shot and killed by the police as he played in the park. Suppose he told me that all of those victims were from the same ethnic community — a community whose members fear being harmed, tortured or killed by police or prison guards. And that this is true in cities and towns across his nation. At that point, as an immigration lawyer, I’d tell him he had a strong claim for asylum protection under US law. What if, next, he told me he was from America? Black people in the United States face such racial violence that they could qualify as refugees. Over the past decade, I’ve represented and advised hundreds of noncitizens facing deportation. Many feared persecution in their home countries and sought protection in the United States. To win them asylum status and the right to stay, I showed that my clients had a well-founded fear of future persecution by the government or by groups that the government was unable or unwilling to control. In one case, I successfully argued that if my client returned to his home country, he could be unjustly imprisoned and physically harmed on the basis of his religious beliefs. Black Americans know the risk of unjust imprisonment and physical harm all too well. According to US asylum law, that persecution must be on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion. In many cases, courts have said that violence by police officers, unjust imprisonment, rape, assault, beatings and conﬁnement constitute persecution. Even nonphysical forms of harm, such as the deliberate imposition of severe economic disadvantage, psychological harm, or the deprivation of food, housing, employment or other essentials, help make the case. In one instance, the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruled that an individual who had been arrested, held for three days and then falsely accused of a crime had been persecuted. In another case, it ruled that persecution included ethnic discrimination so

severe that the petitioner was unable to find a job in his chosen field. Does this sound familiar? The United States claims to be a country that protects refugees, not produces them; a country that chastises nations with poor human rights records. But what of our own human rights record, which shows how far we still have to go in eradicating racial injustice and violence? To make an asylum case for black persecution, I wouldn’t have to reach back to 400 years of slavery, lynching, segregation and Jim Crow. I would focus, instead, on the current prolific system of racist policing, mass incarceration and selective prosecution. I might start by telling the story of Albert Woodfox, an African American man who has spent more than 40 years in solitary confinement as a result of a conviction that was recently overturned. The United Nations has called for an “absolute prohibition” on solitary confinement beyond a couple of weeks. Yet prison officials keep Woodfox locked away. While data on solitary confinement is notoriously hard to come by, a study from the University of Michigan shows that the practice disproportionately affects people of color. African Americans make up just 13 per cent of the US population, but they accounted for 31 per cent of people killed by police in 2012. According to a ProPublica analysis, black teenagers were 21 times more likely than white teens to be shot and killed by the police between 2010 and 2012. In the United States, there are 1.6 million black men in prison, on probation or on parole, double the number who were enslaved in 1850. This country is dangerous for black people. Black parents live with an ever-present fear that their children will become victims of state violence and terror on the basis of race. Had they remained alive, Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Malissa Williams, Timothy Russell, John Crawford, Rekia Boyd, Michael Brown, Akai Gurley, Walter Scott, Ezell Ford, Mya Hall, Dontre Hamilton, Tamir Rice, Tanisha Anderson, Miriam Carey, Yvette Smith, Samuel Dubose and so many others would be able to demonstrate that they had more than a well-founded fear of persecution at the hands of their government or individuals whom their government was unable or unwilling to control. Black Americans should not have to flee this country to seek refuge. - Washington Post

READERS’ FORUM Please restore water supply to neem trees This is to bring to the notice of the authorities that water supply to neem trees near the Walja signal has been stopped due to the ongoing road construction work in Greater Muttrah’s Honda Road area. These trees are dying. I request the authorities concerned to restore water supply to these trees. — Biju M. Mathew, Muscat

Indian expats in Oman could’ve heard Modi’s speech on YouTube

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

This refers to the online story, ‘Indians in Oman sore over missed chance to hear Prime Minister Modi in Dubai’ (August 17). The fact is that Indians comprise 30 per cent of the UAE’s population. I am sure it would have been possible for Indians in Oman to listen to Modi’s speech on YouTube. — Mohammed Al Balochi, Muscat

What is of great concern for the large global powers is how China will use its economic strength on the world stage. Under the new leadership that assumed power in the spring of 2013, Beijing has become more assertive. President Xi Jinping has begun to talk of the “Chinese dream” bit.ly/chinausmarriage

Report on food good for the brain an eye opener This refers to the online story, ‘Eat for brain health’ (August 16). The advice on food being good for the brain really was an eye opener as I thought all food equally good for body parts. — Ashley Wilson, Sur

FROM OUR ARCHIVES AUGUST 2000

PICTOGRAPH

ROAD ACCIDENTS In Oman from April to June 2015

April

May

New dawn on horizon for people with special needs MUSCAT: Muscat will soon be a city without barriers’, Mukthar Al Rawahi, the president of the Oman Association for the Disabled (OAD), told the Times of Oman. “Even now, as we speak, we are moving into that direction,” an enthusiastic Mukhtar added. “When all the laws concerning this are in place, we will see such a new dawn in the ﬁrmament of those with special needs,” Mukthar stressed.

June

43 Deaths

46 Injuries

266

Modi’s speech would been available on YouTube This refers to the online story, ‘UAE new visa online service hailed in Oman’ (August 17). The idea is good. However, my application was rejected and I believe there was no valid reason. I tried to contact the call center and they gave me another number but no one answered. — Aswani Kumar K, Muscat

CLIPPINGS

57 321 273

TODAY IN HISTORY

NEW INDIA ASSURANCE

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

Protect the welfare of your workforce through New India’s WORKMEN COMPENSATION POLICY.

1812: Napoleon Bonaparte’s army defeats the Russians at the Battle of Smolensk during the Russian retreat to Moscow.

www.newindiaoman.com

Accidents

506

546

631

1943: Allied forces complete the conquest of Sicily. 1988: Pakistani President Ziaul Haq is killed in an airplane crash suspected of being an assassination.

Source: National Centre for Statistics & Information

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

A13

SPECIAL

I think Lethwei is becoming really popular here because I see a lot of my friends here as well. But I am here to box not to socialise Moe Pwint Oo, A Japanese

TAKING UP MANTLE: A young woman practising Myanmar’s homespun martial art Lethwei — a sport that encourages head-butting and grants victory by knock-out only — at a gym in Yangon. – AFP

Striking a blow for equality’s sake

INSTRUCTIONS: Medical sciences student Moe Pwint Oo, left, training at a gym in Yangon. The petite medical sciences student is one of a growing number of women taking up Lethwei kickboxing, building up a sweat in the yard of a gritty Yangon gym where some of the country’s best ﬁghters train alongside local enthusiasts, expats and even the odd actress. – AFP

GAINING POPULARITY: A young woman practises Lethwei in Yangon. – AFP

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ARTICLE, PHOTOS

Around half of the

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N .C O M

regulars at the Thut Ti (Courage) gym are women — drawn to the intensity of the ﬁtness level and authenticity of skill required in Lethwei

YANGON: Moe Pwint Oo shoots the grimy punchbag a steely glare before slamming her fist into it, striking a blow for equality as she practises Myanmar’s homespun martial art Lethwei — a sport that encourages head-butting and grants victory by knock-out only. The petite medical sciences student is one of a growing number of women taking up Lethwei kickboxing, building up a sweat in the yard of a gritty Yangon gym where some of the country’s best fighters train alongside local enthusiasts, expats and even the odd actress. “I think Lethwei is becoming really popular here because I see a lot of my friends here as well. But I am here to box not to socialise,” said Moe Pwint Oo, as a woman from Japan practised spin kicks in a makeshift ring behind her. Lethwei fighters say their sport

TRAINING: Medical sciences student Moe Pwint Oo, far left, training at a gym in Yangon. – AFP

is the toughest member of Southeast Asia’s kickboxing family, leaving Thailand’s more famous Muay Thai in the blood-flecked dust thanks to its disdain for gloves and use of skull-cracking head-butts. Little wonder To win a Lethwei fight you must batter your opponent unconscious, or to the point where they surrender. If no one gets knocked out in five three-minute rounds, the match ends in a draw. It is perhaps little wonder that few women traditionally enter the ring in Myanmar, where gender norms favour demure damsels over fear-

some ﬁghters. But that has begun to change in recent years as gender roles shift, spurred by the country opening up to the world after decades of isolating military rule. Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi is the most famous of a growing number of female politicians, while an impressive roster of successful businesswomen is taking advantage of the most buoyant economic outlook in decades. The ﬂash of a female knee does not have quite the scandalising power it once did, with short skirts an increasingly common sight on city streets — although most women still opt to keep their hem-

lines at ankle level. Around half of the regulars at the Thut Ti (Courage) gym are women — drawn to the intensity of the ﬁtness level and authenticity of skill required in Lethwei. “It’s really nice to have somebody like you here, because it’s like a guys’ place,” said Moe Pwint Oo, gesturing at knuckles strapped with red surgical tape. Having spent years outside her homeland, which is also known as Burma, she said she “wanted to do something very traditional, very Burmese” in her summer break from studying at Aberdeen University in Scotland.

Lethwei has an ancient history in Myanmar. Carvings on the temples of Bagan, which dot the central Myanmar plains, appear to show pairs of men locked in combat, suggesting the sport is over a thousand years old, said Win Zin Oo, founder of the Thut Ti gym, who is also a former vice president of the Myanmar Lethwei Federation. In modern times it was kept alive in the eastern border states of Karen and Mon, where kickboxing bouts are held to mark everything from monks’ funerals to New Year festivities. Spectators in front row seats are close enough to hear bones shatter and be sporadically showered with blood, sweat and spittle. But the tournaments are seen as family affairs and many include bouts with boys as young as 10. Win Zin Oo conceded that the bare-knuckle ﬁghting style was “robust”. “All components of the body can be used as weapons; punches, knee strikes, elbow beats, head butts, you can throw (your opponent)... If you want to compete in the real Lethwei ring as a professional you must be really tough,” he told AFP. He normally advises enthusiasts not to attempt a ﬁght. For those who do, endurance is as important as aggression. Lethwei boxer Tha Pyay Nyo, who has a formidable record of more than 150 matches and only one defeat, gave up farming in his

native Karen state to take up the sport professionally because “I might be famous one day”. The 25-year-old recently branched out into mixed martial arts, or “cage fighting”, competing in his debut international tournament as part of the first ONE Championship event in Myanmar. The televised tournament was a chance to showcase some of the fighting spirit of a national sport that has languished in the shadow of its better-known Thai cousin. “I want the world to know our courage through Myanmar traditional boxing,” he told AFP before the match. Win Zin Oo hopes Myanmar will borrow from the success of its Thai neighbours in promoting its own kickboxing brand. His gym is increasingly popular and around half of all those training at the gym are women, including local models, singers and actresses. He said there was some “sensitivity” about how women should be treated, but insisted the gym did not discriminate. “Some (women) students they are really really good, even in terms of decisiveness I think. So it’s a little unfair (to say) ‘oh women are weak, men are strong’,” he said. When she returns to Scotland, Moe Pwint Oo will have to make do with Muay Thai, in which headbutts are banned and protective clothing is worn, to keep training. But she said she was hooked on Myanmar’s more fearsome version. “It makes you fit, it’s traditional and then you know it’s very empowering, especially for women,” she said. — AFP

A 14

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

WORLD

UNITED STATES: Fireﬁghters wearing bluish LED headlamps climb to a hot spot under the stars at the Warm Fire on Sunday in the Angeles National Forest north of Castaic, United States. The wildﬁre has

burned six structures and blackened 500 acres so far since it began yesterday afternoon. — David McNew/Getty Images/AFP

INDIA: Traditionally dressed girls play on swings during the Teej festival in Chandigarh, India, on Monday. Teej falls in the Hindu month of Shrawan (July-August) and welcomes the advent of the monsoon. — Reuters

GERMANY: A ﬁreworker stands on a car that is pulled out of over ﬂooded areas of the river Leine in Goettingen, central Germany, on Monday. — AFP/DPA/STEFAN RAMPFEL

AUSTRIA: Refugees look through the fence around the asylum processing centre in Traiskirchen, Austria, on Monday. Austria’s treatment of asylum seekers at the centre near Vienna is ‘scandalous’, Amnesty International said on Friday, accusing the country of neglecting homeless and hungry migrants who are ﬂocking in record numbers to western Europe. — Reuters

BELARUS: Belarus’ President Alexander Lukashenko and his son Nikolai harvest potatoes in a ﬁeld at the Drozdy presidential residence outside Minsk, Belarus, on Sunday. — Reuters/Andrei Stasevich/BelTA

LATVIA: Latvian navy officers from the BALTRON task force unit

take part during the ‘Squadex II 2015’ military exercise in the Baltic sea near Liepaja, Latvia, on Monday. — Reuters

INDONESIA: Acehnese dancers participate in a mass dance to celebrate Indonesia’s Independence Day in Banda Aceh on Monday. Indonesian on August 17 marked its 70th anniversary of independence from Dutch rule. — AFP

SOMALIA: Jubbaland forces stand with their ammunitions as they prepare for a security patrol against al Shabaab militants in Bulagaduud town, north of Kismayu, Somalia, on Monday. — Reuters

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

A15

WORLD

The bombers had targeted “foreigners” to try to damage the tourist industry, which is a rare bright spot in an otherwise gloomy economy. Prawit Wongsuwong, Thailand’s Defence Minister

16 killed as bomb rocks Bangkok SCAN THIS TO VISIT

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More than 80 people

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N .C O M

were injured by the blast at Erawan

centre said more than 80 people were wounded by the blast, which rattled windows several kilometres from the site.

Shrine in Thai capital, which rattled windows several kilometres from the explosion site BLAST SITE: Thai soldiers inspect the scene after a bomb exploded outside a shrine in central Bangkok on Monday. – AFP

BANGKOK: At least 16 people were killed, including foreigners, and dozens injured when a bomb exploded on Monday outside a shrine popular with tourists in the Thai capital, scattering body parts and debris. The blast occurred about 6:30pm when the streetside shrine was packed with worshippers and tourists — with the Thai police chief

conﬁrming at least 10 Thais, one Chinese and one Filipino citizen were among the dead. “The death toll is now 16,” police spokesman Prawut Thavornsiri said, adding the blast was likely politically motivated and designed to bring “chaos” in a the junta-ruled kingdom.

MOVE TO STEM INSURGENCY

Egypt imposes anti-terror law to boost security CAIRO: Under pressure from a militant insurgency, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi has boosted police and judicial powers with a new anti-terrorism law that also imposes hefty fines for “false” media reports. Rights groups, which have accused Sisi of imposing a repressive regime since the army ousted president Mohamed Morsi in 2013, fear the new law could be used to further muzzle dissent and target critics. The law was ratified by Sisi on Sunday, as the country faces a growing wave of deadly attacks, led by the Egyptian branch of the IS militant group, on security forces and civilians. The government sped up the passage of the law after state prosecutor Hisham Barakat was assassinated in a car bombing in late June, followed by a largescale militant attack in the Sinai Peninsula days later. It shields security forces from prosecution if they use force “when facing a real and imminent threat” while implementing the law. It imposes the death penalty for those convicted of leading or financing “terrorist groups” and prison terms for those found guilty of inciting “a terrorist act”. The judiciary and security forces already had wide-ranging powers in tackling “terrorism”, and Sisi’s regime has been accused of using the battle against militants as a pretext for crushing dissent. At least 1,400 people, many of them Morsi supporters, have been killed in a crackdown on protests since his overthrow. Hundreds of the militants’ backers have been sentenced to death after speedy trials and thousands more jailed. The new law also targets the media, imposing fines on journalists found to be reporting information that contradicts official statements on militant attacks. The military was infuriated after media, quoting security officials, reported that dozens of troops had been killed in the Sinai attack days after the prosecutor’s murder. The military’s official death toll was 21 soldiers and scores of militants. The new law sets fines from $25,500 to $64,000 (200,000 to 500,000 Egyptian pounds, 23,000 to 57,000 euros) for journalists who stray from government statements in publishing or spreading “false” reports on attacks or security operations against militants. Steep fines Critics say the steep fines may shut down smaller newspapers, and deter larger publications from independently reporting on attacks and operations against militants. The government had initially proposed a jail sentence for offenders, but backed down after a backlash from Egyptian media. The ratified law added another clause, however, allowing courts to “prevent the convicted from practising the profession

BOOSTING SECURITY: Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi ratiﬁed the new anti-terrorism law on Sunday. – AFP

for a period of no more than one year, if the crime violates the principles of the profession”. Government officials say the law requires proof of intent to publish false reports to secure a conviction. But it is raising fears of further media prosecutions after three journalists with Al Jazeera English were convicted last year of “defaming” Egypt and supporting the Muslim Brotherhood movement. A verdict in their retrial is due by the end of the month. “This law effectively bans freedom of expression, assembly and association, and can be used to crack down on all kinds of freedoms,” Amnesty International’s Egypt researcher Mohamed El Messiry told AFP. “It gives the president powers equivalent to those in a state of emergency. This law takes the country back to the period of Hosni Mubarak when a state of emergency prevailed for three decades.” Veteran leader Mubarak was forced out in early 2011 by a protests. Though criticised by rights activists, the law has been backed by many in Egypt who are demanding a ﬁrm hand to restore stability in the country of 87 million people. Egypt has been struggling with unrest since then-army chief Sisi overthrew Morsi, who become the country’s ﬁrst democratically elected president following Mubarak’s ouster. The government has responded with the mass trials of Morsi supporters, while his Muslim Brotherhood movement has been blacklisted as a “terrorist organisation”. Morsi himself has been sentenced to death for allegedly participating in prison breaks and violence against police. He appealed against the verdict this month. Militants loyal to IS have killed hundreds of soldiers and policemen in attacks that have mainly focused on Sinai but have also taken place outside the restive peninsula. IS last week said it executed a Croatian hostage it had kidnapped west of Cairo, almost a month after it bombed the Italian consulate in the capital, killing a passer-by. Tomislav Salopek was working for a French oil company when he was abducted on a desert road. — AFP

Glass was strewn across the street after the explosion outside the Erawan Shrine in the central Chidlom district, an AFP reporter witnessed. Charred and shattered motorcycles littered the scene, along with hunks of concrete from the shrine, with pools of blood

on the pavement and two bodies crumpled on the steps of the shrine. “It was a bomb, I think it was inside a motorcycle... it was very big, look at the bodies,” one visibly shocked rescue volunteer, who did not want to be named, told AFP. The city’s medical emergency

Chaotic scenes There were chaotic scenes at Chulakongkorn Hospital, one of a number of nearby medical facilities that received victims as nurses ferried the injured on gurneys. One man who was conscious had visibly burned hair and a number of cuts that were bandaged, an AFP reporter on the scene said. “Some (of the victims) are Chinese,” Minister for Tourism an Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul told AFP as she visited the hospital. A Chinese and a Filipino were among those conﬁrmed dead, Thai police said. With rumours abounding in a city that is no stranger to major acts of violence, officials de-

nied reports of more devices in an area, which is home to several high end hotels and major shopping malls. While there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, suspicion swiftly fell on the kingdom’s rival political factions. Thailand has been seared by a near-decade of political violence that has left the country deeply divided and seen repeated rounds of deadly street protests and bombings -- but none on Monday’s scale. Many observers had predicted a fresh round of violence after the military seized power in a coup in May last year, toppling a civilian government led by Yingluck Shinawatra. Thailand’s defence minister said the bombers had targeted “foreigners” to try to damage the tourist industry, which is a rare bright spot in an otherwise gloomy economy. “It was a TNT bomb... the people who did it targeted foreigners and to damage tourism and the economy,” said Prawit Wongsuwong, a former general who is believed to have been one of the key coupmakers. - AFP

A 16

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

WORLD

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Caught in cross-hairs of violence, Afghans forced to migrate abroad The snaking queues outside Kabul’s passport office are a totemic indicator that the exodus is gathering fresh momentum as pessimism abounds about the deteriorating war

KABUL: Fingers nervously skittering over his cellphone, one Afghan man calls a people-smuggler in a third desperate attempt to claim asylum abroad, as a record number of people escape escalating violence. The toppling of the repressive Taliban regime in 2001 had ignited new hope about the future of Afghanistan, bringing waves of Afghan refugees home, but recent years have witnessed a stark reversal of that trend. The snaking queues outside Kabul’s passport office are a totemic indicator that the exodus is gathering fresh momentum as pessimism abounds about the deteriorating war, the tanking economy and a government widely derided as lacking direction. Ashraf, 28, casts worried looks around him as he bolts the door of his spartan home in a crowded Kabul suburb and gets the peoplesmuggler named Murad, “highly recommended” by a friend, on the phone. “Meet me in Nimroz (on the Iran border),” Murad says over the crackling line after a lengthy exchange of greetings. “The journey to Tehran will take four or ﬁve days — partly by car, partly on foot.” “I have a handicapped, wheelchair-bound brother,” says Ashraf, who allowed AFP to listen to the conversation but requested that his last name be withheld. “For you it’ll cost $700 (2.2 million Toman); for your brother three million — because he cannot walk,” Murad says. “What if we are arrested and deported?” Ashraf asks, his tone cagey. “No, no,” retorts Murad. “I’ve been deported before and got duped (by the smuggler),” Ashraf insists. “Listen brother, I give you 100

HOPELESS AND BROKE: Ashraf, right, carries his handicapped eighteen-year-old brother Raza to his wheelchair at his residence in Kabul. Deported twice from foreign shores, Ashraf is determined to embark on a third treacherous journey with brother as a record number of Afghan asylum-seekers escape a deepening vortex of violence. – AFP

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The number of Afghans seeking asylum in industrialised nations has surpassed all previous years since 2001, with the UN refugee agency reporting a 65 per cent surge in applications in 2014 over the previous year.

ARTICLE, PHOTOS W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N .C O M

per cent guarantee.” Ashraf, an oiltanker driver who carries supplies from Kabul to military bases in Taliban-prone provinces, was deported — ﬁrst from Indonesia, next from Malaysia — while attempting to reach Australia in 2012. Hopeless and broke, his third attempt to ﬂee spotlights the anguished personal choices of Afghan civilians, increasingly caught in the cross-hairs of an ascendant 14-year insurgency. Surpassed The number of Afghans seeking asylum in industrialised nations has surpassed all previous years since 2001, with the UN refugee agency reporting a 65 per cent surge in applications in 2014 over the previous year. “Almost everyone I know is leaving or planning to leave -- my

aunts, my cousins, my neighbour, my friend in Kandahar,” said Azeem Raheemi, 48, a transporter for a poultry feed supplier. Raheemi, a father of three, lives near Shah Shaheed, a workingclass Kabul neighbourhood which was hit in a recent wave of fatal bombings. The truck bombing which engulfed the area in ﬂames was strong enough to tear a massive hole in the ground, evoking comparisons to a meteor strike. As Raheemi cowered inside his home with his family, his resolve to leave strengthened. “A bomb could explode any minute, anywhere. You could be sitting on the curb in a street and wind up dead,” he said. After cold-calling Western em-

bassies did not bear fruit, he is attempting to get a visa for neighbouring Iran. Four decades of war has brought endurance, but the expanding conﬂict, the spectre of the IS militant group along with rampant joblessness and economic distress have whipped up an undercurrent of fear and hopelessness. The fractious power-sharing government headed by President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah — seen as a “car with two drivers” working sometimes at cross-purposes — is blamed for failing to halt militant attacks. The desire to leave cuts across economic classes. One middle-class family told AFP the decision to relocate to Tur-

key was affirmed when their friendly neighbourhood game of “cops and robbers” morphed one day into “cops and bombers” — with their son playing the suicide attacker to mock screams and giggles. For another, it was the growing weariness of navigating labyrinthine back routes to avoid possible bombing targets in Kabul — a war-scarred city awash with checkpoints, snipers and surveillance blimps. “There is a widespread feeling that things aren’t getting any better,” said Khushal Nabizada, a 34-year-old doctor of internal medicine. “Con-

stantly lamenting the dead and girding for the worst takes a huge psychological toll.” Nabizada cites the case of his patient who suffered shrapnel wounds in a suicide attack in Kabul in 2012. “He called long after his scars healed to complain about regular bouts of headaches, diarrhoea and sleeplessness.” Those ailments dissipated this month when the US embassy in Kabul approved Special Immigrant Visas for his family. “What really ailed him is the war,” said Nabizada. — AFP

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM TU ES DAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

MARKE

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

Muscat 6,219.77 - 72.58 - 1.15%

Dubai 3,926.86 - 3.59 - 0.09%

Abu Dhabi 4,631.31 - 39.58 - 0.85%

Kuwait 4,631.31 - 39.58 - 0.85%

Saudi Arabia

8,435.33 - 28.73 - 0.34%

Bahrain 1,331.56 - 0.55 - 0.04%

Qatar 11,734.69 - 109.74 - 0.93%

CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................. 2.31 Pound ...........................................1.65 Indian Rs .............................168.86 Pak Rs ....................................260.15 Bangla Taka.......................199.48

Indian Rs .................................. 169.50 Pakistan Rs ............................ 264.00 Sri Lanka Rs .......................... 346.40 Bangla Taka.............................201.70 Phil Peso .....................................119.75

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) .......14.35

Oman Crude............. (Spot) ........$49.40 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) ........$49.35 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) ........ $50.75 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ........$49.28 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ........$49.02 West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ......... $41.76

* Rates are as of August 17 Source: Bank Muscat

* Rates as of August 17 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

Oman sovereign fund acquires Paris hotel Westmont Hospitality Group owns or manages a portfolio of about 350 hotels across North America and Europe

Oman’s State General Reserve Fund will hold 90% stake in Marriott Ambassador Paris Hotel, while WHG

– Supplied picture

will have 10% stake

Times News Service MUSCAT: State General Reserve Fund (SGRF), the Sultanate’s sovereign wealth fund, has acquired a majority stake in Marriott Ambassador Paris Hotel by purchasing 90

per cent of its shares. The transaction was completed through a joint venture with Westmont Hospitality Group (WHG) which will own 10 per cent of the hotel shares and will provide the operational oversight to the hotel, according to a press release. However, the fund did not reveal the cost of acquiring Paris hotel.

MAJOR CONTRACT

Tender ﬂoated for Duqm reﬁnery service corridor

REFINERY PROJECT: The scope of work for the service corridor includes earthwork, security-related work and bridge work to allow Duqm Reﬁnery to lay its pipes, connecting it to the Port of Duqm in the industrial zone. - Times ﬁle picture

A E JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A major tender for building a service corridor between Duqm Refinery and a liquid jetty has been floated by the Special Economic Zone Authority (Sezad) here on Monday. The scope of work for the service corridor includes earthwork, security-related work and bridge work to allow Duqm Refinery to lay its pipes, connecting it to the Port of Duqm in the industrial zone. “This is an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) project that requires experienced contractors with previous experience in the design and construction of pipeline support,” said a tender announcement by Sezad. Tender documents for the project will be available for contracting firms from August 24, and the last date of submission is September 16. Grassroot refinery Duqm Refinery is developing a grassroot refinery in Duqm

that will produce an output of 230,000 barrels per day, with diesel, jet fuel, naphtha and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its primary products. Galfar Engineering and Contracting won a tender for site preparation work for the proposed refinery at the Special Economic Zone in May. Site preparation work will be completed during the second quarter of 2016. Duqm Refinery and Petrochemical Industries Company is a joint venture between Oman Oil Company (OOC) and International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC). This mutually beneficial partnership between OOC and IPIC was established during the incorporation of Duqm Refinery, which is based in Al Duqm in the southeastern Al Wusta Governorate of the Sultanate. This strategic maritime location gives the project the competitive advantage of being in the path of international shipping lines in the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, thus easing the process of transporting goods into and out of the region.

WHG has signiﬁcant experience in managing budget to upscale hotels and currently owns or manages a portfolio of about 350 hotels across North America and Europe under multiple hotel franchise brands. Marriott Ambassador Paris Hotel is situated on the Haussman Boulevard in central Paris.

It has 298 rooms together with a restaurant, meeting and conference rooms. It also has a ﬁtness centre, business centre and an executive lounge. It is located in close proximity and walking distance to some of the big corporate headquarters and some key tourist and shopping attractions in Central Paris.

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......13.85 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ............135.50 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) ............. 128.75 * Rates as of August 17 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

S U P P LY G L U T F E A R S

Crude oil price falls to touch near six-year low LONDON: Oil resumed its decline as US drilling increased and Iran said Opec production may rise to a record after sanctions on the country are lifted. Futures slid as much as two per cent in New York to trade near the six-year intra-day low reached on August 14. The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec)may boost output to 33 million barrels a day after Iran’s international export restrictions are removed, according to the nation’s Opec representative. The number of rigs seeking oil in the US rose by two to 672, the most since May, Baker Hughes data show. Oil has slumped more than 30 per cent from this year’s peak in June on speculation the global surplus will be prolonged. While US crude stockpiles fell a third week through August 7, supplies remain more than 90 million barrels above the ﬁveyear average for this time of year.

“One overall big fundamental thing is the market is still heavily oversupplied, with Opec still ﬂooding the market,” Andy Sommer, an analyst at Axpo Trading in Dietikon, Switzerland, said by phone. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for September delivery fell as much as 86 cents to $41.64 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange and was at $42.01 as of 11:56am. 21 per cent fall The volume of all futures traded was about 27 per cent above the 100- day average. Prices have decreased 21 per cent this year. The contract touched $41.35 on Friday before settling higher. Brent Premium Brent for October settlement traded little changed at $49.20 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange after earlier dropping as much as 1.7 per cent. - Bloomberg News

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

MARKET MODI VISIT TO UAE

UAE considers to meet India’s energy demand ABU DHABI: United Arab Emirates is open to meeting any demand for oil from India, the Gulf Organisaiton of Petroleum Exporting Countries member’s economy minister Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri said on Monday. Al Mansouri was speaking after meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in the UAE on a two-day visit. “India is importing oil now and the UAE is open to meet demand for any oil from India,” Al Mansouri said, adding that the issue would be discussed further by representatives of the two sides. Abu Dhabi currently provides 9 per cent of India’s energy needs and India is the world’s fourth biggest oil consumer. Al Mansouri said the Indian prime minister presented proposals for investments in India worth $1 trillion. “The UAE can focus on certain areas such as infrastructure, railways, medical, tourism, real estate,” Al Mansouri said, adding that the tourism sector had huge untapped potential but needed rules and regulations to develop it. Sovereign wealth funds The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, is already an investor in India and further investment will depend on what India provides, Al Mansouri added. Modi said he would send India’s minister of commerce to the UAE shortly to discuss investment, the UAE minister said. “There’s a new momentum in the relationship between the two countries in different ar-

The UAE can focus on certain areas such as infrastructure, railways, medical and tourism Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri Economy minister, UAE eas, mainly economic and investments,” Al Mansouri said. “We are addressing some challenges of the past and creating a new vision for India-UAE in the future.” Investment opportunity India is in talks to lease part of its planned strategic oil storage facilities to Abu Dhabi’s state oil company Adnoc, Indian government sources said last year. India imports about 80 per cent of its oil needs and is building emergency storage capacity to hedge against energy security risks. A UAE industry source said this week that negotiations between Adnoc and India were continuing but no ﬁnal agreement had been reached yet. Inviting investors from UAE, Modi said that India has an immediate investment opportunity of $1 trillion and the government will take urgent steps to address concerns of the businessmen from this country and erase ‘deﬁcit of 34 years’. - Agencies

DIGITAL SERVICE: To register individual establishments and new commercial registration certiﬁcates, applicants need to use the onestop-shop Invest Easy facility. – Supplied picture

One-stop-shop service evokes good response The Ministry of Commerce and Industry processed 2,169 applications, of which 1,899 were accepted and 270 were rejected

Times News Service MUSCAT: A total of 2,314 electronic applications were received through Invest Easy portal between July 1 and August 9 this year, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has announced. The ministry processed 2,169 applications, of which 1,899 were accepted while 270 applications were rejected as they did not

meet the necessary criteria and requirements. As many as 145 applications are in progress including 13 transactions that are awaiting approval and accreditation procedures by the ministry and another 125 applications are awaiting payment of fees and signatures of investors. Seven applications need updates or amendments by investors, the ministry noted.

In addition, the ministry issued as many as 2,003 digitally signed certificates through its self-service portal Invest Easy between April 5 and August 12 this year. Also, 345 commercial registration certificates were issued by Invest Easy during this period. Humaid bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Brashdi, acting section head at the investors’ services department at the ministry, said, “The ministry no longer directly accepts applications for registering individual establishments and new commercial registration certificates for individual establishments. Applicants must use the one-stop-shop Invest Easy facility for such purposes. This has been implemented with a view to saving the investors’ time and efforts.” “Investors can complete their

ECONOMY

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DEBT

Eurozone economic outlook is bleak FRANKFURT: Mario Draghi’s trillion-euro boost for the euro area isn’t proving sufficient to lift economists’ conﬁdence in the region’s recovery. Barely a quarter of the respondents in a survey see the currency bloc’s outlook improving in the short term. That’s the lowest level since the European Central Bank (ECB) started its stimulus programme to buy €60 billion ($67 billion) a month of debt through September next year. The ECB has brought recordlow borrowing costs, a ﬂood of cash and an export-boosting currency drop to the euro area, yet economic growth unexpectedly slowed last quarter. Central bank policy makers have already expressed disappointment over the pace of the recovery and pledged to do more if needed, leaving some economists debating whether they’ll act. “The ECB may be forced to strengthen its language and, if in-

transactions from anywhere without even once visiting the ministry office, reducing the hustle of visitors, investors, entrepreneurs and owners of small and medium enterprises at the ministry building,” he added. “Investors and entrepreneurs can now get their commercial registration certiﬁcates in all legal forms and also print digitally signed certiﬁcates without any need to visit the ministry’s offices. All services however can still be received from sanad, law and audit offices,” Al Brashdi noted.

sufficient, put its money where its mouth is,” said Elwin de Groot, a senior market economist at Rabobank International in Utrecht, Netherlands. “Let me stress that we haven’t reached that point just yet.” In the survey, carried out before gross domestic product data for the euro area and its biggest economies were published on Friday, just 28 per cent of respondents said the region’s outlook will improve in the short term. That’s down from 50 per cent

in July and 83 per cent in March, when quantitative easing (QE) started. More than two-thirds of economists in the latest survey said the outlook will remain unchanged. Missed estimates That suggests an economy growing at a pace that leaves little room to absorb any external shocks, such as a worsening slowdown in China and any further turmoil over Greece.

Last week’s GDP ﬁgures showed the economy of the 19-nation currency bloc expanded 0.3 per cent last quarter, down from 0.4 per cent in each of the previous two quarters. Germany, France and Italy — the region’s biggest economies — all posted weaker-thanforecast numbers and French growth came to a halt for the ﬁrst time in a year. “External factors such as the cheap-oil boost, strong United States performance and the surge in sentiment following QE were all favourable and policy makers would have hoped for a second quarter of robust growth,” said Alasdair Cavalla, an economist at the Center for Economics and Business Research in London. “The remainder of the year promises a deterioration in global conditions, making it unlikely that we will see improvement in Europe’s current, lackluster growth rate.” ECB officials have already taken note.

Governing Council members described the recovery as “disappointing” and said inflation is “unusually low” when they met in Frankfurt on July 15-16. “Continued elevated uncertainty called for alertness and a readiness to respond,” the ECB said in a summary of the meeting published. Governors agreed that “the design of the asset-purchase programs provided sufficient flexibility for them to be adapted if circumstances were to change and should the need arise,” it said. While a Greek bailout deal may have eased concerns that the euro will fracture, headwinds include weaker demand and financialmarket turbulence emanating from China. The country sent shock waves through global markets this month when it unexpectedly devalued the yuan. A separate survey of economists suggested China’s GDP is probably expanding at a slower rate than official data show. - Bloomberg News

Merkel sees IMF joining Greek bailout BERLIN: German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she’s confident the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will join Greece’s third bailout and signaled willingness to consider debt relief to help make it happen. Merkel’s first public comments since euro-area finance ministers backed the €86-billion ($96 billion) aid package were partly aimed at her party’s lawmakers, who want the chancellor to ensure an IMF contribution to the latest Greek rescue. Germany’s lower house votes on the bailout on Wednesday. IMF managing director Christine Lagarde made it clear she will back the fund’s participation starting in October if conditions including eased terms on previous Greek aid loans are met, Merkel said in an interview on ZDF television Sunday. - Bloomberg News

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

MARKET EXPORT PROMOTION

Ithraa’s Export Club to help boost non-oil exports Times News Service MUSCAT: Ithraa, Oman’s inward investment and export promotion agency, has launched an Export Club with the aim of facilitating and increasing the volume of nonoil exports. The Export Club has been launched with the support of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and leading businesses from across the country. With the rise in non-oil Omani exports, the Export Club aims to provide local businesses with a network that will help small companies begin to export and tackle AV I AT I O N

IndiGo places $27b order to purchase 250 Airbus jets NEW DELHI: IndiGo, India’s biggest airline, firmed up an order to buy as many as 250 Airbus A320neo single-aisle jets, further strengthening the French planemaker’s lead over Boeing in the country’s budget airline market. The order is Airbus’s biggest by numbers, the planemaker said in an e-mailed statement on Monday. With IndiGo’s order, Airbus has a backlog for more than 4,100 A320neo planes, the company said in the statement. The order could be valued at as much as $26.6 billion based on list prices. Airlines often get bulk-purchase discounts on aircraft orders. IndiGo’s move underscores growth plans for the decade-old budget carrier, which has a 38 per cent share of the local market. The purchase is in line with the ambitious plans of other Asian budget carriers, who are expanding to serve a burgeoning middle class in a fast-growing aviation market. In January 2011, IndiGo ordered 180 planes worth $15 billion from Airbus, at the time the biggest order in commercial aviation history, as it builds toward its goal of a 1,000-jet fleet. The carrier has taken delivery of more than 100 planes from that order so far. IndiGo, Go Airlines India, the local units of AirAsia and Singapore Airlines all fly only Airbus jets. Air India, Jet Airways India and SpiceJet fly both Airbus and Boeing jets. - Bloomberg News

the challenges facing current exporters in international markets. Nasima Al Balushi, Ithraa’s director general of export development, said, “Omani exporters face a range of challenges in today’s increasingly competitive global market. Some are external, ranging from exchange rates, transport and communication to raw material costs. Others are internal, where companies have the opportunity to take the initiative to drive change forward in innovation, design, marketing, training, technology, and logistics.” “The Export Club has been created to help local non-oil export-

LAUNCHED

Nasima Al Balushi, Ithraa’s director general of export development

Pacts with Raytheon aims to explore opportunities in training and qualifying Omanis, supporting small and medium enterprises and enhancing technology DEVELOPMENT DEALS: The ﬁrst agreement was signed with Raytheon, a major defence contractor and industrial corporation with core manufacturing concentrations in weapons and military and commercial electronics. - Bloomberg News

Times News Service MUSCAT: Two agreements have been signed by the Omani Authority for Partnership for Development (OAPFD) with United States company Raytheon and Finnish company Marine Alutech. The agreement with Raytheon aims at exploring opportunities associated with partnerships and cooperation between the authority and the United States company in several areas, including training and qualifying Omani nationals, supporting small and

medium enterprises, enhancing technology in both the government and private sectors, enhancing military and security capabilities within the Sultanate of Oman, and facilitating investment. The agreement affirms Raytheon’s commitment to supporting Oman’s growth objectives. “Raytheon looks forward to working with our partners in Oman to develop projects that will have a lasting positive impact on the Sultanate’s economic develop-

ArthVeda unveils $250m real estate fund for GCC investors MUSCAT: Offering Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) investors a unique opportunity to reap dividends from India’s mid-income residential real estate growth, global asset management ﬁrm ArthVeda Fund Management on Monday launched STAR Fund II with a corpus of $250 million. STAR Fund II, part of ArthVeda’ s STAR series of real estate funds, is the ﬁrst realty fund to be offered in Gulf and other overseas markets, following the recent amendments to India’s foreign direct investment policy in the realty segment. “The mid-income residential segment in India is considered to be the sweet spot offering lower risks and high returns in a relatively short fund life. Thanks to huge demand and absorption of mid-income property across India, investments in this segment have low cyclicity and low average investment ticket size — ex-

Innovation, training Oman has many export success stories, where companies are competing globally, not just on price, but by adding value using innovation, higher skills, investment and good business practice to create goods and services that people want to buy. Today, Omani companies are

selling goods in over 136 countries, from ﬁbre optic cables, batteries, luxury perfumes, automotive spare parts, marble and furniture to food products. “We have world-class exporters. The challenge for the sector is for more companies to match the performance of the best,” said Nasima Al Balushi. “Ithraa has always been on the frontline of international trade, providing practical support and guidance to business at local and international levels. The Export Club will be an invaluable addition to our portfolio of business support services,” she added.

Oman agency signs pacts with US and Finnish firms

GULF INVESTMENT

Times News Service

With the rise in non-oil Omani exports, the newly launched Export Club aims to provide local businesses with a network that will help small ﬁrms begin to export and tackle the challenges facing current exporters in international markets

ers tackle these issues, prosper and grow internationally. I ﬁrmly believe that exporting is good for Omani business, good for Omani workers and good for Omani jobs. When Oman exports, Oman prospers,” she said.

actly the opposite of premium residential real estate – and that makes STAR Fund II a prudent and growth-oriented investment opportunity for global investors,” said Bikram Sen, chief executive officer of ArthVeda STAR Fund II has projected an IRR of 18-21 per cent in dollar terms with maximum fund tenure of 60 months. The fund will have two closures, the first one three months after the launch or upon reaching an investment milestone of $100 million, whichever is early. The second and final closure will be six months from the first closure or upon total commitments to the tune of $250 million, whichever is early. Unparalleled expertise The fund targeted at institutions, large corporate houses, sovereign wealth funds, family houses and High Net worth Individuals (HNI) in the GCC and other foreign markets has a minimum in-

vestment size of $500,000 Sen said ArthVeda has unparalleled expertise and insights into the India realty as the company is part of a leading financial services group with Dewan Housing Finance Corporation, India’s second largest private mortgage finance company as flagship entity. STAR Fund II will make 35-40 investment across 11 cities in India like Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Coimbatore and Jaipur to name a few. ”ArthVeda is, perhaps, the only asset management company that can successfully execute such strategies because of its group strengths. STAR Fund II will be done in conjunction with DHFL and AHFL, through which ArthVeda has access to a ground force of more than 5,000 personnel and relationship with 300 builders across India,” Bikram Sen, chief executive officer of ArthVeda said. He said that the group collectively, lends $350 million across India every month.

ment,” said Thomas A. Kennedy, chairman and chief executive ofﬁcer of Raytheon. “We don’t see PFD (partnership for development) as an obligation but rather as an opportunity for further cooperation with Oman,” he added. The two PFD agreements were signed under the Partnership for Development (Offset) Programme and were the ﬁrst to be signed since the release of its regulations following the issuance of the Royal Decree.

Electronics The ﬁrst agreement was signed with Raytheon, a major defence contractor and industrial corporation with core manufacturing concentrations in weapons and military and commercial electronics. Dhaﬁr bin Awad Al Shanfari, the authority’s chief executive officer, and D.J. Broadbent, vicepresident – contracts at Raytheon, signed the agreement. The second PFD agreement was signed with Marine Alutech,

a leading designer and manufacturer of fast patrol boats in Northern Europe. Al Shanfari and Niko Haro, chief executive officer of Marine Alutech, signed the second agreement. The Finnish company expressed full readiness to cooperate with the authority in several areas, such as technology transfer, creation of a local production line, and development of new products in partnership with local manufacturers. “The OAPFD welcomes the signing by these first participants in the PFD Programme following the promulgation of Royal Decree 9/2014 and the ratification of the 2015 PFD Regulations. We anticipate many years of productive cooperation together with these companies to further the strategic national priorities of the Sultanate,” said Al Shanfari. The signing of these two agreements came after the recent ratification by the board of trustees of the Omani Authority for Partnership for Development of the regulations for the PFD Programme (Omani Offset Regulations).

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

MARKET OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ....................................... 6,292.78 ...............6,219.35 ....................6,219.77 .................. 6,292.34................-72.57 ...................-1.15 Financial Index .....................................7,652.36 ...............7,550.97 ....................7,554.17 ....................7,648.51............... -94.34 .................. -1.23 Industrial Index ....................................8,051.01 ............... 7,972.81 ....................7,973.91 ................... 8,051.01................ -77.10 .................. -0.96 Services Index .......................................3,412.57 ...............3,387.93 ...................3,388.02 ................... 3,412.57................-24.55 .................. -0.72 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................970.37 ..................962.52 ...................... 962.53 ......................970.20...................-7.67 .................. -0.79 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 12,595,973 ................. 3,576,906 .....................929 .............. 14,984,804,934 .................. 5 ..................... 35 .................... 13 .........................53

MSM index ends lower

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR MONDAY, AUGUST 17 ISIN ..................................................SECURITY NAME ...............................................................................................VOLUME ..............TURNOVER...................TRADES ...........OPEN PRICE............. HIGH....................LOW...............CLOSE PR. ..........PREV. CLOSE..........DIFF (RO) .................DIFF %......................LAST PR...............LAST BID.....................LAST OFFER .................MARKET CAP ........PAR VALUE

REGULAR MARKET ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... OM0000001822............UNITED POWER ...........................................................10,050 ............ 23,869........................3 ............2.375 ........... 2.375 ...........2.375........... 2.375 .............2.160 ............0.215 ............. 9.954 ................2.375..............2.375...................0.000 ...................1,900,000 ..........1.000 OM0000004669 ...........SHARQIYAH DESALINATION ......................................550 ...............2,310........................3 ........... 4.200...........4.200 .......... 4.200 .......... 4.200.............4.100 ............0.100 ............. 2.439 ............... 4.200 ............ 4.200...................4.400 ..................41,076,907 .........1.000 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER................................................ 107,465 ............ 23,805........................3 ........... 0.222...........0.222 ...........0.215 ........... 0.222 .............0.220 ........... 0.002.............0.909 ................0.215 .............. 0.215...................0.221..................149,825,009........0.100 OM0000002275 ...........SHELL OMAN MARKETING ......................................7,527 ............. 15,188........................3 ............2.015 ...........2.020 ...........2.015 ........... 2.020 ............. 2.015............ 0.005.............0.248 ................2.020 ............. 2.015...................2.030 .................191,900,000........0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST .................................................................... 223,097 ......... 107,087........................6 ........... 0.480 ...........0.480 ...........0.480........... 0.480 .............0.480 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.480..............0.480...................0.000 .................177,800,304........0.100

United Power was the top gainer, up by 9.92

OM0000001889............SALALAH MILLS................................................................ 500 .................. 748........................1 ............1.495 ........... 1.495 ...........1.495 ............1.495 ............. 1.495............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.495 ..............1.450...................1.495 ...................72,003,781 .........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ...............................................2,317 .................. 765........................3 ........... 0.330 ...........0.330 ...........0.330........... 0.358 .............0.358 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.330..............0.330...................0.350................... 21,911,130 .........0.100 OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE .........................................................9,944 ...............1,402........................1 ............0.141 ........... 0.141............0.141 ............0.141 ............. 0.141............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.141 ..............0.130...................0.142................... 43,817,857 .........0.100

per cent, while the top loser was once again

OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................ 125,000 ............33,750........................3 ........... 0.270 ...........0.270 ...........0.270........... 0.270 .............0.270 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.270..............0.264...................0.270 ................. 417,076,707 ........0.100 OM0000002572 ...........OMAN OIL MARKETING ............................................2,000 .............. 4,320........................1 ............2.160 ........... 2.160 ...........2.160........... 2.230 .............2.230 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.160............. 0.000...................2.200 .................136,643,250........0.100 OM0000003141 ............ACWA POWER BARKA .................................................5,000 ...............4,180........................1 ........... 0.836 ........... 0.836 ...........0.836........... 0.832 .............0.832 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.836............. 0.800...................0.840 .................133,120,000........0.100

Galfar Engineering, down by 3.70 per cent

OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER......................................................................20 ....................... 7........................1 ........... 0.364 ...........0.364 ...........0.364........... 0.380 .............0.380 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.364............. 0.000...................0.360 ..................83,983,800.........0.100 OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH.................................................. 1,227 ............... 3,178........................1 ........... 2.590 ...........2.590 ...........2.590........... 2.590 .............2.600 ...........-0.010 ........... -0.385 ...............2.590............. 2.500...................2.590 .................247,234,135 ........1.000 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 404,137 ......... 208,101..................... 69 ............0.516 ........... 0.516 ...........0.514 ............0.514 ............. 0.516............-0.002 ........... -0.388 ...............0.516 .............. 0.516...................0.520 ................1,177,996,815.......0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ................................................... 153,567.............67,677.....................20 ........... 0.442 ...........0.442 ...........0.440 .......... 0.440 .............0.442 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.452 ...............0.440..............0.438...................0.440 ..................26,620,000.........0.100

MUSCAT: Shares on the Muscat Securities Market dipped on falling crude oil prices in international markets. The MSM30 Index ended lower by 1.15 per cent to close at 6,219.77 points. The MSM Sharia Index closed at 962.53 points, down by 0.79 per cent. Phoenix Power was the most active in terms of volume as well as turnover. United Power remained the top gainer, up by 9.92 per cent, while the top loser was once again Galfar Engineering, down by 3.70 per cent. OMR3.57m turnover As many as 929 trades were executed during the trading session generating turnover of OMR3.57 million with more than 12.59 million shares changing hands. Out of 53 traded securities, ﬁve advanced, 35 declined and 13 remained unchanged. Omani investors were net buyers for OMR535,000, while foreign investors were net sellers for OMR297,000 followed by GCC and Arab investors for OMR248,000 worth of shares. Financial Index declinedby 1.23 per cent to close at 7,554.17

points. Al Omaniya Financial Services, Al Madina Investment, National Bank of Oman and HSBC Bank Oman declined by 3.13 per cent, 3.08 per cent, 2.94 per cent and 2.27 per cent, respectively. Industrial Index falls Industrial Index closed at 7973.91 points, down by 0.96 per cent. Al Hassan Engineering was the only gainer in the sector and was up by 1.10 per cent to close at OMR0.092. Galfar Engineering, Raysut Cement, Oman Cement and Al Maha Ceramic fell by 3.70 per cent, 2.46 per cent, 1.96 per cent and 1.88 per cent, respectively. Services Index showed losses of 0.72 per cent to ﬁnish at 3,388.02 points. United Power, Sharqiyah Desalination, Al Batinah Power and Shell Oman Marketing gained 9.95 per cent, 2.44 per cent, 0.91 per cent and 0.25 per cent, respectively. OIFC, Al Suwadi Power, Renaissance Services and Oreedoo Oman declined by 3.02 per cent, 2.21 per cent, 1.79 per cent and 1.04 per cent, respectively. – United Securities

OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ............................... 665,890 .........258,365......................18 ........... 0.388 ...........0.388 ...........0.388........... 0.388 .............0.390 ...........-0.002 ............-0.513................0.388..............0.384...................0.388..................114,930,909........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 246,201 ........ 422,446..................... 45 ............1.720 ........... 1.725............ 1.710 ............1.715.............. 1.725............-0.010 ........... -0.580 ............... 1.715 ...............1.710................... 1.715 ................1,286,250,000......0.100 OM0000003281............TAAGEER FINANCE ....................................................87,313 .............12,573........................1 ............0.144 ........... 0.144 ...........0.144........... 0.144 ............. 0.145............-0.001 ........... -0.690 ...............0.144..............0.143...................0.157 ...................36,516,960 .........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............ 105,709.............27,413......................14 ........... 0.260...........0.260 ...........0.258........... 0.259 .............0.261............-0.002 ........... -0.766 ...............0.258..............0.258...................0.260 ...................5,439,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES .............................6,000 ..................702........................2 ............0.117 ........... 0.117............ 0.117 ............0.117 ............. 0.118............-0.001 ........... -0.847 ...............0.117 .............. 0.116................... 0.117 ....................6,884,656 ..........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 688,905 ............76,618......................41 ............0.111 ........... 0.112............ 0.111 ............0.111.............. 0.112............-0.001 ........... -0.893 ............... 0.111 ...............0.111................... 0.112 ................... 13,528,125 .........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING .......................... 7,500 ...................817........................3 ............0.110 ........... 0.110............0.106........... 0.109 ............. 0.110............-0.001 ........... -0.909 ...............0.107 ..............0.107...................0.110 ....................3,270,000 ..........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO........................................................................116,121 ............ 88,405..................... 33 ............0.764 ........... 0.764 ...........0.760........... 0.760 ............. 0.768............-0.008 ........... -1.042 ...............0.764 ..............0.764...................0.772.................. 494,717,615 ........0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY......................................78,000 ...........172,110......................18 ........... 2.230...........2.230 ...........2.100........... 2.205 .............2.230 ...........-0.025 ............-1.121 ................2.100..............2.100...................2.200 .................197,788,500 ........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL............................................... 79,657 ...............6,930........................2 ........... 0.087 ...........0.087 ...........0.087........... 0.087 .............0.088 ...........-0.001 ............-1.136................0.087..............0.087...................0.088...................15,225,000 .........0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS ............................................................. 27,974 ...............9,554......................13 ........... 0.344 ...........0.344 ...........0.340 .......... 0.342 .............0.346 ...........-0.004 ............-1.156................0.340..............0.330...................0.340 .................. 17,100,000 .........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ................................. 10,879 ...............3,242........................1 ........... 0.298 ...........0.298 ...........0.298........... 0.298 .............0.302 ...........-0.004 ............-1.325................0.298..............0.272...................0.298 ..................29,800,000.........0.100 OM0000003000 ...........ALMAHA PETROLEUM PRODUCTS MAR. ..... 161,706 .......... 326,735........................4 ........... 2.045 ...........2.045 ...........2.020 .......... 2.020 .............2.055 ...........-0.035 ............-1.703................2.020 ............ 2.020...................2.050 .................139,380,000........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 102,700 ...........22,594........................3 ........... 0.220...........0.220 ...........0.220 .......... 0.220 .............0.224 ...........-0.004 ............-1.786................0.220 .............0.210...................0.220 ..................63,943,225.........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ..................................................98,574 .............51,469..................... 25 ........... 0.532 ...........0.532 ...........0.522........... 0.522 .............0.532 ...........-0.010 ........... -1.880 ...............0.522..............0.522...................0.530...................27,405,000.........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK .................................................................... 266,407 ........... 54,893......................12 ........... 0.206...........0.209 ...........0.206 .......... 0.206 .............0.210 ...........-0.004 ........... -1.905 ...............0.206............. 0.200...................0.206 .................293,557,446........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 864,090 ..........176,315..................... 76 ........... 0.208...........0.208 ...........0.202 .......... 0.204 .............0.208 ...........-0.004 ........... -1.923................0.205..............0.205...................0.206 ..................30,615,300 .........0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT .......................................................... 450,030 ......... 225,015......................14 ........... 0.500 ...........0.500 ...........0.500........... 0.500 ............. 0.510............-0.010 ............-1.961................0.500............. 0.000...................0.500 .................165,436,355 ........0.100 OM0000002614............ONIC. HOLDING ............................................................ 61,783 ............ 29,038........................5 ........... 0.470 ...........0.470 ...........0.470........... 0.470 .............0.480 ...........-0.010 ........... -2.083 ...............0.470..............0.470...................0.480 ..................81,508,928 .........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 184,135 ............ 34,470......................15 ............0.185 ........... 0.190 ...........0.185 ............0.187 ............. 0.191 ............-0.004 ........... -2.094 ...............0.186 ..............0.186...................0.190................. 269,549,280 .......0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 113,249 ............ 25,082........................4 ........... 0.224...........0.224 ...........0.215 ........... 0.221 .............0.226 ...........-0.005 ........... -2.212 ...............0.215 .............. 0.215...................0.221.................. 157,883,801 ........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN ......................................................26,312 ...............3,397........................7 ............0.130 ........... 0.130 ...........0.128........... 0.129 .............0.132............-0.003 ........... -2.273 ...............0.129 ..............0.130...................0.132................. 258,040,350 .......0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ...................................................... 101,884........... 141,191......................12 ............1.420 ........... 1.420 ...........1.350 ............1.385 .............1.420 ...........-0.035 ........... -2.465 ...............1.350 ..............1.350...................1.390................. 277,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................. 100,000 ........... 33,000........................6 ........... 0.330 ...........0.330 ...........0.330........... 0.330 .............0.340 ...........-0.010 ........... -2.941 ...............0.330..............0.326...................0.330 ................ 442,434,383 .......0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 321,000 ........... 62,032..................... 34 ............0.198 ........... 0.198 ...........0.192 ............0.193 ............. 0.199............-0.006 ............-3.015................0.192 .............. 0.193...................0.195 ...................38,600,000.........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 160,306 ............10,125......................13 ........... 0.065 ...........0.065 ...........0.063........... 0.063 .............0.065 ...........-0.002 ........... -3.077 ...............0.063..............0.062...................0.063................... 13,050,537 .........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 1,261,935 .......131,375...................106 ............0.106 ........... 0.106 ...........0.103........... 0.104 .............0.108 ...........-0.004 ........... -3.704 ...............0.104..............0.104...................0.105................... 30,157,986 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 7,446,661 ..2,902,294...................646 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ..... 42........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

PARALLEL MARKET ................................................................................................................................................................................. OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING......................................8,000 .................. 736........................3 ........... 0.092 ...........0.092 ...........0.092........... 0.092 ............. 0.091.............0.001 ............. 1.099 ................0.092..............0.092...................0.095.................... 6,919,136 ..........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. ................... 26,400 ..................949........................3 ........... 0.034 ...........0.036 ...........0.034........... 0.036 .............0.036 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.036..............0.035...................0.036....................3,060,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001400 ...........OMAN FLOUR MILLS ...................................................... 800 .................. 398........................4 ........... 0.498 ...........0.498 ...........0.496........... 0.500 .............0.500 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.496..............0.484...................0.496...................78,750,000 .........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ...................................................... 48,000 ...............2,428........................4 ........... 0.050 ........... 0.051 ...........0.050............0.051 ............. 0.051............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.051 ..............0.050...................0.051....................6,375,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004776 ...........TAKAFUL OMAN INSURANCE ..............................35,000 ...............3,920........................2 ............0.112 ........... 0.112............0.112 ............0.112 ............. 0.112............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.112 .............. 0.112................... 0.113 ...................11,200,000 .........0.100 OM0000002689 ...........OMAN CERAMIC COMPANY .................................... 1,250 .................. 560........................1 ........... 0.448 ...........0.448 ...........0.448........... 0.448 .............0.450 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.444 ...............0.448............. 0.000...................0.450......................847,704 ............1.000 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 3,737,939.......553,554...................233 ............0.150 ........... 0.150 ...........0.147 ........... 0.148 .............0.150............-0.002 ............-1.333................0.148 .............. 0.147...................0.148..................216,465,016 ........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 1,137,823 ......... 78,225..................... 28 ........... 0.070 ...........0.070 ...........0.068........... 0.069 .............0.070 ...........-0.001 ........... -1.429 ...............0.069..............0.068...................0.069..................103,500,000 .......0.100 OM0000002077 ...........AL OMANIYA FINANCIAL SER. ............................. 85,431 ............ 26,484........................1 ............0.310 ........... 0.310 ...........0.310........... 0.310 .............0.320 ...........-0.010 ............-3.125................0.310 ............. 0.000...................0.320 .................. 76,159,413 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 5,080,643......667,254...................279 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 9........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

INDIAN STOCK MARKET

Sensex declines by 189 points on dismal exports data

– Bloomberg ﬁle picture

MUMBAI: Benchmark BSESensex plunged sharply over 189 points and closed below the psychological significant 28,000 mark as spiralling gloomy economic concerns and sliding rupee value wrecked investors confidence. The broader Nifty also settled below the key 8,500 mark. Fears of swelling global downturn worries as well as concern wrangling over an imminent Fed rate hike also dampened the sentiment, triggering broad based panic sell-off. Moreover, volatility in currency market spooked by strengthening dollar value and Chinese decision to devalue its currency and also heightened worries over monsoon rainfall deficit also weighed on trade. The home currency fell to

fresh two-year low in early trade. Realty, Capital Goods, Oil &Gas, Auto and Infra stocks witnessed heavy selling pressure. In contrast, PSU Banking, Financials, Metal and Consumer Durables withstood the fall. Opens flat Earlier in the day, bourses had opened flat before plunging deep into red following heavy profittaking by market participants and kept on sliding lower as the session progressed. However, benchmark indices pared losses during the latter part of the trading session on the back of short- covering and also some value buying in frontline banking counters, which led to some re-

bound in the market towards the fag-end. Firm opening in European equities, too helped the domestic markets to cut short of early losses. A slew of strong policy measures to provide additional support to boost the economy and expectations the central bank would probably accelerate rate cut before its scheduled policy meet on easing inflationary pressure, predominantly helped the market to recover some lost ground, a floor trader commented. Meanwhile, country’s exports contracted for the eighth straight month in July to $23.13 billion in the midst of global slowdown, pushing the trade deficit to $12.81 billion.

The 30-share Sensex opened marginally up at 28,093.54 and moved up further to 28,095.97. But later it fell back sharply to 27,739.13 intra-day trade before concluding at 27,878.27, showing a massive fall of 189.94, or 0.67 per cent. The 50-share Nifty also slumped by 41.25 points, or 0.48 per cent to end at 8,477.30. Elsewhere in the region, most equities ended lower with Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea and Hongkong declining by 0.74 to 1.51 per cent, while China and Japan indices ﬁnished marginally higher. PSU banking stocks were in limelight on capital infusion decision and reform move. Out of 30-share index, 28 scrips ﬁnished lower while 10 ended higher. — PTI

CURRENCY

India's rupee falls by 31 paise MUMBAI: India’s rupee plummeted by 31 paise to end at over two-year low of 65.31 against the US dollar on Monday on the back of consistent demand for greenback from importers and staterun banks. Sluggish trade data amid highly volatile global currency market sentiment in the aftermath of China’s yuan devaluation predominantly weighed on trade, forex dealers said.

Besides, fresh bouts of selling in local equities added pressure on the local currency. The dollar edged higher against other major currencies amid uncertainty over the impact of the yuan’s devaluation last week as well as global inﬂation expectations against the backdrop of Fed rate hike. The rupee resumed lower at 65.12 as against last weekend’s level of 65 at the Interbank For-

eign Exchange (Forex) market on good dollar demand amid higher greenback overseas as well as weak domestic equity markets. It kept falling during the trade to hit a fresh low of 65.36 before ﬁnishing at 65.31, showing a fall of 31 paise, or 0.48 per cent. The domestic currency had recovered 10 paise after sliding for seven straight sessions to close at 65 against the US dollar in Friday’s trade. — PTI

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ROUND-UP

Toyota Innova: An ideal family car The multi-utility Innova arrests attention with its dynamic looks and impressively sculpted contours. The Innova seats eight members comfortably and stylishly

MUSCAT: Toyota Innova is an ideal vehicle to enjoy any journey along with your family. It has style, space, safety and comfort all packed in one. The multi-utility Innova arrests attention with its dynamic looks and impressively sculpted contours. The Innova seats eight members comfortably and stylishly. The 8-seater conﬁguration ensures spacious legroom in and around the second and third row seats, says a press release. Fashionably adorned with a bold front grille, stylish front bumper design and an attractive backdoor garnish that catches the eye, the Innova offers outstanding manoeuvrability even at high speeds. Powered by a 2.7-litre, 4-cylinder, 16V, DOHC, EFi, VVT-i Engine, its front and rear suspensions achieve excellent drive comfort and stability as well as an extreme-

ly quiet ride. The top of line grade hosts a plethora of high class features — auto AC, multi-information display, outer mirrors with turn signal indicators, side protection moulding with chrome, bluetooth integrated music system with 6.1” display screen, woodgrain panelling, alloy wheels, fog lamps and steering mounted controls, to

name a few. The Innova packs a host of safety measures that include the thoughtful design of the driving position, enabling each driver to ﬁnd a position of comfort and control with an excellent ﬁeld of view. Other safety measures include a specially designed body, comprising a crumple zone and high integrity cabin, which help to

H I G H E R E D UC AT I O N

stalled non Toyota item provided on Toyota models as standard equipment. The vehicle speciﬁcations may change without prior notice. For further details and to ascertain availability of stocks, visit your nearest Toyota showroom. The above disclaimer is applicable only to 2015 YM / 2015 production vehicles.

CUSTOMER CARE

Bank Muscat Shahadati educational finance helps students fulfil dreams MUSCAT: The Shahadati educational finance launched by Bank Muscat as part of its commitment to the national objective of educational support for Omani youth is set to meet the requirements of a number of aspiring students seeking higher education opportunities in Oman and abroad. The Shahadati educational finance is designed to help Omani youth achieve their career advancement with relevant educational qualifications. Shahadati covers full expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, transportation, books and other education related expenses required by students, says a press release. Omani students who have suc-

protect occupants by minimising deformation to the passenger compartment. The dual airbags, ABS and seatbelts further add to the outstanding safety offered by Innova. All specifications listed above are standard Toyota equipment. Safety kit (fire extinguisher, warning triangle, tyre pressure gauge and first aid kit) is a dealer in-

The educational finance is designed to help Omani youth achieve their career advancement with relevant educational qualifications cessfully completed their schooling are eligible to apply for Shahadati ﬁnance to pursue higher education programmes in Oman or abroad. The application for loan assistance must be signed and guaranteed by his/her guardian working in government, quasi-

government or accredited private sector companies. The Shahadati loan repayment tenure is 10 years. During the study term, the guardian will pay only the interest portion of the loan. After completion of the study programme, a grace period of 12 months is available to begin repayment of loan until the student gains suitable employment. The Shahadati educational ﬁnance is also available for Omani students seeking to pursue programmes abroad at institutions approved and recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education. Shahadati opens up a great opportunity for the future of Omani youth. Quality education is the

LIGHTING PRODUCTS

key to a secure future and Shahadati makes it achievable by encouraging Omani youth to pursue higher education at home or abroad. Shahadati ensures that customers do not feel the financial burden while pursuing higher education programmes. With employment prospects directly linked to corresponding educational qualifications, Omani youth are increasingly pursuing higher education to achieve their career ambitions. Shahadati fills this critical need, helping youth to pursue higher education at universities of their choice, thereby guaranteeing a secure tomorrow for Oman’s future generations.

Appointment system at Kims enhances patient satisfaction MUSCAT: As part of its commitment to provide high quality healthcare services with total care, KIMS Oman Hospital (KOH) — a 50 bedded multi-speciality hospital, equipped with excellence in healthcare delivery — continues the appointment system to offer to their patients a convenient way to save time and make the most of their meeting with the doctor, says a press release. “The appointment system is effectively continued to offer the patient a convenient way to consult a specialist at a time that works for the patient without waiting in line. KIMS Oman

Hospital has always strived to its patients’ satisfaction. Therefore, we will continue the appointment system in order to enhance our patient’s care experience and make it as comfortable as possible,” said Dr Hussam Akoum, chief operating officer at KOH. Dr Akoum has also highlighted the importance of patients’ satisfaction and of the comprehensive and quality care they offer to their patients. He has also expressed his gratitude to the professional medical and nursing team at KIMS Oman Hospital who is the vital core to achieve the best care for patients.

R E V O LU T I O NA RY WA S H E R

MSE unveils Opple products New LG washing machine comes MUSCAT: Opple Lighting and Mustafa Sultan Enterprises (MSE) conducted Opple’s official introduction to the Omani market held at the Crowne Plaza, Muscat. The event was attended by an overwhelming number of trade professionals who were highly impressed by Opple’s quality products and the promising partnership forged with MSE, a leading conglomerate representing various multinational brands in Oman, says a press release. D. P. Smedema, general manager, Middle East at Opple Lighting, stated in his opening speech: “We, as a brand, are forward thinking and quality-focused, therefore we are glad to be present in the Omani market collaborating with MSE.” Shabir Sultan, executive director of Mustafa Sultan Enterprises,

with sophisticated technology

who unveiled an impressive range of Opple LED products also mirrored this sentiment. The attendees were invited to experience the products ﬁrst hand and were most impressed by Opple Lighting’s global exposure and strong project references in both the Middle East and Euro-

pean markets. The event concluded with a reinforcing statement from Shabir Sultan that Opple Lighting and MSE have a shared vision and commitment to the Omani lighting market to bring forth sustainable LED transformation products and solutions that are affordable.

M E D I C A L E D UC AT I O N

Al Hayat successfully concludes workshop on gastroenterology

MUSCAT: Dr Kulwinder, MD, FRCP (L), FRCP (E), FACP, FASGE, a world renowned gastroenterologist, was ﬂown in to participate in a CME and workshop on gastroenterology conducted by Al Hayat International Hospital recently. The workshop was attended by several gastroenterologists from Royal Hospital, SQU Hospital, Armed Forces Medical Services, Atlas Hospital, KIMS, MPH, etc, says a press release. The proceedings were moderated by Dr K. P. Raman, MD, DM, FRCP, chairman and chief cardiologist, Al Hayat International Hospital. Active participants included Dr Juma Al Lawati, senior consultant gastroenterologist, Royal Hospital, Dr Wasif Rasool, consultant gastroenterologist, SQUH, Dr Salim Omer Salim Al Harthi, senior consultant gastroenterologist, Royal Hospital, Dr Amal Upadhyay, consultant gas-

troenterologist, Dubai Dr Mathew Raphael, gastroenterologist, Al Hayat International Hospital, Dr Rangarajan Muthukumaran, consultant laparoscopic GI and bariatric surgeon, India. Dr Dua worked at the Royal Hospital in Muscat from 1987 to 1992 after he completed his training in gastroenterology in the United Kingdom. In 1992 he joined the Medical College of Wisconsin, USA as a faculty in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Dr Dua had fond memories of the great time he had working at the Royal Hospital and not surprisingly he has visited the Sultanate of Oman several times since he left in 1992. Dr Dua currently is Professor of Medicine and Professor of Paediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), Milwaukee, USA. He is also the Director of Advanced En-

doscopy Training Programme at MCW. Dr Dua has been actively involved is several research projects with over 200 publications, is the recipient of many international awards, and has several patented and approved devices including the Dua anti-reﬂux valve. He has continuously been on the America’s Best Doctors list since 2002. Some of the topics he discussed were diagnosing and curing early cancers of the gastrointestinal tract using novel endoscopic techniques thereby sparing patients from going through complex surgeries. He also discussed techniques of removing the appendix or the gall bladder from the patient’s mouth using an endoscope or using endoscopes to treat acid reﬂux or obesity. He gave an interesting talk on endoscopic techniques as applied to regenerative medicine with potentials of regrowing organs like the oesophagus (food pipe).

DUBAI: LG Electronics, leading innovator of home appliances, offers GCC consumers the TurboWash, a new revolutionary and sophisticated technology that will guarantee an outstanding laundry experience. “With the hectic pace of modern life, LG’s new revolutionary TurboWash technology focuses on cutting back spin times without compromising quality,” said D. Y. Kim, president LG Electronics, Gulf FZE. “With an emphasis on convenience, LG works to provide the most thorough yet delicate washing performance that caters to homes in the region and provides a more pleasant and efficient experience.” The LG TurboWash is a result of infinite research and cutting edge innovation including its smart design, energy and time saving capabilities, 6 motion direct drive technology, and the TrueSteam technology, says a press release. Energy and time saver The new technology promises quicker washing times and better washing results. TurboWash highlights its laundry innovation as it is now able to finish a typical 95 minute cotton wash cycle within 59 minutes while maintaining the same level of quality. This cycle offers the added benefit of reducing energy consumption by up to 15 per cent and water consumption by up to 40 per cent. It provides the dual convenience of lowering utility bills with faster washing times. 6 Motion Direct Drive LG’s 6 Motion Direct Drive applies different drum movements to create a combination of six different washing motion programmes to deliver customised washing for all types of clothes. As effective as washing by hand, 6 Motion Direct Drive Technology helps to provide an optimal washing environment, reducing wrinkles and damages in clothes and ensuring high fabric care. Moreover, thanks to the advanced Inverter Direct Drive motor, LG’s eco-smart technology with swifter and superb washing results makes LG’s latest eco-friendly range of washing machines the perfect solution for

for chemical-based fabric softeners. Steam Refresh employs steam instead of water for a truly deep clean, reducing wrinkles and odours from delicate clothes in just 20 minutes. TrueSteam removes allergens, mites and residual detergent, all which have been linked to respiratory and skin ailments.

households looking for optimal energy and time savings. The new Inverter Direct Drive motor makes the washers less prone to vibrations, allowing them to operate as quietly as possible. The motor also comes with a 10-year warranty, highlighting LG’s dedication in providing the ﬁnest machinery. TrueSteam technology LG’s latest front-load washing machine incorporates TrueSteam technology with the following features: Steam Softener, Steam Refresh and Allergy Care. The Steam Softener function maintains the original quality of fabrics and eliminates the need

Smart design With a focus on superior design and consumer friendly features, LG’s new frontload machines are sleek, aesthetically pleasing and unobtrusive for homeowners. Along with models with LED display the line-up will also offer models with a full touch control panel with smart interactive capabilities. Key speciﬁcations: Front-Load Washing Machine with TurboWash • 6 Motion Direct Drive • Inverter Direct Drive Motor (10-Year Warranty) • TrueSteam allows for: • Steam Softener • Steam Refresh • Allergy Care • Speed 14” Quick Cycle • LED Display

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

ROUND-UP Bank Sohar holds 20th weekly draw in Nizwa Continuing to offer more chances, more winners and more prizes for its customers as part of the 2015 Al Mumayaz Saving Scheme, the bank’s draws included the OMR5,000 weekly draw and the speciﬁc branch wise draw of OMR1,000

NIZWA: Bank Sohar conducted its 20th weekly draw at the Nizwa branch under the auspices of Abdullah Ahmed Said Al Hoqani, one of Bank Sohar’s VIP customers and was attended by Juma Masaaod Saleem Al Dawudi, senior branch manager of Nizwa Branch, in addition to other senior staff members of the bank and VIP customers of the region. Continuing to offer more chances, more winners and more prizes for its customers as part of the 2015 Al Mumayaz Saving Scheme, the bank’s draws included the OMR5,000 weekly draw and the speciﬁc branch wise draw of OMR1,000. The draw witnessed H. Z. H. from Rustaq branch as the OMR 5,000 winner and Ali Abdullah Al Wardi from the bank’s

Nizwa branch as the OMR1,000 Branch Weekly winner, says a press release. The event was inaugurated with a welcome speech followed by an overview of the 2015 Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme by Thuraiya Al Hashmi, senior manager – Business Development and Planning Liabilities at Bank Sohar. Following the presentation, the chief guest announced the names of the two lucky winners. The event concluded with the handover of a token of appreciation to Abdullah Ahmed Al Hoqani on behalf of the bank. Commenting on the response the bank has received for the Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme, R. Narasimhan, DGM & Head of Retail Banking, said: “Our Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme was developed out of our desire and commitment

towards encouraging the habit of savings in our customers and the community. It has been very well received by our customers and has been growing in popularity with each passing year. “Our customers have been especially appreciative of the greatly increased number of prizes; in particular our hourly draws every day and weekly draws as well as the newly introduced dedicated branch draws that ensures we have winners spread across our entire branch network.” “On behalf of Bank Sohar, I would like to congratulate H. Z. H. and Ali Abdullah Ali Al Wardi on winning our latest weekly draw. I would also like to wish all our customers the best of luck in the upcoming draws of the year and encourage them to continue saving for even more chances to win,”

added R. Narasimhan. Following the popularity of last year’s Savings Scheme, the bank has revised this year’s Scheme to provide even better incentives to save by offering significantly more chances, more winners, and more prizes. In addition to continuing with its hourly prize draws of OMR1,000 each from Sunday to Wednesday; the bank is undertaking a branch-wide tour conducting the weekly draw at each of its branches throughout the year; where one winner will win OMR5,000 per draw in addition to a dedicated branch draw worth OMR1,000 specifically for customers of the branch in which the weekly draw event is held. In total the weekly draws will see more than 70 winners before the end of the year. Following the completion of the Half Yearly draw in July, which was worth over OMR150,000 where two winners received OMR50,000 each, while one minor account received OMR5,000, and one exclusive draw winner received OMR50,000; the bank will continue with its monthly draws till November where each month five winners will receive OMR10,000 each, while five minor account holders will win OMR1,000 each. Once completed, the monthly draws alone will witness over 80 winners before the end of the year. Meanwhile, the Year-End Prize Draw boasts a prize pool of over half a million Rials for more than 30 winners, with one lucky saver winning OMR450,000, one exclusive winner receiving OMR50,000 and one lucky minor receiving OMR5,000. In addition, as part of the Year-End Prize Draw, the bank will also be conducting a special branch-wide draw for the first time where one lucky winner from each of the bank’s branches will win OMR5,000.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Napco gives away wheelchairs to OAD MUSCAT: National Aluminium Products Company (Napco), one of the leading extruders of aluminium profiles in the GCC, recently provided 30 wheelchairs to the Oman Association for the Disabled (OAD). The donation is in line with the company’s roster of activities as well as its continuous corporate social responsibility initiatives, says a press release. Established in 1995 through a ministerial decision, the Oman Association for Disabled is a distinguished non-profit organization that aims to provide support, education and leisure activities to people with disabilities. Sayyid Wasfi Jamshid Abdullah Al Said, chairman of the Board of Directors, NAPCO, said: “We believe that the Oman Association for the Disabled is a very fitting partner in NAPCO’s efforts to reach out to the Omani people. We highly commend the group’s steadfast commitment to foster a better understanding of the needs of people with disabilities among the community. We hope that our contribution to

their cause will bring joy to those in need.” Napco has opted to give away 30 European-made wheelchairs, in order to ensure the highest standard and superior quality equipment that will effectively enhance the lives of the disabled people. The wheelchairs feature foldable arm-rests and come fully equipped with soft, extra-long and comfortable padding. The fabric seat and back together with the aluminium leg-rest will provide optimal comfort for the user. “We would like to express our gratitude to Napco. We deeply appreciate their show of support to our association by providing us with top-quality wheel chairs for those who have movement disabilities. I hope that this collaborative aid and encouragement will be the beginning of many more to come. I would also like to express my thanks to the beneﬁciaries as well as all other companies who assisted us in our initiatives,” concluded Mohammed Mohsin Al Lawati, vice president, Oman Association for the Disabled.

P L AT I N U M S P O N S O R

S AV I N G L I V E S

KR group supports Izki mass wedding Al Hashar organises blood donation camp MUSCAT: In keeping with its pro-community corporate culture, Al Hashar Group, one of the Sultanate of Oman’s oldest and most eminent companies, organised its annual blood donation camp at its head office in Azaiba recently. The camp was arranged and organised through the Central Blood Bank, a large number of employees queued up to donate blood, under the supervision of specialists and officials from the Ministry of Health, says a press release. “There is a demand-supply gap in the Sultanate when it comes to blood, and more blood donation efforts are needed to bridge this gap. Business ﬁrms play a valuable role in ensuring that the Sultanate has sufficient stock of blood by organising blood donation drives and encouraging as many employees as possible to take part in them,” said a Minis-

try of Health official. Commenting on the blood donation drive, a senior manager at Al Hashar Group said: “Giving blood does truly save lives, and it is a way in which each of us as individuals can express our gratitude to society and to the country. Al Hashar Group has always stood for the community. We are very glad that the number of our employees willingly coming forward to donate blood has been increasing over the years.” “Undertaking projects and other activities which enhance the welfare of people is an integral part of the corporate value system nurtured by Al Hashar Group, a value system that has been imbibed, accepted, and added to by the entire workforce,” he added, while thanking the Ministry of Health and the Central Blood Bank for their organisation and efforts which made the camp a success.

MUSCAT: The Khimji Ramdas Group supported the mass wedding event at Izki as part of its continuous CSR activities and community support drives. The event was held under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Dr Fahad bin Al Julanda Al Said, assistant secretary general for Innovation and Development at the Research Council, says a press release. KR has been a stalwart supporter of the Izki mass wedding event, providing assistance and aid through generous contribu-

tions that have helped make the occasion a memorable day for thousands of Omani couples. This year the conglomerate was the platinum sponsor of the mass weddings at Izki helping 30 couples tie the knot. “The Khimji Ramdas Group has always been at the heart of activities that support and develop communities. Our association with and support of these initiatives goes back years, if not decades, such as the Izki mass wedding event that has received our support over the

last number of years. We feel honoured to be part of an event that unites couples in the start of their new life together. As always, being a socially responsible company is a priority for us in our endeavour to bring societies to a better standard of sustainable living,” said Anil Khimji, director, Khimji Ramdas. Commenting on the event, Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Ryami, general supervisor, Izki mass wedding, said, “The Izki mass wedding event is an ongoing social inter-dependence initiative

that started in 2003 with the support of a huge number of organisations from, both, public and private sectors as well as the societal entities and sports teams in the wilayat. These institutions share the same goal which is to facilitate the lives of youth and help them settle in their marriage without any hassles; the groom only participates with a symbolic amount. We thank Khimji Ramdas for their continued support which gave us a boost to continue working hard to deliver the best for our youth.”

CUSTOMER SERVICE UNIT

Muscat Finance gets interactive at MGM

LIVE SURGICAL CONFERENCE

Lama Polyclinic conference on gastroenterology on August 20 MUSCAT: Lama Polyclinic in association with Kread Foundation, India is holding a day-long live surgical medical conference on gastroenterology (basic and advanced techniques in gastrointestinal endoscopy) on August 20 and 21 from 9am to 5pm at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Muscat Hall auditorium, CBD area, Ruwi. World renowned doctors from India will be the online surgeons/speakers in this conference. Kread Foundation a not for proﬁt organisation, in the last two years, has completed more than 260 CME workshops and

educated more than 35,000 doctors along with its technological partner WatchWitz Technologies Pvt. Ltd, says a press release. Questions could be asked directly to the surgeon while he is performing surgeries and online during the day-long conference. This conference is open to all gastroenterologists, surgeons and internal medicine doctors in Oman. Guest of honour will be Dr Hisham Al Dhahab, senior consultant gastroenterologist and head of endoscopy unit, Royal Hospital who is also the chairman of Oman Gastroenterology Society.

MUSCAT: Staying true to its reputation as a customer-focused brand, Muscat Finance — the Sultanate’s leading non-banking ﬁnance company — has set up an information and customer service unit at the city’s popular shopping and retail outlet, the Muscat Grand Mall (MGM), as part of its strategy to strengthen its local presence and national reach, says a press release. The ﬁrst of its kind, the kiosk was recently inaugurated in the presence of Faisal Mohammed Al Yousef, chairman of the Board of

Directors of Muscat Finance, and other directors of the company. Located at a vantage point, it is facing the expansive showroom of electronics retailer Sharaf DG on the first floor of the mall that makes it difficult for visitors to walk by without noticing the attractive colours and eye catching tagline - ‘Enabling Dreams’. Significantly, the launch of a mall kiosk is a first by a nonbanking finance company in the Sultanate – testimony of Muscat Finance’s commitment to enhancing the experience of its customers

who sign up for its ﬁnancial products and services. A further rollout of kiosk-based services is envisioned before the end of this year, according to Bikram S. Rishi, CEO. “The philosophy behind the opening of this kiosk is quite simple - rather than have customers come visiting us at our offices, we are establishing a presence where the customers are most likely to converge. And there is no better place than a prestigious shopping address, like Muscat Grand Mall, to connect with our clientele – existing and new alike,” Rishi remarked.

Manned by a team of professional staff, the counter is speciﬁcally geared towards addressing the requirements of customers seeking personal ﬁnance towards purchases such as vehicles, electronics, furniture, and so on. Representatives are also on hand to answer customer queries relating to the company’s products or provide up-to-date information on its portfolio of offerings. Muscat Finance’s kiosk at MGM is open from 10am to 10pm all through the week, with the exception of Fridays.

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Kia to supply 60 Quoris to Kuwait govt officials

SPECIAL OCCASION

Kia Middle East and Africa has won a contract to supply

IS Muladha celebrates 69th Independence Day

60 units of the Kia Quoris to the Kuwait National Assembly (KNA)

MUSCAT: Kia’s luxury ﬂagship sedan Quoris headlines Kia’s offerings and is one of the few luxury sedans designed to maximise rewarding luxury. Over a period of time the Quoris with its range of luxury features and technologies has become one of the most desired luxury sedans in the markets today. Recently building on its title as the ‘International Car of The Year’ in 2014 by Los Angeles Auto Show, Road & Travel Magazine (RTM) and the recent ‘President’s Award’ by AutoPaciﬁc Vehicle Satisfaction Awards, Kia Middle East and Africa has won a contract to supply 60 units of the Kia Quoris to the Kuwait National Assembly, says a press release. Alex Chung, president of Kia Motors Middle East and Africa Regional Headquarters, said, “It gives us great honour and pleasure to announce that Kia will be supplying 60 units of Quoris equipped with VIP packages to meet the needs of the Kuwait government officials.” Chung added, “Serving the government through our prestigious Quoris is a testament to its upscale amenities. We have a strong track record of experience working together with government departments around the world and we’re looking forward to sup-

porting the important work of the Kuwaiti government.” National Agencies Group, will take on the responsibility of supplying the fleet. Ahmad Al Mutawa, chairman of National Agencies Group said: “We are privileged to have been given this responsibility and are always striving to provide the best for our country. We look forward to further collaborations in the future.” In Oman, the 2015 Quoris features a panorama sunroof, improved texture luggage trim to give a softer and fuller look, its front bumper offers an improved scale that maintains the high-tech and charismatic image of Quoris, while keeping a refined and simple form. The radiator grille and the bumper and outer grille have been modified to give Kia Quoris 2015 a bigger scale and a wider appearance. “The sedan is equipped with newly designed 18” Alloy Wheel New Design, DRL & fog lamp. It also has DRL inner lens and lighting image (daytime). The advanced safety features in the All New Kia Quoris 2015 also feature RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert) – it’s an alarm that warns the driver about vehicles approaching from side when reversing. There is the TFT LCD cluster, Rear armrest USB charger, High-gloss centre console, Passenger’s IMS, desired

seat position memory system, amongst others.” Landmark vehicle Industry analysts believe that the Quoris luxury flagship powers Kia into an entirely new segment of the global automotive market. The first modern rear-wheel drive Kia tops the global model range and is a true landmark vehicle for the company, combining stylish design with luxurious comfort, engaging driving dynamics and advanced hi-tech features. Passionate attention has been paid to the finer details including innovative, high-tech touches that enhance both Kia Quoris’ functionality and aesthetic allure. In addition to providing a dynamic driving experience never before seen in a Kia, Kia Quoris employs high-strength steel throughout the chassis to ensure a higher level of protection against collisions. Kia Quoris is powered by an upgraded 294ps Lambda V6 3.8-litre MPI engine. The normally aspirated twin DOHC 3.8-litre engine is equipped with dual continuously variable valve timing and a variable intake system. Every Kia Quoris comes with Kia’s all-new eight-speed automatic transmission mated to an innovative SBW (Shift By Wire) technology that helps save space and weight while

reducing engine noise in the cabin. The excellent handling balance of Kia Quoris delivers a host of driver beneﬁts – improved traction, greater road holding, enhanced braking stability, and enhanced turn-in. Adopting rear-wheel drive also enables to create a purity of steering response and feel. For safety of passengers, the Active Safety system comes standard with ABS (anti-lock braking), BAS (Brake force Assist System, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), HAC (Hill Assist Control), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management) and EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution). EBD monitors the car’s load, the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and adjusts the front/ rear distribution of the braking pressure to enhance retardation. Since arriving in the US market 20 years ago, Kia Quoris has won the prestigious ICOTY award three years running is a clear indication that Kia products consistently offer a world-class balance of design, amenities, luxury and value for today’s discerning car buyers. Kia models are equipped with some local accessories to enhance its looks, feel and functionality. Reliable International Automotive (RIA) the distributor for Kia in Oman welcomes customers wishing to experience the luxurious Quoris, to any of their showrooms.

E X C E L L E N C E AWA R D

Alpha Oman honoured with Bizz 2015 MUSCAT: Alpha Oman has been honoured by the World Confederation of Businesses (Worldcob) with one of the most important business awards in the world: The Bizz 2015. This distinction was given recently at a gala ceremony at the Caesars Palace Hotel, Las Vegas, USA, says a press release. Worldcob is a leading business organisation based in Houston, Texas, which fosters the development and growth of over 3,000 companies in 100 countries, recognising and driving the advances of outstanding businesses and businessmen, as well as promoting corporate social responsibility. With this triumph, Alpha Oman has become a member of Worldcob, alongside important corpo-

rations such as Dubai Duty Free (UAE), Doha Bank (Qatar), Saudi Telecom Company (Saudi Arabia), BBK BSC (Bahrain), Agricultural Development Bank (Ghana), Sohar Bank (Oman), Russlavbank (CJSC) (Russia), Beerlao (Laos),

Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopia), Karabuk University (Turkey), Competence Call Center (Austria), Credit Libanais (Lebanon), Promotora Opción (Peru), Qatar Airways (Qatar), Metro Markets (Egypt), Export Import Bank Of

E X PA N D I N G B U S I N E S S

Jaguar Land Rover unveils next stage of global expansion plans LONDON: Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has signed a Letter of Intent with the Government of the Slovak Republic for the potential development of a new manufacturing plant in the city of Nitra in western Slovakia. With its established premium automotive industry, Slovakia is an attractive possible development opportunity. The move marks the next step in the company’s strategy to become a more competitive global business by expanding its manufacturing operations into new international locations in the future, says a press release. The UK is the cornerstone of Jaguar Land Rover’s business. It remains at the centre of Jaguar Land Rover’s design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities. Over the past ﬁve years, Jaguar Land Rover has employed more than 20,000 people taking its workforce to more than 36,000 and invested more than £11 billion in new product creation and capital expenditure. During this time, the company has invested heavily in its UK

vehicle manufacturing facilities at Castle Bromwich, Halewood and Solihull to support the introduction all-new vehicles such as the Jaguar XE, Jaguar F-PACE, Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport. Jaguar Land Rover has also invested more than £500 million in a new Engine Manufacturing Centre in the UK, creating 1,400 new jobs in the Midlands. In addition, it plans to expand its advanced engineering and design centre at Whitley, Coventry and invest in the National Automotive Innovation Centre at Warwick University. Jaguar Land Rover’s sustained investment supports the delivery of the UK’s wider industrial strategy. Dr Ralf Speth, chief executive officer, Jaguar Land Rover, said, “The expansion of our business globally is essential to support its long-term, resilient growth. As well as creating additional capacity, it allows us to invest in the development of more new vehicles and technologies, which supports jobs in the UK.

“With its established premium automotive industry, Slovakia is an attractive potential development opportunity for us. The new factory will complement our existing facilities in the UK, China, India and the one under construction in Brazil.” The feasibility study underway with the Slovakian Government will explore plans for a factory with an installed capacity of up to 300,000 vehicles over the next decade. As part of Jaguar Land Rover’s commitment to deliver more lightweight vehicles, the plant would manufacture a range of aluminium Jaguar Land Rover vehicles. It is anticipated that the ﬁrst cars will come off the production line in 2018. Following robust analysis of a number of locations including Europe, the United States and Mexico, Jaguar Land Rover has selected Slovakia as its preferred location. It is close to a strong supply chain and good logistics infrastructure. Subject to the outcome of the feasibility study, a ﬁnal decision is expected later this year.

Bangladesh (Bangladesh), The Imperial New Delhi (India), KPJ Healthcare Group (Malaysia), And Banco De Negocios Internacional (Angola), among other companies. This honour will allow Alpha Oman to continue growing as a business, increasing its capacity for trade relations, generating more business and revitalising its corporate image. Alpha Oman is a successful company engaged in engineering, construction, inspection and testing, trading and tours and travels. Alpha Oman is currently an elite member of Worldcob, giving it signiﬁcant business opportunities with other Worldcob members and the fundamentals necessary to promote a socially responsible corporate culture.

MULADHA: The 69th Independence Day of India was celebrated with much patriotic fervour and gaiety at Indian School (IS) Muladha. Dr Kazi Arshad Jafar, the president of School Management Committee, unfurled the Indian tricolour as the chief guest on this occasion. Dr M. Madhusudhanan, the convener and academic sub-committee chairman, Felix Vincent Gabriel and Sundaram Miller, members, S. I. Shareef, principal, V. S. Suresh, Vice Principal, Dr Lekha O. C., co-curricular coordinator, Anita Jerson and Harish T., academic supervisors, heads of various departments, staff, students and parents attended the celebration, says a press release. The programme started with a devotional prayer song which was written and composed by the music department of the school and sung by the school choir. This was followed by the flag hoisting and singing of the national anthems of India and Oman. The chief guest was given a guard of honour by the three platoons of the members of the student council and scouts and guides with their spectacular march past. In his address to the gathering, Dr Kazi elaborated on the significance of independence and recollected the post independence achievements of the nation in the field of science and technology. He urged the students to remem-

ber the invaluable contributions made by the freedom fighters, and appealed them to uphold the unity and integrity of India. On this occasion, he congratulated the whole community of the school on entering into the silver jubilee and appreciated the sincere effort, team work and dedication of the School Management Committee and the teaching fraternity Festivities were in full swing as the entire school premises was adorned with tricolour festoons, balloons and various charts portraying patriotic fervour. The ambience of the school resonated with nationalistic pride and feeling. Melodious patriotic songs in Hindi sung by the school choir and the rhythmic dance performance by the students inspired the gathering. Certificates of excellence signed by Human Resource Minister Smriti Zubin Irani, Government of India, were conferred upon the toppers in All India Senior Secondary School Examination and All India Secondary School Examination 2015, by Kazi and Madhusudhanan. Certificates of merit were also given away to the students who excelled at the 17th National Science Olympiad, International Maths Olympiad and those who performed outstandingly in cocurricular and extra curricular activities.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

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Ooredoo’s 1st franchise store opened in Dhofar

H I G H PA S S E N G E R D E M A N D

Gulf Air increases direct Cairo service

Managed by new franchise partner Recharge Oman, the new store will inspire this fast growing suburban area by offering the full range of Ooredoo’s innovative products and

BAHRAIN: Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, announced it will increase its ﬂights between Bahrain and Cairo from 12 to 14 weekly ﬂights (double daily) from August 24 to meet high passenger demand following successful negotiations between the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Civil Aviation Authority and the Arab Republic of Egypt’s Civil Aviation Authority, to increase air traffic rights between the two countries. With one of the largest Middle East networks, Bahrain’s national carrier is well positioned to link regional travellers to Cairo and allow seamless movement from the Egyptian capital to several key regional and Asian destina-

services to customers

SALALAH: Under the patronage of Eng. Abdul Qadir bin Ahmed Al Haddad, deputy chairman of Dhofar Municipality, Ooredoo’s senior leadership team, led by CEO Greg Young, opened its ﬁrst fully-operated franchise store in Sa’dah, further expanding its retail reach in Oman’s southernmost governorate. Managed by new franchise partner Recharge Oman, the new store will inspire this fast growing suburban area by offering the full range of Ooredoo’s innovative products and services to custom-

ers, says a press release. Ooredoo’s state-of-the-art modernised network has been felt across Salalah in recent months, as it continued its delivery of new and leading technology to enhance life in local communities. Most recently at the Salalah Festival, Ooredoo demonstrated its 4.5G network, allowing customers to experience unparalleled speeds of up to 200 Mbps. The company plans to continue its rollout of next-generation technology to communities like Sa’dah in the near future.

tions with excellent connectivity via Bahrain International Airport to prominent cities in the Gulf, the Indian sub-continent and the Far East such as Dubai, UAE, Bangkok, Thailand and Delhi, India in less than two hours, says a press release. Ahmed Janahi, Acting Chief Commercial Officer, Gulf Air, said: “Gulf Air’s increased Cairo service will mean a greater connection to one of our national carrier’s longstanding routes. We are always looking to satisfy the high demand to and from Cairo and cater to passenger needs on this popular route. With twice daily ﬂights between Bahrain and Cairo we are offering enhanced schedule ﬂexibility for our travellers.”

AFRICA AND INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT

UNIQUE OFFER

Qatar Airways expands network

Al Jenaibi makes luxury driving more affordable MUSCAT: Reaffirming its commitment to providing BMW customers with exceptional offers in the market, Al Jenaibi International Automobiles has launched an exclusive starting price of just OMR25,500 for the BMW X5 xDrive 35i. The unique offer signals Al Jenaibi International Automobiles’ commitment to providing additional value to its customers by reducing the purchasing costs on one of BMW Group’s most popular models, says a press release. BMW’s X range of vehicles come with a proven track record of success that was created by the X5 model which was launched in 1999. When ﬁrst introduced to the market it established itself as an absolute market leader in the Sports Activity Vehicle segment, and quickly became one of BMW’s best-selling model series, accounting for almost a third of all BMW models sold globally. Dynamic Performance Control is a standard feature in all versions of the BMW X5 as an element of the intelligent all-wheel drive system - xDrive. This gives greater precision to the electronically controlled power distribution by optimising driving stability, traction and dynamic performance. The BMW X5 comes with a 3.5 litre four-cylinder engine which reaches a top speed of 210 km/h

DOHA: Qatar Airways is continuing its rapid growth across Africa and the Indian Sub-Continent with an increase in flight frequencies to Asmara, Eritrea, and to Dhaka, Bangladesh. From September 7, flights from Doha to Asmara will be increased from four to five times per week, representing a 25 per cent increase in capacity and enhanced connectivity, in particular for customers from North America and Europe. And on December 9, flights from Doha to Dhaka, Bangladesh, will also be increased substantially with the number of frequencies jumping from 10 to 14 weekly, effectively increasing capacity by 40 per cent on this popular route. Operated with an Airbus 330-300 offering 30 seats in Business and 275 in Economy, the additional flights will allow even more connection opportunities for customers flying from the Middle East, the US, Europe and Africa. For the Doha-Asmara route, all flights are operated with Airbus

A320 aircraft in a two-class configuration with 12 seats in Business Class and up to 132 seats in Economy. The Asmara expansion comes only nine months after the Eritrean capital was first introduced in December 2014 and demonstrates the growing demand for this route. Akbar Al Baker, group chief executive, Qatar Airways, said: “Qatar Airways is committed to continually enhancing the fivestar experience we offer to all

our customers and this further expansion is in direct response to a growing demand on these popular routes. We are delighted to offer even more opportunities for our customers across the globe to connect through Doha’s stateof-the-art Hamad International Airport to both Eritrea and Bangladesh, flying on board one of the youngest fleets in the industry.” Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in just 18 years of operation and today flies a modern fleet of 163 aircraft to 151 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America. At this year’s Skytrax Awards, the airline won Airline of the Year, Best Business Class Airline Seat and Best Airline in the Middle East. Customers flying Qatar Airways can also enjoy the newly launched in-flight entertainment system, Oryx One, with up to 2,000 movies, TV shows and entertainment options available to view on board.

PROMOTION

At Al Jenaibi International Automobiles, we continuously endeavour to provide our customers with the best possible ownership experience that goes beyond their expectations and is befitting of the premium nature of the BMW brand Divyendu Kumar Managing director of Al Jenaibi International Automobiles

with its 300hp. The car sprints to 100km/h in just 6 seconds from a standing start. Loaded with BMW’s latest technology, the BMW X5 xDrive 35i also offers numerous optional BMW ConnectedDrive features that provide the driver with essential information and services to help make their driving experience both safer and more comfortable. These include Internet connectivity, Bluetooth, Parking Assistant and the BMW Head-Up Display. Additional options include Adaptive Headlights, Rear View cam-

era, and Lane Departure Warning with Collision Warning. “At Al Jenaibi International Automobiles, we continuously endeavour to provide our customers with the best possible ownership experience that goes beyond their expectations and is beﬁtting of the premium nature of the BMW brand,” said Divyendu Kumar, managing director of Al Jenaibi International Automobiles. “With this exclusive starting price on the BMW X5 xDrive35i, we are making it easier for customers to own one of BMW best-selling models.”

Mercedes-Benz launches summer offer on GLK 250 MUSCAT: Capturing hearts and minds across the Sultanate, the swift Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 continues to dominate the roads with its seamless reliability and efficiency. As part of its ongoing commitment to bring a new generation of customers the versatility and unrivalled driver experience that has made the SUV a huge success, Zawawi Trading Company, the authorised general distributor for Mercedes-Benz in Oman, has launched an alluring summer offer on all GLK 250 vehicles, says a press release. Clive Hammond, CEO of Zawawi Trading Company, Automotive, commented: “Delivering an exceptional customer experience is at the centre of everything we

do, with this offer being especially designed with the end user in mind. Families today need a vehicle that provides safety, reliability and comfort. The GLK is unmatched in all three categories and will welcome new and existing customers across the Sultanate to a unique SUV experience where every kilometre is more memorable than the last.” For a limited time, the GLK 250 will be available for only OMR16,495, its lowest price ever in Oman. Inclusive with their purchase, customers will receive a 45,000 kilometre service package, and free vehicle servicing for the ﬁrst three years or 45,000 kilometres; delivering peace of mind to customers no matter where they drive, off-road or in urban settings.

The Mercedes-Benz GLK redefines vehicular relaxation, realising the manufacturer’s goal of developing the safest, most secure and efficient products to hit the tarmac. A car perfect for the Sultanate’s diverse environment with fascinating features that make it indispensable, the GLK expertly combines performance and flexibility with 19” AMG light alloy wheels, Agility Control suspension and a highly rigid body response to every twist in the road with quick, precise reflexes. Additionally, the GLK’s interior is luxurious, sporting a stunning and dynamic groundbreaking design characterised by a futuristic look, bold shapes, and striking lines that exude the elegance of Mercedes-Benz.

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM TU ES DAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

SECTION

SPOR YOUR GAME

CHUNG LAUNCHES FIFA PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN South Korean billionaire Chung MongJoon on Monday launched his campaign for the FIFA presidency with a blistering attack on outgoing leader Sepp Blatter and his rival to head FIFA, Michel Platini. >C3

Indian team pay glowing tributes to Sangakkara Virat Kohli termed Sangakkara as

Injured Dhawan out of Sri Lanka series

a “lovely human being” and stated how glad he was that the master batsman was playing his last international series against India

COLOMBO: The Indian cricket team led by captain Virat Kohli and Team Director Ravi Shastri paid rich tributes to retiring Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara, comparing his illustrious career to that of Sir Donald Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar. The 37-year-old Sangakkara will be playing his 134th and last Test at the P Sara Oval against India, starting on Thursday. In his international career spanning over 15 years, Sangakkara has so far scored 12,350 Test runs with 38 centuries and an average of 57.71. In 404 One-day Internationals (ODIs), he has scored 14,234 runs with 25 tons and a staggering 93 half centuries. Kohli termed Sangakkara as a “lovely human being” and stated how glad he was that the master batsman was playing his last international series against India. “I can imagine the kind of emotions he (Sangakkara) might feel because this is something that he has probably done for the last 20 years day in and day out of everyday life. And, not to do that anymore would be a big shock for anyone,” Kohli told BCCI.TV as he gears up to plan Sangakkara’s dismissal one last time in international matches. “He has been a wonderful player for Sri Lanka. A lot of left-handers really look up to him for the way he plays. His technique and the way he has scored runs all over the world, his numbers speak for themselves. He is a wonderful human being. He is a lovely person.

HAIRLINE FRACTURE: Indian captain Virat Kohli, right, looks on as Shikhar Dhawan looks at his right hand during the second day of their opening Test match against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Cricket Stadium in Galle on August 13. – AFP

COLOMBO: India’s opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan was on Monday ruled out of the rest of the Sri Lanka series with a hairline fracture on his right hand, in a major blow to the tourists. Dhawan, 29, sustained the injury during the ﬁrst Test in Galle which India lost by 63 runs on Saturday to concede the lead in the three-match series. Dhawan, who hit a century in the ﬁrst innings at Galle,

“I have had quite a few chats with him on the ﬁeld and away from the ﬁeld as well. I am actually glad that he is going to be playing his last few games against us because it is a special occasion for us to be a part of. Such a legend of the game retiring, as a young side it will be an honour

will miss both the second Test starting at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo on Thursday and the ﬁnal match at the Sinhalese Sports Club in the Sri Lankan capital from August 28. “He underwent tests that conﬁrmed a hairline fracture in his hand. He would require four to six weeks to recover from the injury,” a statement from the team management said. Team Director Ravi Shastri said it was “unfortunate” to lose

for us to give him that respect in his last few Tests,” he added. “Hopefully he doesn’t score too many runs against us but I really wish him all the luck with his life after cricket. It has been wonderful to know such a great player and a great man,” he said.

FEARLESS CRICKET

‘We won’t change our style’ COLOMBO: Notwithstanding India’s shock defeat in the first Test against Sri Lanka, Team Director Ravi Shastri on Monday made it clear that the team will not change its style of play in the remaining two Tests, saying the endeavour has always been to play “fearless cricket”. He said India lost the match because they brought pressure on themselves and it was just a matter of winning one match to get the team rolling. In an extraordinary twist in Galle, India capitulated to an embarrassing 63-run defeat against the islanders, who scripted one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent Test history. “We won’t change our style of play. It will be exactly like how it was in the first match. We made one mistake (in the first game). Of course to close it out we will have to walk the distance... till the end,” Shastri told reporters here. Asked if the team was under pressure, the former captain responded in negative. “It was not a question of buckling under pressure. They sensed the pitch could deteriorate. The pressure was brought on. My general feeling is that if they can get one (victory) on the board it will be the start of many,” he said, stressing on the need to have one good win under their belt. Set a tricky victory target of 176, the listless Indians surrendered tamely to be skittled out for their lowest score of 112 in just

They go out with intent. The endeavour of this team is to play fearless cricket that comes with mindset

Ravi Shastri India Team Director

49.5 over to give the islanders a 1-0 lead in the series last week. “They go out with intent. The endeavour of this team is to play fearless cricket that comes with mindset. These boys have enough talent, I am sure they must have thought after the match why I didn’t play this shot, why I didn’t play in this manner.” Skipper Virat Kohli’s handling of three spinners and the bowling changes in the match have come under the scanner but Shastri threw his weight behind the captain. “Kohli will learn. The more

you play, the more you learn. It is not often that India play with three spinners. (Ravichandran) Ashwin was brilliant throughout the match but you needed others also.” It was a dramatic performance from the hosts who came back from the dead after conceding a massive 192-run ﬁrst innings lead to turn the table on the Indians who had themselves to blame for the debacle. This meant centurions Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan and Ashwin’s (10-wicket match haul) efforts went in vain. - PTI

the in-form left-hander for the key Tests ahead. “Shikhar showed a lot of courage at Galle,” Shastri said. “That’s what I look for in a player. It is unfortunate to lose him.” No replacement has been named. The injury to Dhawan left India in a spot of bother after the other opening batsman, Lokesh Rahul, was dismissed for seven and ﬁve in Galle. First-choice opener Murali Vijay missed the Galle Test

Shastri compared Sangakkara to Tendulkar, in terms of staying at the top of their game throughout their illustrious careers. “He broke into being one of the top two or three players and he never got out of that. There are very few players who fall in that

with a hamstring injury but is expected to recover in time for the second match. Top-order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara is waiting in the wings, while India had already summoned all-rounder Stuart Binny to join the squad as the 16th member before Dhawan’s non-availability was conﬁrmed. Dhawan has scored 1,158 runs in 15 Tests at an average of 44.53, with four centuries. - AFP

list. You can bring Sachin Tendulkar in that league as the kind of player that once broke into the top two or three never moved out of there. He has got runs world over and scored double hundreds like it is a pass time. He is equal with Sir Donald Bradman.” - PTI

LONG-TERM OPTION

Ponting asks Smith to bat at No. 3 LONDON: Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting on Monday urged incoming Test captain Steve Smith to shelve consideration of dropping down the batting order, adding the righthander has the technique to thrive at No. 3 despite his failure in the past two Ashes Tests. Australia were beaten 1-3 by England in the ongoing Ashes series with a match still to go in the five-match series. The final Test will begin on August 20. Smith will take over the Test captaincy from Michael Clarke after the Ashes series. Smith said he would mull a move back to No. 4 when he takes charge of the team in Bangladesh in October, depending on the batsmen alongside him in the team. Ponting strongly counselled him against it, just as he did with Michael Clarke. “I firmly believe that as Australia’s new captain Steven Smith should continue batting at No. 3 once he takes on the role,” Ponting said. “I know there have been a few people saying that he’s not a long-term option in that position based on what they have seen in this Ashes series, but I definitely think it is where he should bat from here on.” Unconventional Ponting said he was confident Smith’s unconventional technique, which involves him habitually moving across his stumps at the point of delivery, was conducive to batting at No. 3, which demands an ability to handle the new ball in case of an early wicket. “England took note of how dominant he was in that game (at Lord’s when he scored 215) and also how much he was moving across his crease. They have bowled wider and wider to him across the series, and if he’s going to persist with that pronounced pre-movement, it will probably continue against most of the bowling attacks Steve faces,” he said. “He spends hour upon hour in the nets hitting balls. But now he may have to start thinking about how to look a little more at everyone else during these sessions without sacrificing his own preparations,” Ponting said. - IANS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

SPORTS

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Bubka ‘confident’ in IAAF race against ‘friend’ Coe Some media outlets have tagged up Coe, the British two-time Olympic 1500m champion, as frontrunner, but Bubka, who also won Olympic pole vault gold and 10 world titles for Ukraine, insisted this was not the case

BEIJING: Sergey Bubka on Monday denied he was the underdog in the battle for the IAAF presidency with Sebastian Coe, insisting he was “very conﬁdent” of victory between two legends of track and ﬁeld. Bubka goes head-to-head with Coe when the 214 member federations of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) vote on Wednesday on whom they think should take over SETTLEMENT

Alptekin slapped with eight-year ban, stripped of Olympic title LAUSANNE: Asli Cakir Alptekin has agreed to be stripped of both her Olympic and European 1,500m titles and receive an eight-year ban for anomalies in her biological passport, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said on Monday. The 29-year-old Turkish athlete struck the deal as she had risked a life ban having been suspended for doping for two years in 2004. Abnormal blood samples between July 2010 and October 2012 had resulted in her being temporarily suspended in April 2013. The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) had appealed to CAS after the Turkish Athletics Federation (TAF) cleared Alptekin in December 2013. “Before a hearing could be held, the parties negotiated and concluded their settlement agreement which is ratiﬁed in the Consent Arbitral Award. The proceedings before the CAS are now closed,” the CAS statement read. Previous punishment CAS said the athlete forfeited all her results from July 2010, including the 2012 Olympic gold and her 2012 European Championship title. Alptekin previously served a two-year ban for a positive test at the 2004 World Junior Athletics Championships. “Ms Cakir-Alptekin is found to have committed a second antidoping rule violation, after a ﬁrst one committed in 2004, and shall serve a period of ineligibility of eight years, to expire at midnight on 9 January 2021,” CAS said. Alptekin won Olympic gold in London ahead of her compatriot Gamze Bulut and Maryam Yusuf Jamal of Bahrain. The agreement comes just days before the World Athletics Championships in Beijing get underway. - AFP

‘VERY CONFIDENT’: Former Olympic champion Sergey Bubka gestures as he speaks to athletes before a press conference in Beijing on Monday, to announce the launch of new pole vault competition in the hometown French pole vaulter Renaud Lavillenie. – AFP

from incumbent Lamine Diack, who is stepping down at the age of 82 after 16 years in charge. Some media outlets have tagged up Coe, the British two-time Olympic 1500m champion, as frontrunner, but Bubka, who also won Olympic pole vault gold and

10 world titles for Ukraine, insisted this was not the case. “I’m feeling very good. I’m very conﬁdent, I have a lot of support from federations,” the 51-year-old told a small group of journalists. Turning to reports that 37 federations had publicly backed Coe

compared to just ﬁve for Bubka, the Ukrainian responded: “I don’t know how they count, how do they get these numbers. Monaco, Montenegro and Iceland have said they didn’t give any permission (to go public as having backed Coe) and you can ﬁnd many countries like that.

“I prefer not to guess who will win. I’m a man of results so we’ll see the results on Wednesday!” Bubka acknowledged, however, that there was little animosity between him and Coe, who both currently serve as IAAF vice-presidents to Diack. “We’re friends, colleagues, we work together,” he said. “It’s good, it’s competition, it’s good for sport.” While Coe will only be standing for president, Bubka has hedged his bets and will also stand for reelection as vice-president should his bid to succeed Diack fail. Turning to the doping allegations that have rocked the sport in recent weeks, Bubka reiterated his “zero tolerance” of athletes who cheat. “Whoever violates the rules will pay the price, will be punished,” he said, stressing that “sport alone will not succeed in this matter”. “We as IAAF, and I personally, are strong believers and supporters of the ﬁght against doping. Zero tolerance. We must protect clean athletes. The IAAF is the leading international federation with many initiatives.” Bubka admitted, however, that the IAAF had to “present more proactively on what is done and has been done”. Although the leading anti-doping federation, IAAF, he said, needed a “stronger, efficient and more successful” programme, also calling for “stronger punishment” of those athletes found cheating. - AFP

OUTGOING LEADER

Diack confident of sport’s future under new chief BEIJING: Outgoing IAAF president Lamine Diack is confident about the future of athletics as the sport prepares to elect his replacement on Wednesday. Former Olympic champions Sergey Bubka and Sebastian Coe are in a head-to-head race to succeed the 82-year-old Diack who has run the governing body for 16 years. “I am all the more confident of what we have in store,” the Senegalese told the opening day of the IAAF Council meeting. “I have laid the foundations for the future of the IAAF with our two great champions ... whoever the IAAF athletics family elects he will be a bona fide son of our sport.” The organisation has been under siege this month following accusations it has not done enough to combat doping in sport. The allegations, which the IAAF deny, have come ahead of the world outdoor championships which begin on Saturday at the 2008 Olympic Stadium in Beijing. Diack also announced he would not be the only official leaving the organisation, saying in a statement that general secretary Essar Gabriel had decided not to renew his deal. The council has also approved the dates for the 2018 world indoor championships, saying the event would be held in Birmingham on March 2 and 4, and added that a change in the walking race venue for the 2016 Rio Olympics had been made. - Reuters

P O S I T I V E FA C T O R

Evolving Utd make Champions League return MANCHESTER: The Champions League theme music will boom out over Old Trafford again on Tuesday when Manchester United return to the competition against Belgian side Club Brugge in the playoff round. After a first season out of the competition in 19 years, United have been led back by Louis van Gaal, who won the Champions League with a brilliant, young Ajax team in 1995 and took Bayern Munich to the final in 2010. Fourth in the Premier League last season, United have opened the new campaign with 1-0 wins over Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, and Juan Mata believes Friday’s victory at Villa Park showed the team’s readiness. “I think we can improve, but six points from six points is a very good start for us and now we have a lot of confidence ahead of the Champions League playoff,” the Spanish midfielder told MUTV. “The clean sheet is a very positive factor. We’re talking about having new players at the back and they’re doing great as well.” It is a year and four months since United last played in the Champions League, losing to Bayern in the quarterfinals in April 2014, and it says much about the profound change the club has undergone since then that only four of the players who played in the 3-1 second-leg defeat in Munich are likely to line up against Club Brugge. Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic, Darren Fletcher, Shinji Kagawa and Danny Welbeck have left the club, while David Moyes is no longer in the dug-out, having been sacked 13 days later. Of those who made it onto the pitch against Bayern that remain, Phil Jones is currently sidelined with thrombosis, Antonio Valencia and Javier Hernandez are out of favour and goalkeeper David de Gea has been removed from the team after becoming unsettled by Real Madrid’s interest.

CAN IMPROVE: Manchester United players, from left, Adnan Januzaj, Antonio Valencia, David De Gea, Marcos Rojo, Matteo Darmian, Juan Mata and Javier Hernandez train at Old Trafford on Monday. – Reuters

That leaves Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling, Michael Carrick and Adnan Januzaj, a late substitute at the Allianz Arena, who came in from the cold to score the winner at Villa after disappearing from view in Van Gaal’s ﬁrst season. Januzaj is one of two Belgian players in Van Gaal’s squad alongside Marouane Fellaini, who is serving a three-match domestic suspicion but could feature on Tuesday. De Sutter swansong Having marked his return with a goal, Januzaj will hope to hold onto his place at number 10 in

support of Rooney, although Van Gaal expressed reservations about his use of the ball against Tim Sherwood’s side. Memphis Depay, the £25 million ($39.1 million) signing from PSV Eindhoven, was also singled out for criticism by the manager, but Mata has backed the Dutch international, who squandered an excellent late chance against Villa, to come good. “The good thing is that he is having the chances,” said Mata, a European champion with Chelsea in 2012. “He’s getting in the position to have the chances, but the

goals will come for him. I think he will score for us very soon.” While United contested three Champions League finals between 2008 and 2011, winning one, Club Brugge are the only Belgian club to have reached the final, losing 1-0 to Liverpool at Wembley in 1978. Michel Preud’homme’s side finished top of the table in Belgium last season, but lost out to Gent in the ensuing championship playoff. For former Belgium striker Tom De Sutter, the tie against United, which concludes on August 26, will serve as a swansong

prior to his departure for Turkish side Bursaspor. Club Brugge, who last played in the group phase in 2005, have made a modest start to the season, winning twice, drawing once and losing once, and Preud’homme is concerned that his team have been playing too much sideways football. “There’s not enough tempo or depth,” said the former Belgium goalkeeper, whose team beat Panathinaikos 4-2 on aggregate in the third qualifying round. “Playing like this, it will be impossible to trouble Manchester.” - AFP

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

SPORTS Chung launches FIFA campaign with blistering attack on Blatter, Platini Chung, who said that Platini is too close

The problem at FIFA is that those mired in corruption, the only thing they are interested in is hiding the corruption

to Blatter’s legacy and the ills that have hit FIFA, vowed to clean up the scandaltainted body in one four-year term and then stand down

PARIS: South Korean billionaire Chung Mong-Joon on Monday launched his campaign for the FIFA presidency with a blistering attack on outgoing leader Sepp Blatter and his rival to head football’s world governing body, Michel Platini. Chung, who said that Platini is too close to Blatter’s legacy and the ills that have hit FIFA, vowed to clean up the scandal-tainted body in one four-year term and then stand down. The election

Chung Mong-Joon Former Vice-President, FIFA

campaign, however, is becoming increasingly bitter. “Today FIFA is undergoing a profound crisis. Under these circumstances, the FIFA president must be a crisis manager and a reformer,” the 63-year-old Chung, a former FIFA vice-president, told a Paris press conference.

“The problem at FIFA is that those mired in corruption, the only thing they are interested in is hiding the corruption,” he added. “The real reason FIFA has become such a corrupt organisation is because the same person (Blatter) has been running it for 40 years. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

MORE DRAMA

SOLE NEWCOMER

Millions of euros at stake in Champions League playoffs BERNE: Rank outsiders Skenderbeu and distant Astana will line-up alongside traditional powers such as Manchester United, Valencia and Bayer Leverkusen as the Champions League playoffs get under way with first legs this week. With millions of euros’ revenue, plus the prestige of a place in the group stage at stake, the playoffs often serve up more drama and tension than the group stage itself. The outcome can also have a significant impact on the rest of the season for clubs who miss out on the group stage windfall. Italy’s Napoli never really recovered last season from their defeat to Athletic Bilbao one year ago. They eventually limped in fifth in Serie A, well short of expectations and outside the Champions League places, and coach Rafael Benitez left the club at the end of the season, although subsequently landed on his feet when he was appointed by Real Madrid. For teams such as former European champions Manchester United, who raked in 32 million euros ($35.54 million) from their last group stage appearance in 2013-14, getting through the playoffs is considered little more than an obligation. Even so, with United still getting into their stride, their tie against Belgians Club Bruges is anything than a formality. FOOTBALL

FIFA has been embroiled in corruption turmoil since 14 FIFA and sports business executives were charged by US authorities in May over more than $150 million in bribes allegedly paid for television and marketing deals. Seven FIFA officials have been detained but Blatter has not been

“Bruges are a good side, they reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League and finished second in the Belgian League last season,” said Louis Van Gaal when the draw was made. Two-season absence Van Gaal’s side, absent from the group stage last term for the first time in 19 seasons, are facing the uncertainties of the playoff round for the first time since 2005, when they overcame Hungary’s Debrecen 6-0 on aggregate. United, who host the first leg on Tuesday, have never been knocked out in the Champions League qualifying rounds and have won four of their side meetings against Belgian opponents. Valencia, who have spent more than 100 million euros on transfers in the close season, host last season’s quarterfinalists Monaco on Wednesday as they attempt to return to the group stage after a two-season absence. In the other top tie, Italy’s Lazio, who have not played in the group stage since 2007-08, host Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. Sporting host CSKA Moscow on Tuesday in a repeat of the 2005 UEFA Cup final which the Russians won while Rapid Vienna, who stunned Ajax Amsterdam in the previous round, host group

stage regulars Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday. Skenderbeu, aiming to become the first Albanian side to reach the group stage, host more experienced Dinamo Zagreb, Croatian champions for the last 10 years on Wednesday. Their hopes of a historic win lie largely on the shoulders of striker Hamdi Salihi who has scored five goals in four qualifiers this season. Familiar faces Kazakhstan could also be represented for the first time if Astana can overcame Cypriot champions APOEL, who must make a 7,000 kilometre round trip to Central Asia for the first leg on Tuesday. Scottish champions Celtic, European Cup winners in 1967, experienced the full trauma of a playoff round defeat last season when they were beaten by Slovenian side Maribor. They are at home to Swedish counterparts Malmo, European Cup finalists in 1979, who are attempting to reach the group stage for the second season in a row. Champions League regulars FC Basel, Swiss champions for the last six seasons, face Maccabi Tel Aviv and BATE Borisov, who have also became familiar faces in the group stage with four appearances since 2008-09, are at home to Partizan in the other tie. - Reuters

F1 fails to attract viable new teams LONDON: The US-based Haas team will be Formula One’s sole newcomers next season after an attempt by the sport’s governing body to attract fresh entrants failed to come up with any viable candidates. An International Automobile Federation (FIA) spokesman said on Monday that neither of the two applicants who had responded to an FIA tender had satisﬁed the criteria and the process was closed. No details were given on the identity of the latest applicants. Formula One currently has 10 teams with Haas already advanced in their preparations to join them in 2016 with Ferrari power units. The FIA had launched a tender in May to try and attract more teams from the start of 2016 or 2017 at a time when some of the current entrants are facing an uncertain future. The sport has not had 12 teams, and 24 cars, since the end of 2012. Of the three teams who joined in 2010, only Marussia remain despite missing the last three races of 2014 due to ﬁnancial problems and then coming out of administration by the skin of their teeth. - Reuters

AFTER SUMMER BREAK

Messi, Tevez join Argentina for friendlies BUENOS AIRES: Barcelona star Lionel Messi, who suffered more disappointment with Argentina in the Copa America last month, has been called up by national coach Gerardo Martino for friendlies against Bolivia and Mexico in September. Argentina lost the Copa America final to Chile on penalties a year after falling in the World Cup final to Germany. Carlos Tevez, who recently left Italian champions Juventus to play at home for Boca Juniors, has also been named in the 24-man squad. Team: Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero, Nahuel Guzman, Agustin Marchesin; Defenders: Pablo Zabaleta, Facundo Roncaglia, Ezequiel Garay, Nicolas Otamendi, Milton Casco, Marcos Rojo, Ramiro Funes Mori, Martin Demichelis; Midfielders: Javier Mascherano, Ever Banega, Lucas Biglia, Javier Pastore, Erik Lamela, Roberto Pereyra, Fernando Gago, Angel Di Maria; Strikers: Lionel Messi, Sergio Agüero, Carlos Tevez, Gonzalo Higuain and Ezequiel Lavezzi. - AFP

Cricket coaching resumes at Al Hail School of Cricket MUSCAT: Al Hail School of Cricket has resumed cricket coaching for all age groups at their facilities in Mabellah. According to a press release issued by the school on Monday, high quality grass ground facilities are available for practice and ﬁelding session as well as

for matches. “After the summer break, coaching at the Al Hail School of Cricket Muscat resumed under the supervision of professional coaches and trainers,” the press statement said. The school’s busy sports calendar will continue with the annual tournament which will

commence soon and an open tournament is also in the pipeline. For further details of the coaching programmes contact Al Hail School of Cricket at Ph: 95162862, 95039418, and 99623536 or email at alhailcricketteam@yahoo.com and ccoman.muscat@hotmail. com)

linked to any corruption case. Chung, a member of the family that owns the Hyundai conglomerate, vowed that if successful in the election on February 26, 2016, he would serve just one term. “I can change FIFA in four years. That is my pledge to football fans in the world.” UEFA President Michel Platini, Brazil football legend Zico and Liberian Football Association chief Musa Bility have also announced they are candidates. Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, another former FIFA vice-president from Jordan, is considering a run. Father and son Platini is considered the frontrunner and has already secured public support from key national federations and regional confederations. But Chung said the Frenchman should not be a candidate because he was so close to the FIFA system and a former close ally of Blatter, who has said he will stand down when the election is held on February 26. “This is not a good situation for Michel and I think it is good for Michel Platini not to be a candidate this time. He is still very young. His problem is that he does not seem to appreciate the seriousness of the corruption crisis at FIFA.”

Chung said that Blatter and Platini once had a “father and son” relationship even though the Frenchman has turned against the FIFA leader. The South Korean football official said it was time for the FIFA presidency to move away from Europe. “If Europe had provided healthy and discerning leadership, would FIFA be in this kind of mess today? This is not a criticism but an appeal to you to think. The core issue of this election is whether the 40-year-old system of corruption should continue or not.” The FIFA election campaign is already turning into a bitter affair with allegations of behind-thescenes dirty tricks. Blatter alleged in a Dutch newspaper interview that Platini warned him he faced prison if he did not withdraw from the election for the head of the world body in May. Blatter won the vote but announced four days later that he would stand down. Blatter told De Volkskrant that the warning was made to his brother. But German newspaper Die Welt said on Sunday that Blatter was behind the distribution of an article by a Swiss journalist which lambasted Platini. UEFA has written to FIFA calling for an investigation into the article. - AFP

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

SPORTS Le Guen’s Oman take on Yemen in friendly

NBO GOLF CLASSIC

SPECIAL WIN: German teenager Dominic Foos.

Foos heads for Oman after record breaking victory in Finland

GEARING UP: A ﬁle photo of Oman national football team. – OFA

The match, being played as part of Oman team’s preparations for the forthcoming Asian Cup and World Cup qualiﬁers, will be

GCC CHALLENGE: A File photo of Oman under-16 national team.

played on August 28

MUSCAT: The Oman national football team, who are currently preparing for the forthcoming Asian Cup and World Cup qualiﬁers, will play a friendly match at home against neighbouring Yemen next week. According to a press release is-

sued by the Oman Football Association (OFA) on Monday, the match is scheduled for August 28. The match, to be played at the Seeb Sports Stadium, will kick off at 7 pm. After having began their campaign in the joint qualiﬁers for the 2018 World Cup and 2019 Asia Cup with an away 2-1 win over India, Oman will play their next Group D match at home against

Turkmenistan on September 3. The Group D also comprises Guam and Iran. The team are scheduled to resume training on August 24 ahead of Yemen friendly. Earlier, team’s French coach Paul Le Guen had called up 24 probables for a three-week training, which concluded early this month.

U16s for Gulf Cup Meanwhile, the OFA also informed that a 23-member national under-16 squad, accompanied by coach Yacoub Al Sabahi, will leave for Doha on Tuesday to participate in the Gulf Cup Football Championship. The GCC under-16 tournament will take take place in the Qatari capital city from August 20 to 29. The Omanis begin their campaign against Kuwait on August 20 before completing their Group A engagements with a match against Bahrain on August 22. The Oman team comprises Yousef Al Sheyadi, Mohammed Al Shukaili, Nawaf Al Mujaini, Mohamed Al Khamisi, Isam Al Makhzoomi, Al Yaqdhan Al Meshefri, Mutasim Al Bakri, Yousef Al Malki, Yahya Al Hudaiﬁ, Isalm Al Hinai, Said Al Siyabi, Naji Al Ghelani, Omar Al Modelwi, Moath Al Jahdhami, Najeeb Mahfoodh, Sultan Said, Mohamed Al Qaidi, Thamer Al Zaabi, Sanad Al Orimi, Mohamed Al Al Alawi, Haidar Al Ajmi, Abdullah Al Darmaki and Mohamed Al Shekaili.

MUSCAT: Germany’s Dominic Foos all but secured his place in the European Challenge Tour’s season-ending NBO Golf Classic Grand Final with record-breaking three-stroke victory in the Gant Open at Aura Golf Club in Finland. The NBO Golf Classic Grand Final will take place here at the spectacular Almouj Golf at The Wave, Muscat from November 4 to 7, with only the top 45 players on the ‘Road to Oman Rankings’ eligible, and Foos put himself within a whisker of a guaranteed spot by becoming, at just 17 years and 347 days old, the youngest winner in Challenge Tour history. The teenager, who won 14 junior events prior to turning professional and joining the Challenge Tour this year, led from start to finish and showed no hint of nerves as he obliterated the field with a 14 under par winning total of 270 after firing four rounds in the 60s (65-69-69-67) to claim the winner’s cheque for €27,200 to move to 19th in the Road to Oman Rankings with €41,599 for the season. “This is a very special win for me,” Foos, who is attached to The Els Club in Dubai and is coached under the watchful eye of Justin Parsons at the Butch Harmon School of Golf, said. “I’m feeling great to have just won my first ever professional win, and my dad just told me that I’m the youngest ever to win a Challenge Tour event, which is really amazing. “I was very relaxed all day, I felt

really comfortable in general today. I think the mind-set doesn’t really change from day to day so it was the same as I’ve approached the week. “Going wire-to-wire is maybe a little bit more difficult than finding your best game in the third and fourth round but it’s special to be able to do it. “It’s very special to share this with my father. We’ve had a couple of victories together before, but we put in so much hard work and for him to be there next to me as my partner and caddie is even more special. “My mum has been here walking with me every hole, so it’s really something special having your parents here at your first professional win. It’s a dream come true.” Foos should now get the chance to write yet another chapter in his fairytale-like story when he takes his place in the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final in Muscat in November. Not only is there a share of the €375,000 prize fund up for grabs, and the chance to win the most prestigious title of the Challenge Tour season. The top 15 players on the Road to Oman Rankings following the conclusion of the season-ending event will be promoted to play on next season’s European Tour. Fans can now find out everything they need to know about the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final by visiting the newly launched tournament website: www.nbogolf.com

E N D O F S P E C U L AT I O N

Man United riches not enough to sway Ramos MADRID: Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos insisted he wasn’t motivated by money after ending speculation surrounding his future by signing a new ﬁve-year deal with the club on Monday. Ramos had been courted by Manchester United during a standoff in negotiations between his representatives and Madrid president Florentino Perez over the Spanish international’s salary with his previous deal set to expire in 2017. According to Spanish media re-

ports, Ramos will earn up to 10 million euros ($11.1 million) a season. “The circumstances of the renewal have made it drawn out but my head and heart have always been here,” said Ramos. “It is clear and I can’t deny it that there were certain things I was uncomfortable with. I never said that I wanted to leave Madrid but I couldn’t continue like that. “You can see the economic part is the last thing I mention, but there were things we needed to talk about. My happiness is here,

so why would I waste time somewhere else. “If it was an economic issue I wouldn’t have stayed. I could have made more money in another place, but there were other circumstances that I had to ﬁx.” United had hoped to lure Ramos to England with the backing of a £750 million ($1.3 billion) kit deal with Adidas and a record new Premier League television rights deal to start in 2016. The two clubs have been locked in transfer talks all summer with

Real still hopeful of landing Ramos’s international teammate David de Gea before the transfer window closes at the end of the month. Ramos is now Madrid’s longest serving player having signed from Sevilla 10 years ago as a 19-yearold and will be club captain for the ﬁrst time this season after Iker Casillas’s 18-year career at the Bernabeu came to an end when he joined Porto last month. And Perez insisted Los Blancos needed Ramos more than ever in the post-Casillas era. “Sergio Ra-

mos has won everything, but just like Real Madrid he wants more, therefore we need him to maintain that desire,” he said. Despite holding an unwanted record as the Madrid player to have seen most red cards in the history of the club with a staggering 19 dismissals, Ramos is a hero amongst the Real support and is most fondly remembered for scoring the goal that saved Los Blancos from losing the 2014 Champions League ﬁnal to local rivals Atletico Madrid. - AFP

FIVE-YEAR DEAL: Real Madrid’s captain Sergio Ramos speaks during a press conference announcing his contract renewal in Madrid on Monday. – AFP

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SPORTS

Musandam-Oman Sail crew stay calm to enjoy Rolex Fastnet Race Two days of breeze forecast ahead of the race, MusandamOman Sail crew were fully prepared for a test of patience and tactical skills during the 600 nautical mile race from Cowes to Plymouth via the Fastnet Rock

MUSCAT: Oman Sail’s MOD70 Musandam-Oman Sail crept over the start line of the 2015 Rolex Fastnet Race as light winds slammed the brakes on the biggest and fastest racing ﬂeet ever to take part in the event. Two days of breeze forecast ahead of the race prompted skippers to revise their race strategies and, while Musandam-Oman Sail’s skipper, Sidney Gavignet, was still focussed on doing well, his crew were fully prepared for a test of patience and tactical skills during the 600 nautical mile race from Cowes to Plymouth via the Fastnet Rock. Gavignet said: “This is a famous race and the most important one of the year for us but the wind is very light so it will not be easy to repeat our success two years ago and win our class on corrected time. The wind will only pick up as we get to the ﬁnish which means all the small boats behind will catch up

but our aim is to work well together, stay calm and enjoy it because then we will do a nice job. “Being very much focussed on learning and training on board Musandam-Oman Sail, it is more important for us to communicate and work well together, much more important than the result. If we have this approach rather than concentrate on the ranking we will do better.” Fahad Al Hasni, one of three Omanis on board, along with Yassir Al Rahbi and Sami Al Shukaili, had studied the conditions ahead of the start of racing on Sunday morning. “The conditions are tricky because there is no wind, so we will stick to the shore to get some land breeze but it will not be easy because the current is against us, so each time we move forward, we will be pushed back. It is very important for us to do well because it is an international race and we are flying the flag for Oman,” he said. Racing against three other trimarans and Spindrift, the world’s fastest multihull, added extra motivation for the seven-strong Musandam-Oman Sail crew that also includes Spanish sailor Alex Pella and Irish offshore veteran Damian Foxall. “This is the 90th edition of the Fastnet Race and we are back as previous class winners which adds to our sense of anticipation,” said Foxall. “We have some competition this year which is great – two other MOD70s, Prince de Bretagne and Spindrift. The light winds mean it will take two days to get to the rock which will make it tricky but it is fantastic to be here and amazing to see such a big fleet. We want to be scratch boat and beat the rest of the multihull fleet but in these light winds, the reality is anyone can win.” Musandam-Oman Sail is expected to arrive in Plymouth on Wednesday.

FOCUSSED: Musandam-Oman Sail pictured at the start of the 2015 Rolex Fastnet Race in Cowes. – Supplied photo

BRIDGE

Gautam and Ashok win top honours

WINNERS: Ashok Sardiwal and Gautam Mukherji pose for a photo after the prize-giving. – Supplied photo

MUSCAT: Ashok Sardiwal and Gautam Mukherji took the top honours at the Pairs Bridge Tournament for the month of August organised by Muscat Bridge League (MLB) at Ruwi Hotel recently. The tournament saw participation of 20 players where the ten pairs played a Full Howell, each pair playing three boards against every other pair. Ashok Sardiwal and Gautam Mukherji ﬁnished on top with an impressive 67.6 percent. They did not play to their true potential, though Ashok played a couple of hands very well. Abdi Naffar and Vishnu Mampatta, who is leaving Oman after 31 years of stay, had a rocking start scoring 83 percent against the top pair but did not have a lot of luck thereafter. Their forte was being steady. Their score of 63.4 percent

could have won a tournament on another day. Suhail Khan and Nitin Vaidya played a good game. One sacrifice bid of 7H against a cold 6S was a brilliant spot from Nitin. They, unfortunately, did not play the prospective boards against the right opponents. They finished with an impressive 61.2 percent and finished in third place. Seasoned partners Rita and Subodh Agarwal were only other pair to finish above 50 percent and they settled for fourth palce. The prize for the best performing pair with at least one lady in the pair — outside the place holders — went to Devyani Sampat and Rashmi Kothari. Vishnu Mampatta handed over the prizes. The next tournament is scheduled to be played in September.

FANJA SIGN IMAD AL HOSNI Fanja Club, the eight-time league champions, roped in international striker Imad Al Hosni. The signing ceremony at Markaz Al Bahja recently in the presence of Prashant Dutt, General Manager of Markaz Al Bahja, who are also one of the sponsors of Fanja Club, and club chairman Saif Al Sumri. Al Sumri said the 31-year-old will play in Fanja’s season opener on August 21 against Al Arouba in the Super Cup. — Supplied photo

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

SPORTS

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STUPID TRIO: Thanasi Kokkinakis, Bernard Tomic and Nick Kyrgios. – Agencies

COLOURFUL CHARACTERS OR JUST NEW BRATS OF SPORT! Bernard Tomic, Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis have been making headlines for all the wrong reasons, leaving Australian media to ask on Monday: “Are the trio of stars losing the plot because they are young, stupid or victims of their own poor judgement?”

ustralia’s rising tennis stars are fast earning a reputation as the new brats of the sport with recent antics sparking stinging criticism and calls to change their ways. Bernard Tomic, Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis have been making headlines for all the wrong reasons, leaving Australian media to ask on Monday: “Are the trio of stars losing the plot because they are young, stupid or victims of their own poor judgement?” Kyrgios has been the chief culprit, picked up by on-court microphones, sledging Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka with a comment linking ‘Kokkinakis’ with ‘your (Wawrinka’s) girlfriend” in at the Rogers Cup in Montreal last week that infuriated the Swiss star. The 20-year-old Kyrgios was ﬁned $12,500 by the ATP Tour, which launched an investigation into the remark which could result in further action against him. He later apologised but not before his unsavoury comment sparked ﬁerce condemnation in the women’s game, led by WTA Tour chairman Stacey Allaster, tennis legend Martin Navratilova and commentator Pam Shriver. “The statement made by Nick Kyrgios is crude and unacceptable,” Allaster said, in comments echoed by Australian media. “The problem with the type of venomous poison Nick Kyrgios spewed last week is that it spreads like a cancer, entangling and

embroiling others in its vitriol,” wrote The Australian newspaper’s Courtney Walsh. He was referring to Kokkinakis almost coming to blows with Ryan Harrison in qualifying for the Cincinnati Masters at the weekend. Kokkinakis was agitated by a pair of call overrules by the umpire in 23-year-old Harrison’s favour, pressing his complaints to annoy the American who railed about these “new age little kids”. “They are going to get hurt,” Harrison said. “(Kokkinakis) is 19. If he wants to get into it, I will bury him. Wawrinka should have decked Kyrgios and I should deck that kid.” ‘Channel your inner Laver’ Kokkinakis has not been in trouble before and moved on Monday to distance himself from the Kyrgios controversy, slamming his friend for drawing him into it. “I let him know. I made it pretty clear that he can’t be doing that. If he’s got a problem, he’s got to say it in private,” he told Australian Associated Press of the brash Kyrgios, whose behaviour has met with outrage before. At Wimbledon this year, Kyrgios was accused of “tanking”, and he also argued with umpires and gave sarcastic answers at press conferences. While some see his behaviour as petulant and disrespectful, others view his colourful antics as good for a sport in need of characters, although he is not the only Australian to raise hackles. Tomic, 22, has endured a turbulent career, and was most recently in the headlines over his arrest in Miami last month for failing to follow police orders over a raucous penthouse party. It came on the eve of Australia’s ultimately successful Davis Cup quarterﬁnal tie against Kazakhstan, from which Tomic was dumped after an earlier tirade against Australian tennis administrators. While Australia boasts a rich history of quality players, including Rod Laver, Ken Rosewell, Pat Rafter and Margaret Court, Lleyton Hewitt was also a loose cannon in his youth, once labelling match officials at the French Open “spastic”. He eventually matured and is now the elder statesman many feel could get the current young guns back on track, particularly in his new role as Kyrgios’s coach and mentor. As Shriver said in comments reported by Australian media after the Kyrgios and Kokkinakis ﬁascos: “Channel your inner Laver, Rosewell (Tony) Roche, Rafter. Bring the class again.” - AFP

CRUDE AND UNACCEPTABLE: This ﬁle photo taken on July 6, 2015 shows Australia’s Nick Kyrgios talking to the chair umpire about a line call in a point against France’s Richard Gasquet during their men’s singles fourth round match at the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Club in Wimbledon. – AFP

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LIFESTYLE

Dining WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

When I was growing up, anytime my mother needed to come up with something special to serve vegetarian guests, cottage cheese was sure to be on the menu. Popularly known in India as paneer, the taste of my motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s freshly homemade cheese still lingers in my mind and on my tastebuds. Available in several varieties, there are many yummy ways you can prepare it. Throughout my cooking life I have used this great ingredient in classic preparations and new recipes. One of my favourites, paneer kebab, makes me nostalgic as it brings back some of my fondest childhood food memories; the very sight of my crunchy cottage cheese balls puts me in the mood to have a casual party; and, inspired by this crumbly, mild fromage, the third recipe this week in my interpretation of spicy enchiladas.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

LIFESTYLE BRIEFS

Cruising 20,000km to unveil local Indian recipes: Chef Saransh CRISPY COTTAGE CHEESE BALLS WITH SPICY SALSA

PHOTO: WIRES

Ingredients • 250g, grated cottage cheese • 1 onion, chopped • 2 garlic cloves, chopped • 2tbsp parsley, chopped • 1 green chilli, chopped • 2tbsp Parmesan cheese • 2tbsp mozzarella cheese • 100g cornﬂakes, crushed • 3 eggs, whisked • 2tbsp, ﬂour • Salt and pepper • Oil to fry

Ever heard of chocolate pakoras, fruit biryani, blueberry pedas or tofu koftas? Rewind to August 6, 2012. At around 5am, when a majority of Indians were asleep, Chef Saransh Goila embarked on a 20,000-km journey across 60 cities to experience the true Indian culture and food to reinvent the local food and pen his experiences. The outcome, India on My Platter (Om Books/ Rs295/pp 320), is a travelogue of Chef Goila’s journey across 25 Indian states, covering the length and breadth of the country, to unveil some of the most interesting recipes and cultures. “When one thinks about Indian food, there are very restricted images of a curry, or a biryani in people’s heads. Through my book, one can see that in a diverse country like ours, there is more to Indian food than a curry,” the 28-year-old Goila told. The idea is to promote Indian art, culture and food, all through one travelogue, he added.

For the salsa • 1/2 onion, finely chopped • 1/2 tomato, finely chopped • 1 chilli, finely chopped • 1/2 tbsp coriander, finely chopped • 2tbsp Tabasco sauce • 3tbsp tomato ketchup • 1 tbsp water

PANEER SHASHLIK Ingredients • 500g, cottage cheese cut in cubes • 1 red bell pepper cut in squares • 1 capsicum cut in squares • 2 onions cut in squares • 1tbsp oil • 1tsp chat masala powder • 1tbsp ginger paste • 1tbsp garlic paste • 1/2 cup yoghurt • 1tbsp red chilli powder • Salt to taste • 1tbsp garam masala powder, to ﬁnish

Preparation • In a pan, heat oil, add chopped onion, sauté for 2-3 minutes, add chopped garlic, parsley, green chilli. • In a bowl, put the grated cheese, add the prepared mixture, and adjust the seasoning. Also add the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Mix properly. • Make golf size balls of this mixture. First roll them in ﬂour, then dip into the whisked egg, and then coat with the corn ﬂakes. • After preparing all of them, deep fry them. Serve hot with the spicy salsa. • To make the spicy salsa, just mix all the ingredients in a bowl, adjust the seasoning.

Preparation • In a bowl, combine all the ingredients and toss to combine. Let marinate for at least one hour. • Thread the cubes of cheese, bell pepper, capsicum, and onion onto a skewer. Cook over medium high heat on a griddle pan or on a grill until slightly charred on edges, turning and basting with oil. • Sprinkle with chaat masala and serve hot.

Indian restaurant chain in Scotland up for sale The biggest chain of Indian restaurants in Scotland, Ashoka, is up for sale after a slowdown in curry consumption and people preferring cheaper eating houses, a report said on Sunday. The Indian-descent owner of the chain, Sanjay Majhu, 48, has sold four of the 14 restaurants last year, including Ashoka West End in Argyle Street, Glasgow. “It is getting harder. I do not see myself expanding into Indian restaurants any more. People like going to cheap restaurants,” Scotland’s Daily Record newspaper quoted Majhu as saying.

COTTAGE CHEESE ENCHILADAS Ingredients • 1 tortilla wrap • 1/2 chopped onion • 1 clove of garlic, ﬁnely chopped • 1 red chilli, chopped • 1/2 capsicum, ﬁnely chopped • 1/2 can of beans with tomato sauce • 3 tbsp of crumbled cottage cheese • 2tbsp tomato sauce • 1tbsp mozzarella cheese • Salt and pepper

Food waste containing meat more harmful to earth

Preparation • Heat a pan, add 1tbsp of oil, add onion, garlic, capsicum, and sauté for 2-3 minutes. • Stir in the canned beans along with its sauce. Mix properly. Adjust the seasoning and the stuffing is ready. • Heat a tortilla in a pan, place the stuffing at the centre, top it with some crumbled cottage cheese. Close the wrap. • Place it on a baking dish, spread the tomato sauce on top of it and also some mozzarella cheese. • Place it inside the oven till cheese on the top bubbles. Serve hot with fresh avocado.

Pallavi Nigam

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHABIN E

Pallavi Nigam completed her culinary education at ICIF in Italy and worked as a chef for Grand Hyatt, Mumbai. She is now based in Muscat where she writes recipes and takes cooking classes. Contact her: pallavi_nigam@hotmail.com twitter @pallavizzao pallavizza.com

Wasting food that contains meat has a greater impact on the environment than vegetarian food, says a study. This is because signiﬁcantly more energy is used in the production of meat compared to the production of vegetables, researchers said, though on average less meat is wasted compared to fruits and vegetables. This wasted energy is usually in the form of resources that can have negative impact on the surrounding environment such as diesel fuel or fertilizer being released into the environment. IANS

KITCHEN CALAMITIES

Keep your greens fresh

To eat good looking, vibrantly green leafy vegetables, you don’t have to cook them as soon as you get back from the market, and once cooked, they need not loose their emerald hue either. With a little care in the kitchen you can keep your greens looking super fresh and green. By Hubert Vaz 1 When buying greens (spinach, lettuce, celery, spring onions, coriander, mint, other leafy vegetables), make sure that the leaves are not shredded or badly torn at the edges and the stems have not started turning brown. 2 Never wash greens before storing, that’s the sure way to get them rotting. Wash them only just before use. 3 Don’t chop off roots, but do remove any stems or leaves that have begun drying up if they are tucked within the bunch. Fresh leaves like the company of fresh leaves. 4 Wrap the big leaves in a paper

towel and roll them loosely together. For coriander/mint/curry leaves, pluck out tender stalks with leaves and place them in an air-tight plastic box with a paper towel underneath and two paper towels above, before covering the lid. Be sure, they’ll remain totally fresh for well over a week. 5 Add a little sugar to your simmering greens to retain crisp texture and green colour. 6 When leaves begin to rot, chop off the soggy stems and soggy portions of leaves; then coarsely chop up the rest and place in an air-tight

container with paper towels below and above. 7 For bright green purees, blanch your greens in hot water for less than a minute, then transfer to a bowl of cold water to cool before blending with a little cold water. 8 Always simmer, never boil greens over a high ﬂame.

Struggling with a kitchen calamity of your own? Want advice? Share your horror stories and your cooking tips with swati@timesofoman.com

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

LIFESTYLE

BITTER DELIGHTS BY HUBERT VAZ

SO-CALLED BITTER VEGETABLES, like bittergourd (karela), bitter beans (Lima beans or waal), and fenugreek leaves (methi), are often dismissed from dining tables and dinner menus because they are thought to be unpalatably bitter. While the vegetables do have a natural bitter bite, when cooked properly with ingredients like tamarind, sweet jaggery, coconut milk, and ﬁery chillies, which lend balancing sweet, sour, and spicy ﬂavours, they are transformed into savoury delicacies.

TANGY COCONUT BITTER BEANS

FIERY FENUGREEK

SWEET AND SOUR BITTERGOURD

Ingredients • 1 cup of bitter beans (lima beans), soaked overnight • 2 tbsp cooking oil • 1/2 tsp mustard seeds • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds • 1 small onion (sliced) • 1/2 inch size ginger (minced) • 3 garlic cloves (minced) • 3 green chillies (slit) • 6-8 curry leaves • 1 medium tomato (sliced) • 1/2 tsp chilli powder • 1/2 tsp coriander powder • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder • 2 tsp grated jaggery • 1/2 cup thick coconut milk • Juice of one-inch sized ball of tamarind • 5-6 stalks of coriander leaves, chopped

Ingredients • 2tbsp cooking oil • 1/2 tsp mustard seeds • 5-6 curry leaves • 1 small onion (minced) • Half-inch piece of ginger (julienned) • 2 cloves of garlic (julienned) • 2 medium-sized tomatoes (chopped ﬁne) • 2 green chillies (slit) • 1 tsp red chilli powder • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder • Two small bunches of medium sized Fenugreek leaves (or six small bunches of tiny fenugreek leaves, washed and coarsely chopped) • 2 tsp tamarind paste • 4 tsp sugar (or grated jaggery) • Salt to taste

Ingredients • Two medium-size bitter gourds (about 6-7 inches long) • 4 cloves of garlic (minced) • 1-inch piece ginger (julienned) • Juice of a one-inch size ball of tamarind • 1tsp red chilli powder • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder • 5tsp grated jaggery • 2tbsp raw rice • 1tsp methi (fenugreek) seeds • 2-3 tsp cooking oil • 1tsp mustard seeds • 5-6 curry leaves • 2 green chillies (slit)

Preparation Drain the soaked bitter beans and place them in a dry cloth to sprout for 2-3 hours. Rinse with warm to hot water and peel off the skins. Set aside. Heat oil in a deep pot over medium heat; add mustard, and when it splutters add the cumin seeds, onion, ginger, garlic, green chillies, curry leaves and sauté for 2 minutes. When the onion becomes pink, add the tomatoes, chilli powder, coriander powder and turmeric powder and sauté for 2 more minutes. Add the bitter beans and jaggery and mix lightly.

Preparation Heat oil over medium and add mustard seeds. When the mustard seeds splutters, turn the heat down to low and add curry leaves, onion, ginger, garlic, tomatoes, green chillies and sauté for 2 minutes. Add chilli powder and turmeric, followed by the fenugreek leaves, and sauté for one minute. Add tamarind paste, sugar, a pinch of salt, and one cup of water; mix well. Cover and cook over low heat for 5-7 minutes, until the gravy thickens. Serve hot with chapatti.

Add one cup of water and the coconut milk; simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add the tamarind juice and simmer for 2 minutes more. Garnish with chopped coriander and serve hot with steamed rice or chapatti.

PHOTO COURTESY: O. K. MOHAMMED ALI AND ALI JANI

Preparation Wash and cut the bittergourd into rings. Remove the tips at both ends and the seeds within the rings and discard. Soak the rings in a bowl of water for about 10 minutes and discard the water. Roast the raw rice and fenugreek seeds together and grind them into a ﬁne powder. Set aside. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the bittergourd rings, ginger, garlic, red chilli powder, turmeric, tamarind juice, jaggery, and 1/2 tsp salt. Continue boiling until the bitter gourd rings are tender, for about 15 minutes. Reduce the ﬂame, skimming and discarding any froth that has formed from the rim of the pan. Add the ground rice and fenugreek powder, mixing well. Simmer over low heat for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. In a small sauté pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chillies. Sauté just until fragrant; add to the bitter gourd pan, mix and serve.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

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FIND-IT-ALL CINEMA SCHEDULE

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

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SUR Fantastic Four (Action|Sci - Fi) (PG12) 4:00, 10:00, 11:55 PM Mission Impossible - Rogue Nation 5:50, 8:45 PM (Action) (PG12) Brothers (Hindi) (Thriller) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Jackie Shroff, Sidharth 11:15 PM Vacation ( Adventure / Comedy) (18+) 8:15 PM Inside Out (3D) (Animation) (PG) 5:15 PM The Daibolical (Horror / Sci-Fi) (15+) 7:15 PM

@RUWI

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68. www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI Fantastic Four (2D)(Action)(PG12) Cast: Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan 1:15, 5:45, 9:45, 11:45 pm Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2D) (Action, Adventure) (PG12) Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy 3:15, 9:00, 11:30 pm Mr. Holmes (Crime, Drama)(PG) Cast: Ian McKellen, Laura Linney, Hiroyuki Sanada 3:00, 7:45 pm Vacation (Adventure, Comedy)(18+) Cast: Ed Helms, Christina Applegate, Skyler Gisondo 1:00, 5:00, 7:00 pm The Diabolical (Horror, Sci-fi)(15+) Cast: Wilmer Calderon, Kurt Carley, Merrin Dungey 5:00, 11:45 pm Shad Agzaa (Drama, Action))(15+) Cast: Mohamed Ramadan, Donia Samir 6:45 pm INSIDE OUT (Animation)(3D) PG Voice Overs: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis 1:00, 3:00 pm BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN (Drama)(PG) Cast: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor 8:45 PM MUSCAT GRAND MALL Fantastic Four 2D (Action, Sci-Fi ) (PG12) Cast: Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael Jordan 12:15, 9:45 & 11:45PM Gold Class: 2:45, 9:15 & 11:15PM Mr. Holmes 2D (Crime, Drama) (PG) 11:15PM & 2:15PM Gold Class : 12:45PM Brothers2D (Action, Drama) (TBC ) 6:45PM The Diabolical 2D (Horror, Sci-Fi ) (15+)

11:15PM & 2:15PM Gold Class : 12:45PM

1:15, 5:45, 9:45, 11:45 pm

3:45 pm

3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM

Mr. Holmes 2D (Crime, Drama) (PG) Cast: Ian McKellen, Laura Linney, Hiroyuki

FANTASTIC FOUR (Action)(PG12) Cast: Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan

Love 24x7 - 2D (M) (TBC) Romantic, Comedy Cast: Dileep, Anjali & Suhasini

Brothers (Drama/ Sports) – TBC Cast: Akshay Kumar, Sidharth Malhotra, Jackie Shroff

Cast: Wilmer Calderon, Kurt Carley, Merrin 10:15PM Vacation 2D (Adventure, Comedy) (18+) Cast: Ed Helms, Christina Applegate, Skyler Gisondo 10:15AM, 5:15PM Gold Class: 4:45PM Inside Out 3D (Animation) (PG) 1:15, 3:15PM Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation 4:15 & 11:55PM; 2D (PG12) Gold Class: 6:45PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2D) ( Action ) (PG) 7:15PM

Cast - Hansika Motwani, TR Silambarasan 9:00 PM Inside Out – 3D (PG) Animation 11:30 am, 1:20 pm The Diabolical – 2D (15+) Horror, Sci-Fi, 11:55 PM Love 24x7 – 2D (PG) Romantic, Comedy Cast - Dileep and Nikhila Vimal 6:20 PM Mr. Holmes – 2D (PG) Crime, Drama, Mystery 3:15 PM Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation – 2D 5:00, 9:30, 11:55 PM(PG12) Brothers – 2D (TBC) Action, Drama 12:30, 3:30, 8:45, 11:40 PM Fantastic Four – 2D (PG12) (Action) 1:00, 3:00, 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 pm Bajrangi Bhaijaan - 2D (PG) (Drama, Action) 6:30 PM

AZAIBA Vacation – 2D (18+) Adventure, Comedy 11:30AM, 7:15 PM Vasuvum Saravananum Onna Padichavanga – 2D (PG) Comedy; 1:30 PM Cast - Aarya, Tamannaah Bhatia, Brinda Das Dekh Magar Pyaar Say - 2D (PG) Comedy Cast - Humaima Malik, Amna Ilyas, Sikander 4:10 PM Shad Agza – 2D (15+) Drama, Action Cast - Mohamed Ramadan, Donia Samir 5:15 PM Vaalu – 2D (PG) Action, Comedy, Romance

RUWI SCREEN 1 Brothers (Drama/ Sports) – TBC Cast: Akshay Kumar, Jackie Shroff, Sidharth Malhotra 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM SCREEN 2 Drishyam (Thriller/Drama ) – PG12

3.45, 9.45 PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Action/Drama ) – PG 6.45 PM SCREEN 3 Baahubali: The Beginning (Act ) – 12+ 3.45, 6.45 PM Dekh Magar Pyaar Se - Urdu (Comedy) – PG 9.45 PM

Cast: Mohamed Ramadan, Donia Samir 6:15 PM Brothers - 2D (TBC) Action, Drama 9:00, 11:30 PM Love 24x7 - 2D (M) (TBC) Romantic, Comedy 3:45 PM Vaalu - 2D (T) (PG) Action, Comedy, Romance Cast : Hansika Motwani, TR Silambarasan, 6:15 PM

SOHAR Bajrangi Bhaijaan - 2D (PG) Drama, Action 4:00 PM Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation - 2D (PG12) Action; 3:55, 9:05, 11:55 PM Inside Out - 3D (PG) Animation 2:10, 4:00 PM Fantastic Four-2D (PG12) (Action ) 2:00, 7:45, 9:45, 11:45 PM Vacation- 2D (18+)Adventure, Comedy 6:00, 8:15 PM Mr. Holmes - 2D (PG) Crime, Drama, Mystery 2:00, 7:00 PM Into the Grizzly Maze- 2D (15+) Action, Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, James Marsden 10:00 PM The Diabolical - 2D (15+) Horror, Sci-Fi, 2:10, 11:45 PM Shad Agza - 2D (Arb) (15+) Drama, Action

BURAIMI Fantastic Four -2D (PG12) (Action) 5:30, 9:30, 11:30PM Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation - 2D 3:00, 8:45, 11:45PM (Action) (PG12) Inside Out - 3D (Animation, Comedy) (PG) 3:00PM Vacation – 2D (Comedy, Adventure) (18+) 5:15, 7:00PM Mr Holmes– 2D (Crime, Drama) (PG), 7:30PM The Diabolical – 2D (Horror, Thriller) (TBC) 7:30PM Brothers – 2D (Drama, Sport) (PG) 7:15, 11:15PM Vaalu – 2D (Action, Comedy) (PG) 4:30PM Cast: Silambarasan, Hansika Motwani, N.Santhanam

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TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

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FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

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05:30 05:30 05:30

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06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

08:50 Daily 11:00 Daily 14:30 Daily via Ibri 15:45 Daily 17:40 Daily 18.35 Daily 20:20 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

34 29

MEET VERMA August 18

Minimum

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

07:00

Ruwi

10:25

Daily

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

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

LISTINGS

ROYAL OMAN POLICE TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 07:30 14:30

Sur Sur

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

Fahud Yibal

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Daily Daily

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

15:00

Salalah

Daily

07:00

Daily

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

11.45 13.30 14.00

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence 24569603 Directorate General of Customs 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries 24510228 Public Relations Admin 24560099 EMBASSIES IN OMAN

Daily Daily Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

07:00

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

10:45 19:00

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

Ruwi Ruwi

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100) Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

06:00 14:30

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

SHRAVAN ASHISH KOLTE August 18, 2009

60-90%

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om Srimanthudu (Telugu ) ( Act ) Cast: Mahesh Babu & Shruthi Hassan 3-00 pm Cinema Main Brothers ( Hindi ) (Act ) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Sidahrth Malhotra 6:30, 9:30 pm Cinema -2 Love 24x7 ( Mal ) ( Com ) Cast: Dileep, Anjali & Suhasini 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 pm at Cinema- 3 Vasuvum Saravananum ( Tamil ) ( Com ) Cast: Arya, Tamanna & Santhanam 3-30 pm at Cinema-2; 6-30 & 9-30pm Cinema Main Vallu (Tamil) (Rom\Com ) From Friday Cast: Silambarasan & Hansika 3-45, 6:45 & 9-45 pm at Cinema-4 NEXT CHANGE: Madura Naranga (Mal) Kick 2 (Telugu ) Programmes are subject to change

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 20:50

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

STAR CINEMA

WEATHER

15:00 15:00 15:00

16:30 18:00 19:30

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation 2D (Action, Adventure, Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy 5.00, 9.30 & 11.55 pm CP No: 1953 (PG12) Vacation (Comedy / Adventure) Cast: Ed Helms, Christina Appligate, Skyler Gisondo 1.30, 4.00 & 7.30 pm CP No: 2027 ( 18+) Awol - 72 (Action) Cast: Luke Goss, LouiseMandylor, RZA 11.30 a.m. 3.30 & 11.55 pm CP No: 2026 (12+) Brothers (Hindi )( Thriller ) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Jackie Shrof, Sidharth Malhotra 1.00, 6.00 & 9.00 pm CP No: 2028 (PG) The Night Crew (Action/Thriller) Cast: Danny Trejo, Jason Mewes, Luke Goss 11.30 a.m.; CP No: 1886 (15+)

WITH LOVE

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

SALALAH Mission: Impossible- Rogue Nation (2D) 2:00, 9:15, 11:45PM (PG12) Ant-Man (3D)(PG12) (Action/Sci-Fi ) 12:00PM Inside Out (3D)(PG) (Animation/Comedy) 10:00AM Fantastic Four (2D)(PG12) (Action) 12:00, 7:15, 10:05, 11:55PM Cast: Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2D) (PG) (Drama/Action) 7:15PM Vacation (2D) (18+) (Adventure/Comedy) Cast: Ed Helms, Christina Applegate, Skyler Gisondo 11:30AM, 8:15PM Shad Agza (2D)(15+)(Arabic) (Drama/Action) Cast: Mohamed Ramadan, Donia Samir Ghanem, Yasser Galal and Sabry 6:15PM Mr. Holmes (2D)(PG) (Crime/Drama/Mystery) Cast: Ian McKellen, Laura Linney, Hiroyuki Sanada 10:00AM, 5:15 PM Dekh Magar Pyaar Say (2D)(PG)(Urdu) (Comedy/Romance) Cast: Humaima Malik, Amna Ilyas, Sikander 1:15 PM AWOL-72 (2D)(12+) (Thriller) Cast: Luke Goss, RZA, Bokeem Woodbine 10:00AM, 10:00PM Brothers (2D)(TBC) (Action/Drama) 4:30, 11:30PM Srimanthudu (2D)(PG) (Action) 2:15PM Vaalu (2D)(PG) (Action/Comedy/Romance) 3:30PM

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

BAHJA CINEMA

Daily Daily Daily

Afghanistan Algeria Bahrain Bangladesh Brazil Brunei China Cyprus Egypt France Germany India Indonesia Iran Iraq Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya South Korea Kuwait

24698 791/4 24605 593 24 605 074/133 24 698 660 24640100 24 603533 24 696782 24 699815 24 600 982/411 24681 800 24835000 24684500 2469 1050 24 696 944/7 24603642 24693727 24 601 028 24692760/1/3 24 692418 24 697664 24 691490 24 699628

Lebanon Libya Malaysia Morocco Nepal Netherlands Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tunisia Turkey UAE United Kingdom United States Yemen

24 693208 24603466 24698329/643 24696152/3 24696177 24603706 24603439 24601312 24605335 24 691 153/2/4 24602894 24601705 24694139 24697977 24647300 24691101 24697841/2 24697875 24603267 24697904 24601 174 24 602684/5 24603486 24697050/1/2 24400000 24609000 24643400 24600815

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

Appolo Medical Centre, Hamriya Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi Salalah Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya Muscat, A Seeb Market Muscat, Al Khuwair Muscat, Al Hail South Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi 24563641 Azaiba 24499269 Sohar 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Hamdan Hospital 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC 22004000 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

C11

LIFESTYLE

Tom Yum Soup With Executive Chef Prasanna Amarasinghe, Holiday Inn Muscat

PREPARATION • Bring the stock and water to a boil in a large pan over a high heat. • Add lemongrass, coriander roots, galangal, tomatoes, lime leaves, lime juice, tamarind water, and red chillies. Return to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes. • Taste the stock and add ﬁsh sauce and palm sugar to taste (you want a nice salty-sourhot-sweet combination) • Remove from the heat and set aside. • Transfer 220ml (8ﬂ oz) of the stock into a separate pan set over a high heat and bring to a boil. • Add the chicken and cook for 1-2 minutes, then add the prawns and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and beginning to curl and the chicken is completely cooked through. • To serve, pour the chicken and prawn soup mixture into two bowls and top with the remaining hot stock. Garnish with Thai basil, coriander leaves, and a wedge of lime.

INGREDIENTS • 1 litre (2 pints) chicken stock • 300ml (11fl oz) water • 6 sticks lemongrass, lightly crushed • 4 fresh coriander roots, crushed • 110g (4oz) fresh galangal, peeled and sliced • 8 tomatoes, cut into quarters, seeds removed • 6 kaffir lime leaves • 1-2 limes, juice only • 75ml (3fl oz) tamarind water (To prepare, soak tamarind in hot water and push the pulp through a sieve; discard solids) • 3 red chillies, thinly sliced • 75ml (3fl oz) fish sauce (nam pla), or to taste • 75g (3oz) palm sugar *substitute brown sugar if unavailable • 12 raw tiger prawns, shelled, deveined, and split in half • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks TO SERVE • Fresh coriander leaves • Fresh Thai basil, leaves • Lime wedges

IN THE NEWS

Twist the ‘smiling nut’ into delicacies

NEW DELHI, CALIFORNIA PISTACHIOS — also called the “smiling nut” are no stranger to most foodies — one of the best antioxidants and a popular ingredient in desserts. Add nutrients, not weight, with California pistachios in your sweet treats and main course, Corporate Chef Olivier Vincenot said at a live demo as he whipped up yummy deserts here. “The unique ﬂavour of pistachios can create wonder if adds to something else and not necessarily eaten by themselves,” Vincenot told IANS at the demo at the Foodhall at DLF Saket with collaboration of American Pistachio Growers. Not for nothing is pista ice cream something that my sweet tooth always craves for! These terribly “dil maange more” nuts taste amazingly good in roasted, salted and crushed

form. The kennel is nutty, yet pleasantly unique in taste with a fruity aroma. It complements well with almost all sweets and desserts as in pista roll and pista kulfi being the more popular ones. Chef Vincenot surprised all with his lip-smacking recipes. His innovative style and culinary magic transforms the pistachios to a mainstream must-have. The health benefits of pistachios have encouraged him to explore the nut ad infinitum. For instance, for the fingerlicking appetiser — pistachio hummus — he twisted the Mediterranean dip with a pistachio touch to make it best served with lightly-flavoured chips. Its mild flavour and attractive green colour made it very tempting. He also served up a pistachio blancmange, a chilled dessert combined with milk. -IANS

Photography by Venecio Datan

CHEF’S RECIPE

C1 2

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

LIFESTYLE

Tomato This fabulous sweet-tart fruit is a star ingredient in salads, s sauces, and dips

Slice ripe tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve with sliced mozzarella and fresh basil for a classic caprese salad.

Chop fresh or canned tomatoes, jalapeno, onion, and cilantro. Combine and add a squeeze lime and a pinch of salt. Serve with tortilla chips or on grilled ďŹ sh.

Toss chopped fresh tomatoes with basil and oregano, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. SautĂŠ over medium heat until the mixture reaches the consistency of a thick sauce. Serve immediately over pasta, chicken, or as pizza sauce.

E ONDIENT RE G IN

AYS EW V I F

Roast cherry tomatoes and preserve them in olive oil with little garlic. Serve with pasta or on bruschetta.

Grate a very ripe tomato, spread on a toast or a baguette, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M T U E S DAY, AU G U S T 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

VACANCY

CARGO

T U E S D AY, AU G U S T 1 8 , 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classiﬁeds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE FOR RENT

3BR villa, sitting, dining & hall, Azaiba behind Al Meera H- Market. Contact: 99259977 / 95033008 1BHK, Darsait, walking distance to ISM , neat and clean building, ground floor, OMR 260/- per month rent Call IQRAR on 99076557 1 warehouse 400 sqm 3 flats 2 BHK near Ghala Church, top of Majan Hypermarket, Ghala. Contact 95928800 / 99823677 Full fledge workshop/warehouse & yard with tools for rent/sales. Also 5 nos. Volvo/ Mercedes/ Man/Putsmiester concrete pump 2004/2005 model for sale. Contact 93681107 / 96051565 4 bedrooms villa with 2 halls, 4 bathrooms in Darsait, behind Khimji Mart. Contact 92584715 / 24700120 Flat for rent in Amerat. Contact 99209264 4 bedrooms villa with 2 halls, 4 bathrooms in Darsait behind Khimjis mart. Contact: 24700120 / 92584715 Flat for rent in Al-Hail near the AlHail Hypermarket, consists of room, sitting room, 1 bathroom, kitchen, parking, balcony. Its new & good flat at very good location. Contact 93214010 / 92602050 Flat for rent 3 bedroom & 1 setting room at al Ghubrah North near Indian School (hot pargur restaurant) with split a/c. Contact 99766103

3BHK Flats & 6BHK Villa in Azaibah. Contact : 96775026

Fully furnished 3 BHK accommodation with all spacious rooms in a villa at Darsait near ISD. Contact: 9526 5289 / 9604 8422

1 BR ﬂat at Darsait, near ISM. Contact 99237971 / 99320633

A ﬂat for rent in Al Khuwair 33, 2 rooms and sitting room and all the necessary things. Contact:92277419

250 sq mtrs restaurant for rent in Plaza Hotel, Walja Ruwi. Contact 99326339 Single & double bedroom with toilets at Ghala Industrial area, Coco cola road (for family/ Exec bachelors). Interested parties contact on 92854747 5 BHK villa for Rent in Azaiba near Sultan Centre. Contact 99792181 40,000 Sqr mtrs Open Land for Rent in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99792181 Brand new 2 BHK ﬂats/offices for rent behind Honda Road. Contact 91165807 Flat in Al Khuwair 3 rooms + Majlis ground ﬂoor. Contact: 99242119 Flat 2bedrooms+majlis in Ghubra. Contact:99242119 1BHK R.O 185 + 2BHK R.O 230 before Medical Darsait, Muttrah House. Contact: 98748925 840 sqr mtrs Store & Staff accommodation for Rent in Misfah. Contact 99792181 Flat for rent near Al Nahdha Hospital in Hamriya. Contact: 97380548 / 99680499

2BHK with A/Cs Muttrah, near Oman House. Contact: 95915154 1BHK, 2BHK, 3BHK new flat available at Mabela in front of Modern English School Contact: 96239126 3 bedroom flat with 3 attached toilets, split A/C, brand Kims Hospital. Contact: 95225662 1,000 sq mtrs industrial land in Misfah Industrial area near to Khanco. OMR 1,500 Monthly. It has Electricity and boundary wall. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Spacious 2 BR flat in MBD. Contact 99713489 Big flat for rent in Al Khuwair, nr. Ibis Hotel. Contact 95724975 Brand new 3BHK apartment on 5th floor at Qurum, PDO gate 2, master bedroom with en-suite (shower) with balcony, 2 bedrooms with bath, guest washroom with shower, laundry room, luxury floorings with A/Cs. Other amenities in the building: Gym, multi purpose room & children’s play area. Contact 24564460 / 97610908 Flat for rent 2BR at Wadi Adai. Contact 94643380

A fully equipped. Well running fabrication/carpentry workshop / store (area 1800 sq.ft) at Barka Industrial area, close to main road, with all facilities such as Portacabin, Labour camp for about 20 staff. Contact 95120404, Email : elmechoman@gmail.com 3 BHK, 3 bathrooms, 2 balcony, nr. Al Hassan W/Kabir RO 330/-. Contact :99384640 Villa for rent in Al Khuwair 33, 8 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms with parking area near Taimur Mosque. Contact 99366624 3 Bedroom ﬂat with 3 attached toilets, split A/C, brand new available, behind Kims Hospital. Contact 95225662 3 BHK ﬂat for rent in Azaiba. Contact 99792181 2 BHK villa for rent in Azaiba, near Sultan Centre. Contact 99792181 3 & 4 BHK villa in Al Khuwair. Contact 99792181

2 B/R res./comm. Flat directly from owner near Oman Medical College Bausher. Contact 92158031

Furnished room for rent at Al Khuwair R.O 225/- for family only. Contact: 99251975

Readymade office space for rent (100sm) in Bank Melli Iran building, MBA area Ruwi opposite Center Point. Contact: 99011352

Flats for rent in Al Khuwair, Al hail, Wadi Kabir, Al Falaj, MBD, and Muttrah. Contact: 99119699 / 95250300 / 24813002

2 BHK ﬂat in Azaiba. Contact 99792181

3bed room well maintained ﬂat (villa type only 2 ﬂats in one bldg) in Al Khuwair behind Al Akhtam Restaurant, Villa no 1839, Way No 3922, block No 239. Contact: 99253125

1 & 2BHK ﬂat in Al Khuwair. Contact 99792181 250 sq mtrs office space (showroom) in CBD. Contact 99792181 Flats shops & stores for rent at Al Amerat. Contact: 96278724

1 BHK, 2 BHK & shop at Wadi Kabir. Contact 99024730 2 BHK, 3BHK at Qurum. Contact 99024730

Villa 2 bedrooms + hall + sitting room in Al Hail South R.O 300/Monthly. Contact: 93993354

1 BHK Flat in Honda Road (Ruwi). Contact 99792181

2 BHK near CBD & Star Cinema, Muttrah. Contact 99233116

1 & 2 BHK Flat in Al Khuwair. Contact 99792181

Shop/ office near CBD & Star Cinema, Muttrah. Contact 99233116

1 BHK, 2 BHK at Al Khuwair. Contact 99024730

I BHK Flat -4 Nos at Hamriya – R.O. 200/- . 2 BHK - 2 Nos / 1 BHK- 2 Nos, at Wattayya R/A near the mosque- for Families. # 96457757 - 9 am to 7 Pm.

2BHK & 1BHK ﬂats available in Darsait. Contact : 99357586 / 97500025

Shop at Azaiba. Contact 99024730

3 BHK Flat in Azaiba. Contact 99792181

Fully furnished 2 bedroom luxury ﬂat for rent at Ghala for short or long term basis. Contact 91786526 / 99881653

Flats for rent at Darsait near to Ministry of Sports. Interested candidates please Contact : 00968-92225523

1 & two bedroom ﬂats available for rent in wadi-kabir (opp: pencil bldg), ideal for company staff / families bulk corporate deal possible. Contact 97677170

4 & 5 BHK villa for rent in Al Khuwair. Contact 99792181 3 BHK Flat in Al Khuwair 33. Contact 99792181

T U E S DAY, AU G U S T 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

2 BHK in Ghubra RO 350/-. Contact 97799175 / 92144045 2 BHK at Mumtaz RO 300/-. Contact 97799175 / 92144045 2 BHK at Darsait RO 300/-. Contact 97799175 / 92144045 House for rent in Sidab at reasonable rent. Contact: 95555162 / 95755953 Fabulous AC flat at Al Khoud 3 bedrooms, hall and kitchen RO 270/for rent. Contact: 99334699 3 Bedroom flat in Wadi Kabeer and 2 bedroom villa in Sidab- Muscat. Contact: 95755953 1bedroom in Al Hail South RO 150/monthly. Contact: 93993354 Flats for rent near Indian School in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99777122 2 BHK Flats for rent in Muttrah near Oman house. Contact: 97009734 / 92629232 2 & 3 BHK big Flats with Big hall, Kitchen & new split ACs at Al Khoudh 6, Close to express way, from owner. Tel 97600322 alnehang@gmail.com 2BHK flat available behind Majan College / Darsait. Contact 24705742 4 BHK single villa in Al Khuwair. Contact: 97616158 1 &2 BHK flats for rent at Wadi Kabir, Wadi Adai, Hamriya and Al Khoud areas, shop for rent at Wadi Adai Round about. Contact: 24834644, GSM 93994401 /02/03 lines 600 sqr mtrs showroom in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99792181 Flat for rent with AC in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 95555162 /95755953 Flat for rent in Mabellah 8th. Contact: 97147240 Brand new villa Bosher 37, 4 BHK. Contact: 91936034 For rent if require flats for rent in Wadi Kabir please send me messages through Whatsapp. Contact: 99376454

3BHK AlAmerat No.3, Rent190 pm. Contact 95113797

Used Fabrication machinery for sale : Fabrication machinery and tools in excellent condition for immediate sale. Contact 94652485/ 99273774/ 99202278

Restaurant for-sale Very good location, Al khuwayer, 300+sqm, Equipped big kitchen (+bakery), many parking, separate entrance. OMR50,000 Call 99788291

ACC. AVAILABLE

Shrimps & prawns fillet fish available wholesale & retail. Contact 97990974 2,560 sq mtrs industrial land in 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 60,000 Sq Mtrs Agriculture Land in Misfah, can be changed to Industrial Land. OMR 29 Per Square Meter. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 5 Flats of 1 bedroom for Sale in Boushar: OMR 35 Thousand each. Monthly income OMR 270 Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 23,886 Sq Mtrs Agriculture land with water well in Al Salwa, Barka. OMR 260 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 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 400 sq mtrs Commercial/Residential land in Maabela Phase 5 Block 2. OMR 140 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Restaurant for sale, Kadra Suwaiq. Contact 97433012

1 BHK at Ghubra RO 275/-. Contact 97799175 / 92144045 BHK Flat in Azaiba. Contact 99385835 / 99428143

Office & furniture for sale rent RO 260/- Darsait. Contact 91211117

Bath attached room for rent Al Khuwair. Contact 99743569

Land for sale at prime location in Al Athaiba. Contact 91299531 / 91408005

Permoglaze paint mixer (tinting machine) – 6 months old – in good condition for sale in Rustaq. interested parties may pl call 93223382 / 99874936. Wall papers, grass carpets sale & ﬁxing. Contact: 99834373 / 96642500 An excellent grade, 8 yrs old, non residential civil construction company, having registered office in Muscat needs immediate sale. Company has considerable running projects of handsome amount. Only genuine buyers contact 92978650 A secured land of 1500 sqm available for keeping construction equipments, trailers, container etc. near Sohar Airport Contact: 94215208 400 sq mtrs Commercial/Residential land in Maabela Phase 5 Block 2. OMR 140 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Shop for sale in Ruwi High street, Contact 96078411 New villa at Qurum, 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, sitting, dining and open sitting on the terrace. Contact: 99342733

SELL/BUY Used furniture & Electronic items, office & house. Contact: 99834373 / 96642500

FOR EXPATS

Forklift sale. Contact: 99763831 Furnished office for sale. Contact 99024272

MOTOR VEHICLE FOR SALE

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

Shop for sale in Qurum. Contact 96964767

A well settled/ well equipped ladies beauty parlor in running position located in Ghubra for sale. Contact immediately on 97498898

1 Villa & 3 big Flats of 2/3 BHK with hall, Kitchen & ACs Al Khoudh 6, Close to express way, from owner. Tel 97600322 Email: alnehang@gmail.com

AVAILABLE

FOR SALE

From owner plot of land near Zanzibar, airport price RO 15000. Contact 99348943

Jaguar 2004, X-type Expat driven dealer maintained 1,66,000 km, RO 1900, immediate sale. Contact 99370565 / 97097545

Land Cruiser 2012.Contact 99336093 Prado ,2012. Contact : 99336093

Family sharing accommodate at Honda road 2 rooms, bathrooms, sharing kitchen for Indians only R.O 150. Contact: 99519161

Hummer H3,2006, Expat driven dealer maintained 1,70,000 km, RO 3900, immediate sale. Contact 99370565 / 97097545

Sportage, 2013. Contact 99336093

Room attached bath & kitchen Executive bachelor or couple, opp. Khimji Mart Muttrah. Contact 97477670

Grand Cherokee, 1996 well maintained 70, 000 km only. Contact: 99869897

Nissan Altima 2.5S, 2008 Model, Metallic Gold Colour, Excellent condition, self driven by diplomat, only 65, 000 k.m run, available for immediate delivery, Contact 99251286.

Single rooms with attached bath available at Ruwi. Contact 98049288 / 93431089

Honda Accord, 2010, No. 1, 105000 kms, expat lady driven, dealer maintained, silver, expected price RO 4700/-. Contact 99330509

PAJERO 2015 km1400. Contact 99336093

Furnished room available in Ruwi. Contact 92435784 Large room with separate entrance, furnished at Wadi Kabir. #99336206 Fully Furnished studio immediately available for couple in N.Azaiba. Contact 95450249 Independent rooms in Qurum / AL Hail. Contact 95529970 Single room with attached bathroom for an Executive bachelor at Rex road Ruwi. Contact: 99535300 Furnished room with attached bath separate entrance in Mabela. Contact :99634841 Sharing accommodation in CBD area for non cooking Executive bachelors, wiﬁ free, advance deposit. Contact 91852710 Sharing accommodation available for working lady or couples near Ruwi Church. Contact: 92837206 Room attached toilet and kitchen near Indian School Wadi Kabir. Contact: 95345537 Room for rent with sharing bathroom & kitchen at Al Khuwair, behind Golden Spoon Restaurant. Contact 92994415 Room for rent in a ﬂat for Executive bachelor at Azaiba behind Al Meera Hypermarket Azaiba with attached bath with cot & A/C, rent RO 175/- per month including water & electricity. # 96404166 / 97433992

Mazda 3,1.6, 2008 Automatic, accident free, single owner. Contact: 92030516

Hyundai Elantra 2012 1.8 top model 3800RO GSM 99883832

NRI FOR HIRE Prime mover, 98, 4 wheel on hire. Contact 95120774 Volvo 12 Ton Truck for monthly rent. Contact: 98713900

ACC. AVAILABLE Furnished room with equipped kitchen immediately available in N. Azaiba Contact 95450249 Furnished room with sharing bathroom immediately available in N.Gubrah. Contact 95450250 Furnished room for rent at Al Khuwair RO 225/- for family only. Contact 99251975 Furnished room for Indian Bachelor in Al Falaj area (Ruwi) & Lady in Wadi Kabir (near Al Maya). Contact 96761960 Fully furnished room for a decent expatriate. independent kitchen, bathroom in Wadi Adai. Contact 96243086 at 5p.m. Fully furnished 1BHK with all household items in Darsait near Lulu on monthly Basis. Contact : 99378397/99493500

Thiruvalla at Kattode 300 mtrs .from T.K. Road, 10 cents square plot for sale. Contact: 97229763 9.75 cents square plot with compound wall and gate at Kovalam, Trivandrum(Kerala) for sale. Interested in NRI buyers only near to Hotel Leela. Contact: 00968 – 95210474

*Classiﬁed Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

T U E S D AY, AU G U S T 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

ACCOUNTANT Urgently required Junior Accountant. Please send CV: hr.azatllc@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTED SIT. WANTED

Seeking minimum 5 yrs Construction company experienced Accountant able to read Arabic & owning vehicle. Email : hr@greencover.net

BEAUTY Required HAIR DRESSERS / FULL BEAUTICIANS with Gulf experience. Contact 96180078.

CATERING Indian Cook required. Should know Omani traditional foods. Contact 99209264 Chinese/ Arab/ continental cook & helper wanted. Contact 95529970 A fast growing chain of omani fusion restaurants in Muscat is looking to hire experienced waiters and chefs (2 yrs exp).Applicants should have NOCs if applicable. Forward resume to creativefoodsllc@gmail.com Indian Cook required. Should know Omani traditional foods. Contact 99209264

DRAFTSMAN Leading Civil construction company requires “MEP DRAFTSMAN” with 4-6 years gulf experience. Send your CV to mep.oman2015@gmail. com. (NOC required).

DOMESTIC HELPER Urgently looking for an Expatriate House Boy with Cooking knowledge and experience. Contact Immediately: 99460564 An Indian family located in Azaiba looking for a Housemaid. Contact 99384009 Require qualify caregiver for an orderly mother. Contact 99425200

DRIVER H.V. Driver for trailer. Contact 92131483 Indian Driver required. Contact 99209264. A fast food restaurant in Muscat required Drivers. (1 car and 1 motor cycle) Contact 93216008. Forward CV :- fastfoodoman2014@gmail.com Indian Driver required. Contact 99209264. Female Driving Instructor needed in Madinat Qaboos. Contact 95591068 Driver heavy duty required urgently for trailer. Oman / GCC experience must. Those ready for immediate joining. Contact: 99310859

EDUCATION Required female Science & IT Teachers from Pakistan, 4 grade near Ibra. Contact 95810797 A well known private school require English, Mathematics, Science, Physics & Computer Teacher. Email : staffing.oman@gmail.com, ph: 96910649

ENGINEER Urgently required for leading company: Civil Engineer : 8 yrs experience, Planning Engineer : 8 yrs experience, Surveyor : 8 yrs experience, Draftsman & AutoCAD : 5 yrs experience. Fax: 24478522, email : gh1.careers@gmail.com Civil construction company looking for fresh Civil Engineering degree holders. Send CV: awahaibitrad@gmail.com

ENGINEER MEP Engineer on urgent basis required for immediate placement. Please contact tgi17@omantel.net.om A grade Civil construction company in Muscat urgently requires the following person with minimum 3 yrs experience : 1) Electrical Engineer 2) AutoCAD Draughtsman 3) Purchaser. Send CV to hr.azatllc@gmail.com Smartphone Technician Required ftt@futuretarget.net GSM: 99110080/9669066

MISCELLANEOUS

SALES / MARKETING

C.C.T.V camera technician, Electrician & plumber, Driver, Mason. Contact: 99383044 Looking for a foreign staff with experience in Oman in real estate & real estate valuation. Contact 99109094, email : aburashid94dd@gmail.com

Salesman & Merchandisers urgently required for a reputed FMCG Company engaged in manufacturing & trading in Oman. Candidate must have minimum 1-2 yrs experience in the similar ﬁeld & valid Oman driving license. Interested candidates may send their CV to sunnex3@gmail.com

Required Indian or Pakistani calligrapher & Painter (staff accommodation) Contact# 24480487/24483493

Looking for Outdoor Salesman for heavy equipment spare parts. Contact - 93292015, Email: mail.om@gulfcenter.co

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Wanted: Loading and unloading people. Apply - Indians only: Contact: 95451713

MEDICAL SALES / MARKETING Wanted Dental Technician (5-8) yrs experience. Good knowledge in computer applications, preferably with CAD/CAM system. Mail your CV to hhabadri@gmail.com Wanted female Nurse for clinic in South Sharkiya. Contact 94783831, medicaljobsoman@yahoo.com Immediately required lady Doctor (DGO) or GP with Gynecology experience & lab technician. Contact 99310590. Email : tjmaluke@gmail.com A well known Polyclinic in Muscat is urgently looking for a Bachelor Female Nurse. Forward your CV to hrhospitalmuscat@gmail.com Wanted GP Doctor for clinic. Ph 98115439 Medical CARE Centre, Multi Speciality Clinic, Seeb, requires Gynecologist to work on Freelance (Proﬁt Sharing) basis. Interested candidates call- 97884856 Wanted Nurse (Salary-RO 400/-) & Pharmacist (Salary RO 500/-)-MOH Licensed -Al Suwaiq Clinic Contact- 97742491 Required Nurse for A Clinic in Al-Buraimi, S. of Oman. Contact : 00968 92737149. Send CV to drpkabbas@yahoo.co.in Required prometric passed or MOH license holder for the following posts Indian male & female GP Doctor, Indian Female dentist, Female Staff Nurse & Pharmacists. Contact: 97985325 Email: polyclinicomanhr@gmail.com

MANAGER Business development Manager. company dealing in graphics, signage industry, exhibition booth fabrication looking for candidates experienced in same ﬁeld for their dubai branch. Please contact: thomasphilip24@hotmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Required Salesman, Tailor & Barber. Contact 96964767 Wanted Diesel Mechanics, foreman for cement block factory, JCB & forklift operators. Salesman for block factory, experienced salesman for logistics, labors for block factory. Email : smylackal@gmail. com, Contact 94007259 Established real estate company looking for male or female property agents for leasing and sales of the property. Applicant must be Graduate, possess Omani or GCC driving license. Having oman market experience. Apply with NOC. Attractive salary +commission. Send your CV: property@ labdmarkmuscat.com

Sales Executive Industrial products : 2-3 yrs of exp. with good communication & computer skills. D/L is must. Send resume to salescvv@hotmail.com Required outdoor sales man in construction and oilﬁeld sector with valid GCC D/L. GSM-92830110 Email : contact@absmct.com

Required Marketing Executive. Contact 24816774 / 99020458 Accomplished Sales Executives/ Telemarketing Executives for leading Digital Media Enterprise. jobs@interacoman.com Urgently require Indian male/ female Medical sales representative for Cosmetic Company. Email CV to dania@nitrogenmedical.com Furniture ﬁeld experienced Salesman with license. Contact - 99345159, 91398378 , E-Mail - agsan2005@gmail.com Urgently required outdoor salesman for building material, shop. Contact 99867456 / 24501882

Required Smart, dynamic Sales & Marketing Executive having 2-3 years sales experience in building materials. Omani Driving License and NOC is must. Apply with photograph to E-mail: jobdsint@gmail.com.

Urgent required Sales representative with local experience, car & Omani driving license ready with NOC. Send CV to nationalblueskyemployment@ gmail.com

A reputed company in Muscat requires Sales Executive to promote Oil engine products. Candidate must have 2- 5 yrs experience in the related ﬁeld, with GCC driving license. Send CV with expected salary at employmentoil2015@gmail.com

Business intelligence / Global Marketing management specialist with 9 years of experience developing brand value & managing overall projects to achieve business objectives seeking suitable position on family visit. Contact: 91902154

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

DRIVER

Senior Document Controller, male, Indian, MCA 9+ yrs experience as Document controller in oil & gas sector seeks job as Senior Document controller. Contact 95388197, Email : rojanchristopher@gmail.com

Driver, Indian Keralite, 4 yrs experience. Contact 93798442

Indian 24 years MBA finance 2 years experience seeking suitable placement. Contact: 9822253 Indian female B.Tech (EEE) MBA finance with 1and half years experience as Bank Officer in India seeking suitable placement. Contact: 91358676 / 98157895 Email: sujivu88@gmail.com An Indian Lady Chartered Accountant with five years experience (including articleship), on family visa in Oman looking for a suitable job. Please Contact 9621 0347 / 9943 5346, shincycrajan@gmail.com Part time Accountant with 15 yrs exp in accounts, finance audit taxation. Contact: 95857199 Indian female Accountant with 5 yrs Gulf exp in accounts, audit, Admin payroll. Contact: 96263157 Jordanian Accountant (ACPA) with more than 15 yrs experience in Oman (Accounts, Purchase & finance). Contact: 92881223 Email: kamal_sarhan@yahoo.com Motivated and energetic male 25 having 4 years of experience in finance with Master’s degree in Economics and CAT Certified seeking opportunity in Accounts/finance/ audit in a reputable organization. Cell no: 00968-94626209 E-Mail: omerjawedshah@gmail.com Indian male, 27 years, M. Com, having 2years experience in Accounts looking for suitable position. Presently on visit visa. Contact 93455055| gibingeorge88@gmail.com

ADMIN

SITUATION WANTED SIT. WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Finance Manager, 21 yrs experience in Oman, Dubai, KSA, CA/ MBA, CFC, B.com worked in ERP Oracle, Tally etc. MS office internet etc Resident Visa with release, NOC letter. Email : mas1156@yahoo.com, GSM: 91195480 Part Time Accounting, Accounts Finalization, Audit Preparation, Internal Audit, Monthly Profitability Reports, Onsite Tally Training, Contact : 96975454, email :ibfc.gcc@gmail.com Accountant, Indian male, B.Com, PGDSE with 12 yrs of experience currently on visiting visa seeks suitable placement. Contact 92750853, email : vinoykjospeh@gmail.com Management finance professional, 36 yrs experience, 20 yrs in Oman with oil & gas & mining companies can work independently or head the division, Sudanese Nationality. Contact 98531303 Indian male, B.Com Diploma in office Automation, pursuing ICWA having 6 yrs (India, Oman) exp in Accounts, Audit Finance seeks suitable positions. Familiar with tally, ERP & focus. NOC available Contact : 94706954. E mail:ajurn33@gmail.com Fresh Graduate B.Com with CIMA . U. K. (Partly Qualified ) looking for a suitable position in the Middle east. Contact 9470 5767 Omani female exp. in Accounts & shipping & Secretary & PRO, job knowledge in Computer with Oman D/L. Contact 91161736

Indian male, MBA, 27 yrs, 2 yrs exp. in Oman in Accounts upto finalization of accounts, seeks suitable placement. Contact 91208799, jahafeer@yahoo.co.in Accountant Indian male 31 yrs Accounts up to finalization, 9 yrs experience (7 yrs in Oman) with D/L & NOC seeks suitable placement. Contact: 99582979 Part time accountant services available to handle all accounts related work up to finalization. Contact 96247295

Indian Female MBA , 3 Years Experience in Admin MIS , Family Visa. Contact 98234427, jkjsmith01@gmail.com 8 yrs exp in Admin & Accounts (3 yrs in Oman), MBA, Indian female, seeks placement. Contact 97243806 Indian male having 17 yrs experience in Logistics, Purchase, payroll processing & office Admin, UAE D/L seeks suitable position, valid visa till 24th August’15. . Contact 91219303 Indian male 2+yrs oman exp in HR. joing immediatly. release available. Contact :93671437 Purchase, Admin, Indian male, 15 yrs Gulf experience. Contact 95435370

Indian male,, MBA, Finance, 10 yrs exp as Branch Supervisor in a reputed logistics company in Oman with an overall experience of 21 yrs in ﬁnance & logistics, with valid Oman D/L, on visit looks for suitable placement. Contact 96567151, girishlalmahadev@yahoo.com

HSE Admin experience for 10 years in GCC with valid D/L seeking to join a reputed ﬁrm. NOC available. Contact: 99626821

Accountant Part time up to ﬁnalization on monthly basis by Indian CA. All reports, bank loan help, tax & Audit matters, affordable fee. Contact 92758370

14 years of Gulf experience in HR / Admin & logistics ﬂuent in Arabic / English with D/L looking for suitable position. Contact: 95824598

Finance/ Audit professional with 18 yrs Gulf experience can work independently or head the division looking for opening. Contact 92787747 / 92168401. FMCG professional with 18 yrs Gulf experience in commercial / operations looking for opening. Contact 92787747 / 92168401 B.Com Graduate 3 yrs experience in Oman driving license looking for accounts/sales. Contact 93645008

Indian female, 29 yrs, MBA (HR) 4 yrs exp in HR & Admin seeking suitable placement. # 95619537

Master degree HRM professional having excellent experience in ﬁnance and management and having 8 yrs experience looking for suitable placement. Contact: 92955453 / 91213269 HR.Admin, Indian male..2+ Oman exp..joining immediately..# 93671437

BEAUTICIAN Beautician from India looking for job. Contact 93554741

Driver available, 24 hrs, pick & drop. Contact 95154610 Indian light driver having 1 yr experience in Oman, knowing English, Hindi, Arabic looking for job. Contact 95214332 Indian male, looking for Heavy Driver job, holding Kuwait driving license. Contact 98136170 H.T. V Driver, Pakistani experience, 6 yrs, seeks work in company only. Contact 93985087 Indian male 2 yrs exp in (D/L in sales seeker suitable placement. Contact: 92055093 Light Driver, 9 yrs exp. (Keralite). Contact 97313562 Looking for driving job. Contact 98219182 LMV Driver, 8 yrs exp. (Keralite). Contact 93412587 Looking for a job as Driver, with 9 yrs experience in Oman, language : Arabic/ English/ Hindi. Contact 92517532 Driver, 10 yrs. Contact 94260369 Light driver 5 years exp Education B.A language English, Arabic & Hindi. Contact : 98522914 / 91615715 Heavy & light duty driver valid GCC license looking job from India. Contact 93554741 Light Driver, 5 yrs experience looking for job. Contact 92617293 Sri Lankan driver. # 97387112 Light duty driver, 8 yrs exp. Contact: 96736744

DRAUGHTSMAN Draftsman (2D/3D) 3 yrs exp in Oman with light Oman driving license. Contact:95962384

DESIGNER Experienced Graphics Designer with 6+ years of international exposure in Middle East & Asia looking for job. Valid Omani D/L. 97615584. Sr Designer, Civil & Structural (oil & gas) / Site Supervisor Indian male, 21 years experience in design ﬁeld with driving license seeks suitable placement N.O.C available. #92684051 Email: babyshibu@yahoo.co.in

DOMESTIC HELPER Housemaid (Madras tamil speaking) from India looking job. Contact 95175192

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Keralite, Indian, Diploma in Mechatronic, PG Diploma in Industrial automation (PLC SCADA DCS) interest ﬁeld. Email : sajasvp@gmail.com Civil Engineer BSc -7 years experience with constructions companies - 2 years in Oman - qualiﬁed as a project Engineer- Fluent in Arabic & English - Contact 98078095 Civil Engineer Indian male 10 yrs exp having Omani D/L looking for suitable placement. Contact: 94194399 (shiblyrock@gmail.com) Indian male, 30 yrs, Diploma in Civil Engineer, 5 yrs exp. at building construction & consulting company with Oman driving license. NOC available seeks suitable placement. Contact 95989500, cv.shihabedappal@gmail.com

T U E S DAY, AU G U S T 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED

MISCELLANEOUS Advertising/media executive with 15 years gulf experience with oman driving license. Seeks good opening. Contact 93031168

ENGG. / TECHNICAL HSE Logistics Site Coordination with 10 yrs exp. in Oman seeks placement, with Oman D/L. Contact 92825053 / 92565093 Mechanical Engineer, 2 yrs experience in Automobile services. Contact 98182081 Indian Mechanical Engineer (QA/ QC) Engineer with 5 yrs of experience in oil & gas, mining & manufacturing sector, keyskills – NDT, Welding Inspection, Quality control, inspection etc. Contact 91176122, Email : khajanaseer07@yahoo.co.in Electrical Engg, suitable for office works, NOC available, experience in maintenance for CB & relays, ﬂuent in English. Contact 97891226 / 95268664 B Tech Mechanical Engineer HVAC Plumbing with 2 yrs exp. in India. Contact : 97654489 nikhilchandpm@gmail.com Indian female (M. Tech – power system) having Gulf experience, currently on family visa seeking suitable placement in Oman. Contact: 94306164 Indian Civil Engineer, B.Tech, 13 yrs experience in building pipes. Contact 91342325 Civil Engg, B.Tech, Indian male, having 3 yrs of experience in Construction & EPB looking for suitable placement. Contact 91430851. Civil Engineer (B. Tech) Indian female, 2 yrs exp (1 yr in Oman) seeks suitable position. Contact: 93911895 Civil foreman, Civil Engineer, Indian exp overseas looking for job. Contact 95175192 BE in ECE, female looking for suitable placement. Contact 94767662. Email: chaithanyakotian10@gmail.com Pakistani Civil Management Engineer, 12+ 2 yrs Oman experience, Oman D/L seeks suitable placement. Contact 94392616 Project Manager / Senior Engineer, Indian Male BE Civil, 21yrs experienced including Oman looking for the Job Contact +918939295181 Email I’D : sanja_bala@yahoo.co.in SAP BW Analyst : Indian male, 26 yrs, B.Tech (CS & E) from ASET, New Delhi, worked as a Business Analyst in Software Industry. Contact 98008127 / 92878708, vaisakh.bhaskar@gmail.com Sudanese male Telecommunication Engineer looking for job. Contact: 94537607 Civil Engineer, more than 6 yrs experience in Supervision, site management, QS, Engineering software with valid Oman driving license. NOC available. Contact 91761364, Email : a-shaqfa@hotmail.com Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineer, 26 yrs, Masters from Singapore, Bachelors from India. Having 2 yrs work experience in Oman, with Valid Oman driving license. available immediately. Contact: 95498953 Indian male 25yrs B.E in Electronics and Communication Engineering with 2 yrs experience D/L. Email : azee245ec@gmail.com, Contact 94188216 Mechanical Engineer with 5 yrs exp in which 3 yrs in GCC with valid D/L. looking for suitable placement. Contact :94172136, Email: allen.mathew@hotmail.com Indian male 24 yrs B Tech Electronics & communication looking for job, having 6 months exp available in Muscat on visit visa. Contact: 94756280 / 95084905, Email: vivek2573459@gmail.com Civil Engineer : Pakistani male having 4 yrs experience in Oman. Well handle site & guide workers, seeks suitable placement. All the documents available. Contact 96470310. Electrical and Electronics Engineer with one year experience and GCC licence holder seeking a job mail – shyjalpk@gmail.com

Diploma in Mech.Engg. Indian Female - with great experience in Quality Control, (QA/QC) Auto CAD, Primavera, CATIA, Pro E, seeking job. Currently in family visa Contact: 94526980/96510532 Indian male 25MBA having 4years Gulf experience in Coordination with contracting company .NOC Available. Looking for(Store,Coordination,Admin ,Backoffice) Jobs Ph:95405885 Indian male Electronic Technician, 7 yrs experience, CCTV Technician seeks suitable job, now on visit visa. Contact 98353542 / 99179853 Indian male, B.Tech, B.Tech (Electronics) MBA (Marketing) having 1 yr experience as Deputy Manager Sales in Fortune 100 MNC currently on visit visa seeks suitable job. Contact 96967234, Email: lijotitus111@gmail.com Indian male B.Tech Mechanical Engineer 1 year experience seeking suitable placement, available immediately. Contact: 93907707 Email: jubinkasim@gmail.com SUPERVISOR: Indian male site supervisor (AIR CONDITIONING) 25 years of experience with valid Oman Driving license, seeking suitable placement. Contact: 97498809, 93391910 Email: hilariankj@gmail.com Indian male MBA 13 yrs exp in Oman (8 yrs in Tech Documentation 5 yrs in Project coordination) Administration, seeks suitable placement. Visa transfer / NOC available. Contact : 93069441 Civil Engineer BSc-Total Experience 6 years-2 years in Oman, experience in site work & Structural Design & Technical office. Contact 97983610 Bangladeshi male, B.Sc, Engg. in Civil total 9 yrs experience, 2.5 yrs as Contractor Engg. & 3.5 yrs as consultant Engr, total 6 yrs exp in Oman seeking a job. Contact Mobile 95540721, Email : sheikwet@gmail.com Btech computer science graduate 2015 passout.. Android application marketing.. Having good communication skills and mindset to work in a team. Contact 91024385 Civil Engineer, 10 yrs exp. in building residential M.O.E, M.O.D, Stp looking for suitable placement. NOC available. Good knowledge AutoCAD, computer MS Office, Excel, making B.O.Q. all type of civil work related, building supervision. Contact 99471944, engrzagar@gmail.com Indian male, Supervisor Electrician Diploma 8 yrs in Oman. NOC available. Contact 95057068, jratheesh@yahoo.com BE Civil Graduate /Male – More than 18 years of experience in Infrastructure in India,UAE and Oman. looking for a suitable job in Oman. Mob :98294123 Email: sandeepj02@gmail.com Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp. Email: mohd.ateeq.khan@gmail.com Mechatronic Engineer (UK) with business operations PG Certiﬁcate (UK) & piping Engineering (IIT) looking for vacancy, with Oman driving license. Contact 99278195, email : justin_johns123@hotmail.com Mechanical Engineer, Indian male, 24 yrs, having 1 yr plant experience currently on visit visa, looking for suitable job. Contact 92835957, rafeekmohammed84@gmail.com Civil Project Engineer exp 10 yrs. Contact: 92673432 Email: arifjamalkhan8@gmail.com

IT Experienced Electrical Technician, with Oman driving license looking for suitable placement. Contact 96103843 Indian Male, IT Support Engineer, 2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experience. Contact 97311847 Indian male 24 years B.E mechanical 2 years exp. or visit visa. Contact: 99247326 Civil Engineer B.E, 5.5 years experience with Omani D/L. Contact: 96785311 Electrical Engineer 2 years experience (Indian) construction (building) looking suitable placement. Contact 00968 92596672 Email: kundara.renjith@gmail.com Electrical Engineer bachelor degree having 6+ years experience of Gulf and professional license available to join. Contact: 98063081 Email: imran.engr08@gmail.com Indian Male, Diploma in Civil Engineer working as a Project engineer with 7years of experience looking for suitable job. Contact- 92636569 Engineer with 3 yrs experience in Indian in MEP, HVAC& mechanical maintained ﬁeld on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact 99191535 Email: fareed029@gmail.com SAP – SCM.MM Consultant B.Tech. (Chemical), from NIT, working with oil industry, seeks employment. Contact: 98049288

EDUCATION Indian lady M.Com, B.Ed looking for openings in teaching. Contact 97668603

Sudanese female IT Tech. Support, Demographic, English ﬂuent exp. 11.6 yrs. Contact: 96659392 Indian (f) with 7 yrs exp in software development (2.5 yrs Oman exp) good knowledge in .net and MSSQL Server seeks suitable placement. Contact : 93276784 email: sanalkumar63@gmail.com Indian visit visa, Network / System Engineer switches, routers, servers, load balancers 5 yrs of exp holds B.E (ECE), CCNA looking for good opportunity. Contact: 91911792 Email: arafakdnl@gmail.com

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Supervisor fabrication. 30 years experienced in oil and gas industry with thorough knowledge of PDO procedures. contact 99365694, 92362946, 99208102 email: tapasroy21@yahoo . com Supervisor / Forman interior / electrical with Oman driving license. Contact: 93438075 MIB Post Graduate /male – more than 9 years of experience in shipping & Logistics in middle east (Liner Section) looking for a suitable job in Oman. .Mob :( India) 91-9400043894, Oman 99899627 Email: jaise81@gmail.com Indian Male 13 years experience in Purchase/Store seeks urgent placement Contact -99609696 Indian Male 9 years experience in Purchase/Supply Chain with Oman D/L looking for a suitable opening in Construction/ Oil & Gas Industry. Contact 91124175

MISCELLANEOUS

Indian female, B.Sc, B.Ed, 3 yrs experience currently on visit visa looking for suitable placement. Contact 91330415

Indian male 26 yrs Graduate, 2 yrs exp as logistics Coordinator looking for suitable placement. Contact: 96944298

Male, 32 yrs, Psychology & B.Ed in English having 4 yrs of experience in teaching the present company, ready to give the release letter. Contact 99869535, sahadkeyi33@gmail.com

Management Professional accountable, responsible for proﬁtable management can handle the entire operations, HR/Recruitment, Business development & Sales & marketing & etc, Great organizational skills with over 23+yrs exp. in Bombay, Saudi Arabia, Dubai-UAE & Oman(11yrs) as General Manager - Publications, Printing,Media. open to any industry, can Join immediately w/NOC. Contact : +968 98864706/99574638 Mail : akdas_uae@yahoo.com

Indian female, M.Sc, M.Phil. Chemistry, 3 yrs Teaching experience currently on visit visa, seeks suitable position. Contact 96916534 / 91969756 Indian female, English teacher, MA,B.Ed,CELTA, 5+years experience, looking for suitable placement. GSM 99642462, kalcky@yahoo.com

HOSPITALITY Diploma holder in Aviation Hospitality & travel management, Indian male seeking for suitable position, presently in Oman. Contact 97309707 Indian female 40 yrs, MBA, Oman driving license with experience in service industry / business development is looking for suitable job. Contact : 98007311 4 Years experienced (Money exchange services & Hospitality services in Oman & India) - Indian male 27 years, graduate in Hospitality science, ﬂuent in English, Hindi & Arabic seeks suitable placement. Contact 91383167

IT NETWORK/NETWORK SECURITY ENGG. Graduate in B.Tech CS. Have 5.3 years of experience in Network and Security devices. Certiﬁed on CCNA, CCNP, MCITP and CCIE Sec. Written passed. NOC available. Can join immediately. Contact +974-55297089, e-mail: rejad.hashim@gmail.com

Telecommunication Maintenance Engineer Sudanese male 2 years experience in HUAWEI hardware ﬁeld cabins good communication English & Arabic. Contact :+ 968 96433495 / +968 94756295 Email: muzamilawadalla@gmail.com

Indian female, B.Tech, IT (now in Muscat on visit visa) with total 2 yrs experience (1.3 yrs in TCS, India) seeks suitable placement. Contact 93949541 / 93738083, email : joantoms91@gmail.com

Electrical Engineer, Indian male, 29 yrs having 5 yrs of experience in industrial automation & utility maintenance in India (MRF tyres) seeks suitable placement. #92789995, Email : akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com

B.E (Computer) degree Engineer, complete schooling in Muscat, male, Indian with 1 yr experience needs job in software / networking / Java/ Web design or Marketing. Contact 97136248 / 99313821

MEDICAL BA degree Nursing professional having excellent looking for suitable placement. Contact:: 92955453 /91213269

PROJECTS Indian male, with 8 yrs exp. in Oman (BA- Graduate) working as a project Sales Coordinator, with Oman D/L, looking for suitable job, ready to join immediately with NOC, open for Sales & Marketing also. Contact 95245057

SALES / MARKETING Male, 29 yrs, MBA, Marketing having 9 yrs experience in Sales, Marketing, customer services seeks job. Contact 98163254, Email : shujaat_ali2014@hotmail.com Indian male, Graduate with 18 yrs experience in Sales & Marketing 3 yrs in UAE currently on visit visa, seeks suitable placement. Contact 91996486 / 99732070 Indian male, B.Com, MBA having 2 yrs experience in Marketing & advertising presently on visit visa, looking for suitable openings. Contact 96559835, rintomatam@gmail.com Sudanese young man looking for job with suitable ﬂuent in computers & experience in Sales. Contact 91318822 MBA Graduate with 1 yr experience in Sales, having D/L seeks suitable placement. Contact 97620084, email : gautamacchu13@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Bangladeshi male, looking job for salesman. Contact 97756028 Indian male, B.Com Graduate with 2yrs sales experience in India, seeking job with excellent communication skills & computer skills, Contact: 99637296 Indian male, 2 yrs exp. in Sales with D/L seeks suitable placement. Contact 92055093 MBA, HR & Marketing, Indian, male, 25 yrs, fresher, on visit visa seeks placement. Contact 94736649 / 98207564, Email : dvengels8191@gmail.com Marketing/Sales, 1 year experience/ Degree holder(BBA) / valid Driving license. Contact;94122944, mail; raashidjabirm@gmail.com Indian on visit visa, having 5 yrs exp. in procurement / purchase in KSA with valid Saudi driving license. Contact 95438201 Looking for job as Salesman at any shop. Contact 96930922 Male, BA with D/L, 6 yrs exp. in Oman seeks suitable job in Sales & Inventory & procure. Contact 92191026 Expert in Sales Marketing & promotions, having D/L of Oman, good communication skills in Arabic & English. Contact 92262680 Indian male 8yrs experience in Purchase looking for a suitable placement with N.O.C. Contact : 95621614 Indian male 27 years, B.Tech Graduate having good work experience with valid Oman D/L looking for a suitable opening as Sales Engineer. Contact: 91472953 Email: harees.rasheed.2014@gmail.com

SKILLED/ UNSKILLED

Masters in Information Systems and IT with more than 12 years experience seeks suitable placement. Contact: 98502793, email:jobsrs6@gmail.com AutoCad Civil Draftsman – Having 3 years- experience, looking for a placement.(Full- time or Part time) 99627427 / 96154564. Indian Female, 25 years, M.Sc Electronics + Multimedia, having one year teaching experience in Government college in India, seeks suitable placement. Contact GSM 99367448 Indian Male, 37 Years , B Tech Graduate Electrical. Having 12 Years Experience of DCRP Works / Jobs in Oman with Driving License, Looking for an suitable opening, NOC Available. Contact – 92122338, Email saiviharvasanth@gmail.com Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant ,doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available. Contact : 98803439 Indian Female Lawyer having 11 yrs experience presently working in Oman seeks placement in Legal/ HR/Admin etc. NOC available Contact-94436960 Email: famidakhan123@gmail.com Indian male 23 years Graduate, working as a sales coordinator cum purchase & office coordination 2 YEARS in oman Having oman license & NOC looking for suitable job in Muscat. GSM:97475860 Email:yadhukrishnan08@gmail.com INDIAN MALE 24 YEARS, B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic).Having 2 years experience as Electrical Site Engineer in Constructions. Done IOSH & NEBOSH- IGC certiﬁcations. Seeking for suitable placement in constructions or in any related industries. Contact no: 98045482/ mastanshaik1008@gmail.com Filipino (male), 37 yrs. old, having 8yrs. experience in Operation (Shipping&Logistics) currently on visit visa looking for suitable job. GSM: 97121525

Building construction supervisor looking for small Omani company to handle independently or suitable placement in good company with Oman D/L. Contact 93061107

Quantity Surveyor-MEP (Estimation/Project) ,Total 10 Years Experience (3 years in Oman). Having NOC & Oman D/L, Looking for suitable job, Contact - 97906551

TIG+ARC Welder Indian with 16 yrs Middle East exp. in Copper Nickel, Duplex, Inconel, S.S, CS Now on visit visa seeks suitable placement.. Contact : 96502282. Email: manuangola88@gmail.com

Pakistani male 32 years IT network + Computer Hardware professional A+ MCSE Termination Technician work Experience in salalah airport. 10+ years experience in IT ﬁeld and 2 years Oman working experience valid GCC driving license available looking for a suitable placement contact no 96733205 Email - faisalzaman24@gmail.com

TOURS & TRAVELS Five years experience in Travel ﬁeld ,BCom., IATA & pursuing MBA, Presently working in the Travel Desk of (ITC managed) Five Star Hotel in India, looking for a suitable position in the Middleeast. pls contact 9470 5767 11 yrs experience in travel ﬁeld B.Com, IATA, MCSE working for Qatar Airways, Sales reservation ticketing driving license & NOC available. Contact 92954613

MISCELLANEOUS INDIAN MALE 23 YEARS,B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic) having 4 years working experience as an Electrical site Engineer, currently on visit visa. Seeking suitable placement. Contact no. 98045482 21 years, B. Com, graduate male ‘fresher’ well versed in English, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam with Driving license looking for a suitable job. Contact: 96799287 24 years, ACCA affiliate, 2.5 years of experience in audit, ﬁnance in Big6 and oil industry, looking for suitable placement, NOC release available. Contact 95140445, Email: a.saran891@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer : Indian , male , 23 years, 2 years experience, on visit visa . Seeking suitable placement. Contact : +968 91409712 , email : nibin.nani@gmail.com Babar Ali Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in Accounts, IT & Administration, looking for a better position in Oman, No need of Visa, already working in of the Omani Construction Company. Contact:- 95983711.

Well qualified Indian Female Bsc, Computers diploma 9 years of experience as Executive Secretary seeks placement. Contact 95423692,91374217 Indian female with MBA in finance on visit visa seeking immediate placement. Contact :968-93316493 Sales Representative or Purchase officer. Indian male 30 years , looking for suitable placement in construction industries and oilfield industries. Having 5 years of Gulf experience in FASTENERS and building material. with good communication skills. Contact: 97756269, Email: razzakbmt@gmail.comIndian B.E Mechanical engineer,2 years job experience in Oman in pipeline field, having ASNT level ll in UT,RT,MT and PT, fluent in English, Hindi, Gujarati and Marathi, with valid Omani driving license (light) searching for job. # +968 92745691 ACCOUNTANT: Indian male senior Accountant, Graduate & CA Article ship completed. 18 Years of experience. Currently on visiting visa. seeks suitable placement. Contact: 97498809, 99769743, Email: hilariankj@gmail.com Indian male executive secretary having vast experience in admin, logistics & procurement well versed with computer seeks suitable placement. Contact : 99514286 Indian male 35 yrs, 10 yrs UAE experience in FMCG, looking for a suitable position in sales and marketing, valid GCC license on visit visa. Contact 93438747, 95723635.

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DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED MISCELLANEOUS B.Com graduate, 11 years experience in Accounts, 9 years Oman experience , Oman valid driving license, looking for suitable post. Mob:92758404 NOC Available. Indian male, B.com, MBA, having 5 years experience (3 years in U.A.E) is currently seeking suitable opportunities within finance/accounts/ admin dept.Contact:93953613, allen.mathew83@gmail.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, Indian male,29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license. NOC available. Seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854 Indian male 23 years Graduate, working as a sales coordinator cum purchase & office coordination 2 yrs in oman Having oman license & NOC looking for suitable job in Muscat Email:yadhukrishnan08@gmail.com, GSM:97475860 Indian Male, 32 yrs, MBA-HR, Trainer & Faculty worked on Omanisation & nationals development activities with 10 yrs of experience seeking suitable job. Contact : 93891401 saiprasad_18@yahoo.com Female MBA gold medalist, with computer proficiency, Oman driving license looking for job opportunity in event management companies in Muscat. Ph : 99012949 Sudanese 29 male (Bsc computer science,diploma computer engineering), 6 yrs. experience dba oracle plsql , ms sql-server ,ms visual studio vba,network Omani Driver licence language English, Arabic Tel: 91415886 Piping Design Engineer, Indian male 27, looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering. Having 7 years of experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708/97357143 Indian Male 22 Years , Graduation In Electronics Seeking Jobs In Supervisory , Sales & Sales Co-ordination Fields , Good Communication Skill # 96141317, E-mail: akhilek5@gmail.com Indian female B. Com MBA finance ,5 years experience in oman as an account seeking suitable placement. Contact 99044292 DIPLOMA+B.E.(CIVIL ENGINEER), Indian, 4 years of experience, currently on visit visa; Seeking Right Position. GSM:91570703. Two year experience in Oman, experience in sales, purchase and system admin, Having GCC license. Contact number 97475860, Yadhukrishnan08@gmail.com ME. Civil Engineer, Structural Designer, 3 Years Structural Design, 6 Years Str. Engineer Experience, Looking For Structural Designer Position. Iranian Male. Contact: 93696929, Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com B-tech Electrical Engineer with more than 2 years of experience in erection and designing of HT and LT electrical systems. Seeking for suitable job in Muscat. Contact: 98269366. Email: sijincleetus@gmail.com Male Graphic designer cum animation, non linear editing VFX, seeking suitable position. Contact: 97792661 / 96229406 Indian lady 30 years Graduate having work experience in India and Oman looking for Admin or any other suitable job. Contact : 95676957

Indian Female Accountant, CA Final (Group I cleared), 5+ year’s experience in the field of Accounts, Audit and Financial ERPs. Currently available in Muscat and seeking suitable job opportunities.Ph:94704800 email id: vinithsavith@gmail.com Civil site coordinator, Diploma, Male 25, now present in Oman, Seeking job in Oman. # 92887561, jubincivileng@gmail.com Data Entry operator cum Buyer, Indian male,26years.BA, Computer proficiency :Operating system (Windows 2000xp & Windows7) E plus and Tally ERP9, 4 yrs Experience in Oman seeks suitable placements. mob:95360255 Driver looking for job exp 2 yrs. Contact: 98522914 Indian Female BSC nurse with 8+ years of experience including 3 years of GCC exp. Oman Prometric passed with 57 %. Currently in Oman. Contact : 98034384 Senior Accounts Professional, Indian Male, 36 years, M.Com, MBA (Fin) 9 years in Oman, with valid Oman DL and NOC available. Capable to handle accounts up to finalization. Contact 9602 3965. Indian Male 24 years, Looking for a Suitable Job in Telecom / Networking, 1 year sales experience. M. Sc. Communications Engineering & Valid Driving license. Ph: 91280121. Email: jackrprasad@yahoo.com Indian female, 24yrs, M.COM (Accounts) having 3 yrs experience in Accounts, HR, Administration, Customer Service. Good Computer Proficiency seeking Suitable Position. Visa Transfer/NOC Available. Contact: 99654913 Indian male 27 years B.E & MS Mechanical Engineer working in Delhi for last 4 years in Jcb India pvt. ltd., seeks placement in Oman. Contact 93393768 Indian, presently on visit visa in Salalah looking for job B.com failed UAE experience in accounts, commercial Admin & warehouse. Contact: 92754071 /93346931 Email: sathyanathanuk@gmail.com Indian male, 39 yrs, MSC Computer Science 10 years experience IT support, FMS Engineer, bank experience looking for suitable job. Contact: 94276449 MBA (Marketing /HR) with 45 years exp in business development and marketing, having valid Oman driving license seeks suitable placement currently available on family visa. Contact 97618033 Email: vjgeorge12@gmail.com Indian male 63 years have 30 years Muscat experience all office work sales business development insurance administration accounts with Oman driving license. Contact : 99249412 Driver 5 years exp know English, Arabic,& Hindi Education B.A. Contact : 91615715 / 99512270 Indian female LLB (Advocate) 2 years experience looking for suitable post legal advisor company secretary etc. Contact 93343190 / 94476387 Email: shafu1019@gmail.com Indian female, B.Sc, PGDCA, currently on family joining visa, 2 years working experience in oman as customer care / sales co-ordinator, immediate joining seeks suitable placements. Contact no. (968) 95573205 / 95949230 / 95800792

B.E (IT) 1 year exp complete schooling in Muscat needs job in software / net working / java/ WEB design or marketing. Contact: 97136248 / 99313821 Indian male 22 years ACCA affiliate , BSc, Graduate in applied accounting 2 months working experience seeking suitable placement in Finance / Accounts / audit immediately. Contact: 97378607 / 92558734 HR.Admin..indian male..2+ Oman exp..joining immediately.. Contact 93671437 Indian male Chartered Accountant having 10 years of experience in Process audit, Risk assessment and Internal Audit is urgently looking for a suitable opportunity. Cell: +96897327343 Email: cabalkrishnadubey@gmail.com. NOC available B-tech Electrical Engineer with more than 2 years of experience in erection and designing of HT and LT electrical systems. Seeking for suitable job in Muscat. Contact: 98269366. Email: sijincleetus@gmail.com Project Manager / Senior Engineer, Indian Male BE Civil, 21yrs experienced including Oman looking for the Job Contact +918939295181 Email I’D sanja_bala@yahoo.co.in Indian male 26 , graduate in mechanical engineering having 2 years experience in fabrication production filed in India, looking for a suitable job. mobile: +968-91384621 EMAIL : rmekhil@hotmail.com Sr. Sales Executive, Indian Male, Holding Valid Oman DL. Total experience in Oman of 15 years with 4 years Rent a Car Co. experience. Looking for Opportunities in any Industry for similar sales role. GSM - 95703233 email id “khetani_r@yahoo.com INDIAN MALE 23 YEARS,B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic). Done IOSH & NEBOSH- IGC certifications. Looking for HSE engineer job in Oil Gas Sector, constructions or in any related industries. Contact 98045482 Indian male. M.com holder with two year working experience as an accountant in India. Now at Muscat on visiting visa. Seeks suitable placement. Gsm:96947500,99463120, Email:mohamedshafikk5@gmail. com ACCOUNTANT, Indian male,29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license. NOC available seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854 Female, Indian, 35 Yrs- house maid available for Full/Part time work in Muscat. contact- 96754303. 29 years Indian female (MBAFinance) with 4+yrs experience (Oman) in Accounts, seeking suitable placement in Accounts/Admin. Contact:96141283 Indian, male, 41 years, CA Inter, Persuing CA final. Now on express visa. 7 years of Experience in OMAN as Finance and Accounts Manager in Trading , Construction and Firefighting industry. 21 Years of exp. seeking suitable Managerial positions. No visa issues. Immediate joining. Contact 98469311 Email:sebin30@yahoo.co.in B-tech Electrical engineer with more than 2 years of experience in erection and designing of HT and LT electrical systems. Seeking for suitable job in Muscat. Contact:98269366. Email:sijincleetus@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTED SIT. WANTED Indian male,Accountant, B.com, 1 yr experience in auditing and having knowledge in tally. #94733824/95769355

BSC Female Nurse having 8 years of experience ( 3 years in gulf). Prometric passed - 57%. Currently in Oman. Contact : 98034384

Indian Female B.Sc., B.Ed.(Maths), M.C.A residing in Al-Ghubra seeking a teaching position as a Math Teacher GSM.- 94231633

ACCOUNTANT, M.Com holder with 2 year working experience as an accountant in Kerela-India, seeks suitable placement. GSM NO:96947500, 9 9463120, mail: mohamedshaﬁkk5@gmail.com

INDIAN MALE 23 YEARS, B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic) having 4 years working experience as an Electrical site Engineer. Looking for suitable job in Oil Gas Sector or in related industries. Contact 98045482

8 yrs exp 2d, 3d draughtsman (HOLDING OMANI DRIVING LICENSE) seeking job. Contact : 93790601

Indian male, ERP Functional Consultant (SCM, MM, HRMS), Seeks employment.Contact: 98478928, Email: anand.desai2408@gmail.com

Indian Male 22 Years, Graduation In Electronics Seeking Jobs In Supervisory , Sales & Sales Co-ordination Fields , Good Communication Skill Contact 96141317, E-mail: akhilek5@gmail.com

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

Chartered Accountant with 7 years of post qualiﬁcation experience, seeking challenging job opportunity. Experience in auditing/accounts & ﬁnance/taxation/IFRS, etc. GSM +968 95763680

Indian male 28YRS, 7Years exp. in Architectural & structural Draughtsman & 3d visualization, looking for a suitable Post GSM: +971551965944. Email:aboosuﬁyan@gmail.com

Indian Female Interior Designer, 4.5 yrs experience, seeking immediate mid-senior level position with ﬁrm having lady clearance. NOC Available. Contact 93033072

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, Email : mohammednazeer07@gmail.com

Sudanese.male 32 years.B.SC mechanical engineer.7years experience.5 years experiance in Gulf. working now in water pipeline projects.ﬂuent Arabic and English. have Omani driving license.looking for good opportunity TEl:91117089

Indian Female, M.Com & MBA with 1.5 years of experience in Reinsurance Treaty seeking a good job opportunity in Insurance & Reinsurance Accounts or General Accounts. Contact: +968 91920189, Email: neethumano.manohar@gmail.com

Indian Male 22 years, ACCA Afﬁliate with B..Sc. Degree in Applied Accounting having three months working experience seeking suitable placement in Finance / Accounts / Audit. Holding valid Oman D/L. Contact 97378607 / 92558734

CCNA MCITP network support / network technician with 2 years experience Indian male having bachelors degree on visit visa. #93080871 sean.f.peters@outlook.com

Indian female Nurse, Prometric passed 64%, 5 years of experience, MOH licensed, presently working in Oman seeking a suitable placement in reputed Hospitals, NOC available. Contact: 98329941, Email: ancyanish2011@gmail.com.

ME. Civil Engineer, Structural Designer, 3 Years Structural Design, 6 Years Str Supervising Experience, Looking For Structural Designer Position. Iranian Male. Contact : 93696929 Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

Syrian male 3yrs. exp in IT support, Networking, Security systems, Server support, IT sales and marketing. Valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement. Contact 91033395

Well established infrastructure works company with full assets & huge value contracts up for immediate sale. Contact 98867530 / 95565039 Looking for Investor to start steel fabrication unit. Contact 98314531 Invite business proposals on proﬁt sharing basis. Email : contact@absmct.com/ 99221683 Canadian Consultancy Company is looking for a Partner in Oman. For more information please contact +973 39990830 New company seek partnership. Contact: 96996938 General Investors. Gsm-99674870

*Classiﬁed Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

T U E S DAY, AU G U S T 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE TOURS

SITUATION WANTCARGO

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

RENT A CAR

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours Contact- 98029602, 92808636

TRANSPORTATION Transportation only in Muscat. Contact 96736975 Transportation any time. Contact 99365092 Transportation. Contact 98178135 Transportation available. Contact 95570429 Transport. Contact: 95190627 Transportation. Contact: 96538078 Transportation. Contact:98522914 Transportation. Contact 99508282

Car for rent. Contact: 92516090

Transportation. Contact: 98244078

Butter cup rent a car competitive prices new car 2016. # 97249449

Pick & Drop any time. Contact 97014786

T U E S D AY, AU G U S T 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

DRIVING

CLASSES Driver for Automatic Transmission. Contact: 99040813

MATRIMONIAL Ezhava lady, divorcee, 37, 5.3”, Pharmacist in Muscat, suryakv2010@gmail.com +919961176066

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

Looking for alliance from professionally well qualiﬁed nair boy for a postgraduate nair girl working in public sector, India. Contact : Oman 99440356 and India +91 9446129845 Kerala Syro Malabar Catholic girl, 28 yrs, working in Salalah, MOH from Palakkad, seeks suitable alliance from Keralite professionals in Muscat. Contact 99357901 Malayalee Nair boy from good family(only son) – 36 yrs- B.Com, MBA (Mktg & Finance)- Associate Regional Manager in an MNC in Coimbatore- invites alliance – Contact +91 7639622079 Keralite male, 34 yrs, Hindu Viswakarma (Sudha Jathakam) working as Chef in reputed Hotel in Muscat seeks suitable alliance. Contact 97097061/ 91 8547644153 23 yrs Keralite Christian girl settled in Bangalore invites alliance from well settled Christian boys. Contact 99494371

Admission started in a private school, Darsait (Mount Zion Group of Institutions CBSE 1) for KG and grade 1 to 4 please register soonest. Contact: 92088325 / 24799938

COMPUTER

Keralite Christian Orthodox boy, 28 yrs, MBA seeks suitable alliance. Contact 91394731 RCSC boy, Kanjirapally divorcee, 36-172. Contact 93028813 / 92501521 Sunni Muslim girl, Indian origin, 20 yrs BA graduate from Oman, good looking homely with good religious values, seeking alliances from Muslim professionals, well settled in Oman or Middle East. Contact: 99644760 or Email: ghulamuzma23@gmail.com

LOST Kumar Pankaj has lost Indian Passport No. G608988. Finder please handover to ROP Bedana Akhtar has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AF0927649. Finder please handover to ROP

WEBSITE

Pobitro Bepari has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. A0979014. Finder please handover to ROP

NOTICE One stop shop business services : Public Relation (PRO) formation new companies, LLC companies, Investor visa, business setup, prepare businesses & companies accounts, legal services, representing you and your company. Contact: Saleh : 96723485

Al Sadah for Trad & Cont ASSTD which is recorded under the commercial register in directorate general for trade industry number 1029877 is going to change its name to Al Sadah for Cont ASSTD. This is to inform anybody who concerns about that.

CHANGE OF NAME We, SREEJITH VANIYAN VALAPPIL (name of father as per the passport, holder of Indian Passport No. M52446647) and SHIBI PADIKKAL (name of mother as per the passport holder of Indian Passport No .H6526038) having permanent address in Sreyas House,Ramanthali -Po,Kannur -Dt,Kerala -670308(complete postal address in India) and presently residing at the following address in Muscat, PB No -72, P.C.No -112 , Sultanate of Oman, hereby solemnly affirm and declare to change the name of our child Miss. KRISHNA SREEJITH (name as per present passport), holder of Indian Passport No -M2831063 date of issue 15.10.2014 issued at Kozhikkode. The name of our child will be henceforth known as ADRIJA (given name) VALAPPIL SREEJITH (surname) for all purposes. Any objection towards change of our minor child may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, Diplomatic Quarters, Al khuwair, PB No.1727, Postal Code.112,Ruwi,Sultanate of Oman.

House shifting & transporting. Contact 92490422 MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807 Split window cassette AC unit servicing, maintenance. Contact: 99540621 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

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price. Contact: http//webviewoman

Split & window A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089/95323517 GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 A/C Maintenance & servicing, fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, painting & cleaning services, electrical & plumbing. Contact: 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281 Water prooﬁng ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722

Civil maintenance - plumbing, electrical, painting, and tiling, interior decorations, shop furnishing and all other maintenance works. Contact: 97897831 / 92112094 (Indian, Keralite)

Air condition maintenance split and window A/C split a/c ducted and package type units. Contact: 98667326

Pest control Treatments, Cockroaches, Ants ,Rodents & Termites. Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99357908 / 99344723.

Split & widow unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080 Split & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact: 96236476 Window & split unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517 Part time accountant services available. Contact:93438100 All maintenance & repairs. Contact Rizwan: 99429071, RMPM Trading. General cleaning in buildings villas all types interior, exterior, polishing dry cleaning carpets, rugs, marble etc. Contact 94134784 / 98598280 General cleaning & Shampooing. Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723 / 99357908

For AutoCAD drawings and Civil Engg. Q.S works, please contact.92758095

GOOD NEWS Fresh ﬂowers Jasmine Roses Marigold & Garlands for Onam & other festivals, advance booking accepted. Haridas Nensey. Contact 24750784 Rakhees Raksha Bandhan available thousands Designs. Also special offer at Haridas Nensey Ruwi. Contact 24750784 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 99250777, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit: www.islamfact.com