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

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FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

48-PAGE SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT WITH THIS EDITION

Speaking to people on November 26, 1975

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ Since our religion teaches us that all people are equal, that there is no difference between one citizen and another in the question of rights and duties and that the noblest of you in the sight of God is the most God-fearing, we are absolutely determined to establish social justice in accordance with the teachings of our Islamic religion and Shariah.

WEDNESDAY, November 18, 2015 / 6 Safar 1437 AH

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OMAN STRIDES FORWARD EDUCATION

Times of Oman special report

Students

Schools 1970

2014 1,580

charts 45 years

POPULATION

1970

PER CAPITA INCOME

2015

4,279,709

2014 679,469

LIFE EXPECTANCY

Omani Rials

1970

2014

159.1

7,327.7

1970

2014

654,000

900

health, education,

OIL PRODUCTION

infrastructure, and

Barrels per day

the economy

1,000 MRUDU NAIK

mrudu@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: “Yesterday, it was complete darkness, and with the help of God, tomorrow will be a new dawn for Muscat, Oman and its people.” In 1970, while addressing the people of Oman on the day of his accession, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said also declared, “I will proceed as quickly as possible to transform your lives so they are prosperous and with a bright future.” Oman, today, is a testimony to this promise. Over the past four decades, the Sultanate enjoyed rapid development, led from the front by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. In 1970, there were only three formal schools with 900 students across the entire country; now, there are more than 1,580 schools with some 679,469 students enrolled. Statistics reveal how there were just two hospitals in 1970, but as of today, there are 67 hospitals, 6,561 beds, 72 health centres (with beds), 108 health centres without beds, and 23 extended health centres. >A10

INSIDE>

1970

332,000

944,000 2014

Kilometres

15 34,557

2014

45 YEARS OF PROGRESS

PAVED ROADS 1970

In 1970, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s accession to the throne transformed the Sultanate of Oman into a progressive and prosperous country. Here, some statistics which are proof of such change.

HOTELS 1970

49.3

76.6

1970

297

2,855

15,424 2015

Royal pardon

His Majesty has granted pardon to prisoners. >A10

Mountain collapse A person trapped under rubble was rescued. >A11

Omani twins honour HM with new mobile app

#OMANPRIDE

INFANT MORTALITY RATE

GDP Millions OMR 1 million

Deaths per 1,000 live births

1970

2014

118 HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

7.9

HOSPITAL BEDS 2014

1970

31,450.8

104.7

1970

Source: National Centre for Statistics and Information Ministry of Tourism Oman —The development story— Special commemorative issue on the occasion of the 40th National Day of the Sultanate of Oman, Ernst & Young (2011)

2014

6,561

DOCTORS

HOTEL ROOMS 2015

D E D I C AT E D T O H M

THE HOME OF GOOD NEWS

of development and progress in

ISO 9001:2008 Certiﬁed Company

per 100,000 people

1970

2014

217

HOSPITALS

Military parade

HM will preside over military parade. >A14

2014 Hospitals

Health centres

203

SCAN THIS QR CODE FOR

L I V E B LO G

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

hassan@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman’s youth is the future of the country and twins Faris and Harith Al Juma are proving that the future is now. Two young Omanis have so far created 14 apps and the creation they are most proud of is the one dedicated to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. This locally-made mobile application (app) features the biography, speeches and multimedia about His Majesty. >A10

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Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t litter a beautiful country like OMAN. Ensure proper disposal of garbage.

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OMAN

I congratulate the friendly people of Oman on this historic and unparalleled achievement, and wish the Sultanate of Oman success in all its future endeavours at national, regional and global levels Indra Mani Pandey, India’s ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman

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

‘Sultanate has made remarkable all round progress’ Times News Service

Indra Mani Pandey, the Indian ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman

MUSCAT: Relations between Oman and its biggest expatriate population from India have been hailed. More than 650,000 Indian expatriates live and work in the Sultanate. Indra Mani Pandey, the Indian ambassador to Oman, has praised the achievements and progress

made in the Sultanate. “During this period, the Sultanate of Oman has achieved tremendous progress and development under the wise, progressive and benevolent leadership of His Majesty,” the Indian ambassador said. “I congratulate the friendly people of Oman on this historic and unparalleled achievement, and wish the Sultanate of Oman suc-

cess in all its future endeavours at national, regional and global levels,” he said. “In 2015, India and Oman have also been celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. India and Oman, maritime neighbours across the Indian Ocean, have been linked together for over 5,000 years through trade, culture,

politics and other exchanges,” he noted. Evolution of relations “During the past 60 years, the relationship between India and Oman has evolved into a strategic partnership based on the mutual understanding of each other’s priorities and concerns, shared interests and common values,” the

Indian ambassador added. “The vibrant Indian community in Oman has played a signiﬁcant role in the development of India-Oman relations. I take this opportunity to thank His Majesty, the Government of Oman and the people of Oman for their leadership and contribution to the everexpanding strategic partnership between India and Oman,” he said.

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

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OMR124m

has been spent on modernising the network since 2012 and now cover around 99 per cent of the population

Striding into a digital future While achievements of the past 45 years have been remarkable, work continues with focus on the future

Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman is striding into a digital future with a raft of initiatives aimed at keeping the Sultanate at the cutting edge, say industry leaders and technology analysts. While the achievements over the past 45 years have been remarkable, the work continues with the focus on the future, rather than resting on laurels. Just last week Times of Oman reported how more than 90 per cent of populated areas in Muscat governorate will be covered with ﬁbre optic cable network by Oman Broadband Company (OBC) by 2021. Salim Sultan Al Ruzaiqi, chief executive officer of Oman’s Information Technology Authority (ITA), also detailed the business leaders how the Sultanate plans to spend OMR450 million over the next 10 years to improve telecommunication services in all governorates as it believes economic progress is linked with technological development. As Oman’s 45th National Day is celebrated, Greg Young, CEO, Ooredoo, said it is a matter of pride to be a part of the Sultanate’s telecommunications industry; one which is able to inspire and support development in the country and its plans to become a knowledge-based economy.

GROWTH DRIVER: The Sultanate plans to spend OMR450 million over the next 10 years to improve telecommunication services in all governorates as economic progress is linked with technological development.

“We have invested over OMR124 million in modernising our network since 2012 and now cover around 99 per cent of the population,” he said. “Most recently, we completed our independent national ﬁbre backbone, spanning the length and breadth of the country, to provide reliable, cutting edge communications services to business and customers in the Sultanate.” Service automation Mohamed Nayaz, partner, Advisory Services, Ernst & Young EY, said, “Oman, facilitated by IT Authority, is focusing on improving the automation of Government services provided to the citizens and other businesses. “In March 2003, the Oman Government rolled out the Digital Oman Strategy, a key initiative focused on developing the Omani Digital Society and eGovernment in the Sultanate. The digital developments in the recent years have pushed the ranking of the eGovernment of Oman up by 16

positions to 48 in the 2014 United Nation’s eGovernment Survey. It was ranked 64 in 2012.” Nayaz added, “Oman is constantly developing its online services so that these are accessible via smartphones. “In line with Oman Vision 2020, the country is transforming into a sustainable knowledgebased economy. The goals of eOman include bridging the digital gap between the Government and the public, thereby making eGovernment services available to people across the Sultanate. “The ITA has launched multiple IT-related infrastructure projects and an eGovernment portal, which serves as a gateway to the online public services provided. “More than 200 Government portals are linked with the eGovernment portal. eServices have transformed the ways in which the citizens do government transactions. Online payment of electricity bills and online visa application service are some examples.”

OMAN

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OMAN

Saluting the nation

ABDULAZIZ ALSHAQSI

ANJU JINU

ANNA CZESKA

ARPITA AMARESH

ARUNA TAVARKHED

Lecturer, Indian

Marketing Executive, Polish

Student, Indian

NOVEMBER 18, the National Day, is an opportunity for all living in this country to celebrate and salute the vision of the architect of modern Oman, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. It is the day when all citizens and expatriates in the Sultanate take a look back to see how far the country has

Petroleum Engineer, Omani

Deputy Mall Manager, Indian

National Day, when Oman’s heart beats fastest to recall the day when the seed of prosperity was planted. It has grown since and now covers all aspects of our life.

It’s my immense pleasure to wish His Majesty and the lovely people of Oman on the occasion of 45th National Day. As an expat, I have been so very fortunate to live in this beautiful country.

The 45th National Day is a spectacular celebration of a country, which is a home to a lot of diversities and at the same time unites all.

“Oman is blessed with a rich tradition backed by a glorious heritage which is visible in the symbols of the past scattered all over the country. I feel happy to be in this country.

National Day is equivalent to a festival. Celebrating the birthday of their leader, mentor, father, the spirit of patriotism is at its highest in Oman.

travelled on the road to development. Times of Oman spoke to a cross-section of nationals and expats and found expression of love for the country. All of them thanked their beloved leader for putting the country on the world map with his visionary and futuristic leadership and decisions.

AZRA ALEEM

BENOIE P MATHEW

BINO PP

BOBBY RISHIKESH

BRESHNAVE SUNNY

DANESH DOODHMAL

DEVIPRASAD PATTANATH

DR. ALKA AHUJA

PSC, Pakistani

Project Manager, Indian

Production Manager, AGAP, Indian

Lecturer, Gulf College, Indian

IT Consultant, Ministry of Higher Education.

Student, Indian

Key Account Manager -GSK Brands, Indian

Professor, Oman Medical College, Indian

My wishes to all nationals. On this occasion, I would like to tell the young Omanis to focus more on education and contribute their part to development of Oman.

National Day is the day to look back and be thankful for the great leadership of His Majesty and how far the country has grown under his wise and able guidance.

I have been residing in Oman for more than three decades. I have seen the progress which His Majesty’s wise vision has brought to Oman.

Always feel happy, proud and honoured to be a part of this country which is so safe and welcoming. The 45th National Day is special. Congratulations.

It is a blessing to be a part of this country. Let me take this opportunity to wish all the best to the great leader and the loving people of this country.

National Day is a day to celebrate the greatness and glory of Oman and His Majesty. It is a time to celebrate with pride, the progress and the peace loving people of Oman.

Proud to be a resident of Oman, a peaceful country to live in. Friendly people and beautiful landscape make Oman a special country.

National Day is very special to me. It brings a feeling of gratitude towards His Majesty because of whose benevolence Oman is a special place for me.

DR. SAID ALDHAFRI

DR. K. GEETHA KUMAR

EMILY SHOTTER

JUMANA FATHI AYEDEH

Department Head, External Public Relations, UK

GURU PRASAD SURESHBABU, Administration

JOHN V.CHACKO

Doctor, Oman Medical Complex, Ibri, Indian

GEETA NARENDER CHAUHAN, Asst. Vice

JAISON MATHAI

Director of the Social Observatory, Omani

Lecturer, Indian

Principal, ISM, Indian

Officer, Indian

Senior Manager, Saud Bahwan Group, Indian

Bambini Squisiti General Manager, Omani

National Day is very special day. We Omanis feel proud of our country, our Sultan, and our people. It is a day when Omanis get together to celebrate the achievements.

Oman is at the forefront among GCC and other countries for the great development achieved in the last 45 years. His Majesty has shown the path to greatness.

I feel Oman is home and I could not imagine myself anywhere else; not just now, but in the long term. His Majesty is an inspirational and much-loved leader.

Oman for me is a home away from home. It’s been 14 years since I came to this peaceful country. It is a place with beautiful and dramatic landscape that leaves you in awe.

A great leader, well loved by all, expats and locals. His Majesty is the symbol peace. I solemnly salute our beloved leader. I thank him for being good to all of us.

I have travelled to over 20 odd countries including all in the GCC. Frankly, I enjoy all the other nations I visited but I always miss Oman and want to come back to Muscat.

Under the wise leadership of His Majesty, Oman is witnessing an amazing progress, development and growth in the all sectors. All expats are thankful to His Majesty for the care bestowed on us.

I would like to extend our warmest wishes to His Majesty. We look back proudly at all the great projects and development that took place over the years under his rule.

4 5 T H N AT I O N A L D AY

Commemorative OMR1 note MUSCAT: On the occasion of the 45th Glorious National Day, the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) announced the issue of a new commemorative banknote of OMR1 denomination. This new banknote shall be in circulation as legal tender along with the existing banknotes. The size of the new note is 140x71 mm and it is purple as a dominant colour. The front side of the new is-

sue has the portrait of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the facsimile signature of His Majesty at the centre of the note. The right side of the note has water mark portrait of His Majesty, the National Emblem (coat of arms) at the centre of the note and the Central Bank of Oman in Arabic on the top of the note. Serial numbers appear on the right and

left side of the note and denomination in Arabic on right and on left of the note. The words “45th National Day” in Arabic appear at the right bottom of the note, Al Alam Palace at the right side of the note, recognition feature for the blind on both sides of the note, and vertical windowed security thread in two metallic colours at the left side of the note. -ONA

A10

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OMAN 160 PRISONERS

ALLROUND PROGRESS

His Majesty grants Royal pardon MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Supreme Commander, has issued a Royal pardon to a number of prisoners convicted in different cases. They include 160 prisoners, including 67 foreign prisoners.

His Majesty the Sultan, the Supreme Commander’s Royal pardon coincides with the Sultanate’s celebrations of the 45th Glorious National Day, and in consideration of the families of the prisoners. -ONA

CABLES

HM sends greetings MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of congratulations to King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco, on the Independence Anniversary of Morocco. In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere congratulations along with his best wishes of good health, happiness and a long life to King Mohammed VI, praying to Allah the Almighty for the return of this occasion on

him to achieve further aspirations of progress and prosperity for the Moroccan people. His Majesty has also sent a cable of congratulations to President Raimonds Vejonis of Latvia on the occasion of the Proclamation Day of the Republic. In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere congratulations along with his best wishes to President Vejonis and his country’s people. -ONA

< FROM

His Majesty’s vision shaped Oman

The number of hospital beds nationwide has risen from 12 in 1970 to 6,561. Earlier, there were only 0.2 doctors for every 10,000 people, and today, there are 2.17 doctors for every 1,000 people. The number of private hospitals also increased, from three in 2003 to 11 in 2012. There was also an increase in the number of private clinics, which rose from 675 in 2003 to 975 in 2012. The falling rate of infant mortality also reﬂects signiﬁcant progress, as the rate was 118/per 1,000 live births in 1970, but by 2014 it had fallen to 7.9/per 1,000 live births. Additionally, the dramatic increase in average life expectancies during the 20th century ranks as one of Oman’s greatest achievements. The population’s life expectancy was 49.3 in 1970, while today it is 76.6. Oman is ranked 45th out of the 144 countries in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report, as a country with high life expectancy rates. “The growing stress on healthy CRIME

Sohar murder accused sent for trial Staff Reporter MUSCAT: An Asian man accused of murder has been referred to the public prosecution in a case reported in Sohar two weeks ago. An ROP official said the murder was committed at a labour camp in Sohar. On arrival at the scene, they found two people lying on the ﬂoor motionless with their clothes drenched in blood. One of them was dead. After investigations, officers concluded that the victim and assailant had differences which led to a ﬁght resulting in the death of one of them. In another incident, four Omanis were arrested by the Directorate General of Inquiries and Investigations from the Saham Police station for theft, according to the ROP. They stole calculators and other electronic equipment from a school in the governorate.

living, combined with increased spending by the government on healthcare, is why we are seeing a rise in the life expectancy for Omanis. It is certainly the vision of His Majesty that we have seen Oman reach great heights,” says Dr Sathish Nambiar, a medical professional who has lived in the Sultanate for the last the 35 years. Also, some OMR9.6 billion was allocated for social sectors, such as education, health, housing, training and other areas in the 2015 budget. Road quality Oman now ranks 8th for quality of roads, according to the World Economic Forum’s 2014 Global Competitiveness Index. While there was only 15 km of asphalted roads in 1970, currently there is 34,557 km of paved roads. Additionally, it is expected that Oman’s transport infrastructure sector will continue to grow, particularly surrounding the development of the country’s road and railway network. Spending allocations for new road ventures in Oman were set

at OMR1.7bn ($4.4b), as part of the wider government ﬁve-year spending plan (2011-2015) and, as such, has enjoyed considerable activity over the past few years, according to a summary of the Oman Infrastructure Report published by BMI Research on August 28, 2015. Economic progress Detailing the nation’s economic progress, the GDP has risen considerably, indicating that the economy is strong and the nation is moving forward. While in 1970 the GDP was OMR104.7 million, at present it is OMR31,450.8 million. Similarly, the per capita income was OMR159.1 in 1970, and it has risen to OMR7,327.7 in 2014. Abdullah Al Jufaili, general manager of Sharakah, said, “I feel challenged to connect the right sentences that express our gratitude and happiness for being blessed with His Majesty the Sultan. “My humble and simple words would not do justice to all the achievements we have witnessed

over the last 45 years. I choose to be a silent observer and pray to Allah to grant our Sultan continuous health.” Yusuff Ali M.A., Managing Director of LuLu Group, said, “The day, 18th November, holds a special place in our hearts and historical signiﬁcance in our memory because of the socio-economic transformation it brought to Oman, where pluralism, tolerance and goodwill formed the cornerstones and gave birth to economic progress that reﬂects optimism. “Oman has been profoundly shaped by the glorious vision of His Majesty, reaffirmed through its glory of yesterday’s achievements, delight of today’s triumphs and belief in tomorrow’s potential. “LuLu Group is committed to the blueprint laid out in terms of an aggressive expansion across most of the wilayats in Oman, duty bound in contributing to the growth of this nation by marshalling people and resources to create more meaningful jobs and produce more quality services.”

NEW APP

A1 Omani twins praise HM for < FROM

creating a modern Oman

of the app by more than 75 per said,” Al Juma. The twin brothers, Harith and Faris, are currently studying in the UK and they have developed a total of 14 apps so far, all available on the Apple store. The apps created by Al Juma Productions are His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, Flabby 7mdan, Password Generator Pro, iSoduko Pro, Steps Counter, Scanner and Qibla, the most accurate Qibla detecting app available on the Apple Store, according to Faris Al Juma.

Today in #OmanPride, we feature these young twin brothers who have cultivated their skills to express their love and gratitude towards their leader. “We added new features to the app to celebrate the 45th National Day of Oman,” said 20-yearold Faris Al Juma, designer and developer of the Sultan Qaboos app. The latest update, which took four months to develop, includes dua (prayers) for His Majesty and Oman, poems, music and news. It also archives all speeches of His Majesty from 1970 until now. The iOS app was ﬁrst launched in 2013 and is free for download and read in Arabic and the English language.

Omani twins Faris and Harith Al Juma.

1,200 photos “We added more than 1,200 photos, which can be saved and shared via Whatsapp, email, Airdrop and other apps,” said Al Juma. Al Juma heaped praise on His Majesty saying that he has created a modern Oman and that every Omani should do something to show love for their leader, who has transformed Oman from the dark ages. Asked about his plans to launch an Android version of the app, Al

Juma said, “We have just completed the iOS version. We do have a plan for an android and windows phone version and we hope to complete them soon.” “We also have plans to add more languages in the future, but that will not be an easy step,” he explained. The Sultan Qaboos app is 854 megabyte app, free to download for iPhone, iPod and iPad users. “We used new technology and we were able to decrease the size

Launched apps They have also launched apps that support the Apple Watch, such as Simple Sudoku, Emoji Sudoku, Tic Tac Toe and Calculator. Al Harith said that a new update includes a page named ‘Return of the soul’ which highlights the return of His Majesty to Oman after more than eight months of treatment in Germany. “It was indeed one the happiest days ever for the people of Oman,” Al Harith said. “There are no words to describe our feelings for the His Majesty the Sultan. We were living in darkness. Thanks to God and then to a wise leader, the renaissance dawned and shone on Oman and its people,” said the brothers.

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Landslide victim rescued in Liwa Times News Service MUSCAT: A man who was trapped under the rubble of a mountain following a landslide in the Wilayat of Liwa, was rescued on Tuesday morning, Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulances (PACDA) said. He, however, sustained serious injuries, the PACDA added.

RUBBLE: The landslide took place on Tuesday morning. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PACDA

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READERS’ FORUM His Majesty is the most loved leader I sincerely congratulate His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the architect of modern Oman, on the occasion of the 45th National Day . The country is celebrating National Day with fervour. The enthusiasm among the residents of Oman, irrespective of their nationalities, is remarkable, and speaks of the grace of His Majesty and emotional attachment of the people with him. His policies of peaceful coexistence and noninterference in the affairs of other countries has made him an international hero of peace. May Allah bless His Majesty with good health and long life, so that the country attains Scan this QR code to send letters to the greater heights of overall development Readers’ Forum, and prosperity. I sincerely pray that containing not more His Majesty’s ongoing peace mission is than 200 words with recognised by the peace-loving world full name, address and telephone community and he is conferred with the number, may be sent Nobel Peace Prize. by mail (Times of — Mohammad Osama Rawat, Ruwi Oman, P.O. Box 770, P.C. 112, Ruwi).

NOAH SMITH

Inﬂation, the theory says, will be a natural consequence of the stimulus. But Japanese unemployment is very low, and the economy is expanding at or above its long-term potential growth rate of around 0.5 per cent to 1 per cent. bit.ly/japaninﬂation

Oman’s sartorial heritage

The special features appearing in the Times of Oman tracing Oman’s sartorial heritage have been sumptuous reading in the recent times. These features have an entirely different aspect of going more into the traditional Omani lifestyle and bringing more meaning and reﬂections into the ongoing National Day celebrations. — Ramachandran Nair, Ruwi

NEW INDIA ASSURANCE Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines.

ROBERT H. SCHULLER

“Insure with New India and be secure”

he US Federal Reserve is almost certain to start raising interest rates when the policysetting Federal Open Markets Committee next meets, on December 16. How worried should businesses, investors, and policymakers around the world be about the end of near-zero interest rates and the start of the first monetary-tightening cycle since 2004-2008? Janet Yellen, the Fed chair, has repeatedly said that the impending sequence of rate hikes will be much slower than previous monetary cycles, and predicts that it will end at a lower peak level. While central bankers cannot always be trusted when they make such promises, since their jobs often require them deliberately to mislead investors, there are good reasons to believe that the Fed’s commitment to “lower for longer” interest rates is sincere. The Fed’s overriding objective is to lift inflation and ensure that it remains above 2 per cent. To do this, Yellen will have to keep interest rates very low, even after inflation starts rising, just as her predecessor Paul Volcker had to keep interest rates in the 1980s very high, even after inflation started falling. This policy reversal follows logically from the inversion of central banks’ objectives, both in America and around the world, since the 2008 crisis. In the 1980s, Volcker’s historic responsibility was to reduce inflation and prevent it from ever rising again to dangerously high levels. Today, Yellen’s historic responsibility is to increase inflation and prevent it from ever falling again to dangerously low levels. Under these conditions, the direct economic effects of the Fed’s move should be minimal. It is hard to imagine many businesses, consumers, or homeowners changing their behaviour because of a quarter-point change in short-term interest rates, especially if long-term rates hardly move. And even assuming that interest rates reach 1-1.5 per cent by the end of 2016, they will still be very low by historic standards, both in absolute terms and relative to inflation. The media and official publications from the International Monetary Fund and other institutions have raised dire warnings about the impact of the Fed’s first move on financial markets and other economies. Many Asian and Latin America countries, in particular, are considered vulner-

able to a reversal of the capital inflows from which they benefited when US interest rates were at rock-bottom levels. But, as an empirical matter, these fears are hard to understand. The imminent US rate hike is perhaps the most predictable, and predicted, event in economic history. Nobody will be caught unawares if the Fed acts next month, as many investors were in February 1994 and June 2004, the only previous occasions remotely comparable to the current one. And even in those cases, stock markets barely reacted to the Fed tightening, while bond-market volatility proved short-lived. But what about currencies? The dollar is almost universally expected to appreciate when US interest rates start rising, especially because the EU and Japan will continue easing monetary conditions for many months, even years. This fear of a stronger dollar is the real reason for concern, bordering on panic, in many emerging economies and at the IMF. A significant strengthening of the dollar would indeed cause serious problems for emerging economies where businesses and governments have taken on large dollar-denominated debts and currency devaluation threatens to spin out of control. Fortunately, the market consensus concerning the dollar’s inevitable rise as US interest rates increase is almost certainly wrong, for three reasons. First, the divergence of monetary policies between the US and other major economies is already universally understood and expected. Thus, the interest-rate differential, like the US rate hike itself, should already be priced into currency values. Moreover, monetary policy is not the only determinant of exchange rates. Trade deficits and surpluses also matter, as do stock-market and property valuations, the cyclical outlook for corporate profits, and positive or negative surprises for economic growth and inflation. On most of these grounds, the dollar has been the world’s most attractive currency since 2009; but as economic recovery spreads from the US to Japan and Europe, the tables are starting to turn. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of future results, and two cases do not constitute a statistically significant sample. Just because the dollar weakened twice during the last two periods of Fed tightening does not prove that the same thing will happen again. But it does mean that a rise in the dollar is not automatic or inevitable if the Fed raises interest rates next month. . – Project Syndicate

CLIPPINGS

PICTOGRAPH

STUDENTS IN INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

FROM OUR ARCHIVES NOVEMBER 2000 Ma’awali opens police patrolling unit MUSCAT: Lieutenant General Hilal bin Khalid Al Ma’awali, inspector general of police and customs, inaugurated the police patrolling in a ceremony held on the training ground of the Special Tasks Unit yesterday. In an address, Ma’awali expressed his happiness to celebrate the inauguration of one of the most important police services that is police patrolling due to the attention given by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the supreme commander of police, to provide all that could ensure the spread of security umbrella in the Sultanate.

Oman, 2013-2014

Dental studies

Radiography

Pharmacy

141

510

TODAY IN HISTORY INVITATION TO WRITERS We invite our readers to write articles on topics related to Oman. The articles should not exceed 800 words. Send us your article along with your picture to akhtar@timesofoman.com

TOTAL

1905: The Norwegian Parliament elects Prince Charles of Denmark to be the next King of Norway. Prince Charles takes the name Haakon VII. 1906: Anarchists bomb St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. 1968: Soviets recover the Zond 6 spacecraft after a ﬂight around the moon. 2002: UN weapons inspectors under Hans Blix arrive in Iraq.

Rehabilitation therapy

Other health studies

187

Source: National Centre for Statistics & Information

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His Majesty the Sultan to preside over military parade MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, will preside over the military parade on Wednesday. The parade will be held at the military parade ground in Hisn Al Shumoukh in the Wilayat of Man-

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ah, the Governorate of Dakhiliyah to mark the Sultanate’s 45th Glorious National Day celebrations. Glorious National Day Symbolic units representing the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF), the Royal Guard of Oman (RGO), the

Sultan’s Special Force (SSF) and the Royal Oman Police (ROP) will take part in the military parade. Alongside His Majesty the Sultan, the parade will be attended by their highnesses, ministers and state’s senior military and civil officials. -ONA

His Majesty receives greetings MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received cables of greetings from State Council Chairman Dr. Yahya bin Mahfoudh Al Mantheri, Majlis Al Shura Chairman Khalid bin Hilal Al Ma’awali, Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs Sayyid Badr bin Saud bin Harib Al Busaidi and Lt-Gen. Hassan bin Mohsen Al Shraiqi, Inspector General of Police and Customs, on the occasion of the 45th Glorious National Day. In his cable, the Chairman of the State Council said: “On the occasion of the 45th National Day, on my behalf and on behalf of honourable members of the State Council and its employees, it gives me a great honour to extend sincere congratulations to Your Majesty coupled with our heartfelt prayers to grant Your Majesty good health, happiness and a long life and to grant Oman and its people more security , stability and welfare. Your Majesty the Sultan, Oman’s modern Renaissance under Your Majesty’s wise leadership has been a hallmark in the bright history of Oman and its culture that extends for thousands of years. It is clear that the approach of Your Majesty has been ‘to build as other have built and add more’. After 45 years from Your Majesty’s ﬁrst speech, Oman has revived its glorious past and has a prominent place among countries of the world. The Omani man now feels highly esteemed and respected all over the world. Your Majesty the Sultan, The achievements that have been made in different ﬁelds of life are the fruit of Your Majesty’s care in the education, training and employment of the Omani youths who can now carry out the different jobs and take over the different senior posts. They take inspiration from Your Majesty’s sound judgment. Your Majesty the Sultan, The dream of building an institutionalized state has come true after completing the legislative, executive, judicial and oversight

entities. The Council of Oman, which starts its sixth term this year, works side by side with the Council of Ministers and the Supreme Judiciary Councils. They are supported by the municipal councils and the other civil society organisations. They work within a harmonised system that aims at achieving the interests of the state and the Omani people. While the Omani domestic policies have focused on the Omani citizens to help them keep pace with modern development and maintain their true values, the Omani foreign policy, outlined by Your Majesty, aims at ensuring security and stability for all humans through promoting peace, accord, cooperation, fairness, noninterference in the affairs of others, and peaceful settlement of disputes. We pray to Allah to support Your Majesty in the endeavours made to do good for Oman and its loyal people. In his cable, the Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs said: Your Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, “On the occasion of the 45th Glorious National Day, I am honoured to extend my greetings and those of the brave Armed Forces and all employees at the Ministry of Defence to Your Majesty, praying to the Almighty Allah to ensure many happy returns of such joyful days. Your Majesty the Sultan, the 18th of November of each year reminds us of the achievements made in our dear country under Your Majesty’s wise leadership. The 45th Glorious National Day is not only an occasion to celebrate the achievements made over the past year, but also an oc-

casion to plan for more achievements in the future. Your Majesty the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, The valiant Armed Forces of Your Majesty, the victorious Firaq Forces and personnel of the Ministry of Defence while celebrating this national occasion renew their loyalty, allegiance and obedience to Your Majesty, praying to Allah the Almighty to grant Your Majesty good health, happiness and a long life. In his cable, the Inspector General of Police and Customs said: Your Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Supreme Commander, it is my pleasure and that of the personnel of the Royal Oman Police (ROP) to extend sincere congratulations on the occasion of the 45th Glorious National Day, praying to Allah the Almighty for the return of this happy occasion on your Majesty with good health and wellbeing, Oman and its people with continuous progress and prosperity. Your Majesty the Sultan, November 18th is an immortal day in the history of Oman. It represents a milestone in the life of loyal Omanis. It reminds them of the beginning of their modern renaissance, and Your Majesty’s accomplishments in terms of the development and happiness of man in various walks of life. Thus, your people have the right to feel proud of your wisdom and of what Your Majesty set of constant and well established foundations for this ancient homeland, and of an approach of goodness and peace that is followed. May Allah the Almighty protect Your Majesty and bestow on you blessings of good health and happiness. -ONA

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OMAN His Majesty has transformed the lives of Omanis His Majesty’s wisdom and vision to maintain strong ties with all countries is the reason behind the safety, development and unity that Oman enjoys, said His Highness Sayyid Barghash Said Mohammed Al Said Sayyid Barghash Said Mohammed Al Said

Times News Service MUSCAT: Forty-ﬁve years ago, on this date, the modern Omani renaissance began under the visionary leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. His objective was to reclaim Sultanate’s reputation and to provide a better life for the Omani citizens, which at that time, seemed like a tall

order, said His Highness Sayyid Barghash Said Mohammed Al Said, Chairman, Majan Consolidated Company LLC. “His Majesty’s wisdom and vision to maintain strong ties with all countries, building bridges between international friends and never interfere with their local affairs is the reason behind the safety, development, unity and cultural

heritage which Oman enjoys,” said Sayyid Barghash. “We congratulate our leader who made our renaissance a distinctive and historical experience. I would like to extend my heartfelt wishes for His Majesty’s personal good health and lasting prosperity and welfare of our beloved country,” he said.

NAT I O NA L D AT

His Majesty has given us many reasons to celebrate Times News Service MUSCAT: “His Majesty has given us many reasons to celebrate and his being back in the country makes us feel rather special,” said Her Highness Sayyida Basma Al Said. “With great pleasure I send my best wishes to His Majesty the Sultan on the 45th National Day. This year we are blessed to have His Majesty in Oman with us to celebrate and it is a big difference from

last year. It is something we should treasure,” Her Highness said Sayyida Basma Al Said, founder, Whispers of Serenity and mental health counsellor and psychotherapist. “It is also important to understand that if it wasn’t for His Majesty, we will not be living in peace while others around the world live in unsafe environments. “This gives us the privilege to feel the happiness and ease to live here.”

Sayyida Basma Al Said

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Five-year plans have met needs of development Thanks to HM’s vision, economic plans have been developed for the citizens taking into consideration social aspects. These plans reduced cost of basic services, said Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal bin Saud Al Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court

MUSCAT: Thanks to the wise vision of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Sultanate has implemented a number of ﬁve-year plans that met the need of each stage of development, Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal bin Saud Al Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court, has said in a statement to the Oman News Agency (ONA). During that period, the performance of the Omani government has been proper as it took inspiration from His Majesty’s wise vision and futuristic look and from being aware of the needs of the Omani society. Positive interaction The Omani government has also ensured positive interaction with the needs of the citizens and was not isolated from their views. This trend has been enhanced with the Shura experience, represented in the Council of Oman (Majlis Al Shura and the State Council). Sayyid Khalid hoped that Council of Oman would play an important role in cooperating with the government in terms of approving legislations and overseeing the performance of the government. “We are optimistic of the professional and high quality members of the Council of Oman which ushers optimism about more

cooperation between the government and the Council of Oman.” He also pointed out that the National Youth Commission has been established in a bid to help youths take over the different public and private jobs and professions. Efforts have been also made to help Omani youths start their own ventures and contribute to the economic growth and diversiﬁcation in our country. Omani women has been also provided with the required care and support, he said, adding that they are occupying the different junior and senior posts at the public and private sector organisations. They also contribute, with men, to the sustainable development process taking place in the Sultanate. “We hope that the Omani woman will be able to improve her contribution to the Shura process in the Sultanate in the future,” he added. “Many economic plans that take into consideration the social aspects have been developed to ensure easy living for all citizens. These plans reduced the cost of basic services, such as education, health, power and food stuff. The trend promoted stability and integrity among all members of the Omani society.” He affirmed that the harmony

between the leadership and the socio-economic policies has made Oman an oasis of security and peace. Oman has earned the respect of the world for the role it plays to solve regional and international disputes. Oman’s efforts have been for the sake of good and away from any hypocrisy. He added that Oman, as it is the case with the rest of the world, is not immune from the economic and financial crisis taking place in the world namely those associated with the fluctuation of oil prices and its effects on the revenues of the oil producing countries, including the Sultanate of Oman. The Minister of the Diwan of the Royal Court added that “this decline in oil prices reminds us of similar circumstances we have gone through and overpassed safely, thanks to our reliance on Allah, the cooperation of the citizens, the sound plans that were developed, the keenness of the administrative system of the state to implement the measures that have been developed to control expenditure.” He said that the experience that Sultanate has gained over the past 45 years in all fields and its openness to the world, as well as the friendly relations it has with the various countries of the world, enables the Sultanate to address emergency situations properly and helped it to be better prepared for addressing such emergency. It also qualified the Sultanate to issue the different kinds of Sukuk and securities and enter into transactions with the various local, regional and international banks comfortably. He also pointed out that while this crisis has negative aspects, it also has many positive hidden aspects that one should seek to benefit from. Omanis, therefore, focus on providing comprehensive solutions for such crisis, he noted.

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France, Russia strike IS in northern Syria PARIS: France and Russia both staged air strikes on IS militant group targets in northern Syria on Tuesday as Paris formally requested European Union assistance in its fight against the group behind last Friday’s bloody attacks on the French capital. French warplanes targeted a command post and a recruitment centre for militants in the IS stronghold of Raqqa in the second consecutive night of strikes ordered by President Francois Hollande, a military command spokesman told Reuters. A French government source said Russia hit targets in the same area, a day after Hollande appealed to Washington and Moscow to join in a grand coalition to fight the hardline group that controls swathes of Syria and Iraq. In Brussels, Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian invoked the EU’s mutual assistance clause for the first time since the 2009 Lisbon Treaty introduced the possibility, saying he expected help with French operations in Syria, Iraq and Africa.1 “This is firstly a political act,” Le Drian told a news conference after a meeting of EU defence chiefs. The 28 EU member states accepted the French request but it was not immediately clear what assistance would be forthcoming. Britain is agonising over whether to join air strikes in Syria, while Germany is reticent about joining military action outside Europe. A manhunt was continuing in France and Belgium on Tuesday for one of the eight attackers who killed 129 people in shooting and bomb attacks on restaurants, a music hall and a sports stadium in the Paris region on Friday. French police staged 128 raids overnight in the hunt for accomplices and militant networks, Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said. Police found a third Belgian-licensed car believed to have been used by the attackers and sealed off the area around it in Paris’ 18th district. — Reuters

WORLD

Putin peldges to hunt down plane ‘bombers’ Kremlin conﬁrms the Russian airliner was blown up by a bomb over Egypt

MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin vowed to hunt down those responsible for blowing up a Russian airliner over Egypt and intensify air strikes against hardliners in Syria, after the Kremlin concluded a bomb had destroyed the plane last month, killing 224 people. “We will ﬁnd them anywhere on the planet and punish them,” Putin said at a sombre Kremlin meeting broadcast on Tuesday. The FSB security service swiftly announced a $50 million bounty on the bombers. Until now, Russia had played down assertions from Western countries that the October 31 crash was the work of terrorists, saying it was important to let the official investigation run its course. But four days after gunmen and bombers killed at least 129 people in Paris, Alexander Bortnikov, the head of the FSB, told a late night meeting that traces of foreign-made explosive had been found on fragments of the downed plane and on passengers’ personal belongings. Homemade bomb “According to an analysis by our specialists, a homemade bomb containing up to 1 kilogram of TNT detonated during the ﬂight, causing the plane to break up in mid air, which explains why parts of the fuselage were spread over such a large distance,” said Bortnikov at the meeting in footage released by the Kremlin.

DEBRIS: A military investigator from Russia stands near the debris of the Russian airliner at its crash site in Hassana area in Arish city, north Egypt, on November 1, 2015. – Reuters

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“We can unequivocally say it was a terrorist act,” he said. Egyptian authorities have denied that they had detained two employees of Sharm El Sheikh airport for questioning in connection with the downing of the Russian jet, two security officials and an airport employee said on Tuesday. The Airbus A321, operated by Metrojet, had been returning Russian holiday makers from Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt to St Petersburg when it broke up over the Sinai Peninsula, killing all on board. A group affiliated with IS militant group claimed responsibility, but until Tuesday Russia had said terrorism was just one possible scenario. Putin, wearing a dark suit, pre-

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sided over a minute of silence in memory of the victims at the Kremlin meeting, before telling security and military chiefs the incident was one of the bloodiest crimes in modern Russian history and ordering the air force to intensify its air strikes in Syria in response. “Our air force’s military work in Syria must not simply be continued,” he said. “It must be intensified in such a way that the criminals understand that retribution is inevitable.” Specific proposals Putin said he expected military chiefs to present him with specific proposals on how Russia could ramp up its campaign. His spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters Putin was expected to visit the defence ministry later on Tuesday. A senior French government source said Russia had already launched air strikes against the Islamic State stronghold of Raqqa in

northern Syria on Tuesday, a sign, the source said, that Russia was becoming more concerned about the threat posed by IS. Russia began air strikes in Syria at the end of September. It has always said its main target is Islamic State, but most of its bombs in the past hit territory held by other groups opposed to its ally, President Bashar Al Assad. Putin, in language reminiscent of how he talked about Chechen militants during a war when he came to power 15 years ago, ordered the secret services to hunt down those responsible. “We must do this without any statute of limitations and we must ﬁnd out all their names,” he said, invoking Russia’s right to self defence under the United Nations charter. “Anyone who tries to help the criminals should know that the consequences for trying to shelter them will lie completely on their shoulders.” — Reuters

END OF ERA

VHP leader Singhal passes away GURGAON: Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Ashok Singhal, who rose to prominence playing a leading role in the Ram Janambhoomi movement in the late eighties and after, died on Tuesday at a private hospital here. Singhal (89), who was admitted to Medanta Medicity hospital on Saturday last with complaints of acute breathlessness and other problems, died at 2.24pm following cardio-vascular failure and septicaemia, VHP International President Pravin Togadia, himself a doctor, said. A metallurgy engineering graduate from Banaras Hindu University, he pitchforked the organisation in the Ayodhya Ram temple movement and sought to internationalise it by recruiting supporters and organising branches world wide. The overseas supporters contributed immensely to the VHP campaign. Singh was in the Intensive Care Unit under treatment in the hospital after he was diagnosed with right lower Lobe Pneumonia. He was on ventilator from November 14 evening. A team of specialists comprising Critical Care, Respiratory, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Neurology and Nephrology had attended on Singh, the hospital had said on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of Singh.”The demise of Ashok Singhalji is a deep personal loss. He was an institution in himself, whose life was centred around serving the nation,” he tweeted. He said he was always fortunate to receive Ashokji’s blessings and guidance.”My condolences to his family and countless supporters,” he said. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condoled the death of Singhal saying that he devoted his entire life for nation building. “Ashokji devoted his entire life for nation building. He will be remembered for his organisational skills, commitment and devotion for a cause. He truly united all castes and communities for a stronger nation.” — PTI

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Muscat 5,814.35 - 21.17 - 0.31%

Dubai 3,215.95 + 41.68 + 1.31%

Abu Dhabi 4,184.02 + 48.03 + 1.16%

Saudi Arabia

6,966.46 + 6.37 + 0.09%

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CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................. 2.41 Pound ........................................... 1.70 Indian Rs ............................. 170.97 Pak Rs ...................................269.32 Bangla Taka..................... 200.00

Indian Rs ....................................171.37 Pakistan Rs ............................. 273.70 Sri Lanka Rs ...........................367.00 Bangla Taka............................207.00 Phil Peso ................................... 122.00

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) .......13.90

Oman Crude............. (Spot) .........$40.14 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) ........$39.99 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) .........$41.49 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ........$38.44 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ........ $44.75 West Texas Int ....... (Spot) .........$41.69

* Rates are as of Nov. 17 Source: Bank Muscat

* Rates as of Nov. 17 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......13.45 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ........... 130.50 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) ............. 123.75 * Rates as of Nov. 17 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

‘PDO plans to expand training, despite decline in crude prices’ ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com

The majority stateowned company’s target is to offer training and direct employment to 7,000 youths every year

MUSCAT: Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) plans to broaden the scope of its training despite the decline in oil prices, said an ofﬁcial from the company. “Our target is to offer training and direct employment to 7,000 every year. For this year, we are on target,” Abdul-Amir Al Ajmi, external affairs director at PDO, told Times of Oman at the third edition of the Business Opportunities Fo-

rum on Monday. The company’s target for next year is also 7,000, he said, adding, “despite low oil prices, we are working to expand this 7,000, also even outside oil and gas. We are working with the retail, Duqm, Oman Rail and so on.” Al Ajmi also said that the company is performing well as reﬂected in the fact that it received an award at the forum for the largest one-off contract with Siemens LLC worth $210 million. During the forum, PDO boosted Omani job and training oppor-

tunities by signing six contracts worth $650 million over the next 10 years. Diversification Meanwhile, a senior official from the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) told Times of Oman that the government and the private sector should join forces to enhance the country’s non-oil revenues through diversification of the economy. The current situation of the oil market happens every five to 10 years so depend-

ence on oil should be reduced, said RedhaJuma Mohammed Ali Al Saleh, vice chairman for administration and ﬁnance affairs at the OCCI. Asked if low oil prices have affected the business of small and medium enterprises, Al Saleh said that deﬁnitely the whole region will be affected. “But so far, we are still safe. Still we have not been affected much. The government has taken precautions. The private sector is also trying to participate to help in these circumstances,” he noted.

The OCCI official added that the negative impact is expected to be minimised through the ongoing initiatives encouraging tourism, services, logistics, transportation and other sectors. Commenting on whether banks are expected to tighten lending conditions for SMEs if the current situation persists, Al Saleh said that these businesses have already been experiencing some difficulties securing ﬁnance as the banks have not been able to achieve the 5 per cent target. > B2

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‘Falling oil prices deepen pessimism on recovery’ NEW YORK: Hedge funds have turned more pessimistic on oil as prices flirted with $40 a barrel for the first time since August. “The speculators keep trying to pick the bottom and keep getting burned,” Michael Lynch, president of Strategic Energy & Economic Research in Winchester, Massachusetts, said by phone. Money managers’ short bets in West Texas Intermediate crude surged 21 per cent in the week ended on November 10, according to data from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The net-long position dropped 16 per cent. The release of the figures was delayed because of Veterans Day on November 11. Oil inventories in developed countries have expanded to a record of almost three billion barrels because of massive supplies from both Opec and non-Opec producers, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in a report

on November 13. WTI slipped to the lowest level since August before the CFTC release Monday. Thirty-nine oil tankers are waiting near Galveston, Texas, up from 30 in May, according to vessel-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. “There’s been concern about excess supply in the market for a while now and that’s been strengthened by the IEA report,” Lynch said. WTI fell 7.7 per cent in the report week on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Futures were down 0.1 per cent at $41.68 a barrel at 11:48am in Singapore. Prices touched $40.06 on Monday, the least since August 27, before rebounding to close 2.5 per cent higher. Global output Oil inventories surged because of increased global production, the Organisation of Petroleum Ex-

porting Countries (Opec) said on November 12. US crude supplies rose to 487 million barrels as of November 6, the highest for this time of year since 1930, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported on November 12. “We think the next few months will be very weak,” Sarah Emerson, managing director of ESAI Energy Inc., a consulting company in Wakeﬁeld, Massachusetts, said by phone. “The market is focused on inventories. Prices shouldn’t rally in the coming year unless we have a disruption.” Speculators’ net-long position in WTI dropped by 27,198 contracts to 144,854 futures and options, the biggest decline since the week ended July 21, CFTC data show. Shorts climbed by 23,766 contracts while longs decreased by 3,432. Traders increased their bullish stance in Brent crude to the highest level in a month during the period. - Bloomberg News ECONOMY

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to B1 ‘Support small units’ In 2013, Central Bank of Oman stipulated that commercial banks’ loans to SMEs must account for at least 5 per cent of their total loans, in a bid to contribute to the development of the entrepreneurship sector in the country. They have been given an extension until the end of 2015 to meet the target. The OCCI vice chairman said that banks are looking for security which some SMEs are not able to offer. However, he noted that Al Raffd Fund is a good initiative by the government which is supporting small and medium business units with lower ﬁnancial capabilities.

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‘Hundred ﬁrms contribute 90 per cent of total tax income’ Times News Service MUSCAT: Nearly 90 per cent of tax income in Oman is contributed by less than 100 companies, a senior official of the State Audit Institution said here on Tuesday. “The total tax collection in the Sultanate is only below 8 per cent. With the dip in oil prices, Government has to explore the possibilities of generating more revenue to bring down the budget deﬁcit,” said Nasser Al Rawahy, deputy chairman of the State Audit Insititution, while inaugurating a workshop organised by Crowe Horwath, auditors and business advisors in Oman. The tax workshop was part of the company’s corporate social

TAX WORKSHOP: The tax workshop also discussed various challenges faced by the corporate sector in the wake of the fall in oil prices and the general slowdown in the economy. - AR Rajkumar/Times of Oman

responsibility initiative coinciding with the 45th National Day celebration of the Sultanate. The tax workshop also discussed the various challenges be-

ing faced by businesses in the wake of the dip in oil price and general slowdown in the economy. Davis Kallukaran, managing partner, Crowe Horwath Oman

said that businesses have to consider tax contributions as proﬁt share to the Government towards the huge investments being made by His Majesty’s government in

creating the ultramodern infrastructure to facilitate the functioning of businesses. “It is a public private partnership,” added Davis.

Moderating the conference, Farooq Ladha, director, Middle East Tax Practice of Horwath Mak UAE, said that tax legislations in Oman are well deﬁned and need proper attention from tax payers to be able to comply with the legislations. More so now than in the past the world economies are getting interwoven. So there might be opportunities to handle the tax obligations evenly across various tax jurisdictions and to ensure that tax credits are properly availed and duplication of tax is avoided. The workshop was led by M K Sreedhar, advisor at Horwath MakGhazali. Ramya Annadurai presented various issues and challenges being faced by the clients.

Banks gear up for bad loans as Dubai economy slows People in the SME sector may have left behind AED5 billion of loans this year, Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, chief executive officer

A REASON TO WORRY: Banks in the UAE had focused on boosting loans to SMEs as they could typically charge higher interest rates than lending to large corporations. — Bloomberg ﬁle picture

of Mashreqbank and chairman of the UAE Banks Federation, said in Dubai on Monday

DUBAI: Dubai’s slowing economy, the rout in commodities and strict debt repayment laws are reviving a phenomenon that symbolised the emirate’s crash in 2009: “skips,” or business owners who quietly leave the country to avoid punishment for defaulting on loans. A rising number of smaller and medium-sized company owners are abandoning the United Arab Emirates without repaying debt, according to Emirates NBD, the country’s second-largest bank. People in the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector may have left behind Dh5 billion ($1.36 billion) of loans this year, Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Chief Executive Officer of Mashreqbank and chairman of the UAE Banks Federation, said in Dubai on Monday. While so far limited in scope

— Emirates NBD says it’s seeing the phenomenon in areas such as commodities financing — the “skips” recall the 2009 financial crisis when thousands of expatriates fled the country to avoid a local legal system which lacks a bankruptcy law and criminalises bounced checks. They’re also a sign that the pain of lower oil prices and a slowing economy are being most felt by smaller companies that can’t survive long when lines of credit are restricted and customers stop paying. “Some banks have been reacting to the fall in commodity prices by pulling bank loans and tightening credit standards, and that has added to the stress,” said Shabbir Malik, a banks analyst at EFGHermes Holding. “Over the next two to three quarters we will see provisioning at the banks rise as a result of these skips and problems in the SME sector,” he added. Banks in the UAE had focused on boosting loans to SMEs as they could typically charge higher interest rates than lending to large corporations. That shift also followed government measures to boost small business as a way to

create jobs and diversify the economy. The UAE last year stipulated that government agencies give at least 10 per cent of their contracts to local smaller businesses, according to the Economy Ministry. Checks are still a common form of payment in the UAE Banks often hold them as a security deposit against personal and business loans since the punishment for failing to having enough funds to cover them can be imprisonment. There’s also no bankruptcy law to protect debtors from creditors. A draft law on ﬁnancial regulation and bankruptcy was approved by the cabinet earlier this year, but requires several steps before being passed. The situation could get worse before it improves. Liquidity conditions in the UAE are expected to become tighter over the next few months, according to a quarterly credit sentiment survey from the central bank. Credit standards and risk premiums for loans rose for a third consecutive quarter and will continue to do so in the ﬁnal three months of the year, it said. The UAE’s interbank lending rate has risen to the highest since July 2013, according to central bank data on Bloomberg. — Bloomberg News

BIG 5 EXHIBITION

GCC states invest $115b in railways Times News Service MUSCAT: With the GCC hosting $115 billion worth of rail projects, comfortable stations will be key for growing ridership, industry experts announced here in the build-up to an exhibition. The GCC hosts rail, tram, light rail, metro, and monorail projects, with Saudi Arabia leading at $45 billion, followed by Qatar at $35 billion, the UAE and Kuwait at

$15 billion, and Bahrain at $10 billion, said a report released by the German Near and Middle East Association. Regional metro projects include the Dubai Metro expansion, construction in Doha, and Riyadh and plans for metros in Jeddah, Medina, and Dammam in Saudi. In both the Dubai Metro’s Union Station and the Delft Station, Hunter Douglas installed ceilings with tapered baffles of extruded aluminium.

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MARKET STOCK MARKET

Muscat shares fall on lack of support MUSCAT: Shares on the Muscat Securities Market continued its fall on lack of buying support amid weak sentiment. The MSM30 Index ended lower at 5,814.35 points, down by 0.36 per cent. The Sharia Index ended marginally lower by 0.08 per cent to close at 905.79 points. Sharqiyah Desalination was the most active in terms of volume while Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) was the most active in terms of turnover. The top gainer was Renaissance Services, up by 2.48 per cent, while Al Batinah Development Companywas the top loser, down by 5 per cent. 15 shares decline As many as 546 trades were executed on Tuesday, generating a turnover of OMR3.72 million with 18.53 million shares changing hands. Out of 39 traded securities, six advanced, 15 declined and 18 remained unchanged. Omani investors were net buyers for OMR556,000, while foreign investors were net sellers for OMR536,000 followed by GCC and Arab investors for OMR20,000 worth of shares. Financial Index at 7,110.59 points, down by 0.62 per cent. Al Sharqiya Investment and Al Anwar Holding increased by 1.80 per cent and 0.55 per cent, respectively. Al Batinah Development, Ominvest, Gulf Investment Services and Ahli Bank declined by 5 per cent, 2.04 per cent,1.94 per cent and 1.51 per cent, respectively. Industrial Index declined by 0.12 per cent to close at 7,146.01 points. Oman Fisheries was the only gainer and was down by 1.82 per cent to close at OMR0.056.Construction Material Industries, Al Maha Ceramic and Dhofar Cattlefeed declined by 2.86 per cent, 1.78 per cent and 1.40 per cent, respectively. Services Index fell by 0.03 per cent to ﬁnish at 3,241.14 points. Renaissance Services and Ooredoo Oman gained by 2.48 per cent and 0.52 per cent, respectively. Oman Education & Training, Sohar Power and Omantel declined by 4.30 per cent, 2.63 per cent and 0.92 per cent, respectively. – United Securities

WORLD ECONOMY

G20 focuses on strengthening economic growth BELEK, (Turkey): Leaders of the world’s largest economies stuck to a goal of lifting their collective output by an extra two per cent by 2018, even though growth remains uneven and weaker than expected globally, they said in a statement on Monday. In their ﬁnal communique from a summit in Turkey, the leaders of the Group of 20 (G20) also endorsed plans to address the refugee crisis, taxation, climate change, cyber security and inequality, signs the grouping is increasingly willing to widen its focus beyond hard economic issues. “We remain committed to achieving our ambition to lift collective G20 GDP by an additional two per cent by 2018,” the

leaders said. “Our top priority is timely and effective implementation of our growth strategies that include measures to support demand and structural reforms.” US interest rate The leaders said they would “carefully calibrate” and “clearly communicate” policy decisions, a nod to the sensitivity of ﬁnancial markets, which have seen dramatic moves this year on expectations of a US interest rate hike. The communique, largely unchanged from the draft document reported by Reuters on Sunday, also emphasised previous exchange rate commitments and pledges to resist protectionism.

But at least one delegate noted the difficulty of coordinating policy at a time when growth is patchy, and economies diverge sharply. “We have seen economic trends, as well as policies of major economies, have displayed different directions and it has become more necessary to coordinate macroeconomic policies,” Wang Xiaolong, China’s special envoy on G20 affairs, told reporters. “The difficulty in such coordination is also rising. We have seen that trade is declining as well as commodity prices which continue to fluctuate... and there have been some fluctuations on the financial markets.” Diverging monetary policy has been a thorny issue for financial

markets and policymakers this year, as the US Federal Reserve looks likely to hike rates, while much of the rest of the world struggles to kick-start growth. Expectations of a US hike have boosted the dollar, often to the detriment of emerging market currencies. Vulnerable economies In sharp contrast to the United States, much of the rest of the world, including China, remains vulnerable. The European Central Bank has underlined readiness to extend money printing to boost weak growth and inﬂation in the euro zone. Data from Japan on Monday showed the world’s third-largest

economy slipped into a recession in July-September. The leaders also endorsed a set of measures designed tackle corporate tax avoidance, although questions remain about whether countries will follow through on the plans or leave loopholes that multinationals can exploit. The Base Erosion and Proﬁt Shifting measures aim to close the gaps in existing international tax rules. They were triggered by public anger over reports that huge multinational corporations like Starbucks or Google get away with paying almost no tax at all because they skilfully exploit legal loopholes, or get preferential tax deals from governments. -Reuters

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MARKET Indian economy on growth path: Finance minister Despite global meltdown, Indian economy is still managing to keep ahead and India has an agenda full in terms of reforms and investment into key areas, Arun Jaitley said in Dubai DUBAI: Notwithstanding “adverse global circumstances” and headwinds, Indian economy is still managing to keep ahead, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said. Addressing a gathering of Indian businessmen here on Tuesday evening, Jaitley said that economic crises earlier would leave an impact once in 10-15 years but now they are far more frequent. “Under these circumstances India has to ﬁnd its own level,” Jaitley, who arrived here on Sunday on a two-day UAE visit, said. “Despite adverse global circumstances, India is still managing to keep ahead. We have our agenda full in terms of reforms and investment into key areas,” he said, adding that the government has opened up more sectors for investment. “You cannot be continuously inward-looking,” the ﬁnance minister said.

Arun Jaitley, India’s ﬁnance minister. — Bloomberg ﬁle picture

“One aspect of India, which is adversely affected, is our exports because of shrinking global economy. The headwinds are against us. We have also had bad monsoon for two years,” Jaitley said. He said that an interesting change is taking place in India with the expansion of aspirational class. “We are in a situation which is opposite to many parts of the world. We have a surplus human resource which is creating huge Indian diaspora around the world,” he said. In the next 20 years, the spread of people of Indian-origin is going to hugely increase around the world, he noted. “They are becoming good residents of these counties and are also happy at India’s growth. The assertion and visibility of Indians is on the rise and will continue to be so,” Jaitley said.

Low oil prices The finance minister said low oil prices have created a favourable environment for the Indian economy as it helped to absorb the loss faced by oil companies and kept inflation under control. He said that low oil prices also enabled the government to rationalise subsidies. “It has enabled us to absorb the loss that our own oil companies were facing because of future purchases. It has also kept inflation under control, which, in turn, has helped the Reserve Bank to ease up the rates. “It has also enabled us to increase the cess around fuel which has been diverted for infrastructure creation,” he told reporters. Oil prices, at the levels they have been during the last few months, created a favourable environment for the Indian economy, he said. — PTI

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Sharman Joshi’s stage play evokes exciting response For the first time, theatre enthusiasts in Oman will witness 4 look alike roles being performed live on stage by Sharman Joshi, who is keenly looking forward to his maiden visit to Oman MUSCAT: On November 20, Oman Auditorium of Al Bustan Palace will experience a laughter riot, promise the organizers. Raju Raja Ram Aur Main (Raju Raja Ram And I) a full-blown Hindi comedy blockbuster featuring Sharman Joshi (of 3 Idiots fame) has received overwhelming response from theatre lovers, Sharman fans and all those who wish to have a great family time, says a press release. “Out of the five seating zones, three are fully sold out and the rest are filling fast for both the shows”, said Ramesh of Orbit Events Management. “Having staged several mega shows, concerts and corporate events in Oman, we knew that this play will also be a runaway success. “But we were worried that the prevalent passes culture in Oman may dampen our ticket sale. But we are pleasantly surprised with the results. We hope to be fully sold out by the show day, Friday the November 20. “For the first time, we have re-

created the Oman Auditorium seating on our online ticketing partner www.esaver.co portal. Those who have bought the tickets online have been able to experience something that has probably never happened in live events till date; of course with the exception of Royal Opera House. One can select their seats and book them. “That is not all, it is a ‘Cash-On-Delivery’ scheme. So once booked, you will get a call in the next 15 minutes seeking directions. Even if you buy two tickets, our staff will deliver the tickets at your doorsteps and collect the cash. Buying tickets for a live show could not have become easier.” Ramesh further adds that ‘probably this was one of the reasons that sale of tickets boomed’. For the ﬁrst time, theatre enthusiasts in Oman will witness four look alike roles being performed live on stage by Sharman Joshi. Sharman is also looking forward to his maiden visit to Oman. Raju, Raja, Ram and Madan

Sukhnandini are very different characters and bring extremely humorous demeanor to stage. Every character has a unique trait. Every time Sharman resurfaces on stage as one of these characters, he comes about as a totally different person. It is really tasking and calls for highest level of stage presence and acting prowess to enact these roles with finesse. Originally written in Marathi, this play has become so popular that it has been adapted in many languages and staged over a 1000 shows all over the world. The writer and director of Raju Raja Ram Aur Main, Kedar Shinde will also be coming to Oman. Shinde is one of the most celebrated writers and Directors of Marathi & Hindi movies and theatre plays. ‘The facebook contest that we were having has also received enthusiastic response. One must see the different facial images of themselves that people have posted. They have been extremely creative. We have declared 3 winners and they will be given free tickets to the show. The ﬁnal winner will be drawn this Thursday and notiﬁed’ said Ramesh. The play is presented by Minara and powered by Oman Air. Main sponsors are Al Turki Enterprises and other sponsors include Al Naba Supplies and Catering, Al Naba Equipments and Supplies, Falcon Insurance, Al Rafaa Trading and Contg, Radiant Freight and Logistics (FZC), United Engg Services, BEC Group, Oman Oasis, Relish Restaurant, EFFECT, the Mental Energizer. Media partners Times of Oman; Print Partners Al Anan Printing Press; Technical partners AudioTech; and online ticketing partners e.saver.co.

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New packages from beIN All active subscribers will get two months free viewing for all the new channels

MUSCAT: MSE, the authorized distributor of beIN, announced that on November 1, 2015, beIN Media Group, a major player in global sports rights through its beIN Sports brand has now expanded into general entertainment programming. The new

packages are now available with Mustafa Sultan Electronics showroom at Al-Khuwair and with their sub dealers present across the Sultanate. beIN reasoning behind the expansion is that beIN Sports commonly targets malecentric sports fans and now wants to target female subscribers with its new programming. beIN additional channels will be available on Es’hailsat satellite, disabling some frequencies on Nilesat satellite. All active subscribers will get 2 months free viewing for all the new channels. The new frequencies can be found on www.bein. net/en/frequencies/ beIN Sports announced ﬁve packages keeping different nationality sports viewers in mind

and also boosting entertainment experience. The ﬁrst package is access package which has 23 HD Channels including; 8 Sport Channels, 1 Movie Channel and 3 Kids Channels. The second package is Top Movies which has extra 4 channels above the Access package; 3 HD Movie Channels and 1 Factual Channel. Third package is Top Sports. The package contains Access package + extra 14 Premium HD Sports Channels. Fourth is the complete package which contains all channels of Access, Top Movies and Top Sports packages. The last package is the Euro 2016 package that will be broadcasting in June/ July 2016. The Euro 2016 package is available as an add-on with

at least Access package or with an active SPORTS or SPORTS Global package expiring after July 15th 2016. The new packages facilitate customers to choose depending upon their interest and budget. Mustafa Sultan Enterprises Entertainment Factory (Pay-Tv) division is pioneer in Pay TV business for more than 20 years and is the distributor for OSN in Oman. Besides OSN, MSE-EF is a leading distributor for beIN Sports. They have a showroom in Al-Khuwair and four kiosks at Muscat City Centre, Qurum City Centre, Muscat Grand Mall (MGM) and Sohar Safeer Mall. MSE-EF also offers the Pay TV services through their sub dealers spread across in all major towns of the sultanate.

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DISCOUNTS & OFFERS

Golden Spoon Group joins National Day spirit in great style MUSCAT: Leading food chain Golden Spoon Group has joined the nation in celebrating Oman’s 45th National Day in style by offering a host of exciting promotions to mark the special occasion. Tropical, fresh juices and ice cream bar, The Asian restaurant and Manhattan Fish Market are all offering either new products or big discounts as National Day special, says a press release. Tropical will be displaying the

patriotic zeal through its three new limited edition items — locally popular Shagaf , the fruit tricolor and ice cream tri-color. The Asian restaurant, Ghubrah will be offering all items for half price on the National Day, to honor the patriotic citizens and residents of Oman. Manhattan Fish Market, a popular sea food restaurant, has gone an extra mile by offering Oman’s best Fish and Chips for just OMR 1 all day today.

OFFERS

Ooredoo National Day offers MUSCAT: Ooredoo is celebrating with customers by giving a whole week of enticing offers for the 45th National Day. Starting from November 15 and for a whole week, customers will receive a different offer each day, ranging from double data and recharge bonuses, all of which are designed to make celebrating the National Day more rewarding. Feras Al Sheikh, director of

Consumer Sales at Ooredoo, said: “National Day is a celebration that is close to the hearts of everyone in Oman, providing us with an opportunity to reﬂect, appreciate and show gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s visionary and inspirational leadership. To mark this special event, we wanted customers to share in the magic of the occasion and stay connected to friends and

family through a number of daily surprises.” To enjoy the National Day offers, postpaid customers should opt in beforehand by dialling: *141*45*1# for Arabic and *141*45*2# for English. Prepaid customers opt in by dialling *141*45*3# for Arabic and *141*45*4#. More information can be found on the Ooredoo website: www.ooredoo.om.

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Zubair Corporation marks National Day with a glittering celebration

The event was held under the auspices of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal bin Hamad Al Busaidi, minister of State and Governor of Muscat, and was attended by Mohammad Al Zubair, Rashad M. Al Zubair, dignitaries and staff

MUSCAT: On the occasion of the historic 45th National Day of the Sultanate of Oman, The Zubair Corporation and subsidiary companies held a glittering celebration at the specially decorated ShangriLa Barr Al Jissah Resort in Muscat. The event was held under the auspices of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal bin Hamad Al Busaidi, minister of State and Governor of Muscat, and was attended by Mohammad

Al Zubair, Rashad M. Al Zubair, chairman of The Zubair Corporation, members of the board of directors, CEO’s of the Zubair Group of Companies as well as over 2000 employees and guest who were joined by their family members. Opening the event with a welcoming speech, Rashad M. Al Zubair, chairman of The Zubair Corporation, expressed joy and happiness, stressing the loyalty

and gratitude that Omanis have for their country and its leader His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. “As we celebrate in this glorious month of November, happiness and joy lives in the heart of every Omani, and we give thanks to the wise and benevolent leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. I am sure I speak for every Omani today when I say of His Majesty; ‘you are in our hearts, today and every day, we give thanks for your vision of a modern Oman as you deliver peace and prosperity for the citizens of this proud nation. Be safe in our hearts, as you safeguard our peace and prosperity,” he noted. “The glorious renaissance was built by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said when he made the sincere promise to his people to make Oman a modern, peaceful and prosperous country, a country able to stand with pride among the other nations of the world. Celebrat-

ing this historic 45th National Day underlines our ﬁrm commitment to preserve the achievements of our nation and demonstrates our aspirations to work harder for the continued development and prosperity of Oman,” he added. United in celebration The 45th National Day ‘One Nation – One Celebration’ event was also joined by members of the local community, including residents and school children from Al Khiran, Yiti and Al Sifah, in which they affirmed their pledge to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to maintain their achievements while giving sincere thanks for the blessed renaissance. The proceedings started in the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort theatre with girl scouts from the local Al Khiran School giving readings which expressed their happiness and pride on the occasion of the 45th National Day. This was followed

by students from Yiti School who read poems expressing love for His Majesty and gave a traditional Al Medan performance. After a short break to eat Omani Halwa and other delicious foods, the guests returned to enjoy an evening of celebration which included a musical performance entitled ‘One Nation – One Celebration’ which is the central theme of the festivities. The original piece was specially commissioned by The Zubair Corporation on the occasion of the 45th National Day and was performed by a talented Omani youth orchestra. The audience was clearly moved by the originality and sincerity of the music, with many commenting on how the composition resonated with their warm feelings for His Majesty on the 45th National Day. At the end of the program, the chief guest Sayyid Saud bin Hilal bin Hamad Al Busaidi cut the ‘One Nation – One Celebration’ cake

which was specially prepared by Shangri-La chefs. The exquisite cake also featured iconic images of the many achievements which have come from the blessed renaissance in the last 45 years. The chief guest, together with Mohammad Al Zubair then moved to the Al Bandar ballroom to unveil a special exhibition of historic national coins and watches on loan from Bait al Zubair on the occasion of the 45th National Day. The exhibition showcases historic national day memorabilia including limited edition watches and specially minted coins which commemorate previous national days during the glorious renaissance. The historic 45th National Day ‘One Nation – One Celebration’ event was organised by The Zubair Corporation, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort, Bait al Zubair and Zeenah Group.

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You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. — C. S. Lewis

OFFER FOR SMES

Omantel launches mobile PBX for SMEs MUSCAT: In correspondence with the 45th National Day celebrations, Omantel, the leading telecommunications provider in the Sultanate of Oman announced the launch of Mobile PBX, which enables corporate customers to beneﬁt from the PBX through their smart phones, says a press release. Commenting on the new service, Adel bin Yousef Al Awadhi,

communication solutions manager at Omantel corporate Business Unit said that the new service comes out of our belief in the important role played by SMEs in the growth of our national economy. We have implemented a number of initiatives to empower SMEs and help them remain abreast with the latest developments in the ﬁeld of communication.

‘The new service is one of the value added mobile services that enable SMEs to manage their operations in a more efficient and feasible manner anytime. Moreover, the new service reduces the cost of mobile communication, as it will allow SMEs’ staff to beneﬁt from the services provided by PBX and call centers through their smart phone.

Subscribers to the service will get many beneﬁts such as free calls among the group, automatic transfer, short code numbers inside the group , distribution of calls among departments as desired by the caller, call forwarding service in case of busy lines , or call transfer if the call is not answered, he furthered. “The Mobile PBX service is offered at a competitive rate to ena-

ble the maximum number of SMEs to subscribe. The subscription fees for each registered number in the service is only RO1 “he added Corporate Customers can apply to the service through corporate account managers or through Omantel outlets, additionally they can get additional information on the service through calling 1235. Omantel Business Unit pro-

vides advanced communication solutions that meet the needs of the different public and private customers. These services enable customers to remain connected with their customers as well as local and foreign partners. These solutions focus on the best communication services. The MPLS by Omantel is the ﬁrst service that gets the ISO certiﬁcation.

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Shenwari’s six rattles Oman MUSCAT: Afghanistan’s Samiullah Shenwari scalped six wickets to steamroll Oman in a three-day tour match at the Ajman Oval on Tuesday. Oman batsmen were clueless to the guiles of Shenwari with only Jatinder Singh (42) and Vaibhav Wategaonkar (34) showing some early resistance. Oman were bowled out for 178. Earlier Khawar Ali claimed three wickets to bowl out Afghanistan in their ﬁrst innings for 393. At close of play Afghanistan were 19 for no loss in their second innings.

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Oman slip behind Iran after Turkmenistan loss The victory moved Turkmenistan to ten points, one lesser than Oman who trail Iran by three points after the three-time Asian Cup winners

SIX STAR: Samiullah Shenwari.

SCOREBOARD

Afghanistan 1st innings: Noor Ali c A. Ali b S. Ahmed 113 S. Noori b Ranpura 0 M. Shahzad c Khadye b Lalcheta 30 H. Shahidi c Khadye b A. Ali 95 A. Stanikzai c A. Kaleem b A. Ali 34 S. Shenwari b Lalcheta 64 N. Jamal lbw b K. Ali 0 A. Zazai c M. Nadeem b Lalcheta 27 S. Ashraf c & b K. Ali 22 Y. Ahmadzai not out 0 S. Shirzad c A. Ali b K. Ali 0 Extras (b-7, nb-1) 8 Total (all out; 113.2 overs) 393 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-59, 3-211, 4-262, 5-273, 6-276, 7-364, 8-393, 9-393, 10-393 Bowling: Mohammed Nadeem 15-3-59-0; R. Ranpura 14-3-51-1; Khawar Ali 20.2-364-3; A. Lalcheta 29-4-85-3; Zeeshan Siddiqui 3-0-15-0; Amir Ali 13-3-42-2; Aamir Kaleem 7-1-26-0; V. Wategaonkar 6-2-19-0; Sultan Ahmed 6-0-25-1 Oman 1st innings: S. Khadye c M. Shahzad b S. Shirzad 1 K. Ali c & b Y. Ahmadzai 10 V. Wategaonkar lbw b S. Shenwari 34 J. Singh st M. Shahzad b S. Shenwari 42

INSIDE LIFESTYLE

defeated Guam 6-0 in Tuesday’s other

Ad. Ilyas lbw b S. Shenwari 4 Z. Siddiqui c M. Shahzad b S. Shenwari 0 S. Ahmed b S. Ashraf 10 A. Kaleem lbw b S. Shenwari 20 A. Ali st A. Zazai b S. Shenwari 31 A. Lalcheta not out 14 R. Ranpura lbw b S. Ashraf 4 Extras (b-7, w-1) 8 Total (all out; 66.5 overs) 178 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-26, 3-83, 4-90, 5-90, 6-97, 7-107, 8-142, 9-173, 10-178 Bowling: Sayed Shirzad 4-2-5-1; Yamin Ahmadzai 10-1-28-1; Sharafuddin Ashraf 21.5-3-51-2; Obaidullah Kunari 4-2-20-0; Samiullah Shenwari 25-6-64-6; Asghar Stanikzai 2-0-3-0 Afghanistan 2nd innings: Noor Ali not out 7 M. Shahzad not out 11 Extras (b-1) 1 Total (0 wickets; 7 overs) 19 Bowling: Mohammed Nadeem 2-0-7-0; R. Ranpura 2-0-5-0; A. Lalcheta 2-0-6-0; Aamir Kaleem 1-1-0-0 Toss: Afghanistan, who chose to bat Umpires:- Rabiul Hoque and Syed Shabir Reserve umpire: Ahmed Shah Durrani

Group D ﬁxture BAD SLIP: Oman lost a chance to keep pace with Iran after going down 1-2 to Turkmenistan in Ash-

gabat on Tuesday. – File photo

ASHGABAT: Oman lost ground on 2018 FIFA World Cup/2019 AFC Asian Cup joint-qualifying Group D leaders Iran after going down 2-1 to Turkmenistan on Tuesday, as Paul Le Guen’s side tasted defeat for the first time in the campaign. Artur Gevorkyan broke the deadlock five minutes from the half-time break at the Kopetdag Stadium before Suleyman Muhadov, MVP and Top Scorer as former club FC HTTU won the the 2014 AFC President’s Cup, doubled Turkmenistan’s advantage in the 67th minute. Substitute Mohammed Al Ghassani pulled one back for Oman in the 70th minute — reducing the deficit just five minutes after coming on for Abdul Aziz Al Maqbali — but the Gulf team were unable to add to their tally as the Turkmen recorded

their third win of the qualifiers. The victory moved Amanklych Kochumov’s side up to ten points, one fewer than Oman who trail Iran by three points after the threetime AFC Asian Cup winners defeated Guam 6-0 in Tuesday’s other Group D fixture. The group winners and four best runners-up (total 12 teams) will advance to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup finals and the final round of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The next best 24 teams from the preliminary stage of the joint qualifiers will compete in a separate competition for the remaining slots (12 slots or 11 slots + 1 slot for the host) in the 24-team 2019 Asian Cup. Iran maul Guam Meanwhile, Iran, missing four players and two staff because of

visa issues, brushed aside the challenge of US territory Guam 6-0 in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday in which both sides were reduced to 10 men. Mehdi Taremi (two), Kamaleddin Kamyabinia, Ramin Rezaeian, Masoud Shojaei and Karim Ansari Fard all scored goals on the artificial grass at the National Football Stadium in the tiny Pacific Ocean island. The win lifted unbeaten Iran to 14 points, three clear at the top of the Group D standings, with their remaining two fixtures at home to India and Oman in March. Iran were never in trouble against Guam. Taremi opened the scoring for the visitors in the 12th minute after being slipped through by Mehdi Torabi, who was forced off later

in the half because of injury. Kamyabinia scuffed a right foot shot into the corner of the net for the second in the 32nd minute before three goals in four second half minutes killed the contest. Rezaeian notched before John Matkin was sent off for hauling down Taremi and substitute Shojaei slotted in the resulting 53rd minute penalty. Ansari Fard then added another against an increasingly disjointed Guam. Taremi grabbed a second before goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand was sent off after handling outside the area and taking out Guam striker Shane Malcolm. Iran defender Ezatollah Pourghaz was forced to play in goal for the last twenty minutes after the visitors had made all their substitutions. - AFC, Reuters

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END OF AN ERA

Johnson’s up-and-down Ashes defined his career PERTH: Australia’s Mitchell Johnson, who retired from international cricket on Tuesday, was an enigmatic player who veered between being the most intimidating fast bowler in the game and a figure of fun lampooned for his inaccuracy. At his full flowing best, which came in the first two years of his test career and the golden season of 2013-14, he got such pace and swing on the ball with his left-arm slingshot delivery that he became virtually unplayable. It is those destructive, matchturning spells of raw pace that will be remembered best, not least by the batsmen who had the misfortune of facing them. While he enjoyed great success against South Africa, both home and away, contributions to the Ashes will always define the careers of Australia’s players and Johnson’s experiences against England illustrated his fluctuating fortunes. Coming off a brilliant tour of South Africa that went a long way to earning him his first ICC Player of the Year award, Johnson took 20 wickets in his first Ashes series in 2009. There was a hint of troubles to come at Lord’s, however, where he gave up 11 boundaries in his first eight overs as England headed towards their first Ashes win at the ground since 1934. The 2-1 series defeat reduced Johnson to tears and before the 2010-11 Ashes, he was full of talk of revenge on the English and having banished his demons. In the first test, however, he finished with figures of 0-170 as England batted for two days to rescue a draw. Dropped for the innings defeat in the second Test Adelaide, he returned in Perth where he had the sort of impact that explains why the selectors came back to him time and again. Australia had all but given up on the Ashes after England bowled them out for 268 on day one but Johnson was reborn as a Test bowler on day two and skittled England’s top order.

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Quiet man Johnson ﬁnished with 6-38, added three more wickets in the second innings and the series was levelled at 1-1. It was the last Ashes Test Australia would win before Mitchell’s second re-

ENIGMATIC PLAYER: Australia’s Mitchell Johnson, who retired from international cricket, reacts as he is carried from the ﬁeld by team mates Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. – Reuters

birth at the Gabba in 2013. In between, came the pasting in the ﬁnal two tests of that series, during which England’s Barmy Army of fans rejoiced in a lengthy repertoire of songs deriding Johnson. The lampooning was especially cruel because for all the biker moustaches, tattoos and scary bouncers, Johnson remained a quiet and introspective man off the pitch. Dropped for the 2013 series in England, he returned to the Ashes fray after showing a return to form in one-day cricket. No one could expect what was to come. His ﬁrst few overs in the opening Test at the Gabba were erratic but he then summoned up a barrage of venomous bouncers that put real fear into the eyes of the

English batsmen, whipped up the crowd and turned the series irrevocably to the home side. He took 37 wickets in all — nine in Brisbane, eight in Adelaide, six in Perth, eight in Melbourne and six in Sydney — as the English, strong favourites for a fourth successive Ashes triumph, were swept 5-0. His brilliant season, which was to earn him a second ICC Player of the Year award, continued in Australia’s 2-1 series win in South Africa, where he took another 22 wickets. Johnson’s 59 wickets over the two series came at an average of 15.23 and if he never reached such heights again, it ensured he would be able to walk away from Test cricket on his own terms at a time of his own choosing. - Reuters

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New Zealand’s pursuit of 321 runs for victory in 48 overs already looked unlikely to succeed but after rain cut 90 minutes out of the ﬁfth and ﬁnal day at the WACA, the spoils looked destined to be shared. The highlight however was Johnson’s retirement

PERTH: Australia’s Mitchell Johnson, the most devastating fast bowler of his era, retired from all international cricket at the conclusion of the second Test against New Zealand on Tuesday because he had lost his hunger for a challenge. The 34-year-old left-armer, who was named International Cricket Council (ICC) Player of the Year in 2009 and 2014, made the announcement before the day’s play at the WACA and took two wickets to ﬁnish with 313 vicTEST SERIES

No play again in Bengaluru BENGALURU: Wet weather and soggy conditions ensured play was called off without a single ball being bowled for the third successive day in the second Test between India and South Africa on Tuesday. After two days were lost to rain, the downpours relented in the morning but the wet outﬁeld, especially along the runup areas, remained a concern for the umpires. The match officials initially ruled out any action in the morning session but seemed optimistic of play resuming after lunch at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. They returned for a third round of inspection and decided play would start at 2 pm local time (8:30 GMT) but it started drizzling again. “The play has been officially called off. Another day lost to rain. If weather permits, the play will start at 9:15 AM,” the Indian cricket board tweeted. — Reuters

Australia 1st innings 559 for 9 decl (D. Warner 253, U. Khawaja 121) New Zealand 1st innings 624 (R. Taylor 290, K. Williamson 166; M. Starc 4-119) Australia 2nd innings (Overnight: 258-2) J. Burns c Taylor b Southee 0 D. Warner c Latham b Boult 24 S. Smith c Watling b Boult 138 A. Voges lbw b Southee 119 M. Marsh lbw b Bracewell 1 P. Nevill c Watling b Southee 35 M. Johnson c Watling b Southee 29 M. Starc not out 28 J. Hazlewood not out 2 Extras (b-4, lb-3, nb-1, w-1) 9 Total (for 7 wickets declared, 103 overs) 385 Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-46, 3-270, 4-277, 5-294, 6-355, 7-366 Did not bat: U. Khawaja, N. Lyon Bowling: T. Southee 25-4-97-4, T. Boult 19-

tims at an average of 28.40. That tally puts him fourth on the list of Australian test wickettakers behind only Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Dennis Lillee, who discovered Johnson as a raw 17-year-old and described him as a “once in a lifetime prospect”. Johnson’s fortunes over his test career mirrored those of his country, in his pomp from his debut in 2007 to 2009 with a return to form in his golden season of 2013-14. In between there was a long fallow period, triggered by injury and a loss of confidence when he became a figure of fun, particularly among the fans of England. Johnson had the last laugh, though, when he fired Australia to a 5-0 Ashes sweep in 2013-14 as

2-77-2, D. Bracewell 20-5-62-1, M. Henry 20-7-53-0 (w-1), M. Craig 18-1-81-0 (nb-1), K. Williamson 1-0-8-0 New Zealand 2nd innings: T. Latham c Hazlewood b Johnson 15 M. Guptill c Burns b Johnson 17 K. Williamson not out 32 R. Taylor not out 36 Extras (b-4) 4 Total (for 2 wickets, 28 overs) 104 Fall of wickets: 1-34, 2-44 To bat: B. McCullum, B. Watling, D. Bracewell, M. Craig, M. Henry, T. Southee, T. Boult Bowling: M. Starc 6-1-33-0, J. Hazlewood 6-3-3-0, M. Johnson 6-2-20-2, N. Lyon 7-035-0, M. Marsh 3-0-9-0 Umpires: Nigel Llong, Sundaram Ravi TV umpire: Richard Illingworth Match referee: Roshan Mahanama Result: Draw

well as helping the hosts to a fifth World Cup triumph in the 50-over format earlier this year. “I was really happy and proud to finish off really well,” he told reporters after taking 2-20 and making 29 in his final batting innings. “I really enjoyed myself batting and bowling today, I guess you have that weight lifted off, you just go out and have some fun. “I just lost that hunger on those tough days, that’s where my decision came, that’s something I really used to enjoy about test cricket, the challenge of those difficult days and I just wasn’t enjoying it.” Born and raised in Queensland, Johnson ended up playing his state cricket for Western

Australia and so it is appropriate he played his 73rd and final test match at the WACA. Returns of 3-105 and 1-58 in the first Test against New Zealand in Brisbane last week prompted Johnson to say he was thinking about retirement every day. Figures of 1-157 in New Zealand’s first innings in the second Test, the most expensive by an Australian bowler in a test at the WACA, sealed the deal. Final decision “The first innings bowling was my final decision,” he added. “It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a year on and off, I guess after the World Cup I thought that was a good time to go out of one-day cricket. “But with new guys in the team I thought I could help, being a senior player, but I just felt I couldn’t compete any more at this level. “I felt like I couldn’t be the best for this team. I didn’t want to continue playing at a standard that wasn’t good enough.” He also took 239 wickets in 153 one-day internationals at the cost of 25.26 apiece and 38 in 30 Twenty20 internationals. Among the highlights of his career was his stunning role the 2013-14 Ashes triumph, when he took 37 wickets. “That was definitely a huge moment, I would have had regrets if I didn’t come back there,” he said. “I felt like I hadn’t given my best at that point in my career. “It was an exciting time in my career and something I’ll always cherish.”. - Reuters

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SPORTS

JUNIOR ASIAN CUP HOCKEY

Pakistan rout Oman, India beat China MUSCAT: Pakistan defeated Oman by a 7-1 margin in a Pool B match of the ongoing 8th Men’s Junior Asia Cup hockey match at the Wisma Belia Hockey Stadium in Kuantan, Malaysia on Tuesday. According to information received here, Muhammad Dilber scored three goals (3rd, 62nd, 65th) and Abu Mahmood (8th, 28th) struck twice in Pakistan’s victory. The other goals were scored by Muhammad Bilal Qadir (15th) and Muhammad Atiq (34th). Oman’s lone goal was scored by Shaﬁ Al Shatari (5th). Three-time champions Pakistan top the group with nine points and go into Thursday’s quarterﬁnals with a highly likely clash against China.

Meanwhile, in a Pool A match Indian beat China 4-1 for their third successive victory. India, who beat Japan and Malaysia in their previous two encounters, were powered by Manpreet Singh, who fired in a brace, while Harmanpreet Singh and Ajit Pandey scored one goal apiece to ensure India top Pool A before their quarterfinal encounter on Thursday. India started on an attacking note, pressing hard on the weak Chinese defence but could only convert in the 16th minute through a penalty corner via Harmanpreet. The first half did not see any more goals being scored and ended 1-0 in favour of India. India raced through to score their second goal through Ajit Pan-

dey in the 32nd minute. However, China struck back soon in the 43rd minute, through a penalty corner from the stick of Haifeng Guo. This propelled India to increase their tempo, leading to two more goals in quick succession from Manpreet. “It is good that we have continued with our winning momentum. It gets tougher from here and we all realise that we now enter the knockout zone hence every match is a new championship for us,” said India coach Harendra Singh. “I am glad that the boys stuck to the basics and were conﬁdent in paving through the opponent’s defence. We head back now to prepare for the quarterﬁnals and hopefully we will have enough to rejoice after that match as well.” - Agencies

Al Sahlawi stars in Saudi’s 10-0 victory Al Sahlawi scored

Australia blank Bangladesh

twice in the ﬁrst half then three more times in the second as Saudi Arabia made light work of East Timor

DILI: Saudi Arabia striker Mohammad Al Sahlawi scored five goals to lead his team to a 10-0 thumping of East Timor in their World Cup qualifier in Dili on Tuesday. Al Sahlawi, who has been one of the standout performers during the Asian qualifiers, scored twice in the first half then three more times in the second as Saudi Arabia made light work of their outclassed opponents. Yahya Al Shehri, Osama Hawsawi, Taisir Al-Jassim, Naif Hazazi and Fahad Al-Muwallad also got on the scoresheet while the home side’s woes were compounded when Adelino De Oliviera was sent off in the 88th minute for picking up a second booking. Saudi Arabia’s emphatic win extended their lead at the top of the Group A standings to six points and left them in a commanding position to advance to the third qualifying round. The eight group winners and four best runners-up will all progress to the next phase and also

DHAKA: Tim Cahill scored his first international hattrick in over a decade as Australia crushed Bangladesh 4-0 in their 2018 World Cup qualifier in Dhaka on Tuesday. Already Australia’s alltime leading scorer with 42 goals before Tuesday’s Asian Group B clash, the evergreen Cahill took his career tally 45 with three first-half strikes. The Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak also found the net as the reigning Asian champions cruised to 4-0

book a spot at the 2019 Asian Cup. Unbeaten in six matches, the Green Falcons currently have 16 points with two games to go. Only the United Arab Emirates, who have 10 points but a game in hand, can catch them at the top. Al Sahwali has been the driving force behind his team’s success and is the leading scorer in the tournament with 12 goals from ﬁve matches. “These are three important points and it was important to win here,” Al Sahwali said in a televised interview. “It is not important who scored the goals but the win is the important thing. I hope this result will help us to keep our position till the end” The 28-year-old also scored three goals against the Timorese in their previous meeting in Jed-

lead by halftime then took their foot off the gas against a Bangladesh team ranked 120 places below them. Australia’s resounding win took them to the top of the standings with 15 points from six matches with their remaining two games at home in March. Jordan are second, two points behind the Socceroos. Bangladesh, with one draw from seven matches, are out of contention, along with Tajikistan, the other team in Pool B. - Reuters

dah in September and showed no mercy against the same opponents on Tuesday. East Timor, winless in their seven qualiﬁers, were without seven naturalised Brazilians following complaints about their eligibility after they earlier helped their adopted country draw with Malaysia and Palestine. They did well to hold Saudi Arabia scoreless for almost half an hour before Al Sahwali opened the scoring in the 29th minute, with the ﬁrst of two penalties he converted. He scored again just before halftime as the visitors went to the break leading 4-0 then added a second half hat-trick as the Timorese faded badly in the oppressive heat, giving up four goals in the last 10 minutes. - Reuters

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SPORTS

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ISC TENNIS

Hassan enters under-14 ﬁnal

GOOD START Abdullah Al Barwani

Oman U-16 team win at GCC tournament The Sultanate’s under-16 team opened their account with a 2-1 victory over Bahrain while the under-12 squad suffered a defeat THRILLING WIN: Younis Al Rawahi

MUSCAT: Oman under-16 team began their campaign in style while the national under-12 squad suffered defeat in the GCC Junior (U-16, U-12) Tennis Championships in Doha. According to information received from the Oman Tennis Association (OTA), the Sultanate’s under-16 team opened their account with a 2-1 victory over Bahrain. In the ﬁrst singles match, Abdullah Al Barwani defeated

Bahrain’s Ali Nabeel 6-0, 4-6, 6-3 to helpd Oman take the lead. Then Younis Al Rawahi overcame a strong challenge from his Bahraini opponent for a 6-3, 3-6, 7-7 victory as Oman took an unassailable lead. In the inconsequential doubles rubber, Oman’s Algerian coach Nabeel Doob gave opportunity for Zakariya Al Sulaimani and Abdullah Al Rawahi but the duo ended

up as losers despite a good dispaly of their talent. In the under-12 category, the Omani boys went down to Saudi Arabia 1-2. Oman’s lose victory was achieved by Muneer Al Rawahi who defeated Saudi Arabia’s Qasim Al Obaidan 6-4, 6-3. The Sultanate’s under-16 team will next play Kuwait while the under-12 squad will take on Bahrain.

MUSCAT: Second Seed Hassan Haider powered his way into the final of the boys under-14 singles at the Falcon Insurance Companysponsored Annual Tennis Tournament organised by the Indian Social Club (ISC) Muscat. Hassan played with conviction and displayed good all-round control to score a fine 6-2, 6-4 victory over third seed Sanskar Dubey in the semifinal. Hassan and Sanskar exchanged several brilliant rallies and showed consistency in their ground strokes. Hassan was taken to deuce in the very first game after which he broke Sanskar and held for a 3-0 lead in the first set. Sanskar broke in the fifth game but was broken back. Hassan continued to domi-

Hassan Haider

nate the rallies and broke Sanskar again to win the ﬁrst set. The second set was more evenly contested. Hassan earned the ﬁrst brake in the sixth game after which Sanskar played some brilliant ground strokes and leveled at four-games-all. Hassan upped his game and the offensive saw him brake Sanskar and held for a crucial 5-4 lead. Sanskar showed urgency in his strokes

and paid dearly as two returns that went long sealed the issue as Hassan broke to win the semifinal. Sanskar, however, was on the winning side when he emerged into the final of the under-12 singles final when he scored a confident 6-4, 6-1 victory over No. 4 seed Prithvi Raj in the semifinal. It was Prithvi Raj who made early inroads and led 3-1when the top seed reeled off the next four games including two breaks. Prithvi held in the ninth game to stay in the set but Sanskar served out the first set. The second set belonged to Sanskar who raced to a 5-0 lead before Prithvi got on the board with a break but Sanskar broke back to win a place in the final of the under-12 singles.

W EDN ESDAY, NOVEMB ER 18, 2 0 1 5

SPORTS

AT H L E T I C S

Russia needs to rid sport of state interference: Pound LONDON: Russian Athletics needs to prove it can operate without interference from state security services if it is to compete on an international stage again, the author of an explosive anti-doping report said on Tuesday. Russia was suspended from international athletics after a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) report accused its state security services of colluding with the country’s athletics federation to enable athletes to take performance-enhancing drugs with conﬁdence test results would be suppressed. Dick Pound, author of the WADA report, told the BBC Russia’s anti-

doping laboratory and anti-doping agency needed to prove they could act freely of government pressure in order to bring an end to a statesponsored drugs culture. “They’ll have to ﬁnd a new laboratory director that will satisfy the world anti-doping agency as to his or her ... willingness to make sure that the laboratory acts independently and is not subject to any pressures regarding the non-disclosure of positive samples,” he said. “As far as the Russian anti-doping agency is concerned it’s a matter again of making sure that it operates independently, even though it will be funded by it.” — Reuters

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Sultanate welcomes top sailors for Laser Worlds The championships has attracted over 100 top sailors, some of whom have already booked their berths at 2016 Rio Olympics while others will be going all out to use this ﬁnal opportunity to secure their qualiﬁcation

MUSCAT: The top 100 Laser Radial women sailors, together with their coaches and support staff, are touching down in Oman for the 2015 Laser Radial Women’s World Championships that kicks off November 20. Some have already booked their Olympic spots for Rio starting in August next year while others will be going all out to use this final opportunity in the Olympic cycle to secure their country’s qualification. Lithuania’s Gintare Volungeviciute-Scheidt, who is one of the favourites to be crowned 2015 Laser Radial World Champion after winning the Test event in Rio in August, is sure of her place in Rio but is still feeling the pressure. “This is the most important regatta of the year for all the girls aside from the Test event so many of them arrived in Oman a few weeks early to train, to make sure they have time to get used to the conditions,” she said. “Lithuania has already qualified for the Olympics so we may be a bit more relaxed but the racing will still be tough because a few of the strong countries still have to earn their qualification which is why everyone is training so hard. “I don’t feel I have any advantage because the conditions here in Oman are very different to Rio.

FAVOURITE: Lithuania’s Gintare Volungeviciute-Scheidt, who is one of the favourites to be crowned

2015 Laser Radial World Champion after winning the Test event in Rio in August, is sure of her place in Rio but is still feeling the pressure. – Supplied photo

Most of the racing in Rio was in ﬂat waters not open sea so Mussanah is a very different test.” Her husband, nine times Laser World Champion Robert Scheidt of Brazil, won the Laser World Championships held in Al Musannah two years ago and has been able to pass on some handy hints though, she says, they will have limited value in the heat of battle. “He has been able to tell me about the area and the wind but at these make or break events, it is always about the moment. That day, that moment so I will need to ﬁnd out for myself.” Snapping at her heels on the race track will be Evi Van Acker from Belgium who is ranked world No. 1 and Dutch rival Marit Bouwmeester, silver medallist at London 2012 and ranked fourth in the world. Alison Young from Great Britain, Denmark’s Anne-Marie Rindom and Paige Riley from the US, who came fourth at the Test Event in August are other names to watch though much of the spotlight will be on Lijia Xu, the reigning Olympic champion from China who has not raced in two years and has no plans for a 2016 Olympic campaign. “Lily has only been back in the boat for a few weeks and is really enjoying it after such a long gap,”

explained her coach Jon Emmett. “She has just been doing some training in England and is now really enjoying the warm weather in Oman!” The 2015 Laser Radial Women’s World Championships follow hard on the heels of the hugely successful RS:X World Championships held at Al Musannah last month and will comprise six days of racing, with two back to back races each day. The competition, which kicks off with a special welcome evening featuring traditional Omani music, dancing, food and customs, will culminate in a prize-giving and closing ceremony attended by a host of dignitaries from Oman, event organisers Oman Sail and from the International Laser Class Association. “These athletes have come to Oman on a serious Olympics mission and we sincerely hope that Al Musannah can play an important – and happy – part in their careers,” said Salma Al Hashmi, Oman Sail Marketing and Events Director. “This will be a big test for them and another signiﬁcant one for us at Oman Sail as regatta organisers. This will be the ﬁfth major World Championships we have hosted in three years and all of them have attracted warm support and en-

couraging feedback for organisation and race management. “We are lucky to have superb facilities here with the Millennium Resort hotel and athletes village, space to dock 400 sailing boats and other equipment, plus a fully equipped media centre so we hope the Laser Radial community makes the most of them and enjoys a successful and memorable event.” Schedule Nov 19: Practice Race and official opening under the patronage of Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Al Harrasi, Chairman of the Public Authority for Radio and Television. Nov 20: Qualification Series: Two races back to back. Nov 21: Qualification Series: Two races back to back. Nov 22: Qualification Series: Two races back to back. Nov 23: Reserve Day and Press Conference. Nov 24: Qualification Series: Two races back to back. Nov 25: Final Series: Two races back to back. Nov 26: Final Series: Two races back to back. Prize giving & Closing Ceremony under the patronage of Her Highness Dr. Muna bint Fahad Al Said, Assistant Vice Chancellor of International Cooperation at Sultan Qaboos University. FOOTBALL

‘No reason to call off Clasico’ MADRID: The Spanish government’s top sports official has sent out a message of calm and said there is no reason for Saturday’s La Liga ‘Clasico’ between Real Madrid and Barcelona to be postponed following Friday’s attacks in Paris. Miguel Cardenal, the head of Spain’s sports council (CSD), said officials would meet on Wednesday to discuss security at the match at Real’s Bernabeu stadium and steps would be taken to allow fans to attend the match “with a guarantee of normality”. Europe is on high alert following the deadly bombings and shootings in the French capital and a friendly match between the Spanish national team and their Belgian rivals due to take place in Brussels later on Tuesday has been postponed. “We are the ﬁrst ones interested in making sure nothing untoward occurs,” Cardenal told reporters. — Reuters

LIFESTYLE

Leisure

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Tee Time It is said there is nothing more relaxing than playing golf. Have you ever thought of taking up this sport or are you already a player and want to lower your scores? Whether you are a seasoned golfer or a beginner, there are plenty of options in Muscat. >> STORY MOHAMMED SHAFEEQE

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W EDN ESDAY, NOVEMB ER 18, 2 0 1 5

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Junior & Adult Golf Birthday Parties Ċŗŗ -*)% ŗ ěŗ /). .#)(-ŗ 0 #& & ŗ )(ŗ, +/ -. Corporate Packages Ċŗŗ )& ŗ &#(# -ŗ ),ŗ !#(( ,-ŗ .)ŗ 0 ( ŗ )& ,Ċŗġ 'ŗ /#& #(!ąŗ ),*), . ŗ!)& Ģ Ċŗûûŗ.)ŗüúŗ* ,-)(-ŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗOMR250 Ċŗüûŗ.)ŗýúŗ* ,-)(-ŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗOMR350 ĊŗŗýúŗŁŗ* ,-)(-ŗ+/). .#)(ŗ 0 #& & ŗ )(ŗ, +/ -. Ċŗŗġ )) ŗ ċŗ 0 , ! -ŗ 0 #& & ŗ )(ŗ , +/ -.ŗ ),ŗ . ,1 , -Ģ Ċŗûŗ')(."ŗ , ŗ, (! ŗ* --ŗ),ŗ , Ċŗûŗ")/,ŗ*& 3#(!ŗ& --)( Ċŗŗüŗ')(."-ŗ , ŗ, (! ŗ* --ŗ),ŗ , Ċŗüŗ")/,ŗ*& 3#(!ŗ& --)( Individual Adult Private Lessons Ċŗýúŗ'#(ŗ& --)(ŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗOMR24 Ċŗûŗ")/,ŗ& --)(ŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗOMR40 Ċŗþ2ýúŗ'#(ŗ& --)(ŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗOMR90 Ċŗþ2ûŗ")/,ŗ& --)(ŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗOMR140 ĊŗĂ2ýúŗ'#(ŗ& --)(ŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗOMR170 ĊŗĂ2ûŗ")/,ŗ& --)(ŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗOMR250 ĊûĞü",ŗ)(ŗ )/,- ŗ& --)(ŗŗŗŗŗŗŗOMR40/80

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60 Minute Private Group Lesson Ċŗ &')/$ŗ )& ŗ' ' ,-ŗŗŗŗŗŗŗOMR52 Ċŗ &')/$ŗ, -# (.-ŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗOMR54 Ċŗ ŗ' ' ,-ŗŗ ŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗOMR57 Ċŗ #-#.),-ŗŗ ŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗOMR60 ,#0 . ŗ!,)/*ŗ& --)(-ŗ , ŗ " ,! ŗ * ,ŗ")/,ŗ().ŗ* ,ŗ* ,-)( 4x60 Minute Explorer Package Ċŗ &')/$ŗ )& ŗ' ' ,-ŗŗŗŗŗOMR135 Ċŗ &')/$ŗ, -# (.-ŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗOMR145 Ċŗ ŗ' ' ,-ŗ ŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗOMR150 Ċŗ #-#.),-ŗŗ ŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗOMR160 8x60 Minute Platinum Package Ċŗ &')/$ŗ )& ŗ' ' ,-ŗŗŗOMR260 Ċŗ &')/$ŗ, -# (.-ŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗOMR290 Ċŗ ŗ' ' ,-ŗŗ ŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗOMR300 Ċŗ #-#.),-ŗŗ ŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗŗOMR320

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T R AV E L T I P S

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Visit Your Doctor

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Prepare for Emergencies

Plan an Arrival Kit

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Photography: Supplied, MMG photographers

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W E D N E S DAY, N OV E MB E R 1 8, 2 0 1 5

LIFESTYLE THE HOBBYIST Saleh Alshaaili Horse Rider

Why do you love horse riding? I believe horses have an unseen power which help them bond with people. The horseback pumps energy into my body and soul. I feel recharged when riding a horse. Horses are very kind, sensitive, loyal, and I treat them like close friends. How did you get into it? I don’t know how but I know I love horses since I was young. It started like a stunt sport to have fun with, when I was 17. I used to ride horses to unleash some power and enjoy galloping with fast horses throwing away any fears, even safety precautions. Now my lovely mare is part of my family and she loves us as we do.

POWER PACKED

How can I get into it? I prefer to enrol into a club such as Al Forsan in Seeb. You need to feed them, groom them, play with them and spend more time with them. You would soon love them, and a great bond would be secured due to the energy of love between horses and people. Just try it. What’s your pro-tip? Everyone must spend time working out on horseback at least once a week, it is good for health and ﬁtness for sure. Take your kids on a horseback to outdoors and it makes them more focused. You will notice that your kids are scoring high marks in school. Contact info/resources for Horse Riding in Oman Al Forsan Stables +968 9965 4022 (Salim Alhikmani)

I feel recharged when riding a horse

Al Niman Stables +968 9935 7777 (Mohammed Saleh Albuloshi)

Y O U R FAV O U R I T E B O O K

The Hobbit POPULAR as a premiere movie and a best-seller in its own right, this prelude to the Lord of Rings trilogy is a must read for all adventure seekers and book alcoholics. I chanced to come upon this book a year or two ago, and ever since it has been my travelling pocket companion. “I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it’s very difficult to ﬁnd anyone. I should think so — in these parts. We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things. Make you late for dinner.” — Gandalf to and about Bilbo Baggins. It all starts with him. Bilbo Bag-

By J.R.R Tolkien

gins, a quiet and shy Hobbit seems to be contended with his uneventful life in the mysterious and mystic land of Shire. That is until, when the living legend and wizard Gandalf turns up at his porch with an army of eager, comical yet loyal dozen dwarves who all are under the impression that he is an able ‘burglar’ and, thus a perfect last addition to their “treasure restoration team”. Not even Bilbo’s claims and protests can convince them further and he is forced to play the role of a charming host and entertain in his comfortable hole for a night. When they set off for the misty mountain ranges with the ambition of ﬁghting a lethal dragon and

inheriting the lost treasure which is rightfully theirs, poor Mr Baggins doesn’t realise that he is taken for a journey for a lifetime, with odds of likely not returning to his beloved Bag End in Shire ... well, you have to read to find out. This book is not merely a bestseller in the genre of fiction, but also it brings a lot more to your life. Say if you are reading this book in the airport waiting for your flight, it is sure to cheer you up, make you laugh and bring tears in your eyes. This is what makes J.R.R Tolkien’s works masterpieces – simply, because amongst the fun, you are taught lessons that will be imprinted in your mind forever. You will laugh at the silly antics of the

dwarves, bite your ﬁngers with anticipation when Bilbo is pursued by the sneaky Gollum. I recommend this book for all ages because by the end of the day, you will be glad that you did give it a read, after all. — Reviewed by Shibangi Ghosh

ARE YOU A PROLIFIC READER? Which is your favourite book? Pick one and send in your thoughts on it. Contact shafeeq@timesofoman.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

Al Seeb Equestrian +968 9934 1134 (Ahmed Alaisary)

The horseback pumps energy into my body and soul.

C10

W EDN ESDAY, NOVEMB ER 18, 2 0 1 5

FIND-IT-ALL CINEMA SCHEDULE

PRAYER TIMINGS

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

11.57pm 3.04pm 5.26pm 6.39pm 5.04am

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

@PANORAMA MALL

@MGM

@RUWI

Spectre (Action) – PG12 Cast : Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz 3.45, 6.45 PM The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 – 3D (Action/Sci Fic) – PG12 Cast : Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson 9.45 PM Screen 3 Thoongaa Vanam (Crime | Thriller) – PG12 Cast : Kamal Hasan, Trisha Krishnan 3.45, 6.45 PM Spectre (Action) – PG12 Cast : Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz 9.45 PM

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68. www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI Spectre (Comedy | Drama) (PG12) Cast: Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz 2:45, 5:30, 11:30 PM Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (Hindi) (PG) Cast: Salman Khan, Sonam Kapoor 3:15, 8:30 PM The 33 (Biography | Drama) (PG12) Cast: Antonio Banderas, Rodrigo Santoro 7:45, 11.45 PM Steve Jobs (Biography) (PG) Cast: Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet 6:30 PM Hatched: Chicks Gone Wild (2D) (Animation | Fantasy) (PG) 3:00, 4:30 PM Blunt Force Trauma (Action) (15+) Cast: Mickey Rourke, Frieda Pinto 6:00 PM Amnesiac: Unconscious (Drama) (12+) Cast: Kate Bosworth, Wes Bentley 10:00, 11:45 PM The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part-2 (3D) (Adventure | Sci-Fi) (PG12) Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth 9:00 PM

Hunger Games : Mockingjay part 2 (Action, Adventure) (PG12) Cast : Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth Timings : 9:00 pm VIP LOUNGE: 11:15 pm

Cast: Naomi Scott, Antonio Banderas 3:45PM Everyday I Love You 2D (Romance) (PG) Cast: Gerald Anderson, Enrique Gil 6:00PM Spectre 2D (Action/Thriller) PG12 12:00, 8:45 & 11:30PM Gold Class : 3:00 & 11:15PM PANORAMA MALL Hunger Games: Mockingjay part 2 (PG12) Cast : Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson 9:00 pm (Action) Hunger Games: Mockingjay part 2 – (Action) (PG12) VIP LOUNGE; 11:15 pm Spectre (Action, Adventure) (PG12) 3:15, 6:00, 8:30, 11:15 pm Spectre (Action, Adventure)(PG12) VIP LOUNGE; 3:00pm The Martian (Adventure, Drama)(4D)(PG) Cast : Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain 5:45, 8:30, 11:15 pm Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (Hindi, Family)(PG) 2:00, 5:15, 11:30 pm Doctor Proctor’s (Family)(2D)(PG12) Cast : Emily Glaister, Eilif Hellum Noraker

MUSCAT GRAND MALL Steve Jobs 2D (Biography/Drama) PG Cast : Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet 6:15PM Gold Class : 5:45PM Hatched: Chicks Gone Wild 2D (PG) 12:30PM & 2:15PM Prem Ratan Dhan Payo 2D (Family) PG Cast: Salman Khan, Sonam Kapoor 2:45, 8:30 & 11:45PM Gold Class: 11:45AM & 8:00PM The 33 2D (Drama) (PG12)

The 33 : 2D (Drama) (PG12) Cast : Naomi Scott, Antonio Banderas Timing : 3:45PM

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo – 2D (PG) Family Cast : Salman Khan, Sonam Kapoor Timing : 3.30, 6.45, 10.00 PM

2:00 pm Everyday I Love You (Tagalog)(2D) (PG) Cast : Gerald Anderson, Enrique Gil 3:30 pm The 33 (Drama)(PG12) Cast : Naomi Scott, Antonio Banderas 3:45 pm Blunt Force Trauma (Action)(15+) Cast : Mickey Rourke, Freida Pinto 8:15 pm Amnesiac : Unconscious (Drama) (12+) Cast : Kate Bosworth, Wes Bentley 10:00pm, 11:45 pm Steve Jobs (Biography, Drama)(PG) 6:00 pm Steve Jobs (Biography, Drama)(PG) VIP LOUNGE Cast : Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet 5:45 pm Prem Rathan Dhan Payo (Hindi, Family) (PG) VIP LOUNGE 8:00 pm

Cast – Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth 11:45 PM Prem Ratan Dhan Payo – 2D (PG) Family Cast: Salman Khan, Sonam Kapoor 2:00, 2:15, 5:20, 8:25, 10:30, 11:30 PM Spectra – 2D (PG12) Action, Adventure Cast: Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz 2:30, 5:10, 7:50, 11:15 PM Blunt Force Trauma – 2D (15+) Action Cast: Mickey Rourke, Freida Pinto 7:25 PM Vedalam – 2D (PG) Action, Masala Cast: Ajith Kumar, Shruti Hasan 5:15, 8:15 PM Thoongaa Vanam - 2D (PG12) Crime | Cast: Kamal Hasan, Trisha Krishnan 5:00, 9:15 PM Hatched: Chicks Gone Wild – 2D (PG) 2:15, 3:40 PM RUWI Screen 1 Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (Family) – PG Cast : Salman Khan, Sonam Kapoor 3.30, 6.45, 10.00 PM Screen 2

AZAIBA The Hunger Games: Mockingjay- Part 2 – 3D (PG12) Adventure | Sci- Fi |

5:05 PM (Drama) Vedalam - 2D (T) (PG) Action | Masala Cast : Ajith Kumar, Shruti Hasan, Laxmi Menon 9:00 PM BURAIMI Spectre– 2D (Adventure, Thriller) (PG12) 4:00, 9:00, 11:30PM Blunt Force Trauma– 2D (Action) (15+) Cast: Vin Diesel, Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood 6:45, 9:45 PM The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - 2 (3D) 11:45PM (Sci- Fi ) (PG12) The 33– 2D (Drama) (PG12) Cast: Naomi Scott, Cote de Pablo, Antonio Banderas 4:00, 6:45PM Prem Ratan Dhan Payo– 2D (Family) (PG) Cast: Salman Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Neil NitinMukesh 3:45, 6:30, 11:15PM Vedalam– 2D (Action, Masala) (PG) Cast: Ajith Kumar, Shruti Hasan, Laxmi Menon 8:30PM

SUR The Hunger Game - Mockingjay 2 3D (Action | Adventure | Sci Fi ) (PG12) 11:45 PM Spectre 007 (Action ) (PG12) 3:00, 5:35, 9:00 PM Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (Family) (PG) 8:15, 11:30 PM Blunt Force Trauma (Action) (15+) Cast: Mickey Rourke, Freida Pinto 3:00, 4:45 PM Thoongaa Vanam (Tamil) (Crime) (PG12) 6:30 PM

SALALAH Blunt Force Trauma (2D) (15+) (Action) 10:30AM, 12:15PM The Hunger Games: Mockingjay- Part 2 (3D) (PG12) (Adventure/Sc-Fi) 11:50PM The Hunger Games: Mockingjay- Part 2 (3D) (PG12) (Adventure/Sc-Fi) 9:00PM Doctor Proctor’s Fart Powder (2D) (PG12) Cast: Emily Glaister, Eilif Hellum Noraker 12:15, 5:05PM Steve Jobs (2D) (PG) (Biography/Drama) 4:45, 6:45PM Amnesiac : Unconscious (2D) (12+) Cast: Kate Bosworth, Wes Bentley 4:00, 10:10PM Hatched: Chicks Gone Wild (2D) (PG) 10:45AM, 1:15, 2:35PM Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2D) (PG) (Family) 2:00, 8:00, 11:15PM Vedalam (2D) (PG) (Tamil) (Action | Masala) 7:15PM Thoongaa Vanam (2D) (PG12) (Tamil) 5:35PM Spectre (2D) (PG12) (Action/Thriller) 10:30AM, 2:00, 11:45PM

SOHAR Spectre - 2D (PG12) Action |Thriller 3:15, 5:45, 8:30, 11:30 PM Prem Ratan Dhan Payo - 2D (PG) Family 3:00, 6:00, 8:15, 11:15 PM Doctor Proctor’s Fart Powder - 2D (PG) 6:15 PM Hatched: Chicks Gone Wild - 2D (PG) Animation |Fantasy 2:30 PM Blunt Force Trauma - 2D (15+) Action Cast : Mickey Rourke, Freida Pinto 4:00, 11:55 PM The Hunger Games: Mockingjay- Part 2 - 3D (PG12) Adventure | Sci- Fi | Cast : Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth 9:15 PM The Hunger Games: Mockingjay- Part 2 - 2D (PG12) Adventure | Sci- Fi | 11:55 PM The 33 - 2D (PG12) Drama 2:45, 6:40 PM Amnesiac : Unconscious - 2D (PG12)

BAHJA CINEMA

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com Spectre 007 (Action / Adventure / Thriller) Cast: Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Ralph Fiennes 4.15, 9.15 pm CP No : 2965 (PG12) Blunt Force Trauma (Action) Cast: Mickey Rourke, Freida Pinto, Ryan Kwanten 1.15 & 11.55 pm CP No: 2994 (15+) Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (Hindi / Drama) Cast: Salman Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Anupam Kher 3.00, 6.00 & 9.00 pm CP No: 2996 (PG) Steve Jobs (Biography / Drama) Cast: Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen 2.00 & 7.00 pm CP No: 2995 (PG) The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part2 (Adventure / Sci-Fi) (PG12) Cast : Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth 11.55 pm

STAR CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

Vedhalam (Tamil) (Act) Cast: Ajith, Shruthi Hassan & Lakshami Menon 3:30 & 9:30 pm Cinema Main; 6:30 pm Cinema-2 Thoongavanam (Tamil) Thriller Cast : Kamal Hassan & Trisha 3:30 & 9:30 pm Cinema – 2; 6:30 pm Cinema Main Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (Hindi ) Cast: Salman Khan,Sonam Kapoor 3:45, 6:45 & 9:45 pm Cinema- 3 Akhil (Telugu) Rom/Act Cast : Akhil Akkineni & Sayesha Saigal 3:45, 6:45 & 9:45 pm at Cinema - 4 NEXT CHANGE: Aatagara (Kanada) on 20/11/2015 at 6-00 PM Friday; Amar Akbar Anthony (Mal) Programmes are subject to change

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

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) Dept time

Destination

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

WEATHER

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36)

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

15:00 15:00 15:00

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

Quriyat Sur Jaalan

16:30 18:00 19:30

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

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

20:50

Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Sur Sur

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

Fahud Yibal

Daily Daily

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

Daily Daily

Marmul

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

Daily Daily Daily Daily

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

07:00

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

06:00 14:30

Ruwi Ruwi

10:45 19:00

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

15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

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

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

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

ADHINA A. KUMAR November 18, 2009

AANYA SHARMA November 18, 2008

HITESH S. KANCHAN November 18, 2008

HRITHIN JOSEPH VINOD November 17

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

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

LISTINGS

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

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

AARLIN SAMUEL ANIL November 18, 2011

Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

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

Minimum

KHUSH ANIL RAVAT November 18, 2012

Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

10:25

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100)

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

Ruwi

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

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

07:00

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

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

29 20

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 07:30 14:30

30-65%

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

WITH LOVE

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

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

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

WITH LOVE

Daily Daily Daily

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

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

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

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

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

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

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

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

Hamriya 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Lifeline Hospital Salalah 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

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W EDN ESDAY, NOVEMB ER 18, 2 0 1 5

LIFESTYLE IN THE NEWS

Emirates introduces new generation in-ﬂight entertainment system DUBAI: Emirates introduces its new generation in-ﬂight entertainment (IFE) system reaffirming its commitment to continual product enhancement. The new products can be found on Emirates’ newlydelivered Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A380 aircraft.

The new entertainment system product enhancements at a glance: · IFE screen in First Class increased from 27 inches to 32 inches - 19% bigger · IFE screen in Economy Class increased from 12.1 inches to 13.3 inches - 10% bigger · All PC power outlets equipped

with HDMI and USB ports for charging of portable devices · 3x media storage offering an even greater choice of content · Enhanced handset controllers · Personal video playback · Multilingual interface in 14 languages. - lifestyle@timesofoman.com

Adventuratis Take on #Reachyourpeak

lila Jabal Akhdar, the ultimate destination for a mountaintop escape, invited twelve adventuratis to their retreat in the skies for a trip of a lifetime. Packed with adventure, action, great music and even better vibes, the #ReachYourPeak excursion was a true celebration of the outdoors, tailor-made to satisfy adrenaline junkies and nature lovers alike. Voyagers received the special “survival kit” packed with everything they would possibly need for the adventure to last a lifetime; the only thing missing was an adventure itinerary. Kitted out in the best of Puma lifestyle wear and their Wildwood sunglasses on, the adventurers set out in KOI Ride’s luxurious cars for a 32 Carat journey to the mysterious ‘meeting point’. They were then met by their journey guides and fellow travellers, awaiting to embark the Ramy 4X4 jeeps and ready to hit the road, travel itineraries ﬁnally in hand. ‘Keep Calm and Hydrate’ was the rule for the road, as the trippers devoured Essentially UAE’s delicious juiced treats. Geared up in Palladium Explore’s boots, our travellers just could not resist taking a short detour and hitting the desert dunes. Still

pumped and raring to go, our adventurers arrived at Alila Jabal Akhdar to a delectable welcome dinner at the resort’s Juniper restaurant— cocooned at 2,500m in the mountains within its starry galaxy. The weekend of a lifetime was still ahead of them. At Alila, the group found that paradise is a state of mind: there were moments of excitement, from rock climbing and abseiling down the Omani canyon, to whizzing along the Hajar Mountains on Adventure HQ mountain bikes and diving into Alila’s award winning inﬁnity pool – our travellers were always prepared courtesy of Praias, Havelock Bay and Havai-

anas. In their moments of serenity, the crew inhaled the beauty of Nizwa, and exhaled their worldly stresses away with yoga on the cliffside, made all the more beautiful on La Vie Boheme’s state-of -the-art yoga mats, and Y Apparel’s breathtaking activewear. After an indulgent breakfast by the mountains, the group was treated to a luxurious spa trip, and then it was back to the hustle of Dubai. Amidst nights of fun chatter in the jacuzzi, and days of voyaging around the Nizwa mountain range, the adventuratis discovered that the Alila Jabal Akhdar Experience was ‘Surprisingly Different’. -lifestyle@timesofoman.com

ON RECORDS

World’s Largest Glass of Ice Tea Darwin: The world’s largest ball of twine is in Darwin, Minnesota. The world’s largest bicyclist is in Sparta, Wisconsin. And now the home of the world’s largest glass of ice tea is officially Summerville, South Carolina, fittingly the birthplace of sweet tea. The world-record setting glass was poured during a day-long event that took place on National Tea Day, June 10. Summerville Mayor Bill Collins, experts from Bigelow Tea’s Charleston Tea Plantation and a crowd of 5,000 people were on hand to witness the creation. The 10-foot tall jar (12foot with straw), dubbed “Mason,” was constructed of fibreglass and held 1,425 gallons of brew made from 120 pounds of black tea leaves from Bigelow’s Charleston Tea Plantation. The other ingredients included 1,600 pounds of sugar and 3,000 pounds of ice to keep the tea below 46 degrees. Once filled, Mason was supported on a platform with four casters and weighed in at 6,000 pounds. The final product was enough to beat the 2010 record held by Chick-fil-A restaurants that featured a nine-foot cup and 1,140 gallons of brewed tea made

from 72 pounds of tea leaves, 1,150 pounds of sugar, 2,000 pounds of ice. South Carolina a fitting location The Palmetto State has a rich history when it comes to brewing tea. In fact, tea plants have been grown in South Carolina since the colonial 1700s when the Camellia sinensis first arrived in the United States from China. American tea first became a reality in 1888 when Dr Charles Shepard founded the Pinehurst Tea Plantation in Summerville, South Carolina. Although the Pinehurst Tea Plantation no longer exists, the

tea bushes at the Charleston Tea Plantation, started in 1987 by Bill Hall and fully restored after being acquired in 2003 by Eunice and David Bigelow and family-owned Bigelow Tea (now in its 70th year), are descendants of these very bushes. Today, the 127-acre Charleston Tea Plantation that supplied the tea leaves for Mason, has become the standard bearer for the long and illustrious American tea story. The working tea farm entices more than 70,000 people from all over the world who visit annually to see lush tea ﬁelds and witness the growing, harvesting, withering and oxidation processes involved in transforming freshly grown Camellia sinensis leaves into rich, ﬂavourful 100 per cent American grown tea. This vibrant piece of Americana, open to the public, is located on picturesque Wadmalaw Island, just south of Charleston, in the heart of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Admission is free. For more information on The Charleston Tea Plantation and Bigelow Tea, visit BigelowTea.com/ Charleston-Tea-Plantation. -Courtesy of Brandpoint

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M W E D N E S DAY, N O V E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

SECTION

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

RENT

VACANCY

CARGO

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

W E D N E S DAY, N OV E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

FOR RENT

*Tourist visa arranged

BUILDING SPACE TO RENT AT TERRACE FACING BEACH & GROUND FLOOR Location Type Room

- Al Hail (North) Al Seeb - Commercial - Roof Top (Terrace Facing Beach) & Ground Floor.

Contact Person

- Samson Thomas

Contact Number

- 91016409 /24429300

Flat for rent in CBD area - Ruwi Two rooms and a large hall •Office spaces for rent in Al Hail on the main road On the same building of Al Khamis Shoes at Al Hail •2 bed room ﬂats in Qurum 29 for rent next to ABA New building -split AC - Good location

Contact No: 96177505 Urgent apartment for rent: First Floor, Purpose built one bedroom, bath, Kitchen with balcony and a drawing & dinning. 2 Minutes walk from Indian School Muscat. Contact - 99346265 Brand new deluxe 1, 2 BHK ﬂats in Waljah- Ruwi. Contact: 99369081

1000 sqm Industrial land with compound wall & 2 rooms at Misfah. Contact: 99342733 / 99795241

Beautiful villa directly on beach in best location in Shatti Qurum 1800 OMR. Contact: 95887572

Flats and Houses for rent in Wadi Kabir and Sidab best price. Contact: 95555162/95755953

Spacious 2 BHK ﬂat on Penthouse behind Sultan Center, Azaiba – RO.425/- p.m. Contact: 99849325/99824803

One / two, B/R RES / Comm. directly from own ER near medical college Bausher. Contact: 92158031

Three bedroom fully furnished apartment in UAE Cornish area. Contact: 99326318

2 BHK ﬂat in North Ghobrah. 18 November Street. RO 295/- For office or residential use. Contact 94477222

Studio ﬂat for rent at Wadi Kabir behind Muscat bakery, building No. 337, Way No. 150. Contact: 99373290/24815012

Air conditioned two bedroom ﬂats centrally located at AL Khuwair are available for rent. Contact: 93888666/24493666 /99228454

Deluxe beach front villa at AL Hail North with 5 bedrooms and staff quarter having excellent ﬁnishes is available for immediate occupation. Contact: 93888666/ 244493666/99228454 1BHK new bldg with A/C curtains near Khimji mart MBD. Contact: 99061408 /99024039 2BHK near Oman house behind Khimji, H.O. Contact: 95865686

Sohar: 3BHK AND 4BHK FLATS, R.O 200 and R.O 215 respectively. (New Building with CCTV camera with Split A/C). # 99881426 / 92123699 Deluxe , spacious & air conditioned two bedroom flats with good quality finishes , wardrobes & secured basement parking are available for rent in Azaiba north , close to 18th November street. Contact: 93888666 /24493666/99228454 1BHK flat near Star Cinema 220/-. Contact 99358589 /95570288 New warehouse for rent at Ghala Ind. Area. 800 & 2500 approx sqms near Hotel Al-Madinah Holiday Ghala. Container can enter. Immediate access to roads & highways. Contact : 94583320

02 BHK Commercial / residential (with split AC) ﬂat at Honda road. Contact: 99342733 / 99795241

02 BHK Residential ﬂat opposite to Al Nahda Hospital. Contact 99342733 / 99795241

Fully furnished office space in As Assalah Tower Ghobra. Contact 98202001

Shops for rent behind the building good for offices +stores space 11 x 4 Meters behind Sultan Center Al Amerat R.O 250/- PER Month. Contact: 92877449

New Building in Muttrah, 2 B/D Room Flat + Setting Room, 3 Baths+ Kitchen with split unit Ac’s. Behind Khimjis main office/opposite to Oman House Call 99419712 1+ 2+ 3BHK Darsait. Contact: 99024730

Single BHK ﬂat available in Honda road Ruwi. Contact 24833972/24833974/99367448 New villa at Mawalah south 5 bed room, family hall, Majlis, bath. Contact: 99332367

Villa at Al.Khuwair having six bedrooms, six bathrooms, sitting, dinning, hall, kitchen Etc. Contact - 24833972/ 24833974/ 99367448

Fully furnished luxury 2 bed room ﬂat for rent at Ghala for short or long term basis. Contact: 99886386 /99881653

One room with kitchen & bathroom at W/ Kabir R.O 100/. Contact: 99384640

Store for rent Misfah Industrial area 100sqm RO.350/- . Contact - 99617464

W E D N E S DAY, N O V E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

RAMEE DREAM RESORT SEEB

Banquet hall is available for Rent or Lease Our spacious banquet hall can accommodate up to 1200 of your most important guests. For More information please

Contact - 94123540, 99134674 , 99101806

FOR HIRE WITH OPERATORS 1. Back Hoe Loaders (Shovels): 5 Nos 2. 10 Tons Vibratory Roller Compactor: 1 No. 3. 42 Mtrs. Concrete Pump Putzmeister: 1 No. 4. 45 Cbm Tippers: 2 Nos 5. 50 M height, 50 Boom tower cranes: 5 Nos.

Please contact – Mr. Ravi on 96529679 Email – ravi@alliedoman.com / narayan@alliedoman.com

Flats and shops for rent in Ruwi Honda road Mumtaz area. Contact: 97293708 /92433127

FOR RENT

For rent Seeb 1 room, 2 rooms, 3 rooms , with all supplements, including water electricity and sewage also. We provide the following services free plumber and electrician 2 cleaner for garbage our price on your hand, just call on Farahat: 98020768 Hilal: 96541283

1& 2 BHK C.B.D. Contact: 99024730 House rent 7 rooms, 7 toilets in each room, with A/C, 2 rooms for reserved kitchen offices medical clinic or any other purpose. Contact: 92992901

1 BHK Nr Oman house and Khimji H.O Muttrah. Contact: 99233116 Villa for rent in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 95562646 2 & 3 BHK Al Khuwair. Contact: 99024730 3 Bedroom flat at Al Khuwair. Contact: 99447257/97014234 2BHK Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti mosque. Contact: 97007934/ 92629232 Flats available for rent 1 & 2 BHK flats with spilt A/C kitchen & big hall available for rent AL Khuwair near Muscat holiday. Contact: 94227178 2 bedrooms flat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat Municipality. Contact: 92584715 / 24700120 Flat for Rent 1/2 BHK Flat at Muttrah, near Oman flour mills, 10 min. from Corniche.Equipped with split unit ACs, internet points, free-to-air dish connection, CCTV monitored, basement parking. Rent RO.250/350 per month. Contact: 99229263; 93221054; 95215289

For rent in Al Khuwair 33/1, 2 Bed Rooms 1 Family Hall, 1 Bathroom, 1 Kitchen & Full split unit. Contact no 99315515 2 Bedroom villa for rent in Madinat Qaboos, with swimming room children’s play area, parking ECT. Contact: 92447365 2 BHK ﬂats for rent near PDO Gate No.2 with spilt AC. Contact: 94057023

For Rent Flats in Ghala Heights 94051789-97201688 For Rent Flats in Wadi Kabir 94051789-97201688 For Rent Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35) 94051789-97201688

New ﬂats for rent Darsait Al Sahel. Contact: 99311525 / 92533356

For Rent ﬂats in MuttrahContact – 94051789-97201688

Villa with 5 rooms, two sitting rooms, 5 toilets and kitchen at Al Hail North. Contact: 91130875

Offices for Rent GalaContact –94051789-97201688

Flats in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99376454

2 BHK Honda road Ruwi. Contact: 99224748 /99332297

For Rent Flats in Darsait 94051789-97201688

2BHK flats / offices & shops for rent in a brand new building at Honda Road. Contact: 91165807 Flat for rent at Wadi Al Kabir next Al Hassan.co, 2 bedroom, 3 WS, 1 sitting room. Contact: 99210008 3BHK flat for rent at Muttrah. Contact: 99423596 2 BHK flat available for rent in Darsait. Contact: 99357586 Brand new residential flats in Wadi Kabir near Muscat football club, have 2 bedroom family hall, 2 toilets, Kitchen with spilt AC for 250/- R.O. Contact: 95999904 / 98585889 / 92383886 600 SQT commercial flat for rent opposite Oman flourmill Darsait more details. Contact: 91214849/ 99364735

1000 SQM industrial land in Ghala suitable for workhouse work shop. Contact: 92584715 /24700120

Villa for rent in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 95562646

2 BHK Flats for rent Muttrah near Oman house. Contact: 97007934/92629232

1BHK ﬂat spilt with A/C Al Khuwair, 230/-. Contact: 99358589 / 95570288

6 shops in South Mawalah Contact: 96420432 Coffee shop for rent Jifnain. Contact: 93340597

Al Mawalh villa for rent 17 bedrooms, all attached toilet, 2 big hall, 1 big kitchen, outside 1 kitchen 1 PVT room near (Mac Donald). Contact: 99654252 /95566475

Studio in souk Al Khoud behind of Al Ahali bank with 2 BR toilet+ kitchen in 2 ﬂoor 160RO. Contact 99738881

Villa in Arjan complex near Seeb stadium 4BHK, 1 living room, 1 majles, 1 extra room in ground ﬂoor. Contact 93219597

Room in Al Mwalih very close to Wave. Contact: 95192927

1BHK ﬂat Darsait near MCT Municipality 220/-. Contact: 99342661

For Rent Duplex villa in Qurum 29- 94051789-97201688 For Rent Offices & Showrooms in Al Khoud- 94051789-97201688 For Rent offices in Qurum opposite city center- 9405178997201688 For Rent Mini Furnished Apartment in Qurum- 9405178997201688 For Rent Flats in Mawalah south-94051789-97201688 For Rent brand new villas in Al Ansab- 94051789-97201688 For Rent Offices & Showrooms in Muttrah -94051789-97201688 2BHK with A/C s Muttrah near Oman house. Contact: 99896838 3BHK Qurum P.D.O light 350/-. Contact: 99342661 New pent house 219 meters, 3 bedrooms Each own toilet , servant room with toilet laundry area , kitchen with store elevator available AL Khuwair 39 rent R.O 575/- family only. Contact: 99207840

FOR SALE Used Hiab truck 15 ton and forklift 3and 5 ton. Contact: 99326318 Shop for sale Ghala Sanaiya main Junction (prime location) shop for sale. Contact: 92696479 Sale house & office furniture & electronic items. Contact : 99834373/ 96642500/22010080

Running furniture showroom for urgent sale.

Used steel racks (slotted angle shelves) for sale in lot. Contact: 24703981

Ladies beauty parlor sale at Muttrah.

GP and dental clinic in Adam. Contact: 99330385

Contact - 91135930

Coffee shop for sale Barka near police station. Contact: 95598029

High performance fork lift with automatic functions, plus Isuzu engine and one year warranty. Model 2015. Contact: 98883445

Six unused rack mount (4U) PC i5 with original windows 7 for sale. Please Contact: 99206367 or opaloman@omantel.net.om

For sale Fully Furnished apartments in Bousher (35) - 9505680897201688

Beauty parlor for sale Muttrah. Contact: 93142676

For sale villas in Al Khoud 95056808-97201688 For Sale Luxury Apartments in Bousher (35) - 95056808-97201688

60,000 Sq Mtrs Agriculture Land in Misfah can be changed to Industrial Land. OMR 29 per Square Meter. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

CONTD ON PG 7

W E D N E S DAY, N OV E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

WANTED Civil Engineer (Building Construction) 2 Nos Qualification: BE in Civil Engineering Electro Mechanical Engineer (Building Services)1 No. Qualification: BE in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Send detailed resume to sskpvr@gmail.com

Looking for Executive Sales and Sales Engineers with experience in earthmoving equipments, cruchers, quarry & mining industry. Email:

applyinggchr@gmail.com

Wanted female Gynecologist, female Staff Nurse – 2 no., Dental Asst, female Lab Tech from India or Filipino with MOH license & data flow for Al Saadi Specialized Medical Centre in Mussana.

Contact 92025033, dr.srinivas76@gmail.com

CONTRACTING COMPANY GRADE ONE

URGENTLY REQUIRED 1. Project Manager Civil (7 years experience)

2. Civil Engineer for finishing work (minimum 5years experience)

An Omani Company required below position: Indian Mechanical Engineer with power field experience

Indian Electrical Engineer with experience on power field

3. Administration Oﬃcer (female, 3 years experience)

4. Well experienced Cook for workers accommodation. Full time work, Visa clearance is available; The candidates D/L have added advantage. Send your CV to

safaaalamery27@gmail.com or anupama.june12@gmail.com, mob: 98856153

92325542 | 93657915 | 91321880 engominst@gmail.com

Leading IT firm in Oman has the following Vacancies: Sales/Marketing Executives with at least 3 years’ experience

Debt Collector with Omani Driving License.

Web Designer preference for Omani Candidates

Receptionist Send CV to

mctjobs@gmail.com

Omani PRO ADMIN We require Male/Female Omani Administrator (Front Office) with valid visa, Cont: 92680323/91425640.

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE We are looking for Chief Financial Officer, Male 40- 45 years old, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy with 5 - 15 yrs. of experience. Contact: +968 24702133 Email: admin-dept@daud.om

CATERING Chinese/ Arab/ shwamar cook & helper wanted. Contact 95529970

DRIVER Urgently required one experienced house Driver to work in capital area. Contact: 93888666/ 24493666/ 99228454 Omani driver with heavy license send CV to jobtech42@gmail.com. Contact: 98813893 We require Omani driver with valid visa, Cont: 92680323/91425640. Wanted driver. Contact 91025698

Please send your CV to :

kheradmand@teccontracting.com

A well reputed FMCG company is looking for a young energetic candidate to work as

MEDICAL

SALES ANALYST

Canary clinic MBBS Indian female doctor with 3 years experience MOH license if she has. Good offer salary. Contact 94395199 Email: canarymoh@gmail.com Wanted, Gynecologist, G.P, Pharmacist and Lab Technician for a polyclinic in North Bathina. Contact: 95081010 Email: umchealthcare@gmail.com Required a Pharmacist for newly opened pharmacy near Sohar. The candidate should be B. Pharm Graduate with Oman MOH license or with prometric exam passed and currently in Oman. Contact - 91305460 Urgently require male and female Nurses preferably with MOH license or prometric pass with 60% and above for a reputed polyclinic in Muscat. Send your CV to hrhospitalmuscat@gmail.com Medical CARE Centre, Al Seeb, requires General Practitioners and Pharmacist, Please Mail CVsarita_h23@yahoo.com or call 97884856.

Graduate with good analytical, communication skill and excellent exposure of MS Office may please send your CV to:

muscatrecruitments2015@gmail.com SALES / MARKETING Required Sales Executive 2 - 3 years’ OMAN experience in corporate sales preferably in office and business supplies such as stationery, IT Consumables. Experience of meeting business owners, IT and purchasing decision makers. Ability to make appointments with the decision makers. OMAN driving license. To apply – Please mail Resume: hr@officeoman.com Reputed Perfume Company required sales executive, preference to Oman nationals, send CV to atugt@gmail.com Contact: 94786784

SECT. /OFFICE Omani receptionist required receptionist, well presented with excellent communications skills and telephone manner, ﬂuent in Arabic and English required for Ruwi office candidates should be familiar with Ms English and Arabic office suite. Send CV and covering email to mj-co@omantel.net.om

SKILLED Mason, 3-4 yrs in fitting tiles, bathroom fittings i.e. bathtub, shower tray & WC with plastering. Trade certificate is required. Contact: 24813822

SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian female, MBA HR & Finance, having 1 year experience, seeking suitable placement. Currently in Oman. Contact: 96052366. Part Time Accounting, Business Management Consultancy, Accounts Finalization, Audit Preparation, Internal Audit, Accounting System for New Companies, Contact: 96975454, email :ibfc.gcc@gmail.com 25 years experience in account, sales cum marketing , administration in poultry industry seeking suitable placement immediately. Contact: +91970475855/ +968 96500893 Email: sanaullahsheikh@rediltmail.com 28/male/MBA- ﬁnance/B.Com -Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/India experience looking for a suitable placement. shobinkarikkan1987@ gmail.com 90187483

SITUATION WANTED Looking Office and House Driver. Contact: +968 96339339

DESIGNER Indian Trailer Driver holding Omani driving license with release letter. Contact: 99462980

DOMESTIC HELP

Wanted Staff Nurses (female) with or without license for a poly clinic near Sohar. Excellent salary and accommodation. Contact – 99006915/ Email – alhinaee.clinic@yahoo.com Required a Female Staff Nurse with MOH license for a high class dermatology center in Barka (Muscat). Interested candidates places send your CV to mdcjobs2015@gmail.com

Need excellent cook & housekeeper. Contact Whatsapp: 95887572

Indian Pediatrician required for reputed medical centre in Dubai. Proffered DHA passed candidate, send CV: nafuaehr@gmail.com

ENGINEER/TECH/MECH

Required licensed lady G.P .or Gynecologist male Asst. Pharmacist, lab technician for a clinic in Salalah. Contact: 93129219 Email: clinicrecruitment2015@gmail. com

Wanted Civil Engineer, with minimum 4 years experience in Oman supervising building construction. Noc and D/L Must. Send CV to vpdath43@omantel.net.om Wanted Urgently for Contractor Civil Engineer (Road Construction). Quantity Surveyor. Land Surveyor Accountant. Please send your CV to info.muscatibex@gmail.com Civil diploma holder with driving license for a construction company. Contact: 99169512 Civil Engineer min 10yr experience. Send your CV to jobsinoman2015@gmail.com Sales Engineer: Mechanical Engineering holder with 2-4 years’ Exp. in Sales, preferably in Metal fabrication Company. Omani D/L is a must. Contact: recruitment747@gmail.com Instrumentation & controls Technician with 2-3 years experience preferably in water sector and having valid driving license Send CV to shiju@spec-link.com or call Ph:+968 99450811

MEDICAL Lab technician for a clinic in Muttrah. Contact: 99330385 A reputed Wellness Center is looking for MOH licensed or Prometric Passed Physiotherapist, Nurse and Occupational therapy. Please send your CV to : hr2015.oman@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Required Filipino cashiers and merchandising staff for convenient stores in Muscat. Call: 93380543 Urgently required for a reputed company in Oman (Tyre, Battery & Lubricant division) Sr. Executives/Executive-5 nos (Sohar, Nizwa & Muscat), Techno Commercial Professional-5nos, Driver (Omani)-1no. Required minimum 3-5 yrs experience in the same ﬁeld with market exposure holding valid Omani driving license or GCC. Kindly fwd your CV’s to ashwin@taasintl.org Contact: (+968)93891700 Wanted immediately for Salalah, Accountant with 2/3 years experience Sales man with experience in rent a car, HR Officer apply with bio to hr_oman1@yahoo.com A leading institution in Muscat requires a Teacher for Indian Classical Dance. The candidate should be well qualiﬁed and experienced. Send your resume to dance.oman@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Primed International is looking for experienced sales executives having strong background of digital and print media. Send your CVs at angeline@primedia-oman.cm contract on 91391801

ARCHITECT Architect with bachelor degree 4 years experience in architectural design (interior & exterior) professional in (3D Max- Archicad - AutoCAD Photoshop). Contact 96041201 Email: amer.yousfan@gmail.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, with 13yrs experience, 6 yrs Oman in manufacturing, trading & contracting Cos, capable of handling all accounting, ﬁnance, banking, L/C, import, export & ﬁnalization seeks placement. NOC Available. Call+968-98932752, mail:jjohnmuscat@hotmail.com

Accountant Pakistani male age 29 yrs MBA banking & ﬁnance having 4 years Oman experience seeking suitable placement driving license. Contact: 95089565

Indian male B.Com Graduate with 2+ years experience in Accounts & Administration looking for a suitable placement. Contact: 96923391

CMA & CIA professional Finance Manager with 10 years middle eastern experience, inclusive of Managerial experience with leading F&B companies. For further information, kindly Contact: + 971566561199 Email: babar_ shabir@hotmail.com

Sudanese, Masters degree in Economics, 8 years experience in procurement and ﬁnance. Contact: 94524060

Indian Chartered Accountant having 7 year experience in MIS, Budgeting, Taxation, ERP, Cost Accounting, Liasing with Big 4 Auditors, Cash Flow etc. working as Asst. Manager - Finance. NOC Available; contact:91789950 igneshmlazar@gmail.com Part time accountant services from senior accountant M.com 15 years Oman exp. Contact: 97441960 Sir Lankan accountant having AAT qualification and 5 years experience seeking replacement NOC available. Contact: 94546160 Email: pereradilipa@gmail.com Indian male B.Tech, MBA MNC experience looking for finance profile. Contact : 96891640545 Master degree commune (M.COM) it older looking for an accountant / sales job in Oman new in visit visa. Contact: 95160805/91236665 Part time Accountant services available to handle all accounts related work up to finalization on monthly basis. Contact: 96247295 Male 24 yrs MBA in marketing fiancé seeking immediate placement. Contact: 96112920

B.SC Hons (finance & accounts) having 2 years experience in accounts, male looking for suitable job on visit visa. Contact: 91420128 Accountant, Indian Male, 15 Years experience (8 years in Oman with Driving License & NOC) seeks suitable placement, Contact 94117616, 91238272 Email: praveen78oman@gmail. com Accountant Indian female having 5 years exp in finalization, audit and administration in GCC presently in Muscat seeking suitable position. Contact 97323574 Email: sreeja@236@gmail.com Indian lady, bachelor degree in Preparatory Programme (BPP) and Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), completed training course in MS Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook from KTI looking for full time / part time job opportunity in Oman. Contact 92437568, 96795853, Email: linda_navs@yahoo.com Indian female 5+ yrs Oman exp in Accounts tally looking for suitable placement in W.K to Qurum area. Contact: 95580416 Male Indian 27, working as finance analyst having three years Oman experience with Driving license looking for suitable position. Mob:98097009, rameesnm@gmail.com

Experienced Female Senior Accountant looking for suitable alternative. Contact: 99849325 Sr. accountant M.com (finance) 2 yrs in Oman seeking suitable placement NOC Available with immediate joining. Contact: 92404608 Email: jin_75@rediffmuil.com Sudanese Accountant male 3 years experience using tally ms office word & excel good in English fluent in Arabic. Contact: 92008806 Chief Accountant 25 years experienced, for the last 7 years working as Chief Accountant seeks immediate placement. Contact: 95598477/98803439 Certified Public Accountant, Filipino Male 26 years old, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy with 5 yrs. of experience now on visit visa. Looking for suitable opening. Contact: +968 91409308 Email: kennethalcedo07@gmail.com ACCA Member / B.com (3.7 years experience) looking audit / accounts job. Contact: 97769145 Email: mnaemo2@gmail.com Experience part time Accountant in management, accounts, finance audit tax. Contact: 95857199

ADMIN MBA graduate seeking a suitable position in/as Administration/ Secretary/Front office. Contact 94627227 Indian male MBA- UK 18 yrs Gulf exp in Administration/ HR & Public relationship. Fluent in Arabic/ English with D/L. Looking for suitable position. Contact - 99897280 HR/ Recruitment specialist with 8 years Oman experience in entire gamut of HR functions like resource planning , recruitment , HR policies & procedures, performing appraisal, expatriate affairs , exit interviews & ticketing. Contact 93825307 Email: javthath@rediffmail.com 26 yrs male, MBA, 3+ years experience in Administration in MNC, seeks suitable placement. Contact 95041201 Email: noyel55@gmail.com

ADMIN Indian female M.Tech electronics IELTS 6.5 experience in VLSI project training seeks placement in education / training / Admin field in family visa now. Contact: 90195131 Email: chinj.89@gmail.com Female Indian 9+ yrs experience in administration customer support office coordination with good computer skill now on visit visa looking for suitable openings. Contact: 99285440 10 years Gulf & 4 years Oman experience in HR / Admin & logistics fluent in Arabic / English with D/L looking for suitable position. Contact 95824598 Indian female, Masters in HR, having 4 + years Oman experience in media management and HR, looking for openings in HR, Education, Admin, Corporate communications. Contact 98252030 Indian male with 20 years in Oman in the field of language institute (admin registrar, Acct clerk) seeking a suitable position NOC available. Contact: 96553961 Email: u.m.sulfi@gmail.com Planner administrator 10 years experience in oil and gas. Contact: 90375369 Email: merapak123@yahoo.com Qualification B.com accounting BE mechanical engineer course completed experience 17 years HR administration, parches store, quality assurance. Contact: 93820512 Email: kuruvilajohn2012@gmail.com Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/ HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, Now on Visit Visa, looking for suitable position. Contact: 90196235

CATERING Cooks (Arabic Indian) gulf exp looking job. Contact: 99531802

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN AutoCAD d/ man 7 years exp in GRC gypsum marble. Contact: 96967862 Creative Designer with 8+ years experience in web, graphic, video editing, outsourcing looking for a suitable placement in a reputed company. Contact 97276004 Draughtsman , Indian , male I.T.I Civil 7 years experience in architectural & structural drafting ( building) in Oman seeking placement release available. Contact: 96127374 Email: shijuok_1977@yahoo.com Auto Cad Draughtsman having 8 yrs Oman exp in civil consultancy ﬁrm seek for immediate placement. Contact - 99452117 25 years male BA. English , Qualiﬁed as mast in digital animation having 5 yrs ex in character animation specialized Auto Desk mago and motion building software knowledge, seeking suitable placement. Contact: 97917357

W E D N E S DAY, N O V E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN Professional architect 3ds max (interior, exterior) looking for private work. Contact: 96041201

DRIVER Light duty driver looking for job. Contact: 98356230 Driver job wanted please. Contact: 96393082 Driver with car looking for job. Contact: 96692774 Experienced Light Duty Driver, Fluent in English, Arabic Well knowledge of Oman Areas Seeking Suitable placement 97950869 Driver (light & heavy duty) valid gulf /Indian) looking job. Contact: 95175192 Bangladesh driver looking for job. Contact: 98503237 Light driver, looking for job. Contact: 98372745/99090362 Bangladeshi male light vehicle driver with 2 yrs exp looking for job. Contact: 93761597 Bangladeshi driver need job. Contact : 97106424 Light driver. Contact: 95084826

EDUCATION Indian female BED, BCA & IELTS Certiﬁed with 5 yr U.A.E exp & 6 months Oman exp in teaching primary & secondary looking for a teachers job Email: rani_sweet786@live.com contact: 97384206 Indian female B.Sc Maths, B.Ed, PGDCA , having 5 years experience in teaching 2 years experience in office work looking for suitable job on visit visa. Contact: 92594844/95705724

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Mechanical Engineer M.tech 2 years experience HVAC design Engineer Revet MEP, AutoCAD. Contact: 90150913 Email: rahmanmechengg@yahoo.com Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech), Engineering Management Graduate (Masters), 3 years experience in Diesel power plants with valid Oman Driving license. On visit visa seeking for a suitable role. Contact: 91140522 Email: nitinjkoshy2@gmail.com Indian female M.Tech (electrical power system) having gulf experience in family visa seeking suitable placements in Oman. Contact: 91001194 /94306164 Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects. Contact – 90164912 Electrical Engineer Indian Male 2.5Years Experience Looking for suitable Job. Contact: 91845173 Email:er.joshidhaval@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer (UK), 28 years old male, looking for suitable placement with 4 years experienced and with valid Oman driving license, NOC available immediate availability. Contact: +96897612297 Email: engrmirza1786@gmail.com Indian male 25 years, B-Tech Graduate with two years experience in Oman as Civil Engineer in a reputed construction company. Looking for suitable jobs. Resident card will expired on 06-01-2016.NOC available. Seeking immediate placements. Contact: 96179737/97076972, email:robinsj.sj@gmail.com Indian male B.Tech electrical 2 years experience seeks placement. Contact: 93570984 Email: arunprasad7883@gmail.com Omani Mechanical Engineer/ GPA-3.49 graduated in 2013. GSM#95276154 / 99201710 Construction machinery repairs Engineer, 4 years experience with driving license. Contact 94001961 Electrical Engineer: Indian male 29 years, having 5 years of experience in industrial automation and utility maintenance in India (MRF Tyres), seeking suitable placement. Contact: 92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Sudanese Geologist 3 years experience in mining and geotechnical. Contact : 97612807

MISCELLANEOUS

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Indian Male Civil Architectural / structural AutoCAD draughtsman with 18 years experience in Oman having a D/L, seeking immediate placement. NOC is available. Contact: 96385545 Email: kayamkulambalagopal@gmail.com Civil Engineer 11 years experience in construction, having driving license & NOC. Contact: 94194399 Email: shiblyrock@gmail.com Indian Male 34yrs diploma (EEE) available with 13 yrs experience in electrical power plant on LV & HV, and can work with electrical drawings currently on visit visa. Contact: 93502487 Email: asitpasha1978@gmail.com Indian Male, 23 years PG dip in petroleum engineering & B.Tech in mechanical engineering, holding UAE driving license seeks suitable placement immediately. Contact: 95880127 / 95084905 Email: vijith2573459@gmail.com B.Sc in Civil Engineer 12 yrs exp in Dubai and South Africa on construction and infrastructure having Dubai license currently on visit looking suitable position. Contact: 91206763 Email: delwar.civil.97@gmail.com Indian 25yrs Mechanical Engineer HVAC with 2 years Oman with Oman driving license. Contact: 99104427 B.Tech Safety Engineer, 10 years exp, NOC available, seeking suitable placement, Mob: 97061817, Email: jayanamuu1977@gmail.com Indian Male, 24 Mechanical engineer having good knowledge in HVAC looking for suitable placement. Contact: 95434381 Email: shuhaibusman313@gmail.com M.Tech Civil, certiﬁcate attested, Indian, 18.8 year experience seeks suitable position. Contact: 98327311 Email: sen.pangode@gmail.com Indian Male, 22yrs, Mechanical Engineer looking for a Suitable job. Contact: 91502510 / 98504980. 25 Years experienced MEP professional is available to associate with nationals to set up & run mep consultancy or contracting business with full p/l responsibility, full investment expected by the national. contact – 97754141 B.sc Civil Engineer 8 years experience including 6 years in Oman having D/L seeking suitable placement. Contact: 98475572 Email: kkholifa@yahoo.com Indian lady master bachelor degree computer science & engineering 2 yrs experience project trainee seeking suitable job. Contact: 94528019 Email: indhu10101291@gmail.com Indian Male 22 yrs B.Tech mechanical engineer seeks suitable placement as sales / procurement/ project engineer. Contact: 96618390 Sudanese Electrical Engineer. Contact: 97452159 Email: mohamedkarrar.mk@gmail.com Indian male 24, B.E. Civil Eng’g with 2 years experience as Structural Engineer looking for suitable job in Muscat. 97355352 B.E (EEE) 4 years experience as an MEP site Engineer. Contact: 96649586 Email: sattarali863@yahoo.in BRT 4 years job experience physiotherapist looking for. Contact: 96649586 / +919704178267 Email : sarwarbpt85@gmail.com Young Indian Male electrical engineer having 1.4 yrs of experience in India, currently on visiting visa. Looking for placement. Mob.93924395, Email: thomaspallathu19@gmail.com’ SENIOR SALES ENGINEER (B.E. Mechanical, MBA-Mktg) - 6yrs experience in Industrial Products and Services with NOC and GCC Driving License looking for the challenging opportunities. Join immediately. GSM: 94596639 E-mail:dhvlnayak@yahoo.co.in Electronics and communication Engineer B.Tech Indian male (23) having 1 year experience CCNA, MCSA trained seeking suitable job currently on visit visa. Contact: 00968 91282138 Email: aashirfathah@gmail.com Electrical Engineer 13 years experience HV/ LV in Oman 5 years, Oman valid D/L to NOC. Contact: + 0091- 9946570903 Email: shibualukka@gmail.com Ref: no-Oman 97095094

SALES / MARKETING

Sudanese male Mechanical Engineer 7 years experience (HVAC, ﬁghting, energy) PMP certiﬁcate. Contact: 97986890

Indian female, 26, M.sc biotechnology now in family visa seeks suitable placement. Contac: 95210498/99850321/93093466

Indian male, MBA with 8 yrs experience in sales and marketing with Omani D/L , NOC available. Contact: 96746107

Indian lady 25 electrical Engineer with a dynamic and vibrant personality seeks employment opportunities in Muscat has worked for 3 years in tendering & Estimation department. Contact: 97710156 Email: deepthikarun@gmail.com

24 years Indian female MSC Biotechnology 1 year exp.in clinical microbiology, worked in ICRISAT for project work as Trainee, looking for suitable job. Contact: 92619048 Email: anusreeg1991@gmail.com

Sales Engineer 5 years experience looking for a placement. Contact: 91411043

HSE Engineer, 27 Indian B Engg mechanical , Nebosh IGC 5 years experience on tourist visa. Contact: 94135234 Electrical (MEP) Engineer (diploma) having 16 years (6 years in Oman ) in MEP site experience civil & MEP procurement and MEP QS NOC available cable to join immediate. Contact: 96533493 Civil Engineer 7 years experience, Driving license, NOC available. Contact - 98078095 Experienced Diesel Generator Mechanic seeks well placement. Contact: 97278343 Medical Lab Technologist 5 years experience willing to work in Oman. Contact: 97007930 Road and construction Engineer with 5 years exp in Oman. Contact: 97646908

HOSPITALITY Dutch male qualiﬁed commercial pilot (Faa-ME-IR certiﬁed) is looking for job openings in middle east. rutjestom@outlook.com

IT Net work Engineer with experience degree in computer science, CCNA, MCSA. Contact: 92346191 Oracle ADF Developer: Msc (IT), 2 yrs of Experience in Software Development (Oracle ADF, sql, pl/sql), Oracle OCA & SQL Expert, Currently on visit visa. Contact : +968 93755858 / 92141644. Email : shiralkarmuzammil@yahoo.com IT Indian male B.Tech computers, networking 1 years experience in Database support on visit. #96376061 Email: diaz1992@outlook.com Male 26 years , BSc IT with years 4 years experience , currently on visit visa looking for any IT support job. Knowledge of hardware & net working, environment, programming languages, Linux environment. Contact: + 968 95369856 /968 24781651 Email: mark.tony.alphonso@hotmail.com Indian male , IT professional, 8 yrs experience including GCC in windows server, computer hardware, networking & office administration seeking suitable placement. Contact 95994227 Indian male B.Tech Eng IT, CCNA, MCITP, RHCE 3years experience. Contact: 93311963 Email: sajal035@gmail.com Hardware & net working, 2 years exp. Contact: 96244031

MEDICAL Indian Dentist having 7 years experience prometric cleared seeking suitable placement. Contact: 95706223 Male staff Nurse, 4 years of hospital experience in Oman with MOH license and driving license. Contact: 99502456/ 99831657 Staff Nurse with MOH license. Looking for an opportunity in Muscat. Release / NOC letter available. Contact 98508515 Indian female General Nurse with 3 yrs exp with Oman prometric 63% looking for a suitable placement. Currently on visit visa staying in Sohar. Contact: 94493227 Email: subirinson@gmail.com Indian female dentist prometric cleared seeking suitable openings in Muscat. Contact: 95585807/92880267 Indian Female Dentist with 7 year experience in MOH seeks suitable placement preferably in Muscat region. Contact : 94003843

Omani national with bachelor in management looking for suitable placement please call: 91908052 or Email: saidoburndi257@yahoo.com

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR MBA (marketing) with 17 years experience in freight forwarding/ logistics industry in GCC & Oman. Presently working as branch manager in Muscat. Looking for a suitable position. Release and NOC available. Contact: 99856331 Manager MBA (Finance) 13+ yrs experience in Oman with knowledge of ﬁnance admin purchase logistics costing looking for suitable position with D/L. Contact : 93826090 Email: jskanchan01@gmail.com Purchase Officer with 8 years experience in Oman having Oman D/L and NOC, looking for urgently placement. Contact: 96174564 The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: construction(Very strong and qualiﬁed to bringing business for civil work Or any type of the construction work for many million per year with a good experience in pricing and collect payment and cash management of the company & marketing projects & investments& tenders & real estate. Contact: - 92385033 The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: tenders& real estate& construction & marketing projects& investments& transportation & Marine services& companies management& develop business. Contact :- 92385033

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Looking for job, steel, fabricator & helper. Contact : 93015630 Mason, SH / carpenter, steel ﬁtter gulf & Indian exp looking job. Contact: 95175192 Electrician, plumber (exp gulf / Indian) looking job. # 95175192 Looking for job, Mason, carpenter, election and helper. Contact: 93015630

SALES / MARKETING Indian male 22 years B.com graduate, looking for a job, particularly in sales, currently in Oman an family visa and also possess a valid Oman driving license. Contact: 9854698 Indian male MBA Marketing and HR B.com Graduate 8 months experience in Indian seeking suitable placement, currently visit visa. Contact: 91987119 Indian male looking part / full time marketing job with driving license, ﬂuent English job visa. Contact: 94742666s Indian male 31 yrs MBA (Marketing) having more 7 years experience in marketing & distribution in frozen food / FMCG. Contact: 94143370 Female Indian 27 yrs, MBA ( gold medalist) having more than 5 years exp as a coordinator of sales & marketing , operations , billing & payment follow up of IT / Electronic products, knowledge of ERP. Contact: 97242901 Indian Male-MBA Marketing 13 years experience seeking suitable placement in any sectors call: 92009780 Email: zamannoor1978@gmail.com Experienced marketing executive with Oman D/L seeks well placement. Contact: 97278343 Marketing Executive MBA 3 years experience in Sales looking for suitable placement. Contact: 91345727 Marketing Executive/Merchandiser, Omani License, BA 8 years Experience in Multinational Groups. Contact 97601343

Young, 24 years, MBA graduate (HR & Mktg) with experience, working in Salalah, NOC available, seeks suitable placement in muscat. Gsm 9205-1929 Keralite with NOC/DL seek BDM Position. Contact- 96795603 25 years male M.B.A qualiﬁed executive looking for sales & marketing job well experienced on visit visa for one month which will expire on 8 / DEC/ 2015. Contact: 93189290 Sales & marketing professional with 10 years woks experience in UAE / Oman, working in a 4 star hotel & 5 star airlines, valid driving license, NOC available on visit visa. Contact: 95544612 Indian male Twelve years sales experience FMCG Industry, AS sales man having valid driving license looking for the suitable placement immediately NOC available. Contact: 99735501 Purchase experienced 8 years in Construction Company Indian male 45 yrs, release & D/L available. Contact: 90268183 / 96987234

MISCELLANEOUS Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant, doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available. Contact 98803439 Indian male B.Eng. in IT, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 Indian Males 32 years, Dip. In Hardware & Networking with 10 years of hands-on experience. Currently on visit visa seeking immediate placement in IT Support or relevant jobs. Good knowledge of Hardware & Networking. Contact: 9416 9341 / haripulikal@gmail.com Indian male, 19 years experience in purchase, material coordinator in building construction & factory production ﬁeld, have good computer skills & driving license and NOC. Looking for a suitable placement. Contact: 99008101 Male Accountant Indian, B.com, 2 Year experience currently working in Oman. NOC available, doing accounts in Tally and Excel searching for suitable Job. Email: contactanand31@gmail.com / 91894487, 98789958 Indian male B.Eng. in IT, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532

Looking for a job, I have two years experience now, visiting visa for 3 months looking in accounts sales, admin, Arabic ﬂuency in typing speaking writing, with show my talent please do needful. Contact: +968-97240204 /968- 95770412 Email: dmethaju@gmail.com

Indian Mechanical Engineer (16 Yrs Exp), Knowledgeable in Monitoring of workshop setup, Workshop run, Business Development, ISO certiﬁcation, Quotation, Tender, Account veriﬁcation, Sohar Area, Mb. 94215208’

Looking for Senior Sales Engineer job having 11 years of experience in automobile and civil material testing equipment sales having GCC license. Contact 94137387/ 96250490

Indian male, 27 BSC nurse 4.5 years experience in India. Pro metric passed with 61% Data ﬂow processing, ACLS, BLS passed. Now on visit visa. Mob: 98926621, 94361049 e-mail: shemeermk@gmail.com

SECT/OFFICE

Electrical Engineer, B-Tech, with 4 Yrs experience in India, 3 YEARS IN MRF and one year in KSEB. Available on Visit Visa. Contact: 94741401 :Email: sobinthomask05@gmail.com.

Indian male, 36 years old. More than 12 years of Oman experience in office boy and store keeper ﬁled can speak Arabic (excellent), understand English, Hindi, Malayalam etc. Contact: 95060792

MISCELLANEOUS Indian male, 10 years Driving experience in Dubai. Looking as a company driver job. #: 96180458 , +91 99 61 019366 (India ) Maintenance Engineer, Indian, male, DME, 36 years of age with 16 years of experience in machine maintenance and handling machine breakdowns, currently on visit visa seeking suitable position. Contact: 92180933; email: rramesssh@yahoo.com 32 years, Indian Male MSC,MBAHR having 7.5yrs Exp (HR/SAP operations) with Oman valid driving license, seeking suitable opening in Human Resource & Admin/ backend jobs. Contact: 99322978 Indian Male,27 years, MCA, 3 years Experience in Web developer, Technical Supporter, looking for suitable position. Presently Working in India. Contact- +91 7403288953, +91 9020679788. Email-vinuvn88@gmail.com. Indian male having 14 years of experience in HR, Purchase Dept, having Oman driving license looking for a suitable position , at Salalah. Noc available. Email. Madhuvtk@ gmail.com Contact: 91182907 Indian male, 19 years experience in purchase, material coordinator in building construction & factory production ﬁeld. have good computer skills & driving license and NOC, looking for a suitable placement. Contact: 99008101 Pakistani male, MBA(Marketing) +PGD(HR) with 9 yrs experience in banking & hospital industry (Consumer Credit Review, Admin & HR). 3 yrs experience as Asst Manager, Admin & HR in famous private hospital in Oman with NOC. Contact: 95761982 or umerok@hotmail.com Indian male, 4 years of experience in Structured cabling, termination and Fiber optic splicing. Looking for a suitable Placement. NOC available. GSM- 92484039, Email –rajaveer8989@gmail.com

Sudanese male...telecom engineer 11 yrs. exp in IT support, Networking, Security systems, Server support, IT sales and marketing, management .Seeking suitable placement. Contact 91182027 31 years, Indian male PG in HR , with 5 yrs Professional experience in HR in Construction Oil & Gas Oman seeking for a suitable placement(NOC Available). Contact me on 93488914, emailKaarthickshankar@gmail.com FEMALE SYRIAN ARCHITECT ,new graduate have good experience in architect programs, auto-cad 3d max ,sketch up , Photoshop ,sketch up, searching for a job full time or part time, for Contact : 97482871 Indian female,33 yrs MSc,BEd with computer knowledge having 3yrs experience in teaching,looking for suitable job on visit visa. #97042806 Mail:poornimaajith11@gmail.com Indian male, 19 years experience in purchase, material coordinator in building/pipe line construction & factory production ﬁeld. have good computer skills & driving license and NOC, looking for a suitableplacement. mr.victor2015@hotmail.com Contact: 99008101 SENIOR ACCOUNTANT/ACCOUNTANT, with 8 years experience in Accounts ( 5 Years in Oman) in a Trading Company, capable of handling all accounting , Banking, L/C, import &Finalization with Driving Licence. Noc Available seek Suitable Placement.GSM-98184170. Indian male 23 years old graduate with one year experience in Sales & Marketing with valid Oman driving license seeking suitable opportunities. (NOC available). Contact: +968 98240510 , Gmail: affanahamed0@gmail.com B.Tech, MBA (Marketing), PGDM (IB) having 9 years of experience in sales & marketing/ business development seeking for suitable position. Valid Driving License Phn-97043494 Indian Male 33 yrs, BCA ,10 years experience(India & Oman) IT Support, System administrator/supervisor looking for suitable Job. Contact 95448561

W E D N E S DAY, N OV E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

SITUATION WANTED MISCELLANEOUS udanese male , 31 year old , have 3 year Diploma in electrical engineer, 7 years experience in building construction and electrical production plant. Contact 94549609 Site supervisor (Aluminium Division ) With Driving License, Fluent in English , Arabic, Well knowledge of Oman Areas Looking for suitable placement. Cell# 97950869 31 year Indian male PG in HR ,with 5 yrs Professional experience in HR in Construction Oil & Gas Oman seeking for a suitable placement(NOC Available). Contact me on 93488914, emailKaarthickshankar@gmail.com

Electronics/Electrical/Instrumentation Design Engineer with 2+ years of experience, having a Bachelors Degree in Instrumentation Technology. Seeking for a job, currently on visit visa. Contact- 90142166 / Mail: aksafwan@gmail.com Sales & Marketing/ Business Development Executive: - B.Tech. (Electrical & Electronics) MBA in marketing having 9 years of experience seeking a suitable position. Contact (97043494) Purchase & Stores In charge – Having continues 13 years experience in a single ﬁrm, looking for a placement. Contact: - 99627427, 96154564

Indian male, B.E. Mechanical, 16 yrs experience, for Quotation, Tender, Accounts, Business development, Sohar Area, Part Time. Contact 94215208

Marketing or Business development-BSC in marketing 5 years of experience looking for suitable position. Contact (99522233)

Admin, having 10+ years experience in Admin/HR/Logistics/Time Keeper, in reputed companies. Presently working in Muscat. (NOC Available) Contact- 94369965, mail - satya1528@gmail.com

Indian male be electrical and pg in power systems (transmission & distribution) with one year experience on visit. Seeking placement contact – 94669679/ email prsabarish@gmail.com

Sudanese /Diploma in civil engineering/5 years experience/ good computer’ skills / English & Arabic/Mobil 96995670

Indian male 23 years old graduate with one year experience in Sales & Marketing with valid Oman driving license seeking suitable opportunities.(NOC available) Contact: +968 98240510 Gmail: affanahamed0@gmail.com

IT Lecturer , Indian male 30yrs,MSc Computer Science(on visit) 7 years experience in Teaching is looking for college or school.Contact:99842554 Email:riazkalleli@gmail.com Msc (IT), 2 yrs of Experience in Software Development (Oracle ADF, sql, pl/sql), Oracle OCA & SQL Expert, Currently on visit visa. Contact : +968 93755858 / 92141644, Email : shiralkarmuzammil@yahoo.com Sudanese / 30 years old / M.Sc. Logistics Management /English & Arabic/ logistics - procurement inventory planning / 91270881 Indian (Bangalore), internal auditor / senior accountant having (Gulf) 8 years, (India) 15 years experience, presently on employment visa seeking suitable placement in Salalah / Muscat. Contact 968 94765948, email:amituppin@gmail.com B.A Economics, Indian male, 12 years experience in teaching, both academic & Quran, looking for an opportunity. Contact 9845 6432, 9967 8470 Sudanese female, B.sc on account.16 years experience. Good in working out ﬁnancial report break down of monthly and annual budget’s. follow up tax ﬁles and social Insurance costingard feasibility study. Email: amani.eltayeb@ hotmail.com, mobile:92037605 Indian Female Accountant 5 Years of Experience in Accounting Tally, Sales coordination,and Admin, Currently on Visit Visa seeking suitable placement. #:95684179

Indian male, 29 years, B. Tech Electronics & Communication Eng. with 7 year’s experience seeking for a suitable placement, currently in UAE visit visa. Contact 00971 552513735 Email: rahul.rn198@gmail.com Sri Lankan male – 3.5 years experience as a site supervisor & Administration executive in Oman / 2 years experience as an HR executive with Oman driving license. (English/Arabic/Urdu)/ NOC available 97281617 Sri Lankan male BSc (Physics) – 5 years experience as a site supervisor & Administration executive with Oman driving license. (English/Arabic/Urdu)/ NOC available 93214717 Marketing Coordinator, Indian, Advertising Agency experienced person with D/L seeks good opening. Contact 93031168 Male 25 years, B.E. Mechanical with CSWIP 3.1 and ASNT level 2, 3 yrs. of experience in QC in oil and gas industry. Currently working in Oman, NOC available. Contact 91262792. vignesh1503@yahoo.com The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: tenders& real estate& construction & marketing projects& investments& transportation & Marine services& companies management& develop business. Contact 92385033

B.Tech (Electrical & Electronic) with MBA in marketing having 9 years of experience seeking a suitable position as Sales & Marketing/Business Development executive. Contact-(97043494) Indian female dentist prometric cleared seeking suitable openings in Muscat.# 95585807, 92880267 Indian Male more than 10 years gulf experience in Office / Sales Coordinator, Admin, Secretarial and purchase with good computer skills. Having Driving license and NOC available. Looking for suitable placement. Contact: 95149624 SENIOR ACCOUNTANT: Indian male, Graduate & CA Article ship completed. 18 Years of experience. Currently on visiting visa. seeks suitable placement. Contact: 97498809, 98569025, Email: hilariankj@gmail.com Indian male, B.E. mechanical, 16 yrs experience, for Quotation, Tender, Accounts, Business development, Sohar Area, Part Time. Mb. 94215208 9 years experience in construction Purchase seeking suitable placement immediately, NOC available. Contact: 97332401 Digital marketing / ad words/ analytics / SEO expert, exp 5 yrs (male) certified) , (visit visa). Contact: 93594114 (visit visa). Email: abeyre@gmail.com Hotel exp 4 years F+ B (service) visit visa expires 13/11/2015, B.A Hotel Management. Contact: 91987013 / 96971643 Email: shinekls34@gmail.com Kerala Electrical Technician, foreman cum Storekeeper (Electrical). Contact: 93563744 Civil Engineer B.Tech with Iosh, Nebosh certification having valid Omani driving license looking for suitable job. Contact: 93631625 Mechanical Engineer (UK), 28 years, male having 3.5 years experience, looking for suitable placement with valid Oman driving license NOC available. Immediate availability Contact: +968 97612297 Email: ymirza11@caledonian.ac.uk BE Mechanical Engineer, 23 years, Indian male on visit available for immediate placement please contact: 96145820 or arunsankar.10.92@gmail.com Sales/marketing, Indian male 35, years, having13 years experience, in that 6 years experience of KSA seeks for suitable placement, on visit visa contact: 95954786, Email:syedhameeduddin16@ gmail.com Sudanese / civil engineering Diploma / 5 years experience / deal with most popular computer programs / good in English / fluent in Arabic. Contact: 96995670

INDIAN MALE accountant, 12 years experience in accounting with tally also, looking for a suitable placement. #98983122

Indian male 23yr BA TTM(Travel and Tourism Management) with Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Logisitics and Shipping Management, exp in Logisitics (CHA) seeking in suitable placement, currently on visit visa(Oman) Contact;90291092 email:iyas.adhur@gmail.com

Accountant , Indian (Kerala) male, more than 09 years experience in Qatar (02 years) and New Delhi experience upto ﬁnalization of Accounts & expertise in using Tally ERP-9, MS Office (Word & Excel). Currently on visit visa, seeking suitable placement. Contact: 97864890 / 97268429 Email: vinodthomas80@gmail.com

MALE ACCOUNTANT, age 25 years, ACCA UK ﬁnalist with 4 years experience in accounting & audit in Pakistan, now in Muscat on visit visa seeking suitable placement. Contact 90197029, muzammalhaﬁz16@gmail.com

Indian Electrical Engineer B. Tech, female 24 seeking job. presently in oman having 2 year experience in design and estimation of Ht &Lt projects. Contact number 96897436557, Mail id : sibinanoop1@gmail.com

Young 24 yrs, ACCA affiliate , advanced diploma in Accounting business, seeking suitable placement in accounts ﬁnance or audit with valid driving license. Contact: 92430152 Email: rau_day@yahoo.com

Indian Female 10 years as cook in Muscat, Oman . South Indian, Gujarati special food, Looking for part time. Contact 96710189

SITUATION WANTED MALE ACCOUNTANT, age 25 years, ACCA UK finalist with 4 years experience in accounting & audit in Pakistan, now in Muscat on visit visa seeking suitable placement. Contact 90197029, muzammalhafiz16@gmail.com Indian male 26 years, 4 years experience as system and network engineer. B. Tech graduate. Looking for suitable opening. Contact:93125669, Email:amritrajgt18@gmail.com Indian male 23yr BA TTM(Travel and Tourism Management) with Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Logisitics and Shipping Management, exp in Logisitics (CHA) seeking in suitable placement, currently on visit visa(Oman) contact;90291092 email:iyas.adhur@gmail.com Senior Accountant ,NOC avaliable,5yr.exp.in oman, Accounting upto finalisation, computer skills tally9, Sage ERP accpac 500(6.0A), Vcams , Audit ,valid oman driving licence, languages known english , arabic, hindi. can join immediately. Tel: (+968) 96339599, E-mail(ahmedmohdkhan@gmail.com) Part time accountant, senior accountant, doing all type of accounting works, up to finalization. contact.95254864 Indian Diploma Engineer, NEBOSH Qualified with valid oman D/L, Seeks placement in HSE. Contact: 97066980 Indian male, 1 Year Experience in Logisitics (CHA) field. Qualification BA Travel and Tourism Management with Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Logisitics and Shipping Management. Currently On Visit Visa Oman, seeks suitable placement. Contact :90291092 B.E. Electronics Engineer, Indian male 22 years, seeking suitable job, currently on visit visa. Contact 99226928, E mail : sanath301@gmail.com BSC (Hons) Civil Engineer with Oman work experience and valid driving license looking for immediate placement in consultancy or construction firm currently on visit visa. Contact: 91181680

DRIVING

Indian male having 11 yrs experience 4 yrs in Oman in purchase, stores & logistics, having valid Omani D/L and N.O.C in Hand, looking for suitable position any where in Oman. Contact : 92369700 Indian male, 22 yrs, BBA, Travel & tourism brought up in Muscat, seeks suitable placement in Sales & Marketing. Contact 93519369 Engineer- Mechanical 4 years experience looking for vocational instructor/lecturer/technical mechanical engineer jobs. Contact : 95598477/93211870, Email: rajeesh4me@gmail.com

Learn driving with professional. Contact: 94022250

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

Indian male 33 yrs, BCA ,10 years experience (India & Oman) IT Support, System administrator/ Supervisor looking for suitable Job. Contact 95448561. Male 25 years, B.E. Mechanical with CSWIP 3.1 and ASNT level 2, 3 yrs. of experience in QC in oil and gas industry. Currently working in Oman, NOC available. M: 91262792. vignesh1503@yahoo.com

MANPOWER

MANPOWER Tile Masons, Masons, Electricians, Plumbers, False Ceiling / Gypsum Works and Carpenters required immediately on Labor supply basis. Interested parties please contact

GSM: 96775023 / 96775024

Sub contractor available for shuttering & steel works, hill cutting & ﬁlling works. Contact: 93299940 Ware house space for rent at Ghala and Barka up to 20000/- Sqm. Contact: 99509460 / 93731363

MATRIMONIAL Alliance invited from professional boys for nair girl B.Tech Bharani 30 years, 161cm Ernakulum. Contact: 99269673 /99269673 Seeking alliance for our son from Muslim families. Interested families Contact: 99889590

Housemaid, cooks waiter , helper driver ( light & heavy ) mason carpenter steel ﬁtter, skilled & unskilled categories , immigration service from India & Philippine. Contact: Al Aidi Manpower 24484232/99531802 Email: oman.manpower@yahoo.com

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

W E D N E S DAY, N O V E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

SERVICES

IELTS PREPARATION

We Provide Cleaners, Oﬃce boys, Cleaning Contracts, General cleaning etc. Al Mudakhir National Est. LLC Contact : 94277020

Target Band 8.0

FOR SALE

AVAILABLE

Classes for Spoken English TOEFL / GRE / GMAT / SAT Excellent Guidance and Coaching Satisfaction Guaranteed EAGLES INSTITUTE 92325542 | 93657915 | 93657917 | Email: engominst@gmail.com

Beauty parlour at Mabela for sale. Contact: 96131261 A running restaurant for sale near Oman oil petrol Pump Al Uqdah (Barka). Contact: 990590103 5 plots of fertile agriculture lands in Misfah East totaling 4,532 sq mtrs having date trees and using Falaj water for irrigation. OMR 158 Thousand for all 5 plots. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 400 sq mtrs Commercial/Residential land in Mabela Phase 5 Block 2. OMR 155 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 For sale 8 Apartments (Total area 850 SQM approximate) in “Bait Al Noor” occupying two full ﬂoors (7th and 8th ﬂoors). The building is opposite to GMC car showroom facing the main road (Sultan Qaboos Road). Excellent location for best visibility of signboard for any corporate. Contact 94194071 for details. 2,688 sq mtrs commercial land in MBD North. OMR 1.39 Million. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

BUYING Excellent running building materials shop cum showroom and store for sales in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 98871547/93412622

MV SALE Volvo prime – mover 6x4 sleeper Gap, model 2000 to inspection. Contact: Mr. Mohammed AL Harthy 99427071 Toyota Yaris 1.3 automatic, 2007 model, blue colour, 71000 kms, manual window with automatic door. Registration up to Feb. 2016. Price RO 2000. Contact- 92140757. Toyota Yaris, 1.3 automatic, hatchback, 2009 model, white colour, 27000kms, manual window with automatic door, Registration up to Sept. 2016, Price RO 3000. Contact - 92140757.

Party & Wedding equipment rentals. Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chaﬁng Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

ACC. AVAILABLE 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sitting room, Kitchen & store including utilities bills at Al hail. #92817777 Spacious room semi furnished with attached bath near Ruwi Roundabout. Contact: 96612979 Sharing accommodation rooms AL Khuwair. Contact: 99743569 /97004265 3 Bedroom apartment with living room and 3 toilets located in Wadi Kabir near Al-Hassan Electrical Co. RO 500/- Contact 94488444 1 Bedroom with bathroom available for rent. Only Indian female. Contact - 92394614 Sharing accommodation available near dolphin village in Bausher. Contact: 99169512

Independent rooms in Qurum /AL Hail. Contact 95529970 Single room W/ bath near Al Falaj hotel. Contact: 99643845

Accommodation available for 50 to 100 labours, Misfah Industrial area. Contact – 99617464 1 Bedroom with attached Bath, fully furnished, separate entrance at Mabela for ladies only. Contact : 99634841 Single room bathroom in Darsait R.O 140/-. Contact: 93289652 Single room for expat Indian bachelors near Al Aktham restaurant Al khuwair for RO 120. Water and electricity included. Contact: 98803261

12 CENTS residential commercial land opposite to Ernakulum north railway station for sale. Contact: 9496336972

Room for rent available 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. Contact 96404166 / 97433992

Flat for sale 3 BHK ﬂat near Pattom, Trivandrum, 2 KM to parliament house, medical college. Contact: 00968- 98108979

Big room available near Hamriya R/A for Muslim couple / small family / Executive bachelor rent 150/- per month including W+ E. Contact 99495131

Spacious 2BHK ﬂat for sale in Hebbal Bangalore. Contact: 96263157

Single room for rent at Mumtaz area. Contact: 96916398 / 95212017

NRI

CLASSES

COMPUTER

IELTS & TOEFL Academic / General Target Band 8 TQT Institute. Ph # 24480800 / 99347202

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

WEBSITE

in Azaiba and Ruwi • Learn in two months • Satisfaction guaranteed

Tel: 95244310 Karate and self defense classes at Azaiba 18 Nov Street. RO 10 per month twice a week Monday and Tuesday 6. 30 TO 7. 30. PM CONTACT 98294551

A/C maintenance, installation spilt A.C and maintenance window A/C and ducted and package the reunites. Contact: Asad Abbas 98667326

GOOD NEWS

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage steambath, obesity, Spondylitis, Ideal Care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street Azaiba. Contact: 99639695 / 98342990 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 Balloons for all occasions birthday, celebration, grand opening, wedding, party, national day all type of balloons, designs work please Contact: 95194801 /96594592

TRANSPORTATION Transportation. Contact 99508282 Transportation. Contact: 95190627 Transportation.. Contact:94510847 Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba. Contact: 91103909

Window & split unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080

Split & window A/c servicing & maintenance. Contact: 93769089 / 95323517

Split & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact: 96236476

Water prooﬁng ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

House shifting & transporting. Contact 92490422

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

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807 WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price. Contact: http//webviewoman

NRI Villa for Sale in Chennai OMR - Navalur . 5 BHK, Gated Community with 24 hrs security, swimming pool, Car park for sale in Chennai. Ready to occupy. Interested buyers (NRI) may Contact - 99103433 Plot for Sale; 30 cents of housing plot with boundary wall and Well with Electricity connection and motor. Roads at three side in Puthanchirra – Mala bye pass. Interested parties – contact - + 968 99416088 or 919740956198

Window & split unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517 Cleaning & carpet shampooing, Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99884591 Pest control treatments. Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723 House shifting. Contact: 99657644/98518013 A/C Maintenance & servicing, fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, painting & cleaning services, electrical & plumbing. Contact: 99447257 /97014234 / 24504281 Split window unit A/ C servicing. Contact 94694472

Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 / 94285064 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & antitermite treatment, general cleaning painting,Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. Contact: 24810137, 99450130

LOST Abdul Saju Mujfae Ali has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. X 0576271. Finder please handover to ROP Maud Rana has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AD 4845824. Finder please handover to ROP

W E D N E S DAY, N OV E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

TOURS

SITUATION WANTCARGO ABDULHAKIM AL BIMANI TRADING & CONTRACTOR Expert in Shipping cargo by sea & air to Zanzibar, Pemba, Dar es Salam in Tanzania, Burundi, The Philippines, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. Reasonable price.

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

Contact: 97440625/95416662 Email: abdulhakimalbimani@hotmail.com

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

RENT A CAR

Best Rates for Saloon. Tel: 99826300 / 97869042, rentacar@modernreem.com

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

NATIONAL DAY

45 OMAN TH

W E D N E S DAY, N O V E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

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

A day to rejoice and treasure SHAHZAD RAZA shahzad@timesofoman.com

Banks report robust growth, ﬁscal health

Three factors that make Oman great

Oman on track to fulﬁl development goals

t’s celebration time in Oman and the whole nation is in a mood to savour the success of another eventful year as it marks the country’s 45th National Day today. The biggest delight was of course His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s return to Oman after eight long months of treatment abroad. The nation was then overjoyed seeing their beloved Sultan appearing on the TV screen while addressing the Council of Oman on November 15, reassuring them that the march of Renaissance will continue with the same zeal and spirit. A picture of usual calm and composure, His Majesty prayed to Almighty Allah for His continued blessings on Oman and its people. “We pray to the Almighty Allah to guide us all to success in serving our homeland and to support us with His divine assistance, for He hears and answers supplication. May our homeland and its loyal people dwell in delight and bounty, every year,” he prayed. The Sultanate made encouraging progress in the past one year as many sectors of the economy showed considerable growth despite trying conditions due to low oil prices. Seeing the national spirit to take adversity in its stride, people of Oman can expect another fruitful year ahead, despite the challenges. Every year November 18 reminds us of the time Oman was a primitive society just 45 years ago with not even basic amenities available to all. While life was no less than a struggle all day long, a pall of gloom would descend the country with the sunset as life literally ended with the day. Oman was backward, reviled change and

The nation was overjoyed seeing their beloved Sultan appearing on the TV screen while addressing the Council of Oman on November 15, reassuring them that the march of Renaissance will continue with the same zeal and spirit. He prayed to Almighty Allah for His continued blessings on Oman and its people

was seen as a political and economic backwater. All that changed one day. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said took over and put the country back on track. From the day His Majesty the

Sultan pronounced his commitment to the cause of his nation he has spared no efforts to realise the goals he set himself when he began his rule. In his ﬁrst speech to the nation he had said: “I promise to

dedicate myself to the speedy establishment of a modern government in no time. My ﬁrst aim will be the abolition of all unnecessary restrictions that overburdened you…I will take the necessary legal steps to ensure the recognition of foreign powers and I am looking forward to the immediate support and the long-range cordial cooperation with all nations, especially with our neighbours, with whom we will conduct consultations for the future of our area.” As soon as His Majesty the Sultan began his rule, he started to modernize the country’s economy, setting in motion a period of promised prosperity. The nation soon began to witness an era of progress unfold along with effective social, educational and cultural reforms. We all know that complete transformation as the blessed Renaissance. All that he promised in his early days has already become true as Oman stands tall as a country recognised and respected not only in the region but all over the world. The people of Oman enjoy utmost freedom with no restrictions in place to slow down the pace of their life or seclude them from the rest of the world. Every promise made to the nation has been fulﬁlled in the course of 45 years. No wonder, even after 45 years of rule, His Majesty continues to enjoy complete trust, love and loyalty of his nation. People of Oman adore him for what he has done for the country.

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Banks report robust growth, fiscal health

Hamood Sangour Al Zadjali, Executive President, Central Bank of Oman

Banks in Oman have experienced strong growth in deposits and credit, owing to the implementation of a sound ﬁscal policy and good business practices led by the Central Bank of Oman (CBO), which is also helping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) grow.

Times News Service

he banking sector in an economy performs the crucial role of mobilizing financial savings for efficient allocation among competing economic needs, and in that process serves as the engine for realizing economic growth and development. The financial health of banks in Oman in terms of asset quality, provision coverage, capital adequacy and profitability has remained strong. The balance sheet of commercial banks has strengthened over the years due to robust growth in both deposits and credit. The total assets of conventional commercial banks increased by 13.6 per cent to OMR27.9 billion in Sep-

tember, up from OMR24.6 billion a year ago. Of the total assets, credit disbursement accounted for 65 per cent and increased by 10 per cent as of the end of September to OMR18.2 billion,“ said Hamood Sangour Al Zadjali, Executive President, Central Bank of Oman, in a statement to Times of Oman. Credit to the private sector rose by 10.1 per cent to reach OMR15.9 billion as of the end of September. Of the total credit extended to the private sector as of the end September, the share of the non-ﬁnancial corporate sector stood at 47 per cent, closely followed by the household sector (mainly under personal loans) at 45.2 per cent, ﬁnancial corporations at 5.3 per cent and the remainder to other sectors at 2.5 per

cent. Aggregate deposits held with commercial banks registered an increase of 6 per cent to OMR18.2 billion in September, from OMR17.1 billion a year ago. Private sector deposits, which constituted 63.8 per cent of the total deposits with commercial banks, jumped by 8 per cent to OMR11.6 billion in September, from OMR10.7 billion a year ago. Islamic banking entities were provided financing to the extent of OMR1.5 billion as of the end of September, compared with only OMR0.9 billion a year ago. Total deposits held with Islamic banks and windows also registered a significant increase to OMR1.3 billion in September from OMR0.4 billion outstanding as of the end of September. The total assets of Islamic banks and Windows combined, amounted to OMR2 billion at the end of September, which constituted about 6.5 per cent of the banking system’s assets. The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) has been proactively fine tuning prudential and supervisory norms through the development of sound risk management systems, enhancing transparency and complying with international standards and best practices in order to strengthen the banking system in the Sultanate,“ he said. >A9

S U P P L E M E N T

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45TH NATIONAL DAY S P E C I A L

S U P P L E M E N T

Three factors that make Oman great

Oman’s appeal as a hub of peace and harmony has grown in recent years, thanks to the exemplary rule of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and its friendly and hospitable people.

BY SHAHZAD RAZA shahzad@timesofoman.com

ultanate of Oman has been a huge success story in the region. As the country celebrates its 45th National Day, it‘s time to not only savour the success but the journey too. Oman is the oldest independent state in the Arab world and second largest after Saudi Arabia on the Arabian Peninsula. It is also perhaps

the most beautiful country is the region in terms of natural wonders, spectacular landscape and rich heritage and culture. In a region infested with strife and conﬂict, Oman stands tall as a pillar of strength, peace and security. We respect and admire Oman for being so. Oman is ruled by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who is respected worldwide for building Modern Oman, for his exemplary leadership and pragmatic policies, for being an icon of peace and for making Oman

the diplomatic heavyweight in the region. We respect and admire His Majesty for doing so. Oman is known for its hospitality and that is one of the great characteristics of its amazing and friendly

people. The peaceful Omani society today is a reﬂection of its tolerant, helpful and hospitable people. No wonder, Omanis are counted among the nicest nations in the world. We respect and admire them for be-

ing so.These are the three factors that sum up what is known and respected worldwide as the Sultanate of Oman. Peace is a prerequisite to prosperity and this belief underpins foreign policy in Oman and is demonstrated in Oman‘s dealings with other countries in the region. In fact, Oman has always been a successful diplomatic story. It managed to maintain peaceful ties with both Iran and Iraq during the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war, and with both Iran and the United States after those countries had a diplomatic falling out in 1979. In later years, Oman managed to successfully organise border negotiations with both Saudi Arabia and Yemen, promote a measure of rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, facilitate better relations between Yemen and members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and, most recently, mediate between Qatar on the one hand and Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain on

the other, following a bitter political dispute in the region. Oman has also succeeded in facilitating secret high-stakes talks between Washington and Tehran, then open dialogue between Iran and major world powers — and on other matters such as the release of three American hostages who were arrested by Iran while hiking along the Iran-Iraq border. Acknowledging Oman‘s immense contribution to conﬂict resolution, US secretary of State John Kerry, said: “I just want to thank His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and I want to thank the foreign minister and all Omanis for hosting all of us here, for their very generous welcome, and for the role they have played in helping to bring parties together in order to be able to have these negotiations. They have done an outstanding job, and we are very, very grateful to you.” Oman has not become a shining example for others to follow, just

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like that. Somebody has devoted his entire life to making it the envy of others. It has His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said at the helm, the kind of ruler others only dream of leading their countries. When His Majesty returned to the Sultanate on March 23 this year after eight months of medical treatment abroad, it was a day of relief and celebration for every living soul in Oman. A wave of instant delight and jubilation swept the Sultanate. People of Oman were so relieved to see their beloved leader back home that they celebrated this news of the year with ceaseless celebrations for months. A few minutes after the Royal Flight landed in Muscat, one of the telecom service providers even changed the caller tunes to the National Anthem for a few days. A number of ministries, schools, colleges and private companies held special prayer sessions to express their gratitude and loyalty to His Majesty the Sultan. Some companies even announced special bonuses for their employees to communicate their joy. Oman and its people had never been happier, or so it seemed. Seeing the countrywide wave of celebrations, His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, deputy prime minister for the Council of Ministers, summed up the national sentiment by saying: „We are blessed that His Majesty has returned to Oman. There are no words to describe our feelings. The joy the citizens are feeling reﬂects the love they have for their leader.” What His Majesty has done for his country, and the way it was done, would need a whole book to describe. I would just quote former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton to sum up His Majesty‘s monumental contribution. Impressed by the success story of Oman, Hillary Clinton, during one of her visits here in 2010, said that if she could bottle the ingredients that have made Oman so successful, she would take it to places near and far and persuade people and leaders to make the same decisions and walk the same path. “Because of His Majesty‘s vision 40 years ago, Oman has made more progress than any other nation in the world in just 40 years. There is so much I want to learn from you,” she said back in 2010. When a distinguished >A8

S U P P L E M E N T

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Industrial estates: Pillars of economic development The Public Establishment for Industrial Estates has been offering attractive incentives to local and foreign investors and contributing to human resources development, in a bid to provide further impetus to economic development in the country. Times News Service

MUSCAT: Industrial estates have long been considered pillars of economic development in Oman, offering attractive incentives to local and foreign investors. Since the visit of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ rst industrial estate in Rusayl on February 9, 1991 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which is commemorated as Industry Day every year â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a host of new initiatives have been taken by the government to develop industrial estates. One of the major milestones in the industrial sector was the creation of the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE) in 1993, which was formed by a Royal Decree with the objective of planning, establishing, managing and developing the industrial estates across Oman. Industrial areas In addition to the Rusayl Industrial Estate, Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ&#x201A;agship industrial estate which was established in 1983, industrial estates have been created in Sohar, Raysut, Sur, and Nizwa, in addition to Buraimi and Sumail. The PEIE manages all the industrial estates along with one IT park â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM), and Al Mazunah Free Zone. The total area of the estates is around 88.300 million square metres. With the targets of Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vision 2020 in mind, the PEIE has trans-

formed into an organisation with a vision to enhance Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position as a leading regional centre of manufacturing, ICT, innovation and entrepreneurship excellence. Economic diversiďŹ cation As parts of its mission, the PEIE has been seeking to attract industrial investments, introduce advanced technologies, contribute to human resources development, and enhance productivity apart from developing international trade and boosting exports. The organisation has played a critical role in the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts to diversify the economy and create jobs for nationals through its policies and various incentives, aimed at encouraging investors inside and outside the Sultanate to set up their projects in industrial estates. Incentives The incentives offered by PEIE complement the interest of investors in Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s well-developed infrastructure as well as the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strategic geographic location, which offers rapid and easy access to the emerging markets in the Middle East, the Indian sub-continent, Africa and the Far East. Tax beneďŹ ts offered by the establishment include the exemption of all industrial projects from tax on proďŹ t for a period of ďŹ ve years, renewable for a further ďŹ ve-year period. This is in addition to the fact that there is no personal income tax

HIGHLIGHTS Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; ( Ĺ&#x2022;) Ĺ&#x2022;." Ĺ&#x2022;'#& -.)( -Ĺ&#x2022;#(Ĺ&#x2022;." Ĺ&#x2022;#( /-.,# &Ĺ&#x2022;- .),Ĺ&#x2022;1 -Ĺ&#x2022;." Ĺ&#x2022; , .#)(Ĺ&#x2022;) Ĺ&#x2022;." Ĺ&#x2022; Ĺ&#x2022;#(Ĺ&#x2022;ĂľĂ˝Ă˝ĂˇĂżĹ&#x2022;1"# "Ĺ&#x2022;1 -Ĺ&#x2022; ),' Ĺ&#x2022; 3Ĺ&#x2022; Ĺ&#x2022; Royal Decree Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; Ĺ&#x2022;" -Ĺ&#x2022;., (- ),' Ĺ&#x2022;#(.)Ĺ&#x2022; Ĺ&#x2022;& #(!Ĺ&#x2022;, !#)( &Ĺ&#x2022; (., Ĺ&#x2022;) Ĺ&#x2022; manufacturing, ICT, innovation and entrepreneurship excellence Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; " Ĺ&#x2022;#( (.#0 -Ĺ&#x2022;)Ăą , Ĺ&#x2022; 3Ĺ&#x2022; Ĺ&#x2022; )'*& ' (.Ĺ&#x2022;." Ĺ&#x2022; #(. , -.Ĺ&#x2022;) Ĺ&#x2022;#(0 -.),-Ĺ&#x2022;#(Ĺ&#x2022; ' (Ä?-Ĺ&#x2022;1 &&Ä&#x201D; 0 &)* Ĺ&#x2022; infrastructure and its strategic location

in Oman. Exemption from customs duties is also one of the incentives aimed at attracting investment in industrial areas. Customs duties According to the PEIE, manufacturing companies are exempted from customs duties on the import of ma-

chinery, equipment and spare parts, in addition to raw materials and semi-processed inputs for the ďŹ rst ďŹ ve years of production. The exemption period on raw materials and semi-processed inputs can be extended on the recommendation of the minister of commerce and industry, and the

approval of the minister of ďŹ nance. With regard to loans, ďŹ nance is provided by the Oman Development Bank to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and small projects. Additionally, one of the incentives that make Oman distinctive from its neighbours is the fact that it is the only country in the Gulf region to offer export credit insurance. Facilities and services The PEIE also provides packaged facilities and services, including good and eco-friendly locations, strong connections, high-tech ofďŹ ce accommodations, land and buildings available for bespoke industrial development, 100 per cent foreign share capital for companies in KOM, as well as convenience and retail stores. The organisation provides accurate data in response to enquiries about investment-related services and procedures through its Communication Centre.

Investments All these efforts have paid off as, according to Hilal bin Hamad Al Hasani, chief executive officer of PEIE, investments worth over OMR5 billion were made in the PEIE by the end of 2014, showing strong growth. â&#x20AC;&#x17E;SigniďŹ cant growth rates have been noted in the various industrial estates. The growth rate in the size of private sector investments has surpassed 106 per cent from 2007 to 2014. If we compare the year 2013 up to the ďŹ rst half of 2014, the PEIE achieved notable growth in the volume of investments touching around OMR657 million, marking a growth of 27 per cent,â&#x20AC;&#x153; said Al Hasani. The number of localised projects has also increased when compared to 2007. Furthermore, the number of projects in the PEIE rose from 1,409 in 2013 to 1,468 by the end of the ďŹ rst half of 2014, marking an average growth rate of 4.2 per cent. >10

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A5 Three factors that make Oman great

leader from the most powerful and most advanced nation pays such glorious compliments, they carry a lot of weight. His Majesty‘s untiring work and exemplary leadership has been instrumental in turning Oman into a hub of peace, progress and prosperity. Through his vision and commitment, His Majesty has transformed a backward society into a developed state in just over four decades. Whenever the world gets time to think about the greatest leaders of this era, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said is sure to be counted among the very best. The people of Oman, both citizens and expatriates, adore him for his great role in building a nation and constructing Modern Oman. That admiration is the biggest unspoken tribute to him. One of the reasons for people coming back to Oman is its people. Omanis are hospitable, very helpful by nature and respect others. Respect is a predominant Omani characteristic. They respect the other view and give it a hearing. If it has appeal, they think it over and, if found good, Omanis waste little time accepting and adopting it. That is why, when over 1400 years ago they were invited by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) to embrace Islam, they accepted it and became Mus-

lims. They were wise enough to see what was the message and who had sent it. That respect for reason and people is still the highlight of Omani society and is reﬂected in the tolerance we see over here for all faiths and religions. In a world beset with religious differences, wars

and conﬂicts, this Omani characteristic is priceless, to say the least. Oman is the perfect example of unity in diversity. The people of Oman have proved that peaceful coexistence is possible and it is an important example to set for the rest of the Middle East.

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Banks report robust A3 growth, ďŹ scal health < FROM

Towards this direction, CBO had initiated a number of regulatory and supervisory measures in the recent past. As ďŹ nancial stability has emerged as a global issue, a ďŹ nancial stability department was set up within the CBO for macroprudential supervision of the ďŹ nancial system, which is now producing stress testing and ďŹ nancial stability reports. As a part of ďŹ nancial stability measure, a framework for the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs)â&#x20AC;? has been implemented. CBO is also well ahead in the implementation of the Basel III framework and the ďŹ nal guidelines on Basel III were issued in November 2013. Again, the risk-based supervision framework for on-site examinations has been fully implemented since 2012,â&#x20AC;&#x153; he added. Prompt Corrective Action with revised trigger points, such as changes in the capital adequacy requirement of banks is being emphasized further. CBO also reviewed some of the existing regulatory norms with regards to the cross border exposure of banks and certain modiďŹ cations that have been made with regards to the limits placed on the aggregate funded and nonfunded exposures by bank to nonresident borrowers. The CBO issued the ďŹ nal framework on Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) and LCR disclosure standard requirements under Basel III in December 2014. The Government and CBO have been making concerted efforts to develop small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in terms of capacity building for prospective entrepreneurs, identifying key areas for SME ďŹ nance, facilitating publicprivate cooperation and improving upon forward and backward linkages for these entities. â&#x20AC;&#x17E;CBO has advised banks to formulate liberal lending policies for the SME segment and mandated that they should allocate at least 5 per cent of their total credit to SMEs and this target is to be achieved latest by December this year. As a

HIGHLIGHTS Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; #( ( # &Ĺ&#x2022;" &."Ĺ&#x2022;) Ĺ&#x2022; ' (#Ĺ&#x2022; (%-Ĺ&#x2022;, ' #(-Ĺ&#x2022; strong Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; )'' , # &Ĺ&#x2022; (%-Ä?Ĺ&#x2022; total assets rose 13.6 per cent to OMR27.9 #&&#)( Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022; , #.Ĺ&#x2022; 2. ( Ĺ&#x2022;.)Ĺ&#x2022; *,#0 . Ĺ&#x2022;- .),Ĺ&#x2022;/*Ĺ&#x2022;ĂľĂ´ĂžĂľĹ&#x2022; per cent to OMR15.9 #&&#)(

result of initiatives undertaken by CBO, the health of the banking system has improved and the banks are in a better position to contribute towards growth of the Omani economy,â&#x20AC;&#x153; stated the CBO chief. A well calibrated and gradual approach to banking sector reforms by CBO has led to the emergence of a strong and resilient banking system over the years. The implementation of a monetary policy,

risk-based supervision of banks, implementation of Basel accords, development of modern payment and settlement systems and supporting growth with containment of inďŹ&#x201A;ation have led to ďŹ nancial stability. CBO will continue to enhance the role of the banking sector in economic development by encouraging credit growth to productive sectors, including SMEs. It will also continuously reďŹ ne and strengthen the regulatory and supervisory framework in accordance with evolving conditions to foster the march towards sustainable growth and development. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Despite the challenges facing the economy, in the current scenario of low oil prices, the future prospects of the Omani economy in general and the banking system in particular remain promising, taking into account the pace of economic diversiďŹ cation, sustained domestic demand with the growing youth population, an accommodative monetary policy, continued investment expenditure by the government and the enhanced role of the private sector in the development process,â&#x20AC;&#x153; he concluded.

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Industrial estates: Pillars A6 of economic development < FROM

Job creation Additionally, the PEIE paid significant attention to job creation by offering more than 36,000 job opportunities in the various industrial estates. During the first half of 2014, it provided 3,955 jobs, of which 2,267 are national cadres. Thus, the Omanisation ratio touched 35 per cent by the end of 2013 and increased to 38 per cent by the end of the first half of 2014. In 2014, it was announced that the PEIE aims to generate more than 27,000 new jobs over a course of three years. New projects The PEIE is also looking to establish new industrial estates to provide further impetus to economic development in the country. According to Al Hasani, specialised studies will be conducted to set up new estates in the various governorates of the Sultanate, including PDO‘s concession areas in Marmul and Fahud. The organisation is also considering Thumrait in the Dhofar Governorate since the Raysut Industrial Estate has touched a high occupancy rate. Moreover, the PEIE is considering Al Wusta, Al Dhahirah, Al Batinah and Al Buraimi governorates in addition to the Al Mudhaibi Industrial Estate, which is currently under construction. Work is also underway to develop the Ibri Logistics Area.

Omanisation ratio touched 35 per cent by the end of 2013 and increased to 38 per cent by the end of the first half of 2014. In 2014, it was announced that the PEIE aims to generate more than 27,000 new jobs over a course of three years. Training programmes One of the objectives of the PEIE is to provide training for employees working at its affiliated companies and factories to enhance their skills and knowledge. It regularly conducts training programmes and activities to upgrade their per-

formance efficiency and improve their productivity. To achieve this purpose, the PEIE reinforces co-operation with related international and regional organisations to boost the exchange of experience, knowledge and techniques used. The authority also encourages exports and the establishment of export industries and has been attempting to increase the market share of locally manufactured products. Exhibitions In order to help local companies promote and market their products both inside and outside the country, the PEIE organises a variety of events every year. It also participates in various local and international exhibitions to underscore the competency of local manufacturers and highlight investment and co-operation opportunities. Local products One of the main exhibitions organised annually by the PEIE in coordination with a number of other authorities concerned is Omani Products Exhibition – OPEX, which is aimed at promoting local products and increasing their exports to the strategic markets. The establishment also seeks to achieve environmental sustainability while ensuring the development of industrial estates.

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Oman on track to fulďŹ l its development goals Dr Anchan CK

he three economic development targets for Oman by 2020 are Omanisation, Privatisation and DiversiďŹ cation. An effective and competitive private sector will also play a bigger role in Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy. The targets for 2020 foresee diversiďŹ cation: the economy will no longer be reliant on oil and gas; but will be driven by industry, services and domestic investment. The strategic pillars will include society and human capital development; industry development; national infrastructure development; better governance, standards and regulations. Although the Sultanateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s petroleum wealth has traditionally provided a backbone for growth, efforts are well under way to diversify away from hydrocarbons. Oman Vision 2020 has laid out plans to boost industrialisation within the Sultanate and to encourage the private sector to take a more active role in the economy and in the provision of jobs, both of which have been billed as key drivers for growth. As with most of its neighbours in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, oil and gas remains a signiďŹ cant contributor to Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy, accounting for around half of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Oman boasts of a particularly liquid banking system supported by the prudent policy of cautious growth, and one that has been underpinned by an apt monetary policy. The Omani banking sector comprises of nine local banks, two specialized banks, nine foreign commercial banks, and two fullyďŹ&#x201A;edged sharia-compliant banks. Official data reveals that the top three institutions contribute around 62 per cent of the total sector assets, while leading player Bank Muscat accounts for 37.26 per cent of the total sector assets. While the recent slump in oil prices is a concern, increased investment in enhanced oil recovery techniques in recent times has attempted to make up for this decline, with supply increasing as a result. Meanwhile, Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s industrial sector, particularly the petrochemicals segment, is poised for considerable expansion, with ongoing investment in downstream infrastructure and new facilities in the pipeline for the Sohar and Salalah industrial regions expected to contribute signiďŹ cantly to output before 2020. The Sultanate is trying to diversify its economy beyond oil, using

state funds in international ventures that steer investment and technology back to Oman. The Sultanateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest sovereign wealth fund has agreed with Japanese institutions to set up a joint $400 million fund that will invest in the food and agribusiness industries. The fund will facilitate direct investment in GCC states by Japanese food and agribusiness ďŹ rms, ranging from grains and feed to vegetables, milk and dairy products, logistics and research ďŹ rms, aiming to spend at least 35 per cent of the money in Oman. A 37.5 per cent chunk of the Gulf Japan Food Fund will be owned by Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s State General Reserve Fund. State-run Oman National Investments Development Company and Gulf Investment Corporation, owned by the six GCC states, will hold a combined 12.5 per cent. Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mizuho Bank and Norinchukin Bank will account for the remaining half of the capital. The Sultanateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hydrocarbons sector, which accounts for roughly half of Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GDP, according to the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ministry of Finance, is a major employer of Omanis and has brought some of the most sophisticated technologies for oil recovery to Oman. Given the sectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signiďŹ cant role in the Sultanate, it will have to be at the forefront of addressing pressing domestic challenges, such as the alignment of industry and academia, supporting the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and fostering innovation and human development as part of a broader strategy to transform the country into a sustainable, knowledge-based economy, from a hydrocarbon-based one. ENERGY MASTER PLAN Oman needs to devise a long-term strategy to diversify its energy mix and add alternative power generation sources, such as renewable energies, while also enhancing energy efficiency and improving demandside management, both on an individual and industrial level. A master plan and recommendations have been included in the 25-year Energy Master Plan, including education reform that could help set the Sultanate on a sustainable path as an energy consumer and exporter in the coming decades. The Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) is anticipating that peak power demand will double to 9,133 megawatts (MW) in 2020, from 4,455 MW in 2013, exerting signiďŹ cant pressure on the Sultanateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s already limited natural gas resources used to ďŹ re local power stations, feed industries, such as petrochemicals, and for export in liqueďŹ ed form. Oman is also gearing up and focussing investments on the development of hard infrastructure, such as roads, rail lines and ports. The three segments are crucial for the Sultanateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s logistics ambition, with the logistics sector in Oman set to grow beyond the $12 billion mark by 2017, and the Sultanate quickly advancing with its plans to diversify the economy beyond its traditional petrochemical base, and transform itself into a major industrial and logistics centre for the region and beyond. Key to the strategy is Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s loca-

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tion at the head of the Indian Ocean. In addition to sharing land borders with other major economies in the region, which allows it to act as a gateway to the GCC region, Oman is also well placed to capitalise on anticipated growth in Iran and act as a redistribution point for east and central Africa The Sultanate is ideally placed to play a leading role in logistics. Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s geographical location, its stable political climate, combined with the excellent infrastructure already available, as well as upgrades currently under construction, are all key ingredients that will contribute to the continued growth of the logistics industry. Some $250 billion has been allocated for the construction of 67,000 kilometres (km) of railway lines across the Middle East. This includes the eagerly anticipated Gulf Railway, which will connect Bah-

rain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Oman over the course of the next three to ďŹ ve years. The construction of a planned road link between Sohar and Riyadh is also due to commence in the near future. LOGISTICS STRATEGY Growing investments and a targeted approach to joining Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s logistics chain will boost the Sultanateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capacity to move its domestic and export cargoes, as well as strengthen its credentials as a major freight trans-shipment hub. Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newly released blueprint for the logistics industry, the Sultanate of Oman Logistics Strategy (SOLS) 2040, outlines plans to improve the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soft infrastructure â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in particular the regulatory environment, support mechanisms and institutions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in addition to maintaining the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commit-

ment. Thanks to the investment in transport infrastructure, the deepwater ports of Salalah, Sohar and Duqm and their accompanying free zones are well positioned to serve these markets. AVIATION INVESTMENTS Recent investments in aviation links should also facilitate trade, with the new Salalah Airport now operational and the revamped Muscat International Airport scheduled to open next year. Terminals in Oman could offer an attractive alternative to more costly ports of call in the Gulf, saving time and fuel, and providing access to other modes of transport. On the back of the new plan, Oman is aiming to more than double employment in the logistics sector to 80,000 jobs by the end of the decade, rising to 300,000 by 2040. The industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contribution to the economy is targeted to double to OMR3 billion ($7.8 billion) by 2020, and reaching OMR14 billion ($36.4 billion) in the quarter of a century. When all the linking parts of the logistics chain are in place, exports of bulk cargoes will rise considerably, according to Oman Railâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s data. In particular, mineral shipments are forecast to increase 10-fold once the fully integrated rail network is linked to the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three ports. The bulk mineral export capacity of the port of Salalah, currently pegged at 10 million tonnes a year, will be lifted to between 50 million and 60 million tonnes. Oman Rail has invited tenders for the construction of three more segments of the national rail network, with the contracts covering more than 1200 km of track, alongside the required tunnels and stabilisation work. The three segments are crucial for the Sultanateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s logistics ambitions, linking Hafeet on Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s border with the UAE all the way down to Salalah, via Haima and Duqm. GROWTH IN ICT A range of government initiatives is also driving ICTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adoption in Oman, as the Sultanate works to connect all homes and businesses to the national broadband network by 2040. Sector growth is being driven in part by the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts to promote connectivity, a key element in the broader Digital Oman Strategy (e-Oman) launched in 2003, which is focused on developing IT skills, digital literacy and e-government services. To keep ahead of growing demand, Oman has been steadily expanding its existing ďŹ bre-optic network, as well as granting telecoms providers, such as Omantel and Ooredoo Oman the backbone access to broaden availability of ďŹ bre-to-the-home connections. The Oman Broadband Company, created in April 2014, is working to expand ďŹ bre-optic infrastructure, with the goal of covering 90 per cent of the Muscat Governorate by 2021. By 2030, all urban areas are poised to have 95 per cent broadband connectivity, with satellite and/or mobile broadband coverage identiďŹ ed as potential last-mile solutions for difficult to access rural areas. It is a matter of pride to state that in its most recent report on global cyber security, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU)

ranked Oman ďŹ rst in the Middle East and third in the world in terms of preparedness against cyber attacks. Oman was ranked ahead of Norway, Japan and Germany. According to the ITU report, released in the second quarter of 2015, Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ranking was due in large part to the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comprehensive cyber security strategy, which includes a clear legal framework, as well as cooperation at the national and international level. Oman has more than 10 partnerships with countries and organisations aimed at sharing cyber security knowledge and assets, local media reported in July, and it has been working with the Ministry of Education to introduce cyber security training in classrooms around the country. The Sultanateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ongoing commitment to cyber defence offers myriad opportunities for local and foreign ICT service providers, with strong demand growth expected in both the public and private sector. Rising demand and shifting health care requirements are also driving the expansion. Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aging population is growing, and noncommunicable diseases, such as diabetes and obesity are on the rise. The countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s changing demographics, together with other factors, such as rising incomes, are generating huge spending in health care. Funding for public health expenditure jumped almost three-fold in the eight years till 2013 to touch OMR 593.7 million ($1.54 billion). Oman doubled its spending on health care to OMR 1.29 billion ($3.34 billion) during the 2014 budget, while projects, such as the $1 billion International Medical City in Salalah and the $1.5 billion Sultan Qaboos Medical City, west of Muscat, will play a key part in the sectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expansion. Oman is also targeting 10,000 new clinics over the next 35 years, in line with the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long-term strategy for the sector, Health Vision 2050. The government is hoping that its plans will include the private sector that is more involved in the provision of services. Private providers already have a decent foothold in Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health care sector. A study released in 2014 found that almost half of patients treated at the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 11 private medical facilities were locals, even though Omanis qualify for free public health care. The opening of a multimillion-dollar cardiac centre outside of Muscat in May marked the latest milestone in Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drive to broaden the scope of its health care sector. On the back of heavy investment channelled into services and facilities through a series of state development plans, the sector has expanded rapidly in recent decades. The government is also looking to increase the role played by the private sector in health care provision, particularly in preventative care and the treatment of lifestyle-related diseases. TAKAFUL INDUSTRY Legislation regulating Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sharia-compliant insurance market has moved a step closer to being ďŹ nalised after the State Council approved a draft law that will help encourage new investment in the takaful (Islamic insurance) industry.

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Although it is one of the newest entrants into the Islamic finance sector, Oman is likely to join other GCC member states in setting the pace for the development of takaful products. Oman offers first-mover advantages to early entrants in the sharia-compliant insurance sector, the growth forecast for the global takaful industry, which will be worth over $20 billion by 2017. Appetite for Islamic financial products was underlined by the success of two takaful insurer initial public offerings (IPOs) at the end of 2013. The share offerings in Al Madina and Takaful Oman were both heavily oversubscribed, almost four times in the case of Al Madina and 5.5 times for Takaful Oman, raising between them nearly OMR 59 million ($153 million). The strong investor sentiment points to a likely buoyant consumer demand down the line. Despite competition, takaful providers may find that they have a natural advantage over conventional insurers. Interest has been high in sharia-compliant products since Islamic banks were launched in 2012. According to some industry forecasts, Islamic financial assets could account for 10 per cent of Oman’s total banking assets by 2018, more than double the 2014 level. A similar take up rate for takaful, underpinned by an already existing client base developed by the Islamic banking market, could drive solid expansion for sharia-compliant insurance in the coming years. Like other countries in the Gulf region, the Sultanate has to import most of its foodstuffs due to climatic conditions and land-use restrictions. It is working to enhance food security by increasing cultivation and buffer food grain stocks, with extensive storage facilities being developed in Sohar and elsewhere. Major investments in agri-businesses will improve food security and develop an export capacity for processed foods at its new hub in the northern port city of Sohar. The expansion will also produce spin-off benefits for the freight and packaging sectors.The development of Sohar as a major food-processing centre will see the construction of an OMR 15.5 million ($40.3 million) flourmill, with a daily capacity of 500 tonnes when production begins in late 2017. Oman Flour Mills,

Oman’s industrial sector, particularly the petrochemicals segment, is poised for considerable expansion, with ongoing investment in downstream infrastructure and new facilities in the pipeline for the Sohar and Salalah industrial regions expected to contribute significantly to output before 2020. the country’s largest flour producer, with a daily output of 850 tonnes, with the new mill will have an eventual capacity of up to 2000 tonnes. The agri-industrial hub will also feature Oman’s first sugar refinery, which will eliminate the need to import the more than 120,000 tonnes of refined sugar consumed annually. The $200 million facility, commissioned by the Oman Sugar Refinery Company (OSRC), is expected to come on line later this year or in early 2016. With a planned capacity of 700,000 tonnes in its initial stage, in Saraya Bandar Jissah, the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Duqm frontier town and Ras Al Hadd. Omran has undergone restructuring and has developed a new strategy to help enhance the contribution of the tourism sector to the economy as a main source of sustainability and aims to become the ‘developer of choice’ in the Sultanate. Its activities are focused on development, asset management and investment, the official said, adding

that the company believes in publicprivate partnership. The company has three subsidiaries, namely the Oman Heritage Development Company (Thurathana), the Oman Project Management and Development Company (Bunyan) and the National Omani Hospitality Company (Dhiaffa). The Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) expects the travel and tourism industry to create 116,000 jobs in Oman by 2024, which means that this sector will account for 8.4 per cent of total employment in the country. According to the report, the total contribution of travel and tourism to GDP is forecast to rise to OMR3,886.3 million by 2024. Oman is also developing to become one of the biggest industry sectors contributing to Oman’s economy, GDP and workforce. It has been observed that around 60 per cent of the global population lives within eight hours ﬂying distance of Oman. (The writer is Managing Director of the World Wide Business House)

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FOCUS ON MANUFACTURING QUALITY PRODUCTS IN OMAN As Oman makes a determined shift towards non-oil sectors to diversify its revenue sources, the government’s focus on encouraging the manufacturing sector is ushering in the desired results. The Sultanate, it seems, is well on its way to become a manufacturing hub in the region and beyond. By SHAHZAD RAZA

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etermined to reduce its dependence on dwindling oil reserves, the Sultanate of Oman has been trying to diversify its sources of income with considerable success. Apart from promoting tourism and industrialisation across the country, the government has been focusing on increasing its manufacturing prowess to not only produce quality products but generate different streams of employment for its citizens. The last couple of decades have seen the country attaining signiﬁcant success in its endeavour to become a manufacturing hub in the region with a number of quality products attracting attention in the region and beyond. “Oman in general and PEIE in particular are embracing a line up of local, regional and international manufacturing units that are producing high proﬁle products,” said Hilal bin Hamad Al Hasani, chief executive officer, Public Establishment for Industrial Estates, a government body set up to facilitate the manufacturing industries, in an interview to the Times of Oman.

ucts to be able to compete at international level. “We deﬁnitely recognise the necessity of meeting international quality standards in order to be able to compete locally, regionally and internationally with other prominent products,” acknowledged the CEO. Excerpts from the interview:

Hilal bin Hamad Al Hasani Chief executive officer, Public Establishment for Industrial Estates “Our vision is to enhance Oman’s position as a leading regional centre of manufacturing, ICT, innovation and entrepreneurship excellence,” he added. It is heartening to note that the government is fully alive to the need to produce quality prod-

OMAN HAS BEEN AIMING TO BECOME A MANUFACTURING HUB IN THE REGION. HOW FAR HAS IT BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN ITS AMBITION? Becoming a manufacturing hub in the region is never an easy task, yet Oman has been able to achieve a prominent position as one of the top manufacturing destinations in the region. Today, Oman in general and PEIE in particular are embracing a line up of local, regional and international manufacturing units that are producing high proﬁle products. In the case of PEIE, this has been possible through a drastic transformation from the role of a rent collector to that of a pro-active partner for investors. We believe that industry-speciﬁc infrastructure needs to be complemented with

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excellent social infrastructure and, therefore, we follow a live, work and play model for all our business agglomerations. To make this happen, PEIE now has an investment arm making public-private partnerships possible, especially for building up the needed infrastructure. We also have the National Business Centre facilitating start-ups and the Industrial Innovation Centre, set up jointly with the Research Council, providing the essential linkage between the industry and the academia. During the past decade, the number of our tenants has doubled and we have about 1,400 tenant ﬁrms now. Our vision is to enhance Oman’s position as a leading regional centre of manufacturing, ICT, innovation and entrepreneurship excellence. The ﬁrst industrial

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HIGHLIGHTS Oman successfully diversifying its revenue sources

Govt focussing on encouraging manufacturing sector

PEIE playing a sterling role in facilitating top manufacturing ﬁrms

Focus on meeting international quality standards

National Business Centre, Industrial Innovation Centre help establish linkages

His Majesty’s Cup for Best Factories helps recognise good performance

Local community can help with correct purchase decisions

Public Authority for Consumer Protection playing supportive role

estate in Oman was established in Al Rusayl in the year 1983. The PEIE was formed in 1993 to further stimulate industrial development in the Sultanate. Oman’s manufacturing sector has attracted the maximum foreign investment after its oil and gas sector. Which are the top Omani products best known for their quality in the world? Omani products of various sectors are known for their high quality worldwide including food, cables, ﬁbre optics, automotive batteries, steel, marble, and building materials. Various local companies and factories have the ISO certiﬁcation, which symbolises internationally recognised standard for quality man-

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WE DEFINITELY RECOGNISE THE NECESSITY OF MEETING INTERNATIONAL QUALITY STANDARDS IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO COMPETE LOCALLY, REGIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY WITH OTHER PROMINENT PRODUCTS. RIGHT FROM THE LICENSING STAGE OF THE FIRMS, THE OVERALL SYSTEM ENSURES THAT QUALITY MANUFACTURING FACILITIES ARE IN PLACE. MOST FIRMS FOLLOW THE INTERNATIONAL QUALITY STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO THEIR RESPECTIVE PRODUCT LINES.

agement systems. To recognise the efforts of these products, His Majesty’s Cup for Best Factories was first introduced by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in 1991 to signify the outstanding performance of the local manufacturing firms and play a vital role in boosting their international profiles. WHAT ARE THE TOP FIVE NON-OIL PRODUCTS THAT OMAN IS MANUFACTURING? Non-metallic mineral products, metal products and food products are sort of leading the non-oil manufacturing sector. HOW FRUITFUL IS MANUFACTURING OR PRODUCING OMANI PRODUCTS IN THE COUNTRY? Manufacturing or producing Omani products is very rewarding in the sense that in the long run, you will be able to feel the result of these efforts through the development of

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Oman’s economy. Geared towards supporting and boosting locally manufactured products and services, the PEIE introduced a few years back its Origin Oman campaign. The campaign was designed to stimulate the market for local products and services and generate awareness among the public on how their support can positively beneﬁt the economy of the country. The main objective of Origin Oman’s campaign is to engender national pride and encourage consumers and companies to choose locally made products and services. On our part, we strive to support the local manufacturers through various efforts. However, the local community, including consumers and institutions, has a major role to play and support these products and services, and accordingly contribute to the advancement of the national economy. Everyone must be aware that the

way they buy can enormously stimulate Oman’s economy. Supporting Omani products and services does not only help economically but also creates employment opportunities for the nationals. There is also an increasing preference for certain locally produced goods, especially in the food sector. WHAT MECHANISM HAS BEEN PUT IN PLACE BY THE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE OMANI PRODUCTS MEET THE INTERNATIONAL QUALITY STANDARDS? We definitely recognise the necessity of meeting international quality standards in order to be able to compete locally, regionally and internationally with other prominent products. Right from the licensing stage of the firms, the overall system ensures that quality manufacturing facilities are in place. Most firms follow the international quality standards applicable to their

respective product lines. The Directorate General of Standards and Metrology has mechanisms for quality assurance, quality control, testing and certifications. More recently, the role played by the Public Authority for Consumer Protection is significant. The PEIE, through the Omani Products’ Department, is constantly participating in local, regional and international events where Omani firms take part under the umbrella of the PEIE to showcase their products to potential consumers worldwide. Through these events, the Omani companies and factories get acquainted with other countries’ experiences in the manufacturing sector, learn about their quality standards, and maximize investment opportunities. Hence, the Omani firms benefit from such participation and ultimately the outcomes reflect in their businesses locally.

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Big BRANDSGAININGPOPULARITY Omani consumer products and brands have become household names in the Gulf region and globally, owing to the Sultanate’s progressive industrial policy that has used numerous incentives to revitalise entrepreneurship. Times News Service

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he Sultanate’s industrial policy was formulated almost four and a half decades back at a time when the country was importing everything from matches to milk. But since the government under His Majesty Sultan Qaboos came to power, a well-thought out plan to develop a vibrant corporate sector in the Sultanate has been implemented. With the support of the government, Oman’s corporate sector could establish a dominant position, not only within the domestic market, but also in the larger Middle East and the North Africa (Mena) region. As part of a policy to encourage private entrepreneurs, the government has been offering a number of incentives to the private sector. These include the allocation of industrial plots at cheaper rates, soft loan facilities, free convertibility of

HIGHLIGHTS Oman’s 45-year old industrial policy aimed at achieving self-sufﬁciency

Corporate sector has established dominance domestically and abroad

Exports from Oman are sent to 140 countries globally

Oman’s consumer, food processing and building goods are household names

Most popular Omani brands include A’Saffa, Raha, Wave sanitaryware, Antara and Bahar

proﬁt and capital, credit guarantees and information about investment opportunities in the country. As the country’s competitive edge lies in a range of products, the Sultanate’s exports are sent to 140 countries across the world. The perception of better quality for Omani products is also an added advantage. Oman’s major export markets include the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, India, Iraq, China, Indonesia, and some European countries. Several brands across a wide range of industries, including consumer goods, building materials, food processing and detergent powder, have become household names within the country and the entire Gulf region. These brands include A’Saffa Chicken, Raha Mattresses, Wave sanitaryware, Antara Battery and Bahar Detergent Powder.

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A’SAFFA FOODS A’Saffa has successfully made inroads into international markets. Today, A’Saffa has an exceptional track record for exporting frozen chicken to countries, such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, Vietnam, China and Pakistan. With visionary leadership and scientiﬁc poultry management practices, A’Saffa has successfully incorporated global standards and is at par with all major international players. Established in 2001, A’Saffa Foods is the largest fully integrated poultry project and has the biggest food processing plant in the Sultanate. Since then, A’Saffa has achieved leadership in most poultry product categories it has entered and has succeeded in developing a good reputation through uncompromised quality, stringent manufacturing standards and conformity to international speciﬁcations.

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WAVE SANITARYWARE Wave sanitaryware is another major Omani brand, which is manufactured by Oman Ceramics Co. The company was set up in 1999 to manufacture high quality vitreous china sanitaryware, primarily for exporting to customers in western Europe. Its manufacturing plant, which boasts of state-of-the-art plant and machinery and technical knowhow, is located in Sohar. The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s products are exported to over 12 countries and are available at over 500 outlets around the world. The primary markets for OCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s products are Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Syria and Sri Lanka. Its products are approved by the Abu Dhabi Municipality, Ministry of Housing and Works, Kuwait, Ministry of Defence Engineering Services, Diwan of Royal court, Royal Palace Affairs Oman, Royal Oman Police, Ministry of Education, Oman Ministry of Housing, Electricity and Water, Oman and other ministries in the Sultanate.

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RAHA MATTRESSES Raha mattress, manufactured by Poly Products, has also achieved tremendous progress in building a reputed brand image in several countries. Poly Products is one of the largest manufacturers in the Middle East of superior quality spring mattresses and beds, pillows and bed linen products, sofas and seating products, ﬂexible foam and foam mattresses meant for use in homes, hotels and institutions. Poly Products has been in the business of manufacturing and marketing spring mattresses and beds since 1979 and its ﬂagship brand Raha is well established in the entire Middle East, having built its reputation, based on quality and reliability.

REEM BATTERIES Reem Battery’s Antara branded products (another premier Omani brand) are exported directly or indirectly to 56 countries in the world and have 180 different types of batteries. The rapid development of the company’s export markets is a tribute to the quality of the company’s products. The modern and sophisticated infrastructure of the Sultanate, the availability of skilled labour, the low cost of capital and tax structure have provided an added impetus to the export efforts made by the company. The company’s range of batteries is one of the widest with 180 types of batteries, from 26 Ampere hour (Ah) to 230 Ah, used in Japanese, European, Korean and American vehicles. Established in 1991, Reem Batteries is among the largest dry charged battery manufacturing companies in the Middle East, with an installed capacity of 1.75 million batteries a year. With exports accounting for around 90 per cent of sales, the company is one of the top export performers in the Sultanate.

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BAHAR DETERGENT POWDER The National Detergent Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (NDC) Bahar detergent powder is another major Omani brand. NDC manufactures and distributes a wide range of highly reputed and successful brands covering various segments, such as detergents powders, liquid detergents, soaps, shampoos, allied laundry aids and other household cleaning products. The company has also won numerous laurels for leadership in developing Omani products that are at par with some of the best international brands.

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OMANI PRODUCTS SHINING DOMESTICALLY AND ABROAD Omani products have systematically worked towards creating a niche for themselves at home and abroad. These consumer products are now exported worldwide, and have been increasingly gaining traction. Staff Reporter MUSCAT: There is no dearth of successful business stories in Oman as over the past few years; many local companies have introduced products that have gained the conﬁdence of customers, not only inside the country, but also beyond the Sultanate’s borders. High quality local products have not only made Oman proud, but have also contributed to the development of the national economy by creating employment opportunities for the nationals. The following are some examples of successful Omani brands that have been pushing the boundaries in various sectors: SWEETS OF OMAN With a humble beginning in 1990, Sweets of Oman has come a long way to become an award-winning producer of high-quality confectionery and now distributes its products locally and also exports them to more than 45 countries worldwide. The company has two major stakeholders, namely the Bhacker Suleman Jaffer (BSJ) Group and Zubair Corporation, both well known in Oman for their varied business activities. The company was established after its promoters realised the huge potential of the market for chocolates and sweets, which everyone,

HIGHLIGHTS

Sweets of Oman sells high-quality confectionery in 45 countries

CMI caters to steel, glass, water treatment and paint industries worldwide

Nizwa Foods’ InterHalco, Fresco, Al Diwan & Melino brands have gained widespread popularity

International Marble Co. supplies top-quality marble products globally

Sohar Steel has made presence felt in the Middle East

especially the growing population of young people, indulge in. They also felt the need to set up a local manufacturing unit as all of the confectionery being consumed at the time was being imported by multinational companies. The decision was also a response to the government’s efforts to encourage

Omani entrepreneurs to help diversify the economy and create employment opportunities by setting up manufacturing facilities locally. While Sweets of Oman now commands a considerable market share in Oman and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, it also exports its products to a large number of countries, including Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the United States, Canada and India. CMI Innovating constantly to stay ahead of international market needs and holding an edge over others in logistics by delivering products on time has been the driving force behind the efforts of CMI (Construction Materials Industries & Contracting) since its inception in 1977. Having grown steadily year after year, the company has developed a wide range of products, which meet varied needs. CMI has been offering its products to several vital industries and projects, both domestically and abroad, through its pioneering manufacturing plants. The company’s superior products are used for different types of industrial and commercial applications, with its main customers being steel industries, glass industries, water treatment and paint industries.

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CMI’s main export markets include the GCC region, India and African countries. The company’s prime production plant is in Quriyat, where lime stone is processed. The highly versatile natural substance is extracted at CMI’s own quarry located close to the plant. The highly pure limestone is then processed to meet the needs of a diverse range of industries. Hydrated lime and quick lime are produced at the company’s lime plant in the Sohar Industrial Area and then exported. INTERNATIONAL MARBLE CO. ‘Customer satisfaction’ and ‘consistent quality’ has been the driving philosophy behind the growth of International Marble Co., a producer and supplier of top-quality marble products. With a commitment to meeting customer requirements at competitive prices, adhering to delivery schedules and complying with statutory and regulatory requirements, the company has supplied its products to many prestigious projects internationally and is represented across a large number of countries.

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THE QUALITY OF MARBLE PRODUCED BY THE INTERNATIONAL MARBLE CO. IS OF WORLD-CLASS STANDARDS IN TERMS OF COLOUR, CONSISTENCY, WATER ABSORPTION AND STRENGTH. THE COMPANY IS ONE OF THE FEW MARBLE COMPANIES IN THE WORLD TO HAVE ACHIEVED ACCREDITATION OF ISO 9001 – QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The quality of marble produced by the International Marble Co. is of world-class standards in terms of colour, consistency, water absorption and strength. The company is one of the few marble companies in the world to have achieved accreditation of ISO 9001 – Quality Management System and the ﬁrst Company in the GCC region to have achieved accreditation of ISO 14001 – Environmental Management System with regards to mining, processing and supply of natural marble. International Marble Co. uses world-class, state-of-the-art equipment and machinery and owns marble quarries with huge deposits. It is a member of the prestigious Marble Institute of America and has received various certiﬁcates and awards. SOHAR STEEL With a vision to become a reputed producer of quality steel, Sohar Steel, part of the Middle East Traders Oman (METO), has been seeking to make its presence felt in the Middle East, with quality products and services and a growing base of

satisfied customers. From humble beginnings as a building materials trader four decades ago, the group has since branched out into steel manufacturing. In addition to Sohar Steel and its sister venture Sharq Sohar Steel Rolling Mills LLC, the group also includes Middle East Conversion Industries, a plant specialising in Epoxy Coating and Weld Mesh. METO’s flagship business is Sharq Sohar Steel Rolling Mills LLC, which became operational in October 1996. The outlook for Sohar Steel and its sister venture remains promising, especially with the Omani government vigorously pressing ahead with its policy of economic development and infrastructure modernisation. As a steel producer, Sohar Steel’s goal is to produce steel billets in harmony with the environment and meet customers’ expectations. Sohar Steel’s management is totally committed to the Integrated Management (IMS) programme and it expects all its employees to be strictly guided by the systems, procedures and processes that have been defined.

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NIZWA FOOD INDUSTRIES Nizwa Food Industries was set up in 1998, with its factory using the latest machinery and modern technology that conforms to international standards. The company’s product range includes bottled jam, jelly crystals, crème caramel, custard powder, baking powder, cream whip, instant powder drink, jam portion, honey portion, honey in a mug, honey in a can and squeeze bottle, which are marketed under the InterHalco, Fresco, Al Diwan and Melino brands. Its main clients for portions include the airline industry, catering, defence, leading hotels and restaurants. Nizwa Food Industries also offer the flexibility to cater to private labels’ needs. Through focused marketing and promotion, Nizwa Food Industries has developed an extensive distribution network in the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Africa. The company’s production process comprises an integrated electronic network system of production lines that are operated by a technical and scientific control mechanism. Quality control procedures are extremely stringent and encompass the entire production process before, during and after production. Tests are regularly conducted at the laboratory from the raw material stage to the finished product, ensuring that only the best quality reaches the consumer.

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MANAR FOOD INDUSTRIES Manar Food Industries is an ISO 22000:2005 certified company dedicated to satisfying the snack cravings of its customers, since early 2000. Its scrumptious lineup of savory snacks is made using the best in class cooking methods and innovative techniques. The perfect balance of flavor with spices and the high quality ingredients, together produce the consistently delicious range of snacks. The more than 40 snacks variants reach every nook and corner of Oman and is exported to other countries. The Manar shelf of snacks comprises brands such as Suroor and Zaaky. Snack lovers can pick and choose from the bold and unique flavours and munch away to their heart’s content.

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RAISING THE BAR Omani consumer brands have successfully evolved into worldclass products with the help of latest technology and stateof-the-art machinery, gaining a strong foothold domestically and internationally. Staff Reporter

MUSCAT: The bar is being set higher and higher for local companies as there have been some successful Omani brands, which have beaten the odds to become popular products among customers in the domestic and international markets. Their success stories have been an inspiration for other local companies that are seeking to carve a special place for themselves on the country’s economic map and export their products as well. Following are some local products, which have won the trust of customers inside and outside the country: SALMA’S CHOCOLATES Creating an extraordinarily luscious

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and sensory provoking handmade chocolate that encompasses the quintessentially classic flavours of Oman has been the goal of Salma’s Chocolates, which has come a long way since it opened its first store in January 2012. The company brews Omani coffee, cooks fruits, uses rose water, dates, pomegranate, halwa, honey, oranges, lemons, coconuts, chillies and a variety of nuts and local herbs and spices. It uses traditional Omani recipes with a twist of modernity. Salma’s Chocolates believes that the best chocolates should be fresh, handcrafted and produced with natural and local ingredients and ensures that there are no artificial

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OMANPIRODUCTS sweeteners or ﬂavourings used in its products. The company’s economic mission is to maintain sustainable growth supported by long-term profitability in order to improve the lives of its partners, employees and the community. In addition, to contribute positively to the Omani communities, it strives to have a minimal impact on the environment. Salma’s Chocolates has been supplying its products to many companies and organisations in Oman. SAMAIL DATE FACTORY Samail Date Factory is considered one of the important agricultural projects that is specialised in dates processing in the Sultanate. The factory was established in early 1994 as a small project with limited facilities and was expanded in 2004 due to the emerging need for a well-equipped factory with modern facilities of high standards to satisfy the local and international markets’ demand for Omani dates. Samail Date Factory sells about 400 tonnes of its date products to some domestic markets, government organisations and shopping centres. About 300 tonnes per year are exported to India, Malaysia, Zanzibar and China. The factory has a high capacity for daily production of processed dates, including dates with nuts and sesame, as well as vacuum pressed dates packed in different sizes. Several types of dates are being used in the factory, including in Fardh, Khalas, Naghal, Handal, Khuneizi, Abunarangah and Barni, based on market demand. The company’s production of high quality products is in line with the country’s efforts to highlight the importance of date and date palms throughout Oman’s history. GULF STONE CO. As a technology-driven company, Gulf Stone Co. has infused innovation with cutting-edge manufacturing processes to develop unique products that have found their way into markets in the Middle East, India, the Far East, Europe, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. A pioneer in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region to have set up a facility for manufacturing quartzbased engineered stones, Gulf Stone uses tools licensed from the world’s leading technology companies and holds technology from M/s Breton S.P.A., Italy, a highly acclaimed and one of the world’s largest global stone processing machine manufacturers. High-quality and a sustainable aesthetic appeal, a wide dimensional range, the numberless chromatic possibilities, the outstanding technical characteristics and addition of heterogeneous material, such as mirrors, make Gulf Stone’s products a perfect choice for a wide variety of applications and places. These include shopping malls, ofﬁce lobbies, educational institutes,

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HIGHLIGHTS

Samail Date Factory sells about 400 tonnes of its product domestically, 300 tonnes abroad

Gulf Stone Co.’s quartz-based engineered stones have found many takers

Nuhas Oman’s clientele includes the Far East, Indian subcontinent, GCC region, Africa and Europe

hotels, financial centres, corporate offices and any location subject to high foot traffic. Gulf Stone’s products are also used for ancillary applications like accessed raised floor system, bar counters, chemical laboratories, kitchen counters, stair tread and riser, commercial transaction top and reception counters. The company’s production unit is located in the industrially developed city of Sohar. NUHAS OMAN As a leading producer of LV and MV cables and wires, oxygen free high conductivity continuous cast copper rods and bare drawn copper conductors, Nuhas Oman has been developing superior products that meet the requirements of a broad spectrum of applications. A member of the Al-Bahja Group of companies, Nuhas Oman is an ISO: 9001:2008 BASEC, U.K.-certified producer, whose quality cycle commences from the time of sourcing of raw materials and consumables to in-process production controls and certification of finished goods prior to delivery. The cutting edge technology and state-of-the-art manufacturing and processes used by the company has helped it develop a broad range of cable products, which are used for various applications, such as industrial, power and distribution, ship building and offshore platforms, petrochemical, oil and gas, aeronautical, building and construction, instrumentation, hospitals, hotels, entertainment and

security. The growth of the company’s global clientele extending from the Far East, Indian sub-continent, the GCC region and Africa to Europe is a testimony to its growing customer conﬁdence and satisfaction. Nuhas Oman is committed to meeting the challenges of the domestic and global markets for supplying world-class cables and wires, while focusing on protecting the environment. AL MARSA FISHERIES Situated in the Rusayl Industrial Estate, the Al Marsa Fisheries’ production plant facility is one of the biggest and most modern in the whole region. The strategic location of this processing plant and its accessibility to international airports and seaports of Muscat and Dubai help the company deliver fresh ﬁsh daily to various destinations. Al Marsa Fisheries ensures reliable supply and delivery of products with its own sourcing of raw material, logistics support, production methods and marketing network.

The company is accredited by Friend of the Sea, non-profit nongovernmental organisation (NGO), whose mission is to conserve the marine habitat. What makes Al Marsa Fisheries sustainable is the fact that it sources from Omani fishermen, who use small fishing boats. According to the company, avoiding large fishing vessels’ nets reduces the risk of threatening the marine population. Bottom trawl, the collection of un-intended marine life from the sea floor, is reduced as a result. Also, the immediate inspection of the fish allows fishermen to audit for illegal sizes or species. Al Marsa Fisheries believes that keeping fish local reduces environmental harm as the distance travelled for each fish is less from sea to plate and that buying domestically allows Oman to support Omani fishermen. Al Marsa Fisheries knows its fishermen and sources fish from Barka, Masirah, Ras Madrakah, Sharbatat and Shuwaymiyah.

Al Marsa Fisheries uses an environmentfriendly approach to sourcing ﬁsh

Salma’s Chocolates sells its handmade products to various companies in Oman

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OMANPIRODUCTS

OMAN READIES FOR MAJOR THRUST ON INDUSTRIALISATION TO BOOST EXPORTS Oman is currently in the process of implementing a multi-faceted growth strategy that is aimed at exploring revenue growth from sources other than oil-based production, and exports. By A E James

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OMANIBRANDS

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OMAN’S government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy for strengthening its manufacturing base, which is part of a larger plan to diversify revenue sources at a time when oil revenues are plunging. Apart from investing heavily in industrial estates, the government is developing free zones, logistic areas and ports to give a muchneeded ﬁllip to industrial growth. Several hundred million rials are being invested in setting up new industrial estates and expanding existing ones to accommodate more small and medium-sized industries. The country’s industrialisation drive has been mostly facilitated by the Public Establishment for Industrial Estate (PEIE), which manages more than six industrial estates spread across the country. PEIE, which acts as a one-stopshop for new entrepreneurs, manages Rusayl, Raysut, Sohar, Sur, Nizwa and the Buraimi industrial estates. With growing demand for industrial plots, PEIE is trying to develop new industrial estates, besides expanding existing ones. The agency is setting up industrial estates in three more regions -- Samayil, Ibri and Musandam -- in a move to create employment opportunities. ADSFDSFDSFDAF The Smayil estate is spread across 7.4 million square meters, and is expected to offer 5.2 square meters of rentable areas for lease and investment in various industrial and service projects complementing the industrial sector. The estate aims to attract 345 projects, with 140 projects already signed prior to starting the development of the estate. In addition, PEIE is in the process of developing another industrial estate in Ibri to add value to locally available material by setting up small and medium units. Since Ibri is close to Saudi Arabia, industrial units can export their ﬁnished products to the large Saudi market. Expansion programmes are also currently in different stages of planning and implementation at Rusayl, Sohar and Buraimi for meeting demand for industrial plots from entrepreneurs. Development of logistics hubs are another major thrust of Oman’s strategy. Construction work on the South Batinah logistics hub, a strategic initiative of the Omani government to kickstart growth in the logistics-based economic sector in the Sultanate, will be launched this year. Covering 9,000

HIGHLIGHTS

Strategy aimed at strengthening Oman’s manufacturing base

Last year, UAE topped the list of countries that imported Omani products, followed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, India and USA

Reducing reliance on oil exports, developing free zones also targeted

Oman ramping up investment through PEIE in industrial estates

Development of logistics hubs, petrochemical industry also underway

Ongoing port development attracting considerable foreign investment

hectares, the hub will incorporate Oman’s ﬁrst ever inland port, as well as dedicated zones, earmarked for multimodal connectivity, light industries, value added activities, commercial services, warehousing and logistics, urban and residential developments, hotels and convention centres, and leisure areas. Its strategic location, roughly midway between Muscat and Sohar,

is coupled with planned connectivity—road and rail—with Omani ports, airports and industrial hubs, and wider GCC markets, that will effectively position the South Batinah hub as the nerve centre of the Sultanate’s future logistics industry. However, Oman’s manufacturing sector has slumped, mainly due to an economic slowdown in the aftermath of plunging oil prices. The manufacturing sector fell by 3.6 per cent to OMR667.6 million in the first quarter of 2015, from OMR692.5 million for the same period last year. Likewise, overall industrial activity edged down 2.4 per cent to OMR1,115.8 million from OMR1,142.7 million during the period under review. ADSFDSFDSFDAF As far as the petrochemical industries are concerned, the stateowned Oman Refineries and Petroleum Industries (Orpic) is in an advanced stage to build a mega $5.2 billion petrochemical complex in Sohar called Liwa Plastics Project (LPP). With the completion of LPP, Orpic will start producing a total of 1.4 million tonnes of polyethylene and polypropylene a year by 2018. Several global contracting firms have also submitted technical bids for developing the mega petrochemical project, with a total capital expenditure of $5.2 billion, and the whole development programme is divided into four major schemes—a polymers plant in the Sohar industrial area, a natural gas liquids (NGL) extraction plant in Fahud, a steam cracker plant and a 300-kilometre-long pipeline from Fahud to Sohar. The project will be funded with the help of a $4 billion term loan from international financial institutions and the company will bring in the remaining $1.2 billion. Liwa Plastics Industries will produce polyethylene, polypropylene and butene. Oman will produce polyethylene for the first time and is going to be the first natural gas extraction project to produce high value petrochemical products in the country. The Liwa Plastics Industries Complex will also add $2.3 billion to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), while its foreign trade surplus is expected to be $1.5 billion. The commissioning of a steel melt shop by Jindal Shadeed was also a shot in the arm for the government, which is looking to strengthen non-oil exports. Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel, part of the $12 billion-Indian

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OMAN TO PRIORITISESMEs DEVELOPMENT The Sultanate plans to ramp up the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to boost job creation for Omani youth and reduce Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dependence on the oil-driven economy. By A E James

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OMANPIRODUCTS

CONSIDERABLE priority is being given to the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in an attempt to reduce the country’s heavy dependence on oil resources and for creating ample job opportunities for the Omani youth. SMEs, which currently contribute 20 per cent to the Sultanate’s gross domestic product (GDP) and make up 40 per cent of the total workforce of Oman, are considered a potential driving force in the country’s non-oil economic growth. The signiﬁcance of developing a vibrant small and medium enterprises sector was recognised by the Oman government due to two reasons: low capital investment and the potential for employment creation. Meanwhile, the employment po-

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tential of major capital intensive industries, such as Oman LNG or the Sohar-based petrochemical industries is limited. A couple of years ago, the government had devised a multi-pronged programme for achieving fast growth in the SMEs sector, which included incentives for SMEs under a new regulation for easy access to credit from commercial banks, additional funds from specialised institutions, such as the Oman Development Bank, fast clearance of bills, priority in getting contracts and massive investments in industrial estates and free zones. The country’s commercial banks were also asked to provide a minimum 5 per cent of their commercial loan portfolio to SMEs, as part of a

series of initiatives to boost small business units. The new regulation, which came into force this year, will help both aspiring entrepreneurs and 91,000 SMEs across the country immensely. MAJOR INITIATIVES The other major initiatives aimed at ensuring fast growth of SMEs include the speedy payment of funds for completed projects by government and large companies, working capital funding by the Oman Development Bank and special training for employees, who deal with these units. The Al Raffd Fund of OMR70 million was established as a result of a Royal Decree promulgated two years ago to further assist the de-

HIGHLIGHTS

Oman to ramp up SMEs’ growth and development

SMEs contribute 20 per cent to Oman’s GDP, require low capital investment

SMEs employ 40 per cent of Oman’s workforce

Development of SMEs aimed at job creation in Oman

Development of SMEs to boost non-oil economic growth

velopment of this sector. In yet another major initiative, Oman has launched a new national fund for the development of SMEs, with a corpus of OMR100 million, adding new impetus to the government’s efforts to nurture a strong entrepreneurial culture among youngsters in the Sultanate. The fund is designed to help Omani entrepreneurs obtain debt finance ranging from OMR50,000 to OMR300,000 for their SMEs. The total capital will be raised in five tranches of OMR20 million each and the first tranche has already been raised. Further, government ministries and departments have been asked to create separate sections to follow up compliance with the allocation

of 10 per cent of the governmental purchases and tenders from SMEs and accelerate the payment of their outstanding dues. Since SMEs face an inherent problem in competing in the global market to get market acceptance and push their products due to the small size and lack of resources, the Sultanate’s export development agency Ithraa has been adopting a series of initiatives to arrange business delegation meetings in the overseas markets. DIVERSIFICATION The recent growth in the share of the SMEs sector in GDP will help boost economic diversiﬁcation in favour of the non-oil sector. The Oman government has de-

fined micro entities as those with less than five workers and annual sales of less than OMR25,000 and small entities as establishments with five to nine workers and annual sales of OMR25,000 to OMR250,000. Similarly, mediumsized entities are companies employing between 10 to 99 workers, with annual sales ranging from OMR250,000 to OMR1.5 million. Earlier, the number of employees was the only criteria used to define a company as a small or medium enterprise. Special focus is also being attached to developing free zones for strengthening the development of export-oriented SMEs. After setting up a free zone in Salalah, similar zones are under various stages

of development in Sohar and Al Mazyuna. The Sohar free zone, which has completed the first phase of development across an area of 500 hectares, has already attracted huge investment. The first phase is part of the total 4,500 hectares envisaged for development under the master plan. The development of a number of downstream industries, such as warehousing and logistics services, has also been envisioned during the first phase. A recent initiative to develop industrial clusters, such as plastic parks or metal parks, will definitely help boost SMEs. The Sultanate’s major petrochemical, aluminium and steel industries will definitely offer opportunities for low capital intensive downstream industries.

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Oman’s mineral products to boost non-oil exports Oman is working towards boosting its non-oil exports by exporting minerals in a bid to increase revenues, with the help of its Duqm, Sohar and Salalah ports. By A E James

OMAN is trying to enhance its revenues from overseas markets by encouraging exports of value added mineral products and the Duqm, Sohar and Salalah ports are expected to play a major role in this initiative. The development of the Duqm port is an important step in this direction and will help substantially raise mineral exports. The port of Duqm is set to start exporting limestone from Oman’s mining companies, which have concession areas in central Oman, soon. These mining companies, which are in discussions with the authorities concerned, will use the port’s break bulk terminal for exporting their products to several countries, especially to India. Similarly, the Salalah port is encouraging companies to set up processing plants to add value to locally available minerals for exporting to the markets abroad. The move to ban the export of minerals without value addition will help the country develop processing industries, which in turn will help attract foreign investment to the processing sector. However, industrial infrastructure facilities, utilities and natural gas are vital for these companies looking to start operations in Duqm. A 250-kilometre-long natural gas pipeline to transport gas to industries in Duqm from Saih Nihayda in Central Oman is gathering momentum. But it will take at least another two years to complete the work on the pipleine. DIP IN NON-OIL EXPORTS The Sultanate’s major export items include minerals, petrochemical products, fertilisers, plastic products and seafood.

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However, the recent plunge in commodity prices across the globe has affected the country’s non-oil exports this year. For instance, non-oil exports plunged 20 per cent to OMR1,007.8 million during the ﬁrst four months of 2015 from OMR1,260 million for the same period last year, according to the latest monthly report released by National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). Among the various product seg-

ments, plastics and rubber products plummeted 33.9 per cent to OMR83.5 million. The Sultanate’s export promotion agency, which is popularly known as Ithraa, is targeting a 15 per cent growth in non-oil exports this year. Re-exports also reﬂected a drastic drop of 32.8 per cent to OMR694.4 million, from OMR1,034.1 million during the four-month period. Oman’s leading market for nonoil exports is the United States,

which imported non-oil Omani goods worth OMR206.4 million during the ﬁrst four months. The Sultanate’s non-oil exports to Saudi Arabia fell 18 per cent, compared with the previous year, according to NCSI data. In fact, Oman’s major export markets include the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, India, Pakistan, Iraq, China, Indonesia, and some European countries. Also, the Sultanate’s major im-

port partners are the United Arab Emirates, Japan, India, China and Saudi Arabia. Ithraa has started several initiatives to enhance nonoil exports, which include foreign visits by trade delegations, participation in international exhibitions, business-to-business meetings and market studies conducted in potential export markets. Major initiatives to carry out market surveys on the competitiveness and acceptance of Omani products have also been launched. Ithraa is also following a series of major initiatives to enhance exports to some of African countries, which mainly include Ethiopia, West Africa, East Africa and Tanzania. Plans are afoot to conduct a high-proﬁle exhibition in Ethiopia, following by a detailed market study. The Sultanate, which exported goods and services worth $40 million to Ethiopia in 2014, plans to hold an Omani products exhibition in Addis Ababa in April 2016. The main export items from Oman to Ethiopia include semi-ﬁnished goods, iron and polymers. The Sultanate’s imports from Ethiopia are

HIGHLIGHTS

Oman to raise mineral exports, such as those of limestone

Duqm, Sohar and Salalah ports to be used for helping propel exports

Natural gas pipeline for transporting gas to industries in Duqm under construction

Ithraa targeting 15 per cent growth in non-oil exports in 2015

Ithraa has started various new initiatives to revitalise Oman’s exports

pegged at around $5 million, reﬂecting a favourable bilateral trade for Oman. Ithraa had conducted a market study in Ethiopia to assess the export potential of 59 Omani products. The survey was based on different sectors, such as foodstuffs, building material, furniture, marble, stones, textiles and vegetables. The study was also conducted to ﬁnd the consumption, demand and logistics patterns prevalent in these sectors. Oman is also trying to utilise the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (Gafta) treaty and focusing on neighbouring Arab countries by organising exhibitions and matchmaking meetings. QUALITY PRODUCTS With bilateral relation with Iran growing now, the country could also become an emerging market for Omani products. Since plastic and other intermediary industries in Iran are looking for materials from GCC, the Sultanate’s exporters can take advantage. Several trade delegation visits in recent months have also strengthened bilateral trade,

which is taking place at a time when western powers are set to lift trade sanctions on Iran. The Sultanate’s competitive edge lies in products, such as minerals, petrochemicals and plastics, fish and agricultural products and the country exports to 140 countries across the world. The perception of better quality of Omani products is also an added advantage. The Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE) has joined hands with the Export Credit Guarantee Agency of Oman (ECGA) to promote Oman’s non-oil exports. A memorandum of understanding was signed by both agencies last year for cooperation in various fields, including organising conferences, seminars, workshops, webinars, and other events. It marked an important step towards promoting the country’s nonoil exports because it will help facilitate the export process. EGCA has been covering exports to more than 109 countries around the world and providing several services, including domestic credit insurance and pre-shipping financing.

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